On this day, Raghba Shahr knew nothing but joy.

Founded one hundred and eight years ago today, its citizens celebrated the success of their kingdom. The streets were flooded with people as they took to enjoying themselves, taking every chance to fill on food and drink. For the most part, the spirit was shared among both peasant and royalty; within the castle walls, the Sultan had invited several important figures, intent on showing the capital their leaders.

That said, there was one who did not quite participate. While the Sultan was all too happy to impart his joy, a man known as Khedive Raoul had an imposing aura about him. His composure was kept in expression save for his eyes: a tranquil fury filled them as he glanced over the crowds outside. He tapped his cane with long fingers, only moving when a guard approached him. His scowl was plain at this point, though he didn’t need to respond as said guard departed immediately.

His name was then called, and after putting on some semblance of a pleasant expression, rejoined the other nobility. The guard that had departed exited the room, letting out an exasperated sigh before straightening up at the arrival of the captain.

“Khedive Raoul has asked to increase the numbers in the search,” He stated.

The captain slowly shook his head, unamused. An escaped concubine of sorts wasn’t necessarily anything urgent, but the Khedive insisted on her recovery sooner than later while urging for discretion. “I won’t afford him any more, it shouldn’t be so difficult to find one woman,” He replied curtly. “Quietly, get to it. I’ll take over from here.”

The guard nodded, taking off in the direction of the populace. Music filled the entire city at this point, conversations shouted over one another in an effort in communication. Throughout the celebrations, the occasional guard was seen conversing with another. They would never linger, their reactions a mix of disbelief and exasperation. The result was a stumbling search as the guards alternated between caution and carelessness obvious to any who looked.

Emerging from an alleyway once the guard had passed, the raven haired woman took a look around. The celebration had been just as good a distraction as any, though judging by the guards crawling around, her presence was missed. For now, that simply wasn’t her concern, though she did stop to tug at the golden choli; considering his insistence that she was his tawaif and not his ’courtesan’ as the servants assumed, the man certainly liked the idea of showing her off. The sari was less modest than the others she was used to, the slit outright scandalous, as if her midriff hadn't shown enough skin as it was. But he had assured her of its fine quality, pointing out the intricate designs of gold on blue. She could have believed him if he had been subtle at all, but at this point she knew better.

She stopped as she heard a commotion, raising an eyebrow. Right, then, if she was to escape, then she would need another pair of hands. But there was nothing wrong with a little exploration, her eyes drawn to a small gaggle of women dancing for a crowd.

Well, Harun would give Raghba Shahir one thing. It certainly knew how to throw a party.

The sun beat down on the immaculate city, its towering spires and multicolored ribbons and tabards served as the only respite in its wake. Announcing the beginning of the festivities were ungulating cries and small prayers to Hayashim before the cornucopia of extravagant pleasures and haughty talk commenced. It happened so quickly and with such gusto that Harun did not know exactly what to do.

Having grown up on the streets of Il-Shamabad, Harun wasn't used to vast celebration. The rulers there were far more militaristic and utilitarian in manner. The city guards roamed the streets just as the thugs did, and he had grown quite a collection of scars escaping imprisonment before he had seen fifteen summers. As such, he'd put more men in the ground rather than women in their bed, an old friend once said. He wasn't exactly a people person, he guessed. But he was young and strong, and he wasn't above a good party. He actually missed his old city, but killing an Emir was generally frowned upon so he fled to the only city larger and richer than the last.

He poked his head around the street corner, past the marketplace where merchants of every race and garb were selling their wares with what could only be described as a desperation. In the bath houses, he saw scantily clad women rubbing the shoulders of corsairs and courtiers of the sultan. One ebony pirate was so rotund, his stomach seemed to balloon outward into the water with no sign of curving backward. Across the center, dancing girls spun veil weaves as their bodies leaped and spun teasingly.

They were pretty, but past them and a crowd of fish wives, he saw a woman that would make any man turn twice. A raven haired beauty that had him attempting to peek over the crowd to gain a better look.

He decided to step out into the Bazaar from the alley, eyes locked onto the woman just as a rumble betrayed the monstrous creature about to step on him. His heart leapt into his mouth when an Elephant turned a corner and nearly crushed him, a mustachioed Satrap atop the beast, sneering. "Out of the way, boy!" He spat, uncoiling a whip and swapping at Harun. It was all the street rat could do to keep himself from being smooshed, and expertly he caught the whip on his forearm.

"That's a new record." Harun replied, yanking the whip out of the Satrap's hands with a muscled tug. You would think he would have learned not to piss off powerful people. His next remark was casual. "Two seconds and I can already tell you're a huge bitch."

Needless to say, he had a problem with authority.

A few mumbles here and there and the odd comment showed that the young man's interaction had gotten some attention. For the most part, it was curiosity getting the better of them. The idea of anyone lowborn standing up to higher powers was greatly entertaining, especially when done so boldly. She was greatly amused by the interaction, her mind made up right then and there. There would be no better option to take back what was hers than with someone who cared little for authority--at minimum she had little reason to think he would turn her in.

Now to get his attention. Tapping her chin, an idea came to mind. As she stepped aside, however, she faced the back of a guard's head. Quickly turning around, she knew she needed to get made a decision here and now. Snapping her fingers, a rush of wind swept through, startling the poor elephant. As it reared back on its hind-legs, the guard next to her ran forward in an attempt to calm the creature. Part of her felt bad, but it wasn't hurt, just scared, so she gave it a small apology before moving through the now bustling crowd. Once she got through, she approached the stranger, though before she could get to close, she spotted more guards coming along to assess the situation.

Not wanting to draw any more unneeded attention, she reached out and touched his arm. "Come," She said, beckoning for him to follow her before she turned around and walked into the alley.

Suddenly, a strange gust of wind floated in across the city. Harun's thick head of hair whipped as he looked around in confusion, bewildered. It was as if the spirit of the dunes descended on them, and he had to back away before the Elephant stomped on him. As he did so, he nearly bumped into the last person he expected. It was the woman across the marketplace, appearing as if by magic. When she brushed him with her fingers, he felt tingles along his skin.

Normally he wouldn't be so susceptible to follow a stranger, even a beautiful one. But there was something in the way she moved that caught his attention, and he couldn't fathom why she'd want to speak to him. In an alleyway, no less. As the guard calmed the elephant down, he and the Prince turned to see where the ruffian had gone, only to find no one there any longer. The Streetrat had followed her into the alleyway, glancing around warily as he did so. Usually when a beautiful woman wanted something from him, it was to take advantage of him.

Judging by this woman's ass, she wanted him to for something big.

"Who are you?" He had to ask.

As she lead him down the alleyway, several windows would slowly close. Any person that could have looked their way for any reason suddenly seemed uninterested, the commotion of the crowd muffled somewhat. There was one man that had been in the alleyway, but as soon as he looked at the pair, his eyes were averted elsewhere, and he walked past them, nearly bumping into Harun--almost as if he hadn't seen them. There was an odd silence once she reached the end, a few crates separating them from the rest of the populace on the other side.

The woman finally stopped as she approached the crates, stopping only to hoist herself onto one of them, elegantly perching herself as she crossed her legs. "Call me Lakshmi," She replied as she folded her hands on her lap. "Worry not, I will not keep you in suspense for long. I am in need of a favor that if done, will grant you something you seek."

She paused briefly as she smoothed out the material on her leg, continuing with, "You look like a man that has seen his way around and holds little regard for the frivolity of the visiting nobles. Two traits I am in need of." Despite the lack of a smile on her face, her blue eyes held no malice; they could be described as curious, as if searching his for something. "As I'm sure you are far more than aware, the celebrations have resulted in a mass of nobles all gathering around. One in particular by the name of Qadir has brought something of great value to Khedive Raoul. He went out of his way to obtain it, with many a throat slit and enough blood split to fuel several rituals. Many pains were taken to ensure its safety, although I believe liberating it would make far more of an interesting tale."

"Before I go on, however...tell me, what do they call you?"

Hands in the folds of his trousers, treating them as glorified pockets, he halted when she spun and gracefully plopped on the crates. He raised an eyebrow, wondering what this could be for. He was very wary, truth be told. But at least she seemed casual, despite her imperious nature. Her gaze held his mesmerizingly once he deigned to look in her eyes, but he tried to play it off as nothing. As she spoke however, she became less appealing.

Something about her seemed sorcerous, and her tale didn't halt the notion. But it had been a very dry summer for him, and he did need some way to get money. "You've got my attention, but I'll need some assurance before I start leaping through hoops." He remarked, running a hand through his thick head of dark hair. "I've been hired by people before who thought it was funny to leave me in a hopeless situation. They didn't find the humor in it when I found them again."

Still, he knew she had him. For all of his blunder, he hadn't spoken to an attractive girl in awhile and he was curious on what she was talking about. He raised his head a bit, a challenging look on his face. "My name's Harun. No last name, as far as I know." He shrugged, and turned back to see if anyone was listening in. The Prince nor the elephant were anywhere to be found, and no guards had shown up yet.

"So, what's this you need me to do?" He asked.

"Harun," Lakshmi repeated his name as if testing its sound. A simple name for a simple man. She said nothing more for a moment, but she seemed to like the sound of it. Her gaze searched his face after his question, though she lit up as she came to a decision.

"There is something of mine in the palace that requires liberating--a lamp that is mine," She told him frankly. "A snake by the name of Raul snatched it from its rightful place and seeks to besmirch...me." She seemed quite bitter as she spoke of the khedive, expression darkening considerably. "It's proof of my lineage, so to speak. Without it, I am unable to return to my home in the Isle of Aljana. Simply put, so long as it is in his possession, I have little choice but to follow his every order. I am utterly at his mercy."

Lakshmi gave a small sigh as she closed her eyes, letting the silence linger for a moment. Opening her eyes, she gave Harun a small smile, completely at ease. "That said, I don't expect your services for free, of course," She assured him. "Aside from fulfilling the very noble deed of rescuing a damsel in distress, I have every intention of paying you whatever you wish. These days there is much to be desired, wouldn't you agree? Be it riches or fame, I can give it to you. All you need to do is ask."

Harun seemed apprehensive, but only because he had heard plenty of stories of jobs too good to be true being offered to commoners who they could dispose of once the task was done. He wouldn't let any sort of wariness keep him from a potential prize, though. The job seemed easy enough, and he stood there transfixed in thought for a few moments longer until, arms crossed, he agreed with a nod. He had to take a chance, every once in awhile.

"I'm not sure why this lamp might keep you beholden, but as long as you pay up we shouldn't have any problems." He said. This woman was obviously keeping something to herself, but not in a sinister way wish was all he truly cared about. "You still haven't told me exactly how we, or I, would get into the palace and fetch this thing for you. I can fight a guard or three, but an entire palace full of them isn't something I can handle."

Granted, he hadn't specified what he would wish with from her offer. Who was this woman who could give him whatever he desired? She was beautiful enough to be a princess. Did that mean she had royal power? Maybe it was some edict of the Sultan that kept her from obtaining this lamp. "Let me decide after I grab ahold of the lamp, although I can promise you I don't want to be skulking in streets anymore at night or fighting over food."

He turned away from her then, almost angered at her for being so clean and casually wealthy. She likely thought him worthless, but then he couldn't blame her. He often felt worthless in the grand scheme of things. He knew what he looked like in his reflection, scarred and dirt stained. The street rat clenched his fist.

No more.

Lakshmi cocked her head slightly, her leg bouncing for a moment. He had actually hesitated--yes, this was the very one she needed. Too obedient and with little confidence would lead to disastrous results if things were to go awry. He had a good head on his shoulders, solidifying her choice and reassuring her greatly. He wanted so little, she almost felt bad for it. Fortunately she meant to keep good on her word and wasn't about to go scorning another.

"You'll do neither of those once we are done," She promised him that much, placing her hands at her sides before sliding gracefully to her feet. "As for getting in, that is the easy part. We will simply walk in through the servant's quarters, hiding in plain sight. Many like you have been hired off the streets for one night, and unfamiliar faces are common in the palace today. So long as you are with me, no one will question you. I will guide you to the khedive's room, you will take the lamp, and then we leave while everyone is none the wiser."

She stepped in front of Harun, a finger pointing upwards. "That said, there is no such thing as an easy walk of life. There may be a risk, I will not deny it. Should the worst come, I may not be able to protect you. If you have any doubts, any fears, then I advise you forget my face, and I will search for another," She gave him one final warning. "If you are still in agreement after hearing all that, then we will be off, and there will be no turning back."

Lakshmi lowered her hand, opening it up as she seemed to be holding it out for him. "Do we have a deal?"

Harun considered her offer, wondering for a moment whether or not he could refuse the offer. He felt that maybe he enjoyed skulking through streets and fighting other thieves for food. Nothing tasted better than a meal you stole or fought for. Then again, that's what made this job so tempting. If he came out rich, he'd feel as if he had paid a lifetime's worth of food and drink in one fell swoop.

He took her hand in his. It was a stronger grip than he would have expected from such a delicate hand, which made him grin. At least she had conviction. "You have a deal, babe." He told her, a fire in his eyes.

All they needed to do was get into the Palace via making sure he looked dirty and worn and without having bathed in a few days. Check, check, and...yeah, check.

"Then our deal has been born. No turning back now," Lakshmi replied with a wink, a mischievous look about her as she released him. "Come then, let us gamble against the fates."

The bustling noise of the streets came back as thunderous as ever once the pair stepped back into the crowd. Even so, no one seemed to lay eyes on either of them; Lakshmi walked the path that would lead them straight to the palace, sidestepping most with a practiced ease. Even the closest calls drew no attention to them, but she walked with an impressive speed nonetheless. There would be no slowing down until she ducked into another alleyway, cutting straight through the foot traffic and emerging on a lesser side of the palace that the populace was less familiar with.

Several guards stood around, checking every product and servant that walked through. One was perched on a mountain of crates, searching for something, but after a few seconds, he descended and headed back into the palace. There was a small crowd towards the end of the line as they awaited an order, mostly people whose faces were more commonly seen among the rabble--the tired and hungry looking for a promise of payment that would tide them over for the rest of the celebration so long as they worked without complaint. In truth it was the Sultan's wife who had suggested the idea, feeling that it would make the royal family look more in touch with their people.

Lakshmi ignored the first guard, taking Harun's wrist and walking past both the guard and the crowd, though she released him as she approached an open crate. An assortment of fine silks rested there, a few men having hauled a few and sorting themselves by color going inside but heading in different directions. There was a slight gleam in her eye, a hastily put together plan as she rummaged through the crate for a moment.

"This one will do," She decided, hoisting up a rolled up silk whose color seemed to match the sea. "Take this one and follow me."

Once she led Harun to the last guard, the man's eyes widened considerably. "My lady, you--"

Holding up her hand, Lakshmi shook her head, gesturing to the silk. "Why is it that I had to come out here and get this material myself?" She asked sharply. "I asked that you deliver this to Khedive Raul's room an hour ago."

The man looked from material to woman, confused. "But...I was told you went missing--"

"And here I am. Lucky you," Lakshmi didn't wait for a response, brushing past the man.

The guard looked over Harun wearily, but after glancing back at Lakshmi, he motioned for the young man to pass. The dark haired woman waited for a moment, hastily leading Harun away before anyone would question them. Fortunately, no one batted an eyelash at him as they walked through the bare servants' quarters, although there were a few that did take an appreciative look at Harun once in a while. Once their surroundings changed into finery, they were in the heart of the palace. Servants were dressed much more eloquently, carrying an assortment of food and drink here and there. Several fine artifacts hung on the walls, the floors much cleaner and having an atmosphere of luxury about them.

Lakshmi stopped at an intersection, letting out a tiny sigh of relief. She didn't think it would go this smoothly--they would go straight to the Khedive's chambers and snatch the lamp while the festivities continued. Honestly, she shouldn't have given it a second thought, but the moment she stepped forward, the door ahead of them opened. Out stepped one of the head guardsmen, one who protected the visiting nobles, his outfit differentiating from the usual blue and gold and instead painted green. He seemed to have noticed Harun first, though once his eyes landed on Lakshmi, he almost looked relieved.

"There you are," He strode to them immediately. "The khedive is asking for you."

"I'm busy," She replied, gesturing to Harun. "I need to make another garb after he so carelessly ripped mine."

The guardsman looked like he wanted to say something, but seemed to change his mind, standing firm. "I was instructed to find you and take you to him immediately," He stated firmly.

Lakshmi hesitated, trying to think. This was a minor hiccup--all she needed was for Harun to get the lamp. Slowly, she nodded, clearing her throat as she gestured to Harun. "Let him leave this then, and I will go with you," She said.

The older man nodded, giving Harun a look that clearly said "Don't try anything funny" before taking Lakshmi by her arm. She didn't resist, though she threw Harun a look and tried to signal a numerical two, hoping he would take the hint.

Harun found himself in the most unlikely of places. He stood amid a palace more opulent than anything he had ever seen in his life. He tried to keep himself from gaping, though he still looked around and stared in amazement at all of its glory. It was almost as beautiful to look upon as Lakshmi. The silk in his arms could buy four homes out in the poor quarter, and food enough to eat for weeks at that. He needed to find an oil lamp that would bring him even more wealth, and all of this hinged on a mysterious woman he'd made a deal with.

He sighed, coiling the silk around his arms a bit more to hide the stretching of his hands. He knew he needed to break someone's face like as not before this was over. He hoped that wasn't the case, but everyone around him was a potential enemy. Perhaps even his patron, if he was found out. Who knew if she would betray him?

He took her signal, and waited for the guards to escort her away before he made his move through the palace, going where Lakshmi indicated the lamp to be. The palace corridor was dimly lit, which made it easier for him to ease his way through. He was more of a ruffian than a thief, but he had picked pockets in his time. He almost felt this was entirely too easy, truth be told. A room framed with crimson curtains gaped open in front of him, and in he stepped as quietly as a ghost.

Torches kindled the room in light, surrounding a lavish and soft bed that stood upon a raised platform in the floor with steps leading down to the rest of the vast room. Pots and sculptures from across the wide world stood as tokens of the Khedive's wealth. However, upon the center on the lower portion of the room was a small oil lamp besides a great jewel of crimson majesty. Harun approached warily in a crouch, and his fingers wiggled as he considered taking the jewel instead.

No... no they had an agreement. He was going to take the lamp, even if the decision had him sweating and swallowing a dry throat. Nimbly, he plucked the lamp up. It was a strange, ancient piece. Dusty too. He rubbed it a bit, trying not to scuff it when a small polychromatic light burst forth from the mouth of the lamp. It seemed to 'pop' and then go still once again. Harun's eyes widened like he held an explosive device.

"What the fuck..." He breathed, but still he would keep his word. He placed it in his small sack and backed out of the room as quickly and quietly as he could...

As Harun remained in the hallway for a moment, a pair of footsteps alerted him to someone else approaching. The same guard that had escorted Lakshmi away had returned. He no longer held the previous stress he had before, instead looking more impatient than anything. He briefly looked at the room for a moment before looking at Harun once again.

"Since you have time to loiter, you're clearly not utilizing your time wisely. I suggest you focus if you still want your pay at the end of the day," He stated harshly. "The heat has our guests feeling faint. You clearly have nothing better to do, so follow."

Turning without waiting for a response, the guard would lead Harun to a room occupied by the cities finest in both material possessions and people. While the rest of the palace wasn't lacking in opulence, it was clear this room was meant to impress. From fine rugs splayed about to the many statues placed precariously, there was an abundance of wealth in items alone. Some would argue that the people within did compare, however--finely dressed nobles from around the country were seated on a number of different couches with the exception of the sultan on his throne.

On one of the couches closest to the throne sat an olive skinned gentleman with sharp eyes and features. There was something about him that came off as insincere--his every movement seemed calculated, every word spoken only after a considerable amount of thought was put into it. Still, anyone that interacted with him seemed enraptured, a little afraid, even. Considering he was one of the sultan's most politically powerful men, perhaps his position held some weight.

He finished speaking to someone before bringing his attention to a very disinterested Lakshmi, whose eyes seemed to be staring at a particularly fascinating spot on the wall. He ran his hand under her chin, her eyes snapping to him with a dark look, though he seemed to enjoy it.

At that point, the guard shoved a large fan into Harun's hands. "The khedive needs refreshing. Go to him," He barked his order.

Harun was tense when he was given a talking to by the servant, hoping beyond hope he wasn't discovered. The tongue lashing wasn't something he couldn't handle, however. He had been treated like dirt most of his life. At least the servant spoke to him, rather than walking past him as if he were a stray dog or a dangerous thug. Harun was not a thug. People just needed to look past the stealing and the violence once in awhile.

"Yes, of course." He replied to the order, though his biggest instinct at that moment was to kick the servant and then punch the Kedihve straight in the face. The stately man seemed perturbed at something, a manner which Harun believed he kept on him perpetually. Harun hated noblemen, and wiping that look off of his face would be a dream come true. But he knew it would be a death sentence for him, and just as importantly, it might compromise Lakshmi. He didn't really know her, but she hadn't betrayed him yet, so he wouldn't betray her.

Harun approached, clutching the fan in his strong hands and making his way over to the man. He didn't kneel, even though he felt it was right. He simply knew the man wouldn't be fanned completely, so he stood at a distance and fanned the man, keeping his face neutral. He could feel the lamp in his baggy trousers poking into his leg.

He glanced Lakshmi's way every once in awhile, surprised the woman who felt so powerful and dominating recruiting him was acting like an obedient pet, neutral in manner and emotion. Harun then began to wonder, when would he be told not to fan, and did servants get bathroom breaks? What if they really needed to go? Fuck, he was overthinking this.