The compound itself
The compound is part of a row of such townhouses, some on the street some set back behind lawns. A few of these are arranged in similar compounds, but most are units unto themselves. Valleran's is not the smallest by any means, but it is also easily not the grandest.
The compound is composed of three separate, joined townhouses, each three stories high and arranged in such a way so that they look down upon a wide central courtyard that extends to Silver Street. A twelve foot masonry wall separates Silver Street and the courtyard; this wall being topped with shards of broken glass and ceramic. The street-facing of the wall is covered with an old abstract mural painted by an unknown artist long ago... Valleran has been meaning to paint over it forever, but has never seemed to find the time to arrange for it.
The courtyard
A wide open space featuring a few trees, small expanses of lawn, a central fountain, a small reflecting pool, and some few examples of statuary here and there among rows of hedges, racks of vines and beds of flowers. The place is perfect size to accommodate the after-dinner overflow of a reception of perhaps 100 people. To a small group, it would seem just on the edge of "large". There are places to sit here and there, with a few chaise lounges set by the reflecting pool.
Off of to the side and tucked against the wall there is a small shed for supplies.
The townhomes
Constructed of marble, white and tanned veined, arranged in a very pleasing manner and giving a classical impression of strength and precision. Each of the three townhomes have an individual, distinct character, but they also share some common characteristics.
They're all three stories high, with one below-ground level. All the ceilings of the place are high, 12 feet from floor to ceiling. The walls are masonry lined with stucco and plaster ( typically painted white or tan, though some various exist ).
The windows are always set in two and are also high and broad. There are no balconies to speak of, though the windows open out or may be removed entirely.
The floors are typically stone on the first floor, polished wood on the 2nd & 3rd floors. liberal use of plush rugs throughout. Empty space and indirect lighting make spaces seem even larger than they are. The sparse furniture is finely crafted, and artwork or objects of elegance are displayed throughout all three townhouses.
The decor throughout the townhomes is typically august and fine, showing expensive taste and careful consideration. Pieces from Valleran's collections are displayed throughout the townhomes, including rare kaissa sets, poetry and essays of Sullata, and the paintings & sculpture of Mechahm.
To the right: Valleran's residence
This townhome's roof is actually set up as an observatory space; chaise lounges and instruments such a sundials, large astrolabes and other accessories can be found here. The place is a rooftop retreat meant for Kaeso alone, but also suitable for a small party of guests.
- 3rd floor - library, study, conservatory, collection room
- 2nd floor - Kaeso's chambers, 3 guest chambers
- 1st floor - foyer - reception, small kitchen ( unused ), recreation room
- lower level - wine cellar ( works of Boleto are favored ), kennel, recreation rooms
Up the center: The Grand House
This townhome is larger than the other two; it has more volume by a third, though it is the same height. It's roof is set up for the entertainment of a larger party; low tables, settings to keep a large group of people in food and drink for some time, as well as a small dais and stage area
- 3rd floor - 4 opulant guest chambers, one unused room
- 2nd floor - business office ( unused ), 2 staffing areas, 2 guest chambers
- 1st floor - foyer, grand dining hall, kitchen
- lower level - storage, isolated rooms
To the left: Companion's accommodations
This townhouse is currently vacant. The furniture and art and rugs are covered with canvas.
This townhome's roof has half the area of the opposing townhome due to the 3rd floor solarium, and is set up as a small rooftop garden. The garden is currently kept by the kettle girls, though not well.
- 3rd floor - grand solarium, 2 opulent guest chambers
- 2nd floor - Companion's apartment - four chambers, grand bath
- 1st floor - foyer, reception, 3 guest chambers
- lower level - staffing areas, kennel
Staff
Antistenes
A free man of advanced years but vigorous demeanor and keen eye serves as kaeso's bodyman, and manages the affairs of the residence. On rare occasion he'll accompany Valleran on business, but usually stays local, seeing to the upkeep of the property and management of the "staff"
Guards
A guard from a reputable House is typically stationed at the gate, but this is more for appearances than a ward for actual danger. If someone within needs an escort into Ar, this guard will typically leave the station and see to the escort. Another guard is stationed in the courtyard or just inside the foyer of the Reception house; this sentinel charged with spelling the guard at the gate or wandering the townhomes of the residence. As the compound is not very big, this is fairly boring duty.
Slaves
A kettle girl or two is usually the loan slave in residence, and these girls change on a fairly regular basis, again staffed from a reputable House. Because of the constant turnover, it's residence "tradition" to refer to them not by name, but merely by the color of their hair. They see to food preparation and general upkeep of the residences. In times where more than Kaeso and Antistenes are in residence, this meager staff is fleshed out, so to speak. On some occasions these girls will serve the pleasures of Valleran, Antistenes, or on some occasions the guards... though this is not encouraged.
...
A person known to the guards or Antistenes as a friend of the household is always admitted and treated with deference, invited to stay in the courtyard or in the Grand House to await Valleran's return if he's out. This may extend to accommodation in the guest areas of the Grand House. A caller not known to the guards or Antistenes will typically only be granted access to the courtyard.
The guards are not typically granted access to Valleran's residence; Antistenes sees to any work that needs to be done there. The vacant Companion's residence is not usually secured.
The kettle girls are free to move about the residences as their duties permit, and typically are not allowed to leave the proprty unless tasked with some errand. One girl needs to remain at the residence at all time, unless given leave by Antistenes.
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