"Romantic Ins and Outs of Riverhaven"

by Nymme

Winter is upon us, blizzards are blowing snow to the rooftops, and the temperature is hovering just above the mark where one's nose falls off. I would think that the last thing on any sane person's mind is picnicking! So where has it been said that I was sane? My point is that spring will leap forth from beneath the seemingly never-ending blanket of snow before you know it. Man, woman, child, familiar, and companion alike will soon have the desire to flee the confines of their winter abodes. They will want to brave the billowing flowers and traipse amongst the butterflies, searching for the perfect spot to drop their blankets and rest their winter weary bodies. When that time comes, a picnic in Riverhaven will just fit the bill.

If calm and soothing are what you look for in a picnic spot, the first places that I suggest you consider while perusing the beautiful city of Riverhaven are situated upon the grounds of the Riverhaven Temple. Make your way to the shrine and breathe in the beauty surrounding you. Sitting on the soft carpet of grass under a green canopy, one can eat in quiet respite surrounded by tiny yellow flowers while admiring the exquisite marble statues or while simply staring deeply into your love's eyes. Another very comforting spot to sit and contemplate life, or to have a quiet discussion with friends or family while eating a simple sandwich, is by the small pool that sits just off the pathway. The delicate sounds of the small stream flowing into the pond and the wind chimes singing in the background offer a soothing backdrop to your meal.

If the temple isn't quite the place you had in mind to picnic, but you want to stay within the safety of the city's walls, I suggest heading over to the Academy grounds. As you walk through the gates of the city's intellectual center, your eyes will take in the sight of a huge, magnificent specimen of a cherry tree. During better weather the tree drops a multitude of pink petals on the grass-covered ground, making it appear to be covered in a soft, sweet-smelling cherry carpet. For those of you who do not like to sit upon the ground to eat, this spot offers a selection of low stone benches to rest your weary frame upon. An additional benefit for the bookworms out there: this calm spot offers the distinct advantage of being near Riverhaven's fine library.

If you insist that a picnic just isn't a picnic unless it's out in a wild country setting, 'Haven offers plenty of those to choose from. My first suggestion is out the Gate of Nobles. Head north on the road until you come across a small footpath. Take that footpath and head through the cabins and houses that you see there until you are in the woods of the Northeast Wilds. Deep in these woods you will come across a group of small white stones that encircle a small quiet clearing. The whole setting is very peaceful; the history of the spot will also fill one with wonder. The velvet grass is dotted with a sprinkling of marigolds and offers a wonderful and comfortable spot in which to sit and eat.

Out the East gate, look for the blackthorn grove. Down the trail that leads toward the mausoleum, there is a spot filled with pink flowers that just seems to breed various colorful butterflies. The soft lawn beside this quiet trail is a perfect spot to stop and rest while one dines. The West gate offers quite a few choices, but my favorite is deep in the Pine Woods. Again head past all the dwellings, and look for a clearing that is just past the rocky slope. In this spot you'll find an ice-cold spring that bubbles up to the surface of the land and covers a tiny portion of the emerald green grass with its glistening water. The sound of the spring leaping from the surface and plummeting back to the earth in its never-ending journey to the lake farther down the hill is a soothing backdrop for any quiet, peaceful picnic.

Every area has its own special and beautiful spots to sit and enjoy either a quiet, romantic picnic with your true love or a boisterous and rowdy party with a group of friends. The areas in and about 'Haven that I discussed in this article are simply a small sample of places that I suggest to you. I find them beautiful and enjoyable. Use them as a springboard for places that you and your family and friends find special to you.

Next time, picnicking in the lovely city of Shard! Until then... remember good friends and good food are all the reason you need for a good picnic!