"Daughters of Isis"
By: Heikou and Janime Lee
Accepting Fate
Thabit stood off to one side, watching Sadiki and Mosi attack Ishaq. Or at least tried to attack. The elder Guardian easily warded off all of their attempts. Thabit started running at Ishaq the moment Mosi rolled away. He raised his staff to hit the Guardian's left shoulder-
And then Thabit was on the ground with a blade against his throat.
Ishaq moved just as Sadiki jumped and the blonde landed on his fellow trainee. Mosi burst out laughing, which was cut short as he was also knocked to the sands.
"Never take your eyes off your enemy," Ishaq said sternly. "Even one small moment can make the difference between life and death."
"We've noticed," Thabit muttered as Sadiki pulled him up.
Bruises and small cuts littered the three young Guardians' bodies from neck to ankle. The cuts had scabbed over and it was fairly safe to believe that there wouldn't be any scarring. And if there was, the lines would be very faint and hardly noticeable.
"Now, come at me again," he ordered.
The boys groaned but did as they were told. Once more they were knocked down or ran into one another. It was hard to move in the shifting sands but over the days they had learned to overcome that. Mosi charged at their mentor's back but tripped over his extended leg and skidded in the sand. He growled as he spit the grains out of his mouth.
Thabit locked weapons with Ishaq, thinking that for the moment he was going to finally win this match but the thought came too soon. His weapon flew out of his hand and he back-stepped to escape the sharp blade of his opponent, tripping over the fallen Mosi.
"Hey get off!" he yelled, trying to get to his feet.
Sadiki smirked but as he ran he jumped at the last minute. I have you now! he thought to himself, bringing his weapon down upon Ishaq's head.
Ishaq blocked it with his own sword, and then grabbed Sadiki's left arm. He pulled the teen down, causing him to stumble. Sadiki was spun around and his arm was twisted behind his back--not hard enough to cause pain but just enough of discomfort. He felt the cold metal of the elder Guardian's blade at his throat. Sadiki couldn't help swallowing, feeling the sharp edge press against his skin, but not hard enough to make him bleed.
Ishaq released him and quickly stepped back before Sadiki could counter.
"You have improved greatly," the elder Guardians commented as he put his sword into the sheath hanging at his left hip.
"I take that as a compliment," he replied, rubbing his shoulder.
Mosi finally stood and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "Are we done yet? I can taste the desert in my mouth."
Ishaq nodded. "You're all improving but you still have weaknesses that could cost you your life. Before we return home I want you all to be able to get out of any situation with the least amount of harm on yourself, and especially the Sisters of the Moon."
"We know we know," the albino said as he took a small sip from his water skin, swishing it around in his mouth then spit it out. "You've been telling us that since the first day of training."
"Would you rather let Agalameia get hurt because you failed to block an attack?" He didn't flinch or look away when the deep brown eyes glared at him. He knew this boy cared for the Daughter of Anubis as much as Khalfani, maybe more.
"I have to be blunt," continued Ishaq, "as my instructors had been with me and my fellow Guardians. There have been times in the past when a Sister of the Moon fell because of her Guardians' carelessness. However, it was a bittersweet blessing that it happened after her daughter's birth."
He looked at each of them with a deadly seriousness. "Your charges have not yet been blessed with a daughter of their own. If any one of them were to die now, it would mean chaos for the two kingdoms."
Sadiki and Thabit slowly lowered their gazes to the ground, unsure of what to say. As much as they hated to hear this, they had no other choice. One must learn from past mistakes or risk repeating them.
Ishaq looked at the sky, judging the time by the position of the sun. "Take a break. Then we'll practice once more." Instead of groans they wordlessly nodded their heads. He smiled very slightly.
--
The first beams of Ra's light entered the quiet room, waking Khalfani from his peaceful sleep. Groaning slightly, he tried to move but a familiar weight prevented him from going anywhere.
"Don't wake me up," Agalameia mumbled.
Khalfani chuckled and wrapped his arms around her. "You wouldn't be talking if you were still asleep."
"How do you know I'm not talking in my sleep?" she asked, refusing to open her eyes.
"Because I know you all too well." He kissed the top of her head, rubbing her back.
Sighing in defeat she slowly opened her eyes but instead of sitting up straddled his hips, looking down at him. "Remind me to punish you later."
He smirked, resting his hands on her hips. "I cannot wait."
Peisimemne looked down at Hanif, smiling at the memories of when they were children and he would climb into bed with her when he was having trouble sleeping. Those innocent moments could never have predicted where the young couple would be in the future.
Unless you saw it already, Brother, Peisimemne thought to Horus.
Even as a young man Hanif still retained some of his childlike appearance but he was not a child. Feeling eyes upon him he stirred and slowly his eyes fluttered open. He yawned and rubbed his eyes but smiled as he recognized Peisimemne.
"Morning..." he said sleepily.
The young woman resisted the urge to giggle and gently kissed the corner of his lips. "I take it you slept well?" she asked.
"Yes... but because I was with you." He took her hand in his own, holding it tightly and letting their fingers link together.
Peisimemne smiled and settled beside her love. "I'm glad you're here with me, Hanif."
"So am I," he said quietly and smiled at her. It faded when he noticed the look on her face. "What is it?"
"Agalameia loves Khalfani and I know he also loves her," she looked into his eyes, "I love you and I know that you love me. "But I'm worried about Theliane…"
Hanif wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. "She has been very quiet since Nathifa passed to the afterlife," he admitted.
"And her third Guardian hasn't appeared." She rested her head on his shoulder. "I wish we knew who he is."
"So do I but he will be revealed when the time is right." He kissed her forehead. "Have patience."
She smiled and looked up at him. "Don't you mean 'have faith'?"
He returned the smile. "I know you have the faith. You just need a bit more patience."
"And who was it that needed patience last night?" Peisimemne raised an eyebrow.
"Guilty," Hanif placed his hands behind his head.
Peisimemne took the opportunity and leaned down, kissing him.
They heard the main door creak open. "Peisimemne?"
She jerked away and looked over her shoulder. "Tumaini? Stay where you are."
A pause. "Alright."
"What's wrong?"
"I can't find Hanif," the young boy explained his intrusion.
Said Guardian bit his lip and grinned.
"We were supposed to practice in the arena this morning."
Hanif covered his eyes. How could I forget? He peeked through his fingers and looked at Peisimemne. Very easily…
She looked down at the young man. "Did you try his room?"
"Yes but he wasn't there."
"I'll help you look for him. Let me get dressed."
"Alright." The main door closed.
Slowly Hanif said up, running a hand through his unruly hair. "I had better get dressed and apologize." Looking up at her he smiled and kissed her softly. "I'll see you later."
"You better," she smiled.
After they had dressed, Peisimemne left her room first and went with Tumaini to look for Hanif. As for the Guardian, he checked before leaving the Daughter of Osiris' room and sprinted down the hall in the opposite direction.
--
It didn't matter. He had to call them. If he hesitated any longer, Egypt and the rest of the world would certainly fall under a curtain of darkness.
His heart was strong. He would not falter. He would protect his home. Raising his left arm, the pharaoh summoned forth, Obelisk, Slypher, and the Winged Dragon.
Theliane woke with a small gasp. She moved slightly, discovering arms around her that limited her actions. The Daughter of Ra looked down at Kasuyan sleeping peacefully beside her.
He looked so handsome as he slept peacefully. His arms were around her waist in a protective embrace. His honey colored hair fell over his closed eyes, his breathe gentle as his chest rose and fell. He looked so at ease as he slept.
Theliane smiled. She had found her third Guardian, a man who loved her and she loved him. For the moment the dream was pushed to the back of her mind and she settled more comfortable in his arms. She reached out to gently brush his hair back, tracing his cheek and caressing the soft skin.
Kasuyan leaned into the touch that sailed across his cheek. He slowly blinked his eyes open, finding the most beautiful woman he knew looking down at him. "You were wrong the other day," he said.
"About what?" Theliane tilted her head.
"You are a goddess."
She giggled lightly. "I only have gods' blood in my veins. It has become thin over the generations. However," she kissed him. "I wouldn't mind being your goddess as long as you worship me the way you did last night."
"From now until I draw my last breath," Kasuyan vowed, "and in the afterlife, and when we meet again in a new life."
Deep in her heart she knew he meant every word of it. But she also knew that she had to let the people of Egypt know that her third guardian had been found. She just felt safe and loved in his arms. Kasuyan seemed to notice this and hugged her tightly before slowly sitting up, running his hand through her hair.
"I'm glad the gods don't frown on our union," he said softly.
"Your gods or mine?" she asked with a smile.
"Both actually."
"They have accepted," Theliane ran her fingers over his lips, "now my people must accept. And yours, too."
Kasuyan kissed her fingers. "They will understand. I never really felt comfortable in Crete after my mother passed away. With my father gone as well, I didn't have any reason to stay. Since this caravan is also partnered with a friend of my father--he's still in Crete--I don't think it will bother him that I stay."
"But your family's wealth-"
"I left it to a young cousin of mine. This way, she'll be taken care of."
"I believe you." Kissing him once more she stood from the bed, pulling a clean robe on. "We had best prepare for the new day."
Kasuyan groaned but got up as well, pulling on some clothes as well. Watching the Daughter of Ra head to the bathing chamber he smiled. Now he was very glad he had come to Egypt but he wished his father was still alive so he could meet this wonderful woman.
Father... you are with mother now but I will never forget what you both have taught me, he said to himself.
--
Thabit placed his left hand over his mouth as he yawned. Their training was finished and the Guardians were heading back to the city. Ishaq had woken the three boys long before sunrise. Everything was taken care the night before, so all they had to do was take down the tents and ready the camels for the trek home.
Thabit looked at Mosi and Sadiki. "What is the first thing you're going to do when we arrive at the temple?"
"Kiss the steps and give praise to Ra that I'm home," Sadiki grinned.
"Eat," Mosi said flatly, "and none of that dried crap we were living on two moon passes."
"You, Thabit?" Sadiki asked.
"Soak in a nice long bath, and then take a nice long nap."
"You'll all be able to do that soon enough," Ishaq threw over his shoulder, "and the ladies will be happy that you three are now considered Guardians."
"I'm going to challenge that ass Khalfani to a rematch and show him who's stronger!" Mosi grin savagely.
I'll finally be able to tell Theliane my true feelings, Sadiki thought silently. Two moon passes... what could have happen while we were gone?
The city soon came into view causing the younger Guardians to become restless as they camels marched their even pace. Ishaq smiled in relief as his home became larger. His eyebrows then knitted at the sounds coming from the city. As they approached the checkpoint into the city, the sounds became much clearer.
Singing, happy music, and joyous shouts rang through the air. People were tossing flower petals into the air, dancing, laughing, and a few were drinking. Ishaq couldn't help smiling at the scene.
"What in the name of Anubis is going on?" Mosi asked as he and his fellow Guardians looked about with wide eyes.
"Pharaoh Hakizimana took a wife?" Thabit asked.
Sadiki blinked then grinned. "He knows how to work fast."
The camels moved carefully, easing through the happy people. It didn't look at all like the city was on the brink of war. Could the young pharaoh have possible taken a queen? Was it one of the princesses from a neighboring kingdom? They finally moved to the temple but it seemed that most of the people were there, crowding the bottom steps. Ishaq motioned for them to dismount. There was barely any room for the camels to lie down.
Thabit slid down slowly. Sadiki merely hopped from his saddle but Mosi was having a bit of trouble. As he tried sliding off his camel took a side step and he ended up hitting the ground.
"Stupid beast!" he yelled at the camel.
"Only as stupid as its rider," Sadiki murmured.
"What was that?" Mosi glared at him.
"On a horse you are a better rider," Sadiki rephrased as he held out his hand.
Mosi grabbed took the offer and was pulled to his feet.
Thabit looked around. "If the pharaoh did take a wife then why are so many people here at the temple?"
"Probably to hear the blessings of the Sisters of the Moon," said Sadiki.
Ishaq looked around carefully. There was no way they would enter the temple through the front so they had to use one of the hidden side entrances. "Follow me," was all he said as he made his way through the crowd. The boys followed, pulling their camels along. Coming to the wall the older Guardian made sure no one was looking and pushed in a stone. The sound of the blocks rubbing against one another was heard and a small doorway appeared. He let the boys in first then followed.
Leaving the camels in the stable to be taken care of they headed into the temple to find out more and to let everyone know of their return.
--
"They're home!" Tumaini cried happily as he ran into Theliane's room.
"Out, you!" the old servant yelled.
"It's alright, I'm finished." Theliane stepped out from behind a large opaque curtain, which was held up by a wooden pole in between two pillars.
The Daughter of Ra was dressed in a white robe embroidered with the stages of the moon, her Father's name, and the Winged Dragon in gold thread. Golden bands graced her arms; bracelets adorned her wrists, and rings were upon her for and middle fingers of her left hand while the right fingers were bare. A gold circlet was upon her head with the solar disk centered on her forehead and tiny pyramids hanging from her ears caught the light. The long leather straps from her sandals wrapped their way up and around her calves and were tied behind her knees.
The little boy looked at her before smiling. "You look pretty!"
The young woman smiled. "Thank you, Tumaini. Why don't you tell the others that they're home."
Nodding he ran off, his excitement giving his feet wings.
Has it really been two moons? She was happy that Sadiki could be here to witness this moment. Her third Guardian had finally been chosen.
--
"They're home!" Tumaini ran into the small waiting chamber where the six young Guardians were.
Kasuyan grinned at the boy's enthusiasm despite his nervousness. The Greek boy was now dressed like the other Guardians--shenti, simple earrings in both ears, bands on his upper arms, and large golden bands on both legs. All that remained from his clothing when he arrived were his sandals.
Hanif smiled at him. "What perfect timing. All the Guardians have arrived."
"That it means they have all passed their training," Khalfani noted. Mosi is official a Guardian... no matter. Agalameia has already chosen.
Manu returned from looking out the window. "The entire city is celebrating. But I'm happy the final Guardian has been found."
Gyasi nodded in agreement. "It gives the people hope. Let's just hope this last for a bit longer until the other kingdoms attack."
"Pray that doesn't happen anytime soon," said Deunoro as he checked the dagger hanging at his left hip.
"Is it the Hittites?" Kasuyan asked.
"Mostly," Khalfani answered, "but there are Egyptians who follow Set. They, too, have tried to overthrow the House of Pharaoh many times."
"All because Ra favored Osiris," Hanif shook his head. "Sounds like a regular family squabble, doesn't it?"
"Yes," the tallest Guardian nodded, "and it's sickening to know that the Sisters are related to Set."
Asim entered the chamber, dressed in his most exquisite robes. "It's time. Let's go."
Ishaq smiled as he heard the news. "So he has been found."
Jabari nodded. "It has been a great relieve to all of us."
"Speaking of Guardians where are Sadiki and the others?" Omari asked.
"I told them to bath and dress quickly. They trained hard these past two moons but I believe they are ready."
Quiet laughter floated to the elder Guardians and they looked down the hall to see Asim leading the younger Guardians--minus Sadiki, Thabit, and Mosi--with Tumaini scuttling happily about them.
Ishaq's eyebrows rose when his eyes landed on Kasuyan. "An outsider?"
"From the caravan that arrived weeks before your departure," Jabari confirmed.
"Theliane has chosen him," said Omari.
"And you do not object to this?" Ishaq couldn't help asking. After all, Omari was Theliane's blood-father.
"Why would I?" Omari smiled lightly. "Greek blood already flows in her veins because of my grandfather. I would be a hypocrite if I spoke negatively of her choice."
The other Guardian was quiet, thinking of what to say without sounding like a Hittie. "Has he proven himself?" he asked.
The other nodded. "Theliane loves him and he loves her. He was there in the market when Set's followers tried to kidnap Peisimemne and Agalameia."
"Ra has chosen him... his choice has been made."
"It is the will of Amun-Ra," Jabari bowed his head briefly, "so be it."
--
"Hurry up, Mosi!" Sadiki hissed.
"Ah, shut up!" the Chosen of Anubis barked, struggling to put the earring in his right ear. He had no trouble with the left one.
"Here," Thabit took the earring and managed to slip the thin gold wire through Mosi's lobe.
He fingered his and gave the other boy a brief nod of his head.
"Can we go now?" the blonde hissed.
It had felt good to bath though they wished they had time to enjoy the luxury. Once two moons' worth of training was washed they changed into their full formal attire as Guardians in their respective colors. Asim didn't say anything except that the third Guardian of Ra had been found but he refused to say who it was.
They arrived at the main chamber of the temple where everyone was standing. Everyone smiled clearly happy to see everyone else but there was no time to talk about the training or such. The boys went to stand with their charges, joining other Guardians. It was then that Sadiki noticed that the foreigner Kasuyan was not only here, but dressed in the exact same clothing as himself. He lifted a brow at this.
Why is he dressed like us? he asked silently.
The thought then left his head as the Sisters of the Moon stepped out. Each of them wore a similar white dress with the color representing their fathers and the Shadow Creature that they could summon.
Sadiki smiled at Theliane. I'll tell her now, he thought. I will tell Theliane that I love…
Kasuyan took Theliane's right hand and they smiled at each other.
Sadiki's heart sank. One small part of his mind decided that this was what Ishaq had felt when Meshkenet died. The young Guardian watched as Kasuyan led Theliane to the balcony. If Sadiki had told Theliane that he loved her before the training, would he be the one standing at her side instead of Kasuyan?
Theliane smiled as she looked out over the large crowd of people. "People of Egypt, many of you have been worried that my third Guardian would not be found but my father, Ra, has chosen him the foreigner Kasuyan!" The people cheered, especially those of the caravan making the blonde smile.
Mosi looked at Sadiki and frowned. He was too late, he thought silently. The blonde had been saying that once they returned he would tell the Daughter of Ra how he felt but he was too late. He looked over Agalameia and noticed the way she and Khalfani were standing close together. We're both too late.
Thabit watched his fellow trainees. While their expressions were schooled to not give away the emotions, it was their eyes that betrayed them. Thabit sympathized--he also cared greatly for Peisimemne but having known Hanif longer and the two moon passes separation, the Daughter of Osiris had chosen her childhood friend.
Perhaps it's for the best, he thought as he raised his left hand when Peisimemne called out his name to the people below.
The older Guardians watched, satisfied that the Daughters each had three Guardians of their own. The boys had faults but they were good young men and loyalty to the Daughters. The gods had chosen very well indeed. But even with the celebration danger still lurked. Theliane and Kasuyan stepped back, the young man joining his fellow Guardians as the people continued to celebrate. Everything seemed just perfect.
--
Pharaoh Hakizimana looked on at the dancers in the center of the great hall at the Temple of Isis. Mildly, he wondered if his father had seen the previous Sisters of the Moon celebrate the choosing of their Guardians. He glanced over at the three young women who sat on gold laden chairs each with their Fathers' names and visage engraved upon them, their Guardians forming a semi-circle behind them.
The servants from the palace had brought Hakizimana an elaborate chair made especially for him that he normally kept in his room, which he was now occupying. Had this been the throne room, Hakizimana would be the only one sitting, as the pharaohs were the sons of Horus--gods upon the earth. Hakizimana always wondered why none of the generations of the Sisters--despite being the Daughters of Isis and the god who was their Father--had ever called themselves goddesses on the earth.
The more he thought about it, the more he began to understand. Like himself they were mortals but they did not rule over Egypt. They helped the people, healed them with their powers, and kept Set at bay. Such power would have corrupted other people but not once did they ever show any signs of greed or envy. Was it because they were sisters? There was always someone to be there for the other.
I am very fortunate to call them my friends, he smiled softly. They have saved my life more than once, they saved my father's soul, they are worthy to be called goddesses and deserve to be treated as such but they are content with what they now have.
Peisimemne leaned to Agalameia and whispered something. Hakizimana tried to read her lips but failed. Then the Daughter of Osiris leaned to Theliane, and the Daughter of Ra nodded after her Sister finished. While the attention of everyone gathered was on the dancers, the Sisters of the Moon quietly slipped away with their Book Keepers following.
The pharaoh knitted his brows in slight confusion. Deciding that the Sisters had some kind of business to take care of for the moment, Hakizimana returned his attention to the dancers.
When they dancers finished their performance, everyone clapped as they the center and stood off to the side along the east wall. The room darkened suddenly as the temple servants pulled thick purple drapes over the high windows to block the light from outside. Only one window was left uncovered, allowing the light into the temple to aid the torches.
The servants on the upper walls handled large mirrors to direct the light to the center of the room where the dancers had been. Hakizimana blinked in surprise as he saw the Sisters of the Moons' Guardians standing in a large circle--Kasuyan, Deunoro, Sadiki, Hanif, Gyasi, Thabit, Khalfani, Manu, and Mosi. Behind them was another circle of the temple guards. In the center were three figures wearing deep purple shrouds kneeling down facing close together.
The thunder of a large drum echoed though the temple, causing many to jump including the pharaoh. Now he was grateful for the darkness surrounding them. The drum continued its even beat, and the three robed figures rose one by one to the sound. As the drumming continued, the trio turned around and slowly walked out towards the Guardians.
Flutes, harps, and other instruments filed the air. The medley was slow and soothing, captivating everyone and lulling the mind to a relaxed state. Then the tempo picked up, which resulted of the trio in the center to begin to spin. Then they threw off the shrouds to the center where they had been kneeling.
Hakizimana blinked and nearly gasped as he watched the Sisters of the Moon dance. Their outfits had changed from the regal robes they had on only moments before, looking more like the dancers costumes--thigh length shenti that clung to their hips and a strapless wrap around their breasts--but with more detail. Each of the Sisters outfit was the same except for the trim, which was the color that represented each of their Fathers.
The Daughters of Isis moved with the beat of the music, more graceful and precise than the dancers earlier. Peisimemne, Hakizimana noted, seemed just a touch better than her Sisters. But they all moved with the grace of ten of the best palace dancers put together.
Arms moved fluidly, feet touched the stone floor without a sound, back flips, cartwheels, signs drawn in the air calling to the gods to be pleased.
The three Book Keepers stepped forward five paces and remained still. The Sisters danced around them, continuing to draw invisible signs like a priest would to protect a person from harm. The Sisters paused before their Book Keepers and raised their right hands, and the Keepers did the same. They stood close but never touched not even the palms of their hands. Then they walked around in a small circle three times, eyes locked together as if to read the other's soul.
No, Hakizimana thought as Sadiki, Thabit, and Mosi took the Book Keepers' places to repeat the scene. Not soul reading… soul binding.
It made sense. Just as Egypt needed the Sisters of the Moon so did the Guardians. They were a part of the Sister they protected, and she was a part of them.
The pharaoh looked on with great interest as the last three Guardians finished the ritual. However, something was different when the Sisters moved with Kasuyan, Hanif, and Khalfani. Every movement was the same as before but something passed between the Sisters and the Guardians they now moved with.
Their eyes! Hakizimana blinked in realization and shifted in his chair, watching intently as they finished their circles.
When the three Guardians moved back to their places, the Sisters easily stepped back into their earlier dance. They spun close to each other, raising their left hands high, fingers almost touching and walked in a circle in the opposite direction they had with their Guardians. The music slowed and the Sisters knelt, left hands joined together, and the loud boom of the drum signaled the end.
For a moment, the entire chamber was silent but slowly, someone began clapping. The young pharaoh smiled as he clapped, standing. The other people within followed his example, clapping loud and clear. The dance was something no one had even seen before. The girls were beautiful and the dance was something from a dream.
The Sisters waved, smiling. The Guardians were also smiling but clapping as well.
From the farther part of the room, Zashida smiled as she watched the young women smile and then shielded in the darkness as they and their Guardians slipped from the hall to change.
Memories floated when she had seen Meshkenet dance when Asim had been chosen as Book Keeper, and Zashida had danced as well when she became the Daughter of Anubis.
An arm encircled her waist. "Remembering?"
"Are you?" she asked playfully.
The light chuckle escaped Asim's throat. "Will you dance for me tonight?"
"I doubt that I can still back flip," Zashida sighed.
"Wrong dance."
"That I can still do."
With the darkness hiding them they shared a kiss with the promise of more to come.
The servants removed the mirrors before drawing the curtains back one by one. The chamber was brightly lit and once more the Sisters--dressed in their formal robes--and their guardians returned. As they moved to sit back down the people applauded. They merely smiled, thanking them.
"That was quite a display," Hakizimana told them once the room quieted down. "Never have I seen such splendid dancing."
"Thank you, pharaoh," Theliane nodded to him. She then motioned her hand to the servants. "Continue."
They parted to allow a small group to the center.
Deunoro turned his head slightly to Kasuyan. "Your caravan."
The blonde nodded. "The last time the performers were here was when my father last came to Egypt." He leaned down to Theliane and whispered in her ear, "I have a surprise for you later."
A delicious shiver ran up her spine at his words.
Sadiki tried to look like he didn't notice.
"I didn't know you knew how to dance, Gyasi asked the Daughter of Osiris.
Peisimemne smiled. "We were all taught by our mothers but I love dancing. I feel so free and alive," she said.
"She reminds me of a bird in flight," Hanif complimented and kissed her softly when she blushed.
The newer guardian politely looked away but he felt a vice around his heart. I love her... but she has a love already. I am happy for her.
Mosi was keeping quiet as Manu asked about the dance. He admitted that the dance was quite a sight but he wished that Agalameia had looked at him with the same gaze she had given Khalfani. Stupid training. I should have stayed here! he argued with himself.
Long after the celebration ended, Omari called Deunoro and Kasuyan to the arena. The elder Guardian wanted to give the two younger boys some more training and wisdom before he went to the Valley of the Dead.
Sadiki followed Theliane and Tumaini with his eyes as they played in the garden. The sun was almost below the horizon, announcing that Ra was entering his travel through the Underworld.
Tumaini yawned and the Daughter of Ra told him to go to bed. She placed a kiss on his forehead and shooed him off, watching as he disappeared down the hallway.
"He is such a sweet child," Theliane said when she walked over to Sadiki.
"Spoiled, too," her Guardian replied with a smile, "just as we were."
The Daughter of Ra smiled then became a little serious. "You've been rather quiet ever since your return. What's wrong, Sadiki?"
"Nothing, but I do have a question about Kasuyan." He swallowed before asking, "You love him?"
Theliane nodded. "Very much," she answered.
Sadiki smiled. "That is your wish, I will respect it."
The Daughter of Ra smiled back, faltering for a moment. Was that a look of pain in his eyes?
"Theliane." Agalameia walked up to her Sister with her Guardian and consort, Khalfani. "Mother calls for us. Peisimemne is already at the Temple."
Theliane nodded and walked with her Sister to the Temple of Isis.
Khalfani turned to Sadiki. "You love her."
"Since we were children, but she doesn't see me in any way except that of a cherished friend. She has chosen Kasuyan."
"An outsider, and this does not upset you?"
"It does greatly," the slightly shorter Guardian answered. "But I do swear to this-in our next life, she is mine."
Authors' Notes:
Heikou: How was your vacation?
Janime: I loved it. Tutankhamun's treasures were amazing! Did you know that his birth name was Tutankhaten? His father gave it to him, because during Ahkenaten's reign, they worship the one god, Aten. Tutankhaten meant "beloved of Aten. When Tutankhaten became pharaoh at age 9, he changed his name to Tutankhamun, "beloved of Amun" (aka Amun-Ra).
change "beloved" to "living image" made a mistake
Heikou: So cool! Wish I could change me name.
Janime: I had fun.
Heikou: You know this has got to be the longest we've spent on a chapter.
Janime: I know. Our timing to see each other, the difficulty writing about such an ancient time…
Heikou: And we're going on stuff we've read and find online.
Janime: But this chapter is finally done.
Heikou: We hope you've enjoyed it. Especially the dance
Janime: I know the guys did
(YGO boys drooling)
Heikou: Cleanup in aisle ten!
Téa: Hey, Janime, when are you writing that side fic with us at the talent show?
Janime: I'm working on it.
Cheri: What's this? (blows dust off notebook, gags) "Family Debts"? Yeesh, you are so behind in this one!
Janime: Put that back!
Keriam: Oh, lookie! Her notepad with fic ideas! (flips through) Yu-Gi-Oh, Inu Yasha, Magic Knight Rayearth, Zelda-Ocarina of Time, Voltron. Wow she even has one for Law & Order: SVU.
Janime: Hey give that to me!
Heikou: You're back (giggles)
Cheri: look what I found! (folders of ideas and stories on hold)
Heikou: Invasion of privacy!
Tea: That's a lot of fics. And look at he ones you haven't finished!
Heikou: Phffft! p
Bakura: (takes notebook from Téa and flips through, devil grin appears) Hey, pharaoh, you might wanna take a look at what Janime has planned for one of your priests and his apprentice.
Yami: Why how bad can it… (looks at page) Whoa!
Janime: (grabs notebook) As if it wasn't possible.
Heikou: Let's wrap it up before they spill any more secret plots.
Seto: I can't believe you're pairing me with-
Heikou: covers mouth don't say it or you'll ruin the surprise.
Malik: Dare we ask?
Joey: Do we really wanna know?
Duke: (looking at list of pairings) Possible, possible, not possible, that works, no way in hell, they're cute together (eyes bug out) THAT is just wrong!
Ryou: Not going to ask.
Tristen: (glances at list) You're better off, believe me.
Yugi: You two really don't like Mai, do you?
Marik: You know better than to touch that subject with them.
Janime: Thank you, Marik.
Heikou: Not hearing its name! (stick fingers in ears) La la la la!
Seto: ... I never thought I would fear two women before.
Yami: We never had two women controlled our lives before.
Janime: No, you had gods controlling your lives. Okay, back to the fic.
Bakura: Which one?
Téa: This one, sand for brains!
Joey: And he was the Thief King?
Bakura: (growls threateningly)
Heikou: Oh shush. Well this chapter is done but the drama is building. We have some more planned.
Janime: But we won't give any hints this time. We'll work on it when we have time. Or hopefully sooner.
Heikou: Until next chapter!
Janime: Ta-ta!