Post by Gamemaster on Apr 19, 2005 8:43:38 GMT -7
23rd of Riyah
The autumn morning was cool and the air that blew though the windows was rich with the smell of the sea. Ya’qub watched the ships in the harbor below prepare to set sail with the incoming tide.
“Hold still,” Maarouf said through a mouthful of pins. Ya’qub strained to hold his arms up while his ceremonial sash was pinned in place. Outside, sea birds wheeled in the sky.
“I should probably just mind the camels…” Old Rajab protested. Ya’qub’s grandfather was helping Rajab correctly wrap his new turban. The old caravan laborer’s thin white beard, normally a wild, tangled affair, was washed and combed. He looked pleased to be wearing such fine garments, despite his protests.
“The camels will be fine,” laughed Maarouf. He stood to admire his handiwork. “Turn around master Ya’qub, let’s have a look!”<br>
Somewhere beneath the finery was the gap-toothed merchant, but on this day a noble stood before his friends. Noble in spirit and looking more the part of a well-fed sheik than a pudgy caravaneer.
Salah entered the room, pushing through the light cloth that served as a door. He announced that Ya’qub’s mount stood ready outside. Salah was fortunate that Suelasta the Magnificent had set up his “menagerie” down in the river district. Exotic animals from the farthest corners of Zahkara and beyond could be viewed in Suelasta’s menagerie, even as in this case, rented.
Yusuf clapped Maarouf on the shoulder. “Well done! How is it you are such a capable tailor?”<br>
Maarouf blushed. “I didn’t actually tailor anything… I’ve only assisted in assembling the traditional outfit. I am fortunate to be the youngest of many brothers, each has already married.”<br>
Outside, a small crowd had gathered in the cobbled street that wound down to the city. It was hard to miss why, a gaily adorned elephant stood patiently flicking its tail and ears while its impatient handler shooed children away. Upon seeing Ya’qub and the others the handler promptly bowed and spoke a low command to the elephant. It stuck out a leg and bowed as well. "I told you I’d find you one that would make even the Great Caliph himself envious!" Salah said, beaming with pride.
With assistance, Ya’qub climbed into the litter on the elephant’s back. At his word, they started off in procession with a cheer of delight rising from the crowd—helped in no small part by the gold coins old Rajab and smiling Maarouf tossed generously as they led the way to the House of Idris Caravanserai. They were off to claim the bride, Sahra.
The crowd grew as the word spread.
At the House of Idris a cheering crowd already awaited the groom’s arrival. Musician’s played and children danced. To Ya’qub’s surprise he spotted Dalilah al-Harounah, daughter of House Ashurim. She waved and smiled. Captain Ramad was not at her side.
The elephant stopped beside a platform. Ya’qub stepped down and called out for Sahra. She emerged from a pavilion led by Waleed and Ya’qub’s mother Johara. Both women were stunning in their fine robes. The gossamer veil which lay across Sahra’s radiant face did nothing to conceal her smile. Waleed, in his role as cousin and representing Sahra’s family looked as if he had been dressed by the Caliph’s royal tailor. More than one fair maiden caught her breath as he passed.
Waleed offered Ya’qub Sahra’s hand. Ya’qub gently took it and on cue a flight of white doves took wing. A delighted Sahra embraced Ya’qub. Regaining her composure, she smoothed her robes. Together they climbed the platform amid the cheers and music and with a wave stepped into the litter. The procession returned to Tajar, led by musicians and followed by friends, family and delighted strangers.
The seven days of feasting that followed grew to legendary proportions. Entertainers of all stripes filled the courtyard and even the street- dancers, jugglers, fire-eaters, singers and musicians; all to the delight of the guests.
Then, on the final day, in a ceremony held on a terrace overlooking the bay, surrounded by their close friends and family, Ya’qub and Sahra’s lives became as one.
The autumn morning was cool and the air that blew though the windows was rich with the smell of the sea. Ya’qub watched the ships in the harbor below prepare to set sail with the incoming tide.
“Hold still,” Maarouf said through a mouthful of pins. Ya’qub strained to hold his arms up while his ceremonial sash was pinned in place. Outside, sea birds wheeled in the sky.
“I should probably just mind the camels…” Old Rajab protested. Ya’qub’s grandfather was helping Rajab correctly wrap his new turban. The old caravan laborer’s thin white beard, normally a wild, tangled affair, was washed and combed. He looked pleased to be wearing such fine garments, despite his protests.
“The camels will be fine,” laughed Maarouf. He stood to admire his handiwork. “Turn around master Ya’qub, let’s have a look!”<br>
Somewhere beneath the finery was the gap-toothed merchant, but on this day a noble stood before his friends. Noble in spirit and looking more the part of a well-fed sheik than a pudgy caravaneer.
Salah entered the room, pushing through the light cloth that served as a door. He announced that Ya’qub’s mount stood ready outside. Salah was fortunate that Suelasta the Magnificent had set up his “menagerie” down in the river district. Exotic animals from the farthest corners of Zahkara and beyond could be viewed in Suelasta’s menagerie, even as in this case, rented.
Yusuf clapped Maarouf on the shoulder. “Well done! How is it you are such a capable tailor?”<br>
Maarouf blushed. “I didn’t actually tailor anything… I’ve only assisted in assembling the traditional outfit. I am fortunate to be the youngest of many brothers, each has already married.”<br>
Outside, a small crowd had gathered in the cobbled street that wound down to the city. It was hard to miss why, a gaily adorned elephant stood patiently flicking its tail and ears while its impatient handler shooed children away. Upon seeing Ya’qub and the others the handler promptly bowed and spoke a low command to the elephant. It stuck out a leg and bowed as well. "I told you I’d find you one that would make even the Great Caliph himself envious!" Salah said, beaming with pride.
With assistance, Ya’qub climbed into the litter on the elephant’s back. At his word, they started off in procession with a cheer of delight rising from the crowd—helped in no small part by the gold coins old Rajab and smiling Maarouf tossed generously as they led the way to the House of Idris Caravanserai. They were off to claim the bride, Sahra.
The crowd grew as the word spread.
At the House of Idris a cheering crowd already awaited the groom’s arrival. Musician’s played and children danced. To Ya’qub’s surprise he spotted Dalilah al-Harounah, daughter of House Ashurim. She waved and smiled. Captain Ramad was not at her side.
The elephant stopped beside a platform. Ya’qub stepped down and called out for Sahra. She emerged from a pavilion led by Waleed and Ya’qub’s mother Johara. Both women were stunning in their fine robes. The gossamer veil which lay across Sahra’s radiant face did nothing to conceal her smile. Waleed, in his role as cousin and representing Sahra’s family looked as if he had been dressed by the Caliph’s royal tailor. More than one fair maiden caught her breath as he passed.
Waleed offered Ya’qub Sahra’s hand. Ya’qub gently took it and on cue a flight of white doves took wing. A delighted Sahra embraced Ya’qub. Regaining her composure, she smoothed her robes. Together they climbed the platform amid the cheers and music and with a wave stepped into the litter. The procession returned to Tajar, led by musicians and followed by friends, family and delighted strangers.
The seven days of feasting that followed grew to legendary proportions. Entertainers of all stripes filled the courtyard and even the street- dancers, jugglers, fire-eaters, singers and musicians; all to the delight of the guests.
Then, on the final day, in a ceremony held on a terrace overlooking the bay, surrounded by their close friends and family, Ya’qub and Sahra’s lives became as one.
