Places
Lysa's Keep
Lysa's Keep is a kingdom believed to lie beyond the sun. It is said to appear to people who have been travelling far, or to those who are lost, and it urges the observer to continue walking. The keep is held to be the residence of Lysa, a benevolent sun spirit.
Description
The keep appears on the distant horizon and becomes clearer as the sun sets. Accounts describe a magnificent castle, sprawling gardens, incredible feasts, and the promise of riches: a paradise in which to retire and live out one's days without suffering.
Golden feasts, riches and wine,
bartizans kissing the sky.
Evergreen gardens, blossoms undying.
Tears and woe must also cry.
It is said that if the keep is seen and chased just as the sun sets, as the last beams lay their light upon the land, the observer will find themselves upon a set of stairs leading up to the keep. Looking back, they see the sun, and no means of returning to The Far Country.
Significance
Many people go looking for Lysa's Keep, drawn by the castle, the feasts, the riches, and the gardens.
The keep is more commonly reported by lonely travellers at their wits' end. They see it and feel revitalised, and find their way back home with their last strength.
Your heart with rigor must carry on.
The trek must yield at end of day.
Your place awaits at Lysa's keep,
the setting sun will guide the way.
Lysa
Lysa is a benevolent sun spirit, and the keep is where she is believed to reside. Lysa breaks the dark seasons. Sunstorms are believed to be Lysa dancing across the sky.