20 Questions with Tashairah al-Muhtadim

1) How does your character deal with conflict?

A smile, a song, and a basket of figs from the orchard in my father's eastern estate. You simply must try these figs, they're sweeter than your first kiss, and much less awkward on the tongue.

2) What does your character think is the best way to deal with an enemy?

First, I always endeavour to understand them. Much enmity is simply the result of misunderstanding. How many wars have begun because some drunk emissary forgot a few words of the Anuirean language and said "I enjoyed your mother last night" when he meant to say "I enjoyed the desserts last night"?

Failing that, I endeavour to sit next to them at the feast, so I may keep an eye on them.

Failing that, I have two blades. I keep them very sharp.

3) How does your character feel about being the center of attention?

The center of a stage is my home. I try always to be worthy of it.

4) Who is the person or people your character trusts most?

Why, Baba, of course! Excuse me-- most refer to my father as Blessed Nadim al-Muhtadim, the Emir of Kfeira. But I still call him Baba.

5) What characteristics does your character despise in others?

I cannot abide a cold, uncivil, vicious, or ungenerous spirit, or those who do not consider others in their actions.

6) What characteristics does your character admire in others?

I adore heroism. And a sense of humour. And I have a weakness for a pretty face.

7) How would your character's parents describe them?

Baba once called me "the brightest jewel in the diadem of his many children". He did it in earshot of my eldest brother, though. I think he might have had too much wine.

8) Does your character have any prejudices?

I am... sometimes uncomfortable around rough people, and those of low birth. I try very hard to be courteous, though.

9) What is your character's decision-making process?

I abstain from wine or lovemaking, I fast for seven days, and pray to Avani for guidance. Just kidding! I... hmm, honestly, I do what I believe is right and just, but sometimes I follow whatever whim strikes me. Keeps life interesting.

10) What is your character's relationship with their parents?

Oh, Mama and Baba spoil me and dote on me endlessly. They weren't even angry when I took up the life of a minstrel-- hardly befitting the daughter of an emir, but they do so love my songs. They are the wisest and best of rulers. My elder siblings, not so much-- I know they think me a frivolous fool, and resent that I follow my heart while they are yoked to duty. But I serve the House in my own way.

11) Name the greatest tragedy of your character's life.

When I was younger, my betrothed was killed in battle. I was so heartbroken, I thought I would never love again. It seemed a dangerous proposition to me, to love only one. So I find solace in scattering that love among those I meet, like a fistful of rose petals.

12) Name the greatest triumph of your character's life.

I am very proud that I am counted among the foremost poets of the Basarji.

13) What characteristics does your character think make a good ruler?

The worst thing for the people is war. The best rulers are those able to avoid it, through diplomacy or guile or statecraft, or if it must be waged, to end it quickly.

14) How patriotic is your character, and to whom/where?

How can my heart be yoked to Khinas, when so much beauty and wonder lies everywhere waiting to be discovered?

15) Briefly describe your character's personal ideology.

Let me do so in verse:

By my troth, there can be

No greater goal, nor aim

Than to propagate beauty

Instead of pain.

16) What is the one thing your character can never be without?

I cannot bring my khaveer everywhere; it's my finest instrument, but it's large and unwieldy. I bring my ashtavi with me at all times instead. Also, wine.

17) How does your character deal with betrayal?

Trust is sacred; breaking it is unconscionable. Remember when I mentioned I keep two blades very sharp?

18) How does your character deal with failure?

It is unacceptable for the daughter of an emir to fail.

19) What constitutes a good life for your character?

A song in my throat, a bottle of wine, a new place to discover, an alluring body in my bed.

20) Who does your character want/aspire to be?

One who spreads joy, wonder and laughter in her wake, like a swan trailing ripples in the palace pond.