A Duchess in the Desert (Closed)

[AHSCA]

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?"

"Huh? I'm--I'm fine! Ahaha it's the heat I've been in the bath quite a while. Maybe I just need some cold water." Trying to hide her embarrassment "Having such a nice time talking to you I hardly can tell that I must be a little thirsty."

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."

Clearly, trying to play the middle wasn't working. She still didn't like the idea of saying Aurelia came onto her, because she hardly felt violated by it, really she felt flattered.

"Thats..." She was going to say The truth but she figured maybe just come clean. "Not the whole story, I'll admit. Perhaps I'm trying to spare the feelings of you or your daughter but the truth was she did kiss me first and I did return the kiss. We struck up a conversation and she treated me to a massage and it lead to a kiss. I don't feel violated by it, I sure don't feel insulted. If she overstepped her boundaries as a Princess of your nation then I apologize if I didn't do more to resist but I took it."

[Kyrenaia]

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?"

"Huh? I'm--I'm fine! Ahaha it's the heat I've been in the bath quite a while. Maybe I just need some cold water." Trying to hide her embarrassment "Having such a nice time talking to you I hardly can tell that I must be a little thirsty."

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."

Clearly, trying to play the middle wasn't working. She still didn't like the idea of saying Aurelia came onto her, because she hardly felt violated by it, really she felt flattered.

"Thats..." She was going to say The truth but she figured maybe just come clean. "Not the whole story, I'll admit. Perhaps I'm trying to spare the feelings of you or your daughter but the truth was she did kiss me first and I did return the kiss. We struck up a conversation and she treated me to a massage and it lead to a kiss. I don't feel violated by it, I sure don't feel insulted. If she overstepped her boundaries as a Princess of your nation then I apologize if I didn't do more to resist but I took it."

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut nodded, a smile on his lips.
"Indeed, it is fun talking to you, Gisella.", he said and gave a short laugh. "You make me forget day and time, too..."
Looking forwards, into the steam, he became suddenly very aware, that the two of them were alone safe for Ayala, who still stood by the entrance. Dschamilla and ben Sahid took off, as it appeared, leaving them to their privacy. He should have known... their silence had been a bit suspicious.
Then again, he was thankful. He had spent time alone with an incredible girl, talking and little more.
He smiled back at her as he rose and stepped before her, offering his hand for her to take. "May I ask the Princess, if she wants to share a drink with me?", he asked her as charmingly as he could, his rougish smile on his lips.

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Damir was silent for a long, long time, then exhaled deeply.
"We Kyrenaians appreciate honesty. Even if it hurts.", he said and closed his eyes. "My daughter told me, what happened in detail, hurting her so much as if the truth was ripping a nail out her fingers with each word. Your words match hers or vice versa, depending on how you want to see it."
He sighed, deeply, before he spoke, pain evident in his voice.
"It is not you, who has to apologize.", he told her, his eyes not leaving the painting, looking far older then he was. "Aurelia overstepped her bounds, overstepped her limits and she will be punished for it, for she brought shame onto the family by her misbehaviour. I only ask of you to allow me to administer it."

[AHSCA]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut nodded, a smile on his lips.
"Indeed, it is fun talking to you, Gisella.", he said and gave a short laugh. "You make me forget day and time, too..."
Looking forwards, into the steam, he became suddenly very aware, that the two of them were alone safe for Ayala, who still stood by the entrance. Dschamilla and ben Sahid took off, as it appeared, leaving them to their privacy. He should have known... their silence had been a bit suspicious.
Then again, he was thankful. He had spent time alone with an incredible girl, talking and little more.
He smiled back at her as he rose and stepped before her, offering his hand for her to take. "May I ask the Princess, if she wants to share a drink with me?", he asked her as charmingly as he could, his rougish smile on his lips.

"Dear Prince, I'd be so honored to share a drink with you!" She offered out her hand to him so he could stand and pull her along if he wanted, even if she was getting ahead of herself her head was very much in the clouds by now head over heels for the charming prince who was wooing her.

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Damir was silent for a long, long time, then exhaled deeply.
"We Kyrenaians appreciate honesty. Even if it hurts.", he said and closed his eyes. "My daughter told me, what happened in detail, hurting her so much as if the truth was ripping a nail out her fingers with each word. Your words match hers or vice versa, depending on how you want to see it."
He sighed, deeply, before he spoke, pain evident in his voice.
"It is not you, who has to apologize.", he told her, his eyes not leaving the painting, looking far older then he was. "Aurelia overstepped her bounds, overstepped her limits and she will be punished for it, for she brought shame onto the family by her misbehaviour. I only ask of you to allow me to administer it."

"Ah.." She murmered out a bit giving pause to find her words carefully, she was being asked to allow punishment. "No.." She simply refused "Kyrenaians appreciate honesty, well we AHSCAians appreciate not causing trouble for others. I don't want to cause trouble for Aurelia who's feeling something we all can't help. I don't want to cause trouble for you as her father for having to punish his precious daughter. Especially if I don't feel angered by her actions. I...I want to share in her company at tonight's dance! Well providing she wants to. If she doesn't that's fair enough then I only ask I may apologize for getting carried away. Aurelia-hime is a sweet kind woman who has made me feel right at home when I'm so far away from my own. If returning a kiss made me feel like that repays that kindness then I don't regret it and I feel she shouldn't either."

[Kyrenaia]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut nodded, a smile on his lips.
"Indeed, it is fun talking to you, Gisella.", he said and gave a short laugh. "You make me forget day and time, too..."
Looking forwards, into the steam, he became suddenly very aware, that the two of them were alone safe for Ayala, who still stood by the entrance. Dschamilla and ben Sahid took off, as it appeared, leaving them to their privacy. He should have known... their silence had been a bit suspicious.
Then again, he was thankful. He had spent time alone with an incredible girl, talking and little more.
He smiled back at her as he rose and stepped before her, offering his hand for her to take. "May I ask the Princess, if she wants to share a drink with me?", he asked her as charmingly as he could, his rougish smile on his lips.

"Dear Prince, I'd be so honored to share a drink with you!" She offered out her hand to him so he could stand and pull her along if he wanted, even if she was getting ahead of herself her head was very much in the clouds by now head over heels for the charming prince who was wooing her.

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Damir was silent for a long, long time, then exhaled deeply.
"We Kyrenaians appreciate honesty. Even if it hurts.", he said and closed his eyes. "My daughter told me, what happened in detail, hurting her so much as if the truth was ripping a nail out her fingers with each word. Your words match hers or vice versa, depending on how you want to see it."
He sighed, deeply, before he spoke, pain evident in his voice.
"It is not you, who has to apologize.", he told her, his eyes not leaving the painting, looking far older then he was. "Aurelia overstepped her bounds, overstepped her limits and she will be punished for it, for she brought shame onto the family by her misbehaviour. I only ask of you to allow me to administer it."

"Ah.." She murmered out a bit giving pause to find her words carefully, she was being asked to allow punishment. "No.." She simply refused "Kyrenaians appreciate honesty, well we AHSCAians appreciate not causing trouble for others. I don't want to cause trouble for Aurelia who's feeling something we all can't help. I don't want to cause trouble for you as her father for having to punish his precious daughter. Especially if I don't feel angered by her actions. I...I want to share in her company at tonight's dance! Well providing she wants to. If she doesn't that's fair enough then I only ask I may apologize for getting carried away. Aurelia-hime is a sweet kind woman who has made me feel right at home when I'm so far away from my own. If returning a kiss made me feel like that repays that kindness then I don't regret it and I feel she shouldn't either."

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut grinned.
"The honour would be all mine.", he spoke and tokk her hand, pulling her up with a smile, and...
...in retrospect, it might have been a bit too much force, he realized. Not that he complained about the outcome, but that smidgen of force too much, which he applied, caused Gisella to stumble into him, his arms, where he took her in, caught her and held her close, afraid that he might have broken her.
Or the spell, which had come over them.
Still, he held her close to his nacked chest, her head on it, her ear on it... his heart beat like a mad drummer in a Heavy Metal Band, nearly bursting out of his chest as he held her close, slowly releasing her.
"...everything alright?", he asked softly.

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Damir listened to her with a raised eyebrow, slowly loosing the control over his features the more she spoke. It appeared to him, as if his daughter was not the only "sweet kind woman" in his office today.
When she finished, he turned his face to her, a small smile on his face.
"You surely are of noble disposition, Marcella-Khana...", he spoke, then nodded, "Very well. If you insist on no punishment befalling her..." Something which he was simply not aware as a possibility, after all, Aurelia had brought shame onto the family, she needed to be punished. "...then so shall it be."
The smile he gave her spoke volumes about his gratitude for that. He hated punishing his daughter for missteps and although that was a rare occurance, he still hated punishing her with a passion, for it robbed the world of one of its lights: Her smile, her shining eyes.
He exhaled, relaxing visibly, his smile getting back a bit of a spark.
"It surely sounds like my daughter, that's for sure. I'm proud of her...", he spoke, turning back to the painting, "You'll have to ask her yourself, though, both for forgiveness and for a date."

[AHSCA]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut grinned.
"The honour would be all mine.", he spoke and tokk her hand, pulling her up with a smile, and...
...in retrospect, it might have been a bit too much force, he realized. Not that he complained about the outcome, but that smidgen of force too much, which he applied, caused Gisella to stumble into him, his arms, where he took her in, caught her and held her close, afraid that he might have broken her.
Or the spell, which had come over them.
Still, he held her close to his nacked chest, her head on it, her ear on it... his heart beat like a mad drummer in a Heavy Metal Band, nearly bursting out of his chest as he held her close, slowly releasing her.
"...everything alright?", he asked softly.

As Gisella lost her balance she reflexively reached out to break her fall stumbling right onto the Prince as they both took a spill onto the floor. He had gracefully broke her fall but she hoped he wasn't hurt to badly "I...I am okay. Thanks you saved me there. I hope you're okay, Dear Prince." she lifted her face and her deep eyes stared deep into his own the two were probably red in the face but it didn't matter to either. She was in the company of a handsome prince! "I..." She couldn't find any words to say to him. This was like many romance stories of the islands, first meetings of true love usually involving someone falling onto another; at a hot spring or on a ship tossed in stormy seas.

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Damir listened to her with a raised eyebrow, slowly loosing the control over his features the more she spoke. It appeared to him, as if his daughter was not the only "sweet kind woman" in his office today.
When she finished, he turned his face to her, a small smile on his face.
"You surely are of noble disposition, Marcella-Khana...", he spoke, then nodded, "Very well. If you insist on no punishment befalling her..." Something which he was simply not aware as a possibility, after all, Aurelia had brought shame onto the family, she needed to be punished. "...then so shall it be."
The smile he gave her spoke volumes about his gratitude for that. He hated punishing his daughter for missteps and although that was a rare occurance, he still hated punishing her with a passion, for it robbed the world of one of its lights: Her smile, her shining eyes.
He exhaled, relaxing visibly, his smile getting back a bit of a spark.
"It surely sounds like my daughter, that's for sure. I'm proud of her...", he spoke, turning back to the painting, "You'll have to ask her yourself, though, both for forgiveness and for a date."

"Thank you, Dear Prince. For heading my words and not punishing her. If you must then scold her but no more than a lecture from a caring father to his daughter. I hope I can talk to her to ask her forgiveness at the very least. If she's resting I won't disturb her but if I can talk then let me."

[Kyrenaia]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut grinned.
"The honour would be all mine.", he spoke and tokk her hand, pulling her up with a smile, and...
...in retrospect, it might have been a bit too much force, he realized. Not that he complained about the outcome, but that smidgen of force too much, which he applied, caused Gisella to stumble into him, his arms, where he took her in, caught her and held her close, afraid that he might have broken her.
Or the spell, which had come over them.
Still, he held her close to his nacked chest, her head on it, her ear on it... his heart beat like a mad drummer in a Heavy Metal Band, nearly bursting out of his chest as he held her close, slowly releasing her.
"...everything alright?", he asked softly.

As Gisella lost her balance she reflexively reached out to break her fall stumbling right onto the Prince as they both took a spill onto the floor. He had gracefully broke her fall but she hoped he wasn't hurt to badly "I...I am okay. Thanks you saved me there. I hope you're okay, Dear Prince." she lifted her face and her deep eyes stared deep into his own the two were probably red in the face but it didn't matter to either. She was in the company of a handsome prince! "I..." She couldn't find any words to say to him. This was like many romance stories of the islands, first meetings of true love usually involving someone falling onto another; at a hot spring or on a ship tossed in stormy seas.

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Damir listened to her with a raised eyebrow, slowly loosing the control over his features the more she spoke. It appeared to him, as if his daughter was not the only "sweet kind woman" in his office today.
When she finished, he turned his face to her, a small smile on his face.
"You surely are of noble disposition, Marcella-Khana...", he spoke, then nodded, "Very well. If you insist on no punishment befalling her..." Something which he was simply not aware as a possibility, after all, Aurelia had brought shame onto the family, she needed to be punished. "...then so shall it be."
The smile he gave her spoke volumes about his gratitude for that. He hated punishing his daughter for missteps and although that was a rare occurance, he still hated punishing her with a passion, for it robbed the world of one of its lights: Her smile, her shining eyes.
He exhaled, relaxing visibly, his smile getting back a bit of a spark.
"It surely sounds like my daughter, that's for sure. I'm proud of her...", he spoke, turning back to the painting, "You'll have to ask her yourself, though, both for forgiveness and for a date."

"Thank you, Dear Prince. For heading my words and not punishing her. If you must then scold her but no more than a lecture from a caring father to his daughter. I hope I can talk to her to ask her forgiveness at the very least. If she's resting I won't disturb her but if I can talk then let me."

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
With Gisella on top of him, Mahmut had nothing to complain about. His shoulder would bruise, but that was nothing, that would not be gone within a few days.
Still, a little price to pay as far as he was concerned.
He looked deep into her eyes, the reply that he was alright dying on his lips as he looked into her angelic face, her eyes drawing him deep into themselves. He knew, that he was as red as a rose in deep bloom by now, his arms wrapped around her hips, strong enough to tell her, that they were there, but light enough for her to free herself, if she wanted to.
He was not a fan of romance stories, not so much, at least, but he knew this kind of scene: Usually, now, someone would interrupt a tender moment in the making, but he could not spot Ayala.
Slowly, his face inched forwards.

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Damir nodded, then smiled like a man, who just escaped the firing squad by a reprieve.
"I might, but I can not guarantee for scolding her.", he said and let a beat pass. "I would prefer for her to rest for a bit more, she was very exhausted, but..." He turned to the door of his office. "You heard every word, didn't you?"
A long, and awkward pause came, until a young woman's voice replied slowly... "...no?"
Damir snorted in amusement, Fatima threw Marcella a smile that screamed 'Youth these days...', even rolling her eyes.

[AHSCA]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
With Gisella on top of him, Mahmut had nothing to complain about. His shoulder would bruise, but that was nothing, that would not be gone within a few days.
Still, a little price to pay as far as he was concerned.
He looked deep into her eyes, the reply that he was alright dying on his lips as he looked into her angelic face, her eyes drawing him deep into themselves. He knew, that he was as red as a rose in deep bloom by now, his arms wrapped around her hips, strong enough to tell her, that they were there, but light enough for her to free herself, if she wanted to.
He was not a fan of romance stories, not so much, at least, but he knew this kind of scene: Usually, now, someone would interrupt a tender moment in the making, but he could not spot Ayala.
Slowly, his face inched forwards.

A moment Gisella had dreamed of probably her whole life her FIRST KISS! she closed her eyes a bit and perched her lips against his.

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Damir nodded, then smiled like a man, who just escaped the firing squad by a reprieve.
"I might, but I can not guarantee for scolding her.", he said and let a beat pass. "I would prefer for her to rest for a bit more, she was very exhausted, but..." He turned to the door of his office. "You heard every word, didn't you?"
A long, and awkward pause came, until a young woman's voice replied slowly... "...no?"
Damir snorted in amusement, Fatima threw Marcella a smile that screamed 'Youth these days...', even rolling her eyes.

"I...I take it that's her lurking behind the door? Aurelia...Hime? Princess of the Desert." she called out "May I speak to you again?"

[Kyrenaia]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
With Gisella on top of him, Mahmut had nothing to complain about. His shoulder would bruise, but that was nothing, that would not be gone within a few days.
Still, a little price to pay as far as he was concerned.
He looked deep into her eyes, the reply that he was alright dying on his lips as he looked into her angelic face, her eyes drawing him deep into themselves. He knew, that he was as red as a rose in deep bloom by now, his arms wrapped around her hips, strong enough to tell her, that they were there, but light enough for her to free herself, if she wanted to.
He was not a fan of romance stories, not so much, at least, but he knew this kind of scene: Usually, now, someone would interrupt a tender moment in the making, but he could not spot Ayala.
Slowly, his face inched forwards.

A moment Gisella had dreamed of probably her whole life her FIRST KISS! she closed her eyes a bit and perched her lips against his.

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Damir nodded, then smiled like a man, who just escaped the firing squad by a reprieve.
"I might, but I can not guarantee for scolding her.", he said and let a beat pass. "I would prefer for her to rest for a bit more, she was very exhausted, but..." He turned to the door of his office. "You heard every word, didn't you?"
A long, and awkward pause came, until a young woman's voice replied slowly... "...no?"
Damir snorted in amusement, Fatima threw Marcella a smile that screamed 'Youth these days...', even rolling her eyes.

"I...I take it that's her lurking behind the door? Aurelia...Hime? Princess of the Desert." she called out "May I speak to you again?"

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
And Mahmut was, basically, in heaven. Her soft lips touching his for a tender, shy kiss, his arms wrapping around the girl on him stronger and closing his eyes.
What he felt was indescribeable, impossible to find words for, he did not want it to end. His shoulder's smarting subsided in favour of this kiss, which encompassed all of his mind.
For what felt like somewhere between an eternity and two, their lips were connected, then they parted again and Mahmut was left speechless - a boy with a girl in his arms and one thought in his head: Is this love?
He sure hoped, for he liked the feeling.

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Damir nodded a grin on his face, indeed it was his daughter... who had been supposed to rest.
"Yes, uh... one moment, please.", the young woman asked, her sheepishness practically oozing through the door. A minute passed, then the door opened and Damir knew again, why he had loved her mother. Even with her hair only haphazardly bound into a pontail, quite a few strands framing her face, her eyes red and puffy from crying, what little makeup she wore smeared by tears, her blouse wrinkled, but properly tucked into her skirt, the neckerchief bound properly, all around the only thing on her that looked proper, she was still the most beautiful woman in the world - and that was not only a proud father speaking.
A proud father, who put his hands into his hips.
"Sorry, Father.", Aurelia said and bowed her head, "I... my curiosity got the better of me."
Damir nodded. "Alright.", he said and motioned for her to come closer, then, as she stood right opposite to Marcella, taking a step back and then another, giving the two of them privacy as he turned to Fatima, speaking with her about her father.
Aurelia gulped deeply, then bowed her head. "Thank you, Marcella-Khana.", she spoke softly.

[AHSCA]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
And Mahmut was, basically, in heaven. Her soft lips touching his for a tender, shy kiss, his arms wrapping around the girl on him stronger and closing his eyes.
What he felt was indescribeable, impossible to find words for, he did not want it to end. His shoulder's smarting subsided in favour of this kiss, which encompassed all of his mind.
For what felt like somewhere between an eternity and two, their lips were connected, then they parted again and Mahmut was left speechless - a boy with a girl in his arms and one thought in his head: Is this love?
He sure hoped, for he liked the feeling.

Gisella enjoyed it a bit more and pulled away but still leaning her forehead against his "uuh Dear Prince, I hope you like that because I did! I know we only just met but I feel something between us."

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Damir nodded a grin on his face, indeed it was his daughter... who had been supposed to rest.
"Yes, uh... one moment, please.", the young woman asked, her sheepishness practically oozing through the door. A minute passed, then the door opened and Damir knew again, why he had loved her mother. Even with her hair only haphazardly bound into a pontail, quite a few strands framing her face, her eyes red and puffy from crying, what little makeup she wore smeared by tears, her blouse wrinkled, but properly tucked into her skirt, the neckerchief bound properly, all around the only thing on her that looked proper, she was still the most beautiful woman in the world - and that was not only a proud father speaking.
A proud father, who put his hands into his hips.
"Sorry, Father.", Aurelia said and bowed her head, "I... my curiosity got the better of me."
Damir nodded. "Alright.", he said and motioned for her to come closer, then, as she stood right opposite to Marcella, taking a step back and then another, giving the two of them privacy as he turned to Fatima, speaking with her about her father.
Aurelia gulped deeply, then bowed her head. "Thank you, Marcella-Khana.", she spoke softly.

"You're very welcome, Aurelia, very welcome. What happened earlier, it's been on my mind, maybe I got too pushy with you and frightened you off. Even if nothing materializes between us romantically I feel we could be good friends. You and I seem to strike it rich there at least don't you think? I want you and your father to still come visit the islands sometime and to repay the graciousness I've been shown here. And tonight, I want to share a dance with you."

[Kyrenaia]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
And Mahmut was, basically, in heaven. Her soft lips touching his for a tender, shy kiss, his arms wrapping around the girl on him stronger and closing his eyes.
What he felt was indescribeable, impossible to find words for, he did not want it to end. His shoulder's smarting subsided in favour of this kiss, which encompassed all of his mind.
For what felt like somewhere between an eternity and two, their lips were connected, then they parted again and Mahmut was left speechless - a boy with a girl in his arms and one thought in his head: Is this love?
He sure hoped, for he liked the feeling.

Gisella enjoyed it a bit more and pulled away but still leaning her forehead against his "uuh Dear Prince, I hope you like that because I did! I know we only just met but I feel something between us."

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Damir nodded a grin on his face, indeed it was his daughter... who had been supposed to rest.
"Yes, uh... one moment, please.", the young woman asked, her sheepishness practically oozing through the door. A minute passed, then the door opened and Damir knew again, why he had loved her mother. Even with her hair only haphazardly bound into a pontail, quite a few strands framing her face, her eyes red and puffy from crying, what little makeup she wore smeared by tears, her blouse wrinkled, but properly tucked into her skirt, the neckerchief bound properly, all around the only thing on her that looked proper, she was still the most beautiful woman in the world - and that was not only a proud father speaking.
A proud father, who put his hands into his hips.
"Sorry, Father.", Aurelia said and bowed her head, "I... my curiosity got the better of me."
Damir nodded. "Alright.", he said and motioned for her to come closer, then, as she stood right opposite to Marcella, taking a step back and then another, giving the two of them privacy as he turned to Fatima, speaking with her about her father.
Aurelia gulped deeply, then bowed her head. "Thank you, Marcella-Khana.", she spoke softly.

"You're very welcome, Aurelia, very welcome. What happened earlier, it's been on my mind, maybe I got too pushy with you and frightened you off. Even if nothing materializes between us romantically I feel we could be good friends. You and I seem to strike it rich there at least don't you think? I want you and your father to still come visit the islands sometime and to repay the graciousness I've been shown here. And tonight, I want to share a dance with you."

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Enjoying the feeling of her forehead against his, her closeness, her body against his, Mahmut hummed in agreement.
"I did, Gisella.", he whispered to her, pulling her closer, "I do feel something between us, too. I feel your warmth, in your voice and smile, in your eyes and breath your tenderness. Even if we never see each other again after this visit, I will always remember you, Gisella..."
He trailed off, closing his eyes, enjoying the moment.

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Aurelia remained silent for only a moment.
"What happened before... it is me, who must apologize. I got ahead of myself and when it came time to call, to choose, I... I was reminded of something that happened in the past. Something you had nothing to do with. I bolted out of fear.", she spoke, "I must have made you really sad..."
She trailed off.
"I... would love to call you my friend, Marcella, if you allow me to.", she continued, nearly stumbling over her own words, excited that she was given a second chance. "And Dad willing, we might even visit the UIS in the near future, we'll need to make the sailing schedule for summer still." And suddenly, the glint was back. "As for the dance, it would be my pleasure, Marcella - let's show a few stuffy old sods, that two girls can dance better with each other then any man could with either of us!"

[AHSCA]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Enjoying the feeling of her forehead against his, her closeness, her body against his, Mahmut hummed in agreement.
"I did, Gisella.", he whispered to her, pulling her closer, "I do feel something between us, too. I feel your warmth, in your voice and smile, in your eyes and breath your tenderness. Even if we never see each other again after this visit, I will always remember you, Gisella..."
He trailed off, closing his eyes, enjoying the moment.

"As will I but I hope we'll see each other again after we part ways! I do hope so, Dear Prince. in the meantime we'll have fun together while we can, our shared passion for music will be a good place to start I think."

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Aurelia remained silent for only a moment.
"What happened before... it is me, who must apologize. I got ahead of myself and when it came time to call, to choose, I... I was reminded of something that happened in the past. Something you had nothing to do with. I bolted out of fear.", she spoke, "I must have made you really sad..."
She trailed off.
"I... would love to call you my friend, Marcella, if you allow me to.", she continued, nearly stumbling over her own words, excited that she was given a second chance. "And Dad willing, we might even visit the UIS in the near future, we'll need to make the sailing schedule for summer still." And suddenly, the glint was back. "As for the dance, it would be my pleasure, Marcella - let's show a few stuffy old sods, that two girls can dance better with each other then any man could with either of us!"

"I did only because I was afraid I upset you but it can be water under the bridge now. And I hope you'll find your way to sailing to our fine islands. Your daughter told me you're quite the skilled sailor and our waters should provide a nice challange to you. And thank you for accepting my offer, Aurelia we'll have a fine evening with each other's company tonight, I guranee it!"

[Kyrenaia]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Enjoying the feeling of her forehead against his, her closeness, her body against his, Mahmut hummed in agreement.
"I did, Gisella.", he whispered to her, pulling her closer, "I do feel something between us, too. I feel your warmth, in your voice and smile, in your eyes and breath your tenderness. Even if we never see each other again after this visit, I will always remember you, Gisella..."
He trailed off, closing his eyes, enjoying the moment.

"As will I but I hope we'll see each other again after we part ways! I do hope so, Dear Prince. in the meantime we'll have fun together while we can, our shared passion for music will be a good place to start I think."

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Aurelia remained silent for only a moment.
"What happened before... it is me, who must apologize. I got ahead of myself and when it came time to call, to choose, I... I was reminded of something that happened in the past. Something you had nothing to do with. I bolted out of fear.", she spoke, "I must have made you really sad..."
She trailed off.
"I... would love to call you my friend, Marcella, if you allow me to.", she continued, nearly stumbling over her own words, excited that she was given a second chance. "And Dad willing, we might even visit the UIS in the near future, we'll need to make the sailing schedule for summer still." And suddenly, the glint was back. "As for the dance, it would be my pleasure, Marcella - let's show a few stuffy old sods, that two girls can dance better with each other then any man could with either of us!"

"I did only because I was afraid I upset you but it can be water under the bridge now. And I hope you'll find your way to sailing to our fine islands. Your daughter told me you're quite the skilled sailor and our waters should provide a nice challange to you. And thank you for accepting my offer, Aurelia we'll have a fine evening with each other's company tonight, I guranee it!"

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
"That it will be.", Mahmut spoke to Gisella, tightening his hold around her to hug her closely. He still only wore a towel and so did she, they were still lying on the floor of the Little Hammam of the Palace of the Azure Hall, but he did not care. He was hugging a girl he liked very, very much and he was happy.
Softly, verses came to him, spoken in a melody:

"I want to write an ode to you,
To your smile, to your eyes,
To your passion and to your love,
But I miss the words - no words will ever do your justice.
Little Mouse from shores so far away..."

There was a pause, when he cocked his head, searching for words.

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Agreeing to let that all be water under the bridge, Aurelia nodded, but by the end of Marcella's declaration, she smiled a bit sheepishly.
"'bout that...", she said, "I'm afraid, that I'll only be able to give you a dance or two. I already promised someone else to be his date for tonight... or the other way around. I..." She blushed. "I really like that chap, too..." Fatima, listening with half an ear, remembered telling Marcella, that Aurelia had a hefty crush on a chap from the TBA, earlier, nearly an eternity in the past. "But I would really love to have these dances! It sounds like fun!"

[AHSCA]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
"That it will be.", Mahmut spoke to Gisella, tightening his hold around her to hug her closely. He still only wore a towel and so did she, they were still lying on the floor of the Little Hammam of the Palace of the Azure Hall, but he did not care. He was hugging a girl he liked very, very much and he was happy.
Softly, verses came to him, spoken in a melody:

"I want to write an ode to you,
To your smile, to your eyes,
To your passion and to your love,
But I miss the words - no words will ever do your justice.
Little Mouse from shores so far away..."

There was a pause, when he cocked his head, searching for words.

The poem he uttered was so pretty to her young ears it was lovely. When he paused to find more words she gently pressed two fingers to his lips "Save the rest for our moonlight date. Yes our date. Then it truly will be special. In the meantime I think we should get off the floor now or people will start to think we're up to something." She giggled pulling herself upright and helping him upright too.

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Agreeing to let that all be water under the bridge, Aurelia nodded, but by the end of Marcella's declaration, she smiled a bit sheepishly.
"'bout that...", she said, "I'm afraid, that I'll only be able to give you a dance or two. I already promised someone else to be his date for tonight... or the other way around. I..." She blushed. "I really like that chap, too..." Fatima, listening with half an ear, remembered telling Marcella, that Aurelia had a hefty crush on a chap from the TBA, earlier, nearly an eternity in the past. "But I would really love to have these dances! It sounds like fun!"

"Of course, a promise is a promise, I'm sure I promised a dance or two as well. It's the job we also carry around as noble women so even one will do me well." she gently took and kissed Aurelia's hand.

[Kyrenaia]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
"That it will be.", Mahmut spoke to Gisella, tightening his hold around her to hug her closely. He still only wore a towel and so did she, they were still lying on the floor of the Little Hammam of the Palace of the Azure Hall, but he did not care. He was hugging a girl he liked very, very much and he was happy.
Softly, verses came to him, spoken in a melody:

"I want to write an ode to you,
To your smile, to your eyes,
To your passion and to your love,
But I miss the words - no words will ever do your justice.
Little Mouse from shores so far away..."

There was a pause, when he cocked his head, searching for words.

The poem he uttered was so pretty to her young ears it was lovely. When he paused to find more words she gently pressed two fingers to his lips "Save the rest for our moonlight date. Yes our date. Then it truly will be special. In the meantime I think we should get off the floor now or people will start to think we're up to something." She giggled pulling herself upright and helping him upright too.

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Agreeing to let that all be water under the bridge, Aurelia nodded, but by the end of Marcella's declaration, she smiled a bit sheepishly.
"'bout that...", she said, "I'm afraid, that I'll only be able to give you a dance or two. I already promised someone else to be his date for tonight... or the other way around. I..." She blushed. "I really like that chap, too..." Fatima, listening with half an ear, remembered telling Marcella, that Aurelia had a hefty crush on a chap from the TBA, earlier, nearly an eternity in the past. "But I would really love to have these dances! It sounds like fun!"

"Of course, a promise is a promise, I'm sure I promised a dance or two as well. It's the job we also carry around as noble women so even one will do me well." she gently took and kissed Aurelia's hand.

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut nodded, smiling.
To think, that not even ten minutes before he had hoped for a kiss goodnight and now he had not only kissed her, hugged her and composed love poetry for her, but he also had a date! Something in the back of his head told him, that it was supposed to be the other way around, but he silenced that voice as he giggled with Gisella about her joke.
Indeed, with her on him, one could easily get that idea.
He helped her, when she pulled him upright, the lean boy grinning at Gisella, offering his arm to link with him.

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Aurelia blushed, but nodded.
"Indeed, our duties come first.", she agreed with Marcella, "And our word has to be worth its weight in gold, after all." She let a beat pass. "Either way, I look forward to our dance with each other. It's going to be so much fun!" She leaned forwards as if to tell a secret. "I heard, that Uncle Ilia is looking forward to this evening as well - you did agree to him escorting you to the ball, he said?"
Indeed, her Uncle had been overjoyed like one rarely saw him, even asking Aurelia if she couldn't squeeze in a little dance-refresher for him before tonight (which she agreed to, he was her Uncle, after all) and Aurelia hoped, that Marcella hadn't forgotten about that.

[AHSCA]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut nodded, smiling.
To think, that not even ten minutes before he had hoped for a kiss goodnight and now he had not only kissed her, hugged her and composed love poetry for her, but he also had a date! Something in the back of his head told him, that it was supposed to be the other way around, but he silenced that voice as he giggled with Gisella about her joke.
Indeed, with her on him, one could easily get that idea.
He helped her, when she pulled him upright, the lean boy grinning at Gisella, offering his arm to link with him.

"All right, Dear Prince I hate to part company with you so soon but I feel it's getting late and my older sister and I have an important evening ahead of us so I probably should get going and get ready. That said sharing a bath with you, was the best thing so far on this trip!"

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Aurelia blushed, but nodded.
"Indeed, our duties come first.", she agreed with Marcella, "And our word has to be worth its weight in gold, after all." She let a beat pass. "Either way, I look forward to our dance with each other. It's going to be so much fun!" She leaned forwards as if to tell a secret. "I heard, that Uncle Ilia is looking forward to this evening as well - you did agree to him escorting you to the ball, he said?"
Indeed, her Uncle had been overjoyed like one rarely saw him, even asking Aurelia if she couldn't squeeze in a little dance-refresher for him before tonight (which she agreed to, he was her Uncle, after all) and Aurelia hoped, that Marcella hadn't forgotten about that.

"Yes, Sir Ilia did ask me for a dance and I of course will honor him with a dance with me. It will be a great night ahead of us. I grantee it. Anyway I must be going so I might get ready for this evening. Dear Prince and Princess, thank you for honoring me with your time and allowing me to speak honestly. Now we can put the incident behind us and look forward to seeing each other again" she bowed and motioned to Fatima to escort her back.

[Kyrenaia]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut nodded, smiling.
To think, that not even ten minutes before he had hoped for a kiss goodnight and now he had not only kissed her, hugged her and composed love poetry for her, but he also had a date! Something in the back of his head told him, that it was supposed to be the other way around, but he silenced that voice as he giggled with Gisella about her joke.
Indeed, with her on him, one could easily get that idea.
He helped her, when she pulled him upright, the lean boy grinning at Gisella, offering his arm to link with him.

"All right, Dear Prince I hate to part company with you so soon but I feel it's getting late and my older sister and I have an important evening ahead of us so I probably should get going and get ready. That said sharing a bath with you, was the best thing so far on this trip!"

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Aurelia blushed, but nodded.
"Indeed, our duties come first.", she agreed with Marcella, "And our word has to be worth its weight in gold, after all." She let a beat pass. "Either way, I look forward to our dance with each other. It's going to be so much fun!" She leaned forwards as if to tell a secret. "I heard, that Uncle Ilia is looking forward to this evening as well - you did agree to him escorting you to the ball, he said?"
Indeed, her Uncle had been overjoyed like one rarely saw him, even asking Aurelia if she couldn't squeeze in a little dance-refresher for him before tonight (which she agreed to, he was her Uncle, after all) and Aurelia hoped, that Marcella hadn't forgotten about that.

"Yes, Sir Ilia did ask me for a dance and I of course will honor him with a dance with me. It will be a great night ahead of us. I grantee it. Anyway I must be going so I might get ready for this evening. Dear Prince and Princess, thank you for honoring me with your time and allowing me to speak honestly. Now we can put the incident behind us and look forward to seeing each other again" she bowed and motioned to Fatima to escort her back.

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut smiled, bowed his head.
"The pleasure was mine, Princess Gisella.", he said with a small smile, then made a split-second decision: He leaned forward and softly pressed his lips onto her cheek, a tender, soft kiss, which caused him to blush. He bowed his head again and grinned. "I'll see you later, then."
And with that, he departed, a certain spring in his step.
A few moments passed, then Alaya spoke up from Gisella's side: "So... had a fun time?"

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Damir stepped back to the two women, looking from his daughter (who nodded, everything was mostly cleared up) to Marcella. "You honoured us with your wisdom despite your lack of age, Young Khana, and we feel deeply honoured, that we can enjoy your presence tonight again." A bit of a charming grin came to his face. "Who knows, I might rob you from my brother for a dance, too!"
Aurelia playfully punched her father into the stomach, grinning herself.
"Hey!", he protested with a smile, then turned back to the guest, nodding, "We'll see you later. For now, get ready for dinner. Mother is not a person, who likes people coming fashionably late. Fatima."
The handmaiden bowed her head, then motioned for Marcella to follow her, whisking her back to the guest house within the blink of an eye, so it seemed.

[AHSCA]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut smiled, bowed his head.
"The pleasure was mine, Princess Gisella.", he said with a small smile, then made a split-second decision: He leaned forward and softly pressed his lips onto her cheek, a tender, soft kiss, which caused him to blush. He bowed his head again and grinned. "I'll see you later, then."
And with that, he departed, a certain spring in his step.
A few moments passed, then Alaya spoke up from Gisella's side: "So... had a fun time?"

"Yes, bye bye" She bid him farewell enjoying the last gentle kiss. She held her cheek with a big smile and a passionate sigh. When Alaya came by her side she couldn't help but giggle out her response. "I sure did! The Prince is wonderful it was so nice to meet him. In fact the two of us are going to have a date! I'm a bit nervous, I've never been on a date before." she confessed

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Damir stepped back to the two women, looking from his daughter (who nodded, everything was mostly cleared up) to Marcella. "You honoured us with your wisdom despite your lack of age, Young Khana, and we feel deeply honoured, that we can enjoy your presence tonight again." A bit of a charming grin came to his face. "Who knows, I might rob you from my brother for a dance, too!"
Aurelia playfully punched her father into the stomach, grinning herself.
"Hey!", he protested with a smile, then turned back to the guest, nodding, "We'll see you later. For now, get ready for dinner. Mother is not a person, who likes people coming fashionably late. Fatima."
The handmaiden bowed her head, then motioned for Marcella to follow her, whisking her back to the guest house within the blink of an eye, so it seemed.

"Thank you. I'll be ceritan to be on time and I hope to share a dance with you too, Sir Prince." She curtsied her goodbye and walked with Fatima.

[Kyrenaia]

Little Hammam. Hot Room.
Mahmut smiled, bowed his head.
"The pleasure was mine, Princess Gisella.", he said with a small smile, then made a split-second decision: He leaned forward and softly pressed his lips onto her cheek, a tender, soft kiss, which caused him to blush. He bowed his head again and grinned. "I'll see you later, then."
And with that, he departed, a certain spring in his step.
A few moments passed, then Alaya spoke up from Gisella's side: "So... had a fun time?"

"Yes, bye bye" She bid him farewell enjoying the last gentle kiss. She held her cheek with a big smile and a passionate sigh. When Alaya came by her side she couldn't help but giggle out her response. "I sure did! The Prince is wonderful it was so nice to meet him. In fact the two of us are going to have a date! I'm a bit nervous, I've never been on a date before." she confessed

Antechamber of the Office of Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Damir stepped back to the two women, looking from his daughter (who nodded, everything was mostly cleared up) to Marcella. "You honoured us with your wisdom despite your lack of age, Young Khana, and we feel deeply honoured, that we can enjoy your presence tonight again." A bit of a charming grin came to his face. "Who knows, I might rob you from my brother for a dance, too!"
Aurelia playfully punched her father into the stomach, grinning herself.
"Hey!", he protested with a smile, then turned back to the guest, nodding, "We'll see you later. For now, get ready for dinner. Mother is not a person, who likes people coming fashionably late. Fatima."
The handmaiden bowed her head, then motioned for Marcella to follow her, whisking her back to the guest house within the blink of an eye, so it seemed.

"Thank you. I'll be ceritan to be on time and I hope to share a dance with you too, Sir Prince." She curtsied her goodbye and walked with Fatima.

With everything said and done, both between Princess Gisella and Prince Mahmut, Alaya restraining herself from teasing the living daylights out of the girl, as she was approaching something very beautiful and special, which she didn't want to ruin for her, as well as between Princess Aurelia, her father and Duchess Marcella, the next hour and a half passed in a hurry: Both Duchess and Princess were invited to dinner with Razia-Sultana, after all, so they had to make themselves prettier (they were already quite pretty to begin with) and then be moved to the place it all went down.

The Hall of the Sand Wolf.
Alaya and Fatima, together with two men of the Tabardariyya, waited outside, while the guests were given the opportunity to take in the Hall of the Sand Wolf. It was less of a hall to begin with and more of a large room, dominated and named after a large mural opposite to the entrance doors.
It showed an animal, standing tall and proud, a canine with sandy fur and bright blue eyes, a Sand Wolf, who was accompanied by two smaller ones, his young, standing in a desert landscape and overlooking a herd of goat - but were they guarding it or waiting for a good moment to strike?
The middle of the hall was occupied by a low, around knee-high table, cushions for seating set around them, four in total, two were already occupied - one by the Sultana, sitting at the head, and to her right, Prince Okan, who retold her one story or the other, which caused the Sultana to burst out laughing as the two guests entered.
It was a free, happy laugh - although this was still a diplomatic and formal occassion, the Prince being dressed in Black Tie, the Sultana wearing a dress similar to the one she wore earlier in the day, but in a different shade of violet, it was also a bit informal, behind closed doors.
The only others present were half a dozen handmaidens kneeling by the wall behind the Sultana, eyes closed and hands at their sides, as if meditating... the little smiles on the faces of the beautiful young women revealed, that they were listening. A seventh handmaiden, far older then the rest, but still quite attractive, stood at the ready with a set of devices to make tea.
The table was, for now, bare, but soon would not be.
"Please, come in, dear guests!", the Sultana spoke as soon as she was capable of doing so again, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes, "Have seats and tell me, how was your day?"

[AHSCA]

With the dear handmaidens quickly getting them ready neither sister really had time to talk about the events that went down in their respective baths. Gisella was eager to tell her big sis all about the boy she met and her first kiss but it would likely have to wait but either way they were prepped and ready for their evening with the Sultana.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Marcella replied and gracefully sat down at the table. "It was a lovely day, thank you so much for asking. My sister and I both got to take in some time at your Hammams and it was very relaxing and refreshing. I also got to meet The Princess Aurelia there." She wasn't going to bring up the whole drama between them, unless asked directly. "What about you, Gisella?"

"Oh yes, it was great. I also met a Prince there. He was---" her mind suddenly went blank, it usually took a bit for Gisella to really remember names of new people "Mmm-Mahmut yeah I'm certian he was Prince Mahmut." A bit embarrassing for her, she shared a kiss with him and barely could remember his name.

"And the two maidens who have been with us, they're just wonderful!" Marcella praised "Well I can only speak for myself but Fatima really can brew some fine tea."

"Oh yeah, Alya is wonderful too." Gisella replied.

[Kyrenaia]

With the dear handmaidens quickly getting them ready neither sister really had time to talk about the events that went down in their respective baths. Gisella was eager to tell her big sis all about the boy she met and her first kiss but it would likely have to wait but either way they were prepped and ready for their evening with the Sultana.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Marcella replied and gracefully sat down at the table. "It was a lovely day, thank you so much for asking. My sister and I both got to take in some time at your Hammams and it was very relaxing and refreshing. I also got to meet The Princess Aurelia there." She wasn't going to bring up the whole drama between them, unless asked directly. "What about you, Gisella?"

"Oh yes, it was great. I also met a Prince there. He was---" her mind suddenly went blank, it usually took a bit for Gisella to really remember names of new people "Mmm-Mahmut yeah I'm certian he was Prince Mahmut." A bit embarrassing for her, she shared a kiss with him and barely could remember his name.

"And the two maidens who have been with us, they're just wonderful!" Marcella praised "Well I can only speak for myself but Fatima really can brew some fine tea."

"Oh yeah, Alya is wonderful too." Gisella replied.

The Sultana gave Marcella a smile, that said, that she knew exactly what went down in the bath - but her smile also said, that she would not pry. Neither was she an old pervert nor did she want to invade the privacy of her granddaughter and her guest.
Instead, she looked to Gisella as she spoke: "I am sure, that the two of them are. Alaya is HGA-Stock, after all, and Damir always had a good hand with choosing personell.", she said with a soft smile, "But back up a bit. You met Prince Mahmut in the baths - he is a young charmer, isn't he? And quite good looking, too, right?"
Okan remained silent, smiling as he listened to the conversation before his red eyes, for but a moment, met Marcella's as the Sultana teased her little sister. He rolled his eyes lightly.
Unlike with the situation between Marcella and Aurelia, no one had any idea about how much had gone down in the Little Hammam.

[AHSCA]

"Oh boy he sure is!" She blurted out but just as quickly course corrected to remember her manners "In fact, The Prince and I share a common interest of music. We both are going to get together later on in my visit here and play music together."

"Oh is that so?" Marcella asked intrigued, had her little sister found her soulmate? How cute! "Well I bet the two of them will have a blast together, Gisella loves music and if the Young Prince does I'm sure they will both will have some fun."

[Kyrenaia]

"Oh boy he sure is!" She blurted out but just as quickly course corrected to remember her manners "In fact, The Prince and I share a common interest of music. We both are going to get together later on in my visit here and play music together."

"Oh is that so?" Marcella asked intrigued, had her little sister found her soulmate? How cute! "Well I bet the two of them will have a blast together, Gisella loves music and if the Young Prince does I'm sure they will both will have some fun."

The Sultana smiled, took in air to say something.
"He does, too.", Okan beat her to the punch, "We tried to get him to play a more classical instrument in addition to his E-Bass, but he strongly refused any and all attempts - which is good that way." He gave a smile. "He is really good. Even on the Reserve List of the TBA's Tribute."
The Sultana nodded. "He can sing as well and is quite good at it.", she added, smiling, "Only doing both at the same time doesn't really work, but he's working on it." She let a beat pass and reached over to Gisella. "You found yourself one very good boy, Young Desert Mouse. I wish you much luck, happiness and, if it doesn't work out with the romance, much friendship between the two of you."

[AHSCA]

The Sultana smiled, took in air to say something.
"He does, too.", Okan beat her to the punch, "We tried to get him to play a more classical instrument in addition to his E-Bass, but he strongly refused any and all attempts - which is good that way." He gave a smile. "He is really good. Even on the Reserve List of the TBA's Tribute."
The Sultana nodded. "He can sing as well and is quite good at it.", she added, smiling, "Only doing both at the same time doesn't really work, but he's working on it." She let a beat pass and reached over to Gisella. "You found yourself one very good boy, Young Desert Mouse. I wish you much luck, happiness and, if it doesn't work out with the romance, much friendship between the two of you."

"Hehe I don't blame you there is the air of elegance to classical instruments like strings or brass but appreciating the music is the most important part and I'm sure in the long run he'll make you proud. I sure hope something blooms between us too" She sighed a bit dreamy

"Well well, my little sister falling in love on her trip abroad. No wonder she egged me to come along!" Marcella giggled at her expense

"Th-that's not the only reason, as a Princess my teachers say i still have to learn from you about missions abroad like this...."

"Aha relax Gisella, I'm teasing. But I think it's great you found someone you like. You two will have plenty of fun together playing music and making songs." A bit envious of her little sister but mostly proud as her big sister.

[Kyrenaia]

The Sultana smiled, took in air to say something.
"He does, too.", Okan beat her to the punch, "We tried to get him to play a more classical instrument in addition to his E-Bass, but he strongly refused any and all attempts - which is good that way." He gave a smile. "He is really good. Even on the Reserve List of the TBA's Tribute."
The Sultana nodded. "He can sing as well and is quite good at it.", she added, smiling, "Only doing both at the same time doesn't really work, but he's working on it." She let a beat pass and reached over to Gisella. "You found yourself one very good boy, Young Desert Mouse. I wish you much luck, happiness and, if it doesn't work out with the romance, much friendship between the two of you."

"Hehe I don't blame you there is the air of elegance to classical instruments like strings or brass but appreciating the music is the most important part and I'm sure in the long run he'll make you proud. I sure hope something blooms between us too" She sighed a bit dreamy

"Well well, my little sister falling in love on her trip abroad. No wonder she egged me to come along!" Marcella giggled at her expense

"Th-that's not the only reason, as a Princess my teachers say i still have to learn from you about missions abroad like this...."

"Aha relax Gisella, I'm teasing. But I think it's great you found someone you like. You two will have plenty of fun together playing music and making songs." A bit envious of her little sister but mostly proud as her big sister.

The Sultana nodded.
"Indeed. You will enjoy playing music with him.", she stated with a firm nod, "I, meanwhile, need to figure out a way to tell my Grand Vizier, that the nephew he has been taking care of has a girlfriend now..."
"Post-it notes. Always works.", Okan recommended, hiding a mischievous smile. He looked to the two guests. "One small thing, though: Culinary concerns. Anything you do not like, are allergic to? The appetizers are about to brought in, after all."
The Sultana switched to watching the two others, Marcella's pride (and slight touch of envy, but Razia was sure, that her touch with love from a man's hand would come soon enough) and Gisella's lovestruckness - there was to hoping, that there would come something from the connection of the two, even if it was 'just' a passionate friendship. It would do both of them good, this little interlude with love between them.

[AHSCA]

Both girls contained their giggles as the Sultana's remarks about needing to make a note in regards to the romantic inkling "Anything is really okay with us, we're not very picky and we have no allergies."

"Yes I'm certain what you'll prepare will be great, I'm excited to try some of your country's cuisine!" Gisella beamed

"That's another one of my sister's passions, food!" Marcella said

"It's fun to try new things especially new food!"