Heirs to the Burning Thrones

[Rystil Arden]

*Shalah cocks her head at Tariq's words and then bows towards him.*

"An astute observation, and we would do well to listen to your words of wisdom in the situation, from your perspective as a fellow merchant. Perhaps I was too hasty in my idealistic conclusion that love can conquer all."

"Perhaps we can pursue the advantage angle further; how petty would the gains of a trade agreement appear before the advantage of descendants with the blood of fire nymphs. For men such as Kadar have often reached the point in their life where they attempt to immortalise their fortunes for their scions, knowing that they themselves will soon be joining Oram in the Hall of Dreams..."

 

[Rystil Arden]

*Shalah listens to Tarek's plan and remembers the incident with snake and the crown, frowning slightly*

"Honoured Tarek, your intentions are indeed noble, but I believe that Kadar would not see an elopement with Malika without his knowledge to be a gift, whether or not she is truly of a value far greater than his proposed match for Marid. His sort like to believe that they are in control, and he would surely balk at our actions behind his back, whether or not we believe them to be more beneficial to Kadar's interests in the long-run."

"Your suggestion to send a messenger to Malika is an excellent back-up if we become pressed for time, and it is a contingency that we would do well to prepare, for it allows us to ensure that Malika is well-informed regardless of success or failure influencing Kadar or the amount of time it takes to do so."

 

[khavren]

Abdul-Hadid Human/Genie-kin Scout

"We cannot break our oath, to do so would prove that we are unworthy of our ancestory. Marid, you say you fear your loves temper against your father and her despair. Has she ever made threats against your father if he were to seperate you and has she ever stated that she would fall into such bleakness as you describe over missing a nights meeting?" As he speaks, Abdul is clearing space and setting up what looks like a small map of the area he observed around the Oasis, including the location of Kadar's tent and the guards.

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

"She... she had never made threats, but I know the temper of her people. I... just worry, I know she is powerful and she has suffered much. But if someone could take a message of my love to her and then convince my father... That would be a wonderful solution!" Marid says carefully.

 

[Brother Shatterstone]

Samira: Flamekissed Half-Nymph/Female (Gestalt: Unfettered/Rogue/Seductress)

“I can go.”

* Samira helped to break the debate quickly with her firm voice held firm. *

“I imagine are common heritage should allow me to gain her trust more easy than the rest of you. If there are no objections of course.”

She looks curious others those gathered in the tent.

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

*Marid looked overjoyed, and quickly began to trace a map on the table with a wine-wetted finger.*

"Here, over this ridge, past the boulder that looks like a pyramid, then you can see the glow on the horizon," he explains.

 

[Rystil Arden]

*Shalah nods in thought to Marid's words*

"Excellent! Then I suppose we must split up to accomplish this task."

"I know that my persuasive arts could be useful in influencing Kadar, but...I dearly want to be there with Samira when she meets with Malika...and I have my own reasons to seek enlightenment in the fire oasis as well."

"Perhaps Kadar would respond best to a delegation of a fellow merchant and our most-skilled priest of the Five Pillars."

"I have heard tales of dangerous creatures that haunt the desert at night, so perhaps some of the guardians could accompany us for protection."

*Shalah reaches into the silks covering her bosom and pulls out Jamilah, her psicrystal, from her usual spot near Shalah's heart and tosses her into the air, willing her to take flight.*

"Those who deal with Kadar should take Jamilah along with you. She is very friendly and loves to bring happiness to others through negotiations, although she will be unable to speak to you while I am away. If Samira or I are needed, you can send Jamilah to find me."

"As for Nafeesa, Cala, and Abdul, I would humbly ask you to choose whichever delegation suits you best."

"Most honoured allies, what do you think of my current proposition?"

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

*Omran and Suhayb quickly step forward to accompany the two former harem girls.*

"I'm afraid my skills do not run to diplomacy. I have a fair hand at tossing the bones, a gift for ribald song, but catering to the prickly pride of merchant lords is not amongst my skills," Suhayb says. "Besides, my own flamekissed heritage could come in useful."

"And I just as soon not talk at all. It's not my style. Actions speak louder than words, but all merchants want is words, words, and more words. I'll attend the traveling heirs," Omran points out, the Atiik's expression his typical stony mask.

"And I'd just say something unforgiveable and end up in a blood feud," the cantakerous Cala remarks. "Besides, the deep desert is my home, and no one can move in it like I can. Besides, my crown allows me to see easily in darkness, and no one is going to surprise us." Cala took out her glittering black circlet and set it upon her head as she spoke.

 

[Rystil Arden]

*Shalah nods and bows courteously to the two guardians and the heir with the dark circlet*

 

[James Heard]

Tarek al Saoud, Exalted Priest of the Five Pillars

"Dearest companions, you have misunderstood my intentions even if you follow them yet. I would never break my guest vow, nor allow any of you to do so either. Nor will I allow the rashness of youth to break his obligations to his father. Yet Marid has pledged himself to appear before his love, and so he must. Therefore, as a gesture of that promise he must exchange it to one of us in his stead, so that we might convey his heart to his love even if only his soul travels. While I am sympathetic to young Marid's interests, I am more concerned for his honor and the honor of our esteemed and generous host."

"My proposal is not for elopement or oathbreaking, but for setting a dowry for Marid's lady love that would suit even the pride of a prince. Marid, your father has shown much generosity to us this night that we must repay." He continues to the rest of the group, "If we reconcile a father and son, what weight in gold is equal to the lifting of a man's spirit? If we bring joy to two starcrossed lovers, where might fortune smile upon us in return one day in our hour of need?"

"Let us take the path of good and honor as it opens before us. Those who walk with honesty need not fear the jackal's howl or night's black heart."

With that,Tarek moves firmly before Marid, presumably to accept some sort of pledge to convey his promise to his lover.