Ancient Egypt: The Age of Magic discussion

((RP with approved characters only))

Darius had just finished his morning prayers to Thoth and decided to pay some tribute to his consort and the symbol of order, Ma'at. Taking some incense, a portion of grain, and some gold, he made his way into the tall sandstone temple, bowing to the large statue of Ma'at, he headed into the temple, admiring the pictures and symbols, magically imbued to strengthen order and keep out Isfet. ((Chaos))

Nadira picked up her skirts as she went into the Temple of Ma'at. As the shade enveloped her, she noticed someone else was paying tribute. Deciding to give them privacy, she tried to skirt around the edges, clutching the offerings she brought with her. Her feet made shuffling noises though she did her best to not make a sound and she paused to see if she was heard.

Darius heard a sound behind him. He turned to see who it was, thinking it may be a priest or priestess. Seeing it was not, Darius raised a hand in greeting. "Hello, I hope I'm not interrupting your prayers."

She shook her head and smiled slightly. "You have stolen my words. Am I interrupting you?"

"Not at all, I must say, it is nice to have others when honouring our wonderful goddess. Not many people these days take the time to honour her, they all spend their time in the temples of Ra, or Osiris." He smiled and set down his offerings next to a smaller statue of the goddess, lighting the incense in a ceremonial candle. He took his Ankh amulet from around his neck and kissed it, sending up a prayer for a smooth trade mission.

After a pause, Nadira would to stand in front the the large statue. "It is," she agreed with him, putting her offerings down reverently. "I like to think Ma'at looks forward to the times I visit because how little devotion she receives."

"She very well may, I personally visit her consort Thoth more often, but I felt drawn to come and pay my respects to her today." He joined his companion, looking up at the goddesses kind face, wrought in gold, an image of eternal beauty and kindness.

"Thoth? Hm, yes. Perhaps I should visit him as well," Nadira said thoughtfully. She didn't think she went to the god's temple for quite some time, only managing to visit Ma'at in between her business at the palace..

"He is my patron deity, I make an offering to him whenever I can. A strange choice of god for a spice trader though." Darius chuckled and straightened his cotton robe.

"I don't believe it is. It takes wisdom to trade, does it not?" Nadira asked, smiling kindly.

"True." Darius replied. "There are plenty of times when the teachings of Thoth have helped me." He looked over the woman next to him. "And, if I may ask, what do you do? You don't look like some simple housewife."

Giving a nod, Nadira gestured towards herself. "I'm an entertainer at the palace, so it might be strange that Ma'at is my patron deity."

"An entertainer in the palace? I'd imagine you'd have a story or two to tell." He looked the woman over again, wondering what her life was like.

"Indeed, I do, though most of the stories I tell nowadays are praising past pharaohs and queens heroes and adventurers," Nadira said, paying him little attention as she kissed her fingers and touched the pedestal of the statue.

"What I wouldn't give to get into the palace. I would love to be one of the scribes, able to go where I please and be one of the higher class." He breathed in deeply the last of the incense from his offering. As the wisps went up last the statue, she seemed to smile sweeter.

Smiling over to the man, Nadira said kindly, "I'm sure you will. With a wish that big, it cannot die. Perhaps I can even put in a word for you, if an opportunity arises." Stepping closer to him, she asked, "May I ask what your name is?"

Darius gave a small bow. "Djehuti, Darius Djehuti. And may I ask yours?" He said after straightening back up.

Bowing back to him, dipping her head respectfully, she replied, "Nadira Nejem. It is a blessing to make your acquaintance."

"And an equal blessing to have met you. May the suns rays shine on you always, may your life be long and blessed by Osiris, and may Anubis guide you well in death." He smiled at her and gave another small bow.

"May Thoth guide your path," she said with a nod and smiled back tentatively. "So, is life as a spice trader eventful?"

"It can be." He gestured to a few scars. "Especially when one runs into crocodiles and hippopotamuses." He nodded slightly, his ankh amulet bright on his dark chest. It was to hot for a shirt out in the desert, so he, like most men, went shirtless. "And what kinds of adventures does a palace entertainer find?"

Nadira's eyes widened, knowing full well the dangers those creatures held. She was sheltered against such worries and she admired anyone who was more well-traveled than she. At his question, she smiled. "Not many. Most of the time, I just dance or tell stories I've studied. Occasionally, I've seen a prince from a foreign land."

"Really? You're very lucky." He had always wanted to meet foreign dignitaries, he wondered again how life in the palace must be.

"I suppose you are right." Nadira never really thought about her position that way, especially when not many notice her. "And for that, I'm even more grateful to Ma'at."

"We thank all the gods for what they do for us, and especially when they bless us." He smiled slightly at that. "Do you get to visit the cities often? Or do you stay in the palace?"

"I usually stay in the palace, though on holidays I get to roam free and certain other days," Nadira said with a smile, remembering the festivities that she often got to see. Of course, she always wandered around with her fellow dancers instead of a family, but to her, that didn't matter. Holidays were like a magical world where rich and poor were a little more equal and everyone is celebrating together.

"So today must be one of those other special days then?" He raised a brow and clasped his hands together. He was pretty sure today wasn't a special day, but then again, he was out on the water so much, he lost track of time in the land based world.

Nodding, she smiled. "It is. It's my birthday," Nadira answered, sounding casual.

"Oh? Well happy birthday!" Darius smiled. He searched his pockets and found a small statue of Thoth. "There, to give you wisdom in your many birthdays to come."

Surprised at the gesture, she didn't reach out to take the gift, looking up at his face and down at his hands. "Oh, I-I can't accept this. You need Thoth more than I do," Nadira said modestly.

"Think nothing of it. It's a gift, everyone should have something on their birthdays" he smiled and held out the small figurine.

"Then, thank you," she said with a grateful look on her face, and took the statue with reverence. Her fingers might have brushed against his, but she didn't startle, too overcome with happiness with the gift.

"You're very welcome." He said, happy to see she liked the gift. Behind them the kind face of Ma'at glowed softly, seeming to smile down on the pair.

Looking up from the statue, she tilted her head and said, "Perhaps you can tell me your birthday and how to find you so that I can return the gesture?"

"Mine is right after the Nile floods, so I'm sure I'll see you for the celebrations. Everyone comes out that day, even the Pharaoh himself to dig the first channel and bless the years growth." Darius stated, more to say something than to inform her, everyone knew of the tradition.

"What a wonderful time it must be for you," she said brightly. That time of year always seemed to make everyone happy and it promised to bring a sense of renewal.

"Yes, it's a wonderful time, so full of celebration and joy, it really is a great time to be in Egypt, that and harvest times." Darius said, reminiscing on the great times he had when he was younger, visiting the fields during harvest time and all the feasting that went on then when the year had been especially profitable.

Nadira nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Perhaps you'll see me dance? The Pharaoh always likes to showcase the dancers."

"I would be delighted to come watch you dance." He said. "I will have to make a note that you'll be dancing at the festival."

((POOR ANNA! Watched episode 2 of season 4. :())

"And maybe I would be able to buy spices from you," Nadira said in return, a smile making her eyes light up.

((Oh I know! That was awful D:))

"I'll have to make sure and bring the good ones." He smiled. "And maybe I'll be able to get you a discount." He winked and grinned at we.

((I just wanted to smack that man blind.))

"That would be wonderful." A small laugh escaped her, one that she didn't intend to. Giving a small nod, Nadira was glad for the man's kindness. Who knew that she'd have such an unexpected day when visiting Ma'at? Glancing outside, she noticed the sky turning pink. "It is growing late. Are you staying at the inn?"

Darius looked out the door and noted the sky's colour. "Yes I am, I haven't gotten the new shipment of spices yet, so I'll be staying for a few weeks."

"It is strange, for I am also staying at the inn. Though, I can't say I'll be able to stay around as long as yourself," Nadira commented, beginning to walk towards the door.

"May I walk with you? We are headed in the same direction after all." Darius asked as they reached the temple doorway. A warm breeze flowed down the street and promised a comfortable evening.

"Of course you may. I can't very well stop you from going in the same direction, can I?" Nadira asked with a smile. As they reached the threshold of the temple, Nadira turned around and bowed respectfully, uttering a prayer of praise under her breath. Then she resumed going down the steps.

Darius turned and bowed as well before turning to walk with his newfound friend. "How long will you be staying in Cairo?" He asked after they had walked together for a few moments.

"Three days, not including today," she answered, holding the Thoth statue carefully as she lifted her skirts up so could walk easier.

"And how do you plan to spend the next three days?" Darius asked, stepping lightly on the sandy path in the gathering twilight.