Post by Sabriyah bint Qasim al-Khalid on May 31, 2015 22:53:04 GMT -5
Two weeks passed since they'd seen the Caliph and his entourage on their way to Bordelaix in answer to the King's summons. The ship sailed from Zahran with the morning's tide, seen off by the two young women who were to remain behind, flanked by Lord Tariq and a contingent of the Caliph's guard to ensure their safety while maintaining peace in the city. Once the ship sailed out of ship, the trio returned to the Fox's Den to resume their daily activities. The estates, the city and the region did not cease to function simply because the Caliph was not in residence.
Now, a fortnight later, Sabriyah had come to enjoy the hush that fell over the palace that came with a diminished number of residents. Most of her father's hostage-guests departed with him, given the choice to remain in Zahran or to accompany him to the far west city. Inayla, however, chose to remain with her, for which she was grateful. Not only was the al-Faris lady a most trusted aide, but she had become a close friend and companion as well. Sabriyah appreciated their shared tastes and tendencies; it kept the loneliness at bay with so much of her family gone.
As a consequence of the dwindling residents, formal meals had largely ceased for the sake of the servants' convenience and the comfort of those remaining. Tariq preferred to take his meals in his study without company while Sabriyah opted to enjoy her evening meal in the comfort of her rooms, often times with Inayla to share it with her. Hoping that her friend would join her tonight, she sent word that Inayla was welcome to join her for a quiet evening together, the servant waiting to learn whether she would bring just Sabriyah's meal or if she would be serving two.
Inayla bint Siraj al-Faris