[color=lightgray] [center][h1][color=red]FLASHBACK[/color][/h1] [h1][color=#7D7FDB]Marina[/color] & [color=#FEF698]Aslam[/color][/h1][/center] [color=#FEF698]Time:[/color] Ignis 10 Afternoon [color=#7D7FDB]Location:[/color] The Bazaar [hr] The bazaar was a a kaleidoscope of swirling noise and color. Sunlight flashed off trinkets, fabric canopies snapped in the wind. The scent of something sweet kept drifting through the air, making Marina’s stomach grumble. She stood at a cramped little stall, staring down at a small, restless animal in a cage. Sleek and quick, the little furry noodle paced in circles, nose twitching. The merchant leaned on his counter with the lazy confidence of a man who thought he had already won. [color=gray]“Fine creature,”[/color] he said, tapping the bars. [color=gray]“A ferret. Clever. Loyal. Good for keeping rats out of your pantry. Only—”[/color] [color=#7D7FDB]“That is not a ferret.”[/color] Marina cut in. The merchant blinked. [color=gray] “Beg your pardon?”[/color] Marina leaned closer, hands clasped behind her back, though her expression held her usual stubborn fury. [color=#7D7FDB]“It’s a stoat.”[/color] She nodded once. [color=#7D7FDB]“Look at the face.”[/color] The merchant’s mouth opened, then closed again. [color=gray]“It’s a ferret.”[/color] [color=#7D7FDB]“It is a stoat.”[/color] Marina repeated. Her gaze flicked down to the animal as it paused, lifted up on its hind legs, and pressed its tiny paws to the cage bars like it was also listening. [color=#7D7FDB]“See? Even he agrees with me.”[/color] The merchant stared. The stoat—ferret—[i]whatever it was[/i]—yawned widely, showing its little teeth, then went right back to pacing. Marina straightened, chin high. [color=#7D7FDB]“Now,”[/color] she said, as though she were doing him a favor, [color=#7D7FDB]“are you selling it as a ferret because you don’t know what it is… or because you think I don’t?”[/color] [color=#FEF698]“A merchant that is not even aware of the merchandise he is selling?”[/color] A rich, amused voice came from behind Marina that got louder as Aslam approached the stall. There was a faint smile as he took position to her right side, his gaze focused on the merchant but kept Marina in the periphery of his vision. [color=#FEF698]“You would put something to market without doing the necessary diligence of confirming what you had? Besides…”[/color] Aslam leaned on the counter and smirked at the merchant speaking in a lowered tone. [color=#FEF698]“Doesn’t a stoat sound more exotic than a simple ferret? And as I’m sure you’re aware, exotic is just another term for expensive.”[/color] Aslam pulled back giving the man an obvious wink, knowing Marina would have heard him perfectly. It was only then that he turned to face Marina. [color=#FEF698]“It is a cute creature, this one. Are you interested in it?”[/color] He asked with arms resting at his waist, one hand clasping the opposite forearm. [color=#7D7FDB]“Oh, I’m [i]interested[/i],”[/color] Marina purred, letting her gaze drag over Aslam before she flicked it back to the cage. Her mouth tilted into a pleased smirk. She leaned closer to the bars, studying the animal with exaggerated seriousness, then lifted her eyes again with a bright smile and lifted brows. [color=#7D7FDB]“In the stoat, of course.”[/color] Her smile widened just enough to be trouble. [i][color=#7D7FDB]“Unless you meant something else.”[/color][/i] Then suddenly, she sighed, straightened, and waved it all away. [color=#7D7FDB]“Actually… Never mind. I don’t want it.”[/color] She glanced at the merchant once more, [color=#7D7FDB]“Congratulations, merchant. Your stoat lives to scam another day.”[/color] She spun on her heels again to face Aslam. [color=#7D7FDB]“Whether or not it’s more exotic isn’t the point because what if you or I wanted a ferret? Stoats are not domesticated, after all.”[/color] Marina tapped her head and gave him a cheeky wink. [color=#7D7FDB]“Knowledge is power. “[/color] Aslam couldn’t help but blink at her first statement, catching him off-guard.The edges of his smile lifted as she corrected what she was referring to. [color=#FEF698]“I simply spoke the words. I cannot control how you heard them.”[/color] There was a tint of playfulness in his voice. His eyes narrowed on her as she faced him, and with a cheeky grin, he placed a hand on his heart and gave off a small bow. [color=#FEF698]“I shall defer to your great wisdom on this matter then. I would humbly ask the great sage’s name. This ignorant one is called Aslam.”[/color] His grin remained as he stood back up, a small spark of fire in his gaze. [color=#FEF698]“I happen to be on a small shopping trip through the market. I would happily treat you if you were to accompany and provide further guidance.”[/color] He tilted his head down the street and deeper into the market where various wares were being sold. [color=#7D7FDB]“This great sage is named Marnie,”[/color] she confirmed pleasantly. Her eyes slid over him with that amused appraisal of hers. She let her gaze flick down the street where he’d gestured—deeper into the market that was full of things to waste money on—and then back to him with a smirk. [color=#7D7FDB]“Treat me?”[/color] Marina echoed, as though tasting the word. [color=#7D7FDB]“That’s brave. I have very expensive opinions.”[/color] [color=#FEF698]“Fortune favors the bold. Besides, I would be shocked if your opinions turned out to be mundane.”[/color] Aslam placed a hand on his upper chest which caused the ornate, golden jewelry on his wrist to shimmer and jangle. Her brows rose with theatrical consideration. [color=#7D7FDB]“Alright. You may accompany the great sage on her journey.”[/color] Then she straightened, already starting to walk. [color=#7D7FDB]“Come on, Aslam. Try to keep up.”[/color] Aslam quickened his step until he was walking by her side. He had chosen one of his more reserved pieces for this outing, unsure of the current fashion trends in the city. A gold sash tied his still ornate robes at the waist. The finest silks to be found in Alidaaht, of course. [color=#FEF698]“What an honor you have bestowed upon me. I would wonder what has brought someone of your…standing out to a place like this?”[/color] He spoke in an unhurried cadence as if the world would wait on his word. [color=#FEF698]“I assume you have a purpose, though correcting the gross misidentification of ferrets and stoats [b]IS[/b] a noble cause.”[/color] A half-smirk barely appeared on his lips for a moment with his light tease. [color=#7D7FDB]“My purpose?”[/color] Marina echoed incredulously, as if he’d just asked why the sun was in the sky. [color=#7D7FDB]“I’m here to buy something ridiculously overpriced, start arguments with at least three merchants, and prevent the collapse of society via ferret-related lies.”[/color] Her mouth kicked into a smirk. [color=#7D7FDB]“Someone has to uphold standards.”[/color] Aslam nodded deeply, crossing his arms as if she had spoken wise counsel. His body flowed between passerbys with experience earned wandering the busy markets of Alidasht. [color=#FEF698]“The economy would surely suffer a great loss if this ferret conspiracy were to continue, I agree.”[/color] He made a wave of his hand as he addressed her statement with faux seriousness. [color=#FEF698]“Hmm, do you smell that?”[/color] He tilted his head to their right and took a sniff of the aroma that drifted their way. [color=#FEF698]“I believe we should first find something to fill our stomachs before we get to work, yes?”[/color] He gestured towards a stand down one of the aisles that had an active grill with ready-to-go skewers on display. [color=#FEF698]“Naturally, it would be my treat.”[/color] [color=#7D7FDB]“Mmmm…I’d love something to eat.”[/color] Marina rubbed a hand over her belly in a circle. [color=#7D7FDB]“Why thank you, generous gentleman.”[/color] She followed the delicious aroma over to the stand. Her eyes drifted over the glistening, juicy meat and unbeknownst to the princess, she was practically vibrating with excitement. Aslam simply gave her a half-smile as they approached the street food vendor, a glimmer of fond amusement in his eyes as they left Marina and focused on the man tending the stall. [color=#FEF698]Two of your finest skewers….”[/color] He had started confidently holding up two fingers, but then looked over at his companion. Aslam nodded once and pretended to clear his throat as he raised two more fingers on his hand. [color=#FEF698]”...make that four, please. Do not mind the change.”[/color] He reached into a pocket stitched just on the inside of his light jacket and placed the coins on the countertop along with a generous tip. The vendor took the coins and glanced between the two of them with a faint smile on his otherwise rough exterior and when he handed Aslam the skewers there were five in total. [color=gray]“For ya and the lovely lady.”[/color] He said in a raspy, deep voice. [color=#FEF698]”Many thanks.”[/color] Aslam gave him a small nod before turning towards Marina with three in one hand and two in the other. His head turned to each hand as if struggling to come to a decision before extending the hand with three to her. [color=#FEF698]”He clearly gave the extra one for you so it is only right you take it.”[/color] Marina’s eyes widened like he’d just handed her a crown. She accepted the skewers with both hands, solemn as if they were a sacred offering. Then, without hesitation, Marnie sank her teeth into the first one. For a second, she went perfectly still. Then her eyes widened with delight. [color=#7D7FDB]“Oh—”[/color] she blurted, and immediately covered her mouth with the back of her hand. Her violet gaze snapped to Aslam. [color=#7D7FDB]“This is—”[/color] She swallowed, lashes fluttering. Then Marina stomped her foot because her body apparently had no other way to process how good it was. She took another bite, bigger this time, and did it again: two quick little stomps. She squeezed her eyes shut. [color=#7D7FDB]“Absolutely scrumptious,”[/color] she proclaimed with rounded cheeks, the words muffled by the hamster-level amount of food stuffed in her mouth. Marina pointed one skewer at Aslam, then pointed at a nearby picnic table as if issuing orders. She marched over and sat, setting two skewers onto a napkin. For a long few minutes, Marina just worked through the first skewer as if she hadn’t eaten in ten years. Then she picked up the next and finished the second with the same devotion. The third, she tucked into her a notch on her belt in a confident manner that suggested she had done so before. [color=#7D7FDB]“Thank you [i]so[/i] much,”[/color] she said, very serious now. [color=#7D7FDB]“Your heroism will go down in the books.”[/color] Despite the drama, she wiped her mouth neatly and sat up straighter, regally composed. [color=#7D7FDB]“So,”[/color] Marina said, drumming her fingers on her knees as she searched for a topic. Her brows lifted. [color=#7D7FDB]“You don’t seem like you’re from around here. Are you one of the Alidasht guests that arrived yesterday?”[/color] Aslam couldn’t help but smile wider than he had felt in some time at Marina’s pure reaction and had to bring a closed hand to his lips to prevent him from breaking into laughter at her now chubby cheeks. [color=#FEF698]”It would seem fate has provided quite the bounty.”[/color] A small laugh escaped along with his words as he followed her to the table. His eyes widened as he bit into his first skewer with more restraint than his companion. His calm composure did not prevent the small groan of delight as he finished that first bite. Aslam blinked as he just finished his first when Marina was halfway through her second. Did Varian not feed their royal children? He had not realized the cold made food so scarce. Aslam was just finishing off the second skewer as Marina asked her question and he had to smile just to keep from chuckling. Was it the dark skin and exotic silks? Here, he had thought he blended in so well. He nodded with a soft sigh. [color=#FEF698]”Shehzade Aslam Kadir, eldest prince of Alisdaht. Pleased and delighted to enjoy this time with you.”[/color] He spoke with an exaggerated flourish of his hands into a small bow, keeping a smile. [color=#FEF698]”It was luckily a very long and [i]mostly[/i] uneventful voyage.”[/color] He set the two finished skewers neatly side by side to his right. Marina’s eyes practically bulged out of her head. [color=#7D7FDB]“Oh wow! A prince.”[/color] Part of her wanted to toss her own title out like a coin and see what it bought her, but another part held it back. People lied. [i]Men lied. [/i] And if he could say he was a prince, then technically… he [i]could[/i] be. Or he could be hoping she was gullible enough to believe it… [hr] Syvlia had once again managed to give her guard detail to the slip. The only one she would never dream of escaping would be Ambrose. When he was absent, well, she figured she would be safest on her own. It was not as if she would completely lose her tail. They would catch up…eventually. She was now wanting some time for herself where the citizens weren’t really aware of her identity. [color=#F09A99]”Now, I should have about an hour to….oh, is that Marina?”[/color] A wide grin grew on her lips as she looked closer, hidden by the passing crowds and a stall she was currently using for cover. It was her dear, older sister and she was talking to some noble man but his long hair didn’t let her see much from his back. Sylvia let out a quiet, sinister giggle as she made herself smaller and moved amidst the crowds, finding large groups to hide her better. There was no way she was just going to let this scene play out. She stayed out of both Marine’s and the strange, but growingly handsome man's sights as she got closer. Her movements were smooth and graceful, like a lioness on the hunt. Sylvia’s eyes went wide as she found exactly what she was hoping for…there was a skewer exactly where Marnie liked to keep it! Now she was behind Marnie making her way towards them. “[color=#F09A99]Casual, Sylvie, act casual.[/color]“ She muttered under her breath. It kept her going even when the beautifully handsome man looked her way with a confused look. Vibrant red hair like theirs MAY not be the most discreet, but there was no way he’d know who she was. The man’s gaze seemed to flick between her sister and herself and she could just pick up him muttering something to her amazing big sister. It was now or never! Syvlia lurched forward and with deft hands plucked the skewer right from its spot, a practiced motion if she were honest. She instinctively spun around Marnie to her opposite side, the skewer flying to her mouth where she pulled each piece off and just like Marnie her cheeks became packed with the meat and the few cooked vegetables, only hers was like a squirrel trying to carry a whole winter’s worth of acorns before the first snow. She visibly struggled to chew, her face scrunched up and brows pinched as she bit by bit swallowed each piece. Syvlia let out a long huff and patted her chest. [color=#F09A99]”Ah, so sister, who is the meat- I mean man?”[/color] The slip wasn’t entirely on purpose but she decided to roll with it, leaning an elbow on her older sister while staring daggers at the man sitting across from them. When Sylvia drifted up behind her, Marina hadn’t even registered danger at first. Not until she felt the smallest tug at her belt, so quick that it barely disturbed the fabric of her dress. The next second, her weight shifted, and she realized the light pressure at her waist was gone. Marina’s hand moved to the notch automatically. Her fingers met nothing. For a moment, she simply sat there, blinking. After a moment, her eyes lowered to her belt again, checking as if the skewer might somehow have returned on its own. [i]It had not.[/i] Then she slowly turned her head. Sylvia was already circling her like a professional pickpocket, cheeks stuffed and round with stolen meat, eyes bright with the kind of shamelessness only a little sister could perfect. Marina’s jaw dropped. [color=#7D7FDB]“SYLVIA—”[/color] Her voice came out in a cry of betrayal. She lunged after her on pure instinct, skirt swishing, one hand ready to snatch back the skewer, but she realized quickly the whole thing had been stored in those big squirrel cheeks. [color=#7D7FDB]“You absolute FIEND!”[/color] Marina hissed, pointing at Sylvia’s cheeks. [color=#7D7FDB]“That was for Ambrose.”[/color] She jabbed a finger toward Aslam like a lawyer calling a witness. [color=#7D7FDB]“Tell her. Tell her this is theft.”[/color] Then Marina planted herself in Sylvia’s path, eyes frightfully narrowed.[i][color=#7D7FDB]“Now you’re going to pay the sister tax for this.”[/color] [/i] She threatened [i]darkly[/i]. Sylvia hunched her shoulders and gazed up at her like a scolded puppy, a fear Aslam couldn’t tell if it was real or not. [color=#F09A99]”Th-the sister tax? Surely, there is no need for such a harsh reaction to what was a playful joke!”[/color] She tried laughing to reinforce her stance, but it faded quickly as Marina narrowed her eyes intensely. [color=#F09A99]”Besides, there’s no need to bring up Ambrose! It would be cold by the time it got to him anyway!”[/color] Sylvia tried to switch up her angle holding up pleading hands before she glanced over at tall, dark, and handsome with wide eyes and a quivering lip. Surely, he would step in to save such a helpless and beautiful maiden as herself. Aslam had barely held back the chuckle from leaving further than his chest as the younger sister boldly stole the stashed away skewer. The sight of her puffed up cheeks was far too similar to how Marina looked just moments ago and he had to bring his hand to cover the grin on his lips. He had to wonder if the rest of the Varian royal family were this eccentric. The whole spectacle served to endear both of them to him and certainly left an impression he would not forget. His thoughts were broken as he registered he was being addressed. Aslam gave Sylvia a small regretful look as he nodded in the affirmative to Marina. [color=#FEF698]”She took something that was rightfully yours and as there is no way to return it in its original state…that is indeed theft. Theft of a family member no less.”[/color] Aslam’s voice was grave as he crossed his arms and shook his head as he delivered the judgment like she was being charged with a capital crime which, to be fair, might have been the case for Marina if the way she consumed the first two were any indication. Marina stuck her tongue out at Sylvia. [i][color=#7D7FDB] “Thief.”[/color][/i] [color=#F09A99]”O-oh yeah?!?”[/color] [b][i][color=#7D7FDB] “Delinquent.”[/color][/i][/b] Sylvia glared at the man as her mind raced with ways to get herself out of this mess….or bring him down with her. She whipped her head back towards Marina, her long, straight hair flying in all directions as she jutted an accusing finger at Aslam. [color=#F09A99]”If I am being charged, he is guilty too! He definitely saw me approach and did nothing!”[/color] The younger sister stamped her foot on the ground with renewed confidence at her new line of defense. [color=#F09A99]”He should have to pay the tax too.”[/color] Syliva didn’t shift her head but glanced back over at Aslam. She was going to have to knock off some points from his potential for not backing her up against her sister. Sylvia’s sudden accusation made Marina pause. Her brows lifted, and she glanced at Aslam again, now with a slow, amused smile creeping in. [color=#7D7FDB]“Oh. Now he pays too?”[/color] Marina echoed, as if tasting the idea. [color=#7D7FDB]“Sylvia,”[/color] Marina began after a pause, voice almost gentle, [color=#7D7FDB]“you cannot prosecute the bystander when you are the one who committed the crime.”[/color] Then she leaned closer, close enough that Sylvia could see the gleam in her eyes. [color=#7D7FDB]“But,”[/color] she added, softer, [i][color=#7D7FDB]“I do admire the audacity.”[/color][/i] [color=#F09A99]”Please, mercy oh wonderful, kindest, most -eep!”[/color] Sylvia spoke quickly, taking a step back, hoping to buy enough time to slip away. However, it was too little too late. Marina straightened fully, then without warning she lunged. She grabbed Sylvia around the shoulders and hauled her into a tackle hug so fierce it nearly tipped them both sideways. Marina squeezed like she was trying to wring the stolen skewer out of her ribs by force. [color=#7D7FDB]“SISTER TAX,”[/color] she declared, muffled against Sylvia’s hair. She proceeded to tickle Sylvia. [color=#7D7FDB]“Pay up, you little goblin!”[/color] Sylvia’s feet flailed as she was lifted off her feet with a loud gasp as some of the air left her lungs. Desperately she tried to wiggle herself free, but she had little hope to escape her sister’s gorilla arms. [color=#F09A99]”How can you stand there...and do nothing!”[/color] Her voice was tiny as she looked over at Aslam for any kind of salvation. Once the tickling came, Sylvia erupting into giggles that made the tight squeeze around her worse. [color=#F09A99]”N-never.”[/color] She managed to eek out between fits of laughter. A low chuckle escaped Aslam’s lips as he watched with the utmost amusement at the two sister’s display. It was only after he had started that a conflicted look donned on his face. The prince rose from his seat once it was clear Sylvia’s punishment would not be swift and walked back to the same stall they had gotten the skewers from. It took but a minute and he returned to the squabbling sisters holding a fresh skewer in both hands. [color=#FEF698]”Please, I believe Sylvia has paid for her transgression. I hope you will accept these for her bail.”[/color] A full smile was directed at both of them. Marina’s nostrils flared before her eyes even found the source of that beautiful aroma of meat. She froze mid-wrestle with Sylvia still trapped in her arms and took one slow, dramatic sniff of the air, as if she were a hound catching a trail of a fox. Her head turned, her gaze landed on the skewers in Aslam’s hands and Marina’s grip loosened immediately, releasing her with a final warning squeeze. Then she straightened and stepped forward with dignity. She plucked one fresh skewer from Aslam’s hand, inspected it, then tucked it into her belt. Marina subsequently gave a satisfied little [i]hmph[/i]. Sylvia took a few deep breaths after Marina had released her to restore the oxygen in her lungs that were dangerously close to depletion. Her chest ached maybe just a little but the interaction between her older sister and still as of yet unnamed man. The blue of her eyes sparkled, and not simply from the sunlight, as she did her best to fade just enough into the background to observe. [color=#7D7FDB]“Well.”[/color] Marina turned back to Aslam, a smirk forming on her features. [color=#7D7FDB]“I suppose you do [i]not[/i] have to pay the tax now,”[/color] she decided, though she had been moments from tackling him too. [color=#7D7FDB]“Thank you, Shehzade. Your timing is impeccable.”[/color] She glanced down at Sylvia again, eyes narrowing. [color=#7D7FDB]“And you,”[/color] she told her sister, [color=#7D7FDB]“are still on probation.”[/color] The young troublemaking princess gave her best look of innocence as she clasped her hands together in front of her giving her dear older sister a charming smile. She brought her wrist in front of her face with an exaggerated look of anxiety. She did not wear watches. [color=#F09A99]”Oh, look at the time! Ambrose is going to toss stalls left, right, and center if I do not return soon!!”[/color] Her eyes went wide as she shifted her stance quickly and began to dart away. Sylvia turned her head back at the pair, giving her sister a wink, as she faded into the crowd once more. [color=#F09A99]”Best of luck sister and man I still do not know the name of!”[/color] Her voice started loud but got much quieter. Marina put her hands on her hips and remarked with a fond smile, [color=#7D7FDB]“What a weirdo.”[/color] [color=#FEF698]”You are welcome. I do what must be done.”[/color] Aslam didn’t hide the amusement as he picked up his potential fate had he not gone for more of the delicious treat. [color=#FEF698]”Although…”[/color] He tapped his chin with a thoughtful expression. [color=#FEF698]”...perhaps It would have been better had I been made to suffer the [i]tax[/i].”[/color] Aslam hummed with a shrug like the possibility would have been just as fine. His words made her brows lift. It took a second to land, and then her cheeks reddened more over time, like someone was turning up a dial. She might have accused him of only wanting her “delicate pretty hands on his body,” if Aslam hadn’t kept talking. A short chuckle escaped his lips as the younger sister left nearly as quickly as she had arrived, watching her long enough to see her slip into the crowd before turning fully to Marina. [color=#FEF698]”You have my deepest sympathies, Marina. I have quite the mischievous and willful younger sister as well.”[/color] There was a fondness in his voice and eyes as he spoke of Ranya, seeing much of her in the young Varian princess. He imagined Sylvia was what she would act like had she had the freedom to do so. [color=#FEF698]”Now, I do believe you mentioned purchasing something overly priced.”[/color] His head turned back towards where stalls other than those selling food lined the street. [color=#FEF698]”May I be so bold as to suggest it be an item to wear? You see, there is this grand ball on the horizon and I would greatly enjoy seeing it on your person should you attend.”[/color] Aslam said smoothly. Marina’s brows remained raised. He was indeed bold. She tilted her head as she considered the idea that this prince may actually be trying to court her. She shifted weight from foot to foot, deeply considering the notion. She knew she could not drift too long without answering, so she drew it out on purpose. [color=#7D7FDB]“Hm, weeeell… …I already have a glooorrrious dress picked out, but one can never have too many accessories.”[/color] Her gaze slid past him to a nearby jewelry stall, and her eyes lit up. [color=#7D7FDB]“Oh yes,”[/color] she breathed, already on the move, [color=#7D7FDB]“look at those [i]sparklies[/i].”[/color] The last word came out almost like a growl as she hurried over, completely unashamed of herself. Aslam clasped his hands behind his back and followed Marina to the stall that had caught her eye with an easy smile. The almost too long pause before her response had admittedly given him a bit of anxiety. He watched where her gaze landed carefully as he had no idea what her dress looked like nor its color. It would be a disaster to ask her to wear something that clashed with her look. He internalized a dark chuckle. Perhaps that wouldn’t be so bad. Less competition for him. [color=#FEF698]”Hmm, yes, there is quite a diverse collection here.”[/color] He habitually stroked his non-existent beard as he leaned in beside her carefully examining the arrangement. Truth be told there were fine pieces, but none called to him until…. [color=#FEF698]”Whaatt aboouuttt this one?”[/color] Aslam drew out the question as his fingers pilfered what could only be a refined masterpiece of a necklace from its velvet cushion display. The gem held in the centerpiece of the necklace captured the vibrance of her hair as he held it out in his hand while the merchant eyed them with caution and hope for a sale and not a robbery. Marina’s head snapped toward his hand the moment the necklace caught the light. She then simply stared, lashes fluttering. Finally, a delighted grin stretched across her face. [color=#7D7FDB]“Oh my gods,”[/color] she breathed, leaning closer with both hands hovering near it. [color=#7D7FDB]“I love it. I [i]love[/i] it.”[/color] Her fingers twitched and then her eyes lifted to Aslam. [color=#7D7FDB]“It matches my hair like it was made for me. Look at it,”[/color] she insisted, voice turning almost reverent, [color=#7D7FDB]“it’s perfect.”[/color] Then she gave him a smug smile. [color=#7D7FDB]“You have excellent taste, Shehzade,”[/color] Marina declared, and she tapped her own collarbone with a nod. [color=#7D7FDB]“Now please put it on me.”[/color] Aslam’s face had been tense as Marina examined what he picked out, watching for any signs she may dismiss it. Instead, he found the tension leaving his face quickly only to be followed by a small smile at her ecstatic reaction. The rusted gears of his heart began to move and pump a familiar, if perhaps unwanted, sensation through his body. [color=#FEF698]”I am ever glad to receive such high praise. It would be my honor to bestow it upon you.”[/color] There was a more playful, teasing tone to his voice as he stepped around Marina. Both arms came over her shoulders and took both ends of the necklace into his hands. Aslam brought the necklace back against her neck, brushing her crimson locks out of the way so as to not catch it. There was a nostalgic look on his face as his hands brought the two ends together, connecting the clasp with dextrous precision years working with unstable chemicals brought. [color=#FEF698]”There. Now let us take a look…”[/color] He stated confidently and stepped back to her front. His face returned to a more neutral expression as he took in the sight of her with more intent, though his eyes could not hold his stunned state. Her eyes, her hair, the necklace surely made every feature of Marina’s pop. An uneasy feeling stirred in his stomach as even the sun’s rays chose that time to exacerbate her appearance. There was no comment made on what he thought of how it looked. Aslam turned to the merchant with a determined glint. [color=#FEF698]”I will be taking this piece off your hands.”[/color] It must have been the tone of his voice but when the discussion for price came, the merchant clearly refrained from extracting a higher price than what such a piece of jewelry might cost. [/color]