I'm too lazy to actually write this out properly rn so you're getting this in points :> magi oc week day 4!!
kingdom: based on ancient Vietnam (some other influences (ex: China because of a close tie to Kou... It's not supposed to be a 1:1 copy), named Guren Empire (locals call it Guren Kunshu)
Guren means crimson Lotus! Which is their symbol.
strict, distant family: younger brother as heir to the throne, even through Nurul has been raised to rule and would excel at it (competition, she got neglected, really shaped her) = Lack of attention and care
diplomatic stay in Sindria (banquet + stay) she's eager to prove herself, but really her parents only want to keep her busy and out of the way, under the guise of strengthening alliances: she meets Ja'far, grows interested, Ja'far isn't fond of her at first - she's an attention seeker 😭
Nurul offers good points when discussing a trade deal, firstly seeming charmed by Sinbad, but not letting his charms sway her decision. She's similar to him, in a way. She ends up cutting a deal that is more beneficial to her kingdom, as opposed to what Sinbad originally intended. This piques Ja'far's interest and he grows curious
a few days later, a letter arrived from Nurul's family, apologising in behalf of her and saying that it is not her place or authority to negotiate. It's addressed to Ja'far. This shines some light on her home situation, and he grows sympathetic
he tries to indirectly steer her into the right direction, to heal and change, but she stays rooted in her ways no matter how much closer they grow, so he pulls away
Nurul grows irritated and confronts him, and in return he snaps at her, pointing out her issues and she his' in turn. It grows into a fight, but ultimately they grow closer
She helps Ja'far build a life outside of serving Sinbad (he touches grass :O)
they (slowly) fall in love, but given their stations it's a taboo, and Ja'far is hesitant (denial is a river in Egypt). The pull ends up being too strong anyhow, so they start dating in secret
the secret comes out and her parents are furious, saying she's smearing the family name and that this is just another cry for attention. In retaliation, she steps out of the royal family.- she goes on a journey of self discovery (alone) where she gains a household vessel with the #70 Djinn, Seir (Light magic! Fire fly! Orchid mantis!)
she returns to Sindria and gets involved in it's politics, her influence and reputation growing - Sinbad changes (and ultimately leaves but that doesn't matter rn). Nurul helps Ja'far cope as best as she can, but he's in denial and distancing himself from everyone, throwing himself into his work
The distance becomes too much and she requests a break (big angst). This served as a wake up call for Ja'far, and he confronts his feelings
he wins her back, she helps him heal, and they get together again
they have children (CLICHÉ... But in my defense the omake 😭 where he named kids) (he just seems to have a softspot for them so I think it's a good ending and Nurul finally gets that loving family) (this is set in the epilogue)
three kids total!! (Adira, Sinh, Varisha... You can guess who named the second 😭) (IN HIS DEFENSE it's less of a he's clinging to Sinbad and more of a he's closing that chapter with fondness and moving on and making new memories)
Nurul is pan, I hc Ja'far as bi
Nurul had a toxic doomed yuri situationship with the princess of Alexandria (another kingdom I made up - small archive based country next to Heliohapt) (details to come)
Ja'far and Nurul HAVE met as kids... briefly. He recognizes her immediately, she doesn't recognize him until much later. ...they only bickered as children tbh.
Nurul Azzara is what I have of her name so far (Nurul = light of, Azzara = the flower) HOWEVER that is not her birth name / legal name. It's for convenience in international settings! Her actual name is Quang Thuỵ Liên (thx wj for ur help btw, should u see this)
one time Ja'far stayed up so late he was tired asffff and he had ink stains on his hands from working. He cupped sleepy Nurul's face and because he slipped out of her chambers again when it was still dark, he didn't see the ink smears he left on her face... and she didn't notice immediately either. No one dared to call her out on it and some noble women followed suit, believing she was setting a trend - the other generals + Sinbad def knew though 😭
Ja'far realised his feelings for Nurul when she did/said sth stupid (haven't come up w something concrete), something he'd normally find annoying, and he found himself endeared by it instead, genuinely laughing
he also does that thing where you can't stop that stupid big smile from showing as you're thinking about the one you love
he was a yearner in denial at first... so mixed signals
Nurul meanwhile actively looked for love and threw her heart around at anyone who'd take it, she fell for the little things he did that showed he cared (remembered she hates the smell of coffee so he switched to black tea)
my girl was so love starved she got overwhelmed QUICK when he first started showing actual affection esp. physical
Tldr: two hurt idiots whose love was considered treason get over themselves, get together and tend to each other's (emotional) wounds
Pinknight playlist (the mentioned doomed yuri)
Lotusdart Pinterest board
Pinknight Pinterest board
