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05:05, 19th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Cairo II.

Posted by The KeeperFor group 0
The Keeper
GM, 1294 posts
Tony Stroppa
Sun 28 Jun 2015
at 10:48
  • msg #1

Cairo II

The bustle of the Red Alley bazaar seemed strangely muted as they made their way through the crowds towards the Street of Scorpions. Strangely, the shadows grew and the noise of the city seemed blotted out. There were still a few people, though not as many as in the bazaar proper. Merchants in white ankle-length shirts wearing red tarbooshes carried bales and boxes, women in variously-coloured robes carried jars and baskets to and fro.

Beams of sunlight slanted downwards, indirect due to the shadows cast by the buildings leaning over the narrow street and sheets hung across to block the sun. Finally, they came to a red door. It was open, leading into a hot darkness.
Cynthia Jane Holloway
player, 723 posts
Dilettante
Globetrotting Free Spirit
Sun 28 Jun 2015
at 12:29
  • msg #2

Re: Cairo II

Cynthia cranes her head to peer in through the doorway. "Helloo?"
Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 668 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Sun 28 Jun 2015
at 20:00
  • msg #3

Re: Cairo II


The Count waited for a response to Ms Holloway's call from the doorway all the time checking to see if anyone was interested in several Westerners in a obvious very Egyptian area.
John-Marc Falcon
player, 780 posts
Former Flt. Lt., RAF
Aeronautical Pioneer
Tue 30 Jun 2015
at 06:12
  • msg #4

Re: Cairo II

JM moved so that he was between the door and Molly.  He reached into his pocket and readied his pistol as Cynthia called out.
The Keeper
GM, 1295 posts
Tony Stroppa
Tue 30 Jun 2015
at 10:43
  • msg #5

Re: Cairo II

It took a moment for eyes to adjust to the gloom inside. They could see it was a clothing shop, both with finished Egyptian garb folded and stacked along the walls, as well as racks holding bolts of cloth. There was an ancient sewing machine in the back next to a tailoring dummy. A woman in a dark robe with head covering her head so that only her eyes showed had turned to look at the door but did not say anything, just stared silently at Cynthia and JM.

A portly middle-aged man with a beard and typical Egyptian style ankle-length white robe (thobe) and red tarboosh (fez) came through a beaded curtain at the rear of the shop. He said, in Arabic, "May I help you, good and kind sir?" Clearly he was talking to JM and not Cynthia.

Outside, Bathony could see a few people, men and women, paying attention to them in a curious but bored way. A couple children ran up shrieking something in Egyptian and holding out their hands.

At the car, nothing seemed especially suspicious.
Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 669 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Tue 30 Jun 2015
at 23:45
  • msg #6

Re: Cairo II


The Count stepped into the shade offered by the building facade and waited until they are able to enter or he is called for. He continued to watch the street for signs of danger.
George Perkins
NPC, 95 posts
Catalogue Agent
Abingdon Rare Books
Wed 1 Jul 2015
at 00:08
  • msg #7

Re: Cairo II


Mr Perkins continues his repose in the shade. He places his handkerchief back inside his jacket and resist the newspaper he had brought with him from the estate. In the shade he again started to feel himself and he took a quick drink from the small canteen hanging at his side. After yesterday he had rustled the metal water carrier from out of his luggage.
Cynthia Jane Holloway
player, 727 posts
Dilettante
Globetrotting Free Spirit
Sun 5 Jul 2015
at 00:21
  • msg #8

Re: Cairo II

Not currently being the subject of any attention (while JM clearly is), Cynthia slides into the shop to examine some of the wares. She makes her way towards the woman, and watches her reaction, if she seems more guarded at the presence of another woman, or if her focus is on the men.
The Keeper
GM, 1298 posts
Tony Stroppa
Sun 5 Jul 2015
at 09:16
  • msg #9

Re: Cairo II

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 5):

As she entered, the man shifted his focus to Cynthia, then back to JM. He continued to speak in Arabic.  The man didn't seem upset, just curious.
John-Marc Falcon
player, 782 posts
Former Flt. Lt., RAF
Aeronautical Pioneer
Mon 6 Jul 2015
at 02:38
  • msg #10

Re: Cairo II

JM took in the man and the woman, especially that she was heavily shrouded.  That was unusual in Egypt and would bear some careful consideration to avoid possible insult.  He bowed slightly and courteously to the man and replied in Arabic.

"Greetings and peace be on you sir.  I apologize for intruding on your shop.  I am seeking a Frenchman by the last name of Besart who we were told lived in this area.  The woman is my sister traveling with me.  She is interested in the clothing of the lands that we visit."
Shopkeeper
Tue 7 Jul 2015
at 00:21
  • msg #11

Re: Cairo II

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 10):

"And you as well."

At the mention of Besart's name, the man glanced back towards the bead curtain.

"I know of no one by that name. If you come to buy clothing, I have many fine wares to sell."

He indicated to the woman to go and make some tea. Wordlessly, she nodded and left, going into the back.
John-Marc Falcon
player, 784 posts
Former Flt. Lt., RAF
Aeronautical Pioneer
Tue 7 Jul 2015
at 00:29
  • msg #12

Re: Cairo II

JM followed the man's glance for a moment and then returned his gaze. He continued in heavily accented but passable Arabic  "You are most hospitable.  Your name will be praised at the gates of the city." When the woman departed JM motioned toward Cynthia.  "I am interested in clothing.  We do not follow the custom of the burqa as do many of the Faithful but perhaps scarves or head dresses to garb my sister more modestly."
Shopkeeper
Tue 7 Jul 2015
at 00:52
  • msg #13

Re: Cairo II

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 12):

"We do not carry the burqa here. That is more common among the peoples of Afghanistan and Persia so there is little demand for it in this part of the Arab world. As you can see, my wife wears the niqab."

The shopkeeper showed off his wares, a little indifferently. As if he was hoping they would become bored and leave.

Said wife reentered a short while later, bringing a tray with a teapot and tea service.
The Keeper
GM, 1299 posts
Tony Stroppa
Tue 7 Jul 2015
at 00:56
  • msg #14

Re: Cairo II

Outside, the market seemed normal now. No one made a threatening move at the car or outside the shop. Still, it was crowded and a threat could materialise at any time from the shadows.
George Perkins
NPC, 96 posts
Catalogue Agent
Abingdon Rare Books
Tue 7 Jul 2015
at 00:58
  • msg #15

Re: Cairo II


Perkins looked over the top of his paper as the crowds continued to move. He was looking for cult members or there associates. How he would tell was another matter.
Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 670 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Tue 7 Jul 2015
at 01:02
  • msg #16

Re: Cairo II


The Count stayed by the doorway as the Captain and Ms Holloway handled the situation. He watched both directions along the street as he rested against the wall. He was glad of the shade even though he had dressed appropriately for the weather.

The flower in his button hole was letting off a wonderful scent and he tried to remember to ask Alexander its name once they had returned to the estate.
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