[center][h1][color=D2691E]Farim[/color] & [color=DAF6C7]Riona[/color][/h1]

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As the processions at the table came to a buzzing slow - Farim had taken the time to escort his date home properly, wishing her a good night and that he would hopefully see her in the following morning. He had decided that his time between the afternoon and evening would be spent on another brisk walk through the city of Soriann - seeing what sights he may, and meeting whatever people he would meet. Farim made a quick dash to his room, perching Thara onto his shoulder properly as he planned to let the girl stretch her wings as they made their way into the more common areas of the city.

As he continued his walk through the city, he would raise his hand and let his falcon take off on short glides around the surrounding area as he stopped to peruse various stalls and strike up brief and pleasurable conversations with the locals. As luck would have it, Farim happened to spot a familiar figure in the distance and quickly made his way over - eager to finish their conversation from earlier. The Shehzade approached Riona and offered a gentle greeting as he stepped up to match her pace. [color=D2691E]”Hello again, she-who-has-a-name-that-starts-with-H.”[/color] He chuckled.

The miniature decor she’d purchased for Lordling Smithwood clinked gently as Riona adjusted her grip on the box. The rest of the furnishings would be delivered directly to the guesthouse.

Riona smiled to herself, satisfied with the day’s haul, already envisioning how she would arrange the space. Just one more stop, and then she could return to the Lordling’s room and set to work.

Lost in thought, she didn’t notice the figure approaching her until he spoke.

That voice—she knew that voice.

Spinning around, Riona found herself face to face with Shehzade Farim. Immediately she dropped into a formal Alidasht bow. [color=DAF6C7]“Peace be upon you, Shehzade,”[/color] she said and switched to the [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/5345273]Golden Tongue[/url], [color=DAF6C7]“[color=Gold]<<[/color]The Gods must surely be smiling upon me today, for what greater blessing could there be than to cross paths with you, Shehzade, your presence as warm and radiant as the sun emerging from behind the clouds?[color=Gold]>>[/color]”[/color]

Farim raised a brow at the use of his native language, but effortlessly swapped all the same as they kept their pace.[color=D2691E]”And to you as well, Oh Kind One.”[/color] He smirked. Clearly the compliment was taken well, and he reached up to pet his falcon and decided to match Riona’s energy. [color=D2691E]”And how fortunate that I was graced with the luck to be running into you at such a juncture. You seem to know how to flatter a man - what have I done to earn such radiant praise?”[/color] He paused to look at her various belongings in tow. [color=D2691E]”And what might you be doing this apparently blessed day?”[/color]

A tiny smirk tugged at the more polite smile when the Shehzade returned with his own flowery phrase. [color=DAF6C7]“Is that not the very purpose of the Golden Tongue, Shehzade? Grandmother would have my hide if I addressed the Sultan and his kin any other way.”[/color] Though, if that’s what it would take to see her again, Riona might just have to butcher the Tongue a thousand times over. [color=DAF6C7]“So, I suppose you have earned such radiant praise by... existing?”[/color] She chuckled lightheartedly.

Her gaze drifted to the magnificent bird perched on the Shehzade’s shoulder. Sunlight glinted off its feathers, and Riona’s fingers itched to stroke them. Were they as soft as they looked? [color=DAF6C7]“Or perhaps,”[/color] she added, unable to keep the wonder from her voice, [color=DAF6C7]“I hope to ingratiate myself so you will acquaint me with your winged companion.”[/color]

Noticing his eyes flick curiously to the box she carried, she said, [color=DAF6C7]“Lord Smithwood requested his room to be redecorated, so I have procured… new furnishings.”[/color] Riona cleared her throat as she shifted the box’s weight. Debated showing him the contents. If Shehzade Farim liked Princess Anastasia enough to want to woo her, then surely the man could stomach some mischief. Even relish it.

[color=D2691E]”It is good to know my existence provides radiance for you - and hopefully others.”[/color] He leaned down so Thara and Riona could properly interact. The bird tilted its head, and often made quick darting movements with its beak as if to inspect the new person before her. [color=D2691E]”I do not blame you. Thara is a beautiful bird. She will not bite - just don’t go plucking her feathers. She would resent that.”[/color]

Farim’s gaze fell again to the box she carried. [color=D2691E]”New furnishings delivered by hand. Mighty kind of you to do such a thing. It is not too heavy, no?”[/color] He moved to let Thara hop onto her arm, and gently moved the bird towards the woman. [color=D2691E]”Also, she likes being pet along her back. Try it if you would like.”[/color]

Riona’s eyes widened and her hands fumbled with the box as Shehzade Farim moved to transfer Thara to her. She set the box down on the ground before extending her arm for the bird to perch on.

The box wasn’t exactly heavy—Thara could’ve got on top and it wouldn’t have made much of a difference—but even feathers grew weighty after a time and Riona still ached from last night’s scuffle. The Lordling’s furniture could break into pieces if her arms gave out for all she cared. Thara, on the other hand? Riona didn’t want to startle her.

Gingerly, Riona’s fingers brushed against Thara’s feathers. When the bird leaned into her touch, a smile bloomed across her face and she grew bolder, stroking with growing confidence. [color=DAF6C7]“Aren’t you just amazing,”[/color] she breathed.

But the smile turned wistful as memories of Dan and her older cousin surfaced. [color=DAF6C7]“They would’ve of loved to meet you,”[/color] she told Thara softly. Dan, always at home with any creature in his care, and her cousin... Well, in another life, he might’ve been a naturalist, or maybe even a veterinarian. [color=DAF6C7]“May I ask what breed of bird Thara is?”[/color]

A second later, Riona realized she’d left his earlier question hanging. [color=DAF6C7]“I beg your pardon, I was completely enamored by Thara.”[/color] Riona glanced down at the box. [color=DAF6C7]“The weight is nothing I am unaccustomed to. Servants haul far heavier loads daily. But I do appreciate Your Highness’s concern.”[/color]

Riona continued to pet Thara as she asked, [color=DAF6C7]“If I may be so bold, what occasion brings you to this part of town, Shehzade? Is there something specific you seek?”[/color]

[color=D2691E]”I am simply going where the winds take me - it is something my brother once taught me to do. Sometimes simply wandering and seeing what the fates have in store is an adventure all by itself.”[/color] He smiled as he noticed the way she interacted with his favored bird. [color=D2691E]”She is a Peregrine. I had found her nest after it had been attacked by a viper - I sadly could not save her mother, but I was able to raise her myself.”[/color] Farim gave her beak a light rub with the side of his finger as he retraced the tale. [color=D2691E]”She is a very nice bird - so being enamored is only natural.”[/color] The man straightened his posture. [color=D2691E]”You know you still have not shared your actual name with me, Mysterious One.”[/color] He slyly remarked.

Riona briefly considered continuing the game, but abandoned the idea just as quickly—it would be just rude at this point. If he forgets her name, then he forgets her name. [color=DAF6C7]“Ríoghnach, Your Highness.”[/color] She dipped into a curtsey, keeping her falcon-bearing arm fixed in the air. [color=DAF6C7]“My name is Ríoghnach.”[/color]

With a gentle touch, she coaxed Thara back to her master’s shoulder. Then, hefting the wooden box, Riona resumed her pace down the street, her steps unhurried. [color=DAF6C7]“Am I to understand, then, that you have no pressing engagements this evening, Shehzade?”[/color]

Farim shook his head. [color=D2691E]”Not at all, Rioghnach.”[/color] He took the time to pronounce the name - as if savoring each syllable and nodding approvingly. The man returned her curtsey with a bow at the waist with his arm folding over his chest. [color=D2691E]”It has a nice ring to it.|[/color] 

Riona smiled at his first attempt and the compliment. [color=DAF6C7]“Thank you, Shehzade. If my name proves difficult to pronounce, please, call me something more comfortable to you. Most everyone does.”[/color]

His hand gave Thara’s side a perfectly gentle rub as he talked. [color=D2691E]”I was mildly interested in the circus that I heard about. So if nothing else, there is always that. What about yourself?”[/color]

[color=DAF6C7]“It will depend on how quickly I can complete my tasks for the day.”[/color] Riona said simply, then turned to look at Shehzade Farim, a little surprised. [color=DAF6C7]“Will you not invite Princess Anastasia to accompany you? I believe she would find great delight in such an outing.”[/color]

Farim wagged his finger playfully, fully aware of the surprise of him going solo to such a place. [color=D2691E]”Well, she actually had other plans. Plus I must not suffocate the poor woman with my attention or she may grow sick of me.”[/color] It was then Thara let out a soft coo, as if in agreement. The man chuckled lightly and pet his bird once more. [color=D2691E]”You are welcome to join me in the festivities if you manage to accomplish your chores fast enough.”[/color]

Riona thanked him for the invitation before commenting on what he said earlier. [color=DAF6C7]“Are you not concerned that other prospects might tempt Her Highness? As I mentioned during lunch, she has quite the following.”[/color]

[color=D2691E]”Perhaps. It would sadden me quite a bit if she were to seek a romance elsewhere. But she has given me any reason to think she may fancy other men, so I should not worry too much for now.”[/color] He crossed his arms and looked at the woman as his eyebrows raised slightly. [color=D2691E]”Besides. I hear I have quite the radiant presence - so I would like to see someone beat that.”[/color] The man scoffed sarcastically.

Riona couldn’t help but recall the times she saw Anastasia and Wystan together, but she kept those thoughts to herself. [color=DAF6C7]“If I may be so bold, Your Highness,”[/color] she began, [color=DAF6C7]“you might want to broaden your view of the playing field. Men are not your only competition for Her Highness’s heart.”[/color] The Shehzade scoffed, and Riona allowed herself a small smile. [color=DAF6C7]“The sun’s radiance is undeniable, but, for some, it can be a touch overwhelming. There are those who prefer the softer touch of moonlight.”[/color]

Farim smirked. [color=D2691E]”You seem awfully eager for me to cast my eyes elsewhere. You would not be trying to coax my attention towards yourself would you?”[/color] He spoke in a gentle voice, leaning over and locking eyes for a moment with a grin before returning to his upright position.

If Riona had been eating or drinking in that moment, she would’ve choked on it or spat it out. His conclusion caught her completely off guard. Laughter welled up inside her, fierce and sudden, but she fought it down.

[color=D2691E]”But you are correct. Putting all of your eggs in a single basket is not a sound strategy. Both in finance and in romance.”[/color] Farim sighed. [color=D2691E]”It is not lost on me that she could very well choose someone else. But I no longer wish to meander amidst a crowd of beautiful women. Because when one becomes the subject of your desire, well then the other dozen or so end up hurt or abandoned. But maybe I am just feeling particularly romantic this season.”[/color] He offered a slight shrug. [color=D2691E]”Not to mention, Annie has had plenty a chance to see some more delicate moonlight. But as is the way of nature - moonlight only shines at nighttime.”[/color] The man winked at Riona.

And the sun only shines in the day. [color=DAF6C7]“... With all due respect, I believe whether Princess Anastasia ‘has had plenty a chance to see some more delicate moonlight’ is for Her Highness to decide.” [i]Not you.[/i][/color] As much as she disliked the Princess for toying with people’s hearts to satisfy her own selfish needs, Riona believed that no one had the right to dictate another person’s feelings or experiences.

Before an awkward silence had any chance to fall between them, the maid continued. [color=DAF6C7]“It is admirable to devote yourself to one person. Truly. I simply mean to warn that if you intend to court Princess Anastasia, you must be prepared to fight for her with all your heart. There will be many obstacles… and not all of them are romantic or political.”[/color]

Farim merely nodded. [color=D2691E]”You are right. Forgive me if I sound conceited. I carry an air of confidence to dispel most of my usual worries. And the warning is noted and acknowledged.”[/color] He ushered his bird to take flight, allowing the falcon to circle around them overhead with the occasional perching ahead of where they were walking. [color=D2691E]”I have fought all my life, madam. I am no stranger to such things. If winning her love requires a challenge then so be it. If I shied away from obstacles then I would not have made it far back home.”[/color]

Of that, Riona had no doubt.

[color=DAF6C7]“Even if she herself is the obstacle?”[/color] she asked softly. Maybe too softly, she wasn’t sure if he heard her. 
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