The Mage's Greenhouse

She caught sight of a spiral staircase leading to the second level, pausing at the base and running a hand over the whirls of braided iron that made up the railing. She threw her cloak over an arm, gathering her dress in her hands to pull the hem up so she could ascend the stairs more easily. With each step, Briar felt the warmth leaching quickly out of her. The atmosphere was cooler and crisper, with delicate ferns in rows of hanging pots strung along the walkway. Sunlight streamed through the ceiling, creating patterns of light and shadow that danced across the foliage.