Z'kron Kha'Serith
Well-known member
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| Mnemosyne Former Staff Location: Taralon Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 133 | The Gubernatorial Palace The Governor's Palace, stood in its own parklands at the end of the tree lined boulevard of San George, at the heart of the city of Taralon. Originally the city had been built in a series of concentric circles, intersected by roads and canals. At the centre of the city, in the middle of the Lower District, on an island in the Black River, was the mansion of the King which, after the province had been brought into the Empire, had become the the Governor's Palace and the heart of Imperial Rule in the Province. A bridge constructed entirely of the iron mined from Taralon's Vorgon Mines stretched from the opposite bank of the river closest to the main part of the city, an elaborately crafted though small pathway to the heart of Taralon. It had been wrought by some of the best dwarven artisans in the city, and it was evident from its sturdy engineering and artistic architecture that much love and reverence had gone into its creation. The parkland was surrounded by high wrought-iron railings, tipped with razor sharp spikes, and the perimeter was patrolled heavily. The main gates were an intricate work of art, depicting the battle between a Dragon and a Phoenix, and were also heavily guarded by a group of ten Imperial Guards. Beyond the gate, down a long driveway, one could see the Palace itself, a elegant building of golden Sherian stone, three stories high and fronted by twisting columns and a short stone staircase to the pair of oak doors which served as the palace's formal entrance. The palace's garden in the summer, was truly a sight to behold, with richly fragrant roses and magnificent tulips, daffodils and lilies growing on either side of the Palace's driveway, seeming to salute visitors and newcomers with their jaunty, brightly-coloured heads. The lawn was perfectly mowed in order that its verdant splendour could truly enjoyed without unruly weeds poking their heads through. At one corner of the garden was a charming little gazebo with a golden dome, perfect for summer rendezvous. Once inside, the palace was an opulent residence indeed, richly decorated with brocades, velvets, furs and silks, with gorgeous works of art and tapestries adorning almost every wall. The furniture in the main hall was coordinated to match the province's official colours, with beautiful chairs in dyed cerulean blue upholstery, ornately carved tables of an unusual golden-hued wood, and a magnificent blue and gold carpet dominating the centre of the room. The fire crackled invitingly in the middle of the enormous hearth, releasing an appealing aroma of fragant wood and creating a luxurious warmth in the room. Perfectly-coiffed waitstaff, most notably a rotund woman with ruddy cheeks, slate-grey curls, and a ready (albeit gap-toothed) smile, were scattered at efficient locations around the main floor, dressed in neat blue and gold uniforms. Lady Seraphyna de LaRosa had certainly been busy, for every single position had been filled by worthy applicants, from the lowliest footman (of which there were three to ensure that there would never be a shortage of staff), to Mrs. Dandybrale, the cheerful housekeeper. The Palace, while stately and elegant to the max, certainly did not lack in charm or cosiness, and provided a warm and inviting home for the gubernatorial family. Adapted from the original writeup by GM Kevin, with additions |