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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[ 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.

[ His levity sobers at the talk of duty. True, the queen didn't receive a simple villain's end, for her desires were not born from pure evil but more from a twisted sense of responsibility. Many who wear the crown have done things that most would find unconscionable, for the sake of those they lead.

Like giving their son over as a foreign leader's possession. ]

You have more kindness and wisdom than your years would suggest, Hanamaru.

[ Sangaku catches the way the Emperor's lips form the slightest of smiles, and... that's good, isn't it? He's appreciating her skill. He's seeing what Sangaku's sees — the amazing person she is.

Then why does it start to gnaw at him from the inside? ]

And what of the angel the artist loved? Striving to be as perfect as she saw him...

I wonder, would he turn back to stone if her love ever wavered?

( she blinks, and laughs, though there's an uneasiness to it. she's not quite sure what that compliment means--it's a compliment, sure, but she's not sure she wants to be more mature than her years.

she thinks of her closest friend and her heart aches, before she lets out a shaky breath. his questions start to worry her, as if she's being tested. )

I think... that just because he was brought to life because of her love and kindness doesn't mean that he couldn't live a life of his own. If he would turn to stone, I think that would be his choice-zura.

But I don't think love ever truly goes away-zura--love isn't a well, it's a river. Wells run dry, but rivers change course. Even if her love became the love of a friend... it's still love.

[ A bittersweet sentiment, but not untrue. The Emperor is quiet for a moment, more of a considering silence than Sangaku's muddled thoughts. He lifts his head to sit straighter - ]

No artistic piece can speak for itself. Through discussion, yours has revealed greater beauty. Thank you for sharing it with... us.

[ He looks to Sangaku. ]

You may touch her now.

Huh... ? [ It is painfully obvious he wants to. The Emperor does not miss the way the boy's leaning slightly toward her, his fingers clenching into the blankets between them. ]

I've decided. I am not ready to retire for the night, and you have yet to show a reason for being here.

[ Impatience slips into his voice with a bit of terseness. Sangaku is even more bewildered, for a second, before it dawns on him that the Emperor still wants to be entertained. The realization is visible on his face and for not the first time, the Emperor notes what an expressive boy he is.

Sangaku looks to Hanamaru, for answers, for... consent? Of course he wants to kiss her again, but the Emperor's practically demanding it of him and watching them and... he's not sure how to feel about that. ]

( at first, those frank five words have her letting out a little gasp, her cheeks blushing and her fingers fiddling in her lap where they lay folded. maru doesn't stop there, glancing from the emperor to sangaku with a hesitant, confused expression. she swallows as the emperor explains, tucking her hair behind her ear again even though it's already pulled back at the back of her head.

she comes to the same realization, and ... she smiles. helplessly, really--

before she reaches to tug at his shirt, to tug him forwards, as if saying 'come on, then'. )

[ Her encouragement calls to the want in him and Sangaku begins to let his desire lead. He shifts his body, moves toward her as he leans in for a kiss. Their kisses up to now have been like drops of honey — so sweet, but small enough not to be overwhelming.

His kiss now is more than that almost friendly affection. Like passion freshly sparked he presses his lips to hers, and it feels too good for him to care that the Emperor is watching.

In the sense of that causing him hesitance, at least. He still knows he's there and can feel his eyes on him, but that only makes his heart beat harder. His lips move against Hanamaru's as his hand trails fingertips along her neck and into her hair. ]

( although she encourages it, hanamru couldn't be more terrified of their situation. she knows the most powerful man in her life is sitting right a few inches before them, and wonders if it's merely entertainment he wants, or for a reason to let them stay together. she hopes it's not like that.

still, she continues to press back, shifting from her polite nearly princess-like position to one where she can bend her leg over the bed, raising her hands to brace against sangaku's chest. she does not let him lead entirely, but instead tries to walk beside him, gently tilting her head down to brush her lips across his lower lip. the hand in her hair makes the quirk of her mouth curl and she lets out a sound that almost sounds like a delighted giggle, her heart feeling overwarm. )

[ He could just be weird. Sangaku, for one, would like to believe that and move on to how wonderful it is to feel her giggle. His fingers thread through her brown locks until they get caught where the strands start to gather together. He slips his hand out and indicates the decoration holding her hair back. ]

Can I take this out?

[ More like "I'm going to take this out". He's already doing so as he asks before setting it aside in the blankets. She doesn't need that extra decoration their dressers seemed to think the Emperor would like. Sangaku likes her hair better when it's down, anyway, with that natural little wave it has reaching for her collarbone.

He gently pulls a lock forward, over her shoulder, and just looks at her a moment as his hand drops to her side. Yes, she definitely looks better with less of His things on her. He wants to be closer than this, though, and tries to reposition. With his own legs bent under he scootches forward and spreads them some, kisses her jaw as he wraps his arm around Hanamaru to pull her toward him and urge her legs bent over his thighs.

The Emperor is not doing this just for kicks, but it is entertaining. Not unlike watching puppies play with each other. ]

( she doesn't mind, actually relaxing in his hold when her hair isn't pulled back and leaning forwards so it cascades down over her shoulders once more, smiling brightly. the muted little expressions she had during her story time are gone, replaced with bright effervescence and slight cheekiness.

she places her hand over his when his hand drops to the side, moving along with him as he repositions. being so near him like this has her heart beating all the faster, and she does hesitate--not because she doesn't want to be near him, but part of her fears the emperor telling them to stop--before she lets herself be pulled forwards, edging along to settle against him and smile. she can feel the edge of her skirt hiking up to show the ends of her thigh highs, but she doesn't press it back down, only pushing her hands into his hair to kiss him full-on.

her kiss reeks of sweetness and kindness, but there's fire there--like embers after incense, barely notable on the tip of the tongue.

she figures if the emperor wants a show, maybe she can turn the tides in sangaku's favor. )

[ A part of him fears them being separated too, and that brings out what might have taken a week or more to get to on his own time. Eventually he would have graduated from kissing and hand-holding but, ah... it doesn't matter that they're being prompted if he really does want this anyway. The looming threat has his arm twine possessively tight around her lower back, almost to the point of pulling her flush into his lap.

She coaxes a soft moan from him with that sweet burn of her kiss, the tender hands in his hair so different from the punishing grip he'd felt earlier. He can put the Emperor to the back of his mind when he throws himself into the deeper kiss, tasting her in full.

His free hand goes between them with an urge to touch more ( — an imperative, whether he thinks of it consciously or not — ), slipping up her front, gentle as it feels over her breast and fondles it.

There's the quiet noise of shifting in the blankets by the Emperor, just adjusting the way he sits. As unaffected as he looks, his expectant eyes haven't wandered from the two of them. ]

( hanamaru doesn't reject a bit of it, instead returning it in full as she kisses him back, tilts her head, curls falling against her exposed collarbone, legs bending over sangaku's legs a little tighter. her dress hikes a little higher, inch by inch, movement by movement, as if a tease from a burlesque show.

her hips press up against him, shifting her weight to actually sit in his lap--after all, she's nearly there, no reason to not go the distance--and she breaks to breathe, her cheeks still rosy as she takes a moment. with their lips parted, her moan flows more free and a little louder than pressed against his mouth. her face quickly goes from pleased to surprised and embarrassed, biting down on her lower lip even as her hands stay in his hair, drift down to the back of his neck and stroke gently there.

she forcibly doesn't pay the emperor any mind--better not to, or she'll be even more nervous. )

[ Cheeks similarly flushed pink, Sangaku lets out a little huff of laughter. ]

It feels good?

[ That's what it sounds like, with that moan of hers going right to his gut. He hopes he can make her feel good, get to hear more sounds like that. Sangaku bumps their foreheads together to help keep her focus here, between the two of them, as he feels her soft body through the clothing.

He should be more careful of his own attention, though. As he tips his head to the side in preparation to pepper some kisses to her cheek, he catches sight of their audience out the corner of his eye. It shouldn't matter. They can enjoy this even if it's what the Emperor wants, even if he's right there watching their every move, even if he too can see Hanamaru blush and hear her moan.

Sangaku does brush his lips to her cheek, but he also lifts his hand to sweep some hair aside and expose her neck. His mouth goes lower, parting lips against her skin to suck at it experimentally, tenderly.

The Emperor lifts his chin a bit and watches from under his lowered eyelids, but doesn't stop them. He doesn't need to. His presence is affecting them whether they want to believe it is or not. And really, the way the boy can't help but try to assert himself even when everything is stacked against him is almost adorable. ]

Y-yes. Zura.

( her arms wrap around him as he leans forwards to kiss at her neck, slender hands pressing against his back. )

Mm--!

( she squeezes her thighs together as best as she can, but of course it doesn't work when her legs are spread at either side of sangaku's torso. once those noises have been coaxed from her lips it's hard for her not to let them out, squirming against sangaku's lap as her head tilts back. she too can see the emperor right out of the corner of her eye and she finds her blood running hotter, somehow.

part of her wants this to be a success, so the emperor can see that sangaku, too, can entertain in more ways than one--but the same can't help but be wholly embarrassed. they're doing this in front of someone, and while she... she can't deny her attraction, it's so scandalous!

her hands slowly shift down his back as her eyes close, soothing, almost encouraging before she takes hold of the edge of his top, brushing her fingertips against his smooth skin. )

[ She needn't worry about that — the Emperor knows exactly what the boy is good for and where he belongs, much like he's decided where she belongs. They both have great potential; it's just a matter of where they fit.

He sees what the boy's doing before he does it though, knowing the way Sangaku lets his teeth graze and his mouth work a mark in is not only for the sake of the two of them, but an act of insubordination meant to be seen by the Emperor. As though he can truly claim anything here as his when it all belongs to their ruler. The recklessness is simultaneously amazing and utterly idiotic.

Sangaku doesn't think it through so far, only knowing that the way her legs clench and body rub against his makes him feel hot all over. He doesn't think twice before leaning back just enough to pull his vest off and leave his upper body bare. Is only following his beating heart and the urges to feel her even closer and better when his hands slip under her skirt, already hiked up so high. Gentle but deliberate, they grab and pull her to rub against what's very obvious in these soft pants. The stimulation yields a breathy noise from his throat, cheeks tinging darker in his almost shy expression. This is how good she's making him feel... ]

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Arabian Nights Meme

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