-The cave-
Ad’oealyn has forever been shadowed with mysteries. Loose lips of adventurers have spread the rumors far in the world. The location in Canelux is always different, but their stories always contains certain elements. They always speak of the most beautiful voices calling out to them, singing to them songs of enchanted beauty and strength. Unable to recall where the caves rest, they do speak of it being dark enough that they are unable to see their feet. They would travel down for what seemed like mere minutes to hours until sparks of light danced around them revealing the path ahead and the enchanting music vanished into silence.
The cave itself is always damp and cold, but the lights are warm and inviting, as the adventurer is led towards the next destination. The isolated feeling in the cave makes it clear that they are in the domain of the Goddess. Trailing from the main path are various other paths etched in nothing but darkness. Some adventurers boast about traveling down one of those paths and finding treasure of their wildest dreams. Some even speak of finding the woman of their dreams and having a moment of love, and even pleasure with them, only to find when they regain their focus that they are alone in the dark. The path continues until it reaches a fork in the road where the lights no longer travel. Each path is arched with dark, old wood with etching along the top. It is time for the adventurer to choose their own path.
From the left path, the melody of dripping water drifts from the darkness. A large chest rests next to the arch, open to the travelers though nothing lays inside. The etching upon the top reads, ‘Undress from mortal garment and leave your sins behind. Travel forth as the maker craft you to be.’ Turning to the other path, it is hard to miss the eerie noises that echo from its depths. The sounds vary depending on who is standing at the beginning of the path. The stories speak of growls, roars, scratching, hissing, and sometimes even nothing but the sounds of breathing. The engraving upon that archway reads, ‘Be brave and leave your fears behind. Travel forth as the one you wish to be.’
-The Choice-
Someone who decided to travel down the path towards the left, will be quick to find that the sign above does not lie. There is a force that refuses entry from anyone who carries any form of mortal material, whether it be their clothing or weaponry. The purpose of the chest becomes clear; it is to be used to rest your gear until you are ready to use it once again. The Goddess believes strongly in the beauty and love of one’s flesh. The strongest desires and strengths come from the comfort in one’s own skin.
Once the wants of the Goddess been met, they are able to travel freely into the cave and make their way down the stairs etched into the stone and dirt. The stairs lead down into cool water that stops around the average person’s waist. On either side of the cave, statues rest wading in the water themselves. At first it appears that they depict only the warriors in the world, however at a second glance it is easy to tell they change based on the eye of the beholder. They will display the people that bring love and strength to the traveler, whether good or bad.
The tunnel on the right is the easier to enter, but not travel through. There are no trials to go through before entering, however what waits in the darkness is the biggest trial. Adventuring deep into the cave, the traveler will learn what they will be facing. The echoing sounds will grow stronger and they will find themselves facing their darkest fear or even their deepest regret.
They will find that the mirage will not let them pass. It will try anything it can think of to try and stop the traveler, whether it involves fighting, begging, or seducing. Sometimes, there may be only one thing in the darkness or they may find themselves faced with more than one by the time they reach the end. However, before death on either side, the image will vanish into the darkness not to be seen again. At the end of the tunnel, they will be stopped by the same kind of barrier of the other path but this one only requires them to leave their armor and weapons in a chest. There are robes waiting at the end of both tunnels to allow for them to change for they will not receive their gear until they leave. There is no need for weapons or armor beyond this point.
-The temple-
While each tunnel leads down a different path, they both will bring the traveler to the same location. The paths will end and open up into a massive cavern reaching up a couple stories high. A clear lake rests in the middle with sharp and smooth rocks that emerge from the deep water and colorful fish. Magically made sparks of light rest along the ceiling like stars in the night sky, they illuminate the cavern and with the clear water of the lake bring an array of colors to the area. Carved into the walls, to give access to the cavern, are corridors large enough to fit two people with tall columns on the outside.
The temple itself is actually built into the walls of the cavern. There is little plant life this deep outside of the thick, mossy vines that crawls up the columns. Across the lake, the largest of archways sits almost a story high with columns resting on either side. The only bridge across the lake seems to lead from the opening of the cave to the archway. The temple’s throne or shrine room rests there; a large circular room with a throne resting towards the back. Tapestries fall from the ceiling relaying images of lovers and warriors. The floor is smoothed out into a mosaic design with rich colors that glimmer against the fire from the braziers around the room. The throne itself is crafted from the smoothest stones with rich red sheets resting on top.
There rest several other archways leading to different parts of the temple. She has an area for any that wish sanctuary to rest and, maybe even, learn from her. Most of the rooms remain the same stone interior with paintings hanging everywhere to bring life to the rooms. There is a small personal kitchen that she allows travelers to use as well as a place for her inner clergy to reside. Her own personal room is hidden away from prying eyes. There are even whispers of clergy finding the woman lounging on her throne, sleeping.
