The Moonwell of Selaveth

Nestled within a tranquil glade of silverleaf trees at the eastern edge of Pearlsong lies the Moonwell of Selaveth, a sacred pool dedicated to the goddess of memory, creation, and love. The site draws pilgrims, lovers, poets, and curious tourists who come to bask in its ethereal glow, seek guidance, or simply marvel at its beauty.

Purpose / Function

Originally constructed as a sacred place for vows—be they of marriage, artistic dedication, or pacts of deep friendship. Over time, it has become a central sanctuary for those seeking to reconnect with old memories, recover lost inspirations, or heal from heartbreak.

Design

The Moonwell is a circular basin about 40 feet across, rimmed with carved moonstone and silver filigree depicting blooming flowers, entwined lovers, and winding script in Selaveth’s sacred tongue. Smooth stone benches encircle the basin, while delicate lanterns hang from low, curving iron posts. Floating lilies drift lazily across its glowing surface.

Entries

A winding marble path lined with small sculptures of entwined hearts and blooming quills leads to the Moonwell. There are no gates; visitors step directly from the path into the sacred grove. Entry is free, though customary donations are left at small offering bowls.

Sensory & Appearance

Entering the grove, the air turns cool and faintly sweet—like night-blooming jasmine. The soft radiance of the Moonwell shimmers off every surface. The area is very quiet, with only gentle water lapping and the occasional sigh of wind. Sometimes faint whispers of old vows echo from nowhere.

Denizens

  • Attendant priests and priestesses of Selaveth, dressed in flowing silver robes.
  • Visiting pilgrims and lovers.
  • Gentle nocturnal creatures, such as moon hares and tiny glowmoths.
  • It’s rumored that sometimes, faint avatars of Selaveth herself or spirits of past lovers appear to guide or comfort visitors.

Contents & Furnishings

  • Stone benches and low tables bearing offerings of flowers, poetry scrolls, and tiny sculptures.
  • Silver braziers with everburning incense that smells of lilac and honey.
  • A small open pavilion on the north side where minor ceremonies are performed.

Valuables

  • A hidden reliquary beneath the pavilion floor contains a lock of hair said to be gifted by Selaveth herself, wrapped in enchanted silk that preserves eternal love.
  • Visitors sometimes leave exquisite jewelry or handwritten works of art as offerings, many of which remain scattered respectfully around the site.

Hazards & Traps

There are no deliberate traps, but the magic of the Moonwell is powerful:

  • Those who come with ill intent may find themselves overwhelmed by their own buried regrets or memories, driven to flee or break down in tears.
  • Drinking directly from the Moonwell without a priest’s guidance can cause vivid, sometimes painful visions of lost loves or forgotten pasts.

Special Properties

  • The Moonwell heightens memory and emotion. It is easier to recall old feelings, compose new works of art, or reaffirm vows here.
  • Water from the Moonwell, if gathered respectfully by an attendant, can bless unions or inspire artists with divine flashes of creativity.
  • At full moon, the well’s surface becomes a silvery mirror that sometimes shows glimpses of the past, future, or deep heart’s desire.

Alterations

  • Originally a simple natural spring, it was shaped into a formal moonwell and consecrated by the first priests of Selaveth.
  • The pavilion was added about 230 years ago after a great pilgrimage swelled the city’s devotion.
  • Enchanted lanterns were hung just 80 years ago, gifted by a visiting circle of eladrin artisans.

Architecture

The design heavily employs moonstone and silver, reflecting Pearlsong’s love for graceful, water-inspired forms. The carvings follow flowing lines and intertwining motifs, mimicking both vines and calligraphy. It’s somewhat more solemn than Pearlsong’s usual playful style, but its lush surrounding gardens tie it back to local aesthetics.

Defenses

There are no martial defenses. Instead, enchantments woven by the temple’s priests ensure the grove remains peaceful:

  • Any attempt at violence results in a gentle magical compulsion to leave the area.
  • Those with malicious intent might become lost among the silverleaf trees until they calm or change their hearts.

History

  • 470 years ago: First consecration of the spring, transforming it into a moonwell.
  • 230 years ago: Pavilion constructed to house vow ceremonies.
  • 121 years ago: A famous bard who lost her voice prayed here and was gifted new songs in a dream; her descendants still serve at the Moonwell.
  • 47 years ago: During a lunar eclipse, hundreds of tiny motes of light rose from the well, interpreted as Selaveth’s direct blessing.

Tourism

The Moonwell is among Pearlsong’s most cherished destinations. Visitors come to:

  • Make or renew marriage vows.
  • Seek inspiration for songs, paintings, or great works of literature.
  • Take part in gentle night festivals where lanterns bearing written wishes are floated on shallow pools around the well.
  • Purchase small vials of blessed water (strictly rationed) to take home as tokens of affection.

Founding Date
470 years ago
Type
Shrine
Parent Location
Environmental Effects

The Moonwell is a perfectly circular pool of luminous water that glows with soft silver and lilac hues, especially under the moon. The surrounding grove is always hushed, filled with a sense of deep, tender reverence. Visitors often find old memories surfacing, creative visions blooming, or heartaches gently eased.

Owning Organization

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