Nestled deep within the labyrinthine heart of Grand Mirage Bazaar, the Whispering Oasis sprawls as a hidden courtyard of opulent decadence, its walls clad in turquoise tiles veined with gold filigree that depict coiling serpents and blooming night-lotus.
A central fountain of quicksilver mist bubbles eternally, fed by subterranean springs enchanted to murmur forgotten incantations, while overarching trellises of bioluminescent vines drip silken lanterns that pulse like captive fireflies against the perpetual twilight sky.
Low marble divans encircle sunken braziers flickering with rose-scented flames, their cushions embroidered with protective wards against envious eyes, and brass trays overflow with dates stuffed in pistachio paste and chilled vials of star-anise elixir.
Lirael and her veiled sisters emerged from silken alcoves, their lithe forms adorned in flowing kaftans of midnight indigo chiffon, embroidered with silver emblems that shimmered like 'Starfire.'
