Lily Manor

Lily Manor is the permanent structure for Elanthian Elegance, a Meeting Hall Organization based in Wehnimer's Landing. It is located at the Melgorehn's Valley Crossing on the outskirts of the town.

Melgorehn's Valley, Crossing

Large stones peeking out of the river make a bridge here. Silver-sided fish swim about in the water, and crayfish scoot backwards under the rocks. The air is cool, and should it strike your fancy, this place would make a lovely fishing and picnic spot. You also see a shady trail and a gracefully arched gate.

Gates ~ Carved ivory arches loom between the lush green hedges that embrace the manor grounds beyond.  Etched in graceful, looping script across the split of the gate are the letters 'E E'. 

Lily Manor, Courtyard

Immaculately groomed hedges frame the spacious courtyard of an elegant, two-story mist grey manor. Cultivated beds of ivory stargazer lilies line the cobblestone walkway from the base of a gracefully arched gate to the ebonwood doors of the manor. A sweeping expanse of ancient willow trees dots the landscape, their drooping boughs providing shade for several scroll-worked marble benches. A series of granite stepping stones winds around the side of the grounds.

Manor ~ Ebony veins accentuate the pale grey hue of the marble and intricately carved ebonwood doors.  A heavy silver knocker fashioned into a pair of overlapping E's adorns each door, with narrow silver handles beneath.  Arched windows frame the gilded entry and dot the manor in various places, their reflective surfaces providing a brief glimpse within the structure.

Doors ~ Intricately carved tracery of random flourishes adorns the surface of the ebonwood.  The cobblestone walkway widens just at the entrance and a heavy silver knocker fashioned into a pair of overlapping E's adorns each door, just above the narrow silver handles.

Benches ~ A mist grey marble seat perches upon thick, squat legs scored by deeply carved grooves to form clawed feet.  Graceful ivory scrollwork adorns the edges of the bench as a subtle embellishment.

Lily Manor, A Walled Garden

Shaded by modwir trees, a series of granite stepping stones leads into the garden, following the gently curving pathway of a gurgling stream. Sparkling with reflected sunlight, the water trickles past clumps of verdant moss and wild orchids to disappear under an ivy-covered stone wall. Terraced beds lush with foliage in varying shades of green edge the walls. A seating area with polished ironwood benches is positioned near a mistwood-framed tea room with a multi-paneled double door. You also see a slender engraved silver receptacle.

Trees ~ Sweeping branches spiral around the trunks of the modwir trees, each one arching gracefully upwards as if reaching for the sky.  Clumps of soft, verdant green needles provide a splash of bright color against the scaly grey bark, while streaks of white, gummy resin dot the surface.

Stream ~ Multicolored stones line the bed of the stream, their surfaces worn smooth by the subtle current of the crystalline water.  Small, silvery fish dart among the shadows, occasionally nibbling at the stray piece of moss floating past.

Orchids ~ You notice a particularly beautiful orchid and carefully pluck it from the ground.

Wall ~ Though the carving is eroded from exposure to the elements, a pattern of scrolling E's is visible beneath the twining ivy covering the stone wall.

Benches ~ Crafted from solid pieces of ironwood and polished to a lustrous shine, the benches are carved with riots of tiny blossoming flowers, unfurling leaves, and bumbling bees.

Receptacle ~The wide opening of the receptacle tapers down to a slender base supported by three clawed feet.  The center of the exterior of the can is engraved with the image of a stargazer lily in full bloom.

Lily Manor, Tea Room

A quartet of arched vaalin windows affords a generous view of the outdoor garden. Swathes of plum charmeuse frame each window in billowing pools of silk, the curtains caught and held in place by creamy enamel stargazer lilies. Glass teardrop vases frame the cozy room, providing a sense of symmetrical order amidst the simplistic furnishings. An arrangement of high-backed mahogany chairs circle a low mistwood table, while an elaborate mistwood teacart rests in waiting against a patterned wall.

Vases ~ Each vase boasts a fresh-cut variety of herbs and flowers, providing both an aesthetic beauty and aromatic bouquet.

Chairs ~ Filigree carvings of birds perched amongst flowering branches create the backs of each chair and enhance the natural canvas of the outdoor gardens.  Plum brushed suede cushions line each seat and promise unspoken comfort.

Tables ~ Place settings consisting of unadorned silver plates and utensils line the table on either side, framing a narrow ivory linen runner.  A stack of dainty napkins is positioned every third place setting.

Teacart ~ On the mistwood teacart you see a buttercream nougat, a milky pink lily petal, some honeyed orange blossom tea, some fragrant white peony tea, a cup of chamomile tea, a warm black olive, a thin watercress sandwich and a wedge of pale yellow cheese.

Lily Manor, Foyer

An ebony-edged plum carpet runner extends across the grey marble flooring to the base of a grand staircase. Sunlight streams through the arched windows framing the doors, casting shafts of light against the unlit silver sconces that adorn the varnished ebonwood walls enclosing the foyer. An expansive multi-hued tapestry serves as a backdrop to some ivory silk-covered chairs, and a linen-covered table rests near a tall archway to the west. You also see a uniform-clad tall blonde chambermaid.

Staircase ~ Polished silver handrails frame the large staircase to guide anyone traversing its length.  The silver-swept grey marble steps and thick runner of plum carpeting running the length of the stairs are immaculately clean.

Tapestry ~ Woven in colorful thread, the linen tapestry bears a garden vignette bordered by orchid blossoms.  Couples of thirteen Elanthian races inhabit the scene, each depicted in their traditional garb.  Posing gracefully, an elven couple wears gold marbled silk and a human male standing nearby dons swan-crested full plate armor.  Positioned near a silvery tree, a sylvan pair kneels in green chainsil bliauts, while dark elves recline in crimson and grey robes.  Ebon script meanders along the lower edge.
There appears to be something written on it.
In the Common language, it reads:
The essence of beauty is understanding.

Chairs ~ Subtle embroidery adorns the ivory silk upholstery and plump cushions of each claw-footed ebonwood chair.  A three-inch skirt of double-layer ivory silk edged with ebony knotwork drapes over the legs, and gilded scrollwork edges each tall chairback.

Table ~ Ivory linen cloth draped over the rounded table almost obscures the elaborately wrought silver base fashioned to resemble lily petals.  Serving as a centerpiece, a tall crystal vase of fresh stargazer lilies rests within a circular opening in the middle of an engraved silver platter.

On the silver platter you see a buttercream nougat, some honeyed orange blossom tea and a thin watercress sandwich.

Chambermaid ~ The youthful human girl has dark blonde hair carefully styled into a neat bun at the base of her neck.  Her uniform is spotless and features a pristine white cotton blouse with capped sleeves, and a pleated black skirt of linen which falls to just below her knees.  Clean black leather shoes and an apron complete the look.  She has a small ivory-carved lily pin attached to her blouse.

Glancing out a nearby window, the chambermaid suddenly gives a tiny squeal of delight before regaining her composure.  With a slight blush, she clears her throat and flashes a bright smile as a member of the manor enters the foyer and nods in recognition before proceeding up the staircase.  Her eyes follow the departing member up the stairs as she nervously straightens her outfit.

Archway ~ Sheer drapes of silver gossamer with an under layer of plum silk are pulled and caught at the sides of the arch with plum cording.  Set to the left of the entryway, a glass-encased sign perched at an angle upon a carved ebonwood post reads "Museum of Fashion History ~ Open to the public".

Lily Manor, Ballroom

Elongated abalone-framed windows line the pale maple walls of this spacious ballroom, their surfaces etched with plumes of floral-accented tracery. Ornate glass-beaded candle fixtures are suspended at even intervals across the barrel-vaulted ceiling, bathing the room below in a warm, soothing lambency. An artful mosaic of opaline moonstone tiles forms a stylized stargazer lily that blossoms at the center of the stark ivory marble floor. You also see a three-tiered vaalin serving cart with some stuff on it and several high-backed chairs.

Cart ~ Pale, gleaming vaalin comprises the frame of the polished serving cart, which is fitted with a trio of glass shelves.  The face of each tier has been wrought into an openworked hoop that symmetrically tapers into decorative loops and ringlets on either side.  A faceted crystalline bead has been dropped from the highest point of the circlets for an added touch of elegance.

On the vaalin serving cart you see a glass of aged merlot, a round of white goat cheese, a milky pink lily petal, a warm black olive, a slim flute of peach-infused champagne and some fragrant white peony tea.

Chairs ~ Simple in design, the upholstery of the chair consists of a plush cushion covered in pale silver silk with subtle embroidery in a translucent pattern.  The high back features leaf-shaped cutouts along the length with gilded edges.

Lily Manor, Event Hall

Accompanied by the subtle scent of lemon oil, the burgundy-draped hall is attended by a dozen neatly arranged round oaken tables. Matching chairs surround each one, providing comfortable seating from which to observe a raised maple stage at the west end of the hall. Dulcet lighting emanates from four sets of candelabra suspended from the dome ceiling, casting soft shadows on the pale gold carpet. A modest selection of refreshments rests upon a hazelwood sidetable.

Tables ~ Crafted from the finest quality quartered white oak, each of the tables is richly lacquered to preserve their antique finish.  A delicate combination of tooled vines and beveled edges adorn their surface, while four supports carved in the image of rearing winged stallions bridge each tabletop to its claw footed base.  At the center of each one, a fluted crystal vase houses a delicate stargazer lily.

Stage ~ Rising three feet off the pale gold carpeting, the stage sits convex to the western wall of the hall.  Framed by burgundy drapery, the finely textured and straight grained maple of the scaffold is of a pale, nearly white hue.  The front facing of the platform has been treated with a light brown veneer of olivewood, upon the center of which is painted a cerulean stargazer lily.  The same stargazer lily reappears, emblazoned on an ivory-hued curtain which runs along the wall behind the stage.

Ceiling ~ A panoramic wash of blues and greys sweep across the vaulted dome in a cyclical representation of the Elanthian sky from dusk to dawn, and back again.  Fingers of sable stretch towards the heavens in supplication, creating the illusion of a surrounding forest.  Embedded in the deep indigo of midnight, tiny pinpoints of reflected light from crystal shards surround the crimson-veined Lornon moon in constellations, while opposite, the ivory disk of Liabo gleams in the sun-streaked cerulean of day.

Sidetable ~ On the hazelwood sidetable you see a round of white goat cheese, a wedge of pale yellow cheese, a slim flute of peach-infused champagne, some gilt-hued chardonnay and a glass of aged merlot.

Lily Manor, The Gilded Hall

Framed arches leading out to a large staircase give way to tall, blonde mistwood walls, each one rimmed with fragrant rosewood in a complex band of knotwork inlay. Matching tone-on-tone designs echo in the sprawling velvety rug covering the floor and a rectangular table of solid sandstone occupies the majority of the hall. Some high-backed ivory brocade chairs edge the table, lit from above with an ornate gold chandelier. Set against one wall is a long sideboard with some etched electrum trays.

Walls ~ Hemmed with thin golden fringe, a large ivory silk wall hanging adorns the far north wall.  The hanging is embroidered with a detailed portrait of a Nalfein elven woman, her aristocratic visage partially concealed by an ebony fan painted with a jade rose.  The words "Lady Lysistrata Scio, honored for her contributions to Elanthian Elegance" are embroidered in elegant script beneath the portrait.  Cleverly concealed behind the hanging is a mahogany door.

Table ~ Carved from a single, massive piece of sandstone, the imposing size of the table ensures that many may be comfortably seated around it.  Tinted with barely visible shots of pale pink, the creamy hue of the table blends smoothly with the warm tones of the room around it.  Protected under a layer of glass that covers the entire surface is an electrum-gilded design set in the center of the table, displaying a stylized stargazer lily silhouetted against a crescent moon.

Chandelier ~ The many gracefully curving golden limbs of the chandelier are reminiscent of a giant stylized lily suspended upside down from the ceiling.  Clear, carved crystals dangle beneath each electrum-mounted candle, lending the occasional musical chime to the atmosphere.

Trays ~ On the electrum trays you see a round of white goat cheese, a warm black olive, a thin watercress sandwich, some fragrant white peony tea, a cup of chamomile tea, some honeyed orange blossom tea and a milky pink lily petal.

Lily Manor, Private Office

Flickering light from an oil lamp on the richly varnished mahogany desk lends a warm glow to the elegant, yet simple furnishings. Serving as a focal point in the moderately-sized room, the desk rests upon an oval area rug of butter cream silk that almost completely obscures the flooring. Dappled moonlight shines through a single arched window to further dispel shadows upon the unadorned mistwood walls. A mahogany curio draped with a burgundy linen runner graces the eastern wall. You also see a petite silk-upholstered chair and an elaborate mahogany door. Obvious exits: none

Desk ~ A collection of scrolls sketched with various clothing designs are strewn haphazardly over the surface of the desk.  A frayed swan feather quill rests within a tall silver inkwell set to one side, and a hammered silver box marked "Needs Attention" cradles several papers and receipts.  Formed of sparkling crystal etched with plumes of floral tracery, a large oil lamp occupies the right side of the desk.

Rug ~ Burgundy knotwork edges the large rug, complementing the buttercream-hued silk surface.  Embroidery in the same hue as the silk adorns the center of the rug, forming the image of a pair of overlapping E's in large, swirling script that blends in with the fabric almost seamlessly.

Curio ~
Resting atop the curio is a silver-framed portrait of three human children and their father.  The oldest of the children is a teenage girl with curly, chestnut locks and a mischievous expression.  At her side are twin boys; one of them smirking as he tucks his wavy, dark brown hair behind his ears, while the other is grinning and looking up at his father with bright blue eyes.  The broad-shouldered man stands smiling behind them, one hand resting upon a large modwir tree as he gazes fondly at the children.