A Grand Arrival

The village streets were lively in celebration as the gates opened the way for guests' arrivals. The main road had been cleared for the expected company parading through, showered with welcoming cheers. Leading the parade where dancers dressed in fine gold that reflected the bright afternoon sun. They maneuvered hypnotically through the crowd, commanding attention as they swayed their hips. Chiffon flowed and bounced in the air around them, creating a spectacular display of all colors.

Following suit were the royal family's servants, each carrying a dish upon their backs filled with precious gemstones as offerings to King Arthur and his family. Drums were beaten and flags were waved as they marched on. Sword jugglers danced and fire swallowers entertained the masses as they marched for the palace.

A noise erupted through the city, overpowering the scene. Now passing through the gates was a large elephant blowing its trunk. On the animal's back was a large golden howdah, richly embellished with jewels, luscious gold trim, and silk curtains which were drawn shut. Light seeped through the veil, abling all to see the silhouette of three folks sitting comfortably within.

"The Waning Sands return once again. Can you believe they do this every year?"

"I would have thought that beast of theirs would have died!"

"Might as well get used to it. No doubt that elephant will be staying here."

"Ever since the walls were destroyed it's all gone to dung! To think that King Arthur would marry his son to the Waning Sand's-"

"Hush. There are guards about!"

"Tis' not a crime to speak ill opinion of the king or even his guests for that matter! If I don't like 'em here then who's to stop me from saying so?"

"Best we better get used to it. They'll be here for a long time...."

The howdah's veil was pulled back and a pair of dark eyes peered around the curtain's edge. Sunlight twinkled on the gold tiara and bangles clinking against one another on the princess's wrist. She smiled modestly to anyone gazing in her direction as she took a breath of fresh air and waved before bowing her head and allowing the curtain to fall back into place. She turned her attention back to the company of her father - the sultan, and their vizier. "King Arthur's subjects are as lively as ever," she commented with a modest grin as she snapped her fan and waved it in front of her face.

The Sultan, Huran, was still peeking from behind the curtain, more than happy to let his face be seen, waving to the common folk as he tossed a coin or two into the crowds. "Yes, but rest assured that this will be the final time we need to make such a long voyage. Once all this is settled, Stone Roll's prince will be coming back with us."

"You're certain of this?" the princess's excitement rang in her voice. "King Arthur agreed to your proposal, did he?"

"Unfortunately not," the vizier answered for Huran in a sharp, informative tone. "His highness is still as torn as he's always been. Sire, if I may speak freely, I feel there is little time to put these things off." Jafar had grown tired and patience wearing thin after the long travel and the exhausted, humid climate since they arrived at the nation's borders. In the desert, they faced intense heat, but in the north, it was unbearably humid in comparison.

"Jafar, please. It will work itself out soon enough. As we've learned in the past, forcing things has never achieved the results we wanted. I have every bit of confidence that Arthur will see it be best for his son at the very least, Paribanu."

There was a moment in thought where Paribanu flapped her fan briskly, tracing her fingers along its edge with her nail. She glanced at Jafar and their eyes met.His face was plastered with annoyance. She pursed her lips for a moment and then resumed her confident smile. "We shall see," was all she could respond with.

"Yes. I suppose we shall…."

"We'll be at the castle any minute. All three of you, please remember to be on your best behavior, at least when greeting King Arthur's court."

Paribanu looked around, amused as she cackled. She, Jafar, and her father were the only people there within the howdah. "The three of us?"

Sultan Huran raised a brow but did not heed looking towards his daughter. "Yes. The three of you. Jafar, you, and your brother!"

Jafar's eyes only scanned their confined surroundings, not saying a word.

Again, Paribanu cackled. "Really? Father, would you care to tell that to Ali - directly? Hmm?" She mused.

He rolled his eyes at such a trivial request. "Is he asleep? Listen, my son, it's time to wake up!" He raised his voice as he pulled himself away from all the attention. "You must act presentable when we arrive at - erhm… Wh-Where is Ali?!"

"It would seem he slipped away," Paribanu said in a matter-of-fact tone, eyes gleaming with amusement. In truth, she and Jafar had both secretly witnessed the moment he departed from their mount and had refrained from saying so. Not even five minutes upon arrival and they were already getting into trouble.

"Yes, I can see that! The question is where and how?!"