Aspenguard
The inner ring of the Aspenshield forms the Aspenguard and it is where the majority of the crystal spires reside. The bridges high above the ground connect the spires and cast long shadows across the area. A number of parks, pools, and houses fill in the space and it sees plenty of activity, though not as much as the Aspenwall.
The posh restaurant, The Sapphire Plate can be found here, as well as the amphitheater of Aspenshield – The Queen’s Favour. Two temples are located on the west and east side of the ring, honouring Zayphos and Lyradell respectively.
The Celestica, a temple to Zayphos, is an original building from the days of the Avariel and the temple has maintained its celestial beauty. Even with its unearthly beauty, it is less visited than its cousin on the other side. Mistral Aurelei is a High Elf of extraordinary beauty and elegance, and she stands tall and proud. She is responsible for reciting and replaying the history of the Avariel and the Elves in their early days, but as time goes by fewer Elves seem interested. She never seems outwardly discouraged but during moments of introspection she can become uncharacteristically sullen for brief periods of time.
Honour’s Soul is the more popular of the two temples in Aspenshield, favouring Lyradell. It is run by Grace Lord Silaret Moonshadow, a High-Elf of great charisma, grace, and humility. He represents his people well, and is a favourite amongst Lyradell’s priesthood. He also is shown great favour by the Crystal Queen and the two have been known to spend time in meditation or solemnity. The popularity of this temple requires more adherents to ensure it is run smoothly and many pious Elves serve by Silaret’s side.
The remaining five buildings associated with the Six-Spire Mines are housed within the Aspenguard. Each of the buildings, including the mine in the Aspenwall, are connected with sturdy branch, leaf, and vine bridges that rise high above the ground, including a bridge that connects to the Moonstone Halls. Each crystal spire has a specialized function and order in which they occur. The first spire is called simply The Crystal Spire and is the only one in the Aspenwall. The Sorting Spire leads to the Refinement Spire, then to the Cutting Spire, over to the Enchantment Spire, and finally ending at the Repository. There is also a bridge from the Enchantment Spire over to the Moonstone Halls, for sake of ease. These spires were originally part of the Avariel city before it was brought down to Starhelm and they retain their celestial power and magic, albeit slightly lessened. These form the central economy of Aspenshield, and also serve the Crystal Queen as a base of personal power. Any attack, defacement, or danger that comes to these spires incurs the wrath of the Crystal Queen who deals with the perpetrator decisively and quickly.
The Sapphire Plate is a very high-end restaurant that caters to nobles, visiting dignitaries, and the wealthy. It’s chef and proprietor, Sallia Erewaith is a High-Elf noblewoman that is fascinated with food. She experiments often with different tastes, ingredients, and presentation, and she is fond of getting in delicacies from outside Aspenshield. She frequents the market and is well-known to many traveling merchants who deal in such wares. She has been called to cater the Crystal Queen a number of times and has never disappointed her. Sallia has been known to get hunters, trackers, or adventurers to procure some rare ingredients for her and is willing to pay handsomely. She is located close to Aspenshade, near the Pool of Tolos, and her restaurant is on a pleasant hillock that provides a nice few of the city.
The Queen’s Favour is the premiere location for art, entertainment, and culture. It is maintained by Gracent Whisperwind, brother to Larence of the The Twice-Cut Emerald. He heads up a staff of Elves, Gnomes, and a few Genasi who put on plays, dances, art shows, concerts, and orations. The Queen’s Favour sits on a high ridge that has a great view of the Crystal Palace and much of the city. It is an open forum, with a roof supported by exquisitely carved pillars. When there is a performance there, the weather never affects the area, thanks to the grace of the Queen.
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