[color=lightgray][center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/251125/f2a7b0c4036c99e02915b173a2d47a53.png[/img][/center]Time: Evening
Location: Grand Ballroom
Attire: [url=https://i.pinimg.com/236x/29/dd/5c/29dd5c69e77b33dcc5ceafaabfdd026b.jpg]Aslam's Outfit[/url]
Interactions: Hafiz - [@princess], Askel - [@Remram]
Mentions:
Color Code: [color=#FEF698]#FEF698[/color]
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Aslam's heart was much like the vast desert of his homeland. It burned fiercely at times only to be later frozen in ice with one constant. It was left barren no matter the temperature save for the few oasis that kept life feasible. He could have chosen to dwell in those places of respite, clinging to what he could make of them. Instead, he has chosen to leave on a risky journey across the vast desert of his heart to find paradise. His hands had already destroyed one such place in his hubris and he would not make the same mistakes. Aslam's eyes had been opened to the threats that lurk beneath the sand and the false promise of mirages. His journey would only end when he found his promised land once again with certainty.

The Shehzade had begun to delve into such thought when Askel's hand pulled him out before he could sink further into the quicksand of such thinking. The gesture was familiar enough that he dared hoped the Varian Prince had caught his insinuation, but more than that he could sense the sincerity of his offer. He considered his siblings precious, but there was always the pressure from their father to push to the top...above the others. That was why the gesture and honest offer had left him briefly at a loss for words. Aslam's mouth had just opened to respond when something caught the prince's eyes that cause him to turn to see for himself.

A half-grin replaced the serious look on his face at the strange man's performance, unfamiliar with their identity. His finger tapped against the side of his chalice as he considered quickly how he might bring the man into his sphere of influence. Aslam had not reacted upon seeing Hafiz stride his way over to them though he did correct the faint lapses in his poise. There was no mistake in his mind. He was not the target of his uncle's attention, at least not primarily. [color=#FEF698]"Grand Vizier Hafiz."[/color] Aslam replied with the same curt acknowledgement and his own faint smile.

Aslam took the opportunity of Askel and Hafiz taking the first round of the conversation to step beside the Varian Prince facing his uncle. It was hard not to smirk at Askel's reply. [color=#FEF698]"Your eyes and ears are as sharp as ever, Uncle. We just so happened to stumble into each other."[/color] He let a small amount of levity into his voice. Whenever he interacted with Hafiz, it was like staring into a dark reflection of himself. What he could have become had the sun forever set within his soul. They both would stop at nothing to get what they wanted. Hafiz wanted power and a status above all others. Aslam wanted to protect what was most precious to him. His reasons might be different, but he was not against using the same means.

He did not join Askel when the prince stepped forward. There was nothing for him to gain by intervening in his moment. Now Aslam would see if the man who set his eyes on Ranya had the spine and wit to stand against the greatest barrier to their happily ever after. He desperately wanted this to be her very own fairy-tale. A valiant knight to slay the wicked serpent to rescue to the princess. Hafiz did not deserve the honor of being a dragon even if metaphorical and he hesitated to ascribe the word [color=#FEF698][i]damsel[/i][/color] to Ranya.

[color=#FEF698]"Very true! I am grateful you would make a point in coming to speak with us. Your time during a ball like this is surely invaluable."[/color] He spoke amicably wishing he had taken the chance to refill his cup. His throat was already getting dry in anticipation of the coming back and forth. Even so, little would be able to pull him away from Askel's side now. Hafiz had given him the opportunity to show his support for their relationship and judge whether the prince truly had the principles to follow through.
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