Tavyna Chitrathi's Story

The morning light shone with a brilliant warmth and golden shine upon the bustling crowds as the merchants set up their stalls. Everyone was excited to become ready for the bazzar, and soon the shoppers would eagerly come to browse the wares, listen to tales, and enjoy the promising day. Among the commotion, one thin but spry looking older male set up his old and faded, but no less colorful booth, setting out all sorts of exotic decorations. A storyteller by trade, he did also set out to make the extra dinar or two by selling wares, exotic artifacts from his travels as a youth.

Despite the milling crowds in the marketplace, the elder was having little luck today. Ah well, he would sell something by end, no doubt, there were still a few hours till the bazzar came to an end. Adjusting his turban, the storyteller began to weave a tale from the famed Shaharazad herself, hoping to reel in a few potential buyers. The cloying smell of dung, sweat, and nearby food was comforting, and he soon fell into a rythm. Soon enough, a few young children gathered around his mat to listen to him, and several shoppers looked at his trinkets, but alas, no one bought anything. Strangely, no one seemed to notice the golden ring set aside in a box with other odds and ends. It was a luxurious gold piece with a single turquoise stone inlaid into the precious metal.


-

People parted and bowed respectfully as a small group from the palace passed through. The Shah and his heavily veiled daughter were surrounded by seven of his finest guards. Two in front, one on each side, and three behind. Their weapons were isible, and each guard kept their hands closeby at all times.

Ordinarily, the shah himself wouldn't go out into the bazaar, as many came to the palace to seek an audience with him or the royal family and his advisors. However, he sought another horse for his stables, and one of the more highly valued breeders was in his city today. As shah, he would be the one of the only people able to purchase the best of Balam's horses. Having bought a stallion a year prior, he looked forward to aquiring another fine animal today. Hopefully his impudent daughter would learn how to deal with merchants today, and take advantage of his attempt to teach her something, Allah forbid should she deem to listen. Half the time he considered whipping the girl for her stubborness and her resistant nature. Alas, he managed to contain himself. He had no children aside from her, at least..no legitimate children. A few harem girls had borne children, but all girls, sae for one sickly boy who would never be strong enough to take the throne.

---

---

It was rather warm, the sun light beating down upon the bazzar as it hung in the center of the clear blue sky. Tavyna walked with her father to her right, a guard to her left and guards in front and behind them. She was wrapped up delicately in fine colorful silk, a dark purple color that marked her status as the daughter of the Shah. Strands of dark hair fell out from under the headdress, as she turned to look around the market place. Rarely was she allowed to go out with her father on such a trip, so this was a treat for her. Not that she would show her excitement willingly in front of the man.

Tavyna slowed her pace, the guard behind her slowing as well to accommodate. Her gaze settled on a particular stand with seemingly random items on display. She turned and started forward to the elderly man's wares, her amethyst gaze sweeping the small area until they settled upon a beautiful gold ring set with a single turquoise stone. Reaching up, she pulled the silken cloth off the top of her head, letting it fall back around her shoulders. Her hair was done up with several golden peices, the dark locks curling around her face as they fell loose. The black silk still remained over her nose and mouth, tightly tucked behind her ears.

Pulling back the long sleeves of her wrappings, her slender fingers reached for the ring. Picking it up, it rested in her gloved hand, her fingers the only things not covered by the purple cloth. It rested in her palm and she felt driven to buy the little trinket. The ring was beautiful, the gold and blue seemingly the most beautiful design she'd ever seen. Turning to the elder, she showed the ring to him, her eyes watching him carefully.

"How much for this ring?" she asked, her voice soft.

"For you, one dinar," the old man answered with a warm smile. His dark tanned hand was held out as Tavyna handed him the money. His lips parted as she pressed into his palm more than what he'd asked for. She smiled underneath the veil.

"Keep it," she said, pulling up the silken hood of her clothes and turned on her heel to rejoin the guards and her father.

She slipped the ring onto her finger and admired it briefly before allowing the sleeves of her wrappings to drop down over her hand again. Tavyna took her place next to her father again and followed him to the horses stable where he would buy another stallion. She didn't pay much attention to him after that, only vaguely taking interest in the exchange of wares and the way it was done. If she had her way, she would have traversed the entire bazzar on her own admiring the people and learning by openly interacting with those around her. But alas, that was not going to happen. At least not while her father had a say in the matter. Tavyna sighed heavily, her arms crossing over her chest as she waited for the Shah to finish his business with the horse seller.

Watching the princess return to her retinue, the old storyteller smiled. Life was sure to become more interesting for her, if he was correct about the ring she had purchased. It certainly was alluring, and seemed to have a warmth of it's own. His business taken care of, he returned his attention to the eager children, their story having been interrupted by the transaction. With a chuckle, he resumed the tale.

The guard followed behind the princess, knowing the shah would be angry yet again for his daughter's behavior. Returning to the two behind the royal family, he watched her like a hawk, knowing that the life of the shah and shahzadi were in his hands. His, and his fellow guards. The princess could do to be less..careless, at least he thought so. He said none of his thoughts, his job simply to protect. It could be worse, he supposed, but still, the princess made it difficult at times.

Turning to face his daughter and the seventh guard, the shah felt himself twitch in fury. Again! She was going to drive him to his grave at this rate. It was times like this he wished he had a son to deal with, not a daughter. A son would know how to fight, a son he could be rough with, a son wouldn't cause so much trouble running about. Under his breath, he hissed at his child.

"Are you unable to just once think before you do things? Have you no shame, no common sense? I let you be for five minutes and you run off like a wandering child. Mind your place!" he gave her a sharp glare, agitated at his daughter already.

"My lord, have you decided on the mare or the stallion?" Balam asked the shah, bowing respectfully. He showed no outward sign of being concerned with the princess' presence nor her attitude.

"The mare. Come Tavyna, take a look at her and see what a proper horse should be like. Accept nothing less." explained the king as he began to barter with the horse seller.

The horse seller had an attendant bring forth a light chestnut arabian mare, all of one years old. Her figure was perfect, and her muscles strong.

---

---

Her eyes lifted to her father as she fell into step next to him. She had figured that her action a few moments ago would have agitated her father, but she ignored it completely. Turning her head away she kept her arms crossed as they were dealing with the horse seller, Balam.

"Are you unable to just once think before you do things? Have you no shame, no common sense? I let you be for five minutes and you runn off like a wandering child. Mind your place!"

"It was just a ring, Father," Tavyna said haughtily as she glowered at the many stalls that were present. Each one held a different horse for sale. Balam ignored their short quarrel and continued on with his sales, asking her father if he preferred the mare to the stallion. With a prompt answer, her father turned back to her and ordered her to come with him.

"Yes, Father," she droned rolling her eyes as she stepped with him to view the horse. It was indeed a magnificent creature. The mare was beautiful, the light chestnut color, the strong muscles underneath the beautiful coat of fur, she was surely a sight to see. Slowly, Tavyna reached out her hand and stroked the mare's neck to which the horse huffed slightly, shifting her weight a bit. How I would love to own such a horse, Tavyna thought, her eyes holding nothing but the horses beauty. As it was a rare thing to express anything other than irritation with her father, she surprised even herself when she turned to him in eagerness.

"Father," she started, her hand still on the horses neck, "May I have her?"

"Mind your tone." the man snapped back at his daughter, feeling an impending headache coming on. As he began to count out the agreed upon price, his daughter's voice met his ears. Prepared to retaliate and scold her once again, he quirked a brow in surprise at the request.

One look at Tavyna was enough to tell she was serious, and that she was admiring the animal before her. Ordinarily, the shah would have adamantly refused to give up on a horse he himself picked out. However, this was his daughter..and he didn't hate her. Besides..she seemed to at least be able to appreciate the value of a horse.

"You want her then? Hooho, why should I buy her for you my daughter? You run off as you please and you seem set in driving me to my grave. Why then should I buy you this beautiful mare when you are so disrespectful?" he challenged.

Nevertheless, he turned to Balam, counting out a second pouch of coins. "We will take both the mare and the stallion, A pleasure to do buisiness with you Balam." said the now smiling male. Now he'd have two fine animals coming home with them.

"You aren't permitted to ride her until you finish your studies each day." said the shah, once more looking at Tavyna. He wasn't going to let her have everything she asked for, after all.

---

---

"You want her then? Hooho, why should I buy her for you my daughter? You run off as you please and you seem set in driving me to my grave. Why then should I buy you this beautiful mare when you are so disrespectful?"

Tavyna frowned, though she was partially thankful for the veil over her face that he couldn't see. However, she was sure her eyes spoke enough for him to know that she was irked by his words. She turned away to pat the horse's neck, drawing her hand down it's strong side. She listened to her father finish the deal and noted with a skip in her heart beat that he'd bought both the mare and the stallion. Tavyna stole herself so that she would not look over to her father too quickly.

"You aren't permitted to ride her until you finish your studies each day." the Shah said as they were leaving the horsemen's stalls. It was about time for them to head back to the palace and the guards behind them took the reigns of the horses as they left. Tavyna chanced a quick glance upwards to her fathers large figure. She gave a short nod in response.

"Yes, Father," she said, trying to hide her annoyance at the mere prospect of having to do any more studying. It was boring and she really didn't see the value in any of it. If anything it was tedious work that was meant to wear her down so that she was an obedient, mindless, woman. That she wasn't going to let happen. She found learning about her city far more interesting, and the best way to do that was to experience it. At least that's what she thought anyway.

She stayed silent as they made their way through the slowly closing bazzar and back up the cobble stoned road to the palace. The guards pulled aside and they were allowed entrance back in. It was a sizable place, very beautiful all around in vibrant dark blue hues and marble colors. Even so, Tavyna found it more like a prison as it was where she spent most of her time. The horses were taken to the stables and both her and the Shah moved into the palace.

Reaching up, Tavyna pulled back the hood of her silken robes and gently undid the veil around her face. With those gone, she released a sigh of relief and slipped one shoulder out of the silken confines to expose her pale skin. The dress underneath was simple, yet elegant. Bidding her father a short goodbye, she turned and left to go to her room where she would finish removing the silken robes.

Shutting the door, she tossed the excess clothing onto her large bed and took up her usual place on the windowsill. Letting one leg dangle from the window, she watched the city from the vast distance, a bit of longing in her gaze as she sat there. Clasping her hands together, she remembered the ring she bought and glanced down at it. It looked very pretty against the purple sleeve that covered her arm and reached up to ring around her middle finger. The blue stone in the golden metal was curious indeed and she wondered exactly why she'd bought it.

With a slight shrug, she ran her finger over the top of the stone, rubbing against it as she thought about the short day she'd spent in the town below. If only she could do that more often, she would be much happier. Rather than having to stay cooped up in the palace where she was taught etiquette... essentially how to be a wife. The only portion of her studies that she enjoyed were those that regarded the history of her country and what was going on around her. Not that it would matter. She would be married off whether she wanted it or not. Even Tavyna couldn't say no or upset the royals forever. Sooner or later she'll end up getting a rather dangerous one and that would be the end of it all.

Feeling agitated by his daughter once more, the shah wondered for what must be the thousandth time why he put up with her. She would never get a proper suitor this way! And she detested studying? So what? It was her duty, as it was his growing up. She had to learn how to be the queen, the Shahbanou! At this rate, she'd be lucky to be given a title at all, and she'd be a lowly wife, not the high queen or even the first royal wife. Her future husband might even favor a consort above his daughter! It was unthinkable, inexcusable! He was going to have to spar the castle of the guard to vent his mounting frustrations.

-

The golden ring steadily began to glow with a brilliance to rival the sun. It grew warm to the touch, almost hot, changing as the princess stroked the stone. A faint smoke filled her bedchamber, a scent of incence and spice filling the air with slight perfume. A shadow appeared in the billowing smoke, standing perfectly still.

As soon as Tavyna was able to see, a figure of a young man stood in the center of her room, the haze fading around him. Violet eyes gazed at his olive-skinned hands, flexing the digits as if he hadn't used them before. His wrists and ankles were adorned with golden cuffs, finely made like jewelry, but they seemed more like shackles than proper bangles. Dark ebony hair was pushed back by one of his hands, the man finally taking in the appearance of the one who summoned him.

It was a woman, a younger one by the looks of it. Her hair was dark and flowed more properly down her shoulders than his own. She sat looking almost wistfully out of her window. She was dressed well, and the room he stood in looked finely made and decorated..a nobles home most likely. The girl herself was what would be considered lovely- poised and graceful, a pretty if albeit somewhat firm looking face.

"You summoned me...." came a low voice, the male watching the girl like a hawk.

---

---

The ring burned, growing hot as she sat admiring it. Her eyes were wide as she watched the stone as it grew warmer. The dark blue color started to change, growing almost pale. Tavyna thought that her eyes were playing tricks on her. However, soon after there was a strong scent that filled the room, a faint smoke that slithered out from an unknown source. It was spicy, almost like a sharp cinnamon. It would have smelt good had it not been so strong. Tavyna looked around to see what was going on. Then the smoke cleared and she was presented with a tall figure. He stood rigid almost in her room, beautifully tanned skin with dark hair and violet eyes that were just as beautiful, but they were... cold.

"You summoned me...." the man called out, his voice nearly stopping Tavyna's heart as she sat there, wide eyed.

What just happened? Who is he? she thought frantically. In her chest, her heart pounded rapidly as her throat clenched tightly to restrict any immediate response. How had this man gotten into her room and without her noticing the door being opened at all? Finally, air sucked into her lungs softly and she found her voice again. Slowly, she slipped off the edge of the windowsill to stand in her room, facing him. An eyebrow arched as she regarded the man carefully, wondering what it was he wanted.

"Summoned you? I did no such thing," she answered curtly, "Explain to me how you got to be here?" She halted in her thoughts. Her eyes glanced down to the ring on her finger. No... it couldn't be, though something told her that it was. "Summoned you... you say," she said slowly, "Don't tell me... you came... from this ring?"

Tavyna lifted her hand for him to see, flashing the now pale blue stone in the fading sunlight. She waited on his response, eager and yet a bit afraid of what he was going to say. It wasn't that she'd believed in the tales that she'd heard when she was a child, but still it was almost too real. Seeing him standing before her, she was almost inclined to believe all the fairy tales told to her when she was much younger. Had she just acquired something so... mythical?

Nassir gazed at the young woman as though she were a foolish child, sighing in annoyance. "I told you how I got here. You summonned me. Whether you choose to believe that is of no concern to me." he answered with a shrug. Simple human. He doubted she'd last long.

His expression only changed when he heard her mention the piece of jewelry on her hand. Eyes turning a vivid amber in hatred, he growled low in his throat. "That ring..." he spat the word as though it were poison upon his lips, hand shaking in anger as he pointed to it. "Has been my prison for four centuries!" he snarled.

Moving forward faster than a person could blink, Nassir had his fingers above the ring, touching before he froze. His spell wouldn't allow him to harm the human..nor could he destroy the cursed ring. He jerked back as though burned by hot coals, cursing loudly.

It was a few moments later that his eyes resumed their normal violet hue. They still held extreme anger and annoyance, but the blinding and overpowering hatred had been reigned in. Moving towards the windowsill, Nassir decided he might as well take his current 'freedom' and make himself comfortable while it lasted.

"It's a disgrace to be caged like an animal!" he said in obious disgust. Stupid humans. Humans were the reason he was in this mess to begin with!

---

---

The soft growl at the back of the tall man's throat threw her off. Tavyna felt startled, her eyes growing wide briefly as she watched his reaction to the ring.

"That ring... Has been my prison for four centuries!" His violet eyes turned to a sudden sharp amber as his gaze narrowed. Almost instantaneously, he was in front of her giving cause to the sharp intake of breath into her lungs. She took a step backwards just as his fingers reached out to touch the ring. He didn't touch the ring though, or rather, he couldn't touch it. Snatching his hand backwards, he turned away, cursing under his breath. All the while, Tavyna's heart sped up, beating so hard in her chest that she was sure he could hear it if he listened for it.

He brushed past her and moved to stand next to the windowsill, "It's a disgrace to be caged like an animal!" his voice told of his obvious hatred. He was bitter. Very bitter.

Still silent, she was stealing herself to get control over her racing heart. It was hard to breath for a moment, having witnessed his rage in mere seconds. She would have to be careful with him... he wasn't one to be trifled with. Not to mention the feeling she'd felt overwhelm her and the room when he'd tried to touch the ring. What had that been, exactly? Tavyna wasn't sure, though she felt it was probably a bad idea to ask him out right. He didn't seem like he enjoyed her company at all.

A frown pulled her lips. That wasn't really her fault though, was it? He hadn't even been in her room for more than a few minutes and already he'd brushed her off like some bug that was pestering him. Fine. Not that your attitude makes this any more easier than it is, she thought with her eyebrows drawing downwards. Still, she felt sorry for him.

Her gaze dropped down to the ring on her finger. A cage hu? she thought to herself solmnly, oh how she knew that feeling. With a sigh, she raised her eyes to watch his taunt back, "I know what you mean about a cage, whether you believe it or not. I'm Tavyna Chitrathi, daughter to the Shah. I hate cages, so if there's anything I could do to perhaps..." she faultered a bit as she heard footsteps from the hall outside her room. Whirling around her heart nearly stopped as a harsh knock resounded on the door.

"The Shah calls for you, Shahzadi," the deep voice of one of the guards ordered her from behind the door.

Then following it, she heard a familiar, lighter tone, "Tavyna, one of the nobles is here to greet you, unexpectedly of course," the woman's voice muttered softly, "I'll get you ready for them," the handle to the door pulled downwards and Tavyna flipped around on her heel, frantic.

"Hide!" she hissed to the man, "Hide anywhere! Quickly!"

Crossing his legs and his arms, Nassir looked doubtiously at the human, snorting softly. Was she pitying him? Mocking him? Belittling him? She had no idea what caged meant. Her offer to help him earned a mirthless grin.

"You? A mere human help me? How can a human be of any help to me?" he scoffed, only to hear the princess being summoned. Oh goody, more humans.

It was only when Tavyna frantically beseeched him to hide himself that he truly looked amused. The man made no effort to move, watching the door in interest.

"Tavyna dear, you really shouldn't hide yourself in here. Come come, we must make you presentable." the elderly woman stepped in, ushering Tavyna towards her wardrobe and her mirror, smiling kindly. Shirin smiled, thinking the princess a beautiful girl, even if she was strong-willed. She had been her nursemaid for many years now, caring for the princess as though she were her own daughter.

Holding out a dark purple muslin cloth, Shirin draped it over Tavyna's shoulders and dress, similar to a sari from the Indian continent. Holding up a purple veil to place over her nose and mouth, she helped put it over the princess' face before getting to work on her hair.

"I think a nice lotus pin would look good with this outfit, don't you think?" Shirin commented, sitting Tavyna down on a stool, letting her hair out and brushing it until it was silky smooth. Then she began to weave it into a braid instead of leaving the elegant curls as they fell naturally.

Despite Nassir's presence, Shirin acted as if he wasn't there. Rather, she genuinely didn't seem to realize he even existed at all, not once looking over towards the window.

Nassir simply smirked, waving and making ridiculous and sometimes obscene gestures in an attempt to get the attention he knew he would not receive. He might as well enjoy being out, and he eagerly relished the panic on Tavyna's face.

---

---

To her horror, the man didn't move.

The door opened behind her and her nursemaids voice filled the room.

Dread seized her heart as she stood there, wide eyed, the color completely drained from her face. If her nursemaid breathed a single word about a male being in her room, Tavyna was dead. Her father would have nothing of it. She wouldn't even be able to get one word out of her mouth to save her life.

"Tavyna dear, you really shouldn't hide yourself in here. Come come, we must make you presentable." the elder woman beckoned her, waltzing right into the room with no care whatsoever that a man was leaning against her windowsill. Her heart nearly stopped. Tavyna's body was numb as Shirin led her to the wardrobe where she pressed up against her a purple sari and veil. She hardly listened to the praise the woman was giving her as she was ushered into the seat. Slowly, Tavyna tried to get a hold of herself. If Shirin didn't see the man, then there was nothing to worry about... nothing... at a- What was he doing!?

Her gaze kept flicking over to him via the mirror as he was making random gestures in an awful attempt to gain some sort of attention. Her face flushed, her eyes widening in shock at some of the things he was doing. I'm going to die... this is it, my life has officially ended... what little of it I had anyway she thought to herself in defeat.

"Tavyna, what in the name of Allah are you looking at?" Shirin asked, peering over her shoulder as her lips pulled into a frown adding more wrinkles to her tanned face.

Tavyna startled, realizing she'd been staring at the man who'd yet to give her his name, "I-I... Uh, nothing, Shirin! It's just... it's so beautiful outside. I'm sorry..." she lied quickly hoping that her flustered appearance and answer didn't gain any more suspicion than what was needed.

"Is it because he's here?"

"He?" Tavyna squeaked, at first she though that Shirin meant the man in her room but then realized that was impossible seeing as the nursemaid hadn't reacted when she first walked in.

Shirin resumed fixing up the princess' hair and shook her head a bit, "That man whose been courting you for the last few months. Lord Kaveh. I know you don't like him in the least, but at least try to please your father tonight."

"Lord Kaveh is here!?" Tavyna turned around forcing her nursemaid to stop handling her hair lest she pull out a few locks. Her eyes were wide, her heart in her throat. The strange man in her room now forgotten at the prospect of one of her suitors being at the palace. Not to mention he was one of the worst ones, "I won't go see him."

"You must and you will," Shirin gripped her shoulder and forced her back around, "You can't keep running from this forever you know."

"Watch me," Tavyna snapped back, "I'm not going to marry someone I don't even know much less like. Can't you see the greed in their eyes!? They don't want me, they want the power that comes with marrying me! I've more pride than that!"

"You have no pride at all for defying your father so much."

"Lord Kaveh is the worst of them all! I'm not doing this!"

"Tavyna, you will go sit with your father tonight, you will be polite and you will behave like a proper girl for once," Shirin's voice had an edge to it that Tavyna hadn't heard in a long time. After a moment of silence, the sound of only the brush through the last locks of hair as it was arranged could be heard. Her eyes closed as she ground her teeth together. Shirin finished dressing her and the veil was placed over her mouth as the final piece. Her hands curled together, one finger rubbing against the ring that she'd bought as she tossed a quick glance over to the man still in the room.

Shirin ushered her out of her bedroom and they started down the hall to the dining room where she was to meet with her suitor and father. Her heart sank with each solid step that resounded in the hall, the guards falling in step beside her. Tavyna's mind whirled around all of her possible choices. How was she going to get out of this one again? It wasn't like she could disrespect the man a third time and hope to keep her head on her shoulders. He was dangerous, that much was for certain. To add to it, he was persistent as well. None of the other suitors lasted as long as he had. Allah save me... Tavyna prayed.

Shirin looked back every few hundred feet, just to ensure the lady hadn't tried to sneak away. It most certainly wouldn't have been the first time. Satisfied Tavyna was obeying her words, the nursemaid deemed it safe to not check over her shoulder anymore, leading the princess and the guards behind her to the great hall.

Nassir for his part, followed behind Tavyna, grinning like a cheshire cat. Her expressions were priceless, and he did have to admit, as much as humans infuriated him- they were still so fun to torment and mess with. He almost seemed to glide, his footsteps making no sound. As before, the guards paid no heed to his presence, and Shirin took no notice of him either.

The table was adorned with golden platters and cups, wine being poured by lightly clad servants as music was played in the background. The shah stood near the head of the table, sitting down beside a dark-haired man to his right. The suiter in question appeared to be in his thirties at the earliest, a cool smile playing on his lips. Kaveh bowed his head to the princess, though his eyes never strayed from her.

"A pleasure to see you shahzadi Tavyna." he greeted, Looking at her appraisingly. She was certainly pretty enough. And the power and wealth was enough to seal the deal.

At the gesture from the king, Kaveh sat oppossite the princess, making himself comfortable. "You look more lovely each time we meet." he praised her, an air of smug confidence about him. The shah for his part, saw no reason to reject the man. He was one of the subrulers of his kingdom, overseeing a decent territory for the king, being of distant relations to the rolyal line himself.

Nassir plopped himself unceremoniously beside Kaveh, cross-legged once more. Sniffing at the man, he wrinkled his nose in distaste. He reeked of strong inscense..or some kind of perfume. His thin little mustache was pathetic as well. Tugging lightly on a piece of hair, Nassir nearly lost it and snickered aloud when the man brushed his hair back, feeling the tug but otherwise completely unaware that there was a strange man sitting beside him.

"I hope you've given some thought to my proposal. I have your father's permission, of course. I am more than able to provide for you, and I'm not a dirty old man like many who would court you. Given time you'd grow to like me I am sure." began Kaveh, making his fingers into a tent under his chin.

---

Tavyna's heart skipped a beat as she realized that the man who had come from the ring was following after them. She really didn't have the time to be playing around with him though, she had much more urgent matters to attend to. One of those had just decided to come to the palace for a surprise visit and dinner with her and her father. She ground her teeth as she obidently followed Shirin who glanced over her shoulder a few times to make sure the young princess hadn't run off. Normally, Tavyna would have bolted the moment a chance was given to her. However, this time she was trying to be a little bit more on her fathers good side seeing as he did buy her a horse that day.

Even so, the moment she entered the dining room where the table was set, the cushions of deep colors in velvet littering the room, and most importantly where Kaveh was, she felt sick to her stomach. The feeling almost took her off her feet, but she managed to push it down as she gingerly seated herself across from the elder noble.

"A pleasure to see you shahzadi Tavyna."

The man who greeted her was Lord Kaveh. Dark skinned, dark haired and dark eyed. Everything was dark about him, especially his personality. Tavyna saw straight through his little act, the sweet and innocent air that he portrayed in front of her father. She hated it as she bit her lip to keep a retort from falling from her mouth. Still, her eyes narrowed a bit as she looked up at him.

"You look more lovely each time we meet."

"And you even less so," she muttered under her breath which earned her a harsh look from Shirin and a side glance from her father. Tavyna turned away, settling with keeping silent so that she didn't further enrage her father more than she'd already done so that day. She was sure he was still mostly irritated with her, like always anyway. However as she turned away she noted the violet eyed man had dropped down next to Kaveh and promptly tugged at his hair. He laughed openly which caused Tavyna to nearly have a heart attack. She had to stifle her voice from giving a shocked yelp in response.

Lord Kaveh didn't seem to notice one bit and instead only reached back to brush his fingers through his hair where it had been tugged. The mystical being who had done it, grinned ear to ear as he sat there. Oh, Allah, help me.... What is this man thinking?! Please don't do anything else! she begged silently. At the back of her mind though, she was feeling a little giddy at the thought of having Kaveh tormented by a ghost for the rest of the night.

"I hope you've given some thought to my proposal. I have your father's permission, of course. I am more than able to provide for you, and I'm not a dirty old man like many who would court you. Given time you'd grow to like me I am sure."

To this, Tavyna could only frown deeply as she leveled a cool gaze upon Kevah. His smirking face did little to settle her cringing stomach as she watched him with disgust clearly written on her face, "Forgive me, Lord Kevah, but I really doubt any amount of time would have me growing to like you. In fact, I'm fairly sure it would be the opposite. And even though you have Father's permission to marry me, you don't have mine," she replied coolly without leaving his gaze throughout her speech. Her heart hammered hard in her chest as she waited. She could almost feel the seething anger from her father just to her right and the heavy sigh from Shirin just behind her.

Shirin looked hopelessly at her charge, wishing the girl would be more
proper, if only for a while. Even if she didn't like a suitor, she
didn't need to disrespect him or be so crude in a refusal. If only her
dear shahzadi would be proper and ladylike. Should she find someone
she did want, he'd surely be turned off by such an ill-mannered
princess!

The shah for his part was mentally screaming at his daughter, feeling a
vein throb in his temple. He forced a smile on his face, but his eyes
were anything but pleased. It was shameful to have a daughter so
disrespectful in front of him and a guest. She never failed to
embarass him. There was no reason to be proud of such a humiliating
and rude girl. All the jewels in his kingdom wouldn't save her from
her tongue. She wasn't a desert flower, she was a desert cobra!


"Tavyna, mind your tone. You're being rude to your guest, after he came
all this way just to call upon you." scolded her father through grit
teeth, glaring at the young woman. She was going to shame him once
more!

Despite his irritation, Kaveh managed to keep his temper in check,
smiling pleasantly despite a slight twitch in his eye. "Of course I
should have given prior notice, you must forgive me for that Shahzadi."
he began, inwardly putting the royal brat in her place. He could worry
about her attitude after the wedding. He'd have to tolerate her for
now.

"Now now, I know we don't know each other yet, and you must be
overwhelmed by all this I'm sure. But I do wish you'd try to let me
grow on you. After all, the father is the one who will choose his daughter's husband. I would hate for you to develop any hard feelings with your father because of me being chosen. I don't even desire a dowry. Marriage to a beautiful and spirited young woman such as yourself is reward enough." he said smoothly, earning him approving looks from the room.

The only one besides the princess who seemed unimpressed was the djinni sitting beside him. Quirking a brow doubtfully, he scoffed in his mind. This human was full of it. He smelled of too much perfume as well. Was this human really thinking he could act all sweet and perfect? Please. No way would any djinn fall for such nonsence. Nassir glanced from Tavyna to Kaveh, wondering what she'd do and if she would be suckered into a loveless marriage. Most likely. Stupid humans. He did secretly have to give her credit for being bold enough to disagree.

---

As expected, her father scolded her and she only just barely resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Even as Kaveh spoke she could feel the tension coming from him. Yes, she'd definitely angered him. Good, she thought maybe if I anger him enough he'll go away just like the others, though she had a terrible feeling that wasn't going to happen. There was something very persistent about this man. Tavyna was worried that even she wasn't going to be able to shake him off of her so easily.

"Now now, I know we don't know each other yet, and you must be overwhelmed by all this I'm sure. But I do wish you'd try to let me grow on you. After all, the father is the one who will choose his daughter's husband. I would hate for you to develop any hard feelings with your father because of me being chosen. I don't even desire a dowry. Marriage to a beautiful and spirited young woman such as yourself is reward enough."

Her stomach twisted violently. This man sure had a way with words. Had it been any other woman she was sure they would have fallen for it. However, Tavyna was not encouraged or brought to any kind of submission by his speech. It was rather the opposite. Her gaze narrowed in on him and she knew her father was probably going to have her flogged for this but she couldn't stand it!

"My father will always remain my father, but you will never be my husband. I don't love you, and I don't intend to! Your pretty words are just flowers. Flowers die eventually, Lord Kevah, yours much faster than most. Don't think that I cannot see where your true intentions lie. I'm not the reward you seek," she spat back and then stood up from her place having not touched a single thing on the plates in front of her, "I tire of this game. I'm retiring to my room."

Upon her announcement she swept down the dining hall to the doors and left with her head high and her back straight. As soon as she was in the hall and the door closed behind her, a loud breath escaped her lips. Her heart pounded hard in her chest and she winced slightly. All of this courting was really starting to wear her down. Could she really keep refusing this man? She could feel he was dangerous too which made her heart pound even harder. Tavyna felt worry creep into her body, a bit of cold sweat starting to coat her lightly tanned skin.

In the end, how much power did she really have? Her eyes grew somber as she walked down the hall, her steps growing smaller with each passing second. Her father certainly could order her to marry the man and there would be no other way out of it unless she found someone that was in love with. Even so, Tavyna wasn't in love with anyone and certainly there was no one in love with her. They all wanted the power that came with marrying her, it was so easy to tell. Why her father couldn't see it was beyond her though.

Finally, she made it to her room where she closed the door and swiftly made her way back to the windowsill where she seated herself, lost in despairing thoughts once more.

Shocked eyes followed the princess as she stormed out of the room. Beet red in anger, the shah scarcely refrained from screaming at her in front of everyone present. "Tavyna! I have not dismissed you yet!" he warned, not that she paid him any mind. Anger and embarassment burned inside. What impudence! She would not continue this behaviour. Unfortunately, this would have to wait until Kaveh had taken his leave.

Kaveh for his part narrowed his eyes in distaste. The shah felt a bubble of panic begin to rise in his chest. She had eliminated another suitor?!

Before the king could apologize, Kaveh looked up with a smile, sighing despondently before speaking. "I seem to have scared her off once more my lord Shah, How foolish I must look."

"Nonsence. You'll have to pardon her. I shall personally deal with her later." the king replied, daring to hope.

"Not too harshly I hope? She could be sun-sick for all we know. Perhaps she is just stressed and overwhelmed. She certainly has energy and spirit though." Kaveh looked thoughtful, concerned even.
"Perhaps I can call upon your daughter another time?"

"O-of course! Hopefully she learns her manners by then, again, I am truly sorry for her outburst. Such disgraceful behaviour from a lady." her father could scarce believe his luck. A suitor who still would want her? Allah be praised! "You truly are a fine man. Surely she will come to her senses soon. She can't possibly deny your devotion."

"I would certainly hope not my lord. I shall anxiously await our next meeting, and perhaps some planning can be done?" the man said, placing a hand over his chest in sincerity.

"Of course. Salaam lord Kaveh."
"Salaam to you as well, My Lord Shah."



Nassir followed soundlessly once more as the princess retreated to her rooms. He slipped in without any notice, avoiding the guards who hurried after her to stand watch outside her door. Allowing the royal to sulk a bit, he plopped himself onto her bed, making himself comfortable.

"That was most entertaining. Too bad no olives were brought out yet. Ye should have stayed until more courses were presented." Nassir commented casually, looking bored.
"In any case, you must be a glutton for punishment, judging by your stubborness."




[[I really have no idea the proper terminology/proper adresses when speaking to each other to use. forgive any horrid inaccuracies for the time/place]]

---

Tavyna startled slightly at his voice. She'd all but forgotten that this man was there as well. Great, something else I have to deal with was her initial thoughts, but the man's voice wasn't condescending or even harsh like it had been when they'd first met a few hours ago. She glanced over to him, her gaze taking in his form as he made himself comfortable on her bed. She thought for a moment as she watched him from the corner of her eye. He was pleasing to look it. Far more pleasing than Lord Kevah. Tavyna sighed softly.

"Olives hu?" she mused softly with a short laugh. Perhaps she would have the guard get some for her, after all she hadn't eaten. Her head tilted off to the side as she leaned against the window, her fingers curling as she rested her cheek against her knuckles. She frowned as she stared out into the night, the moon hanging low in the sky to illuminate the beautiful city below.

"It's not like I want to be punished," she said with a sigh, "Why would I possibly agree to marry a man such as that? He's evil. I can feel it."

Tavyna fell silent for some time then. Her thoughts contemplating her very few options, some more extreme than others. She was half tempted to leave the palace on her own, to disappear out into her world and never return. It couldn't possibly be all that hard to do. She supposed the only problems that would arise from such an act was the fact that she knew so little outside of her city. How would she survive out there? Having never left the city before, it was little wonder why she hadn't fled in the first place.

"You all but laughed at me before when I said I knew what you meant by a cage. I suppose to a degree you're right, I don't really know what you're going through. But if you think about it, we're not all that different, you and I. I said that if there was anything I could do to help you, I would. I mean it. If there's some spell or something that releases you from this ring, I'll find it and cast it on you. The last thing anyone wants is to be caged, at least one of us can be free," she spoke the last part softly, her eyes growing soft as she stared out into the night.

Her cage, she could feel, was steadily growing tighter. How much longer could she hope to keep from Lord Kevah's deadly grip? "Not much longer at this rate," she mumbled.

Turning she let her gaze fall on him, the moonlight curling into her room to flood the furniture and to bask him in it's silvery rays of light. Her heart nearly stopped at the sight. Even so, her hand slipped from her cheek as she was startled at his enchanting frame. It took her a moment, but she composed herself, "You still haven't given me your name. You do posses one, do you not?"

The djinni knew he was good looking. At the moment though, he couldn't really be bothered to care. Besides, what did it matter if a human looked at him? Looking over at his current mistress, he made no comment, only to arch a brow. "Talking to yourself? Weird in all senses then princess." he mused before a frown settled in it's place.

Standing up, he folded his arms across his chest, glaring at the princess. She genuinely seemed upset. But what was he suppossed to do about it? He wouldn't be used as a pawn! He suppossed talking wouldn't kill him. Besides, she did let him out of the ring.

"You despair over a marriage you don't want? Well, talking obviously is useless. You talk strong princess, but you don't back it up. Why do you get to complain huh?" he began, pointing an accusatory finger in her direction. "Surely other suitors were better? Pick a lesser of two evils..or someone you can overpower. If you can't do that, then run away!"

Looking agitated, he drew closer, scowling once more. "You complain of being trapped? Perhaps in some small way we are alike, but you have no idea what it's like to be locked away. You grow up never needing to beg for food or clothes, a place to sleep. You live a cozy life here. You never knew freedom to begin with! I had my freedom! I had it and lost it, and I may never get it back! Your lifetime is short, mine will not end for a long time yet. And still you think we are on the same level?" he snapped, pulling back in annoyance, anger in his eyes.

"And even if you are trapped...at least you can choose to escape! You can run! Jump out that window and flee from this life! What choice do I get, huh princess? I never got the choice!" he shouted, only to flop back, sitting on her bed again. Once more he was quiet. It was a few long silent minutes later that he spoke, voice level this time.

"Nassir...my name is Nassir. You never gave me your name, so I didn't think to give you mine." he sighed heavily. "And you do not possess skill in magic, do you? Even if you did, a human with magic is not what I need.."

---

"You despair over a marriage you don't want? Well, talking obviously is useless. You talk strong princess, but you don't back it up. Why do you get to complain huh? Surely other suitors were better? Pick a lesser of two evils..or someone you can overpower. If you can't do that, then run away!"

Tavyna was taken aback by his sudden outburst. Was he really so bitter? Even so, he did have a point. She was sulking over a simple marriage while he was trapped... forever by a single, powerful ring.

"You complain of being trapped? Perhaps in some small way we are alike, but you have no idea what it's like to be locked away. You grow up never needing to beg for food or clothes, a place to sleep. You live a cozy life here. You never knew freedom to begin with! I had my freedom! I had it and lost it, and I may never get it back! Your lifetime is short, mine will not end for a long time yet. And still you think we are on the same level? And even if you are trapped...at least you can choose to escape! You can run! Jump out that window and flee from this life! What choice do I get, huh princess? I never got the choice!"

At first she was ready to shout back at him. Cozy? Was he blind? What of this prison looked cozy to him? But as he ranted on, she felt her arguments paled very much so in light of his predicament. He had freedom before? How right this man was in the fact that she had not known freedom and never will. So what exactly had she lost then? Nothing. But he, on the other hand, had lost quite a bit. With this, it stirred her even more to try to find a way to free him. She spoke of hating her cage so much, then he must be beyond hatred.

Silence proceeded him as he stopped ranting. She was slightly relieved as he'd looked very dangerous and scary when he was yelling at her. Tavyna released the air in her chest that she'd been unknowingly holding in. What could she do to help him? Her gaze fell upon the ring once again.

"Nassir...my name is Nassir. You never gave me your name, so I didn't think to give you mine. And you do not possess skill in magic, do you? Even if you did, a human with magic is not what I need.." he said after a while, a sigh falling from his lips as he reclined across her bed.

"I gave you my name before Nassir," she said smoothly, eyes never leaving the ring, "It is Tavyna, if you would have listened before. And no, I do not posses magic but I know a few who do though my father would forbid me from ever going to meet them or learn from them," her heart skipped a beat as she looked up into the night sky, "Not that I've ever let his forbidding me stop me before."

Slowly she turned to look at him, letting her feet dangle off the edge of the windowsill as she put her back to the night, "Tell me, Nassir, what is it that you would need? Could I not just simply break the ring? Wouldn't that free you? If it is this stone that binds you, then destroying it would be the answer would it not? I've already said I would help you, and I will do anything to do so," she said. Even to her own ears her voice sounded strange, almost as if she were begging this man to believe in her. Her lips curled into a frown. Of course he wouldn't believe her, his thoughts on humans were far too jaded. She sighed as she dropped off the windowsill and crossed the room to grab up some silken robes. Throwing them over her shoulders she wrapped herself up tightly and went back to the window where she climbed up and started to reach out to the bricks that she had used thousands of times before to climb down to the grass fifteen feet below her.