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True20 Al-Qadim: Zakharan Nights (updated 6/21/06)
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<blockquote data-quote="The Shadow" data-source="post: 2963208" data-attributes="member: 16760"><p><strong>Son of the Worthy: The First Night</strong></p><p></p><p>[Well, the other players (including one new one) are still having trouble making it to the game, so rather than get Abdul further ahead of the group, the Narrator and I decided to fill in some of Abdul’s backstory. There’s a number of things we wanted to know more about… So here’s Abdul, age 10. We’ll continue the story whenever we get the chance and the others aren’t available.] </p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Wherein begins the 1st Night of the evening tale, "Son of the Worthy".</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Far from me to boast of my hand in the youth's upbringing, but an oath taken is an oath that must be kept. Thus, you who know not of Abdul al-Jann shall be enlightened forthwith. He was a young boy, not too small, but neither possessing any great qualities save these three things: Cunning, a kind heart, and extraordinary luck. Kings wish they were so fortunate as Abdul al-Jann that day he met that humble servant Aqisan...</p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> ((as narrated by Old Nakhlouf))</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Ice is not needed to tend the cruel beating of Akim that winter night, such was the chill in the air. The streets of Huzuz never see snow or ice, but the chill which comes through the streets is said to be the spirit of Death itself. That night, as frost rolled past the full moon overhead, Abdul held a whispered conversation with his bosom companion Rafiqi.</p><p></p><p>Abdul snivels a bit, one eye almost bruised shut. "I'm sorry, Rafiqi. I'll do better tomorrow." He looks around at the other boys, begging them to understand. "I just... I don't know."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Rafiqi eases Abdul to sleep, wrapping him in a rotten wool blanket. "Better days are ahead, Abdul, you'll see..." As Abdul lays down to go to sleep, he hears the other boys sobbing and tending their wounds. Many nights had passed this way before, but never one so cold. "Abdul, remember all those great heroes you tell us of? What were their names? Aladdin..." </p><p></p><p>Abdul sighs, aware he is being cheered up. "Aladdin, Sinbad, Ahiqar. Hassan. Many others."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Yes indeed, and what would they do when they were defeated?" asks Rafiqi, reclining against the wall, looking up at the stars.</p><p></p><p>Abdul shrugs. "Pray. Fight. Think of their beloved. ... I don't have a beloved yet, Rafiqi. ... Sometimes they would almost give up... But always they would receive some sign of hope." He grips Rafiqi's hand. "From a friend, maybe, or a brother."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Rafiqi looks tenderly on Abdul, but there is an edge in his eyes, a viciousness that Abdul hadn't seen before. "Think of them, Abdul. Think of them as often as you can. I'll let you in on my secret..."</p><p></p><p>Abdul props himself up on an elbow. "Secret?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "There's a thought that keeps me going. Once I stole an emerald necklace from a noblewoman. Now, if I had known I could have sold it and bought myself an apprenticeship right then and there. I hid it from Akim, afraid he would take it from me. But day after day I had a dream... I dreamt I would put the necklace around my beloved's neck..." Rafiqi fishes around in his pocket, and pulls forth a bit of string with a cheap piece of turqouise on it.</p><p></p><p>Abdul admires the turquoise. "It's pretty. But Rafiqi, you've always said you'd never love a woman. It's just a waste of time, you said."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Listen Abdul. Long ago, I returned the emerald necklace. I left it on the doorstep of the noblewoman, for my conscience had plagued me....*cough* as it is wont to do. Now, I know I said that I'd never love a woman, but, well, when you get to be my age you'll understand, Abdul."</p><p></p><p>Abdul asks humbly, desiring enlightenment, "Well, if it isn't a waste of time, what is it then?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Rafiqi holds the turquoise in his hand. "I made this piece of turquoise to remember what my dream was. That's what my beloved is, she is my dream. You've given a gift to these boys, you've given them more dreams than they've ever had before. I watch them as they sleep, Abdul, and more than a few go to sleep with Sinbad's adventures on their lips. You must find your own dream, for no one can find it for you, and no one can steal it from you."</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "But Rafiqi, I think too much. Everyone says so. I can't keep my mind on my work, and ... and... my brothers get hurt because of me. How can I bear that, Rafiqi?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Rafiqi silently gazes at Abdul, "Go to sleep, Hakawati. It is too late to think of such things."</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "All right, Rafiqi. Good night."</p><p></p><p>Abdul snivels a little more, repeating the names over and over. "Ahiqar. Hassan. Sinbad. Aladdin..." He begins to drift off.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Rafiqi smiles faintly, and rises, padding off silently into the night.</p><p></p><p>Abdul murmurs, just on the verge of sleep, "Aqi... san."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Wind fills the alleyway and then dies down. Abdul feels himself become wide awake. The scent of dates fills the air. And then the laughter comes, from every corner of the alley, a booming contagious laugh in time with a beating drum.</p><p></p><p>Abdul looks around, bewildered.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Dark-skinned, thickly browed, shining eyed, muscle-bound, with two canine teeth like knives, and yet with a voice of practiced eloquence was the man that stood before Abdul. He came from nowhere, suddenly appearing in the corner of Abdul's eye. "What is your bidding, O my master?"</p><p></p><p>Abdul gasps. He pinches himself, to check if he is dreaming. "Are you... are you... are you... r-real?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "I am as real as the bruise on your eye, young master, as real as the cat's cry in the evening sky, as real as the constellation of Orion, as real as your umbilical cord now buried beneath a sycamore. Or do you test me as is the wont of your ilk, young master? Sugared dates? A roaring fire? What is your bidding?" The vast man, towering above Abdul, holds a large frame drum and beater in one hand and with the other he gesticulates as he speaks. His hands are bigger than Abdul's head!</p><p></p><p>Abdul creeps forward and pokes the man's shin, just to be sure. "My... ilk?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> The man's shin is warm and quite supple. "Surely you did not summon me forth to play such cunning tricks, O my young master! As the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, so have I, Aqisan of Ar-Uryer, risen when you called my name."</p><p></p><p>Abdul's teeth are starting to chatter. "S-summon? ME?! But... but..." A word finally registers on him. "Did you say... master?!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Arching his brow, Aqisan strokes his beard. "Tell me, how many summers has it been since you were in your mother's arms?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "I never knew my mother. She must have died bearing me, they say, as the brothel wouldn't keep me."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> The man's eyes go wide. "Surely, you were given a name before the ill omen of your mother's passing?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "I'm Abdul..." Abdul is starting to recover his wits. "Did you really say 'master'?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Aqisan straightens his back and then snaps his fingers. Immediately, Abdul begins to feel warmer. He can see the winter chill in the air like ribbons of slow-motion smoke drifting about him and the large man. "Bid me, and I am bound, for the oath was sworn in the name of God the Almighty, and if there is honor in the keeping of it then it lies with God the Almighty who has watched over this humble servant. Food? Riches beyond your wildest dreams? There is nothing that is beyond my reach strengthened by your earnest request, but that it be straightforward and true."</p><p></p><p>Abdul's eyes fly wide. He opens his mouth, but the words die on his lips. Akim killed? But, no, that would be wrong. Food? A home? ... The stories returned to him. Wishing was dangerous. "I..." He swallows hard. "I..." He struggled to recall the way heroes talked, then said, "O mighty djinn, I do not doubt that you have the power to bring me dainty food, riches, and fine clothing, as in the story of Aladdin. But I... I don't have the wisdom to know what to ask for, or to use those things in a way pleasing to the Almighty. So I ask as the great Prophet Suleiman asked: To be wise. For what are all those other things, if wisdom is lacking?" Heart pounding, he waited for the man's reaction with his heart in his mouth.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> The great man smiles, a smile of comprehension as much as pleasure. Thus, Aqisan speaks these words, and with a sort of fierce pleasure, for in truth, his favorite part of obeying summons had always been the journey through the starry veil: "Your wisdom is a lamp, O son of the worthy, and your answer pleaseth me greatly. Hang tight, young master, for traveling to my lord's court may frighten you out of your mortal wits."</p><p> </p><p>Abdul's heart pounds. "Hang... tight? I'll try not to be afraid. But... what about my brothers?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> With that, Aqisan places a satchel of dates on the ground beside Abdul's bed and whisks Abdul onto his shoulder. "They will be here when you return." Thereupon, Aqisan claps his hands and Abdul feels himself begin to spin, or is it the world around him? The midnight sky begins to loom closer. Aqisan begins playing his frame drum and laughing as they rise into the sky. Abdul is spun round and around so many times that the faintest stars become whirling points of light. The great man plays his drum, the drum beats reverberating in Abdul's chest to the rhythm of his heart. And yet it did not seem strange or uncomfortable, only a distant dream just now remembered. Laughter filled his bones and tousled his hair, so much laughter it hurt, laughter drumming everywhere.</p><p></p><p>Abdul prays frantically, as best he knows how. "Please don't let me die yet, please don't let me die yet, please don't let me die yet."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Then there is stillness and the whirling points, like string wrapped around a spool, unwind themselves. "No, young master, the farthest thing from death!" ays Aqisan, yet he is no longer a great man, but a great eagle with red-tinged wings and a black face and a white crest.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Abdul feels himself floating high in the night sky on the eagle's back, so high that he can see each minute glimmer of the stars, and they seem so close he could reach out and touch them.</p><p></p><p>Abdul finally manages to pry his eyes open. "It's beautiful..."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Aqisan - the eagle - speaks, "The celestial bodies, young Abdul, the mufariqat. They are imbued with divine intelligence since the dawning of time. Each one blesses children who enter Jinnistan who have the eyes to see the blessing. Do you have eyes, son of the worthy?"</p><p></p><p>Abdul looks carefully on the lights, as he is bid. What does a blessing look like...?</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> One star sends out a bit of light and it grows into a glowing snowflake which seems to hover miles away and right above his head at the same time.</p><p></p><p>Abdul smiles widely. "I think I do see it!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "It is not enough to see, you must make it your own!" Says Aqisan.</p><p></p><p>Abdul starts to let go of the eagle's neck, which he has in a death-grip. "Um. It... likely isn't wise to look down, is it?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Hahaha! Timid youth, down is the most interesting part yet!" The snowflake begins to drift away as Aqisan the eagle begins his descent.</p><p></p><p>Abdul reaches up toward the gleaming flake of light, placing his trust in Aqisan. He beckons. "Won't you come to me, blessing?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Growing bright again, the snowflake comes to rest on Abdul's fingertip, no larger than a marble. Abdul watches it unwind until it matches the lines on his finger. A sense of wellbeing and safety washes over Abdul.</p><p></p><p>Abdul says with happy almost-surprise, "God is good!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Aqisan the eagle looks over his shoulder perplexed, "You seem to take to Jinnistan quite easily, O son of the worthy, have you not ventured here before?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "Never, sir, never. Except... It reminds me of a good dream." He hesitates, then confides, "I dream a lot, even when I'm awake. Akim thinks I'm stupid, but I'm not. I just... can't be there all the time."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Slowly the night sky turns a dark shade of green and everything feels closer, more intimate, like the universe has become intensely focused. Suddenly Abdul sees a version of himself reflected in the night sky flying on a magic carpet instead of a great eagle. </p><p></p><p>Abdul is drifting more and more easily into an accepting, trusting frame of mind. It IS like a dream. "Can you be a carpet too, sir? I see us over there too."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> The reflected image of Abdul's double winks at Abdul before vanishing as Aqisan looks over. "Ah...a markeen. Know that those born with a gift for the domains of magic have a djinni double, born at the same instant. The markeen will never be seen in the real world and are only visible in reflections for they lack the will to take on substantial form." As Aqisan slows down, Abdul realizes that they are in a vast canyon of dark green rock lit by tiny pinpoints of light that appear almost like stars. </p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "Me? Born with a gift for magic? But... isn't magic bad? Does that make me a bad person?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Hardly, O son of the worthy. Each of these points of light in this canyon is the soul of a slumbering child with the gift for magic, those who dream deeply, whose prayers and dreams are indistinguishable." As Abdul looks at the pinpoints of light he sees the face of Mehdi "Dar al" in the core of a star.</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "Mehdi! Sir, can't we go fetch him?!" He points. "He's my brother!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Alas, I cannot, for it is forbidden to interfere with those who slumber, and the distance is quite far, young master." As Aqisan slows down, Abdul spots a flock of glowing sea-gulls approaching; however their reflctions reveal that they are noble djinni youths!</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Below a vast canyon made of emerald stone glitters through openings in the patches of mist.</p><p></p><p>Abdul takes it all in his stride by this point. He waves at the "gulls". He has a sudden thought. "Was *I* in one of those stars until now?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Yes," says Aqisan solemnly.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> The gulls quickly approach, and begin teasing Aqisan. "Royal Drummer, fast as you can drum, your looks are quite atrocious, and thus you'll go unsung, while me and my brothers, us twelve noble sons, shall beat you through the hydra's arch before the rising sun!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "Neat! I never knew I was a star!" He pats the feathers. "Beat them, won't you?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "What's this, a challenge from you again, Nusoum? Very well, my lordship, it would be my solemn duty to ensure that one of your noble plumage not be scathed by the hydra even if it means teaching you a lesson in speed! Hang on young master!" With that Aqisan the eagle dives through the mists as the seagulls race to catch up. </p><p></p><p>Abdul giggles and hangs on tight. He sticks out his tongue playfully at the lead gull.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Distorted images of Abdul glitter in the emerald rock face, and the reflection of the eagle reveals Aqisan's true form. Looking back at his rivals, Aqisan lets out a laugh, "Persistent are the young sons of al-Shisas! They havent a hope of winning, though! So, what do you say, shall we take the easy route or the hard one?"</p><p></p><p>Abdul waves a hand nobly and says archly, "I leave it to your best judgment." He can't help but giggle a bit, though, which spoils the effect.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "A wise choice, son of the worthy," laughs Aqisan, veering to the left. Ahead, Abdul makes ouf a large glittering archway with a massive carving of a king's head with a gaping mouth over the arch.</p><p></p><p>Abdul drinks everything in, eyes shining.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Be careful here, young master, for the hydra sees everywhere," whispers Aqisan, entering a glide. The seagulls divide into two groups, one goes to fly up and over, and the other smaller group follows Aqisan's route.</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "What do you fear it seeing...?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Suddenly, Abdul feels a sharp pain in his finger and then magic words around the archway flare to life and a powerful wind fills the canyon, a mighty hissing wind. Abdul sees something moving inside the mouth of the carved king's head.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "The hydra stirs!" cries out one of the seagulls behind Aqisan.</p><p></p><p>Abdul says faintly, "Please tell me this isn't the easy way. If it is, I don't think I want to see the hard one!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> A great sucking wind comes from the carved king's mouth, threatening to pull Abdul into it, but he fiercely clutches Aqisan's feathers and you fly through the arch. Turning to look back behind him, Abdul sees the two seagulls nimbly dodge giant serpentine heads that lunge from the mouth at them as they pass. Aqisan laughs, "And how do you like your Royal Drummer now?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "I wonder if he is the one to teach me wisdom!" Abdul laughs shakily, then realizes something. "Wait - royal?! Are you saying I am..."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "No," replies a seagull, catching up to you, "you are far too small to be nobility. What manner of spirit is this, Aqisan? Not a human boy?"</p><p></p><p>Abdul says indignantly, "Well, of course Im human! And what does size have to do with it, anyway? Even the Caliph was a little baby once!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "None other, and I shall take him to your father, " replies Aqisan. Almost offhand, he adds, "He is a summoner."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Well, it certainly sounds like a human," chimes in another seagull.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "A...sha'ir?" blanches the seagull named Nusoum. "And he summoned you?"</p><p></p><p>Abdul says in a mysterious voice, "Oh yes! I did indeed! And the way I did it is so secret, I don't even know it myself!" He winks.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Aqisan sighs, "It would not be the first time I have responded to summons, my lordship." Aqisan laughs at Abdul. "And who knows what this mighty summoner might do next, eh?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> The seagulls laugh nervously.</p><p></p><p>Abdul nods. "None but the Almighty. And He isn't telling."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> A vast minaret, then three, then six are visible in the distance,and soon Abdul witnesses a massive city built into the side of emerald mountains, with rivers of gold-colored water and pomegranate trees growing on windswept ledges. Below a flock of sheep follow a herder who waves a cudgel, and a dove suddenly appears next to you. "A summons for Aqisan, who has greatly angered his grace the Khedive al-Shisas: Return at once and make ready your olive branch." With that the dove flaps its wings and turns to fire then air.</p><p></p><p>Abdul blanches and whispers to Aqisan, "Is that bad?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Shall we escort you to the palace gates? After all, I wouldn't want to miss *this* even if *three* mortal boys were to appear!" squawks one of the seagulls.</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "Am I as frightening as all that?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Not bad, alas I was taken from a conversation with young Diwanis, daughter of the Khedive, Opalescent pearl of the evening, mistress of the full moon, she who is worthy of the praise of pomegranate nectar."</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "Pomegranate nectar can praise people?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Aqisan adds, "To quit her presence so suddenly as I did will need some...sigh...obsequiances..."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Aqisan blinks at Abdul, "Why of course it can! You have much to learn, O son of the worthy."</p><p></p><p>Abdul has no idea what any of that means, but just nods.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Alighting upon a checkered blue and white marble floor, Aqisan resumes his true form, strong and fearsome, as do the seagulls, becoming a gathering of handsome dashing noble djinni a bit tousled from their hard play.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Nusoum squints at Abdul, "Well, sha'ir, you're not quite as fearsome as....say....Aqisan, but I'll keep my eye on you all the same. Why the stories---"</p><p></p><p>Abdul says cheerfully, "I love stories!" He looks sidelong at Aqisan. He IS a bit frightening...</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> The Khedive appears, and Abdul knows right away it is the Khedive. His eyes are twin pools of storm, he carries a sceptre shaped as a lightning bolt, and his mere entrance causes the hair on Abdul's head to stand on end.</p><p></p><p>Abdul decides it would be prudent to kneel at this point. He gulps.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Aqisan bows and begins to make his apology, but the Khedive pounds his sceptre and thunder booms in the hall. "Silence! You have gravely insulted my daughter who has hidden from all, even her own father, and refuses to make herself seen. I am wroth with thee, Royal Drummer, whom I took into my household with all grace and kindness."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Abdul hears Aqisan swallow, which isn't very comforting.</p><p></p><p>Abdul starts appealing to a higher authority: Praying quietly. His heart is pounding again.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "But, against my better judgment I will forgive thee, for my daughter finds you pleasing to have in my court, and in truth, I have great need for a herald of your skill." Turning to Abdul the Khedive, his dark hair perpetually moving in a miniature cyclone, narrows his eyes. Abdul feels the attention of the entire court shift to him.</p><p></p><p>Abdul offers, "Uh... hi? Your Majesty."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> The Khedive's eyes widen at this audacity, lightning storms forming within his pupils. "Young summoner, by what magic did you call forth my servant?"</p><p></p><p>Abdul gulps. "I, I, I... don't know. Your Majesty."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "You don't know. And have you designs on becoming a member of my court for your own gain?" asks the Khedive pointedly.</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "I, uh, I don't understand. Your Majesty. A member of your court?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "You don't understand," the Khedive's voice is like the echo of thunder in the heavens. "Have you ever willingly made compact with the Ifreet?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "What's a compact? But I've never met an ifreet. Your Majesty. Unless, uh, Aqisan is one? He's the first djinn I ever met."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "You've never met one." The Khedive says incredulously. "Knoweth your family of your decision to abandon mortal kind?"</p><p></p><p>Abdul is considerably bewildered by this point. "Abandon?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Aqisan whispers into the Khedive's ear.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Ah," says the Khedive. "No family? Alas, such is the way of mortals. Well then, who raised you? What is the day of your birth? Don't be bashful, speak up!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "Um, Rafiqi found me and helped me. Then Akim took me on. Your Majesty. I don't know what day I was born."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Well, that is a forgiveable offense," laughs the Khedive, "neither do I!" The rest of the court laughs at this in-joke. Clapping his hands, the Khedive summons forth four veiled djinniyeh (female djinni) who materialize from the four braziers in the throne room. "Dressing djinniyeh, bathe this wastrel youth and bedeck him as befitting one of my court!" With a wave of his hand, the Khedive dismisses Abdul. Aqisan winks at Abdul as if to say everything will be ok.</p><p></p><p>Abdul surrenders to the moment, but he's still thinking hard, and muttering to himself the word 'Abandon'.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Whisked away by the dressing "women", Abdul is led down a twilight path - for the sun has not yet risen - lit by torches of smokeless flame to a series of sparkling gold waterfalls. At this point the eldest of the dressing "women" warns Abdul to wait there and to face the forest and not to look over his shoulder while they bathe.</p><p></p><p>Abdul obediently does as he is told. Not like he wants to see a naked girl anyway. Yuck.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> The earth rumbles a bit no sooner than a minute has passed. Abdul notices a wisp of golden smoke flow down the stairs and up into the trees, whereupon beautiful faint flute music graces Abdul's ears.</p><p></p><p>Abdul laughs and points. "What is it?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Suddenly the music stops. Abdul thinks he can see a small person in the tree, but he's too far to tell.</p><p></p><p>Abdul takes a step forward to get a better look.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> In the top of a weeping willow is a young djinni girl, apparently Abdul's age, she stifles a sob, and upon noticing Abdul grows very afraid. She looks from left to right, but sees no easy way down.</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "Hello. I'm Abdul. Why are you crying?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "I play yet the man in the trees does not come with his gifts of basbousa (a popular dessert of nuts, oil, and fried dough), nor does he teach me how to play music. I play the song he taught me, for I have learned it so well, by devoting myself to practice till the evening suns fell."</p><p></p><p>Abdul thinks, then offers, "Well, it could be worse."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Really?" sniffs the djinni girl, looking up.</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "Does anyone beat you for not begging or stealing enough money?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Whimpering, the djinni girl begins to cry, but this time it's not stifled sobbing but real loud wailing. As she cries, her tears fall on the golden flute. A flurry of leaves dances around Abdul's ankles and then darts up a tree next to the djinni girl. Looking up, Abdul sees a long-armed man, slightly monkey-like in appearance, caked in dried mud - his bright green eyes shine down on Abdul. "Who makes my Minatra cry? The weeping dove's tears have touched my flute, as those of my love once did."</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "I only told her it could be worse."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="The Shadow, post: 2963208, member: 16760"] [b]Son of the Worthy: The First Night[/b] [Well, the other players (including one new one) are still having trouble making it to the game, so rather than get Abdul further ahead of the group, the Narrator and I decided to fill in some of Abdul’s backstory. There’s a number of things we wanted to know more about… So here’s Abdul, age 10. We’ll continue the story whenever we get the chance and the others aren’t available.] [b]Narrator:[/b] Wherein begins the 1st Night of the evening tale, "Son of the Worthy". [b]Narrator:[/b] Far from me to boast of my hand in the youth's upbringing, but an oath taken is an oath that must be kept. Thus, you who know not of Abdul al-Jann shall be enlightened forthwith. He was a young boy, not too small, but neither possessing any great qualities save these three things: Cunning, a kind heart, and extraordinary luck. Kings wish they were so fortunate as Abdul al-Jann that day he met that humble servant Aqisan... [b]Narrator:[/b] ((as narrated by Old Nakhlouf)) [b]Narrator:[/b] Ice is not needed to tend the cruel beating of Akim that winter night, such was the chill in the air. The streets of Huzuz never see snow or ice, but the chill which comes through the streets is said to be the spirit of Death itself. That night, as frost rolled past the full moon overhead, Abdul held a whispered conversation with his bosom companion Rafiqi. Abdul snivels a bit, one eye almost bruised shut. "I'm sorry, Rafiqi. I'll do better tomorrow." He looks around at the other boys, begging them to understand. "I just... I don't know." [b]Narrator:[/b] Rafiqi eases Abdul to sleep, wrapping him in a rotten wool blanket. "Better days are ahead, Abdul, you'll see..." As Abdul lays down to go to sleep, he hears the other boys sobbing and tending their wounds. Many nights had passed this way before, but never one so cold. "Abdul, remember all those great heroes you tell us of? What were their names? Aladdin..." Abdul sighs, aware he is being cheered up. "Aladdin, Sinbad, Ahiqar. Hassan. Many others." [b]Narrator:[/b] "Yes indeed, and what would they do when they were defeated?" asks Rafiqi, reclining against the wall, looking up at the stars. Abdul shrugs. "Pray. Fight. Think of their beloved. ... I don't have a beloved yet, Rafiqi. ... Sometimes they would almost give up... But always they would receive some sign of hope." He grips Rafiqi's hand. "From a friend, maybe, or a brother." [b]Narrator:[/b] Rafiqi looks tenderly on Abdul, but there is an edge in his eyes, a viciousness that Abdul hadn't seen before. "Think of them, Abdul. Think of them as often as you can. I'll let you in on my secret..." Abdul props himself up on an elbow. "Secret?" [b]Narrator:[/b] "There's a thought that keeps me going. Once I stole an emerald necklace from a noblewoman. Now, if I had known I could have sold it and bought myself an apprenticeship right then and there. I hid it from Akim, afraid he would take it from me. But day after day I had a dream... I dreamt I would put the necklace around my beloved's neck..." Rafiqi fishes around in his pocket, and pulls forth a bit of string with a cheap piece of turqouise on it. Abdul admires the turquoise. "It's pretty. But Rafiqi, you've always said you'd never love a woman. It's just a waste of time, you said." [b]Narrator:[/b] "Listen Abdul. Long ago, I returned the emerald necklace. I left it on the doorstep of the noblewoman, for my conscience had plagued me....*cough* as it is wont to do. Now, I know I said that I'd never love a woman, but, well, when you get to be my age you'll understand, Abdul." Abdul asks humbly, desiring enlightenment, "Well, if it isn't a waste of time, what is it then?" [b]Narrator:[/b] Rafiqi holds the turquoise in his hand. "I made this piece of turquoise to remember what my dream was. That's what my beloved is, she is my dream. You've given a gift to these boys, you've given them more dreams than they've ever had before. I watch them as they sleep, Abdul, and more than a few go to sleep with Sinbad's adventures on their lips. You must find your own dream, for no one can find it for you, and no one can steal it from you." [b]Abdul:[/b] "But Rafiqi, I think too much. Everyone says so. I can't keep my mind on my work, and ... and... my brothers get hurt because of me. How can I bear that, Rafiqi?" [b]Narrator:[/b] Rafiqi silently gazes at Abdul, "Go to sleep, Hakawati. It is too late to think of such things." [b]Abdul:[/b] "All right, Rafiqi. Good night." Abdul snivels a little more, repeating the names over and over. "Ahiqar. Hassan. Sinbad. Aladdin..." He begins to drift off. [b]Narrator:[/b] Rafiqi smiles faintly, and rises, padding off silently into the night. Abdul murmurs, just on the verge of sleep, "Aqi... san." [b]Narrator:[/b] Wind fills the alleyway and then dies down. Abdul feels himself become wide awake. The scent of dates fills the air. And then the laughter comes, from every corner of the alley, a booming contagious laugh in time with a beating drum. Abdul looks around, bewildered. [b]Narrator:[/b] Dark-skinned, thickly browed, shining eyed, muscle-bound, with two canine teeth like knives, and yet with a voice of practiced eloquence was the man that stood before Abdul. He came from nowhere, suddenly appearing in the corner of Abdul's eye. "What is your bidding, O my master?" Abdul gasps. He pinches himself, to check if he is dreaming. "Are you... are you... are you... r-real?" [b]Narrator:[/b] "I am as real as the bruise on your eye, young master, as real as the cat's cry in the evening sky, as real as the constellation of Orion, as real as your umbilical cord now buried beneath a sycamore. Or do you test me as is the wont of your ilk, young master? Sugared dates? A roaring fire? What is your bidding?" The vast man, towering above Abdul, holds a large frame drum and beater in one hand and with the other he gesticulates as he speaks. His hands are bigger than Abdul's head! Abdul creeps forward and pokes the man's shin, just to be sure. "My... ilk?" [b]Narrator:[/b] The man's shin is warm and quite supple. "Surely you did not summon me forth to play such cunning tricks, O my young master! As the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, so have I, Aqisan of Ar-Uryer, risen when you called my name." Abdul's teeth are starting to chatter. "S-summon? ME?! But... but..." A word finally registers on him. "Did you say... master?!" [b]Narrator:[/b] Arching his brow, Aqisan strokes his beard. "Tell me, how many summers has it been since you were in your mother's arms?" [b]Abdul:[/b] "I never knew my mother. She must have died bearing me, they say, as the brothel wouldn't keep me." [b]Narrator:[/b] The man's eyes go wide. "Surely, you were given a name before the ill omen of your mother's passing?" [b]Abdul:[/b] "I'm Abdul..." Abdul is starting to recover his wits. "Did you really say 'master'?" [b]Narrator:[/b] Aqisan straightens his back and then snaps his fingers. Immediately, Abdul begins to feel warmer. He can see the winter chill in the air like ribbons of slow-motion smoke drifting about him and the large man. "Bid me, and I am bound, for the oath was sworn in the name of God the Almighty, and if there is honor in the keeping of it then it lies with God the Almighty who has watched over this humble servant. Food? Riches beyond your wildest dreams? There is nothing that is beyond my reach strengthened by your earnest request, but that it be straightforward and true." Abdul's eyes fly wide. He opens his mouth, but the words die on his lips. Akim killed? But, no, that would be wrong. Food? A home? ... The stories returned to him. Wishing was dangerous. "I..." He swallows hard. "I..." He struggled to recall the way heroes talked, then said, "O mighty djinn, I do not doubt that you have the power to bring me dainty food, riches, and fine clothing, as in the story of Aladdin. But I... I don't have the wisdom to know what to ask for, or to use those things in a way pleasing to the Almighty. So I ask as the great Prophet Suleiman asked: To be wise. For what are all those other things, if wisdom is lacking?" Heart pounding, he waited for the man's reaction with his heart in his mouth. [b]Narrator:[/b] The great man smiles, a smile of comprehension as much as pleasure. Thus, Aqisan speaks these words, and with a sort of fierce pleasure, for in truth, his favorite part of obeying summons had always been the journey through the starry veil: "Your wisdom is a lamp, O son of the worthy, and your answer pleaseth me greatly. Hang tight, young master, for traveling to my lord's court may frighten you out of your mortal wits." Abdul's heart pounds. "Hang... tight? I'll try not to be afraid. But... what about my brothers?" [b]Narrator:[/b] With that, Aqisan places a satchel of dates on the ground beside Abdul's bed and whisks Abdul onto his shoulder. "They will be here when you return." Thereupon, Aqisan claps his hands and Abdul feels himself begin to spin, or is it the world around him? The midnight sky begins to loom closer. Aqisan begins playing his frame drum and laughing as they rise into the sky. Abdul is spun round and around so many times that the faintest stars become whirling points of light. The great man plays his drum, the drum beats reverberating in Abdul's chest to the rhythm of his heart. And yet it did not seem strange or uncomfortable, only a distant dream just now remembered. Laughter filled his bones and tousled his hair, so much laughter it hurt, laughter drumming everywhere. Abdul prays frantically, as best he knows how. "Please don't let me die yet, please don't let me die yet, please don't let me die yet." [b]Narrator:[/b] Then there is stillness and the whirling points, like string wrapped around a spool, unwind themselves. "No, young master, the farthest thing from death!" ays Aqisan, yet he is no longer a great man, but a great eagle with red-tinged wings and a black face and a white crest. [b]Narrator:[/b] Abdul feels himself floating high in the night sky on the eagle's back, so high that he can see each minute glimmer of the stars, and they seem so close he could reach out and touch them. Abdul finally manages to pry his eyes open. "It's beautiful..." [b]Narrator:[/b] Aqisan - the eagle - speaks, "The celestial bodies, young Abdul, the mufariqat. They are imbued with divine intelligence since the dawning of time. Each one blesses children who enter Jinnistan who have the eyes to see the blessing. Do you have eyes, son of the worthy?" Abdul looks carefully on the lights, as he is bid. What does a blessing look like...? [b]Narrator:[/b] One star sends out a bit of light and it grows into a glowing snowflake which seems to hover miles away and right above his head at the same time. Abdul smiles widely. "I think I do see it!" [b]Narrator:[/b] "It is not enough to see, you must make it your own!" Says Aqisan. Abdul starts to let go of the eagle's neck, which he has in a death-grip. "Um. It... likely isn't wise to look down, is it?" [b]Narrator:[/b] "Hahaha! Timid youth, down is the most interesting part yet!" The snowflake begins to drift away as Aqisan the eagle begins his descent. Abdul reaches up toward the gleaming flake of light, placing his trust in Aqisan. He beckons. "Won't you come to me, blessing?" [b]Narrator:[/b] Growing bright again, the snowflake comes to rest on Abdul's fingertip, no larger than a marble. Abdul watches it unwind until it matches the lines on his finger. A sense of wellbeing and safety washes over Abdul. Abdul says with happy almost-surprise, "God is good!" [b]Narrator:[/b] Aqisan the eagle looks over his shoulder perplexed, "You seem to take to Jinnistan quite easily, O son of the worthy, have you not ventured here before?" [b]Abdul:[/b] "Never, sir, never. Except... It reminds me of a good dream." He hesitates, then confides, "I dream a lot, even when I'm awake. Akim thinks I'm stupid, but I'm not. I just... can't be there all the time." [b]Narrator:[/b] Slowly the night sky turns a dark shade of green and everything feels closer, more intimate, like the universe has become intensely focused. Suddenly Abdul sees a version of himself reflected in the night sky flying on a magic carpet instead of a great eagle. Abdul is drifting more and more easily into an accepting, trusting frame of mind. It IS like a dream. "Can you be a carpet too, sir? I see us over there too." [b]Narrator:[/b] The reflected image of Abdul's double winks at Abdul before vanishing as Aqisan looks over. "Ah...a markeen. Know that those born with a gift for the domains of magic have a djinni double, born at the same instant. The markeen will never be seen in the real world and are only visible in reflections for they lack the will to take on substantial form." As Aqisan slows down, Abdul realizes that they are in a vast canyon of dark green rock lit by tiny pinpoints of light that appear almost like stars. [b]Abdul:[/b] "Me? Born with a gift for magic? But... isn't magic bad? Does that make me a bad person?" [b]Narrator:[/b] "Hardly, O son of the worthy. Each of these points of light in this canyon is the soul of a slumbering child with the gift for magic, those who dream deeply, whose prayers and dreams are indistinguishable." As Abdul looks at the pinpoints of light he sees the face of Mehdi "Dar al" in the core of a star. [b]Abdul:[/b] "Mehdi! Sir, can't we go fetch him?!" He points. "He's my brother!" [b]Narrator:[/b] "Alas, I cannot, for it is forbidden to interfere with those who slumber, and the distance is quite far, young master." As Aqisan slows down, Abdul spots a flock of glowing sea-gulls approaching; however their reflctions reveal that they are noble djinni youths! [b]Narrator:[/b] Below a vast canyon made of emerald stone glitters through openings in the patches of mist. Abdul takes it all in his stride by this point. He waves at the "gulls". He has a sudden thought. "Was *I* in one of those stars until now?" [b]Narrator:[/b] "Yes," says Aqisan solemnly. [b]Narrator:[/b] The gulls quickly approach, and begin teasing Aqisan. "Royal Drummer, fast as you can drum, your looks are quite atrocious, and thus you'll go unsung, while me and my brothers, us twelve noble sons, shall beat you through the hydra's arch before the rising sun!" [b]Abdul:[/b] "Neat! I never knew I was a star!" He pats the feathers. "Beat them, won't you?" [b]Narrator:[/b] "What's this, a challenge from you again, Nusoum? Very well, my lordship, it would be my solemn duty to ensure that one of your noble plumage not be scathed by the hydra even if it means teaching you a lesson in speed! Hang on young master!" With that Aqisan the eagle dives through the mists as the seagulls race to catch up. Abdul giggles and hangs on tight. He sticks out his tongue playfully at the lead gull. [b]Narrator:[/b] Distorted images of Abdul glitter in the emerald rock face, and the reflection of the eagle reveals Aqisan's true form. Looking back at his rivals, Aqisan lets out a laugh, "Persistent are the young sons of al-Shisas! They havent a hope of winning, though! So, what do you say, shall we take the easy route or the hard one?" Abdul waves a hand nobly and says archly, "I leave it to your best judgment." He can't help but giggle a bit, though, which spoils the effect. [b]Narrator:[/b] "A wise choice, son of the worthy," laughs Aqisan, veering to the left. Ahead, Abdul makes ouf a large glittering archway with a massive carving of a king's head with a gaping mouth over the arch. Abdul drinks everything in, eyes shining. [b]Narrator:[/b] "Be careful here, young master, for the hydra sees everywhere," whispers Aqisan, entering a glide. The seagulls divide into two groups, one goes to fly up and over, and the other smaller group follows Aqisan's route. [b]Abdul:[/b] "What do you fear it seeing...?" [b]Narrator:[/b] Suddenly, Abdul feels a sharp pain in his finger and then magic words around the archway flare to life and a powerful wind fills the canyon, a mighty hissing wind. Abdul sees something moving inside the mouth of the carved king's head. [b]Narrator:[/b] "The hydra stirs!" cries out one of the seagulls behind Aqisan. Abdul says faintly, "Please tell me this isn't the easy way. If it is, I don't think I want to see the hard one!" [b]Narrator:[/b] A great sucking wind comes from the carved king's mouth, threatening to pull Abdul into it, but he fiercely clutches Aqisan's feathers and you fly through the arch. Turning to look back behind him, Abdul sees the two seagulls nimbly dodge giant serpentine heads that lunge from the mouth at them as they pass. Aqisan laughs, "And how do you like your Royal Drummer now?" [b]Abdul:[/b] "I wonder if he is the one to teach me wisdom!" Abdul laughs shakily, then realizes something. "Wait - royal?! Are you saying I am..." [b]Narrator:[/b] "No," replies a seagull, catching up to you, "you are far too small to be nobility. What manner of spirit is this, Aqisan? Not a human boy?" Abdul says indignantly, "Well, of course Im human! And what does size have to do with it, anyway? Even the Caliph was a little baby once!" [b]Narrator:[/b] "None other, and I shall take him to your father, " replies Aqisan. Almost offhand, he adds, "He is a summoner." [b]Narrator:[/b] "Well, it certainly sounds like a human," chimes in another seagull. [b]Narrator:[/b] "A...sha'ir?" blanches the seagull named Nusoum. "And he summoned you?" Abdul says in a mysterious voice, "Oh yes! I did indeed! And the way I did it is so secret, I don't even know it myself!" He winks. [b]Narrator:[/b] Aqisan sighs, "It would not be the first time I have responded to summons, my lordship." Aqisan laughs at Abdul. "And who knows what this mighty summoner might do next, eh?" [b]Narrator:[/b] The seagulls laugh nervously. Abdul nods. "None but the Almighty. And He isn't telling." [b]Narrator:[/b] A vast minaret, then three, then six are visible in the distance,and soon Abdul witnesses a massive city built into the side of emerald mountains, with rivers of gold-colored water and pomegranate trees growing on windswept ledges. Below a flock of sheep follow a herder who waves a cudgel, and a dove suddenly appears next to you. "A summons for Aqisan, who has greatly angered his grace the Khedive al-Shisas: Return at once and make ready your olive branch." With that the dove flaps its wings and turns to fire then air. Abdul blanches and whispers to Aqisan, "Is that bad?" [b]Narrator:[/b] "Shall we escort you to the palace gates? After all, I wouldn't want to miss *this* even if *three* mortal boys were to appear!" squawks one of the seagulls. [b]Abdul:[/b] "Am I as frightening as all that?" [b]Narrator:[/b] "Not bad, alas I was taken from a conversation with young Diwanis, daughter of the Khedive, Opalescent pearl of the evening, mistress of the full moon, she who is worthy of the praise of pomegranate nectar." [b]Abdul:[/b] "Pomegranate nectar can praise people?" [b]Narrator:[/b] Aqisan adds, "To quit her presence so suddenly as I did will need some...sigh...obsequiances..." [b]Narrator:[/b] Aqisan blinks at Abdul, "Why of course it can! You have much to learn, O son of the worthy." Abdul has no idea what any of that means, but just nods. [b]Narrator:[/b] Alighting upon a checkered blue and white marble floor, Aqisan resumes his true form, strong and fearsome, as do the seagulls, becoming a gathering of handsome dashing noble djinni a bit tousled from their hard play. [b]Narrator:[/b] Nusoum squints at Abdul, "Well, sha'ir, you're not quite as fearsome as....say....Aqisan, but I'll keep my eye on you all the same. Why the stories---" Abdul says cheerfully, "I love stories!" He looks sidelong at Aqisan. He IS a bit frightening... [b]Narrator:[/b] The Khedive appears, and Abdul knows right away it is the Khedive. His eyes are twin pools of storm, he carries a sceptre shaped as a lightning bolt, and his mere entrance causes the hair on Abdul's head to stand on end. Abdul decides it would be prudent to kneel at this point. He gulps. [b]Narrator:[/b] Aqisan bows and begins to make his apology, but the Khedive pounds his sceptre and thunder booms in the hall. "Silence! You have gravely insulted my daughter who has hidden from all, even her own father, and refuses to make herself seen. I am wroth with thee, Royal Drummer, whom I took into my household with all grace and kindness." [b]Narrator:[/b] Abdul hears Aqisan swallow, which isn't very comforting. Abdul starts appealing to a higher authority: Praying quietly. His heart is pounding again. [b]Narrator:[/b] "But, against my better judgment I will forgive thee, for my daughter finds you pleasing to have in my court, and in truth, I have great need for a herald of your skill." Turning to Abdul the Khedive, his dark hair perpetually moving in a miniature cyclone, narrows his eyes. Abdul feels the attention of the entire court shift to him. Abdul offers, "Uh... hi? Your Majesty." [b]Narrator:[/b] The Khedive's eyes widen at this audacity, lightning storms forming within his pupils. "Young summoner, by what magic did you call forth my servant?" Abdul gulps. "I, I, I... don't know. Your Majesty." [b]Narrator:[/b] "You don't know. And have you designs on becoming a member of my court for your own gain?" asks the Khedive pointedly. [b]Abdul:[/b] "I, uh, I don't understand. Your Majesty. A member of your court?" [b]Narrator:[/b] "You don't understand," the Khedive's voice is like the echo of thunder in the heavens. "Have you ever willingly made compact with the Ifreet?" [b]Abdul:[/b] "What's a compact? But I've never met an ifreet. Your Majesty. Unless, uh, Aqisan is one? He's the first djinn I ever met." [b]Narrator:[/b] "You've never met one." The Khedive says incredulously. "Knoweth your family of your decision to abandon mortal kind?" Abdul is considerably bewildered by this point. "Abandon?" [b]Narrator:[/b] Aqisan whispers into the Khedive's ear. [b]Narrator:[/b] "Ah," says the Khedive. "No family? Alas, such is the way of mortals. Well then, who raised you? What is the day of your birth? Don't be bashful, speak up!" [b]Abdul:[/b] "Um, Rafiqi found me and helped me. Then Akim took me on. Your Majesty. I don't know what day I was born." [b]Narrator:[/b] "Well, that is a forgiveable offense," laughs the Khedive, "neither do I!" The rest of the court laughs at this in-joke. Clapping his hands, the Khedive summons forth four veiled djinniyeh (female djinni) who materialize from the four braziers in the throne room. "Dressing djinniyeh, bathe this wastrel youth and bedeck him as befitting one of my court!" With a wave of his hand, the Khedive dismisses Abdul. Aqisan winks at Abdul as if to say everything will be ok. Abdul surrenders to the moment, but he's still thinking hard, and muttering to himself the word 'Abandon'. [b]Narrator:[/b] Whisked away by the dressing "women", Abdul is led down a twilight path - for the sun has not yet risen - lit by torches of smokeless flame to a series of sparkling gold waterfalls. At this point the eldest of the dressing "women" warns Abdul to wait there and to face the forest and not to look over his shoulder while they bathe. Abdul obediently does as he is told. Not like he wants to see a naked girl anyway. Yuck. [b]Narrator:[/b] The earth rumbles a bit no sooner than a minute has passed. Abdul notices a wisp of golden smoke flow down the stairs and up into the trees, whereupon beautiful faint flute music graces Abdul's ears. Abdul laughs and points. "What is it?" [b]Narrator:[/b] Suddenly the music stops. Abdul thinks he can see a small person in the tree, but he's too far to tell. Abdul takes a step forward to get a better look. [b]Narrator:[/b] In the top of a weeping willow is a young djinni girl, apparently Abdul's age, she stifles a sob, and upon noticing Abdul grows very afraid. She looks from left to right, but sees no easy way down. [b]Abdul:[/b] "Hello. I'm Abdul. Why are you crying?" [b]Narrator:[/b] "I play yet the man in the trees does not come with his gifts of basbousa (a popular dessert of nuts, oil, and fried dough), nor does he teach me how to play music. I play the song he taught me, for I have learned it so well, by devoting myself to practice till the evening suns fell." Abdul thinks, then offers, "Well, it could be worse." [b]Narrator:[/b] "Really?" sniffs the djinni girl, looking up. [b]Abdul:[/b] "Does anyone beat you for not begging or stealing enough money?" [b]Narrator:[/b] Whimpering, the djinni girl begins to cry, but this time it's not stifled sobbing but real loud wailing. As she cries, her tears fall on the golden flute. A flurry of leaves dances around Abdul's ankles and then darts up a tree next to the djinni girl. Looking up, Abdul sees a long-armed man, slightly monkey-like in appearance, caked in dried mud - his bright green eyes shine down on Abdul. "Who makes my Minatra cry? The weeping dove's tears have touched my flute, as those of my love once did." [b]Abdul:[/b] "I only told her it could be worse." [/QUOTE]
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True20 Al-Qadim: Zakharan Nights (updated 6/21/06)
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