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 Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2021 12:08 pm
Solo or RP Format
Counts as 5 RP growth Points
Solo word minimum is 750, RP post minimum is 7
Another year has passed in Tendaji, meaning a new opportunity for the residents to accomplish their goals and dreams. Typically, this is a time for setting promises to oneself and others on what to do in the year ahead. There are many different superstitions on how to make a New Year's Wish: some toss their written wishes into the sea, others will burn them at a shrine, and even more will whisper them to representatives of the gods.
No matter how one goes about doing it, all will take the time to ensure that their wishes and promises have the best chance to come true in the New Year.
[ What is your character's promise for the New Year? Go about their practice of setting their goals and dreams in the way they feel is most important. Maybe they go to the shrines, or wish under a star, or honor the god(s) they follow. The goal of this World Event is to make a wish for the next year however your character chooses fit. ]
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Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2021 8:39 pm
Everything was prepped for a party to announce their engagement. Even if it was under the guise of celebrating the New Year, Faisal knew better. Certainly they did host events but tonight? Tonight it felt like everything was over the top with how much preparation went into this party. The main foyer had been scrubbed clean to the point that even the marble floors could show one's reflection should they take the moment to glance down at the smooth square tiles edged with intricate golden swirls. Golden vines were draped around the tall marble pillars decorating the main hall and flickering glass scones of amber and crimson lit the way for the guests as they were escorted by servants into the much larger and decorated ballroom with his grandmother's favorite crystal chandelier decorated with actual rubies and other precious gemstones. A few tables swathed in silks and lace were along the edges while servants with trays of wine and other delicacies moved about the attendees. Amongst the chatter of the guests one could even hear soft music which drifted throughout the room from the musicians nestled in the far corner.
While others were enjoying the luxuries of the indoors, Faisal found himself lingering around the main entryway with his gaze focused on the doorway opposite of the party, the faintest breeze indicating that the exit was indeed open to allow the floral scent of the gardens to also mingle in with everything else that was already overwhelming his senses. His whole body was tense, his resolve to stay in place slowly fading as attention faded from him now that most of the introductions were finished. His grandmother was already flittering from group to group of nobles, her bell like laughter here and there allowing him to track her movements despite the growing crowd. She was handling things well with her own partner while he felt almost suffocated by the attention, his fingers itching up towards the tight silk collar around his neck that marked the deep indigo vest that trailed into one of his finer silk outfits. His hair even felt heavy with the gold and crystal beads decorating each coiled dread, their clinking almost reminiscent of the bell that he kept around his loatoa's neck to make certain he wouldn't sneak away throughout the manor. Each moment made him wish more and more for the freedom of the garden and Faisal was determined to make that freedom happen. He was just waiting for the other important guest of the night to arrive first so that he could keep a promise while also avoiding the gazes of everyone else here tonight.
Strange to think that he actually cared to wait for another when before he would have darted away on his own, but it appeared things were shifting for him. The responsibilities of a fiancee, perhaps? Just the thought made Faisal wince as he desperately wished that more of his family could be here to support him. Either way this was his role as heir, as the oldest who was destined to keep the family going once his grandmother passed on. Just the very thought brought a sigh to his lips before the arrival of more guests gained his attention. Is it finally time?
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Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2021 4:57 pm
"Stop looking at the floor." Brigadier General Hakan looked to his daughter and murmured the words under his breath. His chiding tone was only made all the more somber by the depth of his voice. Even at a whisper his speech was a deep command that she found herself unable to break.
They had arrived fashionably late, though in Hakan's eyes it was simply late. He would have preferred to be there as soon as the event started, as would she, but her tutors had assured them both that this was proper form for this sort of 'event'. The bride-to-be should be escorted in with a full room to watch her so that they could make their judgements without being completely obvious. So, it was on the arm of her father that Sariza had been led into the keldari pit.
She didn't feel like herself. Her dress was incredibly ornate and practically dripping with gold. The neckline plunged just enough to show off her shapely frame without giving away too much. For the night her dreads were pulled up with a lovely array of golden hair baubles to try to take attention away from her broad shoulders. So many liberties had been taken with her dress to attempt to make her more 'feminine', but in the end she still felt as if she were playing a role. And honestly, she was.
A servant was the first to meet them, and before the assembly he raised his voice to announce their presence. "Now announcing the arrival of Brigadier General Hakan and his daughter, Sariza." As far as she could tell there wasn't a single eye that didn't turn their way and she felt the flesh around her neck warm under the attention. Is this what Faisal has to live with every day? She waited just long enough for them to get their fill before Hakan was escorting her into the keldari pit.
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Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 9:17 am
Faisal felt the burning stare of his grandmother summoning him as he stood about in the shadows of the room, his own gaze temporarily taken by the presence of the Brigadier General and his daughter. After a moment he found himself snapping to his senses and the young man darted forward, years of habit straightening what would otherwise be a jog into a more graceful walk that eventually slowed down as he finally stood before their guests. "A pleasure to see you both again." He greeted with a slight nod of the head as his grandmother waltzed next to them and held out her hands for the Brigadier General in greeting.
Whispers were already going amongst the nobles in the crowd and Faisal could only imagine what rumors had already been spread in the past few weeks since he had been informed of his engagement. Tonight would be the big announcement but for now it was just a party to celebrate the new year, something which his grandmother kindly seemed to remind him as she smiled towards the Brigadier General. "Allow me to introduce you to some friends. I believe this is your first time at the manor..." She nodded towards Faisal to dismiss him and the hybrid found himself reaching a hand out towards Sariza.
"I believe I should also show you around, if that's acceptable?" Faisal asked quietly as he held out his hand to his fiancée. If anything he was eager to get away from the staring eyes and someplace quieter while they could. Or would that be improper? Truly this was why he despised social events so much. His mouth pressed into a fine line as music swelled behind them. "I suppose if you're so inclined then I could request a dance first..." And here he lowered his voice slightly. "At least until the attention cools down and we waltz out of this room for a spell."
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Posted: Mon May 17, 2021 12:24 pm
Hakan stepped forward to meet the lady of the house and gently took her hand before giving a respectful half-bow. It may have been curt and minimalistic, but for a military man it was as good as any nobles sweeping gesture. Sariza didn't need her father giving her a side eye to know how she was supposed to react, but seeing that sharp, pink eye turning her way caused her spine to stiffen. The young Oban performed as graceful a curtsy as she could manage in the unfamiliar clothing, and when she stood up there was a flush to her cheeks.
She gave a small smile to her father as he was led away, one that wasn't returned, and her own diminished a little. It shouldn't hurt as much as it did, but in times of uncertainty she looked to Hakan and he just...Remember yourself. Sariza took a deep, steadying breath and turned her full attention back to Faisal.
She reached her own hand out and took his. "I like that plan but you should know..." He looked every bit the noble in his finery and surrounded by the glitz his name deserved. "...I'm a novice at dancing. I've been taking lessons, but I've yet to test them."
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Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2021 8:25 pm
Faisal wasn't a fool. He noticed the looks between father and daughter, his own heart sinking slightly for the Oban girl. Even if he had differences with his grandmother there was still plenty of love between the pair of them. Perhaps there was love between the Brigadier General and his daughter but it was definitely harder to see in the public sphere. If anything it just made him squeeze her hand almost comfortingly before he gave her a smile instead. "You don't need to worry so much. I can lead and all you have to do is just follow. I promise I won't make a scene if I have one or two stubbed toes by morning." He teased lightly, his amber gaze bright despite the situation. Faisal wanted to be more distant but the more he met with Sariza the more his heart softened towards her despite his initial protests at their arrangement.
Before he could say much else the music swelled into a new song and Faisal found himself gently tugging Sariza after him and towards the center of the room. Other couples were already dancing, their movements all too familiar to Faisal, and he made certain to keep an eye on Sariza as he led her through the dance. Thankfully, well perhaps not quite so thankfully for certain other aspects, the melody was slower for this round and it was not so confusing to follow when he kept his hand on her lower back and pulled her back and forth into him. While another song may have been a bit more chaotic to lead this one was simpler but it did require her to be closer to him and Faisal felt his cheeks flush whenever he pulled Sariza against him for a beat. "So how are you feeling about this new year?" He managed quietly as they took turns twisting between other couples during the song.
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Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2021 4:02 pm
Sariza smiled sympathetically. "You're too kind." It was obvious enough from her build that she was a woman bred for war. The fact that she was now trussed up in fine, expensive silks and gold was laughable. It was hard not to feel a little more at ease around Faisal, though; he had a natural knack for making any situation seem so calm. Even when she'd threatened him in the alleyway he turned things to his favor and Sariza wasn't sure if it was his noble upbringing pulling through or just a natural charisma.
Still, the very moment they went towards the dance floor her anxiety doubled down. She did her best to follow his lead, but movements were stiff at best and jerky at worst. There were several times where she pulled a little too hard on his arm, once where she all out bumped into another woman, but every time she looked to him he just seemed to get it. There was no judgement there, no expectations, and after a bit she was calm enough to make her dancing passable.
This closeness though...that was going to take some getting used to.
"Optimistic." This time, when they maneuvered around a passing couple, she didn't so much as brush up against them. "I'm looking to take a more active role with the city guard now that I can't reasonably be placed in any regiment. Upper ranks, of course; I wouldn't risk tarnishing your name." Looking up into his eyes, Sariza tilted her head a bit. "And you?"
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Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2021 4:41 pm
Admittedly it was a bit rough dancing with Sariza but Faisal had endured worse situations so surely one or two bruises in the morning would be fine. Eventually they got into some sort of rhythm and Faisal made certain to keep guiding them slowly but surely closer to the doors heading out into one of the verandas leading towards the guardians. "Optimistic and hard-working, it appears." Replied Faisal as they successfully made their way around another couple. "As if you should worry about tarnishing the name of some half-breed." The hybrid teased quietly, though his amber gaze was defiant at the words. Perhaps when he was younger such judgment and gossip would have bothered him but no longer. He had worked hard to prove his worth at keeping up the manor and if anything at least taking an Oban wife would help to preserve more of the Oban bloodline. Though thinking about taking an Oban wife and knowing that the one currently dancing with him was supposed to become said Oban wife twisted his stomach with mixed emotions. Would....would it truly be so bad? Perhaps it was just pride keeping him from accepting the arrangement that his grandmother had made behind his back. "As it is if it's anything like our first encounter I think you'll do fine by the guards. I fear for any criminals that dare to try pulling any tricks around you."
Faisal did have to ponder her returned question and eventually he gave a small smile. "I suppose I am still figuring things out. I don't have much choice about my future path since its tied to my family but I do feel a bit optimistic that things won't be boring at least this year." Sariza appeared motivated to help her country in whatever way she could and Faisal respected her for that. Others would just want to learn to be lady of the manor and sit about all day after taking care of social events and the like. It appeared that his grandmother had gotten someone a bit more determined that expected, that much was becoming clear. Faisal glanced up at the thought, his gaze scanning the crowd, and when he spotted his grandmother distracted with the Brigadier General he tugged Sariza towards the shadows. "Our song is over so I think that's our cue to head out this way." Out past marble pillars and into the cool night air, the scent of flowers heavy as they came towards hedges of vibrant flowers and trellises covered in twisting vines and more delicate blooms. As the music died away so did the noises of the crowd and eventually even the sound of a fountain could be heard in the clearing as the garden came to a circle with different paths sprouting off to the sides.
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Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2021 2:26 pm
Sariza shifted her hip as she fell into an easy glide, the silken material of her dress billowing around them. "I'll never be the type of wife whose content with a quiet life at home." It was as much a declaration as it was a fact. If he ever suggested such a thing she would fight him on it. Sariza was more than prepared to take his lead on much of their married life since he was the true blood Noble, but if Faisal thought she would be a trophy wife...
Well, hopefully he knew better by now.
"And you're hardly some half-breed." Admittedly, it had bothered her at first. Such childish thoughts had left her weeks ago, however. What attributes that initially had given her pause now endeared her to him. She couldn't think of Faisal without thinking of the very things that made him unique.
And like that, they'd made their 'escape'. Sariza lifted her dressed with one hand and with a lasting look to her father she slipped out into the garden. All at once they heady, cloying air of the ball was gone and in it's wake was a comforting chill.
"It's gorgeous out here." Sariza's light gaze soaked in the scenery and her once tepid smile grew in warmth. The thought of one day living in this manse unnerved her on an almost daily basis, but knowing that such a place existed within it's walls calmed her.
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Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2021 3:53 pm
Faisal smiled at the statement. "Determination is key in this world, I appreciate that." He admitted as they twisted around. If anything it made him even more at ease with someone who wouldn't simply linger around and be so delicate that she would faint at the very idea of working on something. No one in his family truly acted that way, not with both of his parents working throughout the country while his grandmother simply did not know how to sit still now that she was well again. His gaze widened ever so slightly at the protest of his half-breed commentary and Faisal let out a chuckle after a moment. "Duly noted." He managed while not saying another word on the subject. It appeared that they were well balanced in a sense and the thought made him hesitate. Maybe he was starting to accept this now that he was actually thinking of a future together.
And just like that they were in the center of the gardens, where the stone path widened and allowed a variety of desert succulents to grow freely in the heat. "I'm glad you think so." His gaze warmed at the sight of the smile and he found his own lips curving upwards. The hybrid slowly let go of Sariza's hand and gestured around them. "Feel free to explore whichever path you'd like. This is the very center where I usually come to collect my thoughts. The fountain can be rather calming, a luxury I enjoy most days." The large fountain had a solid base of marble and four goddesses in various outfits stood facing the four cardinal directions beneath the center, water flowing freely from different objects held in their hands, with the Oban sun and moon representing the heavens above. His mother had two stone benches across from it, making it a favored reading spot on a beautiful day. "My mother says that the goddess representing Ubeli looks like grandmother's own daughter who passed away. Her death is the reason that we're family now." Faisal admitted after staring towards the southern goddess, her gemstones almost reminiscent of tears streaking from her gentle gaze. It was strange to think of how different his life could have been, if he had even been born, without this woman 's death. Had the young noble lived then perhaps his grandmother would have never found their mother and taken in Arima as her own daughter. Fate truly did work in mysterious ways...something he acknowledged when he glanced back towards Sariza.
"As it is this is the central area while the other paths lead to different gardens, we have herbs, a smaller orchard and a variety of flowers including a smaller greenhouse towards the northern gate for those that normally can't grow in this heat. I'm not one to usually brag but I truly believe we have gardens that rival even those at the palace." They were the best in the capital thanks to his grandmother's deep love of gardening and his own mother's desire to have some sort of greenery in the desert country. Faisal felt a bloom of pride as he studied Sariza for her reaction. Hopefully it wasn't too overwhelming. He truly did hope that she would enjoy it and that she could make it her own if they were to be wed in the future. Faisal would make certain to clear the older edges of the garden that hadn't been touched in ages so that she could even bring in her own flowers if she would like to do so.
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Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2021 4:32 pm
It was hard to ignore the fountain's presence, but once the history of it's design was explained Sariza felt her feet padding closer. Her heels clacked on the stone path; the only true harsh sound in such a calming atmosphere. Her own estate had a garden though it wasn't nearly as extravagant as this one. Hakan also didn't believe in wasteful expenditures so the thought of a fountain only brought out his ire. In truth she'd only ever seen a few, mostly in noble homes, and they never failed to inspire.
"Your mother was adopted." Sariza voiced it as a statement rather than a question because it was hard to ignore. Physical differences aside, there were few within the upper echelons that didn't know of Arima. The one instance when her tutors had spoken of the pale skinned Matorian was to slander her.
"If she hadn't been taken in she would have been cut up. Waste, really; albino blood is rare enough as it is."
Faisal didn't need to know about that, however.
"I've been told I was too." Sariza slowly walked around the fountain and took stock of the individual goddesses. "My father never expressed interest in anyone for the longest time, man or woman, and then one day he came home with a daughter. He claims I'm his by blood and we look enough alike that I believe him, but I still don't know who my mother is." She stopped next to the southern goddess and her forlorn crystals. The only reason she was bringing it up at all was because Sariza had faith he wouldn't judge her for it. At first she'd been worried, despite his hybrid heritage, but now...
What was the point in hiding something he would soon enough find out?
"Would you mind showing me the exotics? If we had longer I would ask for a tour of your herbs, but I'm still worried we'll be caught."
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Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2021 5:51 pm
"Hard to believe, right?" Faisal joked with a small smile towards Sariza. Obviously it had been a statement as everyone knew about his complicated heritage. An albino Matori adopted by a noblewoman who had lost her only heir that ended up with a captain in the Oban army....what a twist of fate. His expression shifted with Sariza's own confession and Faisal found himself taking a step closer to her. "So you truly don't know then." He stated after a moment, his gaze skimming over her without judgment but rather compassion. "Either way he's still your father and perhaps one day he'll tell your mother's story. You are who you are regardless." Faisal could only imagine how frustrating it would be to not know one's parentage, his own mother had experienced that but thankfully he had known both of his parents and still had his grandmother. It seemed that there was more to both of their lives than expected and that Sariza was proving more and more that she was not the typical type of noblewomen he had dealt with throughout the years.
"I wouldn't mind at all." Faisal held out his arm for her to take, "If anything one would assume that at least my grandmother would be ecstatic to find us sneaking around together." It would show hope that they were actually tolerating one another or gods' forbid building something akin to a deeper relationship. Either way he was eager to show her around and to get away from the stuffiness of what was going on inside. Faisal had grown accustomed to so many eyes on him but it did not mean he enjoyed it. "Maybe you can come over another day and I'll give you a proper tour then." He mused quietly as he thought things over. They would probably have enough time for a tour of the exotics before having to return for the new year's chime and the big announcement that would formally tie them together.
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Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2021 1:32 pm
She passed him a 'look' before actually rolling her eyes. It was the first act of sarcasm flippant personal she'd shown since...well, that night in the alley. Sariza crossed her arms under her ample bust and watched the water for a moment while she thought, the grin settling into a content smile. "It wouldn't change things if I knew. I might be able to put a name to a ghost, but that's all." He was right; she was who she was regardless of having a mother in her life. The woman had either abandoned her, been forced to leave or was no longer in this world. Knowing the details would honestly be more unsettling than just being left in the dark. As a child it had bothered her, but now...now she just had other thoughts on her mind.
Turning back toward him, she dropped her gaze from his face to his arm and hesitated a bit before taking it. "Perhaps. Or even..If you aren't opposed to it maybe you could come visit me at our estate. It's not as grand, but I would like for you to drop by." Of course it wasn't as important for him to know what her home looked like, since he wouldn't be living there, but it would give him a chance to see what her world was like since she was being given a crash course in his.
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Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2021 3:27 pm
Ah, yes. There was the sassy woman he had met that day at the festival. Faisal stifled his own chuckle at her reaction as he glanced about the garden. After their first encounter he honestly had been surprised that she hadn't destroyed the restaurant when they learned about the engagement. Then again he was surprised that he hadn't done so either....if anything he had been the prickly one from the get go. A thought that now actually brought a flush of shame across his features. Had it just been pride making him ignore the potential for a good friendship...maybe more in front of him? It appeared Faisal was in need of a better new year's resolution indeed.
"I'm glad that you feel that way." Faisal replied as Sariza took his arm. "I think you're wonderful as you are and no parentage would change that." After all he was the last person to judge someone for something that they couldn't control like that. As he started leading the way towards the greenhouse more and more plants started to appear, all various colors and sizes, but he did manage to pause at the suggestion from Sariza. "Why would I be opposed? If anything I just need certainty that I can come out of a visit alive without the Brigadier General stuffing my body somewhere." Faisal joked with a small grin. The other man was definitely intimidating and even though this arrangement had been concocted by both the Brigadier General and his grandmother there still felt like some sort of tension was there. Perhaps he was just getting jittery considering that man could very well or rather would very well be his in-law soon enough and Faisal was not certain how to adapt to such a stoic person in his life. It would definitely take some work but eventually he would learn to read the other man better, right? One could only hope. "All joking aside I would be delighted to see where you live." Faisal added before leading them along, "If we also survive this night and the announcement that is."
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Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2021 5:54 pm
I think you're wonderful as you are.
All of Sariza's blood went to her skin as a deep flush consumed her. She'd never been around anyone like this before and hearing those words spoken so casually just...stalled all thought processes.
"The likelihood of the Brigadier General being home after tonight is slim. He's already stayed in the city longer than usual and he'll most likely go back to patrols tomorrow morning." It was a little saddening knowing that he couldn't take more time, but even if he could he wouldn't. Hakan was nothing if not dedicated to his job. "Besides, he wouldn't stuff your body anywhere. If you managed to upset him he would put you out on display." She meant it as a joke, but her tone was all seriousness.
"I'll look forward to your visit." Her smile softened some as Sariza walked along at his side, taking in the sights of the gorgeous flowers as they went. Change was never easy and this new year would test her in ways she'd never imagined before. Still, the strongest of blades were forged under the hottest fires and she knew if she could overcome this newest obstacle she would come out better for it.
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