Surayya

Cast! : Badriya, Beatrice, Collins, Jabir, Kohinoor, Nazira, Surayya
Special Guests!: Nasnas! Sandwalkers!
The Scene!: A group of travelers set out to find a place not on the map of Alhambra, and the rather unique talent that can be found there. Along the way, they also get a glimpse of the Black Sands.

To be home, upon the desert sands once more, was beyond good. It recharged my heart, my soul, and reminded me of my purpose and what is at stake.  The black sands reach out further. They must be stopped, before they find their goal.

I do have to admit, it was amusing watching my traveling companions attempt to get atop their camels. The Captain, Cyrus, he seemed to have a way with his own, even developing what passes for a friendship with such creatures. I shall have to ask him about it, sometime. Also, the Lord Feldane seems to speak with the air. That is something I must remember to bring up, when he comes over for the promised story.

For the first time since my childhood, I stood before the remains of the past. The story poured from my lips and I remembered details I had forgotten over the ages. I am glad that I could assist the seekers, and that I helped them move further down the path to their goal. My own curiosity is caught up in it, now. To discover that I've only held part of a greater, larger story, makes me want to see its completion. Perhaps, one day, I will.

I have taken the final seal upon myself, while out in the sands. I can feel the duty that comes with this upon my shoulders. May Umm give me the strength I need to see my tasks done...

Setting: Surayya had set out earlier in the afternoon, leading Altair, Badriya and Samas through Arden and to the Oisen, to view the Black Road's effects and attempt to find the rock with the three triangles on it. With darkness falling, the four Alhambrans turned around once they reached the river, deciding to further explore another day. This scene happened a day or two before the storybit posted.

Okay, I give in, and succumb to the peer pressure. Surayya's playlist. If you're curious as to how or why things fit, feel free to ask.

Isis and Osiris - The Cruxshadows
The Spiral - Godsmack
Mysterious Days - Sarah Brightman
Horse with No Name - America
Kashmir - Ofra Haza
Alegria - Cirque de Soleil
Euphoria(Firefly) - Delerium  (don't click if mannequin  anatomy offends you)
Before I'm Dead - kidneythieves
Precious - Depeche Mode
Frozen - Madonna
Cuts You Up - Peter Murphy
Answer - Sarah McLaughlin
Burn - The Cure
Loved by the Sun - Tangerine Dream

And, just for fun

And the sand in the glass is right...

Gerard has come to the Alhambran Embassy in search of some information. He ends up meeting with Surayya, and the two speak over tea, scotch, and memories of desert sands.

Rides taken to Arden: 1

Black Roads Viewed: 1

Prince's Tears Seen: 1-4

Princes Raced: 1

Horseshoes Thrown: 1

Times nearly decapitated by said horseshoe: 1

Knights in White Satin Armor: 1

Conversations Awkwardly Interruptred: 1

Conversations on Evil put off until later: 2

     It has been some stretch of time since Badriya and I first arrived within the Great City of Amber, and I must admit, I am not quite used to it. The streets confuse me, but I am slowly becoming more accustomed to them. At night, it is easier, as it always is for me. The stars have always been kind enough to guide my steps, even when I wandered the desert alone. 

     Things here are so different from Alhambra, the people so varied. At least I have been graced with the company of the Amira, though she is often busy, doing what it is that princesses must do. Kynan is here as well, and while he is not kin to me, I am glad to call him friend. One of the Pathi wizards, he can be an intimidating figure to some, I'm sure, with his hood so often covering his features in shadows. But I have seen the warmth of his smile and felt safe in his presence, so I do not fear. We speak often, on many things, and I find myself spending much time within his tower, enjoying his company. I remember, fondly, the first time we met, when he came to Alhambra. Finding him, here, was a delightful surprise.

     There is another I have met, the Lady Aislin. She is strange to me, yet...alluring. Like some mystery to be solved. I have also met one of the Princes of Amber, a warrior by the name of Benedict. There is not much to say of him.

     We seem to have arrived just in time for a war. The twisting, dark road that plagued my dreams has reached as far as even Amber, and I hear increasing stories about it from others in overheard bits of conversation. May Umm bless my mission, and open my mind to the knowledge I might gain within it. May Ab strike down those that march on the road, those wicked and twisted things I have only glimpsed, and my the light of His rays rend them to embers. 


...

     The war, apparently, is over. Many have been wounded, but Amber still stands. When the sun leaves the sky, I will go, and see what I can do to help those among the living.
 

Bits and pieces of life
Fall apart and seperate
They dance on the wind
Carrying with them
Creations of childhood, and,
Years later,
They blow their way
Back and piece
A story together
That you'd
Never believe...