Beyond the neatly arranged file cabinets, a crowded world appears before everyone.
In one corner of the room, a black marble floor-standing clock is placed, its silver-white dial is engraved with elegant, floral runes. Its charcoal-colored pendulum swings leisurely, making 'tick-tock' sounds.
In front of the grand clock is a large spherical instrument. The sphere is painted with celestial patterns. Upon the sturdy brass base, four red-lit, dragon-shaped beasts stretch their claws, pushing the central sphere to rotate slowly.
On the opposite side of the room, a wooden window is tightly closed; the silver-grey curtains are bound tight on either side of the window. Through the dim sky outside, one can make out the pitch-black, undulating canopies of the Silent Forest in the distance.
A few pots of short-leaf Clivias and daffodils are placed on the windowsill. Perhaps due to neglect, these potted plants have wide dust-covered leaves, making them appear rather grey and dull.
