[Gubernatorial Palace] Audience Chamber

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Gubernatorial Palace

The new Gubernatorial Palace was built on the same site as the old Mansion, and rose majestically above the city around it. It was placed on the hill in the center of Mystique, surrounded by the houses of the rich, such as were left, and surrounded by elegant gardens and a tall granite wall sheathed in white marble. Like the wall, the Palace itself was of white marble, threaded with the blue fire of Crystallium. Already it was a symbol of pride to the people of Lauryl, for it was visible from afar as a tongue of silver blue fire, atop a city that was beginning to gleam once more.

The Palace serves both as the official seat of the Governor, and their private residence, and has been remodeled with this in mind. There are two entrances, one large, public entrance with high gates wrought of a strong black metal, and guarded by grim looking men and women bearing the Red and Gold of Lauryl, as well at the Provincial Crest on their tabards. During the day they stand open, to let petitioners and officials in, though the Guards note down every person who enters.

On passing through the gates, the petitioner passes along a road paved in white stone, that winds its way through the generous gardens that surround the Palace itself, and up the hill towards the front door of the grand building. Although the Lylles Residence itself did not survive the Phaelon, the Druids were able to save the mature oaks, and other trees native to the Province that stand dotted around soft green lawns, and fine looking flowerbeds. A close observer would note that many of these flowers are not at all expensive, but flowers grown by every gardener in the Province. A nod to the expense of raising a such a grand seat of government, or just a sign of less pompous tastes, it is hard to say. The road reaches the plateau at the top of the hill, and leads to a fountain which stands before the Gubernatorial Palace. Guards occasionally patrol the Gardens, to prevent loiterers, but Petitioners can pass freely up to the Palace. Double doors, plain but being prepped for carving, are the last barrier between the petitioner and the Palace itself.

Entering the mansion, the visitor is led into a grand entrance hall. A staircase led from the center of the hall, finally splitting into two and curving around the walls. These two staircases eventually joined onto an overhead balcony. At least five doors were present upon the ground floor, four of these being visible at first glance and the last one being obscured from view by the staircase, there are more doors above. Two sets of doors on the ground floor are exceptionally well carved out of good oak, one depicts a scene from the Triance, and the other a scene from Mystiques history.

The ones on the left are propped open, and lead to the Long Gallery, where a constant stream of Government officials and petitioners seem to be heading to, or leaving from. The Long Gallery itself is bare, though it is obviously intended to hold portraits and paintings, being exceptionally well lit by the large windows on the left hand side. On the left are seven or eight doors, each connecting to a suite of offices dedicated to a section of the Provincial Government, each one labeled with a gold plaque. Some doors are shut, as the position associated with it lies vacant, but others open onto yet more corridors, with small rooms and waiting areas associated with each one. The officials here deal with only Provincial matters, and those wishing to see someone from the Aediles office, or to conduct matters relating to Mystique alone are directed to the Thanal Offices.

At the very end of the Gallery, another large door is propped open, and leads to the atrium to the Governor's Audience Chamber and Office. The Atrium is small, and has uncomfortable looking stone benches lining the walls. Two more double doors open up into the large and airy Audience Chamber. This is the room where the Governor meets with the Provincial Cabinet, nobles, and takes care of official public business. A small dais at the back of the hall holds a long table, and a high back chair for each of her trusted advisors or underlings. The rest of the hall is filled with stall seating, more expensive and comfortable seating at the front being reserved for dignitaries, visiting or local. Doors off the audience chamber lead to the Governors private office suite (which is also connected to the Long Gallery), and the Governor's Library, full of books saved from the Phaelon by dedicated citizens.

Write Up from Andavariel