Chapter XI
~I walk a lonely road~
~The only one that I have ever known~
"You'll know eventually." Ra spoke, lifting his light eyes to look at the smaller god in the room. It was early like usual, Seth had managed as many hours of sleep as possible and was thankful they were quiet and dreamless. The sun leaked into the large room as it crept further over the sandy horizon, not a cloud in the sky, and the god could feel it would be warmer than the day before. Seth wasn't in his usual vantage point this morning, having left the wall behind, the god perched himself on the windowsill, one leg resting on the ledge with him, the other hung over the edge though he still was not tall enough to touch the floor. His eyes which had been focused on the outside would now turned to gaze upon his king. "If you really want to know, you can go find him yourself," The god looked back down and went back to smudging the dark kohl around his stunning eyes. "He won't be going anywhere for a little while anyway." He muttered, making one of Seth's ears perk up in curiosity as he looked over at Ra, but kept his questions to himself, knowing he wasn't going to get the answers he wanted. The small god had brought Anubis when Ra seemed coherent enough to hold up a conversation, but it didn't develop into much, he still had no answers. Instead of pushing further, he just shrugged and returned his gaze outside, his tail moving lazily against the stone wall beneath the window. With the small god not looking Ra snuck in a state or two. Seth was a stunning god in his own rights, small but powerful, fearsome yet beautiful. There was no one who looked quite like him, nobody shared any sort of features he possessed. From his hair, to eyes, to his ears, tail and teeth, he was truly unique. There was something just so fainting about that.
Several minutes passed in silence, neither spoke, but that wasn't uncommon, the two of them could go hours without saying a word and still enjoy each others company, just being around each other was enough sometimes. Seth wasn't much of conversation man, though he was highly well spoken and literate, but he chose to keep to himself the majority of the time. Ra on the other hand, enjoyed speaking, it came so easy to him, he was an king, conversation was part of the job, he could make small talk with just about anyone, but that didn't mean his banter was constant. He was just was comfortable keeping quiet as he was striking up a conversation, now was one of those times, though his eyes occasionally drifted up to look at the tan, red and black god who looked so posed and content, which was slightly unusual. Seth was a restless god, and had trouble staying still for too long, always having to fidget, readjust or in some cases pace back and forth waiting for his king in the morning. But not this morning, Ra wasn't if he had even moved once since sitting down there, maybe he was finally starting to mellow out, a little later than the god hoped. But with a shrug, the king stepped over to the window and God. When he placed a hand on Seth's shoulders, the god jumped just slightly, before pulling his eyes over and up to look at his king. He seemed to have been out of it slightly, zoning out no doubt, he did that when he had something on his mind. "Go on." Ra prompted, dropping his hand from the gods shoulder. "I think I can take care of myself for a few hours. I think he might want to talk to you as well." Ra spoke, before giving the god before him a carefree shrug, and a smile. "At least that's what I think." Getting a nod from his bodyguard, Ra turns away heading towards the door. Stopping at the exit, he give a glance back over his shoulder, possibly to say something, but Seth had already turned his attention back outside, so he simply looked away and left the god alone, he could tell when he needed a little time to himself, and he was such a loyal god, he figured he deserved that time.
Seth sat there for a few more minutes after his king left, soaking in a few rays of the sun and composing his thoughts. He wasn't sure if he wanted to confront Anubis, he knew it was better that he stayed out of his nephews life, but if he was sticking around like Ra had said, avoiding him wasn't going to be easy. Thinking back on what Ra had said, did the young god really want to see him? Had he specifically asked for him or was Ra just trying to push them together? Seth didn't know, it wouldn't be the first time his king had led him on. Ra's mind was a confusing place, and Seth had just about given up on trying to figure him out by now, instead just choosing to roll with whatever his king threw at him. The god couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head at the thought, figuring he'd might as well try, use his king, and hopefully get some answers.
Glancing over the door, the redhead thought for a second before determining the traditional exit was overrated, and chose a different plan of attack. Instead of taking the easy way out, Seth swung his other legal over the edge and lowered himself out the window, his sharp back claws easily catching on the rough stone wall. He often chose to leave through the window, it was an easy way to avoid prying eyes when he leaves his kings chamber alone. Scaling down the wall wasn't usually a problem, his claws made climbing rather easy, but trying to grip the ledge before he jumped down, something went wrong. His dulled claws of his hands didn't catch the stone, but instead slipped throwing the god off balance sending the god to the ground prematurely. Seth had no problem landing on his feet, but he wasn't prepared and the momentum of the fall threw the god on his back with a huff. He managed not to land on his tail, but groaned, just now remembering his injuries leg. It was better today, still sore but didn't hurt unless he did something like say, fall from a window. For a moment, Seth chose to just lay there, silently blaming Ra for this. There two conditions to their sexual relations, 1) not body was ever to know and 2) Seth had to keep his claws filed down. Ra had grown tired of the constant scratches to his back and arms, and could no longer blame them on his cats. He did what his king asked, but now his claws were just as useful as a humans weak nails, it was uncharacteristic for this kind of thing to slip Seth's mind, and even more so being so clumsy like that.
It soon became apparent to Seth that he wasn't alone, but he didn't necessarily hear the person approach as much as sensed them, in fact he had them heard them at all. Propping himself up on his elbows, the god looked over to gaze upon a tall, lanky figure, with choppy black hair a strange green eyes, which explained why he hadn't her them. Thoth had been the last person he would have expected to be here, especially at this time of day... Or morning. Looking the talk god in the eyes, he saw the same steely, glossy expression, the one completely void of emotions he had seen every other time they made contact. He doubted that look would ever change. The god sat up, when the person to his left broke the silence. "I'm guessing your glad nobody else was here to see that." Thoth spoke, extending a hand to the smaller god, his other clenched around the familiar scepter the god toted around. The gods words were smug and sarcastic, but his tone was flat, like usual. Seth narrowed his eyes at the god, was this his attempt at being funny? If so he had a long way to go. The go wasn't exactly pleased that anyone had seen him fall, but at least it was only Thoth, it was strange, but he felt like the tall god wasn't the type to pass judgement easily.
After a second, Seth accepted the gods hand, who, despite his unimpressive physique, had no trouble pulling Seth to his feet. The god stumbled on his bad as he straightened up, there was no doubt he didn't do it any good choosing the windows route. A steady hand placed itself on Seth's shoulders helping him to keep his balance. It was strange, Thoth's touch was slightly cold, even through the shirt layer of fur. He looked over at the god by his side, but his expression had not changed. When he was sure Seth could stand on his own, the mysterious god dropped his hand back to his side, taking a step away, giving the god some space. "You are you doing wandering around?" Seth asked, brushing the dirt off himself, before turning his attention back to Thoth, who met his gaze. Seth had to admit, there were plenty of reasons the gods gaze was unsettled, but a prominent one being the fact that he did the blink. Seth didn't think he'd seen the god blink once the entire time he's been around him. It was unnatural, and some what disturbing.
For a while the Thoth didn't answer, but the redhead waited, her had spoken to him in the past, which could only be seen as a privilege. If he's wanted to speak, Seth would take time to listen. "I was..." here paused, testing out the words, as if unsure how to answer properly. "I... Uh," Everything he had said to Seth had been on his own accord, now he was being prompted to speak, he didn't seem like he wasn't expecting Seth to actually interact with him. It was almost painful seeing the blank, unsure look in the gods eyes. How long had he been so isolated that he didn't seem to understand the basics of conversation. It made the redhead wonder why exactly the god had stopped talking, maybe he tried, but was ignored a few too many times, or did nobody cares enough to actually take the time to try and strike up a conversation. He's seen the way people avoid him.
Seeing the almost panicked look in Thoth's eyes, Seth was surprised, it was faint, but it was there, though his face didn't reflect anything. Seth felt slightly bad when the god averted his eyes down, and he didn't miss the way both his hands clutched his scepter tightly. After a while, he figured he deserved give the god an out, he didn't need to know and he wasn't going to push the green eyed god. "You didn't see anything here." Seth broke the silence bringing those green back to him. "That," He pointed towards the window. "Didn't happen. Understood?" Thoth followed his gesture before returning his eyes to the god. His words may sound harsh to the untrained ear, but it was clear his serious tone was just a tease, in hopes of lightening the mood. The sorcerers expression didn't change as he looked down again and gave a small nod.
Seth stepped away, and turned, giving the god a gesture as an offer to walk with him. Thoth seemed hesitant, but soon fell in step beside the redhead, his eyes locked on the ground before him. It was strange, he seemed a million times shyer and reserved than he had been just moments ago, seemingly retreating into himself. It was like the mighty god wasn't expecting any of this, and he wasn't mentally prepared for actual interaction. He was just fine throwing a few words around in the presence of the redhead, but actually talk back and he seems to shut down completely. Walking beside the god, Seth couldn't help but wonder as he looked over at him. He had been so different a few nights before, he had come off as mysterious, strong and even intimidating, but now, he almost seemed like a lost child, with that steely, blank look in his eyes. How could those two be the same person. Another question that popped into his mind was why he was out at this time anyway, Thoth was just as closely related to the moon as Ra was with the sun. He was a creature of the night, and rarely if ever poked his head out during the day.
"I didn't expect to find anyone to be back here." Seth spoke, once again choosing to break the silence. This was not a particularly popular street To meander down, being on the very edge of town, right up against the tall wall that surrounded the city. Seth's word were formed into a statement, much like if someone was talking about the sky, or the weather. He had no intentions of making Thoth speak, and in no way expected him to respond. He could do all the talking if needed, he just didn't want it to seem like he was ignoring him, so he spoke, just in a way acknowledging that he was there. He felt like people didn't do that enough.
A little while went by bin silence as the two walked along the wall. The sun was high enough to shed light on the path, which Seth enjoyed, but Thoth started showing his distance for the sun. He walked closer to the wall, wrapped in the shadow it cast. Seth wondered if he was taking up too much of the gods time, if he had been on his way home, he didn't want to delay him, maybe he didn't want to be out at all.
"I..." Thoth's voice was so quiet, Seth nearly missed it when he spoke up. "I don't... Like people." He said, though he sounded unsure of his words, and looked the lightest bit confused when he glances up to look at the god beside him. For a second Seth was confused, and it took him a moment to realize he was responding to his earlier comment . He had expected an answer, but he was happy he had gotten one. He wasn't sure why he felt so inclined to be there for the god, they had been strangers up till now, but he felt the need to help him, almost like he was a lost puppy looking for a home. Seth wasn't sure what he could do for him, but at least he could try, even if it just meant talking to him every now and then, even if he didn't get a response.
In the shock of Thoth's breakthrough in communication, Seth had realized he had stopped, and was turned to look at the green eyed god before him. If his intent was to make Thoth feel comfortable around him, reacting so poorly to his words was not a good start. Looking up to catch his eyes, Seth was met with the same cold blank expression, but now his unblinking eyes looked glassy, and even the intimidating power and weight that usually hung bin his stare was masked by some sort of defense. For a second he could have sworn he liked utterly empty, as if he didn't even have a heart or a soul, but Seth refused to believe that. He was guarding himself, shutting down, withdrawing himself from the world around him. Seth knew this, he had done the same before, he knew, he understood and he wasn't about to push him.
What felt like a while, Seth knew could have only been a few seconds, when Thoth once again averted his eyes downwards. Direct eye contact, in most situations was considered a challenge, only the lesser looked away but he knew this wasn't the case. Keep eye contact was a sign of dominance or authority, and as most know, Thoth had very little respect for authority, and would easily stare down a king any day. But he was withdrawing, and Seth didn't challenge bit. "I.. I," Thoth spoke up out of the blue, once again seeming to stumble over his words. "I should go." his tone was unsure and soft, but his voice was clear and as fluid as his movements, and he could have swore he heard some forms of accent to his words, just a little.
Deep down Seth didn't want the god to go, but he wasn't about to push him to far out of his comfort zone, and didn't protest, giving him an understanding nod before he stepped past the smaller god. Seth turned to say something, maybe goodbye, but Thoth vanished into the shadows of the alley before him, leaving the redhead standing alone in the abandoned street, trying to sort out what exactly just happened here, his original mission to find Anubis long forgotten.
~Why is it so hard to find someone~
~Who can keep it together when you've come undone~
Authors notes: I am actually really proud of this. I spent all of yesterday reading an amazing fan fiction, The Man on the Bridge by boopboop, and it really inspired me to do more with Thoth. I want to use him, but until now I wasn't really sure how to portray him. I think turned out pretty good. Thoth has officially entered the story so I Hope you all like it. And thanks to everyone review, and every favorite. I never expected, petted anyone to actually read this. I love you guys.
