Warning of language!
The Mummy's Curse
A soft groan sounded as she rolled onto her side, cerulean eyes fluttering open as something smooth brushed against the side of her face. Her hand lazily drifted across the slippery surface, blinking a few times when the fine hairs across her arm effortlessly glided over it. Dull light was coming from somewhere she couldn't see but it was enough for her to make out the edges of whatever she was resting on to be a bed of some sort. "W-what?" Anzu slowly shifted to sit upwards and gasped as something of a similar texture pooled around her that rippled like water. She blinked with shock when glancing over her shoulder to find that the surface her head had just been resting on was also covered in the expensive fabric. Both were stained a deep wine red that radiated with lingering warmth that must have been from her slumbering body; she'd only seen such high quality material when her uncle or oldest adoptive brother wore ties or suit accessories of this stuff. "Silk?" Slender fingers carefully took hold of the sheet that had been covering her and raised it to inspect it closer.
Warmth built between her hands when rubbing it vigorously so that was a definitive start. It wasn't overly thick and was flexible as she formed a circle with a few fingers then pulled the fabric through; another good indicator. The rich color shifted to a lighter or darker hue when she moved it but there was no sign of a white sheen that would suggest it was synthetic. Her jaw nearly dropped when bringing it even closer so that she could see the weave, finding slight imperfections here and there that were almost too minuscule to notice.
It was authentic alright and would cost a hefty fortune in today's economy!
A sound directed her gaze to the left with a snap and bristled as the large head of a falcon easily ten times the normal size of what it should be brushed its beak against her cheek. The scream that rose up her throat dissipated into a gasp as in a flash of light, it had become replaced by a familiar figure she readily swept up into an embrace. "It's just you! Oh, thank heavens, its just you," the young woman hoarsely croaked while attempting to slow her breathing by petting its feathers in long drawn out motions. "You wouldn't believe the crazy dream I just had-"
The room blazed to life with the whoosh of nearby torches, as if her movement had been their cue, and her jaw fell in awe of the sight before her. This wasn't the medical building that she'd set up camp in! Sandstone walls still surrounded her but there were torches lining each wall separated by several feet by a pillar covered in carvings of plants painted in gold that glittered in the flickering light but it was the white faintly see through curtains that were draped between each pillar across the ceiling as if the whole room was a canopy-styled suite. Two large windows almost touching both floor and ceiling were on the wall to the right while on the left was a balcony that overlooked a scene that made her rush to gaze out in shock.
Streets that had been overrun by deteriorated wagons or stalls were now clean, though several buildings looked far worse than when she'd seen them illuminated by the weak cell phone's light, but each square glittered brightly with faint sounds of water from what looked to be fountains or springs in the large spaces and the buildings that must be important stood proudly higher than the rest shining as their whole beings were made of fine jewels. Roads that had been covered in sand were now smoothed over into dark colored cobbled stone that heightened the warm undertone of the sandstone used in the buildings lining each side.
Every film that she remembered taking place within an ancient civilization suddenly seemed like pale, cheap imitations compared to the view in front of her. The splendor filled harmony between stone and sand was accompanied by extravagantly vivid floral greenery that brought color to the otherwise earthy tone landscape now bathed in the flickering golden glow of a million torches. The sky was void of the sun, leaving only the dazzling view of stars that shone brightly like tiny diamonds from the blanket of black velvet above her head. A cool breeze swept by that filled her nose with the scent of flowers she couldn't name but relished as it ruffled her clothing and hair as if wanting to play.
She offered her finger to the falcon who blinked. "Bite me. I think I'm still dreaming."
The command went unfulfilled by the falcon as it instead wiggled free to land lightly on the ground then hobbled over to the balcony where the bright light flashed once more and was replaced by the giant beast she'd just seen a few minutes ago.
Adrenaline pounded through her system as she caught sight of the ground several stories below her when she took a misstep backwards from shock of the creature, a piercing scream that would surely shatter any mirror nearby sounding from her lips as gravity carried her over the stone, and clenched her eyes tightly shut as the sensation of falling filled her every pore. Memories of flying came rushing to the forefront of her mind as something caught hold of her clothing from above that carefully pulled her back upwards and crumbled into a sobbing heap the moment solid stone met her feet with eyes wide but unseeing as it clicked its beak with concern.
Large wings bigger than any bird's flapped on either side of her, causing Anzu to shift forward than back against an arm that was loosely wrapped around her waist. Feathers softer than any she'd felt in a pillow or mattress tickled her fingertips as they struggled to find something for stability when the arm from behind gave her a light squeeze as if to comfort her. Clouds sped past almost too fast to see but it was the large black shadow that made her stomach twist: the airplane! The head of the animal or creature that she was upon rose as a shout came from behind, probably the owner of the arm, and felt her stomach clench painfully as it rolled so as to miss the side of the fast approaching aircraft. A hand appeared to her left with its palm facing towards the plane and ice filled her veins as the creature's head shifted to match its direction with a ball of energy gathering between its spread jaws.
They were going to attack the aircraft!
Her body moved by instinct, shifting to shove their arm upwards with fingers tightly latched onto the dark toned skin while the other took firm hold of the feathers as far up on the animal's head that she could reach and delivered a fierce tug. Balance shifted as the creature beneath bucked suddenly from the tug on its head, her holds slipping as it veered to the side away from the aircraft, and fell into darkness that rose swiftly to embrace her.
Cold sweat broke out across her body as it recalled the physical memory of blistering wind threatening to tear the top layers of her skin off. Shaking hands rose to tangle themselves within chocolate locks. Another scream slipped between her lips again as she blinked the haze from her vision to find a figure standing within the entryway, their arm raised so as to move aside the curtain that was acting as the door, her wide eyes meeting ruby pomegranate that at first shone with alarm at her outburst but then became calm when they saw that no intruder was to be seen.
"I did not intend to frighten you." He said slowly, remaining where he was as she curled into a tighter ball. "You are in no danger here. There is nothing for you to fear from me, Anzu, I would never wish ill intent upon you."
She blinked up at him for several seconds, brows furrowing at first before smoothing then furrowing, as her gaze darted across his being. Modes were switched and she rose to her feet with a gasp, internally shaking off her admiration of his pomegranate eyes that widened as she crossed the room to grasp his hand. "You shouldn't be up and walking around with those injuries you have! As the one who performed the surgery, I suggest you lay down before you open up your wounds!" The blood in her veins froze as she sat him down at the bed's foot, hands rising to tangle within her chocolate hair. "What am I saying?! How are you even alive right now?!"
"You have been through quite the ordeal. Perhaps you should sit instead." His brows furrowed while moving to stand.
"Oh, no, you don't!" Her hands instantly appeared on his shoulders, preventing him from rising even an inch off the bed's surface. "Don't make me tell you again, buddy, you're gonna sit and let those wounds heal! Have I made myself clear?"
Blinking, the stranger nodded.
"Good. Now brace yourself, I'm going to check them for any signs of infection." Anzu glanced about the room, smiling when spotting a large jar that was filled to the brim with water, and took one of the smaller clay bowls that was on what she could only guess was a dresser to fill it then take it back over to when the stranger watched with curiosity as she flexed her fingers, earning a few cracks. They took gentle hold of the wrappings that she had hurriedly made and slowly peeled them from his being until a small pile at their feet.
Silence reigned as her hands met the bare skin of his upper chest, cerulean eyes wide with disbelief when finding only a light scar the shape of a cross-cross over where she could feel the heart beneath pounding with life within. The flickering torchlight cast dancing shadows against her fair skin, almost making it appear to be glowing, but her gaze was tracing over the tanned skin that reminded her of a perfectly toasted marshmallow. A few scars here and there lightened it to a toasted almond hue but even they only seemed to further add to his mysterious air as she noted how the lean muscles beneath effortlessly moved. She'd seen several practice mannequins of various body shapes, not to mention several strangers or classmates in workout wear, yet none have before intrigued her as much as the man in front of her. It was as if he was the perfect balance between lean speed with just a hint of hidden power that would rise if the occasion called for it. Her gaze continued upwards from the planes of his chest and abdomen, the hand resting upon the his right shoulder following until it met the curve of his cheek. So exotic were his features that for a moment she forgot to breathe as the tilt of his eyes in the corners gave him an ethereal appearance that accentuated the ruby pomegranate hue of his eyes as they calmly met hers. They reminded her of the sky right before the blues of the twilight hour, where shifting clouds would be gradients of red-violets while the sky tinted violet from the setting sun that shone with the smallest specks of gold that were the final lingering rays of the day's sunshine.
"Is something wrong?"
Heat erupted from within her cheeks, nearly staining them red, as she retreated with a gasp and withdrew her hands. "I-I can't explain it but you've somehow made a full recovery already." Her eyes narrowed in suspicion while dropping her voice to barely above a whisper. "Almost as if by magic or something." The young brunette sighed as his head tilted ever so slightly to the side. "Never mind. I'm clearly going crazy being as there is a giant gryphon to my left, ancient city to my right, and a guy who should have died because of the freakin' dagger I pulled out of his chest is sitting in front of me is clearly alive. Why not throw in a bunch of soldiers who are about to toss me away into the dungeon because I'm an intruder?"
The half jest died the moment it left her lips as heavy footsteps came to a stop just outside the door, causing both the stranger and hybrid animal to jump to their feet. What she could only call humanoid armor clad warriors pooled into the room in pairs of two until each of the room's inner walls were obscured from view by them. One stepped forward, breaking the odd formation, and pointed the spear that it carried in her direction as if challenging her.
"I was only kidding!" She held up her hands as more spears accompanied the first. Temper flared as they came closer, a few nicking and farther tearing the once favorite outfit she wore. "Hey, watch it!"
Just as she was about to snap again when one pricked her shoulder, the stranger moved to stand in front of her with a darkened expression as he spoke in the language that she'd first heard him use. A soft eep sounded from her as the more decorated of the soldiers clicked its beak for a few moments as if it were responding to him. Those bird heads were real?! She thought they were helmets! Anzu startled slightly as the stranger who stood protectively between them suddenly snapped at one of the underlings who had been easing forward within her peripheral to be wrenched backwards by its comrades. If it were possible she could have sworn his wild anime-style hair became more untamed as for several seconds as the head of the warriors seemed to argue against him but it soon bent its head in submission when he took a better stance as if preparing for battle. "They will not lay a hand on you." He assured lowly as each spear was lowered. "So long as you remain here, you will be charged with ensuring my wound does not reopen." Their gazes met from over his shoulder as they slowly emptied from the room, only turning to face her fully once it was only them once more. "You are a physician, yes?"
"Yes and no, I'm technically still in training so if anyone were to find out that I performed surgery on you without permission and consent-" Words failed her as he dropped to one knee with a serious stoic expression, the heart in her chest hammering loudly when his calloused hand gently took hers. "W-w-what are you doing?!"
As if it were the most natural thing in the world, he brought her hand upwards as his head bent and brushed the backs of her knuckles with his lips. "I cannot even begin to express my gratitude towards you, Anzu, but I shall do so in every way possible from this moment on until my debt is paid."
The silk had been nice against her skin but if she had to pick on which she would rather be wrapped in like a blanket it would be his voice s it caressed and teased her being. No contest. Honestly she wasn't sure how the surgery had been successful with her lackluster skills. He seemed to have been in that place for a long time so even if she had been there when the wound was fresh the odds would still have been stacked against them. "I'm still unsure of how I was able to do it myself to be honest. How did that happen to you?"
"An answer for another day." He stood, the shadows shifting within his gaze telling her that it was best not to press the matter. "For now, you must rest."
"Wait!" The hand he was on the verge of releasing suddenly took fierce hold of his digits and prevented him from turning away. A blush threatened to rise in her cheeks when his surprise filled eyes fell to their hands then up to meet her gaze but she took a steadying breath. "You saved me from falling, right? I would have definitely bit the dust if you hadn't so I consider us even."
For several seconds he blinked at her as if she had sprouted a second head then raised their hands. "My debt to you is not so easily repaid, I am afraid to admit."
"That's fine, but I have a friend out there who might be looking for me!" She heard the desperation enter her voice as as the strength in her legs wavered, causing her hold from keeping him near to clinging for support as both knees wobbled when her breathing began to quicken. "I literally fell out of the freakin' sky, the airplane I was on probably crashed somewhere, my teacher and other students maybe stranded or worse, the seminar at the University of Cairo will be starting if not already has-"
"Anzu, calm down." The palm of his hand met her cheek, causing her onslaught of words to halt as if a blockade had been put up, his eyes locking with hers as tears gathered within gaze. "You are beyond your limit in physical strength and have had little substance. Right now, you must listen to what your body is telling you and rest."
Her head shook. "But-"
A calloused finger shifted so that it was pressing against her lips before the hand rose to gently close her eyes, the tears that had been building spilling as she allowed the lids to lower. "Rest."
Consciousness slipped through her fingers in an instant until something nudging her cheek allowed them to slowly rise like theatre curtains find herself groggily staring up into a pair of curiosity filled eyes. A scream would have risen up her throat but the soft purring that filled her ears was soothing and helped bring her sleepy mind out of the fog that it was debating on sinking back into. She sat upright with a huff, yawning widely while petting its side with a grumble before swinging her legs over the side of the bed. Joints and muscles alike protested loudly in the form of cracks or tight shifts as she stood.
Golden sunshine rays greeted her as she stepped out onto the balcony with arms stretched high above her head, eyes widening and arms falling to her sides when her vision cleared. The torchlit city last night had been beautiful but thanks to the darkness it had been impossible to see its actual size. Now that it was daytime, she gazed in awe out across what she could almost consider an ancient rendition of Tokyo stretched out before her. What held her attention though was the towering walls of swirling sand that curved around the city's limits as if it were a protective barrier. She looked in each direction, noting gates similar to the one she'd come through with the sphinxes; north, south, east, and west all had entrances that looked to have giant statues who looked ferocious by their own rights.
Anzu didn't startle as the gryphon's beak met her hand, numbly petting it and earning the same purring she'd heard earlier, until it huffed in her face as if attempting to bring her back to earth while moving her hand to feel that it was holding something. Cerulean eyes widened as she hurried to accept the bag and carryon that it was trying to pass. "Did you bring these all the way up here?"
It clicked its beak.
"You're so sweet to bring it to me, I definitely would have been worried about them being left behind." The contents were soon laid out across the floor, her fingers careful as they checked over every item to ensure nothing was missing, sighed with relief when finding everything present and in pristine condition. A yelp rose from her as the small cellular device that had been placed at the head of the bed suddenly rang.
That meant that it had service now! Hands shaking, she hurried to pick it up and raised it to her ear after swiped the button. Static caused her to hold it out a few inches as she winched in pain from the high volume but there was no doubt that through the rising and falling of pitches someone was speaking.
"Hello?"
"…zu!…An-" and the line went dead with a click.
Who was that just now though? There was so much static and there wasn't a caller id registered that said it recognized the number. Up in the corner there were no bars or indication that service was available, mobile data unavailable as well, so how the call come through?
Conviction filled her as she looked to the gryphon. "Think you could take me up for a little ride?"
. . . .
"Get your hands off of me!" She shouted, throwing herself against the soldier's hold who was forcing her to walk towards the large staircase that disappeared upwards out of sight. "I didn't even do anything wrong!"
The gryphon snapped at a few of the soldiers who had their spears lightly poking its sides, anger alight within its gaze as both girl and mythical mount were forced to ascend the steps. These were vastly different than the ones she saw last night. For one, these acting almost like the animatronics her adoptive family were testing out, but the fact that their bird-like heads had been replaced by jackals was more than unsettling when their lips rose in low growls that were probably warnings for her to behave.
"Where the heck are you even taking me?! All I was doing was trying to get a better signal so that I could-" A lump in her throat rose as the one holding her tightened its hold to the point where one shoulder was protesting loudly in agony as if it were about to be torn from its socket when they came to a stop at the top. "Stop it! I'm a human, not a pretzel!" The soldier seemed to chuckle while forcing her arm upwards more and earned a shout of pain as something slowly began to shift within her muscles. Something was about to tear!
Ancient language that she'd heard last night filled their air as footsteps approached but it was so full of anger that her body instinctively went into submissive mode to appear less of a threat and small as possible when the speaker came to a halt. Beads of sweat broke out across her being as the hands holding her raised her high enough off the ground that she couldn't touch it, a series of barks and growls sounding when they shook her roughly. Several of the others who had accompanied them "spoke" up as well but they fell into silence when the speaker's voice rose in a shout.
She could have wept in relief as the ground rushed to greet her, the claw-like hands that had been confining her suddenly disappeared, a much different but familiar pair of hands meeting her shoulders once the sounded of the soldiers' retreating steps faded to silence.
"Sincere apologies, Anzu."
Her head snapped upwards, cerulean meeting concerned with lingering anger filled ruby pomegranate. "What the hell were those?!"
"They are the Anubis Guards, charged with protecting the citizens from those who manage to get past the Desert Barrier." His right hand rose to cup her cheek. "Did they harm you?"
"Almost, but I want to know why they just treated me like some sort of pretzel they were about to throw me in a frier!" She blinked. "Wait a minute, I didn't go anywhere near that weird sand wall, so why did they jump me the second we landed?"
His hand moved away from her cheek to instead cup his chin as an expression of deep thought filled his features. "I am unsure, but rest assured that I shall exchange choice words with them soon enough."
A retort rose up but it was swallowed down when the breeze that swept by caused the cape attached to his shoulders to billow and bring to her attention of his appearance. The torn upper half of his outfit had been replaced, preventing her from seeing the wound but not from seeing the outlines of the toned muscles beneath, but the addition of glittering golden jewelry against his tanned skin was almost as dumbfounding as the tri-toned hues of his hair. She thought his wild hair was straight black but now they were in the sunlight it was clear to see the crimson tips and the golden bangs framing his face that nearly matched the accessories he now wore. Cuffs around his wrists, legs, earrings with strange symbols, and a large decorative diadem on his forehead that looked like an eye made it almost near impossible for her not to become distracted when they caught the light.
"Anzu?"
She giggled, gesturing at him. "Nice costume. Didn't know there was a party going on." The young woman's smile wavered when he helped her stand, confusion plain as the sun above their heads. "No seriously, what's with the getup?"
He glanced downwards at himself then met her gaze once more when their hands parted. "I am unsure of what you mean. Do kings no longer wear such attire?"
This was the Twenty-First Century. Presidents and electoral or monarchy heads were what nations used but only few used the monarchy method anymore besides Britain. There's no way that the random stranger she'd found within that room with a monster about to eat her was a noble or figurehead of any civilization. There's no way she just heard him correctly…right? Wide cerulean briefly shifted out towards the city, shifting to the gryphon who moved to settled beside a large chair looking apparatus made of ivory and glittering black stone, then resting once more on the stranger. "Sorry, I don't think I heard you right."
His brows furrowed then smoothed. "I see. Have I neglected in properly introducing myself?"
"And yet you somehow know my name? Yeah, that seems a bit unfair."
From beneath the tanned cheeks she thought a tint of pink rose but it was hard to tell as he cleared his throat. "I heard you say it while you were treating me and suspected that it was your name."
Every fiber of her being prayed that the sun wasn't revealing the rise of heat within her cheeks. He'd heard her talking to herself during the surgery?! "I-it's a bad habit, I used to do it all the time when I was a kid. Sorry if it seemed strange."
"Not at all," the corners of his lips tilted upwards as if in the world's smallest smile, "reminds me of someone I once considered a friend and your name suits you well."
Was she imagining it or did she just hear a hint of sadness within his tone?
His shoulders rose in a deep inhale through his nose and fell with a deep exhale. "It has been sometime since I have heard my name. Apologies, I am accustomed to people simply referring or calling me 'Pharaoh'. After all, if we are to remain within the other's company for some time it is best to align each other with aliases." That smirk which made her heart hammer a bit harder and faster raised his lips as their gazes met. "However I do not feel that is appropriate with our current status of relationship, Anzu Mazaki."
The heart in her chest thundered loudly as the fine hairs across her boy rose. There was no mistaking the dip in his voice when he said her name. No way was an ancient king of some lost Egyptian civilization flirting with her! Two could play at that game though. She crossed her arms, shifting her weight on the right leg so her hip lightly bumped against his when she took a step to stand beside him. "Alright then, Mighty Pharaoh, let's hear it then." Her lips parted slightly while rising into a smirk of her own while purposefully leaning into his personal space. "Or do I have to play some sort of ancient penalty game to know it?"
"It would not be fair since I have known yours without proper introductions." A deep chuckle rumbled within his chest, a hand rising to rest on his hip that was away from her as a glint entered his gaze. "Though if you insist, I suppose an exception could be made." This time a rich laugh slipped from between his lips as she hurried to state she was not good at games, the sun above their heads almost seeming to grow stronger as it fell on her ears, then he regained his composure with clear of his throat. "Then tell you I shall."
She'd backpedaled a foot as he pivoted, his face appearing above hers with that devilish smirk raising his lips growing when he followed, until her back met something firm met her back. "W-what're you doing?!" Panic rose when he followed then came to a stop with his being mere inches from her own. Any closer and her heaving chest that was trying to spread oxygen throughout her now heated being would brush against his own! Her gaze was locked though upon his, the shifting shards of ruby intermixing with vibrant pomegranate almost stealing her breath away. Quivering lips failed to move much more as the want to question his actions rose only to replaced by a hitch of her breath when his head bent, allowing the tips of their noses to brush.
Why wasn't she stopping him? No other man has been this close to her, let alone not floored by her swift self-defense skills, so why were her fight instincts not rising? It was as if the strength in her body had melted away like butter to leave her at his complete mercy as he came close enough that the shell of her ear met the brush of his lips. Her hand that wasn't clinging to the wall in desperation of balance or prevent herself from falling suddenly rose to the strange outfit he wore, as if seeking support, and was covered instantly by his other hand that still held her chin.
The sun that she was sure would burn her fair skin now felt cool as the warmth of his body seeped into her own, his breath lightly wafting her face like a teasing breeze. All other sound besides their now synchronized breathing was muted as his fingers took gentle hold of her chin then tilted her head to the side ever so slightly. Mischief that she had seen within his gaze gave way to something completely foreign to her as he seemed to hesitate for a moment, as if debating on continuing his course of action or stopping all together, then conviction filled his features just before her head instinctively lifted as his breath caressed the sensitive skin of her neck.
One wrong move, one wrong breath, and she felt that she would shatter into a million pieces.
As if sensing the intense fragility the young brunette felt, the hand covering hers own drew the young woman against his being and away from the wall in what she could only call an embrace -a hug maybe?- as a word fell from his lips that instantly buried itself within her mind as if it were a red hot branding iron. Shivers slid down her spine as it seeped into every cell, her hand that was still clinging to his attire intensifying its hold when he made to withdraw. A new emotion that filled her with want to keep him near erupted within her chest as tears burned the backs of her eyes. Suddenly she wasn't clinging to him for balance but for something entirely different and unknown to her.
"Anzu?" It was almost too soft for her to hear, more of a breathy whisper, but it carried so much gentleness with it that it made her heart ache.
She shook her head as her breathing hitched, a twisted ball of something rising within her throat as he shifted into a better stance but he didn't move away as her head fell to rest against his chest. Never had anyone embraced her like this nor had they treated her with such care. Adoptive father and brothers were such emotionless people that the last ones to have hugged her like this were her deceased parents when she was just a child. It had been so long ago that she'd nearly forgotten what it felt like to be surrounded by another's strength, especially one like this. The solidity of his being against her own, the heart beating beneath her ear, the breath wafting past her ear…this was a living person. Tears finally spilled down her cheeks as a sob wracked her being.
This time her knees did cave completely, her stronghold causing him to come with her as her other hand joined the first in clinging to his clothing, the hand that had been on her chin disappearing for a moment before it found the back of her head. Small stones or pebbles were now buried within her knees but the small pricks of pain were nothing compared to that which was slowly consuming her like a fire from the inside. She hadn't cried once after the funeral, a few tears here and there, but Gozuburo had quickly drilled into the girl that displays of emotions were not acceptable while living under his roof. That dam she'd locked on herself had crumbled the moment this person had taken away any means of escape.
"I am unsure of why you weep or of this strange embrace, physical acts such as this are unknown to me though I was compelled to act first," he whispered softly, "but it is clear that you carry a heavy burden."
Horror filled her. What the heck was she doing?! Anzu made to pull away, to apologize for her behavior, but couldn't find the will nor strength to do either as scents filled her being as she sniffled; warm golden amber, woodsy sandalwood, spicy cinnamon. Men's cologne often burned her nose but the mere scent of him was causing every last fiber of her being to relax and the tears to come easier.
Loneliness from losing her parents, fear of the new family who were more like strangers, anxiety while trying to fit in among them, the endless nights of nightmares that had plagued her after the funeral, the lacking of compassion from her adoptive family, facing the onslaught of those who ridiculed her drive to become a surgeon, finding herself alone within the sunken city, being chased and nearly eaten by monsters…all of it came crashing over her like a tidal wave that threatened to sweep her away if not for the man who was currently her anchor.
"I shall remain, Anzu, forgive me for I cannot offer anything more to soothe you."
Her head shifted so that her face was facing towards his neck instead. The least she could do was thank him, right? She attempted to swallow the mass of emotions that had tangled themselves within her throat as they hurried to be expressed before she regained hold of herself but failed as another sob choked her. He was apologizing for not being able to comfort her better?
They were strangers. Barely knew the first thing about the other person. Yet here he was accepting and wordlessly allowing her to spill both tears and incoherent sounds against his chest as she wracked with sobs. The little voice that sounded oddly like her legal guardian rose up in the back of her mind, ridiculing and belittling her emotional display, but it was instantly silenced by the wail that rose up her throat while clinging to him more.
One of her hands snaked upward, reaching around the side of his head, and bent it downwards so that his cheek met her quivering lips as exhaustion rose within her vision in the form of darkness. She'd honestly forgotten how much crying exhausted a person but couldn't help the smile that raised her lips when the lack of pressure from her hand allowed him to pull away slightly, their gazes meeting. A giggle nearly rose when she found his to be filled with curiosity and awe as she began to drift. "Th…thank you…"
Drowsiness rose as he adjusted his hold, nearly cradling her agains this chest, but it was as soft feathers surrounded her that Anzu fell into a deep dreamless sleep.
The smells of warm fruits pulled her from the pleasant bliss, stirring within her stomach demanding attention and satisfaction, as the lids of her eyes opened. Chirping was closely followed by the nuzzle of a familiar beak against her hand that was resting within her thigh, slender fingers moving in lazy circles as she smiled softly. "Hey, you," her voice came out as a croak, earning a flinch from the young woman, "gah, I sound like crap."
"And as the noon hour falls upon us, our slumbering beauty stirs in time for the midday meal."
Anzu's head drifted upwards, cerulean eyes growing wide as the clearing of her vision revealed an upper torso, and felt heat erupt across her being when finding him to be smirking slightly as he watched her stiffen. They were seated within what she had come to accept as a throne of some kind with her in his lap! One of his arms was keeping her head resting against the plane of his chest, the other resting overtop her bent legs. Above their heads was an extended wing that shielded them from the harsh rays of the sun that was now directly over head. She scrambled away with a shout of surprise and furiously fanned her face when the gryphon audibly made the sound that she'd come to identify as laughter.
"Anzu, stop!" A warm hand spun her around by the wrist and rendered immobilized by the tan stranger's gaze. They were hard as gems but full of worry as his hand tightened around her wrist. "Come back this way. Do not take another step if you value your life."
Her head snapped to the side and felt her blood grow cold when spotting the over six story drop that was directly behind her. Another inch and she would've been a goner! She chuckled, allowing him to lead her farther away from the dangerous ledge. "Thanks."
"The platform on which we are on is just enough for us to move but anything more will cost one's life if they aren't careful." His hand shifted to rub her back as she bent at the waist to rest her hands on her knees.
"I gotcha. Won't happen again."
With a nod, he withdrew and took his seat within the throne once more after releasing her wrist, earning a dark blush from the dark woman as he gestured for her to come closer. A deep chuckle rumbled within his chest at her suspicious narrowed gaze but it quickly became one of joy as he revealed a woven basket from the side of the throne that held a serving bowl full of peeled then sliced fruits. "Then I suppose you desire none, all for myself and Wasiaaslama?" The gryphon made show of accepting the offered slice of papaya he offered and both nearly startled when she instantly appeared in front of him with wide eyes. "Is there something I can help you with, Anzu?" He teased lightly as she looked from him to the fruit, lips rising into a smirk when she plopped herself down on the ground beside the basket. Another chuckle sounded as he took her hand and placed it upon the fruit. "Eat as much as you desire."
The fruit was soon gone, the monarch finding himself unable to stop from smiling as the young woman once again drifted off into sleep while resting back against his mount's side. Her cheeks were stained from the tracks of the earlier shed tears but she appeared much more relaxed now than before. His gaze shifted from the slumbering woman to lock on the scenery ahead, eyes narrowing and smile vanishing when a faint presence approached from beyond the Desert Barrier. It wouldn't be long now that he would have to once more engage in battle.
Chao for now! See you next time!
