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Fourth Glyph: Inns and Outings
"Perhaps we should find a place to stay," Bast suggested, walking with Sphinx around town.
"Yes, that'd be nice," he nodded, thinking of where they could stay.
"Oh! There is a pleasant inn in the middle ring, we can go there," she replied.
"Alright," agreed Sphinx, after all, though he's been to this city a thousand times, he didn't know many places.
Thank the gods she knows the place still.
"Come on then," she said, grabbing his hand to lead him through the narrow streets. There, they arrived at the inn.
It wasn't crowded or very big anyways and it smelled of honey.
The people inside looked at the two young people and started to talk and Sphinx overheard some people whispering about how kids shouldn't fall in love so fast.
Bast let go of his hand. All that time he was dazed by the suggestion that they were together.
"Two beds, please," Bast asked, already at the desk without him and completely oblivious to the surrounding guests.
Before he knew it, she paid for the rooms and was going upstairs.
"Do you not want a roof over your head, Sphinx?" she asked, half playful and half serious, and ascended without a sound and into their room. He went after her.
"You didn't have to-"
"Tomorrow I would like to speak to the people at the library. I want to learn about that scroll…" Bast interrupted, lying on the bed she chose, the one closest to the window.
"Yes, why do you think they would steal that?"
"We will talk about it tomorrow," she dismissed, "After all, it is time to rest."
"Alright," Sphinx nodded, finally feeling how tired he was.
"Good night," bade Bast.
"Good night," Sphinx replied.
And she blew out the candles and they turned opposite ways in their beds. Moonlight shown through the windows and candlelight from the hall danced at the bottom of the door.
Sphinx and Bast reflected on today's events.
She was so pretty at sunset.
Pah, they must always think that any male and female pair are lovers. But that face is funny…in a good way…
But she always runs off…it's a little irritating…
He did act like I was a child or a pet, however…
Today was strange. Tomorrow will probably be the same with her. I cannot have distractions. Go to sleep.
Today was strange. Tomorrow will probably be the same with him. I cannot have distractions. Go to sleep.
And they fell into it.
When Sphinx awoke the next morning, he continued getting ready as usual, but forgot to check something very important.
Bast's bed was neatly made and he was alone.
"Bast?" he called.
No answer.
"Bast?" he looked around the small room and bathroom.
Not there.
"Bast?!" he cried, about to burst into the hall to look for her.
"Yes?" she asked with her head emerging from the bathroom.
"How? And-!" Sphinx stuttered, too mixed up.
Bast smiled and committed his face to memory. She held a stylus and some kohl.
Her left eye wasn't as filled her right eye and the stylus, though inked, looked a little purposeless.
"You can watch me if you wish," she laughed, gesturing to the items in her hand.
Sphinx didn't want her disappearing again and they were already dressed so…
"Ah…kohl is usually the easiest part of my day," Bast chuckled, finishing putting kohl on her eyes and slipped the piece into a small pouch, "It's the stylus that always troubles me," she said, glancing at Sphinx.
What was she up to?
He watched her and waited, he was ready so he could stay there as long as he wanted.
Sphinx had to admit: Bast was a mysterious creature.
Disappearing, eager, fierce, curious, lovely…she was half cat after all.
Wait- that last one…
Sphinx watched her dip the stylus in some sort of ink again, stick out her tongue and then with the stylus…
Is she really-?
Bast made a simple symbol, as far as Sphinx could recognize, it was for Ma'at, order.
The demi-cat packed up and proceeded to put her things where she also kept her staff and left with her guardian to the room. They quickly scanned to see if they had forgotten anything.
No.
"Let us get a meal and be on our way. I want to get to the library before noon," Bast nodded.
Sphinx agreed and followed her.
Perhaps he shouldn't let himself follow.
They ended up finishing their breakfast on their way to the library.
"So what was, uh, thith thor?" Sphinx asked, sticking out his tongue and curious about her morning routine.
Bast laughed, "Thith," she said, pointing to her tongue, "is the symbol for Ma'at. So I can speak spells clearly, one mistake and someone may end up dead."
"Is that why some terms are-"
"Difficult for me to understand? A little," she nodded.
They walked up the city's library and entered, scanning for someone to talk to.
Bast found someone first.
"Excuse me!" she called out gently.
"Yes, uh, miss?" the demi-bird asked and a look of recognition registered on his face, "Bast?"
"Uh, yes?" she asked, turning around to see if Sphinx was there, he was right next to her.
She looked at the librarian.
"Bast!" he called again, taking her hands.
Come to think of it, the yellow eyes did remind her of someone…
The man frowned, it had been so long after all, "It is me! Ahmose!"
"Ahmose? Oh! My! It has been too long!" she greeted, embracing him.
"Yes. Now, how may I help you?"
"My friend, Sphinx, and I are wondering if you know anything about the scroll that was taken a few days ago."
"Of course, come," he said, giving a hesitant look as she took Sphinx's arm.
He led them further to a cart that had honeycomb-like cells. All present save for one slot.
"This was taken from the vaults underground. Mostly these are things that no one reads or very important scrolls. The one taken was a legend. The scroll was found in a faraway temple. Strangely, it was the most guarded thing in there while the endless amounts of gold and jewels were left lying around like trash. It was about Ra defeating Apep, but also…how to summon the beast," he admitted.
How to?! The pair thought.
Hero. Defeating Apep.
Why would-?
Sphinx's worst thought came true.
"Bast, we must go," he said, tugging at her.
"Of course," she nodded, "It has been good to see you again, Ahmose!"
And they ran off.