Yugioh Atem, The Foreign Guard

Chapter 11

   The sun shone high overhead giving no mercy to those below. Amani had wrapped her head and face to protect her from the sun but it was stifling. It was the hottest day by far since Amani had moved to Egypt, perhaps ever. Kasaqua's embalming went perfectly and as Atem had instructed her, she got the best there was. They mourned all day and far into the night with professional mourners wailing, beating their chest, covering themselves in dirt and disheveled hair. Deep in the evening they publicly grieved at multiple small banquets and rituals. Amani got to see many people who were close to the two of them, they shared the grief with her.

Amani had taken the loss of her sister hard. When she returned to her home she saw Nensela bent over on the ground holding Kasaqua's favorite doll made of wood and beaded hair. The two women wept bitterly, holding tightly onto one another. They kept each other company throughout the following weeks up until the final ceremony had taken place. Dakka was silent the entirety of the funeral processions. After the opening of the mouth ceremony he walked away and never returned.

"Please stay for a few days more, already the hallways gape hauntingly bare; I could not stand to be here alone." The older women begged Amani once again over the fresh bread they shared that morning.

"You know I wish so, but already I have left Egypt's Pharaoh too long, I mustn't abandon my position more than necessary. Should the emptiness warry you, bring all who wish to enter. I cannot stand to let the place go to waste." Nensela nodded and they readied her journey back in silence. Piye stood at attention, like a war horse preparing for battle; and perhaps they were.

The trip seemed teasingly longer on her return, the thought of seeing the Pharaoh, Atem, once again brought her a sense of peace and happiness that she hadn't felt in some time. It was late at night when she stopped in front of the looming stone gates that she felt a twinge of homecoming from.

"Speak your business! What brings you at such an hour?" Amani grabbed the sash from her head, looking blankly at the footmen.

"Chief Amanishaketo, head of the royal guard. I would be more mindful of your tongue, if I were to be a noble it would surely be cut from you. I have returned from sending my sister to the afterlife and wish to return to my quarters."

"My greatest apologies Chief Amanishaketo." His voice adopted a humble tone as both men placed a hand over their shoulder in submission and opened up the gates. She hadn't realized how much she missed the palace till she breathed in the perfume of scents that floated in the air. Torches and bowls of flame illuminated the area, giving a mysterious and imposing aura.

After settling Piye in the stables Amani took her bags and headed towards her chambers. The room was set just as she had left it save for the bed being tidied. As she was unpacking her items a knock came to the door. Grabbing her sword she warrily opened the door, lowering it when she saw Atem in the hall. In shock she welcomed him in, placing the weapon by the frame.

"My Pharaoh! What brings you here so late, I will see you in the morning." Atem walked towards her, emotions swimming in his eyes. She took steps backwards, but with each step back he took one forward.

"I can't wait till dawn, could barely hold myself from riding to Kush to see you, don't expect me to stop when you're finally here." taking one large step he wrapped a hand around the back of her head and pulled her forward in an urgent manner till his lips crashed onto hers. The kiss was passionate and rushed as though it would be the last time they saw one another. Amani stood in shock for a few moments before returning the force. It wasn't her first kiss, but it was the first that lit a fire in her heart in a way she had felt in trace amounts around Atem.

He broke away, breathing sporadically as though he had run a thousand cubits. "Forgive me, I was unable to stop, I've been meaning to for some ti-" She cut him off with a second kiss, taking initiative and stopping his apologies. Already the nature of kissing him came easy but the feeling of a thousand ibis wings still flew inside her.

"As have I. There is something about you that had entranced me the moment my eyes laid upon you. The angle of your eyes, their rich hue, but also your Ba. It's indescribable and blinding, a light you never cease to radiate." Her hands rested on his shoulders, bare of a robe or ornament. A simple Shendyt was all he wore, same as all his people clothed themselves in everyday. Warmth exuded him, drawing her nearer in the cold Egyptain night. Endless onyx eyes stared into pools of ruby, the two sharing wordless thoughts.

"That's the least I could say of you," Scooping an arm around her waist pulling her in till their chests met. "the way the sun lights you ablaze when you fight, signs of your hard work on your brow, Ptah could not have created a more beautiful image. How you continue to stay strong when the odds stack against you but you look at it none the different, how could one not fall under your spell. I dare say there isn't a man here who hasn't admired you to some strength, I of the most."

Amani buried her face in the crook of his neck breathing in the rich scent of eucalyptus. The moment felt so perfect, Amani was afraid she was dreaming. Blissfully unaware that in a moment she would wake alone in her bed in Kush to the burning of cypress thick in the air; but it felt all too real to be a dream. As Atem started to pull away she immediately missed his touch but let him go.

"I must be returning, I told the guards that I would go on a quick stroll to keep them from following me. But I shall see you in a few hours time once ra has started his journey in the sky. Good night Amani, may the gods grant you peaceful dreams." Once the door had closed shut she flew over to the bed and collapsed.

He had left as quick as he came but the images played through her mind like a play. Atem had an effect on her, something that had been going on for sometime. It was only until she had been away from him for so long had she realized it. With a full heart she wrapped under the sheets and fell asleep quickly.

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