Arabian Nights

[A_Man_For_You]

OOC
The thread is basicaly a one-on-one, closed for hells_fury and me. but if you got a great idea for a character to join in, don't be afraid to PM your ideas and we'll see if we bring you in.

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Hiy name's Salif Al-Hassan, he's a warrior at the service of the great Sulifa family. And he was on a mission, something more important than anything before. He had to be sure that Sahana Al-Sulifan made it well to her future husband. The marriage was arranged between the two fathers, and none of the future married knew each other.
They were joining a caravan to make the trip through the desert. Of course, the beautiful Sahana had the standard complete stuff of attendants and servants, men and women, to take care of her everyday life, but he was her bodyguard, he had to make sure she would do it safely to her future husband. So Salif checked her riding upon her panlanquin, helped to close the thin curtains after her first maid had climbed too, and he rode upon his camel just beside her. He had not to leave her, never have her out of his sight, and be sure it all will be fine for her. Safely and in perfect shape. Absolutely unharmed. In no way. Sahana's father had been clear about that. And disobeying a man like him could only mean things far worse than death.
So there they started under the risin sun their trip through the desert and its dangers, being beasts, raiders, dark magic, djinns, mirages, and so on... But Salif was ready for anything.

 

[hells_fury]

Sahana sat there a sour look upon her face, she was not thrilled to be traveling, or for that matter to be getting married. It was against her wishes and her father saw no reason to any of her words. Before they had left there had been a fight between them and yet to no avail here she was still be sold off to someone else. The idea of being married to man she didn't know at all was disturbing to her. Most women in her land would be excited thrilled for this opportunity. She however was not.

She glanced at her maid and then to the outside. They passed the city and soon enough there would be nothing but the desert around them. For her perhaps that would show an opportunity. She had to escape this to find a way out. She understood tradition, and the reasons behind it, but this felt barbaric to her. This felt unnatural. Looking at the body guard she grimaced, he would be a challenge that she knew and could count on. He would not let her just walk off. No she would have to be smart about this.

Her father was a powerful man, and she was probably one of few that did not fear him. Sitting there she licked her lips idly as time passed slowly by her. "Tell me warrior, how long will this trip take.?" Her tone was distant as if her mind was somewhere else, she could never appear to be to curious for then she would never get any answers.

 

[A_Man_For_You]

Salif was riding at the slow pace of the caravan, not fully aware yet. No danger could really happen in sight of the capital town. He was keeping his strengths for later. Sahana's voice made him ride closer to the palanquin.

- Well, my Lady, that depends a lot on the dangers we may encounter and on the desert's mood. It could let us pass in 2 weeks if everything goes fine, but that's very rare. COunt a sandstorm or two, a couple of bandit raids and probably one or two savage beasts, this may go to 3 weeks. This is all based on the fact that the known and used oasis are still with water and not owned by some new bandit gang.

He smiled gently at her.

- But don't be afraid, my Lady, no harm will come to you. I'll be there always. Don't bother yourself with these details and let me handle everything.

 

[hells_fury]

Sahana hated being spoke to in such ways. Her people's ways were old and nothing new seemed to ever take place. She had her fair share of punishments due to her mouth but that did not deter her any at all. This man was trying to be respectful not only to her but to her father and she understood there. Three weeks though that would give her plenty of time.

She knew the desert could be a wicked place. A place where anything was possible. Now she only needed to get rid of her maid or she would never truly escape. Her maid was loyal to her father more so than she was to her. Sitting there Sahana looked at the woman trying to find a way to have her leave. Finally something came to mind. Her eyes growing wide.

"Yasmine I forgot my emeralds can you please get them.. I am sure someone here will escort you back to the village and then back to us. You know how my father can be about such matters."

Sahana knew the best way to get to anyone was through her father. She needed to weed people out slowly. Looking at Yasmine she watched as she debated her own response. "Yes your majesty of course."

With that the woman left her and found a few guards to escort her back to the castle. Ah yes now the plan was coming into play. Only a few guards left in the caravan the rest of the men were night fighters nor could they track or hunt. She had managed to successfully get rid of a few. Now the person she had to worry about would be Salif.

 

[A_Man_For_You]

Salif wasn't really happy about some of the men going back to town. That meant a couple of hours with less protection and he knew what could happen in such a short time. If anyone was a traitor and could alert some bandits around, they were going to have a very rough time. And the sun was slowly setting down on the horizon.
Salif had a short talk with the caravan master and they agreed on taking a halt in a oassis, near a water pond, with trees and bushes that offered fruits. The best thing to do. But also a place where outlaws may come looking for preys.
Salif made sure that Sahana's tent was erect and that guards weren't leaving her before having another chat with the caravan master about the watch for the night and so on. He tried to pinpoint the weakest points of their encampment. And did his best to have Sahana's tent in a place where he could grab her and escape on one of the camels easily and quickly, just in case. Then he returned to her tent and asked one of her maids to be introduced to the Lady.