<div class="floatleft">(http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/5700000/Kingdom-Of-Heaven-kingdom-of-heaven-5751717-400-225.jpg)</div><hr/><strong>Name:</strong>Rashid<br/><strong>Race/Culture:</strong>Bedu<br/><strong>Location:</strong>The Thirteen Monkeys Coffee House<br/><strong>Day/Time:</strong>Yaus al-Niwt (Day of Houses), Amt (first month) of Alak Paret (Harvest Season), Mid-Morning<br/><strong>Tagged:</strong>Shazadi, open<br/><hr/><br/>The press of her lips against his hand was a soothing ointment spread over an open wound. As she held his hand to her chest, he let out a long breath, seeking to expel the tenseness and anger that roiled through him like a coiled serpent in search of prey. He had lived with danger all of his life, devoting himself to traveling across the most inhospitable expanse of land known to man, and never did fear enter into his heart. He faced death with a smile on his face and a laugh floating on the wind, hoping that the notes of his joy would linger long after his mortal body faded from this place. What was the point of living if all you did was try to ensure you kept doing so? Where was the joy in a life not explored? He would not hide away from the dangers that faced him, that was the cowardly act of the city dwellers, building their small fortresses and lining them with defenses as they locked away their treasures and peeked out the shutters of their windows in search of those who would steal what they had. No, death came for all, and he would face it in the open, with a clear and unfearful mind.<br/><br/>"There is nothing to forgive Shazadi. You are a friend who cared enough to wish to know what dangers threaten me. I know if there were a way for you to help that you would provide it, just as I will always be willing to race across the Dune Sea to come to your defense if ever you called." He said in a softer voice, his eyes still closed as he focused on his breathing, on the swirl of wind going in and out of his lungs. "We each are but traveling lights in a world of darkness, while the beauty of your flame draws admirers who ohh and ah at the dancing of your flame, my candle draws the ire of those who seek to remove the light, and hate it for the joy in it's simple dance. We each have our fate and our roles to play in this life, I do not regret for a moment the actions I have taken in this life. So if holding up my light and forcing the darkness back bears with it a price, well I shall pay that price when the tally comes due. But until then, my flame will dance a little longer, and I shall try to make it burn just a little brighter."<br/><br/>He opened his eyes with a smile once more as he brought himself back to his center, and sitting upright leaned down to press his forehead to hers in silent thanks for her presence, his hand gripping hers a little tighter for just a moment.<br/><br/>"Now jewel of the sands, let us not linger of dark memories, I intend to find joy in your company this day, in as many ways as possible." He declared, determined not to let threats on his life throw a dark pall over his day with this rare beauty.