Post by Sabriyah bint Qasim al-Khalid on Mar 15, 2015 11:01:35 GMT -5
Once the sun set in the desert region of Rohari, the chill of night was swift to creep in, teasing tendrils of steam from the pale walls baked hot by the afternoon's long, golden beams. With little to hold that heat in, the Caliph's palace could often grow cold, requiring residents and guests alike to seek warm blankets during their slumber. The guards often donned cloaks to keep the cold at bay while standing their duty, torches flickering in a wind that whispered through the halls. Sabriyah was unable to sleep, her mind unwilling to cease its whirring, sending her to her feet and out of her private rooms.
Deciding a pot of tea was in order, along with a book, she moved with a wraith's silence down the corridor of the palace. The slippers on her feet muffled her steps, the warm robe donned over her sleep-shift further silencing her movements. The dark hair was caught in a messy tail, tied with a satin ribbon and draped over her shoulder, a small hand-lamp carried to light her passage. She expected to encounter no one, due to the late hour, beyond a few guards who recognized her and snapped to attention. None hindered her movements, though there were concerned looks directed her way. Rare for the Lady to wander so late.
Moving through the halls, she found her way to the silent, dark kitchens, the fires banked for the night. A little stirring and fresh kindling laid revived the flames before she filled the kettle and swung the hook into place, wincing slightly at the audible creak. Sabriyah knew these kitchens well, spending time with her mother before she passed in learning how food was prepared, meals planned and supplies maintained from the cook himself. She smiled at the memory, slipping into the pantry in search of the sweets she knew the man kept on hand for those who had a love for them, especially now that Bashir was home.
Humming to herself softly, she searched over the shelves, debating her choices when she heard a sound from the kitchen. Startled, she froze and paused to listen, frowning warily. Had she merely imagined the sound? Picking up one of the rolling pins, Sabriyah inched closer to the door to peer out. Was someone there?
@nasir