King Renaux of Travére
Dedicated
The King of Gauldin
Roleplay posts: 368
Age: 29
Physical Description: Standing at 6'4 Renaux is an imposing figure. He is well muscled from years of training and he has collected his fair share of scars. His auburn hair is kept short in a military style, and his face is clean shaven. He has a powerful jaw, mid set cheek bones, and a smooth brow. His blue eyes are fierce and determined, though there are smile lines in the corners.
Renaux was never supposed to be king he is actually the second son of the now deceased King Voltair. The former king and the crown prince Vyun both died in an a tragic airship crash three years ago much to Renauxs sorrow and anger. Renaux never held any aspirations for the crown and hated the thought of having things given to him. He entered the Académie Royale de le Pégase by winning the yearly tournament while posing as a peasant. He kept up this charade over his years serving with the Royal Air Force reaching the rank of Captain on his own merits.
He may have spent another few years in this guise but with his father and brother dead he was forced to ascend to the throne. Relatively unknown among the nobility Renaux has faced many challenges in the last two years. These turned the young military commander into a king whether or not he will prove to be a good one is still unknown.
Clothes and Equipment: Pretty much whatever he wants he's a king.
The Crown of Wings, and his Bastard Sword.
Clothing changes between enchanted plate, military dress, and casual clothing.
Registered: Dec 3, 2015 18:03:01 GMT -8
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Post by King Renaux of Travére on May 13, 2017 11:16:43 GMT -8
The Emira's rebuttal was met with an incline of his head acknowledging that he had indeed given her pieces of his mind, though in his view they had been relevant pieces as they impacted the nature of the negotiation. As well as to accept that her disinclination to accept the teleportation circle had a satisfactory reason, though that didn't excuse they way she'd framed her first denial. This time he offers no counter argument as he did not see the point, apparently, the Emira took personal affront to his opinions and chose to take them as an insult. Her pride was misconstruing his logic as condescension and there was little he could do about that.
The Emira had also misunderstood why he was pushing for more. It was true he did not handle verbal warnings well, he was a warrior before a king and he responded to hostility with hostility. However, it was not her criticism of his character that had caused him to push up the prices. He did not like being taken advantage of and Fairuz had continually pushed for more when he was already giving her a good deal. Then when he'd finally tried to put some perspective on the deal she'd decided to act personally insulted instead of feeling an ounce of shame. He had been trying to do a less than obvious favor for her by acting the part of poor negotiator and instead of jumping on his generosity she'd pushed for more. Which had lead to him finally spelling out just what her place was within the negotiation.
As she put it, it was a hard pill to swallow but if you had asked the king the only reason she had to swallow it was due to her own pride and greed. She'd demanded his respect and thus he would bargain with her as a King, which meant his only concern now was that his country profit from the deal, generosity was no longer a factor.
The Emira's request that they postpone is met with a nod. "I think that is for the best. I have not comported myself as a King should in this negotiation, in the future I will attempt to do so." He says offering her a crisp short bow. "Once again I offer you my apologies Emira. Regardless of intent I gave insult and that is unbecoming, I will attempt to keep my words professional in the future." Then he turns on his heel and walks away heading to the guest suite.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 8, 2024 11:49:41 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2017 11:23:13 GMT -8
"You have my apologies as well, Your Highness. Rest well tonight, and enjoy a day of respite and entertainment tomorrow." She met his gaze, and gave her small bow to him from where she stood behind her desk. He saw himself out, and she sat down, putting a hand to her temple.
She had much to think about, and wondered if the other avenues she had for not using Cieltherium had gained any momentum. Dropping her hand, she reached forward to pick up a perfectly spherical, cloudy pink ball in her hand to look into her other threads.
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Hafiz al-Shiraaz
Established
Emissary of the Infinite Deep
Roleplay posts: 16
Physical Description: A stern, iron-faced marid with pale blue skin and a shaved head. Tall and well-built, with a deep, booming voice, the emissary poses a striking figure.
Clothes and Equipment: The emissary wears fine, high-quality clothing, as befits his station. He carries the rod of his office, which also serves as a lightning-empowered mace in a pinch.
Registered: May 13, 2017 12:44:07 GMT -8
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Post by Hafiz al-Shiraaz on May 18, 2017 13:59:57 GMT -8
Hafiz walked with @fairuz into her office, laughing softly at her comment on the gift. She was a clever one, the Emira, and quick. “Your majesty is descended from Akilah, if the legends are to be believed. And through her, kin to my lord, the Emir of the Infinite Deeps. It is plain to see that the line is strong, and Akilah’s wit lives on in her blessed descendants.”
After entering the office, he turned and bowed deeply again, allowing Fairuz the opportunity to choose her seat first and whether or not to invite him to sit as well.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 8, 2024 11:49:41 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on May 18, 2017 14:14:21 GMT -8
"You flatter me," the Emira said, a bit plainly even because she knew the courtier ways. She was rather adept in them herself. She moved in front of him, affording him a generous view -- naked back, tiny waist with a thin, delicate chain of gold across it, wide hips and round... curves.
She took a seat on one of the sofas before the wide, round map that was inset to her floor, zoomed out so that you'd be able to see Sakand, its nearby island chain, and its golden coast, as well as the misty, swirling sands of the Sorala Desert. Leaning over, she pat the seat beside her, pillows all around to make them comfortable.
"I'm sorry, but I am still... Still so shocked to have you here, within Sakand. We thought your people were lost to tales of myth. That you've been alive and well for so many years has my mind reeling. I was beginning to think that Sakand was the only bastion left of our culture." And that was definitely genuinely said, straight from the Emira's heart.
It might have even hinted that she did, indeed, possess one, with a strong and resolute determination to her people, her culture, its past and its future, and the city she was in. The Emira was beautiful and conniving and manipulative, as a politician should be, but she was also extremely (perhaps to a fault?) dedicated to the glory of Sakand.
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Hafiz al-Shiraaz
Established
Emissary of the Infinite Deep
Roleplay posts: 16
Physical Description: A stern, iron-faced marid with pale blue skin and a shaved head. Tall and well-built, with a deep, booming voice, the emissary poses a striking figure.
Clothes and Equipment: The emissary wears fine, high-quality clothing, as befits his station. He carries the rod of his office, which also serves as a lightning-empowered mace in a pinch.
Registered: May 13, 2017 12:44:07 GMT -8
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Post by Hafiz al-Shiraaz on May 19, 2017 11:19:12 GMT -8
Hafiz took the offered seat, hoping inwardly that the Sakandi culture would not consider it rude for him not to back away and protest that he was not worthy to sit beside the Emira. But when in doubt, it was also certainly better to err on the side of doing exactly what nobles said and to beg forgiveness for misunderstand afterwards if it went awry.
“We thought the same, Your Highness. My lord, the Emir, was shocked and delighted when it was discovered that perhaps Lost Sakand could be found once more. I was dispatched as soon as the way was known to come here and seek to renew the bonds of peace and kinship between our peoples. I have been authorized to discuss matters of trade, and perhaps the forge closer bonds. To speak plainly, The Emir remains unwed, and there are beautiful daughters among the nobles of the Infinite Deep. His Majesty feels that such marriages could be advantageous to both of our peoples in reforging the bonds of kinship between us.” He bowed deeply as he spoke.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 8, 2024 11:49:41 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on May 19, 2017 15:14:57 GMT -8
"Aaaah," she said, smiling and nodding her head. "I see now. Closer bonds. Indeed, I agree. The pureblood Sakandi are beginning to dwindle in numbers, and... if I can be bold in saying so, too traditional. This is not the Sakand of a thousand years passed. Our location has now been shown to many, many other countries and people within this world and it would do us more harm than good to limit our ability to tap into Sakandshrianan to only the noble few."
She leaned forward and took a Sakandi decanter into her own, filled with Rondi wine, and poured some for herself and for Hafiz without asking if the Emissary wanted any. Then, she handed him the glass cup and sat back comfortably in her own, her long golden earings chiming near her ears. "The truth of the matter is that it is not the nobility that are the first to get sick, the first to go to the war, or the first to colonize other lands. All of my people need to be able to fortify and defend themselves, to progress themselves into a more enlightened state of mind, and you... you are the answers to my prayers."
She took a drink of her wine, her jade eyes watching Hafiz from over the rim. "Does the Emir Alim have a list of qualities he is looking for in a woman? A certain social standing he is expecting?"
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Hafiz al-Shiraaz
Established
Emissary of the Infinite Deep
Roleplay posts: 16
Physical Description: A stern, iron-faced marid with pale blue skin and a shaved head. Tall and well-built, with a deep, booming voice, the emissary poses a striking figure.
Clothes and Equipment: The emissary wears fine, high-quality clothing, as befits his station. He carries the rod of his office, which also serves as a lightning-empowered mace in a pinch.
Registered: May 13, 2017 12:44:07 GMT -8
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Post by Hafiz al-Shiraaz on May 20, 2017 8:59:26 GMT -8
Hafiz smiled warmly as he accepted the wine from the hand of the Emira himself. A courtier’s smile, but with her experience in politics and social maneuvering @fairuz could possibly tell the genuine relief behind it. Trade was all well and good, but it was secondary. A series of marriages, and the children that would come with them in the next few years, would much more reliably and swiftly forge a strong bond.
“It is most gratifying to hear that your Majesty feels this way. And saddening to hear that the ways and blood of old are threatened. With marriages between the high nobles of Sakand and the Infinite Deep, perhaps it will come into fashion. It will simply be the thing to do to find someone in the family to marry from one to the other, yes?”
Hafiz knew that it might not go that way, of course, but it could be steered onto that course. Especially if the marriages brought with them gifts from the Emir. Suddenly, families of all ranks and stations would be finding uses for third sons and extra daughters. But that was a matter for another time.
“My lord, the Emir is a man of station and ambition, You Majesty. He obviously seeks a wife of appropriate station for himself. Youth and beauty are always becoming, but more than that, he seeks a keen wit. A partner who can match him. A visier, an advisor, a general… these always have their own goals, and their words will seek to guide in this direction or that to rise in wealth or fame. But a wife… A wife rises as the husband rises. His wealth is her wealth. Her acclaim is his acclaim. The Emir seeks a keen mind to share in his goals and ambitions. And I believe he has a preference for lean, athletic types.”
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 8, 2024 11:49:41 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on May 21, 2017 13:11:02 GMT -8
She laughed, a sound that was altogether too genuine, filling the room for a moment as she let her head bow, her dark hair swinging forward and her jewelry chiming quietly. She lifted her gaze then, her jade eyes full of her humor and a sharp gleam of cunning. Akilah the Clever, indeed.
"That is one way to travel around a house," she said, her humor still evident on her voice as she drank her wine. "Why did he choose to leave it to me to pick his wife instead of simply asking me?"
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Hafiz al-Shiraaz
Established
Emissary of the Infinite Deep
Roleplay posts: 16
Physical Description: A stern, iron-faced marid with pale blue skin and a shaved head. Tall and well-built, with a deep, booming voice, the emissary poses a striking figure.
Clothes and Equipment: The emissary wears fine, high-quality clothing, as befits his station. He carries the rod of his office, which also serves as a lightning-empowered mace in a pinch.
Registered: May 13, 2017 12:44:07 GMT -8
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Post by Hafiz al-Shiraaz on May 22, 2017 9:33:22 GMT -8
“To be blunt, Majesty, we were unaware of the disposition of Sakand until we arrived. My lord could not possibly know who leads here or who would be available, or any of the needful information to propose negotiating marriages.” Hafiz spread his empty hands as he spoke, as if to show that he wasn’t holding any knowledge in them somehow.
“For all we knew, Sakand might have been lead by someone so old, we would be discussing the marriages of his great grandchildren. And I still do not know if there is an Emir, your majesty.” He chuckled and shook his head at that. “And so, I have little choice except to lay our cards upon the table and trust Sakand to suggest matches as a place to begin.”
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 8, 2024 11:49:41 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on May 22, 2017 14:27:14 GMT -8
"Mm," the Emira said, an agreeable sound, as if she clearly understood their position. She took a moment to answer however, ruminating on what he implied, the... shallowness of it. Of course, all marriage contracts were shallow. They were about power and resources and had very little to do with the deepness of affection and emotion. But she noticed that all the Emir of the Infinite Deep cared for was age and looks, although he also sought compatibility. These were all menial things, to the Emira's mind. "Are resources not a concern to the Infinite Deep, then?" Fairuz asked. Her gaze had been lowered, watching as her fingertip trailed over the edge of her wine goblet, but then she lifted those striking jade eyes to look at Hafiz al-Shiraaz. "The Emir needs only a beddable and biddable woman, but her... dowry, shall we call it-- that matters naught to him?" She was trying to gauge how well-off the Infinite Deeps were. Marrying herself, or any of her nieces, to this unknown, so-far-hidden country would be a gamble, but it would be even more so of a gamble before learning what it was that they could offer Sakand... and what Sakand could offer in return. Strong bloodlines and strong connection Sakandshrianan, however. That was definitely something worth trading. It meant more majic, powerful majic, majic that could turn the tides, so to speak, for both countries. Still, there were other threats beyond their similar cultures. Fairuz had seen them first-hand.
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Hafiz al-Shiraaz
Established
Emissary of the Infinite Deep
Roleplay posts: 16
Physical Description: A stern, iron-faced marid with pale blue skin and a shaved head. Tall and well-built, with a deep, booming voice, the emissary poses a striking figure.
Clothes and Equipment: The emissary wears fine, high-quality clothing, as befits his station. He carries the rod of his office, which also serves as a lightning-empowered mace in a pinch.
Registered: May 13, 2017 12:44:07 GMT -8
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Post by Hafiz al-Shiraaz on May 22, 2017 16:18:24 GMT -8
“Resources are a concern to all, Majesty.” Hafiz bowed deeply to @fairuz as he spoke. “There is trade, but there are always more possibilities. Lost Sakand is said to be a land of many rare dyes and spices, in our tales. They speak of such legendary delicacies as dates, even, but few among our people believe that such things are real.”
He chuckled at that and shook his head, amused at the idea of speaking of such children’s tales with the Emira. It was almost embarrassing, really, but he was in a land of myth and legend, after all. “My lord has no doubt that suitable dowries could be arranged. Perhaps including a small plot of land on which to build a more permanent home for visiting dignitaries and officials. Perhaps such a biddable woman would come with the right to a title in Sakand. There are, of course, similar offers to Sakand among the marriage proposals.”
Hafiz leaned forward as he began discussing more serious and realistic offers. The trade of land and titles would be a public show of unity and tie their interests together more than simply trading a few daughters around. Even relatively minor ones would tie obligations across the borders. “For ourselves, the Infinite Deep is wealthy in many bounties of the sea. Fish and crab and urchin, if the people of Sakand have a taste for such. Pearls and corals as well, as your majesty has seen.”
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 8, 2024 11:49:41 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on May 22, 2017 17:22:54 GMT -8
She laughed momentarily. "There is enough land to give... but it is worthless land. What Sakand needs most is water. We once had a gem that glittered above our city, bursting with magic that helped the spring here flow and flow. But it was taken from us, and even though our supposed saviors of Isra have said they will help us, the gem has still not been returned. I've already sent out a party to find the Eye of the Moon to help us, but... Other than the lands directly around Sakand itself, there is nothing fertile. Just hot sand and misery."
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Hafiz al-Shiraaz
Established
Emissary of the Infinite Deep
Roleplay posts: 16
Physical Description: A stern, iron-faced marid with pale blue skin and a shaved head. Tall and well-built, with a deep, booming voice, the emissary poses a striking figure.
Clothes and Equipment: The emissary wears fine, high-quality clothing, as befits his station. He carries the rod of his office, which also serves as a lightning-empowered mace in a pinch.
Registered: May 13, 2017 12:44:07 GMT -8
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Post by Hafiz al-Shiraaz on May 22, 2017 20:12:35 GMT -8
“Ah, but your majesty… We are the marid of the Infinite Deep.” Hafiz smiled widely and bowed his head. “The waters answer to our beck and call, as the earth and stone answer to yours. Perhaps if my lord, the Emir were to direct a number of maji from the court to the aid of our cousins in Lost Sakand, this would sweeten the deal?”
The Emissary was tipping his hand here somewhat, but there was little chance of avoiding it forever. Better to have it open from the outset than to be accused of dealing falsely later on. He was not just here to deal and negotiate, after all. He was here to re-establish friendship and goodwill. “If the power of the Infinite Deep can restore this spring and bring the waters back to Sakand literally as well, then all will benefit by it, after all. Perhaps some of Your Majesty’s own maji could be sent to the Deep as well, that our peoples might learn from each other.”
Hafiz looked up, risking to meet the Emira’s gaze directly for a brief moment. “My lord wishes above all things for Lost Sakand and the Infinite Deep to be as one people.”
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 8, 2024 11:49:41 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on May 23, 2017 11:27:34 GMT -8
She tapped a finger against her wine glass, and then moved to stand, comfortable in her body. Her naked back was to him, clothed only in the sweep of her dark hair against her golden-tan skin and the trailing material that crossed over the front of her body to keep her modest.
She was thinking about what Hafiz had given to her, and although he had said that he spoke with the voice of the Emir, she could help but feel that something might be lost in translation between the rulers with the Emissary in between. And although she was hopeful that the Marid were the answers to all of her prayers... she could not afford to be so foolish. She also could not afford to offend the man behind her.
She stopped by the edge of the shallow 'pool' that made her world map, about an 8 inch drop to where they could see the world in real time, like movable, playable pieces. It was focused on Sakand, and just a bit west of Sakand, the camp that was trying to bring the river back to the desert.
"I will agree to a trade of maji," Fairuz said, and turned a little to look back at him, a hint of the curve of her breast visible where the material did not fully cover her. "But I would also like to extend an invitation for the Emir himself to visit Sakand. It will be a celebration for the city that will sweep through the streets; two families that have found each other once again."
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Hafiz al-Shiraaz
Established
Emissary of the Infinite Deep
Roleplay posts: 16
Physical Description: A stern, iron-faced marid with pale blue skin and a shaved head. Tall and well-built, with a deep, booming voice, the emissary poses a striking figure.
Clothes and Equipment: The emissary wears fine, high-quality clothing, as befits his station. He carries the rod of his office, which also serves as a lightning-empowered mace in a pinch.
Registered: May 13, 2017 12:44:07 GMT -8
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Post by Hafiz al-Shiraaz on May 23, 2017 12:50:55 GMT -8
An invitation to the Emir personally? That was no small step. He had, of course, expected something of that nature to come eventually, he was surprised by how soon the Emira brought it up. But it was something Alim might have done himself. He was fond of hosting visiting nobles and showing off the very best of his domain. And he was even more fond of dealing with important people face-to-face. Of looking them in the eyes and taking their measure. Doubly so if they were not expecting him.
Hafiz tore his eyes from the distracting body of @fairuz and bowed deeply. “Of course, Your Majesty. I will convey the invitation to my lord, the Emir the moment I return to the Infinite Deep. Or I will send word at the first opportunity, as the Emira prefers.”
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 8, 2024 11:49:41 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on May 25, 2017 21:38:23 GMT -8
"I would not want you to hurry away from us so soon," the Emira said... and the way she looked at Hafiz, it might have been an invitation. Then again, perhaps not. It was hard to tell with her, cunning as she was. "But perhaps now would be a good opportunity to send the message," Fairuz said with a small laugh as she turned back around to face him and sank back into the couches.
"I would like to know more about the nobles available for marriage. I would like to know more about the Infinite Deep, and the Marid people," she told him, honestly and openly. "Send your message, then spend the rest of the night talking with me," she told Hafiz, jewelry chiming from around her wrist as she gestured with her words.
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Hafiz al-Shiraaz
Established
Emissary of the Infinite Deep
Roleplay posts: 16
Physical Description: A stern, iron-faced marid with pale blue skin and a shaved head. Tall and well-built, with a deep, booming voice, the emissary poses a striking figure.
Clothes and Equipment: The emissary wears fine, high-quality clothing, as befits his station. He carries the rod of his office, which also serves as a lightning-empowered mace in a pinch.
Registered: May 13, 2017 12:44:07 GMT -8
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Post by Hafiz al-Shiraaz on May 29, 2017 7:39:22 GMT -8
"It would be a great honor, and a great pleasure, Your Majesty." Hafiz bowed low to the Emira. He followed her instructions to the letter, as was his habit. A detailed message and invitation was quickly composed and sent off to his master in the Infinite Deep, and then he returned to speak with @fairuz about whatever she cared to learn. The history and customs and current state of both of their people were discussed and compared in great detail. Each found in the other tales of myth and legend sometimes made common by familiarity, and sometimes exaggerated beyond recognition. But through it all, their common heritage was always apparent. Despite all their differences, it was clear that the people of Sakand and the maridi of the Infinite Deep were truly branches of the same tree.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 8, 2024 11:49:41 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2017 9:59:35 GMT -8
Emir Alim al-Rashid followed the Emira into her office, the golden train of her gown lightly whispering over the mosaic tile floor, the gems against her skin sparkling and teasing at the golden-tan flesh beneath. Bahadur paced with powerful rocks of his shoulders, his tail lightly curved as he went to take his place on a small bed that was clearly made for him. The great animal turned its gaze and kept its tawny eyes pinned on the large Maridi ruler, striped tail slowly twitching. There was a veranda that looked upon the sparkling rooftops of Sakand, made even more brilliant and breath-taking with the dusk that was slowly beginning to descend, little rivers of blue between the buildings, their domes and rooftops curved and arched and sparkling with their painted tiles. In the distance, the golden dome of the Temple of Serenity could be seen, as well as the verdant green of the Hanging Gardens. But at the center of the Emira's office was something much like a sorceress might have, something Hafiz had already seen -- a circle set down in the floor, tiled, it seemed, with a vision of Sakand. It moved as if in real-time, a map of sorts that showed her the city, lights floating all around it just as they floated all around the city as well. It showed the currents of the sea.. and it showed the progress of the camp outside Sakand, digging and begining the infrastructure for the river the Emira was trying to push. "This might be an ignorant question, but are you thirsty?" the Emira asked, moving toward a sideboard in her exotic, magical office and pouring herself a cup of wine.
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Emir Alim al-Rashid
Established
Emir of the Infinite Deep
Roleplay posts: 28
Physical Description: A towering, massive djinn, Alim is the epitome of marid might. His skin is deep ocean blue and his eyes glow yellow. Long teal hair is pulled up into a topknot and flows down his back. Short, black horns curl from his temples, giving him a demonic appearance.
Clothes and Equipment:
Alim wears only the finest clothing and jewelry, as befits his station. He is always armed with at least a blade, if not more than one. Any weapon he carries if certain to be highly enchanted for both strength and sharpness.
Registered: May 13, 2017 13:02:51 GMT -8
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Post by Emir Alim al-Rashid on Jul 30, 2017 8:11:18 GMT -8
The Emir saw the magical map in the floor, and appreciated it for what it was. He understood that it took both power and skill to craft, and that it represented a significant achievement in the magical arts and that having a person or group capable of it come here meant that @fairuz had either significant power, wealth, or both at her disposal.
And yet, he had to focus to look at it. It took an effort of will to tear his gaze away from the magnificent view out of the veranda. Lost Sakand was truly a city of wonder and beauty beyond compare, and seeing it spread out before him like stirred something other than ambition in the cold maridi heart.
“Thirsty? Not in the strictest sense, no. But in the more direct meaning, I would enjoy a glass, thank you. And, in truth, I am curious to taste the exotic flavors of Sakand…” The corner of of his lips curled up slightly as he spoke the last line, perhaps hinting at something other than the wine.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 8, 2024 11:49:41 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2017 6:57:15 GMT -8
His words got the reaction he wanted, no doubt. She turned in her glittering, nigh-naked gown and there was something wicked and flirtatious in her jade eyes as she looked at him from beneath her lashes. The corners of her crimson mouth turned up a little in that glance, and then she had turned back to finish pouring the goblets. She brought one to him, Sakandi wine tangy but spicy as it was not made from grapes like other nations, but instead from the agana fruit -- a fruit for which they used the blossoms and leaves to adorn those who come into the city as well. "Enjoy," she told the Maridi, her fingertips brushing over his as she exchanged the goblet. "This is my latest project in Sakand," she spoke up, moving away from him, the backlessness of her dress showing the trim and sensuous lines of her own back and shoulderblades, reminiscent, perhaps, of Bahadur's own, given the sleek strength she had in her body. Clearly, she was not a docile woman but then, one would have to be blind, deaf, and mute not to understand that about the Emira. She gestured with a hand, almost as if wiping a slate, and the map in the circlet of the floor shifted and changed, narrowing in on the terraforming project. They had half a mile of river flowing, and hundreds and hundreds of workers. "There was once a great river in Sakand, its borders lush and green as the water gave life to the golden sand," the Emira spoke, casually circling around the map with a honeyed sway to her hips, her long, gauzy golden train trailing behind her. "Life thrived. But in the thousand or more years, it has gone. Disappeared. As have the villages and cities upon it. I want to bring it back, but... it's proven quite a task." She looked pointedly then at Emir Alim al-Rashid.
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