A lunchtime date (EA closed Qasims home)

[Raya]

Raya went to answer, then stopped. There was a thoughtful look for a few moments before she finally spoke.

"Am thinking....yes? It is a Ra'Shari thing though maybe?"

[Qasim al-Basiri]

He chuckled again "Well Raya you ARE Ra'Shari after all. But among your people I know there are still many who do not think like you. I have spent a fair amount of time with Ra'Shari, their ways are different but you are all still people given to flaws and vices like any other."

"So if the way you treat people, the way you treat Soraya is part of who you are. Is it so crazy to think it could be a place love sprouts from. From the way she speaks about you I do not think it is the only thing she loves about you Raya. I think like you love Soraya for Soraya she loves Raya for Raya." He said with a smile.

[Raya]

Again Raya went silent, as she thought on it. Qasim would notice her cheeks going slightly red as she considered his words.

"Am...maybe thinking you are right sidi. I had not really considered before, but it...I do not think it changes the chances of anything happening. Sayyeda Soraya leaving the city to be with me would not sit well I am thinking, and I will not always be here. When the caravans return I will be leaving with her, staying for long times is not what Ra'Shari do."

[Qasim al-Basiri]

Qasim nodded "Sora will not want to leave the city forever this is true. Like me part of her is the city, it is strange when you grow up here. You can leave for a time but it always calls you back. I travel frequently myself, planning a caravan to the Ivory City right now actually. But while I may leave for a month or three I always came back."

He regarded her for a moment "but so do the Ra'Shari. You spend much time travelling but all of your caravans always end up back here in the matter of a few months. Perhaps sometimes she goes with you, sometimes you stay with her. Sometimes we all three go on a trip? It does not seem impossible."

[Raya]

Raya sat back slightly, looking at the man.

"There is something that I am not understanding. I have not spoken with you before on anything like this, yet you seem to know my how you say...secrets like you are reading from a book. Why would I be going on a trip with Sidi Qasim and Sayyeda Soraya? Why does Sidi know all this about me?"

[Qasim al-Basiri]

It was now Qasim's turn to flush a little "Ah I seem to have lost myself in the discussion and gotten ahead of myself. Though I would hardly say I know anything that is a secret. It is easy to see the way you look at one another."

He cleared his throat "but you are not the only one who has feelings for Soraya lella Raya."

[Raya]

"You were just saying I am like I am with everyone no? I am not understanding the difference between..."

Raya trailed off, realising what was said.

"Oh. I...Is Sidi Qasim looking to be with Sayyeda Soraya?"

[Qasim al-Basiri]

Qasim nodded "I am." He said simply gauging he reaction

[Raya]

"And this is why you are inviting me here now?"

Rayas expression went neutral as she mentally worked some things out. Such as the best way to jump from the balcony to catch onto the plants along the walls, and which part of the fences would be best to climb. Contingency plans.

[Qasim al-Basiri]

Qasim shook his head seeing her neutral expression and assuming the worst he put his hands up "No! By the Sun No. Well maybe but not in the way you are thinking. Also not entirely. I have not lied to you Raya, I wish to get to know you better."

"I always found you interesting Raya, kind, charming and always with a smile. Not to mention beautiful on top of it all. The fact Soraya cares for you so much just made me more curious. I would have done this anyway I promise you."