Fantasy Escape from Caraban - [Closed]

[ohstardust]

Nasima could instantly tell by the servant's body language and tone of voice that she felt guilty of her actions. She was forced into the situation, not out of greed but rather the safety of her family. The princess could not blame Hasia, she as not entirely sure how she would react if the positions were reversed. Nasi would do anything and everything to protect her loved ones, especially Ali and her unborn child. Although the pregnancy was still raw, through the recent events, the brunette was eager to protect her offspring as best as she could. She had already developed her mothering instincts.

Standing up from the bed, the princess frowns as the servant sinks to her knees. She felt sympathetic for the servant, regardless of her betrayal. She was prepared to be angered but she was saddened. There was no need to make the maid feel more guilt than she already held. Currently, she had the awaiting death of Ali and the unpredictable future of the princess and her unborn child hovering over her head.

Watching Hasia carefully, the young woman witnesses her lower the key among the table. It was her escape out of the chambers, a gesture to escape the palace as quickly as she could. Remaining silent, Nasima walks over to the table and picks up the silver piece, holding it tight in her hand. Although it would not open Ali's cell, it would able her to get close and attempt to find a solution. The late Sultan's daughter was used to her lover figuring out the faults and finding the next course of action, it was her opportunity to show she was capable of the same performance.

Thinking for a brief moment, Nasima heads to the door and grabs Hasia's wrist with her spare hand. "Exchange clothing," she whispers quickly, in-case the guards were able to hear her commands. With her elegant silk pieces, her identity was clear to all. Nasima was unsure who had sided with Mahir and it was better to be safe than sorry. The change would enable the princess to fit a servant''s appearance and able to walk through the palace grounds without drawing attention. "Please," Nasima continues, removing her grip of the maid's wrist. It was the lest she could do after the unlawful betrayal. Hasia had to give the small opportunity of saving her loved one and escaping from Mahir's power, even if that meant fleeing the homeland and heading to the darkest parts of Caraban.

 

[Owl Knight]

Hasia watched her mistress, uncertainly. The risks were great, even if Nasima was able to fool the guards into thinking she was a handmaid, t spring Ali from the dungeon would be a great challenge. But she knew it was the least that she could do for her betrayal.

She quickly began to strip off her gown and headscarf.

"Keep your eyes lowered," she whispered. "Say little and move slowly." Once she had fully disrobed and handed the garments to Nasima, she picked up the key. "I will leave when the guard changes." She looked to the floor, her arms wrapped around her bare form. "Can you ever forgive my weakness?"

 

[ohstardust]

Once Hasia begins to follow her orders, the princess begins to remove her own clothing and prepares to swap. Nasima was generally running on adrenaline, desperate to find an escape for herself and her loved ones. It was only a matter oh ours till Ali's execution was called, Nasima had to act rapidly and sufficiently.

Placing her clothing among the bed, Nasima takes the servant's gown and veil before quickly puts them upon her body. She listens carefully at the maid's advice. Although she was hesitate to listen at the start, Nasi knew that Hasia felt an enormous amount of guilt. In attempt to apologise to her superior, she was putting her life on line in attempt to support the princess' escape. Once finishing getting dressed, she places the veil over her face and catches a glimpse of her appearance in the mirror. Eyes lowered, remain little and move slowly. Following this advice and she had a slim chance of making it to the dungeons.

Returning her attention back to Hasia, the brunette watches her closed body language. She looked fragile and timid. Her last comment caused Nasima's gut to twist. It was terribly difficult to forgive, especially bringing her lover hours before his death, preventing the princess from gaining her inheritance crown along with an unknown future for her unborn child. However, her family was threatened. She had to protect her own before thinking of anyone else's. "Secure my mother and siblings' health and safety, make sure they know what has occurred," she responds, gesturing that once this was complete, the pair would be even. There would be no harsh feelings towards the royal and the servant.

 

[Owl Knight]

Ali sat in the darkness of the cell trying to count the seconds and minutes as they crawled interminably by. He no longer knew if he had been in the room for minutes or hours. His only means of following the time as it slid by was the ever so slight sift of the night sky from deep black to blue and to violet.

He couldn't bear to close his eyes, lest he should sleep and the evening should pass him by. He rose and once again paced the length of his cell. The walls were old, as old as the very bones of the palace. The stones were packed with aging mortar which scraped and crumbled under his fingertips. He began to work his way around and around the cell, poking and prodding for some kind of weakness in the stones. Even one loose rock could serve as a means of defense or escape. For some time, his search proved fruitless and his finger tips grew raw with his desperate attempts to pry any stone loose from the wall.

He paused in his search, frustrated and tired. He pounded a fist against the unyielding stones and felt, with a thrill of hope, however faint, a single stone budge under the force of the blow. Renewed, he set about poking and prodding at the stones around the one that had shifted. They were immovable, firmly set in place. However, the stone he had struck continued to wiggle under pressure and the aging mortar around it crumbled and fell away as he worked at it with his fingers.

As he worked, he held the image of Nasima in his mind. He pictured the uncertainty and curiosity in her eyes on the day they had first met, the glow of her sleeping face in the lamplight on the first night they had spent together in the hay loft, the way her eyes danced when she laughed at one of his jokes. His fingertips were cracked and numb, the mortar congealing with the thick blood as the first violet fingers of dawn crept into the cell.

The rock came loose.

It tumbled to the floor of the cell in a rain of grit and pebbles. Ali stared into the hole left behind and frowned when he saw another layer of thick packed stone beyond it. The stones around the hole were firm and he could not move them.

He was disappointed, but he knew it was a long shot. No matter, he had what he needed. When the guards came to take him, he would be ready with a weapon. If he was very lucky, perhaps he could fight them off and escape. It was a long shot, but dawn was approaching and he refused to wait for his death sitting down if there was a slim chance of escape and reunion with his love and their child.

He hefted the stone between his cracked hands and took a post by the door, watching the light creep into the night sky and waiting for whoever would come through the door.

 

[ohstardust]

Taking a deep breath, the princess attempts to compose herself. She could not let her cover fail. This was her only and last chance to escape the new darkness of the palace, attempt to free her lover before fleeing to the outskirts of Caraban. Heading over to the door, Nasima adjusts her veil carefully, making sure the fabric covered the majority of he facial features.Placing her hand upon the doorknob, she turns around one last time to Hasia whose guilt still plastered her face. "Farewell, Hasia," she says quietly before opening the door and closely behind her.

Immediately remembering the advice, moves her gaze down towards the floor before slowly heading out of the chamber and down the hall. Noticing the guards, she nods a simply greeting before continuing out of their sight. Nasima was not entirely knowledgeable to the location of the dungeons. She knew it was far underground, beyond the depths of the servant quarters but with the palace built similar to a maze, she had to decide on the correct route.

Nasima quickly realised the necessary path would lead from the servant's quarters. She had never seen or embraced the many criminals who were brought through the palace to be secured in the large cells. They were hidden, prevented from royal sights. Keeping her body language timid and weak, the brunette headed towards the staff level. The risk of now getting noticed were limited. With her identity covered, it was likely, if anyone was already awake, that they would assume she was not anyone other than her favoured maid. She just hoped desperately, that nobody asked her questions nor wondered why she was heading towards the blocked dungeon cells. The princess was unsure what would meet her once arriving. Would she have a free route of assisting Ali's escape or perhaps the guards were commanded to wait outside his cell door to prevent any unwanted guests? Regardless of the threats, Nasima continued, finally arriving at the servant quarters just before the large dungeons.

 

[Owl Knight]

Ali pressed his ear to the door, listening for any sign of life or movement outside of the walls of his cell. He had never been to the dungeons before. He didn't even know what part of the castle the dungeon was located in. His fingers clutched the stone he had pried from the wall, waiting for a chance to stove in the head of one of the guards and make his attempt at escape. He was uncertain if anyone would ever come. Could it be that he would simply be condemned to stave to death in this hole, far from the light and warmth of the outside world?

Despite the cool of the cell and the chill of the fading night, Ali could feel his back and neck beginning to break out in sweat. His heart pounding faster. He listened intently, wishing and willing that the slight muffled sound he could make out through the wood was real and not a figment of his isolated mind.

 

[ohstardust]

Nasima was thankful that she was not spotted. It seemed that the world was not aware for the execution to take place within the next several hours. The servants were still within their time of mourning. It was clear that the theme and design of the palace had altered. There was no need to make sure the servant's quarters or dungeon were fit for royal use. Instead of marble walls and expensive decorations, the usage of stones and wood were used. The design was minimal and created for use not admire.

Continuing her journey, the princess arrives at a large wooden door. She knew this was the route towards Ali but feared what would meet her the opposite side. Nasima pauses. She had to compose herself for what her eyes would meet. She doubted the dungeons would be empty except her lover. She just hoped the majority was resting. Slowly opening the entrance, the princess finds herself within a corridor of cells. The doors were large, blocking out any occupant. It was empty including any sight of guards. Perhaps they were getting prepared for the awaiting execution.

"Ali?" Nasima calls, her voice only just audible over the birds alerting dawn. She had to be quick - it was only time till the guards or worse, Mahir, appeared to prepare the male for his death. If they were going to escape together, the forbidden lovers had to leave now.

 

[Owl Knight]

Something was moving beyond the door, he was sure of it. Footsteps were drawing near and a muffled voice was saying something, but through the thick wood of the door, Ali could not make it out. He couldn't be certain, but the voice sounded odd, high pitched and quiet. Perhaps it was a young guard, or a scullion coming up from the kitchen to deliver meals to the prisoners. Ali didn't even know if there was anyone else here. Was he the only prisoner in this dungeon? If so, whoever was there must have been coming for him. His grip tightened on the rock and he resumed his position beside the door, waiting to brain whoever came through.

 

[ohstardust]

"Ali?" the princess continues to call quietly, desperate for a response. She was sure this is where her uncle would bring him to. There was no other location that would secure a criminal sufficiently. Nobody was escaping these stone-made walls without assistance. The doors were solid wood with a weak doorknob and lock. It would take a key or a heavy hit to allow the door to freely open. Before even discovering a solution, she had to find Ali.

Unable to hide her discontent, Nasima sighs heavily. Maybe the guards had already removed him from the cell and currently preparing him for the public execution. Perhaps they had discovered the royal's disappearance and was also on search for her. She could not help but feel overwhelmed, the stresses were definitely affecting the unborn child. She had to try and remain quiet. "Ali, it's me. It's Nasi," she tries once more, walking down the corridor in attempt to find a response.

 

[Owl Knight]

The voice was louder now, drawing nearer, and Ali was certain it was calling his name. There was something familiar about it, comforting.

"Nasi?" He called, certain that he must be hallucinating. The stone in his hand fell to his side as he rushed to the door. "Nasi, is that you?" His heart pounded. had she been brought down to see him dragged away? Was she being imprisoned in this dank hole as well?

"Nasi, I'm in here," He called again. "Can you hear me?"

 

[ohstardust]

Nasima's heart dropped as the familiar sound of Ali's voice appeared. It was limp and echoey but he was definitely still within the cells. She had found him and hoped it was not to late. "Ali, it is me. I am going to find you," she says quickly, her voice louder than previously. Now she knew he was here, she was not going to stop till he was in her arms.

Checking each door, the princess finally discovers is voice behind the second from last. Attempting to twist the handle, she quickly knew it was no use. Her adrenaline was not going to magically open the wooden door. "It is locked. I requires a key or maybe, l-let me try," she mutters quickly, realising a heavy force could knock the old and fragile lock out of place. Taking a deep breath, she throws her petite body against the door. The wood was no competition. She had to give him an opportunity to escape an early death. Wincing at the sudden blow to her body, the young girl sighs heavily.

 

[Owl Knight]

Ali felt Nasima throw herself in vain against the door. It would be no use. Stronger men and women would have spent hours and days trying to break down those prison doors. "Nasi," he called through the door. "They should keep a ring of keys somewhere by the entrance." the daylight was beginning to creep into the room. Wherever the guards had gone, they would likely be back soon to collect the prisoner.

"Be careful," he urged. He could not imagine what magic or providence had brought Nasima to the prison cells, but he knew they would only have one shot at an escape.

 

[ohstardust]

Nasima knew that her attempt would fail but her desperation was growing stronger by the second. She was not leaving without Ali. It was either the pair escaped together or not at all. If the worst was going to occur, the princess wanted to make sure she was there for her lover's final seconds, even if it was being a comforting face in the crowd whilst his head was decapitated from his body.

Composing herself after the hit, the young woman listens carefully to Ali's advice. He was right. There must be some spare keys in-case of an emergency. "Yes, yes, keys. They must be here somewhere," Nasima stutters rapidly, looking back towards the entrance. Walking back down, she analyses the door and the nearby walls. Although it was not clear initially, the princess spots the small hook with a ring of keys, one which would allow Ali to run free.

"I-I have found them, I-I have them," the princess informs her partner as she returns to his door. Fiddling with the selection of keys, she starts with the first, putting it into the lock and twists. The door fails to open and with a short sigh of impatience and despair, Nasi attempts the second.

 

[Owl Knight]

Ali heard the key slide into the iron lock and, even as it turned with a decisive click, he found himself pushing through the door, eagerly wrapping Nasima in his arms and lifting her from the floor, kissing her lips, her cheeks, her neck.

Lowering her to the floor he clasped his hands around the slight swell of her belly.

"I thought I'd lost you," he sighed, feeling the relief washing over him.

 

[ohstardust]

In under a second, Nasima found herself opening the cell before being within the safety of Ali's arms. She had never craved someone's touch more than his. Regardless of where their future led and the abandonment of the palace, the princess knew that her home was with Ali. Wherever he would go, she would follow suit. Feeling herself lifted up, Nasima wraps her arms tightly around her partner, almost clawing at his skin. She had him back and now they were able to develop a plan together on escaping to the outskirts of Caraban.

Once Ali returns her to the gravel floor, Nasima places her hands on his cheeks, feeling his bracing her growing stomach. He was just as protective over the child as she was. Already, the young couple were adopting paternal responsibilities and emotions. Looking into his eyes, she had to remain focus. "We are not safe. Mahir has recruited many of my father's beloved servants using fear and financial gain. Not a single soul can be trusted within the palace walls," she begins. Pausing for a moment, she watches the soft orange light appearing from the barred window.

"We have to flee to the furthest outskirts," Nasi continues, her voice firm and assertive. She hoped Ali wound trust her judgement and understand this was the best option to protect themselves and the child. Currently, the royal held no power against her dark relative. Although she was the current heir to the throne, it was certain that he would use her forbidden relationship with the stableman and illegitimate pregnancy to get her prosecuted. He would never allow Ali to live and herself alongside the child would be held within a tower for eternity.

 

[Owl Knight]

Ali's face was grim. he knew that Nasima still harbored the hope that Mahir could be overthrown, but she had lived a sheltered life in the palace. Though she was a skilled politician and a wise leader, she had seen little of the cruelty of Caraban. The city showed her kind face only to the wealthy, fortunate, and unscrupulous. The poor, the kind, and the just were, more often than not, chewed up and spat upon the altars of ill-fortune.

It was no matter, the pair could discuss their next move once they found their way out of the palace and away from Mahir's grip. They would have to find their way to a safe place somewhere in the city where they could regroup and plan their escape.

Dawn was coming soon, and even now the guards were likely on the way. Ali took Nasima's hand and led her along the hallway towards the prison entrance. He knew that the guards kept a small armory near the entrance, although whether it would be unlocked he did not know.

The guard post was empty, and beyond the small table in the front room, Ali saw the armory door. Testing the iron handle he found, to his surprise that the door was unlocked.

The offerings inside were meagre. Ali ignored a barrel of polearms that would be impractical for the escaping prisoners. But he availed himself of a long woven leather whip which was easily bound to his belt, and a short curved scimitar which, although it looked light and agile, was much heavier in his hand than he had hoped. He gave it a few test swings, feeling clumsy and awkward. He had no real training with weapons aside from mock battles with his neighbors in the streets of clay as a boy. Those battles had been waged with pieces of wood, not folded steel. He thrust the naked blade through his belt and completed his equipment with a pair of curved daggers, one for himself and one which he handed to Nasima.

"It's sharp," he advised. "Be careful."

Somewhere in the hallway outside of the armory, a door opened and the sound of approaching footsteps could be heard echoing along the flagstones. Ali's heart leapt, they were trapped, if anyone came into the armory room they would be caught before their escape had even begun. Reaching out he pushed the armory door shut and he pressed Nasima against the wall beside the door. If it opened, they would be behind it, and maybe, just maybe, they would go undiscovered.

His fingers closed on the hilt of the scimitar, knowing that if it came to a fight he would likely be outmatched by the trained palace guard.

A commotion erupted in the dungeon, their escape had been discovered. No doubt a similar uproar was beginning in the Princess' chambers. Raised voices and barked orders echoed up and down the hall as Ali felt his heart racing.

 

[ohstardust]

Keeping her hand firmly attached to Ali's, the princess allowed the male to lead her into the armoury, having no choice but to bear weapons, especially if their escape was discovered. Nasima was oblivious to defending herself - she never had to fight back, always protected by her loyal guards. Once arriving within the armoury, she watches her lover chose the necessary equipment usable for both. She takes the dagger, having no choice but to keep it within her hand. It had both pros and cons, a quick reaction but also the dangers of getting noticed with knife.

Nasima was not surprised by the sudden erupt of voices only yards away. They had spotted there escape and it was only a matter of time till they were beginning their search. Ali reaction was rapidly. Even before she was able to think, the male had pinned her up against the wall. It was a gesture to remain hidden and with the door now closed, if a guard was able to gain entry, they would be hidden by the large frame. Maybe then, they could slip away and attempt to flee the awakening palace.

Staring into Ali's eyes, the brunette's breathing began to fasten. Although her entire escape from the chambers were risky, they were only moments away from getting discovered. She was sure it would provide consequences. With her bracing the servant's clothing, it would not take long till Mahir discovered Hasia's betrayal. It would not only be the forbidden couple's future at stake. Keeping the dagger firmly by her side, the princess remains silent, attempting to eavesdrop on the conversations being discussed by the guards. Although she was unable to hear directly what they were saying, their voices expressed anger and fear. They were probably considering Mahir's reaction of losing the prisoner alongside the heir to the throne.

Before long, the guards' voices began to increase in volume, making their wording more audible. "Gear yourself. The imbeciles must still occupy the palace grounds," one begins, taking control of the incident before pausing for a brief moment. Witnessing the fellow guards' reactions, the senior speaks once again, "Now or may I report back to the future Sultan who would demand for your own execution?"

 

[Owl Knight]

The door swung open, and Ali held his breath as he pressed Nasima to the wall behind him. Guards flooded the room, grabbing their armaments before pouring back into the dungeon to begin their search. The door hid the escaping pair from view for the most part, but if one of the guards were to glance into the shadows they would surely be caught.

One by one the guards exited the room. The last one pulling the door shut behind him even as he voiced complaints that his favorite sword had gone missing.

"Amir, Fersaan, " shouted the guard captain, "keep a watch on the dungeon and armory, we don't want anyone sneaking back her to arm themselves." Ali felt his heart sink as the rest of the guards hurries off to find the missing prisoners, leaving two guards behind, preventing their escape. Ali knew that he and Nasima could not wait them out. Eventually someone who wasn't in a hurry would come in to the armory and they would be found. He cast around looking for some means of egress, but his search seemed fruitless. That is, until he noticed a column of steam rising from a small grate in the corner of the room.

"The aqueduct!" he whispered excitedly. The Caravan aquedust system was the marvel of the nation; an intricate system of tunnels and ducts connecting every major building in the city to the river.

"If we can move the grate, we can escape through the tunnels!"

 

[ohstardust]

The princess quickly places her hand over her mouth, attempting to silence her breathing. They could not get caught, not now, not ever. Nasima could tell Ali was reading her thoughts, both of their eyes locked in unison, hoping the worse was not going to occur. She could feel her lover's heart, rapidly beating inside his strong chest. They were both desperate for an escape, to flee the awaiting consequences of their forbidden relationship. Nasima was willing to leave the monarchy and her royal responsibilities behind to fulfil her life with Ali and their unborn child. Her mothering instincts came first.

Keeping her eyes firmly attached to Ali's, she listens carefully to the guards accessing the armoury, in full conversation regarding their plan on discovering the prisoner and mistress. At the mention of the missing sword, Nasi was certain they were to be spotted or at least aware they had stole weapons for their own protection. Relieved was an understatement as the gathering left the armoury, closing the door behind them. With the awakening palace, the pair would struggling to flee without getting noticed - especially if the relationship was now common knowledge.

Feeling Ali loosen his grip, Nasima watches his attention move to the grate in the corner of the room. She was oblivious to its usage, never having to worry where her water was being supplied from nor the physically running of the palace or kingdom. "Y-Yes," the princess stutters quickly, realising that Ali was knowledgeable of the basic running on the water system. The young woman trusted him enough to follow his plan. Slowly walking away from the wall, she heads over to the grate. It was small but enough space for a body to fit through. She knew it was the only shot they had but Nasima could not help but start to get tired. She lacked any deep sleep and the additional pressure of the pregnancy brought a weakness onto her body. The last thing she wanted was to slow Ali down.

Placing her freehand upon her growing bump, the princess swallows hard. "How long shall we have to crawl?" she wonders curiously, her voice still no louder than a minor whisper.

 

[Owl Knight]

"We might not have to crawl," he replied softly, crouching beside the grate. It was about two feet by two feet wide and cemented in place with brittle mortar. Once he got it loose they would have to move quickly, it was sure to make a noise. "Come over here," Ali instructed, beckoning for Nasima to join him by the grate. "When I get it loose, I'm going to drop you down into the tunnel. You should be able to walk, if you crouch a bit." He was guessing. He had never actually been inside of the aqueducts. Taking a firm grip of the bars of the grate, he began to pull. At first, the mortar was unyielding, but as he pulled he felt the plaster beginning to crumble and give way. This palace is rotting from the inside he thought as the grate finally broke free in his hands.

The noise sounded deafening in the close space of the armory. Setting the grate to the side of the opening he took Nasima beneath the arms and lifted her down through the hole. Even with her growing belly, the naturally slender princess slid easily through the opening and down into the narrow tunnel. There was a scramble of noise in the antechamber as the guards left behind rose from their places to check on the noise. Thinking quickly, Ali grabbed a dagger from one of the weapon racks in the room and jammed it hard into the gap between the door and the stone doorframe.

He scrambled to the hole and maneuvered through reaching behind him to pull the grate back into place. It was slow going and awkward. The guards pounded at the door, trying their hardest to unwedge it, shouting and pounding.

At long last the grate slide back into place as Ali slid down into the tunnel beside Nasima and the guards burst through into the room. As Ali and Nasima cowered in the dark, dank tunnel of the aqueduct, they heard the guards scrambling to figure out what had happened.

 

[ohstardust]

The pair were now beyond the surface of the palace with the dungeons ironically above them. Nasima hoped Ali was right, that there was an exit beyond the narrow, darkened tunnel. The stench was sincere, coughing the pregnant princess to gag at the sense. Covering her nose with her free-hand, the princess attempts to remain quiet, hearing the chaos now occurring within the armoury. It seems the men were oblivious to what had caused the sudden racket. Right now, at least, the pair were safe.

Composing herself, the princess moves her hand to take Ali's. Although missing initially, she soon discovered his touch in the darkness. Nasima squeezes it for comfort and gently pulls his hand, gesturing to continue moving. It would not take long till every corner of the palace grounds were being searched. "We have to continue," Nasi whispers to her lover, crouching her body and begins to tread carefully through the wet and darkened tunnel.

Nasima's exhaustion was beginning to slow, not just physically but mentally. The adrenaline was fading, but the hope and desperation to flee Mahir was still roaring. They were so close to freedom, yet so far. The lovers had to keep moving if they shared a chance, even if the princess' body was beginning to give up trying.

 

[Owl Knight]

Ali wasn't sure what wing of the palace they were in, but from the light that had been visible from his prison cell window he assumed that they must be on the east side, overlooking the river. The tunnel ran north and south, lit only by whatever light shone down through the grates at even intervals along the ceiling. In the gloom Ali could see that the northern leg of the tunnel turned to the east some twenty yards up. "Come on," he said gently. "We need to find our way out."

Taking Nasima by the hand, Ali ducked to avoid hitting his head on the low ceiling and began to work his way towards the north end of the tunnel with his lover in tow. The musty smell of the aqueduct was overpowering and Ali held a hand over his nose to try and filter out some of the rank stench. "Are you alright?" He asked Nasima, hearing her retching at the stink.

 

[ohstardust]

Nasima shared no knowledge of the underground system. She had no clue the tunnels even existed. But the princess trusted her lover - he knew what it took to exit the palace walls and towards the outskirts. With the dagger in hand and her other grasping Ali's, the princess had no choice but to breath in the odours. For any person, the stench would be almost impossible to ignore but for the pregnant woman whose hormones were circling her body, it was causing nausea and the urge to vomit.

"I will be just fine. Please, we have to continue," she encourages her partner to forget of her struggle and to focus on the escape. It was frightening that one remained weak, the other had to focus. Focusing on her footsteps, Nasima knew there was a chance they were accompanied in the tunnels with rodents. Currently, they were the least of the lovers problems. She needed something to take off the worries of her mind - anything, anyone, anyhow.

Taking a deep breath, the brunette begins to speak once again, "have you considered any titles for our child?" Her voice was weak, tired and exhausted, but yet it showed enthusiasm for the unborn. It had only been a matter of hours till the pair discovered the pregnancy so the chance was minimal, but she hoped Ali would take the clue to distract her mind.

 

[Owl Knight]

Ali glanced over at Nasima, though he was able to make out little of his lover in the gloom of the tunnel as they made their way along the aqueduct, their feet splashing in the water that ran along the bottom trough. In all of the commotion of the last night he hadn't even begun to consider the reality of their situation. A child, they were going to have a child. He was going to be a father. Nasima was going to give birth to his baby.

"I haven't," he admitted as they rounded the corner and made their way east. Reaching over in the dark he lay a hand on the soft swell where their child was beginning to form itself in Nasima's womb. "Do you think it is a boy, or a girl?" He asked.

 

[ohstardust]

Nasima was comforted by her partner's reaction. Although he lacked of any name, he treasured their unborn child as much as the young woman did. The pregnancy was the next step within their relationship, it was either going to break the star-crossed lovers or confirm their destiny. Nasi could only see her future featuring Ali. Although their time together had been short, they were hungry for one another.

Feeling her partner's hand upon her growing bump, the princess grinned largely in the dark. Nasima hadn't put much thought into the child's gender, nor did she find it important. Her only hope was that the unborn would remain healthy and happy, and within the safety of it's two parents.

"I have not let the thought enter my mind. I am unable to tell but do not care the outcome. It is our child, who will bare characteristics of not only royalty but the common people," she says quietly to her partner, pausing within the turning of the tunnel. Nasima had no choice but to pause for several minutes. Her lower back was beginning to ache, and although she was becoming immune to the stench, the nausea was remaining.