𝑰𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑼

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒏𝒆

NEFARTARI let out a yawn and stretched simultaneously. She was up all night; she still didn't know why. It was not like she did anything productive or fun last night. She just felt tired. The sun beamed harshly upon the rows of mudbrick homes in the quaint village. It didn't seem much to the untrained eye but this village was their heaven in this kingdom.

Nefartari pulled apart the curtains that granted her some privacy from her parents and family friend's that occasionally came over. She stepped out into the main room of the house- the entire house was just one room separated by curtains. She must have slept in longer than she expected because her parents weren't here and it looked like they hadn't been home for a few hours.

The weather seemed perfect for a day to wander aimlessly around the market square and then potentially cool off in the Nile to begin the night. Guess that was her plan for today, being unemployed meant that she spent most of her days doing nothing. Nefartari brushed a few strands of her unkempt hair out of her face and tied the rest of her hair into a bun. She washed her face and did her daily hygienic routine. By the time she was done and ready to leave, she heard someone come into her home and call out her name.

"Nefartari, wake up, save me from boredom." It was none other than OSIRIS, Nefartari's best friend and brother from another mother. Nefartari jumped out behind him, scaring him. Osiris jumped and ended up banging his head on the low roof. He rubbed his head and glared at his best friend; he was seriously debating why he didn't leave her to steal that apple from the stall owner when they were five.

"You're not bored now, guess I've done my job," reprimanded Nefartari, "I've been awake long before you barged in, besides aren't you meant to be at the farm today?"

"Ah, yes you're right. I knew I was forgetting something, I got to go before my mum blows a fuse and please go out today. Take advantage of the lovely weather and go annoy some merchants." Osiris advised her; he was rapidly becoming more concerned at her complacency to do nothing at all.

In that moment and that moment alone, Nefartari decided that Osiris couldn't for the life of him, hide his emotions. She could clearly tell that he was worried about her, she wouldn't lie to herself and say that it didn't warm her heart. It wasn't that she took comfort in his discomfort- in fact it was the complete opposite- but she found solace that he cared about her this much.

"Don't worry Iris, I was going out today before you came here. I'll probably come home late tonight so if you see my parents let them know. I would write a note but I know they won't read it. Now you best be getting to the farm, we all know that your mother hates tardiness, give her a kiss on the cheek for me and tell her that I'll come over soon."

Nefartari gave him a kiss on the cheek and walked with Osiris until they went their separate ways.

─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The market place was bustling with people; merchants were shouting over each other to attract people over to their stalls. Gold, papyrus, linen, grain for cedar wood, ebony, copper, iron, ivory, and lapis lazuli were one of the many things being flaunted by the merchants. Each merchant promising that their goods were the finest in all of Egypt. Nefartari picked up a lapis lazuli from the stall to her right. It was a lovely blue gemstone and smooth to touch.

Upon noticing Nefartari's fixation with the gem, the stall owner went off on a tangent about the gem. Claiming that the gem travelled through the seven seas for her. Though she knew that he was lying and was willing to spin false narratives, she still bought the gem.

"Here's an extra coin for your storytelling."

Nefartari flicked the coin and the merchant caught it. A smile graced his face whilst he thanked her profusely causing a smile to escape on Nefartari's face as she left the stall. Today was already looking up for her.