The Court of the Shahanshah

[Khwarasan]

The Court of the Shahanshah

This is the IC thread for all the events and internal workings within the realm of the Khwarasanid Dynasty. There will be a few "fixed" characters that will be played by me exclusively, but I will leave some open for other players who wish to join in the fun. Additionally, if you would like to include a character of your own design into the court please PM me before their introduction so I may approve them. Likewise, ambassadors, your own faction leaders/notables, and missionaries may travel and open up diplomatic dealings without my prior approval and come and go as they please.

The majority of the posts in here will likely be of my own design, but please do not hesitate to come with ideas for a good RP. All posts should be IC, but if you must place something OOC do it with a spoiler tag please. All minor characters are open.

Main Characters (Fixed/Closed):
Shapur V, Shahanshah of Khwarasanid Persia - Faction leader
Bahram, Agha (Lord) of Gulistan - Brother of Shapur V
Javed, Agha of Khorisan - Brother of Shapur V
Darya, Shahbanu (Empress) of Khwarasanid Persia - Wife of Shapur V
Eskander, Shahzada (Crown Prince) - Eldest son of Shapur V and faction heir
Farah, Shahdokht (Princess) - Daughter of Shapur V
Reza, Mirza (Prince) - Youngest son of Shapur V

Daryush Mirzapur - Royal Chancellor
Payam of Sari - High Priest of Khwarasan
Nezool of Semnan - Commander-in-Chief of Khwarasanid Forces


Minor Characters (Open)
Ava, Shahdokht - Sister of Shapur V (Persian, Zoroastrian)
Navid Rezapur - Royal Treasurer (Persian, Zoroastrian)
Aziz Kavarian- Commander of the Royal Zhayedan Guard (Armenian, Christian) - Ebsotz
Mahmud al-Baghdadi - High Judge (Arab, Muslim)
Bahadur of Hasan - Chamberlain of the Shah (Persian, Zoroastrian)
Husayn Ibn Tarik - Kurdish Leader of Shikak Tribe (Kurd, Muslim)
Roshanara - Shah's favorite consort (Persian, Atheist)

[Azaq]

Tömörbaatar & Delshad

As the city of Abarshahr came into view, Chancellor Tömörbaatar and Mobad Delshad felt a sigh of relief. The jagged rocks and scorching deserts played havoc on him and his company, and the constant harassment of bandits grew tiresome. The company entered the bustling city with great eagerness and calmness as they made their way to the palace of Shahanshah Shapur V.

Arriving at the palace walls, Tömörbaatar and Delshad dismounted their horses and approached the guards. Approaching them, they spoke in Persian.

"Greetings, soldiers! I am Chancellor Tömörbaatar, and this is Mobad Delshad. We hail from the Khanate of Azaq, on the fringes of the Euxine Sea. We come on behalf of Khan Ganbaatar of the Temürid Dynasty, current ruler of the Khanate. He wishes to establish relations with Kwarasanid Persia. May we have an audience with your Shahanshah?"

[Khwarasan]

Daryush Mirzapur

The sentries that guarded the entrance to the Shah's Palace were large beasts of men; both standing over six feet tall and making for an imposing sight in their marvelously patterned silk uniforms. As the foreigners spoke, the sentries exchanged a bewildered look through the scarves that partially obscured their faces. To simply "request an audience" with the most powerful man they had ever known was a peculiar and possibly brazen pursuit.

Before either could reply however, the two gold-platted doors to the Palace courtyard opened and a thin, bearded man quietly squeezed through. His lavish robes and fine jewelry appropriately marked him as a man of great wealth and prestige. The man quickly focused his attention on the two envoys staring at him.

"My name is Daryush, I'm the Royal Chancellor. May I help you two?" Daryush Mirzapur inquired. The two sentries quickly whispered into his ear Tömörbaatar's request.

"Ah, the Shah is currently absent from the palace at the moment - his daily trip to the city's royal bath house. I was on my way to meet him presently, and I do imagine he will be delighted to meet representatives of the Khan.

We have heard much regarding his respect for the Zoroastrian faith. Please, would you follow me gentlemen? I would take much pleasure from hearing about your journey."

[Azaq]

Daryush Mirzapur

The sentries that guarded the entrance to the Shah's Palace were large beasts of men; both standing over six feet tall and making for an imposing sight in their marvelously patterned silk uniforms. As the foreigners spoke, the sentries exchanged a bewildered look through the scarves that partially obscured their faces. To simply "request an audience" with the most powerful man they had ever known was a peculiar and possibly brazen pursuit.

Before either could reply however, the two gold-platted doors to the Palace courtyard opened and a thin, bearded man quietly squeezed through. His lavish robes and fine jewelry appropriately marked him as a man of great wealth and prestige. The man quickly focused his attention on the two envoys staring at him.

"My name is Daryush, I'm the Royal Chancellor. May I help you two?" Daryush Mirzapur inquired. The two sentries quickly whispered into his ear Tömörbaatar's request.

"Ah, the Shah is currently absent from the palace at the moment - his daily trip to the city's royal bath house. I was on my way to meet him presently, and I do imagine he will be delighted to meet representatives of the Khan.

We have heard much regarding his respect for the Zoroastrian faith. Please, would you follow me gentlemen? I would take much pleasure from hearing about your journey."

Tömörbaatar & Delshad

"Greetings to you, Chancellor."

They said in unison, as they followed Daryush while signaling their guards to remain behind. Suddenly, Delshad decided to speak up.

"I must say, Chancellor Daryush, my family has not been in Persia for many generations now. I am glad to see Persia illuminated in the light of Ahura Mazda's flame once more, even if it is only a small portion.

Generations ago my family, and others, fled north from the Muhammadan conquerors into the arms of the Turkic tribes. Originally we attempted to convert these tribes and bring an army back to take back Persia for the Zoroastrian faith, for the true Persians, but alas, few would convert, and for much of our time we spent in a camp bordering the northern half of the Aral Sea, until the Mongolian Khan Temür set upon us, spoke with us of our faith, and converted much of his khanate, taking us with him as he marched further westward.

Today his son, Ganbaatar, rules said khanate and continues the prominence of the Zoroastrian faith in Azaq, which is why we have been sent here to engage in diplomacy with the Shahanshah, for independent Zoroastrian rulers are few these days. I myself am the Mobad of the Khanate, and directly deal with all Zoroastrian related issues."

[Khwarasan]

Daryush Mirzapur

The trio walked through the bustling city streets with a light escort, but Daryush was unburdened by fear or worry. Abarshahr had been a city of culture and learning for centuries before the Arabs seized it in 685 AD, and it had remained a peaceful place even after the Shah's secession.

His head perked up when he finally heard his fellow Persian break the silence.

"Yes, we have been ardently at work here in Khwarasan for centuries attempting to keep the storied culture of our ancestors alive and well. While much of the land remains firmly entrenched in the Islamic faith, us brave few Zoroastrians who remained had the difficult task of keeping Ahura Mazda's flame burning brightly. As you can see, all of Persia has not descended into darkness.

My own family was originally from Asōristān - Ctesiphon to be precise, yet they were forced to flee before the Muhammadans besieged the city. I imagine nothing remains of my ancestral home now; a shadow much like the old capital itself. I hope to return their some day...as does our Shah.

Yet before that day, we see no reason to persecute the Muslims like many of the Arabs did to Zoroastrians after the initial invasion. The Shah is a practical man and has seen fit to promote religious tolerance here; much like your glorious Khan. We have much need in the way of friends and we hope you will bask with us in the light of our Lord."

A few more minutes of walking and the group came to the city's Grand Bazaar. Certainly not of the size of its likes in Baghdad or Jerusalem, but still quite impressive, the bazaar was nonetheless a place of cultural and religious interactions as much as commerce.

"The Grand Bazaar!" Daryush exclaimed, waving his hands about. "Traders and caravans from all across Asia Minor have stopped here along the Silk Road to sell or rest. Trade, as much as culture, has helped to keep our tiny area alive and well. As Royal Chancellor, I also am given proper authority to dictate trade agreements with foreign realms. I would be honored if Azaq and Khwarasan could become healthy trade partners. Just something to think about as we continue to the baths."

[Azaq]

Daryush Mirzapur

The trio walked through the bustling city streets with a light escort, but Daryush was unburdened by fear or worry. Abarshahr had been a city of culture and learning for centuries before the Arabs seized it in 685 AD, and it had remained a peaceful place even after the Shah's secession.

His head perked up when he finally heard his fellow Persian break the silence.

"Yes, we have been ardently at work here in Khwarasan for centuries attempting to keep the storied culture of our ancestors alive and well. While much of the land remains firmly entrenched in the Islamic faith, us brave few Zoroastrians who remained had the difficult task of keeping Ahura Mazda's flame burning brightly. As you can see, all of Persia has not descended into darkness.

My own family was originally from Asōristān - Ctesiphon to be precise, yet they were forced to flee before the Muhammadans besieged the city. I imagine nothing remains of my ancestral home now; a shadow much like the old capital itself. I hope to return their some day...as does our Shah.

Yet before that day, we see no reason to persecute the Muslims like many of the Arabs did to Zoroastrians after the initial invasion. The Shah is a practical man and has seen fit to promote religious tolerance here; much like your glorious Khan. We have much need in the way of friends and we hope you will bask with us in the light of our Lord."

A few more minutes of walking and the group came to the city's Grand Bazaar. Certainly not of the size of its likes in Baghdad or Jerusalem, but still quite impressive, the bazaar was nonetheless a place of cultural and religious interactions as much as commerce.

"The Grand Bazaar!" Daryush exclaimed, waving his hands about. "Traders and caravans from all across Asia Minor have stopped here along the Silk Road to sell or rest. Trade, as much as culture, has helped to keep our tiny area alive and well. As Royal Chancellor, I also am given proper authority to dictate trade agreements with foreign realms. I would be honored if Azaq and Khwarasan could become healthy trade partners. Just something to think about as we continue to the baths."

Tömörbaatar & Delshad

Delshad took great interested in Daryush's words, as did Tömörbaatar, though not to same extent.

"I am sure the Khan would agree. He looks forward to establishing strong relations between our realms.

It is also intriguing to hear your Shahanshah holds no grudge against the Muslims, considering all that has happened. Many of us - the descendants of those that fled - were raised to despise the Muslim faith for the butchering and persecution that was brought upon by it's violent spread into Persia. I myself do not, for what has happened has happened and cannot be undone. It is best not to dwell on past occurrences and instead learn from the past, focus on the present, and look to the future.

As you yourself said, the Khan also practices a great deal of religious tolerance. Although Zoroastrianism is indeed the most prominent faith, and indeed the official religion of the khanate, there are many other faiths present as well. Not all the Mongols and Turks converted initially, and so many still follow the Tengri faith. Several cities inhabited by Greeks were conquered and subjected, and their populations permitted to keep their Eastern Christian Rites, later aligning with the Orthodox Church of Constantinople. The Slav tribes for the most part still follow their native, polytheistic faith. Nestorianism, a Christian sect popular among the Turkic peoples of the steppes, also has a small Mongol following and likewise keeps to it.

In fact, Chancellor Tömörbaatar follows the Nestorian sect himself. There are many peoples and faiths in the khanate, and all are welcome so long as they do not trudge upon the Khan's authority.

So you wish to retake Ctesiphon? I am sure you plan to take back Tabriz as well? This is the city from which my family originated from, having lived their for many generations. There are many intersections between my family and Armenian and Assyrian families from their time in Tabriz. Perhaps even one day we shall return there, should it be safe.

We passed the city on our journey, though it was not in good shape and the areas around it - like much of the land we crossed - was riddled with bandits of all kinds. Though our men managed to best them easily without much effort."

[Khwarasan]

Daryush Mirzapur

Daryush nodded in somber acknowledgement of his fellow Persian's words.

"Yes, these are indeed troubling times. The lawlessness of the lands outside our realm deeply upsets the Shahanshah. We have used our military to great effect by restoring law and order at the borders of Khwarasan, but this has had little effect on the wider trade routes outside our immediate jurisdiction. Rest assured that it is my Shah's earnest wish to expand our borders to reclaim these once prosperous cities and restore them to prominence, and in so doing, pacify the trade routes.

This indeed, will take us to Ctesiphon, Tabriz, Esfahan, Susa, and beyond. The Shahanshah wishes to return the glory once held by Persian Kings, such glory that was stolen by the Arabs. In their weakened state, I imagine this will come sooner rather than later. When the time comes however, it will be most important for our northern borders to remain secured.

Tell me, does the Khan plan to expand his domain southward or does he remain content with a peaceful coexistence with his Persian neighbors? All shall be welcomed into Khwarasanid lands to trade and all exiles shall be granted access. You may very well see your home again, as I shall see mine."

[Ebsotz]

-snip-

[Azaq]

Daryush Mirzapur

Daryush nodded in somber acknowledgement of his fellow Persian's words.

"Yes, these are indeed troubling times. The lawlessness of the lands outside our realm deeply upsets the Shahanshah. We have used our military to great effect by restoring law and order at the borders of Khwarasan, but this has had little effect on the wider trade routes outside our immediate jurisdiction. Rest assured that it is my Shah's earnest wish to expand our borders to reclaim these once prosperous cities and restore them to prominence, and in so doing, pacify the trade routes.

This indeed, will take us to Ctesiphon, Tabriz, Esfahan, Susa, and beyond. The Shahanshah wishes to return the glory once held by Persian Kings, such glory that was stolen by the Arabs. In their weakened state, I imagine this will come sooner rather than later. When the time comes however, it will be most important for our northern borders to remain secured.

Tell me, does the Khan plan to expand his domain southward or does he remain content with a peaceful coexistence with his Persian neighbors? All shall be welcomed into Khwarasanid lands to trade and all exiles shall be granted access. You may very well see your home again, as I shall see mine."

Tömörbaatar & Delshad

Tömörbaatar spoke up for this one.

"Where or when the khan will expand is unknown to all but him at this time. If I had to make a guess, I would say that he will likely expand north or east. Though he has had his eye on the Alan tribes north of the Caucasus for a while now, and I expect that this is where he will likely strike next. Though I have doubts he will go any further south than the footholds of the mountains themselves, so you should not have to worry in that regard. An alliance with the Khan would most certainly secure your northern borders from any who might seek animosity with Persia. The khan wields a large army and is definitely not afraid to utilize it's full potential."

[Khwarasan]

Daryush Mirzapur

The Chancellor let out a slight, yet telling smile. Persia had dealt with its fair share of nomadic raiders in the past and was always wary of their intent no matter their religion.

"This is excellent news. I know that the Shahanshah will be pleased to hear that the Khan of Azaq wishes only friendship and trade with Persia for they are things we eagerly give. I will discuss the prospects of a formal military alliance with the Shah after our business is concluded, and then send an envoy to Azaq to remain there in the Khan's court."

The group walked only a few more minutes before arriving at the entrance to the city's royal bath house. A palace in its own right, the bath house was one of the largest buildings in the city and was a lasting reminder of former Parthian extravagance and wealth. With a center forum, the bath house could also function as an impromptu court.

As they entered, the trio were confronted with a wall of steam that partially obscured all inside and added an air of mystery to the whole establishment. Finally, they were led to the forum by two members of the Zhayedan Guard - the "Immortals" and the Shahanshah's personal bodyguard.

As they entered the main chamber, two men waited patiently and silently. The lower of the two seated on the steps of the stairs leading to the throne, was Aziz Kavarian, the commander of the Zhayedan Guard. Above him was none other than the Shahanshah himself. Shapur V looked at the foreigners silently and with interest, but his bearded face betrayed no emotion.

Daryush whispered to Tömörbaatar & Delshad just as the doors closed behind them.

"It would be customary to crawl to the Shahanshah on your knees, but we shall forgo such antiquities due to your Khan's religion and friendship towards us. A deep and sincere bow shall certainly suffice.

Representatives of the Khanate of Azaq, great Shahanshah! Chancellor Tömörbaatar & Mobad Delshad, you are granted the honor of audience with Shapur V, Shah of Persia, and King of Kings."

[Azaq]

Daryush Mirzapur

The Chancellor let out a slight, yet telling smile. Persia had dealt with its fair share of nomadic raiders in the past and was always wary of their intent no matter their religion.

"This is excellent news. I know that the Shahanshah will be pleased to hear that the Khan of Azaq wishes only friendship and trade with Persia for they are things we eagerly give. I will discuss the prospects of a formal military alliance with the Shah after our business is concluded, and then send an envoy to Azaq to remain there in the Khan's court."

The group walked only a few more minutes before arriving at the entrance to the city's royal bath house. A palace in its own right, the bath house was one of the largest buildings in the city and was a lasting reminder of former Parthian extravagance and wealth. With a center forum, the bath house could also function as an impromptu court.

As they entered, the trio were confronted with a wall of steam that partially obscured all inside and added an air of mystery to the whole establishment. Finally, they were led to the forum by two members of the Zhayedan Guard - the "Immortals" and the Shahanshah's personal bodyguard.

As they entered the main chamber, two men waited patiently and silently. The lower of the two seated on the steps of the stairs leading to the throne, was Aziz Kavarian, the commander of the Zhayedan Guard. Above him was none other than the Shahanshah himself. Shapur V looked at the foreigners silently and with interest, but his bearded face betrayed no emotion.

Daryush whispered to Tömörbaatar & Delshad just as the doors closed behind them.

"It would be customary to crawl to the Shahanshah on your knees, but we shall forgo such antiquities due to your Khan's religion and friendship towards us. A deep and sincere bow shall certainly suffice.

Representatives of the Khanate of Azaq, great Shahanshah! Chancellor Tömörbaatar & Mobad Delshad, you are granted the honor of audience with Shapur V, Shah of Persia, and King of Kings."

Tömörbaatar & Delshad

The two stepped forward towards the Shahanshah and bowed deeply.

"Greetings, great Shahanshah. I am Chancellor Tömörbaatar, and this is Mobad Delshad. We come on behalf of Ganbaatar, the Mongolian Khan of Azaq. He wishes good fortune toward you and your realm, and seeks to establish closer relations with a fellow Zoroastrian realm in hopes of keeping the faith alive in this trying times, when it seems much of the world is dominated by the cross and the moon."

[Khwarasan]

Shapur V & Daryush

The Shahanshah grinned rather widely.

"Emissaries from the Kingdom of Azaq, eh? I am pleased to hear that the Khan is my brother spiritually and has chosen the great Ahura Mazda as his teacher and guide. This is quite important to me and my Kingdom and we have yearned eagerly to meet his representatives.

However, my lands have often been troubled by raiders from beyond the steppe. You understand my hesitation in a full embrace at first sight i hope. Tell me, how does Ganbaatar Khan plan to show me proof of his earnest friendship?"

[Azaq]

Shapur V & Daryush

The Shahanshah grinned rather widely.

"Emissaries from the Kingdom of Azaq, eh? I am pleased to hear that the Khan is my brother spiritually and has chosen the great Ahura Mazda as his teacher and guide. This is quite important to me and my Kingdom and we have yearned eagerly to meet his representatives.

However, my lands have often been troubled by raiders from beyond the steppe. You understand my hesitation in a full embrace at first sight i hope. Tell me, how does Ganbaatar Khan plan to show me proof of his earnest friendship?"

Tömörbaatar & Delshad

The mobad of Persian complexion stepped forward.

"You have my word great Shahanshah, as Mobad of the Khanate of Azaq, I tell you with great sincerity and certainty that the great Khan seeks only friendship with a Zoroastrian Persia.

I'm afraid we cannot present you this proof, for it lies in the satchels of the horses we rode in on at the gates of your magnificent palace, totaling in exactly 10,000 gold pieces. If this is not enough proof of his honest intentions, then name something - anything - and the Khan will provide it to prove himself. This he told us to tell you should material wealth not interest you.

The Khan seeks no enemies within his own faith. Trade routes, wards, betrothals, concubines, gold. Whatever it is you seek to prove his good will, he can provide. He is a powerful and wealthy man, and though I cannot speak for much of his family, I can assure you he is a man true to his word.

Let the Lord, Ahura Mazda, not weep at the sight on his faithful trapped in animosity towards one another."

[Khwarasan]

Shapur V & Daryush Mirzapur

The Shah listened intently as his fellow Persian offered up a vast array of pleasantries and accompanying gifts. The Mobad's words were sincere it appeared to Shapur, but he remained silent a long while after Delshad had ceased speaking. Before any tension lingered however, the Shah laughed heartily.

"Worry not my friends! I but only jest, as my couriers have told me often and eagerly of your lord's detication to our religion. While I certainly will not refuse your wonderful gesture of good faith, know that I am convinced of your Khan's sincerity and friendship.

As such, and in the spirit of our Lord's teachings, I have also something for you to take back to Azaq. Behold!"

The Shah waved his hands off towards an adjacent hallway where three men entered carrying a beautiful carved and bejeweled jade horse standing about the size of a small child.

"A gift from the distant Orient," Shapur declared. "My traders tell me it was purchased in China and it has traveled far allong the Silk Road to me. Take it, and inform Ganbaatar that a sister statue rests in my personal chambers.

Now that pleasantries are concluded, I imagine we may turn to matters of state. As I'm sure you are aware, my armies are amassing for expansion of my domain. As such, I am in need of earnest trading partners and potential allies. Is this something your Khan also desires?"

[Azaq]

Shapur V & Daryush Mirzapur

The Shah listened intently as his fellow Persian offered up a vast array of pleasantries and accompanying gifts. The Mobad's words were sincere it appeared to Shapur, but he remained silent a long while after Delshad had ceased speaking. Before any tension lingered however, the Shah laughed heartily.

"Worry not my friends! I but only jest, as my couriers have told me often and eagerly of your lord's detication to our religion. While I certainly will not refuse your wonderful gesture of good faith, know that I am convinced of your Khan's sincerity and friendship.

As such, and in the spirit of our Lord's teachings, I have also something for you to take back to Azaq. Behold!"

The Shah waved his hands off towards an adjacent hallway where three men entered carrying a beautiful carved and bejeweled jade horse standing about the size of a small child.

"A gift from the distant Orient," Shapur declared. "My traders tell me it was purchased in China and it has traveled far allong the Silk Road to me. Take it, and inform Ganbaatar that a sister statue rests in my personal chambers.

Now that pleasantries are concluded, I imagine we may turn to matters of state. As I'm sure you are aware, my armies are amassing for expansion of my domain. As such, I am in need of earnest trading partners and potential allies. Is this something your Khan also desires?"

Tömörbaatar & Delshad

Tömörbaatar stepped up this time.

"Indeed he does, great Shahanshah. We gladly accept your gift, and the khan will be most pleased with it. He would also be happy to send trade to your lands and gladly accept a call to arms should his assistance be required.

As it stands there are obstacles that stand in the way of safe trade between our two realms, but they have proven unable to match the might of the khanate - and your kingdom as well I'm sure - and will likely be easily removed as a result. Bandits and raiders mostly, tattered brigands taking coin from the weak. They will not prove much of a challenge."

[Khwarasan]

Shapur V and Daryush Mirzapur

It was Daryush Mirzapur who spoke this time.

"Yes, common brigands. We have dealt with their likes before when our trade caravans have been harassed. We have the means to double our security for them, but I might suggest an alternative route. We could send our trade to Azaq in particular along a route in the Caspian Sea. The sea is less hounded by pirates and could be traversed much quicker than overland routes. It will allow trade to continue unabated while our forces continue to expand your domain, Sire."

Shapur contemplated the idea in his head a while.

"Hmmm, I suppose this could be arranged if our caravans could be protected once they disembark in the north. What do you think gentlemen?"

[Azaq]

Shapur V and Daryush Mirzapur

It was Daryush Mirzapur who spoke this time.

"Yes, common brigands. We have dealt with their likes before when our trade caravans have been harassed. We have the means to double our security for them, but I might suggest an alternative route. We could send our trade to Azaq in particular along a route in the Caspian Sea. The sea is less hounded by pirates and could be traversed much quicker than overland routes. It will allow trade to continue unabated while our forces continue to expand your domain, Sire."

Shapur contemplated the idea in his head a while.

"Hmmm, I suppose this could be arranged if our caravans could be protected once they disembark in the north. What do you think gentlemen?"

Tömörbaatar & Delshad

"Yes, that should work fine. Though we may have to make some acquisitions near the northern shores of the sea for more convenient travel, but that should not be much of a challenge."

[Khwarasan]

Shapur V & Daryush Mirzapur

"Excellent, I am gladdened to hear you agree," The Shah responded amused. "Well my friends, the hour grows late and I am unfortunately in need of some time with my family before other matters of state arise. If there is anything else, I will leave you in my Chancellor's very capable hands."

The Shah rose from his throne and walked off with Aziz Kavarian, a pair of bodyguards, and several aides in tow.

"The audience went well," Daryush stated, turning to the Azaqian envoys. "We have discussed much and I do believe our two realms shall benefit from these closer ties. Is there anything more either of you would like to discuss?"

[Azaq]

Shapur V & Daryush Mirzapur

"Excellent, I am gladdened to hear you agree," The Shah responded amused. "Well my friends, the hour grows late and I am unfortunately in need of some time with my family before other matters of state arise. If there is anything else, I will leave you in my Chancellor's very capable hands."

The Shah rose from his throne and walked off with Aziz Kavarian, a pair of bodyguards, and several aides in tow.

"The audience went well," Daryush stated, turning to the Azaqian envoys. "We have discussed much and I do believe our two realms shall benefit from these closer ties.  Is there anything more either of you would like to discuss?"

Tömörbaatar & Delshad

"No, no. We have covered just about everything that needs to be covered. We thank you for your hospitality, and give the Shahanshah our regards. If you have nothing else to mention either, we will take our leave. We will, of course, hand over the gold we brought for the Shahanshah as a sign of good will to the guards, rest at a local inn, and then be on our way."

Delshad nodded in agreement.

"May the light of Ahura Mazda illuminate your path and the path of your Shahanshah."

[Sponsored content]