Day 2 - Late Evening - Light & Shadow - Conclusions

[Soraya al-Menjari]

Sora inclined her head at the praise.

"So... something new then? For me at least."

She tracked down the fruit section specifically and found a section with ready made juices, stored in cool clay jars for the day so they would be fresh. Looking amongst them, she found one called "Karela - Melon Juice", or such.

"Have you ever heard of a melon called a Karela? I would be interested to try its juice."

[Aydi al-Qais]

LE2. Lore: Melons *so lewd*: 4d10o10k3 16

"I think it's otherwise called bitter gourd or bitter squash, so I guess it can be quite... bitter! I have never tried it though."

[Soraya al-Menjari]

A slight frown.

"How bitter are we talking about? They wouldn't juice it, I believe, if it were too bitter to drink after all..."

[Aydi al-Qais]

"I don't know, but it probably varies. How about I try it before you and then offer my opinion?"

[Soraya al-Menjari]

"Mmm!"

Soraya gave a nod and paid for the jug before having a servant bring it to a room for them with some glasses.

"Shall we? If we really do not like it, I can always order something else. Plus, I got us some cashews to go with it."

[Aydi al-Qais]

Aydi loved cashews, but bursting again with an admission of that kind would seem repetitive, so he simply nodded and... wanted to fill the glasses but then remember they had a servant for it so he waited for his glass being filled, not wanting to deprive the servant's job of meaning. Being seated in a private room with Soraya seemed like an otherworldly experience and Aydi was willing to accept it course, as if it was directed in some way.

"We shall." Whatever the taste was, he didn't expect to register any bitterness in a moment like this.

[Soraya al-Menjari]

The drink certainly was not that bitter at all; Probably to be expected from such a high class establishment. The melon had been juiced before it had gotten too ripe, and mixed with citrus, salt, and sugar to help take the edge off what there was. If anything it was a mix of bitter and sour like a thicker, stronger grapefruit juice.

Soraya's eyes studied Aydi carefully as he sipped the green, frothy liquid, leaned forward on the table with both arms in curiosity.

[Aydi al-Qais]

He gave it an honest, thorough study, broken into analytical and experiential phases, making small comments on texture, thickness, savouriness and composition of the juice. "It's an inobvious treat, Sayyeda, one needs a moment of getting used to, but after that each sip reveals new side-tastes. It has hidden richness thus, and a clean, refreshing aftertaste. While I really like cashews, I don't think I really need them right now." He then noticed how she was leaning forth with all her curiosity, and he needed another long sip.

"And your thoughts, Sayyeda?" He took the courage to make a curious inclination forth as well.

[Soraya al-Menjari]

A small playful smirk crossed the princess' lips as she rested her chin on the back of her hands, still looking at him, "I think you're over analyzing it. I was just wondering if it was any good. But it sounds like you like it well enough."

Leaning back up, she picked up her small glass and took a sip, finding it refreshing indeed, if not a bit on the sharp side, "Either way, I came here more for your thoughts, Mister Aydi. I appreciate that you were able to help me this morning, and that you've taken time from your day to help me further... Were you able to come up with any conclusions about the incident?"

[Aydi al-Qais]

"Perhaps so, Sayyeda. But this is who I am. I enjoy, and I analyse. I want to know both what things are, and what they are like." He smiled back in response.

"My reasoning about the incident is only preliminary at this point." He continued. "Too little evidence, but I am working on it. One thing is certain, though. The group has lost neither the motive nor the capacity to try again. The main change is that you are aware and can mitigate the risk." He gestured toward her disguise. "Or just deter them. As for the group itself, the next step is to determine who they exactly are and whether they have been hired or act in their own name."