Between Victory and Turmoil: Return to Granada"
**Return to Granada**
**Location: Granada, after the war**
The sun rises over the city of Granada, which is beginning to regain its normal life after the Battle of the Hills. The streets are adorned with flags and lights celebrating the victory, though it was a small one. Prince **Badis ibn Habus** prepares to welcome his son **Maksan** after a long period of tension.
**Maksan** arrives in the city, where he is warmly greeted by Prince **Badis ibn Habus**. Despite the visible exhaustion on **Maksan's** face, there is a sense of pride in the victory achieved.
**Prince Badis ibn Habus:**
"Welcome back, **Maksan**. You have done a great job in this battle. We are proud of you."
**Maksan:**
"Thank you, my lord. The victory was necessary, but the road is still long."
In the city square, a grand celebration is underway. The prince announces rewards for the army and provides food for three days in celebration of the victory. Civilians and soldiers join in the festivities, while **Maksan** enjoys a meal in the prince's tent.
During the celebrations, a foreign merchant watches the scene with interest. He approaches one of the onlookers to ask about the relationship between the prince and **Maksan**.
**Foreign Merchant:**
"It seems that the relationship between the prince and his son was tense in the past. Is that true?"
**Onlooker:**
"Yes, the relationship between the prince and **Maksan** was tense due to disagreements over leadership and military decisions. **Maksan** was always known for his harshness and bluntness, which often led to clashes with his father, who, despite his intelligence and discipline, was an emotional person."
**Foreign Merchant:**
"But, I heard that **Maksan** was cheerful and happy at one point. Is that true?"
**Onlooker:**
"Yes, indeed. At one point in his life, **Maksan** was a cheerful and happy person, especially before his wife's death. He was optimistic and loved life. However, after her death, **Maksan** changed significantly. The grief he experienced affected his personality, making him more harsh and difficult."
**Foreign Merchant, with curiosity:**
"I also heard rumors about **Maksan** seeking revenge against a prominent city leader. Does this have anything to do with the tension with his father?"
**Onlooker, in a low voice:**
"Yes, there are unconfirmed reports about a hidden conflict between **Maksan** and a prominent leader, where it is said that **Maksan** sought revenge after being insulted by that leader in one of the battles. But no one knows the exact truth."
**Foreign Merchant, continuing:**
"And what about **Maksan**'s exile to Malta? I also heard some stories suggesting it was due to a conspiracy against the prince."
**Onlooker, hesitantly:**
"There are rumors that **Maksan**'s exile was not only due to his refusal to follow his father's decisions but was also part of a broader conspiracy to undermine both the prince and **Maksan**. It is said that some of those around the prince were trying to weaken his position by tarnishing his son's reputation. However, there is no concrete evidence to support these rumors."
**Foreign Merchant, cautiously:**
"Finally, why did **Maksan** marry the daughter of the leader of the Banu Isa tribe?"
**Onlooker, explaining:**
"The marriage was a strategic move to strengthen political alliances. After the death of his older brother Balqin, who was the crown prince, the political situation became sensitive. Prince **Badis** needed to bolster alliances to ensure stability. Thus, he decided that **Maksan** should marry the daughter of the leader of the Banu Isa tribe. The Banu Isa tribe is a large and influential tribe with significant military and political power in the region. It was crucial for the prince to strengthen his alliances with this tribe to ensure political stability and enhance the city's power."
**Foreign Merchant, inquiring:**
"And what about the power of this tribe?"
**Onlooker, answering:**
"The Banu Isa tribe is one of the largest tribes in the region, with substantial military and political influence. They have a strong army and wide influence, making an alliance with them very important. Marrying their daughter was a way to secure their support and enhance stability in the city."
**Location: Prince Badis ibn Habus's Palace, after the war with Seville**
The sun rises over the city of Granada, which is starting to return to normal life after the war with Seville. The streets are decorated with flags and lights celebrating the modest victory. Inside the palace, Prince **Badis ibn Habus** sits with his son **Maksan** after the celebrations have ended.
*In a spacious hall of the palace, after the celebrations, Prince **Badis** and **Maksan** sit at a large table. The dim candlelight reflects off the walls, creating a contemplative atmosphere in the room.*
**Prince Badis ibn Habus, seriously:**
"Now that the negotiations with Seville have ended with a modest victory, how do you see its impact on our current situation?"
**Maksan, thoughtfully:**
"My lord, the victory was modest but necessary. Seville might be dissatisfied with the terms and may continue to try to evade them. For now, we need to focus on leveraging this small victory to strengthen our position."
**Prince Badis ibn Habus, contemplatively:**
"I was planning to start a larger campaign against Seville after a year to solidify our position. However, Seville, worried about a potential war with Castile, declared war on us to secure some minor victories and negotiate, preparing for a war with Castile to avoid paying tribute."
**Maksan, with concern:**
"That's true, but we have another problem. Rumors of traitors in high positions are starting to affect the morale of the soldiers. I've been investigating them for a while but haven't been able to pinpoint them accurately."
**Prince Badis ibn Habus, seriously:**
"The stability of the city is crucial. We must address these issues promptly to ensure they do not impact our political and military stability. It may be beneficial to appoint a special committee to investigate these rumors. Dealing with these matters swiftly can help maintain internal cohesion."
**Maksan, thoughtfully:**
"Yes, I think that would be a good step. I will start organizing a team to look into the issue."
**Prince Badis ibn Habus, with concern:**
"When is your wife from Malta expected to arrive in Granada?"
**Maksan, calmly:**
"She is expected to arrive within a month. I married her for political reasons; she is not the wife I loved, but we have been living together for ten years."
**Prince Badis ibn Habus, with concern:**
"I understand. How do you plan to handle her after all these years?"
**Maksan, coldly:**
"I will handle it as required. The relationship was not about love, but about interests. The emotional distance can be painful. I haven't been happy in this relationship and I now realize that this distance significantly affects my life."
**Prince Badis ibn Habus, deeply:**
"Dealing with feelings of loneliness and emotional strain is always difficult, especially when issues are complicated by political reasons. It might be helpful to try to understand your feelings and communicate honestly to mitigate the impact of this relationship on your life."
**Maksan, thoughtfully:**
"Yes, I realize that. I think I need to find a way to balance my emotions with my duties."
**Prince Badis ibn Habus, firmly:**
"Indeed, balancing personal and political life is key to succeeding in both areas. We need to focus on the stability of the city and building strong alliances."
**Prince Badis ibn Habus, with added seriousness:**
"But we also need to be prepared to face internal challenges. Some factions in the palace, as well as influential figures in the city, will not be pleased with my relinquishing power to my son. We must be vigilant about their potential opposition and avoid any crises that may arise from it."
**Maksan, with concern:**
"Yes, definitely. I will start developing strategies to deal with the opposition and ensure the stability of the leadership. The situation may be more complex than we anticipated."
**Location: Prince Badis ibn Habus's Palace, a month after the battle**
**Official Reception:**
Sarah, 29 years old, arrives in Granada a month after the battle fought by Maksan and his troops. She arrives at the palace amid a tense but festive atmosphere, as the modest victory is still being celebrated in the city. The reception hall of the palace is decorated with warm candlelight and decorations, adding an air of grandeur and respect.
Prince Badis ibn Habus, 60 years old, surveys the scene with composure and strength. His wrinkled face reflects his long experience in ruling, and his gray hair adds a touch of dignity. Next to him stands Maksan, 35 years old, whose sharp features and short dark hair reflect the tension he still carries a month after the fighting.
**Prince Badis ibn Habus, with a warm smile and the deep lines of experience on his face:**
"Welcome, Sarah. We hope your arrival marks a new beginning for all of us."
**Maksan, coldly with his sharp features, responds with a frown:**
"Hello, Sarah."
**Sarah, with a cool demeanor, responds with a slight smile:**
"Hello, Maksan."
**Dinner:**
During dinner, everyone gathers in the large dining hall illuminated by soft candlelight and decorations that tell historical stories. Tamim, 16 years old, sits with excessive enthusiasm. Though smaller in stature than his 10-year-old brother Abdullah, he is full of energy and passion, evident in every movement.
Tamim, with a slender build and a proud expression, talks excitedly about his role in the battle from a month ago. He describes his prominent role in the war in an exaggerated manner, evident in his sharp voice and gestures reflecting his pride.
**Tamim, with excessive enthusiasm, a youthful expression, and a sharp voice:**
"Sarah, I was at the heart of the battle and was responsible for executing key strategies. Things were not easy, but I was a prominent leader and understood the importance of every decision I made. Our success was a direct result of my strategies."
**Sarah, with a light smile and a cool comment, focuses on Tamim:**
"Tamim, it seems you did a great job in the battle, but we all need accurate information. I prefer you explain your role in detail without boasting."
**Tamim, trying to balance his pride with embarrassment, continues to explain:**
"Okay, I was responsible for coordinating attacks and managing movements. I believe those efforts contributed to our victory."
**Sarah, laughing gently with a hint of mockery:**
"You are brave, but boasting doesn't help much. What matters is how everyone worked as a team."
**Abdullah, who looks older due to his physical size despite being only 10 years old, sits quietly and listens calmly. His dark brown hair and eyes reflect a mature calmness befitting his large frame.**
After dinner, a private session is held in a warm and comfortable room where Prince Badis ibn Habus, Sarah, Maksan, Tamim, and Abdullah gather around a low table. Prince Badis, carefully observing the family situation, seeks to ensure a balance between family and political matters.
**Prince Badis ibn Habus, addressing Abdullah with a friendly smile and his calm, lined face:**
"Abdullah, I noticed you were silent throughout dinner. I'd like to know if you have any thoughts or suggestions regarding the current situation."
**Abdullah, with a shy smile and unusual maturity for his age, responds modestly:**
"Thank you, sir. I am here to support the family and hope to be helpful in other ways."
**Prince Badis ibn Habus, with seriousness and appreciation, replies:**
"I value your calmness and patience. Each family member has an important role. We need everyone's efforts to come together."
**Abdullah, with gratitude, adds:**
"I understand, sir. I will be here to support any efforts aimed at achieving the city's stability."
**Prince Badis ibn Habus, again addressing everyone:**
"Let us focus on working together and overcoming challenges. Every opinion and contribution from the family helps in strengthening our stability."
**Then, Prince Badis turns to Tamim and smiles, with a hint of amusement on his face:**
"Tamim, I think Sarah was impressed with your contribution to the war. Perhaps you should tone down the boasting and focus on how we can all support each other in the future."
**Tamim, with a bit of embarrassment but grateful, responds:**
"Yes, sir. I will do my best to help the family in any way I can."
**Sarah, with a slight smile teasing Tamim, adds:**
"You are indeed brave, but we should remember that heroism is not only in battle but also in how we handle others."
**Dinner ends, and the atmosphere remains tense between Maksan and Sarah. Their limited conversations reflect ongoing tension, while the focus remains on fostering family spirit and cooperation to achieve balance and stability in the face of future challenges.