D-063: Svetlana Mansion

The mansion that stands high on the cliff's of Isadi, a coastal city on Sherok is known by three names, officially, the Svetlana Mansion, to visitors, the Palace of Light, and to those in the city, Alistair's mansion. The mansion itself was once an ancient castle, that guarded the coast against pirates and other raiders, but time tore at it, leaving only a single imposing tower that still stands watch, beneath its gaze the stunning white stone of the St. James mansion gleams, a beacon, and a warning that the port city below is the great families jurisdiction.

The gardens around the building are kept in pristine condition, teams of gardeners trimming and tending to the elaborate gardens, even the scatterings of wildflowers that seem so random are carefully nurtured, their petals a stunning array of colors that only enhance everything, and the water fountain's crystal clear water's provide a serene feel to the area. A large greenhouse connects the gardens to the mansion, home to rarer and more delicate blooms. Leaving the structured gardens, open acres of wildland follow, the perfect place for the dragons to stretch their legs; the flora wild and free, soaking up the light of the sun with wild abondon. Nestled between this wildland and the mansion is a 'stable', as elaborately decorated as the mansion itself. Each 'block' is customised for the dragon held within, with several empty 'generic' ones, either for visitors or future dragons. Following the wildland around the manison, it eventually cuts off, a steep drop down to the rocks below.... the northern face of the mansion looking out above it, the tower glaring at any who would try to storm it. Despite its facade of welcoming and openness, the land itself is patrolled by soldiers, and amidst the soldiers and above them... the cold gaze of the dragons that call the owner of the mansion their rider.

Svetlana means light, and it is lights of sorts that inhabit the mansion, each room has several, and the ambience can be altered to best fit whomever is using it; as well as the main entrance in the south, 3 more exist (officially) on the ground floor, the greenhouse to the east which leads to the gardens, the western door which leads to the stables and wildlands, and a railed balcony on the northern side, looking out over the cliffs and sea. Though rumors say there are many others hidden beneath the glittering lights of the mansion.

Various rooms lay amongst the groundfloor, from the kitchens to the great hall, the dining toom to the vast library; to name but a few; and where possible with windows looking outwards, allowing natural light in where possible; the ballroom, an expansive space where guests may party and socailies when such events are held. Each and every room on the groundfloor has doors big enough to permit dragons of a medium size to come and go, the dragons made to feel as welcome as their riders. An entire wing on the groundfloor has been set aside, and redecorated as servants quarters, most staff living in the mansion itself. Once of Alistair's private study lies on the ground floor, the glass doors that lead to the wildlands easily accessable to his dragons should they need him.

The 1st floor is much more private, and guests are strictly prohibited from venturing up there, the rooms are smaller, but with just as much light; two smaller libraries nestled side by side, one the accounts and ledgers of the various transactions the owner partakes in, the second, his personal collections. Alistair's wing, which covers most of the 1st floor is his own personal space, with 2 balconies looking out, 1 to the north and the sea, the other to the west, down towards Isadi over the wildlands.

The cellers below are temperature controlled, with limited access from the kitchens... and a couple of secret passageways known to very few; inside is housed much of the food and drink consumed by the owner and his guests..... occasionaly it also has a few odd crates that seem to be around for a day or two before vanishing again.

The tower, so at odds with the beauty and glamour of the mansion is likely its truest facade; at first glance there seems to be no access to it, no doors, and the windows... tiny slits... but occasionally, a flicker of light can be seen going up and down. Rumors say that there is a passageway from the mansion to the tower, but whether truth or lie only the owner knows, another rumour lurks, that of screams of pain in the dark of night, tales of blood and torture amidst its stone walls....