Zahra's head snapped up in surprise as Haseena excitedly asked for her to grow the claws again. She looked slightly doubtful, "I'll try but all previous times, I was in perilous circumstances."
The sorceress focused on her hands and pictured what they had looked like with the claws instead of her fingernails. To her surprise, she felt something begin to change. Not necessarily at the ends of her fingers as she expected, at least not at first, but she felt something ancient welling up inside her. Distant feelings of regal pride, strength, and honour. As she focused on these feelings, she could feel power begin to flow through her body and out of her fingers, causing the claws to grow. Now that she had more time to look at them and study them without fear clouding her thoughts, she realized that they were more silver than white. I guess it was me doing it
She held her hands out to Haseena for closer inspection, "See?"
Haseena came out of her revery and looked at Cairee, "Cairee? What is your family name? Is the Karunai Order's infulence strong in Divolgatia? You aren't wearing a traditional Karunai robe?"
Cairee flinched at the mention of her family name. She tried hard to disassociate herself from that lot. But something about Haseena made it seem...unwise to attempt a deception. She's see right through it, and they were here to beg her help. Besides, what were the chances her clan was known all the way here? "My family is the Steelhearts, but my chosen name is Featherfriend. The Karunai Order is indeed strong in Issmenador. However, I am part of the Ospitiumati Order of Saiph. We are relatively new, and tend to stay close to Issmenador.
She held her hands out to Haseena for closer inspection, "See?"
Zahra's fingernails had lengthened and sharpened to claws. Seeing it up close was unsettling. But Cairee was proud of Zahra. Considering everything that had happened to them, the sorceress was taking this new ability pretty well.
The old woman turned her eye to Dounia. She spoke to everyone but the young thief could feel an air of warning in it, "It is good to meet you all. I am very glad to hear that Zahra trusts you. Welcome to my home. It is a house filled with my memories and keepsakes, all of which are of great value to me." There was a pause, "Dounia, do you have a family name? You are not a citizen?"
Dounia bristled at the implied warning. Then she forced herself to take a breath, and admit the woman's instincts about her weren't incorrect. Inclining her head respectfully, the girl said, "I am Dounia Mehar Mehek Ghali. I doubt you've heard of my family line, as we are from far away. But I have lived near to the city most of my life."
Haseema breathed in good air and out bad air, "Zahra, you have been my student for over a year now and I know you have many questions about what is happening to you. I needed to learn more about your new friends before answering. I hope you will forgive me for baiting them. Shall I tell you about them?"
Haseema could see a cloud of worry pass over her pupil, "Of course Master Tymythy 'son-of-Stywyrt' is no emissary of the Empire. But he is forthright and will never be 'forced' to bend the knee. He knows there are forces greater than he is. 'Mistress' indeed - I insult him and he still shows me deference then backs it up with a show of strength. Master Tymythy, I know little about your people. I know that some show fidelity to the Empire, some fight it. I was hoping for a fighter at Zahra's right hand. Thank you for not disappointing."
"This Cairee does not carry the name of her family. She does not live in the country of her family. She does not follow the holy traditions of her family. She has rejected them, or they have rejected her, or both ... OR ... she is an agent of the gods. As the scripture says, 'Never trust the truths you find on a well worn path.' Zahra, you have found Cairee on the strangest of paths possible, I think. I feel I can read Master Tymythy and young Dounia quite well but Cairee is not so clear - perhaps it is because she does not know herself."
"As for Dounia, her reserve confirms for me that she is a survivor. That she has dodged between the elephantine plodding steps of the powerful - has it been your entire life? - to amass such a collection of stolen things - I think I can see El Ionas'kunas' monocle fob poking out - She is a survivor without a caste. One of the untouchables. One of the invisibles. Dounia, one day you must tell me how one like you ever got caught. You are right. I do not know this family name but it is an interesting one. Dounia means 'the world' but could be representative of this life. If I am right Mehar means blessings. Mehek is a sweet smell. Ghali means respected, but it could also mean costly. Taken all altogether it could mean 'A sweet blessing is this life but it comes at great cost.' Whoever named you was a philosopher ... or a poet."
"Now, I have had my turn. Please all of you ask your questions. I will do my best to give you answers."
Haseema could see a cloud of worry pass over her pupil, "Of course Master Tymythy 'son-of-Stywyrt' is no emissary of the Empire. But he is forthright and will never be 'forced' to bend the knee. He knows there are forces greater than he is. 'Mistress' indeed - I insult him and he still shows me deference then backs it up with a show of strength. Master Tymythy, I know little about your people. I know that some show fidelity to the Empire, some fight it. I was hoping for a fighter at Zahra's right hand. Thank you for not disappointing."
Tymythy inclined his head in respect. So, it had been a test, had it? That Tymythy could live with – indeed, he could approve someone probing strangers who had somehow attached themselves to one they held near and dear to their own heart. ”Your roof, mistress,” he said. ”Your rules. Now that matters of honor have been put aside I will add that I hail from the Bastarnae clan of the Hlewmylani, and have come here on the wings of a great spirit’s whims. Fate brought the four of us together, and blood we have shed and hardship we have overcome connects us. That, I will not betray.”
She listened attentively as her mentor told her about her new acquaintances. She was glad to learn that she hadn't made wrong choices by trusting them. But truly what she wanted more than learning about them was for Haseena to tell her about herself.
Zahra couldn't hold in her questions any longer and thankfully Haseena had given her the go ahead to ask. "Why is this happening? Why am I suddenly growing claws? Who is Fida Hurras and the Great Red Dragon and why are they after me?" She stopped briefly to take a deep breath so she wouldn't get hysterical, "Mother said that you'd know what to do. How do I make this trouble go away? How do I protect my family?"
Haseema smiled, "Is that all? One thing at a time maybe?"
"Why am I suddenly growing claws?"
"We've talked about where your power comes from. You don't have a knack for study I'm sorry to say. Your power comes from some distant blood insinuation. I thought at first it was absorption of an elemental power. Wild talents often come from elemental energies. I also entertained the idea that your family line had at one time been touched by a powerful Marid, a Genie's corruption of your ancestors. Either would explain you ability to produce cold. We shall see someone and perhaps get proof to my new suspicions."
"Who is Fida Hurras and the Great Red Dragon and why are they after me?"
"I have never heard of this Fida Hurras, but the name means something like Templars of the Moon. It sounds like boys playing deadly games to me. As for The Great Red Dragon, he is the focus of the most powerful of the magical societies - the Servants of the Great Red Dragon. They rival the influence of the Royal Philosopher's Guild. The Servants make it their business to learn things first."
""Why is this happening? ... How do I make this trouble go away? How do I protect my family?"
"I think this Fida Hurras has somehow learned about you being a wild talent but they haven't shown any interest in your parents, only you. Keep your new friends near and they will think twice before messing with you again. I think the Servants of the Great Red Dragon know of these Hurras and learned of your kidnapping. They wanted to know why the Hurras were interested in you, so they sent their spies."
"I must take you to someone high up in 'The Servants' and convince them that you are unimportant." - a long pause - "but to do so I must take you to the most dangerous, deceitful, and corrupt place in all of Zhayalahmar." She looked truly concerned.
Knowing that Haseena always chose her words carefully and never spoke needlessly, Zahra paid close attention to the answers to her questions. Her eyes widened at the wealth of knowledge that her mentor had. Where did she learn all of this?
She nodded slowly when asked about who had seen her do magic. "It was the Servants of the Great Red Dragon that broke into our home. There were three of them. Two are dead - one of the dead Servants mentioned Fida Hurras - and the one we released didn't see me do magic. That, or he was an exceptional liar."
Zahra frowned, "Are there such places in Zhayalahmar? I find it hard to believe that corruption exists in our city. What place would cause you to look so concerned?"
Zahra frowned, "Are there such places in Zhayalahmar? I find it hard to believe that corruption exists in our city. What place would cause you to look so concerned?"
Naseema's face calmed as she took control of it once more, "The theatre my young student."
Haseena got that look on her face, the one where she tried out of politeness to conceal worry about Zahra's naivety. "Corruption sits in every seat of Zhayalahmar, even in the daylight city, but we must go to The Destansi ve Aptallik, The Royal Nasri Theatre. It is where everyone goes to get their information and make high-level black market deals."A very plain looking half-elven woman served tea. Every motion she made was slow and made no sound. This was Sasithorn, Naseema's only other servant. She said nothing and simply pored out tea in an arrangement on a small serving table. When she was done her little task Haseena looked at her and barely annunciating, "Tell Othman we will be needing a box for the next performance of 'rihlat alqudama' . My old box will do. Also, let him know that he will be in charge of preparing Master Tymythy. Please get my old trunks and see that the Ladies are well suited. Let me know if we need to make any purchases. Zahra, we may need to enlist your alteration skills."
"This Cairee does not carry the name of her family. She does not live in the country of her family. She does not follow the holy traditions of her family. She has rejected them, or they have rejected her, or both ... OR ... she is an agent of the gods. As the scripture says, 'Never trust the truths you find on a well worn path.' Zahra, you have found Cairee on the strangest of paths possible, I think. I feel I can read Master Tymythy and young Dounia quite well but Cairee is not so clear - perhaps it is because she does not know herself."
It was strange hearing someone describe her - and so accurately after such a short time together. Haseena's words sparked something in Cairee. Does she not know herself? She certainly hadn't as a child. But finding The Order, finding Saiph, had felt like finding herself. Does Haseena not see that? Or is there still more to discover about herself? But no, that line of thinking is selfish. Cairee knew she was there to help others, not to waste time doing what Tal called naval-gazing.
Which Cairee realized with a smile, she was doing right now. She turned her full attention back to Haseena and Zahra. There was a lot to learn - she needed to pay attention!
"Corruption sits in every seat of Zhayalahmar, even in the daylight city, but we must go to The Destansi ve Aptallik, The Royal Nasri Theatre. It is where everyone goes to get their information and make high-level black market deals."
"Excuse me," Cairee said politely, "By daylight city I assume you mean where we've been, as the sun never changes. Why is that? And the way you worded it... is it not so in all of Zhayalahmar?"
"Excuse me," Cairee said politely, "By daylight city I assume you mean where we've been, as the sun never changes. Why is that? And the way you worded it... is it not so in all of Zhayalahmar?"
"You are very new to Zhayalahmar? I am told the city is shaped like a teardrop falling towards Masdar'um - that's the great river. On maps it is depicted in this way. The main gate opens into alMuqid, also called the forward city. From there you can chose to enter the southern half of Zhayalahmar, which shines with infinite daylight, or the northern half, which is permanently shrouded in night. The theatre district is in the latter."
"Why is it that way? Most say it is an expression of the power and glory of the Emperor and Empress and their union. As Zahra's bloodline is touched by power so also is the throne touched by power. Excepting a thousand-thousand times more radiant. Most say this..."
A long pause.
"I believe the city is side-by-side with other levels of existence, one a plane of ever shifting dunes made only of shadow, and the other where all things shine with an inner light ... though I cannot prove it. The sun over our heads might be a reflection of that plane of light. The bright and dark moons over Alshafaq a reflection of the shadow. When all is said and done I don't believe anyone knows why, nor care. It never changes - it is a strangeness that can be relied upon as surely as the sun rises and falls outside of the city walls."
The theatre my young student
Zahra’s face lit up and she practically squealed, ”The theatre! How could something so exciting and fun be corrupt?” The look on Haseena’s face made the student stifle her excitement so that she could focus on what her mentor said next.
Her brow creased in concern as Haseena stated that corruption existed every where in Zhayalahmar. ”Really? If it was everywhere, wouldn’t I see it?”
And then Zahra was unable to concentrate on anything else or to contain her excitement at the mention of where they’d be going. ”The Royal Nasri Theatre?!? Never in my wildest imaginations did I ever think I’d be fortunate to go somewhere that fancy. What will we be seeing?” Even though she was practically vibrating with excitement, she clamped her hand over her mouth so that Haseena could make arrangements with Sasithorn. She was always fascinated watching Haseena and Sasithorn communicate considering Sasithorn was deaf. She always made sure that Sasithorn could see her lips when she spoke with her but Haseena didn’t seem to have to.
Zahra, we may need to enlist your alteration skills.
The seamstress nodded enthusiastically, ”The theatre and we get to try on clothes? This is turning into the best day ever! Whatever we end up wearing, I will make sure that it fits everyone like it was made especially for them.”
Zahra’s mood dampened slightly when Haseena told her that she couldn’t go home. ”Is it possible to send word to Mother to let her know that I won’t be home? I wouldn’t want to cause her any more worry than I already have.” She then took Haseena’s hands in her own and gave them an affectionate squeeze, ”Thank you so much for everything. I came to your door today feeling like I was lost, without direction. You have given me great comfort and your generosity to me, my family, and my new friends is beyond all measure. I don’t know how but I will do whatever I can to repay your kindness.”
"You are very new to Zhayalahmar? I am told the city is shaped like a teardrop falling towards Masdar'um - that's the great river. On maps it is depicted in this way. The main gate opens into alMuqid, also called the forward city. From there you can chose to enter the southern half of Zhayalahmar, which shines with infinite daylight, or the northern half, which is permanently shrouded in night. The theatre district is in the latter."
Tymythy had been content to follow the conversation in silence, as talk about magic and mystical bloodlines were topics of utter mystery to him, and while the few hints about the strange organization that seemed interested in Zahra were intriguing, there was little meat on the bones for him to gnaw on. But his eyes widened at Haseema’s last proclamation. The city was divided into realms of day and night? He had thought the length of the day seemed strange, but had just assumed his strange journey had taken him to a region where the day was of unusual length - he had heard that sort of thing happened far in the south and the north in particular - but this?
”Madness,” he murmured, a horrified look in his eyes. He was about to spit over his shoulder in an effort to ward off the evil eye but reconsidered at the last moment – his host was surely blameless in this travesty, and might consider his gesture a slight on her House and honor. ”What would… Who… Why…” he didn’t know where to begin, or how to approach such a strange revelation. ”Day and night… fixed? By the spirits, what manner of evil god would so trample the very natural order to bring this about?” The clansman was very obviously upset about this surprising revelation, his voice dripping superstitious dread. ”Why haven’t the great spirits already brought the fury of their wrath upon this land?”
The seamstress nodded enthusiastically, ”The theatre and we get to try on clothes? This is turning into the best day ever! Whatever we end up wearing, I will make sure that it fits everyone like it was made especially for them.”
Theater… the word was vaguely familiar to Tymythy, invoking images of the puppet shows the clan’s adults occasionally set up to go with the stories the Keeper told to the clan’s children. This was something similar, he believed, only bigger in scale. This, he might actually enjoy… although he was somewhat suspicious about the comments about needing to “prepare” him, wondering what that might entail. A bath, perhaps? It had been a while since he had had the time or the opportunity to clean himself properly, and it seemed only fitting to make himself presentable for such a tale-telling session, no doubt performed by master orators if the grand scale of… everything in this city was anything to judge by.
”Really? If it was everywhere, wouldn’t I see it?”
Simply and with no emotion, "Do you think you are the only one hiding your true nature."
”Day and night… fixed? By the spirits, what manner of evil god would so trample the very natural order to bring this about?” The clansman was very obviously upset about this surprising revelation, his voice dripping superstitious dread. ”Why haven’t the great spirits already brought the fury of their wrath upon this land?”
"The wrath of spirits? Make no mistake, they walk amongst us and are not to be trusted. The maliciousness of the jinni is famous and has plagued Zhayalahmar since its' infancy." Haseena's face changed to something new and a look that Zahra wasn't familiar with. The old woman normally had such reserve that she only wore three looks: her wise listening face was most common; her softly laughing face when something was meant to be funny; and, her angry face. But this forth face Tymythy seems to have conjured - she looked curious. "Your eastern clans are not devoid of power? I have heard rumours that Hlewmylani attune themselves to the natural world, especially women, and that they have, if rarely, produced wonders?"
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"The wrath of spirits? Make no mistake, they walk amongst us and are not to be trusted. The maliciousness of the jinni is famous and has plagued Zhayalahmar since its' infancy."
Gods and spirit, walking the streets here, wearing mortal flesh? Tymythy shuddered – he had already met one godling who had bound himself to the shape of a man; he had no wish to repeat the experience anytime soon.
"Your eastern clans are not devoid of power? I have heard rumours that Hlewmylani attune themselves to the natural world, especially women, and that they have, if rarely, produced wonders?"
”Attuned, yes. Turn nature on its head?” the young hunter shook his head. ”Magic is for the women and the wise, those who have proven themselves worthy of wielding the strength of the spirits for themselves. And if one of them ever dreamed of turning summer into winter, or reversing the flow of rivers, for the sole reason that they could… they would be named a warlock and hunted down before their heedless use of power brought the vengeance of the divine upon the clans.”
Haseema had urged Zahra to keep her new friends near her and Tymythy had taken the suggestion to heart – the Black-Winged Lord had seen fit to lead him here, entwine his fate with those of the three young ladies, and at the moment, it seemed Zahra with her mysterious bloodline was in the gravest danger. So Tymythy took it upon himself to act as her guard, following her whenever she wanted to leave Haseema’s opulent home for a moment – inside, of course, he kept more to his own devices. To guard Zahra under Haseema’s roof day and night would be to insult her, to suggest she could not see to the safety of her own guests.
Thus, whenever Zahra was busy inside the young hunter was left with time to waste. He had spent some time investigating the massive manor – carefully, of course, as he simply couldn’t figure out which parts of the building (large enough to house a whole clan, distant relatives included) was intended as the mistress’ personal space and what parts were for communal use. Afte ra few false starts and perplexed answers to his outlandish questions from the serving staff he established some rules where he was and was not welcome without invitation.
The house held innumerable things that Tymythy had not so much as heard tales before – or if he had, he could not make the connection between the thing and their description in some story or legend he had heard told. Massive mirrors (for what possible purpose, as a simple basin full of clear water showed one’s reflection perfectly well), more books in one single room than he had believed the whole world could possibly hold. A glass house for plants indoors (no wonder the plants had died – the roof obviously kept the rain at bay). A high balcony he found became his favorite single place, as the winds at that height were clear of the mixed stench of humanity filling the city’s streets… and the position allowed him to finally witness the strange, magical line dividing the city. The young warrior spent many an hour up there, frowning severely at the immobile line of night, as if daring it to encroach, wondering what manner of madness had driven people into making a fever-dream like it real.
Then came the time for trying out their new clothes. Tymythy stared at the black and gold uniform with obvious suspicion. It’s military nature was clear to him and that invoked an image of the Empire’s armies marching into his homeland – the Hlewmylani had little use for uniforms, preferring clothes and colors that made them blend into the landscape, not catch the eye on a parade field. Still… he recalled some of those cloth-sculptures the ladies had been trying on.
Things could be worse. A lot worse.
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Dounia listened avidly to the tales Haseema told, and the discussion about Zahra's magic. If I had such power, I wouldn't cower inside, hiding it from myself and the world. I would blast it from the rooftops, and dare those without to challenge me!
Zahra frowned, "Are there such places in Zhayalahmar? I find it hard to believe that corruption exists in our city. What place would cause you to look so concerned?"
Dounia sniggered at Zahra's naivety. She opened her mouth to tell the girl about the many guards that Cyra had bribed to look the other way, but shut it again when she remembered Haseema's barbed words earlier. No reason to hang a lantern on her less-than-legal activities.
The girl beamed when she found out they were going to the theatre. So many rich patrons! Her fingers twitched with excitement.
Day 1
Dounia made herself thoroughly at home; in fact, she pretended this was her home. Surely when she found her brothers and father she would live in a place even more splendid. Her explorations were cut short, however, when she discovered the silent servant airing out chests of fabulous dresses. "Oh my! These are wonderful! Let me help you!" The half-elf answered her only with a smile, which Dounia took for assent. Knowing that the gown were worth fabulous amounts of money, she watched for a moment, to see how the servant handled them, then jumped in to help.
Such colours! Such fabrics! Crushed velvet that hung in artful drapes that brushed the ground. Silk so light that the dress practically floated. Midnight purples, verdant greens, and a blue one that reminded her of Cairee's strange friend Peaches.
Everything was, of course, too big for her, but Zahra had assured her that she could alter any dress to fit her perfectly. Dounia spent the rest of the afternoon blissfully trying on dresses, and even helping herself to the jewelry box, trying on necklaces, earrings, tiaras, bangles and rings. In fact, she tried them all on at once, just to see how she glimmered.
She heard a noise at the door and turned to see Cairee standing there. Spreading her arms wide, so dozens of bangles jingled on her wrists, she pirouetted and asked, "How do I look?"
Simply and with no emotion, "Do you think you are the only one hiding your true nature."
Zahra's eyes widened and her jaw dropped, "But...I'm not...I only hide to protect my family, not because I'm doing something wrong."
For the rest of the day Zahra fell into familiar patterns within Haseena’s home. Even though she wasn’t expected to do any cleaning, she felt the need to do something familiar and thought that it was a good opportunity to practice her magic.
The best part of the day was when it came time to sleep. Zahra’s own bed was nicer than most but compared to the bed in Haseena’s guest room, she had been sleeping on a straw mat her whole life. She sank into the mattress with a contented sigh and had the luxury of sleeping in the next morning. When she woke the next day, she was given the privilege of a long bath in a bathtub large enough for her to stretch out in.
Being thoroughly clean and relaxed, her stomach reminded her that she hadn’t eaten and she made her way to the dining room. She paused in the doorway and couldn’t help but giggle as she saw the others being the victims of lessons in table etiquette. She smiled as memories of her mother giving her very similar lessons when she was younger. Those lessons had then continued with Haseena as she began spending more time at the manor. Yes, the majority of her lessons had been about magic but her mentor had widened her lessons to include the finer points of society.
Her laughter drew everyone’s attention and soon she was pulled into the lessons. Who knew that someone needed to be taught how to sit during the performance?
The afternoon was much more fun. They poured over the clothes, trying on the different styles and parading around. The part-time seamstress also took everyone’s measurements so that she knew how the chosen outfits needed to be altered to fit well. After a couple hours of trying on different dresses, Zahra settled on a deep plum gown with a form-fitting bodice. She was fairly certain that her father would never have let her wear a dress with such a revealing neckline but Zahra thought it made her look grown-up.
Before supper, Zahra wanted to go for a walk around the neighbourhood to stretch her legs. She knew that Tymythy would join her but she also extended the invitation to Cairee and Dounia.
”I believe the city is side-by-side with other levels of existence, one a plane of ever shifting dunes made only of shadow, and the other where all things shine with an inner light ... though I cannot prove it. The sun over our heads might be a reflection of that plane of light. The bright and dark moons over Alshafaq a reflection of the shadow. When all is said and done I don't believe anyone knows why, nor care. It never changes - it is a strangeness that can be relied upon as surely as the sun rises and falls outside of the city walls.”
Cairee listened with rapt attention. How fascinating! Different planes of existence bleeding into each other. It sounded like a wonderful fantasy told in children’s stories. Though Cairee had witnessed for herself the ever-burning, never changing sun, so perhaps it wasn’t all make believe. That there was another part of town in perpetual night was equally curious, and more than a little scary, especially for someone so attuned to Saiph’s power channeled through the sun. Had she been given the option to stay behind, Cairee would’ve taken it. But it seemed assumed the group would travel together, at least for now, and Cairee would go where she was asked. She hoped her connection to Saiph wouldn’t be cut off in the dark part of the city.
After weeks of being a prisoner followed by a few days of intense activity, Cairee was exhausted. When it was clear no one expected anything of her, she asked Zahra if she could lie down. ”Will I be sharing a room with you and Dounia? she asked hopefully. Sleeping alone made her anxious, especially in an unknown home.
She crawled under the covers and fell asleep almost instantly, not waking until early the next morning.
Day One
Up before anyone else, Cairee found a quiet balcony to meditate. Then she set herself to being as useful as possible. She offered to mend any of her friends’ belongings that needed some attention. She extended that offer to Haseena and Sasithorn, mending anything they gave her. She “helped” Sasithorn with her daily tasks until the old woman got fed up and shooed her away. At which point she turned her attention to Zahra’s alterations, holding scissors and chasing after loose buttons.
She took Haseena’s lessons very seriously. Clearly taking them to the theatre was risky and Cairee wanted to make sure that she wasn’t the cause of any trouble or embarrassment. She studied the table settings with a furrowed brow and practiced sitting properly so intensely that her jaw ached. She muttered the rules of etiquette as she performed the little rituals, causing her teacher to throw her arms up in frustration. ”You don’t announce that you’re curtsying, you just do it!”
When it came to selecting an outfit, Cairee had no idea where to start. Tymythy looked equally perplexed, though at least he didn’t have so many options. Zahra and Dounia were having fun with it, so she turned to them for help. ”Can you two pick something for me to wear?
Dounia spent the rest of the afternoon blissfully trying on dresses, and even helping herself to the jewelry box, trying on necklaces, earrings, tiaras, bangles and rings. In fact, she tried them all on at once, just to see how she glimmered. She heard a noise at the door and turned to see Cairee standing there. Spreading her arms wide, so dozens of bangles jingled on her wrists, she pirouetted and asked, “How do I look?”
Cairee burst out laughing. The light was bouncing off all the various gems and shiny metals, illuminating the room in a kaleidoscope of colours. ”You look like a sparkling princess!”
Before supper, Zahra wanted to go for a walk around the neighbourhood to stretch her legs. She knew that Tymythy would join her but she also extended the invitation to Cairee and Dounia..
Cairee gladly accepted the invitation and suggested they explore the garden district more. She kept an eye out for Peaches, and hoped the monkeys had stopped fighting.
The house held innumerable things that Tymythy had not so much as heard tales before – or if he had, he could not make the connection between the thing and their description in some story or legend he had heard told. Massive mirrors (for what possible purpose, as a simple basin full of clear water showed one’s reflection perfectly well), more books in one single room than he had believed the whole world could possibly hold. A glass house for plants indoors (no wonder the plants had died – the roof obviously kept the rain at bay). A high balcony he found became his favorite single place, as the winds at that height were clear of the mixed stench of humanity filling the city’s streets… and the position allowed him to stare at the magical boundary that was said to divide the city... even though his eyes could see no such thing The young warrior spent many an hour up there, frowning severely at where he had been told the immobile line of night laid, as if daring it to encroach, wondering what manner of madness had driven people into making a fever-dream like it real.
On the second day, Dounia joined Tymythy on the balcony for a while, needing a break from the lessons. Who knew that being a princess would be so hard! She and Cyra had practiced manners and comportment, and Dounia had thought she was an expert. But it turns out that learning from a book (well, most of a book, as it had been half-eaten by silverfish) was quite different from the real thing.
She found the displaced warrior staring at the wall that divided Daw'alnahar from Alshafaq. She sat quietly with him for a while, then said, "It is unnatural. I don't know why anybody would choose to live here. On either side. I think you'd like my home better. It's quiet, and we have a beautiful oasis. The sun rises and falls like it should." She shuddered a bit; as excited as she was to attend the theatre, she was was uncertain about Alshafaq. Cyra had never let her, and though she would never admit it, Dounia was nervous.
Supper that first night was a simple fish soup - a quick meal rushed to feed a large group.
Everyone stayed up for some time but the day had been long and, all of the windows now shuttered, people took to their rooms.
There were only two rooms that had multiple beds, and, those beds being very small, the girls instead took one room and dragged two mattresses in to camp out together. As it was next to a room that Tymythy, thier self-appointed big brother and guardian, could occupy the situation seemed to work out for all.
------
Othman stayed close to Tymythy for much of the first full day and when the uniform was fitted he cautioned, "Don't fuss, Master Tymythy, you will stand out too much as you are. Being from another country is nothing. Being from another station is perilous."
Meanwhile, Sasithorn stayed close to the women. As Dounia stood there in so many dresses and sparkling jewels it produced an unguarded giggle from the maid (who thought the young girl had all of the qualities of a plump sugared plumb). When she spoke her voice was deep and came from the back of her tongue. It was clear early on that her hearing was non-existent and had been from a very early age. As she watched Dounia comport herself the half-elf suggested, "Do you sing? Or dance? or perform in any way? If you do sing think of singing before a great crowd and how it makes you feel - put that feeling in the way you move. Yes, that is it. Now practice. Being one of the high-born is a sustained performance."
There were lessons at breakfast followed by a fitting. Then there was a little free time to work on alterations.
There were lessons at lunch that lead into comportment. Othman, "No miss. Don't look people in the eye. You must imagine you have a secret that no one else in the room knows but everyone wishes to."
After this there was an hour or so to go for a walk and they all went out together. As the garden district was within a radius suggested by Haseena they returned there. Cairee looked for Peaches and could see him taking a turn through the unchanging sun.
Cairee was relieved to be bunking with the others. She hated sleeping alone. The house's big musty rooms seemed extra lonely. How sad to have such a large home that goes mostly unused.
There were lessons at lunch that lead into comportment. Othman, "No miss. Don't look people in the eye. You must imagine you have a secret that no one else in the room knows but everyone wishes to."
The lessons from Sasithorn and Othman were exhausting. All the talk of performances and secrets rattled Cairee. She'd had to fight incredibly hard to find a place where she could be herself. Pretending to be someone else felt like she was betraying the Order somehow. Still, it was important. And she did her best.
My secret is that I don't belong here, Cairee thought. My secret is that I'd rather chat with a peafowl and make friends with pigeons than go to the theatre.
After this there was an hour or so to go for a walk and they all went out together. As the garden district was within a radius suggested by Haseena they returned there. Cairee looked for Peaches and could see him taking a turn through the unchanging sun.[/b]
Cairee plucked a few peaches from a nearby tree and presented them to the peafowl. "Good evening Peaches. I hope you're well. May I say your feathers are particularly dazzling today." After some light chatter, Cairee turned serious, her worry about the next day bubbling up. "A clever creature such as yourself must know much about Zhayalahmar. Can you tell me anything about the midnight city? Is it very scary?"
As she watched Dounia comport herself the half-elf suggested, "Do you sing? Or dance? or perform in any way? If you do sing think of singing before a great crowd and how it makes you feel - put that feeling in the way you move. Yes, that is it. Now practice. Being one of the high-born is a sustained performance."
Dounia did sing....although usually her only audience were the flamingos that made her oasis their home. However, that had never stopped her from strutting before them, and she summoned that energy now. Of course, as soon as she did so, she realized that her excess jewelry actually detracted from her ensemble.
Feeling a little foolish, she put most of it away, and focused on choosing an outfit. She settled on a fabulous dress in her preferred colours; gold, tangerine and crimson - the colours of her sunset sky. The dress and cloak were too big, and she had little skill with a needle. But she helped Zahra and Sasithorn as best she could.
"No miss. Don't look people in the eye. You must imagine you have a secret that no one else in the room knows but everyone wishes to."
Ah, but I do! The advice helped, and Dounia knew that she was going to blend in perfectly with the very best people in the city.
...that was, until it was time to eat. Somehow Cyra had neglected high born table manners in her upbringing. Or maybe these "citizens" are just so very different from home. Dounia knew to always use her right hand to eat, and could adeptly slurp the hottest noodles from a bowl without splashing a drop on her clothes. However, the range of cutlery confounded her, and she invariably picked up the wrong utensil for the wrong dish.
After being kindly corrected - again - Dounia threw her "three and a half pronged fork" down in frustration. Picking up the tiniest fork, she stabbed a limp curl of boiled potato and in a high voice said, "Don't forget, two prongs for hummingbird tongues, but three for flamingos. Who even wants to eat a tongue?! It can taste you back!"
As Sasithorn conversed with Dounia, Zahra held up a deep emerald green coat and pants up against Cairee's frame. "This colour would look amazing with your hair. And it being pants may make you feel more comfortable. Unless you'd prefer a dress? I don't want to presume."
Once the decisions had been made about what to wear, Zahra set to work making sure that everything fit well. She started with Dounia's dress as it had the most work to be done. Before she knew it, it was time for lunch - and more lessons.
She listened to Othman's advice but it only made her nervous. Of course she had a secret that people wanted to know. It was the whole reason that she was in this mess. It was of utmost importance that none of the people where they were going found out her secret which made her look panicked rather than coy.
Zahra grinned at Dounia's declaration, "Agreed. But...if it helps, at least with the cutlery, work from the outside in towards the plate."
Othman stayed close to Tymythy for much of the first full day and when the uniform was fitted he cautioned, "Don't fuss, Master Tymythy, you will stand out too much as you are. Being from another country is nothing. Being from another station is perilous."
Tymythy did his best to accept the instructions given to him, no matter how outlandish many of the required steps were. The fact that he lacked the base cultural familiarity to truly understand why he was to do one thing and avoid another certainly didn’t help. ”Acting is not in my nature,” he sighed after a particularly embarrassing faux pas. ”What part am I even supposed to play? Perhaps I should just join the others as a bodyguard of one of the young ladies – someone to be seen but not heard? That, I think I could pull off. But trying to fulfill the expectations of someone born and bred to wear this uniform…” he gestures at himself, keeping very firmly his fingers away from the suit’s stiff collar that kept chafing his neck every time he moved his head.
At least the dance lessons were easier for the young hunter – there were far fewer distractions available to pass the evenings and holy days in the clanlands, and feasting, storytelling and dancing were chief among the pastimes for the young and old alike. The steps and patterns were like nothing he had experienced before, and the long hems of some of the ladies’ dresses caused him to stumble to avoid stepping on the trailing fabric more than once, but all in all, he adapted quickly… but that single victory came after a long line of challenges and failures. The formal dining rituals were definitely chief among his brand-new headaches.
Why a single guest should need enough silverware for a whole family was simply beyond him. He had, after all, only two hands. So why in the name of the spirits below would he want so many forks? He had heard the explanation, of course, several times, but he simply couldn’t grasp what was wrong about just licking one set of knives and forks clean between dishes?
Zahra grinned at Dounia's declaration, "Agreed. But...if it helps, at least with the cutlery, work from the outside in towards the plate."
”I will try,” Tymythy muttered, giving the delicate little silvery fork in his hand an accusing look, as if he considered it personally responsible for his most recent woes… that, or he was considering stabbing someone with it.
Peaches looked a bit shocked, "Oh! It's you. For a moment there I thought I'd met a second person who could speak. But the very idea is too preposterous to imagine. Thank you, and you are looking well - if you'll excuse me, better then when I first saw you."
Peaches walked out into the open as if on parade.
"Oh, heavens! The midnight city? Why would anyone want to know about that?! Best to stay here in the garden."
Peaches quickly launched into a tour of the garden and started to walk in a wide circle pecking his head in the direction of different sections of the district explaining them.
There was the newest buildings of the district covered in creeping ivy and hanging plants where the sounds of birds were like an immense dinner party.
There was a tree grove amongst which were some two-hundred and fifty foot bluegum trees that played home to many monkey families and marsupials.
There was a maze of walls the size of a city block that was overgrown with flowers. Lizards clung to the walls and fed off the insects that fed off the nectar.
There was a ruined section of buildings half sunken in a marsh that Peaches quickly skipped over.
There was a large sand dune with some outcropping stones and around the stones were several high buildings as well as a great formation of beehives. Some of the larger lizards sunned themselves on the rocks.
As Tymythy looked at the rocky crags he had a sudden flashback of the wizard/godling from his brief time on the Ornerian plain. A white flash of light hurt his eyes and then disappeared.
Zahra held up a deep emerald green coat and pants up against Cairee's frame. "This colour would look amazing with your hair. And it being pants may make you feel more comfortable. Unless you'd prefer a dress? I don't want to presume."
"This is perfect, thank you!" Cairee was relieved to have the decision made so quickly. Though the comment about her hair prompted a question for Haseena. "Should I cover my hair? Will it draw too much attention to us? I could..dye it, if that will help." She hated the idea of removing another link between her and the Order, even such a superficial one. But if it kept the others a little safer, it would be worth it.
The Peafowl's Tour
"Oh, heavens! The midnight city? Why would anyone want to know about that?! Best to stay here in the garden."
It was obvious Peaches didn't know anything about The Midnight City. And why would he? "You're right, I'm sure," Cairee said. "Who would want to leave such a charming place. Perhaps you could show me around?"
Cairee joined Peaches in a turn around the garden, translating for anyone who cared to follow them. Peaches hurried past the ruined section of buildings, but Cairee paused. "Could you tell us what happened here? Why hasn't it been repaired?"
"Should I cover my hair? Will it draw too much attention to us? I could..dye it, if that will help."
Sasithorn overheard the question and giggle briefly. Haseena smiled, "I feel that you will be ok. Even if they mark you it is 'what' Zahra is not 'who' you are that is important. If you wish to hide your hair simple pull up your cloak."
Cairee joined Peaches in a turn around the garden, translating for anyone who cared to follow them. Peaches hurried past the ruined section of buildings, but Cairee paused. "Could you tell us what happened here? Why hasn't it been repaired?"
"No one goes in there. A person died in there once and eggs laid near it go missing in the night."
When they went through the garden district yesterday, Zahra had been preoccupied in getting to Haseena's and so she had chalked up Cairee's conversations with the birds to her being eccentric. However, this time around she was more relaxed and as she observed Cairee interacting with the peafowl it looked like the bird actually understood the young woman.
Unable to hide her surprise she half stated, half asked, "So you can really talk with, Peaches is it? Is it all animals or just birds? Is that a gift from Saiph or have you always been able to do it?"
Hearing about the death surrounding the ruined buildings near the marsh, Zahra gasped, "That sounds horrible! I wonder if something dangerous lives in there."
Unable to hide her surprise she half stated, half asked, "So you can really talk with, Peaches is it? Is it all animals or just birds? Is that a gift from Saiph or have you always been able to do it?"
After all the other mysteries the great city had hurled at Tymythy, someone able to talk to bird came almost as a relief. And a portent of good fortunes, perhaps – a great avian spirit had set him on his journey, after all, and since the person with the power of speech was the same one who carried the starling-feather amulet… to him, it made sense. As much as anything in his life had, recently.
He listened to Cairee’s translation of the bird’s story while his eyes swept the garden and its neighborhood. Not that he truly expected to find an assailant hiding behind every other tree, but because he had been called to guard Zahra and he took such charges seriously. He had already lost someone due to his inadequacy – he had no intention of allowing it to happen again while he still drew breath.
As Tymythy looked at the rocky crags he had a sudden flashback of the wizard/godling from his brief time on the Ornerian plain. A white flash of light hurt his eyes and then disappeared.
Tymythy winced, turning away to shield his eyes, but when he gingerly returned his eyes to the stones the phenomenon did not repeat itself. Had he simply imagined it? Or had the event left such deep scars in his mind that anything he now saw that evoked the memory was enough to also bring back the terror of that day? After a moment’s hesitation he walked towards the source of the flash, looking for anything that might have caught and reflected the sun’s light into his eyes.
Later in the evening…
After the day’s activities – mentally draining enough to make Tymythy longingly recall the training regimen of the young hunters and warriors back home – the clansman retreated to his room. Now that the initial strangeness of the place was slowly fading he could put a finger to some nagging suspicions that had been trying to make themselves known to him ever since they had entered the mansion.
Only two servants for such a large manor, and neither seemed to live in the attic that on paper was reserved for the people who kept the household running? Was the mistress of the mansion approaching financial ruin and could no longer afford the level of comfort one would assume someone of her station was entitled to? But no, if money was the issue then surely she could have raised a considerable sum by selling some of the marvels that still lined the halls and display cabinets. He had spent many a moment inspecting some of the items, and while he could not put a price to any of them he had to believe they were worth a considerable sum.
No, that did not seem likely. But if so, what did? Had she distanced herself from her peers due to some personal loss or tragedy, or was she being spurned because of something she herself had done? Was her practicing magic a source for her woes? From what he had seen (and, largely, failed to understand) in the streets, magic certainly seemed plentiful in the city, so surely practicing it was no reason to build walls between oneself and the society. Or had she discovered some secret during her pursue of power and knowledge that had made her to pull back, to consolidate her forces, to build walls around what she felt she could protect?
Unable to hide her surprise she half stated, half asked, "So you can really talk with, Peaches is it? Is it all animals or just birds? Is that a gift from Saiph or have you always been able to do it?"
"I've been able to communicate with animals from a young age. I don't know if it's all, but I haven't met an animal yet I haven't been able to have some kind of understanding with. I believe it is a gift from Saiph, though I didn't know it until a few years ago."
Tymythy winced, turning away to shield his eyes, but when he gingerly returned his eyes to the stones the phenomenon did not repeat itself. Had he simply imagined it? Or had the event left such deep scars in his mind that anything he now saw that evoked the memory was enough to also bring back the terror of that day? After a moment’s hesitation he walked towards the source of the flash, looking for anything that might have caught and reflected the sun’s light into his eyes.
Cairee noticed the young warrior wince and turn his attention to the rocky crags. "Are you alright?" She studied the stones sticking out of the dunes. Was something there?
Cairee noticed the young warrior wince and turn his attention to the rocky crags. "Are you alright?" She studied the stones sticking out of the dunes. Was something there?
"I... yes I am," Tymythty murmured, his eyes intent on where he had seen the glimmer of reflected light. "Something just caught my eye over there."
Amongst the doves there were 'the girls': Lil'white, Shorttail, Fleck, Shivers, and Lefty. There was a male dove with them who was transitioning and now calling herself 'Speckles'. And there were 'the boys': Haunches, Greypecker, Fivetoes, Splitfeathers, and Glider. Talking was difficult as they had a tendency to hold five conversations simultaneously.
The monitor lizard and his partner were named Croc and Dragon respectively. Dragon never spoke. Croc constantly mumbled to himself not realizing it was out loud and was surprised when Cairee could 'read his thoughts'.
There was a gopher tortoise named Samuel who seemed a bit of a prude.
The monkeys wouldn't stop yelling but were named Dorid, Charsey, Marble, Hansom, Sinda, Wydell, and Tiffany.
The entire tour was a bit dizzying and the walk in zig-zags probably added up to a good three miles.
The singing towers were sounding out the prayer song for four in the afternoon and the four needed to head back and continue with work on the dresses and their formal training which would begin with supper then move to the ball room for comportment lessons.
After this there was an hour or two of free time ... then blessed sleep.
Breakfast was light and fittings came directly after with final alterations happening directly after that.
At lunch Haseena came down and participated, and Othman was notably absent as he had to get the carriage from the warehouse and hook up the two horse team. Haseena announced dispassionately, "OK, show how much you've learned."
Haseena announced dispassionately, "OK, show how much you've learned."
The outfit Zahra had picked out for Cairee was surprisingly comfortable and easy to move in. She stood up straight and took a few steadying breaths, repeating the lessons to herself as best she could. You've got a secret, you own the room, everyone wants to be you, you.. um...
Fearing it could go quite badly, Cairee asked Saiph for a little boost.
As Haseena's eyes fell on Cairee she balked a little and the others couldn't help but feel a little pity for the poor girl so obviously out of her depths. Then they witnessed a miracle. With one slow deep inhale, Cairee blossomed. She turned on her heel and her emerald green coat swirled impressively around her. She walked past them all cooly, giving them the slightest of glances that radiated wealth and privilege and bored distain. Cairee breezed out of the room, with a little sigh of displeasure and they all felt like they'd personally disappointed her.
Giggling, Cairee rushed back into the room. "That was fun!"
The older, luxurious fabrics proved to be more difficult to work with than Zahra had expected. Knowing that failure was not an option, she used magic where needed in order to help her tailoring so that she didn't ruin the outfits. Thankfully, Sasithorn was there to provide her expertise and the others helped where they could which made Zahra feel like she wasn't a complete failure.
Zahra was already on edge from her challenge with the alterations when Haseena breezed in requiring them to prove what they'd learned. A bruised confidence in addition to never being good at learning quickly, made Zahra feel uncertain as she began her demonstration.
Seconds before she debuted her opera persona, she felt a warmth like that of a sunbeam fill her body. Turning towards Cairee she saw the woman wink and smile encouragingly. Zahra returned the smile, her confidence building again. She channeled her natural charm into the lessons she had learned, exuding a warmth that drew you in mixed with an aloofness that made others feel they were out of her league. Surely this is how the affluent conducted themselves.
"OK, show how much you've learned.
A fierce frown of concentration plastered on his face, Tymythy stalked up and down the room, nodding his acknowledgements to imagined peers of the realm, performing a few courtly bows to equally non-existent ladies of high station - rather stiff but at least true to form. A look of panic was slowly starting to set in as he imagined an entire evening mingling with colourfully-clad predators native to the deep water of high society, where he was but a minnow among great trouts. He could not help feeling unprepared for such a challenge.
Cairee noticed the young warrior wince and turn his attention to the rocky crags. "Are you alright?" She studied the stones sticking out of the dunes. Was something there?"I... yes I am," Tymythty murmured, his eyes intent on where he had seen the glimmer of reflected light. "Something just caught my eye over there."
Tymythy refocused his vision and looked carefully over the stones with Cairee at his side joining his glance in a concerned fashion. The sun lit the rock so that the material glint perhaps with a little volcanic glass. Neither noticed anything else, and, at second look, Tymythy could see this outcropping of rock was neither as grand as the other nor really all that similar.
Dounia very much enjoyed her time in the garden. She spent the first half hour or so testing Cairee, trying to prove that she was making it all up. She'd hide things behind rocks, and get her to ask the birds what it was. Or tell Cairee to tell the monkeys to perform a specific task or trick. The lizard refused to cooperate, but otherwise, the animals proved again and again that Cairee was actually, truthfully talking to them.
"Can you teach me how?" the young girl begged, grinning in delight. "I want to talk to rats, and bats, and lizards, and birds..." She imagined herself with a hoard of willing assistants, breaking into the most highly guarded houses, castles even!, and flying/crawling/scuttling off with priceless treasures. The city would tremble before her army of four-legged and winged thieves!! "Please, show me how!"
As Cairee and Zahra made their turn through the room, Dounia bit back her smile, and lounged elegantly on settee. She took a small sip of the fruit juice in her long-stemmed goblet (they wouldn't let her try the stronger version), made a perfect pout, and dismissively deposited the glass on a tray as Sasithorn moved by with it.
Turning to Tymythy, she said, " Such a shame they're still using conjured iced to chill the wine. We have a gnome who's just genius with elementals, and we haven't an "over-icing" problem in just ages."
Rising gracefully to her feet, she glanced around, then said, "Oh look, there's her ladyship Fatima, . I hear she's to be married to...well, that would be telling. I must compliment her on her opals, they're nearly as good as the ones the Latronite matriarch Nani Addear gave me when Father helped them recover from that horrible attack in the southern dunes."
She swept across the room, the silk of her bright dress swishing softly and satisfyingly as she ignored the others and made her exit.
Haseena watched each of the group take a turn about the room and they could all see her grow more confident, with only Tymythy-son-of-stywyrt looking stiff but still passing. She brought them all together and addressed them as a group, "That was better than I hoped. Remember, where we are going only the very few are born to be what they seem. Everyone else will be putting on a mask and in this way you will fit right in. No one will ask a direct question, nor give a direct answer. They will take offence quickly for even the smallest slight. There will be l'autreparant about, the children of the fey and of lower devils. Make no promises. Accept no gifts. The debt for a free drink is higher than you can pay. Above all, this is the land of the djinn - make no wishes!
"Zahra, you've done very well my dear. When you arrive at the opera your loveliness and your strength will be like a pretty flame - be careful what insects you attract.
"Dounia, you are a natural. Not a talented liar but a skilled one. I feel like you could fit in any place you like. Be careful tonight. Many of the opera-goers will be as thick as their carriage wheels but a few will be truly perceptive and punishment can be swift and ... disproportionate.
"Tymythy ...", Haseena struggled to find the right advice, "Try not to stare.
"Cairee, if you must pray for intercession don't be seen doing so. You could be noticed by servants of Maphistal or Geryon or others and that is attention you do not need. I will have enough to do to hide your aura - faint as it is. Also, you did very well and do not need to call for intercession.
"We leave in three hours. Does anyone have any questions?"
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"Can you teach me how?" the young girl begged, grinning in delight...
"I can try," Cairee said uncertainly. "It's really just a matter of listening. Here, introduce yourself to Peaches, and then pay close attention to his reply."
Cairee watched as Dounia got far too close to the proud Peafowl, sticking her face up to his beak. "HELLO. I. AM. DOUNIA. WHO. ARE. YOU?"
Peaches took a few care steps back and looked at Cairee disapprovingly. "Do ask your simple friend to quiet down. Her honking is far too loud for my serene garden."
Dounia looked proudly at Cairee. "Did it work?"
"Cairee, if you must pray for intercession don't be seen doing so. You could be noticed by servants of Maphistal or Geryon or others and that is attention you do not need. I will have enough to do to hide your aura - faint as it is. Also, you did very well and do not need to call for intercession.
"We leave in three hours. Does anyone have any questions?"
Cairee wanted to ask how the woman could hide someone's aura. Instead she asked, "What should we do if we're separated?"
Cairee wanted to ask how the woman could hide someone's aura. Instead she asked, "What should we do if we're separated?"
Haseena replied seriously and her new confidence seemed a little disturbed by the question, "It is very important we don't get separated. This will become clearer when we arrive at the opera. If you do get lost then try to find the carriage and Othman."
Turning to Tymythy, she said, " Such a shame they're still using conjured iced to chill the wine. We have a gnome who's just genius with elementals, and we haven't an "over-icing" problem in just ages."
Tymythy gave Dounia a look more than halfway north of panic. Elemental creatures chained and shackled to chill one’s drink? What was wrong with simply immersing the bottle in a nearby stream for the day? Was that a joke, or another example of the perversions these magic-mad city folks seemed to routinely engage in?
"Tymythy ...", Haseena struggled to find the right advice, "Try not to stare.
Tymythy gave the mistress of the hold a hopeless look, yet nodded. It was a useful advice, after all, and something the clansman was beginning to think would be hard for him to remember… he still didn’t quite know what to expect from this “opera” thing, but he had gathered there would be more riches on the display to rival a dragon’s hoard, with the guests trying to outdo each other with their own fashion and useless, priceless accessories. At least the bit about everyone wearing masks was likely to help, masking some of his expressions of awe, wonder and possibly disgust.
Just as long as he remembered to keep his mouth from hanging open like a country yokel’s on a market day.
"Dounia, you are a natural. Not a talented liar (no charisma bonus) but a skilled one. I feel like you could fit in any place you like. Be careful tonight. Many of the opera-goers will be as thick as their carriage wheels but a few will be truly perceptive (npcs of a wide range of levels) and punishment can be swift and ... disproportionate.
Dounia glowed with the praise, then wilted slightly as she understood Haseena's words. Right. Hands to myself She nodded solemnly, but didn't go so far as to promise anything.
Dounia looked proudly at Cairee. "Did it work?"
LOLOLOLOL
Zahra's eyes widened bit by bit as Haseena gave them the list of what not to do. Only someone with Haseena's experience and wisdom could make the Opera sound dangerous. She concentrated hard as she quietly recited her list to herself to help her remember, "No promises, no gifts, no wishes. No promises, no gifts, no wishes."
"Zahra, you've done very well my dear. When you arrive at the opera your loveliness and your strength (your charisma) will be like a pretty flame - be careful what insects you attract."
Zahra beamed at Haseena's compliment. It gave her great joy to make her mentor proud. A look of concern crossed her face with the woman's warning, "How do I know which are insects and which are charming suitors? It's every woman's dream to attract the attention of some of the patrons who will be at this Opera and it would be a shame to rebuff someone who has good intentions."
..."How do I know which are insects and which are charming suitors? It's every woman's dream to attract the attention of some of the patrons who will be at this Opera and it would be a shame to rebuff someone who has good intentions."
Haseena's face became dry and not a little bitter, "My dear, although some can be improved upon, they are all insects ...", she looked to Tymythy and added unconvincingly, "present company excluded."