Tales of the Jewel

Soraya followed the directions she'd been given precisely. She wasn't great with directions, but this was certainly simple enough. No twisting alleys or underground passageways. So it was she approached the home Qasim had said was his.

Qasim had told servants to wait at the city gates for his guest and so Soraya was greeted with servants and a riding camel and led to his estate. Along the river they led her through the lush almost jungle like bounty its waters provided the arid land. They came to a path that led to high walls and a sturdy gate manned by an even sturdier man with dark ruddy skin, It seemed Qasim had not been lying when he said his estate was well guarded. The gate was opened to her and she was helped off the camel which was led off presumably to the stables.

Soraya was led to the main doors where a more casually, but no less finely, dressed Qasim waited for her and offered her his arm to take "Soraya you look as radiant as Lady Sun herself" he greeted with a cheery smile, his hair worn loosely flowing down to his mid back while a heady floral scent came off his gently complimenting the natural scent of their lush surroundings.

Soraya curtsied before taking the offered arm, "As charming as ever I see. Thank you for the escort and directions, though I must say... riding on a camel was a rather... unique experience. I had wanted to try it some time, though I am unsure if I wish to repeat it."

Qasim raised an eyebrow "It was your first time Sayyeda? I am a little surprised, the camel is a very useful animal here in the desert but I suppose many of its benefits are less necessary if you never leave the city. I am sure we can arrange for a horse on your way back into town if you wish" he said with a smile to her as the doors were opened for them and they walked into a spacious and tasteful, finely decorated living area with silk pillows around a table and a number of paintings and other curiosities lining the walls and on stands. Tapestries sectioned off this room from others and directly across from them was a hallway with more doorways leading off of it.

"Welcome to my humble home." he said gesturing with his free arm "It lacks the space of some of the wealthier homes in the city but it has a lot of other perks. Would you like a tour? Or perhaps a cup of tea first to refresh from your journey, minor as it was." he offered

"I think it is quite wonderful, so far, and would love a tour."

Soraya walked lightly on her feet as she walked with Qasim, looking around with a mixture of curiosity and eagerness.

"As to the camel thing... I don't really leave the city, you're right. So never been on a camel or horse or elephant. Just the sedan and palanquin sometimes when out and about the city. My riding lessons didn't really prepare me for a camel certainly, I'll say that much."

"Ahh yes fair enough, I don't know if there is a palanquin around but perhaps a sedan can be found if you would prefer not to take your luck with the horse." he said with a light jovial tone. The man indeed seemed more relaxed here in his home away from the city, as if he always wore a mask within those walls.

"Please then come this way." he lifted a red tapestry to their left allowing her to see into a large kitchen with a tile floor, clay stove and many jars and jugs "The kitchens clearly I have a large reserve of dried fruits and meats as well as some fresh options as well I even have an ice house off the side entrance there where some fresh meat is kept and servants set the jars with liquids out at night to cool them." he explained "but little else of consequence that way, come."

he continued across the living area to another tapestry which was larger and actually appeared to be more of a curtain that revealed a large lattice work door that led out into the courtyard. Qasim opened the door for her and motioned out into the courtyard. "a nice place to relax when the weather allows it." There was tile laid on the ground in intricate patterns and ornate stone benches that seemed to have depressions in them for pillows. All these around a decorative fountain running with crystal clear water. The walls around had multiple trellises with a variety of plant life growing on them making the courtyard as vibrant and lush as the land surrounding it "Quite the private place to think or paint or read, whatever you wish to do i suppose. Very peaceful without the noises of the city to distract you."

Sora followed and looked at the various rooms, still quite curious, though not saying anything for the most part. Her face really lit up when they went out to the courtyard, however, especially with some of the plant covered alcoves, "Most wonderful indeed! I do so love reading in the shade outside, and the onlt thing that makes that even better are the pleasant sounds of running water or birds. Being so close to the food is also a plus, if you have a habit of snacking while you read like I do, on occasion."

Qasim chuckled a little "Indeed, it is a boon to be close by I hate for my figs to be too far from hand when the desire strikes." he looked around a bit "You would be welcome here anytime of course, I'll let the guards and servants know should you show up while I am out. I'm sure you have plenty of luxury at your own home but there is something different about being away from it all when one tries to relax." he gave her a friendly smile.

he motioned to continue "Come there is a bit more to see." he walked across the courtyard to another lattice work door and showed her various guest quarters and a sun room with walls that were made exclusively of thin intricate lattice work and a fine mesh to keep the bugs out so one could sunbath without being subject to the outdoors. Then he pulled up to a pair of large wooden doors carved with artistic paterns "Now this room I think you'll love very much." he said with a grin as he swung the doors open to reveal a rather well stocked study.

Tall bookshelves lined the walls, full of various tomes and papers bound in various materials and showing a range of age from brand new to practically ancient. there was also a scroll rack on the wall to their right where a great many scrolls and scroll tubes rested. Two large pillows were on the ground as well as a lounging couch and large, well crafted desk made of sturdy, dark, wood in the center. The floor had a luxurious carpet covering the tiles found in all the rooms so far. "Here is my study where I do any working from home and also keep my personal library passed down to me from my grandfather who shared my love of history and literature. It was a great start and I have enjoyed adding to the collection since his passing." he smiled to her, an expression of happiness but with the touch of melancholy that accompanies talking of a loved one lost.

"But that passing was sometime ago and between books that flow through my shop, the city, and on the few caravan trips I've had it is shaping up to be quite a nice collection." he continued, the melancholy vanishing from his features "Please have a look around if you'd like, just make sure things are put back in their place."

"It is... wonderful!"

Soraya did a princess spin as she took it all in; Certainly more extensive than her little library back home.

"So many scrolls and books! And the care put into keeping it all... I can tell the person who made this room actually wants to read the offerings, not just display the."

Her eyes scanned everything before she turned back to Qasim with a wide smile, "I won't touch anything for now, though it's certainly a reason to come back here. Today, I am here for you, not books."

Qasim's smile took on a bit of a mischievous edge as she spoke "Here for me eh? I suppose you can get plenty of that." He teased a little.

"But if you insist, come there are a couple more things to show you." As they left he turned a key in the lock "access to this room is more restricted than the rest of the house though, I'm afraid here you will only be allowed while I am in. For now." He said the words were serious but his tone was still light and friendly and said with a smile.

They continued up to the second level which had various rooms some for guests or relaxation or storage of valuable artifacts he wanted under closer guard.

They come to another short set of stairs leading to a door he opens it for her and it opens up onto a rooftop area with a few chairs and a table. There was a waist high rail going along the edge a good height for leaning but also doesn't obstruct ones view much when seated at a table "It's not a tall building but since things don't grow tall out here it still offers a great view especially on nice cool days like this and especially now that the sun is setting."

He had timed things well with the tour and the sun was heading to the ground painting the sky with purples and oranges and from their vantage looking out over the river those colors were reflected in its waters. He leaned on the rail looking out "This is one of my favorite vintages to really appreciate the bounty the river gives us." Indeed the lush vegetation that sprawled from her banks was highlighted by the angle of the light.