Qasr Azraq
The Qasr Azraq (Imperial Wythian: lit. “Blue Horn Castle”) is the royal hall of the Amir Azraq or “Blue Prince”, ruler of the Qarn Al-Azraq: an island princely state of Erzihari descent and one of the major polities of the Tuhannen Saarip Maazira. Qasr Azraq serves as a feasting and prayer hall, the island’s chief fortification, and the personal residence of the Amiir. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful structures in the Tuhannen, and is commonly referred to by the local population as “the Fourth Gift of Mehr”.
Description
The castle sits atop the flattened peak of the island, accessible via the great central causeway which links the castle and chief harbour. The gate is crafted of rare jungle hardwoods, its beams bearing rich orange and violet hues. The walls themselves are hefty blocks of sandstone, the outer layer of which are covered in smooth white limestone, polished to a mirror sheen. Set into the facade are massive curving branches of coral, a brilliant shade of aquamarine even in death. They are arranged in such a way as to form great arches and spires along the castle’s walls, so perfectly shaped and contorted to their purpose that one could easily be convinced the coral had been shaped by the hands of man, rather than the sea.
Between the outer wall of the complex and the inner hall lie the Amiir’s pleasure gardens, practically bursting with exotic plants, fruit trees, colorful jungle birds, great clay pots filled with sweet-smelling incense, and no less than two dozen bed-slaves purchased from across western Lagona to serve the Amiir and his guests.
The walls of the inner sanctum contain a number of private residences, Mehriti temples, and great halls. The most notable of the latter is the Azure Hall, where the Amiir meets with dignitaries from neighboring polities, hears his people’s grievances, and generally holds court.
Here, the vaulted ceilings are carved from fiery orange sandstone, the ‘beams’ inlaid with countless pieces of sapphire, opal, and pearl to form intricate geometric patterns. The gaps between the beams are open to the air, letting in ample natural light. These openings are mirrored on the floor below with shallow pools to collect the fallen rainwater, which is lightly perfumed with imported oils and spices. The chief aisle of the hall is lined with the stuffed remains of large pink-feathered birds, set in lifelike poses with heads on long necks bowed in reverence, while a thin spear affixed to each bird’s wing is raised proudly in the air. Meanwhile, the polished bones of a great toothed sea-beast are hung from the ceiling on fine gold line, dangling proudly as a warning to all the Amiir’s enemies. At the far end of the hall lays the Amiir’s dais, carved from lapis lazuli and studded with gold and sapphires. The Amiir’s throne is made of pure coral, twisted and woven into shape with a similar supernatural precision as coral found on the castle’s walls.