Solvaine
The capital of Caelvenne is a city of canals, bridges and gilded domes spread across forty islands in the Surmave delta, all marble, arcades, bell towers, painted walls and bridges carved like jewelry, with absolutely no thatch, and the golden dome of the Sun Cathedral can be seen from across the lake at dawn. One of the old Marrowmere League cities, Solvaine joined Claupiose and Ienvaune in the Lake Treasury of 220, and the Great Surmave Flood of 539 drowned its lower city. The House of Farisel was founded here in 903 by the glass-merchant's widow Vailine Farisel, and the House of Tésvol failed here in the Bank Panic of 1068. Since 949 Tharaxi spears have garrisoned the lake shore on condition that no Phymon ever sleep inside the city's walls. About four in ten Solvainers can read; every household's eldest opens the eastern shutter at dawn and says "The debt is paid," couples marry facing a mirror, the Nine Houses count their books by candlelight on Kettle Night, and when bread runs short the poor ring the cathedral bells and are called the Bells. Gray Solvaine cats guard every warehouse, and the Quiet Office breeds Solvaine pigeons to carry its messages.
See also: The Sun Cathedral, The Solvaine Isles, The Surmave Delta, Isle of the Accord, Marrowmere League