3. ROBE FROM THE BONE FOREST: IRUSAQ,

15^TH CENTURY POST IMPERIUM

The Bone Forest in the high Northern alps of Irusaq is the source of all blue dyestuffs. This is a colour highly prized for its beauty and mystical properties, and is therefore in much demand. The Blue Forest community has kept the secret of the dyes for centuries, and their whereabouts are virtually unknown except for a few Traders. They can only be reached by travelling through a circuitous and extremely dangerous maze – once through, there is no return. Young girls chosen and dedicated as infants, are taught a song which will enable them to traverse the maze, and on the edge of puberty they enter the secret community to be taught the secrets of the blue dye. The dye is dedicated to the moon, whose image is seen on the Robe. This image is always seen as muzzled, symbol of the necessity to keep the secrets of the dye within the Blue Forest. Only a very select few Traders are permitted to contact the dyers and bring the dye into the world for general use.