Chapter 7: Old Wounds
Author's notes:
What's this? Another chapter? Yes your eyes don't deceive you! I have wrote another chapter and it didn't take me forever to complete it this time. You can applaud now if you like. Anyway, this chapter is slow to say the least compared to the action packed previous chapter. However, the thoughts and feelings of Ankha here is something I enjoyed writing. I love writing fully fleshed out characters. Anyway, despite this being a slow chapter I hope you enjoy it regardless. Please comment if you like, this is TheFoolOfTheNoon signing off!
Things to know:
Speaking in ancient Egyptian: ("text")
Speaking in Neo-Egyptian: ["text"]
/
Nacho's P.O.V.
The process of dragging the severed head and explaining to the guild the series of event that led to it wasn't easy. As a matter of fact, the entire town was awestruck when showed up with the two natives and the head of the magi-beast. The original request giver didn't expect that his small request gave way to us discovering the real monster. He repeatedly apologized to us saying he couldn't give us a bigger reward for our troubles, but we said it was okay and just take what originally promised.
The guild people stationed at the town brought over many spellcasters which used their magic to scan the severed head to check if it is real. I mean, the smell was probably proof enough, but they had to be sure. It's not like that a bunch of no ranks can just show up out of nowhere and slay a gold ranked magi-beast, it simply doesn't happen. I can remember the guild girl looking at us with a blank expression as she had no words. What we did, was basically impossible for them. I can remember a smirk growing on my face as she told me.
"We…need to contact headquarters…they will decide what to do…"
"You do that, in the meantime we got places to be," I said to her, my scratched and soot covered armor only added proof along with Rock Skipper's and Mountain Shaker's testimony.
Their people already thanked us graciously for saving their way of life and gave us some herbs and potions while the two were given high honors, everybody wins. As for the guild folk, they just nodded their head once everything was settled. The town's folk only stared at us, legends in the making, not knowing our abilities or experience. This kept going even after we fell asleep in the inn and rest for the night as the entire experience was draining and we didn't even bother clean ourselves up not that this place has an available shower in the first place.
The next day came and the bus we were waiting for came in. The town's people were still silent as they simply looked at us. We got on the bus without any question and took off finally for Egyptapia. The ride itself was simply smooth.
"Finally, we are heading to Egyptapia, I wonder what the place looks like?"
"Your guess is good as mines. If I must be honest, I'm kinda excited, it has been a long time since I laid my eyes on Egyptian lands. Unfortunately, I believe we will all be strangers in those lands. This is just some of Egypt's people whisked away from the original lands and placed in a new world so they can still provide worship to the gods. Who knows how they developed or what hardships they faced?"
"True Ankha, Egypt back in our world is not exactly a shining grace of what it once was."
"Indeed, still, I would love to see the lands."
"You mean miles of sands?"
"Oh, hush it you!"
Ankha gave me a playful shove at my small joke as we got a good laugh out of it. Regardless it is nice to see her so happy to see Egyptapia. Well it was a feeling shared by everyone; Diva was even smiling with her conversation with Amr. Honestly my curious mind just wants to see how a piece of Egypt developed without contact from the Romans while still having some the experiences from history up to that point.
"I'm really excited to see the culture! Egypt's history back in our world was one of the more interesting to read about on a list of other ancient cultures," Isabelle excitedly exclaimed.
"True, despite some inaccuracies, but I suppose not much was left behind to paint the bigger picture," Ankha developed a warm smile and gave off a small laugh as I assume she was recalling the times we watched some history channels talking about ancient Egypt.
"Still, I can only imagine! How do you feel Lucky?"
"Honestly, I'm a little nervous. I feel like I will be the first one to be overwhelmed by whatever new thing the region has. I just hope people don't start messing with my bandages."
"You will be fine; we are traveling together!"
"T-True…"
"Relax Lucky, who knows, maybe you can find something interesting that will hook you in," I reassured as best as I can which did help, if only a little.
"Yeah, hopefully."
We continue to talk as the bus drove. Finding a way to pass the time as we waited to reach our chosen destination.
/
Ankha's P.O.V.
Time passed as we all fell asleep. We must have been really tired from the last battle and the fatigue haven't full left us. I only noticed this as I was the first to wake up and found myself leaning on Nacho's shoulder with my arms around him and connected to Isabelle. It was hard to free myself from my canine lover's hands, but I did as I gave a big yawn. I still feel dirty and I hated it, but there was nothing I can for now.
"What I would do for a nice bath."
I rubbed my eyes as I looked out the window and was met with an eye-opening sight. A desert, wide and open and beyond its large structures. However, the bigger sight was the great rivers that seem to spread from an individual source. Along the rivers I can see growth of greens, tree and various other flora. It was the most alive desert I ever seen, and it was beautiful! Occasionally, I would see people in a small boat and just cruising around near a small village that I saw looked to be lively. Some of the locals spotted the bus and waved at us with beaming smiles on their faces.
Stunned, I simply waved back with growing smile on my face. I don't have the words to describe the feeling growing in my heart, but all I know is that it literally has been years since I last saw people living near the Nile River. I just had to wake up the others to see this, and that I did by shaking Nacho as I continued to stare out the window.
"Nacho! Isabelle! You got to see this!"
"Mmm…w-wha? What's going on Ankha?"
"Y-Yeah…I want to sleep longer…"
"We're here you two."
This snapped the two awake as they too looked out the window and bear witness to the sights. They were speechless as well as the bus driver announced that we will be heading towards the main town hub called, Nu-Maket. Known to many as also the town of life thanks to the water mana well in the center of the town according to the bus driver. Like an eternal Nile River, always flowing but never at risk of overflowing or drying out.
Hearing that, I had to see it for myself. So as soon as we came to a stop, I hurried everyone off the bus. I wasn't prepared for what I was about to see. As soon as we got off, I was nearly stunned by a beautiful town. Buildings colored in brilliant colored bricks that are somewhat darker than the sands in shade but mixed in with modern conveniences of modern housing. There are so many things I can't name them all! It's almost like blend of the old and futuristic like some popular fictional depictions of ancient Egypt.
"I…I…by the feathers of Horus…is…this real?"
So many emotions swelled into me, it was nearly overwhelming me. I could have fainted on the spot if it wasn't for the feeling of two hands on my shoulders bringing me back to reality. I looked side to side to see Nacho and Isabelle smiling before bringing me in for hug. Lucky came from behind and hugged us all as well. The warm embrace made me forget everything just for a bit until Diva cut in.
"Are we done with the touchy-feely stuff yet? Because we still got things to do."
Everybody just shot her a dirty look to which she just held up her hands and walked away with Amr in tow. Eventually, we did break up the hug as we walked together as a group. Of course, the first thing we checked out is the mana well which not only had a wonderful temple built around it, but also guarded as well. Along the way I been hearing the civilians speak to each other in a language that was like the ancient language of the past. It seemed to be a mix of ancient Greek and Egyptian languages with a few more added tweaks.
The temple itself was a mix of marble and gold color with Egyptian blue coloring to the decals. It seems to take inspiration mostly from Greek architecture but given the good old Egyptian twist. The way of dress around these parts also was given an updated look. The normally more exposed Egyptian way of dress of old was given a modern touch while keeping to the old. Robes with tunics and shorts given a futuristic aesthetic with nice golden accents with a white color. The tunic and shorts came in different colors varying from blue to red to yellow. Sandals haven't changed much, but it is one of many different accessories and ways of dress presented. Dresses, hats, full body robes, etc.
The guards are more armored than what I can remember in the past. However, they were beautiful and decorated with some ancient Egyptian religious symbols as a form of protection I assume. Priests and priestesses are dressed in more beautiful robes that dress in all white with golden accessories and the middle part of the skirt of the robe decorated in writing and a color, for them I saw a blue color with yellow outlines. Possibly being reference to the fact they are working for this specific temple for the mana well.
We would have continued exploring further until suddenly a man in robes walked in front of us and called our attention.
"Ahem, (You wouldn't happen to be the adventuring group we are expecting?)"
My eyes widen as I recognized that language. It is the old ancient Egyptian language I grew up with. Nacho and Isabelle were lost as I never gotten around to try and teach them the language, but Diva, Lucky, and Amr also knew what he was saying.
("You speak the old tongue of Egypt?)
(Yes, I was taught this as we been told the chosen would not know the new language of this land. Not many in these lands speak the old tongue anymore, but that just made searching the chosen out easier for us.)
"Uh…Ankha? What is this guy saying?" Nacho asked, still lost.
"This 'guy' is speaking old ancient Egyptian dude. Didn't Ankha teach you by now?" Diva replied.
"Uhm…no."
"Not me either," Isabelle added.
"Gosh, you got to teach them Ankha."
"Another time Diva."
("Excuse me? Sorry to interrupt, but I was assigned to bring you to the city of Ser-Shinn. Do you have the talking book with you?")
I paused for moment to register what the man meant, but then I remembered Azhum in the bag. I beckoned Lucky to come forward with the bag with Azhum inside. The man took the bad and opened it only a little bit to see the wizard turned tome. The talking book did not react and laid still as the man zipped up the bag and handed it back to Lucky.
("Good good, follow me.")
Nacho and Isabelle was still confused on what he was saying, but we informed them along the way as we followed the man. He is suspicious looking for sure, but his robes which are dark red in color and a strange golden symbol which I never seen before. I would have thought this guy could be trouble if it wasn't for the fact everybody, we passed gave him room while greeting him kindly and with respect. He seemed to be a well known and liked person, so that eased any suspicions.
We got onto a large well decorated purple skiff boat which was strange since it was on land, however, before we knew it. It lifted off the ground and began moving at a steady quick speed towards the direction of one of the cities.
/
"Well this turning out to be quite an experience," Nacho said with a grin.
"I wanted to see more, but to be taken to a city is also exciting," Isabelle added as she was filled with excitement.
"Yeah, I didn't know where to start. I was sure lost just staring at the buildings, I'm sure you felt the same way Ankha," Lucky remarked.
"I certainly didn't know what to expect. Everything just looks so prosperous; it actually makes me sad a bit that Egypt had the potential to become like this."
I heard Diva snicker in the back, "I wouldn't go that far Ankha. May I remind you that this world most likely greatly influenced the progression of this civilization."
"True, I doubt Egypt back in our world would have become something similar. Even if the Romans didn't take over."
We could have continued the conversation further, but Amr called out to us, "We approach the city! In good time too!"
I was stunned as I looked over to see the once far city just a few miles away and even then, we were just about to reach the port. I took out my phone and noticed that we just flew over miles of open sand in just a few minutes. Yet that entire time the ride felt peaceful and not fast at all. We arrived at the port of Ser-Shinn and to our surprise a giant welcoming committee was waiting for us. The skiff slowed and came to a stop at the port. Once we stepped out, loud triumphant horns blared out as the people waiting for us helped us out of the skiff. They kept chanting in the new language, but I could barely translate what they were saying.
"Hail be, the chosen by the gods and goddesses have arrived. Bless them on their journey."
"Is that what they are saying Ankha?"
"Chanting technically, but yeah I think so Isabelle."
"You think?"
"Well it is a mix of languages, but I noticed some familiar words. So, I just put a few of them together while listening to their pronunciation. Granted it is a rough translation."
We kept to the path laid out for us as the crowd broke out into chorus to which even I wasn't able to translate due to how fast the words came and went. Eventually, the path ended in front of a large regal building. It kept true to the theme we saw back in the town but seem to be much more extravagant. As we got in front of the building, I noticed a statue of a man presented in glorious gold. It was quite something and looking at it seems to be a human man, mature in his year and decked out in armor. It had me wondering how a human like him was able to stand out in a civilization full of various other races.
"Hey Ankha, they're stopping."
I noticed that too as the crowd stopped their singing and opened the path to the temple like building in front of us. The man that led us to this location step out behind us as he pulled out a scroll and began speaking in the new language.
["Hail thee the royal family. The Serpen dynasty started by the former Queen Ser-Ka, succeeded by her eldest child Kerfet-Ka. Brother to Kasli-Ka, princess of the royal family. They ruled this city with a firm hand, respecting its people while asserting power when needed. Everyone! I present you the royal family!"]
A handful of people brought out their horns and blew as the crowd grew loud once more. It was getting a bit obnoxious. However, I guess you can say it was worth it as three figures emerged from the building. To my surprise, the three beings are snake folk! Something I haven't seen in forever! As they walked closer, I can see more and more details of them and noticed only one of them had a complete serpentine body while the other two have legs. They are all dressed up in royal attire with the only male of the three, Kerfet-Ka wearing the kingly headdress.
Eventually, they made their way towards us. With welcoming smiles on their faces, Ser-Ka especially which despite her mature appearance she looks to still have plenty of youthful vigor in her. She is the first one to slither up to us and bow her head in respect, her children getting on their knees and kneeling.
("Welcome! Chosen of Bastet and Chosen of Heqet, it is a great honor to finally meet you for the first time.")
Ser-Ka also spoke the old tongue and in return Diva and I responded in kind.
("You may rise Ser-Ka, we are just people on a mission for the gods.")
("Yeah, actually, we consider it an honor to be given quite a welcome.")
The woman and her children rose from their positions. Ser-Ka took a quick look at our group and looked to be surprised by the size of it, but the most interesting reaction was when she looked at me and her smile faltered just a bit. I gave her a confused look, but she quickly looked away from me to avoid eye contact.
("Come, we have much to discuss.")
The snake woman spoke something to her people and almost immediately they bowed and left the area and returned to their own business. It was quite jarring, but we had no time to think about as we followed the royal family into the palace.
/
The walk through the palace was something to behold. Beautiful décor and furniture of various kinds passed us by as we walked through. Servants walking around dressed in fancy uniforms keeping the place tidy as we saw some civilians lounging around a talking with each other. This sight raised some brows from us, especially me as I been inside palaces before and never once did, I see the common people inside them. I didn't ask as I thought it would have been rude. More interesting sights showed up in the form of tapestries and some paintings of the same aged warrior, sometimes decked out in full armor. Many of them told a story, mostly battles. Every time this warrior is shown to lead the charge and is sometimes shown in glorious victory.
I can hear Isabelle making 'Ooo…' and 'Ahh...' sounds as we passed the objects. Nacho himself was silent and keeping his thoughts to himself. No surprise, he always like to admire things in silence, granted he is sometimes vocal but only when there is something important.
"Just who is that warrior?"
"Your guess is good as mines Lucky, but whoever he is the royal family seem to hold him in high regard."
"Yeah, but is it just me or is there something familiar about him?"
"Well, he is wearing Egyptian styled armor with what looks to be some Greek inspirations."
"True…but I don't know…"
"We can ask Ser-Ka about it when we can, okay?"
"Alright sure, fair enough."
We kept following the family until we were finally led into a room. It was a wide meeting room with many chairs and a single wide table. Ser-Ka invited us to take a seat she and her children took a seat at the end corner. We took the seats near them as the snake woman cleared her throat.
("Azhum? You can come out now.")
Our bag shake as Lucky unzipped it and the talking tome flew out and flipping his pages.
"Oh finally! I cannot begin to tell you how hard it is to hold still in there. It feels so cramped!"
("Nice to see you again Azhum.")
"Ah! Where are my manners? Lady Ser-Ka, it is a pleasure to see you again. Looking lovely as ever. Pharaoh Kerfet-Ka, nice to see the kingdom is still in one peace, and Princess Kalsi-Ka, you have grown into a fine woman."
["Nice to see you too Great Azhum."]
["It is a pleasure."]
After the introductions were done, the ex-queen began speaking once more. Gaining our attention with a fake cough. Granted it was necessary as none of them had a problem understanding what the talking tome said and it took us by surprise.
("Alright, lets get down to business. Ankha? Diva?")
The authority in her voice proved that even though she isn't a queen anymore, she still had the ability to present herself as one. I was worried that Nacho and Isabelle would be lost trying to understand the conversation, but Azhum thoughtfully began translating the queen's words. Diva and I responded to her query with a 'yes' and she continued.
("Again, it is a great honor to be in your presence, but anyway you are both aware why you are brought here right?")
Diva and I nodded to each other and I spoke first, ("Yes, the gods and goddesses sent us here as they said you would be able to help us establish a place of worship for the goddesses that chose us.")
("As you can tell, we been having bad luck in setting one up back in the other world.")
("Yes, I am aware and it's quite unfortunate. To add more bad news, I am afraid there isn't much I can help you here. As this region already worship the gods and goddesses, so setting up a place of worship here will do nothing. However, I know a few places where you can go to complete your task to your goddesses.")
("Really? That's great to hear, but where exactly?")
Ser-Ka's son spoke up during this and it was during this that I was glad for Azhum's translation.
["There is tribe of Felimew's that sits in the more jungle region of Tropicola. They are more tribal than current times, but reports show that they worship a deity called, The Jungle Mother. The scouts also reported that their deity functioned the same purpose as the goddess Bastet. This deity was created when the goddess herself accidently appeared before them to save one of them from trouble and helped with childcare. So, in a way, they are worshiping her, but not by her name or image. Perhaps you can convince them that Bastet is their goddess and build a more proper temple and shrine."]
("Interesting, will probably be difficult, but maybe I can find a way. They just need proof after all,") I said as I began thinking about the tribe. It certainly would be a challenge as I never really tried anything religious whatsoever. Before I can think of it more, the princess added onto her brother's words.
["A bit deeper from there is a civilization of Froggits. They are a more developed and reclusive than the Felimew tribe, but they worship no deity as far as what we been able to dig up on them. Of course, this will make them more resistant to accepting an actual deity from outsiders. Please be careful."]
("Indeed, to both of you, considering that you look like you originated from these lands. So, if things turn bad then it may also affect their perception of Egyptapia and its people. The last thing we need is more enemies for these lands.")
I was stunned by this, Egyptapia has enemies? I mean a large civilization such as this is not without those who would wish to see its downfall, but the implication of Ser-Ka's words speaks volumes of the possible hardships they must have faced. If possible, I must learn about the history of these lands just to satisfy my curiosity.
("I understand, thank you for this information. We'll get started as soon as possible.")
("Nice to see the you are raring to go out there, but I insist you stay the day here. I mean, just look at yourselves! You look like something chewed you up and spit you out!")
I felt my embarrassment rise as it was true, appearance wise we look far from graceful or good looking because of the fact we didn't get a chance to clean up. All I can do is look away from her stare and I wasn't the only one as everybody else was pretending to check themselves or find interest in something else. Nacho was the only who had a comment on this.
"Well to be fair, the other day we fought a Marshogi. We were so tired and, in a rush, so we just kinda left without cleaning up."
Ser-Ka just looked at my human lover with a curious look while her children's eyes just widen.
("A Marshogi? That is quite a powerful Magi-Beast, did you all really slay one before coming here?")
"Milday Ser-Ka, it is true! I was there to witness it all! If you ask, no I didn't help. These brave souls really took on a Marshogi and in the most explosive way as possible."
("Ah…that is quite a feat, but I suppose with two chosen and their guardians ease the burden of taking on such a fearsome beast. Also, the I have been paying attention to the news and heard that a group of no rank adventurers bringing the head of a gold rank Magi-Beast. Now I know who is responsible, and I know just how to reward you all.")
"Really? How?" Isabelle asked.
("Well, I was going to give you all this anyway, so all I can say is enjoy.")
We were a bit confused by what she meant by this, but this was answered when she snapped her fingers and a bunch of servants bursting into the room. We were surprised, but they were courteous as they asked us to follow them to the royal bathhouse for a V.I.P. experience. We all looked at each other and accepted the invite as we followed the servants to the bathhouse. As we found out soon, it wasn't called a royal bathhouse for nothing. It was a large and grandiose building near the palace and as we learned is exclusive for the royal family, friends of the royal family, V.I.P's and servants. Not only does it have male and female bath's but mixed baths plus private baths for couples. Obviously, Nacho, Isabelle and I took the couple bath after explaining to the servants that we are a couple.
The entire experience was just pure bliss and relaxation. Not only we were cleaned but pampered with massaging sessions and even manicures for me, Isabelle, and surprisingly Amr. The crocodile guardian made small talk with us and complained a bit about Diva much to our enjoyment as we all got a big laugh out of it. Before we knew it, the day was over, and night came. I guess we got so caught up in the treatment that we failed to notice that we spent the entire day relaxing, eating and taking in the sights.
The city took on another appearance entirely during this time. As the tech lines that were normally glowing blue during the day turned orange. It was quite an interesting sight in the low light city, but I cannot understand the function though. However, we had to rest for the night and thankfully, we were given rooms to sleep in within the palace. More and more this seems to be less than a palace and more of a fancy hotel. Not that I mind though as I loved the treatment we received.
We all got our rooms assigned to us. Since Nacho, Isabelle and I are a couple they gave us a room that we can sleep together. Lucky and Amr got a room to themselves, and Diva got her own room to herself much to her displeasure as she wanted Amr to be nearby. As a result of this they were given a room that connected to each other. Before we all headed to our rooms, we said our good nights before I gave Lucky a sibling hug. It's nice to have him around again and it's great to see he is capable of being on his own.
As for me and my lovers. We are already dressed in our sleep wear, Isabelle in her green doggy bone pajamas and Nacho in the classic blue strip pajamas with a cap to go with it. I myself sleeping robes mixed in with some flattering black pajama shorts and tank top with these cat paw slippers that Isabelle bought me. It wasn't the most stylistic wear, but tonight I only planned on sleeping so looking good wasn't my top priority.
"Man what a day! I didn't think we end up spending the day here, but glad we did. I feel great!" Nacho said as he stretched across the bed.
"We really needed that after fighting that monster," Isabelle added as she jumped onto the ornate bed.
"Indeed, the hospitality is also something to note. Not to mention the city is just beautiful, just looking at it makes me feel nostalgic of home," I looked out the window and gave a sigh as I saw the beautiful wide view of the city. It was simply beautiful and had me envy a bit that my old home couldn't have ever reached this peak.
"Ankha? Are you okay?"
"You're spacing out a bit."
"Oh! Sorry, I still can't get over that this place, this region even exists! I feel like I'm in a dream, like this isn't real…but it is real and…makes me wish my home had the chance to be this way…"
I trailed off as I felt my well of emotions rise a bit, but I fought them down as it wasn't the time to show tears. Yet, I couldn't help but shed just one and allow it to trail down my face. I mentally cursed and chuckled to myself. Despite my experience, moments like this can really bring out my feelings. I am reminded of a saying that my mother told me in my youth.
"No matter how strong or how tough, all women will shed a tear in their life."
I closed my eyes and smiled as I heard her voice echo in my head. While I am content knowing she is spending eternity happily with my father in the afterlife. I can't help but think back on the memories we had together and by extension the rest of my family. I miss them, being here with me. Their laughter, their banter, and their love. I can practically feel their warm embrace hugging me from behind. Actually…I do feel two bodies hugging me from behind!
I opened my eyes and couldn't hold back the tears anymore as I saw the arms of both my lovers holding me, "You two…"
They said nothing as we stood there in a warm embrace. I wasn't sure how long we stood there, but I didn't mind. These two, they give me life and reason to keep fighting, to keep being happy. They dried my tears and I couldn't help but purr from everything. We stayed like this for a few more minutes until we heard a knock on the door. We weren't expecting anybody, so this really was a surprise.
("Um…excuse me? Sorry for any intrusion.")
It was Ser-Ka, what was the former queen doing at our door? We went over and unlocked the door to see the queen dress in royal sleepwear. The royal purple sleep robe with gold trims hid her humanoid torso. However, the question remains, why was she here?
("Ser-Ka? What are you doing here?")
("I…need to talk to you. In private.")
This took me by surprise. Talk to me in private? This looked serious and shifting look I her eyes told me that she really needed to talk to me. I sensed no sign of deceit from her and she really treated us well, so I might as well hear her out.
"Nacho, Isabelle…mind if I talk with the queen?"
Nacho looked at me in the eyes and saw I'm being serious about this, "Alright, but just know I will be coming if I sense you in danger."
"Yeah, but otherwise I hope nothing happens. Stay safe Ankha," Isabelle added.
"Noted, don't worry you two. I'll be back soon," I gave them quick kisses and a reassuring hug before reluctantly separating from them to go outside with the queen. Closing the door behind me I let out a sigh.
("Ser-Ka, what is it you need to talk to me about?")
("Follow me, we will walk and talk.")
I raised a brow at this and simply shrugged as we began walking together. Well, slithering for her which was slightly awkward.
("Ankha…")
("Yes?")
("Those two, are your consorts correct?")
("Yes…they are. I love them dearly, why ask though?")
("I…loved once before. Unfortunately, it was never meant to be.")
("Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. What happened to him?")
("He…fell in battle. It was a warrior's death, but that years ago…")
("Oh…is he…the man in those tapestries and that statue outside?")
Ser-Ka flinched a bit when I said that. I raised a brow in confusion to that reaction as he was her lover after. So, there wasn't any shame in immortalizing him through art.
("Y-Yes…he was a great a man. I am glad that he is the one who blessed me with two children.")
("They are kind adults, so you did a great job raising them by yourself. I can only imagine how taxing it was though.")
("Indeed, I had help from my late advisor. The gods bless her soul, I probably wouldn't have able to get through the phase of being mother without her help.")
("You have my condolences.")
("Thank you, it means a lot hearing it from you.")
(No problem, I know what it is like to feel loss. Many times, really, I lost my family and I lost two lovers who happened to be the same person.)
("I can imagine, being immortal must not be easy for you. To see so many faces, only to know that they will be gone within a lifetime.")
("Yeah…there is some times where I think about Bladeius and Ohkan. Granted they are the same person, but you can never really forget the first people you fell in love with.")
("Yes, it is quite an experience, for better or worse.")
("There was a time…I thought they were gone forever, but during one of my adventures I was visited by the spirits of my mother and father.")
("R-Really? They reincarnated?")
("Yes, along with my siblings, my former love reincarnated once more according to my parents.")
("Oh my…this must have really put you into a bind since you moved on to have two consorts now.")
("In a sense, I mean, I am happy to know he return to living world once more in a new form. However, I doubt I can ever love him the same way anymore. I…I moved on…I'm ashamed to say.")
Ser-Ka stopped in her tracks which had me stopping a few steps away from her, ("Ankha, there is no shame in moving on. He would have wanted you to be happy and if my eyes don't deceive me then you are happy with your lovers!")
("Yes, I do love them greatly. They are my everything, which is why I doubt I can ever face Bladeius's latest reincarnation. It would…complicate things…")
("I see…")
("Forgive me, I went off on a tangent.")
("It is fine, I can only imagine how much you had to go through in your eternal life.")
("Yes, but what I learned from being with Nacho and Isabelle is that it becomes more bearable when you have people to love you and help shoulder your burden.")
("But they are mortal are they not? They will eventually grow old and die.")
("I know, but…I…*sigh* never mind.")
("Okay…")
Ser-Ka gave me a concerned look before we kept walking. We walked in silence until we reached a balcony and stopped there. It gave a beautiful view of this side of the city and looking at it improved my mood.
("So beautiful…I seen the rise and fall of civilizations, but none of them ever reach this level of advancement. Not even my old home.")
("Are you homesick Ankha?")
("Yes…it happens sometimes, but there is nothing I can do about it as the home I knew no longer exists. When I gaze upon this city, I can't help but feel joyful and sadden that it exists. Joyful because the descendants of Egypts people were able to live in prosperity and reach such heights I never knew possible. Of course, that is the same reason why it makes me so sad. I wish the home I knew could have seen such success but remembering the situation at the time. I know it was impossible.")
("I…never knew a chosen can have such thoughts. I often heard that they are great powerful beings that are focused on completing their goal.")
("That is partially true, while we are powerful, we are still people with desires and thoughts of our own. While I don't speak for the other chosen, I know my desires and what I hope to have when I accomplish my goal.")
("Which is…?")
I hesitated for a bit telling her, but ultimately decided against it, ("I…cannot say right now. I can say though that it involves Nacho and Isabelle.")
("Oh…okay…") There was a hint of disappointment in her voice. I looked over to her and met her gaze. A gaze filled with concern, worry, and uncertainty. Then I remember that she invited me for this talk for a reason and all this time we been talking about our own personal lives.
("Oh, forgive me, there was a reason you wanted to talk to me, right?")
Her eyes widen in surprise, I guess she forgotten that she brought me out for a reason, ("O-Oh! Umm…right…well…I forgotten what it was…it was just…fascinating to hear your thoughts.")
("Right, sorry. I wonder what you wanted to talk to me about?")
("It will come back, I guess for now that will be it. This has been…an illuminating talk.")
("Yeah, it has been…thanks for listening though. Perhaps we can talk more in the future?")
("I would love that, there is a lot more to you than I thought.")
("Than you thought? What were you thinking of me?")
("Oh umm…that you were well…umm…")
She was tongue tied to say the least. It honestly got a chuckle out of me, ("Heh heh, for a former queen you are quite easy to fluster.")
("Not normally it's just…never mind. Let us turn in for the night, you have much to do tomorrow.")
("Yeah, I need to prepare myself before I can visit that tribe and hopefully complete my goal for Bastet.")
("Azhum told me he was going to train you and your lovers here, so I assume you and your group will be staying here much longer?")
("Precisely, I am the daughter of two priests so the least I can do is make sure I have all I need in order to make the mission as smooth as possible.")
("Well with Azhum around I doubt it will take long for you to feel prepared for the task at hand. Just some refreshers and you will be ready in no time.")
("Heh, I feel you may be overestimating me a bit, but I will make sure to live up to those expectations.")
("I feel that you will succeed and more. After all, you are a chosen. Whoever the gods select as their chosen is always capable of great things.")
("Tch, flattery will get you nowhere, but thanks regardless.")
We both shared a quick laugh before going our separate ways. Wishing each other a good night. I would eventually return to my room with Nacho and Isabelle waiting for my return. They asked me what we talked about and like an honest lover I told them everything. They were surprised that I spoke such thoughts and gave me a quick loving hug. After some loving talk, we turned in for bed. This time with me in the middle of my lovers, the two people who I care for the most in the world. If there is place where I can feel more secure, then I have yet to experience it. Let tomorrow come and the challenges I shall face, I face them head on. For I am ready.