Time: Early Evening
Location: Caesonia Ball Room
Interaction: The Court
Mentions: Kadir Family.
The sea crossing was treacherous. But that was to be expected. The sea was a mercurial creature. A ship could have 100 uneventful crossings and then suddenly sink will all hands on board. Sacrifices had gone up to prevent such an outcome. The blood of goats and bulls had paid for the safety of the Kadir family. Despite rough waters, the gods must have accepted the gifts as not one life was lost. Being cooped up in ship with his siblings had taxed Amir. There were only so many spaces one could seek solace. Especially as laden as the ships had been. Not only with gifts but also with necessary provisions the royals would need during their stay at court. Everything from clothing to cooking ingredients to books and even pet food.
When they had finally moored, the first sight of the port city had been a mixture of awe and confusion. This Northerner city was much different than Genasea. Definitely not to Amirâs liking. Closer to the piers, the houses were little more than shanties. Not surprising, the poor were as present as the wind or the sun. The richer part of the city however were lavish. The houses sporting gates to keep the rabble out and fancy trimmings. Some even had guards at their gates.
The Sultanâ second child assumed that the castle would be just as lavish. He was no disappointed. The Northern powers had invited them to court. Why this was, he could only guess. Perhaps it was because they wanted to begin a sort of relationship with Alidasht. Usually, these sort of relations was not out of the solidarity. No doubt there was a hidden meaning. For now, Amir would play the part of guest. Step through the double doors and the game would begin. The doors opened.
The Alidasht contingent's entrance was lavish. Each phase of the entrance planned out and with a purpose. The dancing ladies with the petals were a symbol of peace. Laying down petals allowed the Sultan's feet to touch purified soil and visual representation that where the Sultan went so did his land. As intimidating as the armed guards that followed might be, it was actually a sign of respect towards the hosts. This meant that the Alidashti considered them strong and worthy of being considered a threat. It would have been quite disrespectful, at least to a native of Alidasht, if a noble arrived unarmed and unguarded. It meant that the host was considered weak and thus posed no danger. The number of guards was also symbolic. The more of them there were the greater the respect but it also was to be a hint as to the power that was being commanded. Two score armed warriors, hooded turbans with silvery chain mail, and scimitars on their hips, red tipped spears and golden shields strapped to their backs with silken pants the same color as the turbans lined either side of the dancing floor making a safe corridor for the Kadir family to enter.
What an entrance it was. The planaquin of the Sultan was the tip of the arrow like formation. His brother the Vizer followed a step behind on Raif Kadirâs right with the Lady Mayat and Young Munir on his own right. Layla was on the Sultanâs left, a place of honor reserved for the eldest child. Amir himself was left of her and finally Nahir completed the procession. At its tail came servants with lavish gifts to be presented to the hosts as was the custom in Alishdat. Furs, oils, perfume, spices, and more ported in great cedar boxes awaited the Sultanâs pleasure.
In comparison to the bright colors of dancers, soldiers, and some of his siblings, Amir sported a black thick woolen bisht embroidered with gold. Beneath that he sported an ebony high colared Dashiki with golden accents and same colored linen pants. His riding boots, with pointed silver spurs which jingled as he walked, completed his outfit. For accessories he had his two Kopesh and daggers which peeked every now and then from his Bisht with every step like shy, deadly children. His hair was pulled back into a half pony tail that fell to past his shoulders. His raven black hair shiny and well conditioned. A few golden hair clasps would adorn his head to keep any stray hair from falling into his face.
In comparison to his siblings, Mayat for once who was drawing attentions and gasps from men and women alike thanks to her revealing garb, Amirâs own was subdued. Despite his younger sisters jape that she was going to take the burden of being the center of attention, it was actually because of his simplistic garb that he perhaps stood out more. A dark shadow amidst the sea of color and exotic airs given out by the whole procession. Only a fool or blind person would not find Mayat and the others alluring. Especially with some of them sporting their
âpetsâ.
Amir's steps were measured, firm and sure. He moved effortlessly, each step propelling him along. Impassive, inevitable as certain as death that comes to all mortals. His back was straight, long hours in the saddle making him retain his riding posture even when not astride a horse. With each step, his raven ringlet locks bounced ever so slightly. The golden accents on it catching the lighting the hall and reflecting it with a glint. This same glint was seen in his honey colored eyes speckled with gold. These same eyes scanned the room without turning his head. There was no animosity in the stare but it was not an amicable one either. It was merely taking in information of his surroundings. It was as if he was scanning the terrain while riding, how he had looked out on the waves on the voyage north, or looking at goats grazing.
The second son's face was neutral, reveling nothing of this inner thoughts as he surveyed all before him. To any onlooker, it seemed like his face was carved out of the sandstone of Alidasht. Stones have no enmity towards people. They can be the strong walls that protect castles and homes. They could also be huge siege stones that fall from the sky to crush these same walls or people within them whiter they be man woman or child. His cinnamon skin pleasant to look at and looked warm even if his eyes were as devoid of warm as the Northern winters. His eyes fell momentarily on the faces of those gathered, committing the features to memory.
Amongst those gathered, he took note of lords and ladies. It was easy to see those who practiced the art of war, the bodies of the men well muscled. The ladies were a literal representation of the damsels written of in romance stories Kahrem had read and relayed to the family. The Royals of either country were evident to spot. Not only because of their place of honor but there was something in their eyes that echoed the same look his father and the Vizier had.
The second son's face was neutral, reveling nothing of this inner thoughts as he surveyed all before him. to any onlooker, it seemed like his face was carved out of the sandstone of Alidasht. Stones have no enmity towards people. They can be the strong walls that protect castles and homes. They could also be huge siege stones that fall from the sky to crush these same walls or people within them whether they be man woman or child. His cinnamon skin pleasant to look at and looked warm even if his eyes were as devoid of warm as the Northern winters. HIs eyes fell momentarily on the faces of those gathered, committing the features to memory.
He would dance the political dance if he must. Those gathered here could become allies. A smile could be as effective as a dagger to the throat. The old Amir would flash his smile openly and wide. Though just as a man with a brandished dagger, such actions cause mistrust. There was also a saying in Alidasht, âNever draw a dagger unless you mean to draw bloodâ.
As the Kadir family neared the throne, they palanquin stopped a reasonable distance for the other royals. That reasonable distance being a few steps to put them within weaponâs length. The second son rolled his eyes as Mayet had her tiger roar. Quite unnecessary in his eyes but he would not reprimand his younger sister as of yet. After all, keeping these Northerners guessing and awed by their mystery was necessary. Even the second born wanted to get this court necessities over before his other siblings did or said something untoward.
Amir followed his fatherâs example and showed respect to the Kings and Queens of Caesonia and Vanir by crossing his hands in front of him at eye level with wrists on top of each other and balled fists with thumbs towards the floor. He would finish the motion by placing his own forehead to his wrists though is eyes never closed or lost sight of those before him. Munir had tried to provoke him about showing respect. The youngest Kadir had received nothing more than a cold stare, a tight jaw and a raised eyebrow. Almost as if Amir had been looking at fecal matter left by his horse. The old Amir would have slapped the boy. The new Amir often regarded his siblings with a mixture of mistrust and sadness.
His promiscuous little brother would never understand that some time a little respect was necessary. Smiles led to smiles, which led to agreements. These led to alliances led to military strength. Military strength meant power. Power was absolute. Survivors often have the last laugh.
As he finished his bow, Amir could see from his peripheral vision that his younger siblings had once again made game of the proceedings. Munir and Mayet had barely even showed any decorum. No matter, their youth and frolic would one day end. Kahrem would have been sad at his prospect. The twin had been a bit more considerate of his younger siblings. Of all his family in fact. All Amir showed as a flash of emotion in his eyes before it was swallowed up into his stony face. No doubt there would be introductions that would be needed to be made. So he stood by waiting his turn.
Infinite Cosmos
princess