[ Directions to the Shrine:  From North Gate: SW, S, S, S, S, S, SE, E, E, Go Bridge, Climb Bank, NE, NW, N, N, NE, N, NE, NE, N, N, NE, N, Climb Rockslide, E, SW, SE, S, Go Path, S, SW, Go Path, NE, E, Search, Go Path, Climb Boulder, Go Portal, NW ]

As you arrive at the crown of boulders you see large rocks jumbled about, mottled with delicate mosses. Trillium grows here and there, offering tri-leafed stems crowned with snow-white blossoms. Ferns resume their rampant play behind the edge of the granite outcrop, sprawling over and around the feet of a beautifully veined, black marble portal.

Looking at portal you notice it is clean in line, a simple, squared style that speaks of elegance in its simplicity. Its marble is undoubtedly ancient, judging from the ravages of time and weather. Cracks compete with the variegated veins across its surface and ferns cling to crevices like lacy parasites.

You enter the portal and find yourself in a marble hallway. A bright rectangle at the hallway's end fades into the gloom of the dark marble walls. At the opposite end of the hall, a soft, greenish light glows from the building's interior. The air smells damp, but it's more the fresh, clean scent of woodland shade than an odor of decay, as one might expect of such a place as this old edifice.

Despite the low light, you're able to see the marble walls are untouched by the decay evidenced on the entrance. Each block of stone is exquisitely fitted, giving no hint of seams. A row of daggers etched into the stone stretches down the passageway on either side.

Moving northwest you arrive at the central room of the Shrine of Leya. Light streams down into the circular building from an opening in the domed ceiling. Around the walls, niches at each point of the compass are filled with statuary. A marble altar with flaring edges, supported by two arching pedestal legs, stands against the far wall. In the room's center is a round, marble-edged pool. Drops of water fall from the dome's "eye" into the pool like tears.

You notice that a polished marble lip surrounds the pool. The water's black surface shimmers with an occasional flash of bright reflection, like a night sky lit with stars. The bottom isn't visible, obviously lying so deeply within the circular well that it defies detection.

Wandering over to the east niche, the alcove harbors a figure embodying the quality of action-in-repose, the figure of "Day". A warrior with a face of classic beauty, he kneels on one knee, resting an arm upon the hilt of a formidable sword. Grasped in his other hand is a sceptre crowned by a snarling lion. His visage is fierce as he gazes forward with a resolute expression in his blank, marble eyes.

The sculpture is exquisitely rendered, each drape of garments and curve of muscle expressing a beauty so sublime, it is startling. Despite this, the figure leaves one wishing for some small imperfection of feature. What a masterful impression of Leya's lover!

Crossing to the west niche you notice this side of the building is bathed in vertigris shadow. Positioned within the niche is a grey marble figure of a young woman reclining against the bole of a tree. Her form is supple and her features possess a divine grace as fierce as it is sublime. Occasional reflections of light from the building's walls play across the statue, making it almost seem to breathe.

The figure of "Night" is both monumental and winsome in her repose. She leans against the tree in an attitude at once tense and calm. Her weaponry suggests she is a warrior, for a great sword hangs at her side. Leya could only look more beautiful in life.

Proceeding to the north niche, the sound of water dripping into the shrine's pool echoes quietly within the north niche. Only a modicum of light manages to intrude, leaving the imposing figure of "Strength" cloaked in partial shadow. He is turned, and looks back over a thickly muscled shoulder, almost as if he were about to disappear into the niche's wall. The twisted pose of the statuary emphasizes its powerful musculature.

The majestic form of "Strength" displays an unearthly power. His pose, both watchful and aloof as he glances back over his shoulder, suggests a force of will matching his physical prowess. Despite the indomitable nature implied in his demeanor, his expressive features evoke a sense of sorrow, an image of the body as the earthly prison of the soul. This is Leya's father, Kai.

Arriving at the south niche you observe that the area within the alcove is almost completely overtaken by the sculpture it harbors. An ensemble of two figures, the monument bears a carved legend across its base that reads "Mercy". Appropriately, the soft illumination bathing the statuary promotes a meditative ambiance.

The two figures comprising "Mercy" are carved from a single block of ivory marble. A seated female figure holds the lifeless body of a young man. Her attitude of calm, mournful resignation combined with the elegant proportions of the forms generates a beauty of classical serenity. How fitting that this study of a grieving Leya holding her dying lover, after having killed him accidentally with her sword Soulingen, is shaped from one piece of marble, representing their eternal love and despair.

Finally, against the curved northwest wall sits a marble altar, its contours echoing the arcuation. Light from the dome above plays across its polished surface, dappling it as clouds drift past outside. A formidable sword rests upon the altar, and although the altar's dimensions seem perfectly contrived to bear the weapon's span, the sword lies there askew, as if casually discarded.

It is beautifully crafted and polished to a high shine. The only ornamentation is an exquisitely rendered row of horses running around the altar's edges in an endless circle.

An immense sword is lying on the altar. The weapon is massive, leaving one to marvel at the strength required to swing it in battle. Its shining blade, although unsheathed for who knows how long, bears no trace of corrosion. The hilt is heavily carved with interlocking flourishes inset with precious jewels. Incised upon the blade in archaic lettering is the name "Soulingen".

© 2001 Marsha H. Levine. All information contained within the Shrine of Leya website is copyrighted. Permission to use/reprint must be obtained from me and attributed to the (Simutronics Corp./GemStone III) Leya Quest. Please feel free to link to this site. For more information about this website and the Leya Quest, send an escroll to: Dame Deavon Laeren.

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