Infinite Cosmos

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Location: The castle/Munir's room
Interactions: @TaeMina

"Hush my love... we will talk when you're ready..." was all that Munir whispered to Mina as he walked. He kknew she needed and wanted rest. And his attention was being given to simply holding on to her, and not causing her to fall from his arms. The adrenaline has definitely worn off now and Munir's body screamed in pain and fatigue from overexertion. "We will be back at the castle in no time..."

As soon as the pair reached a clearing, Hakim has arranged a carriage for them, and a horse for himself so that he can keep up with the pace of the carriage. "My lord, the carriage is ready for you and Lady Blackwood. I will accompany you on a horse." Munir nodded to his trusty retainer. With Hakim's help, Munir gently placed Mina on one of the bench seats inside the carriage while settling down next to her, resting her head on his thigh. With another small nod, Hakim stepped back and closed the door to the passenger compartment and ascended his horse. Without much commotion, the carriage set off, the lights that hung from either side of the driver swayed as they illuminated the path back to the castle grounds.

Munir finally allowed himself a moment of respite, the gentle rocking of the carriage and steady hoof beat of the horses soothed his mind. Nothing else mattered right now. All he wanted was to get Mina to safety. And sleep.

A slew of castle guards rushed out at the sight of a late arriving carriage. Hakim rode up and waved them all off, as to not disturb Munir and Mina. When the carriage made a full stop, Munir finally blinked awake from his momentary dreams. Without much of a word, he scooped Mina back into his arms and carefully climbed out of the carriage. His body being pushed forward by sheer will at this point. As the trio arrived at Munir's quarters, Munir gestured for Hakim to take his leave and rest with a turn of his head and gracious nod. Hakim bid his lord farewell and took his leave for the evening after that.

In the room, Munir placed Mina on his feathered bed and worked on undressing her for the evening. Munir took extra care to cause as little disturbance as possible as he took off whatever clothing Mina had on, save for her smallclothes. With a soft silk towel dipped in warm water, Munir did his best to wipe off any signs of dirt Mina had before slipping a long silken tonic of his over her, gently cinching it at her waist. Satisfied, he draped the fur blanket over Mina and walked softly over to the hearth in his room and added more wood to it to ensure the fire would last the evening.

Finally, without undressing or cleaning himself, Munir collapsed into a heap onto the floor next to his bed and a sleeping Mina and drifted off into the night...

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Location: The woods
Interactions: @TaeMina. With brief mentions of Farim/Roman/Torvi.

Their eyes met. When Mina would see, beyond the tears and surface emotions was that Munir was full present with her. His devotion and focus shone through what people would call the windows to their souls. He listened to her carefully, taking in every word and all the emotions she put behind them

"Then help me understand what is causing you such distress... And we will face it together. I am never letting you go. You fucked up Lady Mina Blackwood. You're stuck with me forever now."

His last words were said in an obvious jest, but yet they held such indisputable truths. Munir fully intend on remaining with Mina for the rest of his days, however many the Sun God sees fit to grant him. He does intend on facing whatever troubles his beloved so much with her together.

How Mina behaved subsequently cause Munir to back up slightly. Not to distance himself but to allow Mina the space and air to express what she needed to express. He observed her silently, feeling the fatigue from his overexertion starting to creep in. In the distance, he can hear various commotions, and someone he thought sounded like hiss dear cousin.

Letting out a small huff of breath, he stepped back up towards Mina and swept her into his arms. "We will. It seems like we're unwanted guests in these woods..." He noticed Mina's pained expression and it caused him nothing but anger and sadness. Anger from the fact that he cannot suffer in her stead and sadness because she is feeling any pain at all.

Munir moved as quickly and steadily as he could, keeping Mina close to him but not so tightly as to cause her more pain. On his way back through the woods, he met back up with Hakim. "My friend. As you can see, our night is at an end. I must ask you to do an unreasonable task for me. Return to the gather, and get me some sort of transportation. I care not if it is a carriage, a cart, a horse or a camel. Lady Blackwood needs to be out of here, as fast as possible and I feel the adrenaline leaving my body and I am unsure how fast I am going to be able to move." Munir said to his retainer with a small nod. The quiet man simply offered a small bow before dashing back in direction he had just been running from.

"I'll get you out of here, even if it kills me..." He said to Mina, with a small kiss to her forehead...

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Location: The woods
Interactions: @TaeMina and the big Pubber

Huff ..... Pant ..... Huff ..... Pant

Munir's breathing was rushed but steady. His body seemingly moving without a wasted thought or motion from him. For all that was in his mind was chasing after whatever had taken hold of his Moon and Stars. The rushing of branches and crunching of leaves pierced his eardrums but were left behind just as quickly. For the briefest moment, the thought of having to fight off whatever threats stood between him and Mina flashed in his mind. Fear and uncertainty gripped him. Sure, he has received the finest training in all of Alidasht. But he has never had to wet his steel on the flesh of who would be his enemies. That thought also dissipated in his mind.

Come what may. He is going to hold Mina in his arms once again.

Much further back, Munir's loyal retainer Hakim was trying his best to keep up with his lord. They have been bonded since their childhood, first as friends then as lord and servant. Never once has Hakim seen Munir this focus, this committed to one singular task, let alone one woman. In his heart, he can't help but feel joy and warmth for his lord. For it seems like he has finally found the one.

Moon beams would push their way through the foliage at random moments. Munir never lost sight of who he thought was carrying Mina. Suddenly, the shadowy figure that ran ahead of him slowed, and then stopped, allowing Munir to finally understand what he had been chasing after. It was a hulking beast. Grey-maned, razor clawed and looking like something that sprang out from a story book that Mama used to read to him and his siblings. Munir stopped a relatively small distance away, allowing his own breathing to calm and slow as well. Mina was there, and she was unharmed. In that moment, he physically felt a weight being lifted from his shoulders. As Munir slowly slid off the massive creature, it would seem like the creature was somehow...different. Munir would swear that the beast bowed to him...

Reaching out hesitantly, he offered his palm to the creature, as a sign of non-hostility. Then he would clutch some fur at the top of the dire wolf's head, give it a few good ruffles as a sign of gratitude, for keeping Mina safe, before stepping aside and allowing the wolf to run off should it chooses.

His mind, body, and sights, now focused back towards Mina. He was silent. Only the small, trembling, sounds of a sigh escaped his lips. He walked up to her, cautiously, as if saying that if he moved too harshly or too fast she will disappear like the smoke from a fire. Reaching out, with his hands and arms giving way to a small twitch and tremble, he pulled Mina into a tight embrace.

"You. It has always been you. It is you. It will always be you. You are the object of my every desire. You are the master of my fate. You are the captain of my soul...My Moon and Stars. Everything that I have wanted, everything that I want currently, and everything that I will ever want..." Munir had buried his face into the crook of Mina's neck, as tears were streaming from his eyes...

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Location: The ceremony
Interactions: @Lava Alckon Farim @princess Anastasia, City Guards, @Helo Callum @TaeTorvi and her hostage/damsel in distress

Munir's smile from his conversation with his cousin was quickly wiped away. As a troop of the city's finest came crashing through the ceremony, clamoring about finding someone named Violet. The name did seem familiar to him, but he had not spotted the person at the ceremony specifically. "Aben am, perhaps it is time for you to get Lady Anastasia out of here... It seems like we have unwanted guests... Munir said softly but sternly. "Hakim, with me." he continued, giving his cousin and his lady friend a small bow as he turned to face the onrushing guards with his retainer giving the nobleman and lady a bigger, more status-appropriate bow before exiting with his lordling.

"And I, Prince Munir Ibn Raif al Kadir, command you to take your leave this instant. Not only have you intruded so rudely upon a holy ceremony, you have also disturbed my peace. For that you ought to be punished. On top of such acts of transgression, you dare draw your weapons in the presence of both I and Prince Callum Danrose? Your death wish knows no bounds it seems. I would ask my loyal retainer Hakim to bring me your heads, but I am a man of forgiveness and I believe in second chances. Take your leave this instant and I will have words with your commanding officer after the dust has settled from you trampling this sacred ground." Munir said, voice colder than the midnight sun. It wasn't normal for him to have to wear this mask, but if he was asked about it, he would surely say that it was rather exhilarating...

As he waited for the guards to decide whether or not they'd rather live or continue their silly pursuit, a scream was heard and commotions began spreading through the crowd. Hakim, ever-aware, was the first to turn and see what has happened. What he saw was Roman, clearly besides himself and showing the ferocity of a spirit bear, making his way towards the guards who still have their steel drawn. "My lord, it is unsafe here, we should take our leave... The ever-soft spoken Hakim addressed Munir. Munir, having turned in the same direction as Hakim, kissed his teeth in annoyance. "I think you're right, my friend. I think it would be better if we got out of Lord Ravenwood's, or whatever has taken over him, way. He is a friend, but he is not him currently..." As Munir started to take his leave, another, more familiar, sound was heard.

He recognized it immediately and his calm demeanor disintegrated. "Mina?" Was all that he said as he began scanning the crowd for the source of the familiar voice. What he saw gripped him with panic. A unknown figure had seemingly taking Mina hostage, and was dragging Mina into the trees...

"YOU! UNHAND HER THIS INSTANT!" Munir screamed out, his voice a mix of rage and fear. This also took Hakim's attention away from Roman, as he turned in the same direction his lord is now facing. Munir, without saying another word, charged towards the unknown figure, pushing and weaving through the stunned crowd. Hakim tried his best to keep up, but it seemed as if Munir was moving with unnatural lithe and grace. The uneven terrain and shambling crowd seems to melt away into nothingness as Munir bounded towards the treeline.

"MINA!"

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Location: The ceremony
Interactions: @Lava Alckon Farim @princess Anastasia

Hakim had produced a small wineskin and given it to Munir. The cool water flowed from the wineskin and seemingly coursed through Munir's body and provided him a sense of stillness and calm. Munir blinked slowly, as he savored the tastelessness of water, using it to still his mind and heart.

Handing the wineskin back to his ever-loyal retainer, Munir looked towards the stage and saw that preparations had begun for the next song. The air was crisp but heavy. Munir cannot recount a time where he had been this quiet, for this long. He did not feel a need to speak, or to even move. He wanted to remain where he was, to chase after his mother, whom he misses and desperately wishes could be with him.

The emptiness of his mind was momentarily disrupted when two guests approached him. Hakim reflexively offered Farim and Anastasia the courtesy they deserved. "Aben am. I am fine. The atmosphere for the ceremony has affected me. The stillness... it is rather.... you know?" He said all of this while only turning slightly to be able to see who had approached. "Lady Anastasia... I see you have taken a liking to my dear cousin... I hope that means I would get to see you around, and perhaps one day in Alidasht. Your presence is always a welcoming sight. Turning his attention back to Farim, Munir said "Cousin. Yes. I saw her. She was here. She spoke to me... I...I miss her...

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Location: The ceremony

The night carried on. Munir blended into the crowd, swaying side to side with the music that seem to emanate from every corner of the dark forest. His eyes were closed, as he felt strangely at ease with his surroundings. Hakim stood nearby, having decided to decline the drinks offered at the ceremony in order to keep a lucid mind. Munir, however, partook in all parts of the ceremony, as it would have been respectful for him to do.

As his mind flirted with the line that defined consciousness, he felt a sudden chill that was not characteristic of the weather. He drew in a deep breath, trying to steady himself. In his physical form, his eyes remained closed. However, in his consciousness, he was seeing figures.

"Mot- Mother?... How are you here? You...." Munir exclaimed. The figure remained silent. However, in the depths of his consciousness, Munir could hear his mother loud and clear. "My love. It has been so difficult for you. I am sorry you have suffered so... Munir was silent. A tear started to form, both physically for him and in his consciousness. "I'm sorry I have not been around and you've had to clad yourself in your armor, keeping everyone at a distance from your true self. My child, you need not dim your light any longer. I see that someone has reignited the fire in you. The fire you've always had. Let it burn bright and fierce, my ray of sunshine. Let the fire propel you to who you are meant to be... "Mother...." Munir said, reaching his hand out physically, trying to grasp the ethereal. "I'm always with you, my love. If you are lost, know that I am never far away..." The ethereal figure reached out and caressed Munir's face, before fading from his consciousness.

With a sharp gasp and inhale, followed by a hitched exhale, Munir took several moments to catch his breath. He automatically gave Hakim a small gesture to signal that he was fine and Hakim need not worry. Looking up at the stage, focusing on Mina specifically, Munir placed a palm at the center of his chest, hoping to steady heart and breathing...

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Location: The ceremony

Munir, as a stranger to all of this, stood with his arms crossed behind his back. He fully allowed his mind to empty and let his emotions be guided by the ethereal atmosphere that now surrounded the crowd. He breathed in deeply, allowing the scents of the lake and woods to fill his lungs. He can tell that his breathing is slowing, subconsciously. It was as if the air around the crowd, and for him specifically, has grown both lighter and heavier at the same time.

When his eyes would open, he noticed that Roman and Mina are on stage, singing and dancing. Seeing the two haunting figures intertwined was something he knew would happen, but it still stirred his emotions nonetheless. He stilled his mind, to the best of his abilities, as he hearkened back to what Roman had said to him. This isn't them, per se. The spirits are now their guide and their physical bodies their vessels.

Still. Subconsciously, or perhaps consciously, his eyes were fixed on Mina. Her form, her figure, and the air around her. It all spoke to him. Sure, the gods they called on this night were foreign to him. Sure, the chants heard tonight were not in Alidashtian. Sure, the dances tonight resembled nothing from back home. All of this meant nothing. All Munir knew, in that moment, is that he wanted the woman, wearing clothing fit for the ceremony, dancing under the light of the moon and fires that surrounded them...

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Location: Munir's room, then the edge of Lover's Lake
Interactions: @Lava Alckon Farim @princess Anastasia @Tae Mina @ReusableSword Roman & various NPC

Munir pattered along, sifting his way through the crowd that has gathered for the event, offering those that would look upon him a small bow. In turn, the other participants that have gotten Hakim's message would do the same, returning the Shahzade's bow with their own. Hakim, the ever-faithful retainer, was always nearby but never intrusive.

Peering through the crowd, Munir was delighted to find that some familiar faces have decided to turn up to this event. First person he spotted was his cousin Farim. Of course he'd be here. As far as Munir was concerned, Farim would always choose to attend an event in which he does not have to wear as mask, as he already wear one on the daily. In any case, he saw that his cousin decided to offer a small hymn in their mother tongue. A touching gesture, one that Munir understood fully. Still. It was one he noted in his mind to use later as fuel to tease his cousin with later.

Next person he noticed was Mina. His eyes were naturally drawn to her, the atmosphere of the event aside. He watched her walk into the event, with the stag horns adoring her head. Instinctively, his mind made him think about what Mina would look like with a Alidashtian crown on her, for her to be dressed in their traditional attire and overseeing a ceremony or celebration. What a sight that would be. Along with Mina, Munir noticed Count Sebastian. He offered the man a small bow, as a recognition of his presence. He was very much looking forward to their conversation later. He did not feel a shred of fear, or nerve. It was almost matter of fact to him. Yes, the conversation will be the most important one he has had yet, but it was one that needs to be had.

Anastasia was next. Her typical jovial nature shone through, even on a night like this. When she gave Munir a wave, Munir offered a small bow and raised his hand slightly, returning her greeting. Seeing her interaction with Farim, Munir chuckled to himself. He might not be the only one to find their jewel tonight, it seems.

Roman then approached him. Seeing the imposing man, wearing a full snow bear pelt, made Hakim naturally close the distance between himself and Munir. With a small hand gesture done at his side, Munir halted Hakim and reassured him that things were alright. He offered Roman a small bow and leaned in closer as Roman began to speak to him in Alidashtian. How did this man know his native tongue? That was an intriguing question, but for later. Munir listened to what Roman had to say, chewing and digesting the words slowly. As Roman finished, Munir nodded and responded in Alidashtian, "Sir Ravenwood. Thank you for your concerns. I understand the implications of this ceremony. Whatever happens next, only the Gods will know. When spirits speak and walk this earth, we're all vessels for their expressions. I hold no ill will towards you. You're right. I have my eyes, and heart, set on Lady Blackwood. But, if I could not handle what is to come in this ceremony, I would not be here. The respect is mutual, brother." At the end of his words, Munir placed his right hand on his chest and gave Roman a small bow. A gesture of respect and gratitude.

As Roman walked off and approached the priestess, Munir crossed his arms and drew in a deep breath. The smell of the woods, the moisture and musk of it all, flooded his nostrils. He closed his eyes softly, listening to the enchanting words Roman and the priestess echoed. His breathing was steady, and his demeanor relaxed. Hakim moved closer to Munir, observing the ceremony as well as he could.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Location: Munir's room, then the edge of Lover's Lake
Interactions: Hakim, NPCs at the Solstice event

"Hm. After the solstice event... Very well. Hakim, how should I dress for this?"

About half an hour after, Munir emerged from his bath naked, the droplets of water falling to the ground as he pattered from the tub and stood in front of a bronze mirror. Ever since he was a child, he has preferred to dry and dress himself, whether he got to pick out the outfit or not. It was just a simple, weird, peeve of his, to allow his servants to dry and dress him. As he was drying and combing out his hair, he chuckled at the outfit Hakim had chosen for him. Munir's direction to his retainer was simple. Keep it simple. Thats all that was said to the other young man. What Hakim had chosen had to have been the plainest clothing Munir has in his current closet. A pair of linen breeches, a short sleeved linen tunic, a leather sash. leather flat bottom shoes lined with washed linen. No gold, no jewelry. Given the religious and ceremonial aspect of the event, Munir thought it prudent to dress plainly. Even his hair was tied back into a loose bun with nothing but a leather band.

After he got dressed, he made sure he looked presentable with the ensemble Hakim had chosen for him, for the evening. Sure, he felt like he was riding into battle without his armor, but he also felt at ease, like a weight was lifted off his shoulders. He approached the door, and saw that Hakim was dressed with simplicity as well. Of course, Hakim had his dagger with him. He was trained to never be without it, even back home when Munir was having family dinner with his closest relatives. Munir glanced at his own dagger and decided against bringing it, assuming that no one in attendance of the event would dare wish harm upon him.

"Looks like you understood my instructions, as I assumed you would, my dear friend. Let us make way to the lake. Again, keep it simple. I do not wish to have the attention on me this evening, as weird as that is to say. The event has a much deeper meaning and if all goes well, you will have your shezhadi by the end of this evening too..." Munir said to Hakim, ending his words with a small clasp on the other young man's shoulder as the pair left his room.

Upon their arrival, Hakim had sent word to the ushers and organizers of the event that the attendees do not need to greet Munir with formalities. For the evening, let him be unseen and unheard. Sure, those who look upon him will recognize him. However, even in that scenario, he has allowed the commoners to forego the greetings and other formalities. For the evening, he was a guest, and he will pay his respects...

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Location: Edin's shindig
Interactions: Waiters, servants, passerbys

Munir, against his character, made a quiet entrance to the garden party hosted by King Edin and the rest of the Sorian courtesans. Given the recent events in his life, he was in much need of some fresh air and some courtly mingling. Munir was dressed for the event of course, having gotten himself some Sorian clothing made while he was here, instead of wearing strictly the clothing he brought over from home.

Walking into the garden, Munir nodded quietly to the guests present. Those that spoke to him, he asked them to keep his arrival quiet, as to not cause a scene.

As Munir was looking around to see who was all present, he spotted Count Sebastian and subsequently Mina as well. His natural instinct was telling him to approach Mina and speak with her regarding what happened. But he also noticed that she was speaking happily to another man. Their interaction seemed quite close. Munir observed the small touches and physical contact between Mina and this man. He asked a passing servant as to what their conversation was about, and the servant dutifully responded by telling Munir of the plan for a silent auction. Munir’s eye twitched, as a quiet rage sprang up within him…

He decided to approach Count Sebastian for a quick word of invitation. Surely he wouldn’t… lay his hands on him in such a public venue. He made his off to a nearby table and quickly drafted a small note. The note reads “Count Sebastian, I humbly request your present at the West tea room this evening perhaps, to speak of our last...meeting... I shall await your presence. I bid you good day. Clean and concise. Just how Munir wants it. Handing the note off to his retainer Hakim, Munir asked him to deliver the note to the count and stay with him, to await his response.

Next, he kept his presence low, and did his best to blend into the crowd, hoping to remain unseen for the time being…