In an attempt to win over more affections of the working class of Connlaoth (basically where the Grand Duke is drafting all of his soldiers from as a mandatory draft that all duchies must adhere)- he's decided to take on a park like structure and present it as a gift to the public, that the poor and noble alike can all take part in and enjoy.
I'm thinking about having this be in Matron's hallow, and the main building in this peasant friendly 'park' is going to be an open but large, 'Hall of Mirrors', where large, iconic mirrors that represent each of the duchies of Connlaoth will be on display. The idea is this hall is meant to remind and unify all of the Connlaoth, that we are one and one is all sort of deal, and that each duchy is a reflection of the country- and a reflection of each other. The mirrors are to face each other inwardly, so in a circle of sorts, but in an open enough fashion many guests can walk through and around them. They are meant to be tall, powerful and strong looking (approximately two stories high for each mirror, give or take) and will be seen as a place for casual meetings, but no one aim in particular- simply a work of architecture for all to enjoy.
Outside there is to be landscaped lawns in a park like setting, similar to the gardens all nobility tends to own on their own lands. Seeing how gardens are quite the thing associated with nobility, the Grand Duke seeks to take a piece of his life and share it with all of those within his country- so basically a lush garden for everyone to see and enjoy. It'll be the first of it's kind, and again, a public space all can enjoy!
It's opening day the Grand Duke will host a week long festival to celebrate ALL people and ALL the duchies of Connlaoth, despite the on going civil war still taking place.
More information is to come, but there will be no limits to who can attend- but note there will be soldiers and guards on duties, and nobles are encouraged to attend to 'make face' with the public. They are not required, but their refusal to attend will be seen poorly by the Grand Duke. Known enemies of the crown COULD attend however, it'd be a heavily guarded event but also a densely populated one- so it's possible spies and enemies could hide there :D and you know, enjoy the festival so long as they're not caught <3
Most guards, obviously, would be situated closest to the well to do crowd (ie- the Grand Duke, other dukes and nobles, etc)
This will be taking place in late fall, before any snow fall, but most of the trees will have lost their leaves by now <3
Since the festival will be week long to celebrate with the public, please don't hesitate to post your ideas of what you'd like to see have happen at this event!
There will definitely be discussions on the end of the harvest season and the worry for the on coming winter (and the hopes it won't be as bad as the winter the mage camps had fell...)
After all, another bad winter would not do well for Connlaoth at all!