Whether you have traveled by foot or by other means, your journey brings you to a path. The wooded areas on each side break away to reveal a narrow, winding passage to a magnificent castle. Perched high atop a rocky hill lies a tall, majestic structure. At the end of the lane stands the welcoming gates leading to what can only be called a beautiful fortress. Although out of sight, if given the right time of day, you could hear the ocean waves lapping against the cliff shores along the other side. Salt from the waters can be smelled on the air mingling with the grass and earthy scents that accompany the forest. Every tree among the woodland has a story to tell. The scenes that each have seen play out. The changes that time has brought to the land. The quests for adventure, intrigue, magic and families and travelers alike that strive to find a place to call "home." The forest itself holds many mysteries and magics untold. Creatures populate much of the forest. Perhaps you may even cross one on your visit. It is a magical place indeed of relative peace and contentment, where all races of individuals are welcome. Any with good intentions shall never be turned away, whether they be human, fairy, dragon, elf, vampire or another unnamed being. For many years such folk have met at this Enchanted Castle. They have forged friendships, experienced ventures together, loved, fought and lived happily in this magical place. Until one day...

A few years ago, the castle began to change. Subtly at first. It probably began around the area once known as the pool. Despite the warming of the spring having started, the freezing began. The waters of the pool froze completely solid. And then it spread. Frost kissed the garden and everything in it. A deep cold seeped into the very walls of the castle, putting everything, and everyone who happened to be so unfortunate to be caught in it's unrelenting grasp, into a cold slumber. The freezing vines of ice clung to the gates of the castle, locking them tightly to any on the other side.

Those trapped outside the castle could only hope their friends trapped inside had escaped in time. But what of their home? Not even fiery dragon's breath could permeate the spell-bound ice. They had no choice but to move on, remembering the castle as it was, and missing their friends and their home. One man stayed behind. He checked the ice and frozen gates daily, looking and hoping for any change. Because of the nature of the ice, he surmised that it must be magical in nature, but it's origin was a puzzling mystery. There was little change for two entire years. Until one day, just as spring was begging to return, he noticed something different -- an extremely small puddle of water had gathered at the base of the gate. He watched and waited and hoped and waited, and yes, the puddle grew. The ice began to melt until suddenly, everything was dripping with water.

The sun was high in the sky when finally the man was able to push the gate open enough to once more step foot into the castle. He rushed into the entrance and was astounded to see that there were LIVE people looking as surprised as he was. They had no idea why they were completely soaked! Apparently they remembered nothing about the freezing and they were not aware of time passing.

Soon things were dryer, but the freeze had left the castle a little different than it was before. Much of the melting water flowed back to the pool, overflowing it and creating a lake. The garden bloomed brighter, and the water cut a larger, clearer path from to the beach and the ocean. There was some structural damage though. Some rooms seemed unharmed, but others could scarcely be saved. There was much rebuilding to be done.

Who could say how many would find their way back to the castle again? How many were gone, never to return? Would bards ever again sing about the wonderful, mystical castle? Would people ever again have the courage to befriend another without the fear of losing years trapped in a frozen spell? Who would call the Enchanted Castle their home?