Festival of Delights
Within a structure of glass and steel stands the Overseer of Luck’s monument to confectionery. Like Antikythera, the building is larger on the inside thanks to spatial distortion magic, effectively functioning as an open pocket dimension. Upon entry, guests are greeted by a warm reception on the ground floor. Attendants and servers wait by the entryway to welcome all who have arrived to celebrate the momentous occasion and attendees can drop off their gifts for the Goddess of Life here. The ceiling of the great domed building is made of stained glass, bringing in just enough light to illuminate all the floors without additional lighting. Pillars decorated with blooming flowers of all shapes and sizes adorn the area surrounding a great pyre that burns brightly with fire that shimmers in all the colors of the rainbow. The pyre itself is stylized in the shape of a phoenix to symbolize the cycle of life and rebirth—according to what the attendants are telling people.
Behind it stands the Mont Blanc of all layer cakes, a grandiose gateau so large that all other baked goods pale in comparison. This gargantuan massif of génoise towers up towards the sky with each layer representing a different flavor—and geographical region of Revaliir. To behold the colossal kuchen in all its glory, guests can stroll along a spiraling walkway of magically reinforced glass that ascends towards the frosted summit. There are binoculars fitted with enchanted magnifying lenses placed on the edge of the floors so people can see the details of the cake layers up close.
Floor One: Onnen
As one climbs up to the first floor, the sounds of an orchestra fill the air as musicians play lively baroque music. Blending in with the sculpted architecture and picturesque garden, they are dressed so they are part of the scenery. These minstrels are entirely mechanical, exquisitely crafted automatons created by Shiloh herself for the celebration. Visitors find themselves in a lush landscape that is entirely edible—all the plants and trees are confectionery facsimiles molded from fondant, sweets, and chocolate. Even the dirt is unsweetened cocoa powder! The roses are delicately pressed, flavored marzipan which are hand-painted and dusted with powdered sugar. Amid these delectable delights are a series of luxurious fountains carved in the likeness of the Mother herself, depicting the goddess Angela Rose in the various phases of her life. From these cornucopias flow different varieties of wine, each of them the best their region has to offer. Rumors say that one of these fountains flows with the famed wine made by the goddess herself, a drink many know of and few have ever tasted. As one looks over the railing, they can see layers of the cake depicting the dense Sahel rainforest, the Sandawe savanna, the exotic Xhosa Archipelago, Sotho’s eclectic coast, Kikuyu’s marshy wetlands, Fulani’s lake country, and ashen Moors peninsula. The primal continent’s landmarks are clearly recognizable despite being several meters from the walkway and the railing of the first floor.
Floor Two: Canelux
Continuing onto the second floor, the air becomes much cooler. What some may mistake for a change due to the increase in altitude is an accommodation for the life-sized, painted chocolate sculptures of the Weaver of Life and Love that adorn the terrace. Mechanical birds twitter and sing while perched in deciduous trees carved out of solid pillars of white, dark, and milk chocolate. Mischievous ferrets from the Machinarium scurry about, wearing bow ties. They’re always happy to help, whether it’s giving somebody directions or leading guests along a guided tour of the floor’s specialties. Despite of their boundless enthusiasm, they tend to get sidetracked and need to be continually persuaded against diving into the massive cake mountain from above. And if you ever need their assistance, all you need to do is offer them a snack.
Spiced cider and mulled wine are the usual fare to accompany the flavors of Ignius and Venti. There are hearty hazelnut pralines, pumpkin tarts, and even slices of spiced apple cake from Mamlak for guests to enjoy. Candied apples dangle from realistic and edible branches, while spoon sweets and preserves are available to serve alongside rich pastries laden with streusel. You’ll find Arri’s famous rose water, a variety of teas, and sweets flavored with the essence of flowers. The drinks are served in edible teacups, crafted from thin crystallized sugar. The stirring spoons are even made from chocolate wrapped in edible gold foil. Among the trees and candied simulacra is a dryad who hands out refreshing coconut drinks to those who pass by. If you gaze out across the railing, you’ll see clouds of colored candy floss float on by, held aloft by currents of wind. The cake layers portray the kingdoms and regions of Canelux, with great shards of rock candy and a rainbow river flowing on the portion depicting the valley of Vada. Arri is depicted with reddish tinted sugar emulating the crimson sands, with a scale replica of Sularia and its districts.
Floor Three: Parvpora
Last but not least–the continent of enchantment. The air is chilly as archways and benches crafted from ice form the floor’s decor. Guests who have made the long climb are greeted by friendly ferrets dressed in winter gear serving drinks in beakers and vials. The unusual choice in serving ware is a nod to the Mother’s fame as a genius in alchemy. Clouds of cool fog emanate from the cauldrons and containers, chilled by dry ice. The top floor is dimmer than the first two even though it is closest to the stained-glass dome ceiling, an enchantment designed to enhance the icy atmosphere. Thematically crafted after Glaciem, there is an ice palace where people can receive steaming mugs of hot chocolate or sample some of Parvpora’s regional delicacies. Fluffy pavlova, elegant Ataiyan wagashi, Irian honey candies, and much more are served on hand-carved plates of ice. Although every part of the building is edible, visitors are advised not to lick it lest they find their tongues affixed by the cold. Fortunately, the ferrets are always nearby to rescue any individuals who decide to test their luck. Through globe-shaped lanterns molded from glass and metal, Revaliir’s constellations appear on the floor and walls through the light that filters through them.
