The Gardens of Iridine
By Demarcus Crail
Table of Contents
p. 1 - Table of Contents
p. 2 - Introduction
p. 3 - Overview of the Gardens
p. 4 - The Lagoon
p. 5 - The Maze
p. 6 - The Nursery
p. 7 - The Northwest Garden Path
p. 8 - The Northeast Garden Path
p. 9 - The Herb Garden
p. 10 - The Mosaic Path, or, The Path of Black and Gold
p. 11 - The Beastly Hedgerow
p. 12 - The Colonnade
p. 13 - The Memorial Gardens
p. 14 - The Arboretum of the Dictator
p. 15 - Conclusion
Introduction
Every citizen of the fair city of Iridine is aware of the true treasure the city holds right in the very heart of the harbor forums: the Gardens of Iridine. It is no wonder that these same gardens at times are called the Gardens of Ereal; they have a beauty and a serenity not often found in the busy world of today. That is perhaps why the gardens are just so popular, offering a chance for the busy adventurer or merchant to relax, breathe deep, and begin their daily routines with a clear head. It is not unusual to see the upper echelon of society quietly walking along the garden pathways, and it is comforting to know that, no matter what a person's social class, the Gardens of Iridine are open to all.
That being said, however, there is still much the occasional visitor to the gardens does not know, or may miss simply because they are not looking for it. This book hopes to serve as a guide to the multitude of special things found within the gardens, and thus help people appreciate the trees, plants, and scenery all the more.
You will find this guide arranged into various sections, each dealing with a unique area of the gardens. Each section will cover the basics of its particular area, the plants and animals a visitor can hope to spy as they make their way through that area, and any particular interesting bits of information that the area contains.
I hope you will enjoy this guide, and take the time once you have read it to walk through the Gardens once, twice, three times again, pausing and examining every nook and corner, seeking to fully absorb the beauty the Gardens of Iridine offer.
Overview of the Gardens
The Gardens of Iridine were built as a great public works project, under the direction of the Senate. Over time, more and more has been added to the Gardens, so that today, they encompass a whole range of areas, each offering a rather unique experience. The Gardens are cared for by a veritable army of gardeners, planters, harvesters, plant enthusiasts, and slaves; some are paid a small amount by the Senate, but some just donate their time and skills because of their love for the beauty the Gardens offer.
There are several entrances to the Gardens, each marked by four tall, impressive columns, topped by a beautifully crafted sculpture of a bird of prey. The Western entrance is known for the viscous ospreys that gaze over the path; the Northwestern entrance, the keen-eyed hawks; the North entrance, the swift falcons; the Northeastern entrance, the wise owls, the Eastern entrance, the ravaging ravens; the Hospice entrance, the large and mighty condors; and the amphitheater entrances are guarded over by the majestic eagles. These sculptures represent the might and beauty of the Republic of Iridine itself, and visitors to the gardens are highly encouraged to take the time to examine these sculptures in detail.
Depending on which entrance one chooses, one will find themselves in very different parts of the Gardens; the Lagoons or Arboretum to the West, the Northwest Pathway and Nursery to the Northwest, the Northeast Pathway and Herb Garden to the North, the Black and Gold Pathway to the Northeast or East, the Memorial Gardens from the Eastern Amphitheater gate and from the Hospice, and again, the Arboretum from the Western Amphitheater gate. Each of these areas will be covered in much more detail in the coming pages.
The Lagoon
The lagoon area of the Gardens of Iridine, found just inside the Western entrance, is lush with thick green vegetation. Streams meander through the grounds at will, and it is not unusual for those who wander off the main path to wind up very, very wet. The lagoons are kept wet through an ingenious system of underground aqueducts that are able to port running water all across the area. This particular region in the gardens is a wonderful place to go if you are experiencing any type of congestion of the nose; the smells and moisture in the air are sure to clear you up right away.
The lagoon also offers a wide variety of plants and animals to observe. Sweeping willows, ugly banana trees (which are not often seen in the Republic; in fact, many have not had the chance to try this odd-tasting firm fruit which can be peeled with the bare hands), mighty oaks, and delicious plum trees all make their home in the lagoon. Additionally, a number of unique plants can be found, including the fuzzy cattail, the graceful water lily, and the gorgeous Altene water-bloom. While the lagoon, and the streams that go with it, are certainly home to many common animals such as the warty toad and the large and majestic swan, less common fauna have been seen among the cattails, including the elusive blue-green water snake and the three-eyed mud lizard, so named because of a tiny horn in the middle of the forehead that, under lots of mud, is often mistaken for a third eye.
There are a few particular places of interest in the lagoon, as well. The first is the statue "fertility", which can be found just Northeast of the Western entrance. This statue is of a woman full in the beauty of motherhood, nursing a new-born babe. While the sculptor is unknown, many women have come to the Gardens simply to sit a few moments by the statue, in the hopes of soon being blessed with children of their own. Another point of interest is the sturdy footbridge which connects two parts of the lagoon; from here, one can see out onto the water, and, on quiet evenings, there is nothing quite like watching a pair of swans sail along, carefree and beautiful.
The Maze
The hedgemaze in the Gardens is a fairly new addition, but simply proves that the Gardens are always growing and evolving, as a living thing should. The maze is fairly simple, but good for a few moments of diversion from an otherwise busy day. If one doesn't have a head for direction, one can get lost, but it is fairly easy to find their way back; indeed, while trekking through the maze, small holes in the hedges are evident from where people have simply pushed their way through rather than try to figure out the correct series of turns to take. While the author is certainly familiar with how to solve this maze, he will not be putting it in this guide; that is one secret he firmly believes should be up to the reader to discover.
The maze is made of neatly-trimmed hedges, all fairly high, and as such, there are not many other plants to be found within. Along the bottom of the hedges, however, are the occasional flower, and it is not unusual to come across daisies, lilies, and roses poking out from down below. Many different types of birds choose the hedges of the maze as their nesting sites, and, in the evening, a wanderer in the maze is treated to a veritable concert of chirps and cheeps, far surpassing anything a simple flute player can produce.
There are a few interesting points to note about the maze. The first is the entry arch, which is quite skillfully crafted, and is very definitely worth examining. The second is the many dead ends in the maze; they prove ideal for a man and his lady friend to lose a couple hours in. Third is the plaza that leads into the maze. While this plaza is technically connected to the lagoon and the Northwest Pathways as well, it seems more part of the maze than anything. I have labeled this plaza the Snake-Head's Plaza, due to the large marble fountain which bears a serpent sitting right in the middle of the space. Benches surround the fountain, and sitting there listening to the gentle fall of water is a very nice way to spend an afternoon.
The Nursery
The nursery is where many of the plants that grace the Gardens begin their life. Tended to by a number of retired gardeners who no longer have the vigor to climb up and down ladders clipping hedges, the nursery is always very quiet; at times, it seems if you listen hard enough, you can hear the plants growing. Saplings in terra cotta pails line the path, as do sprouts and shoots, growing in damp swathes of cloth.
Just about every plant that can be found in the Gardens can be found in the nursery, as that is where they all begin. Fruit trees, shade trees, flowers, vines, all have their miniature counterparts residing within the nursery. It's also very possible to come across the scavenging chipmunk or squirrel, looking for an easy way to gather seeds.
There are not many points of interest about the nursery. It is a rather small area, and, as such, has little to offer, relative to other parts of the Gardens. However, at the entrance to the nursery stands a very impressive statue, forming two fierce gladiators in combat. These particular gladiators have neither arms nor armor, and it is clear that these particular combatants are being forced to fight to death. The techniques each gladiator is using is rather inhuman, and as such, will be left up to the visitor to discover for themselves.
The Northwest Garden Path
Coming out of the nursery, one is immediately upon the Northwest Garden Path, which runs along a stream all the way to the Northwest entrance. This path is a long and calming walk, and, while it perhaps does not have the scenery of the Arboretum, or the exoticness of the lagoon, it is still worth taking.
The flora adorning the Northwest Path is somewhat varied. Large trees line the pathway, and it is not unusual to find nuts, including acorns and the much tastier walnuts scattered about along the tree line. Shrubs are also in abundance, and, though many of them carry bright red berries that may at first appear good to eat, it should be noted that these berries are in fact quite bitter, and mildly poisonous to most people's stomachs. As far as animals go, squirrels are by far the most readily apparent creature, ready to call down insults from the tree branches at any passerby. Rabbits may also be seen along the pathway, and occasionally, one can catch glimpses of escaped osecars. While these creatures certainly aren't the tamed variety, they are much more peaceful than their wild sewer counterparts.
Along this pathway sits a small domed structure, crafted from some of the finest marble found within the Republic. This structure was built in commemoration of Iridine's victory over Cinera in the year CLXX (AR), and often small offerings are left of a pedestal in the structure, to honor the memory not just of soldiers lost, but also of soldiers currently serving in the Legion.
The Northeast Garden Path
After following the Northwest Garden Path, one eventually comes to the Northwest Entrance. By turning right and crossing a small bridge, one will come to the Northern entrance, and ultimately the Northeast Garden Path. As this path sits on just the other side of the stream from the Northwest Path, it shares a number of characteristics with that path.
The flora and fauna of the Northeast Path is almost identical to what is found along the Northwest Path, from the towering oak and walnut trees, to the chattering squirrels. Along this side of the stream, however, about halfway down along the path, is a small fluvitur den. Well these animals may sometimes attack the unwary traveler in the wild, here in the garden they are almost tame, often walking right up to a person and accepting food right from their hand. While feeding these animals is technically discouraged, it is hard to resist the fluvitor's large brown eyes, particularly as it is waddling up to you.
Along this path is also one of the better-known statues of the gardens, labeled "Hector." The statue is of a young boy sitting on a rock, eating a pear, and staring off into the distance. It is impossible to describe the full beauty of this statue, and the emotions it can evoke, and viewing this statue is very highly recommended.
The Herb Garden
The Herb Garden portion of the Gardens of Ereal is a calm, verdant place, teeming with the lush leafy herbs so cherished by healer, priest, and cook alike. In fact, the Herb Garden is open to all of those people, as well as anyone in Iridine who is seeking a particular herb; it is just requested that if you harvest plants from the Herb Garden, you donate time to the garden's upkeep. This time can include weeding, or watering, or planting; there is often a senior gardener on hand to help direct any aspiring volunteers.
The plants found within the Herb Garden come from very diverse sources; it seems almost every country in Midlight is represented by at least one plant growing along the neat rows of herbs and plants. There is mint, sage, basil, parsley, and honey-leaf; alniss, yarrow, leeks, aloe, and amolis; eyebright, clove, dogsbane, and pokoi; even the virulent privalis has a home in the herb gardens. The uses for all these herbs are varied; eyebright, for example, makes a wonderful balm for sore eyes, while crushed dogsbane will often cause dogs to avoid a certain area; mint is useful in teas and baking, while privalis can be found in medicines designed to cause a patient to throw up. In addition to this wide selection of plants, a small number of creatures can also be found within the Herb Gardens. The gardeners try to keep most animals away from the often tasty plants, but small rabbits and lizards can sometimes be seen among the carefully-cultivated herbs.
The Herb Garden is a small area, and as such, there is not much that stands out as particularly interesting; no statues, no fountains or works of art. The herbs themselves, however, are highly-sought after, and crafting that delicious sweetcake or perfect cold remedy is often considered to be a work of art in itself. The aspiring herbalist or cook would be wise to seek the advice of people more knowledgeable in their respective fields, as selecting the incorrect ingredient can lead to unintended consequences.
The Mosaic Path, or, The Path of Black and Gold
Just a few steps from the Herb Garden sits the Mosaic Path, which is also known as the Path of Black and Gold. This path gets its name from its construction; black and gold stones have been artfully laid to create an intricate and mesmerizing mosaic, with crisscrossing lines and angular designs that draw the eye, and tickle the memory.
The path itself is lined with a low stone wall, as well as many fragrant trees, and potted plants. Cherry trees are in abundance here, and walking along the Path of Black and Gold in the spring, one is tempted to rename in the Path of Black and Gold and Red, so profuse are the cherry blossoms. Violet is another plant that can be observed along the path, it the terra cotta planters that adorn the stone wall. Squirrels and chipmunks make their homes along the grass on the other side of the stone wall, and it is not uncommon to see fieldmice run back and forth along the wall. This area is also well known for the multitudes of crickets that make it home during the summer months; it is impossible to walk down this path without being serenaded by their melodious chirping.
The Path of Black and Gold boasts a number of interesting sights, one of which is the well-constructed stone wall running along its sides. Another important piece of the Path, however, is the entrance; adorning two marble columns are life-sized, black stone statues of Soldiers of Ereal. The muscles of the statues are very evident, and their girded loins draw admiring gazes and blushes from most women visitors (and, indeed, some of the men too). Both statues wield upraised bronze swords, touching at their points; it is under this arch visitors to the Path must go. At the end of the path is another statue, this one even more impressive: that of Ereal himself. This statue sits in a beautiful shrine, which in turn sits in a meticulous lawn. Ereal is represented in a tall, ivory statue, one hand upraised in blessing, the other held calmly at his side. It is here that the grief-stricken of Iridine often come; there is something calming in the statues visage, and it is impossible to visit the shrine without feeling a sense of peace and tranquility.
The Beastly Hedgerow
Taking a left out of the Path of Black and Gold will lead one directly to the Beastly Hedgerow. This path is hemmed in by two high hedgerows, cut in such a way as to resemble many of the animals found throughout Iridine. Walking along the Beastly Hedgerow is an adventure in itself, as it is often so crowded with admiring visitors, and it is not uncommon to find people taking their lunch upon benches which have been craftily fitted into carved alcoves within the hedgerows.
The Beastly Hedgerow itself is made of several varieties of plants, including rose bushes, blackberry bushes, mullein, and the less-popular rufus. Many animals make these bushes their home, aside from the artfully-cut hedge-animals; small dark gray lizards known as Root-Crawls can be found along the base of the hedgerows, and many birds, including sparrows and twine-flits, make their nests in the bushes themselves.
The Beastly Hedgerow has much to offer in terms of organic statuary; esecarnus, houndsnake, fluvitur, condors, horses, osecars, and rats all make an appearance along this long, verdant walk. Breaking up the Beastly Hedgerow is a small plaza, containing a decorative stone fountain, complete with a cherub shooting water into the air. It is not uncommon on hot days to witness children splashing about in this fountain, as it is usually quite cool; a word of warning however: be sure not to drink any of this fountain's water, as, on several occasions, this author has witness children adding their own stream of "water" into the fountain. From this fountain, one can find the Northeast Entrance just to the north, the East entrance just to the east, or continue deeper into the Gardens to the south.
The Colonnade
The Colonnade is a unique part of the Gardens of Ereal, as it is not very large, but very, very beautiful. Draped with all manner of hanging plants, and crafted out of quite lovely white marble, the Colonnade offers a quiet and peaceful place to sit with a friend and discuss the mysteries of life. White marble benches line the Colonnade, and, on quiet nights, one can hear the sounds of the Amphitheater, which sits just to the south.
The plants of the Colonnade consist mainly of various vines. The climbing pokoi, which may be identified by it's large, toothed grey-green leaves, the darker hedge bindweed, which can be known by it's white trumpet-shaped flowers, the fragrant hydrangea, which is identifiable by its large white flowers, and the precious morning glory, which one can tell by it's scores of cerulean star-shaped flowers, all flow along the columns and arches of the Colonnade, creating a virtual curtain of green leaves and white and blue flowers. Several varieties of birds make their homes atop the white marble columns, including Cineran Yellow-Wings, flick-backs from Rock Valley, and the more common Iridinian sparrow.
While no statues adorn the Colonnade itself, the structure itself is practically a work of art, from the impressive marble columns to the beautifully-tiled floor. Additionally, the marble benches that line the Colonnade are carved in depictions of the vines which hang above; they are so lifelike, it is almost as if real vines have simply taken bench shape. Another interesting aspect of the Colonnade is the large treadmill which sits all the way on the end. By means of an ingenious system of gears and pulleys, a slave on the treadmill is able to turn a large wheel, gathering water from a nearby stream and bringing it in large buckets up to the top of the Colonnade, where it runs along the marble arches, watering the hanging vines. This is truly a great work of engineering, and must be seen to be appreciated. Additionally, just outside of the Colonnade sits a rather charming shrine to Ereal, as well as a statue of a woman staring into the stream, aptly labeled "d r e a m e r".
The Memorial Gardens
The Memorial Gardens consist of a number of statues, displays, and plaques in memory and in honor of the many people who have contributed so much to our great Republic. From the mighty soldier to the artful dancer to the wise leader, the Memorial Gardens cover just about everyone; even the trees themselves are carved with names and dates, some stretching back almost 50 years.
Aside from the well-manicured lawns that often surround the statues so prevalent in the Memorial Gardens, grandiose trees grace this part of the gardens, from the mighty oak to the smooth-barked beech to the fissured walnut. Small flowers are also in evidence, both cultured and wild; daisies, roses, and violets tend to keep many of the statues company, while the smaller buttercup can be found along the edge of the tree-line. As for animals, there are not many in the Memorial Gardens, but it is not unusual on a particularly quiet and hot day to find a small garden snake sunning itself on the flagstones in some of the plazas.
As the name implies, the Memorial Gardens are home to many memorial statues. Coming from the north, the first statue one encounters is a bronze cast of an Iridine soldier, standing upon the severed head of a Cineran foe, and serving as a memorial to the defenders of Iridine. A bit to the east is the bust of a young boy, in honor of the kidnaped Quintobias Siculus, and, further on, is a great masonry wall which has been set with examples of coins from many different lands in Midlight, including the Aestivan League, Altene, Fehcratos, Gadaene, Sostaeran, Kelestia, Parcines, Remath, the Safelands, Tuchea, Ut-jor, the Windwards and Panzacor. South and east of the solider statue is a statue of two dancing woman, carved very masterfully of two different types of marble, and made in honor of the famed sister-artists Tovania Praedo and Shade Mossdark y Dendrius. Right near this statue is a comfortable padded swing, open to anyone looking to get away from the hustle of the city. Just south of this statue is another area full of memorials, with the most prominent one being the death mask of Tulcas, the first King of Iridine. South of this are yet more statues, including the bust of Martius, the famous hero of the war against the Aestevan League, and statue of Orasca Calsuan, in honor of the service of Legio I. A hammock sits just to the south, as well as a number of trees bearing carvings, mostly initials surrounded by hearts. To the west sits a grand statue of Quintus the Marauder, fully armed and armored, and tall as a domus.
The Arboretum of the Dictator
The Arboretum of the Dictator may very well be the most impressive part of the entire Gardens of Ereal. Within this area reside many of the trees which can be found throughout the Republic, all carefully harvested and brought back to Iridine as saplings, and tenderly cared for until full-grown. Many exotic and beautiful plants make their home within the Arboretum, and it is a lovely place to spend an hour or two late in the afternoon.
As already mentioned, there are many, many different trees and plants within the Arboretum. Aside from the fairly common apple and olive trees, which make their homes in some extensive orchards near the Eastern Entrance, there is also the more rare bascae, pear, banana, and exotic palm. Walnut, oak, cypress and pine trees are also abundant in the Arboretum. The trees range in size from sapling to full-grown giant; the fruit a tree produces is free to any garden visitor, and it is not uncommon to see whole families out on picnic, eating nothing but the bounty the Arboretum produces. Many animals also make their home within the Arboretum. Hunting there is illegal, so small deer, rabbits, squirrels, and mice make their home among the trees. Late in the evening, one can often see the deer venture out from their well-hidden glens to feed on fallen fruits.
The orchards and groves carefully constructed within the Arboretum are works of art in themselves, and one can spend entire days appreciating the work Calsuan went through gathering all these trees in one place, and assuring they would grow for years to come. At the northern entrance to the Arboretum sit two statues of slender leaping deer, often said to be Calsuan's favorite animals.
Conclusion
If you have followed this guide closely, you will have found yourself walking in almost a complete circle, ending directly at the Eastern Entrance, just where you started. There are certainly some things this guide likely missed, and some things this guide missed on purpose, simply so a visitor may experience the wonder of discovering them. The best way to learn about the Gardens of Ereal is to walk within them, soaking in their beauty, and striving to fully appreciate their special place in the heart of the city. You may note that what many believe to be two important features of the Gardens, namely the Amphitheater and the art gallery, have been left out of this guide. That is because this author considers them to be separate attractions with important historical aspects in their own rights, and entire guides could be written about either of them; surely, this quick overview of the Gardens would not do them justice. They are, however, certainly worth visiting. I hope you, the reader, have enjoyed this guide, and it has whetted your appetite to learn more about the Gardens of Ereal. Remember: any time in the Gardens is time well-spent, and, in a city which is constantly growing, the Gardens remain a tiny slice of the wild, a place to escape to and revel in, and hopefully learn from.