Interior View
Walking toward the entrance, the first thing noticed is the change in temperature.
Breath comes in cold puffs of steam, and as one walks into the darkness
past the Guardians, one is able to make out ice-covered
columns of dark grey stone.
The light from the entrance spatters the walls with multi-hued
patches of light.
The ground is cleansed of snow, showing time-worn stone.
As one walks further through the tunnel, a grey sort of darkness closes in.
Most used to the area walk with confidence, knowing their way around the pillars.
Here and there through the tunnels are set deep stone bowls full of animal fat that have been lit.
The smoke leaves the thick smell of something reminiscent to cooking bacon
that might have been sitting too long.
Circles of light break the darkness, showing little glistening piles of
snow that was missed by whomever had been cleaning the entrance.
As one continues to venture down the seemingly never-ending tunnel,
the main tunnel begins to branch off in all directions while the main tunnel continues in a forward direction,
with a slightly noticeable downward sloping beginning to occur.
Twisting around a final column, the tunnel lets out into a cavern that feels
cathedral-like in space.
It is a space that spreads out in all directions, the jagged walls in the distance
smooth except for pockmarks showing the telltale signs of
more tunnels that leads to other locations.
Life bustles here moreso than outside, and it is strangely balmy here.
After careful observation, one would notice large pools of steaming water near
the center of the cavern near an outcropping of rock that
extended out above the water.
Near this overlook looms a wooden totem pole consisting of a dragon, owl and a cave bear.
The totems of the Tribe stand watch here with an unflinching gaze.
Above the totems, the outcropping looms like a shadow, and upon
it stands a figure of monstrous size.
The Queen of these people.
She watches all from her perch of stone, her makeshift throne of
stone, ice and pelts of uncountable proportions.
Nothing here misses her sky eyes.
To the left of the "throne" and off for several hundred the hot springs water runs,
before it disappears into the rock wall through the gaping maw of an opening.
Steam pools from it like a beast's own breath and no one dares venture
close for fear of being swallowed by the waters and the pulled to Hel.
Not far from this boiling stream is a dark tunnel that leads downward into the earth
where no light seems to reach.
This is the entrance to Uppsala, the home of the Priestesses and their
worldly duties to the spiritual wellbeing of the Tribe.
Above it, a bear skull has been mounted, one of incredible size, with a
single rune painted on it's domed head in what could very well be blood.
It is a warning to leave "yourself" here.
If you were to continue past this tunnel, not entering any tunnels that likely lead
to family dwellings or other secret places, you would soon find yourself going
upward a bit, and notice that the world seems to gleam with light once
more from holes in the walls.
Many not-so-established families make their dwelling here.
Some have created lean-tos of hides and wood, others have even taken to building
igloo-like structures for a bit of privacy from the bustling lives of
those around them.
To the right of the "throne", the rest of the cavern stretches out like a
lazy cat, sweeping long ways.
A gaping hole above allows light to filter in, as well as providing an
entrance to flying Tribe members who know it's there.
The Tribe and it's many members have laid out shops on stalls or
on cloth and hide to sell their creations to the rest of the population.
Rarely, particularly in the spring and summer months, outside
Traders may even be found to be hawking their wares.
Further past those who are buying, there is a stone and wood stage that has been crafted.
At times, this stage is used to sell prisoners to the Tribe
as Thralls, but most other times beautiful music can be heard.
Singing and dancing occurs often on this stage, particularly at
night and during the festivals.
Not far from here, large pots and gourds full of fermented vegetation
and fruit has created a potent drink to inebriate the senses.
This area is known as the Hub.
Those who have returned from their travels or are looking for an
exciting evening full of laughter and amusements gather here.
When the mead flows, lips become loose and tell stories of the
times of War that have happened, or perhaps legends of the battles
and travels of the Gods and Goddesses in their times upon the world.
