Alright guys, another chapter up. So, I did some research on horses in Ancient Egypt. There's not much, but enough to know I'm very wrong about some things. Apparently, they always rode bareback, but for the sake of the story, we'll say they have saddles and tack. And, only wealthy people had them, since they were rare and very expensive. That part fits with the story mostly, except maybe the buying scene and perhaps future scenes as well. We might have to also ignore that. Also, interestingly enough, Pharaohs often saw to their horses personally, which fits perfectly with the story. Sorry, you didn't come here for a history lesson... Anyways, enjoy the chapter and please leave a review on your way out!
Yugi was awoken by wetness dripping on his face. He groaned as he realized it was raining. Great. Just great. Yugi thought as the rain poured down. He looked sadly at the ruined stables, wishing there was some kind of protection from the rain. It was obvious all the other horses did too. Many paced restlessly, though some didn't seem bothered at all.
Yugi shivered as it got colder. Egypt may be hot in the day time, but nights were cold. Deserts were strange that way. He lie down instead of standing up, hoping to keep more warmth in. Turns out the soaking, muddy ground made it worse.
Of course, there was nothing else Yugi could do, so he just grit his teeth and bore through it.
Yami's not POV… uh… Perspective?:
Yami woke up to the quiet sound of rain on the balcony. Shivering a little, he pulled his covers tighter around himself, though he smiled. Rain was rare and was always a thing to rejoice about. The rhythmic beating of the rain slowly lulled him to sleep again.
The morning came and the sun shone brightly in Yami's eyes. Apparently, the rain from last night was gone. Still, he smiled as he got up, taking in the fresh scent of the world after rain. Deciding it was a perfect day, Yami quickly got dressed and went down to breakfast.
Yami greeted his parents cheerily, much to their surprise. They were more used to his moody side than his happy one. After a happy breakfast, Yami was walking towards the exit when Joey caught up to him.
"Good morning, Yer Highness." Joey greeted with a mock salute. Yami chuckled and smiled at him.
"Good morning, my oh-so-useless guard." Yami mocked right back. Joey pouted, though all was fine between the two friends. "Any word on the boy?" Joey shook his head.
"Nope. Nothin' excitin' has happened in days!" Joey complained. Yami shook his head at his friends low attention span.
"I personally hope it stays the way. The less trouble, the better."
"I suppose yer righ'. Still, I wish I had more ta do dan train an' stuff."
"I'm sure something will come up." Yami reassured, though he rolled his eyes.
"It betta. I'm goin' insane with boredom."
"Oh don't pretend you're going insane. You already are insane." Yami said with a laugh.
"Hey!" Joey pretended to be offended.
"I'm just kidding. Besides, I understand how you feel. I'm going stir crazy in here."
"Well den let's go!" Joey started towards the exit when a guard called his attention.
"Sir Joey! You're needed in the square!" The guard called out.
"Aw man. Duty calls!" Joey waved as he ran off. Yami shook his head and continued on his way outside.
As Yami walked out of the Palace, he decided it was a perfect day for riding. He happily walked to the pasture, already scanning it for Yugi. Not seeing him right away he called to him a few times. Still no sign of him. That was strange… Usually Yugi ran over to greet him, or at least tried to.
Yami entered the pasture and pushed his way past the other horses. Looking around some more, he finally spotted a familiar black mass lying near the corner of the paddock. "Yugi!" Yami called again. Nothing.
Yugi's POV:
"Yugi!" My fuzzy brain registered someone calling my name. Who...? I tried to open my eyes, but they felt so heavy! I shivered a little and realized how cold I was. That was strange, considering the burning sun shining down on me.
When I finally managed to pry my eyes open I nearly shut them again due to the bright light. Man, I felt awful! It took me a moment to register that I was sick. It didn't seem too severe, but it definitely felt worse than a cold. Stupid rain… I thought. You did this to me! It was fairly stupid, but my mind couldn't conjure up anything better. I barely even registered Yami approaching me.
Yami's POV:
"Yugi?" I slowly walked over to Yugi, now very concerned. As I got closer, I could see sweat shining on his coat, which wouldn't have been a major concern if it wasn't couple with his labored breathing. I knelt down beside him and placed my hand on his neck. He was much warmer than usual.
I immediately checked Yugi's pulse to find it much faster than normal. "Well, Yugi. It appears you've come down with something." I petted his forehead gently. The sickness didn't seem too bad, but it was still concerning. "Must have been that rain last night, huh?" I asked softly, still stroking him. Yugi snorted in return and I smiled slightly.
"Sorry you are not feeling well, friend." I sat down by Yugi. "There's not much I can do really. You just need some rest." Another soft snort. I chuckled slightly and pulled his skin up a bit. I watched as it slowly went back down. "You're dehydrated. I'll get you some water." I got up and fetched a bucket. I filled it up in the stream on my way back.
I put the bucket next to Yugi but he ignored it. "Come on, Yugi… You have to drink something. I promise you'll feel better." I told him, sitting down again. Yugi didn't move. I sighed and dipped my hand into the bucket. I brought my cupped hand full of water to his lips. It didn't do much more than wet Yugi's lips, but it seemed to motivate him.
I helped Yugi hold his neck up enough to drink from the bucket. He drank most of the water, but not all. I supposed that was good enough. "You hungry?" I asked as I gently helped lay him back down. No response. Then again, did I really expect one?
I got up and retrieved some oats and grain. I once again had to feed Yugi by hand, but this time he didn't lift his head at all. At first, he refused to eat, but after a little coaxing he ate a little. After a while, someone was bound to come looking for me.
When one of the guards arrived, they asked if I would come back to the Palace. I refused and stayed with Yugi. I wasn't going anywhere until Yugi was better again. I'd even sleep out here if I had to, considering the lack of a stable.
"Sire, I'll take over. I promise to take very good care of your horse." A groom said as he kneeled before me.
"No. I'm staying with Yugi. I do not require your services." I replied curtly.
"But, Prince Yami, you are needed in the Palace. It's not safe nor good for your health to stay out here." The groom protested. No doubt my parents wanted me back or something like that. Otherwise, the groom would be long gone in fear of the expression I gave him.
"I told you before. I do not require your services. I will take care of my horse on my own." I said through clenched teeth. Finally, the stable boy conceded and left.
I remained with Yugi, softly stroking his neck and whispering soothing words in his ear. He seemed to relax a bit and even accepted more food and water. A couple more people were dispatched to get me, but they too were sent away. Eventually, they gave up and settled with having a few guards posted around the pasture.
I slept very little that night, but that didn't matter. As long as Yugi was okay, I was happy. It took a few more sleepless nights, but Yugi was going to be okay. I stayed with him as much as I could, and I could tell from the look in his eyes that he appreciated it.
Yugi's POV:
I don't remember a lot from the days I was sick. Everything was fuzzy and kind of blended together. I do remember, however, that Yami was with me. Almost always. He stayed by me and saw personally to my health and care.
At first, I was confused. No owner had ever treated me with such kindness. I almost felt human again with the amount of care I received. For that, I would forever be thankful. From the moment I saw him, I knew Yami was different and I immediately liked him. That feeling had only increased as I got to know him. I knew, deep in my heart, that my loyalty would forever be with him. No matter what.
