This story is a gift for a dear friend of mine.
We've had the most dramatic relationship,
but somehow we always wind up back together.
I think it's for a reason. -smiles-
I hope she likes it, and I hope you all do too.
Enjoy! – Catch Fireflies
Also! The only character I own is Hijra, the Pharaoh's sister.
/////
Priestess Isis Ishtar looked out the window of her home in Pharaoh Atem's kingdom. Although she was successful, beautiful, and sophisticated there had always been something missing from her life. Yes, she had her younger brother, Malik, but there was a void within her heart; a missing piece. She lacked love. She had yet to get in touch with feelings so passionate and true. Isis had never been involved with anyone seriously before, she was never particularly interested in the men that pursued her. Sometimes she questioned if it was men in general that she wasn't interested in, but hardly thought too deeply into it.
Malik had always bothered his sister about taking her job as a Priestess too seriously.
"You need to go out and have some fun, sister," he would say. "You are going to miss out on the exciting elements of life if you trap yourself in such a stern, business-like way of living! Even Priest Set has a love life and look at what a stiff he is,"
Isis would sigh and shake her head, even though Malik persisted.
"What about Mahaado? He's a nice guy!"
"Brother, I am not interested in him." Isis replied flatly.
"But he is interested in you!"
"I do not want to sound harsh by any means but I really don't care, Malik."
The violet-eyed boy frowned and slumped away, leaving his elder sister to continue staring out the window. He was quite unlike her. He had a free, charming spirit and was enamored with love. He constantly had his eye on the younger sister of Atem, but never succeeded in romancing her. Stubborn, and not threatened by the thief Akiefa (who seemingly had her heart), Malik continued on anyway.
Isis brushed a lock of her ebony tresses away from her face and let the Egyptian air graze her face. She took a deep breath and closed her cerulean eyes, taking in the refreshing feel of the cool breeze. Is this what love feels like? Does it feel like the tickle of the fresh morning air on my skin? Does it feel like the slight warmth of the sun wrapping me in a glowing, protective blanket? Opening her eyes, she saw a young woman prancing cheerfully up to her home.
She knew her quite well. Mana was the apprentice of Mahaado, rather chummy with Malik, and a childhood friend of Pharaoh Atem. Although her talents as a magician weren't quite up to par just yet, she had great potential and was always optimistic. When she wasn't apprenticing under Mahaado, she was hanging around Atem. Everywhere she went, tension ceased and the room felt happier. There was no person's spirits that Mana couldn't lift. The high Priestess always agreed that she was a joy to be around.
Isis' gaze followed Mana until she reached the door of hers and Malik's home. She found herself admiring the short girl's sun-faded chocolate locks and sparkling hazel eyes. Her tan skin looked so smooth and it almost glowed in the morning sun. To Isis, it did.
Her thoughts were interrupted with light knocks. Isis whirled her head around to find her brother running to answer the door.
"Malik," she started, "Were you expecting her?"
The sandy-haired young man faced his sister and nodded with a smile. "We're going out! For leisure!"
Isis raised an eyebrow. "And where is princess Hijra today?"
"Ah… I'm not very certain…" Malik trailed off, scratching the back of his neck.
His older sister frowned ever-so-slightly. "Don't go getting yourself into trouble. Mana doesn't need to be involved with your mischievousness."
Malik let out an exasperated sigh and opened the door to his friend. "Come on in!"
Mana bounced into their living area with a bright smile on her face. She gave Malik a friendly hug and bowed towards Isis; her expression suddenly becoming more serious. Isis became confused at this, but wound up smiling gently towards the younger girl.
"Good morning, Priestess Isis!" the youthful magician sang in the most serious tone she could muster.
"Good morning, Mana. There is no need to be so formal. We are not at work now," Isis replied softly.
A blush quickly danced across Mana's cheeks. "Ah! Right! Well! I hope you enjoy your day off then!"
Isis nodded, still slightly smiling. "You as well. Keep my brother out of trouble,"
"O-oh! I will! Don't worry!"
"Mm. So there are no plans to track the activities of Princess Hijra?"
Mana blushed one more time. "Weeeell… not yet, anyway!" She giggled, slightly nervously.
Malik raised his eyebrows observing the interaction between the two females before him. He had never seen his sister smile that way at the sight of anyone. He had also never seen Mana blush in such a manner. Hmm, maybe this is why my sister never gives men a chance.
