Bustling Town

The Inner City

Esto Gaza is the sprawling and jeweled capital of one of the greatest Empires ever created since the days of Kenjiko. It’s the capital of Serdio, Sade and has been proclaimed the cultural capital of the World, rivaling Galastar, Arina and Zheng Katayami as the center for art, sophistication and refinement.

Yet, this endless metropolis was not always the rambling city it is today. Founded by House Rlugia, the city of Esto Gaza was once, nothing more than a miniscule village in the savage Barony of Zeni, the ancestral home of the Royal Family. Yet, as the Rlugias gained power in the Kingdom of Serdio, Esto Gaza grew. At the time of Drake’s first reign, the city was little more than a large town, a quaint and charming place, but not grand or imposing like the Royal Cities of other nations.

Yet, after the revolution, both the Consul and the Empress Sabriel Novendot heavily expanded and remodeled the metropolis, so that it took one the appearance of an Imperial Metropolis.

The City, like many other important Sadien cities, is built in the Burrow fashion. This title, coined by the Empress and her architects and applied to the capital, Esto Gaza, Augusta and Ivendell is meant to increase both the defense of the city, and the ability to manage it’s citizens.

The premise is such: Each city has a number of different districts (Residential, Commercial, Civic), that make up the Inner City. All of the districts in the inner city are walled off, enclosed, with common streets that connect each area. These streets can be closed off, if required, which stops riots and helps defend against any invader who has managed to breach the city proper.

Surrounding the Inner City is the outer city, broad, expansive suburbs, that are themselves walled in with a lesser wall.

The streets that connect these Districts (Sometimes called Burrows, sometimes called Warrens), then become the central commercial streets, which promotes commercial activity in the city as well.

To perhaps encourage this system, Esto Gaza revolves around a vast public square, which is arguably the center of the city (A common place for the citizens of all the Districts to gather, thus helping the stores, museums, etc. that sit around the perimeter of the Square). In the center of the square is a statue of King Graith, built of Crystalline, which, on sunny days, lights up the spacious pavilion in rainbow streaks that bounce off the marble walls of the surrounding buildings, creating an almost heavenly feel.

Town Square

The Square is home to a number of shops and restaurants, theaters and opera houses. But it is also home to the seats of the Sadien governments. On the Northeast Square sits the Merian legislature, home to the three elected Merian bodies: The Lhoth, the Ghoth and the Jaran Council.

The Serdian Parliament
On the Southeast Square sits the Serdian Parliament Building, home to the King’s parliament, which helps rule Serdio with a constitution and an elected body. The Serdian Parliament Building (also known as Charter Palace), is home to the Landsraad as well, the combined houses of all the legislatures in Sade.

The Sudish Congress
To the Southwest sits the Sudish Congress House, where the planter senators of Sudland debate the important matters of their state.

The Outer Palace

And to the Northeast is the Outer palace of Vertfort, that apartment complex in which the Haute bourgeois and petty nobles rent out small but elegant flats and suites in order to feel closer to their sovereign. The Outer palace (There are two portions, the King’s Gate that opens onto the Central Square, and the White Castle which opens onto the wharf) is also home to a shopping complex, and a tunnel that leads directly into Verfort, where tourists can buy tickets to look around the Court.

Upper Kilou Street

From the Square, four major streets runs. To the north, Upper Kilou street provides elegant establishments, even grander theaters and opera houses and other impressive government buildings, like the Basilica of Esto Gaza. Considered the primary commercial district, Upper Kilou is a place where anyone can experience the sophistication that only nobles experience.

The Avenue

Running from East-west is an enormous avenue called the Varisty-Maiden Avenue officially, but often referred to only as The Avenue by native Esto Gazians. Though it opens onto a number of the smaller districts, the Varsity-Maiden Avenue is a shamble of shopping complexes and houses, estates and insurance firms.

Lower Kilou Street

Running south from the main square, Lower Kilou street runs through the heart of the Old City. As each district is walled off, the Old City is the most elite and prestigious neighborhood anywhere in Esto Gaza.

The Huge palaces and estates of the Nobles are nestled in-between the narrow, bucolic streets and avenues. Only those with the proper papers are even allowed in this neighborhood, which rivals Vertfort in it’s elegance and charm.

The Vendome

Near the Old City is the residential district of Vendome. Vendome is one of the premier neighborhoods to live in. Though not nearly as elaborate as the Old City, the Haute Bourgeois live in the Vendome, building towering Townhouses, sometimes up to an entire block in size. Yet despite the impressive city mansions, the area reeks of new money and many consider this area vaguely tacky.

The Financial District

Across main avenue from the Vendome, is the Financial district of the City. It’s appropriate that it’s so near to Upper Kilou. Towering skyscrapers rise from this portion of the city, as banks and insurance firms wage economic wars for control of Serdian business.

The Industrial District
Near the Financial district is the Industrial district. The Industrial district is the closest Esto Gaza has to slums. Though it was once littered with them, most of the slums were tore down or renovated in the great reconstruction of Esto Gaza

The Marais

Across from the Industrial district is the residential district called The Marais. Though also prestigious (as it’s actually in Esto Gaza), the Marais isn’t nearly as nice as the Vendome. Though it boasts large houses with even larger grounds, the vast Townhouses of the Vendome don’t exist here.

The Harbor District
Across the main square is the Harbor district. Esto Gaza is an enormous port, it’s central role. The Harbor district serves both as a wharf and as a Warehouse. Squeezed into this small district is another one of the slightly less savory districts. Smaller tenements and residential hotels sit next to dirty bars and expansive

The Civil District

Next to Verfort, rests the Civic District. Built to accommodate the many government buildings and offices needed to run the vast Empire of Sade, the Civic District is home to the University of Esto Gaza as well as the Mayoral Palace and the Palace of the Prime Minister.

The Waterfront

The Waterfront is across the Boulevard from the Civic District. The Waterfront is an upper middle class neighborhood of artists and cafes. Being so near the university, it’s also a haven for College Students and thus is considered one of the most liberal parts of the City. It’s famous, for many of the most revered Serdian artists such as Doucet to Evrard called this neighborhood home.

The Outer City

Surrounding the City, making up the largest mass of Esto Gaza, are the suburbs, often called the Gardens. These expansive and prosperous neighborhoods boast lovely homes, quaint houses and charming residences. The middle class of Esto Gaza lives here, and as such this is the most conservative and quiet portion of the city.

Lizz stoped running once she reached Maiden Street. Man...glad I'm a fast runner. I can't belive I just left like that. Then, she got the most shocked and annoyed look on her face. I COULD'VE HAD FREE FOOD!!!!!!!!!! she thought to herself, slumping alittle. I'm such an idiot. she thought with a sigh. I bet they all think I'm weird now. Oh well. What's done is done. But...I can't believe I ran away from an offer like that. she thought, walking down the street, her owl resting on her shoulder.

A man in a black robe with the hood pulled down quickly bustled through the streets. Dirty blond hair showed through the front of the hood, shadowing the mans eyes, only revealing the the thick and ragged beard on the mans face. The man seemed to scurry through the streets, dodging left, dodging right, he was obviously a fighter. He screeched to a sudden halt as he accidentally slammed into Lizz, shaking them both a bit. He quickly appologized and dropped his head to hide his face.

"Hello, I'm greatly sorry for that. Are you ok?"

Lizz looked at him with a confused face at first, but then smilled. "Yeah, I'm okay, no damage done." Who is this guy? she thought to herself, her owl made a hooting noise. "Oh, are you okay?" she asked the man, thinking he looked alittle suspicious.

The man looked around a bit, 0bviously nevrous. No one was looking it couldn't hurt. The man slowly removed his hood, letting his golden hair flow free. The light seemed to gleam off his face, it was King Bojack, of Bali.

"My name is Bojack Tonasha, king of Bali. There are a great deal of people who dislike me around this, area."

Bojack's mission had been quite simple to start, he was on diplomatic duty to Serdio, seeking aid in the Balician "rebelion" as it could be called.

"I was seeking Serdian aid when I was spotted by a Serdian nobelist, that is why I was running and bumped into you. Now I'm on my way back to Bali, i only fear things there have gotten worse. Who might you be?"

Lizz just looked at Bojak with a look of suprise on her face. "Oh, me? My name is Elizabeth Stonefall." she said with a smile. "Wait, did you say rebelion?" she asked, the look on her face changing slightly, to a look of confusion. Man, I need to read the papers or something, all this stuff is happening, and I don't even know about it. she thought to herself.

"Nice to meet you Ms. Stonefall. Unfortunately I did say rebelion. When Mortikan was defeated, his the nobels were cast out, and their posessions taken from them. They became beggers, the exact opposite of what they had been. They're quite cross with me."

Bojack hoped that cleared up the confusion, he needed as many people to understand as possible.

Lizz still had a confused look on her face. I really need to pay more attention to stuff in life. she thought to herself. "I see. Well...being a begger ain't that good. Luckily for me, I know how to hunt, so I don't have to beg. But, I could've gotten a free meal." she thought outloud to herself, and after she realized that she did, she blushed alittle out of embarassment. "Sorry about that. Used to being by myself." she said.

Bojack turned around as a man came charging down the street. Hequickly pulled his hood over his head and tured towards Lizz. The man quickly ran by, ignoring Bojack completely.

"That was a little close. They're really out to get me, maybe I shouldn't have....well you probally don't wanna hear about that. Sorry I must take my leave."

Bojack quickly bowed and lept off to the top of a building nearby, and was gone just like that.

Lizz was quite confused. "Hey, wait!!!" she yelled, trying to follow him. He can't leave me confused, just like that. she thought to herself, getting a little mad. He's going to pay for that!!!

Hurrying along the road, sword in hand and body plated with armor of mithril stood of a stocky man of dark color who could be passed off as a tanned human. But he was a Shii; a so called "barbarian peoples" who wandered ZEAL.

"AH-TEN-SHUN!" He yelled out. No one seemed to care.

"Ah, damn..AH-TEN-SHUN!!"

Crickets. The man's anger was quite boiling. HOW LAZY THE SERDIAN MILITARY WAS! Especially when they had drills to practice and things to do! He sighed.

"I, Gregory Santos won't be humiliated! AH-TEN-SHUN!"

Dula Stomped her feet in the middle of the road. Where am I and how do I get out of here?! Dula got a hold of her packages from earlier today and walked around a bit. She found a vegtabel vender and went up to him to ask for directions.

"Your in Esto Gaza," The vendor explained.

"This is the center town square. Going east should take you to the Palace, where the ball is occuring in about an hour."

Dula looked at the vendor in horror. "The ball starts in an hour?! THATS NOT ENOUGH TIME TO GET HOME AND GET READY. HOW LONG WAS I ASLEEP FOR UNDER THAT TREE?!?!" Dula for one of the few times in her life was freaking out in the middle of public. She started muttering to herself and took off in the wrong direction.

The Vendor shrugged oddly as she ran off. How odd women were sometimes! He shouted out at her.

"You could always use magic to teleport home, you know!"

Dula walked down the crouded streets of all the people buzing in the midst of the excitement for the party. Dula spoted the Esto Gaza hotel. This will do nicely. Dula walked up to the counter and started talking to the receptionist.

"Ah, good day," The receptionist said to Dula. The receptionist was a lady, about twenty dressed quite nicely. Esto Gaza Hotel was an upstate hotel in the city, but it was very affordable.

"Are you going to the Ball tonight? I heard the king is giving a speech, and lots of nobles will be there. I have to work however, which is a bit of a drag.."

"Oh really?" asked Dula somewhat amazed. "I didn't think the royals interacted much with their citizens anymore. Well I've haven't exactaly made it my job to go around getting all this good informaiont."Dula replied dryly. Although im sure i should be. She thought to herself slightly anoyed. "Yes I would like a room." replied Dula handing the lady some money. "Do you have any idea just who all is going to be at this thing?"

The receptionist handed over a key to Room 5, taking the money.

"Ah, the royal family is a little removed from our day to day lives. But today is a grand celebration! On this day, the first Rlugia king took the throne! It's a national holiday; the palace always throws a Masque to celebrate."

The receptionist shrugged when asked who was going to be there.

"I don't know. Alot of nobles, that's for sure. Some people from town, like vendors and such, rich bankers..supposedly the Imperial Lady of Poseidon will be coming, as will the Celestial Yu Hasho."

Dula grined sheepishly befor replying, "I dont know who that is. Theres only one person that I want to be there." Dula laughed slightly. "Well good day to you." replied Dula Walking stealthly up to her room.

The receptionist waved as Dula left for her room, before resuming her mundane book-keeping.

Dula went to her room and through her things on the floor. Okay then lets get started! Dula took off all her wepons adoneing her person and put them in a corner. She took off her boots and took the knives out of the boot sheaths. She went into the bathroom and took a nice long shower and when she got out she put on her dress and started her makeup even though the mask should be hideing it all night. She curled and pined up her long silver hair and attached the mask and ears onto her head. She painted her nails, put on her gloves and shoes and tucked hair pin knives in her hair while straping another knife to her thigh. The length of the dress should hide the knife. That should do it. she thought quite pleased with herself and put on a neacklace and a bracelt. Finally she doned on a long black cloack that tighed at the throat with a ribbon and exited her room down into the lobby.

Dula waved to recceptionist and walked out of the hotel starting off for the palace. Man I hope thats were this thing is takeing place anyway just my luck if it isnt. Dula figured if she started off now she would end up finding it sometime before all the festivitys are over.

"I wonder where she is..?"

Drake wearily rushed into the central pavilion, dressed quite nice. Damnation, he was late! But how late? He hadn't specified an exact time, but night time, especially around 10ish felt nice. Esto Gaza didn't truely florish until after dark, anyways.

"Geez, I hope she didn't leave town already.."

Dula ran down the street. Not only was she late she was lost. She sighed. Why is it me that gest lost in citys?! she yelled at herself. She was wearing a light purple short dress. The skirt ended at mid thigh. She was wearing black knee high tights and purple high heel shoes. Her hair was cliped up and slightly curled, but still hung down. Her lips were a light pink color and her eyes were highlighted with purple. She carried a Back purse with beads in desighnes of flowers. She continues to walk down a street and spoted Drake. Hope he isnt mad. I'm really late! She walked over to him lightly taping his shoulder and smiled brightly.

"Ah, thank goodness! You didn't leave. I was looking for you a gift, and I lost track of time. Hopefully, this will do. Uh..happy date!" Drake smiled cheerfully and handed over a book of Poisons to Dula. Dangerous? Maybe. But Dula could be trusted with such an important book.

"You look nice. For the date I was planning dinner at the Graith Pub, and we could then go to a bookstore or something. That sounds nice, right? I must admit, I've never been on a date.."

Dula smiled and took the book from him. Wow i was looking for a book like this.. this one is by a really good specialist. Wow! Dula thumbed through it and stoped befre she lost herself in the pages. "Thank you." replied grining up at him. "Its perfect. I also havent been on a date but I've read of them." she replied laughing. "And it sounds like a plan to me, by the way you look good too!"

"This suit? It's pretty drab. Shayaateen suggested it, but I suppose he has good taste. Anyways, let's be going, shall we?" Drake extended his arm to Dula.

Dula smiled and nodded as she took his arm.

As they walked, the lights of the city began to turn on. Ah, night time! Nobles began to exit their homes for minor parties and balls. How boring! Drake prefered to mingle with the common people in the stores and resteraunts.

"To tell the truth, about sixty-eight years ago, this city was a muddy village. My grandfather was born near this village, in Attica Palace," Drake pointed to the large citadel overlooking the village.

"It's a drab palace, I don't use it much. Say..Dula..have you ever wanted to be rich? You know, just relax and not worrying about the world? I had asked Lizz this before, but it didn't end well.."

Dula looked to wear Drake pointed and agreed it didn't look pleasan. But then to her no building looked good made out of stone. "No I never did think about it. I built my house with the help of the spirits and worked all my life. I never did have to worry, I was strong enough and blessed enough to always have work, but i think not worrying about the world would be a little boreing." She replied laughing. "But yes it would be nice not to have to clean blood off my poarch from peoples battle wounds." she replied laughing.

"Hm.." Drake didn't want to be rash. They neared the pub, but still had some time to chat. It was better to ask now then wait and have her run away. Sighing, Drake shook his head.

"Would you ever like to be nobility? Royalty even?" There was a glimmer in his eye.

Dula looked at Darke and started to think about it. "Mabey, but i dont think id be very good at being royalty." she replied laughing. "Id spill my soup on an ambasitor and end up starting a war, but royalty has ways of infuensing the world and make it move so yes i supose mabey i would. Thats a fantasy though." she replied smileing. "I'm not royalty at all."

"You could be," Drake smiled. "you are very charming and graceful. That's what matters. You may not be royalty..but I could easily make you nobility. I am a king after all. But of course, only if you wish for such a title, can I grant it. I won't be rash."

"I dont know. I think I would have to think about it." she replied placeing the book in her purse. "I think it takes more than grace and bueatuy to cut it. And besides i lack bueatuy but i am graceful. Ill give myself that. It takes tact and smooth words to opperate in court. Not only that it takes clothes and chirisma." Dula shook her head. "I will think about your offer." she replied smileing.

He smiled carefully. He had snagged her, atleast a little with that Rlugia charm! He shrugged nonchalantly as they entered the pub, and they were seated at one of the best booths. A waitress handed out the menus.

"Hm.."

Dula looked at the menu. I dont eat this stuff! She thought freaking out. Oh well, what else is new. "Is it okay to order?" she asked softly still looking at the menu.

"Yes, of course." Drake smiled and handed the waitress his menu.

"Um..some red wine, and a steak. I'd like some potatoes, and salad..perhaps some Pie too?"

Dula noded. "Pie sounds good. I'd like some green tea with gensing and some fruit along with..." she thought while biteing her lip. "along with some chicken and a salad also." Dula also handed the waiter her menu.

The waitress bowed and walked off to get the food ready. Drake sighed happily. Dula was enchantingly beautiful in the candle light. She was like Helena Calov, the beauty who could make kings bow in frustration.

"So..how do you like Serdio?"