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 Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2021 11:35 am
Sariza watched the rising sun with sleep deprived eyes. Now that her sons had entered their first month of life they were beginning to wake more often throughout the night and as supportive as her husband was there was little he could do to help fill their empty stomachs. She adjusted Qaisan as he nursed and tried to find a comfortable spot in her chair, but with Calix also laying on her, albeit sleeping while his brother ate, there wasn't much that could be done.
Hearing a shuffle by the door, the young mother looked behind her to the guard that made her way past, no doubt patrolling the hall. Even when she looked back to the ocean outside the window Sariza could tell that several other guards moved about; even if she wasn't supposed to see them. To the untrained eye they were simply servants, but for a militant soul Sariza could tell they were armed. Even the midwife had been trained in defense and that made the sleepless nights with her sons all the more worth it.
She wanted to spend as much time with them while she could. Just...incase something bad happened.
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Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2022 11:26 am
Ever since arriving in Matori, Faisal had found himself swamped with even more work. The man had tried his best to keep on top of paperwork before leaving Oba but the rushed wedding and the planning they had to do for their stay at the manor had taken more time than expected. Not that Faisal would take that back considering how his heart still fluttered whenever he thought back to their wedding day and how beautiful Sariza and everything had been then. Still, there was a lot going on especially considering now that the boys had been born and were already a month old. Faisal did his best to help Sariza but even he acknowledged there was only so much he could do to ease their cries whenever they wanted their mother.
Admittedly Faisal did lose sleep in other ways as he was often up before dawn to try to ease the boys back to sleep so that their mother could get a few more minutes of rest. He would usually go and check on the morning breakfast, making certain the staff was doing well and that the guards were positioned, before going to his study to continue working on the letters received from Oba. There were other plans being drafted that did not truly deal with the estate but those were something he kept quieter about as Faisal was even wary in Matori. Eventually they would have to return to Sulburi with the boys and Faisal refused to allow any threats to his family to continue existing. He would take care of things before then. They simply needed time to recover, especially Sariza since she had just given birth to the boys.
Faisal found himself yawning as he noticed that the sun was already rising. Wiping a hand across his shadowed eyes, Faisal folded up the parchments he had already worked on before finally standing from his desk. Had it already been a couple of hours? Shaking his head, Faisal simply shrugged off the concept of time before going towards the kitchens. "I'll take the tray." He stated to the staff before heading towards the bedroom, making certain the guards were stationed further down for some privacy before finally entering the room. A soft smile crossed his lips at the sight of Sariza with their sons and Faisal carefully set the tray down on the table next to the bed. "I brought breakfast. Are you hungry?"
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Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2022 3:59 pm
Some days Sariza wondered if it was a blessing or a curse that she hadn't been able to bring her work with her like Faisal had. She'd done her best to pull extra hours with the regiment before taking an extended honeymoon, but even then she felt lacking. In her eyes she could have been doing so much more, but honestly just trying to keep up with the boys was exhausting enough. It felt like every time she got the opportunity to walk away from one the other needed her and more often than not she would simply fall asleep wherever she happened to sit down next.
At first she didn't realize anyone had even been close and when she did she felt herself jolting. Thankfully the act didn't seem to wake Calix, though it did cause Qaisan to shift. When she looked up at him she couldn't help frowning. "You look terrible." Catching herself, Sariza closed her eyes and sighed, "I'm sorry, I should have asked if you had any sleep at all last night."
Looking over his offering, though, did make her mouth water. As tired as she was Sariza's appetite hadn't waned. "That looks amazing."
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Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2022 2:33 pm
A rare chuckle left Faisal. "That's quite alright. I'm sorry for startling you." He tucked back a stray dread before gesturing towards the tray. "I'm glad. Do you want some of the rice porridge first or something else?" Faisal didn't want any of those luxurious meals, just something simple that would settle easily and help build up Sariza's strength. He shifted so that he could uncover one of the bowls before revealing some cinnamon and other spices in jars to go along with the porridge.
"How are you feeling? And the boys?" He offered as he waited so that he could help her eat whatever she would like from the array of things on the tray. Even if it was simplistic compared to others it was still a bit much, but thankfully Faisal banked on the two of them having a good appetite this morning. He was already ready to prepare his own fare, but he wanted to make certain Sariza was settled first.
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Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2022 2:01 pm
"Rice porridge sounds fine." Normally she would have tried to add a few bits of fruit, even some spices to it, but Sariza just wanted something simple. A nice, easy food that wouldn't go to waste if she lost her appetite halfway through it.
Sitting up from her chair, Sariza gently maneuvered Calix so that he would lay in their basinet instead. Once she had him safely tucked away she placed a now full Qaisan in beside him. For a moment she thought he might protest it, but once he felt the warmth of his twin the boy calmed down.
She tucked the edges of her robe around her and moved over toward the bed. Even as she moved her motions were stiff and tired, a yawn slipping it's way through as Sariza gently dipped herself onto the bedding. "They've been up and down all night, but hopefully now that they have full bellies at the same time I can relax a little."
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Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2022 8:05 am
"Sounds about right." Despite everything Faisal found himself chuckling at the sight of their sons. "When we have to be awake that's the best time for sleep." Though admittedly he would be completely fine if Sariza needed to take all morning to rest after helping the boys throughout the night. As he spoke Faisal prepared a bowl of rice porridge and carefully handed it over to Sariza once she settled back down on the bed. He placed a couple of sliced pieces of steamed fruit around the edges of the tray, just in case she wanted something sweet after the porridge, and then made himself a bowl with cinnamon added to the top along with the sliced apples.
"I suppose it's not the worst thing that they sleep through most of the day." He mused quietly with a small smile. "It makes handling work and planning things easier even if I'm a bit exhausted." They had quite a few things to deal with and Faisal could only imagine how long of a process it would be to completely clear out the shadows lingering around their family. Even if they had to stay wary in the future he would at least like to know that their children could walk about without being attacked on a daily basis.
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Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2022 1:41 pm
Sariza 'hmmed' and scooted back against the pillows with a contented sigh. "Says who? We're still on our honeymoon." That was the official story, anyway. Just two nobles traipsing about the Matori seaside without a care in the world. In reality the two of them had never stopped working and she was feeling the burnout.
The Oban murmured her thanks before greedily taking the tray. Tired as she was Sariza's appetite was alive and feral, though her contained actions didn't show it. She was ever in control of herself, but there was a certain excitement she had when it came to eating the bland food.
"I'm just glad that they sleep at all. One of the midwives warned me that sometimes twins had been known to sleep in shifts." She didn't know what she would have done if Calix was awake while Qaisan slept and vice versa.
While she munched on a piece of fruit a thought occurred to Sariza, "Mm!" She hurriedly swallowed it and turned to Faisal. "So...remember after the engagement when I was kidnapped? The yaeli who helped me escape...she could have information on the underground."
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Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2022 10:17 am
Faisal smirked. "That's true. We should be resting all day then while playing around whenever we like." He mused before sitting down on the edge of the bed carefully with his food in hand. If only life was that simple. Faisal would have loved to take Sariza in the canoes and cut across the coves, taking the streams that twisted inland and past the azure waterfalls that flowed from the cliffs. They could have spent the afternoon just playing around the cove, enjoying every private moment together. Maybe that's not an impossible idea. Mused Faisal as he glanced towards Sariza. They were in a secretive enough location and only the most trusted of staff was here...maybe when the boys were a few weeks older, Faisal would suggest an excursion. "Maybe later we should actually do a couple of things more befitting of a honeymoon - as long as nothing threatening happens before then."
"Shifts? Oh thank goodness they're a perfect pair then." Faisal let out a breath as he stole another peek towards the twins. "Eventually they'll sleep more, I believe?" Not like he had much experience with children, he had no younger siblings and this was most definitely his first time as a father. A lot of the older nobles who had families always talked about certain things and a common saying was that the first few weeks and potentially months could be the more rough ones before a baby settled into a routine.
His gaze immediately went back to Sariza at the sudden suggestion. "You think we can rely on the yaeli?" He replied with a frown. "What if that was her one rare good deed for the day? Do you think she's trustworthy enough?" Faisal tapped his spoon against the bowl thoughtfully. They could afford to bribe her, but what stopped her from getting bribed by someone else or slipping up along the way? It was a risk but at the same time anything they were planning was fairly risky. It was only fitting to try and see if they could use someone from the underground, someone foreign would even be less likely to get connected with their family. "I suppose if we did a casual interview we could test the waters with her, if you'd like."
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Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2022 11:07 am
"Maybe..." Sariza's eyes traveled to where the boys slept and she felt her heart tug. "It sounds nice, but I just don't know about leaving them." She would have to when they returned to Oba though she hoped that the anxiety claiming her would lessen by then. Having his family around would help, since they would be around the boys on a fairly regular basis, and really she should trust in Faisal's staff....she just...didn't'.
"I think they will? Honestly, I'm not sure. I never had many friends and those that I did spend time with were usually only children." She sat her bowl down on her lap with a little smile and a shrug. "The dutiful heirs to militant houses, you know? Very rarely wanted; always needed." At least, that's what she'd believed herself to be for so many years until recently. Of course, on some level, she knew that Hakan had liked having her around he just didn't usually show it.
"I think she's a viable option." Sariza measured her words carefully. "She could have left me there, Faisal. She could have told the others I was escaping, but I haven't so much as heard of them since so I think she would be a good place to start." The thought in itself had her frowning and taking a little bite of her fruit just to mull things over. It wasn't the best plan they had, but honestly, where else could they start?
"We can do it when we get back to Oba, before we let anyone know about the boys. That way if she tries anything they won't get involved."
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Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2022 11:42 am
"I understand." Faisal's gaze was soft as he studied Sariza. "Perhaps my mother will be able to come earlier and take care of things for a day. She's been eager to see the boys and can travel more quietly than my grandmother." It would be a lot easier for a Matori healer to slip in through the village and travel by night, her clothing hiding most of her more unique traits that would make her stand out. It wouldn't be the first time that Arima traveled the country doing lectures as a healing mentor for those training, especially those enlisting to help the Oban military.
"I suppose we'll just see with time then." All they could hope for were boys that were strong and well behaved....something which was the opposite of Faisal and his own twin which brought a bit of worry. Normally Faisal would be fine with some playful shenanigans, but with the current threats lingering about their family? It was definitely worrisome though he didn't want to voice that towards Sariza when she already had plenty on her mind.
"I trust you." Faisal finally stated as he mulled over Sariza's words. "We'll have to be careful, but if you know a good place to get in contact with her then we will reach out. I think it's a good viable plan. If she works out then she can connect us with anything stirring below the city and we can work on pulling out the weeds. If you trust me I can even try to arrange a meeting with her before we leave Matori? Or I can go to Sulburi for urgent business before our honeymoon concludes since we aren't certain...how long we'll be vacationing outside of the capital?"
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Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2022 11:55 am
"Hmm, it would be nice to see her." Sariza had a soft spot for Faisal's mother. At first she hadn't known what to think of having a matorian for a mother-in-law, much less a hybrid for a husband, but now it was a cherished part of life for her. "It would be nice to ask her some questions, too; as a mother, not a healer. I haven't really had experience with mothers so any help she could give would be appreciated." Especially since Arima had twin boys herself. Perhaps it was a family blessing - or a curse? One day she may have to warn her daughter-in-laws...
"If you want to then go ahead and arrange it. Or if you'd prefer to conduct a meeting with her before hand you can but I worry she wouldn't trust you." At least Sariza she'd met before, but Faisal would be a stranger that she may not trust enough to aid.
"We still have time; a few weeks, at least. Call me selfish but I don't want you gone for that long just yet." Sariza reached over to take his hand in hers. "We are still on our honeymoon even if you don't get to see me in revealing clothing or surrounded by rose petals."
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Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2022 12:07 pm
"I'm sure she would enjoy spending a whole afternoon talking with you, especially if it concerns any embarrassing stories about my childhood." Teased Faisal with a quiet laugh, his hand moving to scoop up some of the rice porridge into his mouth. His mother truly did like Sariza and especially liked her now that everyone understood that Faisal had feelings for his wife and it wasn't simply an arranged marriage. Something that had started out as his grandmother's determination to protect an old family friend's daughter had turned into something much deeper for Faisal which is why he had stayed and not run away at the first sight of danger.
"Hmm. Do you think a note or something to prove that I came from you would suffice? Anything specific from your encounter that could earn her trust? If not, then we will wait and go together. I just don't like the idea of you going alone when the time comes." Faisal let out a soft sigh. He just didn't want Sariza to have to go into danger, especially not now that they had the boys. It wasn't that he didn't trust his wife to handle matters but he wanted to help and the boys would need her more than they needed him.
Faisal smiled as Sariza's sudden touch broke his thoughts. "That's a fair request. I will do my best to handle what I can from Matori without leaving behind my beautiful wife during our honeymoon." He moved her hand to place a gentle kiss on it before leaving his emptied bowl on the tray and scooting closer so that he could rest against Sariza. "Maybe we can have at least one night with rose petals and less clothing?" He playfully asked, an attempt to lighten the mood despite the heaviness of their current situation.
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Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2022 12:31 pm
"Oh, now I really need to talk to her." Sariza teased. "Father never really talks about my childhood, but occasionally Zhao will. I'm sure you could 'seek your revenge' with him." Her weapons tutor had been just as close as a father too her all these years and the aging soldier surely had a mental logbook of all her failures. If it wasn't beneficial Hakan wouldn't speak of it, but Zhao...well, if it could humiliate her into improvement then he would share with just about anyone.
"Neither of us has to go alone. We'll go together when the time is right." That was the point of a marriage, wasn't it? To face these sorts of challenges together and if he wanted her to trust him then he had to trust her judgement on some things too.
Sariza made a happy little 'hmm' as he scooted closer, a little flush spreading up her skin. How silly was it, to still feel as bashful as a school girl around her husband and the family to her sons? "Maybe in a few weeks. You heard the healer."
How could either one of them forget? She certainly would never be able to erase the visage of the old, matori midwives wrinkled jowls as she went on and on about what could happen if they 'came together' too quickly after birth.
She was just as scared as she was embarrassed.
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Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2022 4:59 pm
"Just let me have a good strong drink beforehand or better yet go have a nice long talk while I'm out and about." Joked Faisal with a small smile towards his wife. "I'll make sure to talk to Zhao so we can swap stories after." He could only imagine the humiliatingly stories that his mother would willingly share about him. It was harder to imagine anything about Sariza being mischievous but that was surely because of Hakan's image looming over every childlike picture Faisal tried to imagine.
"Alright then. I'll have your back and I trust you to have mine." Faisal reached over and squeezed Sariza's hand. He was much more comfortable with them going together even if it did seem like sometimes he wanted to rush into things alone, it was mostly because he wanted to keep his family safe. That family most definitely included Sariza now and Faisal would do his best to fight for her.
Faisal pursed his lips into a pout before letting out a soft sigh. "I suppose the healer had some good points." He admitted. "Well, since we can't do everything I would suggest is there anything you'd like to do today? We can't go far but we can at least relax a bit today since I'm waiting on more supplies and responses to arrive." Faisal glanced towards the balcony windows of their room, it was beautiful outside but they also had books and other things to pass time indoors if Sariza preferred.
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Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2022 11:17 am
Sariza thought on it a moment and nodded. "If we have a chance I'd like to take Mari on a walk down to the cove. He might like to see the waves and we could hung for starfish." It wasn't the most exciting of trips, certainly not with her wheezy little duruf by their side, but Mari needed the exercise just as much as they did. So long as they took it slow then then surely the exhaustion of a long night wouldn't pull on them too much. And besides, if it was just to the cove she wouldn't have to dress too elegantly.
Which, in her current condition, would be a blessing.
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