Location The Tree Retreat

[Capricious]

The Tree Retreat If one were to ask directions to the Tree Retreat, they would simply be told, "Walk that away until you see green. Then, without a doubt, you have reached the sanctuary." In actuality, this description is not far off. The Tree Retreat is a one story building built into the ground. Lanterns are lit every morning and burn throughout the day. Upon approaching the retreat, an individual will see a door on either side of a staircase that leads to yet another staircase. If one were to follow the staircases, they would find themselves at a landing covered in Icestone houses specifically designed to capture the rays of the sun. On the landing there are round tables situated near the sides. There are two different types of Icestone Houses on the landing. One is long and skinny, at nearly twenty feet by ten feet. The other is a perfect square at fifteen by fifteen feet. The longhouse has a lane down the middle and both sides are split into tiny stalls that are just large enough for a tree, no matter how bushy, to grow. The bottom part of the stall is boxed off for soil, where the tree will be planted. Every tenth stall, gardening tools are stored. The square-house is a busy place. People come and go freely, but one gardener is always at service, ready to step in and help individuals struggling at caring for plants. The outer rim of the square-house is lined with garden boxes. Above these boxes, shelves and hanging hooks are found. Several feet closer to the center, two brackets are found. These rows are garden boxes with built in trellises. The bushier plants grow here, where they can be easily trimmed back. Hidden between the brackets, one can, with the help of trickling water, find a wonderful surprise. Tucked in the lush garden is a small, Iceglaze built, pond that is a perfect circle. The Iceglaze were efficient and designed a waterfall based system where the water trickles down into the pond by tumbling onto snowflaked shaped rocks. The rocks lean inwards, to keep any stray water from escaping. One may sit comfortably on the edge of the pond on the smooth outer edge and watch the water plants growing within. The original architect of this design is unknown. Instead of going to the landing, a person can choose between two doors. Both lead to gardens of different magnitudes and purposes. The door on the right leads to a room full of Avanthal pines and the name of the room reflects this, being called "The Coniferous." This room serves the purpose of populating the city with trees whenever a storm hits and the lifeforms fall. The pines are taken care of and nurtured until they can withstand the harsh Avanthal weather. Here, one may come and help experiment on ways to grow the trees more efficiently and investigate ways to make the trees hardier. If the individual were to enter the door on the left, they would immediately be swamped by warmth. Stormgems are found everywhere! Tree after tree are individually planted and surrounded by the gems. This is because the trees are not natural to Avanthal, but hail from other cities and regions, such as the Spires. The room helps provide exotic food to Avanthal, if in a limited amount. To volunteer in the "Tropical Room," at least skill points in gardening are necessary. The Tree Retreat is dominated by the Winterflame Hold, but anyone is allowed to come and help. In fact, helping out at the garden is encouraged for members of the Winterflame Hold. Those from other holds are welcomed warmly, so long as they do not cause the plants harm. Upon volunteering, an individual will receive their own tree to manage and care for. Once an individual volunteers at the Tree Retreat for thirty bells, they will receive their choice of a tree that they will be able to take home or plant in the city, depending on the breed of tree.