A Duchess in the Desert (Closed)

[Kyrenaia]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut blushed and took a calming breath as Gisella sat down next to him.
Unlike one could expect, he had little to no experience around girls, but he figured, that he would be fine. He hoped.
However, if anyone would say, that the girl next to him was pretty, he would politely disagree and tell them, that Gisella was most likely one of the most beautiful girls to ever walk the face of the earth.
As the Vizier spoke, however, he had to avert his eyes (which had stayed on her face, honest!), and heard him speak, bowing his head: "Thank you kindly, Young Princess.", the Vizier spoke. "He or she will be a lucky child."
"Oh, you haven't determined the gender?", Dschamilla asked with a raised eyebrow.
"We decided to let that surprise us.", ben Sahid replied and gave a small smile, "Indeed, it will be a huge surprise! And a huge challenge, it is my firstborn, after all."

Gisella felt just as nervous sitting to the young man beside her, she figured she'd sit with the other Princess but it seemed she took a seat next to the other leaving the first available spot next to him. She was usually at ease with sharing with anyone but being overseas with a strange boy and one as unique looking as him she felt way more nervous "Ooh you find out your babies gender before? That's almost never done on the islands where I'm from. Unless folks go overseas for it. We just find out as soon as they're born. But I hope the surprise will be great for you."

Fatima and Marcella.
Fatima smiled a bit weary. "Show me the woman, who understands men, and I'll hail her as a saviour... likewise, the same is true vice-versa, or so I've heard.", she said and shook her head, "From my brothers, of course. They did not provide with useful insights into that matter either."
Fatima shrugged.
"So, playing by the ear it is for the two of us and for the two of them..." Fatima leaned forward, grinned. "...because Prince Mahmut is clueless about girls, too."

"Ah hehe my dear little sister will have a lot to work with then. Well she'll do fine, she always does and I'll give what sage wisdom I can as her older sister. I suppose failing that there's always our dear mother who can tell her what she or I for that matter need to know." She sighed a bit "Fatima you really are a good listener and I'm glad I could have this conversation with you. Don't suppose there's a simple way I can repay your kindness?"

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Ben Sahid smiled as a waterfall of words came from Gisella's mouth, answering her question: "It's entirely up to the parents, whether or not they ruin that particular surprise.", he explained with a smile, "Some future parents ask for such an information, some don't - Basma and I belong into the latter category." He noted the nervousness of both the boy and the girl as they sat next to each other, and he saw, that Dschamilla nearly turned into a puddle of goo at how cute the scene was. He smiled. "The split is half-half, I believe, but please don't quote me on that one. Some make it a bet, though."
Mahmut nodded. "My parents, for example."
There certainly was a story behind that.

Fatima and Marcella.
"Oh, there are a few ways of increasing difficulty, but I personally find, that the best way of going about such a thing is startingly simple.", Fatima said with a small smile, "I believe, that you are familiar with that way, too: Smile."
She let a beat pass.
"That's it.", the handmaiden said, "Smile, Marcella-Khana. For when the guest I attend to smiles, I know, that I do my job right, that you are happy. That, to me and other handmaidens, is a huge repayment for our services."

[AHSCA]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Ben Sahid smiled as a waterfall of words came from Gisella's mouth, answering her question: "It's entirely up to the parents, whether or not they ruin that particular surprise.", he explained with a smile, "Some future parents ask for such an information, some don't - Basma and I belong into the latter category." He noted the nervousness of both the boy and the girl as they sat next to each other, and he saw, that Dschamilla nearly turned into a puddle of goo at how cute the scene was. He smiled. "The split is half-half, I believe, but please don't quote me on that one. Some make it a bet, though."
Mahmut nodded. "My parents, for example."
There certainly was a story behind that.

"Aaah I see" She nodded "I guess there can be fun in trying to guess even putting something to wage on the gender." She giggled a bit nervously but starting to relax more. "I suppose the surprise for me would be worth the wait. But of course that's a long way off"

Fatima and Marcella.
"Oh, there are a few ways of increasing difficulty, but I personally find, that the best way of going about such a thing is startingly simple.", Fatima said with a small smile, "I believe, that you are familiar with that way, too: Smile."
She let a beat pass.
"That's it.", the handmaiden said, "Smile, Marcella-Khana. For when the guest I attend to smiles, I know, that I do my job right, that you are happy. That, to me and other handmaidens, is a huge repayment for our services."

"Aw you're very sweet! Well then it's what you get from me. For the rest of the trip I'm looking forward to you being my personal attendant more and more." she set her tea cup to the side to indicate she was finished with hers.

[Kyrenaia]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Ben Sahid smiled as a waterfall of words came from Gisella's mouth, answering her question: "It's entirely up to the parents, whether or not they ruin that particular surprise.", he explained with a smile, "Some future parents ask for such an information, some don't - Basma and I belong into the latter category." He noted the nervousness of both the boy and the girl as they sat next to each other, and he saw, that Dschamilla nearly turned into a puddle of goo at how cute the scene was. He smiled. "The split is half-half, I believe, but please don't quote me on that one. Some make it a bet, though."
Mahmut nodded. "My parents, for example."
There certainly was a story behind that.

"Aaah I see" She nodded "I guess there can be fun in trying to guess even putting something to wage on the gender." She giggled a bit nervously but starting to relax more. "I suppose the surprise for me would be worth the wait. But of course that's a long way off"

Fatima and Marcella.
"Oh, there are a few ways of increasing difficulty, but I personally find, that the best way of going about such a thing is startingly simple.", Fatima said with a small smile, "I believe, that you are familiar with that way, too: Smile."
She let a beat pass.
"That's it.", the handmaiden said, "Smile, Marcella-Khana. For when the guest I attend to smiles, I know, that I do my job right, that you are happy. That, to me and other handmaidens, is a huge repayment for our services."

"Aw you're very sweet! Well then it's what you get from me. For the rest of the trip I'm looking forward to you being my personal attendant more and more." she set her tea cup to the side to indicate she was finished with hers.

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
"I sure hope so!", Dschamilla said with a firm nod, a bit of a stern expression on her face, "After all, you two are still young and don't have to worry about such things yet. Enjoy it while it lasts!"
Mahmut gave a short nod, thinking to himself for a moment.
"That being said...", Dschamilla added, winking at Gisella, "...boys are so much more then merely carriers of cooties. You're right about that age, when you start discovering that... are you hot, Mahmut?"
"Nope.", the boy said, his face flaming red from a blush, before he quickly corrected, "I mean, yes, quite hot in here!"
"Well, it is called the Hot Room.", ben Sahid commented with a dry smile.

Fatima and Marcella.
Fatima nodded with a wide smile, bowing her head before she rose up to get the kettle from the stove. She really liked taking care of Marcella-Khana as well, she was a nice woman and quite simple in her needs and demands.
And she was friendly.
Fatima valued that very much, because while they were generally respected, not everyone was friendly to them.
She poured Marcella a new cuppa, before she placed the kettle back on the stove and sat down herself.
"I would love to continue being your personal attendant during this visit.", she said with a smile, bowing her head. "And maybe even during future visits, if they come to pass."

[AHSCA]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
"I sure hope so!", Dschamilla said with a firm nod, a bit of a stern expression on her face, "After all, you two are still young and don't have to worry about such things yet. Enjoy it while it lasts!"
Mahmut gave a short nod, thinking to himself for a moment.
"That being said...", Dschamilla added, winking at Gisella, "...boys are so much more then merely carriers of cooties. You're right about that age, when you start discovering that... are you hot, Mahmut?"
"Nope.", the boy said, his face flaming red from a blush, before he quickly corrected, "I mean, yes, quite hot in here!"
"Well, it is called the Hot Room.", ben Sahid commented with a dry smile.

Gisella's face was equally read at this point too "Uuh yeah it is very warm in here but it feels nice! I really like it here. I have pretty good heat and humidity tolerance but that comes from being from a tropical island. Mahmut I hope you're handling it all okay."

Fatima and Marcella.
Fatima nodded with a wide smile, bowing her head before she rose up to get the kettle from the stove. She really liked taking care of Marcella-Khana as well, she was a nice woman and quite simple in her needs and demands.
And she was friendly.
Fatima valued that very much, because while they were generally respected, not everyone was friendly to them.
She poured Marcella a new cuppa, before she placed the kettle back on the stove and sat down herself.
"I would love to continue being your personal attendant during this visit.", she said with a smile, bowing her head. "And maybe even during future visits, if they come to pass."

"Ah yes I would hope so for future visits from me which I'm sure there will be some. And if you visit our islands I hope you'll have a nice time too and I can make your stay enjoyable."

[Kyrenaia]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
"I sure hope so!", Dschamilla said with a firm nod, a bit of a stern expression on her face, "After all, you two are still young and don't have to worry about such things yet. Enjoy it while it lasts!"
Mahmut gave a short nod, thinking to himself for a moment.
"That being said...", Dschamilla added, winking at Gisella, "...boys are so much more then merely carriers of cooties. You're right about that age, when you start discovering that... are you hot, Mahmut?"
"Nope.", the boy said, his face flaming red from a blush, before he quickly corrected, "I mean, yes, quite hot in here!"
"Well, it is called the Hot Room.", ben Sahid commented with a dry smile.

Gisella's face was equally read at this point too "Uuh yeah it is very warm in here but it feels nice! I really like it here. I have pretty good heat and humidity tolerance but that comes from being from a tropical island. Mahmut I hope you're handling it all okay."

Fatima and Marcella.
Fatima nodded with a wide smile, bowing her head before she rose up to get the kettle from the stove. She really liked taking care of Marcella-Khana as well, she was a nice woman and quite simple in her needs and demands.
And she was friendly.
Fatima valued that very much, because while they were generally respected, not everyone was friendly to them.
She poured Marcella a new cuppa, before she placed the kettle back on the stove and sat down herself.
"I would love to continue being your personal attendant during this visit.", she said with a smile, bowing her head. "And maybe even during future visits, if they come to pass."

"Ah yes I would hope so for future visits from me which I'm sure there will be some. And if you visit our islands I hope you'll have a nice time too and I can make your stay enjoyable."

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut nodded, blushing even further. "Yeah, I do - thank you for asking, Princess Gisella!", he said, before he added, "I am rather heat resistant as well, but humidity sometimes gets to me."
Dschamilla and ben Sahid exchanged glances, supressing grins.
The two, to them, were simply cute.
"If that's the case...", Dschamilla said and nodded, closing the matter, with a grin.

Fatima and Marcella.
Fatima nodded.
"It would be my pleasure to one day visit the UIS.", she said and bowed her head slightly, "I might even go there sometime soon, though more on business then on pleasure. If they really do through with their plan of sailing to there, I will be onboard."
She leaned back.
"Indeed, the sailing trips with Prince Damir and Princess Aurelia are always fun, mainly because they get the staff and crew as much involved as they can once we make landfall.", she explained, "Last Summer Cruise, when we visited the Oileánra-Archipelago, we fished there and, come nightfall, made camp on some small, uninhabited island as well as a huge grill party, a radio beacon telling every ship nearby, that we had food to spare. A huge party ensued!"

[AHSCA]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut nodded, blushing even further. "Yeah, I do - thank you for asking, Princess Gisella!", he said, before he added, "I am rather heat resistant as well, but humidity sometimes gets to me."
Dschamilla and ben Sahid exchanged glances, supressing grins.
The two, to them, were simply cute.
"If that's the case...", Dschamilla said and nodded, closing the matter, with a grin.

"Aha I can understand." She leaned in just a bit "For desert folks like you more used to the dry heat. Just like I'm not used to the dry heat. So hehe there's a little something between us!"

Fatima and Marcella.
Fatima nodded.
"It would be my pleasure to one day visit the UIS.", she said and bowed her head slightly, "I might even go there sometime soon, though more on business then on pleasure. If they really do through with their plan of sailing to there, I will be onboard."
She leaned back.
"Indeed, the sailing trips with Prince Damir and Princess Aurelia are always fun, mainly because they get the staff and crew as much involved as they can once we make landfall.", she explained, "Last Summer Cruise, when we visited the Oileánra-Archipelago, we fished there and, come nightfall, made camp on some small, uninhabited island as well as a huge grill party, a radio beacon telling every ship nearby, that we had food to spare. A huge party ensued!"

"That does sound like a fun time! We have good festivals too, end of harvest being our biggest season celebrating our Goddess and the change of seasons it's the best. With luck maybe you'll be able to join me for that"

[Kyrenaia]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut nodded, blushing even further. "Yeah, I do - thank you for asking, Princess Gisella!", he said, before he added, "I am rather heat resistant as well, but humidity sometimes gets to me."
Dschamilla and ben Sahid exchanged glances, supressing grins.
The two, to them, were simply cute.
"If that's the case...", Dschamilla said and nodded, closing the matter, with a grin.

"Aha I can understand." She leaned in just a bit "For desert folks like you more used to the dry heat. Just like I'm not used to the dry heat. So hehe there's a little something between us!"

Fatima and Marcella.
Fatima nodded.
"It would be my pleasure to one day visit the UIS.", she said and bowed her head slightly, "I might even go there sometime soon, though more on business then on pleasure. If they really do through with their plan of sailing to there, I will be onboard."
She leaned back.
"Indeed, the sailing trips with Prince Damir and Princess Aurelia are always fun, mainly because they get the staff and crew as much involved as they can once we make landfall.", she explained, "Last Summer Cruise, when we visited the Oileánra-Archipelago, we fished there and, come nightfall, made camp on some small, uninhabited island as well as a huge grill party, a radio beacon telling every ship nearby, that we had food to spare. A huge party ensued!"

"That does sound like a fun time! We have good festivals too, end of harvest being our biggest season celebrating our Goddess and the change of seasons it's the best. With luck maybe you'll be able to join me for that"

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
"Oh, is that so?", Mahmut said, a smile creeping onto his still very red face, "I would have thought, that one builds a bit of tolerance over the years in such baths..." He shrugged. "But apparently not. I hope, though, that you'll find it to your liking soon, Gisella." The boy bowed his head, still blushing, but by now a cheeky, rougish smile on his face. "I am allowed to call you Gisella, right?"

Fatima and Marcella.
"I would love to, but, as said, that all depends on the sailing schedule of the ones employing me.", Fatima said and smiled, "Sometimes, the two of them just take one of the smaller yachts and make a spin around the block, sometimes it's one of the large vessels, it all depends on the daily mood... and what they do out there does, too."
Fatima let a beat pass.
"I would love to come one day as a tourist, though. The UIS, from what I've heard, sound lovely.", she added, a small smile on her lips.

[AHSCA]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
"Oh, is that so?", Mahmut said, a smile creeping onto his still very red face, "I would have thought, that one builds a bit of tolerance over the years in such baths..." He shrugged. "But apparently not. I hope, though, that you'll find it to your liking soon, Gisella." The boy bowed his head, still blushing, but by now a cheeky, rougish smile on his face. "I am allowed to call you Gisella, right?"

"Well maybe some do and maybe some don't." Actually her leaning in was a good sign she was growing more comfortable with him it was something she did when she talked to people she was familiar with sometimes it made a few weirder out "Oh yes of course you may call me Gisella if I can call you Muhamat? That's what it was right?"

"Aha I can understand." She leaned in just a bit "For desert folks like you more used to the dry heat. Just like I'm not used to the dry heat. So hehe there's a little something between us!"



"That does sound like a fun time! We have good festivals too, end of harvest being our biggest season celebrating our Goddess and the change of seasons it's the best. With luck maybe you'll be able to join me for that"

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
"Oh, is that so?", Mahmut said, a smile creeping onto his still very red face, "I would have thought, that one builds a bit of tolerance over the years in such baths..." He shrugged. "But apparently not. I hope, though, that you'll find it to your liking soon, Gisella." The boy bowed his head, still blushing, but by now a cheeky, rougish smile on his face. "I am allowed to call you Gisella, right?"

Fatima and Marcella.
"I would love to, but, as said, that all depends on the sailing schedule of the ones employing me.", Fatima said and smiled, "Sometimes, the two of them just take one of the smaller yachts and make a spin around the block, sometimes it's one of the large vessels, it all depends on the daily mood... and what they do out there does, too."
Fatima let a beat pass.
"I would love to come one day as a tourist, though. The UIS, from what I've heard, sound lovely.", she added, a small smile on her lips.

"Yes it is very beautiful! We have lush rainforests, cozy huts, hot sands, the trees grow fresh fruits you could just pick off of. And of course the mineral hotsprings which do wonders for skin and hair! Many wonder why we look so youthful I think it's that. So much good, even if the weather gets a little wicked at times. Oh well take the good and the bad and it's home"

[Kyrenaia]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
"Oh, is that so?", Mahmut said, a smile creeping onto his still very red face, "I would have thought, that one builds a bit of tolerance over the years in such baths..." He shrugged. "But apparently not. I hope, though, that you'll find it to your liking soon, Gisella." The boy bowed his head, still blushing, but by now a cheeky, rougish smile on his face. "I am allowed to call you Gisella, right?"

"Well maybe some do and maybe some don't." Actually her leaning in was a good sign she was growing more comfortable with him it was something she did when she talked to people she was familiar with sometimes it made a few weirder out "Oh yes of course you may call me Gisella if I can call you Muhamat? That's what it was right?"

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
"Oh, is that so?", Mahmut said, a smile creeping onto his still very red face, "I would have thought, that one builds a bit of tolerance over the years in such baths..." He shrugged. "But apparently not. I hope, though, that you'll find it to your liking soon, Gisella." The boy bowed his head, still blushing, but by now a cheeky, rougish smile on his face. "I am allowed to call you Gisella, right?"

Fatima and Marcella.
"I would love to, but, as said, that all depends on the sailing schedule of the ones employing me.", Fatima said and smiled, "Sometimes, the two of them just take one of the smaller yachts and make a spin around the block, sometimes it's one of the large vessels, it all depends on the daily mood... and what they do out there does, too."
Fatima let a beat pass.
"I would love to come one day as a tourist, though. The UIS, from what I've heard, sound lovely.", she added, a small smile on her lips.

"Yes it is very beautiful! We have lush rainforests, cozy huts, hot sands, the trees grow fresh fruits you could just pick off of. And of course the mineral hotsprings which do wonders for skin and hair! Many wonder why we look so youthful I think it's that. So much good, even if the weather gets a little wicked at times. Oh well take the good and the bad and it's home"

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
The young Prince deflated and ben Sahid had to suppress the urge to wince - that was one heck of a blow, that the guest did to him, even without wanting to.
"Mahmut.", he said and looked at Gisella with a valiant and upright smile. "Mahmut ibn-Idris, Prince of the Ilkhanate of Sarepta." He stood, made a step forward and turned facing Gisella, a wider smile on his lips as he turned and bowed to Gisella, a hand over his heart, clad in nothing but a towel. "Although the root of both names is the same, they are different... and indeed, the one to be praised is you, Gisella, for your beauty shines like the sea itself!"

Fatima and Marcella.
"Indeed. The good, the bad... and some things inbetween - that is, what makes home, home.", Fatima agreed and nodded. "The baths must do a lot of good for both physical as well as mental health. A time just for relaxing, away from the world, not to mention the relaxation of stressed muscles and, as you mentioned, the minerals. Maybe all of that is the reason, why your people, and the Kyrenaians for that matter, look so young by comparison to other cultures."
She raised her tea cup to a toast. "So, to home."

[AHSCA]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
The young Prince deflated and ben Sahid had to suppress the urge to wince - that was one heck of a blow, that the guest did to him, even without wanting to.
"Mahmut.", he said and looked at Gisella with a valiant and upright smile. "Mahmut ibn-Idris, Prince of the Ilkhanate of Sarepta." He stood, made a step forward and turned facing Gisella, a wider smile on his lips as he turned and bowed to Gisella, a hand over his heart, clad in nothing but a towel. "Although the root of both names is the same, they are different... and indeed, the one to be praised is you, Gisella, for your beauty shines like the sea itself!"

Gisella's face glowed red as he complimented in fact it almost felt like he was proposing to her, but that's silly they only just met. "W-Well thank you so much!" She replied "I feel you're very hansom too, Dear Prince!"

Fatima and Marcella.
"Indeed. The good, the bad... and some things inbetween - that is, what makes home, home.", Fatima agreed and nodded. "The baths must do a lot of good for both physical as well as mental health. A time just for relaxing, away from the world, not to mention the relaxation of stressed muscles and, as you mentioned, the minerals. Maybe all of that is the reason, why your people, and the Kyrenaians for that matter, look so young by comparison to other cultures."
She raised her tea cup to a toast. "So, to home."

"Yes I think you're right on that mark. We have a lot in common, dear Fatima. To home!" She toasted to that and sipped on the tea. "Mmm perfect!"

[Kyrenaia]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
The young Prince deflated and ben Sahid had to suppress the urge to wince - that was one heck of a blow, that the guest did to him, even without wanting to.
"Mahmut.", he said and looked at Gisella with a valiant and upright smile. "Mahmut ibn-Idris, Prince of the Ilkhanate of Sarepta." He stood, made a step forward and turned facing Gisella, a wider smile on his lips as he turned and bowed to Gisella, a hand over his heart, clad in nothing but a towel. "Although the root of both names is the same, they are different... and indeed, the one to be praised is you, Gisella, for your beauty shines like the sea itself!"

Gisella's face glowed red as he complimented in fact it almost felt like he was proposing to her, but that's silly they only just met. "W-Well thank you so much!" She replied "I feel you're very hansom too, Dear Prince!"

Fatima and Marcella.
"Indeed. The good, the bad... and some things inbetween - that is, what makes home, home.", Fatima agreed and nodded. "The baths must do a lot of good for both physical as well as mental health. A time just for relaxing, away from the world, not to mention the relaxation of stressed muscles and, as you mentioned, the minerals. Maybe all of that is the reason, why your people, and the Kyrenaians for that matter, look so young by comparison to other cultures."
She raised her tea cup to a toast. "So, to home."

"Yes I think you're right on that mark. We have a lot in common, dear Fatima. To home!" She toasted to that and sipped on the tea. "Mmm perfect!"

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Glad that his reference to the meaning of his name had been understood by the young Princess, Mahmut's face burned crimson as he rose from his bow.
A girl found him handsome! Best of all, it was a pretty girl!
He took a breath, calming his racing heart. His measure failed utterly, but he spoke calmly.
"Your words honour me deeply, Princess."
His words were accompanied by a twinkle in his eyes as he made a step forward and softly, but firmly took her hand into his. He ran his thumb along the soft skin, looking deeply into Gisella's eyes... then bowed down and softly kissed the hand, his lips touching the back of her hand softly.
He was well aware of what that gesture meant.

Fatima and Marcella.
Fatima nodded.
"Indeed we have - both the UIS and Kyrenaia as well as the two of us.", she said with a smile, before she bowed her head. "And thank you..."
Just as she wanted to add 'for the compliment', there was a short knock on the door.
Fatima rose, motioning for Marcella to remain seated, she would take it - indeed she did, opening the door to reveal a handmaiden like her, a girl with dark brown hair and green eyes. She bowed her head, then spoke a few words in Kyrenaian.
The handmaiden assigned to Marcella looked confused for a moment, then nodded, stepping aside.
The new arrival moved in and went down onto both her knees, offering a folded piece of paper to Marcella. Unfolding it would reveal a neat handwriting, expressing in a few, simple English words: My daughter told me, what happened between the two of you. She's sleeping with Aldhiyb guarding her dreams. I wish to speak with you at your earliest convinience. Signed, Damir ibn-Razia.

[AHSCA]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Glad that his reference to the meaning of his name had been understood by the young Princess, Mahmut's face burned crimson as he rose from his bow.
A girl found him handsome! Best of all, it was a pretty girl!
He took a breath, calming his racing heart. His measure failed utterly, but he spoke calmly.
"Your words honour me deeply, Princess."
His words were accompanied by a twinkle in his eyes as he made a step forward and softly, but firmly took her hand into his. He ran his thumb along the soft skin, looking deeply into Gisella's eyes... then bowed down and softly kissed the hand, his lips touching the back of her hand softly.
He was well aware of what that gesture meant.

Her face was really red at this point her heart was beating at an uncontrolled pace "As do yours....Prince...." she managed to get out internally By Madokami herself she has graced me the most handsome prince I've ever laid eyes on! Then again how many have I met? Never mind that, Gisella, he likes you! This is so awesome! Ah what will I say to Marcella, mama or papa for that matter? Ok getting ahead of myself, better say something too much time has passed they're going to think I'm weird. "Thank you, Dear Prince. I thank you for the kindness." She bowed her head her nervous smile growing wide. He did kiss my hand, does he wish to court me? Should I accept? Well of course I should Maybe he's being nice.. "Dear Prince, will you be at the dance? I hope I can share a dance with you! If not I hope I can dem-er-request your presence tonight."

Fatima and Marcella.
Fatima nodded.
"Indeed we have - both the UIS and Kyrenaia as well as the two of us.", she said with a smile, before she bowed her head. "And thank you..."
Just as she wanted to add 'for the compliment', there was a short knock on the door.
Fatima rose, motioning for Marcella to remain seated, she would take it - indeed she did, opening the door to reveal a handmaiden like her, a girl with dark brown hair and green eyes. She bowed her head, then spoke a few words in Kyrenaian.
The handmaiden assigned to Marcella looked confused for a moment, then nodded, stepping aside.
The new arrival moved in and went down onto both her knees, offering a folded piece of paper to Marcella. Unfolding it would reveal a neat handwriting, expressing in a few, simple English words: My daughter told me, what happened between the two of you. She's sleeping with Aldhiyb guarding her dreams. I wish to speak with you at your earliest convenience. Signed, Damir ibn-Razia.

Marcella knew coming to Kyrenaia would be a good idea she didn't think it was going to go THIS Well. But hey who can complain. "Of course you're welcome." She was going to speak a bit more ramble on happy to have Fatima's kind ears to listen but a knock quickly broke their train of thought she stayed put but curiously turned to see who it was until Fatima returned handing her the note. "Oh it's the father Razia. I guess he's already heard and wants to speak to me. Fatima, I don't imagine you could escort me right away? I don't know how I am on time before I meet Her Majesty but if my sister isn't back I assume I have plenty of time still."

[Kyrenaia]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Glad that his reference to the meaning of his name had been understood by the young Princess, Mahmut's face burned crimson as he rose from his bow.
A girl found him handsome! Best of all, it was a pretty girl!
He took a breath, calming his racing heart. His measure failed utterly, but he spoke calmly.
"Your words honour me deeply, Princess."
His words were accompanied by a twinkle in his eyes as he made a step forward and softly, but firmly took her hand into his. He ran his thumb along the soft skin, looking deeply into Gisella's eyes... then bowed down and softly kissed the hand, his lips touching the back of her hand softly.
He was well aware of what that gesture meant.

Her face was really red at this point her heart was beating at an uncontrolled pace "As do yours....Prince...." she managed to get out internally By Madokami herself she has graced me the most handsome prince I've ever laid eyes on! Then again how many have I met? Never mind that, Gisella, he likes you! This is so awesome! Ah what will I say to Marcella, mama or papa for that matter? Ok getting ahead of myself, better say something too much time has passed they're going to think I'm weird. "Thank you, Dear Prince. I thank you for the kindness." She bowed her head her nervous smile growing wide. He did kiss my hand, does he wish to court me? Should I accept? Well of course I should Maybe he's being nice.. "Dear Prince, will you be at the dance? I hope I can share a dance with you! If not I hope I can dem-er-request your presence tonight."

Fatima and Marcella.
Fatima nodded.
"Indeed we have - both the UIS and Kyrenaia as well as the two of us.", she said with a smile, before she bowed her head. "And thank you..."
Just as she wanted to add 'for the compliment', there was a short knock on the door.
Fatima rose, motioning for Marcella to remain seated, she would take it - indeed she did, opening the door to reveal a handmaiden like her, a girl with dark brown hair and green eyes. She bowed her head, then spoke a few words in Kyrenaian.
The handmaiden assigned to Marcella looked confused for a moment, then nodded, stepping aside.
The new arrival moved in and went down onto both her knees, offering a folded piece of paper to Marcella. Unfolding it would reveal a neat handwriting, expressing in a few, simple English words: My daughter told me, what happened between the two of you. She's sleeping with Aldhiyb guarding her dreams. I wish to speak with you at your earliest convenience. Signed, Damir ibn-Razia.

Marcella knew coming to Kyrenaia would be a good idea she didn't think it was going to go THIS Well. But hey who can complain. "Of course you're welcome." She was going to speak a bit more ramble on happy to have Fatima's kind ears to listen but a knock quickly broke their train of thought she stayed put but curiously turned to see who it was until Fatima returned handing her the note. "Oh it's the father Razia. I guess he's already heard and wants to speak to me. Fatima, I don't imagine you could escort me right away? I don't know how I am on time before I meet Her Majesty but if my sister isn't back I assume I have plenty of time still."

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut did not think she was weird and neither did ben Sahid or Dschamilla.
The former thought her to be the most beautiful girl in the world, if she wanted to make him wait for a reply, before she graced his ears with her angelic voice, then it was a huge boon for him to be graced with hearing it.
The latter two thought it was cute.
It should be noted, that he was thinking about courting Gisella, the kiss on her hand testing the waters if she wanted him to court her. So far, he thought, that it looked really well.
"I will attend the ball, Princess.", he said with a nod, "I am without someone to dance with, though." He bowed his head, one hand still holding hers. "May I ask to accompany you to the dance?"
He closed his eyes, preparing himself for rejection - surely, someone else had already asked, she had already someone to escort her and to dance with for most of the evening, only asking to be polite.
Mahmut knew, that he shouldn't get his hopes up, but he still did.

Fatima and Marcella.
Fatima bowed her head.
"Yes, Marcella-Khana.", she spoke and nodded to the new arrival, who departed, "We still have enough time to meet with Prince Damir, Princess Aurelia's father, make you ready for dinner and dance and then meet with the Sultana for the dinner. Princess Gisella should be with us by then, too." She smiled, gave a wink. "Who knows, maybe she'll have picked up a pretty boy?"

[AHSCA]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut did not think she was weird and neither did ben Sahid or Dschamilla.
The former thought her to be the most beautiful girl in the world, if she wanted to make him wait for a reply, before she graced his ears with her angelic voice, then it was a huge boon for him to be graced with hearing it.
The latter two thought it was cute.
It should be noted, that he was thinking about courting Gisella, the kiss on her hand testing the waters if she wanted him to court her. So far, he thought, that it looked really well.
"I will attend the ball, Princess.", he said with a nod, "I am without someone to dance with, though." He bowed his head, one hand still holding hers. "May I ask to accompany you to the dance?"
He closed his eyes, preparing himself for rejection - surely, someone else had already asked, she had already someone to escort her and to dance with for most of the evening, only asking to be polite.
Mahmut knew, that he shouldn't get his hopes up, but he still did.

"Really?! Ahem--I mean, I'd be most honored Dear Prince to have you escort me and to share a dance with me! In fact maybe even share in an outing together while I am visiting the country." If they were hoping for courtship it would be important to get to know each other a bit first. "Then Dear, Prince it's a date!"

Fatima and Marcella.
Fatima bowed her head.
"Yes, Marcella-Khana.", she spoke and nodded to the new arrival, who departed, "We still have enough time to meet with Prince Damir, Princess Aurelia's father, make you ready for dinner and dance and then meet with the Sultana for the dinner. Princess Gisella should be with us by then, too." She smiled, gave a wink. "Who knows, maybe she'll have picked up a pretty boy?"

Marcella couldn't help but chuckle "Well I do hope she's having better luck than I am right now with wooing someone. Well good then, I will meet with the father and talk it over. I do hope he's not too upset with me." But even if he was hopefully Marcella's gentle voice would calm any tense situation. Marcella stood to allow Fatima to accompany her. "If you will then lead the way, Dear Fatima."

[Kyrenaia]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut did not think she was weird and neither did ben Sahid or Dschamilla.
The former thought her to be the most beautiful girl in the world, if she wanted to make him wait for a reply, before she graced his ears with her angelic voice, then it was a huge boon for him to be graced with hearing it.
The latter two thought it was cute.
It should be noted, that he was thinking about courting Gisella, the kiss on her hand testing the waters if she wanted him to court her. So far, he thought, that it looked really well.
"I will attend the ball, Princess.", he said with a nod, "I am without someone to dance with, though." He bowed his head, one hand still holding hers. "May I ask to accompany you to the dance?"
He closed his eyes, preparing himself for rejection - surely, someone else had already asked, she had already someone to escort her and to dance with for most of the evening, only asking to be polite.
Mahmut knew, that he shouldn't get his hopes up, but he still did.

"Really?! Ahem--I mean, I'd be most honored Dear Prince to have you escort me and to share a dance with me! In fact maybe even share in an outing together while I am visiting the country." If they were hoping for courtship it would be important to get to know each other a bit first. "Then Dear, Prince it's a date!"

Fatima and Marcella.
Fatima bowed her head.
"Yes, Marcella-Khana.", she spoke and nodded to the new arrival, who departed, "We still have enough time to meet with Prince Damir, Princess Aurelia's father, make you ready for dinner and dance and then meet with the Sultana for the dinner. Princess Gisella should be with us by then, too." She smiled, gave a wink. "Who knows, maybe she'll have picked up a pretty boy?"

Marcella couldn't help but chuckle "Well I do hope she's having better luck than I am right now with wooing someone. Well good then, I will meet with the father and talk it over. I do hope he's not too upset with me." But even if he was hopefully Marcella's gentle voice would calm any tense situation. Marcella stood to allow Fatima to accompany her. "If you will then lead the way, Dear Fatima."

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut, for a moment, could not believe his ears - not only had this girl, this pretty and wonderful girl, accepted his offer for going to the ball with her, she had also asked him on a date!
He suppressed the urge to do a little happy-dance, it was a hard battle, but he indeed managed it by the end. The grin, however, was there to stay, stretching from one ear to the other. "It indeed sounds like it, Dear Princess.", he spoke and blushed, then made a small pause. "I'll show you Utica's best spots for hearing music!"

Fatima and Marcella.
Fatima nodded, then motioned for Marcella to follow her, resettling the veil on her head.
Out of the House of the Lone Tree, the guest house assigned to the two guests from the UIS, over the small garden and into the main building of the palace, so far, Marcella would be acquainted with the route - Fatima then turned into another direction, which soon became much less intracately decorated. This was the business area, a huge part of the administration of the Ilkhanate of Utica, with a lot of people either in civilian clothing or a few people in uniforms doing their work, telephones ringing, handmaidens bringing tea and biscuits to the office workers, who thanked with smiles and nods while they worked on their workstations.
Everything was in Kyrenaian, domestic administration and quite boring, but no one questioned why Fatima and Marcella were there, the former leading the latter through the maze.

[AHSCA]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut, for a moment, could not believe his ears - not only had this girl, this pretty and wonderful girl, accepted his offer for going to the ball with her, she had also asked him on a date!
He suppressed the urge to do a little happy-dance, it was a hard battle, but he indeed managed it by the end. The grin, however, was there to stay, stretching from one ear to the other. "It indeed sounds like it, Dear Princess.", he spoke and blushed, then made a small pause. "I'll show you Utica's best spots for hearing music!"

"Aaah I'm so excited! Thank you, Dear Prince, thank you kindly. I'm sure it's gonna be a great time with you" her face was a glow still but her smile was ear to ear she could almost leap out and kiss him right now buuut that was jumping the gun here; in due time Gisella probably will but for now best to get started. "And I love music too! I play a little so it's one of my hobbies and passions at that!"

Fatima and Marcella.
Fatima nodded, then motioned for Marcella to follow her, resettling the veil on her head.
Out of the House of the Lone Tree, the guest house assigned to the two guests from the UIS, over the small garden and into the main building of the palace, so far, Marcella would be acquainted with the route - Fatima then turned into another direction, which soon became much less intracately decorated. This was the business area, a huge part of the administration of the Ilkhanate of Utica, with a lot of people either in civilian clothing or a few people in uniforms doing their work, telephones ringing, handmaidens bringing tea and biscuits to the office workers, who thanked with smiles and nods while they worked on their workstations.
Everything was in Kyrenaian, domestic administration and quite boring, but no one questioned why Fatima and Marcella were there, the former leading the latter through the maze.

Marcella followed along trying to rehears in her head what she'd like to say but sometimes her mind did wander letting her own imagination take her to places such as thinking about being lead by candlelight through these corridors unlikely it had a bit of a romantic implication to it but now was not the time to fantasize about that she had to get her mind focused everything else around her was still a blur except Fatima her guide which she kept her focus on so she wouldn't get lost.

[Kyrenaia]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut, for a moment, could not believe his ears - not only had this girl, this pretty and wonderful girl, accepted his offer for going to the ball with her, she had also asked him on a date!
He suppressed the urge to do a little happy-dance, it was a hard battle, but he indeed managed it by the end. The grin, however, was there to stay, stretching from one ear to the other. "It indeed sounds like it, Dear Princess.", he spoke and blushed, then made a small pause. "I'll show you Utica's best spots for hearing music!"

"Aaah I'm so excited! Thank you, Dear Prince, thank you kindly. I'm sure it's gonna be a great time with you" her face was a glow still but her smile was ear to ear she could almost leap out and kiss him right now buuut that was jumping the gun here; in due time Gisella probably will but for now best to get started. "And I love music too! I play a little so it's one of my hobbies and passions at that!"

Fatima and Marcella.
Fatima nodded, then motioned for Marcella to follow her, resettling the veil on her head.
Out of the House of the Lone Tree, the guest house assigned to the two guests from the UIS, over the small garden and into the main building of the palace, so far, Marcella would be acquainted with the route - Fatima then turned into another direction, which soon became much less intracately decorated. This was the business area, a huge part of the administration of the Ilkhanate of Utica, with a lot of people either in civilian clothing or a few people in uniforms doing their work, telephones ringing, handmaidens bringing tea and biscuits to the office workers, who thanked with smiles and nods while they worked on their workstations.
Everything was in Kyrenaian, domestic administration and quite boring, but no one questioned why Fatima and Marcella were there, the former leading the latter through the maze.

Marcella followed along trying to rehears in her head what she'd like to say but sometimes her mind did wander letting her own imagination take her to places such as thinking about being lead by candlelight through these corridors unlikely it had a bit of a romantic implication to it but now was not the time to fantasize about that she had to get her mind focused everything else around her was still a blur except Fatima her guide which she kept her focus on so she wouldn't get lost.

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut grinned.
"You do?", he asked for confirmation, "That's awesome! I play music, too, the electric bass, mostly. I am on the Reserve List of my School's Big Band... I can also sing." He smiled at her and moved to sit next to her, close, but not too close, a careful balance. He was happy to have found a kindered spirit in making music, not only in dancing to it. "What instrument do you play?"
He could, of course, dance as well and he thought, that he wasn't too bad, but making music was his passion.

Fatima and Marcella.
Fatima looked back to see, if Marcella was still following her and was pleased, that she was still there - and she noted her expression.
"Torches.", she said and petted one of the torch holders at the walls, one of those, which hadn't been replaced by lamps. "These hallways were lightened up by torches in the not-so-distant past. You were wondering, how we lightened these up before electricity - I did, too, when I was first here."
And on they went, towards a specific section, which was set aside a bit, behind a large door. An office lady sat behind it in a small atrium, looking up for a moment, nodding. Benches lined the wall with the entry door, two doors to either side of her desk, leading into a conference room and an office, Fatima knew that. A plant stood in one corner, vines creeping up the wall. Opposite to it, a painting hung, showing a sailing vessel in calm seas, underway by its own power.
It was a Kyrenaian vessel, clearly recognizeable by the trapezoid sails in a deep orange-brown, built of wood, with sailors in the rigging and on deck. It was not a military vessel, no gunports being visible, but a civilian fishing vessel, as one saw with the nets dragged behind it.
A calm and peaceful image, while the office lady spoke something in Kyrenaian into her intercom.

[AHSCA]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut grinned.
"You do?", he asked for confirmation, "That's awesome! I play music, too, the electric bass, mostly. I am on the Reserve List of my School's Big Band... I can also sing." He smiled at her and moved to sit next to her, close, but not too close, a careful balance. He was happy to have found a kindered spirit in making music, not only in dancing to it. "What instrument do you play?"
He could, of course, dance as well and he thought, that he wasn't too bad, but making music was his passion.

"Wow no kidding?! I play guitar, I can do electric and acoustic well mostly acoustic on my electric." she giggled "Well it didn't matter either way I really wanted to play so I took it up even when its limited how often I can do so."

Fatima looked back to see, if Marcella was still following her and was pleased, that she was still there - and she noted her expression.
"Torches.", she said and petted one of the torch holders at the walls, one of those, which hadn't been replaced by lamps. "These hallways were lightened up by torches in the not-so-distant past. You were wondering, how we lightened these up before electricity - I did, too, when I was first here."
And on they went, towards a specific section, which was set aside a bit, behind a large door. An office lady sat behind it in a small atrium, looking up for a moment, nodding. Benches lined the wall with the entry door, two doors to either side of her desk, leading into a conference room and an office, Fatima knew that. A plant stood in one corner, vines creeping up the wall. Opposite to it, a painting hung, showing a sailing vessel in calm seas, underway by its own power.
It was a Kyrenaian vessel, clearly recognizeable by the trapezoid sails in a deep orange-brown, built of wood, with sailors in the rigging and on deck. It was not a military vessel, no gunports being visible, but a civilian fishing vessel, as one saw with the nets dragged behind it.
A calm and peaceful image, while the office lady spoke something in Kyrenaian into her intercom.

"Ah torches, that makes sense. Not different from us either, well lantern light is more what ours is." She then laid her eyes on the lovely painting of a sailing vessel, quite a good ship in Marcella's eyes no doubt she'd have fun working such a ship. It actually had a calming effect on her making her less anxious about the meeting to come. "Lovely painting."

[Kyrenaia]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut grinned.
"You do?", he asked for confirmation, "That's awesome! I play music, too, the electric bass, mostly. I am on the Reserve List of my School's Big Band... I can also sing." He smiled at her and moved to sit next to her, close, but not too close, a careful balance. He was happy to have found a kindered spirit in making music, not only in dancing to it. "What instrument do you play?"
He could, of course, dance as well and he thought, that he wasn't too bad, but making music was his passion.

"Wow no kidding?! I play guitar, I can do electric and acoustic well mostly acoustic on my electric." she giggled "Well it didn't matter either way I really wanted to play so I took it up even when its limited how often I can do so."

Fatima looked back to see, if Marcella was still following her and was pleased, that she was still there - and she noted her expression.
"Torches.", she said and petted one of the torch holders at the walls, one of those, which hadn't been replaced by lamps. "These hallways were lightened up by torches in the not-so-distant past. You were wondering, how we lightened these up before electricity - I did, too, when I was first here."
And on they went, towards a specific section, which was set aside a bit, behind a large door. An office lady sat behind it in a small atrium, looking up for a moment, nodding. Benches lined the wall with the entry door, two doors to either side of her desk, leading into a conference room and an office, Fatima knew that. A plant stood in one corner, vines creeping up the wall. Opposite to it, a painting hung, showing a sailing vessel in calm seas, underway by its own power.
It was a Kyrenaian vessel, clearly recognizeable by the trapezoid sails in a deep orange-brown, built of wood, with sailors in the rigging and on deck. It was not a military vessel, no gunports being visible, but a civilian fishing vessel, as one saw with the nets dragged behind it.
A calm and peaceful image, while the office lady spoke something in Kyrenaian into her intercom.

"Ah torches, that makes sense. Not different from us either, well lantern light is more what ours is." She then laid her eyes on the lovely painting of a sailing vessel, quite a good ship in Marcella's eyes no doubt she'd have fun working such a ship. It actually had a calming effect on her making her less anxious about the meeting to come. "Lovely painting."

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut grinned at her joke, his eyes positively sparkling, but a note of sadness in them by the end.
"Yeah, I know that feeling... I would like to play more on it then I can.", he said and sighed, "Well, can't be helped, eh?" He let a beat pass, looking into her eyes, deeply into them, a grin spreading on his face. "Tell you what, tomorrow night, after the city tour to end all city tours, we'll get you an acoustic guitar and my electric bass and we'll jam. Either in your room or mine or... I know a sweet little garden here at the Palace. Sounds like a plan?"

Fatima and Marcella.
Fatima nodded.
"It's one of Prince Damir's favourites. The Alrunjat Nuris on a cruise.", she explained with a smile, "He's a patron of quite a few talented artists as well, this is the work of one of them. There'll be an exhibit in... June, I think, in the Gallery of the High Arts in Motya, where they all present their works of one year." A moment passed. "I remember, when I was first called into his office on my first day, he stood right about here and gazed at this painting, at the time new. His first question actually was..."
"...what do you see?", a man's voice asked, closing the door to the office behind him gently.
He was a tall, broad shouldered man, brown hair on his head, golden eyes with a lot of fire in them gazing deep into the soul of every pair of eyes they met. He was a bon vivant, not a playboy, a man of culture and arts and diplomacy, dressed in a suit, turndown collar and silver necktie, grey striped formal trousers and a black vest. Fatima noted, that he wore no coat, that one most likely still in his office as the man dressed in a semi-formal daytime dress fixated his golden eyes on Marcella while he stepped to their side, Fatima bowing her head.
A few moments of tense silence passed, as he examined her.
"So... Marcella-Khana.", he spoke, "What do you see?"

[AHSCA]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut grinned at her joke, his eyes positively sparkling, but a note of sadness in them by the end.
"Yeah, I know that feeling... I would like to play more on it then I can.", he said and sighed, "Well, can't be helped, eh?" He let a beat pass, looking into her eyes, deeply into them, a grin spreading on his face. "Tell you what, tomorrow night, after the city tour to end all city tours, we'll get you an acoustic guitar and my electric bass and we'll jam. Either in your room or mine or... I know a sweet little garden here at the Palace. Sounds like a plan?"

A Moonlight garden walk with hiiim? And playing music too? Ooooh I must be dreaming at this point! She said internally again, ever surprised how lucky things were "Yes, I'd really love that! A garden sounds lovely!"

Fatima and Marcella.
Fatima nodded.
"It's one of Prince Damir's favourites. The Alrunjat Nuris on a cruise.", she explained with a smile, "He's a patron of quite a few talented artists as well, this is the work of one of them. There'll be an exhibit in... June, I think, in the Gallery of the High Arts in Motya, where they all present their works of one year." A moment passed. "I remember, when I was first called into his office on my first day, he stood right about here and gazed at this painting, at the time new. His first question actually was..."
"...what do you see?", a man's voice asked, closing the door to the office behind him gently.
He was a tall, broad shouldered man, brown hair on his head, golden eyes with a lot of fire in them gazing deep into the soul of every pair of eyes they met. He was a bon vivant, not a playboy, a man of culture and arts and diplomacy, dressed in a suit, turndown collar and silver necktie, grey striped formal trousers and a black vest. Fatima noted, that he wore no coat, that one most likely still in his office as the man dressed in a semi-formal daytime dress fixated his golden eyes on Marcella while he stepped to their side, Fatima bowing her head.
A few moments of tense silence passed, as he examined her.
"So... Marcella-Khana.", he spoke, "What do you see?"

Marcella gave a slight bow herself with Fatmia when the man had approached them.

"Well..." She examined the painting again "What I see a fishing boat. A boat crewed by a close crew of the finest men who could ever be together. All working together each has a role to play as we all do on the sea. The seas are calm, it's clear sailing ahead the perfect day for voyage."

[Kyrenaia]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut grinned at her joke, his eyes positively sparkling, but a note of sadness in them by the end.
"Yeah, I know that feeling... I would like to play more on it then I can.", he said and sighed, "Well, can't be helped, eh?" He let a beat pass, looking into her eyes, deeply into them, a grin spreading on his face. "Tell you what, tomorrow night, after the city tour to end all city tours, we'll get you an acoustic guitar and my electric bass and we'll jam. Either in your room or mine or... I know a sweet little garden here at the Palace. Sounds like a plan?"

A Moonlight garden walk with hiiim? And playing music too? Ooooh I must be dreaming at this point! She said internally again, ever surprised how lucky things were "Yes, I'd really love that! A garden sounds lovely!"

Fatima and Marcella.
Fatima nodded.
"It's one of Prince Damir's favourites. The Alrunjat Nuris on a cruise.", she explained with a smile, "He's a patron of quite a few talented artists as well, this is the work of one of them. There'll be an exhibit in... June, I think, in the Gallery of the High Arts in Motya, where they all present their works of one year." A moment passed. "I remember, when I was first called into his office on my first day, he stood right about here and gazed at this painting, at the time new. His first question actually was..."
"...what do you see?", a man's voice asked, closing the door to the office behind him gently.
He was a tall, broad shouldered man, brown hair on his head, golden eyes with a lot of fire in them gazing deep into the soul of every pair of eyes they met. He was a bon vivant, not a playboy, a man of culture and arts and diplomacy, dressed in a suit, turndown collar and silver necktie, grey striped formal trousers and a black vest. Fatima noted, that he wore no coat, that one most likely still in his office as the man dressed in a semi-formal daytime dress fixated his golden eyes on Marcella while he stepped to their side, Fatima bowing her head.
A few moments of tense silence passed, as he examined her.
"So... Marcella-Khana.", he spoke, "What do you see?"

Marcella gave a slight bow herself with Fatmia when the man had approached them.

"Well..." She examined the painting again "What I see a fishing boat. A boat crewed by a close crew of the finest men who could ever be together. All working together each has a role to play as we all do on the sea. The seas are calm, it's clear sailing ahead the perfect day for voyage."

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut grinned.
"The Garden I had in mind not only sounds lovely, that one is lovely!", he said as his smile turned softer, "An ideal garden for playing music... a bit secluded, not many people go there, away from the hustle and bustle of Utica and the Palace of the Azure Hall." His grin returned. "And there's a socket nearby!"
He was playing E-Bass, after all.

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
The man nodded, slowly.
"I see.", he said and remained silent for a few moments, nodding again. "I see a fishing vessel, built for long-distance cod fishing. The flag shows, that it belongs to Rusadir, a city famous for its shipyards to this day. It's a trawler and they are surface-trawling. You see the little red... let's call them 'baloons' aft of her? Those are attached to the net, so that it stays near the surface." He looked deeper into the painting. "They are preparing to get the trawl up again. Now, what would you make out of this, though?"
This in question was a piece of driftwood, more in the foreground then the vessel, but small and half-submerged, dark-brown on the dark-blue of the sea. One could not make out many details, but it was for certain, that this piece of wood did not part with it's home voluntarily, nor that it was shaken off of a tree.

[AHSCA]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut grinned.
"The Garden I had in mind not only sounds lovely, that one is lovely!", he said as his smile turned softer, "An ideal garden for playing music... a bit secluded, not many people go there, away from the hustle and bustle of Utica and the Palace of the Azure Hall." His grin returned. "And there's a socket nearby!"
He was playing E-Bass, after all.

"Awesome! We'll have our own little moonlight concert! Oooh I'll be able to play a couple of folk songs of my land too, if you'll play me yours! Yay a trade off of our countrie's songs what do ya say?" her eyes were wide and beaming with excitement now to share some music with someone like the prince was going to be a fun time.

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
The man nodded, slowly.
"I see.", he said and remained silent for a few moments, nodding again. "I see a fishing vessel, built for long-distance cod fishing. The flag shows, that it belongs to Rusadir, a city famous for its shipyards to this day. It's a trawler and they are surface-trawling. You see the little red... let's call them 'baloons' aft of her? Those are attached to the net, so that it stays near the surface." He looked deeper into the painting. "They are preparing to get the trawl up again. Now, what would you make out of this, though?"
This in question was a piece of driftwood, more in the foreground then the vessel, but small and half-submerged, dark-brown on the dark-blue of the sea. One could not make out many details, but it was for certain, that this piece of wood did not part with it's home voluntarily, nor that it was shaken off of a tree.

"How curious, a lone piece of driftwood floating there by itself. Maybe broken from another ship lost to the seas maybe just scrap from a ship retired, who really knows but the painter I suppose. No doubt it has a story to tell all its own."

[Kyrenaia]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut grinned.
"The Garden I had in mind not only sounds lovely, that one is lovely!", he said as his smile turned softer, "An ideal garden for playing music... a bit secluded, not many people go there, away from the hustle and bustle of Utica and the Palace of the Azure Hall." His grin returned. "And there's a socket nearby!"
He was playing E-Bass, after all.

"Awesome! We'll have our own little moonlight concert! Oooh I'll be able to play a couple of folk songs of my land too, if you'll play me yours! Yay a trade off of our countrie's songs what do ya say?" her eyes were wide and beaming with excitement now to share some music with someone like the prince was going to be a fun time.

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
The man nodded, slowly.
"I see.", he said and remained silent for a few moments, nodding again. "I see a fishing vessel, built for long-distance cod fishing. The flag shows, that it belongs to Rusadir, a city famous for its shipyards to this day. It's a trawler and they are surface-trawling. You see the little red... let's call them 'baloons' aft of her? Those are attached to the net, so that it stays near the surface." He looked deeper into the painting. "They are preparing to get the trawl up again. Now, what would you make out of this, though?"
This in question was a piece of driftwood, more in the foreground then the vessel, but small and half-submerged, dark-brown on the dark-blue of the sea. One could not make out many details, but it was for certain, that this piece of wood did not part with it's home voluntarily, nor that it was shaken off of a tree.

"How curious, a lone piece of driftwood floating there by itself. Maybe broken from another ship lost to the seas maybe just scrap from a ship retired, who really knows but the painter I suppose. No doubt it has a story to tell all its own."

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut nodded with a wide grin.
"That sounds like an awesome idea!", he said with a wide smile, nodding, already imagining all the tunes he would be learning and playing with Gisella. He could already hear them playing so many tunes by the moonlight, undisturbed, unbothered until deep into the night until the night guard came and chased them off into bed. Who knew, maybe he could even snatch a kiss good night from her...? He barely managed to keep his blush under control. "Maybe we can even try to invent a few tunes together?"

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
The man nodded, again.
"An interesting answer.", he said and nodded, slowly, letting a few beats pass, looking at Marcella from the corner of his eye. He had to admit, his daughter had taste. Marcella was a pretty woman - not exactly his taste, he had to say, but definately worthy of any praise one could give to a woman.
"I am Prince Damir ibn-Razia.", he spoke, not turning away from the painting, "And I would like to know, why my daughter came to my office earlier today, held her composure for exactly long enough to ask a question and to receive an answer before reducing herself to a sobbing, gibbering wreck hugging me for her dear life, currently sleeping on my couch with a Sand Wolf snuggled close to her."
He still did not look at her.
"Don't get me wrong, I do like pretty women hugging me.", he added, no muscle moving in his face. "But usually without the crying and gibbering. Understand, that this is a father worried about his daughter, not a Kyrenaian Prince speaking. Now... I believe, that an explanation is in order. In your own words, please, not the pretty speech you prepared."
His tone of voice made it very clear, that he would recognize such a speech.

[AHSCA]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut nodded with a wide grin.
"That sounds like an awesome idea!", he said with a wide smile, nodding, already imagining all the tunes he would be learning and playing with Gisella. He could already hear them playing so many tunes by the moonlight, undisturbed, unbothered until deep into the night until the night guard came and chased them off into bed. Who knew, maybe he could even snatch a kiss good night from her...? He barely managed to keep his blush under control. "Maybe we can even try to invent a few tunes together?"

Gisella was the same with her own face she didn't even notice if his was but she felt warm and it wasn't just from the bath. "I-I would like that so much! Let's do it! W-write some new songs I mean!" she giggled nervously "It'll be fun to try, never tried writing my own music before but it would be fun to try!"

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
The man nodded, again.
"An interesting answer.", he said and nodded, slowly, letting a few beats pass, looking at Marcella from the corner of his eye. He had to admit, his daughter had taste. Marcella was a pretty woman - not exactly his taste, he had to say, but definately worthy of any praise one could give to a woman.
"I am Prince Damir ibn-Razia.", he spoke, not turning away from the painting, "And I would like to know, why my daughter came to my office earlier today, held her composure for exactly long enough to ask a question and to receive an answer before reducing herself to a sobbing, gibbering wreck hugging me for her dear life, currently sleeping on my couch with a Sand Wolf snuggled close to her."
He still did not look at her.
"Don't get me wrong, I do like pretty women hugging me.", he added, no muscle moving in his face. "But usually without the crying and gibbering. Understand, that this is a father worried about his daughter, not a Kyrenaian Prince speaking. Now... I believe, that an explanation is in order. In your own words, please, not the pretty speech you prepared."
His tone of voice made it very clear, that he would recognize such a speech.

Marcella wasn't one to flinch in the face of public pressure but this was different. It was how she imagined it must feel to go before the parents to ask for courting permission. Well he asked for honesty but how honest should she be, tell how his daughter came onto her? Would he believe her if she told it like that? If Marcella said SHE came onto Aurelia, she could very well find herself in hot water. So she found her words to recount what happened in the baths.

"Its....A Bit complicated....I've never really be in love before. To tell the truth I don't know now but I felt a spark with Dear Aurelia-hime. I think she felt a bit of a spark too when the two of us..Shared a kiss. I don't think either of us can quite come to terms with how to go about it. That's the best way I can explain it. We maybe let our emotions get the best of both of us."

[Kyrenaia]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut nodded with a wide grin.
"That sounds like an awesome idea!", he said with a wide smile, nodding, already imagining all the tunes he would be learning and playing with Gisella. He could already hear them playing so many tunes by the moonlight, undisturbed, unbothered until deep into the night until the night guard came and chased them off into bed. Who knew, maybe he could even snatch a kiss good night from her...? He barely managed to keep his blush under control. "Maybe we can even try to invent a few tunes together?"

Gisella was the same with her own face she didn't even notice if his was but she felt warm and it wasn't just from the bath. "I-I would like that so much! Let's do it! W-write some new songs I mean!" she giggled nervously "It'll be fun to try, never tried writing my own music before but it would be fun to try!"

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
The man nodded, again.
"An interesting answer.", he said and nodded, slowly, letting a few beats pass, looking at Marcella from the corner of his eye. He had to admit, his daughter had taste. Marcella was a pretty woman - not exactly his taste, he had to say, but definately worthy of any praise one could give to a woman.
"I am Prince Damir ibn-Razia.", he spoke, not turning away from the painting, "And I would like to know, why my daughter came to my office earlier today, held her composure for exactly long enough to ask a question and to receive an answer before reducing herself to a sobbing, gibbering wreck hugging me for her dear life, currently sleeping on my couch with a Sand Wolf snuggled close to her."
He still did not look at her.
"Don't get me wrong, I do like pretty women hugging me.", he added, no muscle moving in his face. "But usually without the crying and gibbering. Understand, that this is a father worried about his daughter, not a Kyrenaian Prince speaking. Now... I believe, that an explanation is in order. In your own words, please, not the pretty speech you prepared."
His tone of voice made it very clear, that he would recognize such a speech.

Marcella wasn't one to flinch in the face of public pressure but this was different. It was how she imagined it must feel to go before the parents to ask for courting permission. Well he asked for honesty but how honest should she be, tell how his daughter came onto her? Would he believe her if she told it like that? If Marcella said SHE came onto Aurelia, she could very well find herself in hot water. So she found her words to recount what happened in the baths.

"Its....A Bit complicated....I've never really be in love before. To tell the truth I don't know now but I felt a spark with Dear Aurelia-hime. I think she felt a bit of a spark too when the two of us..Shared a kiss. I don't think either of us can quite come to terms with how to go about it. That's the best way I can explain it. We maybe let our emotions get the best of both of us."

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
"It would be my first time, too.", Mahmut said with a small smile, looking Gisella in the eyes, noting her blush, how red her angelic face was - was she as nervous as he was about this? As excited, as thrilled by the prospect of writing music with someone else, as much... was he falling in love?
He did not know.
He liked Gisella, he felt a connection between them, one, that went beyond music. But how deep?
That had to be found out.
Then he noted, how red her face was and worry entered his eyes. "Gisella, are you alright?"

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Aurelia, between sobs and gibbering, told her father, what had happened, her father holding her close and soothing her as she retold the story about how she got to know Marcella in the baths, taking it upon herself as a Princess of Kyrenaia to introduce her into the intricacies of Kyrenaian Bathing Culture, finding herself liking Marcella more and more, kissing her softly in the Cool Room.
How they moved on into the Warm Room, the massage... going into details.
And she told about herself coming onto Marcella after the massage, bolting, panicking like a herbivore seeing the teeth of a predator, she told about Marcella kissing her, that not exactly helping... and while she cried herself to sleep in his arms, she mentioned the turmoil. Atif, the boy she liked and of whom Damir knew, that he liked her back.
She had told him that, but Damir wanted to hear it again, from the mouth of the Tropical Storm herself. He did not mention, that she told him all of that, instead saying, without turning from the painting: "From the top, please."