It was thirty years ago when a greenseekers expedition was returning from the southern parts of Equestria. They were supposed to be met by a hunters patrol that would help them back to the Empire through the snowy mountains, but despite waiting in the meeting place for three days nobody came for them. They were running low on food, so as a desperate decision, the leader of the expedition decided to set off and try to find their way to the Empire alone. But that was a decision they had to pay in blood, for even after weeks of wondering through thee frozen mountains they hadn't managed to get a single glimpse of the Eclipse Tower, and soon enough they started losing members of the expedition.

One by one, they succumbed to the cold of the arctic north, until there were only three of them left. And in their despair, trying to find shelter from the snow storm, they stumbled into a cave. But something was strange with that cave: inside, there was dripping water from the ceiling, while in that cold, there shouldn't be no running water. And it didn't take long for them to notice that there was warmth radiating from deeper in the cave. So they went to investigate, and after walking for a while they reached a big opening in the cave: 

There was a huge room inside the mountain, filled with a warm, amber glow. But this was different than regular amber, for it was actually, warm. Andd the walls were made entirely of this stone. But that wasn't all. Apparently, the warmth of the stones created a perfect enviroment for plantts to grow: it was like nothing they have seen before so far north. It was like one of those jungles they would find in the southern parts of Equestria, completely covered in plants of all kinds.

Quickly, the greenseekers took out a few seeds and plants they had been carrying with them - which were on the point of dying by now. As they put those on the warm ground, they looked as if they were magically revived.

They looked at eachother and didn't say a word, but they all knew what they were thinking: back in the empire, there was absolutely no way to grow plants. But this - this might allow them to do so! And that would do so much for the herbalists guild and the Empire... They HAD to get these firestones back to the Frozen Empire. They couldn't die now.

But how were they gonna do that? They were lost, they could've been miles away from the Empire, and probably nobody would ever find them. But at least they had food now - the cave was full of plants and fruit they could eat. So they were simply going to wait for now.

A few days later, they were found by a hunter patrol that managed to follow their trails, and they took them back to the Empire together with some Firestones. The Herbalists then started experimenting with the stones and managed to start growing plants for the first time in the history of the Empire. However, the stone's warmth seemed to slowly fade away, and 6 month later it was almost gone. Therefore, a new hunter patrol was sent to gather more stones. It seemed like the mountain in which the stones grew had magical properties, but the stones were mere simple amber once taken away from their cave. 

Still, that allowed the Herbalists to grow plants, even if in small quantity. And since then, the Herbalists Guild became a very important guild in the empire, despite still being just an underguild for the Scholars Guild.

Thanks to @rubinoble1 and MidnightStar for the large contribution on this idea.

Kage no Neko-ya is a Cat Cafe, being set in a small building, painted red, with dark wooden beams and paper screens, set in a quiet alleyway.

The entranceway is flanked by weathered stone steps, leading to a portal framed by an ornate archway.

Inside, the dimly lit space features low tables with cushions on tatami mats, atop rugged stone flooring. Soft light spills from hanging lanterns, casting a faint glow on the ink paintings of cats and caligraphy showcased on the walls. The air is still and quiet, with the occasional creak of the worn wooden beams adding an eerie undertone.

Amidst the serene appearance, the cats move strangely, their eyes glowing faintly in the low light, and their behavior slightly out of the ordinary. Some seem to stare into space or exhibit unusual movements, adding to the peculiar ambiance. Their movements seem oddly calculated, blending seamlessly with the enigmatic ambiance of this unconventional establishment. Overall, there's an inexplicable feeling of unease, as if something is not quite right within this otherwise tranquil cat cafe.

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As a visitor in this enigmatic cafe, one would find themselves drawn to the strange cats roaming the place. Engaging with them, one might feel a subtle strangeness, an indefinable quality that sets them apart from what one might think of.

As you sit, enjoying tea with a 'cat' perched contentedly on my lap, you'd pet its fur, noticing an uncanny smoothness and an odd warmth that's different from what you'd expect. Their behavior might have a peculiar precision, almost as if they're performing what being a cat is like. Still, any unusual qualities simply register as unique traits of these unfamiliar creatures rather than deviations from the norm.

Throughout your visit, a lingering feeling of curiosity might persist, a nagging sense that something about these creatures doesn't quite align with your imagine of actual cats. But the charm and the odd familiarity they evoke would likely outweigh any doubts, allowing you to immerse yourself in the whimsical experience of enjoying tea and playtime with these mystical feline entities.

One's lack of prior experience with real cats would prevent one from questioning the authenticity of these beings. Instead, one would wholeheartedly accept them as the embodiment of what they've only heard and imagined cats to be—cherishing the joy they bring and savoring the enchantment of this remarkable encounter.

✦

The workers in this place are sweet entertainers, with personalities much more genuine than in other entertainment houses. Grifix come to this place not for their companionship, but for the "cats", so they aren't so much forced to put on an act, as they would be in other houses from the Entertainment District.
These entertainers embody a genuine affection and care for the cats, treating them as any animal lover would treat a beloved pet.

Their interactions are filled with warmth and compassion, as they attend to the needs of these enigmatic creatures, believing wholeheartedly in their feline nature. They might discuss the cats' personalities, quirks, and preferences with the visitors, sharing anecdotes and stories about their daily experiences with the cats, bonding with the customers and helping the buisness in this way.

The entertainers exude a sense of dedication to their role, ensuring the cats are well cared for and the visitors have an enchanting experience. Their attire reflects a casual yet welcoming style, fostering a sense of approachability and ease among the guests.

While they're genuinely nurturing and attentive to the needs of these mysterious beings, their unawareness of the truth lends an authenticity to their interactions, deepening the veil of illusion that envelops the cafe.

Most of the workers in the cafe do not have cat sphirix, or they think they do, but the sphirix is in fact a not-cat, like the "cats" in the cafe. Those that have actual cat sphirix find the "cats" in the cafe very uncany and strange. So very few such grifix work there.

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The Mother of the house embodies an air of enigmatic wisdom, carrying herself with a graceful poise that hints at a depth of experiences and hidden knowledge. Her presence would command respect and admiration among both the workers and the visitors to the cafe.

She dresses in attire that stands out subtly, adorned in flowing garments of exquisite craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Her clothing, while mirroring the workers' style, might bear additional ornate details and embroidery that speak of her role as the keeper of secrets.

Her demeanor exudes warmth and kindness, but beneath that gentle exterior lies a depth of mysteries and untold stories. She possesses an uncanny ability to guide conversations and interactions, subtly nudging them toward deeper truths without revealing too much.

There is an air of melancholy or wistfulness about her, hinting at experiences beyond the cafe's facade. Her eyes, filled with a mix of kindness and a hint of sadness, held secrets of encounters with real cats from a distant past—a past she keeps guarded, perhaps even from herself.

She is be the guardian of the illusion, the keeper of the cafe's enchantment, and the one who understands the true nature of the mysterious beings within the establishment. Yet, she chooses to uphold the illusion, preserving the magic for those who step into her realm of wonder and fascination.

While she presents an outward appearance of nurturing care and warmth towards these creatures, inwardly, she harbors a mix of emotions. She keeps her distance from the cats, but nobody is able to comprehend why. Despite her genuine affection for them, there's an underlying discomfort, a haunting reminder of what these creatures mimic but ultimately lack—the true essence of real cats.

Her care for these beings stems from a sense of responsibility, not just as the owner of the cafe, but as someone who feels a need to protect these creations born from collective imagination. She ensures they are well-cared for, loved, and treated with kindness, even though their existence might stir up conflicting emotions within her.

Note: the text on about this house has been mostly AI generated, as well as the designs of the "cats" are based on AI generated depictions of cats. This has been done in order to deepen the unnatural feeling of this place, and enhance the immersion of the reader.