A/N: Okay, seriously, the adventure of this chapter….of trying to write it I mean….complete bullshit. Seriously. So I went into bestbuy to get the part I needed to fix my laptop. They looked into my file for my laptop since I bought it there. Okay, sweet. They said it was fully under warranty. Double sweet. Bring it in, and they would fix the screen and digitizer. Triple sweet. I bring in the laptop the next day. Suddenly the warranty I've been paying for three years monthly is no longer in effect. I have everything on my laptop. Business plans, designs and everything I need to run my business. Plus all my novels. I need it. So I get a quote, $275. Okay, that's a little much, but I need my laptop. I make a budget with my husband, and they will fix it. I can't wait around.
So they take the laptop, and three weeks later, I get a call from Bestbuy. They can't repair the laptop because the motherboard is destroyed. Anyone here know enough about motherboards to know that a digitizer and screen crack has nothing to do with a motherboard. They sent it back and simply said. "You need to buy a laptop," I stated I needed the data off the laptop then. How important it was. It was my lively hood. I'm not a computer genius, but I know enough to know they can get the data. They insisted the data is gone.
I knew we could get to it and was concerned because, well, fucking damnit, the computer could turn on, the digitizer was just pressing on the goddamn screen. That was fucking it. Enough that I couldn't use it, but the motherboard couldn't be affected. So I turned to my Facebook friends. One said he'd try to get the data for me. I give him the laptop and we crack it open. We stare at the motherboard. Guess what's wrong with it. It's simply unplugged. That is it. It is unplugged. Its fine. So we plug it back in and guess what. It turns on. I get my data. Hurray! I take it home and start trying to figure out when I can get to the library to do some writing. A few days later, my friend calls me and says he's dropping off my laptop. I prepare to junk it…and guess what. He fixed it. Just because he knew how important it was to me. New screen, and new digitizer. And I am currently typing away on my newly fixed laptop.
For bestbuy…well, I have called their company with a very strongly worded WTF IS WRONG WITH YOU complaint. I'm expecting a call back any day now.
Anyway, some notes!
The feather of Ma'at: Just like we saw in a much earlier chapter, Ma'at had a feather for judgement. And a winner in a court ruling as rewarded with a feather. In the afterlife when you reached Ma'at your heart was placed on a scale to be weighed against Ma'at's feather. If it was lighter or had as equal weight as the feather, you could pass onto Aaru, or simply put, the afterlife.
Chapter 29
Mazel would be lying if she said she wasn't amused by the reactions when the two entered the Pharaoh's celebration, not dressed like a god and goddess like Tutankhamun had intended, but rather as Ladybug and Chat Noir. If she had been by herself, she would have felt self-conscious. She wasn't alone. Ammon was with her. His clawed hand held hers. He gave it a light squeeze, and she sent him a smile.
It was the Shen who approached them first. He was happy to see them, though, Mazel had grown up around the man enough to know when he was distressed. Ammon released her hand and reached for his father. Before Shen could say anything about their attire. "We aren't Gods. We keep telling you that we came how we thought was appropriate. As for ourselves."
Shen closed his mouth, but he let out a sigh. "Why did you have to take after me?" He turned to Mazel now and gave her a bow. It wasn't as low as one would bow for the Pharaoh or a god, but it was low enough to show his respect for her. "And Mazel, while your appearance tonight it unexpected, you do look lovely."
"Thank you," she answered. She gave him a bow. She knew he would disagree with a bow now that she got her freedom, but even as a guardian to the Pharaoh, Shen still was of a higher class than her.
"Now, what kept you two?" Shen asked. His question was directed back to Ammon. He grinned as he looked at his father.
"You'll know all in due time," he answered.
Ammon took Mazel's hand in his once again and excused himself from his father. They were heading to the Pharaoh, who was sitting on his throne. Prince Ay was in his arms. The two stopped in front of the throne, and they took a bow. When they looked up, they couldn't tell if the Pharaoh was just putting on an amused look for the crowd's sake, or if he was actually amused by them showing up transformed.
He stood and addressed the crowd. "At last! Our guests of honour have arrived!"
Both stood and turned to face the guests. They applauded. Tutankhamun walked around them and smiled at the two. "Quite unexpected."
"I will take the blame, uncle," Ammon stated.
"Don't worry about it," he stated. "Though, I must admit, this wasn't for your benefit, was it Ammon?"
He laughed at his uncle's words. "No, you're correct. Mazel was uncomfortable, and I wanted her to be comfortable, as herself."
Tutankhamun chuckled. "Yes, I do understand. The male gender will do just about anything for the one they hold most dear."
Ammon nodded in agreement, knowing that his uncle was willing to risk everything for his departed wife. The Pharaoh turned back to the two and smiled. "Do I need to announce anything?"
Mazel didn't know the answer to that question. Ammon seemed to but look at her. "Should we?"
She felt instantly shy, even as Ladybug. She lightly nodded. "Yes," Ammon told his uncle. "Tell them we are formally going to be entering a marriage contract."
He turned back to the eager guests. "I have many things to announce this evening. Starting with both guardians will be entering the palaces employment. Chat Noir as Prince Ay's guardian, and Ladybug as my own. That being said, if any more false gods appear, they will continue to protect Memphis. I'm also proud to be the first to announce that both Guardians will shortly be entering into a marriage contract!"
Tutankhamun was barely finished speaking when the room burst into applause. There were loud cheers that echoed throughout the room. Mazel smiled, though it was more out of embarrassment. Mazel searched for her sister, who she spotted with Akela. The older woman was smiling proudly like a gleeful mother. While Elisheva was jumping up and down excitedly. She wanted to go to her sister and share with her all the joy she felt. She wasn't just her only living family, she was after all her best friend. The Pharaoh was speaking once again. "Now guests, drink, and feast! I will be back with our guests shortly."
Mazel gave Ammon a questionable look. He shrugged. "I don't know."
The guests were now being served their fruit wines, and some began to pick at the spread on nearby tables. The Pharaoh turned to the two. "I have just a few quick things to show you before we can join the celebration. It won't take long. Please come with me."
They both followed the Pharaoh out of the throne room and entered into the hallway. With his guidance, they were brought down to an area with a series of bedrooms. His stopped in the middle of the hallway and pointed to one doorway. "Mazel, this will be where you'll be staying for now."
"For now?"
"Yes, this position requires you to be on grounds overnight," he explained.
Mazel peaked into the bedroom. It was grand and looked fit enough for a queen. Mazel immediately felt insecure. She did not want such a grand scale of a room. She didn't even consider she'd be living in the palace. He said nothing and turned to Ammon. "And across the hall will be you're lodgings, for now, Ammon."
"I wasn't aware I would have to live in the palace," Mazel whispered shyly. She didn't want to complain, but she was completely uncomfortable with the idea.
"I said, just for now," Tutankhamun chuckled. "Come with me out back, I have something else to show you, Mazel."
They followed him once again, exiting out the back of the palace. There was only storage shed's back there, but there was one noticeable one, that looked like it was being worked on. Tutankhamun stopped in front of it and pulled open the door. Mazel was motioned to go inside, and so she did. When she was inside, she could see that it was being worked on inside as well. She stared at a little corner that had a red brick stove that looked to be almost complete. Looking up, Mazel saw that there looked to be a second floor in the works. She turned back to the two. "I don't understand. What is this?"
Ammon was staring around the place in awe. "This was one of the old wheat sheds wasn't it?"
"It was, Ammon," he explained. "Shen told me that Mazel wouldn't want anything crazy fancy, that you had simple tastes. So I figured, a basic middle class home would be best for you. What do you think?"
She had no words. She was stunned. It was all she wanted. A small basic home of her own. She looked at Tutankhamun and nodded. "It's perfect."
"Well I can think of one suggestion," Ammon stated. "It's all Mazel and I would need. But I suggest we have a way to the roof. It would be quicker for us to get into the palace from here then to run out front."
Mazel hadn't considered an entrance to the roof. It would be much quicker. Especially at night in an emergency. She agreed. "That would be helpful."
"I will tell the builders by morning," Tutankhamun replied. "Now, I have some concerns to speak with you. Because as of now, I consider you on the job."
"Of course!" Ammon stated.
"As you know, the head priest of Horus temple has escaped. And my men have been unable to find him, but I find it even more concerning that he appears to have taken someone from the dungeons," he explained.
Mazel already had a feeling who that might have been. She frowned as she looked at Ammon and Tutankhamun. "Menhit, right?" Mazel asked. "He took the warrior woman who was Menhit, didn't he?"
Tutankhamun frowned, but he nodded. "Disappeared with her right after he was defeated. We have no idea where they are, or if and when they are going to show up again."
She was sure by Menhit's threats before that she expected to be recused by Hawkmoth. And now the two had run off somewhere. The Pharaoh had every right to worry. Mazel was concerned now as well. She couldn't imagine that either of them would simply tuck their tails and run. They were certainly planning something. Mazel would be sure to keep her eyes open for their return.
"Uncle, don't you fear. It is our job to protect the city, we won't let them cause any more harm to anyone else."
"I'm relieved to hear it," the Pharaoh sighed.
"Anything else we should know?" Ammon stated.
"Nothing special...but I was thinking, tomorrow Ammon, I'd like you to go into the city tomorrow, and I would like for you to fetch that Hebrew Merchant you spoke to me about," Tutankhamun stated. "And bring him to the palace. Mazel, I want you to bring your family and friends to the palace. Same with you Ammon."
Mazel tilted her head towards the Pharaoh." Can I ask why, Pharaoh?"
He smiled at Ladybug. "For your marriage contract of course."
"W-W-What?!" Mazel cried.
"So soon, Uncle?" Ammon gasped.
"But of course," he grinned. "We have many things to celebrate. And with the recent losses...I think we should rejoice in as much celebration as possible. It is, after all, the Egyptian way."
"So...we will be married, tomorrow?" Mazel questioned. Her cheeks reddened as she glanced at her husband to be. He looked just as surprised as she did.
"Yes, unless you two think there is a reason you two can't be married just yet," their Pharaoh stated.
Both shook their heads. He chuckled, "Perfect. I will make the rest of the arrangements. Let us return to the party, and enjoy it."
The three did return. Tutankhamun had gone off with his younger brother to socialize and drink. Akela and Elisheva had approached the two and congratulated the two on their engagement. Elisheva was especially excited; wrapping her arms around Mazel's waist. She was cheeringly chatting at her sister was the exciting development. Akela was speaking to Ammon like a stern mother, sharing with him all the wisdom she had on how to keep a happy household. He listened dutifully and nodded, taking in a mental list.
"...And most importantly listen to every word she speaks as if it's the word of a goddess itself. It drives us crazy when our husbands pretend to only listen," Akela stated.
"Really, Akela, I appreciate it, but I don't believe any of these will be issues," Ammon tried to laugh away the advice.
"Well, if you'd like advice on the wedding night, you'll have to let me know before that happens. I know you are gravely uneducated in that regard," Akela stated.
The pair went both silent as the blood rushed to their faces. Mazel wasn't sure if she was quite ready for that. Especially if they were to be married the next day. They had only just gotten engaged. She looked away from Akela, not truly wanting to meet the older woman's gaze. She heard her chuckle. "Same goes for you Mazel. I'm sure your knowledge is limited to just gossip in the fields."
"I know, I've heard a lot in the fields, and in the kitchen," Elisheva announced. "The ladies speak a lot about words I just don't understand, Mazel…what's an אוֹרגַזמָה?"
Both Akela and Mazel, who were fluent in their mother tongue gasped, and Mazel quickly scooped up her sister and covered her mouth. "Not out loud."
"What did she ask?" Ammon asked, confused by how the two reacted to the Hebrew word.
Both women shook their heads, but Akela spoke. "It's not a word to be spoken out loud by ladies."
Elisheva managed to free her mouth from her sister. "The other girls talked about it! What does it mean?!"
"Shhhh," Mazel stated, her cheeks reddening a deeper shade of crimson. Mazel tried to do her best to change the subject and turned to Akela. "The Pharaoh has set our marriage contract signing to tomorrow."
That got Elisheva's mind on something else. Akela's eye went wide and gasped. "Really, so soon?"
"Yes, he said we should have as many celebrations together as possible," Ammon explained. "In typical Egyptian fashion of course. This party will probably last well into tomorrow evening anyway."
"So, you two will be husband and wife, come tomorrow?" Elisheva asked. She looked at Ammon, her head tilted to one side. "So…you'll be my brother?"
Ammon smiled. "And, you'll be my little sister."
She smiled and hugged her sister tightly around her waist. Mazel could only pet her head. "They're giving us a little house just behind the palace. I won't be able to leave often, but you're welcome anytime. Visit as often as you want."
"So…I'll be living alone?" Elisheva pulled away from Mazel and looked at her with wide eyes.
Mazel looked at Ammon, unsure what she could say to her sister. She didn't want to leave her behind either. They were all they had for the longest time. They were dependant on the other so much. To her relief, Ammon knelt down. "I can talk to my father about allowing you to live with us for a time. I can't promise you'll always live with us, but I would love for you to live with us for at least the next few years. Until you're comfortable to live on your own anyway."
"R-Really?" Elisheva gasped.
"I assume, that's what would make you happy as well, Mazel?" Ammon asked her.
She looked at her husband to be. She was stunned, but her lips formed a smile and she nodded. "Yes. I'm not ready to be apart from her."
He shrugged. "Then I'll talk to my father. For now, why don't you two enjoy the party? You as well Akela. I will go see my father."
And so they did. The two sister's stayed side by side. Akela joined Master Shen, while Ammon wandered around with his father and with his Uncle. Mazel and Elisheva had a great many of important nobles come and introduce themselves. Far more than Mazel would ever remember. Some faces she knew from seeing around the city or at the palace.
She was exhausted mentally by the time many of the eager people stopped approaching her in great numbers. Her face hurt from all the smiling, and she could feel her sister leaning into her as the child struggled to stay awake. She was getting ready to pick her up and carry her to the guest room Tutankhamun had given her when one last person approached her.
It was a young woman. She was dressed in fine jewellery and Egyptian cotton. Her make-up done up flawlessly. She posture and even her aura expressed a very regal and confident woman. She smiled when they made eye contact. She bowed for a moment. It was low and full of respect on her end. Mazel returned the bow.
"Good evening," Mazel greeted.
"It is a lovely evening for such a celebration, indeed," she replied. "How is it for you two? Enjoying it."
"It's fun…," Elisheva replied though she let out a long yawn.
The woman smiled. "It's Elisheva, isn't it?"
Elisheva opened her sleepy eyes and looked up at the woman. When she did, she gasped. "L-Lady Hatsheput!"
Mazel wouldn't have recognized her. While the noblewoman had been the house several times, Mazel had always been in the fields. And it had been almost a year since the two woman were face to face. Even so, Mazel felt every bit of insecurity she had come forth. Hatshepsut was an incredibly beautiful woman. And she was dressed in only the finest. Her make-up accenting every bit of her fair face. She was the one that Shen had tried to set Ammon up with. If it weren't for her having Tikki, there would be a very good chance that this celebration would be for Hatshepsut and Ammon's engagement.
She tried to brush aside her negative feelings and smiled at the beautiful woman before her. "It's good to see you," Mazel greeted.
Hatshepsut smiled at her. "I should be the one saying that. You saved my life after all."
"It was nothing, no need to mention it," Mazel stated bashfully.
"Of course it is!" Hatshepsut stated. "You're Ladybug, Guardian to the city. We are here to celebrate you and Chat Noir this very evening. You've saved us countless times when really, it served no benefit to you. If you don't mind me saying, I know you're a Hebrew slave, I mean an ex-slave, but for all intensive purposes…saving us would be far from many slaves' minds. And I know some may say that you did save us for only your benefit….but…I don't believe that. You kept your identity secret up until the end. I heard about your reveal at the temple. You did that to save all those girls. Your heart is lighter than Ma'at's feather, I'm sure."
Mazel had no words. She just looked down at Elisheva who was squeezing her hand tightly in hers. Elisheva was beaming with pride for her sister. Mazel looked back up at Hatshepsut and smiled. "Thank you."
"And lastly, congratulations on the engagement," the noble girl stated. "You're lucky to have each other. I have no gift to give, but if neither of you need anything, please, do not hesitate to ask. I would gladly do whatever I can to repay the debt for you both saving my life."
"If the time comes, I will," Mazel stated.
The beautiful noblewoman gave another bow before she returned to her parents. This left Mazel with her sister once again. Elisheva looked around the party. Mazel did as well and saw many people's faces drawn to the two. A few raised their wine goblets to her in a toast. Mazel gave a quick bow, showing both her thanks and respect for the ones who were giving her even just a moment of their evening.
"Hey…Mazel?" Elisheva stated as she looked back at her sibling.
"Yes?" she asked.
"What…do you think mother and father would think of all this?"
The younger sibling never spoke of their parents. And Mazel understood why. She had no memory of them. Mazel herself could barely remember their faces. Just the memory of how it felt to be with them. Mazel placed an arm around her sister. "I don't know."
"Do you think…they'd approve? Of Master Ammon, I mean."
"Well, just on his own…I don't know. But if they knew about our whole history together, fighting by my side and loving me despite our backgrounds, I think they'd approve."
Elisheva nodded. "I-it's a good party."
"Yes, it is," Mazel stated. "It's different not serving for one though."
"Do…you remember Ammon's tenth birthing day celebration?" Elisheva asked.
"Yes, I do," Mazel stated. She chuckled remembering the two working outside the house, helping the staff clean the clay pottery and watching many of the nobleman getting sick outside. A small source of entertainment for the servants. "If I remember correctly, Ammon stayed in his room and was studying his scrolls."
"Yes! That's right!" Elisheva cried. "Master Shen pleaded with him to come out and join the party, but he refused."
"Ammon was very introverted back then," Mazel stated. "Something he never really got over until…well, let's see…when Plagg and Tikki entered our lives that is."
"Those two really changed things, didn't they?" Elisheva explained. "Neither of you would have found each other."
Mazel wouldn't deny that. Ammon certainly never would have raised his head from his scrolls to notice her. And Mazel certainly wouldn't have tried to look past those scrolls at him. "Everything is different because of them."
As the two siblings stood in the center of the crowds of people, Mazel placed an arm around her sister and pulled her into a one arm hug. "But no matter what happens from here on out…you'll be by my side. I promise."
Elisheva grasp her sister. "ללא שם: אנילהגן עליך,בדיוק כפישהגנת אותי."
It was the most Hebrew that Mazel had ever heard from Elisheva's mouth. The corner of her eyes began to sting. She nodded. "Thank you."
8 8 8
Several hours later, Mazel was carrying her sister on her back, who was sound asleep. It was way later than the girl had ever stayed up; emergency not counting. Now back in the guest room, Mazel brought her over to the bed. She carefully drew back the blanket from the bed, and carefully put the sleeping girl onto the bed. She pulled the covers up over her sister. She untransformed, and then joined her sister in the bed. Mazel drew a protective grip over Elisheva and chuckled when she realized her sister was softly snoring. She had fallen asleep instantly. How tired she must have been. She heard Tikki giggle in the darkness.
"Up way past her bedtime it seems," she told Mazel.
"She's always been a good sleeper. The opposite of me," Mazel answered. "She's also pretty excited about tomorrow."
Tikki flew closer and lit up her entire body, glowing red. The light she gave off revealed Mazel's face. She studied Mazel's face. "Aren't you excited?"
Mazel had a serious look on her face, but she nodded. "Yes, of course, I am. I'm just nervous. The life I know will be completely different."
Tikki agreed with a nod. "It will be very different…but, not really that different. I mean, from the last year. You'll still be protecting the city. Still working for someone of importance in the Kingdom. And you'll still be seen as an equal to Ammon. Except now, you'll be equal partners as husband and wife."
Mazel smiled and nodded. "You're right. A lot of it really will be the same."
Tikki flew around Mazel's head in excitement. "That's the first time you agreed with me. I guess some of that stubbornness is wearing off."
"I-I'm not stubborn," Mazel cried.
Tikki stopped long enough to look at Mazel with a knowing look. "I can name dozens of times you were stubborn and I can count how many times Ammon said so himself."
Mazel couldn't help but laugh. She was remembering many of those times now. She thought Ammon could be very stubborn too.
"Do…you think I'll be a good wife?"
"Are you seriously asking me that?!" Tikki gasped. "You two care about each other, fight by each other's side no matter what. What reason do you have to question anything about you being a good spouse? Marriage does take more than love. And it takes a lot of work to maintain, but seriously Mazel if you both continue to try, then there isn't going to be an issue."
Tikki noticed a yawn leave Mazel's lip. She shook her head with a smile. "You need to rest now. It's important you get some sleep for tomorrow."
Mazel couldn't argue. She was exhausted. Tikki stopped emitting her glow and Mazel placed her head down on her pillow and closed her eyes. Tikki found a place just below where Elisheva's feet could reach, and laid down herself, drifting off to sleep.
8 8 8
It was unusual for Ammon to be up so early. 'How strange,' he thought for a moment as he sat up on his bed. He looked at Plagg who was still sleeping soundly on the pillow next to him. He climbed out of his bed and moved to the window. It was still dark, the sun only just creeping over the horizon. If he were home the servants would just now be waking up to get to work. He was never up this early unless he needed to be. Ra rose the sun when it was time to wake up. Being up before just seemed unnatural to him.
He was very awake though. He felt like he could burst from his skin at any moment with a feeling he could only describe as restlessness. It was his wedding day. He was going to become a husband. His wife being Mazel, the closest thing he ever had to a best friend.
'Mazel.'
He turned from the window and faced the doorway. He was sure that Mazel would be up by now. She was always up at all hours. He wanted to see her. And so, he left his bedroom, and stopped across the hall and peered into the bedroom. He saw the small sleeping frame of Elisheva, still fast asleep. By the window was Mazel. Sitting in the frame, looking out at the Nile in the distance. She turned when she noticed him walk into the room. She smiled. "Good morning. You're awake early."
Any other time, he would have told her that he was eager for today, but with the knowledge that she felt the same about him, and was about to become his wife, he decided on something else. He reached for her, and scooped her up in his arms, and kissed her. She stiffened in surprise, but only for a moment before she embraced him in return.
"I'd be crazy if I weren't excited enough to lose sleep over getting to marry you today."
He chuckled when she uttered thanks as her cheeks reddened from the compliment. "So…um…I've never…been to an Egyptian wedding. H-How does it work?"
"Well, I did some research when I talked to the merchant who will be marrying us today. Basically….it's the same as a Hebrew wedding. It's a contract. We agree to the terms of the contract, we sign, celebrate, and later…well, seal the deal as they say."
"And…the contract, are my terms in there. I mean…your father approves," Mazel questioned.
"He doesn't know. He won't interfere though. He wants you in the family too much. I can tell," Ammon explained. "The merchant visited last night and showed me the draft of the contract. Before we sign it, you can read it and make any changes you don't like," Ammon explained.
"And about the…sealing?" Mazel was silent. She could barely mutter the courage to ask him anything about the intimate act awaiting them that evening.
"Well, I asked Akela about that last night. She will take care of Elisheva for the evening. I imagine my guest room will be the place…and well, I did ask some advice…"
Mazel was still silent but nodded. Ammon was concerned by her silence, but he knew that she was just as inexperienced as he was. Though she was far more reserved about the information she knew. The Hebrew's views on relations were far more closed off than the Egyptians. If Ammon had any interest in anyone else in his life, he imagined he too would have had fully experienced that before now. Both would be experiencing something new and a little frightening today.
He leaned over and placed a kiss on her cheek. "I'm going to get dressed and get some breakfast. Akela is going to come for you at sunrise. She'll be bringing you your dress and some breakfast. I'll see you at the ceremony. I promise you won't regret anything. I'd offer up my soul to make you happy."
She gave him a slight smile and nodded. "Of course. You know I'd do the same."
"Also, before you freak out about the dress and think I'm trying to turn you Egyptian, keep in mind, it's a gift from my father. And it belonged to my mother. It would mean a lot if you wore it, just this once."
Mazel's mouth dropped open, but she felt silenced to even say a word. Ammon waved good-bye and left a conflicted Mazel.
8 8 8
When Ammon entered the throne room, he was pleased to see everyone was already there, minus his bride-to-be, Mazel, and Akela. The merchant was there, talking to his uncle. A few royal guests. A total of maybe ten. A fairly large size for a usually private ceremony. He took his place near the table where the contract would be placed. He was wearing a simple Egyptian-kilt. His face free of make-up, though he wore many pieces of the golden jewelry that had long been heirlooms to his family.
Plagg was nearby, already getting into the snacks for the guests. Hungrily devouring an entire plate full of cheese. Ammon chuckled, but his attention was drawn to across the room.
Akela entered the room. She spotted Shen and approached him. He heard her tell his father that Mazel was ready. That got his attention quickly enough. He turned to the entryway. Shen drew the attention of the guests of the room, and everyone's eyes drew to the only entrance. First Elisheva entered, wearing her usual white linen dress. She had a little bit of Egyptian make-up on. She hurried to Akela's side.
There was a moment's gap. Or so it felt for Ammon. It seemed to take forever for Mazel to enter. When she did, his eyes went wide and he emitted a gasp. She was wearing the dress that he had seen hanging up in his father's bed chamber his entire life. His mother's wedding dress. Though it was simple. Much like Mazel liked it. Simple linen material. Its length longer than most Egyptian attire, longer in the back, dragging behind her. Though it hugged her body in a way no normal dress would. She wore no make-up and no other jewelry than the beautiful choker. Golden with long golden beads. He recognized it instantly. It was her miraculous. And without Tikki in sight, he knew that the Kwami had used her power to change the appearance of the miraculous to its true form, to give Mazel something beautiful to wear. She looked every bit like the goddess people thought she was.
She approached the table and stopped by his side. Her cheeks were red, and she opened her mouth. He shook his head. "Don't deny how you look today. You look beautiful."
She couldn't deny him his request, he could tell. And so she closed her mouth but smiled.
The merchant joined them. "Lady Mazel, it is an honour."
She turned to him. "The same to you."
In his hands was the contract. "I was told you were going to review the contract first," he explained.
"Yes, that's correct."
The merchant placed the contract on the table and rolled it out. Mazel's face lit up when she realized that it was written in two languages. Hebrew and hieroglyphs. She immediately began to read her native language. Her eyes traced the contract until it reached the end.
She turned to the merchant. "Yes, these are all the terms we agreed upon."
The merchant nodded. "I thought so too."
He offered Mazel a quill and ink. "Lady Mazel, if you are ready."
Ammon watched as she was offered the writing instrument. She took the quill and with a fluid motion, she signed her name in Hebrew. She turned to him and offered the quill. There hadn't been a moment of hesitance like he thought there might have been. His heart raced. She was so sure about this. Just as sure as he was. And with no doubt in his heart, he took the quill, dipped it in the ink, and with not as much quickness as her, he signed his name in hieroglyph. It took a little bit longer, as he drew out the five symbols. Then it was done.
The merchant lightly blew on the ink to quicken the drying process. He stood and smiled at the two. "Well, unless either of you has anything to say, that's it. Turns out Egyptians and Hebrew's have the same idea about weddings. You're now husband and wife."
Ammon was practically bursting at the words. He turned to his wife. His wife! He wanted to kiss her more than anything.
Though it turned out, Mazel had the same idea, grabbing him and pulling him down into their first kiss as husband and wife.
A/N: Alrighty. This wedding was a little rushed. I admit it. I am just so excited to have my laptop back again. Its written! Hurray! Three chapters left. That's it. That's it, people! And one of them is gonna be stupid long!
I have an event this weekend but after that! Well after that, I'm all set for more writing!
So a few quick translations…which I hope to god post because they are random symbols and such.
So the first translation.
אוֹרגַזמָה: Orgasm. Yeah, I made a dirty joke. Hahaha…yeah I'm immature.
ללא שם: אנילהגן עליך,בדיוק כפישהגנת אותי: I'll protect you just as you protected me. Foreshadowing….maybe, maybe not.
After some research, Hebrew weddings at the time this story takes place were exactly the same as Egyptian in terms of what happening during them. Major differences. Divorce wasn't a thing with Hebrew's.
I actually found a Hieroglyphs translator for names. If it's right, then Ammon's name is spelt with what looks like a falcon, two owls, a sand pipper looking bird, and as a symbol that looks like waves. I couldn't find details of what each one actually was…but I'm tired and I really want to post this for you all before I pass out.
I hope it was worth the wait. It feels like filler for me personally, but I promise, a lot of good stuff is going to be happening now.
Until next time.
