[color=lightgray][center][h2][color=slateblue] Ariella[/color], [color=E77298]Anastasia[/color] & [color=D2691E] Farim[/color][/h2][/center]

[center][h3][color=D2691E]Part 2[/color][/h3][/center]

[color=slateblue]Location:[/color] Prince Callum’s Tavern
[color=E77298]Time:[/color] 3pm
[hr]

Farim could tell the woman was eyeing him up, perhaps to see what he was made of or judge his initial reaction. All Farim would do is flash his innocent playboy smile before realizing his social snafu. [color=D2691E] “My goodness! Forgive me, Lady Edwards! I suppose I should familiarize myself with proper titles and names in this place. I’ll make it up to you for my error.” [/color] He gave a sly wink before sitting himself at the table, making sure his flowing silk garb wouldn’t be caught in anything. Anyone looking at the trio would certainly be surprised as their combined net worth was likely more than the entire building. But this did not affect Farim, for he simply enjoyed living in the moment.

[color=D2691E]”While I would normally say to go heavy on the drinks, I must maintain some composure for dinner tonight, Princess. My [i]father[/i] would have my head if I were too inebriated. So I shall request something in the middle, but still tasty if possible. I shall not be picky.”[/color] He leaned onto the back of the chair, one arm slung behind the wooden back and another draped over his crossed knees. [color=D2691E]”What exactly have you been up to since you departed from the park, Princess? And you, Lady Edwards. I hope your day has been peaceful if not eventful. I’m sure the Princess could whip up something fun to do after dinner!”[/color] He merely teased at the thought, but felt like the King and Queen would sooner pay their entire treasury out than let any royal children out at night again. 

[color=E77298] “Your wish is my command.”[/color] Anastasia said with a giggle, and then gave the duo a theatrical bow. She paused before departing to fetch the drinks. Perhaps her intention had been to not blurt about the Damien Estate drama to an Alidasht, but she found herself unable to hold her tongue while under the influence. [color=E77298] “Hehe, I just was hanging out with some friends. We didn’t do anything crazy like going to Count Calbert’s house to investigate gunshots or anything. We actually did really normal things like… Eating annnnd drinking. Mundane stuff… Okay beee right back! ”[/color] With that, she gracefully made her way over to the bar to order some drinks.

Ariella tried to catch her friend but before she could even get a word formed she had left. Her hands resting on her lap she leaned back against the booth seemingly nervous in the presence of Farim. 

Twisting her fingers together she smiled nervously, [color=slateblue] “Don’t worry about the titles, I personally find them rather confusing as well. “[/color] Her eyes scanned over the Alidashst man as he seemed so comfortable and yet held some kind of charm; she felt strangely entranced. Her normally pale complexion flushing slightly pink as her cheeks flushed. [color=slateblue]“So how are you finding your visit? Are you here for the courting season or just sightseeing?”[/color] The quiver of nerves in her voice was clear. 

There had been a question he found asking himself a lot. What exactly [i]was[/i] he doing here? His expression turned from a simple smile to a more neutral expression as he thought about her question. Before too long, however, he felt himself blink once to snap himself back to reality. Her immediate meekness made Farim lower his voice to a gentle and almost sensual tone in an effort to put her at ease. [color=D2691E]” Well as for titles, I shall call you Lady Ariella if you wish. But whatever name you prefer I shall use! As for my reason for being here…I have worked and lived a lot of my life and found it time for me to start laying more than just business expenditures. So yes I would say I am here for the courting as well as to see my family, much of whom I haven’t seen for quite some time.”[/color] 

He took a brief pause, readjusting himself to a more normal sitting position as he spoke to her, both feet on the floor and arms on the table in front of him. [color=D2691E] “My visit has been lovely. I’ve already met two very kind souls who are giving me such wonderful hospitality. And now I get to share a drink with them both. I can’t think of many places I’d rather be than here, getting to know these wonderful people.”[/color]

She felt her shoulder drop as her body relaxed slightly, [color=slateblue]“You say you have lived a lot of your life already, but it seems you’re only just starting such a …what I would presume to be a wonderful journey.”[/color] She smiled lightly,[color=slateblue] “I am envious of that, it seems my personal journey is much the opposite. Being a lady, at least in my home, means you must find a partner before your life can truly even start.”[/color] There seemed to be a sense of sadness behind her words but before long she leaned forward on the table. Her head rested on her hands as her eyes lit up slightly.

[color=slateblue]“What kind of places have you traveled to? I have a feeling you have seen some amazing things in your travels. Though you say you can’t think of other places than here…” [/color] She gave him a slight smile, [color=slateblue]“ There must be at least one.” [/color]

He showed a concerned expression as she mentions her family, nodding in understanding at the thought of one's life being decided for them. [color=D2691E]”Yes, well. I once was told what to do, what to say, how to act, and so on. I still somewhat am but that life grew old fast. So I set out on my own to establish a trading company. Quite successful I might add. But in the eyes of some, not enough.”[/color] He shrugged afterward, one arm resting in front of him while the other supported his head as he relaxed.

[color=D2691E]“You do make a good point. I’ve been all around the Dunes and have linked many of the smaller towns to the capital. Even now I’m looking to expand our caravans into the sea, where even more places can be seen or explored. If I had to pick a favorite however…”[/color] Farim took a moment to contemplate his answer. [color=D2691E]“There was this one place, out in the south in my country. A little spot that not many knew of. It is a small oasis cut off from the harsh desert dunes. A real gem of beauty amidst a cruel landscape. I would say I’d like to be there but I would still very much prefer company such as yourself.”[/color] Farim flashed yet another smile. 

[color=D2691E]“Since you mentioned it, I imagine you are in the market for courting as well? Any interesting prospects come your way? Surely you have men lining your doorstep.”[/color]

Ariella seemed to get lost in his description of this oasis, being pulled out of her thoughts at his last comment about having good company. She returned his smile with one of her own and leaned back against the booth. [color=slateblue]“Yes, I do agree. Spending time with people whose company you enjoy makes things even sweeter than when alone.”[/color] Though she had not much experience with that, she just assumed. 

[color=slateblue]“Yes, my mother has made it her lifelong dream for me to marry into a title.”[/color] She sighed lightly, [color=slateblue]“But truthfully, I’ve been sheltered for so long I find it hard to meet people. I did have the chance to meet Prince Callum; he is much like me in many ways. I feel sad for him, trapped in a title and no ability to just be.”[/color] She shrugged lightly, [color=slateblue]“So I suppose that is why I am in no rush to find one of my own, the idea of being trapped in a lifestyle even more so then I am now doesn’t really appeal to me.”[/color]

Her eyes looked back up at Farim having wandered into thought. [color=slateblue]“ You are very kind to say such nice things about me but I assure you there is no line. Ana is the one to have all the luck it seems.”[/color] She smiled and looked over at her friend who was still busy at the bar, [color=slateblue]“I envy much about her. She has the ability to charm the room and doesn’t even seem to realize she is doing it.”[/color] Ari leaned back on the table, this time her fingers were wrapped into each other, resting in front of her. 

[color=slateblue]“ No prospects, and No line. Though, that could very well be my own doing. I have an oasis of my own, Ana showed it to me actually. I spend a lot of time there alone or I’ll find a nice scenic place where I can just take my shoes off and feel my feet in the summer grass. “[/color]  Her face seemed to light up while talking about it. [color=slateblue] “Sorry that sounds so silly, but there is just something about being under the sun and soaking in nature just grounds me. Maybe you are right though, maybe it would be better with someone. Perhaps I shall have to find that person to share the experience with.”[/color] She gave him another soft smile. 

Farim glanced behind him as she looked passed at Anastasia. He could feel a slight ping of familiarity with being overshadowed by far bigger people in his life. [color=D2691E] “Well that is a shame. But some folks take years before finding a diamond in a mine of coal. So perhaps there is just a certain someone taking their sweet time finding his shiny diamond.”[/color] His hand waved to the side as if to accent his speech as he talked. 

She spoke of her own oasis, and he raised an eyebrow in curiosity at the idea of seeing such a place. [color=D2691E] “By all means. I would love to see such a beautiful little slice of nature nestled within the limits of a bustling capital such as this.”[/color] He leaned in, placing his hands together and locking his fingers to rest his chin on as he spoke with a sly tone. [color=D2691E] “And it is only natural for such a beautiful flower like yourself to bloom in the sunlight. There is no strangeness to it.”[/color] He chuckled lightly. [color=D2691E] “I know we have just met but I’m sure you could convince [i]someone[/i] to spend a little alone time with you.”[/color] Farim made sure to add a teasing inflection to his words as he gave the lady in front of him all kinds of vague ideas.

Ari sat wide-eyed for a moment, she bit back a giggle that was lodged in her throat. She reached for her glass of water taking a long sip as she tried to cool herself before she regretted responding foolishly. 

Her cheeks flushed pink as she tried to act cool. [color=slateblue]“ Well, it's a secret spot, only very few know of its location. There are rules, however..”[/color] She paused before taking another sip of her water. [color=slateblue]“Only the brave have ever been able to follow the rules.” [/color] She smirked playfully. [color=slateblue]“You see, this place ..”[/color] She thought for a moment about whether it would be absurd to tell a stranger all about this place and her small ritual. She looked up at Farim as that feeling of ease still flooded her. She started to wonder if all the Alidasht people were this entrancing with their words, perhaps his charm was just a false wall. She was still curious to find out, however. 

[color=slateblue]“It's a safe space, there are no titles or stations. You just are you. So, when you enter, you must remove all footwear. “[/color] She paused to see his reaction to her statement, many people would be disgusted at the thought.[color=slateblue] “You have to enter in barefooted, and if you so choose, remove anything that you feel is a burden. I personally…”[/color] She paused, [color=slateblue]“ Maybe I shouldn’t say. Would be rather inappropriate. Either way, it is a safe space where you can just be yourself and I have not invited anyone but Ana there.”[/color] She smiled. [color=slateblue]“ Ana actually was the first to show me the space and I kind of made it my own. No other has seen it yet. I haven’t really met anyone who I feel would actually appreciate it as much as I do.”[/color] She took another drink of her water, [color=slateblue]“I did invite Prince Callum there, he said he would be interested however I think he was just being kind. I would imagine he is far too busy to spend an afternoon in the woods with someone.”[/color]

[color=slateblue]“I’m sorry,”[/color] Ari said as she realized just how long she had dragged out the conversation with her silly oasis talk again. [color=slateblue]“I seem to have a problem with knowing when I am sharing too much.“[/color] She shrugged, [color=slateblue]“But you never know, maybe I could convince someone or maybe someone will end up convincing me.”[/color] she smiled back at him. [color=slateblue]“ Has anyone caught your eye yet? I am sure you’ve been around a bit by now, there are so many beautiful women this courting season. The amount at the Prince’s ball was overwhelming, after I spoke with Prince Callum I left. That is why I'm so overly dressed. I haven't found my way home yet. The idea of having to tell my Mo-...”[/color] she stopped,[color=slateblue] “ Oversharing…sorry.”[/color] Ariella started to feel embarrassed. Her mother taught her better yet Farim just seemed so easy to talk to. [color=slateblue][i]Where is Ana…Please save me from embarrassing myself more.[/i][/color] She groaned to herself. 

Farim listened intently as talks of “rules” were dished out. He kept that same soft smile and incher ever closer in his leaning stature as she described this place. It seemed to fit his style particularly well, this hidden spot. [color=D2691E] “Oh darling. I am never not Farim. That is technically how I like to introduce myself but you know the game of titles and status. Gotta make myself known to be a Sultan in the making.”[/color] [i]As if.[/i] He thought to himself. He highly doubted his shot at the Sultanate to be much higher than the others, but a man can dream. [color=D2691E] “This garden of yours sounds like an amazing place. It would certainly take very little to convince me to come with you there.”[/color]

He shifted his body to lean further toward Ariella. He tilted his head slightly to think about what she had asked him. [color=D2691E] “Oh I actually missed the ball last night. I arrived rather late, spoke with my sister, and then….I can’t seem to remember the rest of the night. I was rather tired. I woke up and spoke to my cousin and met your friend Anastasia. Then after a short walk with my long-gone brother, I happened upon you both here. As for who I’m interested in….”[/color] He spoke slowly, lowering his tone and clicking his tongue once. [color=D2691E] “If everyone is as beautiful as you and the Princess, I can hardly believe that I'll ever be able to choose. Not to mention how kind you both are already. Just a few short moments and I already want to spend more time with you. I like that quite a bit actually.”[/color] 

Ari leaned into the table more, seemingly matching his movements as she felt invested in their conversation. [color=slateblue] “ A sultan? Well, from our short conversation I have a feeling you’d make a good one. You certainly know your way around words, I think I could listen to you speak all day.”[/color] She gave him a smirk, her cheeks still flushed with color. [color=slateblue] “Oh, so you really haven’t had a moment to catch your breath even. Well..”[/color] she paused trying hard to come off calm and confident. [color=slateblue] “If you were ever interested in a tour, I certainly could clear my very busy schedule to make room for a future Sultan.”[/color] Her voice trailing off at the end in a low tone. Her lips pulling back as she once again bit back a small giggle, her nerves were certainly biting back. 

Although Ariella’s words came off confident in their own way, her face spoke volumes as to how she was feeling. Her pink cheeks, nervous lip biting and a quake in her voice made it all to clear that this was easily her first time. Then reality hit her, the smile slowly fading as the nerves took over again, A future Sultan? He will have a lineup of women before soon, once another caught wind of such a handsome, well-spoken and charming suitor, there was no telling how long that line would be. After that , she would become an afterthought just as she had with so many others. 

She felt herself sit back once again, trying to hide her intrusive thoughts. Still smiling towards him [color=slateblue] “Perhaps Ana would like to join us on that, She knows a lot of people..” [/color]

He yet again found the soft voice of hers to be all he could really hear among the rabble. Somehow he tuned everything else out and merely enjoyed the conversation. He took note of her mannerisms, and the way her body reacted to him, as well as the rapid decline as he felt she may have delved too deep too fast and wanted to rescind her eagerness. He too wanted to be delicate, but didn’t want her to feel excluded either. His hand gestured as he began to speak, tracing errant circles in the air as he proceeded to talk both with his mouth and his body.

[color=D2691E] “I am used to being…busy during the day. I have many ways to unwind at night. But as for that tour…” [/color] His hand stops and reaches across the table, gently laying atop hers as he flashes a wide smile. [color=D2691E] “I’d be [i]very[/i] interested in a place free of titles and notoriety. To be truly…’us’.”[/color] He took a brief pause, a slight rise in color to his face as he felt his gaze shift to the side. [color=D2691E] “But I won’t act like I’m not excited to hear you refer to me as a future Sultan..”[/color] He kept his joyful expression and slowly pulled himself back as to not overstep any physical boundaries, and nodded at the thought of Anastasia joining us.

[color=D2691E] “I do believe that the barkeep has been keeping her for some time now that you mention it. But you may think about who you wish to invite and how many people you wish to talk to. I am no stranger to competition.”[/color] He smirked slightly before continuing, his facial features now returning to their normal sun-kissed hue. [color=D2691E] “I know courting can be intricate. And many folks are involved. I myself want to get to know the lovely women that find so much interest in an Alidasht man such as myself. So let’s stay in touch~.”[/color] He felt his fingers rub together, slightly anxious that he was laying it on too thick. [color=D2691E][i]I swear cousin Munir…You’ve influenced me far more than I care to admit when it comes to women…[/i][/color]

[color=E77298]”Drink time!”[/color] 

The blonde returned in her elegant floor-length dress, but her arrival was far from graceful. She stumbled visibly as she made her way over, barely managing to balance a tray filled with drinks. Her complexion was flushed and she seemed a little more disoriented than before. When she finally collapsed into her seat, she spilled some of the alcohol haphazardly. She wore a smile on her face that did not completely match the look in her eyes. 

[color=E77298] “I hope you love birds don’t mind If I join because I got a little lonely over yonder…”[/color]  Anastasia slurred, pushing a strong yet fruity mixed drink towards Ariella, a lighter cocktail towards Farim, and keeping a tall glass of something that smelled like pure alcohol for herself. The rest of the tray held a dozen shots in total. After a moment, she leaned her chin on her palm and spoke again, trying to sound cheerful. "[color=E77298]I hope you both like what I picked out![/color]"[/color]