The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post

piosenniel · 07-06-2003, 12:28 PM

‘Qamar!’ Ahmad said pleasantly. ‘You are as beautiful as ever. How is your husband, Nasr?’ She watched him as his eyes darted quickly about the market area. ‘Did he accompany you?’

‘No, Nasr has not come with me today, Ahmad. He and Husam have gone hunting,’ she said drawing his attention back to her. ‘Nor has Qirfah come.’

She watched as his shoulders sagged for a brief moment at the reminder of Qirfah’s husband and then again at the confirmation that Qirfah was not here. Though he was polite to her, Qamar could tell he had something on his mind which drew his attention elsewhere and made him restless. Perhaps he would excuse himself and move on, she thought, leaving her the opportunity to tell Qirfah that he had not spoken about her . . . that perhaps last night’s visit had simply been some passing thing he’d done, to remind him that she was not his. Hope sprung in her at this thought. And was quenched when his robes shifted as he turned back to her and she caught a glimpse of the obsidian shard which hung about his neck.

Her hand reached out to touch the translucent splinter, eyes narrowing for a moment. With a sigh, she gave up her wishes for how this might end, and spoke in a low voice to him. ‘I can see that some other business presses on you, Ahmad. We will be here in the market place until early evening. Come see me then, if you wish . . . when you have time to listen and to give an answer.’ He looked at her, a frown creasing his face.

‘Qirfah dared not come. She has sent me . . . to speak with you. To let you know her wishes, to bring her yours.’

At that moment, a woman of the Painted Sands signalled to her. Holding up a flat, woven round tray and a carry basket, she called out the offer of a price for them, jingling the silver bracelets on her arms she had for trade. Qamar waved at her and smiled, ‘A moment, good lady. Our trade is almost finished here!’ She placed a small woven box she held into his hands. ‘Enjoy, good sir!’ she said loudly enough for others about to hear. Waving him off, she turned back to bargain with the woman.

[ July 06, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

07-06-2003, 12:28 PM	#76
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	‘Qamar!’ Ahmad said pleasantly. ‘You are as beautiful as ever. How is your husband, Nasr?’ She watched him as his eyes darted quickly about the market area. ‘Did he accompany you?’ ‘No, Nasr has not come with me today, Ahmad. He and Husam have gone hunting,’ she said drawing his attention back to her. ‘Nor has Qirfah come.’ She watched as his shoulders sagged for a brief moment at the reminder of Qirfah’s husband and then again at the confirmation that Qirfah was not here. Though he was polite to her, Qamar could tell he had something on his mind which drew his attention elsewhere and made him restless. Perhaps he would excuse himself and move on, she thought, leaving her the opportunity to tell Qirfah that he had not spoken about her . . . that perhaps last night’s visit had simply been some passing thing he’d done, to remind him that she was not his. Hope sprung in her at this thought. And was quenched when his robes shifted as he turned back to her and she caught a glimpse of the obsidian shard which hung about his neck. Her hand reached out to touch the translucent splinter, eyes narrowing for a moment. With a sigh, she gave up her wishes for how this might end, and spoke in a low voice to him. ‘I can see that some other business presses on you, Ahmad. We will be here in the market place until early evening. Come see me then, if you wish . . . when you have time to listen and to give an answer.’ He looked at her, a frown creasing his face. ‘Qirfah dared not come. She has sent me . . . to speak with you. To let you know her wishes, to bring her yours.’ At that moment, a woman of the Painted Sands signalled to her. Holding up a flat, woven round tray and a carry basket, she called out the offer of a price for them, jingling the silver bracelets on her arms she had for trade. Qamar waved at her and smiled, ‘A moment, good lady. Our trade is almost finished here!’ She placed a small woven box she held into his hands. ‘Enjoy, good sir!’ she said loudly enough for others about to hear. Waving him off, she turned back to bargain with the woman. [ July 06, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ] __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.