The Glass Gardens

A botanical marvel

by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

Originally built as a place of worship dedicated to Faolan, the Monarch of Earth, the Glass Gardens that encompass the east wing of Lord's Rock Castle have grown in both size and purpose. Currently, they are the foremost place of botanical study in Serukis, housing hundreds of rare plants from all over Etrea.
As well as serving as a hub for academics who wish to expand their knowledge of flora, the Gardens are also a relaxing place for a walk. Nobles wintering at court come to the Gardens to stretch their legs and have dates in the company of chaperones, and even castle servants are allowed to take a leisurely stroll in their downtime.

History

In 4852 EA, following a clash with the high priest of Lord's Rock's Temple of Faolan, High Lord Alaric Elenasia decided that he would create a temple of his own. He converted part of the east wing of the castle. Since then, the Elenasia family have famously only visited the city temple on particular festival days.
In 4877 EA, High Lord Sethan Elenasia, Alaric's son and a rather devout man, decided to expand the temple to encompass the entirety of the east wing. On advice from his younger brother, Lord Camber, he created a large botanical garden on each side of the temple to showcase the power of Faolan. Working with some of the finest architects and builders in Serukis, he created what would become the Glass Gardens.

Architecture

The Glass Gardens are made up of three distinct sections. In the centre of the wing is a temple to Faolan, and on either side the two large chambers that make up the botanical gardens.

The temple is made of the same dark limestone as much of the rest of the castle, and is a large square room. Its walls are lined with intricately carved wood, depicting the branches of trees and the mountains of the Teeth. On one wall is a large stained glass window that shows a large variety of different blooms in myriad colours. When the sun shines through the window the colours pool on the stone floor. This window was commissioned by King Sethan I in 4885 EA to celebrate the completion of the botanical gardens.
The two botanical gardens have walls of limestone and large, vaulted ceilings made of steel and glass. This was a feat of engineering never before attempted in Serukis and paved the way for other, more ambitious architectural projects across the country.
In the last century, a pipe system has been installed whereby a mixture of pumps and elemental magic keep sections of the gardens warmer and more humid. This has allowed the collection to grow exponentially.

by kabaldesch0

Notable Areas

The Rose Garden

The rose garden is one of the oldest and most substantial sections of the Gardens. As the rose is the symbol of the Elenasia family, substantial efforts have been placed into the cultivation and collection of roses both rare and common.
Some varieties of roses can only be found in the Glass Gardens. These include the controversial Faolan's Lust, a deep purple rose that has been branded blasphemous by more than one visiting high priest, and Lady Elenor's Light, a bright white rose that High Lord Sethan named after his wife.

by zoosnow

The Lily Bed

This flower bed, dedicated to growing varieties of lilies, is the newest area in the Gardens. It was established in 5328 EA by Lord Edward Elenasia, following the brutal murder of his young daughter, the Lady Cecily.
Lilies had been the toddler's favourite flower and so the flower bed is a memorial to her life. A marble statue of a young girl was commissioned and now stands in the centre of the bed, forever dancing amongst the flowers.

The Water Garden

The water garden takes up half of one of the buildings that make up the Gardens. It is made of a variety of stone pools of water, where a variety of aquatic plants are grown. These ponds are also home to an assortment of ornamental fish.

The Forest

Where the roof is tallest on the north side of the east wing, an artificial forest has been planted, showcasing trees from all over Caia. In the shade of these trees, many different varieties of moss, ferns, and fungi thrive.

Location

Lord's Rock

Date Built

4852 EA

Thieves in the Dark

In 5011 EA, something that had previously been unthinkable occured. In the middle of the night, thieves infiltrated the castle and the Glass Gardens themselves.
In the morning, it was discovered that the thieves had stolen a rare plant from the Gardens' collection - a variety of light blue rose known as Nereus's Eye.
Neither the rose bush nor the culprits have ever been found.
Since that night, the complement of guards that are stationed at the doors of the Gardens has been doubled. Guards also routinely patrol the Gardens themselves.

by Abhijeet

Unique Flora of the Glass Gardens

by bengeding

Faolan's Lust

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by Siora Photography

Lady Elenor's Light

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by Pezibear

Lady's Whisper

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by Amandad

Starflower

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