[Location] Imaden's Glory Cafeteria

[Fish Stick]

Following the south-eastern path from the Entrance Hall, students find themselves emerging outside into a wide, semi-covered area - the "Imaden's Glory" Cafeteria. It is the only part of the campus bar the grounds themselves, which open onto grass and sunlight, and it is not hard to see why it was so named. Indeed, the beauty of Imaden's perpetual springtime is reflected in the wondrous, bright design that is the cafeteria.

Keeping in the same airy theme as most of the campus itself, the cafeteria strives to allow as much light and warmth to the students as possible. Gone are the days of the dark, formal dining halls, except for the grand one used for ceremonial purposes in the north corner of the School. Imaden's Glory is a new type of architecture; There is only one wall and that is the massive stone body of the School itself. Stretched out over the top of a little less than half the area is a lattice of timber, that provides some shade from the suns and a limited amount of protection from the rain. The rest of the area is open for all who wish to dine and chatter "outside".

A thick stretch of tastefully-chosen trees, shrubs and flowers mark the boundaries rather than walls, and while the exterior is still inaccessible apart from hacking through, it is low enough to enable a view of the rest of the town. The green edges of the cafeteria are pruned constantly by a professional horticulturalist; one of the best in his field, he pays special attention to even the slightest needs of his beautiful garden. Underfoot is a lush, rolling carpet of well-kept grass that feels soft and springy to the touch.

At the entrance of the cafeteria itself is a low, round rotunda on which various trays of food are displayed. This varies from day to day, but with the spread of fare on offer it is likely that a student will get at least something of his wishing. The rotunda itself is staffed by a pair of round, portly women garbed in white aprons and armed to the teeth with tongs, ladles and spatulas. It is mounted on a wooden platform, so that it rises a little higher than the rest of the cafeteria. The platform stretches about a meter and a half from the structure, giving students ample room to stand while selecting their meal.

Around the area are about one hundred round tables with six small chairs apiece; also there are low, flat benches near the boundaries if students so wish to sit there. Many prefer to stand, as the cafeteria is such an animated hive of activity and casual friendliness it is often that one will spot a friend on the other side of the area. Rarely are there people sitting alone, as there is little feeling of despondence or loneliness in the active meeting place of the School. Indeed, it has been known for some Faculty Heads themselves to make their way down to the Imaden's Glory and socialize with the students.

Originally written by Tatercake