RÚNASKJÓL
A sanctuary kept by the dragon.
As the day fades to evening and long shadows are cast over a lonely strand of beach, one visitor leaves footprints in the sun-warm sand.
This part of the coast is beautiful, if eerie for its isolation. The distant forest is alive with birdsong, the occasional crab scuttles off, but the night falls too deep here. The sky still in its blue hour already alight with the silver swirls of your corner of the cosmos, a hard-won sight when you're used to cities bleaching out the stars.
Your hand graces the stone beside you, a light more unusual catching your attention and drawing it in… within the sweeping arch of ever-damp rock, a cavern is revealed. Warm greens and blues shine up from the water leading in, reflecting light in shimmering coils across the cave walls. You must see… you must know.
The path within is carpeted in moss, fungus and a few blooms opening to cast their own glow as you pass. Waves lap, bubble around smooth stones, and play alongside each step you take. Eventually the cave yawns open, and you're struck by how verdant this place is. Moonlight and the purple remnants of the day filter in from jagged crevasse above, illuminating what could only be…
A home.
The grotto before you shows clear signs of habitation. Arching trees hold one another close with branches entwined, their fruit neatly collected in a woven basket nearby. The shelter they create warmed by lit torches, tall and wide enough for a gathering… or a very large beast. The thought sends a chill up your spine, eyes finding a few scattered feathers in glistening ruby hues. Who, or what, made this place? You find clues as you explore. A collection of bones, long fossilized and carefully reclaimed, decorate the grotto like garden statues. Herbs hang from branches to somehow dry even in this humidity. The smouldering remains of a fire… not some simple campfire, you notice. A stone-carved firepit. Resin lay in small bronze bowls. Near it, bottles of minerals kept carefully corked. A large circle cleared of all debris but the paint, shells, crystals and candles that mark it for some ritual.
Your keeper speaks —
"Rúnaskjól."
You turn to face the voice, bright eyes watching from the darkest of foliage. A red dragon so enormous shouldn't have been able to sneak up on you like that. A laugh catches you off guard.
"Tyrannosaurus was an ambush predator, you know. Welcome to my secret sanctuary. That's what its name means. Rúnaskjól."
When the monstrous creature steps out into the open, you're finally able to behold the heavy feathered wings and decorated horns. You know an occultist when you see one, even if they're house-sized and watching you with surprising warmth and curiosity.
You may stay as long as you please. Visitors aren't common, but they are welcome. I see you found the circle, yes? A lovely place to meditate. You may even bring something from my horde with you, if you need to lay a weight down somewhere or give praise where it's due, hm?
The Dragon —
"Feel free to look around, take what calls to you. There's no wrong choice, just a few examples depending on the weight you might be carrying today."
"You'll find amber resin by the fire. I keep it around to spice things up, maybe transform the flames to something unique… Oh, and the lavender tea is right by that kettle. A classic, comforting blend when you need some peace that will never fail you. By the water's edge you'll find some blue seaglass, a rather lucky charm for finding your way and your fortune I think! Mind the emerald snake eggs right by it though, even scary parts of nature deserve protection. Let's see… ah, a piece of broken red chain — rust or maybe blood, I've never been sure. Rather furious looking isn't it? It's over by the old grey fossil, my own memento mori. Just be careful if you pick that snowflake obsidian figurine? It's never quite wanted anywhere so it landed in my collection."
"Whatever you pick, or if you bring only yourself, the star in the circle will guide you where you need to go."
You —
Choose your shrine
All who enter sincerely are welcome here. All offerings are held.
