Roywyn's Sanctuary

Nestled within the heart of Ilythiir's Garden, a nature preserve maintained by the Emerald Enclave, lies a sanctuary unlike any other. The park, a quiet haven in the bustling city of Waterdeep, offers respite to those seeking nature’s embrace. A scenic overlook on one edge provides a stunning view of Undercliff and the sprawling plains beyond, adding to the serenity. At the park’s center stands a towering great oak tree, its ancient branches stretching toward the sky. Hidden within this majestic tree is the home of Roywyn Daergal, Autumnreaver of the Emerald Enclave.
  Roywyn’s sanctuary is secret, its entrance visible only to those who know the password. When Roywyn utters the word "Thistle," the bark of the great oak melts seamlessly into itself, revealing an ornate wooden door. The door grows naturally from the trunk, as though it was always meant to be. At chest height, three images are carved into the wood: a mushroom, a thistle blossom, and a squirrel, arranged in a triangular formation. This door, and the sanctuary within, was crafted by Brambleshroom Greentide, a secret Roywyn holds close to her heart.
  Beyond the door is a small landing where a spiral staircase twists both upwards into the oak’s crown and downwards into its roots. The lower portion of the staircase leads to a privy, ingeniously designed to return all waste back to nature, completing the cycle of life within the tree’s roots. Ascending the stairs leads to the heart of Roywyn’s home, a space as much a part of the tree as its branches and leaves.
 

Living Space


  The main living area, located in the crown of the oak, feels like a naturally sculpted haven. The walls, floors, and every surface are shaped from the living wood, as if the tree itself grew into this form, much like a carefully tended bonsai. The bed, large enough to accommodate three gnomes, is covered in a soft, velvety moss, serving as a natural mattress. At the foot of the bed, neatly folded cotton sheets with intricate, natural patterns lie in perfect order, ready to offer comfort. The room is bathed in warm, earthy tones of auburn, mahogany, turmeric, and evergreen, which are visible in Roywyn’s collection of dishes, clothing, pillows, and blankets.
  Natural light filters through windows formed by gaps in the tree’s trunk, each sealed with panes of hardened amber in various hues, casting a soft, warm glow across the room. These amber panes are positioned in such a way as to mimic the gaps between branches, allowing glimpses of the leaves and the sky. The effect creates a cozy yet open feeling, connecting the interior space to the outside world.
  One of the room's charming features is a small, oval-shaped compartment near the bed, slightly elevated and cozy—a perfect resting spot for Eira, Roywyn’s snowy white squirrel companion. A wavy wooden chute extends from the compartment, providing Eira a path to the outer crown of the oak, allowing her to come and go as she pleases.
 

Personal Touches


  Scattered throughout the home are symbols of Roywyn’s faith and past. A small, intricately carved statue of the Dawnflower, Roywyn’s chosen deity, stands prominently in a place of honor, reflecting her devotion. Nearby, on a shelf, a single portrait occupies a special place. It depicts a moment of pure happiness: Thistledown and Brambleshroom each pressing a kiss to one of Roywyn’s cheeks, the three of them radiating joy. Though the portrait is well-preserved, the frame bears the marks of small water stains, accumulated over the years as silent witnesses to Roywyn’s moments of sorrow.
 

Sustenance


  One side of the living area features a small space dedicated to food and sustenance. There, several grafted plants, both fruit and vegetable, are arranged in a way that allows Roywyn to harvest from them daily. With a word, these plants can be encouraged to produce food for the day’s meals, making the tree not only a home but also a source of sustenance.
  Roywyn’s home is not merely a place to sleep—it is a living memory, shaped by the bonds she shared with Brambleshroom and Thistledown. The carefully crafted furniture and natural aesthetic make it feel like the oak itself desired to grow into this form, with every element as much a part of the tree as the leaves above. The sanctuary within the great oak is more than just a residence; it is a place where nature, love, and memories intertwine, providing Roywyn—and now the party—a refuge from the outside world.
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