𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓼. (
hobbitholmes) wrote in
synthneon2021-07-04 06:57 pm
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· CALL ME OUT (SUMMER) ·
🌴 SUMMER
oh jasontell me what you're chasin'
because the night will
will never give you WHAT YOU WANT
❚ TAG A MUSE'S TOP LEVEL or PICK ONE
❚ START A THREAD! TEXT, PROSE, IMAGE, ECT
❚ MARK IF PART OF A PSL, STARTING ONE, OR NSFW
CODE
that train *never* leaves the station cause it keeps adding new things.... ;_;
A low grunt comes from Mahado as he rolls the papyrus in his hands. ]
She, no doubt, is looking for something in particular. [ He lets out a low sigh. ] Wherever she might be, her master is soon to follow, Pharaoh. I would remind him that he need not skulk around the Palace now.
[ Soft footsteps come from behind the two. Mahado turns to eye the man in furs, leather and a white hood drawn over his head to obscure his face. An annoyed sigh leaves Atem's life long friend. ]
There is a fine difference between walking in the shadows as Amun and hiding in cowardice, Priest. [ Despite the words, there is a fondness in the tone from the hooded man. He takes but a few more steps before bowing shortly to Mahado and turning his gaze to Atem. ] The guards do not let all those from the streets into the Palace.
[ Mahado closes his eyes to keep from rolling them. ] Medjay.
basically we're crazy
Something in particular or someone? [ He imagines that both possibilities could be true, although most likely independent of the other. But then Mahado mentions her master, and then he merely nods. ] I believe that he's been told as much several times by several people, and yet his habits remain as they are. I suppose I can't blame him for that.
[ If the Medjay- If Bayek is accustomed to a certain way of doing things, then Atem doesn't really see the need to try and force him to change. Change can come on its own or not at all, as he's found out.
As Bayek makes his approach, Atem turns slightly to face him. ]
Hello. [ The man is an enigma, but Atem has known a few of those in his time as well, so that hardly bothers him. He glances briefly between Mahado and Bayek, as if wondering whether the two men will react or say something, given the slightly pointed yet not malicious nature of Bayek's words. He knows he means no harm by them, and he knows that Mahado is discerning enough to tell the difference.
But he also can't help but offer a slight tease of his own while trying his best not to smile too much or too brightly just yet. ]
This is a considerably spread out palace. If the two of you need it, I can have you separated, one to each side.
i mean this IS the third canon in this isn't it...?
Habits do not cease simply because the mortal life is behind us.
[ The Priest comments gently. All the afterlife is, after all, is another step in their existence. Perhaps the modern world in which his Pharaoh existed in sees it differently... yet for them? They continue to exist as they had wished to.
Bayek chuckles at the response from Atem while Mahado clears his throat and falls back to his typical posture. ]
I see no reason to not share the same space as the Priest. I have nothing but respect for our seni that devoted their lives to the Gods. [ He has a tone of respect in his voice as he nods his head once more to Mahado. ] They carried the kingdom well in your absence.
[ Mahado sends a pointed glance to Bayek. He does his best not to bring up certain things in the presence of their Pharaoh, but, the Medjay seems to not understand the idea of tact. He bows to Atem to excuse himself. It is obvious to him that the Medjay would have words with their king.
Bayek moves out of Mahado's way, an arm extended out in respect as the caped Priest sees himself out. A moment passes before the older man turns to look at the Pharoah who barely stands above his shoulders. ]
You seem to be well enough, Pharaoh. [ While his respect for Atem's father and uncle have been dashed? He holds the respect of the office to Atem himself. It would be difficult not to with the knowledge of what the man gave up at such a young age for his country. ] I wonder if your diligent priests have noticed all is not that it seems.
I believe it is, yes. clearly we have problems >.>
And if Bayek's comments bother him, he doesn't let on about it. He was absent for quite some time; that isn't something that can be disputed. His priests and old friends did very well while they were apart. Now that they've been reunited, Atem's appreciation for every one of them has only increased. They've earned their places here just as much as he has, if not even more.
Atem remains silent, pondering all of this for a moment until he realizes that Mahado is taking his leave. He nods at his old friend, certain that they'll regroup again at a later time.
Once it's only him and Bayek who remain, he turns to face him properly. ] I am, thank you. [ Well, that is. At least on a surface level, Atem's complaints are few, if not nonexistent. He has regained everything that he lost, and now he feels as though he has no reason to be anything but at peace.
What's more, he feels as though it would be a disservice to those he calls friends if he were to express anything else. So when Bayek gives voice to his neutral yet somewhat pointed comment, Atem hesitates. No one should know that he feels anything but complete contentment, and yet somehow, Bayek has either guessed or observed something that makes him think all is not right with him. ]
What do you mean? [ He supposes he might not be able to convince the man that all is well, not when he evidently has suspicions, but he's going to try. ] Everything is exactly as it should be.
[ And perhaps if he says that enough, he'll begin to believe it. ]
... I MEAN possibly. most likely. *ahem*
His head tilts ever so slightly to the side. Above, the eagle calls, and she swoops down to join the two. Her talons latch onto the edge of the balcony, blinking and calling again to announce herself. Bayek can't help but chuckle. ]
Ah, but of course. You finally completed the journey that eluded your ka for so long. Here, with your court, advisors, and servants. Surely, everything is as it should be and nothing remains in the land of the living.
[ Bayek raises a hand as if to dismiss what he just said. ]
Bah - what would an old Medjay know of a Pharaoh's heart? Forgive me for overstepping. [ Though his tone conveys that his apology may not be entirely sincere. Bayek steps out onto the balcony to look over the glittering city in the sun. Senu tilts her head at Atem and pecks at his hand for attention. ] Perhaps I have seen too much of the life of those that inhabit your kingdom and thought that a man must not be too different even under the crown of Pharaoh.
[ He glances down at Atem. ] A kingdom that you must not have seen much of since your arrival.
but good problems to have, yes? yes.
The first part of Bayek's statement only brings a response of silence from Atem. He knows very well that he left people who are very dear to him in the land of the living, and while this is where he belongs, he left part of his heart there with them. Could it be that it's his destiny to always feel as though he's been torn in two? He wonders about that sometimes.
But then Bayek continues, and Atem raises a hand to forestall him. ] Please, you aren't overstepping.
[ Then, he reaches absently for Senu, intending to give her a pat or two while he tries to sort through his complicated thoughts. ]
I should know this kingdom inside and out, and yet- [ He looks around as if wondering if he might be overheard here. Surely that wouldn't do for either a priest or someone else to hear what he has to say.
In the end, he trails off into silence and shakes his head. ]
both? both is good.
Hm. Perhaps a story for another time.
He half turns, arm extended out. ]
And yet you have yet to experience it with eyes made whole. [ A small knowing smile touches his face. ] Do not tell me that the only time you have left this Palace is when your Ka went to the outer edges of the Duat.
[ He would ask of how Atem managed to get to the shores of the Duat when his heart has been found worthy to pass into the Field of Reeds. How he might have come to find the fair woman he seemed reluctant to let go of. Oh, Bayek saw the exchange from the shadows. He is protector of Egypt and all those that are within it. The Ka of a Pharaoh not at peace is an unfortunate circumstance he has experience with. At least this one remained within the afterlife.
Bayek half-turns before he is willing to give a proper answer to whatever questions Atem might have of him. Such conversations are best left beyond the Palace walls. ]
Adventure still must run through your blood, eh? The great many things you have seen and lived. Confining yourself to the Palace will not ease a heart such as that. I could show you how one skulks about your Palace under the watchful gaze of Priests and guards alike.
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Atem's eyebrows lift in surprise, because he hadn't realized that anyone knew about what had happened when, against everything that was expected and certain, he found a way to reach Lunafreya once more. Of course, it was brief and short-lived, but it was a meeting. He supposes it shouldn't be surprising that Bayek knew about it. ]
All right, I won't tell you using those exact words. But you would be right. [ He sees no reason why he should refrain from admitting to that. The Pharaoh's responsibilities largely lie inside the palace, except in a time of war or other threat, and those things have fallen to the wayside, taking with them any reason for Atem to leave the palace grounds.
He tries to guide his thoughts back onto matters at hand, not on places and people far removed from here. Their lives go on while his continues here in the afterlife. He certainly hopes that all is well with them, and that they continue to be well and happy.
Whether Atem is at peace or not, he supposes it doesn't truly matter. His priests and his subjects look to him to lead, and he can't do that if he isn't completely focused on them and their needs. His own wishes must also go by the wayside now. At least, that is what he tells himself even as Bayek stands there watching. ]
It isn't the Pharaoh's place to be adventurous. [ But he can't pretend that the lure of leaving the palace and seeing whatever it is that Bayek might show him isn't strong. Once again, Atem feels the push and pull of duty and desire, and he finds himself briefly turning away from Bayek to glance behind him, looking back inside the interior of the palace. ]
I shouldn't leave. [ This may be a place of peace and tranquility, but Atem doubts that going out on a frivolous jaunt is fitting for a pharaoh. ]
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Whatever mystifying qualities the Pharaohs once had for Bayek has long since gone away. Perhaps he was called and ordained by Ra himself, but, he is still a human. One that breathes, bleeds, and experiences joy and pain. The Field of Reeds does not change that.
He dedicated his life to Amun - The Hidden One. He and his kind would work in the shadows to preserve the light. Any who would abuse their station and their people would meet a swift end. Now, even in A'Aru, he would continue to protect that ideal. A true Medjay again, but still a Hidden One. He walked the edges of the Duat, the sands of Egypt, even great monuments to make sure that all remained well even if he did not need to.
That was how he had found the scene. A fair haired woman walking with the Pharaoh... who was once again a boy. He had tailed them from the rooftops, the shadows, to make sure that the Pharaoh had been returned as needed. It became obvious the woman was no threat; merely someone who did not belong within the Field of Reeds yet. Somehow, she had found herself there and sought to return things as they had been. Bayek saw to it that she returned to the land of the living and spoke with her briefly then.
He wonders if the Pharaoh would wish to know of that conversation. ]
A Pharaoh is not bound to simply the walls of the Palace. How can you know the hearts of who you rule over if you do not see Egypt for her own eyes?
[ Bayek walks into the room and pulls back a curtain. There is a hole in the wall large enough for the two to slip through. ]
If your Priests are angered so then they may hunt down the Medjay. If they think they might catch me.
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Admitting that, even to himself, makes something deep inside himself hurt.
And in all honesty, Atem sees that there's nothing particularly special about himself except for what destiny gave him, and that hardly puts him above other people.
Yes, he sacrificed himself to save his people, but countless people have made sacrifices. He is hardly unique.
Even Bayek is more unique than he is as the Medjay. As for the conversation that transpired between him and Lunafreya, part of him does want to know about it, regardless of the heartache he might feel because of it. ]
You're right, of course.
[ He did live a shortened life and didn't get to know his people as well as he would have liked. ]
If you're willing to show me, I'm willing to follow you. And I will see to the priests if they protest.
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Ha! What a sight that would be to see.
[ He truly means no ill will towards the Priests that serve their Gods. Merely, he wishes that they had been more aware of the machinations that sought to ruin the kingdom after the Pharaoh's passing. What is done is done. A'Aru is not a place for such things, yet, they still weigh upon his soul.
Bayek holds the curtain up in order to show Atem the space in which they can slip into. Then, he moves first. The curtain falls behind him as he fits himself through the hole in the wall and awaits the Pharaoh on the other side. Senu calls again before diving off the balcony to soar into the sky again.
Once Atem has joined him in the web and dirt filled tunnel, Bayek moves a stone slab to cover the break in the wall. It is not the best way to hide it, but, no one had realized it yet. Sometimes the best hiding places were those in plain sight. Bayek then lights a torch to light their darkened path. ]
Tell me of your time among those in the land of the living, Atem. [ There is no need for titles as far as Bayek is concerned. Especially as he does not address him as Pharaoh. ] There were those who cared for you, no?
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And he's also resolved that such is the lot of a Pharaoh: to think only of how to best serve his kingdom and let his inner thoughts and worries fall to one side. After all, how can he be an effective ruler if he's too consumed by his own cares? ]
Yes, it would be a sight, wouldn't it? And in case you might be thinking that I'm only speaking words and don't really mean them, you should know that I do my best not to speak idly. If it comes to that, I will have a talk with the priests.
Surely it's possible for all of us to exist in harmony, or at the very least, to respect one another. Not that I think you and the priests don't; far from it. I could be wrong, but something about them troubles you, doesn't it?
[ Bayek may not technically fall within the designation of one of Atem's subjects, but that doesn't mean that he won't try to help him in any way that he can, if he should require it. ]
This is quite the out of the way location. I'm sure that hardly anyone knows of it, if anyone does at all.
[ He follows along after Bayek, doing his best to keep pace with the other man. As for his answer, it comes readily enough. ]
My time there was... Well, it was one of the best times of my life, even with all the hardships and trials that came along with it. I met so many people who became closer to me than mere friends, and I believe I carry them with me even now. So yes, there were those who cared for me and I did the same for them, to the best of my ability.
[ And sometimes he failed to do so, but he's never pretended that he hadn't. ]
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Though... if I were to have issue with any, it would be the one who succeeded you. The Pharaoh-Priest who does not dwell here. [ Bayek has never known why Seto did not follow them into the afterlife. He was certain the Pharaoh received all the rights and magics within the Book of the Dead. He frowns underneath his hood as he takes a step down. His free hand goes to the Pharaoh in case he is in need of help making the gap. ] I do not believe I ever saw him cross into the Field of Reeds. I had thought his Ka remained in the land of the living - unable to return to his Ba. Now, it would seem, there is a far greater magic at work.
[ Seto had spoken often in harsh tongues of being unable to rest until he had seen Atem to the afterlife. There was a deep resentment within the new Pharaoh - an anger broiling at what was sacrilege in his eyes. The removal of the name of his Pharaoh, the inability to speak his name out loud. Bayek wonders if the Pharoah-Priest had been able to find his own justice in the end. Atem, after all, now resided with them in the A'Aru. ]
Egypt was changed after your days walking among her sands had finished. A state of rebuilding, changing, reform. In that vacuum came great and terrible things. Your successor made her stable - giving new life to her at the cost of the Shadow Games. He trusted those he learned he should not have. They had in mind a new vision for Egypt and all those that surrounded her. They sought ancient magics and forbidden knowledge to build their ideal world without his realization.
[ The Order of the Ancients. Even now, after so long, it causes a ripple in his heart and soul. For men like them do not end when they are dead. Their ideals and methodology continues on. Bayek prays to Amun that the Order he had set in motion had continued past him. ]
Had they not cared, we would not have seen you return to us. [ Then, he gestures to the rest of the tunnel. ] There are those within the Palace walls who know of such ways in and out. Mana did not rely on merely her magic alone to find her way into the private chambers.
[ There is a hint of humor in his voice at that. ]
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[ Atem's expression sobers as the conversation steers towards speaking about Seto. His absence here is certainly noted. As he contemplates this, he inadvertently misses a step and briefly loses his balance, leading him to reach out to grasp Bayek's hand in order to regain his footing. ]
I suppose I do have many questions about what he did in my absence. I believed that he was the one who was most fit for ruling, and I trusted him then and I still do even now that so much time has passed.
[ Now, however, he can't help but wonder what it is that is keeping Seto from taking his rightful place here in the A'Aru. ]
What do you mean? [ He listens as Bayek speaks about events that happened following his passing, and he realizes he can't be sure what the other man means. ] You say that he made her stable and gave her new life, and yet he trusted those he should not have. I suppose I'm merely confused, because that sounds as though not all of his wishes were carried out, and if they were, his intentions were misunderstood.
[ His expression shifts yet again into something more pensive. ]
Of course, they cared very much, and I imagine that they still do even now. Mana was always very good at finding her way into areas some thought she should not be.
[ As for him, tradition and protocol aside, he tended to not believe in certain areas being off-limits to cetain people. That is, barring any sacred areas belonging to the gods. Everything else was fair game, at least in his mind, to the chagrin of the priests. ]
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[ Bayek's hand immediately steadies the young Pharaoh's. He looks down at him, and a gentle smile can be seen from around the edges of his hood. It would seem the Pharaoh does need more time from his Palace. The smile turns into one of a humorous note before he continues down the path.
The path tilts downwards into a set of carved stairs. They are soft at the edges, having clearly decayed in time of being unattended to. At the bottom of them is a small opening that light streams from. Bayek extinguishes the torch. He keeps his comments until they have stepped outside into the light once more.
They step outside of the confines of the palace to be greeted by a lackluster sight. Canyon walls loom over head and Bayek simply gestures to the distance that they are. His intention is to take the young Pharaoh up high so that he might view the city of Thebes from above. He will be able to see the way in which the city sprawls and her people move about. Across the water lies the places in which tombs were kept for the Kings and Queens in the land of the living. Doorways, if one knows how to use them.
It is a short distance to the canyon wall, even if it hardly looks as such. He whistles and from behind the palm trees comes his ever faithful steed. A large camel, surprisingly lacking in riches and adornments other than what a regular merchant might have, strides to them. Bayek holds the reigns and gives the beast a loving pat on the side. ]
He will take us the short distance and up the path. From there, we climb.
[ Bayek turns, offering his hands to help the Pharaoh onto the second seat of the camel. Then, he pulls himself up and tugs on the reigns. With a gentle click of his tongue and pressing his feet into the sides, the camel starts off in the direction the former Medjay has decided to go. ]
Egypt was unstable at first. Few of your Priests remained among the world of the living by the battle's end, a fewer in the remaining weeks and months. It took a great many people under his direction to change the way Egypt had existed and steer her in a new direction. What few Priests remain aided him, but those beneath them sought to conspire. They aimed to manipulate from behind the scenes to lead Egypt down their path. They used aliases and wore masks to hide their identity. They called themselves the Order of the Ancients.
My wife, Aya and I... we hunted each one of them down. We slew them like the wild beasts of the desert and left them to the crows. [ He glances behind him at the Pharaoh that now technically sits higher than him. ] We made our own Order, that named of Amun, to hide in the shadows and stop those that sought to harm the people of Egypt through their machinations of power and control. It took many years, but we were successful. By then, Pharaoh Seto had outlawed the use of your Shadow Games. The spirits bound to those tablets had been released and the art of bringing forth those mighty creatures ceased.
He even enlisted the aid of another from Greece to help him in such endeavors. Although, I only saw her face once. It was Aya that saw her from our lands to her homeland.
[ A frown touches his face as he recalls the foreign woman. Now that his mind brings forth the memories? The woman he escorted from the Duat bore a striking resemblance to the one that Aya was tasked to see safely home. Perhaps he will ask her of it once he returns to Siwa. ]
I imagine she remains good at finding those places! She is fond of you. [ There is a tone of teasing in his voice then. ] You speak of your time among the living as a ghost fondly, Atem. What wonders graced the world after our time had passed?
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[ If Bayek is looking, he'll notice a hint of red creeping its way along the back of Atem's neck. It's not embarrassment, exactly, but Bayek seems to be so assured of himself, who he is, and the role he plays, whereas Atem is still trying to resume his footing. Of course he knows that this is where he belongs, as it's where he was born and where he grew up, but even though he was thought of as the displaced Pharaoh in the living world, he feels as though he's still displaced even now that he's resumed his place in the afterlife.
He just hopes that the somewhat strenuous nature of the trail they're on and the progress they make as they go on their way to wherever Bayek's leading them will prevent the other man from noticing that his thoughts are leading him to a slightly thorny place. ]
I gather this is something you've done more than once. [ Bayek's footing is sure without even an ounce of hesitation, and while it seems to him that Bayek is confident in nearly everything he does, there's just a sort of familiarity in the way he carries himself and walks that makes Atem think this isn't the first time he's walked this path.
Once they're both settled on the camel, Atem resumes listening attentively to Bayek's words. He's been paying rapt attention this whole time, but something about attempting to climb onto a camel tends to pull focus. His expression sobers as he listens to what the other man has to say, and the picture that he paints is hardly a pretty one. ]
The two of you managed to do all of that? That must have been no small feat.
[ A small smile returns as Atem's thoughts turn once again to Mana and her- well, her rather spirited nature. ] She is, just as I'm very fond of her.
[ And of course, he is, but it's a certain kind of fondness: the one between very good and close friends. ]
There were so many things. [ He isn't quite sure where to begin, but he finally decides on one of the many things he imagines Bayek might not be familiar with. ]
There is one particular invention that they call an airplane; you go inside it and it can take you anywhere you wish to go: to a city or even to another country. [ A bird flies above them at that precise moment and Atem points to it. ] You can fly as the birds do.
[ In a manner of speaking, anyway. ]
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