Ever Snow
By Seena
~~~~~~~~~~
Author's notes:
Chapter 4, yes! I actually... finished it almost a month ago. But I have a good excuse! I couldn't post it, because I wrote it at school, and we use floppy disks at my school to transfer information about. None of my five newfangled computers at home have an archaic floppy-disk drive, so I had to beg my chemistry teacher to let me e-mail myself the story, since we're not allowed on the internet except for research and the like... so I couldn't just upload it from school, either. It's a private school, and they're fussy sometimes... and always about the stupidest things, you know? ^_^
All right, and here's my feeble attempt to write for Ankhkare! And Mahaado! For any and all who wonder and ask, Mahaado and Mana are just master and apprentice. You'll see why I bring this up now when Mahaado says something later this chapter, but don't take him completely literally, that's all. And I plan on leading off next chapter with some stuff with Karimu, since the poor guy doesn't get much attention. Lots of dialogue in this chapter...
Enjoy! (And pretty please review...?)
Disclaimer:
Seto: *frowns between Seena and the readers* ...Does she really LOOK like she owns anything?
Ever Snow
~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 4: Aannu Ren, Aannu Reri
~~~~~~~~~~
Mokuba asked, bewildered.
Mana shook her head slowly, though her eyes didn't move. she simply repeated.
The boy frowned slightly and turned to look where she was staring. A small group of people – most of which looked low-class, or even like servants or slaves – huddled against the side of the building. And in the center of the crowd was, A healer?
She nodded slightly, her eyes shimmering. Finally after the better part of a year I've found him again She wanted to run to him, to be closer - but her legs wouldn't move. She was frozen, captured, enchanted
His movements were smooth and gentle as he ran his fingers along a slave's leg. He was smiling reassuringly and speaking words of comfort to the man. While he was too far away to actually hear, Mana could still imagine the words he was saying, recalling his beautiful voice to speak them in her mind. She watched, a moment later, as the healer placed his palms on his patient's leg; a soft, shimmering green light appeared on the point of contact, then spread out to cover a portion of the wounded's shin. He's beautiful she whispered.
Mokuba blinked. Mana, we have to go remember?
The older magician blinked, startled out of her trance enough to hear her companion, though she didn't turn to him.
The boy hesitated.
She shook her head slowly. Go on. I won't lose him again With that, she boldly stepped forward, leaving a surprised Mokuba behind her.
The green-haired man blinked up at her as she approached. Oh, hello, he smiled. do you need something?
By this time, Mana's shyness had taken her over once more. um no, nothing
The main raised his eyebrows, slightly puzzled. All right you're just going to watch, then?
She nodded, unable to speak.
The healer nodded back, then blinked again. I know you from somewhere, don't I?
Mana blushed. He remembers me! sort of. I ran into you before
The young man grinned slightly. That's right! Quite literally. He laughed.
Mana laughed too, her nervousness melting away. And I never introduced myself. My name is Mana.
He smiled. It's nice to meet you, Mana. I'm Ankhkare. Ankhkare Imanta.
Life of Ra's Spirit'? That's so beautiful, and fitting
Mana could have sworn he blushed slightly. he replied as he turned to his next patient, a young lady nursing her arm.
She stepped up to him, and Ankhkare carefully took her hand, gently helping her extend her arm out through the pain. What happened he asked, wrapping his energy over a huge swelling lump that covered the better part of her extremity.
I was on my way back from the market, with some goods for makin' dinner she began. But I tripped and fell over my own two feet. I was tryin' to keep my basket from spillin', so my mistress wouldn't be angry for mussin' and dirtyin' her things
So busy trying to save the basket that you didn't have time to save yourself, Ankhkare finished for her, and she nodded. The healer sighed slowly. That was very noble of you, but you have to take care of yourself, too
The lady nodded slightly as Ankhkare began to mend her torn muscle tissue back together, gently urging the cells and fibers to reunite once more. He continued, Things like food can be replaced. But a person, once lost, is gone forever
As Mana took to memorizing his sage words of wisdom (which suddenly seemed like the most profound and wonderful advice she had ever heard), the woman sighed slowly. You're right I'll try to be more careful
Ankhkare smiled, as he finished healing her wounds.
He's got such a beautiful smile his teeth are so perfect, and it's easy to see how much he means it Mana thought, daydreaming slightly, yet closely watching the young man's movements and letting them seep into her memory. The folds of his clothes, the way his beautiful eyes captured and reflected the light, the way his hair carried gracefully in the slight wind things that Mana had the feeling she wouldn't forget as quickly as she might Mahaado's math and magic lessons.
A sharp poke in her side jolted her back to reality. Mokuba whispered, frowning. We have to go! It's been an hour
She blinked, looking up at the sun. she whispered back sheepishly.
You'd better be. We have to go see Pharaoh Anknumkanon, before it's too late for this Sawaratari guy!
Mana blinked again, worry filling her eyes as she remembered. You're right!
Mokuba nodded. Come on!
The older black mage hesitated, her eyes wandering back to Ankhkare. He was busy healing a little boy with broken ribs; apparently, he had tripped and been run over by a cart. Go ahead a bit, I'll catch up she replied.
Mokuba bit his lip. You promise
Mana smiled slightly. I promise. Go on!
He smiled back and nodded, then spun around and ran down the street; he disappeared with a slight wave as he rounded the corner and headed for the palace.
Mana turned back to Ankhkare, part of her really not wanting to go. She took a deep breath, then let it out slowly as the young man kneeling on the ground finished with his patient. she began.
he smiled up at her.
It was all she could do not to change her mind, and stay with him anyway. Harshly reprimanding herself and thinking of her promise to Mokuba, she hesitantly continued, I have to go now
Oh, okay, he replied. It was nice seeing you again!
Mana blushed deeply.
Ankhkare blinked. Sure, why not? You seem nice enough.
She reddened even deeper, ever thankful of her dark skin's ability to hide her blush of pleasure and excitement. T-thank you she stuttered.
He laughed slightly. There's no need to be so nervous, you know.
Mana smiled, still blushing. I guess not!
Ankhkare smiled back. Right. See you, then!
The young girl grinned and started to head off down the street, but stopped as a thought struck her. Hey, Ankhkare? Where do you live
He blinked. Well, my family owns a farm, just outside of town why?
Mana's blush returned. I just was thinking, maybe I could come visit... or something
he laughed. I'm attending school in the city. I stay on campus when I'm not on vacation. I attend the Bet-Aaraat School for Healing and White Magic. It's on the eastern side of town.
Mana brightened, thoughts of finding his school and spending off-time there – and maybe dodging lessons a little – filling her head. Really? I'll stop by the next time I'm around there!
I look forward to it! he replied, smiling slightly.
Me too! Mana agreed as she smiled back. See you! She waved goodbye to Ankhkare, and happily skipped off down the street and off to the palace
**********
She caught up with Mokuba a few blocks from the palace. she grinned.
Hi yourself, he answered, shuffling along and frowning, not meeting his companion's eyes.
Mana blinked. she asked, puzzled.
Mokuba glared slightly, then went back to sulking. You know what.
She sighed. If I knew, would I be asking?
The young boy crossed his arms. What's so great about that guy, anyway? Healers are nothing new. He hasn't even graduated yet; his robes are blue. So what's the big deal?
Mana blinked. are you jealous
he glared.
The older mage stared at him for a moment, then started to laugh. You ARE, aren't you!
I am NOT! he protested.
Are too, are too, are too! she cried, gleefully tussling her best friend's already-messy hair.
he yelled, batting her hands away, but grinning. Stop it!
Mana grinned back, attacking his sides with her fingers, tickling him mercilessly.
With that, Mokuba let out a shriek and took off down the street towards the palace. His friend followed, laughing happily as she slowly closed in behind him
**********
It was already the fifth hour of the night, but Mahaado hadn't turned in yet. Rather than disturbing him during his studies and rituals, Mana sat up in bed waiting for him. Though her body was tired, her mind was wide awake. She daydreamed a bit of what tomorrow would be like, when Anknumkanon did something about Takhnashum's note; Mokuba had promised to leave it on the Pharaoh's pillow but her mind kept wandering back to that afternoon, and that wonderful hour she had spent with Ankhkare.
she whispered out loud, reliving her time with him again in her mind. The details of her memories leapt out at her like fish jumping from the Nile to catch flies everything was so vivid, even the pores on his face and the veins in his eyes. It was as if it were all happening again oh, if only it could all truly happen again! Seeing him once more hadn't quenched her longing; it had only made her thirsty for more
Mahaado blinked as he came into the room. Why are you still awake? You aren't sick, are you He walked over to her and placed his hand on her forehead, checking to see if her temperature was elevated.
She smiled slightly. No, Master Mahaado I actually feel really wonderful.
Mahaado smiled back. You enjoyed your birthday', then?
She nodded, sighing happily. I did and I've been thinking about something, too
Mahaado nodded slowly. ? If it was important enough to keep you from your sleep, I would like to hear it
Mana shrugged slightly. It was just an idea I had on the way home but I was thinking, maybe I should do more work tomorrow. I mean, I shouldn't take so many breaks
The high priest blinked, hardly able to believe his ears. His apprentice wanted less time off? he began slowly. You truly are growing up
Mana blinked up at him. she answered, not following his train of thought at all.
He smiled down at her and patted her on the head. You are maturing with your years, embracing your duty to the Pharaoh and your responsibility to your land, wanting to work longer and harder to achieve a deeper understanding of your power you make me proud, my apprentice
She blinked again, then burst into laughter. What are you talking about? I want to save up my time so I can have a day off later. I'm not going to just do more work! What do you think I am, crazy?
Mahaado sweatdropped, caught between disappointment and amusement. He sighed, then laughed. Well, I suppose desiring better management of your time is a good start
Mana smiled up at him. You'll let me do it, then?
Mahaado nodded. Very well as long as you truly do apply yourself and attend to your work over the next few days
Mana grinned and hugged her teacher joyfully. I will, I will!
Mahaado smiled and ruffled her hair. I am glad that you are pleased
The young girl let out a sigh of happiness. You really are the greatest ever. Thank you for everything, in these past seven years
Mahaado nodded, tucking her back into bed and pulling up the sheets around her. You are welcome and thank you for these years as well, my daughter He bent over and kissed her forehead very lightly.
Mana smiled in contentment, closing her eyes peacefully. I'm glad that you're happy with me I love you
The high priest smiled back. And I love you Goodnight he whispered as he changed into a light tunic to sleep in. He blew out the candle burning on the desk between their beds, and retired on his mattress.
she replied, already beginning to drift off to sleep. Mana let herself slip into a dream of the future. She already knew exactly where she wanted to go on her day off
~~~~~~~~~~
**********
~~~~~~~~~~
Translations
Aannu Ren, Aannu Reri: A Beautiful Name, A Beautiful Time
Ankhkare: Life of Ra's spirit
Imanta: [Ankhkare's last name] Landscape of the soul or hidden world
Bet-Aaraat: House of Uraeus. [The uraeus is the cobra on Ankhkare's hat; it's a protective symbol. The uraeus was said to spit fire at approaching enemies.]