I traveled to the province of staircases. The great variety of
balusters, railing, finials and steps filled me with awe. Many
looked welcoming, while others were intentionally obscured or
blocked up, and some were decorated with vibrant warnings to
anyone who might ascend. I found the most modern looking
staircase and climbed. After a while, I stopped on a landing to
rest. This extraordinary landing was home to dozens of living
statues, obsequious stone gods begging for spare hands. As I
explored, a loud commotion with historic consequences occurred
somewhere behind me. When I looked back, there was a curtain
drawn around the event. I turned to the statues for answers, but
they remained inert and silent, their jagged stumps eager for
relief
balusters, railing, finials and steps filled me with awe. Many
looked welcoming, while others were intentionally obscured or
blocked up, and some were decorated with vibrant warnings to
anyone who might ascend. I found the most modern looking
staircase and climbed. After a while, I stopped on a landing to
rest. This extraordinary landing was home to dozens of living
statues, obsequious stone gods begging for spare hands. As I
explored, a loud commotion with historic consequences occurred
somewhere behind me. When I looked back, there was a curtain
drawn around the event. I turned to the statues for answers, but
they remained inert and silent, their jagged stumps eager for
relief