A yard in a shape of a circle is surrounded by sad, dried down trees, long ago have they died and give no sign of life. The ground in the middle is apparently not producing any fresh grass, all that can be found there is a bunch of rocks here and there. There is many barrels laying on the ground, all bearing signs of passed time on them, broken and useless. There is an  air of mystery surrounding the place and a smell so unpleasant no one dares to wander around this place.
the acid yard, Outside Castle
a scribe constantly writing
chef
I am a chef who was born to a whore. I make the finest dishes for the king. I am respected for how I keep order in the castle kitchen.
Since we have no vegetables, I have to stick to goat for the king Alright, sounds good. What's wrong with all these trees? They look dead.  All we know is what was in those barrels caused this misery. I walk among the yard trying to piece the puzzle together Oh no! Has anyone inspected the barrels? This is all so sad.  No one except me is willing to come down here. All I can gather is that they've been here for several years and have withered away over time. What brings you here? Would you like something to eat? The king sends me everywhere to write. Write, write, write day and night. I would love something to eat! I hear you're the best chef around. What's your specialty?  I do know he loves to hear the stories of the land. Thank you, scribe, for the kind words. I take my cooking very seriously and have secreted one of my favorite dishes, a lamb tart that I think you would enjoy. Here! This is amazing! Truly the best I've ever tasted. The king is so lucky to have you cooking for him every day! Why thank you! Tell me, scribe, what news do you have about this place? I don't know. The king sent me here to document what I found. Had he been here? Do you think he has any idea what is going on? I do, I suspect he knows what took place down here but cannot reveal it himself. How others dare not speak about this place and the wretched stench of it is beyond me Have you noticed anything different about the wildlife? I'd like to document that , too. 