bakerstreet | Arabian Nights Meme

Arabian Nights Meme

Scheherazade / Harem Shipping Meme
Straight out of the Arabian Nights, or any variety of the spin-offs and spoofs since, in a beautiful and fantastical realm of magic and djinn. You may be the great ruler, prince, or sultana of the realm, or you may be the tribute, captive, or arranged marriage spouse brought before that ruler.

Scenarios:
1. Arranged Marriage - You’re both royals or nobles of some variety, but one of you has been sent far from home to be wedded to a stranger in a foreign land.
2. Ambition - You’re just one beauty in a harem of dozens—or hundreds—but you’re determined to stand out, to earn the exclusive attention of the ruler, and to take your place by their side as the ruler of this land.
3. Scheherazade - One night with the king (or queen). Perhaps your one-night spouse had their heart broken, like in the story. Perhaps they’re simply a monster, or they have other motives. They may kill you in the morning, unless you can convince them to delay, by at least one more day.
4. Tribute - Perhaps your land was conquered, or perhaps you’ve been sent here to secure an alliance. Either way, this wasn’t your idea, and you aren’t particularly happy about it.
5. Within the Harem - Both characters are residents of the harem. You hardly see the ruler, and they don’t matter. What does matter is the friendship—or love—that you have found within the harem, and, possibly, your plans for escape.
6. Outside the Harem - You’ve fallen in love with someone you shouldn’t. A guard, a servant, or someone outside the palace entirely. But in order to be with them, you’re going to have to break all the rules.
7. Arabian Nights - Wildcard scenario, play any elements from the Arabian Nights that you please. Magic carpets, powerful djinn, curses and treasure!

How to play:
-Post with your character, preferred role (ruler, harem, other), and any other relevant info
-Reply to others. Use RNG or choose your favourite scenario!

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( she wrings her hands silently as the guard and sangaku speak, worried and unsure. while it is true, she doesn't want to let him take all the blame. she agreed, after all!

anxiety seems to fade as soon as the guard speaks to her specifically, her wringing hands stilling. )

Me?

( she echoes softly, her brows furrowed. ah, maybe just...? oh, she's sure it can't be anything serious, maybe he wanted her to recount a tale or something. her hands fist in her long skirt nevertheless, and she silently nods. she's far more worried about sangaku, and it shows in the way she peers at him, concerned. she doesn't flinch when the guard calls the crowns ridiculous--she will never find her traditions ridiculous--but she reaches out to grasp his hand gently. )

Of course, sir.

[ There's slight surprise when he feels her grasp, before Sangaku then squeezes her hand both seeking and giving comfort.

The guard highly doubts the boy's ability to be punctual and addresses Hanamaru once more. ]

Right, well... make sure to keep him on task. After supper, it's straight into the baths before the servants dress you.

[ And with that, he turns and stalks off back to the harem building.

Sangaku doesn't speak for a long moment as he leans against her side, twining their arms. He's worried for himself, though he's honestly been trying to stay under the radar more and not too obviously break any rules. He's more worried for her, being alone with that man. ]

Mm.

( she nodded to him meekly and then returned her gaze to sangaku, her free hand going to cradle the inside of his elbow against her, pulling him closer. she smiles gently and gives him a soft kiss back, lips chastely brushing against his. )

You haven't done anything wrong-zura. Nothing will happen, I'm sure of it.

[ The anxiety he feels lifts with her kiss, and the idea that maybe it'll all be fine. He'll just get a bit of scolding most likely, and Hanamaru will only be asked for a story to see the Emperor to sleep. That's all. ]

Thank you. [ For being strong, for knowing what to say. He nuzzles her playfully. ] You're right!

I bet the Emperor's finally heard how well you can tell a story~

[ Many members are eager and vocal about boasting of their skills in hope of receiving his Highness' favor, but gossip also reaches his ears. Sangaku breaks away from her, stretching his arms up before crouching down to take his crown off to set in the grass. ]

( she hesitated, and then-- )

I'll keep mine. So I won't forget about this. I have a tiny vase-zura!

( her smile widens. )

I'll tell him a story, and then I'll tell you one. When I come back after.

Then I'll definitely stay up to wait for you!

[ He stands and slips his hand around hers to hold as they start back for the building. His gait is slower this time, less eager to return than he was to lead her outside. ]

( dutifully, after dinner, she tugs sangaku along to the baths. her flowers settle in their tiny little vase [she made it herself!] and she's left her spot in the harem room nice and neat for when she returns.

because she's certain she'll return after a story. that's all he wants, she's certain.

she's the first out after drying herself off, with the servants waiting to help her into dress. at first she isn't surprised when they hold up sheer fabric--she usually wears stockings, after all--but she realizes quickly that these stop right at the middle of her thigh, and red blooms over her face.

she waits, glancing back towards the bathrooms. he's coming out soon, isn't he? did he finish even before her and was already on his way? maru hopes dearly that she's wrong in that respect. )

[ He's still there, just with less compunctions about dawdling a bit, glancing at himself in the mirror. Even if he's only to see the Emperor briefly, Sangaku is still a member of the harem and is to be dressed for his eyes. Which means, well... The loose pants he's given are normal, at least, and actually pretty comfortable! He's usually fine showing skin too, and would be alright with the small vest he wears on top, if it weren't for who's supposed to be seeing it.

Once he exits, Sangaku halts at the sight of Hanamaru. He just can't help how the new clothes draw his eyes, before he lifts them to hers. A bit sheepishly, he greets her. ]

Um. Hey...

[ Just a story. That's all the Emperor will want from her.

Sangaku swallows his doubt, offering a hand for her to take. ]

Shall we?

[ There's a servant waiting to lead them to the Emperor's chambers. ]

( these are not her long skirts, these are not her flowing dresses. dressed in white and gold, hanamaru approaches sangaku with a perturbed and bashful expression. the skirt is short, giving a few inches between the end of her thigh highs where pale skin can be seen, and the shoes are petite and simple, even if the dress itself looks very carefully made, the front of her hair drawn back so her slender neck and shoulders are more visible.

she wrings her hands together as she looks at him.

she's not sure who she's more worried for, because looking at him, she feels a flutter in her chest and she almost feels like saying no, i don't want him to see you.

she can't say that, so she instead nods, curled hair brushing her shoulders and taking his hand, stepping down carefully. )

Thank you-zura.

[ He stays close beside her as they're led along. The servant stops them before entering the room by herself to announce them, and Sangaku's hand holds Hanamaru's tighter.

They can enter, the servant says, seeing them inside before shutting the door as she excuses herself.

The Emperor is there, his figure standing tall and as imposing as ever. His golden hair is combed back, chin-length and giving the impression of a lion's mane. His eyes are a dark, fiery amber and currently, looking over the two youths in assessment.

Sangaku knows, he shouldn't toe the line but stay as far inside it as possible. He knows what may befall him if he doesn't behave and he knows why he's here, in the harem. But what makes him most willing to bow now is the girl beside him, and how he doesn't want his own actions to hurt her. Without letting go of her hand, he bends at the waist, lowers his eyes. ]

Good evening, your Majesty.

[ And then peers up at him with a sweet smile. ]

It feels like it's been so long since I had the pleasure~

[ He can be charming when he wants. ]

( and like sangaku, she curtsies, curls falling over her shoulders as she does so without complaint. she hasn't seen the emperor, herself, since she'd been taken away. not for long moments, anyway; she'd been asked to appear at a dinner or dance for him with other harem members after a long month of managing the nation. sometimes, since her old life had her belting hymns and religious songs, she would be asked to lend her voice to soothe, but often called away after.

she expects nothing more, now. she wants to go back to the room with sangaku and maybe kiss him again. )

Good evening, your Majesty. ( she speaks along with sangaku, and her trembling hand grips his a little as she lifts her chin and tries to feel strong. )

It's so nice to see you again.

[ The Emperor speaks and his voice is low, deep. Like the far off rumble of thunder. ]

As it is you.

[ He's normally a calm man, sometimes unnervingly so, and now his expression betrays nothing. He approaches them instead of asking them closer, and Sangaku feels a chill up his back. Even more unsettling is when he sees the man step toward Hanamaru first, his hand shaking a little when he sees him reach toward her...

It's only to touch her hair, fingers running down through the strands before coming to cup her cheek, a confident tone of Mine within his actions and the gaze he levels down at her. It really is nice to see his treasures and get to know them individually. The Emperor knows each one by name and face and much more, given time. ]

My precious flower... I've heard you've been a good girl. Is that true?

[ Sangaku doesn't mean to hold on to her hand as tightly as does. ]

( she swallows a little when he approaches, a gentle fluster in her body--she shifts her weight to one hip, one leg bent behind her like she might step back in fear. hanamaru isn't easily startled or scared, but if there's one thing that could make her uneasy and afraid, it's the presence of the one man who had turned her life completely upside down.

part of her is reasonably sure he's... a nice man...? after all, he's not being cruel--he's housing, clothing, feeding them--so while she's uncomfortable, she knows somewhere in the back of her mind she shouldn't be scared.

but she is, and she's so thankful for sangaku's presence. even as the emperor's fingertips brush through her hair, as he cups her cheek, she feels... safer, with his grip on her hand. maru gives a soft exhale as she peers up at him through heavy brown lashes. )

I-I think so-zura.

[ While his person doesn't exactly give off warm fluffy vibes his actions as Emperor say a lot — say exactly what he wants them to. He's a rather magnanimous figure, to most. ]

Good to hear.

[ Sangaku lets out the breath he'd been holding when that hand falls away from Hanamaru. Even when the Emperor moves to him instead, reaching for him the same way, he feels much less on edge than when the man's attention was on her. ]

And my little bird...

[ Which makes it worse when the fingers threading into his blue hair veer upward instead of down, snagging into it and yanking Sangaku's head back to force him into looking up at the Emperor. He gasps at the surprise of pain, eyes wide with a touch of panic.

The Emperor's expression and voice hardly change at all. ]

I've heard you might need a leash. Is that true as well?

[ On reflex, Sangaku tries to shake his head and only makes the hold at his hair tug more harshly, a whine coming unbidden from his throat. He re-positions his feet for balance and holds onto Hanamaru like a lifeline. ]

No! I- I'm staying. I promise!

( while he might feel less on edge, hanamaru's concern and anxiety only compound all over again, watching with wary eyes, biting her lower lip. a sharp gasp passes her lips as he pulls his hair, even when she knows she probably shouldn't be responding--she grabs his hand with both of hers, trying to comfort him as her thumbs brush against his skin.

she sees that flicker of panic in his eyes, hears that whine, and hunches her shoulders, unable to keep from feeling horrible.

her breath shudders before she speaks--her voice even and gentle, but somehow strong and unwavering. )

Your Majesty, he's the most beautiful when he's flying-zura. If you leashed him, I think... you wouldn't see how wonderful he is, and how kind.

[ Without releasing the boy he turns his head, eyes analyzing her. At the same time Sangaku's look over imploringly, both desperately wanting help and wanting her to keep quiet and safe. ]

I do not forbid him from flying, so long as it is within the bounds he's been given. You agreed, did you not?

[ He looks to Sangaku and the boy doesn't reply, his silence and more steadied expression serving as answer enough. He'd already agreed back when his parents handed him over, the quiet exchange of their son as hostage for the sake of their nation, by all outside appearances still happy and independent alongside the ever so kind empire.

Crowns are heavy. No better than shackles, really.

The Emperor releases him and Sangaku's head falls to a normal position, body immediately turning more toward Hanamaru as his other hand comes to hers. ]

He only needed a gentle reminder. I trust that he knows what a terrible thing it would be to fly too far.

Yes... [ He knows. He hasn't said anything about it, but can feel the fate of so many lives upon him even as he goes through the idyllic, carefree life as a part of the harem. ] I'm sorry.

You may leave now. Hanamaru, come here.

[ The Emperor makes a small gesture with his hand as he heads back to his large bed. He's decided he's done with the boy, but Sangaku makes no move to leave, and in the seconds after is reluctant to even let his hold on Hanamaru go. ]

( something gnaws at her--mounting concern for him, craving to hold him, to comfort him. even if he's agreed, there's something that screams at her, something yelling at her--wrong! wrong! part of her, in good faith, is pained to just let him leave. she doesn't want him to leave.

that imploring look from him somehow haunts her more than the emperor's words. there's no way hanamaru could've known of the truth behind sangaku's true lineage, not with how sheltered and how her studies had specified knowing religion and tradition above all.

her stomach flutters, his warm hand over hers making her hesitate, wanting her to stay behind. she feels too exposed like this, but she's afraid of earning sangaku ire if she doesn't follow orders... so she breathes in slowly, and leans in to kiss his cheek, and smiles for him. )

Wait for me-zura. Like you said you would.

( and she means to step away, knowing her own shackles bind her to this. a story may be all that is given tonight, but she can't be sure, and it's nerve-wracking nonetheless. she may once have been a girl of the cloth, but that's been stripped away; now she's dripping finery and jewels alike with the same poise.

she only pauses when she realizes he's still standing, and hesitates herself. )

[ Though touched by her courage, he can't quite bring himself to smile back at her. Not when he knows that appearances can deceive, and that the almost fatherly figure of the Emperor is a construct.

No one was supposed to know who Sangaku was, not if that image was to be maintained. He hardly needs to hide, when no one recognizes the youngest prince from some obscure kingdom. But though few know, there are many lives that rely on Sangaku's ability to stay obedient. He cares for them, of course, but he also cares for the one life in front of him...

And like hell will he leave her alone with that man. He leans in and kisses her in return, shaking his head with an apologetic look. Before pulling away, he gives an answer just for her ears. ]

I can't. [ And then raises his voice to normal as he lets go of her hand, taking a step forward. ]

Your Majesty!

[ The Emperor turns back, a brow slightly arched. ]

If you'll have me, I'd like to stay a little longer.

... I have no further need for you. Hanamaru is to tell me a tale and then I will retire.

Please! [ He thinks, desperately, of what to say to make him change his mind. ] I... want to show you, I know my place. I know I belong beside you!

[ The man looks from Sangaku to Hanamaru, contemplating the request. It's hard to miss the way they touch each other, look to each other, their wide-eyed naïvety. How cute. He must admit to some... curiosity. ]

If you'll be so stubborn... Very well. You may stay, for now.

[ The Emperor goes to recline back on the luxurious blankets and pillows propped by his headboard. Sangaku looks back to Hanamaru, smiling brighter for the hope he feels, and takes her hand to go sit on the bed as well. ]

( can't?

her eyes widen, and she quickly looks towards the emperor with a tenseness in her body. she feels somewhat better--he did just call her for a tale, she can't be more relieved--but she hesitates when he asks to stay, to show his place.

hanamaru's fingers brush against his arm as he goes past her, while she stays still. yet, she's quick to walk after him, briskly, bouncing on her tiptoes. he's there with her--she doesn't feel as afraid as she did before, her heart pausing in its incessant, frantic beating. )

Thank you, your Majesty. ( she speaks softly, and settles on the edge of the bed after smoothing the soft cloth underneath her politely. ) What kind of tale would you like to hear-zura?

[ Even if it is just a story, Sangaku feels infinitely better for not being turned away and being able to stay with her. Not to mention just the opportunity to hear a tale from her.

He sits beside her less daintily, his legs open and crossed, and doesn't seem to care about the pair of eyes on them save for the fact that he's prudently remaining silent. He sticks close to Hanamaru, his gaze and gentle smile toward her.

The Emperor props an elbow up and leans his head against the knuckles of his hand, mulling over the options. ]

Let's have... something light. A love story.

Love?

( her cheeks flush a little, hand drawn towards her lips in surprise. it seems like something so mundane for the emperor to want! he has his pick of the harem, after all... why would he need a story?

yet, she doesn't question it any further and furrows a brow, thinking as her eyes close and her hand fists over her chest as she tries to pick just the right story to tell. when she realizes which one, she smiles and straightens, lacing her hands together in her lap. )

On a wildly stormy night, this tale begins...

( with ever a vivid imagination, hanamaru wastes absolutely no time weaving an exquisite tale; a tale of a statue and the tireless artist. the artist, working on commission from the queen, wishes for the possibility to find love, aches for it, but can't do a thing. the queen asks for too much--for a sculpture here, an elaborate face there, the poor artist is run ragged and although she yearns for true love, she will never find it in the bottom of her paint cans.

the queen asks one day if the artist will sculpt her the perfect man, exhausted after another evening of suitors coming in and out of her castle. the artist daydreams of who she would love, of someone to come and sweep her off of her feet, and she spends three days painstakingly chipping away at marble to bring this statue to life. it's delivered to the queen, and the queen loathes it, declaring that this statue of a commoner is completely unfit to be the perfect man for her. she demands the artist make another statue, leaving her bared soul broken. in the night, she kisses the statue, insistent that he is perfect as he is, but regrettably going to start yet another statue. the artist makes several statues to no avail, the queen demanding a better statue, a different one.

finally, after months, she makes the statue the queen wants, and pleased with this one, she orders the other statues to be broken. aghast over all of her hard work, the artist throws herself in front of the first statue, the one she bared her heart and soul to--and finds that she's being protected as well. the statue becomes an ethereal angel, brought to life by her ceaseless love and kindness, and immediately the queen apologizes, trying to sympathize with it, for the angel to shun her and instead genuflect before the artist. he expresses his love for the artist, swears to be 'perfect' in her eyes, for her to say he is perfect as he is. they kiss, and he carries her into the skies for a happily ever after. )

[ Sangaku doesn't read much. Something about sitting still and trying to take in second-hand accounts or dry explanations puts him to sleep. But now, he has no trouble paying attention to the tale Hanamaru tells. His expression falls at the description of the artist's efforts spurned. It lifts at the courage she shows for her own hopes of love, and that magical moment where her love takes on a life of its own. Surely nothing so fantastical could happen in the real world, but still it fills him with wonder.

Even the stone-faced Emperor seems affected by her words, his eyes softening just a bit. It is a sweet story, to be sure. The kind of fairytale for those introverted, patient little girls to tell them that one day, their angel will come to sweep them off their feet and take them away from their old life. He sees past the magical trimmings of the narrative and still he knows, things like that seldom happen in the real world. ]

... A well-told tale. As expected, you have great talent.

[ His deep voice grants her praise and Sangaku smiles with pride, that she should be recognized by the highest power in the land who has no doubt heard many stories. ]

What do you think of the queen?

[ The Emperor asks Hanamaru, mainly, looking only to the boy when Sangaku gives him a confused glance. ]

( she beams, her stomach fluttering with delight at the praise. most definitely, it's so nice to be known for something as exquisite as forming a world within a world. the question was one she expected, by the way she promptly speaks. she hoped one day to be a writer, after all--she does know her own story inside and out. )

She yearns for love too-zura, but because she couldn't accept any flaws she couldn't find it in anything but a statue. It's a lesson to not demand perfection of love... because no person or love is perfect.

But it may be perfect for someone.

[ The Emperor nods with her explanation and Sangaku tilts his head. He didn't think of it that way and hearing it like that... it's kind of sad for the queen, to have such a closed mind. Sangaku speaks without thinking to hold his tongue and luckily, the Emperor doesn't seem to mind his inclusion in the discussion. ]

Ah, I get it now. And that one statue, he was perfect because the artist loved him?

He was perfect for her. [ For her and for her. ] Though objective perfection does not exist. The queen's search was misguided... not even the statue she had accepted could have truly been a perfect partner.

Mm, well... it'd be hard to be a good king if you weren't alive.

[ The Emperor gives him a dry look with just his eyes, making him shut his lips on a silent smile. Admittedly, the boy feels more at ease about the situation after being treated to Hanamaru's tale and the Emperor's apparent contentment. ]

Do you think the queen had her reasons?

( there's a pause, as maru tilts her head down, he honey eyes lidded heavily. )

I think... a crown is a heavy burden to bear-zura. To be in charge of a country you care for, you want the best for it... so searching for someone who was perfect in every way seems like it would be the best for the nation and for her.

( but in the end, she shakes her head. maru knows her looks are deceiving, even when she has her head stuck in a book--she's more shrewd than she lets on. )

She had her reasons-zura. I think if she really didn't, she would've been punished, but she wasn't. That gives me hope she can learn from her actions.

Arabian Nights Meme

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