The Rulers of Shasarazade

Symbols of stability for a people accustomed to displacement and new beginnings, Duke Stalatharata of the Madetri House and Duchess Destelandara, daughter of Lord Elvanderan of the Coreldia House, jointly govern the Duchy of Shasarazade as they have since the years following the fall of Greginsham. Their story is not only one of uniting a fractured, disheartened people but also one of forging union between themselves.

Duke Stalatharata is a true child of Shasarazade, his family having been among the earliest settlers into the "western city". The Duchess Destelandara, on the other hand, lived her life in Greginsham until, under the pressures of the orcish assults, she and her mother were sent westwards to safety. Of Lord Elvanderan, they never heard again. This was a period of great strife for the elven people. Once King Silandriel Escabrai was slain delivering the blow that finally ended the orcish advance, the elves found peace but at a great cost. Most of the elvish lords were lost to these orcish wars as well as a high number of the Gwellenknach or "Lower Castes". Also gravely injured in this battle, Duke Onelthalanar of the Avenin House could no longer fulfill his duties as governor of Shasarazade. A young guardsman by the name of Allertathala (this day, the current Captain of The League of Arms) took regency upon himself until a reestablishment of the royal houses could occur.

While the need for stability was agreed upon, there existed factions between the Old Families of Shasarazade and the newest arrived. After fierce debate, it was decided that the rule would be joint of one of the Old Families and one of the Greginsham nobility. Thus, Duke Stalatharata, much distinguished in leadership on the battlefield beyond the city walls, and Duchess Destelandara, much distinguished in creating order amidst the refugees, were duly elected Protectorates of the Duchy of Shasarazade.

With one problem... They hated each other.

At least, in the words of Duchess Destelandara, "Had we met on the battlefield, or on the streets of Shasarazade all might have been well. To meet, however, under the pressures of proud, dignified families and a people ravaged by wars, frostiness could not help but result in our partnership." Their leadership was well-chosen and with few mishaps in the beginning years, the joint rule remoralized an army and a people. As time blurred the lines between the Old and New families so too did mutual respect and affection mute the disagreements that characterized the early relationship of the Duke and Duchess. Today they rule as husband and wife and hope to remain Protectorates for as long as they are able. For so long denied constancy, Duke and Duchess of Shasarazade have found peace in providing it for their people.