[center][color=lightgray][center][h1][color=BBC7E1]Charlotte[/color] & [color=D2691E]Farim[/color] [/h1][/center]

[color=D2691E][b]Location:[/b][/color] [color=BBC7E1]Alidasht Guest House[/color]
[color=D2691E][b]Time:[/b][/color] [color=BBC7E1]7pm[/color]
[color=D2691E][b]Mentions:[/b][/color] [color=BBC7E1]Charlotte [@princess], Munir [@Infinite Cosmos], Lorenzo [@FunnyGuy][/color]


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Farim had been looking rather grim at the moment. The servant came by and refilled his wine in due haste, prompting a short nod from the young Shehzadi. He took a sip before a sudden rush of wind hit the room, as the woman he met earlier had arrived for dinner after all. She had gone through a few introductions, and then approached Farim. He watched every step of hers with a new intrigued look. What was first pessimism on his face began to warp into a more joyful expression, if only slightly. But he knew that with her, came another familiar friend. He smiled wide as she brought his lovely bird back to him. His heart began to soften at the sight of his loyal companion. He immediately allowed her to hop into his lap, his hand cupping for her head to naturally fit for a gentle pet. Thara happily rubbed her head along Farim’s palm before looking around the room to investigate the many new and familiar faces she now saw. A soft coo came from her beak as Farim continued to pet her.

[color=D2691E]”I am ever grateful. This is just what I needed to turn the night around, dear Princess.”[/color] Her soft words and positive personality certainly had an effect on him. He could tell Thara had been well kept and she seemed rather content. For this he was grateful. His shoulder could feel the slight rub, and to further seal the deal he reached up to take her hand and give it a soft kiss along her knuckle. With a grin he looked up to her and nodded. [color=D2691E]”I will make sure to hold you to that, my friend.”[/color] She was then off to interact and mingle with the other dinner guests as she pleased.

Farim looked at his bird and with a less dignified voice he would softly ask. [color=D2691E]”Were you on your best behavior?”[/color] Thara could only tilt her head in mild confusion since she obviously couldn’t reply, yet Farim knew that his lovely falcon would never do anything bad unless severely prompted. He gave the underside of her chin a scratch and stood up, placing Thara onto his shoulder before giving a slight bow to the Sultan. [color=D2691E]”I shall excuse myself for the time being, Your Radiance. Despite the chaos that came, I am still glad to be seeing all of you in good health. It truly has been far too long since I have visited home.”[/color] 

He then turned and walked from the room and to his bedroom where he would place Thara onto her perch and give her a fresh bowl of water to drink from should she find herself thirsty. [color=D2691E]”I shall return. I must go mingle with the guests and see how our friend Ariella would like to end her evening.”[/color] He spoke aloud to the falcon before giving a soft expression that became somewhat of a frown. [color=D2691E]”You have missed a lot, dear Thara. I shall key you in later. But for now, enjoy some well deserved rest!”[/color] He then walked out of his bedroom to see the dark-haired woman from the table, Charlotte, leaving his cousin's room looking somewhat perplexed.

[color=D2691E]”Why hello there, Lady Vikena. Is there something the matter?”[/color] He seemed rather puzzled and somewhat curious as to why she would be leaving Munir’s [i]bedroom[/i]. Frankly he was surprised she wasn’t half-clothed with his reputation.

Charlotte paused in her step and smiled at him in greeting.. She seemed as she had in the dining room, except her hair had been now let down, framing her face. [color=BBC7E1]”Oh, hello Shahzade Farim.” [/color]She greeted, [color=BBC7E1]“No, nothing’s the matter… But I was actually looking for you. Think you could spare a moment to talk with me?”[/color]

He offered a pleasant smile, and turned to face her, his attention now fully caught as she seemed to be asking a few of his family questions. His curiosity was piqued, to say the least. [color=D2691E]”Of course! And by the way, I am truly sorry for how some things came by tonight. We can be a bit…passionate at our family gatherings. But rest assured I don’t believe anyone actually wishes ill will on you or your family.”[/color] After the display that had happened he figured it would be best to calm her nerves about any potential dangers she may be concerned with.

Charlotte sucked in her lips, nodding awkwardly. She somehow had some doubt regarding the last statement. After a moment, she smiled once more, [color=BBC7E1]“I should actually thank you really for protecting my stepfather. You were brave to stand up for him like that, though I’m very sorry it caused such strife between you and your cousin…I’ll just say your good intentions were understood by the rest of us. ” [/color]

He raised his hand as if to wave off any worries she may have had for him. [color=D2691E]”It is of no worry, Charlotte. If a wall is felled by a single blow, then it wasn’t a very strong wall to begin with.”[/color] He sighed in reconciliation for the potential lost connection. [color=D2691E]”I thank you for your kindness all the same. But alas you are here to be asking me something. What plagues your mind, young mistress?”[/color]

[color=BBC7E1]“I understand…”[/color] Charlotte wanted to give him words of reassurance, but she wasn’t sure if that relationship had been worth saving. She fiddled with a strand of hair, twirling it with her finger. The conversation topic hadn’t gone all too well with Munir, but at least this man was keeping his shirt on thus far.[color=BBC7E1] “Well…" [/color] She drew off with some hesitancy, [color=BBC7E1]“I wanted to ask you about the party you attended last night if that’s alright with you.”[/color]

Farim’s eyes shifted off to the side for a moment, as if to gleam if anyone else may be present. He crossed his arms and let out a brief puff of air as he tried to remember just what it was that happened the other night. Nothing but flashes of images and thoughts, like a dream that you couldn’t quite catch. [color=D2691E]”Ahh…it still eludes me now, but I shall help you as much as I can. What is it you are wanting to know?”[/color]

She nodded gratefully to him and asked, [color=BBC7E1]“Can we start with what happened leading up to the party please?”[/color]

Farim pondered himself for a moment and thought back to the events leading up to it, and began to speak his thoughts as soon as they came to him. [color=D2691E]”Yes. I remember coming home from a long night of traveling. I had just gotten here well after all of my siblings and found my dear friend Saiya waiting for me. Naturally I was elated to see her and her…[i]cough[/i] attire for the evening.”[/color] Farim couldn’t help but smirk at the rather revealing dress his friend had on. [color=D2691E]”Forgive me. As a man I can hardly contain myself when a beautiful lady wears such fine dresses or robes.”[/color] He shot her a friendly wink before continuing.

Charlotte had nodded along with each statement as if she was making a mental note, but she was uncertain why he had decided this information had been relevant.  She  then paused her nodding to digest the last statement as well as his wink. [color=BBC7E1][i]Eh?[/i][/color] She glanced at him then down at her dress for a few seconds, only glancing up again once he continued.

 [color=D2691E]”Right but, I had went with her in a carriage to a warehouse ... .somewhere in the more lower class area of the city I surmise. Definitely outside the castle walls. We went down into some basement area and that’s about where my memories begin to falter. I can catch glimpses, like there being a fight, dancing, and many people practically drooling over one another. But it isn’t anything you wouldn’t normally see at any secret party.”[/color] He stopped his story to give her a moment to respond.

She paid sharp attention as the information was much more important. Charlotte hung on every word with a determined expression, her eyes slightly narrowed. [color=BBC7E1][i]A warehouse basement. There was a fight, dancing… [/i] [/color]Suddenly she looked at him with peaked interest and a sudden glimmer of hope in her gaze, [color=BBC7E1]“...Do you remember the warehouse number?” [/color]The warehouses were right by her house along a few side streets. She could just simply sneak over there and check them out.

He took notice of her initial reaction and placed both hands up, feigning an apologetic stance. [color=D2691E]”I am sorry if that was too much. I was simply looking to compliment, not offend. I promise I will not try anything like my dear cousin.”[/color] He snickered for a moment before adding a little quip. [color=D2691E]”Unless of course that is the real goal here.”[/color] He let loose a slight chuckle before returning to a perplexed and thought-filled expression. He tapped his chin and began to sound out some words he had remembered seeing scrawled on some parchment. He rubbed his temples as if to physically bring the memory out of him [color=D2691E]”There was an invitation ... .something about a…420 wicker street? Gods above why is this so hard to remember. I normally can stomach more than just a few shots. I couldn’t have even been there for more than an hour or two before we were all rushed out…”[/color] He trailed off as he continued thinking of the strange night he had at the party.

Charlotte shook her head at his concern, deciding to assure him. [color=BBC7E1]“It simply… took me by surprise. I appreciate the compliment. I’m just not all too used to them.” [/color]She told him and smiled to ease his concern  [color=BBC7E1]“420 Wicker Street. Hm. I’ve never heard of that street.”[/color] She then paused thoughtfully before inquiring, [color=BBC7E1]“ …Do you remember anything that happened afterwards?” [/color]

[color=D2691E]”Well that is reassuring to hear. I’m shocked you don’t get many compliments. You are a fine looking woman!”[/color] He took a moment to glance up and down at her once more as if to further check his previous statement. [color=D2691E]”And as for the after. I just remember feeling rather awful and lots of noise. People storming in, taking the royal children out as if they were blackout drunks. But from what I heard most people did not drink that much. It’s…rather strange, don’t you think?”[/color]

Charlotte tried to play off her blush by looking around as if the hallway had grown very interesting, [color=BBC7E1]“Oh well… I guess.. I mean, not that I’m conceited or anything…I just appreciate you saying so.” [/color]She found it hard not to cringe at herself in that moment. She quickly added to her statement with a more forced smile this time as to clean up the mess. [color=BBC7E1]“Thank you. You’re a very lovely looking man yourself, Farim… And yes, your cousin said he knows his limits as well yet had somehow blacked out.”[/color]

Farim found her innocent reactions rather adorable, if he was being honest. He shared a similar interest in the wall around her as he gave a slight jab. [color=D2691E]”I did not think you were, Charlotte. I also agree that the wall there is rather well made. I think it’s mahogany!”[/color] He let out a slight puff of air that resembled a chuckle. [color=D2691E]”Those are some sweet words, mistress and I thank you for flattering me. After interacting with you here and seeing you at the dinner I think I am beginning to understand my cousins’...fondness of you.”[/color] He leaned back against the wall, arms crossed while his gaze continued to examine her, as if to gauge what more she may hold or tell with her body language.

She raised a brow at his initial words, wondering if he was poking fun at her. Even worse, the man seemed to be examining her as if she was performing an entertaining show of some kind by simply standing there. [color=BBC7E1][i]These Alidasht men are a little bizarre…Though I suppose perhaps the women were too… [/i] [/color]

[color=BBC7E1]“See something you like?” [/color]Charlotte asked finally, her tone somewhat amused and somewhat not. She had kept up a polite smile, though it was obvious she had dropped her formality. Granted, her current state of exhaustion and less-than-perfect sobriety may have influenced her impulsive remark. [color=BBC7E1]“We could find a photographer perhaps.”[/color]

All Farim could do was raise his eyebrow at the remark. His shoulders lowered and his body relaxed a little more as he motioned towards his temple with his finger. With a few quick taps and a friendly smile he gave her a retort. [color=D2691E]”No need, mistress. The world’s best camera is right here.”[/color] With a mimicking motion he blinked his eyes and pretended to work a camera, as if to quite literally ‘take a picture’. [color=D2691E]”I’d say I rather enjoy the view right now. Do you enjoy what you see, madam?”[/color] He gestured down towards his own robes and body as if to show himself off to the woman despite maintaining a relaxed posture.

Her gaze instinctively followed his gesture and she pulled her eyes up with some frustration. [color=BBC7E1]“Is it commonplace for men in the Alidasht to be so quick to flaunt their body to women?” [/color]She asked. The dark-haired woman tapped her foot, folding her own arms. [color=BBC7E1]“Just curious.” [/color]She added, her smile tight-lipped. Charlotte’s thoughts returned back to the rumors she had read this morning. She couldn’t help but also tell him, [color=BBC7E1]“Also, you need not refer to me as mistress.” [/color]

Farim took note of the reaction, as she seemed to be growing somewhat displeased with his words he resumed his casual lean against the wall, hands now placed at his hips as he gave her a straight-faced answer to her question with a slight shrug at the start. [color=D2691E]”Somewhat. My countrymen and women know life is fleeting so we like to live dangerously. On the edge, some would say. I know it is not for all, so that is why I like to gauge people’s limits at the outset. I will do my best to not push yours too much, Charlotte.”[/color] He added some emphasis there, not to sound mean or sarcastic, but simply as a sign of respect to the woman who had clearly been through alot. [color=D2691E]”I know you’ve had a long day. I apologize if my words upset you all the same. What else are you curious to know about either my country, its people, myself, or that particular night? I am a rather open book right now.”[/color]

[color=BBC7E1]“...It certainly is fleeting.”[/color]Charlotte mused after an initial silence, her tone carrying a hint of melancholy. After giving her own arm a comforting rub, she said, [color=BBC7E1]“I apologize too… I normally hold more restraint with my tone. I am not certain I have too much time tonight as my father is waiting in the carriage for me, however I’d be open to talking to you again so you can tell me all about yourself and the Alidasht. I’d love to hear everything about it…”[/color] She drew off before she moved up to him and gently took his hand in hers. Charlotte raised their clasped hands between them so she could place her other hand on top in a compassionate gesture.  With a warm smile this time, she told him, [color=BBC7E1]“I wanted to also let you know that you’re never alone… There will always be someone who cares.”[/color] 

Farim’s own expression seemed to lessen at the thought of fleeting life. He knew it may not be what everyone liked to hear, but it was in essence the truth. He met her initial words with a friendly joy-filled smile as he straightened himself off the wall. What she did next certainly had him thinking for words as she took his hand and held it warmly for those few moments.He felt his hand smothered between the soft, delicate, and warm feeling of hers. Then she went and said something that he entirely didn’t expect. He stood with a shocked look on his face, thinking of some words to respond before finally collecting his cool. His eyes met hers and with a truly friendly and genuine smile he softly spoke. [color=D2691E]”Thank you. I believe those are words we don’t often hear. I will happily talk with you again. I shan’t keep your father waiting. I hope he hasn’t eaten all of our naan in the meantime.”[/color] He couldn’t help but giggle at the slight poke, but he had felt just a little more relieved as the night had been going on.

Charlotte let go of his hands and managed a giggle at his words. [color=BBC7E1]“Ahh. I might be the one to do that actually... I really like bread.”[/color] She confessed then bowed her head as a means to bid him adieu, [color=BBC7E1]“Thank you as well, Farim. Hope you enjoy the rest of your evening.”[/color]

Farim gave Charlotte a kind bow with a courteous [color=D2691E]”You as well, Lady Charlotte.”[/color] before proceeding to walk to the Sultan’s chambers. He had a mixed feeling about what would happen there, but he obviously couldn’t simply ignore His Radiance. Even though [color=gold][i]He[/i][/color] might be there…

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