How Bazaar! (EE, Thoroughfare)

[Ali ibn Farid]

As Soraya spoke, Ali was keeping alert, casting his gaze about and making sure no one was looking to rob the rich girl.

"Exciting and fun is exactly what I'm looking for." Another slightly playful smile, just for a moment. "And... I don't know. I want to do something. I fear that doesn't make sense..." He gave a little shrug.

The street grew a little wider, traffic now easily flowing both ways. Clearing his throat, he gave Soraya a sidelong glance. "If I might suggest, miss, it could be worth learning at least a little about weaponry. Especially... you are without guards tonight, aren't you?" This time, it was his turn to glance around and make sure a battalion wasn't dropping out of sky to clasp him in irons for talking to a Dahabi princess.

[Soraya al-Menjari]

"That IS what father said, yes. He gave me his word. I do not totally believe him, I must admit; It would be just like him to have someone shadowing me. But what could go wrong in the Bazaar? If it were such a dangerous place, no one would want to sell or shop here, but here everyone is happily doing just that."

[Ali ibn Farid]

Ali glanced back, frowning in sudden concern. "I don't think so." He murmured after a few moments. But of course, they could just be very good...

The pair was approaching a more central square, and a crowd. "Well... for many, it's not so dangerous." Ali glanced at her, eyes trailing over her midriff before settling on her jewelry. "But your jewelry can attract attention. A cutpurse, or someone with clever fingers, might try to relieve you of your wealth without you even knowing it." Still smiling, Ali raised his hand, waggling his fingers at her by way of demonstration.

[Soraya al-Menjari]

"Well... what's a little jewelry here or there. Hardly seems the end of the world. Besides, if it really was important daddy would send someone to get it back."

She'd noticed his furtive glances and smiled broadly, "And relax a little; Even if one of the guards is following me, it's not like YOU'RE a jewelry thief, right? I would be very cross if one of them folded my festival guide into a bagel."

[Ali ibn Farid]

Ali flashed a grin at her. "Indeed, I'm not. And I appreciate that. Perhaps your crossness would stop them before they got too far with the folding."

He lead the way right to the edge of the crowd, then nodded towards it. "In the middle of all these folks is a little spot used for speeches. Or, during a festival, performances. I don't know what's happening, but I think we should check it out. Here, stick close." Ali offered his hand for assistance as he began to push his way through the edge of the crowd. Slender, but well-built, he didn't have any trouble making his way forward.

[Soraya al-Menjari]

Sora took the man's hand, though she did look about after she did so; Tour guide or not, holding hands was definitely on the forbidden list. Still, it did help her stick close, even as the crowds grew thicker. People paid less and less attention to her more unusual appearance as the crowd did so, so it meant she was closer to people than she usually was, certainly. It was quite the unique experience, all the smells and sensations and such!

[Ali ibn Farid]

With a bit of an effort, Ali managed to secure a space for them at the front of the crowd. They formed a ring around a young woman and an older man. The older man was just settling himself down, holding a flute, while the woman was fiddling with something about her sleeves. She wore a long, flowing red garment, and was holding... ropes?

Ali's eyebrows went up curiously, and he gave Sora another smile. "Well, you wanted festivities, eh? This promises to be a good show. You wanna give it a try?" His hand relaxed enough to let her retrieve her hand, but he didn't actually let go...

[Soraya al-Menjari]

Sora wasn't sure what was happening; She knew what a flute was of course, but as to the woman...

She took a look at Ali curiously, "Give it a try? What, perform? Are we not here to watch them perform?"

[Ali ibn Farid]

He nodded. "Yeah, you see, he plays the flute, while she takes the ropes..."

And then the man began to play, so Ali was quiet. The crowd fell into a hush as well. It was a slow melody at first, gradually building in both speed and intensity. And as he began to play, the woman began to dance. The woven ropes were coiled up into her sleeves. The dance matched the music, lots of sweeping motions, arms extended, thrust towards the audience, again and again...

Suddenly, the ropes were engulfed in flame! The woman spun them about to the pleased Oooh from the audience, as the man played louder and faster.

[Soraya al-Menjari]

Soraya was impressed indeed. She'd let go of Ali's hand at this point and clapped with many of the audience as the ropes were lit up, genuinely in awe and excitement. She wondered to herself why father had never had an act like this at any of their parties. In their home full of very expensive and flammable things.