Deer Country Logs

 

The Sanctuary - RENOVATIONS START

 

 

 

 

MAY BEGINNINGS

Following the discovery of a guardian sapling within an abandoned and ruined monastery on the edges of Crenshaw and the sudden growth of purified plant life around it, there's a growing bustle of activity around it. Word of mouth first from the boy who first found it talking with those on the street he knew and had helped before, asking if they might help him clear some of the debris in order to reach it more easily, and then people they told, and so on and so forth. Small, relatively nonviolent and previously animal Beasts have been observed flocking there where they begin to slowly regain themselves, and so inhabitants of Trench start coming as well to see it for themselves. Those suffering corruption or despair come to sit under its boughs and let its tranquil aura help set them at ease. People start chattering on the street, marveling at it and the unprecedented greenery it's brought with it, and begin setting up small shops and carts out front to peddle wares to those who are basically pilgrims. Some are useful... some aren't. Incense is common.

Residents of the Trench and Sleepers both can be found milling back and forth, sweeping, dusting, moving debris, or taking hammer and nail to build anew, and anyone who lingers and looks for too long might be asked to help pitch in and quickly saddled with tools they may or may not know how to use. (It's fine.) Alternatively, someone might try to just slip by and explore to see what else there might be that hasn't been fully uncovered yet.

A white-haired boy in a wheelchair is there almost every day, and most inhabitants if asked "how did this place come to be" would point and say "Ser Allen" seemed to be here first and began asking people he knew to help him start to clear out the debris. Others followed and began lingering around, curious and drawn by the idea that something new might be starting, as well as feeling and marveling at the tree's tranquil aura that now blankets the grounds. If the boy is asked, he'd say it started because of Lady Amaterasu planting one of her trees here and it's something they should take care of. That it was meant to help give people hope and some comfort. "What is this place called?" Well, most people would shrug and look a bit confused as well about that at first. Before answering, finally:

"It's a Sanctuary."

Courtyard

The heart of the Sanctuary, one of the special guardian saplings planted by Amaterasu. The old monastery revolves around a large courtyard that is surrounded by cloisters, at the center of which is a large sakura tree in full bloom. The whole of the courtyard is covered in greenery and flowers unlike can normally be found elsewhere in the Trench aside from where there are similar such trees, and a pool of forever-pure water looks like it's just waiting for some fish. It's in full bloom this month, and some residents have started trying to make a tea from its petals. It's said to be very relaxing (and delicious, delicately floral and positively... heavenly. But don't drink in excess.)

It's the most common place for both residents of the Trench and Sleepers to be, as its tranquil aura helps soothe one's mind and ease corruption. Napping at its roots or in its branches seems quite popular, and birds and small animals can often be found there, drawn by it. Because of this, one Sleeper has started leading meditation sessions for corruption relief there.

Small and non-violent Beasts also seem drawn in, similar to how they are with the salt lake under the full moon. Twisted little fairies that are not so consumed that they don't still desire to be saved, they can be found resting there before slowly beginning to slip back to their formal selves; perhaps a dove, or maybe mice. Perhaps one could find similar such Beasts, either non-violent or easily restrained, and help bring them there in the hopes that they might also be able to be healed...?

INFIRMARY WING

Many of those who have come seeking some sort of tranquility are taxed, injured, or suffering in a way where they may need to rest within the confines of safety. One of the first spaces that has been cleared and made useable is a makeshift infirmary. There are simple beds and cots, a series of rooms for some privacy for those who simply need a clean and restorative place to stay temporarily versus those who need more medical attention. It's no Lumenarium, no place with any advanced medical treatment, but there are basic supplies for treating wounds and illness that have been donated. No one will be turned away, though violent individuals would be... dealt with in order to not be violent or cause harm, and anyone is welcome a bed for a night if it's needed. Some healers filter in and out, and most medicine practiced here is not the blood ministry common in Lumenwood but a mix of Sleeper powers from their worlds and basic aid.

A stockpile has been started for various items known to help reduce corruption or Beasthood as well, notably orbs of hope and a few precious moon drops, though most of those have been reserved for study. Anyone helping to assist, or who gets care, would be asked to just help return the favor for the ill and corrupted by donating what they can when they can.

KITCHEN AND DINING HALL

Where there are people and the needy there is a need for food! A ramshackle affair currently, lunch and dinner is usually provided in the dining hall for anyone who is helping with the renovations or assisting in some manner, as well as anyone who has come there for aid. All the food is brought in via either donated supplies from local merchants or farms, some Sleepers, and pot luck style.

The kitchens are easy to access though, currently dominated by a stout Crenshaw woman named Abigail who is very thorough in how she wrangles any lollygaggers into chopping mushrooms or gutting fish. No one is safe from her. No one. Heaven help you if you make a mess of her kitchen. She is there almost every day, will lecture a grown man like he's her child, but has a soft spot for young people and will sneak them extra helpings even if she'd deny it. Heaven help you also if you have cooking skills or show any interest in it, because you will find her immediately recruiting you.

Her daughter often comes by bearing a huge bushel of sometimes-questionable "fish", a middle-aged fisherwoman named Joanna.

MAIN HALL

Wide open at the moment, this is used primarily as an open community space at the moment. It leads directly through to the cloisters that surround the courtyard, and so all foot traffic passes through here. At the moment, it's used as a staging grounds for all donated materials that are being used for the reconstruction effort.

Intricate carvings, statues, and faded paintings are throughout the nave and altar area -- but all have been damaged or worn in such a way where it's hard to make out what sort of shrine this was originally, or to whom. Some people will chime in and say it was to Moon Presence herself. Others to Argonaut, or perhaps The Reckoning. Maybe something else entirely, some bygone remnant of another civilization. Who's to say, there doesn't seem to be any consensus or proof yet.

Lunar flowers have begun to grow again around the monastery grounds, so perhaps there's something to be said for it.