The Blooming Court
Standing inside The Blooming Court one can feel nothing but pure awe. The architecture, the gardens, the smell even calls for a moment of respect to the people who created this work of art. It truly stands as a worthy monument to the will of Aellirians.
Purpose / Function
The Blooming Court serves as a monument to Illion's democratic spirit and its role as a leader in Aell. It is the only lavish building that can be found in Illion, with some extreme features such as white marble and golden details in some walls.
One can find all manners of individuals roaming the halls of The Court, but Illion couldn't function without it. It has been integrated into almost every aspect. This is where the newly elected Voices are seated, where the Sovereign consults with his Cabinet for important decisions. This is also where foreign officials are first accepted.
Alterations
While before its destruction, The Court had bedrooms, there are none now. It is used only for day to day work, with offices, hall rooms and the Great Chamber occupying most space. There are also a couple dining chambers, for hosting foreign officials, but they are rarely used, depending on the current Sovereign's policies and processes.
The gardens are occupying the top floor, with benchs and pathways for visitors. The entire building can be seen from the sky, up to a high distance via skyship.
Architecture
Initially The Court resembled more of a triple tiered palace, with gardens covering the bottom and top floors.
After being rebuilt, it now consists of four floors and has the shape of a three-petal flower, with each petal consisting of one wing. On the ground floor, lies the administration of Illion, where various decisions are being made every day, each wing separated further into rooms and offices. On the second floor, the offices of the members of The Voice Of The People, the Sovereign and their Cabinet stand, where citizens can visit with them. They are also separated by wing, with the central wing belonging almost entirely to the Sovereign, their Cabinet and other related individuals. Climbing the stairs one can find the chamber where The Voice Of The People gathers and legislates and which occupies almost the entire floor with the exception of some rooms used for storage or waiting. Finally the fourth floor is where luxurious gardens lie, being used as a resting place, one where one can recuperate from the day's proceedings. It extends over the wings, unifying them as a huge garden.
Defenses
The Blooming Court stands in the middle of Azalea, following the rebuilt of the city allowing itself to be seen from every point in the city. It is guarded by a pair of White Knights, usually ones still in training as there has been no attack against anyone in its halls for hundreds of years.
History
The Blooming Court was created shortly after the fall of Aurelia and the rise of Illion. Since Illion was first governed by Alexander Backstrom, it was decided to honor the traditions of the old country and built a palace worthy of the legends, one that commanded respect. Many rulers stayed in the palace until Princess Nataleigh turned things around and instigated the start of an era where rulers and lords lived a simpler life without living in excess.
The Court then shifted its role to be a place of gathering for the lords and those who were included in the monarch's inner circle. The monarch themselves would be living a little ways down from The Court, remaining closeby. When a shift came to Illion and from a monarchy they started becoming more of a Commonwealth The Court served as the place of governship. It is here where trials are held when needed, where citizens can meet with their governors and where democracy bloomed.
Alas The Court was destroyed alongside the rest of Azalea during The Spate, however it was quickly rebuilt brighter and larger than before. It currently stands as the largest building in Azalea and the only link to Illion's lavish past.
Tourism
Everyone is allowed within the hallways of The Court, provided they respect Illion's laws and regulations. It is warded by powerful spells against espionage, so foreign agents find themselves at a disadvantage.
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