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Post by Gamemaster on Apr 14, 2005 11:32:41 GMT -7
Time: late afternoon Date: 8th of Riyah Location: outside of Tajar main gates - House of Idris Caravanserai
PCs present Keesha, Waleed, Ya'qub, Salah ad-din Yusuf ibn Ayyub --
NPCs present Mamoun, & Waleed's Bodyguards Old Rajab, the smiling Maarouf, & kind Sahra
For two weeks, Fahad al-Zakir lavished entertainments and celebrations upon your triumphant return. The entire upper floor of the caravanserai was reserved for your party. Each night's dinner was accompanied with gifts and words of gratitude. Sita hadn't been seen since she'd been whisked away into the women's harem upon your arrival, but Fahad assured everyone that as saddened as he was by her condition he was sure that fate had delivered her to him so that he could try to redeem himself.
"Nightly I consult Ala'i the Hungry," he confided. "If there is a way to give her peace, I will find it." He urged continued discretion, as he did not wish to bring shame to his family name. "Not for my sake you understand, but for my children."
This night, a final dinner together in Fahad's grand tent outside the caravanserai. The setting was close and private, a gathering of friends around a low table on luxurious pillows--but it had a feeling of finality. Only Fahad's trusted servants and guards are present, with the exception of a young warrior in the embroidered robes of a faris of Hajama.
"My dearest friends," Fahad said in a voice much revigorated from first time you'd met him, "I would like to introduce you to a young man who was served me well and honorably. This is Salah ad-din Yusuf ibn Ayyub. Ya'qub, you would honor me if you would give him an opportunity to accompany you on future ventures."
When the dinner was complete, Fahad himself served coffee to his guests. When everyone was served he returned to his pillow. One by one he spoke the name of your party and a servant respectfully presented another gift.
"Waleed Ibn Alurah, for your valor and discretion I present to you this Tome of Knowledge, may it shine light in dark places. I thank you."
"Keesha, for your valor and discretion, in the face of impossible odds and in a quest that was not your own, I present to you this scroll of teleportation. May it serve you well when all else has failed. I thank you."
Fahad turned his attention to the man sitting beside him: Ya'qub. "Ya'qub ibn Wahid al Kadir. I could not have expected as much from even a son of my own blood. Of the eight men who set out to find my lost love, only you sit before me now. I will not diminish the effort of all those who accompanied you and the sacrifices they made, but only you risked his life to keep his word. Ala'i the Hungry has shown me your bravery time and time again."
Fahad placed an ancient hand on Ya'qub's shoulder. "I am old, but I am no fool. You carried with you a small fortune but not once did you hesitate to face near certain death to honor your word."
He sighed, but smiled and took in the assembled with his gaze. "I am leaving. With my lost love I will spend my final days. We leave this very night for the eastern lands where Ala'i has shown me lives one who can give Sita peace."
He turned his gaze back to the simple caravaneer. "My sons, Ya'qub ibn Wahid al Kadir, will have my lands, my property, and my business as their inheritance. So though it pains me, I can give you none of those things. However, my sons cannot inherit my reputation, my friends, or my favors owed. These things I have given to you."
"Overlooking the harbor a modest home has been put in your name--my servants are even now preparing it for you. In the drydock of the harbor, Maher al-Danawi the shipbuilder is restoring your father's ship, may it serve you as well as it did your grandfather. Finally, and it pains me that I could do no more for you, I have brought your family's business to the attention of several of my best associates. They know the value of doing business with a man who honors his word."
With that, the elderly Fahad stood and invited Ya'qub to do so as well. With a firm embrace Fahad kissed him on both cheeks in the manner of men. "I thank you Ya'qub ibn Wahid al Kadir."
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Post by Gamemaster on Apr 14, 2005 15:57:57 GMT -7
That very night, the celebration moved to Ya'qub's "modest" home on a hill overlooking the harbor. Ya'qub and Sahra stood close together on a wide balcony, enjoying a drink and the view. Far below them a gibbous moon was reflected in the tranquil bay.
Inside Old Rajab and Maarouf, both washed, scrubbed, and dressed in fine robes, stood awkwardly against a wall, plucking dates and nuts from a tray on a table beside them. "If this is a modest house," laughed Maarouf, "may I someday own a modest camel!"
"Pah!" said the old caravan laborer beside him. "I once owned a magnificent six-year old racing-camel, a fawn with a lion’s head and great gazelle eyes..."
Maarouf had heard the story countless times, but he only smiled and let the old man tell his tale. Nodding at all the right moments, Maarouf gazed in wonder at Ya'qub's new home. He didn't know how many bedrooms it held, but no one had to share.
Ya'qub's mother and grandfather sat drinking coffee with you, listening to the tales yet again. A cool breeze from the bay carried with it the alluring call of the sea through tall windows while more than one person's thoughts turned toward the future and its promise.
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Post by Ya'qub on Apr 15, 2005 5:46:32 GMT -7
That very night, the celebration moved to Ya'qub's "modest" home on a hill overlooking the harbor. Ya'qub and Sahra stood close together on a wide balcony, enjoying a drink and the view. Far below them a gibbous moon was reflected in the tranquil bay. Ya'qub gazes at Sahra. In the time that had transpired from their first meeting in the caravan to Vahtov, his relationship with her had grown from one of respect to admiration to affection and now finally to love. He could not imagine making the journey of the rest of his life without her. He was still amazed at how she had been drawn to him from the start. There were others in the party more handsome, more mysterious, more powerful and certainly more wealthy. But for reasons known perhaps only to herself, she had chosen this simple, balding, gap-toothed caravaneer with a nervous lisp to be her champion. Fate always has her surprises. He wanted to ask for her hand, but wasn't certain how to proceed. After all, he is now a "hero" of sorts, a "modestly" wealthy merchant, and she a laborer. Are the layers of society so stratified as to prevent this love from being celebrated? he wondered. He shook his head absently at his thoughts. "What are you thinking about?" Sahra asks. "Us. I'm thinking about us. And our future," he replied, softly. Then drew her closer to him.
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Post by Salah on Apr 15, 2005 7:22:02 GMT -7
"Forgive me effendi!" Salah ad-din says lowering his head and looking somewhat embarassed. "When I spoke of my desire to travel I did not mean you to recommend me to so noble a company of heroes. I am unworthy of such praise."
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Post by Salah on Apr 15, 2005 7:47:36 GMT -7
"Hajama has rewarded you well for your courage, effendi." Salah ad-din says with awe after hearing how the humble merchant charged back into the crumbling palace of the effreet-lord, Az'ahk to rescue the ghul-bewitched Sita. "I would die a fortunate man if I could face fear and death even half as bravely as you have."
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Post by Ya'qub on Apr 15, 2005 7:51:11 GMT -7
Fahad turned his attention to the man sitting beside him: Ya'qub. "Ya'qub ibn Wahid al Kadir. I could not have expected as much from even a son of my own blood. Of the eight men who set out to find my lost love, only you sit before me now. I will not diminish the effort of all those who accompanied you and the sacrifices they made, but only you risked his life to keep his word. Ala'i the Hungry has shown me your bravery time and time again." Fahad placed an ancient hand on Ya'qub's shoulder. "I am old, but I am no fool. You carried with you a small fortune but not once did you hesitate to face near certain death to honor your word." Ya'qub sat in stunned silence. How could he be commended for doing what he had agreed to do? He was raised by his family that although one may not have much, one always has his word. If his word is worthless, the man is worthless. "As it should be, effendi." Ya'qub falls before Fahad prostrate. "Your servant is not worthy of so high an honor..." he murmurs, voice choked with emotion. Thoughts and emotions roam through Ya'qub's mind. This was an honor never expected, or, he thought, deserved. Then he considered his family. Mother and Grandfather, those who have sacrificed so much to care for this small family and to eke out a living on the coast trading small wares can now rest from their labors in comfort, a rest they have deserved more than thrice over. He immediately begins to make plans to send for them. His Father's ship? The last he saw of it was a hulking wreck moored ner their home. There had only been enough to provide for the bare necessities of life. Certainly never enough to rebuild and refurbish his father's ship. Memories of his father flooded his mind, bringing tears to the caravaneer's deep brown eyes.
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Post by Gamemaster on Apr 15, 2005 7:56:44 GMT -7
"What are you thinking about?" Sahra asks. "Us. I'm thinking about us. And our future," he replied, softly. Then drew her closer to him. "And when where you planning on telling your mother?" Johara asked. Ya'qub was unsure how long his mother had been standing in the doorway. Her face was stern, but just barely. Beneath, a smile was straining to break free. "Tell his mother what ?" Ya'qub's grandfather asked. Yusuf was elderly, perhaps a contemporary of Fahad's, but nowhere near as frail. Suddenly all of the attention was on Ya'qub and Sahra.
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Post by Gamemaster on Apr 15, 2005 7:58:46 GMT -7
"Forgive me effendi!" Salah ad-din says lowering his head and looking somewhat embarassed. "When I spoke of my desire to travel I did not mean you to recommend me to so noble a company of heroes. I am unworthy of such praise." "I could do no less," Fahad had answered. "May fate smile upon you."
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Post by Ya'qub on Apr 15, 2005 8:21:30 GMT -7
"And when where you planning on telling your mother?" Johara asked. Ya'qub was unsure how long his mother had been standing in the doorway. He face was stern, but just barely. Beneath, a smile was straining to break free. "Tell his mother what ?" Ya'qub's grandfather asked. Yusuf was elderly, perhaps a contemporary of Fahad's, but nowhere near as frail. Suddenly all of the attention was on Ya'qub and Sahra. Ya'qub looked from His mother's face, to his grandfather's, to Sahra's and then back to his mother. He felt his nerves rising up, but thought to himself, just this once... "Mother, you will always be the first lady in my life; you gave birth to me, witnessed my first steps, cared for me when I was ill or injured. You saw me through the first many years of my life. I today rise and call you "blessed," for truly you will always be blessed in my mind. "Grandfather, you have been the rock of my life since the death of my father of blessed memory. You taught me skill in the marketplace, but also about honor and courage, two things which can only come from the character of the family. I have been honored to have received those blessings from the hand of Fate. "Sahra, this desert flower, has become more to me than one of the laborers. She has taught me additional lessons in compassion, as well as come to my aid on many occasions in our last adventure, even to the point of risking her life for mine. "I desire to begin a new adventure, one with Sahra at my side, not as my laborer, but as my wife, if she would have me. "I ask for your blessing and support as I take this step into a new world." He searches their eyes for any sign of either approval....or he could bring himself to even think the alternative.
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Post by Waleed Ibn Alurah on Apr 15, 2005 13:36:08 GMT -7
Waleed smiled at the turn of events, his own spirits lifted from other thoughts of his mother and her designs on her true son's life. Only good could come from their union Waleed thought. She had shown her true heart to the gap-toothed merchant and he had in turn received it warmly. Not wishing to intrude, Waleed said nothing and basked in the light of true love.
Looking at himself, Waleed remarked how clean he was, his bodyguards had done well in bathing him and cleaning the desert from his body. Dressed in clothing befitting one of his noble status, adorned with jewelry and weapons that spoke of his wealth, he knew who the richer man was today and it was not him.
Looking to his "bodyguards", he smiled even a broader grin and joined them amongst the many pillows strewn upon the floor of the "modest" home. In whispered voices and stolen glances Waleed spoke sweet honey laced words from his lips, anticipating the night of pleasure to come. Days of ease and nights of pleasure had become his mantra since their arrival in Tajar, but there was something nagging at the back of his mind, another desire, the desire for adventure. Those many months of travel on the sands of Zhakara had been very liberating for Waleed, who had been cloistered away much of his life. The open step, unfettered, called to him.
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Post by Gamemaster on Apr 15, 2005 16:26:22 GMT -7
"I desire to begin a new adventure, one with Sahra at my side, not as my laborer, but as my wife, if she would have me. "I ask for your blessing and support as I take this step into a new world." Beside him, Sahra froze, her simple face a mask of astonishment. "I... you would... but..." "A woman who can see my son as I see him is a woman I will gladly call my daughter," Johara said, extending her arms to embrace Sahra. "I would have you as my husband, Ya'qub ibn Wahid al Kadir, and honor you till my dying day." Sahra went to a smiling, weeping Johara and at that moment became a permanent member of the al Kadir family. Many celebrations and a ceremony would follow, but they would only formalize the bond that had been created at that moment.
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Post by Keesha on Apr 16, 2005 2:13:43 GMT -7
"Hajama has rewarded you well for your courage, effendi." Salah ad-din says with awe after hearing how the humble merchant charged back into the crumbling palace of the effreet-lord, Az'ahk to rescue the ghul-bewitched Sita. "I would die a fortunate man if I could face fear and death even half as bravely as you have." Trying to dissimulate her boring mind she just smiles to the newcomer and present guests. If only she had some time to get out of here and retreat to her studies. Somehow in her past, he grew disdained of all things formal.. perhaps due to not being able to access them herself, perhaps due to have to play with them to make a living.. at any rate, she was certailnly happy as the evening was over and she was able to retreat to her room.
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Post by Keesha on Apr 16, 2005 2:17:04 GMT -7
Beside him, Sahra froze, her simple face a mask of astonishment. "I... you would... but..." "A woman who can see my son as I see him is a woman I will gladly call my daughter," Johara said, extending her arms to embrace Sahra. "I would have you as my husband, Ya'qub ibn Wahid al Kadir, and honor you till my dying day." Sahra went to a smiling, weeping Johara and at that moment became a permanent member of the al Kadir family. Many celebrations and a ceremony would follow, but they would only formalize the bond that had been created at that moment. Smiling at the "new" couple, she breathed deeply while drinking some of her wine. Thinking to herself, she was glad that at least beyond all the formalities her friends were still people, and were more interested in each other as person as in titles or riches. Then, she moved to the window, watching Eakon flying over the sea and stood there melancholicly, staring into the ocean.
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Post by Waleed Ibn Alurah on Apr 16, 2005 16:02:00 GMT -7
So many had come and gone as it had said in the scroll of "The Lost Love" tale and this made Waleed wonder. Languishing in the supple arms of his "harem", he began questioning why he was here. He wasn't on the level of skill as Keesha was in magic, he could easily sense the power emanating from her. It was at present serene and encapsulating, but when unleashed he could see it roil and seeth under her control. Waleed had met very few mages on par with the present day Keesha but there was something else about her that just was, foreign. No, she was an ajami for certain, but that wasn't it, there was something else. Perhaps He was being jealous of her sudden rise in power? No, that would be the wrong word. Envious would be more appropriate. Nonetheless, it was good she was on their side and not the others.
Waleed couldn't fathom anything about this new member to their party, Salad something or other, but if their benefactor had vouched for him , it was good enough for Waleed. The Tome he had received was a godsend and if he had been able to fully thank Fahad before his departure he would have.
Ya'qub, the thought of him brought a smile to Waleed's face, moreso because it would always conjure up the picture of him stuttering but still persisting at the task at hand. Waleed had made note that he did not stutter when he asked for his relatives blessing to marry Sahra. It then occured to him that a matter of honor needed to be addressed. Yes, it would more than likely make him destitute once more, but a favor given must be a favor returned. Waleed quietly excused himself from the lingering caresses of his "bodyguards" and walked over to the happy couple.
"Excuse me. I do not mean to intrude in this most glorious of moments, but I would like to repay the kindness you have shown me since you rescued me from the clutches of those vile desert nomads. If it would be acceptable, I would like to pay for your wedding, all of it."
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Post by Keesha on Apr 17, 2005 4:14:01 GMT -7
She was having a good time resting here.. but was also restless to get back on the road and into her home, to be back at her library and be able to continue her studies.
She turned back and saw Yaqub. "So, my friend.. for when is the wedding planned then? I need to go back to my town for a while and given that it is a bit far from here it would be helpfull to plan accordingly.. I certainly do not want to miss it" Smiling she looked at them.. "And of course, there are some things we could buy for the wedding itself if you are up to riding over there for shopping"
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