The four of them reached the fountain, where the artist who had been working on Blue was standing. He bowed silently and, when the other two detached from them, led Blue and Ibis towards the village. He took them into the first building that appeared, where a soft-looking chair lounged. An extension had been placed upon the arms, for where Ibis was to place his hands. There were small loops for his fingers to rest under, to stop them from twitching. Blue walked beside it, helping Ibis place his hand into everything palm-side down. She held his other hand, a soft motherly smile on her face. "Squeeze as hard as you wish."

The artist first began by painting bright red marks on Ibis' hand, taking the ancient symbols of both Ra and Anubis on his hands. Then, he took his varying about of needles, and black ink, before starting into his skin. There wasn't much fat for the ink to be stored in, so he was forced to go deeper than normal. "Sorry if this hurts, sir," the man whispered.

Ibis followed, thinking to himself this was it. Really, once he received this sort of marking... things really were sealed. But then, this really was a road he had forged now wasn't it? He would.. he would face his punishment like a man. He wondered idly, had the rest of Ancient Monarchy heard about all of this yet? If so, he was certain Hawk would be dispatched very shortly indeed.

He inhaled deeply, as he set his hands upon the working area. Boy he was dreading this, he had a feeling it would be no walk in the park. Let them get this done in one session, please!

He gave a nod towards Blue. "Thank you," he said, as he tried to brace himself. It hurt just as much as he thought it would, perhaps more. Because Ibis had naturally slender hands anyways, he was certain that needle was going to go all the way through! There were a few times he inhaled sharply, but he promised himself he would not yell. Though the pain was quite excruciating, fire running along his hand. His free hand did indeed squeeze upon Blue's. He hoped it wasn't too hard, although when a particularly thin area was reached his grip tightened.

"It's alright, you're fie," Ibis managed to tell the man, closing his eyes. Of course he said then and then promptly bit down upon his lip to keep from exclaiming. He would take his punishment like a man...

Blue took the pain with tolerance, even when it tightened. However, when he began biting upon his lips she reached behind her to a table. A piece of wood, wrapped several times in leather, and then more in cloth so it was at least two inches in diameter, was placed in Ibis' mouth, over his tongue and yet under his top row of teeth. "Don't want you bleeding," she said maternally with a wide, open smile. "We'll do your other hand tomorrow, after that has had time to heal. Unless you don't wish to, and don't try to answer quite yet. Think about it. Focus on my talking, not your pain. You have a lot to do, but also a lot of time to do it. Nobody is going to be told outside the court, Anhy will only think I found you, and loved you, and decided you will be my future husband. None will know this is your punishment, unless you let them know. Not only is this so save face, but so no other assassin will come."

Blue's speech was only useless chatter as she tried to distract the poor Ibis. She felt for him, really. Her forearms weren't easy, not even after the long sessions they put her through with the detail. Hands did not have as much, for they were more tender, yet it took as many times with the artist as her own did. "You're doing really well, and they'll put soothing creme on it, and ice. It'll feel much better after this, you'll be able to lounge all day and eat sweet foods. Philosophers will lecture to you, but don't ask questions. You can ignore them, or you can engage them. Sometimes, even, they bring in musicians. Its delightful, really, after you get over this pain."

Well THAT was convenient. One could not speak with such a board placed, but they could not bite their lip either. Certainly useful. He thought upon all that she said, and miraculously, it did help with the pain quite a bit. Quite a smart tactic he decided, really. In fact, brilliant. The people would certainly not follow a former assassin. So if they did not know...

And certainly, he would not say he was.

He listened to her speak of what was to come, and pondered this as well. He really wasn't sure still what to make of everything. He had never been gone looking ahead in his life, now... he had to. Did he even know what he wished to do with his days? There would be no more travels, certainly no more maps... what was left?

He looked to her with a grateful look, which was the best he could manage under the current circumstances. What was he to make of this life? It never occurred to him really to live, just to survive each day. He wondered if he should talk about this later with Blue? He really was unused to talking with people about things involving his own life but perhaps...

When the artist finished the basics, he quickly cleaned the needle and put a bandage over Ibis' hand. Blue then gently released his hand, pulling the biting stick from his mouth and gently helping the man's hand from the trap. She smiled in a soothing way, walking Ibis from the room and leading him back to the pyramid. "I heard you're also getting your own room fixed in the pyramid. It should be nice, off the first floor, with its own bath and such," she idly chatted, pausing to daintily kneel at a small desert flower growing. She didn't pick it, instead staring at the texture of the petal, even reaching down to gently stroke the thing. "There might have been a word you worshiped Horus slipped in... And an alter might be added," Blue added, winking to Ibis with a laugh.

She stood, and continued on their way, taking a scenic route back to the pyramid. Those that passed Blue and Ibis bowed, and she nodded her head in reply. It seemed that, though feeling trapped, Blue didn't hate the people. Quite opposed, she loved them dearly, and could only hope for the best. It was another reason she lingered, for hopefully Blue could help them into an enjoyable peace instead of struggling against the harsh climate.

After the log was removed and his hand binded, Ibis could not help but exhale a sigh of relief. He had to admit, it still hurt quite a bit. It seemed to throb really to its own rhythm, as though reminding him of why it was tehre in the first place. Or simply making its presence known. Letting Ibis know it was not to be forgotten even under bandages. The former assassin was used to bandages, but for another reason entirely.

"Sounds nice," he replied, although the thought really was a strange one as well. Ibis wandered quite a bit, and as such his former place of residence had been the Guild Headquarters. He found himself smiling at the last.

"Thank you," he replied. He blinked as he was bowed at, but seeing Blue's reaction managed a nod of his own before it was too late. He thought idly to himself that was the last thing anyone should be doing, but it could not be helped.

"You know," he finally said, "It is... rather strange to realize I'll be waking up in the same place, day after day. It seems a foreign idea that I will still be here, come tomorrow. I've never really stayed in the same place for long. It is strange. In my early years I used to help people plan their lives, advise their futures. But when it came to my own..." He laughed softly. "Ah well. I do find myself wondering what each day shall bring, and how I shall handle it. Before I knew, and now I am not so certain. It is... a rather strange feeling." It was even more strange, to be without daggers or cloak. How would he handle it when he was dressed in finery?

Such a strange world ahead... and yet he knew he was locked in it. Now, whatever would he do with it?

Blue stopped when he began speaking of that, knowing this had been coming. She sighed, and turned to face Ibis, her face full of empathy and sympathy. "I had the same problem... I was restless, constantly changing spots in my room where I slept for even the smallest change. Sometimes I even slept outside... It was difficult for me to always have the same view of the sky as I fell asleep, to sit in a familiar surrounding with such repetition. The only thing I found that'd cure that was a few things. One, I read, a lot. I immersed myself until I had no idea where I was any longer. Second, I drew of areas back home, those that I remembered with special clarity. Third, I forced myself to simply suck it up and deal, that I would get used to this eventually. Truth be told, and I don't mean to scare you, but you don't really get used to it."

After the lengthy speech, Blue continued their meander back. She was quiet, letting the silence allow them time to think. Then, started up again, "But... If you ever need help adapting, even early in the morning or late at night, feel free to come get me. I am here for you." The woman was smiling, earnestly, trying to communicate he had to trust her again, and while not wishing to force it, longing and working rapidly to have Ibis' friendship.

Ibis listened intently as she spoke. It kept his mind off of the pain in his hands as well, but it was very insightful too. "Well, at least you are being honest with me," he replied, giving a light nod. "I thank you for this. I shall certainly have to try books. I am not too certain I would be inclined to arts however," he admitted.

In the following silence, he pondered upon her words deeper. He was thankful for her honesty, even when he himself had not been so in the beginning. How was it she moved from such a betrayal so easily? He wasn't sure, but it was one of the major things that made Ibis keep himself guarded. He remembered, from years ago a speech by his Guildmaster.

"One is always, forever, an assassin. Hold noone close, for someday your dagger might pierce them. Trust not even your allies, for one day the enemy might hire them against you. Walk alone, and know the next day depends on your own self to survive."

That was the speech he gave, and made sure to ingrain in every young recruit who came his way. Ibis had seen many a follow break it... only to end up fallen. 'But... I'm not an assassin anymore...' he thought to himself. Old habits died hard he supposed.

At her next words, he blinked with surprise before smiling a slight. "Thank you, I'll keep this in mind," he promised her. But it certainly was a task easier said than done. He wasn't too certain he remembered what trust meant anymore, it had been so long. He looked towards her then. "It will... take some time for me I'm afraid. Some time to adjust, to not be so... shocked I suppose. But, I learn quickly. If I do falter, you will certainly be the first person I rely upon." Other really than himself. And that much was true.

He did wish to trust, but first he would need to remember how. And... he did long for friendship as well. But he wasn't so certain he could be trusted for such a thing either.

Blue smiled as they walked, nodding gently to his words, though she was sure it would be harder than he made it sound. "You know, you seem to fight this too much," the woman whispered, finding her feet filling a familiar path back to the Temple. "Trust is not something you can figure out, or force yourself to do because I trust you already. Trust starts by doing simple things. You will find yourself up at night, pacing your room. You know there's an invitation to find my company, but for some reason hold back. Trusting me would mean, after pacing for a while, you come and get me. Not trusting would mean you'd head back to bed and try to do it yourself.

Does that make sense?" Blue asked, looking over at him with her wide, forget-me-not colored eyes. She smiled warmly, reaching a hand out to tenderly press her fingertips against his shoulder. "Does that tell you what trust really is?" She turned from the typical path, heading once more for the river. She found not only its sound, but the raving sight of water beating rock very good for thinking. Perhaps it'd help Ibis as well.

They passed through brush, the branches snagging at Blue's scanty dress. The woman paused, before bending over and picking a soft ground-covering plant. As they continued, Blue picked off the thorns individually, until on the soft leaves, steam and root was left. Then, handed it to Ibis. "Eat some. It tastes good, and will probably help the pain," she explained, laughing one of her gentle, harmless laughs. The girl seemed so loving of everything, it was hard to imagine she'd tricked an assassin.

Ibis looked over, pondering this a moment. "I... believe it does," he replied after a moment, considering. "The way you phrase it certainly makes it sound a lot easier..." he added. It was true,he was used to doing things upon his own. He was used to figuring out puzzles, including those of his own mind and body, on his own as well.

But what if... what if he tried to figure out those puzzles with a like-minded person... one who wished to help. What would result then he wondered?

"I suppose one can never see ahead if they are always looking over their shoulder behind them, can they?" he asked. He blinked when they paused, looking to the plant to see if he could identify it but finding he really had no idea what it was.Was it native to just this land or something? He supposed it very well might be.

"Well... alright," he replied, deciding to take her word for it and do just that. Eating the berries, he reflected that talking like this had kept his mind off of the pain in his arm quite well. He was grateful for this, but wasn't sure how to put it into words. So for now, until he did have the proper words, he opted to keep quiet. But was that really the right path to take either?

So much he had thought he had known, and then upon his arrival here it seemed it was all turned upside the head. Which was the correct way of seeing things?

When once more the frothing water came into view, Blue turned and crawled onto her favorite spot, smiling down to Ibis. "Sit, think a while. If you want to, ask me questions..." the girl suggested, leaning back and beginning to idly swing her legs about. Blue took her notebook and pen back out, beginning to do some detailed work into a previous picture. It seemed she didn't like her hands to be idle, at least.

The woman seemed content to simply sit here with Ibis. She was patient enough to wait for his thoughts to reach whatever conclusion they would. And, also, the lady knew trying to distract his mind with other matters would only confuse him further, and delay the inevitable. So, Blue figured, the best thing to do right now was simply sit with him and answer anything he thought up. She could certainly do that, at least.

Blue wasn't even paying attention to what she was doodling, adding gems here and there until they littered the page. And then she went about, working on the links of a chain individually. Such small details were good distractions from her own worries, at least until Ibis spoke. Which, she felt, he inevitably would.

Ibis nodded, deciding this would be a good idea. He sat beside the water, legs folded as he looked into the waters. Ever churning waters, always changing yet arriving in the same destination. Of course, looking to these waters, his mind could wander off on all sorts of tangents.

Which, inevitably, it always did. There was so much to ponder after all, so much to try and sort out. So many questions, so many things he wondered if he could have done differently. Reaching a hand out to the waters, he let it skim across his fingers, taking in the water's movements. How even when one tried to grasp it, it only tried to slip away. He pondered this as well, likening it to a few things. He was... used to quiet.

And yet... somehow the quiet grew uncomfortable within him as well. He was used to being alone, and yet somehow that seemed wrong now as well. He reflected upon this too.

"I do wonder if it is possible for ones own mind to overwork itself..." he commented, taking his eyes off of the waters for the first time and glancing over towards Blue. "Any ideas on how to relax ones mind for a time?" he asked her, curious. Too many questions, he decided, and for once tehre were so many he could feel the beginnings of a headache. not exactly soemthing he wished to nurse.

Blue smiled to herself as Ibis began speaking, turning to gaze at him with sweet, understanding eyes. "Of course, Ibis. That is sometimes why I draw, it is easy to relax. But, since you said you were no artist, why not try writing? Here, you can borrow my book and pen for now. Just... begin writing nonsense, I promise that it will eventually turn into something," she replied honestly, handing the tools down.

When Ibis took them, Blue went back to sitting upon her perch. She stared at the rolling waters, finding them as comforting as she always had. They constantly changed, yet never did at the same time. Blue waited against patiently, knowing that that was the trick to helping Ibis. All she had to do was wait for him to be ready, which was easy for the woman who was constantly waiting anyhow.

The minutes passed, and the sun grew higher the sky. Blue was humming by now, a soft melody her mother had taught her. An old memory from home, that seemed like not one but two lifetimes away. Hopefully Ibis would like the foreign, comforting song. It had been too long ago for Blue to remember the words, but its rhythm was just as soothing, used most of the time as a lullaby.

"No artist indeed I assure you," he added again. He remembered once when he had decided to try and doodle upon a scrap sheet of paper, just to kill a few moments before a guild meeting. He had thought to create a flower, the sort with the lovely petals and whatnot... only to be asked if it was a sun.

"Well.. it certainly is worth a shot at least," he added, taking the offered book and pen. It could not hurt to try. He wasn't certain how random words could create soemthing meaningful, or beautiful... but it was worth a try anyways.

He would look out towards the waters a moment, then write a few words down. Whatever happened to cross his mind at the time. And he found, somehow, the simple act of writing did help to unwind his mind a bit. It didn't even have to be about anything important. He could describe the waters, the scenery even, and it helped.

One might notice, after a time, the man was smiling lightly. Whether it be from the music, or the simple act of writing... it was hard to say. He looked towards Blue then, setting the pen down when he felt perhaps his hand might go a slight numb. "You know... I think in a way I have learned quite a bit today," he told her. The smile still lingered there, and one was reminded really of just what a difference it made to his usually stoic features. He wasn't aware really it was even there. He was visibly more relaxed at least.

"Thank you Blue, for this. Knowledge and things I could not have found otherwise," he told her then, and he blinked as he realized perhaps that was what he meant to tell her earlier. Why did his thanks come now instead of then?

Blue felt his eyes upon her, and turned to return the look, pausing in her song to listen to what made him stop. She jumped from her perch then, landing gracefully beside Ibis to kneel down and embrace him warmly. "You are most definitely welcome. It is what I am here for, and you shall be for me too, but only just now is your time of need." Blue leaned back on her heels, still kneeling down to Ibis' eye level. "I hope this means you are beginning to trust me, because that's what it seems."

The woman did feel a good connection to him, how he had trusted her words about the writing. She felt that he knew she was only here for his best interest now, that they really were friends, even in his damnation. "Ibis, now that you have stilled your mind, why don't we go back? You must be hungry. The pain and mental stress has to be taking a toll upon your body." Blue stood, taking Ibis with her gently by his elbow.

Leading the way once more, she wound through the thin deer path. When they came to the streets it was quite a bit busier, being near lunch. Mainly is was just slaves wandering about, carrying groceries for their masters. Occasionally a noble wandered about, strolling with a friend or on their way to a lunch event. Blue took Ibis by the arm, "I heard a rumor that we'll be lunching with the Pharaoh," she whispered to him with a large smile. "What do you think of that?"

Ibis certainly was still quite unused to touch of any sort that didn't involve training and as such of course his initial reaction was to stiffen a slight. Exhaling though, he relaxed again as he reminded himself mentally of the situation. This was a different place and time. It was... alright.

"Hmmmm... I think so," he replied, mulling over this. "I do believe so. Really, you have given me no reason at all not to trust you... and every reason to. The only thing really holding things back is, well, myself." He paused at this line of thought, shaking his head. "And it is just... ridiculous to hold oneself back from moving forward, isn;t it?" he asked.

Perhaps... perhaps he really had been looking at this the wrong way. A few things clicked for him then, as he allowed that thought to keep rolling. He, indeed, was what kept himself from moving forward. Why could he not lookahead, and make the most of this? Why could he not simply use his life to try and make amends, while at the same time...

It certainly made sense. It made more sense than anything he had been trying to convince himself of. "Right,"he replied. "Although, it seems, I have only been stressing myself out. As I thought upon things Blue.. I think I realize why you did what you did. And that perhaps, looking at things from another angle might not be such a bad thing." When it was emntioned they might be having lunch with the pharaoh, he blinked. It was clear he was quite surprised!

"Well, I am sure it will be an interesting time for all," he replied quietly back. "Certain not a dull lunch in the slightest!" The Pharoah... now here was a situation he didn't think he'd find himself in! And after last night... should be interesting indeed.