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After gritting her teeth for a moment and glancing away, the princess nodded. "Oh yes, I've changed more than I had ever imagined. Forgive me, though...I'm afraid I can't seem to recall you? When did you stop by exactly?" Asima offered the prince a smile, batting her eyelashes, properly covering her tiny snuff. "And they are amazing. My father's, in fact, was especially grand. Have you seen it completed?" |
"I was here a number of years ago, I think that you were quite young then, Nemmy and I were just boys after all." he chuckled as he thought back, "he was always getting himself into trouble." he completely ignored the comment about the pyramids, disregarding any interest in Egyptian culture at all.
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Biting her tounge made a tiny humming sound Asima's only choice for an answer. Sipping the drink she'd poured also helped to calm her nerves. Concieted little twit. "I see. Well, your highness, perhaps you could tell me the best wonder to see when I visit your lovely country?" The princess purred the words, finding them easier to say. |
"Ah, but there is so much" he smiled, "I do enjoy staying at our palace along the northern border. It has a wonderful garden with pure water flowing around the entire place. We have several grand palaces that we stay at from time to time, although even the boring central one is larger than what you have here. I find your architecture rather... boxy here. It's very strange."
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The man was surely trying her patience. Draining the cup to keep herself from throwing the contents of the glass in the prince's face, Asima cooled herself, before letting words flow again. Surely there was something the man wouldn't debase her homeland about. "I see...I know horses are regarded highly in your culture. I used to ride quite a bit...I heard a rumor that your father owned a thousand pure white steeds. Is this true?" |
"Yes, he gave them to me as a present actually. I can't really think what to do with them though, maybe I'll have them trained for a special army or something" he shrugged nonchalant.
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The princess's mouth fell open, and it was a few moments before she could close it. "Y-you can't do that! With animals that precious? As warhorses? Oh, please! If me and Nemiah ever do get to visit, would you let me see then? Maybe ride one?" Now the princess was leaning forward, beaming. |
"If it would get you to visit me" he grinned, "then for certain, you could have one"
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Asima's gaze turned into something resembling adoration. "For just one of those mares, I would do anything! Oh, yes! I will certainly talk to my broth-Oh!" The princess leaned back, flushing slightly, regaining control over herself. "Uh, I will definately talk to Nemiah, and see if that's possible. So, Your highness, is magic used commonly in your kingdom? As I said before, I find some of your customs confusing...I'd like to know more about life there..." There, that should keep the brat busy talking for a bit, even if he would be kind enough to give her one of those beautiful steeds. Asima settled herself farther into the cushion, prepared to start daydreaming when the male began speaking. |
"Hmf, magic" Hemsjik scoffed, "we do not dabble so freely in such trickery. Magic is nothing but a waste of time."
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Asima was quite for a few moments, irritated that the male was concieted, but not enough to continue a long conversation. Deciding not to bite her tounge over this, yet treading carefully, Asima poured more mead, sipping slightly. "I disagree. It's saved my life quite a bit. Magic isn't banned there, right? Simply not widely practiced?" |
"We do not allow it to be taught, but there are those who are born with certain... abilities. My father has not seen it necessary to ban it for such people who cannot help who they are" he shrugged, not seeming to care much for it, "perhaps magic has saved you before, but how often has it also threatened your life?" he questioned, "the risk far outweighs the advantages."
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Asima glanced away, not having thought of magic like that. "I...see..." Changing the topic quickly, Asima continued, "How long do you and your father intend to enjoy our hospitality?" Lying, trying to remain polite, Asima smiled shyly, "I'd love to get to know you a bit better..." |
"I don't imagine we'll stay much longer than necessary" he shrugged, "long enough I suppose"
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"I see. It truly is a pity you don't enjoy Egypt a bit more. What kinds of things do you enjoy?" Asima questioned, shifting on the pillow. She'd yet to bring something for Malum, and noon was now far behind them. Perhaps she should think of a reason to get away, or would the king be alright until dinner? |
"music" he smiled, "I rather enjoy hosting parties back home. I'm rather popular amongst the higher class of course, for having exceptional entertainment."
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The princess found herself smiling once more. Maybe the man wasn't too bad. "Really? Do you play yourself? We have many instruments here...would you like to see them? Music is something I use to enjoy often." She gave a tiny laugh, standing. "Now, I rarely have time. Do you host parties often?" |
"I play a few instruments" he replied, leaning back casually, "and I have parties all the time. You should come by for one some time"
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Growing frusterated once more, Asima took a quick calming breath. After a bit, she gave a tiny nod, sitting back down. "Well, now...I've been questioning you since I led you here. Surely you have some questions for me?" Was she truly this bad with all men? Snorting inwardly, the princess willed the smile to stay on her face, and for the meeting to end soon. |
The conversation went on for awhile, Hemsjik seemed less interested about Asima as he did when talking about himself and his home. A lot of things were quite culturally different between the two. Hemsjik had very little respect for anything magical, so clearly he didn't think much of people like Lakar having positions of powers in the kingdom. It was a good thing he wasn't sultan, or Nemiah would likely have been unable to get through any negotiations.
Finally it was dinner and they were called to join the sultan and the pharaoh for a feast. |
Asima led the way, giving a tiny sigh of relief as she left the room behind, though worried about how to sneak food for Malum. Finding her place at the table, Asima gratefully sat down, offering her brother and the sultan a tight lipped smile. "How did things go between you two? Prince Hemsjik graciously invited us to see his country, and told me many interesting things of Arabia." A touch of sarcasm inched into her voice, though it was concealled well, and Asima doubted even her brother would notice. |
Nemiah smiled at her in return, glad to have her back by his side as she and the arabian prince sat down, "I think things are going over fairly well" he replied, glancing over at the sultan who nodded in agreemnt.
"We may be very different, but you are wise for such a young pharaoh" the Sultan smiled, "I'm sure that these simple negotiations will come to profit us both well. But business aside, let us dine." |
(Im'ma try to be back soon...getting kicked off...v.v) Asima beamed at her brother, before serving the food to the males. During dinner, she attempted to make small talk, barely touching her own food. It would give her an excuse later to bring food to her room. (Nevermind. Biting does wonders! ^U^) |
(Lawls!)
the talk was pleasant and general. Evening settled in soon afterwards and the royal guests headed off to their chambers. Nemiah sighed as they left, finally able to relax fully. |
Asima glanced at him, smiling. "You did good, huh? Well, I'll see what all you have for tomorrow...Anything else you need me to do?" She stood, though paused, waiting for her brother's answer. |
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