Here's my first attempt for the Crystal Hall, listed as "Avanthal's Center of Activity and Gathering Spot" in the Avanthal linkmap. I'll continue to work on other location descriptions and add them to this opening post. I'd rather not open up a whole new topic for each location, so I think that's the best way to keep them from getting lost without cluttering up the WD forum.
| The Crystal Hall The Crystal Hall is the central gathering place for citizens of Avanthal, located just a short walk north of the Ice Palace. All communal activities are conducted here, from large-scale dances and celebrations to small meetings of quilting circles or just friends playing games together. Open year-round, the Crystal Hall is especially lively and bustling during winter evenings, when many families come together to pass the long nights with stories, contests, and games. Constructed of icestone, the Crystal Hall is a sprawling building surmounted by a sparkling, transparent dome. Like all the buildings in Avanthal, the Hall appears as fragile and translucent as ice, though it is in fact extremely sturdily and solidly built. Beautiful diamond-paned windows allow visitors to look out into the city. A marvel of craftsmanship, these windows are exceptionally thick to prevent heat loss, yet still clear enough for people inside the Crystal Hall to watch snow falling outside or Morwen's Lights dancing overhead. Some of the windows contain stained-glass panes in all the colors of a Vantha's eyes, turning outside light into jewel-like squares of kaleidoscopic radiance. Heavy double doors bedecked with the same diamond-shaped glass panes mark the main entrance into the Crystal Hall. Inside, the Hall has a small entryway, where coats and hats can be hung, that leads into a spacious, high-ceilinged common area. The floors are laid with warm-hued wood that has been lovingly swept, waxed and scrubbed throughout the generations. Comfortable benches, padded chairs and tables are scattered around the Hall and can be easily pushed about into specific arrangements or to clear space for dancing or performing. Large fireplaces dominate all four walls, continually filling the common area with blazing warmth and light from fires that are never allowed to go out. The hiss and crackle of the fires form a constant counterpoint to any conversations or music. At night, the frosted-glass lamps set in sconces around the Hall are lighted, giving the interior an ambience of warmth and elegance. From the outside, the walls give off a soft golden glow and the windows sparkle with rich color when the Hall is illuminated from within. If any visitor tires of company or conversation inside the Crystal Hall, they can seek peaceful solitude without having to brave the cold outside. The entryway where everyone leaves their coats also contains a narrow stairway that winds upward over the common area into the dome on top of the Crystal Hall. The icestone here has been chiseled to glass-like transparency, affording a marvelous view. However, the air here is noticeably colder than in the common area; visitors are well-advised to re-don their coats and hats before ascending the stairs. Thick, cozy rugs have been spread over the floor, allowing visitors to sit or lie down and watch the stars or falling snow outside. The Crystal Hall is maintained by a family living in Avanthal, who sweep the floors, clean the tables and polish the lamps and windows that so beautifully illuminate the interior. Their matron is the person to see when it comes to scheduling or finding out about events held in the Crystal Hall. She is also known as an enthusiastic aspiring matchmaker who loves pairing up couples during festivals and feasts held at the Hall, often with hilarious results. |
