Tales of the Jewel

Back to where they had initially met, Aydi cherished the open space and - paradoxically - the privacy it offered. Prying eyes were fewer, and the dusk would offer the veil of darkness that served staying unnoticed well. However, the lights of Ra'Shari wagons beckoned.

The now familiar sight of Soraya al-Menjari in her brown robes and shawl followed him, more than happy to be back at the Ra'Shari camp. "So, you think we should pay a visit to Raya's wagon then, I think you said?"

The evening was much nicer than the one yesterday, things out in the desert being pleasantly dry and still a bit warm from the day's heat.

"This is the one you know where it is, don't you, Sayyeda?" He smiled seeing her, breathing more freely with the air that was shedding its parching qualities. "Our Ra'Shari friends have impressed on us so well that some things are only possible outside of the confines of what our city stands for."

"I agree. And yes, I do remember where it is. I can certainly lead you there."

Sora smiled; Even if Raya was in, she hoped the woman would deign to see that they got some private discussion time. After all, she knew Raya to be a most reasonable and friendly person. At the least, the innocent princess certainly thought of the Ra'Shari woman that way.

He nodded quickly, removing and folding his fez so it wouldn't stand out with its redness, then taking her hand. There were a number of deeper issues she had breezed over yesterday at the bookshop; he didn't know where this discussion could lead but it looked like that in order to help her really stand on her feet he had to do much more than to silence some desperate ruffians. At the same time, he would lie to himself if he claimed that those were the only things he could think of when meeting her in private.

Arriving at Raya's wagon, Sora gave a light rap on the wooden door to see if anyone was in.

Meanwhile, Aydi was on the lookout for anyone who might have been following their exploits.

Raya was in, and Soraya gave her friend a big hug when they greeted each other, more than happy to see the woman again. After exchanging pleasantries, the Princess explained the situation in broad strokes, the sort she had told Aydi, with her father and the answers she sought... as well as why she was being so cautious. Fortunately the Ra'Shari woman seemed fond of the Princess, and the benefits of having someone like her as a friend, so she discretely agreed to take a walk around the camp while the two of them talked about things that might get Sora into trouble if her father heard she'd been talking about.

For her part, Soraya felt extremely grateful that Raya trusted her to be inside her wagon without her there. She already rather liked Raya, both as a crush and as a friend, but knowing that extended to trust as well was actually a bit touching for her.

Once inside and with the doors closed, Soraya sat down on a cushion, "Well, here we are. Probably one of the most private places we could ask for in the city I think."

Aydi was not immediately as comfortable as Soraya, being inside a Ra'Shari wagon for the first time in his life; it was a lot to take in, and his natural penchant for analysing the surroundings was boggling his mind this time. Still, he rubbed his temples after a moment and, after some hesitation, took a spot opposite to the princess, a smile creeping back in on his face - the effect seeing her inalienably begot.

"It's ironic that the most private place in the city is outside the city, but yes, it looks like it!" He chuckled and gestured around. "It's so cushioned that it looks rather soundproof."

She let out a chuckle, sitting with her legs tucked to one side, "I imagine that would help with how lively the caravan can get outside."

Sitting forward, Sora put her arms around one leg and looked at Aydi, "So you have me all to yourself. You can be free with what you want to ask and talk about, certainly."