a friend there in bloom

[Sir Aman-ud-Din Ghassan Sayyid]

a friend there in bloom
«..who knows now what may blossom in life..»

Aman-ud-Din- And the promise of a walk in the gardens would not go unheeded. He would take her up on that offer, and with him he would bring a guest. Tahirah loved the gardens, they were a place of flowers and beauty, a soft sport for the little princess. Aman-ud-Din chuckled as he held Tahirah's hand, the little girl grinning widely at the promise of a trip to the gardens, though with a guest. Dressed in the black robes, Aman-ud-Din entered the castle once more, holding the door open for Tahirah until she stepped inside and gave his large hand a squeeze. Smirking, the two made their way to the room which Danae was staying, since those of Avaria would be housed within the castle walls. Reaching the door, the tall Arab formed a fist, and knuckles knocked upon the door. Tahirah, shy as ever, steppened behind him, still holding his hand, and hid, peeking around curiously.

Danae Galanos- When Aman-ud-Din had given his permission for Danae to move about freely, the Grecian warrior wasted no time in doing so. Already she had been seen walking the hall and corridors of the castle. Exploring rooms where permitted and inquiring of those that were not. Simply to get familiar with the place as it began to look like they would be here a little longer. The dark haired woman of five foot seven was returning to her room when she saw a familiar form standing before it and with him a smaller one. She would smile as she closed the distance between them all. "Aman, it is good to see you again... and so soon at that." She looked down to the little girl with him. "And who is this beautiful little lady..hm?" She asked as her eyes meet with Aman's once more. "Is this your daughter?" Asking before either had a chance to answer. Danae was wearing very different clothing than what she was usually found in. Instead of the usual soft leather, muddy brown breeches , she wore black soft cotton ones. Instead of the usual beige long sleeve tunic, now was a off white long sleeve one. No discoloration, no stains and looked to be new. Her feet were not shoed within the usual ranger boots but that of sandals from her homeland. Hair was partially braided and rested down the center of that which was not bound.

Aman-ud-Din- Aman-ud-Din waited outside the door, thinking that she was within the room. How wrong he was, but he would never open the door to check, for that was an invasion of privacy. However, the sound of footfalls made his head turn, and the sight of Danae came to view, and he smiled warmly. He dipped his bearded chin reverently to the woman, and quickly, his eyes took in the attire that she had on, a sharp contrast to the day upon the shores. A pleasant contrast, though. ``Well, it is a beautiful day, and my little Desert Rose was anxious to see the flowers once more.`` He replied, turning chocolate, hued orbs down to Tahirah as she peeked around his leg, her other hand clutching a fistful of his long, riding rope, which was held closed about his frame by the black sash, and his ebony pants, tucked into black, leather boots. Tahirah blinked, staring up at the tall woman in silent wonder, but not saying a word. Strangers, she was timid of them, and Aman-ud-Din could not blame her. His daughter? He wished that he had a little girl of his own, or even a son. Alas, he had no children, but he loved Tahirah as if she was his own. ``This little gem is my Ward, Princess Tahirah Sahar Numa Abdul-Majid. Alas, I have no children of my own.`` He replied, doing well to mask the slight pain at the topic. Shaking it off with an inward sigh, he forced a half smile. ``It is good to see you once more..come, let us find peace within the gardens.`` Glancing back down to the girl still hiding behind his tall frame, he chuckled softly, and gave her little hand a light squeeze of assurance.

Danae Galanos- "I see... indeed a beautiful day it is." She said in agreement as her ice blue hues would shift from Aman to Tahirah. Danae would smile softly to the little girl and normally would have kneeled down to one knee so they were eye level and seen as an equal when first meeting. Danae knew how shy and timid children could be and to her it was important they felt comfortable at all times in all situations if possible. Today that would sadly have to be skipped as she did not yet want to strain her legs to soon after the recent wounds to them. Instead, Danae continued to smile and leaned over slightly, offering a hand. "Hello Tahiriah...I am Danae and it is very nice to meet you." She said before glancing back up to Aman and nodding when he spoke of walking to the gardens. Danae would wait a moment though to see if her greeting would be returned by the little girl and if not Danae would understand.

Aman-ud-Din- Large, brown eyes stared up at the new strange who introduced herself as Danae. What an odd name, and to show her thoughts, her nose wrinkled a bit and her brow arched. She had dark skin too, but more gold like Aman-ud-Din's, yet a tint of bronze like Anulia. How strange. For a moment she looked at the hand, conflicted if she should take it or not. Smirking a bit, she turned away and buried her face in the back of his legs and into the fabric of the cloak he wore. Aman-ud-Din chuckled softly, and turned his gaze to Danae. ``Do forgive her, she is not use to the meeting of strangers...`` He excused Tahirah's behavior, and Danae was not the first person to receive such, others had as well and in time, she would grow accustomed to the presence of her. With Tahirah's hand in his, he walked beside Danae, favouring the one leg over the other as he limped down the steps and towards the castle gardens. When they passed the doors and stepped outside, Tahirah was beaming and released his hand, dashing off to the cluster of roses. The Arab smiled and watched the little girl with a fond eye, hands coming around to clasp together behind his back.

Danae Galanos- Danae's smile would only widen, showing more of those perfectly well kept teeth. Cheeks rounding with the action and she looked back to Aman with a slight chuckle. Those pale blue eyes looked back toTahirah and Danae turned her head slighty as so she was looking to the little girl from the side. A teasing and playful grin given to her as she peeked from around Aman and Danae would straighten her stance. "It is okay Tahirah, I understand, these things take time." She said with a smile still. Children were one of Danae's weaknesses, always had been. The Grecian woman would then move along with both of them as they made their way down the hall and outside to the gardens. Once there, Danae closed her eyes inhaled deeply and grinned. How this woman loved the outdoors, it was the one place she always felt at home with no matter where she went. She would have to make it appoint to visit the nearby forest soon, that was where the woman's heart beat the proudest. When she opened her eyes, she caught the sight of the little girl dashing off and that had her chuckling softly. Without looking to Aman, she spoke. "She's beautiful.... life as a child is beautiful. Everything is so simple and innocent to them." She added as arms came to cross over her chest as her stance relaxed.

Aman-ud-Din- It was good to know that Danae understood the actions of Tahirah, and did not scorn the girl because of it. Tahirah was shy, timid, and rightfully wary of strangers, something that Aman-ud-Din was proud of. She could not be swindled so easily, and that was a comfort to him. He watched her stop at every flower and speak to it in her native tongue, petting them, and pausing to inhale and take in a deep breath, taking in the sweet and pleasant aroma of the flower. The smile never left his features as he stared at her, watching Tahirah with a careful eye. So many times he wished that Tahirah was his own daughter, but in many ways, she was like a niece to him, for Aman-ud-Din was a personal friend to the Sultan. But Tahirah was the youngest, and dearest to him because he had been near her since she was a newborn. ``She is as beautiful as her mother. They no know not the extent or the cruelties of the world that we do...not yet. That comes with growing up..unfortunately. She has a fondness for flowers...if it were up to her, we would be here every day.`` He answered, smiling softly.

Danae Galanos- Danae looked to Aman and she could see the admiration and love her had for the girl. That would have the features of Danae's face soften more and when he spoke, she nodded before looking back toTahirah. "There are many days I wish I were young again. To not know the things I know... to not have the images in my mind that I have." Danae's eyes stayed on the little girl. "To have that kind of peace again would be such a wonderful thing even if only for a short time." Danae looked back to Aman and smiled. "Nothing bad can come of spending many days in a garden full of flowers." She said with a jesting tone. Danae looked forward again and began to make her way further into the gardens, turning to look over her shoulder at Aman to see if he was following. Which Danae knew he would be, just giving him a chance to catch up with her if she had walked to far ahead by now.

Aman-ud-Din- His youthful days were not quite like those of Tahirah's. In fact, he had it harder and harsher than she did, but it made him a stronger, better person. He lived in the desert, but surrounded by the love of family and tribesmen. But even then he found amusement in his childhood and had some sort of fun with his brother and sisters. ``My childhood has come and gone, and when I remember those days, I am for a moment, young again...though even as a child, there were things that I knew that Tahirah does not. It was different growing up in the middle of the desert than in the splendid palace.`` Aman-ud-Din commented. He loved coming to the gardens, there was always peace and privacy to be found here. Indeed, nothing wrong could come of it, at least not at the moment. The tall Arab turned his eyes to Danae and he followed her, as she walked further into the gardens, slowed somewhat from the limp the shrapnel had caused him.

Danae Galanos- "I did not grow up within the walls of a palace, but my childhood was good despite my mother passed away at an early age. Even when my father and brother began to train me, those days were hard but I am glad for them." She said when Aman was by her side again. "And yes, it is true... even though my childhood was not as I may have liked, and the years after the times and events that occurred have made me who I am. From what I have been told, that is a good thing." She had to chuckle at that for many of her men had called her a cruel mistress. Training them, keeping them up on their skills, and being as blunt as possible and sometimes harsh but these things were needed and some of her men had come to thankful of it. Telling her that would not have her any other way. However, often they forgot she was not just a Commander, a Ranger, a Warrior but also a woman. Making things harder for her to do at times or coming to terms with things on others. Every now and then people would see a softer side of her but rarely, until recently given everything she had been through. Danae was one that could easily mask things and had done so for so long it was like second nature to her. The Grecian woman would only move again when Aman did seeing him limping reminded her of his injury and she would be considerate of him again.

Aman-ud-Din- What happened in one's younger days forged what went on in the years of adulthood. Danae's was different from Tahirah's, and his was different from the pair as well. Once before he thought that he would become a camel herder just like his father, but when his father passed away, a more stable occupation became a necessity. Both he and his brother needed to support their mother and sisters, for it was the man who looked after the women, or so it had always been. For women to be in active battle was strange even to him, but he respected it, for they defied tradition and what was typical of a woman. Not all were destined to be warriors, it truly depended upon what the Lord had in store, and what choice would be governed and heeded. ``They make us who we are, there is no doubt about that. The events that unfold dictate a response, and I can say that the past does indeed have some small hand in the future before us all.`` Aman-ud-Din added in agreement with what Danae had to say. Childhood did condition adulthood, and were truly the formidable years. Aman-ud-Din moved as fast as his limp and long legs could carry him, keeping his tall frame beside hers, since she was not trying to outrun him, which was a good things.

Danae Galanos- At first, Danae was going to be left behind in the care of those whom her mother was a house maiden for. When Danae learned this, she had pleaded with her brother and father not to, to take her with them and to be like them. She wanted to learn how to will a sword, live off the lands, be free from the normal duties and tasks the women of her people. Her father not liking it of course but reluctantly agreed as her brother had persuaded him. Not only did she prove herself worthy of the sword, but her father saw in her a skill she had taken too like a duck to water. That being the skill of archery...adding in the love of nature and respect for all living things, making it clear to him she was ready for more. Both men were amazed at how quickly and how well she did and knew they had made the right decision in bringing her along. When Aman walked, she would too and smiled to him as they moved forward. "I believe my brother and father would both be porud of me as well as my mother...even though I did not become a royal maiden like she had been." She said with a grin.

Aman-ud-Din- Cultures and values were best suited for the geography and the land that people lived upon. In the desert, there were strict rules, not to mention religion played a major part in the roles of men and women. Women were not so defenseless, but they certainly did not go off to war as she did. His views were his own, however, and her were hers as well. A parent should be proud of their child if they did what was right according to their will, and for that, Aman-ud-Din was near certain that they would be pleased with the strength that their daughter had. ``I do not doubt that. Not everyone is destined for a life of aristocracy, just as the same could be said not everyone is destined for a life of war. But, if you know what you want, then do not forsake yourself. You seem to be a woman with a good head upon your shoulders, that is enough for any parent to be proud of.`` He replied. Of course, her mother would object to the scares upon her body and worry about her, but such was the role of a parent: to care.

Danae Galanos- Danae would only nod with the words that came from Aman-ud-Din. Danae was relieved that she was here with him and could just enjoy simple talk of things that were, things that are and the things that could come. Here, there were no strings attached. No Maahes, no Peregrin... no jealousy fits to be had because she had spent time with one or the other. For once she could be a woman with a somewhat soft exterior and not worry about if who she was speaking with was working angles to gain her favor. It was a weight on her chest she had grown accustomed to and to have it lifted even for a short time was more relief than one could ever imagine. It was just nice to talk with a friend...or one that was in the making she felt.

[Sir Aman-ud-Din Ghassan Sayyid]

Aman-ud-Din- Sometimes it was good to simply speak of things in a colloquial manner, there was no pressure or terrible worry of the reaction that certain words would bring, especially if they involved the party members present. A third party view could he counted as a relief, a chance to get an opinion, a thought that perhaps did not cross the mind before. Aman-ud-Din did not claim himself to be the all wise one, he never would. There were things that he did not know of and things he was learning even more. It was rather pleasant to speak openly and without hesitation. The tall Arab smiled softly as his gaze turned to the rows of iris. So beautiful. It was no wonder Tahirah loved the gardens so much, Aman-ud-Din found himself out here more than not to have a moment of peace from the judgmental world. Almost, dare one say...a sanctuary. ``The gardens are a place that I can find sanctuary in...perhaps others will enjoy it as well. Though flowers and plant life cannot return a conversation, they are certainly wonder listeners and hardly judgmental.`` He commented, chocolate hued orbs turning back to Danae.

Danae Galanos- Hands came to clasp together behind her back as they walked and admired the many varieties of flowers and plant life. Those ice blue eyes watching the little girl as she ran and happily enjoy the surroundings. She had relaxed like never before in a very long time. Aman-ud-Din was easy to talk to and having Tahirah near also brought a sense of happiness to. It felt good to be able to expose a layer of yourself with the worry of what others would think when you did so. When Aman looked to Danae, his gaze would be met with her own as well as a soft smile. "I believe one is already finding it as you have." She replied back as in speaking of herself being that one that was doing so. "I know what you speak of. I feel the same way when I am deep within the forests. The beauty of life surrounding you without the harsh presence of angry or judgmental eyes. Without the whispers of talk behind your back..."She paused and turned her gaze forward again. "The only sounds to be had are those of the wind...the heart beat of the earth...the whispers of welcome and kindness from the trees. Saying to you, come to us without the worry of what others...tell us your worries and let us keep them here and become forever lost in the depths of our roots ."

Aman-ud-Din- Aman-ud-Din knew the importance of having a place to escape to, a place that one could venture to and have some small measure of peace. amidst the chaos of the world, those that did not make an effort to find a way of peace for themselves, they would find the world so much more horrible. All the world was not bad, but you had to look for goodness, lest you find all the bad and become overwhelmed by it. That was something that someone had to learn, it took him near thirty year to figure that out, and the task was not an easy one. ``I have learned that no matter where you go, people will talk behind your back. They will say what they will, and there is no hope to change it. Do not even bother to change it. Trust yourself and your own instincts, and there is no better place to listen in than that of wherever you deem sanctuary. The older you become, the smaller that place becomes, that peaceful place, but hold onto it, and do not let it go. And I hope the trees do not speak to me as such...for then I would know I have lost my sanity.`` He teased, musing softly as he chuckled and glanced to Tahirah, who was now talking and petting the primulas that had blossomed. Again, he chuckled and grinned.

Danae Galanos- "You speak truth...but I have no desire to try and change the minds of others on what they think or say of me. I only wish to let my ears get rest from it...even if only for a short time." Peace for Danae did not come often but those that lived by the warriors way knew this when they accepted that life. There was never any regret in that choice for Danae, she knew it was her destiny and surviving this long within it assuredly meant there was more for her have. The dark haired woman looked back to Aman-ud-Din and grinned when he teased about the trees really speaking. When he chuckled the second time, that would have Danae join him as the first had already triggered the air in her lungs with that tickle of release. The sound of laughter was a good thing, medicine that could hold no high price or be out done by anything else crafted from man alone. "They speak.. yes.. but in their own ways not like you and I." She said jesting lightly still.

Aman-ud-Din- Dark eyes shifted and rested upon Danae once more. A small, knowing smile rested upon his lips, curling the corners of his mouth upward. She had no idea just how glad he was to hear such intelligence come from her mouth. It took some people many, many years before they realized such a truth. People tried to change the ways of others or even what they said. To please everyone was an impossible feat that Aman-ud-Din did not try to accomplish anymore. ``Such wisdom from one so young. How refreshing.`` He commented aloud. Trees...if they could speak the common tongue that mundane uttered, Aman-ud-Din would truly question his sanity. What secrets they would have to tell. What would a tree have to talk about? Idle and improbably questions sometimes gave the mind a break from other, frustrating topic. Whimsical thoughts to stem the cumbersome conundrum of life. ``In their own way...yes. You are right. Between you and Anulia, I would not be surprise if the language of the woods was deciphered. You two seem to know what they say more than most.`` Which was not such a bad thing. Aman-ud-Din had respect for anyone that could have some sort of understanding for nature. Woodlands were something that the Arab was not use to, and still getting to know. However, with guides like Danae and Anulia, he would comprehend them yet.

Danae Galanos- Danae stared forward now when Aman had looked to her.Her profile was almost always one that showed a strong and prideful woman, knowing that not many other females could do what she did. Endure the pain that came with her life and live to survive it another day. However, Danae was also a woman that was not so foolish to let that pride be her downfall. She knew their were times to keep in intact and times to let it go, that's what made her such a different woman among so many. A different warrior among those that came and went like the wind. Perhaps her stubbornness could be accounted for and inherited by her father. Her strong will and determination to see things through learned from her brother. And in when giving her word, making a promise...both made it appoint to teach her to hold fast to it. For a man's word...or a woman's could and would define them. Danae looked back to Aman with a grin. "There is hope for you yet... " She teased. But both brows would arch as curiosity tugged at her mind. "Anulia? Who is she?" Danae asked, assuming that the name belonged to that of a female.

Aman-ud-Din- Everyone should have some sort or measure of pride, but an excessive amount of it could prove to be a fault and flaw, a flaw that everyone had. No one was perfect, that was an inevitable truth that could not be escaped. Aman-ud-Din was not the saint that so many made him out to be, he too had his own faults, but he tried to do better. He had been young and reckless once before, and that was when mistakes were more than likely to happen. Still, he was notnimmune to error, no matter how big or small. He himself had pride, and that pride he kept in clear check, lest it get the better of him. A grin. A smile. Such a sharp contrast to that frown he saw upon the beach, one that had been masked in pain. ``And who says that one cannot teach an old dog new tricks.`` The Arab mused, not minding jokes about his age, even though he was not so old and cripple. However, he was pushing past four decades, and had a few years on many here. He loved being older...he was more thoughtful and methodical now. His body thanked him for it at least. Age was natural, why fight it? Forgetting that she knew not Anulia, he nodded, and one hand moved from his back to stroke his dark, bearded chin. ``Anulia is a tender at Briar Rose. She has a love for the forest as you do, that was her home before she came to us in Skye. Her hair is dark like mine, her skin a few shades deeper than yours. A most clever woman who has a gift with nature. I am counting down the days before she trains a tree to talk back.`` He said, grinning. Waving off the thought, he limped beside her, ignoring the sparks of pain that went shooting up his leg. After walking so much, his injured leg was starting to protest the abuse.

Danae Galanos- The copper skinned Grecian woman could only nod and chuckle as he jested back wth her. This was good for her she thought as a self smile spread across her full lips.Her attention returned back to Aman then as he began to explain who Anulia was. Danae would give a shake of her head as she spoke back to give her response. " I am sorry, but I have yet to meet her its seems. The description you give does not fit any of those I have met thus far. Perhaps soon though that will change." Said with a nod and smile as small bit of a chuckle followed. Danae's thin dark brows rose as she again saw the limp and gave a frown when she looked back to him. "That looks to be painful.. perhaps we should sit a time and let your leg rest some?" She asked as those brows knitted together with concern.

Aman-ud-Din- This was a prime example of pride and just how it could change even the simplest of things. It whispered to him, baiting him to push on and continue to ignore the bound wound upon his leg. However, his body protested again and forewarned more damage than the shrapnel had already created. What to choose. Had he been young and brash, the choice would have been easy. Aman-ud-Din nodded lightly, and sighed softly. ``I think it would be very wise to sit for a bit. I hope you do not mind.`` He replied, not going too far into detail as to how 'painful' the damage had been. Eyes glanced about to the nearest bench, and spotting one, he motioned to it and slowly lowered his tall frame down upon the wooden structure. Again, he sighed in relief. Already his leg was thanking him, and the throbbing was starting to lessen a bit now that pressure had been yielded. Tahirah glanced over to see Aman-ud-Din sitting down, but said nothing. Instead, she move to the large oak tree and began talking to it, obvious influence of Anulia it seemed. Leaning back into the bench, he smiled softly.

Danae Galanos- Seeing he hesitated with an out right reply and only gave one moments later, Danae would nod in agreement with him before adding to it. "I think it would do us both a bit of good. I know I should not over do it myself so soon." The words accompanied by a firm nod and then looking to Aman with a silly grin. "Of course I would not mind..." Said to him as they moved to the bench he gestured to. After he sat, only then would Danae do the same as she too looked to Tahirah. Seeing the little girl speaking to the tree, Danae could only grin. "Perhaps speaking with the trees is only gifted to women?" She asked with a single dark brow cokeed and eyes slowly cutting to Aman with an amused look on her face. Her grin shifted into a full smile, showing the pearly white teeth that complimented the dark copper skin of the Ranger.

Aman-ud-Din- Good, now they both had reason to sit down and pause in their journey through the gardens. Now, Aman-ud-Din would not feel so alone in his need to take a pause, or so handicapped. He wanted her to enjoy the gardens as much as he did, and the Arab could only home that this small pause on the bench did not take away from her enjoyment. Tahirah hugged the tree and giggled. ``Tahirah has been spending much time with Anulia..her gift for speaking with trees and all things floral did not come from me. I suppose that is a trait among women.`` He replied, chuckling as he watched the little princess play and seemingly in her own little world.

Danae Galanos- "As I said... a gift given among women alone it seems." Danae could not but help keep the smile as her gaze shifted from Aman to Tahirah. When the little girl glanced their way, Danae would let her hand lift and joined fingers bent repeatedly in a shy and playful wave to her. There was no need for Aman to feel so handicapped, as all people that received injuries needed time to heal. It was just some that wished the process did not take so long, before more could be added. However, people learned to accept things as they were and change them if they could, this being one that could not and perhaps that was a good thing. For when one was healing, it made the person slow down. Doing that meant rest and rest was something many tended to deny themselves of, the Commander being a prime example of that.

Aman-ud-Din- Indeed, a gift among women, that maternal instinct that they had and one that men did not acquire. Tahirah loved flowers, she always had a love for them, especially roses. It was how she got her name, the Desert Rose, from her loyal guardian Aman-ud-Din. Brown eyes turned to the woman called Danae, and seeing the wave, she smiled bashfully and hid behind the tree, hugging the tall plant close and peeked around the bark. Aman-ud-Din chuckled. She would grow accustomed to Danae's company, it would simply take time, this was their first meeting after tall. ``So it does seem. You are right.`` He nodded, leaning back more into the bench and closing his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath, and with it, the aroma of many flowers.

Danae Galanos- The hand of the Grecian woman would lower only for her body to rise. The woman chuckled softly at the little girls antics and then turned to face Aman-ud-Din. She hated to leave but the stitches were beginning to itch again and though it was a good sign proving the wounds were healing, applying the salve Aislin provided would be the only way to find relief. "I am sorry Aman-ud-Din, but I must go. There are some things I need to see to but know I have found much enjoyment with our visit here in the gardens with the company of you and Tahirah. I look forward to more." The Grecian woman would say as she would nod to him and then do the same to Tahirah before eyes settled on the Arab once more, awaiting him to take his turn to give his response.

Aman-ud-Din- An eye cracked open and turned to Danae. He understood that she had to go, and would not keep her longer than she needed to be. To have her company at all was a joy, and even though Tahirah was still getting use to the woman, the potential addition of a friend was something that not even the shy child could pass up. Soon, both eyes opened and he turned to Danae. With her words, he gave a short nod. ``Of course, I will not keep you longer than need be. Agreed, it was a pleasant trip, and both Tahirah and I hope to be graced with your company in the near future.`` He said with a smile. For the moment, he would stay here in the gardens, unable to take Tahirah away from the flowers just yet.

Danae Galanos- Danae would only continue to smile and nod before finally taking her leave. The itching seem to be growing worse by the minute and quickly she would hurry back to her room. Finding a nurse along the way and asking her help in the task that would need to be performed.

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