Chapter Seventeen: Harvest Festival
"Oh, I love parties," Genie said, looking out over the balcony.
Aladdin smiled as he straightened himself out for the evening. "I'm sorry you can't attend this one."
Genie sighed. "I know, it's for the best." He turned around. "I'd probably get a little too excited and lose control. Wouldn't that be a night to remember."
He whirled, changing into a white-haired maid in a dress of ice crystals. "Can't hold it back anymore!" he sang, in a high but mellow voice, throwing curling winds of snowflakes from his hands.
"Okay, Snow Queen, we get it," Khaleel said with a chuckle, adjusting his turban. "Besides, so long as you keep it down, you can create a small party of your own up here."
"Hm," Genie said, returning to his own form with a burst of snowflakes. "There is certainly more room than in the lamp. Oh, yeah. There will be a party here tonight!" He zipped around the room.
"Just remember," Khaleel said, casually grabbing his tail, "keep it down. We don't want The Guy finding you."
"'The Guy'?" Genie asked.
"The Guy who has made it his goal in life to claim a genie and has all his wishes planned out," Aladdin answered. "For the most part at least." He puffed out a breath. "So, how do I look?"
"Like a true prince, Al," Genie said, ruffling his hair. "Oops, sorry."
Aladdin chuckled, finger-combing his hair back in place. "Thanks, Genie."
"And I am hoping to maybe woo a handmaid," Khaleel said.
"Good luck, big guy," Genie said.
"Thank you, and we are out," Khaleel said. "Remember–"
"I'll post a secret sentry on either ends of the hall and at the door in case of emergency disappearances," Genie said, saluting.
Aladdin and Khaleel headed out to the main courtyard where the celebrations were being held.
"Am I needing to remind you to relax?" Khaleel asked as they neared the courtyard.
"Nope, I think I'm good. This isn't my first party, remember," Aladdin said.
"Be grateful it isn't," Khaleel said. "Or I'd be sending you back up to your room. No way you messing up my night."
Aladdin chuckled at the good natured but very true jest.
"Prince Ali." An exploding firework revealed Jafar within the shadows. "May I have a word?" he asked, stepping into the better light. "Privately. This doesn't concern your servant."
Aladdin bristled before Khaleel lightly tapped his elbow. No need to make a fuss. Just acknowledge that this man rubbed him the wrong way and put his prince face on.
"Be over there, minding my business," Khaleel said before stepping back through the archway they had just come through.
Ali straightened, facing the man who not even seventy-two hours ago had tried to murder him. "A word," he said.
"I know who you are," the vizier said.
Ali could have sworn that his heart skipped a beat. He subtly released a breath. "You do?" he asked, infusing as much skepticism as he could.
"Yes, you are a man of great ambition, like myself," the dark man answered.
So he hadn't been recognized. That was a relief, though he didn't let any of it show on his face. He raised an eyebrow, much like he would if one of the nobles made an unfavorable suggestion. "I would doubt that, Lord . . ."
"Vizier," the man corrected him. "Jafar, Vizier to the Sultan. I can be a valuable ally to help you get what you want."
"I'll be sure to think on that," Ali said, starting to turn away. "I do not wish to keep the Sultan nor the princess waiting."
"Perhaps, I am not making myself clear," Jafar said, half-shouting his first word but calming himself quickly.
Ali turned stoically to him once again. He really should just walk away. This vizier had no right to command him.
"This offer will not be on the table for long," Jafar said. "You see–"
A fog enveloped his mind. His defenses cried out, struggled to fight. An evil voice started to drift in. If he didn't get out soon–
"Excuse me." Khaleel's voice broke through the enchanted fog, freeing him. He lightly touched the prince's shoulder, guiding him away. "Prince Ali, your presence is requested."
Ali nodded, allowing himself to be led away as he mentally shook off the troubling effects of the controlling trance.
"So, that's The Guy," Khaleel said in a low voice.
"Mm-hm," Aladdin confirmed. "And he has magic. I didn't know that."
"So, no clue of the source of his magic," Khaleel said.
"None. And that worries me. I couldn't break out of it."
"And usually you can since you've gotten accustomed to it after . . . how many times has it been?"
"I stopped counting at six."
"I would strongly recommend writing out what could be your second wish," Khaleel said. "Who knows what could happen."
"Right. Do you have a spare parchment and quill?" Aladdin asked. "I'd rather do it now than wait until later and forget."
"Very wise," Khaleel said, reaching into his deep pockets.
Aladdin suppressed a shiver that wanted to shoot through his spine. He hoped that he hadn't met his match, for Agrabah's sake, the Sultan's sake, and, most importantly, Jasmine's sake.
Aladdin looked out over the courtyard, filled with nobles and other courtiers of Agrabah. The Sultan sat upon a couch where he could observe all the festivities. Dhandi sat beside him, snuggled into his side as the gray-haired ruler entranced her with stories and talk.
The prince actually had to look twice to be sure it was truly his ward sitting there. She was dressed in a flowing, satin gown of deep blue that blended into a rich, magenta towards the last half-foot or so of the skirt. White diamonds were scattered about the bodice like stars, much like the near matching veil that flowed down her back. And, she was behaving herself as though it was the most natural thing in the world to be wearing such fine clothes. As if she'd been doing so her whole life.
"Finally dressed like the princess she deserves," Khaleel murmured.
Aladdin bit back a groan. "Those prideful, jealous jerks. They've been doing something underhanded haven't they?"
"When have they ever not?" Khaleel replied. "Dhandi actually swore me to secrecy so that you wouldn't find out. She didn't want to cause more problems for you."
Aladdin blew out a breath. "Well, I won't be the one with the problems once we return to Ababwa. I'll be rehearsing a tongue-lashing that those councilors won't soon forget."
"And that's the fire I like," Khaleel said. "But, just set it aside for now. Here, you aren't an heir to the throne. You aren't a sultan waiting for a ceremony to make it official. You are merely a young man coming to woo his lady love."
"Right, right," Aladdin said. Before he turned his attention elsewhere, Dhandi caught sight of him and waved enthusiastically. He smiled broadly, returning her wave though more subdued.
Dhandi's actions caught the Sultan's attention. The man smiled and beckoned Ali over.
Ali nodded before weaving through the crowds. Reaching the stairs of the dais, he bowed. "Greetings, Sultan and Mysterious Princess," he said with a smile. "I thank you for inviting us to this grand occasion."
"And I am honored that you accepted, Prince Ali," the Sultan answered, hugging Dhandi's shoulders as she giggled. "You have a most charming ward."
"Jasmine and Dalia helped me choose the dress," Dhandi said. She hopped up and twirled around, the flames sparking over the silver and gems. "Jasmine even said that I could keep it after the party," she added, beaming like the stars.
"And I hope you told her thank you for the gift," Ali said.
"I did," Dhandi said. Her eyes went huge. "You should see all the dresses she had. Just for festivals like this! And all of them so beautiful."
Ali chuckled. "I am sure the princess wouldn't appreciate me venturing through any of her wardrobes."
"But you may enjoy the benefits of my daughter searching out the best of her gowns for tonight," the Sultan said. He lightly indicated a direction across and to the side of the fountain before him.
Ali turned and saw Jasmine talking with Dalia. It took all his self-control to keep his jaw from dropping.
Jasmine wore a gown of turquoise embroidered with peacock feathers and accented with gold ribbons. For a split second, Aladdin thought she wore a bold two piece, but no, the lower bodice was only made of a flesh colored fabric. Yet even that was bold in its own way. A veil trailed from the golden crown on her head, possibly even sweeping up to her fingers. It was impossible to tell from this angle whether the veil was one large piece or a set of a smaller and larger piece. Her black hair was gathered back in a ponytail by at least two gold bands.
"You should thank your valet, Khaleel, was his name?" the Sultan said, a chuckle in his voice. "He apparently spoke so highly of you that she's been taking extra care of her appearance in anticipation of your arrival."
Aladdin could have sworn that his mouth went dry.
"Well, are you going to go talk to her?" Dhandi asked. "You came all this way." She grinned innocently from her newly reclaimed perch when Aladdin turned to her.
Oh, Allah help the boy she turned her charming wiles on when she came of age. She was going to be a rascal. Unfortunately, that's what came of being raised by a half-prince, half-street rat.
"I will be speaking with her," Ali said. "Once I have a bit of punch."
He barely caught Dhandi's confused face as he turned away.
The Sultan chuckled. "He just needs a bit of courage to meet a lady who has managed to make herself even more beautiful than when they first met."
Aladdin had barely stepped two feet away when Khaleel met him with a glass of punch.
"I suspect the Sultan is playing his own version of matchmaker?" Khaleel guessed, eyes twinkling with amusement.
"He is," Aladdin said. "Actually said I should thank you for praising me so highly before the princess."
Khaleel's eyes all but laughed now, his smile turning them into half-moons of delight. "Well, you now saw where she is. This is your chance. Go for it," he said.
Aladdin nodded, wetting his dry throat. "Okay. I can do this. Not too much different than the first time we met," he said. "Just a lot less running."
"Exactly," Khaleel said. "And it sounds as though she is looking forward to talking with you just as much if not more than you talking to her."
"Right," the prince said, downing the last of the fruity punch. "Heading over there now." Admittedly, he feigned mingling with the guests. Yes, he wished for nothing more than to sweep Jasmine away to a quiet room where they could talk without pretenses. But that would not be happening. Not yet.
Rage bubbled forth as he spied Prince Anders approaching the princess.
"Princess Jasmine!" Prince Anders cried.
"You!" Jasmine said with a forced smile. "You're still here."
"Ja, ja," Prince Anders said.
"Prince Anders," Aladdin greeted, pushing down his irritation.
"Prince Ali!" the Skanlander cried. "How good to see you."
"I'm sure," Ali said, plastering on his polite smile.
"How is that climbing cat of yours doing?"
"Still angry that your 'big gun' destroyed his favorite climbing tree."
Prince Anders laughed, clutching Ali's shoulder. "Oh, very, very amusing."
Ali stiffened at the contact. "May I kindly remind you, Prince Anders," he said, plucking the other royal's hand away by the sleeve, "while Ababwa and Skanland are allies, you and I are not friends."
"Why not?" Prince Anders asked, clueless.
"I am not fond of those who delight in tearing apart my countryside in order to show off his new toy," Ali answered. "And you may want to make sure your items are undisturbed. Because I'm sure my 'cat' has been wanting revenge, and his paws are very hand-like."
Prince Anders's smile turned nervous before he scuttled away, murmuring to his attendants.
"You're not fond of him either," Jasmine noted.
"Only enough to keep peace," Aladdin said.
"So is now the time to ask about your 'representative'?" Jasmine asked.
"That should be reserved for where no one can overhear," Aladdin said. "Safety precautions."
Jasmine nodded, forming a silent "oh." "So, I was wondering, if your father disappeared and your mother died, why aren't you sultan?"
"Well, technically," Aladdin said, "I am. But there's apparently a rule that you either have to be twenty-one or married before you can officially be instated. I'm not quite twenty yet."
"So, you're hoping to find a princess because of that?" Jasmine asked.
"No," Aladdin shook his head with a laugh. "With my current life, I couldn't truly ask just anyone to marry me."
"Oh, yes, like impaling yourself for the fun of it?"
Aladdin stiffened. No. It couldn't be some sick trick. Then a familiar hand was on his shoulder. What was he doing? "Moz? What are you doing here?" He half-turned to catch his older brother's nearly black eyes.
"Let's just say I sensed the first hints of trouble and decided to check on my baby brother." For once the black in his clothes was a minimum, though the predominant shade was midnight blue.
"I'm barely four years your younger," Aladdin protested.
"And I have those nineteen years of teasing to make up for," Mozenrath said.
Aladdin bit back a groan. Well, he wanted a more brotherly relationship. He focused on the bemused princess. "Princess Jasmine, my formerly long-lost brother, Mozenrath, Wizard Lord of the Black Sands. Mozenrath, Princess Jasmine of Agrabah."
"A pleasure, Princess," Mozenrath said with a bow.
"Likewise, Lord Mozenrath," she returned. "Now, what is this about impaling?"
"One of the last wishes the sultan made before her death was that we couldn't harm each other," Mozenrath explained. "Which left us in an awkward situation until I agreed on a peace. Sworn enemies are a nasty business."
"Only for those who wish to overtake the seven deserts," Aladdin half-muttered.
"So part of Ali's attempts of persuading me was making fools out of us both by casually impaling himself on my sword," Mozenrath said.
"Not as bad as it sounds, no wounds," Aladdin said. If Mozenrath didn't stop soon, he would be getting a black eye. Or at least a decent attempt at one.
"And you should hear all the scrapes he's gotten himself into," Mozenrath continued to Aladdin's embarrassment and Jasmine's apparent amusement.
"Not here, Moz," he muttered.
"If he just used his royal status a bit more and his–ow!" Mozenrath glared at him and the pincer hold on his elbow.
"A private word, Moz?" Aladdin ground out. He gave Jasmine an apologetic smile. "This should just be a moment." He dragged his brother to a quiet corner. "What are you trying to do?" he whisper-shouted.
"Just offer some inside information on you," Mozenrath answered.
Aladdin bit back a growl. "You see that man over there? In black and red with a cobra staff? He is plotting to take Agrabah. He knows me as the street rat Aladdin. He's already suspicious of me."
"And you don't need me to fan the flames," Mozenrath said. "Okay. Besides, he might be the source of all that magical disturbance I've been sensing. Nothing major, but enough to make me curious, especially since you've gotten yourself swept into the mix."
"Just be careful," Aladdin said.
"Of course," Mozenrath said with a smile. "Good luck with the princess."
Aladdin quietly groaned as Mozenrath slipped through the crowds.
"Being a headache?" Khaleel asked, handing him a second glass.
"Not as big as I feared," Aladdin said. "How did he slip past us?"
"What other way? Magic," Khaleel answered. "At least he's not causing trouble."
"And hopefully he won't tip off The Guy of who survived the Cave," Aladdin said.
Jasmine watched Ali drag his taller, pale brother to a less crowded area of the courtyard. She smiled a little. Mozenrath was certainly an interesting character if a bit too cold and aloof for her tastes. His and Ali's shared history was most intriguing as well. Yet she suspected some of it had to do with Ali's "representative."
As Mozenrath left Ali and Khaleel took his place, Dalia returned with the punch. "We guessed right," Dalia said with a smile. "He does have a handsome friend. Please make it work."
Jasmine grinned. "Anything in Prince Ali's defense?"
"He is trying to at least make friends," Dalia pointed out. "Just act natural. Dance with him. The first song is about to start."
"Well, he'd certainly be a better partner than Prince Anders," Jasmine said.
"And here comes your partner," Dalia said. "Hey, hi," she said with forced casualness.
And there was Ali, smiling uncertainly. "Should I be worried?" he asked.
"I don't think so," Jasmine said.
"Sorry about my brother," he said. "This is the first time we've seen each other since the peace has been established. And the first time we've been at the same gathering without him causing trouble. Not that he ever causes any trouble. It's . . ." He cringed. "I'm just digging myself deeper aren't I?"
Jasmine raised an eyebrow, trying to contain her amusement.
He cleared his throat. "Well, would you like to, uh–?"
"Dance? I'd love to," Jasmine said. She led the way to the other side of the fountain as Ali stammered out the affirmative. What had possessed her to assume and blurt out about the dance? Apparently Dalia's awkwardness was rubbing off.
Aladdin sucked in a deep breath. It was happening. His first dance with his princess. Thankfully he had learned every harvest dance from every kingdom, so he wouldn't make a fool out of himself. He would just have to wait and see if he got bold enough to impress Jasmine in front of all these strangers. He'd imagined doing it among his own people. And that may still be the way it would be. Depending on his confidence and courage.
He joined Jasmine in the circle of dancers surrounding the fountain as the orchestra beat out the opening notes of the song.
Jasmine stepped forward with the other ladies, stately and graceful.
A moment later, Aladdin followed to a couple steps behind her, as stern and solemn as the other gentlemen. As Jasmine stepped, round, Aladdin followed, circling each other in perfect rhythm. Then, he stepped back, sweeping a grand bow.
Aladdin had always thought of this as bowing in reverence to a goddess. Never had it felt more fitting as he watched Jasmine dance before him. Fire flashed in her eyes, her moves fierce yet full of grace. Her form sultry but defiant against unwanted advances.
Then, as he swept the floor in a final act of veneration, he joined her in her dance. They were a force to be reckoned with. They moved in perfect symmetry as they raised their hands to the heavens then folded their hands in silent prayers of blessing.
As the music changed, Aladdin felt himself fly with the music. He could conquer the world so long as Jasmine stood by his side.
Khaleel braced himself as he noticed the light in Aladdin's eyes. The boy was gonna do it. He was gonna do his personal peacock strut. Oh, he had seen plenty of displays over the generations. Feats of strength or daring. Beautifully written songs and lengthy prose. All directed towards the recipient of the creator's affections.
However, all those in the past had been between two people of Ababwa, or at least where the recipients had been taught the various courtship rituals of different kingdoms including Ababwa. It was doubtful if Princess Jasmine had received any such education. But, hopefully she would still be wowed by the performance.
He saw that Dhandi was almost bouncing in her seat as she too noticed Aladdin start to break from the traditional dance.
Khaleel allowed himself to smile. When Aladdin had first showed real talent in agility, the two of them had decided to incorporate it into dance. So, many of the moves the prince would be showing off were moves the former genie had taught him.
Aladdin started leaping and spinning with the music, moving perfectly in time with the beat. He dropped to the floor, spinning and kicking up as the guests started to clap in rhythm with the music. He danced upon his knees, before pausing just long enough to look to Princess Jasmine.
She at least appeared intrigued by his performance. She even stepped out and they both danced round each other for a turn. That could be promising, if she was aware of the courtship rituals. And, no. Because instead of showing her own dance flare as Aladdin continued on, she slipped back to the crowds with embarrassment.
Aladdin hardly seemed to notice as he bounded onto the edge of the fountain to break a few moves. He gestured to the princess before performing a daring backflip.
Well, Princess Jasmine may have been intrigued, but Khaleel suspected that she was more upset and embarrassed right now. As evidenced by her forced smile and hasty retreat.
Aladdin stood, raised his hands in a helpless gesture.
Khaleel offered a sympathetic smile and gestured him over.
Aladdin looked one last time after the princess's retreating figure before slipping into the cheering crowds.
"Most impressive," the Sultan said.
"But she didn't like it," Dhandi said, as disappointed as Aladdin. "She was supposed to like it."
"What do you mean?" the Sultan asked.
"If I may, Your Majesty?" Khaleel offered, just as Aladdin reached them.
"Of course," the Sultan said.
"In Ababwa it is a common practice early in the courtship for the young man to perform in what he views as one of his greatest strengths. It is something that he has spent most, if not his entire life, honing just for the occasion. When he discovers the maiden he wishes to court and ultimately wed, he performs his 'peacock strut.' The more flamboyant, exhilarating, and overall extravagant the performance, the more serious he is in winning her heart."
"And how would a maiden in your kingdom have reacted to such a display?" the Sultan asked, intrigued.
Khaleel cleared his throat, slightly embarrassed. "He would have all but proposed to her."
The Sultan gave a low laugh. "You are very bold, Prince Ali. I am very sorry that your courtship customs haven't been taught here."
"Now Jasmine thinks he's just a big showoff like Prince Anders," Dhandi said, crossing her arms with a disappointed pout.
"Unfortunately," Aladdin said. "Why didn't I consider that?"
"You got caught up in the moment," Khaleel said. "Which is how any peacock strut should go."
"I promise, Prince Ali," the Sultan said, "if you are unable to speak with Jasmine tonight, I will explain it all to her in the morning."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Aladdin said.
Dhandi yawned, barely hiding it behind her sleeve.
"And I think it's time for a little girl to go to bed so that she can return home as soon as possible," Aladdin said.
"Do I have to?" Dhandi asked.
Aladdin nodded. "Eden will probably scold me for being too lenient with you as it is."
The girl sighed as she pushed herself to her feet. She turned and curtseyed to the Sultan. "Thank you for letting me sit with you, Your Majesty."
"You are most welcome, child," the Sultan said, giving her a hug.
Dhandi smiled as she wrapped her own arms around him.
"It was a great honor to have your company this evening," the Sultan said. He turned to Ali. "If nothing else comes of our meeting, I hope at least a friendship. Your ward makes me forget how the years have fled me." He chuckled. "Or maybe I just don't mind them so much."
"I will make sure that we visit from time to time," Ali promised.
Dhandi came down from the dais and wrapped her arms around Aladdin's waist, a silent and involuntary admission of just how tired she was.
"I thank you again for inviting us to the celebration," Aladdin said with a bow, resting a hand upon his ward's shoulders.
"Oh, it was my pleasure, Prince Ali," the Sultan said.
Khaleel and Aladdin bowed once again before retreating from the party.
"I hope your evening was a little better," Aladdin said as he broke stride just long enough to lift Dhandi into his arms.
"Well, Dalia and I managed to exchange names at least," Khaleel answered. "I think she's at least attracted like I am to her."
"At least that's one of us," Aladdin said.
"Don't worry," Khaleel said. "Once we've seen Dhandi off home, we can start thinking of how we can get the two of you to talk. I think the princess would have had enough time by then to not try biting your head off immediately."
Mozenrath melted through the crowds, watching the man Ali had pointed out to him. In a way it was odd being his brother's ally. But, as much as he would outwardly deny it, it felt right to be helping somehow.
Xerxes glided forward, unseen by all. Very few could see the floating eel, aside from those with a natural talent for magic.
Mozenrath sometimes wondered how Ali would react to Xerxes. Or simply react to the fact that he could see animals connected to nearly every being he came across. For example, the fellow he was watching, Jafar, he'd been called, had a cobra slithering about his feet.
The cobra caught sight of Xerxes and flared its hood in warning.
Xerxes merely rose higher and glided to the other side.
If Jafar was aware of his cobra's displeasure, he didn't acknowledge it. His focus was on Ali as the Ababwan prince finished his rather stellar if bold performance then retreated into the crowd.
"There is something very strange about that boy," Jafar said to the captain standing beside him. "Keep a close eye on Prince Ali."
The captain, who was accompanied by some fierce and loyal guard dog, gave a slight nod.
Xerxes floated back. "Master, hear?" the eel asked.
"I did," Mozenrath said. "Well, done, Xerxes. As much as possible, I want you to continue watching this Jafar. Alert me if anything useful comes up."
"Yes, Master."
"And take extra care not to be seen. I can't tell yet if he would be able to see you."
Xerxes nodded before gliding away again.
Mozenrath slipped through the crowds once again, having no desire to mingle longer than necessary. He was now certain that Jafar was the man who had been using magic with such an untrained hand. Possibly the only reason he could wield the power of the cobra with his staff was because he was much like a cobra himself.
The young wizard was needing an explanation from his younger brother of how he had managed to get mixed up with this sorcerer wanna-be. Maybe even find out why he was sensing an ancient magic that he had never run into before. Basically, his brother had a lot to answer for.
Author's Note: And there is the other character who didn't want to be relegated to only the first chapter. Hope you enjoyed seeing Mozenrath again because he's going to be around for the rest of the adventure.
Mozenrath: Yes, I highly insisted. Though I don't know why you made Xerxes invisible. He wasn't that way before.
Princess: It's called, "I'm pretty sure I forgot to include that slippery, flying eel in the first chapter and wanted a simple explanation as to why." So, yes, viewers of the tv show, I know that Xerxes is canonly visible and a very physical ally of Mozenrath's, but I decided to play around with it a bit. And I might have decided to dabble in the His Dark Materials(?) fandom with daemon-like creatures. A little more on that next chapter. Anything else to add before I continue, Moz?
(Scowling) Mozenrath: I only let my brother get away with that nickname.
Princess: Noted. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed my version of the Harvest Festival. I had to have Aladdin interact with Prince Anders. I couldn't resist. And I loved the dance. It was just so beautiful and vibrant with that gorgeous music. I also had fun playing with Ababwa's courting traditions.
So, any thoughts? Theories for what comes next? How do you think Genie is partying? What about that confrontation Mozenrath is planning for Aladdin? Anything else I haven't thought of? :-) Looking forward to hearing from you.