The Sands of Saria

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I'm adding some non palace characters to help beef up that part of the story. :3 if you have any ideas regarding them please PM me. I'm totes open for plot ideas!

Name: Anastasia Noel Saint-John. (but only goes by Tasha in Saria)
Age: 19 ish.
Gender: Female
Role: Barmaid, low level magic user, and runaway.

Description: The first thing you would notice about Tasha is her height- Tasha has dwarfism and therefor is a very petite little thing. She's only 4'6”. She's delightfully curvy and has the womanly body that turns heads- even at her tiny size. Her hair is a inky black and long, some says it has a purple cast too it. Her skin is strikingly pale, almost porcelain like. Her large doll like eyes are a vibrant purple like an iris in full bloom but they have a devilish glint in them nearly all the time. Her other striking feature are her facial tattoos, no one knows what they mean and she never tells.

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Personality: Tasha is best described as a tiny stick of Dynamite. She's an explosive personality. High energy, wildfire of a temper and a delightfully playful personality make Tasha the life of any party. She's fiercely independent and insists that no matter what it is she can do it herself- and god help the soul who tries to help her.... Tasha believes her size isn't a disadvantage at all, she doesn't care she's different and if others see it as a handicap that's their problem not hers. She's comfortable with herself enough to laugh at her situation and loves making short jokes to make others uncomfortable. Her light heartednss aside, Tasha is very defensive about her past and doesn't take kindly to too many questions into her business or personal life. Something in her eyes speaks of sadness, guilt maybe? But it's a closely guarded secret of hers.

Weaknesses: Her handicaps with being so small aside. Tasha is ungodly proud and refuses to ask for help even when she really needs it- this can get her in way over her head very quickly. She has a quick hot temper an an acid tongue- both which can get her into trouble with her customers and employer. Tasha's biggest weakness is she seems to have some sort of fits. Every so often she will have them- especially in times of stress. Her eyes go glassy and she gets very vacant- like she's in her own little world. These fits last barely ten seconds and then she's herself again. Tasha also has a strong fear of dogs, no, more like a terror that can leave her a sobbing mess.

Strengths: Tasha's lightening wit and ability to act quickly and purposefully give her an edge in a city of criminals. She's got street smarts and a confidence that is ten times her size. Nothing phases this girl (except dogs.) She's cocky, flirty and certainly not above using what god gave her to get the upper hand. She's fiercely protective of her friends and will leap into a fight to protect someone who can't protect themselves. She has a strong maternal instinct and often is seen giving the street children leftover food from the tavern.

History: Tasha is very close with her history before coming to Saria- people assume she's from the north based on her complexion, and accent. And they are sure she's a run away, but they don't know why or what caused her flight. She arrived in Saria about six months ago, traveling with a circus sort of caravan and when they reached the city she decided to stay- she liked it's mishmash of people and sights. She found a job as barmaid in one of the many popular slum taverns. The Dancing Camel is a favorite watering hole of the very active underground of Saira and Tasha knows more about them then she lets on and definitely more then they'd be happy with her knowing.

Other: Tasha seems to have a vocabulary and schooling far above that of a simple barmaid.

Up for love: Sure, she's straight and if you like the quirky, short, fiery girls then Tasha's the one for you. She's secretly a die hard romantic so give her flowers, serenade her, write her a love letter- an she's all yours.

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Name: Dante (he has no surname.) His nickname on the street is Sparky, and his business handle is The Flame Lord,
Age: A hell of a lot older then he looks- but seems to be in his early to mid twenties.
Gender: Male- VERY much male.
Role: Fire performer, Ladies man, dive tavern connoisseur, and holy beast of fantastical legendary proportions.

Description: Dante is striking- he has the most outrageous, in your face head of fiery hair. It is shockingly colorful- more like a birds plumage then real hair. It falls in messy locks over his eyes, falls down his back in a messy braid and sticks up in odd spots- giving him that sexily disheveled look. He's tall- over six feet and built to match. Not overly buff but toned and lean. His skin is tanned and instead of tattoos Dante has intricate scarification designs carved into his flesh. His eyes are sharp as a ravens' and just as wicked in their gleam. He wears typical desert garb, but in a mishmash of cultures. He prefers the looser pant style of the peoples living in and around Saria, but prefers to go shirtless or open shirt like those of Rapugypt- he seems to have a liking for belts and leather crafts like the tribes in the jungles further west and likes silver embellishments like the peoples of the holy island off the coast. This gives him a somewhat unique style but one that suites him.

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Personality: Dante lives by the motto- you only life once so live it to the fullest. He is wild. He lives every moment like it's his last and wherever there's a party Dante is likely to be somewhere in the thick of it. He's always seen in the bars or on the streets with his friend- the other street performers of Saria- dishing it out about the days work, or if he's not to be found there Dante is usually tucked away somewhere with a girl. He is a notorious ladies man and can't seem to ever find a girl to settle down with. He has a reputation for sleeping with anything female,and is a scourge to all pious mothers and grandmothers trying to keep their daughters in line. But If Dante is anything he is dangerously charming. His smile is one of lazy confidence, and those wandering golden eyes can make any woman blush. His sense of humor and easy going nature make him easy to like and even easier to befriend- Dane knows nearly everyone in Saria and is liked by nearly everyone as well.

Weaknesses: Dante has issues with commitment, the most blaring example of this is his inability to settle down with any on girl. He says it's because he hasn't found her yet but there is a telling broken hearted desperation in his wild and untamed wooing. His fun loving nature also gets him into trouble and if it wasn't for his charms he'd probably have been dead by now. He's always getting into scrapes and is known for owing money to three of Saria's most violent gang lords. Dante's greatest weakness is his very being. He is far more then he seems, And everything anyone thinks they know about him is only a mask to hide what he really is- but that is a closely guarded secret. Dante is a hunted being and he knows as soon as his secret is out he will be murdered like all the rest of his nearly extinct race- Dante is the last of his kind, a very lonely place to be.

Strengths: Dante behind all the bravado, charms an false masks is truly a honorable, and fantastical being. He's clever and is able to read people easily. He's courageous and a lethal opponent to be up against in a fight- his ability to control fire seems to border on the magical and there is a wild aggressive side to him that comes out when defending something or someone that can only be described as volcanic. He seems to know things that he just shouldn't know and has an uncanny ability to sense what's about to happen- some friends described it almost as foresight.

History: not much is known about Dante's past outwardly- but if one digs deep enough one can catch sight of him far back into many kingdoms history's in one position or another. In Rappugypt a youth with a very striking resemblance to the Street performer is recorded fully two thousand years before being the companion of the King that issued in the Golden Dynasty for that empire. And in the far east there is recordings of a Fire user who was the lover of the first Dragon Empress herself and it's said the line of Dragon emperors since has had a golden glint in their eyes. And even in the history of Saria there is a written record of a golden eyed sage who seemed to herald a times of great change- either for good or ill in the kingdom- now if you were to ask Dante up front about these he would wave you off laughing that it's merely chance.... or is it?

Dante for the last ten years has been a common sight on the streets of Saria preforming his fire act along with a troupe of other performers that have formed a sort of informal circus.


Other: Dante is left handed and has a affinity for high up places. Roofs, towers, tall trees- anything off the ground. He loves spicy food, hates green veggies and distrusts the color blue and the number seven- he doesn't know why, he just doesn't like them.

Up for love: Always. *wink* And as for orientation that's a little up in the air- he seems straight but as he's dated the bearded lady of the circus on and off for several years it appears Dante isn't one to judge.

Jamie

After Prince left it became increasingly stressful to put off going back to Prince Kassim. I didn't want to return. I had become aware of the way he was when he was displeased in any way, and grieving for his father couldn't possibly make it easier to be around him. The more I thought about it, the more worried I became, and the more I resolved myself to be as kind and pleasant as possible. Maybe he would surprise me.

Not terribly long after that resolution I really couldn't come up with more excuses as for why I was gone so long, and climbed into the fountain in my courtyard to wash off. I was careful to splash water on the bottom of my skirt, and scrub my hands clean of dirt, to lend credence to my lie, and I hoped with all my heart that I was a good enough liar to get away with it. I would hate to see him angry.

I realized as I rinsed my hands in the cool water, that they were shaking, and clasped them together as I hurried out and down the hall. I couldn't let him see that I feared him, I just couldn't. My heart stuttered as I got closer to his apartments and I took a deep, fortifying breath. He's grieving for his father Jamie, you of all people understand what that's like to go through alone. Don't let him go through that alone. I told myself and slipped quietly into his chambers.

I went straight to cleaning up in hopes of getting him to not ask many questions. But he must have heard me come in, and a short moment later, as I picked something up he discarded, I heard his call.

"Jamelynn?"

I quietly made my way to where he was lounging on the divan, and curtsied. "Yes Milord?"

"Where have you been?"

I kept my eyes respectfully down, mostly so that he couldn't see that I was lying to him. "The maids needed some help scrubbing a floor, and I was in the right place at the right time to help them Milord."

Kassim

The Prince of Mages examined Jamalynn from over the top of his book. She did seem to have been working hard, and the bottom of her dress was sopping. In fact, she was dripping on his floors. He made yet another mental note to limit the use of his slave for such tediously domestic business. It was an annoyance, and if the girl was going to be degraded any farther he wanted to be the one to do it.

"Did you not think I might need comfort today?"

The girl shrank back, stricken. An interesting reaction. Kassim has not meant to shake her so badly, but he couldn't be displeased with the effect.

Then he realized that she was pitying him, and his mood plummeted again.

"Nevermind," He huffed.

He had full plans to simply ignore her and go back to his book, but the girl for once was not so easily rid of.

"This must be very hard for you Sir..."

"Indeed."

"I'm sorry for you loss."

Kassim sighed and rubbed his temples. Her voice, throbbing with sincerity, did not make her sympathy less irritating. And the fact that almost everyone he had encountered today had offered the same sort of condolences did not help.

"I'm sick of hearing the words already."

"It does get tiresome."

"Intolerably."

She offered more words of commiseration, but her had already turned back to his book. Eventually she went back to cleaning, giving him some more chances to ogle her.

Name: Sophia

Age: 8

Gender: Female

Role: A prisoner of Kassim's

Description: Small and soft, Sophia takes after her mother in features. Her hair's blonde, and her eyes are a beautiful blue green. She's got a small scar on her cheek and is a bit on the tall side for her age. All leg, she's clearly been raised doing hard work, and has one of those faces that seem like they're smiling, even when she's not.

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And then she has a form that she only shifts into at night, that looks like

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that

Personality: Sweet and gentle, she's a little girl who was the bright part of her family's day. She was always cheerful, and was a master at making her siblings and parents feel loved.

Strengths: A loving, affectionate person, her greatest strength is making a person feel of worth. She is good at making you feel like you're the single most important person to her, as most children are able to, and loving genuinely and fully as only a child can.

Weaknesses: Clumsy and easily frightened, Sophia scares even herself. Since she's been cursed she hasn't had a moment of rest, and it shows. She's only a child, so self defense isn't much of an option for her, although she has got a very high pitched scream

History: The daughter of a dancer and a weaver, Sophia was the family's little princess. When she was still little they made their escape from slavery, and her oldest sister was captured, pushing her over the wall. Sophia can barely remember her face, but misses her sister very much.

On her family's way out of the desert they found themselves in a pickle with not enough water and too much desert to traverse, but fortune smiled on the four of them and they found a Djinn. Her father made a wish for water for his family, certain that any consequences could not be too terrible. He was very wrong. Somehow, that nasty Djinn managed to curse his pride and joy to even the odds, leaving Sophia a bloodthirsty monster every night.

She ran away, back to the city they escaped from, hoping to find her older sister, who always told her stories about curses being broken, only to be captured by an enterprising sorcerer and caged up like an animal.

Other: In case you didn't figure it out, Adina's her big sister

Up for love: Definitely not

Mortuiestis:

Mortuiestis sauntered out of the side room, following Basil Rose, at the mention of cash for info that he really didn't have. This would be great. For him. The man hadn't moved, he was like a statue, minus the fact that whenever he saw Mortuiestis he clenched his fists.


"Lave my sister alone and tell me what you know." the man said. He was very impatient.

"Sister? How interesting." Mortuiestis was playing with this man.

The man was very angry, "I'll pay you." That was what Mori had been waiting to hear.

"How much?" Mori said, grinning. They decided on a fair price. Well, fair for Mori. The man pulled a pouch out of his pocket, containing the money. Mori took his time counting the money, while the man stood with Basil Rose. It was as if Basil wasn't even there. "Ok. It's all there."

"So? What do you know?" The man said.

"Well. The king is dead. What I know is that he was murdered in his sleep. He had his throat slit. The killer was hired, I do not know by who though." Mori smiled, put the pouch in his pocket, and turned to walk away.

"That's all you know? That's not worth it, give me my money back," the man said. He shoved Mortuiestis. Bad move. Mori sprung forward, never hitting the ground. He pulled his dagger from his sheath, and stuck it at the man's throat.

"I don't think you know what I'm capable of just yet." he said. "I don't think you know my name either. In these parts, I go by Mortuiestis," the man's eyes widened at the name, but he did not seem scared. Mori grinned, and shoved the man towards the door. The man fell on the ground with the force of the push. He quickly rose, swearing and brushing himself off. He glared at Mori, and Mori glared back. Mori turned, and looked at Basil. "You disgraced me today, bringing this filth in my presence Basil. Leave, now. If you wish to speak again, you will come alone, and maybe we can talk then." With a look of sadness, Basil walked to the door.

Before she left, she turned and said "Goodbye Mori. I hope you can make it Friday." He just nodded, and they left. He headed back to the springs, and submerged himself again in the bubbling water.

Sophia

I stumbled as the big man pushed me in, whimpering as I banged my shin. I tripped and bumped my head too, and tried to curl up on the cold wood, I didn't like that. My bruises from when he hit me were aching too, and I was hungry, so so hungry. He hadn't fed me in a long time, and my belly was rumbling.

This wasn't what I wanted. I hoped I could get better. They could make me not sick, get rid of what that bad man did, and I could go back to Amah and Baba and we could be happy. Maybe I could find 'Dina, and she'd help me too.

But I didn't like being in a cage. Not even a little bit. There was nobody to play prisoner with, this wasn't a game. I was hurting, and I wanted my parents back. I wanted Amah to hug me and tell me it was going to be alright, we would get help, but she was a long way away.

The big man shouted something to me about a new master, but I didn't listen. I was busy watching a woman who looked like my Amah hurry her sons away. I hoped it was Amah. Wished it was. I would like little brothers. I clung to the bars of my cage with wheels as I was pulled away. I hoped she would see me. Maybe she could tell my Amah where i was. Maybe she would come save me.

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I'm so sorry for the delay! I know this is short but my other posts will come tonight! <3

Farid/ palace, near evening


Farid walked up the corridor, hid head pounding against his skull. Dealing with so many people had put him into a bad humor, then add on having to talk to so many people had put the young captain into an even worse humor. He walked up the hall glowering like a thundercloud- sending servants scampering to get out of his way. He ground his teeth as he rubbing his throbbing temples.

“Ugh,” he grunted softly- he hated these headaches, they came too often for his liking and stayed far beyond their welcome- his mother claimed they were signs he wasn't resting enough- but he didin't have time to rest. He had work to do. He groaned- work..... it was never ending.

Turning a corner he collided with someone, on instinct he grabbed her arm- for it was a her, and a very small her- the young girl had her face firmly planted in his chest and seemd slightly taken aback- she blinked for a second before pulling sharply away.

“ I'm so sorry!” she she gasped, then when she realized who she had run into her face went white, “M-milord! Oh I'm so very sorry!” she curtseyed deeply, Farid eyed her for a long moment silently- her small doll like face was framed by dark heavy curls, and her shimmering blue eyes were very picturesque- a very pretty child. Then Farid noticed she was trembling, something in him hurt a little seeing that, seeing her fear.

“It's alright, don't look so frightened- I won't eat you.” the sound of humor in his voice seemed to take the girl by surprise and she blinked, he forged on. “What is your name?”

“J-jamie M-milord .” she curtseyed again.

“Ah, well then Jamie, don't look so frightened- it was my fault anyway, I wasn't paying attention” He stopped and picked up the small basket she had dropped when they collided and handed it to her, “My Apologies.” He nodded curtly then went on up the corridor. She seemed a nice maiden, Farid wondered which of his sisters she belonged to.

Up one hall then down another, then up a long wide flight of stairs he went- ignoring the flocks of his fathers counselors offering their condolences- he hated them all.

“Vultures.” he muttered under his breath, “every one of them vultures.” Here they were trying to win favors and already picking sides of which prince they would stand behind- his father's corpse was barely cold and these so called friends of his were already dividing up the spoils. Farid hated them, he hated them and he hated politics and he hated everything those men stood for.

He walked into his fathers study- wrinkling his nose at the strong smell of wine and musty papers- he threw open a window to air out and bring light into the dim room.

He and his brothers had things to discuss, their fathers burial, that needed to happen soon. Dead things in the desert didn't keep.

He sat on the desk to wait

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Sorry for the double post but apparently half my post got deleted off the above one. so here it is. Aria I'm so sorry this has taken me so long- work and life are my only excuses. <3

Saja/palace garden, late afternoon


Saja played with the fairies all afternoon, chasing them, watching them dance lightly about, their gossamer wings sparkling. Her heart still ached and she wasn't happy- but this lessened the black consuming pain she had felt drowning her in her bedroom.

She looked over at Sati who stood watching her and smiled shyly- she felt grateful to him, grateful for his kindness.

A small fairy tugged at a lock of her dark hair, she gasps- more from surprise then pain. The little thing danced about her head then tugged the lock again, it obviously wanted something. Saja looked at Sati- the question plain in her eyes.



He wants you to dance with them. They remember how you did when you were small.” He spoke kindly, and the little fairy whirred happily about. Saja blushes and looked down shaking her head*

“I-I don't dance anymore, the Queen.....” she trailed off and looked at her bare toes, Sati raised a brow- seeming to be standing before her as if by magic.

“What about the Queen Littl Saja?” Saja went even redder, she didn't want to tell Sati what the queen said.... she didn't want Sati to leave again.

“She said.... she said I looked like a “street girl” when I dance.... she said I looked like a cow when a-and if I didn't stop some bad man would hurt me.” she sniffled and wiped a stray tear, Sati frowned,

“I see. And because of what she said you stopped?” Saja nodded.

She used to love to dance, all alone or with others- with or without music it mattered not. She danced through her days as a small child, but when she began her monthly bleed and her childs body started to change she almost stopped, only dancing when alone and when she was most happy. But then one day the queen caught her at it and laughed, saying those cruel things. She teased the young girl about her developing body. Saying she was no beauty like a “real” princess, and her dancing was just begging some ruffian to take her innocence. Saja stopped completely, she didn't like her changing body. She didn't like how she looked caught between child and woman. She was confused and uncomfortable in her own skin and by feelings and thoughts that were so strange to her.

She shuffled shyly before Sati, glancing up waiting for his reply.

Kassim

Kassim eventually got tired of Jamalynn's covert sympathetic looks. He'd sent her away and gone about his own business. To start with, he needed to get his brother back to the palace.
Fortunately he had long since created a way to do so, since Amir was much too inclined to wandering in the city. The older prince had not appreciated Kassim's practicality at the time, but he was eventually convinced that having a foolproof method of contact could be useful. And it had not occurred to him yet to ask whether the spell could go both ways, which suited Kassim particularly well.

Amir

Amir dragged Zia out of the baths, seething at the humiliation. The stupid man hadn't even realized who he was dealing with. It should have been obvious that Amir was not a man to be shoved around. The assassin would pay for this insult. Preferably in blood.
His sister eyes him calmly. To Amir, she seemed accusing in her passivity.
"What was that about?" he snapped at her.
She shrugged. "He didn't know anything. You didn't have to try and attack him."
Amir tried to hit her for her insolence, but she far too easily dodged him, looking down her nose at him while she did so. He glared back at her for a moment before turning away. His skin was starting to burn, which meant Kassim wanted him, and was getting impatient. He didn't have any more time to waste on this venture.
"Where are you going?" Zia asked.
"Home. I don't need any more help from you"
And with that he started marching back to the palace without waiting to see if she would follow.

Dania

She wandered the palace, not attracting attention to herself, and listened to what the sand whispered. It told her the way, and the secrets of the castle. There wasn't a corner in the palace in which at least one grain hasn't managed to hide, and they spoke to Dania like a well-connected net, spreading the news faster than any human voice.
The king was killed. The Prince of Thieves is in the palace. The young slave is a Mage just as her master. The princess-who-is-not has left the castle with her brother. The royal brothers are in peace, plotting against each other before their father's body's even burried.
Dania found the pieces of information interesting - especially about the magician slave girl, as she was rather fond of servants - but she didn't hear the one she hoped for.
Little princess, she asked the sand. Tell me where the little princess is.
But her most loyal minions stayed silent.

Lost in her thoughts, Dania didn't notice a boy running in her direction. He bumped at her - or better said, would bump at her - and passed through the fabric of her coat as it quickly turned to tiny grains of sand and back. He stopped behind her, followed by her glare, and his eyes widened.
"You're a magician!" His grin threatened to separate his face in two. It was useless to deny, so she just stayed silent. "Can you teach me that?"
"What?" Dania was genuinely confused. The sand told her stories of the boy - he was skinny and looked younger, but actually was around thirteen, no one really knew nor cared for him, and he wandered the palace's corridors without a real direction, always exploring. She could feel the presence of magic on him - something she couldn't read through, almost like a shield - but the boy wasn't using magic himself.
"Magic," the boy replied. "I want to be a magician, more than anything!"
She smiled a little, wondering if he could know where her target little princess is.
"Listen, boy-"
"They call me Ghost," he interrupted, and her eyebrow arched. Kid is either brave or stupid, she thought to herself, in any case, I can use him.
"Then listen, Ghost, I can't teach you my magic. No one can teach you. Magicians are born, not made. One can learn the principles of Alchemy, one can learn how to manipulate energy a little to make smaller objects float, one can, if very persistent, maybe learn to travel through his dreams. But no one can learn the kind of magic I have. So go occupy your mind with something that suits you better."
The boy stayed silent for a while, but followed her as she moved on.
"I can make fire, sometimes," he said. He rubbed his hands one against the other, and after a while there was a light orange glow - not at all fire, but Dania had to admit it looked like it had potential. He stopped and looked away. "Like I said, sometimes."
Dania suppressed a grin. Why do I need to smile so much lately?
"Why don't you ask someone from the Guild? Or Prince Kassim, for that matter."
The boy's eyes widened again.
"Me, to approach the Prince of Mages?" He shook his head. "Unless I'd show him something quickly, he'd kill me."
Truth to be told, Kassim seemed more like a person who'd take him in and use for some experiments, but Dania didn't feel like breaking those news to Ghost.
"Please," the boy said again, catching her coat and passing through it again. A few grains stayed in his fist, making a hole in the fabric. She frowned, he opened his hand and the grains flew back where they belonged. "It feels just like silk or something," Ghost said.
"Go home," she answered. "My business has noting to do with you, but trust me, you don't want to stay in my way."
He seemed to be fighting with himself.
"I know the palace," he said finally. "I know the town. I even know the people, though they don't know me. I can be useful." He blocked her way. "Not very much. Just basics."
She considered killing him on the spot.
"Fine," she said instead. "But you will obey me in everything, and you will tell no one of me. I will expect you to work hard and I won't care when you regret your wish to be my apprentice." Ghost just nodded. "Very well. Now, take me to the youngest princess."
*

Sati

Saja sat in the garden and played with a fairy that flew around her head, but the Genie only payed them as much attention. He could feel wishes in the palace, and some even coming from the outside, stronger than most he's ever felt. Dark desires have found their way into the souls of people - and into the souls of those not to be called people. Sati knew someone - something - came, as a shadow or a whisper, carrying wishes tainted with something that threatened to consume what was left of his own soul, surrounded by the dead that was alive, and finding its way through the corridors.

Then little Saja said all the things about dancing, and his attention switched again. Well, he almost said, the Queen, my dear, is an idiot.
Instead, he glared at the princess for a while and found himself better words to say.
"Do you wish to dance again?"
Young princess opened her mouth to reply and closed them again, obviously smart enough to be careful when it comes to his questions.
"I.. I like dancing," she said, and he smiled a little. He walked to her and crouched in front of her - now he had to look up a little to meet her eyes, and the fairy landed on his shoulder. He didn't want the little princess to fall for his promises, not like he wanted other people to... But he needed to know.
"I can make it happen," he said. "I can make the Queen shut up, I can make her love you more than her own children. I can make you a woman in place of a girl and give you magic to posses along with the dancing moves. I can make you a ruler of this land, princess Saja, over all your brothers and sisters. I can do whatever you wish for."
*

Saja/palace garden, early evening:


"I can make the Queen shut up, I can make her love you more than her own children. I can make you a woman in place of a girl and give you magic to posses along with the dancing moves. I can make you a ruler of this land, princess Saja, over all your brothers and sisters. I can do whatever you wish for."

Sati's eyes glowed strangely and for a moment Saja was almost frightened- she took a step back. Shaking her head vehemently.

“Oh no!” She cried big eyes wide, “ No Sati I don't want all those things.... ” The glow subsided in his eyes, he stood and stepped closer,

“No?” Saja shook her head.

“No thank you.... I don't need all those things- Papa wanted one of the boys too to be king, he said I didn't deserve to be ruler of Saria.. And I don't want magic, I don't need it. A-and I could take dancing lessons, Papa said something wasn't worth having unless you worked for it. And the Queen isn't my mother. Shes not supposed to love me like she loves Amhir or Kassim... and she's right, I'm not pretty.” Saja shrugged, “A-and I don't want to be pretty to everyone, Lady Minnah says you don't have to be pretty to everyone- just the right one.” Saja nodded solemnly.

“Don't you have any wishes?” Sati probed, head cocked to one side like a curious hound.

“Oh I've got lots... but none that I want to come true right away.” Saja said slowly, trying to be careful so she didn't say something that would hurt Sati like real wishes seemed to, “M-my wishes aren't real wishes.... they're dreams.” she smiled shyly, “Things I dream about coming true someday.” she chewed her lip, “but.....”

“Yes?” He said almost eagerly, “What do you wish little Saj? All you have to do is ask.”

“Can we do something besides wishing? Wishes hurt you....I-I don't want to hurt you Sati.” *she shyly took his big hand in her tiny tender one, “You're my friend, My only fiend. I was really lonely, I don't have anyone to talk to anymore now that papa...” Her eyes filled with tears, “Can you not go away again? I-if you went away I'd really be alone....” She looked up, large eyes meeting his, “Please stay?”

Sati

He was left confused as the girl said no over and over again.
Can we do something besides wishing? He didn't know what to say - there wasn't anything besides wishing, no one ever asked for something that wasn't a fulfillment of a wish. Under what kind of twisted glass bell has this girl grown up, Sati wondered, does she not see that she needs to start be selfish and cold and strong if she wants to live? Not all of her siblings would protect her - she can't tell if the one who takes the throne will want to leave any other possible rebels alive.
"Wishes hurt you....I-I don't want to hurt you Sati.” She took his hand, and she called him her only friend, and he wondered what did he get himself into. That wasn't how it was supposed to be, and Sati's beliefs were shaken for the first time in over fifty years. If she exists, perhaps there are others as well.. Other people who don't only ask for something for themselves, who don't just seek fortune and material.. His eyes met hers as she begged him to stay with her.

No. Everyone has wishes, Sati knew that very well. He could feel them around her as well, even though she spoke the opposite, almost as living creatures just waiting for the perfect moment of weakness to get out of wherever she locked them and become reality. Every person, sooner or later, even little Saja, will let them out. In her case, Sati was sure, she'll be driven by something serious, something unavoidable.. But once she does see her first problem solved in a blink of an eye, will she be able to resist the temptation of doing it over and over again? Sati doubted. And one person couldn't excuse the world anyway.

He smiled at her, nodding in response to her plead. He didn't plan on making her scared - however, he did need to find someone else whom he could make a deal with. In the simplest words, he felt his own magic being weaker than he liked it to be, and he needed what humans could give him. The last wish he fulfilled was the evening before king's death - a man asked him to become a fish, so he could explore the seas and later tell the army or someone about which way is the best to sail if they want to conquer the neighbour countries. He forgot, however, to ask of Sati to actually turn him back into a human after a while - and the Genie didn't bother do remind him of that tiny detail. He wondered if the guy has already got himself caught in some net and became someone's dinner. Maybe even in the palace. I'm glad I don't need to eat.

He wanted to tell Saja something more - but then he felt that again, and he closed his mouth again, staring at the entrance to the garden they stood in. A person older than she appeared to be, different enough from humans but not one of his kind, with a strength almost matching Sati's own. Surrounded by that dark cloud of desires that asked of Sati to control himself and not run to her instead of away from her. He frowned, holding young princess's hand.
"You must be very quiet now," he whispered, "and don't move a muscle."
Her eyes widened, but she nodded, and he calmed himself. The hiding was simple for him when he was alone, he could switch visibility as easy as people could light or blow at the candle, but doing it with another person was a bit trickier. He didn't want the person, whom seemed unpleasantly familiar, to know Saja was there - and even more than that, he didn't want them to know that he was there. Of course, he could only make himself disappear - but in that case, he wouldn't have the control over the situation, so if little Saja would say something about him being there, his hiding would be useless.

The woman was dressed in magic. And what's worse - and Sati wasn't quite counting on it - the surroundings reacted at her, almost if she could control practically everything.
She appeared with a boy. He couldn't be older than princess Saja, though he seemed somewhat more grown up - maybe that was because of not being a beloved daughter of the king. Sati could feel something around him. Something that made him not quite resembling someone, but still reminding him of - oh. That is interesting.

"I swear she was here a few minutes ago," the boy said, confused, staring directly at where princess Saja stood. Sati's magic at the moment was a mere illusion, not something that even took much strength to do - and a magician who could do illusions himself could see through the disguise. Neither of the two arrivals, though, were magicians dealing with illusions.
The woman's - actually, she looked young enough to almost be called a girl - eyes glared at the spot they stood, with suspicion written all over her face.
"Where do you think she could go?"
The boy shrugged.
"I don't understand. They were here just a mom-"
"They?"
He nodded.
"The princess and the Genie."

Sati didn't get the time to react after the boy has said it - sand raised from everywhere, moved as if it was alive and turned to ropes, tying him and separating from princess Saja. They both became visible again, and the sorceress seemed pleased. Sati frowned, the ropes burst to flames and turned back to sand, falling on the floor, and the princess moved behind him.

"I didn't come for you," the sand magician spoke. "I came for the girl, the princess. I have no business with you here, you shouldn't care."
Saja's hand squeezed the fabrics on his back.
"I'm under impression she likes me more," Sati smirked, feeling far from amused. This woman was dangerous - seriously dangerous, in his terms of the word - and if she wanted something of princess Saja, she probably already had a plan on how to get it. And if Sati was to be the protector - which wasn't a role he particularly liked, but he didn't plan on handing Saja to her either - he needed to be stronger than he is now.
Glancing at the girl, who peaked behind his back to take a look of the situation, Sati didn't want to use his magic in an offensive way. He could be strong and dark and scary, and he wasn't sure he wanted her to see that.

"Princess," he said, "do me a favour and go back to your room. I will come to see you later."
The sorceress sneered, and a wall of sand raised in front of Saja as the princess moved. Sati spread his fingers over the ground, and strong roots and branches ran from it, crushing the wall and moving towards his opponent. Saja gave him a look he couldn't quite understand - something between concern, fear and enchantment shined in her eyes - and then turned and ran inside. The boy gave a similar look to his magician, and then jumped over the roots to follow the princess. Busy with stopping tiny, burning grains of sand falling in his eyes, Sati didn't really have the time to care about him.
*

Spoiler

I am sorry this is rough- I was trying to get it out before I lost power. XD

Princess Saja/her rooms:


“Princess” Sati's voice was calm- but had a note of command Saja knew to obey, “”do me a favor and go to your room, I'll come see you later.”

Saja's tiny hands that were fisted tightly in his tunic loosened ever so slightly, then released and she took a step back- large eyes filled with fear, but also complete trust in him. She turned and almost at the exact same instant a wall of sand was before her- boiling like a stormy sea, Saja recoiled with a squeak of fear. But Sati coolly stretched out his hand and roots and vines began to envelop the raging sands- making a path through them.

“Go Saja.” he said sternly and the princess met his eyes,

“S-sati.....” she whispered, looking at him in wonderment- but also great concern for his safety, he nodded at her and she turned and fled up the path he had made for her.

Saja ran like a gazelle fleeing a lion, sprinting up the hall and staircases of the palace to her rooms. Once there she quickly locked herself in, she knew Sati could open any lock and he would come for her. She scuttled under the bed though... just in case someone else came looking.
Under the bed was her old hiding spot she had used since she was a small child, when escaping her nurses or her brothers, or when it stormed and her father had his door locked. She curled up on the soft rug hugging herself tightly, the long bedclothes hiding her from view,

“Please be okay Sati.” she whispered- almost praying.

Isissa, her white lion hound sensed her mistresses fear and hackles rose, ears pricking for the slightest noise she prowled stiff legged about the room- around the bed.


Saja was trembling all over and her heart was giving little jumps and stutters as she lay hidden under her bed for she didn't know how long.

What did that woman want with her? Would Sati win? Would he be okay?

He had to win, Saja's small hands twisted into the plush carpet, he had to....

Suddenly Isissa growled, so low it was barely audible, but the rattle of the doorknob and click at the lock was picked rang sharply on the young girls ears and she whimpered- curling tighter. Isissa placed herself between the door and the bed- amber eyes locked on the door as it slowly swung open.

There was silence and one might have counted ten, nothing happened, Saja heard no noise, she slowly raised the bed-skirt and peaked out- a boy not much older then herself stood in the doorway, his attention caught by the slight movement he looked at her and their eyes met,

“Oh!” He cried, “there you are.” Saja let out a choked and frightened sob before shrinking back under the bed, “Hey!” the boy frowned and stepped across the threshold.

That is when Isissa lept into action, with a roar more like a dragon then a dog she lunged at the boy. He had no time to react as the one hundred and twenty pound dog slammed into him and pinned him to the floor- gleaming fangs poised on his neck ready to crush him like a barley husk.

Saja cowered under her bed and waited- waited for the guards, waited for her brothers, Sati- anyone to come save her, but no one did- silence once again reigned in the room, the only sound the frightened panting of the two children.

Cautiously Saja looked out from under the bed, Isissa still stood pinning her prey, but the hound hadn't truly attacked the boy, she was only holding him, sharp eyes daring him to move, something he obviously didn't dare.

He turned his head an gave her a frightened look, large eyes much like her own and Saja crept from under the bed and stood shaking,

“Wh-what do you want?” she stammered, hands twisting in the fabric of her skirt.

Amir

"Where have you been?" Kassim exclaimed, meeting his brother at the gate. His arms were crossed and his lips pursed in vexation.

"It's not my fault. Zia was supposed to be helping me..."

He was going to relate the whole sorry tale, but the other prince managed to look even more furious. Amir lapsed into silence, cringing.

"Zia?" Kassim asked, furious. "Are you really that stupid? We can't afford to be linked to her right now."

Amir hung his head. He had wanted so much to get ahead that he'd forgotten to be cautious about who he became allies with. And since the whole endeavor was so botched he couldn't even defend himself by proclaiming its value.

Kassim sighed. "Let's just go. Farid will be waiting for us."

Kassim

Kassim calmed himself on the way to the study, resuming his cool mask. In a way, the delay was good. It wouldn't do to appear too eager too eager to make things easier for Farid. He was able to summon his courtly mask as he stepped into the man’s study.

“Solemn tidings,” said Kassim, in response to his half-brothers curt nod.

“Indeed. A sad day.”

He fought to keep his face solemn as he made his first dig. “We don't blame you, Farid. Your men couldn't be everywhere.”

The comment didn’t get a visible reaction, nor did he expect one really. He could only keep making striking out in the hopes that his barbs had some effect he could see.

“Are you looking for the culprit?” He continued, leaning on the desk.

“Of course.”
“Good. We'll be worried to sleep alone at night until this is solved.”

“For you being alone in bed doesn't seem a very immediate issue brother.”

Kassim allowed a lascivious grin at this. “Fortunately true.”

The cold, mirthless smile on his brothers face warmed Kassim’s heart. It pleased him to think that his ability to acquire feminine companionship was part of his reputation. And among the men in the room, reputation was absolutely everything.

Princess Zia, Palace


Zia was a fool; a blustering, painstakingly ignorant fool. It was stupid of her to take her brother to the assasin, when- if she had stepped back- she would have seen it was not his doing. Now her brothers- none of them!- would help her, knowing as well as she of her foolish aire. She could have blown her chances with two- the assasin would have been an equally as powerful ally, and she had made him question her! Fool! It was a stupid and brash decision, blinded by her hunger to get out of this increasingly Hellish hole. She wasn't any better than any other useless princess in this joint, in her current state.

At least she was out of the palace, right?

Zia tells herself to calm down, as complaining about things only makes them worse, and makes her sound like a whiny princess- and out here, dressed like Basil Rose, her beloved alternate idenity, she could still get something worthy out of the trip- or at least have some fun, before the predicted collapse of the world happened.

Zia/Basil Rose pushes her way through the streets, ignoring all the sounds she hears- whistles and street merchants calling out Best Prices here! and children laughing as they race their way through the streets- until she reaches the bar she sings at. The place is relatively empty, it being late enough to be open, but early enough not to get any buisness.

Zia works her way to the wooden counter, running her fingers- to soft for life out here, to rough for Palace life- lovingly across the imperfect wood. The bar tender- Tasha- finishes tending one of the few occupied tables and wiggles her tiny frame behind the counter and over to who she thinks is Basil Rose.

"Basil Rose! Don't see a lot of you outside of Friday nights!" The barmaid's eyes sparkle wth curiousity and kindness. "Can I get you anything?"

"White with water," Basil/Zia says, and Tasha scuttles off, knowing fully well what the taller 'singer' wanted when she wasn't sure herself.

Tasha brings the drink, sharing a few words with Zia/Basil- there was a bar fight the other day, and I was so ready to punch that guy in the face- before zipping off to serve a pair of theives that had wandered in.

Alone, Zia finds herself facing her fears, the quiet disabandonment that Amir had faced her with- they wouldn't be assosicated with her unless she could offer something spectacularly useful, and she honestly wasn't sure if she wanted to play politics- she could be so much more than that, but also so much less than that.

Zia/Basil hears the steps- the heavy steps of a man- come towards her and swing into the seat next to her. She doesn't want to think anymore, so she switches good-sense Zia off.

"Hey," she says, turning to look at the man.

Yeah! Out-of-palace character opening! Room for Dante or any of the theives. Take it up!