The Golden Garden

There once was a place some would call paradise among the buildings nestled behind the merchant's busy tables and stands in the city of Atalan. It was alight with life, especially at night, and seemed to illuminate the cobbled street before it's entrance. This paradise seemed to attract more of a noble sort then not, but catered to all who can meet it's dress code, or those who rise above it. Like exotic birds, they flocked to The Golden Garden in full plume, fragrance on their necks and a smile on their lips looking for the company of a stranger or, in some cases, an old friend. Some nights, perhaps accompanied by a full moon, lines form at early evening and stay till the proper morning hours.

Once inside the simple elegant facade of the exterior gave way to supple accommodations, tapestries of quality, and an overall lavish warmth. The smells of incense and fragrance would float by your nostrils and the relaxed, posh atmosphere aimed to please. Upon entry there was a counter and a clerk often with a rolled cigar in her mouth. "Weapons," she would say, thumbing to a sign above her with a sword and a circle and cross through it. Curtains would then be held apart for you as you entered the main room, decorated by stone statues and dark toned tapestries. All of the decor was either a deep red, black, or rich gold and of great quality. The waiting room featured four long, plush couches of burgundy.

Throughout the establishment, guards in formal, elegant but clearly functional armor stood stoically, keeping watch for trouble makers as they stood, almost completely motionless, their armor or clothing designed to make them blend in with the decor, like pieces of furniture. They were all friendly, in their own way, but never spoke for long before suggesting that others within would rather speak with them. If trouble arised, they dealt with it in an efficient, quick and effective manner.

Several interlocking rooms, all themed similarly, accommodated guests of all kinds and gave one the feeling of an open environment. Plants decorated the walls and even a fountain marked the center of the three rooms, the elegant arrangement of statues and a small water-garden filling the small fountain and pond with color and life. Plush pillows and chairs could be found throughout this section with an occasional smoking pipe left on the tables of polished wood. One rarely went unattended here, even in the waiting room.

The tables within the three main rooms bristled with laughing business men and women, nobles, and even a few well-dressed commoners attempting to blend in opposite the smiling faces some of the most fascinating and attractive men and women in the entire city. The women and men came here to feel desired, talk to desirable members of the opposite or same sex, and enjoy the fine foods and drink the establishment offers. If you choose a table there were several procedures to ensure you find what you are looking for. A series of cards was presented to the customer along with a menu. On the menu there is a key for new customers. Red for passion, blue for flirtation, and green for conversation. One then attached the card to the iron loop stand in the middle of the table. The hosts and hostesses would then come to the waiting customer, beginning in the chosen limitations of conversation. These conversations would generally last for as long as there something to talk about - and longer, for the right price. And if the chemistry, and price, was right, one might find him or herself invited into a private room of the back, for a bit of private conversation. It was easy to see how this life could be appealing and equally dangerous to those in the establishment's employ.

In the corner, a small raised stage once sat, almost always occupied by the latest upcoming bard shows, and other entertainments. For a bard looking to break into the noble's courts and make a name for him or herself, the Golden Garden was the ideal starting point, provided you could convince the management to allow you to perform.

Chef Alanzo Betelani prepared a custom menu for nobles, merchants, and people of all kinds with fresh and high quality ingredients and a jolly laugh. It was rare to see someone come in, order a dish, and not partake in the nightlife, but it was not unheard of. One could easily request a brief handshake with the chef and he would oblige with a humble joy, often bowing his head several times at compliments.

The proprietors, a brother and sister team, could often been seen wandering the establishment, giving quiet orders to staff, talking with preferred clientele and nearly anyone else who catches their fancy. Lady Anette could often be seen, fan in hand, gliding between the tables inspecting her clientele and ensuring their stay is both pleasant and lengthy. The woman was young for her stature, near 40, and had an allure that none could deny. She was known to be a legendary hostess in her time, and still carried on long and flirtatious conversations when the mood took her, and the establishment was quiet enough to to allow. She always had a sharp eye for new addition to her hosting staff. Her brother, William, sometimes called "Lord William" to mirror his sister's moniker, was usually found behind the bar, mixing drinks and chatting with the people sitting at his bar, often engaging the entire bar in a single conversation, the sound of laughter often drifting into the rest of the establishment. Occasionally, he had one of the hosts or hostesses cover for him so he could wander the establishment, and meet with a few of his favorite and well-paying female clients. William was the center of many legends and rumors, all of which painted him in a heroic, dashing and friendly light and his clients always left happy and satisfied, without ever leaving the main room.

Alas, the Golden Garden is no more, lost in the destruction of Atalan.