Central Narthex Portal                                 -      N      - 
(-------------------------------------------------)     W <---(M)---> E
                                                        -      S      -

A halo of light shines in through the many windows under the canopy like
dome directly overhead.  This narthex leads into the great residence to your
north, and functions as the transition room between the lush, green gardens
outside, and the cold stone core interior of the Imperial Residence. 
Flanking the rectangular entryway are the two official Imperial Guardians,
who prevent unwanted elements from wandering in.  Numerous palace residents
walk by you, each flashing a royal identification badge of some sort.  An
elderly woman walks up to doorway and whispers something into the guards
ear, they proceed to step aside and allow her entry.  Turning south you see
the long peristyle garden, decorated with trimmed bushes, fantastic marble
fountains, and in the center an incredible cloister gazebo.