32/03/6242

Louise found herself standing in a barren expanse of sand. There were no dunes, no trees, and the sky was replaced by a purple canvas with stars all across it, yet it seemed bright as day. There no wind, no sign of life, and no visible sun anywhere, yet somehow she felt a warmth across her skin that was unlike anything she had ever felt before.

"So, you are the one."

Louise turned toward the new unfamiliar voice, only to fall out of her bed and onto the floor with a thump. "Ugh, ow," Louise groaned as she rolled off her side onto her back and stared up at the ceiling while rubbing her side. The ceiling was made of yellowish stone, and had a massive jewel in the ceiling that shed dim light from it. "Right, I'm in Khali now."

Letting out a sigh Louise picked herself up and stretched her arms above her head. Aside from falling off the bed, she had slept extremely well and felt mostly invigorated. Walking over to the wardrobe she opened it and began looking over the. Looking within at greater length she eventually settled on clothing exactly the same as she had worn the day before, the same she had worn when she was turned into a Djinn. It did show off her belly, shoulders and arms, but everything was covered and considering some of the clothing was less covering and more revealing, it would have to do.

Just as she was finishing changing into the pants and top, both that had a similar, but slightly different coloration to the first she had worn, a strange pinging noise rang through the room.

"Are you awake Louise?" came Veera's voice from outside.

"Yes, what was that noise?" Louise replied as she sat down on her bed and began slipping on one of the numerous pairs of footwear that were in the wardrobe. They were strange, like a cross between shoes and slippers, with a slight curve at the end. They were however very comfortable and seemed to have a surprising amount more grip than even the riding boots she had worn in the past.

"Oh right, I forgot to tell you but if anyone but the Djinn touches the jewel out here it creates a noise so you know someone's at your door. Our room has as all bell in the doorway for the same purpose," came Veera's reply. "May I come in?"

"Oh of course, sorry," Louise called out in embarrassment as she remembered that others would supposedly not be able to enter the room unless she allowed it.

A second later Veera slithered in with a smile on her face. Her hair was done up into a high ponytail, and she was wearing a low skirt on her hips that was slanted, and a top that seemed go be little more than a twists piece of cloth that came down from her neck, over her breast and around to her back. The look was completed, or perhaps confused, by a heavily curved sword in a sheath on her left hip, held there by a tightly tied band of rolled red silk that seemed to serve the purpose of a belt. She smiled wider as soon as she saw Louise slipping on her footwear. "Oh good your already dressed!"

Louise nodded. "I was, uh, shocked awake," Louise said in an unamused tone as she glanced at her window and realized there was actually quiet a lot of light shining in. "H-how long was I asleep for?"

"Its almost mid day now," Veera replied simply as she moved over to the window. "Your room faces the west, over the lower city and the sea, so the morning light doesn't reach your window till the late afternoon. I figured you'd need the rest, you had looked pretty tired when we were speaking yesterday."

"Oh . . . um, thank you. Did you come just to get me?" Louise asked as she changed the subject to the rest of the day.

"Yep! I told you I wouldn't have a whole lot to do. As soon as you're ready we can head out into the city!"

"Alright, let me just get my sand cloak out then," Louise said as she got up and walked over to the wardrobe.

"Hmm, why?" Veera asked, causing Louise to look back to her.

"To protect my skin from the sun. That's the reason for them, right?"

Veera looked at Louise for a few seconds before beginning to giggle and trying to hold it back. She failed for numerous seconds before she calmed down. "S-sorry, I just . . . you don't need it, trust me. Its one of the things I can explain while we're out and about, okay?"

"You're sure?" Louise asked nervously. Jordan had been very clear they were important after all. That and she really wasn't sure about wearing an outfit that showed so much skin in public.

"Yes. And don't worry about showing skin, you're not showing much anyway!"

Louise felt herself scowl at that, but quickly realized it was probably meant as simple friendly teasing. That and she wasn't too keen on showing any more skin, especially not how much Veera was! After another second to calm herself she nodded. "Alright, lead the way."

"Of course!" Veera said with a smile as she slithered out of the room with Louise right behind her. They went down away from the floor they were on and entered the main half, skirting to the side and ignoring the small gatherings of people that were around the edges and in front of the throne, waiting for the Sultan to arrive.

Leaving the main hall they simply lkeft out the main doors the way Jafal had first led Louise vin, and stopped in the large garden area outside between the palace and university. "So, do you notice anything?" Veera asked with a smile.

Louise looked around. There were dozens of people about. Some in fine clothing who remains need her of nobles from their bearing, while others were in the blue robes or other deep blue clothing, signifying them as university goer's. For a few moments she did t think anything of it, until finally it clicked. "No one is wearing a sandcloak."

"Good! Now we can head into the city and show you why!" Veera said with a grin as she began toward the stairs down to the city.

"We're not going to the university?" Louise asked as she ran beside Veera to catch up to her.

"No, that comes later, both. Because you're so curious, and because they have a lot going on during the day. It'll be easier to show you around the university either this afternoon or evening. First we'll hit a favorite restaurant of mine and get some food, then well see the rest of the city!"

The restaurant in question was in the large square art bottom of the great stairs, looking straight at them and their majesty. It was a three story building with an open front, where a large covered patio was filled with people and the smells of spices foreign to Louise's nose.

Numerous seats were open, and seemed to cater to all species that Louise could see weigh large spaces between tables, and within a minute they were sitting down and awaiting their order. The food I question came out just a few minutes later and appeared to be a platter of breads, meats and some dips of some sort that seemed very thick. There also was a small amount of vegetables cut into sticks with some sort of suave on them, as well as a glass of bluish liquid for both of them.

Louise looked at it all with wide eyes, surprised both by the amount, and the distinct lack of cutlery. "Um, what is this and how do I eat this?" She asked guessing by the single plate that they were meant to share it.

"It's a simple platter. Bread, meat, hummus, dips, normal but filling and tasty fare. Just use your fingers to take a slice of bread, dip it in hummus, or the ground meat or sauces and just eat it. Nice and simple!" Veera said with a smile as she did just what she had explained, giving a perfect example.

Louise nodded as she took a triangular piece of flat read as nervously dipped it in one of the thick dips and then took a bite, almost dropping it as she did. Unknown but very delicious flavours invaded her mouth, making Louise smile involuntarily as she went for some of the meat.

"Its good isn't it!" Veera exclaimed with a smile as she took a drink.

"Yes, this is so different than what I'm used to!" Louise answered as she picked up the glass of blue liquid and gave it a sniff, recognizing its scent as a form of alcohol. She took a sip and pulled it away in surprise. It was tart and tangy, sweet like a fruit, yet not overpowering, while the alcohol itself seemed to go down dangerous easily. She'd have to be careful if such a drink was normal fare.

"It's good huh?" Veera asked with a grin as she picked up her own drink and downed the whole thing in one go. "Humans find it hard to drink as it's pretty strong, but you should be fine with drinking it in larger quantities than you'd expect. It's nearly impossible to get most Djinn drunk!"

"You're trying to get me drunk? " Louise asked uncertainly.

Veera laughed in response. "No, as I said, it's hard to get Djinn drunk. I just figured I'd introduce you to it along with the food so you can get a taste for some of our more well known foods and drinks. It's a good way to jump into new things, don't you think?"

"I . . I guess so," Louise stuttered back as she ate some more of the food, finding one of the dips to be a bit spicier than she was used to, but still very good. "May I ask a question?"

"Of course, what about?"

"Well, why is not anyone paying any mind to us? When we came in the owner was very respectful! To you, as are the servers but no one is really paying any mind to us when you're the Sultana and I look so . . . ."

"So what?"

Louise was silent for a few moments before sighing. Her shoulders drooping a bit. "Well, I look out of place, right? I mean, I'm wearing the clothing that mine turned into when I became a Djinn, but my hair and skin color are out of place, I look completely like a foreigner, don't I?"

"You're forgetting that Khali has a lot of trade with a lot of different places. But yes, to an extent you could look foreign to some people. Is that so bad though?"

"I'm not sure. . . . I want to start a new life, and as nervous and uncertain as I am about being a Djinn and not human now, I know that I can. I'm just uncertain of how much I want to it in . . . and I'm still uncertain about these clothes; Their so revealing, how can I not be worried about getting burnt by the sun?!"

"You are really worried about your skin, huh?" Veera commented with a short giggle.

"I've seen what can happen when a person gets badly burned. My sister, the nice one once had it so bad her skin peeled all over and she was in pain the entire time." Louise responded seriously.

"I see. Well you won't have go worry about that, for two reasons. First off, Khalisean cities are protected from the suns excessive heat by a series of magic spires. Sha-Khali's are the spires that circle the university."

"I was wondering what those were for," Louise muttered as she glanced around, realizing that while most humans had tanned or darker skin colors, While the Lamia she could see did not, and had pale almost Halkeginian skin tones. "What's the other reason then?"

"Have you noticed that non humans like my kind seem to be unaffected by the sun, having much paler skin colors, not counting our scales of course."

"Yes, I did. Is it related?"

"Yes, most non humans, Lamia, Nubians, and even some elves skin are unaffected by the sun. Nubians are protected by their fur, while Lamias and Djinn are simply unchanged by it, though if we wish to we can have our skin tne changed with some special oils. Djinn are even more special, as they can simply modify and alter their bodies at will."

"They can . . . I can what? I'm not sure I understand. What do you mean by modify their bodies?" Louise asked as she took a sip of the alcohol, feeling like she'd need some in her body for this.

Veera smiled as she tossed some food in her mouth and followed it with some of the alcohol, her tails tip wiggling happily as she did. "Djinn are creatures of pure magic, more magical than Hydra's, Dragons, or most other creatures. Because of this their form is easily changed by their own desires. Skin color, hair color, and even their body shape can be changed at will, and will stay that way until they will it differently."

Louise was quiet for a few moments as the two of them continued to eat. "So, you're saying that, because I am now a Djinn, that I can change my hair or skin color at will?"

"Not just your hair or skin," Veera said with a smile that became sultry after a few seconds. "Your body shape and your assets can be shifted as well. You could make your hips wider or tighter, your legs longer, your breasts larger, your body taller, every thing but your gender, your eye color and your voice can be altered at will to your own desires. I've even are stories of Djinn making themselves more or less fertile."

"Oh," Louise said as her face turned bright red for a moment. As she shook her head and calmed down she reached for more food then realizing that she and Veera had finished all of it, and that she had drank all of the alcohol as well. "Um, do you know how I would try to do that? Just my skin tone or hair I mean, I kind of like how my body now has some shape to it."

"That I do not know. There are little to no accounts of Djinn doing it in public, so I assume it takes time and concentration. Thinking about changing something up?"

"Um, maybe my skin color. I'm not sure," Louise admitted as a server came up to the table and Veera handed her a few coins that were the color of bronze and sand.

"Well you have time to think about it. Shall we head out again now that our stomachs are full? There's still a lot of the city to see after all!"

"Right, please lead the way," Louise said with a nod as she and Veera both stood up and left the café. As they walked through the streets Veera began explaining different facets of Khali's economy and culture, as well as some random things that came to mind, such as different places of interest, current events both economic, political and military, and even random bits of fashion advice. It was all very interesting to Louise, even the mundane things that felt like the first real girl talk she had had in years, but as they walked she found her eyes were drawn to an odd scene. In front of a large three story building with large balconies and an even larger assortment of colored drapes and curtains were a number of women, three Lamia, and a human and elf. All of them were wearing what had to be the absolute minimal amount of clothing possible, little more than patches of cloth and strings, and their hips shoulders, busts and faces were shrouded in thin loose wraps of silk that could easily be seen through. They all also wore very sultry smiles and appeared to be calling out to both men and women that passed closer to them in equal measure.

"Looking for some companionship?" Veera asked with a smirk.

"No!" Louise replied instantly as she spun to face Veera, only then realizing that sh had actually stopped in her tracks. She stood there for a second, realizing she had almost screamed and signed as she glanced back at the women. "I'm not but . . that place, is what I think it is, isn't it?"

"That depends," Veera replied, only to smirk again a second later and watch Louise's innocent reaction. "It's a brothel. A place where men and women can go and pay to have companionship, whether that be just for a few drinks, or the whole night in a private room."

Louise shivered with obvious embarrassment and some disgust, promoting Veera to continue. "Do such places not exist in Halkeginia?"

"They do, at least I've heard stories of them. . . most of them about being houses of Ill repose, where. Criminals and fallen nobles thrive on the suffering of the women caged there."

"Goodness, that does sound bad. I can tell you that they are not the same here then. Yes the women do often sleep with the men they invite, but they are paid and treated well. Most brothels have expansive bars, and often live entertainment such as dancing and music, so they are well respected venues, as are those who work there," Veera explained calmly.

"I see . . . most of them seem to be, Lamia though."

Veera nodded, seemingly slightly solemn. "Yes. We Lamia are a single sex species, only female. We can have children with almost any other race however, the boys being of the father's race, and our daughters being Lamia. Being open to finding a strong mate is essential to our survival, as our homeland was lost years ago, taken by the Nubians during a political situation that rendered Khali, and Hassan's father unable to help directly at the time."

"Wait, what?!" Louise exclaimed in shock and surprise, causing some people on the street to glance to her and Veera.

"Come, I'll explain as we continue," Veera said as she waves for Louise to follow and slithered down the street. "It was just over a decade ago. The Lamia had a city south of Khali and on the edge of Nubian territory, called Wadj-Amun. It was a city on its own that survived through farming and trade, a difficult but wholesome life. As always my people would go out to seek husband's a then bring them back with us to the city to live, and there was rarely any problem. We had decent relations with the Nubians and very good relations with Khali, Hassans father and mine were good friends and we were introduced to each other when very young. But out of nowhere the Nubians began becoming aggressive, and before the reason could be found and them spoken with, they attacked us while their leader was in meetings with Hassans father. They attacked the city and razed it to the ground. Most of our people managed to escape miraculously, but when we arrived in khali and explained what happened their leader, the pharaoh, denied any knowledge and claimed he would look into it. He never came with answers, and Nubian forces took the territory, claiming it to be theirs. Since then Khali's relations with the Nubians, everyone's relations with them, have soured as they do everything in their power to harass and agitate those around them."

"That's. . . I'm sorry, I didn't realize your people have been through that, I spoke out of turn, " Louise apologized as soon as she realized the connection between them losing their original home and needing to keep their people alive.

"There's no need to apologize," Veera said with a warm smile. "You didn't know, nor could you have yet known. Despite being common knowledge, few speak of it, and even fewer would tell foreign merchants of it."

"Still, I'm sorry, I spoke assuming that the establishments here were the same as in Halkeginia,and I shouldn't have."

"Then I shall accept your apology," Veera said as she suddenly shifted over and hugged Louise lightly. "Now then, there is still much of the city to show you, as well as the university, so let's get moving and see it all!"

"Of course, please lead the way!"

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Hassan let out a small groan as he got up from his throne, the days work finally complete. There had been many small matters to deal with, nothing dangerous or problematic, but enough of a matter to warrant his attentions. Dealing with all of them individually was long process, but it gave him perfect insight into what was going on in Khali, in his lands, and that was worth all the time he could give it. His father had done a good job in teaching him what he needed to know as Sultan, and he was not going to let stupid things like arrogance, greed or pride drag him and his people down!

"Done with the small matters?" Veera asked as she came up beside Hassaan from behind his throne, a soft and warm smile covering her face as she calmly pressed up against his side.

"For now, yes. I'm sure there will be more that will be waiting for me tomorrow, but now my time is my own." Hassan replied as he put an arm around Veera's hip and pulled her a bit closer before kissing her. "I figured you'd still be in the city with Louise?"

"First name basis after meeting her once?"

"What else would I call her when she wishes to start anew in our land?"

"I'm just teasing, though you do have a good point, " Veera answered with a chuckle as she gestured forward and began slowly leading Hassan out of the palace while staying nearly hip to hip. "I have been with her for most of the day, since almost noon. I've been showing her around the city and letting her drink up our culture in little bits so she can get more comfortable. You would not believe how nervous and embarrassed she was just from wearing the same clothing she had been yesterday!"

"From what little I've read of Halkeginia I'm not surprised actually. I've heard the climate is much colder, and that wearing more layers of clothing is important and expected of people. She also was raised as a noble, and from the way some of their merchants act, it seems nobles have certain expectations, including looking better than others."

"I suppose. She got much better as the day went on, especially when she found out that Djinn do not get sunburnt, and that wearing less covering clothing helps everyone, especially women, stay cooler in the sun."

"You told her that's only in the cities right? Outside almost everyone still wears sandcloaks. Even those that do not get sunburnt can still get heat sickness."

"Lamia and Djinn don't, remember? I just absorb all that heat as energy to use in the night, and Djinn are the exception to almost every survival rule. They're basically immune to the dangers of the sands."

"Yes, but I don't want her to understand wrongly, it would be bad if she passed on incorrect information to someone at some point," Hassan stated as the two of them left the palace and entered into the square, Veera leading them toward the university.

"Oh I don't think that will be a problem," Veera said knowingly as they arrived at the door to the university and a nearby Scholar held the door for them with a smile. "After showing her the various districts of the city and having some different chats we came here. She seemed to look forward to it, and her reaction when she saw the main hall made me with I had a portrait of it go show you!"

"That good?" Hassan asked as they entered the universities main hall. Hassan c would understand anyone's wonder at the place. The main hall took up the centre dome. And was nothing less that four stories of catalogued and organized books, scrolls and tablets of information. The domes centers was straight above as the floors of volumes circled overhead, while the side domes of the whole university held classes and special area. For scholars and citizens alike. The university of Sha-Khali was the largest repository of knowledge in all of Rub-al-Khali, made even grander by the fact that's its information was free to all as long as they respected it.

"Her eyes actually flashed as she looked at me and asked if there was blank parchment and a quill she could use. When I told her that most Scholars usually have extra on them or nearby she immediately bolted off into the shelving faster than I could follow."

"You're speaking truth? Fully?" Hassan asked as he recognized Veera's tone but could not fully believe it.

"Yes."

"Did you follow?"

"No, I went and spoke to the Head Scholar and explained the situations then came to get you," Veera explained as they casually went down the centre of the universities main hall, getting small bows and smiles from those around, citizens and Scholars alike.

"I see," Hassan muttered in understanding as he turned to a nearby old looking Scholar. "Excuse me, have you seen a pink haired Djinn around?"

"Ah, Sire, good evening to you. . . she was a Djinn?"

"Yes, Khali's soon to be new Court Djinn, as Al-Jadim let himself pass just a few days ago."

"Ah, I had not heard, I am sorry," the scholar said with a bow.

"You do not need to be. It was his time and was what he wished for. Further more, he bequeathed his existence to the pink haired one, and she is already well taught. Have you seen her around?"

"Yes, I have. I saw her moving to the back of the main hall with a pile of books in her hands and a dozen more levitating behind her. She must have already been proficient with magic to so easily move so many with her,"

"Yes, she was trained in the lore of magic, but had no ability for it," Hassan muttered with a smile before looking back at the old Scholars who now looked very surprised. "Thank you, I hope I have not taken too much of your time."

"Oh course not, do you need me to help look for the young lady?"

"No I believe your directions will be enough, have a good evening."

"You as well sire."

Hassan nodded one last thanks as he and Veera proceeded further down the main hall. It took a few minutes of looking but eventually the lair found Louise at the very back of the main hall at a table shadowed by shelves and the wall and illuminated by a glowing orb of light that hovered just above her right shoulder. A large time sat in front of her, and beside it was a pile of parchment and papers, while around these were veritable piles of books, some left open and sitting up, and others sitting to the side.

"It would appear you have been busy," Hassan said with a smile as he and Veera came closer, allowing him to see that the parchments were covered in notes that seemed to randomly shift from Khalisean to Halkeginian.

"One moment," Louise said as she continued to stare at the open book, her right hand scribing on the parchment without even looking at it. A few seconds later she finished the sentence she was writing and out down the quill before stretching her arms above her head, giving a perfect view of her well shapes midriff before she looked to Hassan and Veera. "Sorry about that, I didn't want to lose where I was."

"That's fine, though I am curious about what your looking over. The information isn't going to go anywhere," Hassan said as he took a seat at the end of the table.

"I know that, but going around the city and talking with Veera made me understand a few things," Louise said, sounding both tired and excited and sad all at once. It was a strange tone.

"And they are?" Veera asked Curiously as she leaned on Hassans back.

"I know Khalisean from the spell that Al-Jadim used, but it's not a perfect understanding. Some of my grammer is off, and instead of saying exactly what I want to, some of my words are shifting instead. So I need to learn the language fully so I can speak it without the need for a spell."

"That makes sense, I did notice some of your words we're off, but I was not sure if it was your hold of the language or a cultural thing," Veera admitted.

"I know that I need to learn as much as I can about Khali, its history, culture, everything if I'm going to start a new life here."

"Well the university isn't going to run away," Veera commented with a smile, earning a shake of Hassans head.

"That's not what she means," Hassan spoke up as he looked at Louise with a smile. "We can request a scholar or teacher help you learn what you need to and test you if you'd like?"

"Thank you, having someone to help teach and test me would help a lot," Louise said with a returned smile. "There's two other things as well. When Veera showed me whereas the military district was I say some of the Magi and guards training. It was completely different than the little amount of swordplay I've seen in Halkeginia. I think I should learn at least some basics of Khalisean swordplay to help protect myself just in case."

"Sounds smart, I could teach you some, but we could also talk to Jafal about it. I'm sure he'd have no issue with some of his people giving you training as it can also help them as well. Teaching can be training of its own," Veera stated as she shifted a hip to show off her scimitar on her waist.

"Thank you, I'd appreciate that a lot. I know I'm not human anymore, but I also know that my previous life will do nothing to protect me, so I have to be able to protect myself should the need arise," Louise said.

"I can tell you're very serious about all this," Hassan stated calmly. "I'm guessing the other thing is that you're hoping to find someone who teaches magic?"

"No, its kind of just coming to me in little pieces, and with my old studies I think I should be good with magic for now," Louise said before pausing for a good long minute before she spoke up again. "I stick out too much."

"I'm not sure I follow, do you mean people are looking at you to much for your comfort?" Hassan asked.

"And if that's the case you'll have to get used to it. You're beautiful so of course you'll attract some attention!" Veera added with a smile that perfectly explained that she knew what she was talking about.

"No, that's not it. Yes people state, but it's not for that reason. I look different, even with these clothes. My hair color and my skin color make me stand out, and after we talked about how Djinn can change themselves, I've been thinking that maybe I should shift my skin tone a bit . . . .and maybe take a new name, so I can really embrace this as a new start," Louise admitted.

Both Hassan and Veera were quiet for a few moment before Veera grinned. "So why don't you then?"

"Because I may know the language from that spell still but I don't know about names or their conventions. That and every name I think of is Halkeginan, and some of them don't seem to translate well, or just sound strange in Khalisean,"

"Oh, so you're trying to decide upon a name that is not Halkeginia so it's unrelated to your old life then," Hassan said, realizing Louise's intent.

Louise nodded. "That's part of what I was looking for, words and names and their meanings," Louise said as she gestured to the parchment.

The three of them were quiet for a few seconds before Hassan let out a chuckle. "You're not planning on changing your hair color are you?"

Louise shook her head. "No, even if I restart my life, I do like my hair color. Its very rare I'm Halkeginia but I did see some people with similar hair colors in the city so I don't think my hair color on its own would cause a problem."

"Then how about the name, Zahri?" Hassan suggested carefully.

"Zahri?" Louise said, testing out the sound and feel of it. "What does it mean?"

"Pink, it's an old Khalisean word for bright pink, spoken phonetically of course." Veera answered, seemingly enjoying the conversation.

"Pink huh? And if spoken phonetically them it wouldn't be a color but a name if I use it? " Louise asked curiously.

"That is correct."

"I . . . . . . Think I might like that," Louise finally said, blushing a bit without realizing it.

"Then, shall we make it official?" Veera asked with a grin, confusing Louise for a moment until Veera tufrnex to her and bowed. "Again, I am the Sultana of Khali, Veera. It is my pleasure to meet you, and I hope we can become good friends!"

"I am the Sultan of Khali, Hassan al Khali, I hope to learn much from you and work with you for the lands future!"

Realizing what they were doing Louise smiled as she threw away her old name. "Again, I am Zahri the Djinn, and while I am young I hope to do what I can to help as your court Djinn, and know that we will become good friends and allies. Thank you for accepting me!"