he morning light shone with a brilliant warmth and golden shine upon the bustling crowds as the merchants set up their stalls. Everyone was excited to become ready for the bazzar, and soon the shoppers would eagerly come to browse the wares, listen to tales, and enjoy the promising day. Among the commotion, one thin but spry looking older male set up his old and faded, but no less colorful booth, setting out all sorts of exotic decorations. A storyteller by trade, he did also set out to make the extra dinar or two by selling wares, exotic artifacts from his travels as a youth.
Despite the milling crowds in the marketplace, the elder was having little luck today. Ah well, he would sell something by end, no doubt, there were still a few hours till the bazzar came to an end. Adjusting his turban, the storyteller began to weave a tale from the famed Shaharazad herself, hoping to reel in a few potential buyers. The cloying smell of dung, sweat, and nearby food was comforting, and he soon fell into a rhythm. Soon enough, a few young children gathered around his mat to listen to him, and several shoppers looked at his trinkets, but alas, no one bought anything. Strangely, no one seemed to notice the golden ring set aside in a box with other odds and ends. It was a luxurious gold piece with a single turquoise stone inlaid into the precious metal.
-
People parted and bowed respectfully as a small group from the palace passed through. The Shahanshah and his heavily veiled daughter were surrounded by seven of his finest guards. Two in front, one on each side, and three behind. Their weapons were visible, and each guard kept their hands closeby at all times.
Ordinarily, the shah himself wouldn't go out into the bazaar, as many came to the palace to seek an audience with him or the royal family and his advisors. However, he sought another horse for his stables, and one of the more highly valued breeders was in his city today. As shah, he would be the one of the only people able to purchase the best of Balam's horses. Having bought a stallion a year prior, he looked forward to acquiring another fine animal today. And perhaps he could teach his sole child about dealing with the common folk, not to mention the art of bartering.
He had no children aside from her, at least..no legitimate children. A few harem girls had borne children, but all girls, save for one sickly boy who would never be strong enough to take the throne. As such, he brought his daughter- the shahzadi, to market with him, willing to give her at least a taste of the outside world.