Shards of Ankh

Chapter Ten

Thea, try as she might, could not get back to sleep. After tossing and turning for seemingly eons, she finally gave up her struggles and took a shower. She was frustrated with the intrusive thoughts that plagued her mind.

How had the grapes gotten into bed? She was absolutely sure there were no green grapes in he bunch of grapes she had bought the other day. Furthermore, something Rose had pointed out in jest stuck out in her mind. The grapes hadn't tasted like any grape she had ever eaten. It was more juicy, bursting with a vibrant flavor. Comparatively, every green grape would now taste pathetic and sad in her mouth.

Rose was right, too. If, by some unhinged chance, those grapes were from her dream, well...They were unadulterated. They wouldn't have touched chemicals. Briefly an alarming thought crossed her mind; what if she ate something in her dream that her body wasn't used to? Uncured meat, unprocessed dairy products? She would have to try and remember to be careful.  

Water would be out of the question entirely; luckily she knew this wouldn't be much of a problem. Even the ancients knew how unreliable fresh water sources were. Ancient Egyptians were fond of drinking strictly beer, wine for special occasions. Unless it was filtered heavily through reeds, Thea couldn't really think of any instance in all her studies where Ancient Egyptians actually consumed water.

This is silly, Thea thought to herself after she had showered and was calling Rose back to hang out. It's just a dream, Thea. Eat whatever damn well pleases you.

Thea and Rose spent the day together. They did a bit of shopping. Afterward they returned to Thea's apartment, curled up on the couch together, and watched some movies. Thea had been thankful for the day's distractions. 

It wasn't until Thea stood in front of her bed, the covers pulled back, did Thea become apprehensive once again over what her dreams would hold. Sighing heavily she got into bed, turned off the light, and closed her eyes.

~

"I don't know how I got here," Thea lamented to Ankh, picking up right where they left off. 

Unsurprisingly to her, the grapes she had once held were gone.

"I think," Ankh continued, leaning forward. Thea's heart began to flutter within her chest, captivated by his intense, beautifully outlined eyes, "a God plucked you out of thin air and plopped you right into my lap."

Thea laughed, taking up a piece of meat. She hesitated only a moment before popping it into her mouth. "Which one? Perhaps Isis, sweet Goddess who helped poor Osiris after he was torn limb from limb?"

Ankh rose his eyebrows, which were now drawn on.

"Or perhaps Seth, God of Chaos, pulling me through time?" 

A slow smile formed on Ankh's lips. Without fully thinking through what she was doing, Thea grabbed Ankh's gauntlet-covered wrist in excitement. "Or maybe it's Horus himself, God of Vengeance, and he's thrust me here to avenge you once you're murdered."

Ankh laughed heartily at that, and Thea was happy at the light that shone in his eyes when he guffawed. He even threw his head back, his wig and hat nearly coming off. Knowing she had brought him such mirth, Thea grinned.

"My, for someone thousands of years old, you certainly know a lot about our culture."

"I'm what's called an Egyptologist," Thea replied, still beaming at his enjoyment. 

"What is that?"

"A person who studies Ancient Egypt."

"Ah," Ankh replied. "Convenient."