M A R C E L L E S [ the city ]
- The city of Marcelles is a center for trade - both of merchantile goods and of knowledge. The city brags a very large harbor and docks hundreds of ships. Its citizens have a love of art and beautiful architecture, as well as cutting edge design and function. Thus, although skyscrapers have risen up around the old architecture, there have been numerous projects to preserve the old buildings and in a sense Marcelles is a blend of the past and the present.
Marcelles is divided up into several sectors, each sector separated by a small river. All rivers connect to a larger one that runs directly through the middle of the city and into the ocean. There are about four sectors in the city: The poor residential sector, the industrial and business sectors, the suburbs, and the upscale neighborhood sector. The poor residential section is down on the flats near the ocean and the busy, dirty harbor, along with the industrial section. The "downtown" business section is actually higher up the hill, flanked by the suburbs. The nicest houses and richest neighborhoods are located up at the top where they can look out over the city and the water.
Extremely crude map, for your amusement: here.
M O O N C A K E S [ the bakery ]
- The bakery itself is perched up on a hill and looks out over the industrial sectors of the city, located on the outskirts of the suburbs. On the inside it is painted warm, dusty shades of caramel and decorated with various artworks of cakes and pastries along with dried flowers and some candles (for sale). It has minimal seating, just a few metal tables and cushioned chairs, but it still feels welcoming enough to encourage one to stay longer than intended and chat a while. Behind the counter the shelves are crowded with bags of flour and dried wheat - all decorative, but nestled amongst them are coffee and tea makers - for those who'd like something to drink with their baked goods - and sets of white ceramic cups and saucers. Barely visible through the open door behind the counter are the three ovens. Two newer models on each side, and in the center the old oven with the words "merveille curieuse" engraved on the door.
