The entrance to the room is a carved oak door, scrolled with fantastic beasts from legend, with an aged bronze knocker set into it. Upon entering, I notice that the room is lit only by the flickering glow of a hearth-fire, which, though small, gives off sufficient warmth. It is a fair-sized room, with a high ceiling and rafters. Along the stone walls are bookcases made of rich, dark wood, filled with old and rare books of every size and description. There is a tall window set with stained glass, the colors of which spill upon the floor like a wash of jewels. Ivy grows in the cracks and crevices of the walls, and twines itself around the legs of the antique furniture which is casually and invitingly placed around the room. A haunting melody floats upon the still air of the room, though its source is unknown.
I am in a darkened forest, where the last of the sunlight slants between the tree trunks and falls upon the earth. The trees are huge and ancient; the wind sighs between their boughs and I hear the creaking of their aged limbs. There are many kinds of trees: oak and birch, elm and elder, hawthorne and pine, and a great many others.
The path is winding and overgrown, and can barely glimpsed through the thick woods. One can see that it is used by the occasional traveller - their faded steps can sometimes be found pressed into the dry mud of an earlier season. The path is covered with dead leaves and pine needles, and a wild tangle of green growing things often hampers progress.
I arrive at a large, still lake, whose dark waters mirror the sky perfectly. Even near the shore, I cannot see the bottom, and I know that the depths are deep indeed. The water is cold and bracing to the touch; cupped in my hand, it has crystal-like clarity, and tastes sweet.
The drinking vessel is a two-handled Grecian amphora, made of black stone and etched with silver filigree in a language unknown to me. It looks as though it were used in some woodland ritual, and is still half-full of lake water.
The key is made of bone, probably from a bird or other small forest animal. It is ivory of hue and delicate-looking, but it is very strong. I think that the key opens a cage of some sorts.