Mishal slowed to match pace with the Princess. He noticed her companion examining the decor and embellishments. Perhaps she was a woman of taste, but it did;’t really matter to him, did it?
“Princess Amira, do tell me of Azaria. I am not much of a traveler, but I hear Azaria is a beautiful place.”
He wanted to make his guests feel welcome, even if they were a generic Princess and her company.
"Well, I'll be the first to admit I don't often get the opportunity to travel either." Amira said, fiddling with the sleeves of her dress. She gestured to Zarya, who didn't bother looking at the Prince, too busy taking in the palace. "In fact, Zee-er, Zarya has seen much more of my own country than me, sadly. However, you are right, it is absolutely gorgeous. The Maiat deserts are one of the most notable places I've had the pleasure of visiting, and are simply stunning."
The Prince nodded thoughtfully.
“Perhaps I should converse with Zarya about the landscapes of Azaria,” he replied. “She seems like a deeply thoughtful individual.”
Mishal studied Zarya. She had a look about her that was filled with so much confidence, Mishal felt meek in comparison.
"She can be, yes." Amira nodded, looking to the Sorceress, who had fallen a few paces behind them in order to continue studying her surroundings. "Especially if that thoughtfulness crosses into ambition. Zarya?"
Zarya was pulled out of her thoughts, looking down from the ceilings to the Princess, and then to the Prince. "Landscapes of Azaria, yes? Well, that depends on the province, and whether we are discussing coastal scenery, desert, or cities."
A beat passed while Mishal thought. Finally, he replied, “Well, which is your favorite?”
He clasped his hands behind his back as he stood, awaiting her response. What a marvelously interesting conversation he was having. Much different than the usually travelers.
"The coast." Zarya replied without hesitation, her eyes seeming to swirl and brighten at the mention, though her expression didn't change. "As predictable as it is, my affinity with the water leads me to a soft spot for the ocean. And our oceans are gorgeous."
Mishal nodded as she spoke, considering the testament.
“I see. Vyrnia only has lakes and ponds, mostly in the forests. Legends tell of magic in those forest’s, but I cannot testify to the validity of those claims. My point is, I have yet to see the coast for myself. I would quite like to. Some day.”
"Perhaps you should come to visit us sometime then." Zarya said, her eyes flickering to Amira as she stepped back up next to the two. They resumed the tapping on each other's wrists subtly, as Zarya continued to speak. "While you may not have ever seen the coast, I cannot for sure say when I last saw a forest."
“I think a travel exchange is in order,” he replied. “While you two are here, I can arrange for an excursion to one of our nicest forests.”
Mishal noticed the tapping again, this time more curious as it was an obviously frequent occurrence. He considered asking about it, but he thought it might not be welcome at the moment, so he refrained. For now.
"Oh, that would be wonderful!" Amira said, nodding as her smile brightened. Apparently, neither of them had issue holding the simultaneous conversations, as the tapping didn't cease. "You have many songbirds here, I couldn't help but note. It will be fun to see more of them up close."
“Are you particularly fond of birds, Princess?” Mishal inquired. He decided that Amira was a little less disinteresting than he originally thought, but he continued to wait for her to really subvert expectations before really changing his view.
"I am, somewhat." Amira admitted, fiddling with her sleeves once more. Zarya, now with her hands free, rolled her eyes as her fingers danced at her sides.
"I would hardly call raising a hunting falcon and starting up a rehabilitation center for injured birds somewhat fond of birds, but if you say so." Zarya raised an eyebrow at her friend, who was starting to look slightly flustered.
Mishal smiled, “So you do have hobbies, Princess.” He turned to Zarya, “What about you? Do you share the Princess’s fondness of birds, or do you occupy your time in other ways?”
(I’m so sorry that took so long!!)
((It's fine! I get it!))
"While I enjoy the company of a bird or two, I am not as fond of them as my Princess." Zarya said, her eyes sparkling playfully as she looked at Amira, who bit her lip to hide a smile. "So I occupy my time with other things. Reading, learning anything from languages to music and instruments, and collecting items." What she left unsaid was how she acquired those items, but he wouldn't know that. For all anyone except Amira knew, she had given up the thieving ways of her past years ago, when she began her training.
Mishal regarded her with a pensive gaze, “Interesting…. I myself enjoy a good book from time to time. Have you any favorite authors?”
"Oh, yes, plenty." Zarya nodded, meeting his gaze with a slightly arched eyebrow. "Viria al Abbas would have to be my favorite though. She's written everything from poetry, to theories on Alchemy, to articles analyzing the state of our economy and other political matters. You?"
Mishal chuckled, “I couldn’t possibly chose just one! On the other hand, I do not think I have had the pleasure of enjoying a book written by Miss al Abbas. Do you have any recommendations for an introduction to her work?” Mishal was genuinely interested in the conversation, though he thought his manner of speaking might lead them to think otherwise. This concerned him, as he did not want to intentionally leave a negative impression.
"I do believe I packed a few of her works, and I would be more than happy to lend one to you." Zarya said, her lips quirking up into a small, but genuine smile. "The first of hers I ever read was one of the aforementioned Alchemy works, detailing her studies on the converting of one substance to another. Finding a translation might be somewhat difficult though."
“Oh, I very much look forward to it. If you would like to visit the library while in the palace, please notify any member of the staff. I would be more than happy to lend you a copy from our collection here.” He then turned to Amira, “Is there anything you desire to make your visit more engaging, Princess?”
"I can't really think of much, but thank you." Amira said, shaking her head softly. "I am mostly just looking forward to learning as much about your various cultures as I can." Her eyes flickered to Zarya for a second, before she spoke again. "Actually…do you happen to have any flower gardens?"
“As a matter of fact, we do indeed. If you wish to have a tour, do not hesitate to notify the staff. They will see to a prompt arrangement.” Mishal concluded, “Now, I believe we must catch up to the rest of the entourage.”
"You two go on ahead." Zarya said, her eyes sparkling slightly as she tilted her head subtly in the direction of the group a ways ahead of them. "Nazari has looked back here, at me specifically, five times in the past two minutes. I do believe he wishes to have a word with me."
"Try to stay out of trouble, will you?" Amira teased, flashing her friend a smile before looking to Mishal. "Shall we?"
“I suppose we shall.” As he turned to guide the Princess through the Hall, his eyes lingered on Zarya, his invasive curiosity begging to know her secrets.
Zarya flicked an eyebrow up in question at Nazari, who scowled, but dropped back to talk with her. The two whispered quietly with each other in the common tongue of their Kingdom, the Sorceress's face never betraying anything. Though, if one was looking closely, they might notice the way her hand drifted somewhat towards the slit in her kefta, before stopping. Almost like she'd been habitually reaching for something.