The Sands of Saria

Jamie

He was laughing madly, and this worried me. It made me realize that perhaps I was a bit hard on him. I paused and eyed him, wondering what was going on. Perhaps I was right, and this was hysterical laughter, the kind fed by heartbreak and really wasn't funny at all. Or maybe he really was mad, and I was in danger. Then again, maybe this was the sort of laughter a person laughed when they were so beyond angry it had progressed to hysteria.

I stopped and looked at him closely, but he seemed genuinely amused. Puzzling.

Prince

"I like you," he announced, at last.

"Okay..."

She was eyeing him warily Probably assuming he'd lost his mind. and honestly, he was sometimes unsure as to how sane he really was, all things considered.

"I like you," He continued. "And I'm going to let you in on a secret."

"Sure."

"My father did, in fact, die last night."

Let her make of that what she would.

Jamie

I felt my entire attitude soften, the poor boy. No wonder he was so prickly and annoying. Pain did funny things to people. "I'm so sorry," I murmured gently, my heart going out to this boy.

"I would appreciate it if you did not share that."

I nodded gently. "Of course, I won't tell a soul."

He eyed me carefully for a moment and I couldn't tell what he was thinking. "Thank you."

I nodded, struggling for a second. Adina had told me it was unwise to give personal information out, but such a statement deserved an equal one. "My- my father... My father recently passed on as well," I whispered.

Mortuiestis:

As Mortuiestis moved into the main hallway, he felt uncomfortable. Exposed. He had no weapons on him, and we all knew what would happen if he tried to move his hands. He entered the main room, and standing there in front of him was a familiar face. He lights up, and speaks.

"Basil Rose and Company! You look lovely today, my dear. What can I do for you?" Basil Rose was a woman who would sing on Friday nights. If Mortuiestis wasn't working, he would try to carve out time to see her. She was a beautiful woman, with an even better voice. She was wearing robes that he had seen before. He had seen her wear them singing. But something puzzled him. The man standing by her. Mortuiestis had seen him before somewhere, but he couldn't quite—

"Hello Mori. We were just looking for some... information relating some current events," she said. Straight to the point.

"Why yes, I would be glad to help you, just give me a moment. Chives," his assistant came hurrying over. "Please get me some proper clothing, this is no way to look in front of guests." Chives hurried off, and Mori looked at his guests. "Basil, I suppose you don't want any clothes either?" he joked. The man standing next to Basil clenched his fist, but Basil just chuckled. Chives returned a moment later, and handed Mori his cloak. "Excuse me a second," Mori said. He walked into a changing booth, disrobed, and put on his proper clothing. He dried his hair with a towel, then looked in the mirror and smiled at himself. He checked his weapons, and headed back out to his guests. The man had calmed down, but Mori stroked the hilt of his dagger, just in case. Mori did not like this man. Something about him wasn't right...

"So, you want my help. My guess is you want info on the king's death," Mori grinned, as he knew exactly what they wanted. "But first, may I speak to you, Basil, in private?" A look of shock overcame Basil, and the man clenched his fist again.

"Yeah sure," she said. He leads her into a side room and looks at her.

"Why are you here?" He says.

"I told you, we want to know more about how the king died..." she says, a little doubtful.

"I do not like it when people lie to me, Basil. You are a normal person, no? Why would you want to know of the kings death? And why bring that man with you? I have seen him before Basil, and I don't know why."

"Like I said, we want to know about the—"

"BASIL, did you not hear anything I just said? That man, you know him too well. He is too tense. He clenched his fists whenever I said your name. Is that even your name? I want to know who you really are, now. I want to know who he is, and I want to know why you came to me. You know damn well I didn't kill the king, everyone would know if I did. Normal folk wouldn't want to know how he died unless: a) they knew the king personally or b) they actually had him killed, and wanted either someone to blame or to see how much someone knows. Which is it? I could kill you 20 ways right now. I like you, I respect you. You know I won't kill you, but I could. I want answers. And... It would not be wise to lie to me again." She just stared at him, scared or shocked, he couldn't tell which. He looked at her and grinned, "You learn a few things about people when you've been doing this for as long as I have." She looked at him, and started to talk.

Spoiler

LeahWeird, Sunshine, you can have them talk amongst themselves when he is changing if you wish. And yes, his assistant's name is Chives, I'm sorry, I couldn't help it

Prince

She understood. He liked to think he was good at reading people, and he saw in her grief over her fathers death. And she wasn't' conflicted over whether or not she should have loved the man.

"I'm sorry," he said, just getting a sad nod in response. "How did he die?"

"Not the way your father did... He'd been sick for a long time."

Prince look at his feet. On one hand, he supposed his father was lucky. He didn't suffer until the last moments of his life. Emeer lives a happy life by his standards really. But on the other hand, the shock of it was almost too much for Prince.

The girl seemed to understand. "Even when you're ready it's awful."

"I know."

"Do you?"

He was going to nod. He remembered his mothers repeated attempts to carry another son. As if it would make things better for them somehow. He remembered her pain, and realizing that she was going to leave him.

But he couldn't. This was getting to personal. He didn't want to talk about himself, or his past. Not with her, and not today.

"No." He lied, straitening. "I...Nevermind."

Jamie

I could tell he was lying, something about the way he said it tipped me off. Maybe I was being over intuitive. But it didn't matter, he was entitled to his secrets, just like I was. There were things I would never tell him.

So I looked for a change of subject. "You aren't going to have a meeting with Lord Kassim, are you?"

"I am. Among others."

Wonderful. Then the rest of the afternoon was mine to work on my garden too. "I see. Thank you."

Prince

He smiled a bit at her pleased reaction to this news.

"In fact," he continued. "On a day like this I can only assume he'll be gone for quite some time."

"Thank heavens..."

"That bad?"

"He's... amorous."

He studied her. Her hair, her figure...Those eyes. He supposeed he couldn't blame Kassim for being interested, and he said as much.

"I am not that kind of slave," She told him, crossing her arms over her chest for emphasis.

Prince winked. "Just a slave"

Jamie

I felt myself flush. "I wasn't always a slave." I snapped, crossing my arms across my chest.

There really was a time that I was free. Back when my father was alive. Even more before that, actually. Back when it was just father and I, taking on the world. Things were easy then. Fun, even. I tried to shake off the melancholy that was starting to set in. Father wouldn't want me to be sad, he always said that it was a good thing.

"Since your father died?"

I felt a familiar pit of sick form in my stomach and nodded, swallowing back the flavor.

"That's a hard thing."

I shrugged, trying to just focus on my work. Don't dwell on it Jamie, it doesn't do any good to be sad I reminded myself.

Prince

He felt bad now. He doubted he would stop teasing her, but he regretted picking at such a sensitive subject. Still, he thought maybe his plans could make it up to her.

He looked around carefully to make sure they weren't overheard. Whoever was in the corridor had been quiet all this time, so he supposed they had either left or didn't care about what was said.

"I have a proposition for you"

Ooc

Btw, chance of plan. Princess Qabi is now the daughter of emeer's fourth wife who died of a fever when Qabi was 19. Hope that suits everyone.

Qabi-Palace

I slipped the veil onto my head and tightened the ties at the back. It was golden silk and slipped smoothly against my face. The maid who was meant to serve me was nowhere to be seen, but if she were here I would have dismissed her anyway. I tugged my hair back and plait it right down my back. Stifling a yawn, I pulled open the door to my chambers.

I walked through the halls of the palace towards the guards room, but passing the throne room, I spot Farid deep in conversation with his second in command. His brow was furrowed in concentration. I had to tap him on the shoulder to gain his attention. Turning round, his eyes darkened when he saw me and he frowned. "Qabi, where have you been all morning?" he said aggressively.

"Sleeping, why? That's not the important question. Where has my guard been all morning? Anyone could have walked into my room and stabbed me while slept," I teased.

However, my half-brother looked like he could slap me. "Someone did walk in here, but they didn't kill you, they slit our father's throat like animal."

I felr my mouth drop open and I said to my brother in disbelief, "What?"

ooc: Thank you! If you could update your profile to make that clear that would be great.

Jamie

I looked up at him again. A proposition? What could he possibly have? "Oh do you now?"

"You have a great deal of free time to waste..." He trailed, looking about the half seeded courtyard.

I frowned. "No, I'm supposed to go straight to Lord Kassim when I finish my chores..." I worried what would happen if he knew I didn't.

"But you're here."

"If I pretend to be busy he calls for me less," I whispered nervously.

"That makes sense."

"It does..."

"Want to add to your duties?"

I couldn't think what he wanted me to do, where was he going with this? "How so?"

"Spy on Kassim for me."

Spoiler

My god you kids have been busy while I was at work. XD well here it is- sorry for such a long post but there are three characters in it. Also- Minnah IS one of my characters- just more of a npc unless I need her- I'll put a short profile up in a little bit.

Saja/Her rooms in the palace:

"You don't have to call me a lady Sati.... I'm just Saja.” she said smiling softly, wiping at a few stray tears, “D-don't you have any family?"

"It's different," Sati said shrugging nonchalantly as he moved about the room- looking at the small girls little treasures and toys,. "And it's hard to make friends when you live as long as I do.” He chuckled slightly, “The humans you see, don't particularly like me if I don't do as they ask. And my own kind... They are bound to follow their masters, so we don't have any reunions."

“But I like you...” The girl said softly, Sati's sharp eyes fell on her again,

“Oh?” Saja nodded, twisting her hands shyly in her bedclothes.

“Yes. You were always my friend when I was little. You didn't think I was a bother.... not like the other bigger boys. You talked to me, and you'd sing to me when I was sad.” She pulled a lock of dark hair meditatively, “And you showed me where the fairies live in the garden.... I-I haven't been able to find any since you went away.”

“Ah, I see. Well faeries can be temperamental.” he leaned against the opposite wall and seemed to be examining her collection on the mantelpiece above the small fire place. After a long pause Saja got up from where he had put her in bed, “You should rest Princess.”

“I'm not sleepy... I can't rest anyway, I just start crying again.” she sniffled and her eyes filled warningly with tears, Sati eyed her curiously,

“You miss him don't you?” she nodded,

“I want him back.... I wish he could come back.” Sati stiffened slightly and moved a little further away from her,

“O-oh?” Saja realized her mistake and went pale,

“ Oh I didn't mean it like that! It wasn't a real wish- Sati don't go!” she ran across the carpet and threw her arms around him hugging him tightly, “Please don't leave me too- I don't want to be alone anymore!” and she began to weep again, “It wasn't a real wish, I-I know he can't come back.... a-a-and wishing like that would be a wicked thing to do.” she took a shuddery breath, “Papa is in heaven, and a wish like that would be a naughty thing to do... He's v-very happy in heaven.” Her voice broke and she sobbed into Sati's shirt, he seemed rather taken aback and only stood stiffly for a long moment. But the childs broken hearted sobs seemed to soften him after a while and he gently began to stroke her hair.

“What do you wish for Little Saja?” His voice was barely above a whisper, Saja shrugged,

“Nothing...” she said- voice muffled against his shirt, “ I don't need anything.” she looked up, large liquid eyes shimmering with unshed tears, “What about you? What do you wish for?

**********************************************************


Farid/Hallways of the palace, near midday:

Farid paced the hall in front of his father's study, hard soled boots making a sharp tattoo on the flagstone floor. He would have looked to a passer by like a sentry on guard outside. Fifteen steps, then a sharp about face and fifteen steps back and again turn- back and forth he went, one hand on the hilt of his sword the other stiffly at his side. Posture ram rod straight. Farid was the kind of man who always seemed at attention, always on edge ready for action. To an outsider this might seem odd, maybe even suspicious but to those inside the palace and to those he was , this was nothing out of the ordinary for Farid. Amhir used to joke that Farid was born with a perpetual stick up his ass, and Most of the other siblings truthfully believed he had no ounce of compassion or a gentle bone in his body- except one.

“You're going to wear a trench in the floor My son.” Farid spun round startled,

“Mother?” Minnah smiled softly, and went to him- giving him one of her gently kisses on his scruffy cheek,

“Did you expect someone else?” Farid look confused for a split second.

“Actually yes.” Minnah raised a delicate brow,

“Oh? Who?”

“Amhir and Kassim... We have to discuss the kings-er- I mean Fathers Funeral arrangements.” He amended quickly as the look of pain flashed in his mothers eyes- he had stopped calling Emeer “father” long ago, but it upset his mother.

Minnah was quite calm but this facade didn't fool Farid- his mothers eyes were the windows into her heart and he saw she was broken. He gently pulled her into his arms and held her trembling against him.

“Mother.... Mama it's going to be alright.”

**********************************************************

Minnah/Hallway then infirmary, near midday:

Minnah nodded and took a shuddery breath.

“ I want to see him.”

“Mama.... Mama no, don't. You don't want to-” Minnah's gentle fire flashed in her eyes and she put up a hand to silence her son,

“Farid, I will see your father. Please take me to him.” To the astonishment of his mothers maid who attended, the young man meekly obeyed. She eyed the Prince from here vantage point behind him and his mother, strange green eyes going from first then the other.

After a short walk they were in the infirmary, the flurry of activity around one of the beds told Minnah all she needed and letting go of her son's arm she moved silently over towards the bed. When the healers and servants realized who it was coming up they quickly and reverently moved aside to let her pass. Minnah may not have been the queen but to many in the palace and all in the city this gentle forgotten woman /was/ the queen in their minds.

“Milady, milady please don't look” the chief healer spoke softly, “ Do not let this be the last you see of him.” Minnah fixed her dark eyes on him and smiled gently,

“ I will preform my last service to the king, it is my duty and honor to- please fetch me water and the proper herbs.” The healer hesitated for a moment but obeyed. Minnah sat on the side of the bed and brushed the ruddy locks from Emeer's pale face.

“Sleep peacefully my Love.” she whispered so low, none but Adina heard, as the girl had come up behind her mistress. Minnah lovingly traced the careworn features of the dead king, swallowing hard to control the emotions that raged within her. When the water and herbs were brought she began her last rite to her king- tenderly she began to wash the body, gently laying his limbs in a far more natural and lifelike position then he had been placed in. she worked in silence, and the healers and servants about waited in a quiet respectful- almost religiously silent group as well.

“Adina- please fetch me my brush from my bag.” she murmured softly, Adina was quick to obey,

“Here Mistress.”

“Thank you dear.” Minnah gently pulled Emeer's head into her lap and holding him gently she began to comb out his tangled locks. To the shock of those gathered there, they heard her girlish giggle a moment later. “You never would be bothered to brush your hair were you? Look at you Emeer, such a ragamuffin.” Only a said few heard the heartbreak in those softly spoken words, the longing and grief.

Once she had brushed his hair smooth she ran her hands through it-so it would lay in a more natural and far more messy way.

“There,” she said and tried to smile, “Now you look more like yourself.” On this last phrase her voice broke and covering her face with her hands she wept, holding tight to one of his cold hands.

Prince

She stared at him for a long moment, incredulous.

"You want me to spy on your brother?"

"Halfd-brother," He insisted. He would never let anyone mistake Kassim for a child of his mother. Or AKeem himself for a child of Kassims.

"Still."

"Well I do,' He continued stiffly. "Very much."