Heatons¶
"To heat up: to go fool around in the vegetal labyrinth." — Den Azhir saying
The only island on the lake of Cadwallon, and the Duke's seasonal retreat. When the season of blades arrives, the Duke and his court relocate here, bringing a week of balls, fashion shows, and public spectacle. Gardeners and tailors debut new creations; the island becomes the most-watched catwalk in the city. Dominant attitude: Style.
Day: Quiet and sun-dappled — the island rests between its moments of glory, staff maintaining the gardens in near-silence.
Night: During the season of blades, entirely transformed — banners longer than boat sails, lit windows in every tower, the square alive with outdoor balls and intrigues whispered between fountains.
Locations¶
- The Summer Palace (Style / Den Azhir Clan) — twin towers shooting skyward, thousands of windows open to lake breeze. On the water side, a succession of lodges and barbacans slide toward the lake; on the garden side, a large square for sumptuous outdoor night balls. The architectural showpiece of modern Cadwallon.
- The Labyrinth (Style / Den Azhir Clan) — a winding garden of sculpted hedges, marble statues, and fountains. Official use: aristocratic amusement during the summer balls. Actual use: lovers' assignations and political plotting in equal measure. [[Lehris Izhar]] is regularly spotted here, practicing his legendary fondness for seduction.
NPCs¶
- [[Lehris Izhar]] — charming regular; known seducer and, rumor has it, something more useful to someone
Hooks¶
Left in the Labyrinth
A dignitary has gone missing during the season of blades — last seen entering the labyrinth with an unknown companion. The Duke's steward wants this resolved quietly before the morning's court. The labyrinth is larger than it looks, and not every shadow in it is human.
The Unscheduled Guest
A free leaguer is hired to escort a package to the island during the season of blades — no questions, no record. Getting past the militia screening at the dock is only the first problem. Whatever is in the package, [[Lehris Izhar]] seems very interested in whether it arrives.