She was keenly aware of how similar her own workspace was beginning to look to Cyrus's. Asala had attempted to keep everything manageable, and for a time had actually succeeded. Books and loose notes had a habit of multiplying, and eventually her bookcase was full of various tomes and manuals, some arcane related, some still in untranslated Tevene, others for pleasure and suggested by Estella. Some were even hand bound, a mixture of her handwriting and Cyrus's. The ones that did not fit on the bookcase was beginning to stack up on the floor beside it, though there remained a... relatively neat order to it. Larger books on the bottom, smaller on top. Asala liked to think that she kept it a bit more ordered than Cyrus kept his. Still, she had a long way to get before she reached the amount of content he had at his disposal.
The book she was currently studying however, was strangely enough an armor manual she had borrowed from the quartermaster. The barrier armor she had cast in the Emerald Graves had been the first combat run of that particular spell. While it did it job well enough and blocked a lightning bolt, she felt it could still use a bit more power. That wasn't the only issue, either, as the spell was meant for all of her friends, not just her. She had yet to get their dimensions down, and therefore someone like Khari would find the armor far too loose, while Leon would most likely shatter it if he flexed too hard. She would have to find them later and take measurements, but first she would need to learn the fundamentals for the basic armor types.
On the desk beside the book she read was a plain sheet of parchment, notes already being taken in her unfailingly neat handwriting. Beside that, Bibi lay in wait for another pass of the quill, the fluttering of the feather having enraptured him. He swatted at it every time it grew close. Asala had taken a moment from her studies in order to tease the cat with it, waving it in front of his whiskers before snatching it away.
Just as sheâd turned to dangle the feather in front of the Bibiâs face, the door slammed open. Perhaps, a little too enthusiastically by the expression on the visitorâs face. Fortunately, a hand snatched out in time to grab the door handle before it could collide with the wall. A wild-haired Zahra stood breathless and red-faced at its entrance, holding the door ajar before she finally managed to suck in enough air to look somewhat abashed, âOh. No, wait. That was rude. Letâs try that again.â She cleared her throat and held up a finger, before disappearing back behind the door.
There was a moment of silence. Awkward ones. Though, probably not for her. It didnât seem as if anything fazed her. Not even entering someoneâs chamber without announcing herself. If she was shy of anything⊠it was manners. However, thereâd been an unmistakable look of excitement drawn across her dusky features, as if she couldnât contain herself. She rapped her knuckles three times against the door. Two more beats followed. âAre you busy? May I come in?â A raucous snort sounded shortly after, as well as a weak attempt to stifle laughter, bubbling behind the door. It sounded somewhat smothered. Possibly behind one of her hands.
âI promise itâll be worth pulling you away from your studies.â
She did sound sincere.
The door blasting open nearly startled Asala out of her chair, while it did cause Bibi to jump a foot into the air, before landing back on his feet and streaking toward the bed. She had only enough time to turn and face the intrusion and process what Zahra had said before she was back behind the door, this time knocking politely. Another awkward moment passed, though this time because of how shell-shocked Asala was. She stared at the door before she shook her head and lifted her hands, though Zahra couldn't see them, being back on the other side of the door.
"Sure?" she asked, before she tilted her head. "I do not think it counts the second time however," Asala added, this time with an additional tease.
âOh,â came from behind the door as it slowly unlatched and pushed back open. âI suppose youâre right. Technically speaking.â Zahra finally fully entered the room and clicked it shut behind her, pressing her back against the door. The grin had already eased its way back across her features, until it lit up her entire face. Whatever secret she was holding back seemed almost physically painful to leave unvoiced. She arched a thick eyebrow and gestured towards the kitten skulking underneath Asalaâs bed. âSuppose he wonât forgive me for awhile. Sorry, Bibi.â
She cleared her throat again and pushed away from the door, closing the distance between them until she stood in front of Asalaâs desk. Seeing all the books and rolled parchment papers strewn across Asalaâs office, Zahra clicked her tongue and planted both hands atop the table, regarding her with a languid smile, âNow, Iâve a secret place to show you, kitten. No hints.â There was an amused lilt to her voice; as if she were holding all the cards. It was obviously something she enjoyed.
âWho knows how long weâll be able to catch a break for,â she tapped a finger across the surface of the table, impatient and excited all at once, âand Iâd say we all deserve a little break, donât you? Wonât you come along?â
"Of course, Let me just..." She said, looking down at the notes she had been writing. She dipped the quill in its inkwell and finished off the thought she was on before Bibi had distracted her. She'd always make time for Zee, she could always find time to take notes later. Finishing off the last letter, she replaced the quill where it belonged and blue the ink dry on the paper. If she was not careful, she would come back to find paw prints inked across her desk. Once dry, she slid the notes into the manual and closed it for safe keeping.
Finished, she looked up to Zee and nodded. "Okay, ready." She then looked at her suspiciously. "This... will not involve a blindfold, will it?" she asked.
Zahra pushed herself away from the desk and admirably waited without interrupting finishing touches on her studies, at least momentarily until she returned. The smile still hadnât left her lips, though she looked pleased with herself. Perhaps she hadnât expected Asala to so easily leave her duties. It wouldnât have been the first time Zahra had had to find other ways to entertain herself. She wasnât as busy as the othersâif she wasnât practicing with her rapiers, or brooding over her lack of a bow, she was drinking in the Heraldâs Rest or harassing her friends whenever she had the opportunity to.
She hummed a low tune in the back of her throat and idled to the side, balancing most of her weight on one foot before trading it off to the other, eyebrow raising once more, as Asala met her gaze. âI solemnly do swear that no blindfolds are involved. This time.â A tease. The inclinations were usually innocuous in nature; but it was difficult to tell when she was being serious or only trying to rustle out a reaction for kicks. She operated in innuendos, and lewd winks. Perhaps, especially so when she knew that the person in question would turn a lovely shade of red.
With an exaggerated flourish and a smile that was all but innocent, Zahra held out her elbow for Asala to take. Even if she denied the offer, foolish as it appeared to be, she was sure that sheâd take it in stride. She always did.
Asala had mostly grown used to Zee's antics, though the woman always maintained a startling ability to surprise her and turn her features a shade of bright red. Fortunately, this was not one of those times, though what the immediate future held for her, she could not say. Chances were high though, that she'd find a way. Still, Asala couldn't say that she wasn't looking forward to it.
She returned the smile with one of her own and dipped into a curtsey, playing along with her theatrics. Once she rose, she accepted the offered elbow. "Lead on, my dear captain," she beckoned. Asala couldn't help but follow the playful example Zee set when she was around.
Zahra seemed rather pleased that Asala was playing along with her little game. Like a proper gentleman should, she led them towards the door and shut it promptly behind them. It took them awhile to traverse across the grounds, and there was no clear indication where she was taking them. Perhaps, that was a part of the allure. She kept the conversation light and gave no inkling as to what, exactly, she was planning on showing her. It may have been a frightening prospect⊠but given the person in question, it was a safe bet that she wasnât playing on doing anything too questionable or dangerous.
It certainly wouldnât involve running. It did, however, involve quite a bit of stairs. Sheâd led them to one of the older wings of Skyholdâa tower that hadnât been remodeled or put to use yet. From the outside, one side of its face was completely missing. The highest point. Something was flapping on its side; black in color, but from their vantage point, it was difficult to tell what it was. Zahraâs beaming grin only widened as she opened the creaky door and flourished a hand in front of her, beckoning Asala to take the first steps inside.
Only then did she lead from behind, guiding her steps up the dimly lit, spiraling staircase. Apparently someone, most likely Zahra, had preemptively lit the iron sconces against the walls. A soft warmth pressed against their sides as they walked. Sheâd obviously planned ahead and almost seemed to expect that Asala would have agreed to come along with her. Infrequent windows offered natural light and as they ascended, they could see the Frostback Mountains' staggering peaks, cutting into the sky. She hummed a merry tune, and once they neared the top of the stairs, she squeezed by and pushed the door open for her, bowing her head a little, âAfter you, mâlady.â
Asala mimicked the gesture with another curtsy. "My thanks," she offered with a loose smile, before entering.
The circle-shaped floor opened up and looked to be recently inhabited. If Zahraâs corner in the Heraldâs Tavern was anything to go by⊠sheâd brought much more from whatever sheâd had stored on her ship and dragged it all the way here. Probably with the help of her crewmen. Large pillows were pressed up against the cobblestone walls; smaller ones were littered across the floor. There was a peculiar seating area with a low table, surrounded by more cushions in an array of bright, ridiculous colors. Reds, and shades of orange, mostly. A large chest overflowing and stuffed with various clothes sat nearby. It became clear what had been blocking the opening of the tower. A large, patch-worked tapestry reminiscent of stars; made from some sort of thin material that allowed the sun to filter through and cast patterns on the opposing wall.
The light was dim. Which may have been intentional, because of what sat in the middle of the room on a wooden stool. A paper lantern with a candle inside; the paper, however, had been cut into various shapes, casting dancing stars against the walls around them. Beside it was a wine bottle. It was a wonder in itself where all these peculiar items had come from. Zahra made an excited noise beside her, and spun in a small circle, arms outstretched. âWhat do you think? A little place away from everythingâthe noise, the studying, the worries,â she looked pleased with herself, âA place to let loose, have fun.â
"Wow..." was all that Asala could say. She entered the room slowly, spinning on her heels with each step to take in the walls. It was much like Zahra herself, a vibrant hodge-podge collection of oddities that all just seemed to coalesce into one exceptionally unique package. "Where did you... How did you..." Asala tried to ask, though she was unsure which one to go with first, or if she should even ask anything. It would've taken some time to gather all of these items, and to carry them up all those stairs. Asala looked toward Zee and laughed sweetly, figuring that no, those questions weren't necessary. Instead, she offered a simple, "It is lovely."
She's found herself in the center of the room, with the stool and the lantern. She let her hand rest on the stool for a second while she looked at the lantern, before she carefully picked it up. The stars cast by the paper moved with the lantern, before they began to gently spin as she twirled it between her figures. It looked as if they were moving against the wall, dancing in the dim light. Asala watched as the night spun on the walls, her smile never leaving her face.
Zahra was leaning up against the frame of the door, watching Asala twirl around the room with lantern in hand. She had a peculiar expression on her face; somewhat satisfied that sheâd done something good⊠and another one that was hard to place. âIsnât it, though?â Her expression softened as she took a step into the room and flourished her hands to the side, encompassing the room in its entirety.
âSo, youâre free to use it as you please,â her grin hadnât wavered at all, âSlumber parties, wine nights and when itâs warmer, Iâd imagine the stars would be lovely.â She paused in her tirade to look up at the buffeting sheet poised over the towerâs exposed side, and tilted her head at it. âEventually Iâll tell the others about it.â An embarrassed laugh sifted its way out as she clicked the heel of her boot across a corner of exposed cobblestone flooring. The rest seemed to be littered with furred rugs and heavy, decorated throws. âBut we could keep it our little secret for now, no?â
As always, she didnât seem particularly concerned about permissions, or simple manners, or even if theyâd ever stumble onto it before she managed to unveil it⊠though where she was concerned, it was never surprising.
Asala chuckled at the mention of slumber parties. "I will try to keep it free of my notes then," she added with a self-deprecating smile. She of all people knew what her own room was beginning to look like.
"But, yes. I'd like that," she said with a smile. She could do with some down time that didn't involve her nose in a book or her notes.
Clearly pleased with Asalaâs answer to keep this secret place privvy, Zahra crossed towards the large chest pressed up against the wall and kicked it open with the toe of her boot. She began digging through its contents, rifling through long silken dresses, and other assortments of strange clothes from faraway places; certainly nothing that had come from these parts.
Material slipped through her fingers as she straightened her shoulders and held up something that looked far too large to fit the smaller woman. It appeared as if sheâd collected things just for acquiring it. The smile wobbled a little as she held the dress up to her face, and peered over collar, âWell, itâs our little secret then. Might as well enjoy it while it stays that way.â
The book she was currently studying however, was strangely enough an armor manual she had borrowed from the quartermaster. The barrier armor she had cast in the Emerald Graves had been the first combat run of that particular spell. While it did it job well enough and blocked a lightning bolt, she felt it could still use a bit more power. That wasn't the only issue, either, as the spell was meant for all of her friends, not just her. She had yet to get their dimensions down, and therefore someone like Khari would find the armor far too loose, while Leon would most likely shatter it if he flexed too hard. She would have to find them later and take measurements, but first she would need to learn the fundamentals for the basic armor types.
On the desk beside the book she read was a plain sheet of parchment, notes already being taken in her unfailingly neat handwriting. Beside that, Bibi lay in wait for another pass of the quill, the fluttering of the feather having enraptured him. He swatted at it every time it grew close. Asala had taken a moment from her studies in order to tease the cat with it, waving it in front of his whiskers before snatching it away.
Just as sheâd turned to dangle the feather in front of the Bibiâs face, the door slammed open. Perhaps, a little too enthusiastically by the expression on the visitorâs face. Fortunately, a hand snatched out in time to grab the door handle before it could collide with the wall. A wild-haired Zahra stood breathless and red-faced at its entrance, holding the door ajar before she finally managed to suck in enough air to look somewhat abashed, âOh. No, wait. That was rude. Letâs try that again.â She cleared her throat and held up a finger, before disappearing back behind the door.
There was a moment of silence. Awkward ones. Though, probably not for her. It didnât seem as if anything fazed her. Not even entering someoneâs chamber without announcing herself. If she was shy of anything⊠it was manners. However, thereâd been an unmistakable look of excitement drawn across her dusky features, as if she couldnât contain herself. She rapped her knuckles three times against the door. Two more beats followed. âAre you busy? May I come in?â A raucous snort sounded shortly after, as well as a weak attempt to stifle laughter, bubbling behind the door. It sounded somewhat smothered. Possibly behind one of her hands.
âI promise itâll be worth pulling you away from your studies.â
She did sound sincere.
The door blasting open nearly startled Asala out of her chair, while it did cause Bibi to jump a foot into the air, before landing back on his feet and streaking toward the bed. She had only enough time to turn and face the intrusion and process what Zahra had said before she was back behind the door, this time knocking politely. Another awkward moment passed, though this time because of how shell-shocked Asala was. She stared at the door before she shook her head and lifted her hands, though Zahra couldn't see them, being back on the other side of the door.
"Sure?" she asked, before she tilted her head. "I do not think it counts the second time however," Asala added, this time with an additional tease.
âOh,â came from behind the door as it slowly unlatched and pushed back open. âI suppose youâre right. Technically speaking.â Zahra finally fully entered the room and clicked it shut behind her, pressing her back against the door. The grin had already eased its way back across her features, until it lit up her entire face. Whatever secret she was holding back seemed almost physically painful to leave unvoiced. She arched a thick eyebrow and gestured towards the kitten skulking underneath Asalaâs bed. âSuppose he wonât forgive me for awhile. Sorry, Bibi.â
She cleared her throat again and pushed away from the door, closing the distance between them until she stood in front of Asalaâs desk. Seeing all the books and rolled parchment papers strewn across Asalaâs office, Zahra clicked her tongue and planted both hands atop the table, regarding her with a languid smile, âNow, Iâve a secret place to show you, kitten. No hints.â There was an amused lilt to her voice; as if she were holding all the cards. It was obviously something she enjoyed.
âWho knows how long weâll be able to catch a break for,â she tapped a finger across the surface of the table, impatient and excited all at once, âand Iâd say we all deserve a little break, donât you? Wonât you come along?â
"Of course, Let me just..." She said, looking down at the notes she had been writing. She dipped the quill in its inkwell and finished off the thought she was on before Bibi had distracted her. She'd always make time for Zee, she could always find time to take notes later. Finishing off the last letter, she replaced the quill where it belonged and blue the ink dry on the paper. If she was not careful, she would come back to find paw prints inked across her desk. Once dry, she slid the notes into the manual and closed it for safe keeping.
Finished, she looked up to Zee and nodded. "Okay, ready." She then looked at her suspiciously. "This... will not involve a blindfold, will it?" she asked.
Zahra pushed herself away from the desk and admirably waited without interrupting finishing touches on her studies, at least momentarily until she returned. The smile still hadnât left her lips, though she looked pleased with herself. Perhaps she hadnât expected Asala to so easily leave her duties. It wouldnât have been the first time Zahra had had to find other ways to entertain herself. She wasnât as busy as the othersâif she wasnât practicing with her rapiers, or brooding over her lack of a bow, she was drinking in the Heraldâs Rest or harassing her friends whenever she had the opportunity to.
She hummed a low tune in the back of her throat and idled to the side, balancing most of her weight on one foot before trading it off to the other, eyebrow raising once more, as Asala met her gaze. âI solemnly do swear that no blindfolds are involved. This time.â A tease. The inclinations were usually innocuous in nature; but it was difficult to tell when she was being serious or only trying to rustle out a reaction for kicks. She operated in innuendos, and lewd winks. Perhaps, especially so when she knew that the person in question would turn a lovely shade of red.
With an exaggerated flourish and a smile that was all but innocent, Zahra held out her elbow for Asala to take. Even if she denied the offer, foolish as it appeared to be, she was sure that sheâd take it in stride. She always did.
Asala had mostly grown used to Zee's antics, though the woman always maintained a startling ability to surprise her and turn her features a shade of bright red. Fortunately, this was not one of those times, though what the immediate future held for her, she could not say. Chances were high though, that she'd find a way. Still, Asala couldn't say that she wasn't looking forward to it.
She returned the smile with one of her own and dipped into a curtsey, playing along with her theatrics. Once she rose, she accepted the offered elbow. "Lead on, my dear captain," she beckoned. Asala couldn't help but follow the playful example Zee set when she was around.
Zahra seemed rather pleased that Asala was playing along with her little game. Like a proper gentleman should, she led them towards the door and shut it promptly behind them. It took them awhile to traverse across the grounds, and there was no clear indication where she was taking them. Perhaps, that was a part of the allure. She kept the conversation light and gave no inkling as to what, exactly, she was planning on showing her. It may have been a frightening prospect⊠but given the person in question, it was a safe bet that she wasnât playing on doing anything too questionable or dangerous.
It certainly wouldnât involve running. It did, however, involve quite a bit of stairs. Sheâd led them to one of the older wings of Skyholdâa tower that hadnât been remodeled or put to use yet. From the outside, one side of its face was completely missing. The highest point. Something was flapping on its side; black in color, but from their vantage point, it was difficult to tell what it was. Zahraâs beaming grin only widened as she opened the creaky door and flourished a hand in front of her, beckoning Asala to take the first steps inside.
Only then did she lead from behind, guiding her steps up the dimly lit, spiraling staircase. Apparently someone, most likely Zahra, had preemptively lit the iron sconces against the walls. A soft warmth pressed against their sides as they walked. Sheâd obviously planned ahead and almost seemed to expect that Asala would have agreed to come along with her. Infrequent windows offered natural light and as they ascended, they could see the Frostback Mountains' staggering peaks, cutting into the sky. She hummed a merry tune, and once they neared the top of the stairs, she squeezed by and pushed the door open for her, bowing her head a little, âAfter you, mâlady.â
Asala mimicked the gesture with another curtsy. "My thanks," she offered with a loose smile, before entering.
The circle-shaped floor opened up and looked to be recently inhabited. If Zahraâs corner in the Heraldâs Tavern was anything to go by⊠sheâd brought much more from whatever sheâd had stored on her ship and dragged it all the way here. Probably with the help of her crewmen. Large pillows were pressed up against the cobblestone walls; smaller ones were littered across the floor. There was a peculiar seating area with a low table, surrounded by more cushions in an array of bright, ridiculous colors. Reds, and shades of orange, mostly. A large chest overflowing and stuffed with various clothes sat nearby. It became clear what had been blocking the opening of the tower. A large, patch-worked tapestry reminiscent of stars; made from some sort of thin material that allowed the sun to filter through and cast patterns on the opposing wall.
The light was dim. Which may have been intentional, because of what sat in the middle of the room on a wooden stool. A paper lantern with a candle inside; the paper, however, had been cut into various shapes, casting dancing stars against the walls around them. Beside it was a wine bottle. It was a wonder in itself where all these peculiar items had come from. Zahra made an excited noise beside her, and spun in a small circle, arms outstretched. âWhat do you think? A little place away from everythingâthe noise, the studying, the worries,â she looked pleased with herself, âA place to let loose, have fun.â
"Wow..." was all that Asala could say. She entered the room slowly, spinning on her heels with each step to take in the walls. It was much like Zahra herself, a vibrant hodge-podge collection of oddities that all just seemed to coalesce into one exceptionally unique package. "Where did you... How did you..." Asala tried to ask, though she was unsure which one to go with first, or if she should even ask anything. It would've taken some time to gather all of these items, and to carry them up all those stairs. Asala looked toward Zee and laughed sweetly, figuring that no, those questions weren't necessary. Instead, she offered a simple, "It is lovely."
She's found herself in the center of the room, with the stool and the lantern. She let her hand rest on the stool for a second while she looked at the lantern, before she carefully picked it up. The stars cast by the paper moved with the lantern, before they began to gently spin as she twirled it between her figures. It looked as if they were moving against the wall, dancing in the dim light. Asala watched as the night spun on the walls, her smile never leaving her face.
Zahra was leaning up against the frame of the door, watching Asala twirl around the room with lantern in hand. She had a peculiar expression on her face; somewhat satisfied that sheâd done something good⊠and another one that was hard to place. âIsnât it, though?â Her expression softened as she took a step into the room and flourished her hands to the side, encompassing the room in its entirety.
âSo, youâre free to use it as you please,â her grin hadnât wavered at all, âSlumber parties, wine nights and when itâs warmer, Iâd imagine the stars would be lovely.â She paused in her tirade to look up at the buffeting sheet poised over the towerâs exposed side, and tilted her head at it. âEventually Iâll tell the others about it.â An embarrassed laugh sifted its way out as she clicked the heel of her boot across a corner of exposed cobblestone flooring. The rest seemed to be littered with furred rugs and heavy, decorated throws. âBut we could keep it our little secret for now, no?â
As always, she didnât seem particularly concerned about permissions, or simple manners, or even if theyâd ever stumble onto it before she managed to unveil it⊠though where she was concerned, it was never surprising.
Asala chuckled at the mention of slumber parties. "I will try to keep it free of my notes then," she added with a self-deprecating smile. She of all people knew what her own room was beginning to look like.
"But, yes. I'd like that," she said with a smile. She could do with some down time that didn't involve her nose in a book or her notes.
Clearly pleased with Asalaâs answer to keep this secret place privvy, Zahra crossed towards the large chest pressed up against the wall and kicked it open with the toe of her boot. She began digging through its contents, rifling through long silken dresses, and other assortments of strange clothes from faraway places; certainly nothing that had come from these parts.
Material slipped through her fingers as she straightened her shoulders and held up something that looked far too large to fit the smaller woman. It appeared as if sheâd collected things just for acquiring it. The smile wobbled a little as she held the dress up to her face, and peered over collar, âWell, itâs our little secret then. Might as well enjoy it while it stays that way.â