The sunlit coastal capital of Azareen woke to the melodious tolling of bronze temple bells.
Sunlight sparkled across wide salt canals, turquoise harbor domes, and sprawling spice markets, illuminating thousands of colorful banners.
From the northern reaches of Tagayia to the southern coastline of N'Faya, the newly unified realm celebrated the official ratification of the Treaty of the Five Sands.
Merchant caravels from the eastern sea docked alongside southern trading skiffs, unloading bolts of silk, barrels of fragrant olive oil, and baskets of dried northern herbs.
High atop the white sandstone terrace of the Sovereign Residence, Supreme Chief Sagiri looked out over the thriving port city.
The gentle ocean breeze carried the rich scents of roasting cloves, citrus blossoms, and salty coastal tides, filling his senses with warmth.
Beside the palace terrace, rows of sweet-smelling orange trees and purple bougainvillea blossomed along marble balustrades.
