Once, in ancient times, the land was plagued by shadows, and the people cried out for succour. By providence, there arose a noble champion — who bore the surname Crown — tempered by ancient magic and blessed by Nyneve herself.

The Fellowship Forged In Fire

And it came to pass that this Crown found hidden in the valley the great dragon matriarch, Aerca, whose scales shone like burnished copper. By some wondrous grace, the beast devoured not the champion, but bowed her head in solemn fellowship. Thus was forged a bond of fire and blood, and the legendary lineage of the Crown dragon riders began.

Those Called Shadow-Bane

So, the family rode upon the wings of these great drakes and waged war against the darkness. With their breath of fire, they cleansed the land of shadows. For it was the custom of this house, that whenever a child of the Crowns’ line was born, a dragon egg was placed in the cradle, that the spirit of the rider and the beast might grow together. And when they came of age, they took to the skies as one, their renown echoing across the realm.

The Departure Of The Dragons

But as with all earthly things, this wondrous era came to a close. For there came a time when the last shadow was banished, the land was made safe, and the dragons’ magic grew quiet. Their noble purpose fulfilled, the grand drakes departed into a deep slumber. And so, the age of the dragon riders faded into a memory of fire in the sky — a tale told by firelight by those who still dream of the chivalry of old.

The Prophecy Of Aerca

But some say that the great dragon matriarch Aerca yet sleeps in her secret sanctuary deep beneath the Copper Crown Suite, awaiting the day when a traveler of true and noble heart shall awaken her, and bring magic roaring back to the world.

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Innkeeper’s Note:

Village historians are deeply divided over the origins of the Copper Crown Suite. One faction fiercely claims the little castle belonged to the aristocratic Crown lineage, pointing to stories of 11 different princesses. Another faction argues vehemently that it was built by the Copper clan — simple, hardworking folk who farmed hazelnuts in Yarrow’s fertile soil. While the truth is lost to time, the text above remains a favourite tale of the Crown loyalists.

True romance pours a warm cup of tea and asks you to stay forever.

If your favourite person treasures quiet comforts — dog-eared paperbacks and mossy forest paths — then an intimate proposal might be the perfect grand adventure.

Welcome to your step-by-step guide to asking the biggest question of your life inside the cozy sanctuary of the Hazelnut Inn’s Under Hill Suite.

Step 1: Craft Your Story

In the lore of the Hazelnut Inn, the Under Hill Suite belongs to a certain Mr. Burrows, who is currently away on an adventure. Borrow a page from his book and let a custom journal tell your own fairytale:

• The Book: Find a pocket-sized, green leather notebook. Stain the pages with tea for a touch of whimsy.

• The Title: Write “There and Back Again: Our Story” on the very first page.

• The Content: Fill the pages with your intimate milestones, like your favourite quiet evenings or the rainy days you’ve shared.

• The Finale: On the final page, pen this riddle — or craft your own — across the tea-stained paper:

“Of solid gold, a treasure rare,
I speak of love, but have no air.
In shadow still, I wait a cue,
To hear a whispered word from you.
What am I?”

— anonymous

Step 2: Establish Your Sanctuary

A halfling proposal cannot be rushed. Once you step beneath the tree roots winding through the suite, steep two mugs of soothing tea to savour with your sweetheart.

Step 3: Present Your Riddle

Settle your partner by the hearth, directly beneath the suite’s twisting, ceiling roots. Hand them a blanket, a warm mug, and your handwritten notebook.

Sit close as they read your story and solve the riddle.

Step 4: Bend Your Knee

Once they solve the riddle, reveal your ring and ask your truest love to spend the rest of their days by your side.

In this moment, you have everything you need for a beautiful life together: a dedicated companion, a true story, and a quiet corner to call your own.

Your Proposal Checklist

• The Book: Craft your custom journal ahead of time.

• The One True Ring: Your engagement ring, safely tucked away until the final moment.

• Your Truest Love: The one whose small everyday deeds keep the darkness at bay.

Are you ready to begin your own unexpected journey?

Behold the Copper Crown, where a bridge crosses a quiet moat and leads into a private courtyard garden. Roses bloom beside bubbling water, with a place to sit beneath the open sky and let the world fall away.

Step inside, where timber, stone, and warm light shape a room that feels timeless and enchanted. Above, a tower bedchamber offers a peaceful place to rest, while a deep soaker tub awaits to wash away the dust of the road. Below, a galley stands stocked with food and drink for the evening or tomorrow’s adventures. Tucked away beyond a hidden passage, a quiet reading nook invites you to lose an hour or two among old books.

These spaces come together as one secluded retreat: part castle, part hideaway, and entirely your own for a night or two.