Four |

His Joy

"What bird is that, Papa?" Anippe asked in amazement as a large bird flew above their boat.

"That is a heron," Atem replied as Anippe awed the majestic bird.

"In fact, the legend of the Bennu bird originates with the heron," he added with a small smile.

"The Bennu bird?" Anippe chuckled.

"It's a bird with two long feathers on the crest of its head and crowned with the disk of the sun. It is the sacred bird of Heliopolis."

"The city?" she asked him.

"Yes."

"Wow." Anippe let out, gazing at the bird flying further away from their boat.

"My Pharaoh," a servant interrupted them. Atem nodded at them to continue.

"We are approaching the trading port in about five minutes. Shall I take the princess from here?"

Atem turned to see Anippe leaning her face from the boat's edge and touching the Nile river.

"No, that won't be necessary. It's alright." Atem replied, and with a wave of his hand, he dismissed the servant.

"Anippe," Atem called, standing from his chair.

"Yes, Papa?" Anippe replied from her spot.

"Come, love. We're approaching our destination soon." and with that, the princess made her way back to her father.

"Papa?" she asked.

"Yes?"

She played with her fingers, a bit nervous now.

Atem crouched down and captured her hands with his.

"You can tell me anything. I will never judge you. I give you my word." Atem spoke firmly but with a gentle smile.

Anippe smiled softly at her father. "It's just… Mahad told me that my name means something essential to you. I was wondering what it is?"

Atem froze at that question. She was looking at him with her big curious eyes, her blonde hair strands caressing her face. This world did not deserve her. Not at all. She was too pure for this world.

"Oh Mana, how I wish you could have met our daughter." Atem thought in despond before he lifted his hand to caress one of his daughter's cheeks.

"You know I love you, right?"

"I love you too, Papa."

Atem smiled before he took a deep breath.

"Your mother and I, when we were young, would play in the Nile. I have so many treasured memories with your mother throughout my life, but the days when we would play in the Nile hold the biggest meaning to me. In fact, I asked for her hand at the Nile. Of course, she said yes, but what I'm trying to say is that because of this river, it gave me my most treasured memories."

Anippe smiled at her dad's words.

"Your name Anippe means daughter of the Nile. Your mother and I chose that name to honor goddess Anuket for always looking after us in the river. We also have many fond memories at the Nile," Atem said before closing his eyes and recalling all his sweet memories with his wife at the river.

"So every time I see you, call your name, or hear your name, it only brings joyful memories. Making you my literal joy in life, my precious Anippe." he finished before he kissed his daughter on her forehead.

She hugged him back fiercely, standing with the tips of her toes.

Atem encircled her in his arms and hugged his daughter firmly. Tears in his eyes as he saw cranes flying at the distance from them.

Though he had lost his wife, he had his daughter to look after.

Note:

"In ancient Egypt, legend says that a two-headed crane was once seen flying over the Nile, to announce a new age of joy and prosperity. The Egyptians believed that the striking white color of the crane's feathers were representative of purity." - from Ancient Wings .com