Homes in Ta'Vaalor

Marble Springs is Vaalor's only neighborhood currently being developed within the walls of the city.  An engraved mithril sign hangs from one side of an arch leading into Marble Springs which is found at the eastern most end of Glimaerstone Var.

The elegant archway of grey-veined, pale white marble stands as a solemn attendant at the entrance to this small, riverside neighborhood. Embraced by the thriving local flora, the lower portions of the marble columns have become entangled in flower-laden vines and lush, leafy creepers, whose natural beauty and slender tendrils seem to add to the quiet dignity of the carven stone.  The gently curving angles of the marble archway have been carved into smooth spiraling shapes, reminiscent of undulating waves. The flourishing creepers and local foliage seem to embrace the marble structure, adding to the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

Following the cobbled pathway of yellowish grey alabaster, as it  winds its way along the edge of the river, you will find many varieties of flowers with their petals shining in brilliant shades of yellow, pink, and pale blue, lining the walkway.  Here you will find the residence that belongs to Jacquemeaux, the residence that belongs to Sovyna, and the the chalet that belongs to Troiandan.

As you continue southeast, the cobblestone walkway has been well-fitted and maintained, providing a secure path through the small community. Just off the path, a quartz-veined marble statue rises from a stone flowerbed thick with wooly thyme and violets, the purple hue of the flowers making the white marble seem all the more stark and pale.  Carved into the likeness of an elven woman wearing flowing robes and carrying a greatsword between her slender hands, the statue has affixed its cold stare toward the path.    Hewn to resemble the gentle crests of river waves, the edge of the stone flowerbed provides a secure setting for a healthy, well-maintained garden of lavender blooms.  Here you will find the residence that belongs to Darksnake, the  chateau that belongs to Taenz, the chalet that belongs to Moswell.

As we continue south, gurgling quietly, a thin silvery stream passes beneath a short ash-wood bridge here, as it flows on its way toward the Mistydeep river to the southwest. The bridge itself has been built atop a sturdy alabaster foundation, its wooden railings and supports decorated to resemble marsh reeds and other waterside foliage. A polished oak lamppost, bearing a large brass lantern, stands next to the bridge.    The bridge is also fitted with stout planks held in place by polished brass nails, the ash-wood bridge arches slightly as it rises above the silvery stream, then gently descends to place travelers on the opposite bank.

Southeast from the bridge, the scent of the river, cool and refreshing, floats on the breeze like a gentle whisper. Somewhere nearby, the soothing sound of wind chimes dances in the air, the light notes reminiscent of the laughter of children. A stone flowerbed, set atop a squat pedestal, overflows with yellow loosestrife blooms.   Shaped to resemble a wide, shallow bowl, the flowerbed has been perched atop a carved pedestal. The pedestal has been adorned with simple images of trees, fanciful wood sprites, and clusters of blooming flowers.  There is a vacant residence here waiting from someone to move in, also the residence that belongs to Kalishar, and the  villa that belongs to Nithiel.  Four sets of stone steps descend into this alabaster-tiled depression in the center of the neighborhood. 

Continuing southeast, a few scattered black oaks border the cobbled path, their short trunks and slight branches indicative of younger trees. Too uniform in growth to have sprouted randomly in the wild, these well-nurtured oaks have been planted in a neat row along the eastern edge of the cobbled path, providing a shady backdrop for those in search of a cool, quiet place to rest.  Underneath the speckled shade of their leafy boughs, wind chimes made from hollow river reeds sing in cascading voices.  Carved from light brown and pale yellow river reeds, the wind chimes dance slightly in the breeze, their hollow voices singing a quiet tune.  Also here is the residence belonging to Xanathar, the  villa belonging to Wiket, and the abandoned residence.

South, surrounded by a semicircle of multi-hued alabaster tiles, a small shrine rests beneath the protective boughs of an old black oak. At the center of the shrine, mottled by the shadows of the overhanging branches, sits a solid block of silver-laced white marble, its top hewn to create a shallow bowl-like depression. A mat of woven river reeds lies in front of the marble block.  Standing less than three feet in height, the silver-laced marble block sits low enough for a person of roughly elven stature to kneel before it. The top of the block has been cut to form a shallow basin, perhaps the size of a small bowl. The interior of the depression contains a sweet-smelling mixture of water, fragrant oils, and flower petals.  Here you will also find the chateau that belongs to Dorstom,  and the  villa that belongs to Kystara.

Moving along to the southwest, the melodic hum of honeybees drifts through the warm air as each tiny drone flits from blossom to blossom, collecting pollen for the hive. A few small, golden butterflies accompany the bees, their delicate movements amongst the broad, colorful petals and slender, verdant stalks silent amid the lazy buzz of their counterparts.  There are currently two empty residences and also the lodge belonging to Tymmil and the villa belonging to Parvani.

Southwest, the cobbled path winds its way amongst a backdrop of flourishing gardens and lush vegetation. Light yellow sandalwood has been carved into intricate latticework, allowing slender, leaf-tipped vines to reach toward the glimmering sun. Delicate pink and bright yellow petals bloom from the tendrils, providing brilliant decoration for the wooden frames.  The latticework frames have been assembled along the edges of the cobbled path to provide a framework for the local flowers and greenery. Adorned with clinging vines and gentle blossoms, the lattice structures form a series of leafy panels and make fitting accessories to the natural flora of the region.  There are two empty residences here.  Also here is the  residence belonging to Pullalot next to  the chateau belonging to Rothran.

West, the cool, refreshing scent of the river to the south is strong here, its natural odor carried along by a light breeze. A few black oak trees overshadow the path, their broad trunks obscuring the rocky shore beyond. A couple of red-tiled roofs peek through the leafy branches.   Heavy with leaves and acorns, the branches of the black oak trees hang over parts of the cobbled path.    Strewn with dark river stones, the shore stretches from the woods to the waterline.  You also will find here the residence belonging to Snakeskin, the residence belonging to Alerr,  the residence belonging to Aagoth,  the  villa belonging to Tyranik,  the  villa belonging to Seredetia, and the chateau belonging to Gowain.  There are also the steps here leading to the depression in the center of the neighborhood.

Continuing west,  a golden-veined marble statue rises from a low flowerbed of blooming chrysanthemums, the puff-shaped flowers reaching no higher than its carven boots. The statue has been meticulously detailed to resemble a young elven warrior, his stony visage frozen in a stern, indignant stare. Carved from a block of gold-veined marble, the statue appears to be life-sized and modeled after a young, muscular elven warrior. Wearing a hauberk of intricate detail, the statue bears a longsword in its right hand and a heavy forging hammer in its left.  A pair of spiraling marble columns flank the marble figure, their lower reaches entwined with verdant tendrils.  Carved to resemble twin water spouts, each column rises from a thick bed of ferns and low-lying undergrowth to a height of some five feet.  The lodge belonging to Dragolyn, the lodge belonging to Myango, and the residence belonging to Lumaco are here.

Moving Northwest, the dark expanse of the river can be glimpsed through a copse of slender ash trees to the south, its slow-moving waters casting occasional flashes of light from the bright sun overhead. Barely visible through the tightly clustered woods, a short stone dock juts out into the river, a small wooden skiff resting next to its sturdy frame.  Constructed from stone columns supporting heavy oak planks, the short dock anchors a single skiff, its arrow-shaped hull decorated with the symbol of a black falcon on a crimson field.  The only cottage occupied here belongs to Shannel.  There are four cottages empty and awaiting an owner.

North, a semicircular stone arches stand on either side of the cobbled path, their marble frames supporting an array of wooden flowerpots. Hung from cords of braided twine, the flowerpots have been carved into a variety of decorative shapes, and each sustains a flowering plant in its soil-filled interior.  Crafted from light yellow sandalwood, the flowerpots have been carved into natural shapes, including rounded dewdrops, wide gourds, slender squash, and oval melons. Each has a wide opening at its top which has been packed with rich soil and supports a flowering plant.  A sweet aroma, reminiscent of honey and delicate perfumes, lingers in the air.  Here you will find the residence belonging to Vinelle  and four empty homes. 

Northwest of Vinelle's place, the pathway of alabaster cobblestones curves closer to the sluggish expanse of the river, the scattered black oaks and slender ash trees giving way to a rough shoreline of smooth river stones and pebbles. The dark waters gently lap at the rock-strewn shoreline to the southwest, each small crest topped with a cap of pale foam. The melodic rhythm of the incoming tide and quiet splash of water on stone is soothing to the ear and mind.  There are three empty cabins here and also the cabin belonging to Spaetzle, and the cabin belonging to Mytheon.

More to come...

Copyright by the citizens for Ta'Vaalor.
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Last updated: January 19, 2003.