A/N: I'm not entirely happy with this chapter, but I really wanted to get an update posted. As reward for your patience while I was on holiday in California with my writer friends, I tried to compose a chapter that hit all the important areas — a little angst, a little fluff, a little plot momentum. This was the first time I really struggled with the dialogue though, so I'm paranoid it is too stilted and forced in some places... but not every chapter is going to be perfect, right... so I'm not going to stress over it. One the bright side, I think it's the longest chapter yet.
Even if the circumstances for the occasion were to bid farewell to their closest friends, their found family, Aladdin had to admit it was a refreshing change of pace to have a little fun. In the days that had passed since the incident at the madrasa, his mood had lifted. He'd allowed himself to stop dwelling on his failings, choosing instead to take advantage of the short time he had left with Dalia and Sunil. Both he and Jasmine had made every effort to spend their remaining time with them, filling their last few days together, waxing nostalgic over shared meals or listening to Jasmine play the oud while Sunil sang songs from days gone by. It all felt very reminiscent of their earliest days together in the palace, before expectations and duty had become shackles around his wrists. But, Aladdin knew that like all good things, this too would come to an end. One last night together, a party, to distract from the inescapable fact that Dalia and Sunil would be leaving upon the mid-morning tide.
The gathering was a small affair compared to public events that drew citizens from all over Agrabah, such as the Harvest Festival. Despite being restricted to invitation only for those who had worked with and known Dalia and Sunil, the guest list was much larger than Aladdin preferred. A small part of him was irritated that he was expected to spend part of their last evening together playing host. Partygoers approached the two couples to pay their respects to their two rulers and bid a safe journey to the departing pair. Taking it in stride as best he could, Aladdin grit his teeth through the beginning of the evening, plastering on a smile and leaning hard into the charm for which he was so well known.
Eventually, the line of well wishers evaporated, the crowd dividing into clusters around the Grand Hall, availing themselves of food and drink, and the amusements of conversing and dancing. When the music of the Sherabad dance rose up from the ensemble of musicians, the crowd parted to witness the feat of their Prince's legendary dancing. Unsurprisingly, thanks to his lightness of foot, Aladdin had taken to dancing just fine without magical intervention. When the recognizable tune filled the air, he would always feign embarrassment, claiming he didn't want the attention. Inevitably, Jasmine would lead him out and through the beginning steps before he inevitably stole the show, leaving her behind laughing and clapping with the other guests. It had become customary — the music would begin, Aladdin would refuse, Jasmine would coerce him, and within a few minutes, the show would begin. It was a game they played at every party, and all the guests participated.
Landing the backflip that had now become his signature big finish, Aladdin staggered off the dance floor, breathless and thirsty, the manic beat of his heart drowned out by the thundering applause. Sunil handed him a glass of something, of what, he didn't even care as long as it was liquid. Hugging on his free arm, Jasmine raised up to plant an appreciative kiss on his cheek for once again playing along.
"For the record," Sunil said, raising the hand that held his cup and pointing at Aladdin, "I taught this kid all his best moves."
"You wish you still had half my moves, old man."
"Oh, it's going to be like that, huh?"
"Yeah, if you're going to be petty about it. "
"C'mon Jasmine," Dalia groaned. "If we leave now, they will have no one to impress, and they'll stop."
Laughing at their respective spouses, Dalia dragged Jasmine back towards the dance floor just to show the boys how little they cared about their pissing contest, sarcastic or not.
"I feel like I should be offended right now," Sunil commented, "but, they really do have us all figured out, don't they?"
"We never had a chance. That's what you get marrying women way smarter than you."
"Yeah," Sunil agreed, before correcting, "well, smarter than you, definitely…"
"Remind me again exactly why I'm going to miss you?" Aladdin raised a brow in question.
"Who else is going to keep you honest when I'm gone?"
"Speaking of which… joking aside, I never apologized for what I said the other day."
"Trust me, I'm used to dealing with you when you get all introspective and cranky."
"Still, I wanted to say it, before — "
Raising his hand, Sunil shook his head. "Don't worry about it, kid."
Turning back to the object of his affection, Sunil let the entire conversation drop. Following his gaze, Aladdin watched them gliding across the dance floor with sweeping gestures, spinning in a circle back to back. Then, he watched a smile creep across the other man's face as the two women rocked their hips in tandem, steepling their hands, giggling like teenagers. With loving eyes, Sunil was mesmerized by the former handmaiden who represented the dream he never even dared to hope for, and for whom he sacrificed all the powers of the cosmos.
A question nagged at Aladdin, after all this time.
"You would do it again, wouldn't you?" Sunil's attention returned to the conversation. "Give up absolute power just to have her."
"Would life be easier with magic?" Sunil answered his question with a question, and shrugged as he answered it. "Sure. But, what's the point of living forever and having all that power if you don't have anyone to share it with? Magic always has a price, kid. The price for me was an eternity alone, destined to serve those who only sought to serve themselves. I couldn't even help the people I loved — "
"Um... Excuse me, I'm incredibly lovable."
Pushing him in the shoulder to shut him up, Sunil continued, "Every master I ever had used my magic to secure their own happiness, yet it was the greatest obstacle to happiness for me. That's the trade off. In a perfect world where I could keep magic, earn my freedom, and get the girl, it's no question. Who wouldn't want the power to give their loved ones everything they want, to protect them, maybe even make the world a better place? But, that wasn't an option for me. So, if the choice was between an infinite lifetime with magic, or a mortal lifetime with Dalia… hell, that's easy."
"We've seen mortals use magic though," Aladdin offered.
Scrutinizing him, Aladdin could see Sunil trying to work out where this was heading. Fighting the tightening in his throat that strangled his next question, Aladdin examined the remaining contents of his cup.
"I know I shouldn't think about it… but, if Jafar had been a better man, used his power for the good of Agrabah —"
"There is a big difference between having power and taking power." Sunil stated, cutting him off. "Jafar took what was not meant for mortal men, and sacrificed the one thing that made him different than you."
Recalling again that conversation in the dunes, Aladdin stiffened. "We had more in common than I'd like to admit."
"You have more power than you realize, Aladdin, and it's the kind someone like Jafar could never have — the kind that is earned, not taken."
"Okay, you're right. I am different from Jafar. The Cave of Wonders chose me for a reason, so maybe that means...
"You know what I admire most about you, kid?"
His well timed interruptions were not lost on Aladdin. "My disarming charisma and instant likability?"
Poking him firmly in the chest with a chuckle, Sunil said, "That big 'ol heart of yours. You genuinely care about people, and you always put other people's needs first. That is what makes you powerful. Not being a prince, or having magic, so don't sacrifice it in the pursuit of some imagined greater power. Do no thirst for what cannot be quenched, no matter the depth of the cup."
"Magic never made you a villain, Sunil. It can't be all bad."
"No," he agreed, with a heavy, somber smile. "It only ever made me a slave. Jafar too, in a different way." Sunil finished the last of his drink. "It doesn't matter the intention, there is always a price. Always. It never names it up front, and the more you're willing to pay, the more it will take, until there is nothing left. Magic eventually makes slaves of us all."
Before Aladdin had time to really process the wisdom imparted from his friend, Hakim appeared at his side, expression severe.
"Your Highness, forgive my interruption, but I have urgent news for the Sultana."
Cutting through the mass of bodies in motion, Jasmine was already making her way toward them, Dalia in tow.
"Is everything alright, Hakim?" She asked as he bowed.
"A student from the bimarestan just arrived at the gates with an urgent message from the head physician. He's waiting for you and the vizier in your study."
A medical student arrives at the palace with urgent news just days after rumors are spread about plague in the city. It didn't take a great leap of intelligence to figure out the message. Aladdin felt a knot twist into his gut. Tamping down the anger that had flared days ago, he reminded himself that Jasmine was safely back in the palace, so he tried to focus on the conversation unfolding around him.
"Stay," Jasmine said, putting a hand against Dalia's arm. "You are relieved of duty, remember? Stay with Sunil and enjoy the rest of your party.
"How am I supposed to have fun when I know what's a stake here?"
"Simple. As your Sultana, I command you to have fun."
Leveling a glare at Jasmine, she frowned, pointing to Aladdin. "It's only funny when you do that kind of stuff to him."
"I can handle this. Besides, the prince is coming with me. So, go off and pretend to be having a good time. As soon as I know what is happening, you will too."
"Fine." Dalia rolled her eyes, admitting defeat. "I guess I'll just be over here acting as if the city isn't in dire peril..."
"I'll handle this." Sunil wrapped his arm around his wife's shoulders and guided her towards a table where she could complain while she ate her feelings.
"Lead the way, Hakim," Jasmine said reaching for Aladdin's hand to bring him along.
The sounds of the party died behind them, the music and voices fading beyond marble walls and columns as they entered the administrative wing of the palace. Two guards were already posted outside her study when they arrived, one opening the door for them to pass. Inside was another guard who stood deathly still in opposition to a young man who was pacing nervously, every inch of his body covered by layers of plain linen, holding what looked to be a head covering under his arm.
Jumping a bit when he saw the Sultana enter, he bowed awkwardly like he didn't know what to do with his hands. "Your Majesty, I apologize for interrupting your gathering, and I thank you for seeing me. Forgive me if I l keep a safe distance. I'm immune to the disease, but I don't wish to possibly expose my Sultana."
Dismissing his apology with a wave, she marched around her desk. "Your master was wise to send you. The rumors are true, then?"
"It's already spread through the poorest quarter and into the market district." He replied. "The captain has already promised extra patrols to minimize panic and set about quarantining the sick."
"Is the bimarestan well equipped for such an influx of patients? What resources can we provide? What will you need?"
"Beds are filling up quickly, and the first priority will be securing enough food to feed everyone."
"What about medicine?"
"It won't matter."
Everyone looked towards Aladdin before he even realized he was speaking.
"The prince is right, Your Majesty. The plague is unlike most ailments we see. Once infection sets in, there is very little we can do in the way of treatment besides provide comfort until they pass, or begin to recover. It simply doesn't respond to the administration of medicines the way other diseases do. Our only recourse is to fight the fever, and wait."
In all the time that Aladdin had been with Jasmine, he had never seen her look helpless. Now she stood at her desk, searching the faces around her for the slightest hint of guidance. No one had anything better to offer.
"Alright then… it's late, and I fear there isn't much we can accomplish tonight. For now, the kitchens will provide you with a supply of food, to accommodate those already in your care until we can get something more permanent arranged. Tomorrow, after fajr, I will convene a council to determine a plan of action for dealing with this crisis. Hakim, I will need you to attend. And, while I am loathe to summon the head physician away from where he is most needed, I seek his expertise in forming a proactive response."
"Of course, Your Majesty. He will gladly make the time."
Rather out of character for his normally unflappable warrior goddess, he was surprised when Jasmine slipped slowly into her chair, slumping into the backrest, gaze distant with racing thoughts. "How long should we expect this to last?"
Swallowing, the student looked to the others around the room as if he was hoping for someone else to deliver the bad news.
"A few weeks, at the earliest." Aladdin spoke to take the pressure off the young man, receiving a grateful nod for this effort, before casting his eyes to the floor, adding, "My mother lasted nearly forty days."
Closing her eyes for a long moment as she took in his words, she held her breath for the same length before asking, "Then, what else should I do?"
When no one responded to her query, it took Aladdin a second to realize she was directing the question at him, the others silently waiting for his response. Racking his brain, hoping to knock a bit of wisdom loose from his own experience, he fought the urge to panic. Mercifully, something useful managed to fall out of his mouth.
"The city is going to go from pure chaos to The Empty Quarter in about the span of a day. Those without the means to escape the city will hide in their homes, boarding up the windows and doors. Extra patrols are a good start, Hakim, but I'd be more worried about opportunistic criminals trying to take advantage of the situation than panicking citizens. I think it would be smart to keep a strong presence around the market to watch the unattended stalls and shops." The Captain nodded his agreement as Aladdin continued. "The lucky ones will end up at the bimarestan, but those who are already sick, those in the poorest quarter, are just going to find anywhere they can, waiting to die. It's important the physicians attend to the people unable to leave their homes."
"Don't worry, Your Highness, we've already made preparations for that." The medical student replied.
"Nicely done, then," Aladdin responded, as if he knew what he was doing. He was amazed he'd made it this far, expecting any moment his foresight to lapse and leave him looking the proper idiot he expected to make of himself in these situations. "You should also summon the Imam to attend the meeting tomorrow. People will be seeking assurance and support beyond our capabilities, and the mosque will provide help in distributing resources to the homebound."
Set now with her list of tasks to focus on, he could see that Jasmine was ready to take action.
"Farooq," she called to the guard who had been waiting with the student, and he stood to attention. "Please escort the messenger to the kitchen and make the arrangements for the food delivery."
"Understood, Your Majesty," he replied, fist to his chest, moving towards the door with the student following closely behind.
"Hakim, send someone to summon the Imam."
"Of course," Hakim saluted.
"Wait!" Aladdin called, everyone stopping in their tracks. "Hakim, make sure that any guards patrolling are covered." He motioned towards the strange linen garb the student wore. "It's the best way to prevent spread of the infection."
"Noted, Your Highness. I'll see to it that anyone traveling in the city take precautions."
Assigned their tasks, the others left Aladdin and Jasmine behind in the study. Jasmine had yet to move from behind her desk, Aladdin approaching her to plop down and lean on the corner. Massaging the pockets of his eyes, he felt her arms slide around his neck, and her forehead meeting his.
"I suppose the party is over." She sighed. "We need to alert the guests."
"Take a minute," he whispered. "Let your nerves settle back into place first. If you go in there rattled, they'll believe there is reason to panic."
"Allah must be looking out for Dalia and Sunil," she offered. "It's fortunate they are leaving tomorrow morning."
"Small blessings, I guess..."
Drawing back, fire blazing in those eyes as she locked gazes with him, he could feel her vibrating with unspent nervous energy.
"I'll follow your lead on this. What resources we have are yours to command."
Tilting his head, biting back a surprised laugh, he asked, "You handing over your kingdom, just like that, to a prince? Who are you and what have you done with my wife?"
Ignoring the jest, voice strained by the severity of her words, she answered, "I trust you implicitly, Aladdin. I made you a promise to let you handle this because I trust you with my kingdom, and my life."
At the words, something shifted inside him. It solidified, gaining purchase in his heart — that big 'ol heart that Sunil had just poked and praised what now felt like hours ago — lending him a profound sense of purpose. With her father away, at the mercy of an intangible enemy, Jasmine had never been so out of her depth before, and for once he could actually help. He knew this plague personally. He'd seen the damage it wrecked first hand. He still carried the scars from surviving it, physically and emotionally. She needed him more than ever — more than a friend, more than a husband, more than someone she could trust to show her vulnerability. For the first time since he'd tricked Jafar into the lamp, he remembered what it was like to be her hero. Jasmine had never needed saving, not then and certainly not now, but unlike his fearless wife, Agrabah couldn't protect itself. He got it now, what she had seen from the beginning, what she meant when she spoke of his understanding of her people. Jasmine was Agrabah's Sultana, it's indelible leader, but she had chosen Aladdin because he was it's champion.
"I won't let you down, Jasmine. I swear. Whatever happens, I'll take care of Agrabah."
Tears lingered in the corners of her eyes, not of sadness, but of immeasurable pride. Carding her fingers through his meticulously styled hair, he was beginning to suspect she secretly loved destroying it. Parting his knees, he made space for her to come closer, maneuvering to adjust for her added weight as they leaned together into the desk. Enveloped in his embrace, she finally brought her mouth to meet his. He deepened the kiss, moving his hand to the small of her back, tightening the available space between them to next to nothing. Taunting him with every graze of her pelvis against his, he fought the urge to violently clear to desk surface of it contents, and throw her down on top of it. The idea had merit. In her study was certainly something they hadn't tried yet… then her lips were abandoning his with a sigh.
"We have a party to break up."
"And, then we can finish the party we just started, right?" He urged hopefully.
"Actually, doniety," she said, lips still distractingly within reach, "we have an early start tomorrow, remember?" Stepping out of his grasp, she patted his cheek. "I'll take care of the guests. You go ahead and retire."
Wounded, he threw his head back, "Really?"
"You'll survive," she promised, adding, "I'll be up shortly."
Just to be petulant, he remained in dramatic repose as she exited, leaving him alone. Bracing his hands on the edge of the desk, he gripped it tightly, forcing his pent up energy elsewhere so he could walk. Offhandedly, he wondered if he would have enough time for a cold bath before Jasmine made it back to their suite.
Again, I would have liked to provide links to my research, but I cannot figure out how to get links to actually post without disappearing when I hit save.
oud — hopefully I have identified it properly since I don't really have footage I can go back and check, and I'm working mostly from memory here, but I'm mostly positive this is the name of the string instrument Jasmine was playing in Aladdin's loft. I trust those of you in the the know to correct me if I am wrong.
The second of the Five Pillars of Islam, the Salat states that Muslims are to pray five times throughout the day, at specific times with specific purposes in mind:
Fajr: This prayer starts off the day with the remembrance of God; it is performed before sunrise.
Dhuhr: After the day's work has begun, one breaks shortly after noon to again remember God and seek His guidance.
'Asr: In the late afternoon, people take a few minutes to remember God and the greater meaning of their lives.
Maghrib: Just after the sun goes down, Muslims remember God again as the day begins to come to a close.
'Isha: Before retiring for the night, Muslims again take the time to remember God's presence, guidance, mercy, and forgiveness.
I figured it was just easier to post an explanation for all of these in case I make reference to them in future chapters.
imam- a high ranking religious leader in Persian culture
The Empty Quarter — this is probably my favorite name for anything, ever. It's just so haunting and menacing sounding. I love it. It is the English translation of Rub al Khali, the name for the desert between Saudi Arabia and Oman. It is the largest, continuous sand desert in the world, virtually absent of all geographic features besides sand dunes. At 1 million sq miles (650k sq km) it's larger than France. In Arabic legend, this is also the home of wandering djinn.