Spirits of the Earth

OOC: Trigger warning: Though while not graphic, rape is implied

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The Oasis at Ahts-mostehp resided at the base of a series of craggy, canyon steps in the North West strip of the Moraki.  Though the travel was hot and bothersome, the priestesses were to make their journey and be back in a fort night. And being as this strip of the desert was frequented by travelers and was within miles of the great city-state of Essyrn (or more presumably so, the western bank and high society), it was one of the more safer routes they could take-
and Priest Neft'em was their guide, and though he was not her favored priest (and in particular, he was her least favorite one...) she knew she'd be safe under his care, as he was a prudent and careful man, if not a bit aloof. Though she and Neft'em never saw eye to eye. So as the caravan of priestess traveled across the hot, sandy route, she peered up from beneath her veil and out into the desert.

There was a sparkle of something, a moving shadow, but then it was gone. Perhaps it was but a trick of the sun. It was far too hot today, so she thought not much of it and was glad they had stopped at a small outcropping near to the valley of Hhem. They were nearly half way there, but Aïda Ah'nikh was ready to go back to her temple in the capital of Essyrn. She thought the city of Essyrn was hot, but at least inside her temple, she could hide within the protection of the shade. BUt out here- the sun was merciless and she was sweating and smelled anything but the desert flower she believed herself to be.

Hours later, when the sun began to set, they made camp in the lower step of the valley of Hhem, and had a camp fire going so when the temperature dropped, the group would not freeze to death. ANd as it were, she was thankful for the fire, but not the company. Neft'em was really testing her patience, and only after about an hour of socializing at the camp fire, she informed the others she was to retire early. No sense in suffering here any longer.

Dusting off her white skirts, she moved towards their make shift tents and pushed the opening aside, but as she stepped in, she was surprised to see a man within.

He stared at her as she stared back at him from where he was perched beside a crate carrying their perfumes and other supplies. It only took her another second to realize his grubby hands were on a few meager trinkets these woman possessed before she hissed at him like a snake and picked up a nearby walking staff to defend herself.

"Thief!"s he barked, baring her teeth at him dangerously. Though where most priestesses might have been afraid, Aïda Ah'nikh was the daughter of the Shah! With the blood of the goddess in her veins, she felt invincible, and used that power of mind to started the thief. He wasn't so scary looking either, if anything, he looked like a disgusting rat with a massive adam's apple on his throat, a gangly body and ratty clothes. Even his teeth were like that of  a rat, as was his demeanor, and when he realized the priestess meant business, he dropped the necklace he had snatched and tore out of the tent and disappeared into the night. Glaring at where he had disappeared to, she peered down at what he was rummaging through, and her heart leaped into her throat.

Her scrolls! He had dug through her personal belongings and found them! Quickly she moved to tie them closed and tucked them away, burying them deep within the bottom of her satchel so that no one else could find them.
No one could know about them- or find out that she had them. She knew the consequences for taking the ancient scrolls of Tehfkeht without permission. The High Priest had warned her, but she could not help herself. She had a hunger for knowledge, and desired to learn the magic powers of these ancient scrolls- and she was so close to finishing deciphering the Scroll of Storms and wanted to continue to work on them, even in her travels. Now that they were safely tucked away, she peered back out into the desert night, but felt too anxious to try to sleep now. So in the dusty light of the moon, she brought out a few of those secret scrolls and began to read.


A few days later, the caravan continued on ward and finally made it to the Oasis. But the journey down was tiresome. The canyon floors were a lot less gentler on their feet, and the sands that had already made some of their feet already raw, were making the priestesses whimper. But a quick silencing noise from Neft'em had them all returning to their songs of Hakeshna to pass the time, and soon they were all in the valley and out before them spread the beautiful and lush Oasis at Ahts-mostehp.

Ahts-mostehp was a small temple of worship where the Kings of the past were taken to be prepared for the after life, and it is here the priests and priestess were to pay respects and to learn the proper funerary rites and processes. Though Aïda was not a fearful girl, nor paranoid (though perhaps she was to some degree), she had all but forgot about that night in the valley of  Hhem when the same rat-like thief poked his head out from behind a rock and watched as the priestesses all entered the temple.

Normally a caravan was much larger than the one here, and so when a few more beady eyes peered out from behind the rocks, their plans moved about in a whisper and soon their shadows began to trickle down ever closer to the temple at Ahts-mostehp.

It was night, and the temple lanterns were still lit, and Neft'em had ordered them all to retire early and they'd have a chance to bathe in the oasis come morning. But as usual, Aïda was too restless, and she wanted to read more on her scrolls. But she had to be careful, for the temple was small, she knew she could be caught reading far too easily, so she tucked the scrolls away inside her skirts and slipped out the back door.

Creeping through the sands, she found her way onto a perching of rocks that over looked the temple, but hid her in enough shadows that Neft'em might not be able to see her if he came out the back door, and it also offered her enough light for which she could read.
And now, unbinding the scroll from it's leather tie, she opened it upa nd stared back at the ancient parchment and began to softly receipt the ancient text out loud, but kept fumbling over the pronunciation. So she tried again, not realizing that as she read, the rat- like thief was creeping up on her- but so were many others.

And when a pebble was tossed her way and went trickle down the side of the canyon slope, she held her breath and waited a moment, before creeping out to peer over the side to see if anyone was coming. But there was nothing. Relieved, she returned to her perch, only to find a dagger brought suddenly to her throat.

"Drop the scroll, priestess," the man hissed, a hook hand gesturing towards the parchment. "And I won't slit your pretty little throat."

Aïda's eyes went wide, fear prickling through her vein for not only her life, but the precious scroll in her shaking grip. Her knuckles were going white, but the man only pressed the cold dagger closer to her skin and breathed his hot, foul breath against her neck.
"The scroll... priestess.." he purred like a panther, and she felt herself finally let it drop. At hte sound of the parchment hitting rock, the thief now moved his hook hand lower.
"Such a good and obedient girl.." And he moved in close to admire her in the moonlight. He knew she was young, and probably a virgin. So it seemed he could get more than one treasure that night.

"Now.. lift up your skirts girl. I don't have all night. Your body is mine. ANd don't look so fearful." He stroked her cheek, but she only glared back at him, her green eyes defiant. "Hakeshna will bless it when you welcome my seed."

"My body is not your temple!" She shouted, and spat directly on his face. "Hakeshna will turn your cock into a snake and have it bite you until you're dead!"

At such a threat, not only did the thief laugh, but so did a handful of his friends who showed up from the dusty shadows of the cliff sides all around her. She turned to look at them, eyes widening in disbelief, and when she tried to fight it, the hook hand went to her throat this time, and she, thrown down onto the rocks.

"Let me go!" she shouted, but found it futile as the man was hefting up what meager skirts she wore, ripping them as he did so in his hungered greed.

"Come on, priestess," the man told her gruffly, and lustfully. "Open up your temple. I want to pray." Not that she had a choice- for the man's 'friends' had grabbed onto her arms and legs, and it left her completely at the mercy of the scoundrel over top of her as he dropped his pants and went to work. And he was not the only one to share in this wealth, for many of his friends got to sample her as well.

Zubin wasn't normally in the habit of following the priestesses on their pilgrimage.  In fact, upon finding Aïda gone, he had intended to retreat back to the canyon hovel he shared with the rest of the brigands to pout about his poor luck.  While understanding of his position (mostly), the men he worked with still had priorities -- and, until he had fulfilled his agreement, those priorities must be his as well.

There was something strange that caught his eye in the desert.  It was something subtle that most would miss...and he only happened to see it because he was accustomed to looking for such things.  The colorful strip of cloth, woven with that particular design that meant the men belonged to one of the rival gangs in the region.  Normally, he would have walked away and reported it to his friends -- but there was something fishy going on, and he intended to find out what it was.

It was a strangely easy task to blend in with the crowd, his own identifying band missing from its usual place.  He'd grown used to it there; an observant man would have seen the difference in skintone...but these were not observant men.  Their eyes were set on a different prize, on a priestess, he was soon to learn...

They didn't call the priestess by name, but his heart sank nonetheless.  They couldn't mean Aïda...

And so he bided his time patiently, until he could capture one of the men alone.  As the man's friends moved away, the teenager held his hand roughly against his prisoner's mouth and pressed the blade against his throat to keep him quiet and still.  Only when he judged them alone did he force the answers he needed from the man...

...And then he left his body where it lay, sprinting across the sandy soil towards the pool of water where the men had laid their trap.

Aïda...  He had failed her already...

Any sense of caution the youth might have had about him had long-since gone as he followed the sounds -- the coarse laughter of men, the sobs of a girl, and sounds that reminded him sickeningly of things better left unspoken.  Reaching the steep hill, he barely hesitated before he threw himself down.

Dust and sand rolled down the hill as he slid down -- but when the men looked up, they would see above them a broad-shouldered, air-borne figure above them...and the cruel shape of a weapon in his hand was unmistakable in the moonlight.  One of the men cried out an alarm shortly before the blade opened his throat.  Blood splattered as he caught the second in the gut with his elbow.  A third barely freed his knife before he lost his entire hand to Zubin's blade, and, spinning around swiftly, he opened up the second's belly as the handless man screamed in pain.  Zubin ended his pain quickly -- far more quickly than the pig deserved -- and he turned his attention on the man just crawling off of Aïda.

This man would pay more dearly than the rest.  The final man scrambled backwards, his pants still around his ankles as he attempted to get away.  Zubin's broad back would save Aïda from the sight but for his sword coming down in a broad arc.  The man screamed -- a terrible, high-pitched gurgling sound as the priestess's rescuer leaned forward to pick something up.  It splashed into the water -- and, only then, did his sword come down a final time to silence the wretch.

In silence, the girl's rescuer turned towards her.  He dropped his sword into the mud as he approached her, and, then, he dropped down onto his knees beside her.  His face was young, and big, fat tears stood out on his cheeks as he looked down at her with such a look of helplessness...  "I'm sorry," he murmured, voice hoarse even as a whisper.  "I'm so sorry."

He should have been here.  He should have protected her.  He should have...

Her cries echoed into the night, drowned out by the wicked snickering of the men. And they had her, they took her- and left her raw and sore. But then something happened- a flash of silver in the dark, a movement through the dusk, and she heard the screaming cries from men. Startled, her tear filled eyes looked around frantically, and as the man pulled off of her, she found herself frozen not only in shock, but pain.

And then he too, was struck down, and the night turned silent. ANd the dark figure before her turned around and she peered back into green eyes. And she blinked, realizing, as he approached her, that he had been crying to. She grit her teeth, and shifted her legs to scoot away from him, while pulling her skirts down.

"Wh.. why, why are you crying?" She asked, unable to blink back her own tears as they continued to stream hotly down her cheeks.

Well, he couldn't right blurt the truth out right there, could he?  Instead, his eyes dropped to the ground and to his own bloody hands, finding himself unable to meet her gaze.

"Because," he said softly.  "I should have protected you.  This never should have happened.  I should have been quicker..."

And he should have stopped them all earlier in the evening, instead of just the one...

Aïda's eyes wavered, even beneath her tears. What did he mean? Why did he say he wanted to protect her? Who was he? Where had he come from?

"I.. I don't understand. Are you.. are you a priest? A temple guard?"
But his attire looked anything but, and her lips trembled as tears continued to fall.

"No, no, I'm..."  Well, what could he say?

"Zubin."  Still a lie, but it was the name he went by these days...so it was, perhaps, more honest than the rest of his explanation.  "I was out for a walk, and I overheard..."

Zubin wiped away his tears with the back of his hand.  Very impressive, he thought grimly to himself -- too late to protect her and now bawling like a baby.  Their mother would have been so ashamed...

"I should let you clean yourself up," he added awkwardly as he rose to his feet.

"Zubin?" she repeated the name, but it did not register with her. But as he went on to address her situation, she cast her eyes down shamefully as she hugged her dress against her form. She did not realize the mess the men had made, and it made her feel more uncomfortable than she was before, as her skin crawled at the sensation of feeling their defilement within her when she moved. But she was too afraid to move much more than a squirm, for her limbs ached when the men held her, and her insides burned from where they had defiled her, and she trembled and quaked as the reality caught up with her.

She was no longer pure. Those men had taken that part away from her. Forever.

Zubin collected his sword and half-turned -- and the expression on his face only looked more guilty when he realized she hadn't moved.

He stood there, staring at her a minute as he chewed the inside of his lip.  What should he do?  How could he help her...after already failing her once?

"Do you...want me to get someone for you?"  He asked, sounding as hesitant as he felt.  Fetching someone meant leaving her alone...and he was reluctant to do that so soon...just in case...

At the very idea to fetch someone, or to even leave her alone left her eyes wide with fright. She paled and shook her head rigidly.

"N-no!" By Hakeshna's name! What was she to do?

This was never how it was supposed to be...  He had imagined introducing himself to her a thousand times, but this?  This was hell...

"What can I do to help?" he asked, after a hesitation.  There was an earnestness in his voice and face, and a genuine desire to do nothing but that.  "Anything you need...  I swear, I'll do it."

She felt dirty. She felt wet- and she had no idea why. Hakeshena's name! Have mercy on her! Pray tell her this is just a bad dream. But as the hot tears continued to roll down her cheeks, she knew not what to say to this man except...
"Take me to the oasis."
At least there, she could clean off the filth of the night.

Zubin's nod was so slight that it was barely perceptible.  He moved back to her side and crouched down beside her.  "Forgive me," he murmured quietly.  And, suddenly, she was in his arms, carried bridal style, with a loving gentleness that would seem as odd as the tears for her that still shone in his eyes.

For a man of so few years, he was obviously quite strong.  He carried her with no trouble and moved with a natural grace, in spite of her weight in his arms, as they moved towards the fresh, clear waters.

And all the while he stole quick glances down at her, his expression shifting from guilt to sadness to anger...but whatever thoughts the young man had, he didn't share them with her.

Aïda was blind to the world, letting herself become cradled in his arms as they moved through the night. And she didn't move until he lead her to the waters, and only then did she finally look over with a muted expression. Where as he went through a series of them, she knew not how to react, and became numbed for it. She simply peered down at the waters, tinkling with the starry reflection across it's silver surface, but clung to him, despite the shallowness of the waters beneath them.

She was afraid to let go. Afraid she could not walk and afraid, and afraid if he were to drop her, she might drown- even in the shallows.

Into the cool water they splashed.  He couldn't swim -- but he could wade.  And so he took her out until they were in water up to his chest.  She wasn't submerged, not fully -- but as long as she was happy clinging to him, he wouldn't let her go either.  His arms tightened possessively around her as he held her in silence, but for the sounds of the water lapping against the shore.

The chill of the night water was enough to jolt her awake, and enough of a difference in the heat from her embarrassment to eventually get her to shiver. She found herself melting into his arms, still not knowing what else to do besides that before she found herself suddenly burying her face into his chest and holding him, and simply crying.

Zubin held her tightly, his hand rubbing her bath in gentle, soothing circles as he let her cry.  He hadn't known comfort in years and could scarcely remember it -- but he was willing to be patient, to let her cry on his shoulder as he stood guard over her.  Guarding her was all he had wanted in the first place...

"It's okay.  I'll protect you from now on," he whispered in her hair as he cradled her.  And he'd do better this time...

After she had cried enough, she lifted her head, but did not meet his gaze.
"To the shore. Please place me down int he shallows. I'd like to clean myself off there."
She wasn't sure she could swim, or trust her limbs, but she still wanted to clean out whatever the sticky hot mess was between her legs. It was uncomfortable, and it ached and itched her as she moved slightly and uncomfortably now in his arms.

Once again, with a word, he obeyed her command.  Gently, she was set down, but she was only released from his arms once she released him.  Even then, he moved cautiously and slowly, hovering with a protectiveness that seemed to radiate from his person as he watched her.

His shirt was removed, and, with the help of his knife, soon butchered into a few strips.  "It's cleaner than it looks," he murmured as he handed it to her.  She would need something to wash with, after all, and his shirt was a worthwhile sacrifice.

"I'll be just over there.  If you need me, you have but to call."

The whole series of events numbed her, but she graciously accepted the clothe and turned away to delicately clean herself. She felt so strange, and no one single emotion could settle within her. Was she angry? Sad? Upset? Did she blame herself for this for being curious on the mating rituals of men? Did the Gods seek to punish her for something else?

But she could not rest over just one thought, and when she felt she was clean enough, she found herself peering down at the water's surface, which marred her reflection, even as more tears threatened to form within her eyes. It was only then she caught sight of Zubin's reflection apart from her own and studied it listlessly before whispering, "Thank you."

Zubin had been...sort of...giving her privacy.  He stood with most of his back towards her, as still as any statue as he guarded her.  He was afraid to turn her back on her entirely, lest something terrible rise up from the water to torment her further, and so he watched the way her hair shifted against her back and the way the water tugged on her clothing.

When she addressed him, his eyes went down to her reflection in the water, and then, with soft steps, he ambled over to sit down in the water beside her.  "It never should have happened.  I should have been there to stop it..."

Perhaps that seemed obvious -- but his perspective on it was a bit more personal...

He looked out over the oasis a moment, then asked carefully, "What will you do?"

Aïda remained quiet when he spoke again- about being there to rescue her. That he wished he could have stopped it. It was only now she peered up at him curiously, with sadness still lingering in her eyes and tears shimmering and threatening across their surface.
"But you can not be to blame," she whispered. "And I was foolish. I should not have been outside so late at night on my own."

Neft'em had warmed them. Oh how he had done so, and she used to loathed him for his over dramatic lectures. Now she knew the truth in them. ANd it was too late.

Staring down at the waters again, she went quiet at his last question.

"Return to the temple," she said softly. For she knew not what to do other than to go back. Though she dreaded it. She wanted nothing more than to just fade away and never bear this weight on her shoulders- something she'd have to carry now with her for the rest of her life.

"I had this feeling they were up to no good," he muttered, clearly determined to take some of the blame on himself.  "I thought it was just my imagination."  He growled softly at the water, reaching out to give it a swipe.  Droplets flew prettily in every direction, but he seemed more focused on glaring at the fading ringlets as they spread outwards.

His anger, however, was quick to fade as their eyes met.  He held her eyes briefly with his, then offered her a smile that seemed so out of place in the moment.

But, in spite of what had just happened, it was good to see her and talk to her...  "You're happy there, right?  Inside the temple...  It's safe."  From brigands like those.  Hell, from brigands like him.  And from the Shah.

His smile almost coaxed out one of her own. Almost. But Aïda's eyes were wavering now as she peered at him curiously.
"Yes. It is my home now."
Or had been for many years. Shamefully, she peered down at the waters. Though she knew she couldn't be punished for this, as priestess were allowed to find pleasure in others- this was a different situation all together. And the raping had only occurred because she had ignored the rules.

"I do not know if I can return there," she then whispered, shamefully as she looked at the waters. "I was not supposed to be here."
And at that thought, a few tears slid down her cheek.

At once, Zubin's protective instinct returned.  Reaching out to her, he pulled her against him in a one-armed hug of support.  "You can do whatever you like."  Or whatever she had to do...  "If you don't want to go back, I can take you somewhere.  Anywhere else."

He looked down at her earnestly as he spoke, his voice lilting and eyes taking on a sort of dreamy quality...like this was something he'd considered before.

"I've got a little money.  Not much, but I could always get more.  And we could go anywhere you wanted to see..."

Peering up at him, her jade green eyes wavered with tears.
"But where can I go?"
She had nothing left for her except the temple, and the fear was evident in her eyes. But at what he suggested.. to go with him..
She knew not how to respond, and found herself staring at him, her eyes wide and her lips trembling.

"But at such an hour..." she started, her voice barely above a whisper, Aïda speaking as if at any moment, she might break, like a delicate piece of glass. "I would be afraid."

"I'd protect you, Aïda," Zubin volunteered at once, his expression more serious than a boy his age should wear.  Nevermind his spectacular failure this evening...  He would do it right from now on.  Nothing would ever hurt her again.  "I owe my employers a debt...but, once that's paid, we could go anywhere.  There are places covered by jungles filled with so many colors it hurts your eyes to look at them, with so many trees growing so thick together that you need a knife to break through onto the path."

The stories of his childhood...

His boyish enthusiasm was reined in somewhat, then, and he added softly, "But you have to think about what makes you happiest.  If you like the temple, then you should stay.  No one else can tell you what to do."

The idea of freedom, of a life anew and to forget this evening made her eyes dance like the twinkling stars above. Her heart fluttered and soared as she peered into his gaze so amorously.
"It sounds like a wonderful dream," she told him, her smile small and sad. "Oh, but to leave the desert,  I could not bear it. My father owned these lands, and it would fore sake him if I were to leave." Never mind he was dead. She shook her head, more tears gathering. No. She couldn't. It was just a dreamy idea. Not reality. In reality, Neft'ehm would punish her for her insolence, and any other repercussions of the rape would be hers alone to bear.

She cast her eyes to the ground, staring through long dark lashes. And it was only then she realized with a curious, lifting gaze on her face.
"My name." She blinked. "How did you know my name?"
She did not recall giving it to him- though perhaps she did? Or...
This boy looked familiar, but not familiar enough. Perhaps he just reminded her of one of the handsome temple guards back in Essyrn. Oh, what she would not give to be back at the temple, inside her bed, away from all of this-
and to awaken, as if it were a terrible dream.

Did she really not know what the man who called himself her father had done?  He blinked at her a moment -- but, he could not bear to tell her the truth...

He hadn't realized he'd said her name until she pointed it out.  At once, he blushed and looked flustered, in spite of his skin color.

"Oh.  Well..."  Settling for a half-truth -- it seemed to be all he was telling her tonight -- he said, "I saw you once at your temple.  The first time, I mean."  Because there had been others...although maybe he wouldn't admit to just how often...  "There's this little fountain that fills up after the rain in the back, and I happened to glance that way as I passed.  You had just splashed the water on your face, I think, and the way the sun shone off the droplets made your skin glow like gold.  And you were laughing about something.  There's this dimple you have, right here."  His thumb touched her cheek gently.  "You can only see it when you laugh.  And then you looked at me, and I saw this sparkle in your eyes...  And I remember thinking I've never seen anything so beautiful."

Oh, but that didn't answer her question...

His hand dropped with a soft splash back into the water, and he looked out over the oasis.  "One of the priestesses called you back inside.  Aïda.  That's how I learned your name."

At such a revelation, she found her heart fluttering and her cheeks turning pink. What sweetness were his words! And she might find herself swooning for such a thing, had he not witnessed the horrors she still shook from.

And when he touched her, she stiffened and peered down at his hand before shamefully looking away. But then when he revealed how he got her name, she peered back up at him.

"And you remembered me and my name?" she asked softly.

"Of course I did.  How could I forget?  It was a moment of clarity.  If I hadn't known any better, I think I would have been convinced you were an angel."  Even his laughter sounded a bit boyish as his eyes traced the outlines of plants set against the starlight.

"It's kind of stupid, I know.  But I've had a lot of time to myself.  So I spend it thinking about you."

If she thought she was blushing before, she was surely flushed as deep as the hot setting sun now.
"Oh, but I am no angel," she said, her lips quivering. But perhaps it was her beauty that lured such wicked men to take advantage of her, and the very thought made her eyes sparkle over with a fresh set of tears.

And what was she to say? This boy say her and could not stop thinking of her? THough it was moving, and truly it was, she was beside herself and still feeling so emotional over what had just occurred.

"Especially not now,"s he added, lowering her gaze to the ground. "Not after what those men took from me."

"But they didn't take what's in here."  Looking to her again, he placed a fist over his chest and thumped it softly.  "Other people can hurt you, but they only change what's important if you let them."

Well, that probably didn't sound as profound as he would have liked...

"My father sold me into slavery as a boy.  Not because he needed the money or because I was unmanageable.  He sold me, because he didn't want me."  He pursed his lips together thoughtfully.  "It took me a long time to realize that I didn't have to define myself that way, that I'm stronger than that."

Aïda looked up at him and blinked through tears.
"Oh, what a horrible thing!" What father could do such a thing? Then again- her father executed her own mother- and all of the other siblings she ever knew in all the world. Lowering her gaze, she found herself sniffling and wiping back tears.

"But you are right." ANd here she sighed through a smile at him. "They can not take away who I am by what they did." And her eyes shined brightly towards him, grateful for him to say that.

"It was a long time ago.  I...remember him as a tormented man.  I hope he's found peace and happiness.  And that's all the thought I waste on him."

He smiled back at her, a soft smile set in a young, honest face.

His hand suddenly rose up out of the water, and he peered at the handful of small stones cupped in his palm.  "Here," he stated as he offered her one -- a smooth, flat stone.  He had its twin, and, after drawing his hand back, he skipped the rock prettily across the still surface of the pond.  Small ripples were left in its wake, and he turned to glance at the girl beside him with a grin.  "Your turn."

Aïda released her breath through her nose in a closed lipped smile. She curled her legs up towards her chest and moved a hand back before skipping her stone across the water. But it only made two bounces and she gave a sheepish shrug.
"Looks like I'm rusty." She smiled dreamily as she hugged her knees now to her chest. "I think the last time I had done this I was so small and had done it in the pools of the palace with my brothers."

Yes, he remembered those pools...and the days spent skipping stones in them.  In those day, he hadn't realized how precious that water was -- only that it had provided the group of children a shared past-time.

His smile mirrored her's as he thought over those lost moments, and then, with a soft laugh, he splashed her playfully, but lightly with just his fingertips.  "Would you like to try again?"

Aïda flinched at the water and gave him a sheepish smile and nod.
"Yes, for one can not get better without practice."

(OOC: #IvoryProblems: Having to scroll back through a thread to find your character's name because all you can remember is the silly nickname you call him when plotting with PSJ.)

Zubin's grin was somehow charming as he withdrew another stone from the sand beneath the waves of the oasis.  "Or, perhaps, you have a natural talent?"

This particular stone, however, was far from drab as the others had been; its surface was smooth, almost polished by the waves, and a shock of blue coloring ran around the stone in a band.  Zubin turned it over in his hands a few times, then offered it to the woman beside him.  "You should keep that one.  It's supposed to be lucky.  My mother told me once that they were stars that had fallen...and if you find one and keep it, you will have the means to change your fate."

OOC: That's because he is ZUBS
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Aïda blinked and peered down at the smooth, blue stone. And at his story, her own lips tugged a bit leftward in a smile.
"It's beautiful." And she lifted her gaze to his, eyes wavering. "And that story... my mother used to tell me it, too."
She closed her hand around the stone and drew it close. "I'll be sure to keep it close, always. One should never let a piece of the sky pass them by."

(OOC: I know.  That's the problem!)

When she mentioned her mother, he glanced away a moment -- but then his eyes met her's again with a smile.  He wasn't sure what it was that kept him from explaining who he was -- who he really was.  It seemed, somehow, that if she knew, she might be held responsible if he was ever discovered...

And, so, he said, "What will you do with your new fate?"

Her expression went flat. She stared at the man a moment, somewhat thoughtfully before turning away, and staring down at her hand curled around the stone through long lashes.
"Which fate?" she asked softly.

Zubin's face fell as well.  Obviously, that had not been the right question to ask...

"I didn't mean to upset you, Aïda," he murmured.  Water dripped down back into the pool below as he rose to his feet, and he frowned down at her.  "I should go.  I'm sure you want to get back to the temple..."

"Yes.." She hung her head down in shame. "I'll have to explain myself to Neft'em. He had always warned me about the dangers of going out alone at such an hour.... I.." she kept her eyes to her feet. "I had never truly believed him." And in fact... all she had actually cared about had been those scrolls. And it was at the reminder of those scrolls did her eyes widen as she shot to her feet.
"Oh no! My scrolls!" And with a strength seemingly most unbecoming of the moment, she suddenly tore out of the Oasis and began to make her way towards the hills. She couldn't let those scrolls be lost! Oh, Hakeshna help her! Those scrolls! Those ancient scrolls! They must not be lost!

Her flight across the oasis would not be without escort.  Both of them, dripping wet, with the night air cool against their skin and clothes soggy on their bodies, darted across the shadowy landscape.  In spite of his build, Zubin moved with a silent grace that was almost eerie.  His athletic ability wasn't merely in his strength; his time with the thieves had efficiently rounded out his education, it seemed.

Like a shadow, he remained easily in her wake...and, when she got to her scrolls, he stopped and hung back, still lurking protectively in the shadows but not quite daring to step into the light.  The shadows, he felt, were where he belonged -- and the light was all her's.

By the time she gathered all of her scrolls, she was wiping at new tears that she was able to find them all- and not a single one was completely ruined. She set to work, wrapping them up and was soon hugging them to her chest.

Turning, she observed Zubin in the shadows and daintily tucked back some of her dark hair behind her ear.
"I... I suppose I should thank you. For.. for saving me. You know, before we say a proper goodbye."

"It isn't necessary," he answered dismissively.  If he had been just a little sooner...  Then, perhaps...but, then again...  He wouldn't want her thanks then, either.  "The time you've allowed me to spend with you has been thanks enough.  "It has truly been an honor to finally meet you."

Even if the circumstances weren't the greatest...

Aïda blushed at his words and nodded her head.
"Shall I ever see you again?" Only then realizing, when they parted paths- would she ever see her rescuer again?

That caught him a bit by surprise, and his face showed it by darkening with a light blush.

He had assumed she would never want to see him again...and leave this entire night forgotten.

"I'm never very far from the temple.  You might see me outside the walls someday."

"Shall I?" she asked, her hand taking his as their eyes met. "I am only here for but another few days- but the Temple.. the one in Essyrn, you can come visit me there?"

His hand squeezed hers gently, and he gave her a shy smile.

"Nothing could stop me."

His eyes searched hers a moment, and his smile widened.

"But I wouldn't want to distract you from your duties."

It was only then in the moonlight, at his mentioning of distraction did she dare realize how attractive the man was. Dark skin and hair, warm eyes and a smile..
She warmed all over for it and shivered.
"Well, we are all people of Hakeshna. No one would stop you to come visit a priestess and be humbled by her words, or to bask in the holy temple of our Mother."
Her eyes shined then as she dipped her head down, ever so slightly.
"And the same goes to a priestess, attending to those in need."

Aïda's words made his smile widen.  It was a harmless little white lie -- and not entirely a lie, if they actually did something religious, which he wouldn't mind.  But it made all of this seem very thrilling, suddenly...

"Then...  I'll see you soon."

"Yes, Zubin," she said with a nod, taking his hand then and squeezing it. "We shall meet again. Beneath the blessing of Hakeshna's protection." And she bowed deeply to him before moving forward and kissing him softly on either cheek.
"May the Goddess protect you on your journey home, Zubin."
And her smile was genuine as she looked affectionately into his gaze.

It was the sight of her smile, more than her blessing, that made him grin.  "Thank you, Aïda.  Take care of yourself."  He hesitated to release her, truly afraid that she might fade away and forget him...but, soon enough, he let go of her hand and vanished into the darkness surrounding the oasis.

And though she did not see him, he was never far.

Things returned to normal, then, with one glaring difference: Zubin had met the priestess with whom he had become so obsessed...and he had an open invitation to meet her again.

Yet, he couldn't quite bring himself to step inside the temple.  He had tried it a dozen times over the past few weeks, but it always ended with him skulking back into the shadows to stare at the doorway that would not let him cross but which welcomed so many others.  Different scenarios of how this second meeting might go awry flickered through his brain, each worse than the last, until he lost his nerve altogether.

But, this time, it was going to be different.  It had to be different. because he had a gift for her...and it was not a gift he could simply return or hide away until he'd built up his nerve...

He took a deep breath, gathered his courage, and he took a step forward into the courtyard.

Neft'em had been upset- very upset indeed, and after Aïda endured copious amounts of lectures, he finally let it drop. SHe didn't hear any more of it until they had returned to Essyrn, in which she had to endure the lecture again. Though sympathy had been given, she felt more the one to blame than the  rapist when all was said and done and found herself with barely a moment's reprieve in the month since she had since returned home. And she would be lying if she said she hadn't been looking for her rescuer, for everytime she saw a flash int he shadows, she never feared it couldbe those men coming back...

No, she always had hoped it was Zubin. BUt days came and went, and there was no sign of the man in sight, and she had nearly forgotten all about him until she stepped out into the court yard and exclaimed as she ran- full force into his arms!

"Zubin!" she said, at first, her voice crying in alarm, but int he last breathy bits of it, her lips had actually curled with elation, and her green eyes dancing at the sight of him. "You've finally come!" ANd she spoke that way as if greeting a friend or family member she hadn't seen in years. Little did she know.. that's just who he was.

Zubin had hardly expected such an energetic greeting.  He barely had time to catch her, and the force of her greeting swung him into his arms.  It made him laugh out loud -- an innocent, honest sound that erased all of the fear he had felt about this meeting.

"I'm sorry I took so long..."

Setting her back down on her feet, he looked her over with a grin.  She looked well -- and he was grateful for that.

"Here, I brought you a present to make up for taking so long to come see you..."  He felt a bit sheepish now, but he still brought out the blossom from its hiding place within his shirt.  It was only a single flower, but its petals were her favorite color -- or had been, many years ago -- and had cost him a pretty penny in so arid a climate.

When a bright yellow bloom was brought before her, she gasped.
"Oh!" And her eyes went wide. "Such beauty... and my favorite color." She turned to Zubin and noted his expression. "Did you really bring this for me? You did not have to! Not that I do not like it, but it is not always customary to bring a simple priestess anything more than a humbled body and prayers." Turning to him, she wrapped her arms around him in a one armed hug before letting her glittering eyes fall to the flower again. "It smells wonderful." And her cheeks rosied. "Thank you."

Zubin's grin grew under her praise.  "It made me think of you.  And I felt I should bring you something, because it had been so long..."

And, he had also needed something to spark his courage...and, alternatively, hide behind, if things went sour...

"You look...happy," he settled on the word with an appraising look and smile...for if she was happy, then he was happy.

"Oh, but you did not have to," she insisted, worrying it was done out of guilt than anything else. "But I shall treasure it none the less. Perhaps it might look good in my hair?" she said, contemplating removing her head piece to try it, but the thing was rather intricate in the way it was attached to her head, so she simply couldn't just take the thing off without some assistance. So instead, she thought about the last thing he said and her smile warmed before her green gaze dropped to her feet.

"Yes, much happier now," she said and stole a look his way. "Thanks to you. I am grateful to Hakeshna every day for having her send you to me. I am only sad I have not gotten a chance to see you again sooner."

"I didn't want to bother you," Zubin answered honestly.  "And, I worried it might upset you to see me..."

After all, the memories could not have been so easily forgotten...

Instead of pursue that line of thought, however, his grin re-emerged, and he gave her a boyish expression.  "And I think that flower would look very pretty in your hair."

The young man glanced around himself, looking rather self-conscious.  "Is there something we should be doing?  Like...something religious?  I don't want to get you into trouble..."

Aïda's eyes sparkled as she took his hand and told him breathily, "Yes.. come!" And playfully she pulled him along. "We can pray!" And into the inner sanctuary the two went, passing a few other priestess along the way. They gave the pair curious stares, but no one bothered the two. It was only before a large statue of Hakeshna did she pause and turn to him.
"Here, we can pray here." And she prepared them each a prayer rug before getting to her knees. "And thank her for having us meet." And as they were both kneeling before her, she slipped her hand into his as discretely as possible and gave it a squeeze while she whispered, "I am so glad you finally came to me. I have been thinking of you often."

Zubin allowed his older sister to pull him into the temple.  He glanced shyly away from the curious looks, afraid that they, somehow, would be able to see his true intent for being here...but that certainly didn't stop him from gently squeezing her hand back as they knelt before the statue.

"You have?"  Zubin's cheeks warmed with her confession, and he shot her a sidelong look.  "I...don't think I'm worthy to be diverting so much of your attention away from Hakeshna..."  He glanced up at the statue, a bit guiltily.

"Yes," she whispered, her cheeks dimpling as she smiled. "But Hakeshna understands. She praises heroes." And there was a pause, and a small time that passed between them- so one might presume they were actually praying before she spoke up again. "So do you live here? In the city I mean."

A hero?  Him?  It was almost laughable...

He bowed his head as he considered those words.  Heroes didn't screw up like he did...  Nor did they steal or kill, nor fight every day just to stay alive...

He blinked at her when she spoke again, then gave his head a slight shake.  "No," he answered softly.  "I live a bit outside of town."  The guards weren't particularly welcoming towards thieves...  It was safer out there, hidden away from prying eyes.  "Someday, I'd like to live nearby, though."

"And that someday I should be happy." ANd she afforded him a small smile before glancing back down and keeping her head dipped to the ground, touching it in prayer. "So you are close enough to at least visit me sometimes?" she asked through a cautious whisper.

The teenager's smile grew as well, as though they had just shared an intimate secret.

And his grin only widened with the next question.

"Yes," he answered.  "Of course I am."  He bowed deeply before the statue as well.  When they straightened, he looked over to her, looking quite serious.  "But I would walk the length of the desert to visit you, Aïda."

Aïda was already charmed and humbled enough by his presence from what he had saved her from, despite the fact it had been 'too late'. But as far as she was concerned, it was enough to win her heart. She was forever indebted to this man, this stranger, and yearned to make him anything but. But at his words, she found herself at a loss of them, for she stared at him, eyes going wide as she gaped.

"I..." and here she turned bashfully away, eyes dropping to her feet. "I should hope it would never come to that." But the idea was rather romantic, and she stole a bashful look his way.

There was something about that bashful glance -- perhaps the coloring, and the way she tilted her head just so -- that momentarily enraptured him.  When he realized he'd been staring, he smiled and looked away for a moment himself.

"Well, if it does, just know I'll stop at nothing to see you again."  His hand caressed the petals of the flower he had brought softly, watching, fascinated, as the flower retook its natural shape.  His eyes lifted up to hers, and he added, then, with a smile, "No matter how long it takes."

He didn't need to keep talking to win her affections, but what he was gaining was a deeper blush as Aïda stole a glance his way, her head still bent in prayer as dark hair half-hid her face.
"Then let us pray that shall never happen." But instead of stooping down to begin a more fervent prayer, instead, she took his hand and gave a tug, laughing silently as she urged him back to his feet to run with her- back into a room behind the great stone statue of Hakeshna and through the lush gardens in the back of the temple- where normally only the most prestigious of church goers were ever allowed. It was here, int he dazzling pools of the priestess did she pause, a smile consuming her face as she took both of his hands now and gave them a gentle, affectionate squeeze.
"I want to show you some, Zubin. Come, but be silent." For the place she wanted to take him was normally restricted to the holy priests and priestesses.

This was Zubin's first time in the temple...and, my, was he ever getting the grand tour!  He looked around himself, surprised and a bit awed by his surroundings -- but it wasn't really the architecture he was interested in.

The priestess's smile was beautiful and engaging, and he could feel it echoed in his soul as she led him on.  He nodded and pressed his fingertips to his lips, signalling that he would keep silent as a thrill rushed through him.  They weren't supposed to be back here -- that was infinitely obvious.  But for her...he'd break any rule.

Into the back they went, weaving through the intricate and lush vegetation, until she brought Zubin to a small door, nearly hidden from view.
"This.." she said, and pushed it open as the door made a gentle creak. "It leads outside, to the unseen side of the streets."
Stepping out, she gestured for Zubin to follow her out,a nd peered back to make sure no one was following before she move dou tintot he street with him.
"If you ever should need to find me, to talk to me, even after the temple is closed, we keep this door open- for emergencies," she explained. "Not many are allowed back here- but if you can find a way- then you can find me at any hour you desire."

Zubin took note of the door and the back street into which it led with the eye of a thief.  He recognized the alleyway, thanks to the unusual color of the bricks in a nearby building, and he turned to her with a slight nod.  "I understand, Aïda."  His smile shone almost as brightly as her's.  "Thank you."

He would have little trouble with this door...should he have a need for it...

"But, if I have to use it, where would I find you?"

Aïda's eyes sparkled.
"Come.." and she offered out her hand. "Follow me. I shall show you." ANd back inside they went, sprinting swiftly through the garden pools, and back and away from the stone statue, down a long, narrow hall and past the libraries were incense and candles were burning all day and all night. Though she slowed her run when she passed by a quieter hall, and turned to Zubin, smiling silently as the two of them tip toed in through the curtain of a back room.

"Here.." she whispered, to a room sprawling with plush blankets and pillows. "I sleep in here." And she moved to the back corner, pushing through a series of interlocking curtains before stepping into her own private room- and it was lovely, for it had a view, and through it she could see all of Essyrn.

Moving to sit on her pile of pillows on he rmake shift bed, she gestured for Zubin to come sit with her.
"Here is where I sleep and pass most of my day. Ican see can see the entire city from here." And she sighed dreamily, as she nestled into her arms as they rested upon the warm, stone sill.
"Isn't it beautiful, Zubin? This city we live in- this jewel of the desert."

Zubin memorized the turns and twists as best as he could as he followed her into her private chamber...but it wasn't the view he was watching as he remained, hovering, in the doorway; it was the woman who had brought him here...the way her eyes shone and the color flushed her cheeks after their sprint to reach this quiet sanctuary...

"It sure is," he answered as his throat went a little dry.  "The most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

Turning to regard him and that he still hadn't taken a seat, she patted the place beside her again. "Come, I want to show you this view the way I see it. It's the least I can do for you, to let you know that I appreciate your heroic deed, and that I do not waste a single breath of it in vain."
And then, shyly, she reached into a pillow beside her. "And I also have something to show you." And she kept something in her fist. "Now come on, please sit." And she gestured and waited for him patiently, hands resting across her lap.

"I didn't think that you did," he protested, but he obeyed.  He settled down where she indicated, somewhat surprised at just how soft it felt beneath him...and a bit like he was going to fall right over!  Once stable, he turned his attention back to her with a curious look.  "What is it?"

Blushing, she opened her hand to reveal the stone he had given to her.
"I still have it- the stone you gave me from the oasis." And she lifted up a large pillow at her side, and then a smaller, oval one beneath it. "I keep it beneath this pillow- buried away, so no one else may find it and take it. So it can be mine- and always be here to remind me.. of you."

His smile grew as he looked at the pretty little stone in her pretty little hand.  "I'm glad.  I wondered if you were allowed to have such things..."

The full impact of her statement settled on him, then, and he looked up at her with an expression of curious concern.  "Are there many thieves in the temple?"

Because...who would steal a rock from a priestess???

"Oh.. not thieves," she pressed, hugging the stone delicately to her bosom. "But as a priestess, we simply do not own anything- and I simply fear someone else wanting it for it's beauty."

"Well, if someone tries to take it..."  Zubin looked from the rock back up to her face with a grin.  "Let me know, and I'll get it back for you."

His hand seemed to twist around, then, and from his sleeve he withdrew something.  It was a quick gesture, so quick that, to the average eye, the item would just appear in his hand.  The folded up piece of paper fluffed slightly, now that it was no longer tucked away.  "I'm pretty good with my hands."

He left the paper outstretched on his palm a moment, then delicately began to unwrap it until a small portrait emerged of Aïda, drawn in charcoal on the back of a faded piece of paper.

Aïda's eyes went wide at the gesture, and she peered down curiously at the piece of paper, until she saw it bloom into a drawing of her- and at that, her breath was taken away.

"It's actually not very good," Zubin muttered sheepishly as he began to carefully fold it back up.  "I don't know what possessed me to show it to you..."

Well, he probably did.  He was showing off, and, other than a knife, it was the only thing he had up his sleeve.

"Oh, but I hadn't the chance to properly see it! Please, please let me see it, Zubin!" Aïda pleaded, her green eyes like twin stars as she took a hold of his wrist gently.

(OOC: For some reason, that makes me picture her as Cyclops from XMen...  WITH LASER EYES.)

Zubin looked at her a moment, seeming umoved...but then his lips curled into a smile, and he opened his hand to offer it to her.  "How could I refuse when you ask me so sweetly?"

Even if he was mortified by the work...

"It's only a sketch," he cautioned.  "And, obviously, it was from memory..."

The sketch itself, truly, showed some talent, in spite of its simplistic nature...  "We used to have contests in the quarry at night.  Just to pass the time."

OOC: LOL YES <3

------

Aïda's lips curled along with his, elated he'd conceded to allowing her a glimpse. And she peered down, noting the drawing again with a soft gasp. She gently touched the edge of the paper.
"Oh!"A nd her eyes shot to his. "You drew that?" The line work was incredible, and held the very essence of her in each stroke. It was so lovely, she didn't know what else to really say!

Zubin nodded slightly.  "Like I said, it's not very good.  Sometimes, I take it out to finish it, but...  I'm afraid I'll wreck what I have."  He peered down at the drawing as well, then laughed softly, sounding bashful even as he did so.

"I think my stick figures look better, honestly."

"Oh,.. no I think it's perfect!" she insisted, and took him by the hand and gave a gentle squeeze. "If you like, I'd let you draw me again! I can sit real still, so you can try it! I've had lots of practice!" she said, tossing him a wink. "Priestesses do a lot of that." You know, standing as regal as a statue, and all...

"You would?" Zubin asked, his surprise evident.  A flush of pleasure crept up his collar as he considered the option.  With a bit of a laugh, he added, "And you don't really need to sit that still...  You're not a doll.  And I want to capture that...sort of glow you have around you."

"Glow I have about me?" Aïda's cheeks gave way to a blush. "And what sort of glow is that?"

Zubin blinked sheepishly, then smiled shyly.  "Life.  Happiness."  He glanced down at the picture, searching for those same elements in the sketch.  How could he explain what he saw in her?  It wasn't simply beauty -- it was something much more powerful than that.  "Hope, I guess."

He risked a glance up to her, then laughed softly.  "I don't know.  There's just something about you that sets you apart from everyone else."

Aïda gave a demure, but humbled smile at his statement.
"And I see those things in you. In your smiles." she said, but gave a more leftward smile at that. "BUt I am not skilled enough to try to draw it. But I just keep those thoughts.."A nd here, she rested a hand upon her chest, over her beating heart. "Right here."

Zubin blinked bashfully.  "Well, I think that's more important than a drawing anyway.  It's better."

His eyes lifted from her's to the scene behind her, studying, for a moment, the way the city sprawled out towards the horizon.

"I suppose I should let you get back to your prayers, shouldn't I?"  He had spent a considerable amount of time in her company -- although it seemed far too short.

Only then realizing the time, Aïda gave a bashful nod.
"Yes.... so it would seem." Delicately slipping some hair behind her ear, she rose to her feet and offered him a hand, and once they were both standing, she admired him and their closeness. But then, realizing- how scandalous her thoughts were becoming, especially for that of a priestess, she turned away and felt her cheeks burn.

"Shall I guide you out, then?"

There was something heavy in the air between them -- even Zubin felt it, knowing full-well that it was something that could never be realized between them.  The trouble, of course, was that he had spent most of his teenaged years obsessed with the girl...and, he knew, that it had been translated, somehow, into something more than the bond shared between siblings...on his end, anyway.  But he could protect her from that too, of course...

"Yes, I-I think so," he answered, his own cheeks burning as well as he admired the bit of her profile he could see.

Taking his hand, the two moved through the curtains and through her room, back through the back halls and libraries to the front temple room where she paused before the statue of Hakeshna and marked her hands across herself, then did the same to his before spreading her hand up and over top of their heads in an ark.

"May Hakeshna always bless you and guide you in your future."

"Thank you, Priestess," the young man answered humbly, with his head bowed in reverance.  Still, he watched her a moment more, wearing a smile, before he finally took his leave.

She hadn't forgotten him.

And she didn't blame him for what had happened.

He couldn't quite recall what he had been so worried about to have put off this visit for so long...

The next day,  Aïda had gone to market- voluntarily so. The temple needed some supplies, and she was anxious to get outside of the temple's confining walls. She had a certain boy on her brain, a certain rescuer whom she had stayed up late all night thinking about, and all morning. When the opportunity presented itself for her to be able to get outside to run a few errands, she leaped at the chance, and found herself now making her way through the busy streets.

SHe hadn't even begun her chores when someone familiar caught her eye- Zubin. Turning away, she grinned. He hadn't seen her yet, but she had a feeling, based on what he had confessed to her, about wanting to watch her- that perhaps.. if she were to move obviously through the streets, perhaps she could get Zubin to follow her? Follow her to where, she wasn't certain, but the idea thrilled her to see if they could steal a moment away together...

So after delicately tucking back some of her dark hair, she stepped out into the streets where there was less of a crowd,  and began to head North, towards the Niafi river.

The absolute last person Zubin had ever imagined to encounter was a priestess outside her temple walls...and at market, no less!  He glowered impatiently at the merchant, who was inspecting a ring with the utmost attention, then caught the eye of the man he was accompanying.

It was only a look, but it said more than words could have in such a short amount of time.  With his employer's satchel all-but empty anyway, there wasn't much of a reason for Zubin to stay.  He was here to intimidate today, ensuring that the fine people of the city paid the gang of thieves for their work at fair prices and kept their mouths shut after they left.  They had arrangements with most -- but arrangements were always subject to change.

The man gave his assent, and Zubin answered the nod with a grin.  The man rolled his eyes slightly as Zubin disappeared into the crowd in the wake of a certain priestess.

For such a well-built fellow, Zubin was remarkably good at vanishing into the crowd.  It was an artform -- and as he sheltered in the shadows of a rundown shed near the banks of the Niafi River, he certainly made discretion look easy.  Little did he know that he'd already been spotted and had been lured down to the riverbank; as far as he was concerned, his target had no idea she was being watched...and that was just how he wanted it.

It was odd for her to be here, though...  What could a priestess want so far from her temple?  All alone?

A smile graced her lips when she chanced a partial glance back and caught the shadow of Zubin in the crowd heading her way. She was all but laughing as she moved away, hastily, but with nonchalance. And soon the bustling city streets were abandoned for more dry, sandy hills and the fluttering of palm tree shadows greeted her as she wove her away around them, then disappeared into a house of reeds. From behind their walls she peered out, eyes dancing as she held her breath and waited to see if he would come.

Not knowing what game she played, Zubin hovered uncertainly nearby as she stepped into the reeds.  The girl vanished from view...and Zubin waited, patiently, for her to return.  When she didn't, he lingered a moment, then glanced around...but there was no sign of anybody, least of all the priestess herself.

Carefully, he moved down the riverbank.  It unsettled him, wondering what had become of her to make her vanish so quickly.  Had she slipped and fallen?  Perhaps hurt herself somehow?

The thought made him hasten his approach and step inside the small reed hut with less hesitation than he had initially intended.

As Zubin approached, he'd hear the soft giggling as the reeds swayed as she took off, slipping in deeper amongst the reeds, but quite evidently giving herself away- and the game.

In spite of himself, Zubin's lips stretched into a smile as he stepped into the reeds.  It seemed suddenly that he found himself in a vast forest of the things, where his quarry could be hiding anywhere.

"Hm, I wonder where she could have gone..." he mused out loud...then suddenly sprang in the direction of the giggles!

Zubin was close to his prey, but the reeds offered her enough of an advantage that only his finger tips would graze across her skin. And in a frantic running crawl, she bolted away from him, Aïda's laughter much louder than before.

And so began a merry romp through the thick reeds!  Zubin's laughter joined her's as he chased her, and it was as if they were truly the only two people left in the world...

Unlike the slender priestess, however, who could weave in and out through the tall plants, the bulky Zubin had a tendency to crash through them.  A trail of destruction was left in his wake, and it wasn't long at all before she had nowhere left to hide...

As he approached the clump he knew her to be behind, he said, "You can't keep running forever..."

Except, as he pushed the reeds aside, he found himself staring at an empty space...and he stared at it, outright confounded, because he had been sure...

With a giggling leap, Aïda pounced upon him from the reeds behind him, arms looping around his neck as she continued to laugh and laugh.
"It seems I've caught you, Zubin!"

Zubin's laughter was loud and heartfelt as the tables were turned on him without warning!

"You sneaky little..."

And he was laughing even as her momentum bore him down onto the ground, and the pair wound up with Zubin on his back and Aida above him amongst the reeds with the sun overhead and the plants providing them shelter from its heat.

"I'm pretty sure I was supposed to be chasing you," he teased.

Aïda's grin was smug as she kept her hands upon his chest, effectively pinning him down beneath her.
"Oh is that so? Or did you truly not realize it was I who lured you here? You are my prey now."

"I think I've underestimated you," he answered with a sparkle in his eye as he regarded her.  "And what would you do with your prey now that you've caught him?  Something heavy lifted?  Or that drawing I promised you, perhaps?"  Yes, his skill set -- the one he was willing to admit to -- was fairly limited!  "Or perhaps you would like to task me with finding you another stone for you to skip?"

Aïda, thought flattered over such offers, simply giggled softly and informed him, "No. I lead you out here to steal a moment alone with you." And she gave a sheepish smile about it. "I hope you do not find offense. If you were busy..." Why, she would not keep him back from his job!

"I'm never too busy for you," he told her warmly.  "And, anyway, Melek knows how I feel about you.  He gave me permission to come."

He was an understanding sort of guy like that.  And, besides, he knew it would have just made Zubin sulky if his request had been denied.

"But what about you?  What are you doing outside the temple?"

"I came to buy supplies," she informed him, her eyes sparkling like stars. "And I've been stuck inside the Temple for weeks, I was surprised Neft'em allowed me to go." She gave Zubin a knowing smile as she looked him over. "Since you mentioned drawings.. have.. have you drawn any more of me lately?" And the excitement in her tone was more than evident.

"Since last night?" Zubin asks with another laugh that was accompanied by the faintest blush.  "No.  I haven't had the chance."  Most of their work was accomplished at night, after all -- and then he had had to rise early to go with Melek to market...

"If I had paper or charcoal, though, I could.  If I'd known you would be here, I would have brought some..."  He had promised, after all!

Aïda blushed in turn.
"It does not matter. This meeting was not planned," she told him affectionately, as she took his hands and gave them a gentle squeeze. "But what brings you to the city? And don't tell me you came to see me. You were obviously busy with someone else." Though her eyes still danced at the notion.

"It would be a lie to say I hadn't hoped to see you," he answered with a grin.  "But, no, you're right.  Melek was taking some things to market to be sold.  I helped carry."  And, also, some other things she didn't need to know about...  Mostly those other things, in fact.

"But we were almost done when I saw you...so you were in luck."

"Ah, but Hakeshna does work in mysterious ways," she said, eyes dancing. "To think, I'd be lucky enough to befriend a man such as you, Zubin. Forever and always my hero. My friend." ANd she took his hands and spread out her fingers once their palms were touching, and now, as those fingers spread, their hands were open, and touching at all points before she lifted her gaze to look at him. "Your hands are so large, Zubin, though my fingers are nearly long enough to reach yours." She blushed a little. She always had thought she had large hands, but she was, all over, a lengthy girl. Long limbs, long fingers, long toes. Still, the idea made her blush before she lifted a timid gaze his way.
"Tell me, Zubin. Do you have some woman you wish to marry?" Clearly, someone as handsome as Zubin must have a girl! "For any woman, I am sure, would be impressed with such skillful and strong hands."

"Do I?"  Zubin blinked down at their hands, for a moment, it seemed, lost in the way their hands fit together, but he lifted his eyes again with a startled look.  "Oh.  No.  I mean, I've never really thought about marriage."  He nigh stumbled over the words!

Besides, what girl could compare to the one before him?

And, anyway, it wasn't like he had a lot of practice socializing with the fairer sex...at least, not the fairer sex you didn't pay for...and even that was pretty limited...

All of these thoughts made him blush redly.

"I've just had other things to think about."

Though handsome, she knew Zubin was far older than she- and she was not certain on his age, despite what she could tell by his chiseled features. So now that left her with some doubt.

"Oh, then you are perhaps younger than I presumed?" For most handsome men married so young these days, it was hard to find someone near her age that hadn't already made a claim on another.

Zubin looked downright flabbergasted.  "How old do you think I am?" he wondered, then laughed and gave his head a little shake.  "Um, I'm actually younger than you are.  Believe it or not."

Well, now he felt a bit awkward, for some reason!  Probably because he had just been demoted back to kid status...instead of that of a man.

"Oh?" she said playfully, those green eyes narrowing upon him. "And how do you know how old I am? Or, how old you think I am?"

"Oh, well..."  Somehow, he managed to look as though he were squirming underneath that gaze, in spite of the playfulness it held!

And, in fact, he was a bit...  After all, he knew how far apart in age they were...even if he wasn't quite sure of their ages at this moment...after all, it wasn't as if slaves were privy to calendars...and, although he had heard about the annual festivals and other indications of seasons passing, after a while, he had stopped counting.

"I think," he started carefully as he boosted himself up onto his elbows.  "I think you must be around 17..."  Ish...

Aïda's eyes sparkled.

(OOC: YOu'll find those eye glitter a lot lol)


"Yes," she told him, her smile ever growing across her lips. "And if I might ask.." she said, taking a step even closer to him. "How old are you, Zubin?"

(OOC: LASER EYES!)

Zubin's eyebrows both lifted slightly as he regarded her.  "15?"

It certainly didn't seem like a manly age at all...

"How old did you think I was?"  Because he probably seemed cooler and more capable when she thought he was older...  It made him wonder how old Melek thought he was...though, just maybe, he wouldn't bring that up...

Aïda could not contain the smile at such a revelation.
"Oh! So much younger than I!" she exclaimed, gasping softly as she placed a hand delicately to her chest. "Oh, I just.. presumed older. A lot older." Much older than that!

"Oh," Zubin answered with a blush.  A lot older, huh?  Well, so much for being dashing!

"I hope I didn't disappoint you too much..."

(OOC: Lame post is lame.)

Aïda's eyes shined as she leaned forward, and softly kissed him beside his lips.
"Not disappointed. Just.. surprised,"s he said through a smile.

His blush flared anew at the kiss; he felt as though his face were putting off as much heat as the sun itself!

"That's good, because...  I really don't want to disappoint you.  Not ever."

His words tickled her, and her growing smile showed it.
"Well, you have yet to disappoint." And it was only then Aïda realized she had been staring, and bashfully she turned away, giving a light twirl to a loose strand of her hair beside her ear.
"So.." she began, realizing she hadn't really thought this plan through- except how fun it would be to have the man off somewhere alone. Not that she had any idea what to do with him now that they were.

"We're out here. Outside the temple, the city...." Her fingers idly plucked at a few nearby reeds. So now what? "So what does one do for fun outside of... well, the temple?"

Zubin watched her, his amusement openly showing on his face.  It was a good question; most of his extra-curricular activities weren't exactly fun...and certainly not what she would consider fun.

"Not at a lot, I'm afraid.  Nothing we can do here, at least.  I've left all of my sketching supplies and my cards elsewhere.  I'm not sure I know any games appropriate for a priestess, anyway.  Besides that, mostly, we just...talk."  And drink.  "We tell stories to one another and try to out-do each other."

"Out do one another with stories? Oh, that sounds like fun. We could try it?" she asked, sweetly, curiously.

Zubin grinned and patted the ground beside him.  "We can do whatever you like.  But I warn you...  I know a lot of stories."  His mother -- their mother -- had been the finest storyteller in the world, or so he believed!  "When are you expected back at the Temple?"

Aïda's eyes went wide, nearly forgetting her duties, and then once the surprise began to fade, a frown came as result of it.
"I should be returning within the hour.." she said glumly. "And I still have yet to shop."

"Then another time, perhaps?" he suggested, his own disappointment flickering across his features.  It was quickly hidden, then, with a patient smile.  He did understand, after all; they each had their roles to play.  "Can I see you again?  Sometime soon?"

Aïda's face too, showed the same disappointment as he, but at his suggestion, her eyes glowed at the thought and she nodded her head eagerly.
"Yes! Perhaps here again? At week's end? It's my day again to run errands. I.. I might be able to steal away another moment to see you." And at such a prospect, she felt her heart beginning to soar.

The young man's expression softened, and he nodded with a more genuine smile.  "I'll bring my pencils..."  Although he still thought she would be disappointed!

"Ah, yes, your drawing kohls!" she said with a clap. "I can only hope I'll look alright that day. So that you can have a nice drawing."

"It's impossible for you to be anything but beautiful," he reassured her warmly as he rose to his full height.  "Now, my drawing skill, on the other hand..."  Here, he laughed softly.  He'd never actually had a model before -- at least, not a model who knew she was modeling.

"And your drawing skills.." she repeated, rising up beside him as Aïda placed a gentle hand upon his as she peered into his warm eyes affectionately. "Will be beautiful."

"Not enough to do justice to my subject, I'm afraid," he answered with a heartfelt smile.  Without breaking eye contact, he lifted her hand to his lips.  "I would offer to escort you back, but I'm not certain it would be proper for you to be seen with someone like me."

Aïda felt her cheeks flush, but she was surprised at what he had to say.
"Oh, but priests and priestess find escorts all the time," she began to protest, not realizing that- those that would know him, would know his reputation and what he was far better than the naive and youthful priestess who now stood at his side.

"I'm afraid your Temple would not approve of an escort like myself."  His eyes searched hers, hoping she would understand without the need to pry all of the details out of him...  "But, someday, I will be.  And when that day comes, it would be an honor to escort you, priestess."

Aïda's expression fell at the statement.
"Oh."
Her green eyes met to the reeds trampled at her feet before raising them again to look into his eyes. "Are you at least able to escort me to the city then?"

"Better not," he told her quietly.  "It might lead to questions..."  And he would not compromise her honor, not for the whole world.  "I'm sorry, Aïda.  But I will be watching you.  From a distance, of course.  To make sure you're safe."

As he always did...

At such a revelation, Aïda visibly frowned, and her temper now, getting the better of her.
"My HONOR?" she stomped a foot, the bangled earrings beside her head jangling. "If anyone has to object on my.. my honor then I would put them promptly in their place! I am a priestess, and you.. you are no criminal." Not in her eyes. "I am allowed to walk with whomever I like!"

Zubin's entire expression fell when she said he was no criminal...for that, precisely, was what he was.  He gathered his thoughts for a moment, then looked up to meet her gaze.

If this friendship they had forged was going to end, wouldn't it be better for it to end now?  Before they became too attached to one another?  Because this wasn't about him -- it was never about him.  It was about her.

"Aïda...  There's a lot you don't know about me.  I...was ashamed, so I didn't want you to ever know, but I suppose that's not fair to you.  I...am a criminal, Aïda."  He swallowed down his pride, forcing himself to accept this bitter outcome.  "I told you I was a slave, didn't I?  I worked the quarry, and no one leaves the quarry alive.  So when Merek offered me the chance to escape, I took it.  And we made a pact that for seven years, our fates would be woven together...so I had no choice but to follow them and become like them."  He exhaled softly.  "We're bandits, Aïda.  And I have five years left before I'm free of them."

"A bandit?!" Aïda's eyes went wide at the prospect, and then flickered about thoughtfully as she tried to digest this all, but it seemed so crazy! "So you... you took to banditry for a chance at freedom.." She frowned over the logic. "But yet.. you are still a slave to it." And that part made her frown even more. "Oh, Zubin... I did not know." She placed a hand gently upon his shoulder and looked him in the eyes. "I could never dream to think or could begin to imagine how life must have been like for you. I have heard stories, but they are only stories. Any such horrors I am unfamiliar. It must have been terrible, to exchange one life for another one, and one of sin."

"No, don't be sad for me, Aïda.  I would have died a slave if it weren't for you...  Just that glimpse of you made me want to be better, so that I could be near you.  This is the price I must pay for that honor.  My soul will be stained by the deeds I have done -- I know that -- but I believe your purity will be enough to cleanse them."  He smiled at her, clearly having given it some thought and determined that this was the only course of action he could take...and having accepted that, as well, some time ago.  "I never expected to actually meet you, though.  I thought...after this was done...  I could take a place in the temple guard so I could be near you."

"Oh!"  Aïda's eyes went wide, a hand cupping over her lips. "Oh, Zubin.." Her eyes wavered over the very thought of what he proclaimed. "But I can help you! Just let me take you back to the temple of Hakeshna. I'm sure the priest's would know what to do! That is their job! They are there to help. And me as well. I.. I could coach, you, Zubin. To help you father the path that is right for you through our Goddess's will."

"I've given my word, Aïda," Zubin answered softly, though her concern brought a smile to his face.  "My word is all I have.  I have to keep it."  They could take anything else from him -- and had, including his name.  "But know that this is not something I enjoy...  But in 5 years, I will atone for what I've done.  And I will be grateful for any aid you're willing to give then."

"And all the more reasons for us to pray." And her eyes brightened as she took his hand and squeezed it. "Come see me. This night. In the back of the temple, behind the statue of Hakeshena. I will pray with you, for you. You should not have to make this journey alone."

Zubin nodded slightly as his expression lightened.  "I will.  Thank you, Aïda, for understanding.  I...don't think many people would."

For not just understanding...but also for wanting to help...

"It makes the burden easier to carry knowing I have your support."

"Oh, but of course! Of course I'd want to help!" she said, stepping closer, eyes shining as she squeezed his hand gently again. "You had saved me that day, Zubin. And even more so, you became my friend." And here, she placed her free hand over her chest. "And you will remain inside here, in my heart.." ANd her smile broadened. "Forever."

Zubin shared her smile in silence a moment, then laughed softly.  "You should go...  Or else you'll be late."

(OOC: LAMEST POST EVER.)

And almost late she was! Aïda hurried back to the shops, gathered her things, but not without chancing a few glances around to search for Zubin. Though she was a bit sad to see he was no where in sight, she had no more time to spare as she made her way back quickly towards the temple, and dreamed most of the night away about him. She couldn't understand why she was so excited. Perhaps it was his smile? His eyes? The way he stands? The fact he was her hero?
Maybe it was everything, and she sighed contentedly as she stole a moment away in the bathing pools of the temple alone. It was getting late, and she should hurry up to meet Zubin behind the statue, but somehow.. while she was laying there, the young priestess began to fall asleep.

It was some time later, well into the evening, that a shadow fell over the sleeping girl.  It was only because he had overheard a pair of priestesses chatting as they walked by the statue that he knew where to find her...and knew, too, that he would find her asleep there.  Why the other priestesses did not think to wake her was beyond him...but sleeping in so much water could not possibly be good for someone...

He found her sprawled in the pool, soundly asleep -- and alone, fortunately.  Being a teenaged boy, even a boy with morals, he could not help but silently admire the sleeping girl before shame outweighed his impulses.  He settled down against the stone behind her to keep his eyes from wandering...as well as to keep an eye on the door.

"You missed our meeting, Aïda," he told her.  And even though he spoke softly, his voice seemed to echo around the chamber.

Drowsily, Aïda opened her eyes, though only partially. The waters made her vision foggy, as did her sleep.
"Z... Zubin?"

"I didn't want to wake you up, but I was worried.  Sleeping in water...  You might drown."  Not to mention the other health hazards it might cause, whatever those could be...  "Anyway, now that you're awake, I should go and let you go to sleep..."

Gasping, Aïda turned to Zubin.
"No, wait!" And caught him suddenly by the hand. "No I.." ANd here she blushed, realizing she was grabbing onto the boy while she was still technically bathing, and completely naked within the waters before him. "I hadn't meant to fall asleep!" Though she felt quite sheepish now for it. "Here, let me step out of the bath. Just wait right here."A nd she moved towards the steps, water gushing down her body as she reached out for a towel to wrap around her form. The towel was thin and light,a nd clung to her quickly like a second skin as she moved over to his side.
"I am sorry I did not meet you. How foolish of me to be so caught off guard after requesting to earnestly a meeting."

"Don't apologize!" he answered, stumbling over his earnest thanks to how very little she wore...and, although he was very much trying to remain a gentleman, his eyes went back to her anyway.  "You're obviously very tired.  I would never deny you your rest...  It must be very tiring to do what you do."

"Yes, but this was important!" She pressed, and before she had a chance to go into further detail about the grace of Hakeshna (for she had it right on the top of her tongue) one of the doors opened and she gasped and leaped off her feet, and clung onto Zubin.

"Someone comes!" she whispered, and took his hand as she began to run off. "Quick, out the back. We can't let them see you here so late!"

Zubin nodded dumbly and let her lead him towards the exit.  No, he wouldn't do anything to put her in jeopardy...

Through the doors they went, and rushing down the halls, moving swiftly, moving fast, passing column after column before she paused, panting behind the great statue of Hakeshna. She only chanced but one glance behind her, before turning to Zubin with a smile.

"It seems we've finally made it to the statue..." And not realizing they had been so close,s he found her own gaze staring back into his almost questionably, as every inch of her body suddenly became heated and her heart was fluttering like the wings of a bird.

In the shadow of the great statue, they paused to catch their breath.  Zubin had inclined his head upwards to look at the statue, then looked down, noticing the same thing she had...that they were awful close to one another...and she was still clothed only in a towel...

"You should, uh..."  He gestured to the towel that was beginning to pull free with a light hint of scarlet on his cheeks.

Aïda's heart was beating so heavily, it was deafening her. Their position, so close, and her clothing, nearly falling off did more than heat her. She felt intoxicated, a sensation only brought on when drinking of the temple wine. But this was something else, and she realized what it was, but could not stop the words before they left her tongue.

"Kiss me, Zubin," she asked softly, delicately, her eyes never once leaving his as she barely kept her towel clung to her body as her hands clenched tighter to the sopping wet fabric.

Hearing so sweet a request -- and, of course, driven by his own desires, which had no small part in his reaction -- Zubin could deny her nothing.  He knew he shouldn't -- he knew he should tell her who he was, who he really was, and suffer her wrath now before he hurt her further...  But that thought only came to mind long after his lips -- and his body -- were pressed against her's.

They stood there, joined, for a moment, by a perfect kiss, so lost in the moment that the Shah's army could have stormed into the temple, and they would have been oblivious to it.  And it all seemed, suddenly, to make sense...as though everything he had suffered in the past 9 years was leading up to this moment.

But it was wrong.  And even if she didn't know it, he did...and he couldn't bear to lie to her...

"Aïda, I'm sorry," he began, even as he stepped back to put some distance between them.  If they continued to be so close, he wasn't sure he would ever get the words out...or if he would just try to kiss her again.  "I shouldn't have done that..."

Oh, how warm and soft his lips had been, and what powers and heat did it kindle within her very soul. If she had not been attracted to Zubin before, she was inevitably falling for her hero now. And she leaned into the kiss with as much strength as he, even as her legs almost gave out over such a sensation. It was over whelming, and wondrous, so when he pulled away, her lips remained purse, her eyes half lidded, and her mind in a haze.

"But I asked for it," she found herself replying, her words, coming out almost like a dream. "Oh, Zubin, kiss me again." She said, closing hte distance between them again, so her body met to his as a hand found his and squeezed it. "Please kiss me again or I fear I shall die!"

"We shouldn't."  His protest was soon muffled, however, as he leaned forward to capture her lips again.  Nothing had ever tasted so sweet or pure...and, he would have been lying if he claimed the kiss wasn't accompanied by certain unpure thoughts...

"Aïda, there's something..."  He took a deep breath, and he forced himself to stop.  This was important...and it was already bad.  But to continue would be an affront to...well...everything...  "We need to talk.  And when I tell you..."  He wasn't looking at her, in part because he was afraid he would just kiss her again and again...and, in part, because of shame.  "You'll hate me."

The kiss was dizzying, intoxicating, and when he pulled away, she peered at him with a pout. But his words certainly surprised her.
"Hate you? Zubin.. " she tried to move so she could see his face, even so much as lifting a hand to turn it her way. "I could never hate you Zubin." She said, eyes trying to read his. "Please.." she squeezed his hand. "Tell me what worries you so. I promise not to judge you. You can trust me."

"You're so sweet, but..."  Well, it was a secret that would make anyone, sweet or otherwise, justifiably be angry with him...

Zubin glanced around -- even though they were obviously alone -- and lowered his voice to a level that was barely above a whisper.  This was the secret he had carried all these years and told no one -- because he was safer as a slave than he would be claiming the secret...

"Aïda..."  But where to begin?  How did you claim an identity that had been all-but forgotten?  "My name isn't Zubin.  That is, it hasn't always been.  My mother told me to never, ever answer to another name when she left me with my father nine years ago.  My real name -- the name I was given when I was born -- is Mirza Ah'nikh."  His eyes searched her's, searching for recognition and understanding.  "When you were brought here, our mother sensed that something was wrong...and so she hid me with the one person she thought she could trust: my real father."  There was a sarcastic little quirk to his lips, then, as he added, "Our mother was not innocent of the Shah's accusations after all."

Aïda stared at Zubin for a good long while before she even surprised herself with a laugh.
Though so many series of emotions rolled about her face, it was hard for her to settle on just one. So she laughed it off, even softly.

"Zubin, what a terrible joke!" She said, despite knowing his expression was one so serious. "Everyone knows my brother is dead."
But why.. why would he say such things? Why would he be so cruel after they had shared but a few kisses? What compelled him to even imagine that?

"Exactly."  And that was the way it was supposed to stay -- except for her.

"Do you remember when we were little...  We had left the palace for the day to travel to an oasis.  Mother had brought a picnic basket -- but when she opened it, a scorpion crawled out.  And Mother..."  His smile grew sad as he recounted the story.  "Mother grabbed the scorpion's tail and twisted it off -- she made it look just that easy -- and laughed at us for being so afraid of it.  And we refused to eat our dinner that day, because we thought there might be more scorpions inside the food."

The series of emotions that ran across Aïda's face was wavering. She could not decide weather to be afraid, or upset, or surprised or even glad over what this man revealed, but one emotion did break through as sharp tears welled up within her eyes.

"How.. how could you know that?" she asked breathlessly, trembling, as hot tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Because I was there.  Just as I was there on your eighth birthday, when you fell into the pond, and the Shah himself jumped in to pull you out.  And I was there that night, when you were too afraid to sleep, and Mother told us the story of the children who lived in the pond -- children who looked like us -- who would have pushed you right back out if the Shah hadn't saved you.  And we spent days looking at our reflections, trying to catch them moving different from us."

Aïda's tears continued to flow, the more and more real and true his stories had become. There wasn no way he could be lying. But how could this be her brother? How could he still be alive. Cupping a hand over her trembling lips, she took a step away.
"Zubin I..." but she knew not how to deal, this emotion, this reality was too intense that she could do the only thing she could think of in that moment-
and that was to run away. And as childish as it was, she wasn't sure what else she could do.

'Zubin! Oh, Zubin! How could you be my dead brother!?'

Zubin watched, his expression every bit as pained and broken-hearted as her's -- for he was certain, now, that he would never see her again.  At least, in not so intimate and friendly a way, because he intended to go on watching her from afar...

So, as she ran away, he moved towards the exit steathily, even now not wanting to compromise the priestess whom he had come to see...

Oh, what cruel fate was this? To think, the boy she was falling in love with was her brother! Of all the people in all of the world, he was not only a thief, but someone who she believed dead! She was so wracked with emotions that when she returned to her bed and the other priestess tried to comfort her, she knew not what to say. It was like falling in love with a ghost.

It was well into the morning when her tears finally stopped, but she refused to leave her bed, and to leave it for days, claiming ill. Though rumors began to spread, she cared little for this talk and knew not what to do with herself...

Though when she confided in someone, to the High Priest Taj, in secret- (though not all of the secrets, for she feared for Zubin's life if one were to know he, the very true next heir to the throne was alive... Why! His very life could become compromised again! He might be killed for not dying, it was just all so very crazy...

But at the notion... The High Priest suggested forgetting about this man altogether.



But she couldn't.


And as the weeks ruled on she was only getting worse before she got better, and it was during one night when the tears returned did she have enough, and she rushed out of the temple, across the city, across the streets and towards the Niafi where she threw herself into the small 'house' of reeds and there she fell, into a pile of weeping, over her most confused and broken heart.

The shadow watched her in silence for a time, as he had done since the days he had revealed the truth to her...and been cast out from her life.  Yet, he didn't regret telling her; it was something that had needed to be said, regardless of what the consequences were...  It was the right thing to do...and that was all it was.

However, when she did not emerge from the large group of reeds, Zubin started slowly forward, pressing inside hesitantly.  "Aïda?"

She was too caught up in her sobs to reply, so in ignorance, she wept.

A smarter man probably would have walked away...but Zubin loved his sister, both as a sister and something more, and he couldn't bear to leave her when she was, clearly, in so much pain.  Instead of leaving, hesitantly, he reached out to settle a hand on her back.  "Aïda, are you alright?"

Even though he was sure he was the last person she wanted to see...she was clearly in pain, and if there was anything, anything at all, he could do to help...

Aïda's heart nearly leaped through her throat as she felt the hand on her back. Rearing away, her eyes went as wide as the sun as she peered back at..
"ZUBIN!"
ANd she froze stock still, uncertain if she wanted to hug him or flinch back, as more fresh tears began to roll down her cheeks. But all the forces in the world could not stop her from throwing her arms around her brother, hugging him tightly, clinging, needing him as she wept.
"Oh, Zubin! I thought you were lost to me all over again.."

And delicately, she lifted her gaze to him only then. "Or is it that I shall call you by your proper name?" she whispered, uncertain which, if any name, would be most proper. Oh, to think! She had lost her brother once, and now could have lost him again! She could not handle that in all of her life, and her happiness and eagerness to see him was so clearly written on her face as she took his hands and squeezed them.

Zubin's arms tightened protectively around her as she sobbed into his shoulder, unsure, still, himself...  But when she pulled away to ask her question, it brought a smile to his face.  "Zubin.  It's...safer, I think.  And, besides, I'm a very different person now."

His smile was tender and concerned as he looked over her features.  "I didn't mean to intrude," he added.  "But I was worried..."

"Oh, Zubin, I was worried too. And so afraid and confused. I thought you had been dead all of these years... What was I to think?"

"I'm sorry for that," he admitted softly.  "But, I didn't want to put you in danger.  Or put you in a position where you might have to protect me when you shouldn't."  Whatever that situation might be...  "And, anyway, as far as anyone else is concerned, that little boy is dead.  I have no intention to reclaim my name or position.  Honestly, I was thinking, after I'm done here, I might become a temple guard or...or something."

"Oh, but Zubin, do you not see? You're alive!" she told him, eye sparkling through tears. "And if so... that means you're the rightful Shah." And at such an idea her eyes became large with wonder.

"I'm not the Shah's son," He answered with an honest smile.  "And even if I were, there's nothing to be gained that I actually want.  I'm happier now than I would be there alone without you.  Richer, yes, but not happier."

Already, he knew this to be a fact...  He preferred the happy solitude where no one knew him than the dangerous position of Shah.  He had used up his luck in escaping the execution; he likely wouldn't be so lucky next time.

And this is when her expression changed drastically, from the sweet sort of tears to the soured ones.
"But do you not feel we have be wronged?" She asked, voice growing sharper. "That what our father has done was against Hakeshna's will?"

Zubin stared at her, as though such a statement were an entirely foreign line of thinking -- and, indeed, to him, it was.  He had let go all of that so long ago...because it would have driven him insane if he thought too hard on it.

"You'll have to pardon my stupidity -- you're the priestess, not me -- but I always figured Hakeshna would not have blessed him with a new family if it was."  It seemed like pretty safe reasoning to him, anyway!

"Hakeshena!?" Aïda was fuming. "This has nothing to do with Hakeshna!" Shaking her head, the priestess went on, clenching her hands into tight, angry fists. "Our father was duped! The wife he had taken, she had to be some sort of manipulative sorceress, I just know it! And she seduced him, wanting the throne only for her.. Well, she got what was coming to her," Aïda went on, her demeanor turning dark.

...But hadn't she just brought it up?

Nevermind.  This was obviously a bad subject -- and with good reason.  Instead of continuing to argue, he placed both hands out before him, his palms towards her and sank down to sit cross-legged on the ground.

He'd just let her fume for a bit...  There was no harm in that, surely...

When Zubin took a seat, Aïda blinked.
"Zubin!? What are you doing?! Are you not as angry as I!? For you should be! To think, such a deceiver is allowed to rule our country! Do you not every pray over this injustice?"

Zubin blinked right back at her, and then his expression melted into a sad one.  "Aïda, being angry...  It does nothing but sap your energy and distract you from what's truly important.  I made up my mind a long time ago that I would forgive them -- all of them.  And I'm happier for it.  After all, I've never known how many years I have left to live -- and it would be such a waste not to appreciate what I have, little as it is."

But, of course, he had a different perspective of events than she did...because he knew precisely how insignificant he was in the grand scheme of things.  She, though a priestess, had continued to find pampering and given a place of importance in society...

"Forgiveness!?" her voice went shrill, nostrils flaring angrily. "They don't deserve forgiveness! And I'd curse her grave if I could!"

Zubin peered up at her, disappointed, a bit, that she didn't agree with his outlook, but also completely understanding why she couldn't.  What the Shah had done was a terrible thing...but there was no point in letting that guide him for the rest of his life.

(But, by Hakeshna, she looked lovely with the color in her face and her eyes flashing!)

Instead of repeating himself or complimenting her, he asked only, "What do you intend to do about it?"

It was then Aïda's anger, which seemed about to go over the top, rolled over into a simpering whisper. She sighed and turned to him.
"I don't know. But I can't do nothing. I just can't."

His nod was ever-so-slight as he looked up at her, and then he offered her a vague smile.  "Come here."  He patted the ground beside him.  "That's a problem for another day.  I'm just glad you're alright.  When you ran off, I thought..."  Well, frankly...  "I thought I would never see you again."

Aïda turned toward Zubin with tears in her eyes.
"But what other day, Zubin?" she asked, voice strained and wavering. But at his last statement, she found herself suddenly breaking down and crying.
"Oh, Mirza!" she said, throwing her arms around him. "Or Zubin, or whatever your name is now. How could I ever allow myself to become lost to you again? We have only just been found."

"Well," he answered carefully, although he received her hug gratefully, "I wasn't honest with you...  That would be reason enough."

And he wouldn't have blamed her for it in the least...

"But, what are you doing out here, crying like this?  Did something happen?"  For she had been so upset...

Lifting her gaze, her eyes peered into his.
"You do not need to apologize for that, Zubin. You had reasons to. If.. if you had told me when we first met, I don't know how I'd feel. It... it is a strange concept, to think my brother is still alive." And here she took his hand and squeezed it, but then recalled the kiss the moment he spoke the last question.

"Zubin.... I... we.... well, to be fair, I was upset." And she peeked back up at him. "We.... you.. you told me after I kissed you and I.." And here she flushed and dropped her gaze. "And now I'm torn to know I've fallen for my own brother, but I can not have him, for he has taken on another name."

And not to mention she was a priestess. A true, real union could never happen. But oh, was it not just enough to have him back? But now her heart was so confused and twisted, and she felt a few hot tears slip down her cheek.

Zubin's guilt was apparent on his face when he answered her, but he made himself look at her, to admit his guilt.  "It's my fault, not your's.  I've spent so much time hoping for a way to connect with you -- but never really believing that I would -- that I..."  He cleared his throat softly.  "I never meant for you to see me as anything but a friend.  I should have put a stop to that...but I thought it was just my imagination, so I didn't think it would do any harm and that nothing would come of it."

And now look at the mess they were in...

"Don't blame yourself."

"I am not regretful we have met," Aïda went on, eyes trying to read him as she saw the guilt, the shame. "Like you, I am only glad we are reunited at last I... You have no idea how happy this makes me feel. Do not let my anger cause you do believe other wise." She shook her head. "It is only of consequence to what has become of us, and what has become of you gives me even more reason to believe in my hate."

Her response, inexplicably, only made the guilt on his face deepen.  For the first time since sitting, he pulled himself up, then rose to his full height...which, even at his age, was impressive.

"Then, perhaps, you were better off believing that your brother is dead, as you always have."  Softly, he added, "For all practical purposes, he is."

Aïda made a face.
"What do you mean? Zubin... I do not understand."

"Hate is such an ugly thing," he told her softly.  "It should have no place anywhere near someone as beautiful as you are."  Which was partly why this was so terrible...  He had seen the things hate did to people, and it never ended well.  "So if I'm making it worse, I would have been better off dead."

"Making it worse?!" she asked, tears sparkling in her eyes. "How on earth would you be making this worse? You have saved me Zubin, and now in more ways than one. You have given me more hope than you can imagine." And here, she took his hand affectionately and gave it a light squeeze.
"It is you who is help rekindling my dream."

"I don't want to see you hurt," he answered softly as he looked down into her eyes.  "And I certainly don't want to be the cause of it."  He was afraid, now, that he would be...that if she pursued this path, there would be no turning back from it....

"But you're not the cause!" She stressed, anger flaring within her eyes. "Before I even knew you were alive I had this dream, Zubin. And... and the High Priest he... he believes so, too." She added, much more softly this time.

Zubin sighed softly, wearing an expression of defeated acceptance.  Instead of protesting further, he said only, "Then, if there is nothing I can do to convince you..."  Well...  "You must promise me that you'll be careful."

"But of course," she told him, most seriously. "This is about my life, our life. Our future, and not just that future for us, but for everyone of Essyrn."

Zubin shot her a smile.  He lifted his hand, as though he meant to caress her cheek, then dropped it back to his side.  No, none of that.  She may have forgiven him, but they still shouldn't become overly friendly...because that might lead to...other things...

"Good.  Why don't I walk you back?  I mean, I can't escort you back...but I can at least watch from afar to make sure you're safe."

Aïda frowned. She was upset, but she knew it was for the best. She needed to think this over. So much had happened and well...
She had not expected to have to confess all of this to her own brother..
and to have it take it so....

Perhaps she could speak with Taj on the matter. He always knew what to do. He always had her back. But sitll, she feared what could happen....
If her brother were known to be alive...
It could very well challenge the right to the throne, and while tha tis precisely what she wished....
She knew there were dangers too.

"Y-yes," she spoke softly, exhaling through a hot breath. "It would be wise for me to return."

Zubin nodded slightly.  "I'm sorry," he offered softly.  "This was not the way I wanted this to turn out..."

He had hoped things would be different...more comfortable...  But you couldn't have everything, could you?

And though Aïda felt bitter, hollow; and wanted nothing more than to return to her temple that she had come to know as home, something kept her there in the tall reeds that hid them both away from the world, and before she knew what she was doing, she was throwing her arms around Zubin and clinging to him tight. Her face buried into his shoulder as she wept.

"Oh, Zubin.. my dear, sweet brother...." How could it be that their fate had come to this?

Zubin's face softened as he folded the girl in his arms.  It was a gentle, protective gesture as he let her cry, to let her pain out on his shoulder.  Gently, he settled back down on the earth, bringing her down with him, nestled protectively in his arms.

"It's alright, Aïda.  Just let it out."

"It's just not fair! None of this is fair!" she sobbed against him, holding him tight. "To think, how our lives were ruined because of them."

Zubin made no reply.  Instead, in silence, he simply held his sister and let her sob out her pain.  He didn't imagine she had had a lot of friendly shoulders to cry on over the years.  (Not that he had either, but he had learned to look forward instead of backwards...)

And, softly, he began to hum a wordless melody of comfort, passed down to them by their mother long ago.

The humming helped lull her into a silence, and even so much that tears clung to her eyes rather than fell as she listened to the sweet melody. She gave a sniffled, and softly murmured, "That's a song mother used to sing to us at night. Her voice was always sweet, like yours."

"I think that's the first time anyone's called my voice sweet," Zubin answered thoughtfully as he continued to hold her.  His eyes, however, were far away, watching the water lap gently against the bank of the shore opposite them.  "But I'm glad it helped.  I mean, I hope it did."

Aïda remained quiet, and continued to cling to her brother.
"I miss her." Naturally, she meant their mother. "It's been so many years..." Sighing, she pulled away and brushed back a few tears and peered right into Zubin's face.
"Promise me you'll still visit me. And we can still see one another. I can't lose you. Not again. Not now that I know you're not dead."

Zubin blushed lightly at the intensity of the gaze she settled on him, though he smiled readily enough.  "I'll never leave you.  I promise."

He had watched over her for so long already...  And even their brief encounters were enough to sustain him...  He was, after all, a simple man...  He didn't ask for much, nor did he deserve much.

"And I'll always come when you need me."

"Yes," she said, her voice coming out on barely a breath. "But what about when I don't need you?" And she held her breath, eyes seeking his, while her heart hammered away inside her chest.

Zubin could drown happily in that gaze of her's and stay there for all eternity.  She did have the most beautiful eyes...

"I live in your shadow already.  You may not see me, but I'm there.  I've been there for a long time, watching and hoping to find a way to make you smile."

(OOC: Zubs is such a creeper!!)

Blushing, she dropped her gaze a moment before looking back to him.
"You always made me smile." And she leaned forward to kiss his cheek, before she found herself hugging him again.

The kiss brought a light color to his cheeks, and her compliment made him smile.  Any favor from her was enough -- it was, after all, all he had ever wanted from her since the first day he had laid eyes upon her.

"I'm afraid that's all I have to offer you.  I hope it's enough."

"Zubin.." then she blushed and corrected herself. "I mean, brother, anything you do is more than enough. To find you alive after all these years...." That was truly the reward.

"And that is something we must keep between us, Aïda.  If I'm discovered to be alive, we'll never have any peace."  He searched her face and studied her expression, committing them to memory with a zealous devotion.  "I've no interest in the throne or in revenge.  I just want to be here.  With you."

It was here she took his hand, squeezing it as she pressed it over her heart.
"I will take this secret to the grave," she promised. And she found her eyes becoming lost in his.