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The Evening Star Palace held many wonders for its inhabitants, including beautifully crafted terrace gardens, with open ceilings and reflecting pools surrounded by vines and trees that seemed to bloom in every color at this time of the year. Master gardeners had managed to create a beautiful oasis in the middle of the harshest deserts.
Zoser found himself admiring a row of small, manicured hibiscus trees, where the master gardeners had trained the inch wide trunks to grow in the form of a braid. The row of them seemed to create a dividing wall that distracted the eye with stunning magenta buds that threatened to burst at any moment. In the height of the summer heat, these buds would be dried and turned into teas to stave off the heat or into delicious honey-coated candies that would dance on the tongue.
For now, they attracted bees and birds to their branches, showing life could thrive even in the harshest of conditions.
Seated on a finely carved stone bench, his hand rested on a small satchel of scrolls, codices, and a few artifacts to share today with the young queen, Hatshepsut. Early on they spent much of the day together, learning Coptic writing and arithmetic, as well as the names of each province in Egypt and a few beyond. It began when she was six years old, and when he was twenty-eight, freshly plucked from the University of Athenia by a father who had never acknowledged his existence until it served a purpose.
In that case, it was war.
Still, he could count his blessings to be in such a position of luxury, refining the archives and leading the Royal Scribes within the Evening Star Palace. And, to serve as the personal tutor to the Evening Star herself.
Now that she had become of age, many of her lessons turned away from the academic and to the social, learning the finest ways to host a court event and to rule over the Kingdom with grace and poise. With each passing day, she had grown more radiant and regal. While their time was limited considerably, Zoser had shifted from being her tutor to becoming an advisor. Each day, they spent at least one hour in conversation - sometimes about the current affairs within the Kingdom but...occasionally, they would indulge in topics of interest as opposed to those of use.
Hearing rather than seeing the Queen's Guards approach, Zoser stood formally, bowing deeply at the hip with his arm across his chest in formal recognition. Despite their closeness and the almost familial affection they held towards each other, she was still the Queen and courtesy was courtesy, always.
"Your Evening Radiance," he replied, an affectionate smile on his lips as he came to stand. Already at 14 years of age, the Queen was beginning to show the first blossoms of womanhood, and yet when he saw her, he still remembered the time when she stood hardly to his waist. Back then, his hair bore more obsidian than silver, and his held fewer lines.
Gesturing toward their shaded seat, he nodded to her guards - almost old friends at this point - as they were relieved of their escort duties and stepped to the entrance of the garden to give them their privacy.
Once they were seated at the bench, Zoser opened the bag he had brought with them, and brought out an oddly shaped bundle that had been carefully wrapped with thick leather cloth and tied with leather strands. He raised a slightly teasing brow as he spoke, "Consider this is a bit of a test. I am curious as to what you may already know."
Passing her the wrapped bundle, he tugged at one of the ties that held it closed, revealing the top of a finely-carved, white marble statue, just shy of a half-foot tall. It was a man with bulging muscles, a thick flowing beard and fiercely narrowed eyes. The base of the figurine was a billowing cloud, and in his hand, instead of a spear was a bolt of lightning, drawn back and ready to be fired.
"Do you know who this is?"
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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The Evening Star Palace held many wonders for its inhabitants, including beautifully crafted terrace gardens, with open ceilings and reflecting pools surrounded by vines and trees that seemed to bloom in every color at this time of the year. Master gardeners had managed to create a beautiful oasis in the middle of the harshest deserts.
Zoser found himself admiring a row of small, manicured hibiscus trees, where the master gardeners had trained the inch wide trunks to grow in the form of a braid. The row of them seemed to create a dividing wall that distracted the eye with stunning magenta buds that threatened to burst at any moment. In the height of the summer heat, these buds would be dried and turned into teas to stave off the heat or into delicious honey-coated candies that would dance on the tongue.
For now, they attracted bees and birds to their branches, showing life could thrive even in the harshest of conditions.
Seated on a finely carved stone bench, his hand rested on a small satchel of scrolls, codices, and a few artifacts to share today with the young queen, Hatshepsut. Early on they spent much of the day together, learning Coptic writing and arithmetic, as well as the names of each province in Egypt and a few beyond. It began when she was six years old, and when he was twenty-eight, freshly plucked from the University of Athenia by a father who had never acknowledged his existence until it served a purpose.
In that case, it was war.
Still, he could count his blessings to be in such a position of luxury, refining the archives and leading the Royal Scribes within the Evening Star Palace. And, to serve as the personal tutor to the Evening Star herself.
Now that she had become of age, many of her lessons turned away from the academic and to the social, learning the finest ways to host a court event and to rule over the Kingdom with grace and poise. With each passing day, she had grown more radiant and regal. While their time was limited considerably, Zoser had shifted from being her tutor to becoming an advisor. Each day, they spent at least one hour in conversation - sometimes about the current affairs within the Kingdom but...occasionally, they would indulge in topics of interest as opposed to those of use.
Hearing rather than seeing the Queen's Guards approach, Zoser stood formally, bowing deeply at the hip with his arm across his chest in formal recognition. Despite their closeness and the almost familial affection they held towards each other, she was still the Queen and courtesy was courtesy, always.
"Your Evening Radiance," he replied, an affectionate smile on his lips as he came to stand. Already at 14 years of age, the Queen was beginning to show the first blossoms of womanhood, and yet when he saw her, he still remembered the time when she stood hardly to his waist. Back then, his hair bore more obsidian than silver, and his held fewer lines.
Gesturing toward their shaded seat, he nodded to her guards - almost old friends at this point - as they were relieved of their escort duties and stepped to the entrance of the garden to give them their privacy.
Once they were seated at the bench, Zoser opened the bag he had brought with them, and brought out an oddly shaped bundle that had been carefully wrapped with thick leather cloth and tied with leather strands. He raised a slightly teasing brow as he spoke, "Consider this is a bit of a test. I am curious as to what you may already know."
Passing her the wrapped bundle, he tugged at one of the ties that held it closed, revealing the top of a finely-carved, white marble statue, just shy of a half-foot tall. It was a man with bulging muscles, a thick flowing beard and fiercely narrowed eyes. The base of the figurine was a billowing cloud, and in his hand, instead of a spear was a bolt of lightning, drawn back and ready to be fired.
"Do you know who this is?"
The Evening Star Palace held many wonders for its inhabitants, including beautifully crafted terrace gardens, with open ceilings and reflecting pools surrounded by vines and trees that seemed to bloom in every color at this time of the year. Master gardeners had managed to create a beautiful oasis in the middle of the harshest deserts.
Zoser found himself admiring a row of small, manicured hibiscus trees, where the master gardeners had trained the inch wide trunks to grow in the form of a braid. The row of them seemed to create a dividing wall that distracted the eye with stunning magenta buds that threatened to burst at any moment. In the height of the summer heat, these buds would be dried and turned into teas to stave off the heat or into delicious honey-coated candies that would dance on the tongue.
For now, they attracted bees and birds to their branches, showing life could thrive even in the harshest of conditions.
Seated on a finely carved stone bench, his hand rested on a small satchel of scrolls, codices, and a few artifacts to share today with the young queen, Hatshepsut. Early on they spent much of the day together, learning Coptic writing and arithmetic, as well as the names of each province in Egypt and a few beyond. It began when she was six years old, and when he was twenty-eight, freshly plucked from the University of Athenia by a father who had never acknowledged his existence until it served a purpose.
In that case, it was war.
Still, he could count his blessings to be in such a position of luxury, refining the archives and leading the Royal Scribes within the Evening Star Palace. And, to serve as the personal tutor to the Evening Star herself.
Now that she had become of age, many of her lessons turned away from the academic and to the social, learning the finest ways to host a court event and to rule over the Kingdom with grace and poise. With each passing day, she had grown more radiant and regal. While their time was limited considerably, Zoser had shifted from being her tutor to becoming an advisor. Each day, they spent at least one hour in conversation - sometimes about the current affairs within the Kingdom but...occasionally, they would indulge in topics of interest as opposed to those of use.
Hearing rather than seeing the Queen's Guards approach, Zoser stood formally, bowing deeply at the hip with his arm across his chest in formal recognition. Despite their closeness and the almost familial affection they held towards each other, she was still the Queen and courtesy was courtesy, always.
"Your Evening Radiance," he replied, an affectionate smile on his lips as he came to stand. Already at 14 years of age, the Queen was beginning to show the first blossoms of womanhood, and yet when he saw her, he still remembered the time when she stood hardly to his waist. Back then, his hair bore more obsidian than silver, and his held fewer lines.
Gesturing toward their shaded seat, he nodded to her guards - almost old friends at this point - as they were relieved of their escort duties and stepped to the entrance of the garden to give them their privacy.
Once they were seated at the bench, Zoser opened the bag he had brought with them, and brought out an oddly shaped bundle that had been carefully wrapped with thick leather cloth and tied with leather strands. He raised a slightly teasing brow as he spoke, "Consider this is a bit of a test. I am curious as to what you may already know."
Passing her the wrapped bundle, he tugged at one of the ties that held it closed, revealing the top of a finely-carved, white marble statue, just shy of a half-foot tall. It was a man with bulging muscles, a thick flowing beard and fiercely narrowed eyes. The base of the figurine was a billowing cloud, and in his hand, instead of a spear was a bolt of lightning, drawn back and ready to be fired.
"Do you know who this is?"
With plans for her tour of Egypt well underway, Hatshepsut had little time for herself. The journey would begin shortly after she turned fourteen and she had been preparing for it by studying each province and what it was known for so that she would be award of what to expect and wouldn't embarrass herself. A scroll labeled with the name of each one held her notes, which she would go over as the royal barge sailed down the Nile to each of her destinations. She was quite excited about the upcoming tour, but understandably anxious as well. The young Queen was not a social creature and was afraid she might disappoint her people.
Today she had decided to take a break from her studies and meet with her longtime tutor Zoser in the gardens. It had been he who had initially taught her about the various areas of Egypt as well as countless other interesting subjects. He had also instilled in her a love of philosophy, which they often discussed together. Now that her mother had taken over her education and was teaching her how to rule, her lessons with Zosie had ended. He had taken on the role of advisor and she cherished the conversations they shared daily. He had been an integral part of her life since she was six years old and she loved him as one would love an uncle or even a father.
Today they were meeting outside. Another reason Hatshepsut looked forward to her sessions with him was that she never knew what the topic of discussion was going to be. She turned over possibilities in her mind as she strolled through the gorgeous palace gardens, proceeded by the royal guards and followed by a few slaves. Two of them were allowed to walk beside her so that they could keep her cool with their large ostrich feather fans. What would Zosie surprise her with today, she wondered? She could hardly wait to find out.
She ordered her guards to halt as an ostentation of peafowl crossed their path, remembering how she had liked to chase them when she was a child. A peacock turned his head to look at her and she stared back at him, smiling. All of these animals were hers and she loved each and every one of them. It might seem odd for a Queen to stop for a bunch of birds, but this was their home, and technically, she was the intruder.
They continued on their way. The breeze conjured by the fans stirred the folds of her simple white kalisaris which was cinched at her tiny waist by a double-wrapped belt made of multicolored beads. Hatshepsut wore a matching collar as well as golden bands on her upper arms, her wrists, and her ankles. Her feet were bare and her ebony curls flowed loose down her back.
When they reached the alcove where she was to meet Zoser, she saw that her tutor was already on his feet, bowing to her in the formal fashion. The young Queen was accustomed to such deference and considered it normal, so she thought nothing of it. Long ago, she had hugged him whenever she saw him but those days were past. Only one more year and she would be old enough to marry and her mother had told her over and over that she must be decorous and regal at all times. The temptation to throw herself in his arms was there, but she managed to restrain herself, her eyes traveling to the satchel beside him.
“I'm sorry if I'm late,” she greeted him, plopping on the bench beside him. “We stopped to let some peafowl pass in front of us.” She grinned at him, for he knew how she adored animals. Her guards moved away as did the slaves. As they were sitting in the shade, there was no need to fan her unless she specifically requested it. They still held the fans aloft, until she waved a hand in their direction, a signal that they were permitted to lower them.
Her curiosity was piqued by the parcel Zoser pulled out of his bag and held out to her. What did he want to test her about this time? After he unwrapped it, Hatshepsut looked at the statue in her hands, reaching out to run her fingers down the carved beard. She knew who this was, but for the life of her, she couldn't remember his name. One of the Greek dieties, the King of them all.
Turning it around in her hands, she gave her tutor a winsome but sheepish smile. “He's a false god,” she stated, “worshiped by the Greeks.”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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With plans for her tour of Egypt well underway, Hatshepsut had little time for herself. The journey would begin shortly after she turned fourteen and she had been preparing for it by studying each province and what it was known for so that she would be award of what to expect and wouldn't embarrass herself. A scroll labeled with the name of each one held her notes, which she would go over as the royal barge sailed down the Nile to each of her destinations. She was quite excited about the upcoming tour, but understandably anxious as well. The young Queen was not a social creature and was afraid she might disappoint her people.
Today she had decided to take a break from her studies and meet with her longtime tutor Zoser in the gardens. It had been he who had initially taught her about the various areas of Egypt as well as countless other interesting subjects. He had also instilled in her a love of philosophy, which they often discussed together. Now that her mother had taken over her education and was teaching her how to rule, her lessons with Zosie had ended. He had taken on the role of advisor and she cherished the conversations they shared daily. He had been an integral part of her life since she was six years old and she loved him as one would love an uncle or even a father.
Today they were meeting outside. Another reason Hatshepsut looked forward to her sessions with him was that she never knew what the topic of discussion was going to be. She turned over possibilities in her mind as she strolled through the gorgeous palace gardens, proceeded by the royal guards and followed by a few slaves. Two of them were allowed to walk beside her so that they could keep her cool with their large ostrich feather fans. What would Zosie surprise her with today, she wondered? She could hardly wait to find out.
She ordered her guards to halt as an ostentation of peafowl crossed their path, remembering how she had liked to chase them when she was a child. A peacock turned his head to look at her and she stared back at him, smiling. All of these animals were hers and she loved each and every one of them. It might seem odd for a Queen to stop for a bunch of birds, but this was their home, and technically, she was the intruder.
They continued on their way. The breeze conjured by the fans stirred the folds of her simple white kalisaris which was cinched at her tiny waist by a double-wrapped belt made of multicolored beads. Hatshepsut wore a matching collar as well as golden bands on her upper arms, her wrists, and her ankles. Her feet were bare and her ebony curls flowed loose down her back.
When they reached the alcove where she was to meet Zoser, she saw that her tutor was already on his feet, bowing to her in the formal fashion. The young Queen was accustomed to such deference and considered it normal, so she thought nothing of it. Long ago, she had hugged him whenever she saw him but those days were past. Only one more year and she would be old enough to marry and her mother had told her over and over that she must be decorous and regal at all times. The temptation to throw herself in his arms was there, but she managed to restrain herself, her eyes traveling to the satchel beside him.
“I'm sorry if I'm late,” she greeted him, plopping on the bench beside him. “We stopped to let some peafowl pass in front of us.” She grinned at him, for he knew how she adored animals. Her guards moved away as did the slaves. As they were sitting in the shade, there was no need to fan her unless she specifically requested it. They still held the fans aloft, until she waved a hand in their direction, a signal that they were permitted to lower them.
Her curiosity was piqued by the parcel Zoser pulled out of his bag and held out to her. What did he want to test her about this time? After he unwrapped it, Hatshepsut looked at the statue in her hands, reaching out to run her fingers down the carved beard. She knew who this was, but for the life of her, she couldn't remember his name. One of the Greek dieties, the King of them all.
Turning it around in her hands, she gave her tutor a winsome but sheepish smile. “He's a false god,” she stated, “worshiped by the Greeks.”
With plans for her tour of Egypt well underway, Hatshepsut had little time for herself. The journey would begin shortly after she turned fourteen and she had been preparing for it by studying each province and what it was known for so that she would be award of what to expect and wouldn't embarrass herself. A scroll labeled with the name of each one held her notes, which she would go over as the royal barge sailed down the Nile to each of her destinations. She was quite excited about the upcoming tour, but understandably anxious as well. The young Queen was not a social creature and was afraid she might disappoint her people.
Today she had decided to take a break from her studies and meet with her longtime tutor Zoser in the gardens. It had been he who had initially taught her about the various areas of Egypt as well as countless other interesting subjects. He had also instilled in her a love of philosophy, which they often discussed together. Now that her mother had taken over her education and was teaching her how to rule, her lessons with Zosie had ended. He had taken on the role of advisor and she cherished the conversations they shared daily. He had been an integral part of her life since she was six years old and she loved him as one would love an uncle or even a father.
Today they were meeting outside. Another reason Hatshepsut looked forward to her sessions with him was that she never knew what the topic of discussion was going to be. She turned over possibilities in her mind as she strolled through the gorgeous palace gardens, proceeded by the royal guards and followed by a few slaves. Two of them were allowed to walk beside her so that they could keep her cool with their large ostrich feather fans. What would Zosie surprise her with today, she wondered? She could hardly wait to find out.
She ordered her guards to halt as an ostentation of peafowl crossed their path, remembering how she had liked to chase them when she was a child. A peacock turned his head to look at her and she stared back at him, smiling. All of these animals were hers and she loved each and every one of them. It might seem odd for a Queen to stop for a bunch of birds, but this was their home, and technically, she was the intruder.
They continued on their way. The breeze conjured by the fans stirred the folds of her simple white kalisaris which was cinched at her tiny waist by a double-wrapped belt made of multicolored beads. Hatshepsut wore a matching collar as well as golden bands on her upper arms, her wrists, and her ankles. Her feet were bare and her ebony curls flowed loose down her back.
When they reached the alcove where she was to meet Zoser, she saw that her tutor was already on his feet, bowing to her in the formal fashion. The young Queen was accustomed to such deference and considered it normal, so she thought nothing of it. Long ago, she had hugged him whenever she saw him but those days were past. Only one more year and she would be old enough to marry and her mother had told her over and over that she must be decorous and regal at all times. The temptation to throw herself in his arms was there, but she managed to restrain herself, her eyes traveling to the satchel beside him.
“I'm sorry if I'm late,” she greeted him, plopping on the bench beside him. “We stopped to let some peafowl pass in front of us.” She grinned at him, for he knew how she adored animals. Her guards moved away as did the slaves. As they were sitting in the shade, there was no need to fan her unless she specifically requested it. They still held the fans aloft, until she waved a hand in their direction, a signal that they were permitted to lower them.
Her curiosity was piqued by the parcel Zoser pulled out of his bag and held out to her. What did he want to test her about this time? After he unwrapped it, Hatshepsut looked at the statue in her hands, reaching out to run her fingers down the carved beard. She knew who this was, but for the life of her, she couldn't remember his name. One of the Greek dieties, the King of them all.
Turning it around in her hands, she gave her tutor a winsome but sheepish smile. “He's a false god,” she stated, “worshiped by the Greeks.”
There was no hiding the fondness he held for the young queen, particularly in these private circumstances. When they were in formal company, it was easier to reserve his expressions to that of a courteous and obedient advisor.
It was her comment about waiting for peafowl to cross the paths before them that allowed his expression to crack into a full smile. It was an unsurprising response to him, knowing how tender the Queen's heart was - it was a weakness they both shared. The additional associative humor of seeing the two guards who bore giant ostrich feathers as they flanked her, almost making her appear as an ivory peafowl herself.
Zoser kept these thoughts to himself as she settled next to him and he revealed the statuette, his eyes watching her expressions. In all their time together, he felt as if he could watch the thoughts flicker across her brow, though as she aged and gained the irreproachable tutelage of the Queen Dowager Isethperu, it became harder and harder to read those thoughts.
Zoser's brow raised slightly at her assessment, pausing a moment to see if perhaps upon saying the words the name would come to her. When all that lingered there was a soft smile, he knew that would not be the case, and yet, he was not quite wishing to give her the answer in that moment. There was another important lesson to be taught.
"Ah ah, careful, your Majesty," he started, raising a slight finger in the tiniest of admonishments, with his face held slightly firm but his voice carrying no such firmness, "We must not form a habit of allowing our personal beliefs bleed into our words." It had not been much of an issue overall, but with her more formal duties mounting, including public speaking and diplomatic ventures nearing both in the upcoming tour of the Kingdom as well as eventual foreign diplomatic visits, it was valuable to instill the importance and power of words in one who did not wield a sword.
Not wishing to see her expression fall, his expression softened with a slight sigh that shifted into a smile. Part of him worried that his concern for her would be his downfall someday. Since the first day they had met like this, she had him wrapped around her finger.
"This is Zeus, king of the gods worshipped by the Greeks," Zoser explained, shifting the statue in his hand to hold it up before them, examining it with his own eyes before giving her a sidelong glance, "He is not false to the Greeks, and while we may disagree, it is important in your position to respect that belief as we would wish our own beliefs to be respected."
Zoser offered the statue to her for closer inspection. There was a lingering pause for a moment before Zoser added, "You are aware of the Peace Treaty between The Greek Kingdoms and our own." He knew this to be true, because he taught it to her. He continued, "I mention this knowing that, in the time to come, there may be visitors to your court from the Greek Kingdoms. Many will not forgive or forget the conflict from that time, but...this lasting peace has allowed our Kingdoms to thrive."
He let his words linger there for a moment for her to consider them, knowing they were quite a different flavor compared to the talk of generals and other advisors. In their eyes and in the heartbeat of Egypt overall, war was profitable and even desired. Peace and diplomacy were considered by many to be a weakness, which turned eyes on the issues closer to home - something many Hei's and organizations wished against. Yet, with peace came stability and with diplomacy, understanding.
Then again, Zoser knew it was not his place to dictate Queen Hatshepsut's thoughts but simply to offer her new knowledge. From there, she could do as she wished.
"Zeus has many children who are gods as well, your Majesty, but...we can also talk of other things, if it is your desire." A small smile drifted across his lips as he leaned against a hand perched against the bench.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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There was no hiding the fondness he held for the young queen, particularly in these private circumstances. When they were in formal company, it was easier to reserve his expressions to that of a courteous and obedient advisor.
It was her comment about waiting for peafowl to cross the paths before them that allowed his expression to crack into a full smile. It was an unsurprising response to him, knowing how tender the Queen's heart was - it was a weakness they both shared. The additional associative humor of seeing the two guards who bore giant ostrich feathers as they flanked her, almost making her appear as an ivory peafowl herself.
Zoser kept these thoughts to himself as she settled next to him and he revealed the statuette, his eyes watching her expressions. In all their time together, he felt as if he could watch the thoughts flicker across her brow, though as she aged and gained the irreproachable tutelage of the Queen Dowager Isethperu, it became harder and harder to read those thoughts.
Zoser's brow raised slightly at her assessment, pausing a moment to see if perhaps upon saying the words the name would come to her. When all that lingered there was a soft smile, he knew that would not be the case, and yet, he was not quite wishing to give her the answer in that moment. There was another important lesson to be taught.
"Ah ah, careful, your Majesty," he started, raising a slight finger in the tiniest of admonishments, with his face held slightly firm but his voice carrying no such firmness, "We must not form a habit of allowing our personal beliefs bleed into our words." It had not been much of an issue overall, but with her more formal duties mounting, including public speaking and diplomatic ventures nearing both in the upcoming tour of the Kingdom as well as eventual foreign diplomatic visits, it was valuable to instill the importance and power of words in one who did not wield a sword.
Not wishing to see her expression fall, his expression softened with a slight sigh that shifted into a smile. Part of him worried that his concern for her would be his downfall someday. Since the first day they had met like this, she had him wrapped around her finger.
"This is Zeus, king of the gods worshipped by the Greeks," Zoser explained, shifting the statue in his hand to hold it up before them, examining it with his own eyes before giving her a sidelong glance, "He is not false to the Greeks, and while we may disagree, it is important in your position to respect that belief as we would wish our own beliefs to be respected."
Zoser offered the statue to her for closer inspection. There was a lingering pause for a moment before Zoser added, "You are aware of the Peace Treaty between The Greek Kingdoms and our own." He knew this to be true, because he taught it to her. He continued, "I mention this knowing that, in the time to come, there may be visitors to your court from the Greek Kingdoms. Many will not forgive or forget the conflict from that time, but...this lasting peace has allowed our Kingdoms to thrive."
He let his words linger there for a moment for her to consider them, knowing they were quite a different flavor compared to the talk of generals and other advisors. In their eyes and in the heartbeat of Egypt overall, war was profitable and even desired. Peace and diplomacy were considered by many to be a weakness, which turned eyes on the issues closer to home - something many Hei's and organizations wished against. Yet, with peace came stability and with diplomacy, understanding.
Then again, Zoser knew it was not his place to dictate Queen Hatshepsut's thoughts but simply to offer her new knowledge. From there, she could do as she wished.
"Zeus has many children who are gods as well, your Majesty, but...we can also talk of other things, if it is your desire." A small smile drifted across his lips as he leaned against a hand perched against the bench.
There was no hiding the fondness he held for the young queen, particularly in these private circumstances. When they were in formal company, it was easier to reserve his expressions to that of a courteous and obedient advisor.
It was her comment about waiting for peafowl to cross the paths before them that allowed his expression to crack into a full smile. It was an unsurprising response to him, knowing how tender the Queen's heart was - it was a weakness they both shared. The additional associative humor of seeing the two guards who bore giant ostrich feathers as they flanked her, almost making her appear as an ivory peafowl herself.
Zoser kept these thoughts to himself as she settled next to him and he revealed the statuette, his eyes watching her expressions. In all their time together, he felt as if he could watch the thoughts flicker across her brow, though as she aged and gained the irreproachable tutelage of the Queen Dowager Isethperu, it became harder and harder to read those thoughts.
Zoser's brow raised slightly at her assessment, pausing a moment to see if perhaps upon saying the words the name would come to her. When all that lingered there was a soft smile, he knew that would not be the case, and yet, he was not quite wishing to give her the answer in that moment. There was another important lesson to be taught.
"Ah ah, careful, your Majesty," he started, raising a slight finger in the tiniest of admonishments, with his face held slightly firm but his voice carrying no such firmness, "We must not form a habit of allowing our personal beliefs bleed into our words." It had not been much of an issue overall, but with her more formal duties mounting, including public speaking and diplomatic ventures nearing both in the upcoming tour of the Kingdom as well as eventual foreign diplomatic visits, it was valuable to instill the importance and power of words in one who did not wield a sword.
Not wishing to see her expression fall, his expression softened with a slight sigh that shifted into a smile. Part of him worried that his concern for her would be his downfall someday. Since the first day they had met like this, she had him wrapped around her finger.
"This is Zeus, king of the gods worshipped by the Greeks," Zoser explained, shifting the statue in his hand to hold it up before them, examining it with his own eyes before giving her a sidelong glance, "He is not false to the Greeks, and while we may disagree, it is important in your position to respect that belief as we would wish our own beliefs to be respected."
Zoser offered the statue to her for closer inspection. There was a lingering pause for a moment before Zoser added, "You are aware of the Peace Treaty between The Greek Kingdoms and our own." He knew this to be true, because he taught it to her. He continued, "I mention this knowing that, in the time to come, there may be visitors to your court from the Greek Kingdoms. Many will not forgive or forget the conflict from that time, but...this lasting peace has allowed our Kingdoms to thrive."
He let his words linger there for a moment for her to consider them, knowing they were quite a different flavor compared to the talk of generals and other advisors. In their eyes and in the heartbeat of Egypt overall, war was profitable and even desired. Peace and diplomacy were considered by many to be a weakness, which turned eyes on the issues closer to home - something many Hei's and organizations wished against. Yet, with peace came stability and with diplomacy, understanding.
Then again, Zoser knew it was not his place to dictate Queen Hatshepsut's thoughts but simply to offer her new knowledge. From there, she could do as she wished.
"Zeus has many children who are gods as well, your Majesty, but...we can also talk of other things, if it is your desire." A small smile drifted across his lips as he leaned against a hand perched against the bench.
Hatshepsut should have known the name of the god whose image she was holding, but the Greeks had so many of them. How could she keep track of each and every one? She had learned about them, of course, as part of her Greek studies which had focused on the culture, customs, politics, religion, and language of that land, but she had never thought that it would be important to remember the names of their fake gods.
With nothing but a raised eyebrow, Zoser told her that she was wrong and she felt a blush burning across her cheeks as he admonished her. He was one of only two individuals who had the right to reprimand her, the other being her mother. She much preferred to be corrected by Zosie, he wasn't as harsh with her as the woman who had given birth to her. Hatshepsut understood Isetheperu's strictness. She was trying to raise her daughter to be a strong and capable Queen and did not approve of her gentle and kind nature. Zoser understood her much better.
“I know I cannot say that to a Greek,” she said. “But you are not Greek and we both share the same beliefs.” She handed the statue back to him, feeling that she had no right to hold it since she didn't know the name of the deity it represented. Zeus! That was it! She felt embarrassed that she had forgotten, but now she knew that she never would again. In fact, tonight before she retired, she would start reading a book she had about the Greek Pantheon. It had been a couple of years since she had even flipped through its pages.
The young Queen nodded when he chastised her yet again. She would be quite angry if she was told that her gods were false, and she already knew the importance of showing respect for foreign visitors. Her mother handled the formalities now, but eventually the responsibility to greet visitors and make them feel at home would be hers, as would discussing whatever form of business they had come to Egypt for. Hatshepsut was already becoming a fine diplomat, but because of her shyness, she found it difficult to know what to say. She didn't want to make a mistake that would accidentally lead to another war.
“I understand,” she replied, taking the statue back and perusing it more closely. “Even when servants speak of their gods, I do not reproach them. They would think poorly of me if I did and I would lose their allegiance. They would serve me because they have to, not because they want to and that is not what I wish. They too, are my people and I care about them.”
Again, she nodded. Zoser had taught her himself about the treaty and the end of conflict between the two realms. All she had ever known was peace. “You know that I will do everything in my power to ensure that war never reaches Egypt again so that it can continue to prosper.” Hatshepsut already attended council meetings, though she generally just listened and didn't participate. Some men were always eager for war, believing that force was the only way to solve problems. When she came to power, she would try to encourage negotiation instead.
Hopefully, her future husband and Pharaoh would agree that violence was only a waste of money and men. If another kingdom declared war on them, they would have no choice but to fight them off, but Egypt itself would not initiate any confrontations. Or at least that was what she prayed for. She already knew who she wanted the next Pharaoh to be, and even though Osorson H'Moghadam was a general in the military, she didn't think he wanted to plunge his homeland into war. Yet maybe he would not want to rule. Though she had a massive crush on him and she knew he was fond of her, he was not as effusive as some of her other suitors.
She traced the lightening bolt that the statue held. “I think I need to know more about the Greek gods so that I can respond intelligently if visitors speak of them. I remember that Zeus is the god of the sky and can wield lightening and thunder and his two brothers reign over the sea and the underworld. I am afraid I cannot remember their names either. And there is also that goddess ...” The Queen blushed once more, “who was born from foam when another god's naughty bits were cut off and thrown into the sea.”
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Hatshepsut should have known the name of the god whose image she was holding, but the Greeks had so many of them. How could she keep track of each and every one? She had learned about them, of course, as part of her Greek studies which had focused on the culture, customs, politics, religion, and language of that land, but she had never thought that it would be important to remember the names of their fake gods.
With nothing but a raised eyebrow, Zoser told her that she was wrong and she felt a blush burning across her cheeks as he admonished her. He was one of only two individuals who had the right to reprimand her, the other being her mother. She much preferred to be corrected by Zosie, he wasn't as harsh with her as the woman who had given birth to her. Hatshepsut understood Isetheperu's strictness. She was trying to raise her daughter to be a strong and capable Queen and did not approve of her gentle and kind nature. Zoser understood her much better.
“I know I cannot say that to a Greek,” she said. “But you are not Greek and we both share the same beliefs.” She handed the statue back to him, feeling that she had no right to hold it since she didn't know the name of the deity it represented. Zeus! That was it! She felt embarrassed that she had forgotten, but now she knew that she never would again. In fact, tonight before she retired, she would start reading a book she had about the Greek Pantheon. It had been a couple of years since she had even flipped through its pages.
The young Queen nodded when he chastised her yet again. She would be quite angry if she was told that her gods were false, and she already knew the importance of showing respect for foreign visitors. Her mother handled the formalities now, but eventually the responsibility to greet visitors and make them feel at home would be hers, as would discussing whatever form of business they had come to Egypt for. Hatshepsut was already becoming a fine diplomat, but because of her shyness, she found it difficult to know what to say. She didn't want to make a mistake that would accidentally lead to another war.
“I understand,” she replied, taking the statue back and perusing it more closely. “Even when servants speak of their gods, I do not reproach them. They would think poorly of me if I did and I would lose their allegiance. They would serve me because they have to, not because they want to and that is not what I wish. They too, are my people and I care about them.”
Again, she nodded. Zoser had taught her himself about the treaty and the end of conflict between the two realms. All she had ever known was peace. “You know that I will do everything in my power to ensure that war never reaches Egypt again so that it can continue to prosper.” Hatshepsut already attended council meetings, though she generally just listened and didn't participate. Some men were always eager for war, believing that force was the only way to solve problems. When she came to power, she would try to encourage negotiation instead.
Hopefully, her future husband and Pharaoh would agree that violence was only a waste of money and men. If another kingdom declared war on them, they would have no choice but to fight them off, but Egypt itself would not initiate any confrontations. Or at least that was what she prayed for. She already knew who she wanted the next Pharaoh to be, and even though Osorson H'Moghadam was a general in the military, she didn't think he wanted to plunge his homeland into war. Yet maybe he would not want to rule. Though she had a massive crush on him and she knew he was fond of her, he was not as effusive as some of her other suitors.
She traced the lightening bolt that the statue held. “I think I need to know more about the Greek gods so that I can respond intelligently if visitors speak of them. I remember that Zeus is the god of the sky and can wield lightening and thunder and his two brothers reign over the sea and the underworld. I am afraid I cannot remember their names either. And there is also that goddess ...” The Queen blushed once more, “who was born from foam when another god's naughty bits were cut off and thrown into the sea.”
Hatshepsut should have known the name of the god whose image she was holding, but the Greeks had so many of them. How could she keep track of each and every one? She had learned about them, of course, as part of her Greek studies which had focused on the culture, customs, politics, religion, and language of that land, but she had never thought that it would be important to remember the names of their fake gods.
With nothing but a raised eyebrow, Zoser told her that she was wrong and she felt a blush burning across her cheeks as he admonished her. He was one of only two individuals who had the right to reprimand her, the other being her mother. She much preferred to be corrected by Zosie, he wasn't as harsh with her as the woman who had given birth to her. Hatshepsut understood Isetheperu's strictness. She was trying to raise her daughter to be a strong and capable Queen and did not approve of her gentle and kind nature. Zoser understood her much better.
“I know I cannot say that to a Greek,” she said. “But you are not Greek and we both share the same beliefs.” She handed the statue back to him, feeling that she had no right to hold it since she didn't know the name of the deity it represented. Zeus! That was it! She felt embarrassed that she had forgotten, but now she knew that she never would again. In fact, tonight before she retired, she would start reading a book she had about the Greek Pantheon. It had been a couple of years since she had even flipped through its pages.
The young Queen nodded when he chastised her yet again. She would be quite angry if she was told that her gods were false, and she already knew the importance of showing respect for foreign visitors. Her mother handled the formalities now, but eventually the responsibility to greet visitors and make them feel at home would be hers, as would discussing whatever form of business they had come to Egypt for. Hatshepsut was already becoming a fine diplomat, but because of her shyness, she found it difficult to know what to say. She didn't want to make a mistake that would accidentally lead to another war.
“I understand,” she replied, taking the statue back and perusing it more closely. “Even when servants speak of their gods, I do not reproach them. They would think poorly of me if I did and I would lose their allegiance. They would serve me because they have to, not because they want to and that is not what I wish. They too, are my people and I care about them.”
Again, she nodded. Zoser had taught her himself about the treaty and the end of conflict between the two realms. All she had ever known was peace. “You know that I will do everything in my power to ensure that war never reaches Egypt again so that it can continue to prosper.” Hatshepsut already attended council meetings, though she generally just listened and didn't participate. Some men were always eager for war, believing that force was the only way to solve problems. When she came to power, she would try to encourage negotiation instead.
Hopefully, her future husband and Pharaoh would agree that violence was only a waste of money and men. If another kingdom declared war on them, they would have no choice but to fight them off, but Egypt itself would not initiate any confrontations. Or at least that was what she prayed for. She already knew who she wanted the next Pharaoh to be, and even though Osorson H'Moghadam was a general in the military, she didn't think he wanted to plunge his homeland into war. Yet maybe he would not want to rule. Though she had a massive crush on him and she knew he was fond of her, he was not as effusive as some of her other suitors.
She traced the lightening bolt that the statue held. “I think I need to know more about the Greek gods so that I can respond intelligently if visitors speak of them. I remember that Zeus is the god of the sky and can wield lightening and thunder and his two brothers reign over the sea and the underworld. I am afraid I cannot remember their names either. And there is also that goddess ...” The Queen blushed once more, “who was born from foam when another god's naughty bits were cut off and thrown into the sea.”
While the importance of informing and correcting the Queen was not lost on him, his own sensitivity toward her saw his face softening slightly as her expression wilted as he did his duty to redirect her thoughts. It was likely a good thing that he had never become a father at this point in his life - he found his heart too easily swayed and bruised by the feelings of others, his empathy surging frequently, though experience taught him to hide it behind courtly masks and pressed lips.
Zoser remained cautiously quiet, letting a slight smirk of pride curl press the corners of his lips inward at her response. Of course, they shared the same beliefs, but sometimes the stories were interesting enough that he wondered just how many gods and afterlives there could be - did each civilization in a world have their own afterlife? Were they all correct in some ways?
He would never ponder such things aloud.
His brows unfurrowed and dissolved into a clearer smile in a showing of pride as her thoughts mused more towards the practical aspects of such knowledge and temperance of personal feelings in the social sphere, even among the many greek servants that resided in the palace and in Egypt beyond. To many, her response may have seemed to manicured and practiced, but in the years that he came to know her, he knew the genuine truth behind her words.
Knowing the physical limitations that had been set in place by the Queen Dowager since Hatshepsut had entered womanhood, he resisted the urge to offer her a hug in response. There was a glowing sense of pride he had over the treasure of a woman that she was becoming, as both a person and a monarch. To show it, he simply placed a brief doting hand on her shoulder, knowing that the guards who stood watch at the entrance to the garden were not the kind to gossip with the remainder of the court.
"There has never once been a doubt in my mind that you are the one to lead us there. Perhaps it is overly sentimental of me to say so, yet you know I have never been one to curb my thoughts when I feel them so strongly," he noted, his voice soft and encouraging as he let his hand slip away from her shoulder and back to the figurine in his hand, watching as her eyes traced the form of it. There it was again, her mind hard at work to find a way to better herself, to know more and fill in the cracks of her knowledge with stronger mortar so she could grow in strength and height in her position.
"Ah, yes. Poseidon and Hades, respectively," he started, a sly grin and a silent laugh crinkling the corners of his eyes as she mentioned the scandalous birth of another goddess. Not one to exacerbate the embarrassment that she suffered, "And Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty - whose vanity and spite is said to have sparked many ancient wars out of her jealousy of many mortal women's beauty. If it interests you, there are more than a few tomes in the archives that I could have translated for you, if you have such interest in those stories. If you wish it, of course."
Setting the figurine to the side he leaned forward on an elbow as he engrossed himself in his explanation, "The gods of Greece have temperaments that liken themselves to the temperaments of mortals, as well as the vices - jealousy, rage, love, pride. They bear these to a much further extreme than our gods, even more so than the tales of Set, Osiris, and Isis. It is interesting to see the different relationships that the kingdoms hold to their gods - both in the Grecian Kingdoms as well as here in Egypt."
Zoser paused, catching himself toeing the line of professorship, which he knew could result in the poor Queen being held captive my his tongue for far too long. His own blush faintly formed at his ears as he chuckled and stopped himself, sitting upright again.
"My apologies, Your Majesty, you know all too well how I can wax on."
Raising a slight brow to look at his patient pupil, he straightened a bit, his voice shifting, "It is to my knowledge that the Queen Dowager's tutelage has shifted your focus to all manner of court and diplomacy, yet, if I may ask you, is there anything in which you would care for my advisement? It is ever my desire to offer you anything you may need. All you ever have to do is ask."
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While the importance of informing and correcting the Queen was not lost on him, his own sensitivity toward her saw his face softening slightly as her expression wilted as he did his duty to redirect her thoughts. It was likely a good thing that he had never become a father at this point in his life - he found his heart too easily swayed and bruised by the feelings of others, his empathy surging frequently, though experience taught him to hide it behind courtly masks and pressed lips.
Zoser remained cautiously quiet, letting a slight smirk of pride curl press the corners of his lips inward at her response. Of course, they shared the same beliefs, but sometimes the stories were interesting enough that he wondered just how many gods and afterlives there could be - did each civilization in a world have their own afterlife? Were they all correct in some ways?
He would never ponder such things aloud.
His brows unfurrowed and dissolved into a clearer smile in a showing of pride as her thoughts mused more towards the practical aspects of such knowledge and temperance of personal feelings in the social sphere, even among the many greek servants that resided in the palace and in Egypt beyond. To many, her response may have seemed to manicured and practiced, but in the years that he came to know her, he knew the genuine truth behind her words.
Knowing the physical limitations that had been set in place by the Queen Dowager since Hatshepsut had entered womanhood, he resisted the urge to offer her a hug in response. There was a glowing sense of pride he had over the treasure of a woman that she was becoming, as both a person and a monarch. To show it, he simply placed a brief doting hand on her shoulder, knowing that the guards who stood watch at the entrance to the garden were not the kind to gossip with the remainder of the court.
"There has never once been a doubt in my mind that you are the one to lead us there. Perhaps it is overly sentimental of me to say so, yet you know I have never been one to curb my thoughts when I feel them so strongly," he noted, his voice soft and encouraging as he let his hand slip away from her shoulder and back to the figurine in his hand, watching as her eyes traced the form of it. There it was again, her mind hard at work to find a way to better herself, to know more and fill in the cracks of her knowledge with stronger mortar so she could grow in strength and height in her position.
"Ah, yes. Poseidon and Hades, respectively," he started, a sly grin and a silent laugh crinkling the corners of his eyes as she mentioned the scandalous birth of another goddess. Not one to exacerbate the embarrassment that she suffered, "And Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty - whose vanity and spite is said to have sparked many ancient wars out of her jealousy of many mortal women's beauty. If it interests you, there are more than a few tomes in the archives that I could have translated for you, if you have such interest in those stories. If you wish it, of course."
Setting the figurine to the side he leaned forward on an elbow as he engrossed himself in his explanation, "The gods of Greece have temperaments that liken themselves to the temperaments of mortals, as well as the vices - jealousy, rage, love, pride. They bear these to a much further extreme than our gods, even more so than the tales of Set, Osiris, and Isis. It is interesting to see the different relationships that the kingdoms hold to their gods - both in the Grecian Kingdoms as well as here in Egypt."
Zoser paused, catching himself toeing the line of professorship, which he knew could result in the poor Queen being held captive my his tongue for far too long. His own blush faintly formed at his ears as he chuckled and stopped himself, sitting upright again.
"My apologies, Your Majesty, you know all too well how I can wax on."
Raising a slight brow to look at his patient pupil, he straightened a bit, his voice shifting, "It is to my knowledge that the Queen Dowager's tutelage has shifted your focus to all manner of court and diplomacy, yet, if I may ask you, is there anything in which you would care for my advisement? It is ever my desire to offer you anything you may need. All you ever have to do is ask."
While the importance of informing and correcting the Queen was not lost on him, his own sensitivity toward her saw his face softening slightly as her expression wilted as he did his duty to redirect her thoughts. It was likely a good thing that he had never become a father at this point in his life - he found his heart too easily swayed and bruised by the feelings of others, his empathy surging frequently, though experience taught him to hide it behind courtly masks and pressed lips.
Zoser remained cautiously quiet, letting a slight smirk of pride curl press the corners of his lips inward at her response. Of course, they shared the same beliefs, but sometimes the stories were interesting enough that he wondered just how many gods and afterlives there could be - did each civilization in a world have their own afterlife? Were they all correct in some ways?
He would never ponder such things aloud.
His brows unfurrowed and dissolved into a clearer smile in a showing of pride as her thoughts mused more towards the practical aspects of such knowledge and temperance of personal feelings in the social sphere, even among the many greek servants that resided in the palace and in Egypt beyond. To many, her response may have seemed to manicured and practiced, but in the years that he came to know her, he knew the genuine truth behind her words.
Knowing the physical limitations that had been set in place by the Queen Dowager since Hatshepsut had entered womanhood, he resisted the urge to offer her a hug in response. There was a glowing sense of pride he had over the treasure of a woman that she was becoming, as both a person and a monarch. To show it, he simply placed a brief doting hand on her shoulder, knowing that the guards who stood watch at the entrance to the garden were not the kind to gossip with the remainder of the court.
"There has never once been a doubt in my mind that you are the one to lead us there. Perhaps it is overly sentimental of me to say so, yet you know I have never been one to curb my thoughts when I feel them so strongly," he noted, his voice soft and encouraging as he let his hand slip away from her shoulder and back to the figurine in his hand, watching as her eyes traced the form of it. There it was again, her mind hard at work to find a way to better herself, to know more and fill in the cracks of her knowledge with stronger mortar so she could grow in strength and height in her position.
"Ah, yes. Poseidon and Hades, respectively," he started, a sly grin and a silent laugh crinkling the corners of his eyes as she mentioned the scandalous birth of another goddess. Not one to exacerbate the embarrassment that she suffered, "And Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty - whose vanity and spite is said to have sparked many ancient wars out of her jealousy of many mortal women's beauty. If it interests you, there are more than a few tomes in the archives that I could have translated for you, if you have such interest in those stories. If you wish it, of course."
Setting the figurine to the side he leaned forward on an elbow as he engrossed himself in his explanation, "The gods of Greece have temperaments that liken themselves to the temperaments of mortals, as well as the vices - jealousy, rage, love, pride. They bear these to a much further extreme than our gods, even more so than the tales of Set, Osiris, and Isis. It is interesting to see the different relationships that the kingdoms hold to their gods - both in the Grecian Kingdoms as well as here in Egypt."
Zoser paused, catching himself toeing the line of professorship, which he knew could result in the poor Queen being held captive my his tongue for far too long. His own blush faintly formed at his ears as he chuckled and stopped himself, sitting upright again.
"My apologies, Your Majesty, you know all too well how I can wax on."
Raising a slight brow to look at his patient pupil, he straightened a bit, his voice shifting, "It is to my knowledge that the Queen Dowager's tutelage has shifted your focus to all manner of court and diplomacy, yet, if I may ask you, is there anything in which you would care for my advisement? It is ever my desire to offer you anything you may need. All you ever have to do is ask."
Joy spiraled through her heart at Zoser's smile of pride. Hatshepsut was always happy when she pleased him. Nobody had told her to respect the gods of her slaves. It had just seemed like the right thing to do. She wondered how her mother handled that situation. Did she punish them? Did she tell them that they would never rise above their station unless they accepted the gods of Egypt?
Or maybe she just ignored them. She had never given her daughter any instructions on the matter, which probably meant that she didn't think it important. That didn't mean that Hatshepsut believed that other gods were real. However, the young Queen had a kind and understanding nature and could never condemn them for their beliefs. They were treated well, but they were still slaves. They needed the comfort they thought their own gods, false as they were, could bring them. How could she deny them that?
Zoser's hand on her shoulder was further proof that he condoned her actions. He never hugged her anymore and she often wondered why. Hatshepsut adored being held close to him and remembered with fondness the many times she had thrown herself into his arms … in excitement or sorrow or enthusiasm or anxiety. Maybe he thought that she was too old for that now at nearly fourteen. In another year, she would be able to marry. She wondered what it would feel like to be entwined in Osorsen's embrace. A silvery thrill shimmered down her spine at the very idea.
“Do you truly think so?” she asked, looking up at Zoser with wide dark eyes, forgetting for the moment about the man she was crushing on. It was what she wanted above all else, to be remembered throughout history as a Queen whose reign brought peace and prosperity to Egypt, and that her kingdom would grow in wealth and influence and be the most powerful country in the world. Then she would be as famous as her namesake, though unlike that long-ago Hatshepsut, she would never be an actual Pharaoh.
The notion had occurred to her that she might rule by herself, but she lacked the wisdom, confidence, and unyielding force to change the system. She was ambitious, yes, but she was also gentle and shy, though maybe she would eventually outgrow those qualities and become more like her mother. She knew that's what Isetheperu wanted, but did she truly wish to be ruthless and authoritative? Not at the moment, and it would be better to rule together with Osorsen than alone anyway. Together, they could achieve greatness.
Her attention returned to her former tutor as he expounded upon the gods she had mentioned. She remembered as a small child, she had thought that Zoser knew absolutely everything. Listening to him now, it was easy to believe that it was so. He was definitely a fountain of knowledge, and more intelligent than any of the other scholars she knew of. Hatshepsut felt privileged that he had been chosen to teach her and she knew that she wanted to keep him beside her when she took over her mother's duties in a year's time. His advice was invaluable and he understood her better than anyone else.
Of course, she wouldn't force him to stay if there was something else he was longing to do with his life. His happiness was important to her and it was possible that he would turn down the position of her chief adviser. If he did, she would respect his decision, but she hoped that he would accept and she would benefit from both his wisdom and his friendship. If he chose another path, she would miss these conversations with him. She felt so at ease in his presence and always learned so much, even when they were just discussing things like false gods.
“I have one book about Greek gods but it was written for children. I'd like to read some that are more comprehensive.” Hatshepsut looked up at Zoser with a shy smile. “Can we translate them together?” She could speak and understand Greek a bit better than she could read or write it, and needed the practice. And she would get to spend more time with her Zosie. Every moment with him was time well spent.
“Oh, but you are not boring me at all!” she exclaimed. It was quite interesting to her that the Greek gods had the attributes of mortals but in an exaggerated form. Was that because the Greeks wanted to play up their virtues and justify their vices because if the gods possessed them, it was okay for humans too? She would have liked to discuss it further, but Zoser had another question for her, one that brought a pensive expression to her lovely features.
“As you know, I will be going on a tour of the provinces soon. Everyone wants to meet their Queen, and while I am excited, I am also afraid that I will disappoint them.” She lowered her eyes. “They will expect me to give speeches, and I'm not comfortable being the center of attention. Even speaking to the Council fills me with dread.” Her eyes lifted and met his. “How would you suggest that I handle my anxiety so that I won't embarrass myself? Is there a secret to successful public speaking?”
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Joy spiraled through her heart at Zoser's smile of pride. Hatshepsut was always happy when she pleased him. Nobody had told her to respect the gods of her slaves. It had just seemed like the right thing to do. She wondered how her mother handled that situation. Did she punish them? Did she tell them that they would never rise above their station unless they accepted the gods of Egypt?
Or maybe she just ignored them. She had never given her daughter any instructions on the matter, which probably meant that she didn't think it important. That didn't mean that Hatshepsut believed that other gods were real. However, the young Queen had a kind and understanding nature and could never condemn them for their beliefs. They were treated well, but they were still slaves. They needed the comfort they thought their own gods, false as they were, could bring them. How could she deny them that?
Zoser's hand on her shoulder was further proof that he condoned her actions. He never hugged her anymore and she often wondered why. Hatshepsut adored being held close to him and remembered with fondness the many times she had thrown herself into his arms … in excitement or sorrow or enthusiasm or anxiety. Maybe he thought that she was too old for that now at nearly fourteen. In another year, she would be able to marry. She wondered what it would feel like to be entwined in Osorsen's embrace. A silvery thrill shimmered down her spine at the very idea.
“Do you truly think so?” she asked, looking up at Zoser with wide dark eyes, forgetting for the moment about the man she was crushing on. It was what she wanted above all else, to be remembered throughout history as a Queen whose reign brought peace and prosperity to Egypt, and that her kingdom would grow in wealth and influence and be the most powerful country in the world. Then she would be as famous as her namesake, though unlike that long-ago Hatshepsut, she would never be an actual Pharaoh.
The notion had occurred to her that she might rule by herself, but she lacked the wisdom, confidence, and unyielding force to change the system. She was ambitious, yes, but she was also gentle and shy, though maybe she would eventually outgrow those qualities and become more like her mother. She knew that's what Isetheperu wanted, but did she truly wish to be ruthless and authoritative? Not at the moment, and it would be better to rule together with Osorsen than alone anyway. Together, they could achieve greatness.
Her attention returned to her former tutor as he expounded upon the gods she had mentioned. She remembered as a small child, she had thought that Zoser knew absolutely everything. Listening to him now, it was easy to believe that it was so. He was definitely a fountain of knowledge, and more intelligent than any of the other scholars she knew of. Hatshepsut felt privileged that he had been chosen to teach her and she knew that she wanted to keep him beside her when she took over her mother's duties in a year's time. His advice was invaluable and he understood her better than anyone else.
Of course, she wouldn't force him to stay if there was something else he was longing to do with his life. His happiness was important to her and it was possible that he would turn down the position of her chief adviser. If he did, she would respect his decision, but she hoped that he would accept and she would benefit from both his wisdom and his friendship. If he chose another path, she would miss these conversations with him. She felt so at ease in his presence and always learned so much, even when they were just discussing things like false gods.
“I have one book about Greek gods but it was written for children. I'd like to read some that are more comprehensive.” Hatshepsut looked up at Zoser with a shy smile. “Can we translate them together?” She could speak and understand Greek a bit better than she could read or write it, and needed the practice. And she would get to spend more time with her Zosie. Every moment with him was time well spent.
“Oh, but you are not boring me at all!” she exclaimed. It was quite interesting to her that the Greek gods had the attributes of mortals but in an exaggerated form. Was that because the Greeks wanted to play up their virtues and justify their vices because if the gods possessed them, it was okay for humans too? She would have liked to discuss it further, but Zoser had another question for her, one that brought a pensive expression to her lovely features.
“As you know, I will be going on a tour of the provinces soon. Everyone wants to meet their Queen, and while I am excited, I am also afraid that I will disappoint them.” She lowered her eyes. “They will expect me to give speeches, and I'm not comfortable being the center of attention. Even speaking to the Council fills me with dread.” Her eyes lifted and met his. “How would you suggest that I handle my anxiety so that I won't embarrass myself? Is there a secret to successful public speaking?”
Joy spiraled through her heart at Zoser's smile of pride. Hatshepsut was always happy when she pleased him. Nobody had told her to respect the gods of her slaves. It had just seemed like the right thing to do. She wondered how her mother handled that situation. Did she punish them? Did she tell them that they would never rise above their station unless they accepted the gods of Egypt?
Or maybe she just ignored them. She had never given her daughter any instructions on the matter, which probably meant that she didn't think it important. That didn't mean that Hatshepsut believed that other gods were real. However, the young Queen had a kind and understanding nature and could never condemn them for their beliefs. They were treated well, but they were still slaves. They needed the comfort they thought their own gods, false as they were, could bring them. How could she deny them that?
Zoser's hand on her shoulder was further proof that he condoned her actions. He never hugged her anymore and she often wondered why. Hatshepsut adored being held close to him and remembered with fondness the many times she had thrown herself into his arms … in excitement or sorrow or enthusiasm or anxiety. Maybe he thought that she was too old for that now at nearly fourteen. In another year, she would be able to marry. She wondered what it would feel like to be entwined in Osorsen's embrace. A silvery thrill shimmered down her spine at the very idea.
“Do you truly think so?” she asked, looking up at Zoser with wide dark eyes, forgetting for the moment about the man she was crushing on. It was what she wanted above all else, to be remembered throughout history as a Queen whose reign brought peace and prosperity to Egypt, and that her kingdom would grow in wealth and influence and be the most powerful country in the world. Then she would be as famous as her namesake, though unlike that long-ago Hatshepsut, she would never be an actual Pharaoh.
The notion had occurred to her that she might rule by herself, but she lacked the wisdom, confidence, and unyielding force to change the system. She was ambitious, yes, but she was also gentle and shy, though maybe she would eventually outgrow those qualities and become more like her mother. She knew that's what Isetheperu wanted, but did she truly wish to be ruthless and authoritative? Not at the moment, and it would be better to rule together with Osorsen than alone anyway. Together, they could achieve greatness.
Her attention returned to her former tutor as he expounded upon the gods she had mentioned. She remembered as a small child, she had thought that Zoser knew absolutely everything. Listening to him now, it was easy to believe that it was so. He was definitely a fountain of knowledge, and more intelligent than any of the other scholars she knew of. Hatshepsut felt privileged that he had been chosen to teach her and she knew that she wanted to keep him beside her when she took over her mother's duties in a year's time. His advice was invaluable and he understood her better than anyone else.
Of course, she wouldn't force him to stay if there was something else he was longing to do with his life. His happiness was important to her and it was possible that he would turn down the position of her chief adviser. If he did, she would respect his decision, but she hoped that he would accept and she would benefit from both his wisdom and his friendship. If he chose another path, she would miss these conversations with him. She felt so at ease in his presence and always learned so much, even when they were just discussing things like false gods.
“I have one book about Greek gods but it was written for children. I'd like to read some that are more comprehensive.” Hatshepsut looked up at Zoser with a shy smile. “Can we translate them together?” She could speak and understand Greek a bit better than she could read or write it, and needed the practice. And she would get to spend more time with her Zosie. Every moment with him was time well spent.
“Oh, but you are not boring me at all!” she exclaimed. It was quite interesting to her that the Greek gods had the attributes of mortals but in an exaggerated form. Was that because the Greeks wanted to play up their virtues and justify their vices because if the gods possessed them, it was okay for humans too? She would have liked to discuss it further, but Zoser had another question for her, one that brought a pensive expression to her lovely features.
“As you know, I will be going on a tour of the provinces soon. Everyone wants to meet their Queen, and while I am excited, I am also afraid that I will disappoint them.” She lowered her eyes. “They will expect me to give speeches, and I'm not comfortable being the center of attention. Even speaking to the Council fills me with dread.” Her eyes lifted and met his. “How would you suggest that I handle my anxiety so that I won't embarrass myself? Is there a secret to successful public speaking?”
Zoser's smile only brightened upon seeing hers, relaxing his shoulders and huffing the smallest of laughs. It was only fair to her that he try to maintain the decorum that was expected of their positions, now that her mother has started to manage her learning. As she approached womanhood, there were various lines that needed to be drawn, not only in regards to their status of heritage but also in the difference in gender.
Hatshepsut would marry soon, and any man who took her hand would become Pharaoh. Secretly, he knew that they both preferred that being the same man, and gods-willing, Osorsen would take to the throne in time. In readying for such a thing, the Queen could not be seen showing affection to many - including himself.
That tension and desire for simple acknowledgement of care was felt in that moment. It was so odd how time and duty had managed to separate them. Zoser was the closest thing that Hatshepsut had to a father figure in the past eight years, and that fact was not lost on him, yet with her nearing that vital age, any doubt that could drive a wedge between their closeness could not be permitted. His hand lingered on her shoulder a moment before falling gently away.
The scholar's brows flicked up slightly, a curve pulling at the corner of his lips as she suggested they translate the text together.
"I would like that very much," he admitted, picking up the figurine once more and holding it up for them to view before slipping it back into the satchel he brought it in.
Zoser all but blushed as the Queen protested that he did not bore her, knowing how bright she was. He saw the doldrums of the day to day for nobles within the Palace and without. He could not imagine living a life of such rigidity, and while yes, he did at some point desire to tie his name to that of his kindred in Hei Moghadam, he had to admit that the liberties of his low-blood status bore with it a certain freedom that he relished.
It was marvelous to see her young features turn stoic and pensive, much as they had when she thought about her bookwork as a young girl. Every day, he still saw that within her, and would likely long fall into the folly of seeing her as younger than her years throughout her life. Her fears about disappointment were warranted for her age, and he offered a small smile as he glanced down at his hands, rubbing his palms together as if he sought the answer to her request between them.
"I find," he began slowly, knowing that his usual advice would contradict her mother's dictation to be stoic and above all else, yet he continued, "That if I have to speak before others, it sometimes helps to not imagine a crowd of nameless, faceless people that you do not know, but instead...imagine speaking to a friend. Even if they are not close to you. Speaking as you would to a friend, or even to the peacocks...or to myself."
A broad grin played across his lips as he thought of lumping himself in with her frequent animal companions, yet it allowed for an entryway to his advice. "You never question or fear what you say to them, yes? They look to you and trust you and every word that spills from you is meant for them. So it is with your People."
His hand found his way back to her shoulder out of habit, and though he nearly hesitated at it, he gave in and then took her hand, shifting away from his tutor's tone into that of one who deeply cared for her, as one would a daughter.
"They look up to you and trust you to be the hope of Egypt. They do not ever look upon you to see you fail. Believe that you will do well, and assuredly, you shall. Even if your mother finds something to pick at and to scold later. If your words come from a place of warmth and truth, then you cannot fail."
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Zoser's smile only brightened upon seeing hers, relaxing his shoulders and huffing the smallest of laughs. It was only fair to her that he try to maintain the decorum that was expected of their positions, now that her mother has started to manage her learning. As she approached womanhood, there were various lines that needed to be drawn, not only in regards to their status of heritage but also in the difference in gender.
Hatshepsut would marry soon, and any man who took her hand would become Pharaoh. Secretly, he knew that they both preferred that being the same man, and gods-willing, Osorsen would take to the throne in time. In readying for such a thing, the Queen could not be seen showing affection to many - including himself.
That tension and desire for simple acknowledgement of care was felt in that moment. It was so odd how time and duty had managed to separate them. Zoser was the closest thing that Hatshepsut had to a father figure in the past eight years, and that fact was not lost on him, yet with her nearing that vital age, any doubt that could drive a wedge between their closeness could not be permitted. His hand lingered on her shoulder a moment before falling gently away.
The scholar's brows flicked up slightly, a curve pulling at the corner of his lips as she suggested they translate the text together.
"I would like that very much," he admitted, picking up the figurine once more and holding it up for them to view before slipping it back into the satchel he brought it in.
Zoser all but blushed as the Queen protested that he did not bore her, knowing how bright she was. He saw the doldrums of the day to day for nobles within the Palace and without. He could not imagine living a life of such rigidity, and while yes, he did at some point desire to tie his name to that of his kindred in Hei Moghadam, he had to admit that the liberties of his low-blood status bore with it a certain freedom that he relished.
It was marvelous to see her young features turn stoic and pensive, much as they had when she thought about her bookwork as a young girl. Every day, he still saw that within her, and would likely long fall into the folly of seeing her as younger than her years throughout her life. Her fears about disappointment were warranted for her age, and he offered a small smile as he glanced down at his hands, rubbing his palms together as if he sought the answer to her request between them.
"I find," he began slowly, knowing that his usual advice would contradict her mother's dictation to be stoic and above all else, yet he continued, "That if I have to speak before others, it sometimes helps to not imagine a crowd of nameless, faceless people that you do not know, but instead...imagine speaking to a friend. Even if they are not close to you. Speaking as you would to a friend, or even to the peacocks...or to myself."
A broad grin played across his lips as he thought of lumping himself in with her frequent animal companions, yet it allowed for an entryway to his advice. "You never question or fear what you say to them, yes? They look to you and trust you and every word that spills from you is meant for them. So it is with your People."
His hand found his way back to her shoulder out of habit, and though he nearly hesitated at it, he gave in and then took her hand, shifting away from his tutor's tone into that of one who deeply cared for her, as one would a daughter.
"They look up to you and trust you to be the hope of Egypt. They do not ever look upon you to see you fail. Believe that you will do well, and assuredly, you shall. Even if your mother finds something to pick at and to scold later. If your words come from a place of warmth and truth, then you cannot fail."
Zoser's smile only brightened upon seeing hers, relaxing his shoulders and huffing the smallest of laughs. It was only fair to her that he try to maintain the decorum that was expected of their positions, now that her mother has started to manage her learning. As she approached womanhood, there were various lines that needed to be drawn, not only in regards to their status of heritage but also in the difference in gender.
Hatshepsut would marry soon, and any man who took her hand would become Pharaoh. Secretly, he knew that they both preferred that being the same man, and gods-willing, Osorsen would take to the throne in time. In readying for such a thing, the Queen could not be seen showing affection to many - including himself.
That tension and desire for simple acknowledgement of care was felt in that moment. It was so odd how time and duty had managed to separate them. Zoser was the closest thing that Hatshepsut had to a father figure in the past eight years, and that fact was not lost on him, yet with her nearing that vital age, any doubt that could drive a wedge between their closeness could not be permitted. His hand lingered on her shoulder a moment before falling gently away.
The scholar's brows flicked up slightly, a curve pulling at the corner of his lips as she suggested they translate the text together.
"I would like that very much," he admitted, picking up the figurine once more and holding it up for them to view before slipping it back into the satchel he brought it in.
Zoser all but blushed as the Queen protested that he did not bore her, knowing how bright she was. He saw the doldrums of the day to day for nobles within the Palace and without. He could not imagine living a life of such rigidity, and while yes, he did at some point desire to tie his name to that of his kindred in Hei Moghadam, he had to admit that the liberties of his low-blood status bore with it a certain freedom that he relished.
It was marvelous to see her young features turn stoic and pensive, much as they had when she thought about her bookwork as a young girl. Every day, he still saw that within her, and would likely long fall into the folly of seeing her as younger than her years throughout her life. Her fears about disappointment were warranted for her age, and he offered a small smile as he glanced down at his hands, rubbing his palms together as if he sought the answer to her request between them.
"I find," he began slowly, knowing that his usual advice would contradict her mother's dictation to be stoic and above all else, yet he continued, "That if I have to speak before others, it sometimes helps to not imagine a crowd of nameless, faceless people that you do not know, but instead...imagine speaking to a friend. Even if they are not close to you. Speaking as you would to a friend, or even to the peacocks...or to myself."
A broad grin played across his lips as he thought of lumping himself in with her frequent animal companions, yet it allowed for an entryway to his advice. "You never question or fear what you say to them, yes? They look to you and trust you and every word that spills from you is meant for them. So it is with your People."
His hand found his way back to her shoulder out of habit, and though he nearly hesitated at it, he gave in and then took her hand, shifting away from his tutor's tone into that of one who deeply cared for her, as one would a daughter.
"They look up to you and trust you to be the hope of Egypt. They do not ever look upon you to see you fail. Believe that you will do well, and assuredly, you shall. Even if your mother finds something to pick at and to scold later. If your words come from a place of warmth and truth, then you cannot fail."
Hatshepsut knew that her Zosie had other duties now that he was no longer her tutor and was afraid that he wouldn’t have time to help her translate Greek books. She felt a bit guilty for even asking, for she knew that he didn’t like to disappoint her … not because she was his queen, but because he loved her like a daughter. She promised herself that she wouldn’t pout if he refused. Instead, she would smile and say she understood and request that he suggest another scholar who could help her. She could command any of them to assist her, but she might pick one who only helped her out of obligation, was not all that fluent in Greek himself, or had little patience for her thoughtful questions. Zoser knew which scholar was qualified to take his place.
He didn’t turn her down, though, and her face broke into an ecstatic grin that was more than a bit silly and childish. She didn’t care how she looked at the moment, another point of contention between her mother and herself. Queens didn’t show emotion … ever. Hatshepsut was good about heeding that advice in public, putting on an invisible mask that hid her shyness and insecurity. But in private, with people who were like family to her, she didn’t see why she couldn’t just be herself. Zosie didn’t care if she was queenly all the time, and never admonished her for acting like the teenage girl she was. She often imagined that her father would have been a lot like him if he had lived, lenient and affectionate and encouraging her to exercise her mind beyond the necessity of her position. All knowledge was worth having after all.
His advice about public speaking was excellent as always. Hatshepsut did view the crowds that came to see her as nameless, faceless strangers who would take what she said and twist in around to make her look bad. She was aware that not everyone approved of her and thought she was too young and inexperienced to rule a kingdom. Most of them, though, looked upon her with an awe that was frightening in itself.
Pretending that she was talking to a friend might help, yet she had precious few of those. Thinking of them as an ostentation of peafowl brought a musical giggle bubbling from her lips. “If I see them as peacocks, then I won’t be able to stop myself from laughing. Maybe I will picture all of them looking like you. A whole sea of wonderful Zosies. I never worry about what I say to you because I know you will understand.” Unfortunately, saying was a lot easier than doing, but perhaps she would remember his words when the time came. She would try her best not to imagine them as her mother, gazing at her in that sad, disappointed way that always made the young Queen feel about two inches tall.
Zoser rested his hand on her shoulder again, as if he had confidence in her ability to conquer her nervousness. It seemed to Hatshepsut that he knew exactly what she was going through, that he had experienced anxiety himself when dealing with large groups of people. When he took her hand and explained how her people saw her, she squeezed it tightly as she realized where her fear was truly coming from.
“I think that’s the entire problem,” she said in a small confused voice. “I see the trust and faith in their eyes and I don’t think I can live up to their expectations. I don’t feel like the hope of all Egypt. I feel like I will let them down and that I don’t deserve their adoration.” The young Queen looked down at the ground. There was a little green insect crawling over the stones and she focused on it to keep herself from bursting into tears. “They believe in me, but how can I be worthy of them when I don’t believe in myself?”
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Hatshepsut knew that her Zosie had other duties now that he was no longer her tutor and was afraid that he wouldn’t have time to help her translate Greek books. She felt a bit guilty for even asking, for she knew that he didn’t like to disappoint her … not because she was his queen, but because he loved her like a daughter. She promised herself that she wouldn’t pout if he refused. Instead, she would smile and say she understood and request that he suggest another scholar who could help her. She could command any of them to assist her, but she might pick one who only helped her out of obligation, was not all that fluent in Greek himself, or had little patience for her thoughtful questions. Zoser knew which scholar was qualified to take his place.
He didn’t turn her down, though, and her face broke into an ecstatic grin that was more than a bit silly and childish. She didn’t care how she looked at the moment, another point of contention between her mother and herself. Queens didn’t show emotion … ever. Hatshepsut was good about heeding that advice in public, putting on an invisible mask that hid her shyness and insecurity. But in private, with people who were like family to her, she didn’t see why she couldn’t just be herself. Zosie didn’t care if she was queenly all the time, and never admonished her for acting like the teenage girl she was. She often imagined that her father would have been a lot like him if he had lived, lenient and affectionate and encouraging her to exercise her mind beyond the necessity of her position. All knowledge was worth having after all.
His advice about public speaking was excellent as always. Hatshepsut did view the crowds that came to see her as nameless, faceless strangers who would take what she said and twist in around to make her look bad. She was aware that not everyone approved of her and thought she was too young and inexperienced to rule a kingdom. Most of them, though, looked upon her with an awe that was frightening in itself.
Pretending that she was talking to a friend might help, yet she had precious few of those. Thinking of them as an ostentation of peafowl brought a musical giggle bubbling from her lips. “If I see them as peacocks, then I won’t be able to stop myself from laughing. Maybe I will picture all of them looking like you. A whole sea of wonderful Zosies. I never worry about what I say to you because I know you will understand.” Unfortunately, saying was a lot easier than doing, but perhaps she would remember his words when the time came. She would try her best not to imagine them as her mother, gazing at her in that sad, disappointed way that always made the young Queen feel about two inches tall.
Zoser rested his hand on her shoulder again, as if he had confidence in her ability to conquer her nervousness. It seemed to Hatshepsut that he knew exactly what she was going through, that he had experienced anxiety himself when dealing with large groups of people. When he took her hand and explained how her people saw her, she squeezed it tightly as she realized where her fear was truly coming from.
“I think that’s the entire problem,” she said in a small confused voice. “I see the trust and faith in their eyes and I don’t think I can live up to their expectations. I don’t feel like the hope of all Egypt. I feel like I will let them down and that I don’t deserve their adoration.” The young Queen looked down at the ground. There was a little green insect crawling over the stones and she focused on it to keep herself from bursting into tears. “They believe in me, but how can I be worthy of them when I don’t believe in myself?”
Hatshepsut knew that her Zosie had other duties now that he was no longer her tutor and was afraid that he wouldn’t have time to help her translate Greek books. She felt a bit guilty for even asking, for she knew that he didn’t like to disappoint her … not because she was his queen, but because he loved her like a daughter. She promised herself that she wouldn’t pout if he refused. Instead, she would smile and say she understood and request that he suggest another scholar who could help her. She could command any of them to assist her, but she might pick one who only helped her out of obligation, was not all that fluent in Greek himself, or had little patience for her thoughtful questions. Zoser knew which scholar was qualified to take his place.
He didn’t turn her down, though, and her face broke into an ecstatic grin that was more than a bit silly and childish. She didn’t care how she looked at the moment, another point of contention between her mother and herself. Queens didn’t show emotion … ever. Hatshepsut was good about heeding that advice in public, putting on an invisible mask that hid her shyness and insecurity. But in private, with people who were like family to her, she didn’t see why she couldn’t just be herself. Zosie didn’t care if she was queenly all the time, and never admonished her for acting like the teenage girl she was. She often imagined that her father would have been a lot like him if he had lived, lenient and affectionate and encouraging her to exercise her mind beyond the necessity of her position. All knowledge was worth having after all.
His advice about public speaking was excellent as always. Hatshepsut did view the crowds that came to see her as nameless, faceless strangers who would take what she said and twist in around to make her look bad. She was aware that not everyone approved of her and thought she was too young and inexperienced to rule a kingdom. Most of them, though, looked upon her with an awe that was frightening in itself.
Pretending that she was talking to a friend might help, yet she had precious few of those. Thinking of them as an ostentation of peafowl brought a musical giggle bubbling from her lips. “If I see them as peacocks, then I won’t be able to stop myself from laughing. Maybe I will picture all of them looking like you. A whole sea of wonderful Zosies. I never worry about what I say to you because I know you will understand.” Unfortunately, saying was a lot easier than doing, but perhaps she would remember his words when the time came. She would try her best not to imagine them as her mother, gazing at her in that sad, disappointed way that always made the young Queen feel about two inches tall.
Zoser rested his hand on her shoulder again, as if he had confidence in her ability to conquer her nervousness. It seemed to Hatshepsut that he knew exactly what she was going through, that he had experienced anxiety himself when dealing with large groups of people. When he took her hand and explained how her people saw her, she squeezed it tightly as she realized where her fear was truly coming from.
“I think that’s the entire problem,” she said in a small confused voice. “I see the trust and faith in their eyes and I don’t think I can live up to their expectations. I don’t feel like the hope of all Egypt. I feel like I will let them down and that I don’t deserve their adoration.” The young Queen looked down at the ground. There was a little green insect crawling over the stones and she focused on it to keep herself from bursting into tears. “They believe in me, but how can I be worthy of them when I don’t believe in myself?”
With the tightening of the Queen Dowager's hand over Hatshepsut's education, Zoser found moments like this more valuable than all the gold and jewels in all of Egypt. This was as close to a familial love as Zoser ever felt in his life, and the restrictions placed on it now wore on both of them. More than once in the conversation, the scholar could see the young monarch's urge to shed her formal status and lean in for a hug. It was not so obvious to others, but the barriers were being set to keep her safe above all.
Still, as he watched the play of emotion across her young face, his willpower to hold to those barriers was crumbling. There was no one in the world as endearing as Hatshepsut, and though the history tomes would never know it beyond her status as figurehead, he felt half-tempted to put pen to paper and record it some day.
"Alright, then perhaps not the peafowl," Zoser teased, scrunching his nose at her remarks, her infectious laugh spreading to him easily. His laugh was distinct, light and rapid like running footsteps, and accompanied by a wide, toothy grin. That expression slipped into something a bit more sentimental as she instead suggested seeing him in the audience instead. It floored him, and his smile softened and flickered with a touch of emotion, wiggling something like the nose and whiskers of a hare as he glanced away.
"If it helps, do it," he encouraged, looking at her fondly and giving her shoulder a slight squeeze with his hand. As he spoke, her eyes watched attentively. Hatshepsut would have made a marvelous scholar had her gender and station in life not stood in the way. He thought briefly about how ideal of a world it would be if, like in Athenia, the University he toiled toward in Alexandria would extend to any student who wished to learn. Life, society, and more importantly, his patrons would never see it so - but if the Queen ever wished to attend a lecture someday, who would say no to her?
Her words saw his brows knit together, a pang in his heart as he heard the true insecurity behind them. Zoser could feel the tears brimming behind her voice, glancing up towards the entrance to the private garden where they sat and satisfied that no one would be there to interrupt them.
He could not take it anymore.
Scooting a bit closer to her, he let his arm wrap around her shoulder and gently tug her closer to his side. He blew a long, slow breath out his nose as he paused a moment, trying to find the right words for her. Usually, they came so easily, because usually he knew the answer or the fix to the issues. This was not some philosophical problem that could be solved with references to old tomes and ancient words. No, this was something different. Blinking a few times, his expression shifting as he gazed at the flowers across the path as if considering his words, he tilted his head and spoke.
Zoser said, both lightness and sincerity in his voice, a soft smile in place, "Oh, but you are worthy. The fact that you have a hard time seeing it only confirms it further. Time and experience will give you more confidence in yourself, and even if you do falter, see it as not a failure but a lesson to be learned. And you are very good at that."
At his word, he gave her the slightest, encouraging squeeze. After all, he knew from years of placing bookwork in front of her, if she ever made a mistake, she ensured it was never made again. It was her way.
"You do so much already and fulfill a life beyond what others could possibly imagine. Allow the people to see you as they will, good or bad, with you knowing the truth behind what you do. No one can do what you do. No one."
Zoser paused, craning his neck slightly to look down at her lithe form, hoping that the vigor behind his words did not worsen the situation. Taking a slight turn with it, he smirked down at her, and leaned back to try to catch her eye.
"In the end, with all due respect, your opinion of yourself does not matter in this." It was an odd statement, he knew, and he fully expected to receive quite the reaction to it, but he continued, "I am a strange man with a strange past, in a station and position in life far out of the reach that anyone of my birth should have any right to be in. It is not deserved, hardly earned in some cases. By all means, I should not be here at all...or so my mind tells me daily. But...that opinion I hold of myself does not matter nor will it change what you see and feel about me, will it?"
It was a real lesson, beyond the books and the statues of antiquity. It was a lesson that had been hard earned by countless souls over eternity. Smirking, knowing he was closing in on the point to be made, he closed with, "It goes both ways. I will allow you to see me as you will, despite the opinion I may hold of myself...just as you will allow the people to see you as they will, despite whether or not you feel worthy."
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With the tightening of the Queen Dowager's hand over Hatshepsut's education, Zoser found moments like this more valuable than all the gold and jewels in all of Egypt. This was as close to a familial love as Zoser ever felt in his life, and the restrictions placed on it now wore on both of them. More than once in the conversation, the scholar could see the young monarch's urge to shed her formal status and lean in for a hug. It was not so obvious to others, but the barriers were being set to keep her safe above all.
Still, as he watched the play of emotion across her young face, his willpower to hold to those barriers was crumbling. There was no one in the world as endearing as Hatshepsut, and though the history tomes would never know it beyond her status as figurehead, he felt half-tempted to put pen to paper and record it some day.
"Alright, then perhaps not the peafowl," Zoser teased, scrunching his nose at her remarks, her infectious laugh spreading to him easily. His laugh was distinct, light and rapid like running footsteps, and accompanied by a wide, toothy grin. That expression slipped into something a bit more sentimental as she instead suggested seeing him in the audience instead. It floored him, and his smile softened and flickered with a touch of emotion, wiggling something like the nose and whiskers of a hare as he glanced away.
"If it helps, do it," he encouraged, looking at her fondly and giving her shoulder a slight squeeze with his hand. As he spoke, her eyes watched attentively. Hatshepsut would have made a marvelous scholar had her gender and station in life not stood in the way. He thought briefly about how ideal of a world it would be if, like in Athenia, the University he toiled toward in Alexandria would extend to any student who wished to learn. Life, society, and more importantly, his patrons would never see it so - but if the Queen ever wished to attend a lecture someday, who would say no to her?
Her words saw his brows knit together, a pang in his heart as he heard the true insecurity behind them. Zoser could feel the tears brimming behind her voice, glancing up towards the entrance to the private garden where they sat and satisfied that no one would be there to interrupt them.
He could not take it anymore.
Scooting a bit closer to her, he let his arm wrap around her shoulder and gently tug her closer to his side. He blew a long, slow breath out his nose as he paused a moment, trying to find the right words for her. Usually, they came so easily, because usually he knew the answer or the fix to the issues. This was not some philosophical problem that could be solved with references to old tomes and ancient words. No, this was something different. Blinking a few times, his expression shifting as he gazed at the flowers across the path as if considering his words, he tilted his head and spoke.
Zoser said, both lightness and sincerity in his voice, a soft smile in place, "Oh, but you are worthy. The fact that you have a hard time seeing it only confirms it further. Time and experience will give you more confidence in yourself, and even if you do falter, see it as not a failure but a lesson to be learned. And you are very good at that."
At his word, he gave her the slightest, encouraging squeeze. After all, he knew from years of placing bookwork in front of her, if she ever made a mistake, she ensured it was never made again. It was her way.
"You do so much already and fulfill a life beyond what others could possibly imagine. Allow the people to see you as they will, good or bad, with you knowing the truth behind what you do. No one can do what you do. No one."
Zoser paused, craning his neck slightly to look down at her lithe form, hoping that the vigor behind his words did not worsen the situation. Taking a slight turn with it, he smirked down at her, and leaned back to try to catch her eye.
"In the end, with all due respect, your opinion of yourself does not matter in this." It was an odd statement, he knew, and he fully expected to receive quite the reaction to it, but he continued, "I am a strange man with a strange past, in a station and position in life far out of the reach that anyone of my birth should have any right to be in. It is not deserved, hardly earned in some cases. By all means, I should not be here at all...or so my mind tells me daily. But...that opinion I hold of myself does not matter nor will it change what you see and feel about me, will it?"
It was a real lesson, beyond the books and the statues of antiquity. It was a lesson that had been hard earned by countless souls over eternity. Smirking, knowing he was closing in on the point to be made, he closed with, "It goes both ways. I will allow you to see me as you will, despite the opinion I may hold of myself...just as you will allow the people to see you as they will, despite whether or not you feel worthy."
With the tightening of the Queen Dowager's hand over Hatshepsut's education, Zoser found moments like this more valuable than all the gold and jewels in all of Egypt. This was as close to a familial love as Zoser ever felt in his life, and the restrictions placed on it now wore on both of them. More than once in the conversation, the scholar could see the young monarch's urge to shed her formal status and lean in for a hug. It was not so obvious to others, but the barriers were being set to keep her safe above all.
Still, as he watched the play of emotion across her young face, his willpower to hold to those barriers was crumbling. There was no one in the world as endearing as Hatshepsut, and though the history tomes would never know it beyond her status as figurehead, he felt half-tempted to put pen to paper and record it some day.
"Alright, then perhaps not the peafowl," Zoser teased, scrunching his nose at her remarks, her infectious laugh spreading to him easily. His laugh was distinct, light and rapid like running footsteps, and accompanied by a wide, toothy grin. That expression slipped into something a bit more sentimental as she instead suggested seeing him in the audience instead. It floored him, and his smile softened and flickered with a touch of emotion, wiggling something like the nose and whiskers of a hare as he glanced away.
"If it helps, do it," he encouraged, looking at her fondly and giving her shoulder a slight squeeze with his hand. As he spoke, her eyes watched attentively. Hatshepsut would have made a marvelous scholar had her gender and station in life not stood in the way. He thought briefly about how ideal of a world it would be if, like in Athenia, the University he toiled toward in Alexandria would extend to any student who wished to learn. Life, society, and more importantly, his patrons would never see it so - but if the Queen ever wished to attend a lecture someday, who would say no to her?
Her words saw his brows knit together, a pang in his heart as he heard the true insecurity behind them. Zoser could feel the tears brimming behind her voice, glancing up towards the entrance to the private garden where they sat and satisfied that no one would be there to interrupt them.
He could not take it anymore.
Scooting a bit closer to her, he let his arm wrap around her shoulder and gently tug her closer to his side. He blew a long, slow breath out his nose as he paused a moment, trying to find the right words for her. Usually, they came so easily, because usually he knew the answer or the fix to the issues. This was not some philosophical problem that could be solved with references to old tomes and ancient words. No, this was something different. Blinking a few times, his expression shifting as he gazed at the flowers across the path as if considering his words, he tilted his head and spoke.
Zoser said, both lightness and sincerity in his voice, a soft smile in place, "Oh, but you are worthy. The fact that you have a hard time seeing it only confirms it further. Time and experience will give you more confidence in yourself, and even if you do falter, see it as not a failure but a lesson to be learned. And you are very good at that."
At his word, he gave her the slightest, encouraging squeeze. After all, he knew from years of placing bookwork in front of her, if she ever made a mistake, she ensured it was never made again. It was her way.
"You do so much already and fulfill a life beyond what others could possibly imagine. Allow the people to see you as they will, good or bad, with you knowing the truth behind what you do. No one can do what you do. No one."
Zoser paused, craning his neck slightly to look down at her lithe form, hoping that the vigor behind his words did not worsen the situation. Taking a slight turn with it, he smirked down at her, and leaned back to try to catch her eye.
"In the end, with all due respect, your opinion of yourself does not matter in this." It was an odd statement, he knew, and he fully expected to receive quite the reaction to it, but he continued, "I am a strange man with a strange past, in a station and position in life far out of the reach that anyone of my birth should have any right to be in. It is not deserved, hardly earned in some cases. By all means, I should not be here at all...or so my mind tells me daily. But...that opinion I hold of myself does not matter nor will it change what you see and feel about me, will it?"
It was a real lesson, beyond the books and the statues of antiquity. It was a lesson that had been hard earned by countless souls over eternity. Smirking, knowing he was closing in on the point to be made, he closed with, "It goes both ways. I will allow you to see me as you will, despite the opinion I may hold of myself...just as you will allow the people to see you as they will, despite whether or not you feel worthy."
Zoser’s laughter always delighted Hatshepsut, as did his broad grin. There was nothing about him that she didn’t like, except when he frowned, which he had sometimes done when she didn’t apply herself fully to her lessons. Those occasions were rare, usually occurring when she had something else on her mind, such as an upcoming council meeting that would require her to speak or a conundrum she needed to solve at her mother’s request. His frown never ceased to get her back on track, because she truly wanted to please him. She also wanted to be knowledgeable enough to rule her kingdom and she knew that would only come with diligence and dedication.
The petite Queen had not considered that her beloved tutor might feel uncomfortable with her imagining the crowds all looking like him. She was glad that he didn’t mind because she really thought it would help her. If she could speak to her people the way she spoke to her Zosie, then perhaps her words would come from the heart and she wouldn’t have to rely on memorizing speeches as she often did when she addressed the council.
Hatshepsut wanted nothing more than to make a good impression on her subjects and to live up to the trust and love they felt for her. This would be the first time that most of them would see her. She wanted them to believe that she would be able to rule well when she reached the age of majority in a bit more than a year’s time. But how, when she didn’t have faith in herself? They would notice her shyness, sense her insecurity, and hear the hesitation in her voice. They would no longer love her but hate her for being gentle and weak.
Never would she have been able to admit her doubts to her mother, who would have scolded her. Zose, though, would understand. He always did. Her heart leapt in her chest when he wrapped his arm around her and drew her close. That was all the excuse she needed to turn toward him and hug him tightly. A few tears escaped from her eyes and wet his clothing, but she managed to hold most of them back. Crying like a baby wouldn’t solve her problem.
His encouragement comforted her immensely. If he thought she was worthy, then she must be, because her Zosie knew everything and had never lied to her. She had no idea how being unaware of it meant it was true, unless her quest for perfection distorted her thoughts. Would she truly become more confident in time? Hatshepsut knew that she was very young to have so much responsibility on her shoulders, and feared that her lack of experience would be apparent when she toured the provinces. She knew how to fake self-assurance, but how long would she be able to keep up the pretense?
A shaky smile turned up the corners of her lips when Zoser squeezed her shoulders and said that she was good at learning from her mistakes. She pulled back a bit so she could look up at him. That much was true, as was his statement that nobody could imagine the kind of life she led. It wasn’t all prestige, glory, and a glittering crown upon her head. Ruling meant sacrifice, hard work, and compromise. No matter what her people thought of her, she would do her best for them. How many other young girls were capable of that? Maybe she was the only person who could do what she did. But what if she failed them because she was not sure and brave?
Zoser’s next words shocked her and her teeth pensively worried her lower lip. Her opinion of herself didn’t matter? How could that be? He went on to speak frankly about himself and how others viewed him compared to the way he viewed himself. Hatshepsut didn’t think of him as strange and she knew without a doubt that he deserved the position he had been given regardless of the situation into which he had been born. His past had never been explained to her. Nor did she care where he had come from.
If no one else could do what she did, then nobody could do what he did either. She would not be the person she was today without him. He had helped to mold her into the queen she was and would always be. Without his guidance and his friendship, she might have turned out vain and entitled, or greedy and irresponsible. Another tutor might not have pushed her to obtain all knowledge, even that which would not help her reign. Zoser had shown her that all knowledge was worth having, and that her own interests shouldn’t be discarded just because they wouldn’t help her rule. Because of him, she was her.
“Of course not!” she exclaimed. “Nothing will ever change my high opinion of you! Nothing! Ever!” Her eyes widened at his revelation that her own view of herself would not change the way her people saw her either. They adored and respected her because she was their Queen and she should use their admiration to boost her spirits and to become what they believed her to be.
It would be hard, but since when had she ever refused a challenge? “Very well,” she said solemnly. “I shall try. Whenever I feel like a failure, I will recall this conversation.. And I will remember that you are always right.”
Her stoic expression suddenly dissolved into a genuine smile. Throwing herself in his arms, she hugged him once more. “Oh Zosie, I love you. I love you to bits and I wish more than anything that you could tour the provinces with me!”
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Zoser’s laughter always delighted Hatshepsut, as did his broad grin. There was nothing about him that she didn’t like, except when he frowned, which he had sometimes done when she didn’t apply herself fully to her lessons. Those occasions were rare, usually occurring when she had something else on her mind, such as an upcoming council meeting that would require her to speak or a conundrum she needed to solve at her mother’s request. His frown never ceased to get her back on track, because she truly wanted to please him. She also wanted to be knowledgeable enough to rule her kingdom and she knew that would only come with diligence and dedication.
The petite Queen had not considered that her beloved tutor might feel uncomfortable with her imagining the crowds all looking like him. She was glad that he didn’t mind because she really thought it would help her. If she could speak to her people the way she spoke to her Zosie, then perhaps her words would come from the heart and she wouldn’t have to rely on memorizing speeches as she often did when she addressed the council.
Hatshepsut wanted nothing more than to make a good impression on her subjects and to live up to the trust and love they felt for her. This would be the first time that most of them would see her. She wanted them to believe that she would be able to rule well when she reached the age of majority in a bit more than a year’s time. But how, when she didn’t have faith in herself? They would notice her shyness, sense her insecurity, and hear the hesitation in her voice. They would no longer love her but hate her for being gentle and weak.
Never would she have been able to admit her doubts to her mother, who would have scolded her. Zose, though, would understand. He always did. Her heart leapt in her chest when he wrapped his arm around her and drew her close. That was all the excuse she needed to turn toward him and hug him tightly. A few tears escaped from her eyes and wet his clothing, but she managed to hold most of them back. Crying like a baby wouldn’t solve her problem.
His encouragement comforted her immensely. If he thought she was worthy, then she must be, because her Zosie knew everything and had never lied to her. She had no idea how being unaware of it meant it was true, unless her quest for perfection distorted her thoughts. Would she truly become more confident in time? Hatshepsut knew that she was very young to have so much responsibility on her shoulders, and feared that her lack of experience would be apparent when she toured the provinces. She knew how to fake self-assurance, but how long would she be able to keep up the pretense?
A shaky smile turned up the corners of her lips when Zoser squeezed her shoulders and said that she was good at learning from her mistakes. She pulled back a bit so she could look up at him. That much was true, as was his statement that nobody could imagine the kind of life she led. It wasn’t all prestige, glory, and a glittering crown upon her head. Ruling meant sacrifice, hard work, and compromise. No matter what her people thought of her, she would do her best for them. How many other young girls were capable of that? Maybe she was the only person who could do what she did. But what if she failed them because she was not sure and brave?
Zoser’s next words shocked her and her teeth pensively worried her lower lip. Her opinion of herself didn’t matter? How could that be? He went on to speak frankly about himself and how others viewed him compared to the way he viewed himself. Hatshepsut didn’t think of him as strange and she knew without a doubt that he deserved the position he had been given regardless of the situation into which he had been born. His past had never been explained to her. Nor did she care where he had come from.
If no one else could do what she did, then nobody could do what he did either. She would not be the person she was today without him. He had helped to mold her into the queen she was and would always be. Without his guidance and his friendship, she might have turned out vain and entitled, or greedy and irresponsible. Another tutor might not have pushed her to obtain all knowledge, even that which would not help her reign. Zoser had shown her that all knowledge was worth having, and that her own interests shouldn’t be discarded just because they wouldn’t help her rule. Because of him, she was her.
“Of course not!” she exclaimed. “Nothing will ever change my high opinion of you! Nothing! Ever!” Her eyes widened at his revelation that her own view of herself would not change the way her people saw her either. They adored and respected her because she was their Queen and she should use their admiration to boost her spirits and to become what they believed her to be.
It would be hard, but since when had she ever refused a challenge? “Very well,” she said solemnly. “I shall try. Whenever I feel like a failure, I will recall this conversation.. And I will remember that you are always right.”
Her stoic expression suddenly dissolved into a genuine smile. Throwing herself in his arms, she hugged him once more. “Oh Zosie, I love you. I love you to bits and I wish more than anything that you could tour the provinces with me!”
Zoser’s laughter always delighted Hatshepsut, as did his broad grin. There was nothing about him that she didn’t like, except when he frowned, which he had sometimes done when she didn’t apply herself fully to her lessons. Those occasions were rare, usually occurring when she had something else on her mind, such as an upcoming council meeting that would require her to speak or a conundrum she needed to solve at her mother’s request. His frown never ceased to get her back on track, because she truly wanted to please him. She also wanted to be knowledgeable enough to rule her kingdom and she knew that would only come with diligence and dedication.
The petite Queen had not considered that her beloved tutor might feel uncomfortable with her imagining the crowds all looking like him. She was glad that he didn’t mind because she really thought it would help her. If she could speak to her people the way she spoke to her Zosie, then perhaps her words would come from the heart and she wouldn’t have to rely on memorizing speeches as she often did when she addressed the council.
Hatshepsut wanted nothing more than to make a good impression on her subjects and to live up to the trust and love they felt for her. This would be the first time that most of them would see her. She wanted them to believe that she would be able to rule well when she reached the age of majority in a bit more than a year’s time. But how, when she didn’t have faith in herself? They would notice her shyness, sense her insecurity, and hear the hesitation in her voice. They would no longer love her but hate her for being gentle and weak.
Never would she have been able to admit her doubts to her mother, who would have scolded her. Zose, though, would understand. He always did. Her heart leapt in her chest when he wrapped his arm around her and drew her close. That was all the excuse she needed to turn toward him and hug him tightly. A few tears escaped from her eyes and wet his clothing, but she managed to hold most of them back. Crying like a baby wouldn’t solve her problem.
His encouragement comforted her immensely. If he thought she was worthy, then she must be, because her Zosie knew everything and had never lied to her. She had no idea how being unaware of it meant it was true, unless her quest for perfection distorted her thoughts. Would she truly become more confident in time? Hatshepsut knew that she was very young to have so much responsibility on her shoulders, and feared that her lack of experience would be apparent when she toured the provinces. She knew how to fake self-assurance, but how long would she be able to keep up the pretense?
A shaky smile turned up the corners of her lips when Zoser squeezed her shoulders and said that she was good at learning from her mistakes. She pulled back a bit so she could look up at him. That much was true, as was his statement that nobody could imagine the kind of life she led. It wasn’t all prestige, glory, and a glittering crown upon her head. Ruling meant sacrifice, hard work, and compromise. No matter what her people thought of her, she would do her best for them. How many other young girls were capable of that? Maybe she was the only person who could do what she did. But what if she failed them because she was not sure and brave?
Zoser’s next words shocked her and her teeth pensively worried her lower lip. Her opinion of herself didn’t matter? How could that be? He went on to speak frankly about himself and how others viewed him compared to the way he viewed himself. Hatshepsut didn’t think of him as strange and she knew without a doubt that he deserved the position he had been given regardless of the situation into which he had been born. His past had never been explained to her. Nor did she care where he had come from.
If no one else could do what she did, then nobody could do what he did either. She would not be the person she was today without him. He had helped to mold her into the queen she was and would always be. Without his guidance and his friendship, she might have turned out vain and entitled, or greedy and irresponsible. Another tutor might not have pushed her to obtain all knowledge, even that which would not help her reign. Zoser had shown her that all knowledge was worth having, and that her own interests shouldn’t be discarded just because they wouldn’t help her rule. Because of him, she was her.
“Of course not!” she exclaimed. “Nothing will ever change my high opinion of you! Nothing! Ever!” Her eyes widened at his revelation that her own view of herself would not change the way her people saw her either. They adored and respected her because she was their Queen and she should use their admiration to boost her spirits and to become what they believed her to be.
It would be hard, but since when had she ever refused a challenge? “Very well,” she said solemnly. “I shall try. Whenever I feel like a failure, I will recall this conversation.. And I will remember that you are always right.”
Her stoic expression suddenly dissolved into a genuine smile. Throwing herself in his arms, she hugged him once more. “Oh Zosie, I love you. I love you to bits and I wish more than anything that you could tour the provinces with me!”
The moment he offered his embrace to the Queen, he should have known that her tears would begin to flow. His heart ached from it and without any further consideration, he wrapped his other arm around her and let her cry against his chest - creating a shield around her and offering her a place that no one else did.
In Greece, there had been more of a hard-and-fast separation between himself and the noble children he tutored. While there, he was a lesser creature given his origins and his status, yet he found that the curiosity of those children managed to bring down some form of barrier that existed there. He entertained as much as he educated in many ways, even if simply through the novelty of him being Egyptian or through his skill in storytelling - to make learning hardly seem like bookwork but just story after story. While, yes, he found himself caring for those children, it was nothing compared to the sheer and true love that he felt for Hatshepsut.
Zoser had come into her life at a crucial moment in her life, and ages ago, he had come to terms with the fact that he filled a father figure's role in her life. It was a point of contention between himself and the Dowager Queen, especially as the young Evening Star grew older. Yet, for his usefulness at least, the Dowager Queen seemed to tolerate his presence in her daughter's life, even to the point of removing obstacles from his path as far as the development of the Library was concerned.
Of all the jobs and duties that he fulfilled in the Palace, he felt most unprepared for this role, even all these years in. He never had a father figure growing up, and felt wildly under-qualified to fill such a role for Hatshepsut. In fact, after saying his words to her, he knew that he could easily throw that same sentiment of 'your opinion of yourself does not matter' right back at himself in this situation, and he knew it.
“Of course not! Nothing will ever change my high opinion of you! Nothing! Ever!”
Zoser smiled, eyes lowering away slightly as if to brush aside the compliment, just as she would have. Their similarities were striking, even though they shared no blood. The gods had certainly put them in each other's path for this reason. After all, they both held sentiment differently than most of the people they were surrounded by. Though he never had someone with such a kindred spirit as he grew up, he was thankful that he could be that for her. After all, the young Queen needed more support than he ever did.
He could not help the hearty laugh as she noted that she would remember this conversation at that he was always right. When he stopped snickering at it, he glanced back to her with an expression of amused, fatherly affection. His hand drifted up in an attempt to unsmudge some of the khol from around her eyes, streaked only slightly by the tears
"Good, that is the most important thing, after all," he teased, as if pretending to lecture her on it. His tone, though, was all mirth. Then, he very quickly had to prepare himself for the way she threw herself at him into a huge hug. His eyes glanced over towards the guards who were dutifully looking away as he wrapped her into a huge, squeezing, and entirely unroyal hug.
"I love you, too, all the way across the sea and back," he replied, giving her a second big squeeze and a kiss on the forehead before moving to stand, offering her a hand to do the same. "I know you do, but you will return before you know it. And I will be here when you return so you can tell me about everything you have seen, sparing no detail. Perhaps, even as a parting gift, I will give you some blank pages to document your journey? Egypt through the eyes of a Queen..."
Zoser tucked her arm into the crook of his elbow, he began to lead them down the path towards a small shaded corner of the garden where the swans like to swim in a calm pool. There, they could muse and talk of any of her further worries before she left, or about nothing at all.
Just spending time with one another was enough to bring joy that would last them through the weeks they would soon spend apart.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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The moment he offered his embrace to the Queen, he should have known that her tears would begin to flow. His heart ached from it and without any further consideration, he wrapped his other arm around her and let her cry against his chest - creating a shield around her and offering her a place that no one else did.
In Greece, there had been more of a hard-and-fast separation between himself and the noble children he tutored. While there, he was a lesser creature given his origins and his status, yet he found that the curiosity of those children managed to bring down some form of barrier that existed there. He entertained as much as he educated in many ways, even if simply through the novelty of him being Egyptian or through his skill in storytelling - to make learning hardly seem like bookwork but just story after story. While, yes, he found himself caring for those children, it was nothing compared to the sheer and true love that he felt for Hatshepsut.
Zoser had come into her life at a crucial moment in her life, and ages ago, he had come to terms with the fact that he filled a father figure's role in her life. It was a point of contention between himself and the Dowager Queen, especially as the young Evening Star grew older. Yet, for his usefulness at least, the Dowager Queen seemed to tolerate his presence in her daughter's life, even to the point of removing obstacles from his path as far as the development of the Library was concerned.
Of all the jobs and duties that he fulfilled in the Palace, he felt most unprepared for this role, even all these years in. He never had a father figure growing up, and felt wildly under-qualified to fill such a role for Hatshepsut. In fact, after saying his words to her, he knew that he could easily throw that same sentiment of 'your opinion of yourself does not matter' right back at himself in this situation, and he knew it.
“Of course not! Nothing will ever change my high opinion of you! Nothing! Ever!”
Zoser smiled, eyes lowering away slightly as if to brush aside the compliment, just as she would have. Their similarities were striking, even though they shared no blood. The gods had certainly put them in each other's path for this reason. After all, they both held sentiment differently than most of the people they were surrounded by. Though he never had someone with such a kindred spirit as he grew up, he was thankful that he could be that for her. After all, the young Queen needed more support than he ever did.
He could not help the hearty laugh as she noted that she would remember this conversation at that he was always right. When he stopped snickering at it, he glanced back to her with an expression of amused, fatherly affection. His hand drifted up in an attempt to unsmudge some of the khol from around her eyes, streaked only slightly by the tears
"Good, that is the most important thing, after all," he teased, as if pretending to lecture her on it. His tone, though, was all mirth. Then, he very quickly had to prepare himself for the way she threw herself at him into a huge hug. His eyes glanced over towards the guards who were dutifully looking away as he wrapped her into a huge, squeezing, and entirely unroyal hug.
"I love you, too, all the way across the sea and back," he replied, giving her a second big squeeze and a kiss on the forehead before moving to stand, offering her a hand to do the same. "I know you do, but you will return before you know it. And I will be here when you return so you can tell me about everything you have seen, sparing no detail. Perhaps, even as a parting gift, I will give you some blank pages to document your journey? Egypt through the eyes of a Queen..."
Zoser tucked her arm into the crook of his elbow, he began to lead them down the path towards a small shaded corner of the garden where the swans like to swim in a calm pool. There, they could muse and talk of any of her further worries before she left, or about nothing at all.
Just spending time with one another was enough to bring joy that would last them through the weeks they would soon spend apart.
The moment he offered his embrace to the Queen, he should have known that her tears would begin to flow. His heart ached from it and without any further consideration, he wrapped his other arm around her and let her cry against his chest - creating a shield around her and offering her a place that no one else did.
In Greece, there had been more of a hard-and-fast separation between himself and the noble children he tutored. While there, he was a lesser creature given his origins and his status, yet he found that the curiosity of those children managed to bring down some form of barrier that existed there. He entertained as much as he educated in many ways, even if simply through the novelty of him being Egyptian or through his skill in storytelling - to make learning hardly seem like bookwork but just story after story. While, yes, he found himself caring for those children, it was nothing compared to the sheer and true love that he felt for Hatshepsut.
Zoser had come into her life at a crucial moment in her life, and ages ago, he had come to terms with the fact that he filled a father figure's role in her life. It was a point of contention between himself and the Dowager Queen, especially as the young Evening Star grew older. Yet, for his usefulness at least, the Dowager Queen seemed to tolerate his presence in her daughter's life, even to the point of removing obstacles from his path as far as the development of the Library was concerned.
Of all the jobs and duties that he fulfilled in the Palace, he felt most unprepared for this role, even all these years in. He never had a father figure growing up, and felt wildly under-qualified to fill such a role for Hatshepsut. In fact, after saying his words to her, he knew that he could easily throw that same sentiment of 'your opinion of yourself does not matter' right back at himself in this situation, and he knew it.
“Of course not! Nothing will ever change my high opinion of you! Nothing! Ever!”
Zoser smiled, eyes lowering away slightly as if to brush aside the compliment, just as she would have. Their similarities were striking, even though they shared no blood. The gods had certainly put them in each other's path for this reason. After all, they both held sentiment differently than most of the people they were surrounded by. Though he never had someone with such a kindred spirit as he grew up, he was thankful that he could be that for her. After all, the young Queen needed more support than he ever did.
He could not help the hearty laugh as she noted that she would remember this conversation at that he was always right. When he stopped snickering at it, he glanced back to her with an expression of amused, fatherly affection. His hand drifted up in an attempt to unsmudge some of the khol from around her eyes, streaked only slightly by the tears
"Good, that is the most important thing, after all," he teased, as if pretending to lecture her on it. His tone, though, was all mirth. Then, he very quickly had to prepare himself for the way she threw herself at him into a huge hug. His eyes glanced over towards the guards who were dutifully looking away as he wrapped her into a huge, squeezing, and entirely unroyal hug.
"I love you, too, all the way across the sea and back," he replied, giving her a second big squeeze and a kiss on the forehead before moving to stand, offering her a hand to do the same. "I know you do, but you will return before you know it. And I will be here when you return so you can tell me about everything you have seen, sparing no detail. Perhaps, even as a parting gift, I will give you some blank pages to document your journey? Egypt through the eyes of a Queen..."
Zoser tucked her arm into the crook of his elbow, he began to lead them down the path towards a small shaded corner of the garden where the swans like to swim in a calm pool. There, they could muse and talk of any of her further worries before she left, or about nothing at all.
Just spending time with one another was enough to bring joy that would last them through the weeks they would soon spend apart.
Zosie looked embarrassed when she complimented him. Hatshepsut reacted to flattery in the exact same way and understood why it made him uncomfortable. They were so much alike that it was easy to imagine that he really was her father. As a child, she would pretend that he was, and that she was the daughter of a scholar instead of a Queen. She could run around and chase peacocks all day or read to her heart’s content in the library. A scholar would, of course, have an extensive library. When she grew up, she could marry whomever she fell in love with and wouldn’t have to rely on a Council to choose her husband.
As the years passed, she gave up on those childhood fancies. Zoser was a splendid tutor and a treasured friend and she loved him just the way he was. Hatshepsut leaned into him as he wiped a smudge of kohl from around her eyes. Her mother was always telling her that she must not cry when wearing makeup, but Zosie knew that tears were not always a sign of weakness and that weeping was a good way to get rid of your frustrations. Holding your worries inside you would make you explode. He had never told her that, but it was the way she envisioned it.
She knew that he was just teasing her and she laughed before she launched herself into his arms, telling him that she wished that he could go on the tour with her. Hatshepsut would feel much more confident with him by her side. Zoser hugged her back and she squeezed him tightly, wishing she never had to let him go.
His kiss to her forehead made it tingle, and she was enjoying the sensation when he stood up and offered her his hand. She rose as he told her that he wanted her to tell him everything about her upcoming journey. His offer of a few blank sheets of papyrus to write on was met with a bright grin. “Yes! Please! If I write everything down, then I won’t have to worry about forgetting something important. There will be a lot of travel times between provinces. I won’t be so nervous about my next stop if I can write.”
With her small hand securely tucked in the crook of his elbow, Zoser led Hatsheput toward the pond that the swans often frequented. Her heart was much lighter now. Sitting down on a pretty bench, she turned her gaze toward the graceful birds, and began asking him what he knew about the places she would be visiting. All too soon, it was time for her to go back inside for an etiquette lesson with her mother. Standing up, she hugged Zoser again, kissed his cheek, and walked toward the door of the palace with a skip in her step. She always felt cheerful after a visit with her Zosie.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Zosie looked embarrassed when she complimented him. Hatshepsut reacted to flattery in the exact same way and understood why it made him uncomfortable. They were so much alike that it was easy to imagine that he really was her father. As a child, she would pretend that he was, and that she was the daughter of a scholar instead of a Queen. She could run around and chase peacocks all day or read to her heart’s content in the library. A scholar would, of course, have an extensive library. When she grew up, she could marry whomever she fell in love with and wouldn’t have to rely on a Council to choose her husband.
As the years passed, she gave up on those childhood fancies. Zoser was a splendid tutor and a treasured friend and she loved him just the way he was. Hatshepsut leaned into him as he wiped a smudge of kohl from around her eyes. Her mother was always telling her that she must not cry when wearing makeup, but Zosie knew that tears were not always a sign of weakness and that weeping was a good way to get rid of your frustrations. Holding your worries inside you would make you explode. He had never told her that, but it was the way she envisioned it.
She knew that he was just teasing her and she laughed before she launched herself into his arms, telling him that she wished that he could go on the tour with her. Hatshepsut would feel much more confident with him by her side. Zoser hugged her back and she squeezed him tightly, wishing she never had to let him go.
His kiss to her forehead made it tingle, and she was enjoying the sensation when he stood up and offered her his hand. She rose as he told her that he wanted her to tell him everything about her upcoming journey. His offer of a few blank sheets of papyrus to write on was met with a bright grin. “Yes! Please! If I write everything down, then I won’t have to worry about forgetting something important. There will be a lot of travel times between provinces. I won’t be so nervous about my next stop if I can write.”
With her small hand securely tucked in the crook of his elbow, Zoser led Hatsheput toward the pond that the swans often frequented. Her heart was much lighter now. Sitting down on a pretty bench, she turned her gaze toward the graceful birds, and began asking him what he knew about the places she would be visiting. All too soon, it was time for her to go back inside for an etiquette lesson with her mother. Standing up, she hugged Zoser again, kissed his cheek, and walked toward the door of the palace with a skip in her step. She always felt cheerful after a visit with her Zosie.
Zosie looked embarrassed when she complimented him. Hatshepsut reacted to flattery in the exact same way and understood why it made him uncomfortable. They were so much alike that it was easy to imagine that he really was her father. As a child, she would pretend that he was, and that she was the daughter of a scholar instead of a Queen. She could run around and chase peacocks all day or read to her heart’s content in the library. A scholar would, of course, have an extensive library. When she grew up, she could marry whomever she fell in love with and wouldn’t have to rely on a Council to choose her husband.
As the years passed, she gave up on those childhood fancies. Zoser was a splendid tutor and a treasured friend and she loved him just the way he was. Hatshepsut leaned into him as he wiped a smudge of kohl from around her eyes. Her mother was always telling her that she must not cry when wearing makeup, but Zosie knew that tears were not always a sign of weakness and that weeping was a good way to get rid of your frustrations. Holding your worries inside you would make you explode. He had never told her that, but it was the way she envisioned it.
She knew that he was just teasing her and she laughed before she launched herself into his arms, telling him that she wished that he could go on the tour with her. Hatshepsut would feel much more confident with him by her side. Zoser hugged her back and she squeezed him tightly, wishing she never had to let him go.
His kiss to her forehead made it tingle, and she was enjoying the sensation when he stood up and offered her his hand. She rose as he told her that he wanted her to tell him everything about her upcoming journey. His offer of a few blank sheets of papyrus to write on was met with a bright grin. “Yes! Please! If I write everything down, then I won’t have to worry about forgetting something important. There will be a lot of travel times between provinces. I won’t be so nervous about my next stop if I can write.”
With her small hand securely tucked in the crook of his elbow, Zoser led Hatsheput toward the pond that the swans often frequented. Her heart was much lighter now. Sitting down on a pretty bench, she turned her gaze toward the graceful birds, and began asking him what he knew about the places she would be visiting. All too soon, it was time for her to go back inside for an etiquette lesson with her mother. Standing up, she hugged Zoser again, kissed his cheek, and walked toward the door of the palace with a skip in her step. She always felt cheerful after a visit with her Zosie.