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Post by Waleed on Aug 7, 2008 20:44:46 GMT -7
"I serve," bowed Saleh. "until I am able to return what I have stolen. Ask what you will." "Oh, so you have been branded a thief?" Waleed replied matter of factly. Then Waleeds contenance softened and asked, "What is it that you must return? Perhaps I could help?"
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Post by Zaim al-Daleel on Aug 8, 2008 7:05:36 GMT -7
"Thief of hearts." Saleh replied. "Your offer to assist me is generous, especially in your position."
A mischievous grin broke the somber cast of his visage. "While even returning the yolk to the safety of its shell is within my power, I can not restore a woman's virtue."
Saleh's grin faded and he stood still with arms akimbo, staring past Waleed.
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Post by Waleed on Aug 8, 2008 18:51:50 GMT -7
"Hmph," Waleed replied as he shook his head. "It is cruel to say the least to be punished 100 life times for one moment of misjudgement." Waleed pondered a moment then asked, "So you are tied to the ring forever I take it. If such is the case, what will happen if the ring is destroyed? Will you also be destroyed?"
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Post by Zaim al-Daleel on Aug 8, 2008 20:50:18 GMT -7
Saleh's gaze returned to Waleed. "Such a curious question. A thousand and one masters and not one has ever ask me that."
"It was a cruel punishment. One worthy of the noble efreeti! I admire his lordship's cunning even as I curse his not destroying me outright."
Even though he appeared in the form of a human mamluk, Waleed recognized in Saleh the face of the creature Mabruk had summoned. Indeed, unnatural heat radiated from Saleh, slowly raising the temperature of the room.
"In the fashion of many magical items, I suspect only it's creator or one of greater power could destroy it. As for me," Saleh shrugged, "I know not what would happen should my prison be destroyed."
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Post by Waleed on Aug 8, 2008 23:17:01 GMT -7
"Hmm, alright." Waleed replied as he contemplated what had been said. "I'll have to research that in the future, for I do not like slavery, in any form. But first, let me say I will not treat you as a slave, I'm hoping you will help me and I will endeavor to make your imprisonment less confining. I say this because I respect your power, it is beyond my keen, and although I should fear it, I actually find it pleasing to have you in my employ, so far." Waleed breaks a smile and continues, "I have need of your help if you're willing to give it." Waleed continues speaking, his words turn to Adila's curse and he explains all that has happened to Saleh and asks his advice and expertise in the matter. "Can you shed any light on her perdicament?"
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Post by Zaim al-Daleel on Aug 14, 2008 7:25:07 GMT -7
Sahra watched the conversing Waleed and Saleh from behind the protective cover of her husband. When she looked directly at Saleh, he was as a normal man, but if she turned her gaze, Saleh wavered and swelled like a blister. She recalled the flaming head and shuddered.
Saleh knelt. "Though I understand not, your aversion to slavery, for are not the strong ordained to rule over the weak?, I see that you are strong enough to cast me into the sea should I displease you."
"I will seek out what you ask," Saleh said, fading away.
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Post by Waleed on Aug 14, 2008 23:42:46 GMT -7
Waleed nodded as Saleh disappeared, then turned to Ya'qub and said, "So, what are your thoughts?"
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Post by Ya'qub on Aug 27, 2008 14:43:09 GMT -7
Relaxing his protective position over his wife only after the efreet had definitely left, the gap-toothed merchant turned to Waleed.
"My thoughth? I wath thinking that I am tho glad he'th gone."
Ya'qub's nervous lisp was quite pronounced, revealing that although he appeared calm on the outside, inwardly he was anything but.
"Do you reall think he can help Adila?"
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Post by Waleed on Aug 27, 2008 17:35:08 GMT -7
"Perhaps," Waleed replied to the obviously addled Ya'qub, "All I'm asking for is information, which I will reward him for. So I think it will be safe to listen to what he learns."
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Post by Zaim al-Daleel on Sept 12, 2008 7:04:29 GMT -7
There was a long pause, the assembled exchanging questioning glances before turning their attention back to their meals. Shari lowered himself unto a cushion beside Adila at the table.
"How long do you think we'll have to wait?" He leaned over and asked her. Adila allowed a servant to place a plate and glass for Shari before replying.
"Who knows with djinnis? Ten minutes... Ten-"
"Years..." a mans voice cut in behind them. "alone could not have hidden such knowledge from me." Saleh had returned.
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Post by Zaim al-Daleel on Sept 12, 2008 13:31:37 GMT -7
"Powerful magic clouds that which you seek. Divination reveals only that 'the key to understanding lies through the mists of ignorance' whatever that implies..."
"I have no knowledge of any geomancers, less of a 9th Geomancer. Even though I had walked these lands before the coming of the Loregiver, I paid little attention to the affairs of men." Saleh began to look less substantial, the color fading from not only his skin but his clothing as well. "If fear I have failed you master. I found only this within a shrine of Imam Suhail:
We cannot destroy what we do not understand. Fate is a woman, carrying us towards our fate; Only the foolish thinks they can escape her embrace. We must learn from the errors of those who came before. The teacher's written words are the gift to the Lions of Tomorrow.
"I tire..." Saleh began, and though his mouth continued to move his words trailed off to silence. A moment later he was gone, blown to wispy tendrils by a summer breeze.
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Post by Waleed on Sept 13, 2008 14:22:34 GMT -7
"Interesting," Waleed mused, "he has a time limit." Waleed looked at the ring more closely and wonder aloud if Saleh was actually in the ring, or it was a key to unlock him from his prison elsewhere. "Well, Saleh did quite well I thinks and I'll have to remember to reward him next time I call on him." Looking over at the others, "The teacher's written words are the gift to the Lions of Tomorrow. Are we the LIONS? Where are the teacher's written words? Are we talking about a prophet of the past? The one who brought the teachings of FATE? I'm stymied. Ya'qub, Shari, anyone?"
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Post by Zaim al-Daleel on Sept 14, 2008 14:33:40 GMT -7
Shari glanced around the table, giving any others time to reply. When no one did he offered: "The creature spoke of magic blocking divinations, mists of ignorance. Sounds like we can do no better. Still, they call these lands the Ruined Kingdoms for a reason..."
Even though he'd been invited to speak, Shari paused to see if any took offense at his speaking up. After a deep breath, he pushed his glasses up and continued. "If you stand still for more than a moment, the jungle begins to bury you. You've mentioned the Gates of Tadabbur for instance. With no record of its location, it could lie anywhere in this vast kingdom." He shrugged, "One place is as good as any other when Fate guides the way. Why not start towards the Abdo river?"
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Post by Ya'qub on Sept 14, 2008 15:43:42 GMT -7
Still uncertain about dealing with djinns, Ya'qub looked first at Waleed, then to Shari.
"All I am certain of, is that we must help Adila. If we must go to the Ruined Kingdoms, then we go. May Fate guide our steps to a satisfactory...and profitable end." He added the last out of habit. The merchant was never far away.
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Post by Waleed on Sept 15, 2008 0:13:00 GMT -7
"Hmm, sounds good, and I concur, we must help Adila." Looking at the woman in her pitiful state, Waled could only smile weakly. If he was a lesser man, he would have washed his hands of her the day they had met, but here he was, consorting with Efreet, flying in the sky dueling against an assassin. Life had become interesting. "Mamoun, where is my drink! My throat chafes at the acrid dryness that abounds within it!" "Tomorrow, the Abdo river and destiny!"
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