The Ireem Chronicles

The royal messengers announced an invitation to everyone who seek an audience with our Sultana Zanlu Heron, Sun of Ireem, and that five would be allowed the opportunity to speak with her majesty.  The throne room was soon packed with an audience of all kinds, among whom present were a few noted leaders of our Kingdom. 

Standing tall in respectful demeanor, clad in decorous coat of luxurious velvet was the Magi Leader, Azriel

Mer Leader, Ianira, beautiful and ever graceful with an aura of strength and ineffable magnetism, truly celestial

  Prince Rexie and Lord Cow were overheard whispering to stay alert and keep Sultana safe as there were many Dark Knights present, and wise move indeed for we all know their nature to be unpredictable.  The return of Princess Lillie brought a warm smile to our Sultana's beautiful visage as they embrace for a moment.  The royal family and trusted servants were ordered to remain close by the throne as the crowd settles in, while a talented flutist, petite Bedouin lady by the name of Melasina, was favoured by our Sultana to entertain with her music.  The General Audience began with our Sultana inviting five people to freely express themselves with her succinct royal statement "Freedom and respect are the basis of my Kingdom."

Our Sultana

  The first name was called forth, Sir Strazio, a Dark Knight.  His concern was the absence of a royal harem, to which Sultana explained that the harem is being rebuilt and asked if he is interested to work in the harem.  He promptly offered his expertise and self-proclaimed great purveyor of women, and that he is co-owner of the House of Pleasure.  Stifled giggles relieved to a burst of laughter in the room as our Sultana answered with humour "well.. the harem is very different from the house of pleasure.. coughs.. in the harem we want eunuchs..if you are.."  Another attempt to explain what is a Harem was lost to the suggestive reactions of the perverted Dark Knights, but Sultana very kindly offered Strazio a private meeting on a future date.

  The second name called was Sir Azriel, the Magi Leader, who stepped forward and with proper decorum, bow to Sultana and knelt before her as he made a request, "..I would ask the Sultana to take into consideration. Many of the Magi seek to serve the palace and strengthen our relations. I would ask that the royal family seek us out for our services and never be hesitant in doing so."  Sultana was delighted to hear this, citing there are some problems that only a great magi can solve.

Azriel

  While Sultana continued to chat with Sir Azriel with interest, a voice was heard reprimanding a couple of women, including a female Dark Knight, that they were too scantily dressed for this occasion.  He made his way to the front, smoking up the room with the tobacco roll between his lips as he speaks.

  The smoker, Sir Andrea, pleaded with relentless enthusiasm to speak with Sultana, almost like he would throw a tantrum if not accorded some attention.  It must mean a lot to him to get to talk with Sultana, and hence he was the third.  Upon hearing his plea for a family, that he was lonely and cannot live not belonging to a family, one cannot help but feel sorry for the pirate slaver.  Perhaps his ship sunk and he was the lone survivor..we do not know, but it is very touching to see that he placed utmost importance on family.  Our dearest Sultana was taken aback when he suggested to be by her side.  Others laughed but the Dark Knight Strazio was glaring at the competition.  Her grace very tactfully requested that he send in his background for proper consideration.

There were a few others insignificant characters who asked for random things like more meat in the butcher and more sexual partners for them.  Of course, our Sultana treated all those strange requests with good humour, as she would do to poor senseless animals.  It's so nice and grand to have a ruler who love instead of hate!

  This General Audience come to a close and Sultana announced that everyone could stay for an event that follows and after which all are welcomed to tea in the garden with the royal family.  At this point we must give credit to Hakim Khan, the palace guard who had a busy day keeping the crowd at a safe distance from our dear Sultana.  He stayed alert throughout the entire session and his stern voice was heard several times "HALT! Keep your distance!"

  We took a little break before the surprise events and mingled.  Princess Page, now a mother of twins, was positively glowing and looking gorgeous.  Smiling ear to ear as she stood by her husband Prince Rexie.  The crowd was soon getting restless, becoming a little loud and raucous.  Perhaps it's the excitment of seeing our Sultana, or unease by the sight of random floaty creatures.  Regardless, it was time for the surprise!

Sultana asked Lord Cow to kneel before her!  “Lord Cow...is with great pleasure that I nominate you Prince of Ireem .."  The surprise on the face of the newly crowned Prince Cow was priceless.

Cow

  Sultana went on to relate she watched this Prince's growth in the Kingdom and was glad he made his way back to the service of the Palace.  He traveled the world and his business grew and made him a rich man, and returned to Sultana with gifts and knowledge to share.  Sultana then named him Lord of Court, and expressed that his advice and friendship was very much appreciated.  "From today you're a Prince .. Prince of Ireem! "

  By this time most of the Dark Knights had left the throne room, and some were heard grumbling about not getting a surprise gift..others said "bored..let's go hunt!..". Guess they were not happy that the Palace didn't give them more toys to throw out of their pram.... or more prams for that matter. Our beautiful Sultana beaming with joy then announced yet another surprise!

  During her visit to her distant family, Sultana learn of a secret in the family from her dying old aunt.  She was told in her childhood, her oldest cousin gave birth to a girl but the labours of childbirth took her life.  At two months old, the baby girl was abducted from her crib and a letter warned to never search for Serena, the baby, or it will be the end of their dynasty.  Attached to the letter were the cut ear of a child and two little fingers..This whole incident was kept secret for fear of Serena's life and also their dynasty's survival.  Serena should be 19 year old now and there were birthmarks on her hand and another on her shoulder that is a star-shaped.  It was last reported that the girl was in Ireem.  And there, the old aunt took her last breath.

  Back in Ireem with the secret of her niece who could be alive, Sultana was greeted by her lovely servant Seren.  The welcoming sight struck a chord and the girl with similar name and age had a small mark on her left hand!  And on her back was the star-shaped birthmark!  Seren's past was the same as what the old aunt related.  Tears of joy streaming, the Sultana placed the diamant crown on Royal Princess Seren.

Princess Seren possessed a most adorable visage of pure innocence.  No doubt a royalty, such beauty and poise

Everyone present applaud and congratulate the newly crowned Prince Cow and Princess Seren. Prince Rexie and Princess Page then add to the happy occasion introducing their babies born a few days ago, a pair of twins named Prince Aram and Princess Ara of Ireem. And that marked the end of this wonderful Audience with Sultana

Princess Page and babies

A Royal Tea

- written by Munira, edited by Kito