|
Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 19, 2007 13:15:26 GMT -5
It was the first day of our arrival in Epidauros, and I made my way to the Ban's palace, intent on making, once again, my plea.
It had become so routine for me, that I no longer bothered thinking of it, instead concentration on learning the language of it's people. Illyrian turned out to be acceptably learnable, with the help of the Ephesian and Kritian influences it held, and the common roots it had with Rus.
Upon arrival, I introduced myself, only to find the Ban's door closed. I waited in the hall, patiently, as I would on my Sultan.
|
|
Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
|
Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 19, 2007 13:28:36 GMT -5
I was passing from my uncle's study and heading past the main door that he uses publicly. The one that is closed until he decides he must face the throngs. As soon as my presence was noted I heard the unmistakable sound of the guards snapping into perfect attention. Gods you would think I beat them regularly the way I was treated with such respect. I would love to just once hear one call "Hey Pièter how you doing?' But thus was my lot in life.
As I made my way along though I noted an obvious foreign face. This one seemed to be patiently waiting on my uncle and he struck a curious cord in me. So I walked over to see what it was he wished to inquire about. I would have politely cleared my throat to announce my arrival but four guards had became my shadows and I was quite certain my presence would be easy to notice.
|
|
|
Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 19, 2007 15:08:47 GMT -5
I had kept my eyes on the tiled floor of the palace, noting the striking difference in style with the ones we had in Ry'ad, but a clatter of lances and boots claimed my attention. I lifted my eyes, only to find a young man, escorted by four retainers, standing in front of me.
I stood, and bowed deeply, saying the customary greeting of his land, "Long life and pleasant wind, may the tide do you well, Amir."
I had no idea what the Illyrian title for Princes was, and I'd used the one in my tongue - silently, I prayed that my barakha had sent my way an understanding liege. Out of my land, it was difficult to act as Sultan-to-be... I was merely a traveler in search of a spouse.
|
|
Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
|
Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 19, 2007 15:17:17 GMT -5
His accent was pretty thick but I understood and offered a reassuring smile that I hoped told him to relax. I could only vaguely recollect his language as he had now neatly placed himself. And I folded my hands in front of me.
"The Ban is a bit busy this morning but if I can be of any help to you I shall." I smiled a bit "A Prince of the Sands if I am not mistaken. I am Pièter Kolcei, I suppose I would be considered the crown Prince until the Ban's own children come of age. Is there a language other than your own that you feel more comfortable conversing in? I speak a few though regrettably not yours to fluency."
|
|
|
Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 19, 2007 15:40:25 GMT -5
I smiled, straightening my posture. We were of equal station, it was useless to be overly ceremonious. "He-Who-Has-No-Name has blessed me, and sent you my way, Amir," I replied in shaky Illyrian. "I am Walid Habib Mas’ud bin Kaseem El Kadar Al-Wahed, Amir of Sa'ud and Heir to the Sultanate of Ummaiyyatt," I said, "so, yes, a Prince of the Sands."
I thought an instant, and offered, "Would you be at ease with Hellene, or perhaps Ephesi, Amir?"
|
|
Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
|
Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 19, 2007 15:44:49 GMT -5
I listened a bit cocking my head and switched to Hellene. "This suits me just fine and it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance. " I spoke the language relatively well but of course once could tell it was not my milk tongue. "How may I be of service it simply does not serve to have one of your station waiting about like a commoner." I did not use that description in disdain and I am sure it showed in my manner. Instead I meant it as a statement that we did not need to have an incident over a Sultan's son being left waiting like a beggar.
|
|
|
Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 19, 2007 15:53:01 GMT -5
"Thank you, Amir," I replied. "Is there a more suitable place, perhaps, than the corridors of the Ban, to have conversations that pertain to matters of state?"
I smiled at him more brightly. He seemed to be kind and honorable. I liked him, I thought, and it would be a good thing, to wed one of his kin, if they were as genuinely good as he.
|
|
Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
|
Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 19, 2007 16:00:52 GMT -5
"Of course" I nodded then turned to my shadows and switched back to Illyrian. "Only two of my shadows please." They started to protest and a I cut them off "Two can defend me just fine and I am armed myself." A bit of resolved slid into my tone "If this turns out to be a military matter you can be assured I will handle it in accordance with protocol." They wisely relented and two left.
I turned back toward Walid and switched back to Hellene "This way please." I then strode down a hall toward one of the conference rooms and carried on as I went "And you may call me Pièter. I find there is a point when courtesy gets in the way of normal conversation."
|
|
|
Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 19, 2007 17:56:26 GMT -5
I'd understood the better part of the exchange, but my features were schooled into aloofness, and my eyes only turned back to Pièter's when he addressed me.
In 'Rab, I turned to my escort, and ordered that only two come, Khalid and Mo'Sain, that we be on equal ground as well when it came to numbers. No objection was made, as it should be, and we strode after the Illyrians. Following into the room I took stock of the place, the furniture that had feet, and the carpets, coarse and primitive when compared to those of Ummaiyyatt.
"But of course, Pièter," I replied, finding the inflection of his first syllable, "And as it seems we are equals, please refer to me as Walid."
|
|
Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
|
Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 19, 2007 20:09:54 GMT -5
"Of course Walid" I motioned. "Have a seat and might I send for any refreshments for you? I am sure your journey has been long and the wait outside that door was probably longer." I did not comment if the men would like anything. Those in our circles tend to start regarding them about like the furniture to help keep our sanity.
|
|
|
Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 20, 2007 3:20:19 GMT -5
I chose not to comment on his comment about the wait. The Ban could have made me stand by his door a whole week, I would not have complained - a King in his land is to be respected as such. It was what I would expect when I came of title, and thus I gave it to the monarchs I met.
I sat silently, my eyes darting about the room, then back to the Illyrian Prince. "Your hospitality is welcome," I said, pressing my hand to my heart in a gesture of sincere appreciation. "Anything you see fit will please me, I am rather curious to see what your land has to offer," I added, smiling pleasantly.
|
|
Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
|
Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 20, 2007 4:20:54 GMT -5
I smiled and sent for a servant. Soon said servant returned with two glasses of vodka. It was a drink from Ruskovia truth be told, but was a bit more exotic all the same. I settled in and offered Walid his. "This drink is from Ruskovia it has a bit of a kick." I saluted him with the glass then took a delicate sip trying to not let the fiery fluid pull a face from me.
|
|
|
Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 20, 2007 5:11:11 GMT -5
I grinned as he presented the drink to me, memories of the Romanovs coming to mind, though I filed away the thought of Olga's pretty face, lest I be depressed. My trip to Ruskovia had been one of many wonders, but it had left me with the bitter taste of defeat in my mouth.
"It is Vodka, Da?" I said in Ruskovian, not realizing until I'd spoken, and then gave Pieter an apologetic look. The more I looked at him the more I thought his 'Rab name would have likely been Tahir, for he projected what belonged to the Pure, the Clean, the Chaste, the Modest. Mayhap, if we were friends, I would tell him.
In my land, for an ajnabiyy, a foreigner, to be given such a name was a privilege, and a sign of acceptance. We would have to see... things didn't work the same way everywhere, I had learned.
|
|
Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
|
Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 20, 2007 8:53:09 GMT -5
I smiled and easily changed tongues “Da it is. The people of Ruskovia and mine are not really that far separated. Illyria is a land that sort of sits on the cusp of many gateways to new places. With some luck this will one day benefit us. But so far that has not come to pass.”
|
|
|
Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 20, 2007 10:06:16 GMT -5
"Ch'ellah, it will come to pass," I replied with a smile, as I downed the glass in the manner of Rus, and deposited the glass on the table with a hiss of pleasure. "Wallahi, it's good to taste it again," I said, mingling my 'Rab sayings to Rus.
I'd spend longer than usual in Ruskovia... and thus spoke it rather well. That I hadn't thought of suggesting it earlier flabbergasted me.
"But, you must be curious, as to my presence here," I said more soberly - after all, there was no point in delaying the inevitable.
|
|
Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
|
Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 20, 2007 10:14:35 GMT -5
I downed the rest of my glass as well though without the panache he had. “I confess I am but figured you would get to it in your own time. As they say time and tides wait for no man though so lets hear it.” I smiled a bit.
|
|
|
Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 20, 2007 15:07:28 GMT -5
I enclined my head in ascent, and cut to the heart of the matter.
"As I have explained earlier, Pieter, I am the Sultan-to-be of Ummaiyyatt. As it is often the cause, matters of state require that one take a wife." I paused, taking my breath, and waited to see how he would react.
|
|
Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
|
Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 20, 2007 15:20:47 GMT -5
I smiled a bit I was passing familiar with the facts. “I see, I also understand your predicament. You may of course discuss the matter with my uncle, but I am the eldest of he and his brother’s children and I am barely of my majority. Sooooo” I paused and grinned a bit “not that you are not a dashing man I fear the only one of age for a state marriage is well me.”
|
|
|
Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 20, 2007 16:11:49 GMT -5
It was tragiccally hilarious, and I did not countain it. "Well.... that certainly would not do for the Sultan's plans," I replied, laughing more. "Not that you are not a dashing man, but I prefer my spouses to be more curvy and less manly, if you don't mind," and I laughed more.
In the secret of my intimacy, I would curse at my tragic destiny, to never see the sands of Ry'ad again. But in the company of Pieter, I laughed at my own misery. Such was my destiny.
|
|
Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
|
Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 20, 2007 16:17:40 GMT -5
“I am rather glad to hear you say that as I am not overly sure of what pleases me but I am sure it tends to be female.” My lips pursed a bit at the joke and I gave a soft laugh. Then I grew more serious “Most really do not understand the old saying love who you will, but your king will tell you who to wed.” I then called for refills of our drinks and added. “Do not despair though. There is an old Hellenic tale about their first and greatest wrestler. That land is know for producing those skilled in the sport and there was a youth named Possogineous who tried it, but alas he was too small and weak. But he took the advice of a wise man and displayed patience and it turned out. See the wise one told him lift a calf over the fence both morning and night. Every day, and Possogineous did until the boy was a man and the calf was a bull. Such is the case that if you persist you will ultimately succeed.”
|
|
|
Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 20, 2007 18:08:06 GMT -5
"Ahmin," I replied, wishing it would indeed happen, for I missed my home. In truth, the Ruskovian princess had stuck in my mind some, although I found the memory of her more and more vivid with the effect of the vodka.
"Spassiba," I said in Ruskovian, "Thank you for your patience and understanding. I may yet stay a moment in you city, and learn your people, if you don't mind," I added. "You will make a fair ruler, Tahir." I added, smiling in explanation, "In my land, that is the name give to the pure-hearted. It suits you, Pieter."
|
|
Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
|
Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 20, 2007 20:54:25 GMT -5
I gave him a nod of gratitude "My thanks, though I am not destined for the throne less tragedy strikes. My uncle has three children who have not yet reached age. When they do the burden of succession shall be lifted from my shoulders." And indeed I did view it as a burden. "So perhaps in a year or so I shall have something that you have, but few with royal blood ever really enjoy. And that is the freedom to just be a person."
I sipped the vodka and added "As for the city it is not mine, but explore as much as you like. We are a people of a land that has little to offer aside from location. We need people from other lands if we are to make that location hold value."
|
|
|
Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 21, 2007 9:57:26 GMT -5
"A confluent of culture," I observed. "It is a fascinating thing, really. Ry'ad, our capital, is isolated from your world, but an open sea port to the Orient, Ch'n, Bhodistan, J'pn, and those who thread by Ummaiyyat from such places strike me with wonder, though I shall never be free, Pieter. Until my quest is over, I am exiled, but then, the burden of power will fall on me. Duty, rather than inheritance," I sighed.
I had never cared much for power. Rather, I missed the imam's call from the prayer towers and the singsong of the wind in the olive trees, along with my blessed solitude in which I let the inventions that crowded my mind come to existence.
|
|
Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
|
Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 21, 2007 10:05:10 GMT -5
I nodded a bit in understanding “I am afraid all I can do is then wish you the best of luck. The road you travel is not easy in the least.”
|
|
|
Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 21, 2007 10:26:49 GMT -5
"Not easy, but fascinating," I said. "I have met fantastic people, truely, in my travels."
I wondered, and it seemed I was being bidden my leave. It irked my patience, but I stifled it, even if the Amir before me would likely never ascend. I liked him - and he had been helpful, even if there was no solution for me in Illyria.
A thought came to me, and I asked, "Will you one day seek out a bride yourself?"
|
|
Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
|
Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 21, 2007 10:34:17 GMT -5
I inclined my head “Yes, my uncle would like me to marry well but it is not a direct order. So we shall see what time and tide bring me. Next year his own children are of age so I shall most likely be posted abroad to test the waters."
|
|
|
Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 21, 2007 15:08:21 GMT -5
I nodded in understanding, "Then mayhap our paths will cross," I said amicably. "I have been unlucky in my quest so far, but who knows?" I sighed, thinking, "There were some lovely brides-to-be, though, in some places I visited."
|
|
Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
|
Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 21, 2007 16:36:57 GMT -5
I shrugged the whole idea of women while making my blood boil also left me decidedly nervous and I am sure it showed on my face as I did not hide my feelings very well. “I hope, all any of us can do is try and perform as is expected of us.”
|
|
|
Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 22, 2007 10:39:29 GMT -5
"Amin," I replied, "It is true enough."
I knew I had no problem in that area, but, eh, it's simply not the case for everyone.
My business was done, and I had failed. I would rest some in Illyria, before I took the tide again, as Pieter had given me leave to.
"I believe I have stolen already a great deal of your time, Pieter, and would not wish to encroach any more on your duties," I said politely, concerned about protocol. "I will bide my leave, and hope He-Who-Had-No-Name lets our paths cross again."
|
|
Pièter Kolcei
Noble
His Highness the Ambassador of Illyria, Nephew of the Ban; House Kolcei
Posts: 1,920
|
Post by Pièter Kolcei on Aug 22, 2007 11:35:03 GMT -5
I stood and offered my hand “Thank you Walid it really has been no trouble and I wish you the best of luck.” I smiled a bit “And I am sure our paths will no doubt cross again it really is a small world in the circles we walk.”
|
|