Sun on the Water (LA, River, OPEN)

[Ali ibn Farid]

"No..." Ali's lips quirked, "-but a house is something that he can handle by himself, or with just one or two others. Getting everyone together... he gestured at Kezia. "Well, surely there's a difference between a dance with two and a dance with twenty, isn't there?"

[Kezia]

"Ah, but even a dance with two has... requirements. If nothing else, it needs people to agree on just what dance they're going to be doing..."

[Ali ibn Farid]

"Hmmm." Ali chuckled. "I suppose they do, at that." He tilted his head, giving her a curious look. What sort of dance were they doing, anyway?

After a moment, he shrugged. "Well, I think I'll make sure to stop by your caravan, regardless. Perhaps I could learn something about dancing. Or fixing the world." Another shrug. "Perhaps a little of both, eh?"

[Kezia]

"If nothing else, we're always keen to spread a little joy, Ali ibn Farid, if you feel the need of it..."

[Ali ibn Farid]

Ali smiled. "I'm sure I will, Kezia of the Ra'Shari. If not today, then perhaps tomorrow. Or the day after."

He began to turn to leave, but then stopped, turning back. "May I ask..." He gestured vaguely around. "What brought you to the river this day?"

[Kezia]

Her teasing tone was back.

"You need to ask what draws someone to water in the desert?"

[Ali ibn Farid]

Ali laughed again, grinning and shaking his head. "Well, no. Not usually."

He gave her a smirk, one eyebrow going up. "But I have not seen you drink, nor wash your clothing, nor bathe. After that, I must be creative to think of a reason."

[Kezia]

"And does it overtax your creativity so far that the reason might elude you?"

[Ali ibn Farid]

"Ouch!" Ali gave an exaggerated wince. "Do I seem simple to you, miss? Or do you just strike when you see an opening?" He made a thrusting gesture with his arm, as though stabbing a foe.

He narrowed his eyes thoughtfully, lips curling up, just a little. "I might think that you were here for much the same reason as I am. But if I were creative... perhaps there is a legend that any who sing to the river when the sun sets will be... uh... will have the curse afflicting them removed. How's that?"

[Kezia]

"Oh that's good, I may have to use that one..."

The comment about opportunistic stabbing or the bit about curses? Who could say?

"... but I fear it's far more more mundane. I just like the river, and find the sound something soothing to try to fit a song to."