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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 19, 2007 12:18:53 GMT -5
I was in the market, the busy market of Ephesus. My escort was with me, intent on keeping me safe, and my kaftan was white, keeping the rays of the merciless sun as much at bay as possible.
I wanted to find something to entice Kiana El Makhtub, the sultan's cousin, but nothing came to mind. I was hot, I was tired. Eventually, I gave up, and sat under the shadow of an olive tree, sipping tea and smoking the hookah. Ephesian tobakho wasn't as good as the one in Ry'ad, but it did the trick.
And under the pleasant shade of the tree, I lounged, enjoying tremendously the breeze the servants made for me with palm tree leaves.
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Post by Rannan de Fournier (D) on Aug 19, 2007 14:15:05 GMT -5
I walked through one of the markets in Ephesus. I was glad to be here, even in all of the heat. I had decided to continue my father's collection of rare books and I was hoping to find at least one worthy of it here. I found traveling to be a true light in my life and I practically lived for it, taking care of my estate mainly for the money in which to do so. The world was interesting, so many different cultures, religions, ways of thinking, and when the mood struck me, women. Though one had to be careful with women outside of Terre d'Ange since they did not have the fertility protection. The last thing I wanted was my seed running around without me knowing about it.
The heat started to weigh on me a little. I looked for a vendor with something cool to drink and found one who claimed to have pure water. He showed me a method in which he steamed the water, and collected it in a seperate container. It was interesting and I purchased a canteen full off it. It proved to be as fresh as he promised and I drank it with pleasure.
As I walked I saw a man who appeared to be a traveler as well basking under a olive tree. It appeared though that he traveled with a larger number than my lone self. Deciding to branch out and say hi to at least one person while I was here I walked over to where he sat. I shielded my eyes and took him in as I greeted him, "hello I am Rannan Fournier from the land of Terre d'Ange may I bother you for some idle chat and a break from this sun?"
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 19, 2007 15:00:00 GMT -5
The shade did me good - I needed to rest from the heat. My quiet respite was interrupted by a commotion, and I found my escort leaping to surround me.
A traveler was in their midst, likely surprised at the situation, and I stood to witness the commotion. He seemed to be a scholar, a mohandis, perhaps, and harmless, and so I interjected.
My voice carried over the commotion, "Khalas! Khalas!" and obeying, they put an end to the situation. I smiled to the man, and in tentative Ephesi, I told him, "I'm sorry, I never heart your introduction, in all this trouble. Please, state our name and business."
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Post by Rannan de Fournier (D) on Aug 19, 2007 15:29:40 GMT -5
I was glad that I had kept my distance as the man's retainers surrounded him. I should probably choose more common people to talk with in the future. No mind, for now I needed to concentrate on my Ephesi.
"I appologize," I said in Ephesi to him and his men. Then more toward him I repeated my introduction. "My name is Rannan Fournier from Terre d'Ange and I am simply looking for some interesting conversation and some shade."
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 19, 2007 15:45:44 GMT -5
My hand gave a lazy wave, and the men parted from me. He did not bow, or stay prostrate, this traveler. I sighed.
"I would normally have you flagellated for your impertinence," I said sternly. "But I am in a good mood, and curious of this Terre d'Ange you speak of. Come, and sit, and smoke with me. Mayhap we can learn from each other."
One of my men interjected, and I stopped him. "I am Walid Habib Mas’ud bin Kaseem El Kadar Al-Wahed, Prince of Sa'ud, but you may call me Amir, simply."
Later, mayhap, titles would drop. For now, I needed the formality. Additional cushions were set, and he joined me. I made a gesture, and mint tea was served, along with a second hookah.
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Post by Rannan de Fournier (D) on Aug 21, 2007 18:07:08 GMT -5
If I wasn't so hot and in my own mood I probably would have taken stronger note of his person. When he mentioned his title, however, I realized my error. He ushered me in to join him, however and I was glad that I wouldn't have to try to attempt some dignity and shy away. Before I sat however I gave him a bow of respect and said, "forgive me dear Prince I am a fool at times."
I took the offered seat and thanked both Amir and the servants for the tea and hookah. "My name is Rannan de Fourneir and I promise that most d'Angelines are better at formalities than I. When I travel I tend to forget who I am at times." In my mind I added with choice, but out side I smiled and added, "you may call me whatever you like."
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 22, 2007 10:29:24 GMT -5
I smiled back, liking the man instantly.
"Then I shall call you Ayd, the Visitor, Rannan de Fournier, for you and I both are strangers in strange lands. It seems you are inclined to sincere gestures, and it is rather a pleasant one," I said gingerly. "Now, tell me," I handed him the hookah after I'd taken a puff myself, and asked, "What is this Terre d'Ange you speak of?"
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Post by Rannan de Fournier (D) on Aug 22, 2007 23:57:32 GMT -5
I accepted the hookah from Amir. I tested the name had had given me, "Ayd, I do like how it sounds." I breathed in the smoke from the pipe, taking a generous but not overly deep breath. I did not know the strength of what he offered and I did not want to lose any self control. I have tried a few things and some have proven to be less pleasent than others. The smoke was nice, I felt my senses rise some, but I was still plenty aware of my reality.
"This is very pleasent," I told him. I then asked, my curiosity driving me, "What does Amir mean?"
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 23, 2007 18:12:48 GMT -5
He seemed like an interesting and pleasant spirit, if any, and I resolved to let him in. "Amir is the 'Rab word for Prince - though it is not a title. It simply indicates my place it the order of things. Ayd, however, is a name, and is given to children at their birth," I explained. "My birthname is Walid, and it means new-born. As I was the first, it is fitting."
The hookah came back to my hand, and I took in a long puff of smoke before I returned it to Ayd, savoring the taste of apples in the vapor-stricken smoke.
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Post by Rannan de Fournier (D) on Aug 24, 2007 0:56:12 GMT -5
I listened with great interest as Amir told me the meanings of the names. Names were interesting things, something given to you by someone else, but the one thing that will define you no matter what. Laying out my thoughts I said, "a name can be a strange thing, if your parents call you by such as you do not want to be known as, you are stuck with it. Thankfully my parents gave me a good name. It means fresh and new, which they chose because they were hoping to start a new life when I was born."
I had already accepted the hookah, I gave the Prince a break from my meanderings as I took another puff of smoke. It was quite pleasent, I might have to ask where he aquired it, perhaps I could bring some back with me to my home.
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 24, 2007 3:16:36 GMT -5
"Then you and I have the same name," I noted, liking him more for it. "That entitles you to shed title, and simply call me Walid," I added with a wide grin as I took a fig, and tore it in two, handing him the other half.
He had mentionned his parents hopes, and it made me curious. He was visibly not of here, and I had a mind to learn as much as I could about his culture. "And did your parents succeed in their endeavours?"
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Post by Rannan de Fournier (D) on Aug 24, 2007 19:49:08 GMT -5
I thanked Walid for the honor and the fig half. I took a bite of it as he asked about my parents. I finished eating what was in my mouth, savoring it some.
When I could speak again properly I said, "sadly they did not truly see their dreams. They did do quite well for a little bit, but their life was cut short along with that of my infant sister."
Though the events had taken place a few years back, the scars were still fresh. I kept the feellings aside however, I would not ruin the Prince's mood.
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 24, 2007 20:02:25 GMT -5
"I'm sorry to hear about your loss," I replied soberly. I patted his arm amicably, and said, "It will get better."
I let a moment of silence stay, to keep the dead in peace, and then said, "Well, tell me, of Terre d'Ange, your country. I've rarely heard of it, and you are the first D'Angeline I meet."
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Post by Rannan de Fournier (D) on Aug 26, 2007 14:02:37 GMT -5
I nodded at Walid's words, thankful of his repect toward them.
I was happy for the change of subject and plenty happy to speak of Terre' d'Ange. "It is a beautiful country," I told him. "Espcially our capital city, Eula, which is where I hold a town house." I took a small drink and then continued. "I should let you know, I am not a good representation of the actual d'Angelines. They are a beautiful people, mainly of fair skin and eyes that could melt the souls of anyone. I am actually a Yeshutie by blood. My parents moved to Kusheth before I was born, another city in Terre d'Ange."
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 26, 2007 15:46:46 GMT -5
I had been taking notes, and raised an eye brow in question. "A Yeshuite?"
That was something I was curious of - I had read the tale of Yeshua, but... never met one of his people.
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Post by Rannan de Fournier (D) on Aug 28, 2007 20:39:50 GMT -5
I nodded at Walid's question. "Yes, I am a bit of an odd Yeshuite since I do not follow the traditions of my people, but that of Terre d'Ange. I do know the history of my people and share their blood. But, Terre d'Ange has stolen my heart."
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 29, 2007 3:18:51 GMT -5
I looked at him, completely confused. "I am sorry, I am not very familiar, either with Yeshuites, or with Terre d'Ange, or its citizens. I think I will need to hear you tell me more," I said, my eyes already sparkling with curiosity.
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Post by Rannan de Fournier (D) on Aug 29, 2007 21:42:26 GMT -5
I thought for a moment, wondering what he wanted to know. "Well, d'Angelines and Yesuites are two very different people. The Yeshuites follow strongly the teachings of Yeshua and the One True God. The d'Angelines do believe in the One True God, but they also follow their own set of gods and they live for pleasure and honor while the Yeshuites live to be perfectly obedient."
I hoped that my overall definition was accurate. In truth there was a lot to both religions and a summary did seem to take away from them a little.
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Aug 31, 2007 2:02:04 GMT -5
"Ah," I said, nodding in understanding. "The one True God... He-Who-Has-No-Name, then, whose son traveled to Bodhistan, and was held by the king of Persis? He was a prophet, this one, and spoke words of great wisdom. I do not know of these D'angelines - but I have heard of the Yeshuite, though they are called Yude, in my country. They are not so close to us in belief, we sometimes intermarry. Obedience is a virtue," I said matter-of-factly.
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Post by Rannan de Fournier (D) on Sept 2, 2007 22:41:11 GMT -5
It was interesting to find that another culture believed in the same god. I had spent the last few years trying to come to terms with what I believed. I found it easier to believe that there was none. After all it got rid of the problem of trying to figure out why he would alow such good people to die in such horrible ways.
"That is interesting to know," I told Walid, "since I did not know how far the beliefs in He-Who-Has-No-Name spanned."
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Sept 3, 2007 14:19:59 GMT -5
"The legend likely varies from yours a little," I replied, interested in the conversation. "There is no perception of filiation, for one. The Yeshuites and us, though, have a rather close understanding of the morality required..." I explained, not bothering to add that I was sometimes rather sinful.
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Post by Rannan de Fournier (D) on Sept 3, 2007 20:19:05 GMT -5
I nodded, "yes the morality taught by the Yeshuites do differ from the d'Angelines in many ways. Though the d'Angelines do uphold their own laws with the greatest of pride. They take some of their sins very seriously." I took a sip of the tea that had been offered and said, "I will have to admit to following those laws of the d'Angelines more so than my own blood. Having grown up in such a mixed culture I found the d'Angeline culture to fit my personality more so."
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Sept 4, 2007 7:22:07 GMT -5
Rannan's words summoned my interest greatly, for if I was to find a foreigh bride, likely this issue would come at hand, at one moment or another.
"That is rather interesting," I noted, smiling. "Tell me more, of growing up with two cultures, please, Ayd, it would do me a great honor and service, for which I would be ever grateful."
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Post by Rannan de Fournier (D) on Sept 5, 2007 0:50:12 GMT -5
I was a little surpised to hear Walid say that it would do him a service, but who was I to argue with a Prince. I would remember to ask him of it later.
"It was confusing as a child, but it made me a deeper thinking adult in the end. They are very different cultures. I was given the choice to choose which required some thought. Though at 12 I dare say I choose the easier route, the one with less rules and more play. Or at least, that is how it seemed to me then." I thought for a moment, trying to give Walid the true feeling of my childhood. "When I was younger it was difficult, not being able to do things that my friends could do. Instead of trying to understand I argued and fought against my parents. In the end I was sent away." A thought came to me, one that I had never put together before. It pained me however, leaving me confused about my emotions.
Trying to keep all of my emtions from making themselves known I couldn't help but add, "the strange thing is, I may not be alive today if I had followed my parents teachings." I mulled for a second and sighed, then added, "or perhaps my entire family would still be alive. I guess one can not know what fate has in store for them."
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Sept 6, 2007 8:00:05 GMT -5
I nodded, quietly listening, struggling not to take notes. Who knew, if one day my offspring would not face such concerns?
"I thank you a great deal for your kindness, and your openness, Ayd. You have been generous in your explanation, that for which I am highly grateful. Your road has been sinuous, but no doubt it was that which was prepared for you, and made you," I said kindly. "And what will you do now?"
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Post by Rannan de Fournier (D) on Sept 8, 2007 1:54:42 GMT -5
I at least had an answer for Walid's next question that was easy. "I am going to continue the home in which my foster parents had started. I will help their wine industry grow, I will care for their house and their people. Even though they will not be back to see the fruits of my labors, I will at least know that they will be able to rest easier for it." I sighed a little, "life is full of mystery, I only hope that one day I can show someone the same kindness that my mother's cousin showed me, and the kindness my parents would have extended if they had been allowed to live."
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Sept 9, 2007 8:50:10 GMT -5
“You sound like your path is chosen, and simple enough,” I replied, thinking. “I wish it were the same for me,” I added with a small sigh.
I did not lie. I wanted to rule, because it was all I had been taught to do – because it was my birthright, because it was what was expected of me. I loved my home, I loved my people, and I would take it to heart, to be a ruler as just as Kasseem was. Yet, I was likely doomed to wander for ever.
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Post by Rannan de Fournier (D) on Sept 9, 2007 19:43:39 GMT -5
Walid had been kind enough to listen to my problems so I would return the favor. "If you would like to talk about it I am here to listen." I told him with a warm smile.
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Sept 10, 2007 11:35:11 GMT -5
"Well..." I paused. What were the odds of my stories leaving him? I had already made my plea with the Sultan, and so the rumors were about, no doubt. "My father has exiled me, until I come home with a suitable bride," I replied, giving him the gist of it. "It simply means that unless one daughter of high breeding agrees to wed me, I will be stripped of a home and a destiny, doomed to wander the world," I explained.
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Post by Rannan de Fournier (D) on Sept 12, 2007 19:48:10 GMT -5
I couldn't help but to raise my brows slightly at his plight. It was an unusual one, or at least unusual for where I am from.
"I see," I said thinking on it for a moment. I then asked, "have you found anyone suitable yet?"
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