Mint and Honey

[KieranSoares]

While they hadn't said much, Alex rarely relinquished her hand unless he had to, and only for as long as he needed. By the time everything was ready to go and Alex brought out Fatin, the others of Yasmine's family came to say goodbye.

 

[heartofcourage]

Yasmine let all of them say their farewells first. In all honesty, she wasn't sure that she was strong enough to let him go. It didn't matter if it was temporary, she would miss him greatly.

 

[KieranSoares]

As Haroun spoke with Alex and Aida hugged him, Ibrahim came to stand beside Yasmine. He murmured, "... You could go with him."

 

[heartofcourage]

"No. I won't leave until this war is over." Yasmine said as she turned to look at her grandfather. "And I selfishly want to make extra certain that you and ammo will be alright without me around."

 

[KieranSoares]

"The war is ending for us in the north. We're going to be fine. And we have lovely women looking after us, all three of us." Ibrahim gave her a smile. "And you and Alex are a good pair. You'll do better together."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Jiddo. I'm not ready to say goodbye to you yet either." Yasmine said softly, knowing that no matter what she did, she would be leaving someone behind.

 

[KieranSoares]

"It wouldn't be goodbye, qamar. You'll come back." He kissed her cheek. "It's up to you. But I know you'll miss him more than you can stand."

 

[heartofcourage]

"It's hard to know where I'm needed most." Yasmine said softly, looking at her grandfather as he encouraged her to go with Alex.

 

[KieranSoares]

"Go, my love. The north will be more dangerous... But I think they deserve your help. You've done wonders here with the drake riders, and I know of your work in Scotland. The north has suffered a huge blow. They could use every able hand. And you and Alex there as a team would be a benefit."

 

[heartofcourage]

"I haven't packed anything for a long trip nor is my drake ready." Yasmine said, trying to come up with some weak excuse to stay behind as he encouraged her to go with Alex.

 

[KieranSoares]

"The ship will wait. We chartered it, after all." Ibrahim chuckled at the weak excuse.

 

[heartofcourage]

Yasmine was very quiet as the thought about that. He wanted her to be with Alex and happy. She wanted to stay to make sure that he was alright. However, she knew that he was in good hands with a woman that loved him. She glanced towards her uncle as he spoke with Alex and she knew that he was well taken care of by his own lover too. There was little reason for her to stay behind.

"I'll miss you." She said softly, her dark gaze turning back towards her grandfather.

 

[KieranSoares]

"And you'll be missed more than you can possibly imagine." Ibrahim drew her in to kiss her forehead before turning to call to a nearby guard. "You there! Ride to the harbor and tell Captain Khasil that we require a delay."

Despite the Arabian spoken, Alex understood enough to give them a strange look. "Is something wrong?"

 

[heartofcourage]

"It seems that jiddo is sending me home with you." Yasmine said softly, looking over at Alex as he asked what was wrong. "He thinks I'll be happier if I go than if I stay without you."

 

[KieranSoares]

Alex wasn't sure whether to be concerned or excited, and he came to take her hands in his own. "It's up to you, not any of us."

 

[heartofcourage]

"I don't know." Yasmine said softly, looking between the two men that she adored. "But I know that Jiddo won't take no for an answer and will pester me until I run away again."

As she said that, she wrapped him up in the tightest hug that she could muster, soaking in the moment for as long as she could.

 

[KieranSoares]

Ibrahim held her tightly and soon her uncle and sister joined in, holding the beloved youngest of the family between them. Alex kept back to leave them their moment, turning to pat Fatin's neck.

 

[heartofcourage]

"None of you are allowed to die or get married until I come back." Yasmine said as they all held her tightly. "And I mean it. I'll be cross if either of those happens."

 

[KieranSoares]

"We'll certainly avoid the former at all costs, and I believe our dear ladies won't mind holding off on the latter," Haroun assured her, pressing a kiss to her cheek. But even as he and Ibrahim stepped back, Aida didn't let go just yet.

"You make sure you don't do either of those yourself away from home," Aida muttered.

 

[heartofcourage]

"I won't be going anywhere, Aida. I promise. Alex and I aren't ready to be married and he'll keep me from dying." Yasmine said softly as her sister hugged her so tightly.

 

[KieranSoares]

"He'd better..." Aida finally let her go, taking in a deep breath. "Go on and pack. The ship won't wait forever."

 

[heartofcourage]

Yasmine gave her sister a smile as she reached up and untied her scarf, handing it to her. "Something to remember me by. Wear it and be proud."

 

[KieranSoares]

Aida kissed her cheek before stepping back. "Go on, qamar."

The ship would wait for as long as needed, and room was made for Bahir to join as well.

 

[heartofcourage]

Yasmine packed as quickly as she could, sending servants with her things back to the docks before she made a visit to the garden, saying a goodbye to her grandmother and brother. It was sad to leave everything behind but it seemed that everyone was certain that she needed to go.

 

[KieranSoares]

By the time Yasmine re-emerged, Alex had Bahir and Fatin ready and waiting. Each of her beloved family hugged and kissed her and wished her well one last time before they stepped back and let her go.