Excerpts Pertaining to the Hidden Realms

Elysion, the crystal wood (dreams, wishes, hopes)

“Its crystal wood and its mirror pools were unrivaled in beauty anywhere on this planet, having been founded on dreams.”

“...a lake in the middle of a lush green forest, dotted with prismatic crystal formations. The lake itself was still as a mirror, and at the edge of it sat an elegant temple built of white stone... Damia followed the Maenads up a set of wide stone steps, down a long corridor, and into a sunny courtyard... As they passed through the courtyard and into the inner temple, she saw many white-clad priests, acolytes, and servants of the temple filter out into the open to watch her, to measure her up...” (the temple of Elysion)

“Just then, they reached a tall archway with silver velvet curtains hung over it. Two guards dressed in silver and white robes and armed only with tall staffs of polished crystal stood at attention on either side. They saluted Helios and Damia then drew back the heavy curtains... The circular chamber was made of carved white marble, like the rest of the temple, but it was lit only by the prismatic glow of the crystals that were inlayed in dazzling patterns on the walls and on the domed ceiling. A sun-like pattern of concentric circles, curves, and lines in silver wove across the floor. High above, like a miniature sun, a single crystal glowed with golden light.” (the inner sanctuary at the temple of Elysion)

“They swept over the grass and into the forest. He led her through the cool shade of the trees, past crystals that sprouted up from the ground like shrubbery, and to the edge of a small pond in the middle of the woods.” (Elysion landscape)

“Damia walked slowly through the courtyard and lingered at the great arching entryway. Something was tugging at her. She couldn't leave yet, even as the setting sun dyed the white marble temple a warm pink hue.” (the temple of Elysion)

“...a small lake. In the center of the lake was a small peaked pavilion. It seemed to be made of white marble and crystal with gilded pillars. The pegasus skimmed the surface of the water, the wind from its wings kicking up ripples on the otherwise glassy surface. Shallow steps encircled the pavilion, water lapping up to its base.” (the high priest's private retreat)

 

Nyx, the vale of storms (fear, war)

“Black stone below their feet and rumbling black thunderclouds overhead... As the lightning flashed high above, they stood in wonder of the power of the place... Behind him seemed to be a temple of some kind, cut out of black stone.”

“The priest led them down winding corridors to the heart of the temple. Finally, they entered a small room with a raised pedestal in the middle.” (inside the temple of Nyx)

 

Erebus, the shadow canyon (doubts, questions, mysteries)

“A thick fog surrounded the Temple of Erebus, as it did on most days. As a strong gust of wind blew... lingering near the edge of the cliff just outside of the temple.”

“They wandered the misty canyons of Erebus...”

 

Aether, the city of clouds (peace, happiness, harmony, creativity)

“Aether was a light and airy place, built of clouds”

“...to Aether where they frolicked carefree in the streets made of clouds...”

 

Phlegethon, the river of fire (anger, envy, passion)

“Black stone beneath her feet, Malia stood on the bank and gazed down into the river of fire below, letting the heat wash over her. Between craggy black mountains, the blazing river twisted and wound away as far as the eye could see. Even when it bent behind a mountain beyond view, one could still trace its path by the orange glow it cast.”

 

Hemera, the valley of light (love, affection, friendship)

“... picked flowers in the fields of Hemera...”

 

Cocytus, the sea of secrets (knowledge, wisdom, secrets, ideas)

“...Tacita heard herself yelling as she pounded up a spiral staircase in silvery white stone. Two more sets of footsteps ran behind her. An instant later, she reached the top and burst into a library stocked from floor to ceiling with books on silver shelves... The four of them ran across the library, through the stacks, and up another hidden set of stairs as fast as the elderly priest could lead them. Finally, they stood in his warmly-lit study. Along all the walls were rows upon rows of even older, more magical looking books than any they had passed by on their way...” (inside the Great Library at the temple of Cocytus)

“...sitting on a high cliff, staring out at a vast ocean below. It's indigo blue surface was tossed gently into waves by the breeze. A soft haze in the distance blurred the horizon between sea and sky... settled onto the grass beside her... gesturing back towards the huge palace-like library and temple complex just behind them.”