by Jardet Forsill


When discussing the Secret Garden of Hydlaa, the inevitable questions regarding it arise: who built it? Why? Can one explain the purpose of the pool, the walls, the tower? Hydlaans are by nature an inquisitive lot. As the self-appointed caretaker of the Secret Garden serving in an unofficial capacity, this author does not have all the answers. I am just a simple priest of nature. But it is hoped that through this text, what is known of the Garden can be shared.

In regards to the ones who developed it - one must hesitate to use the word "built" because how do you build a flower, or a patch of grass? Do not all these things spring from mother nature? - it is somewhat common knowledge that the Dermorians developed the garden, constructed the pool around the spring, and transmuted the walls. They did so not as a means of preserving their heritage, but merely as a response to the hectic city life of Hydlaa. All too often people spend their entire day ringing hammers off anvils at the smithy or sticking their nose in a book and practising a spell they just learned from this or that Way. In the garden, one can simply sit and relax, enjoying the beauty that surrounds them, without any fear of interruption. Elves find this concept more important than other races, but all are welcome.

The reasoning behind the Secret Garden’s position is sometimes disputed. The most common theory is that the founding Dermorians wanted to utilize the natural spring, for had they not, it would surely be exploited and introduced into the common Hydlaa water supply that includes the main fountains. The spring’s water is thought to have curative properties: this claim has yet to be confirmed or denied, because the only studies that have been done are empirical ones. The ones who drink from the fountain are the ones who study it, and they can draw no conclusions because they have never been sick to begin with. It could well be that the spring water is keeping the drinkers healthy, but no experimentation by ceasing to drink the pool water has ever been undertaken. Other theorists speculate that the Garden’s position was chosen for its relatively high ground, and thus its proximity to the Azure Sun, without getting artificially close by building a tall tower. It is this proximity that not only fosters good vegetative growth but also an increased magical presence. Personally, this author thinks it could be both: after all, could it not be that the closeness to the Crystal imbues the spring with magic? The answer may never be revealed.

As previously stated, the walls were transmuted by the Dermorians as well, using a magical camouflage technique they adapted while travelling in the Stone Labyrinths. These walls allow a view of the surrounding area to not only prepare for defense against invaders or dangerous encroaching wildlife, but also to give the visitor a sense of contrast between the busy life outside and the tranquillity within. The guard tower is a more recent addition: one of the old captains of the guard thought that more visible military presence was required in the eastern part of Hydlaa. While it is an unfortunate affront to the peaceful atmosphere, the guards have learned not to disturb the visitors. It is not difficult to grow accustomed to their presence, however.

There may yet be other secrets to the Secret Garden. The best way to uncover them, of course, is to visit it yourself. Stay a while. Meditate. Perhaps something will reveal itself to you, and perhaps not, but you will find peace there.