Eska en Tingilide Silma - Estate of House Melyannarim’Elena

[Tauro]

Situated near the Tiri'yaana en Ethgan'tor [Bright Temple of Ethgan'tor] lies the beautiful estate of House Melyannarim’Elena, which is fondly called Eska en Tingilide Silma (meaning ‘Home of the Twinkling Starlight’). Compared to main other noble estates within the city, Eska en Tingilide Silma is relatively small. However, what it lacks in size has been made up for in beauty. Upon first approach, a traveller is greeting with a wall of thorny bushes that, during the summer, are resplendent in colour with a variety of different roses, most of which are white. For those travelling on foot, they approach the Elen Manu Ando (or Star Spirit Gate), so named for the exploding star formed out of circular bars of iron. The star itself is covered in a plating of silver. Daily, an attendant comes to the gate and polishes the star to ensure it maintains its shine.

The stable gate can be found along the right wall of the estate. This side entrance, consisting of two large oaken doors, which are intricately carved with the symbol of the House, open wide in the middle allowing carriages and horses to reach the stable in the far left side at the rear of the property. Here members and guests house their mounts while staying within the main home. A pair of stable boys, stewards of the house who are beyond their sixtieth year, are responsible for the care of the horses under the watchful eye of the House Caretaker, an individual who is hired from amongst the common citizenry of the city.

The main ground beyond the star spirit gate is filled with beautiful silvery white tulips that somehow reflect the light of the full moon. These flowers are a specialty of House Melyannarim’Elena and can be found throughout the entire property. When there are days of the full moon, members of the House are required to spend the day in prayer before coming to the estate with invited guests for a glorious celebration and feast. The full moon is believed to be a renewing of the spirit, and a blessing received from Ioannes. These parties are highly regarded amongst the nobility of Ethgan’tor and invitations are seen as a sign of favour from the god.

At the rear of the main home, and running in a half circle all along its length, is a large, marble landing. It is here that guests spend the majority of their time during the parties and celebrations put on by House Melyannarim’Elena. Three steps lead down into the rear garden, which is interspersed with the roses, tulips, plants and the same silvery white tulips found in the front. It is during the full moon that these flowers provide the light necessary to walk through the garden and enjoy its beauty and smells. The garden is often sought by lovers desiring a stroll between the wondrous plant-life that the family maintains.

The home itself reaches a mere two stories, but its design is meant to enhance the glow from the moon and stars. The interior of the home is meant to be illuminated with special mirrors that catch the moons light and reflect it throughout the house. Tall, silvery vines stretch up the height of the home on all sides, and medium height, trimmed bushes keep a straight line on either side of the main doorway. The home is called Elena or Star and is meant to be the embodiment of a star itself. On clear nights, and if one has a chance to fly over the property, they will note it glows with radiance, which is said can only be dimmed upon the falling from faith of the family. The architecture is smooth and round, there being no corners of any kind.

The main door is large, thick and made of oak. Rounded at the top, upon its surface is carved the image of the founding Matron of the family, Jothelia Melyannarim’Elena. Her right hand is outstretched towards those who would call on the home, palm facing outward as if inviting a visitor to place their hand against hers. When this is done, a sweet ringing sound emanates from the other side of the doorway calling upon someone inside to greet their visitor.