carthenian haven

A Remote Island.
An endless expanse of blue-green ocean sequesters this little island from the burdens and woes of Sapience, gratifying its inhabitants with the oft intangible fantasy of seclusion. Fine grains of pale, sunbleached sand have built the beach high enough to evade all but a soothing come-and-go lapping of the cerulean waves that tease the isle's border. Seashells of every hue are speckled along the shoreline, serving as proof of the bounty that thrives beneath the water's surface. Further inland, coconut-laden palm trees fan over the sandy beach, lending minimal canopy to the grounds below. Two in particular stand uniquely posed, each leaning slightly towards its partner, offering a suitable perch for the lazy canvas hammock that has been hung securely between the thick trunks. Nearby, a generous pit has been dug out, and lined with smooth pebbles with larger stones at the base. Within, an eternally-burning fire flickers, lending its faithful presence devotedly, whether beneath the kiss of the sun, or the glitter of starlight. Travel-worn paths trail through the sand, winding towards either the inviting seashore, or further inland towards an unseen destination.

By a small lagoon
The white sands of the beach sweep around in a gentle arc here, edged by the tall, arching shapes of shady palm trees. Enclosed by the barrier of a narrow sandbar, the ocean waters here have formed a small lagoon, its surface glassy and still in contrast to the gently lapping waves beyond. The surrounding trees and foliage provide dappled shade to the surface and edges of the pool, making a pleasant place to sit and enjoy the soothing view and sounds of the ocean. The waters of the miniature lake have been warmed by the sun, and the crystal-clear water reveals a speckling of brightly coloured shells and small sea creatures going about their aquatic business below the surface.


An intimate hillside sunshade.
A comforting feeling of privacy pervades the area. A travel-worn, sandy path leads to this romantic sunshade, perched atop a foliage-lush hill of the island.  The sensation of seclusion and privacy is intensified here, lent by the panoramic bird's-eye view of verdant canopy, ivory beach and endless ocean alike. Slender planks of pale teak serve as the wooden foundation of this lone-standing shelter, each having been smoothed with intricate care, not a splinter or flaw present to dare prick at wandering feet.  Above it all, a pale, ivory canvas canopy is supported in a tent-like fashion by four thick wooden pillars, one at each squared corner.  Similarly-hued cotton swath curtains fall over the columns, their billowing presences swept back with wide sashes of a rich honey shade. Warm ocean breezes drift aromatically through this covered getaway, adding a sense of both intimacy and fantasy.


A meandering sandy path
Leading down from the summit of a lush, verdant hill, this small path links the serene habitation at the peak with the beginnings of the shady forest toward the foot. The pale sand and fronds of grass underfoot are soft and pleasant to walk on, and though the water is not visible from this side of the rise, the gentle sound of the sea pervades the area. The distant rhythm of lapping water joins the soft whispering of the breeze through the grass and nearby foliage to make a soothing backdrop for the area which feels expansive while maintaining a pleasant feeling of seclusion.


Beneath the canopy of a tranquil forest
A natural path winds its way through the forest here. To the north, the trees thin out and the sound of the ocean can be faintly heard, and to the south the pathway winds deeper into the forest, the soft dirt and grass dappled with light that filters through the leafy canopy above. While tranquil and still, this secluded location is alive with the soft rustles and quiet sounds of life, melodic birdcalls echoing throughout the area.

a lush forest meadow
Here, the overhead canopy of trees breaks, letting sun and moonlight through to cast their glow on a small meadow hidden away in the heart of the forest. Here, lush grasses grow rampant, longer stalks with fringed heads whispering together as they sway in the breeze. Yellow daisies and pale wild orchids reach skyward between the grasses, accompanied by forget-me-nots and cheerful buttercups which add their bright colors to the peaceful surroundings. The only sounds beyond the whispering of grasses and leaves are distand birdcalls and the muted buzz of unseen insects.


Before a rushing waterfall
The trees thin out here, forming a broad clearing edged at one side by a rocky rise in the forest. Tumbling down the outcropping comes a small waterfall, shimmering sheets of water catching the light before splashing down into a broad pool below. The pool, though given to ripples at the base of the fall, is deep and still for the most part, the clear water revealing a pebbled bed over which small silvery fish dart back and forth. Around the edge of the pond, soft grasses and ferns grow thickly to make a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the relaxing sounds of the falls and the surrounding forest.


A secluded cavern
Nestled into the rocky outcropping that supports the nearby rushing waterfall is the entrance to this secluded cavern. It describes a circular shape, the floor worn pleasantly smooth by the passing of water and elements. In the center of the cavern is a deep pool of water, its surface still and reflective as a mirror. Though the space is normally pleasantly dim and still, the mouth of the cave is such that, at certain times of day, a beam of sun or moonlight will make its way in, striking off the surface of the water and filling the cavern with a refracted flurry of scintillating lights which reflect off the glossy stone of the walls and give the entire space an ethereal shimmer.