Locations.md

## LOCATIONS

### THE CAVE (home)
Location: Beach alcove, coastal. Originally a submerged sea passage — entirely
accessible only underwater before Kai found it. Kai carved the arch entrance through
the hillside face to create beach-level access and an open view to the ocean. The main
chamber is Kai's work on top of the natural formation. Privacy by geography: difficult
natural access before Kai's modifications. When Raymond first arrived, Kai had carved
only the main space and the berth.
Lighting: Amber LED strips installed by Kai between scenes. In generated images the strips
read as glowing amber veins through the rock walls — Gemini's visual interpretation of how
the LEDs illuminate the stone. The lore is LED strips; the aesthetic appearance is amber veins.
Entrance and approach: Wooden boardwalk runs from the arch threshold out to the beach.
Tidal pool: Single pool mid-main-chamber, left of the boardwalk from the arch. Carved
by Kai specifically for Raymond — not a pre-existing natural feature. The deliberate
creation is significant.
Back passage: Natural geological tunnel extending deeper into the rock — original to the
cave's submerged period. Twin parallel tidal erosion channels run along the floor.
Stalactites. Cool blue ambient light receding into depth. Less frequented; Kai's territory.
Melting Pool: Contained pool at the rear of the main chamber, nestled between smooth rock walls.
Conceived by Raymond and planned as a joint project — Kai completed it alone during
Raymond's absence, apparently unable to wait. Origin predates the archivable record.
Used for dissolution practice — walls prevent molecules from dispersing. Has lost
measurable surface area to vapour (Scenes 20, 23). Not a tidal pool; no tidal access.
Trinket shelf: Carved into the left cave wall at eye level by Kai during the incident recovery
period. Holds Kai's curated stone collection and significant objects (see SHELF INVENTORY).
Berth: Wide smooth stone ledge recessed into the right cave wall. Insulated with
found cloth — salvaged fabric brought in for warmth during cold months.
Canonical visual: Rendered image established Part 15 (08/03/2026). Gold-standard inward
view generated Part 30 — correct main chamber, correct amber from rock veins, boardwalk,
tidal pool, Kai centred. Non-canon crystal formation in back passage area pending removal
in a future render.

### THE SEA CAVE (secondary)
Location: Hidden entrance in a coastal cliff face, only accessible at low tide. Entrance
submerges at high tide, making it effectively secret.
Discovered: Scene 18. Established as a special retreat — "Make it ours."

### THE LAKE
Kai's primary solo habitat for day-to-day living, distinct from the beach alcove. He
dissolves into the lake for hours at a time, mapping the floor, observing the underwater
environment. Findings are stored as potential gifts. Fish have complicated feelings
about him.

Note: shelf inventory details are now maintained in StoryBible/Inventory.md.