The Pharaoh's Loyal Servant

Discipline? To make yourself seem weak? To make you seem like an easy target to take out? How was any of that done for the Kingdom’s sake? He was always told to let people know full well of the strength that laid within him. Why was Mahaado told different? So many thoughts were racing through his mind as he knelt down by the other priest’s side, Atem motioning for them both to stand, giving both a gentle smile as he motioned for everyone else to leave them for now. “I hear you two still fail at getting along?”

Well it was nice to see that his dear friend did indeed get along with some of the other Priests. There was so many times though that Atem wished for Seto and Mahaado to have some type of less explosive relationship. But that was something even the gods couldn’t fix so easily. “I’m glad that he trusts you - even if you have taken me outside with no one else aware of such” he giggled and ate a little more of his fruit..

Was he being teased at the moment? All that happened when Mahaado smiled, when he placed a hand against his cheek - was for Atem to blush even harder. It was far too early in the morning to try and keep his emotions in control, eyes watching Mahaado carefully. “It’s not a fever” he whispered softly before softly coughing, pulling himself up in order to reach over and sip on the cup of water that had been left there. “…I’m glad you s-slept well”

Of course they had to be interrupted before anything of interest could be said. Seto sighed as he fell into step behind the smaller woman, Isis glancing over towards Mahaado for a moment before giving a small polite smile, “Would it have been so strange to see your verbal exchanges evolve into something more physical? Men do seem to enjoy proving their strength” Another smile, Seto rolling his eyes slightly. “All I was commenting on was you sealing your power like you do. It’s a sign of weakness that you do not have that aura around you constantly..”

Her grimoire was out in a moment, popping out in a cloud of pink smoke, much to Mana’s amusement.

“How do you summon yours, Master? Do you make your magic conform as well? Because I know you can do much flashier things than you show me in class!”

She leaned into her master’s hand, like a content  kitten, almost purring at the praise she was receiving for, well, being herself.

It was still so strange to her that her master was being so calm about her not performing the magic his way, the way that every other student learned it, but she supposed that knowing she was different and embracing it would only make it easier for her to grow. She was just lucky be to blessed with such a wonderful master.

“may we extend the lesson so I can learn more things?” She suddenly asked, bringing her hands up to her face in excitement, eager to just continue doing this wonderful magic!

That night was the first time in a long while where he had a dreamless sleep, a relaxing night where no nightmares chased through his mind. It was pleasent and when he finally started to stir he felt a lot more rested than he had for a while. He groaned in protest to the light coming into the room, rolling over and hiding himself into Mahad’s chest, blinking as he felt the warmth before slowly tilting his head to gaze up towards his friend, cheeks slightly turning red as he let out a small giggle. “Good morning Mahadd - did you sleep well?”

“Even Siamun? The vizar does get a little over protective at times too” he smiled lightly as he nibbled away at his snacks once more. This was a pretty relaxing afternoon. A much welcomed change in many ways. “Hmm have you ever called him that to his face?”

The previous Pharaoh? Seto frowned at the explanation but he guessed the reasoning made some sense - though if an enemy knew that a strong presence was within the Palace then perhaps they would be less likely to attack. He wondered if there was more to this than Mahaad was letting on but he decided not to push too hard. “Makes sense I suppose. I still do believe however that you lack in the physical skills - reling only on magic will get you killed one day” he sighed and glanced up as he heard approaching footsteps, Isis gazing between them both before sighing softly. “…The Pharaoh requests us… if you two are quite finished” she added as she turned back around to lead the way back towards the throne room, Seto glancing towards Mahaad before falling into step behind her.

He smiled in gratitude as he watched Mahaad crawl into the bed beside him, at once feeling a little more at ease with the world around them. In a place where he could often feel as though there was no one around that he could trust - to know that he could forever trust this man beside him - it bought it’s own sense of peace. With a happy little sigh, the Pharaoh curled up into a small ball as he snuggled up close to his best friends chest, matching his breathing to the others and finding that sleep was a lot easier to grasp onto now.

Atem gave a happy hum as he started on his lunch, enjoying the cool breeze that washed over them now and then, giving a slow nod to his friends question. “I feel a lot better. I’m aware that coming out here just because I wish to puts a lot of strain on people… but being locked inside those walls all the time… Well you knew what I was like even before I gained the crown…I suppose I just have that small wish for a little freedom…must get it from Mother” He smiled softly, finishing off the peice of fruit he’d been happily eating, “Nanny of a High Priest” he repeated slowly before giggling softly, “You are not calling Seto that are you?”

Sleepy eyes gazed up towards the Priest as he thought over what had been said. Like when they were children? Oh! He blinked rapidly, using the edge of his blankets to hide his cheeks that he felt heat up. Mahaado was being perfectly kind and innocent and yet here was the sleepy, half drunken Pharaoh - being not quite as innocent. “I’d like that” he muttered softly, glancing towards him and giving a small smile, “It may help us both sleep a little better…”

As soon as they nearer the river and the cool breeze flowed over them, Atem sighed happily and allowed himself to relax a little more. He was already in a pretty good mood just because Mahaado had went through all this hassle for him. Humming happily, he sat down in the offered shade, gratefully pulling down his hood once the illusion was in place. Even growing up here - he still was not a huge fan for the heat. “Thanks” he smiled softly as he took a small sip of the fresh milk, sighing happily as he handed the flask back to his friend before laying back onto his side, nibbling at his food happily.

Her magic was sparkly and girly. Her attack strength doubled when she let it be her own, and for years, she had pushed it back in fear of the comments from all the other apprentices and mages around the place, tried to fit in with the crowd and make her magic fit the uniform so she wouldn’t disappoint her master.

But if her master wanted her to be herself… She grinned and pulled her fingers to her lips, blowing a kiss with them with a giggle as golden sparks shot from her fingertips. “Really? You make me so happy!”

Atem glanced up to meet the others gaze as the promise was made, his anxieties beginning to die down ever so slightly. He trusted his friend and if Mahaado was saying that he was going to be careful then Atem believed him. He sighed and sipped on the water a little more. If he was wishing for Mahaado not to worry him then it was only right that he returned the favour…wasn’t it? He gave a small smile, setting his cup to one side as he fell back against his pillows with a soft sigh. He knew that sleep was something that had always been difficult for him but he was usually able to hide it from others. “I’m sorry for worrying you, my friend. You should attempt to sleep now too”