The city of Asshai

Asshai (pronounced "a-shy") is the name of a port city in the far east of the continent of Essos. This is located in the World of Ice and Fire book by George R. R. Martin. The city of Asshai is a well known busy port city near the mountains known as The Shadow or Shadow Lands, because it's always dark there. The vast city of Asshai is so huge that several other cities could fill it! Despite the enormity of the city, the population is very small. It's believed there's no children living in Asshai but the city residents are workers of magic and sorcery, called shadowbinders, who hide themselves in cloaks and masks. The city is so dark that it seems to absorb light because the structures are made of black stone. The city is by the coast overlooking the Jade Sea. It's busy with trade too. Asshai exports gemstones, gold and dragonglass. Flowing through the city and pouring out into the sea is the river Ash. It's got dark water that glows green at night. It would be unwise to drink from it or consume the deadly fish from there. Nobody knows how old Asshai actually is but it's "always been there". Even the shadowbinders don't know when the city was built. Also near the mountains of the Shadow is an invasive white grass called "ghost grass" spreading around and destroying other plants. Various islands nearby, as well as a neighbouring city called Stygai are so dangerous that even shadowbinders won't go there. It must be mentioned that animals taken to Asshai become deformed and die soon after. Some believe there are hidden mysteries, ancient knowledge and hidden dragons in that city. 

Shadow Girl