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The princess snorted, giving Lakar a look. Malum had basically told her, hey, find this thing in a bedchamber, which might be in this country… Yes, because she could find that for sure. After a moment, Asima felt tears tug at her eyes, and in an effort to distract herself and stay upbeat, “Nemiah left for a ride and isn’t back yet. Do you need help with anything?” |
"Is he not back yet?" Lakar asked, "hmm, he's certainly spending a lot of time there. I'm not sure if I have anything you can help with immediately..."
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”A lot of time where, Lakar?” Asima questioned, nodding to the rest. “With Mesa? Do you think she‘ll become a member of his harem?” Though she wouldn‘t admit it aloud, Asima was jealous. Very jealous. She‘d lost Malum, and would be expected to fight him or his brother, while Nemiah, though he did make a better Pharaoh than she ever could, he got his love and was secure in his position. What would happen if Asima denied her brother, disobeyed him every way she could? She‘d be cast out. And, though she‘d never technically been a member of Malum‘s harem, and that was not a position she desired, she missed the male. How happy he‘d been on his day off, how caring he had been for his people. It still confused her beyond belief, and she was dying for Malum to appear in her dream once more, though. He‘d seen the floor when he was young, seen the doves. When he‘d seen her, and with the way he looked, he had to of known what was to be expected of her. Why let her care for him like this? Long ago, he‘d said to be careful what she allowed him to do. Was it a warning for the future? (Jeez...I'm so sentimental....Sorry, I was bored, so put a lot of time into the reply!) |
((Daww!!! I like it! Seriously ^-^ So cute!))
"For some reason he decided to visit the slave village" Lakar replied, "I don't believe he has plans with Mesa until this afternoon. I'm not certain what they intend upon." |
”Oh?” Asima said, not sure if she should panic or not. “Uh, Lakar…he kinda walked in on a rant that Sarah was having…Um…he wouldn’t punish the slaves for that, would he?” She could still remember the way he’d looked when he’d disowned her. Even with how kind he seemed now, it didn’t mean he couldn’t show that side of his face once more… |
"I don't think so..." Lakar responded thoughtfully, "you could always go and check for yourself though." he looked at her curiously, "what exactly happened last night?"
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”Huh-oh” I asked him if I could select a slave, but explained that who I had in mind wasn’t fond of me, so I asked if I could free her and her brother…Nemiah said yes. So I got Sarah.” She hesitated, “She…was a member of Malum’s harem, and used to be a slave. She decided to leave his harem and stay with her brother, though. She…doesn’t know about Malum, or details of what we will be doing.” Asima added pointedly, “I prefer it that way. I think I will go look…you sure you don’t need help?” |
Lakar raised a curious brow, "it would appear that you already have plenty to take care of yourself. I am alright, you go on ahead."
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The princess didn’t respond, already rushing from the room. All she could think of was the city Nemiah had slaughtered…and of Malum as a child, how horrified he’d looked, to feel his parents die. She didn’t bother with a saddle, despite protests from the royal groom, simply bridling the gelding quickly, and mounting. She set off at a gallop, frustrated when busy streets made her slow. Finally, her panting, and her dress covered with the horse’s sweat, Asima arrived to the slave village. |
The scene was... unusual to say the least. The slaves were still in the village instead of out working on the numerous projects. They were working on their own homes, collecting their own food and taking care of themselves. At the edge of the village, just within the circle of surrounding slave guards was Nemiah. He appeared to have dismounted from his horse, only to sit upon the ground and watch the slaves go about their personal duties. No one dared approach him, his expression seemed somehow unreadable, but it was clear that there was something going on in his mind.
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Asima took in the situation and frowned. Well, she wasn’t just anyone. She would approach her brother. “Nemiah?” The princess questioned, slipping past his guards and giving them a tiny wave, and kneeling next to her brother. “What are you doing here? You…aren’t mad at Sarah, are you?” |
Nemiah gave a sigh, "hello Asima..." he barely broke his watching of the village to acknowledge her presence before turning back. "You know... at first I was. The thought of her complete insolence was infuriating," he clenched his fists, "it kept me up wondering what I should do about it. This morning I decided I would come down here and prove her wrong, prove that none of this even mattered... but I found quite the opposite," his hands relaxed again as he surveyed the scene, "They are people... they need to breathe and eat and rest like anyone else... why did I ever think that they were so different? Maybe because I never bothered to actually look?" He sighed again and shook his head, getting to his feet, "I struck a deal with them. Slave labor is a key part of our economy, it cannot be helped. But if they work hard, and accomplish the goals set for the week in six days, they may have their seventh to themselves. I've increase their food and water a bit as well. Perhaps if they have something to look forward to each week, we can all have a bit of what we need."
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Asima was silent when Nemiah spoke, before tossing her arms around her brother. "You're so kind and wonderful! Why can't I be like that? Why must I do all this? I can't believe you! This is wonderful, Nemiah!" Everything was said in record time, and jumbled together slightly. |
A smile broke out across the pharaoh's face as he happily hugged Asima in return, "Well, I'm glad you approve. I certainly hope your friend does as well. After all, just because I must consider Egyptians first, it does not mean I must neglect everyone else who calls Egypt home." As Nemiah let her go he gave his sister an affectionate kiss on the forehead, "So much would be left unchanged without you and your friends Asima. Please, whatever it is you're always up to out there, keep it up. We're well on our way to creating a better Egypt for tomorrow."
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Asima pulled back from her brother, her good mood evaporating. What if it destroyed her? After a moment, she forced a smile, and nodded. "How long will you be here, then?" |
"Ah, I was just going to head back. I guess I kind of got lost in thought out here, the sun's much higher than I realized" he chuckled and climbed up onto his horse, "Care to join me back to the palace?"
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Asima nodded, "Of course, brother." She hummed quietly, glancing at him every few moments. It continued to amaze her, how good of a person Nemiah was. Maybe if she did confide in him...maybe he would understand? |
The pair made their way along, heading back towards the palace together. Nemiah certainly seemed in a good mood now.
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"Nemiah..." Asima began slowly, "Though Malum was your enemy and a killer and thief, why did you let me remain with them? What would you do, if...if I had become like them?" |
"Hm?" Nemiah looked over at her curiously, "I let you stay with them because I trust you to know what you're doing. You got understand those two far better than I, and when it came down to it that ended up saving our lives. But if you were to become like them? Well I'm not entirely sure what you mean by that" he gave a look of concern, "I don't want you to become anyone whom you don't wish to be"
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Asima winced slightly, averting her gaze. It was too late for that. "I mean, if I was to become a murderer or thief..? What would you think of me? What would you do?" |
"I would always love you Asima" Nemiah stated firmly, "I realize that being the pharaoh and having the concerns and wellbeing of my people come first... it may cause me to do things I do not wish. however... that being said, whatever you do, anything that may disappoint, anger or hurt me, I will still love you as my sister. After all, Malum's already proved that allying with a thief and murderer has it's occasional advantages. I would only worry about what trouble you may find yourself in."
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Asima nodded, though she was too ashamed to admit her wrong doings now. As of now, she was at a standstill, and had no idea what to do to keep her mind busy and occupied. "When do you think you'll hear back from Arabia? I know I asked...but I forgot..." |
Nemiah laughed a little, "If only it was so easy to send messages across countries... I suspect it'll be soon though. It has been a few days already" he looked at her, "Hey, is everything going alright? Are you still sure you want to do this with Arabia right now?"
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:”Everything’s fine.” Asima assured him. “And yes. I’m more sure than ever. I need to go. But, in the meantime, do you have some work I can do for you, to take my mind off things?” |
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