I woke up the next morning and went to the river again. My life was never the same. I had to see Isis again. I prayed that she would be at the river again so that I could give her another gift. I practiced my writing daily and yesterday, I worked especially hard. Our family was one of the few that could read and write with the exception of the Pharaoh and the royal family. Usually, I copied the sacred scriptures to master the symbols, but yesterday, I worked on my own original composition. Poetry was usually left to the poets that seemed to be inspired by the gods in the court of the Pharaoh, but I was inspired by my own muse. After yesterday, I could take my pen in my hand and words would just appear on the page as though it weren't me writing them. It was difficult enough to speak my feelings, but Isis made things easier. Words came like water flowing of its own accord.

My father was pleased that I worked so diligently and said that I would happily take his place when the time is right. I never told him what I was writing about. He never knew the reason for my new passion for the pen.
I rushed out of the house, hoping not to be late. I was too excited to slow down. And much to my eyes' content, my Isis was there as she was the day before. I was unsure of my eyes because she seemed as though she had grown even more beautiful since last we met. In timidity, I walked up to her and presented her with the papyrus scroll.

"Another gift? You flatter me, Baraka."

I said nothing as I waited for her to read it.

Her eyes shone brighter than the finest jewels after she had finished reading.

"Another beautiful gift. But I have nothing to give you."

"My lady," I started slowly.

"It is more than enough that you should even accept my humble offerings."

"You speak of me again as a goddess. I am just a woman. A girl even still. Nothing extraordinary."

"If only you could see yourself through my eyes."

"Do you truly mean what you say and write?"

"Yes, my lady."

"Call me Isis."

"Thank you, Isis."

Isis brushed her hand across the cool water. I was completely enchanted by watching her. She took me to another world completely, and I had no control over it. It was the simple things that most attracted me. The way she spoke, the way her hair smelled, and even the way that she touched the water.

"Let us meet again tomorrow. We will make it past the banks of the Nile."

"Of course, Isis. I will await the next day eagerly."

The days went by quickly as we met every day. I told Isis about my training to become the Royal scribe and she told me of her training as Guardian of the Pharaoh in the palace. Everyday, I rushed to the river to see Isis, and everyday we said good by until the next time we would meet. Whenever either of us could not meet, we sent each other little notes like, "Tomorrow, we can enjoy the river a bit longer. There is much to talk about." She truly did value all that I had to tell her in the few moments that we had together. Although I never did much worth mention, we always did have much to talk about. We spoke of philosophy, our childhoods, our daily routines, and anything and everything that we were interested in.

As though the hand of fate had acted, we came together one morning to tell each other of great news. I saw her running to me with a golden necklace around her neck with the symbol of a Millennium Item.

"Baraka! My friend! I have just passed the tests required of me to become adviser and guardian to the future Pharaoh!"

"Wonderful news, Isis! I was also appointed a spot in the court of the Pharaoh. I shall be the new chief scribe. My father has retired and the palace officials feel as though I can follow in his footsteps!"

Isis took my hands in hers.

"Oh, my dear friend. This means that we won't have to limit our meetings to the mornings by the Nile. We will see each other every day in the palace. The gods smile on our connection. I have no doubt of this."

Admittedly, I was a bit embarrassed at this, but it felt right. This was were I had to be, working with Isis to serve our country. However, she would always call me her friend. Was I nothing more to her? Did she not know why I had come to the River? The reason did not change. I originally came to worship and praise the Divine for their beautiful creation. I hadn't told her that she was the object of my devotion. I praised the heavens for her because I felt as though I witnessed a small part of the Divine whenever I was with her. At least I wouldn't have to watch her from afar any longer.

"Shall we meet again tomorrow before we start our knew lives together?"

"I would have it no other way."

Isis embraced me ebulliently. I caught the fragrance of her hair as the wind blew in our direction. It was intoxicating, but I had to eventually let go.

"Then we shall see each other tomorrow. I pray that the blessings of the Protectors of Egypt fall upon you and protect you. I hope that they will grant that we always meet again."

"Do you really pray for such a thing?"

"Every day. Especially days that we don't meet. I would be devastated to find that I could no longer see my friend. I truly do value the time that we have spent together."

"But we have only known each other a few moments a day."

"For years, Baraka. And in the moments that we spend, I feel as though fate has brought me to you to share the day with you and to hear of yours as well. I have always had a sense of destiny. That is why I was bestowed with the Millennium necklace."

"I see. Then I cannot go against fate. I will see you tomorrow."

And with that we left for tomorrow we were both to begin new lives for the greater good of Egypt. As I went home, I pondered what would become of me when I entered the palace as Royal Scribe. What would happen to Isis after she takes up her duties? She must know that once she takes he vows to the Pharaoh, he priorities must lie with his protection first. Urgent matters will diminish the time that we see each other. I will only be able to watch and record as a scribe does. I cannot hope for anything more. I only hope that she will find happiness in her life. She may never be with me, but if she is truly happy, that is enough.

I had not noticed that I took twice as long to return home as usual. My parents were worried that I had gone missing. I said nothing to them as I entered. I only opened my mouth to tell them that I was going to practice with my chisel. The scribe of the Pharaoh will need to learn to carve messages on walls and tablets so that the future civilizations will know of what occurred in Egypt under his rule.

My father always taught me to begin my work by dedicating it to the gods, but today I began a bit differently.

"Protectors of Egypt and spirits of those who came before us. I promise that I shall strive to live my life in service. I shall think of myself only after the needs of the country and others are met. Please, I only ask one thing. Let Isis and I always meet again after we depart from each other's sight. Please, always bring us together despite the distance between us."

From then on, I began my work and put thoughts of myself behind me. It was a small sacrifice for what I asked: to be able to come back to Isis and ensure that one goodbye will never be the last.

How was it? Please read and review. I'll try to update when I have a chance to. Thanks for reading ^_^