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For the most part, Zoser had very precariously split his life into perfect halves when it came to his responsibilities to the crown. First came his love for the Archives, consistently perfecting them to the pristine level that would be worthy of being permanently stored in a fine, shining white tower in Alexandria - or so the plan went.
The second was to maintain informative relations with the various Heads of the Heis, not only to continue supporting that main purpose, but to advise the Queen Dowager and the Queen Hatshepsut - and in these recent months, the Pharaoh Iahotep. There was a rather regular schedule that he had developed over the past months, and for the most part, his visits to the various Heis proved to be more social and amicable than not. As well, his visits were usually dictated according to his schedule, as Zoser appreciated regularity and aimed to offer the same courtesy to his hosts.
As such, when Narmer's missive arrived, Zoser had been in the midst of a major cataloguing overhaul - balancing precariously on a scaffold that had been placed alongside the extensive shelves. There was an urgency in the man's writing that seemed slightly out of character for the young general. It was disconcerting.
Once he had finely explained every detail of the cataloguing project to another scribe, Zoser descended from the scaffold and issued a few minor orders before setting forth.
Zoser knew that, if anyone had read the missive he received, his prompt response would indicate a certain favoritism towards Hei Haikaddad - one that he would have a difficult time denying if hard pressed for an answer. Perhaps it was sympathy for the family following the loss of Narutt, or the joy of having seen the young children as they had grown into young adults over time, or simply because of how he could see the cracks forming in the veneer of their nobility, despite Narmer's efforts.
Compassion had always been Zoser's downfall in these instances.
The Ghani District was not far, but he was certain that Narmer was likely not expecting him to respond so quickly. In departing, he had forgone any of the ornamentation that usually adorned him for such visits to the Hei leaders, barring the khol around his eyes and the presence of the Royal Scribe amulet upon his chest. His hand still bore small smudges of ink that he had not fully wiped away in his haste, something he hoped would be forgiven. If it were not for his height, moderate breadth, and shock of silver and black hair, he would have seen quite plain indeed.
Once permitted entrance and pointed toward the young Sirdar's location within the house, he was guided in by a servant and offered an honorary bow before dismissing the servant with two quick flicks of his hand. He formed a soft smile at first that quickly faded through his words, "'Implore'. I cannot say that I have ever had anyone 'implore' for my presence. Is everything alright?"
No sooner had he asked the words did a quick lookover of his friend indicate the answer. There was more than the usual exhaustion and standard worry in his eyes, there was also what seemed to be a glint of....panic.
Without a word, Zoser reached behind him to close the door to the room and ensured the latch was shut.
"What has happened?"
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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For the most part, Zoser had very precariously split his life into perfect halves when it came to his responsibilities to the crown. First came his love for the Archives, consistently perfecting them to the pristine level that would be worthy of being permanently stored in a fine, shining white tower in Alexandria - or so the plan went.
The second was to maintain informative relations with the various Heads of the Heis, not only to continue supporting that main purpose, but to advise the Queen Dowager and the Queen Hatshepsut - and in these recent months, the Pharaoh Iahotep. There was a rather regular schedule that he had developed over the past months, and for the most part, his visits to the various Heis proved to be more social and amicable than not. As well, his visits were usually dictated according to his schedule, as Zoser appreciated regularity and aimed to offer the same courtesy to his hosts.
As such, when Narmer's missive arrived, Zoser had been in the midst of a major cataloguing overhaul - balancing precariously on a scaffold that had been placed alongside the extensive shelves. There was an urgency in the man's writing that seemed slightly out of character for the young general. It was disconcerting.
Once he had finely explained every detail of the cataloguing project to another scribe, Zoser descended from the scaffold and issued a few minor orders before setting forth.
Zoser knew that, if anyone had read the missive he received, his prompt response would indicate a certain favoritism towards Hei Haikaddad - one that he would have a difficult time denying if hard pressed for an answer. Perhaps it was sympathy for the family following the loss of Narutt, or the joy of having seen the young children as they had grown into young adults over time, or simply because of how he could see the cracks forming in the veneer of their nobility, despite Narmer's efforts.
Compassion had always been Zoser's downfall in these instances.
The Ghani District was not far, but he was certain that Narmer was likely not expecting him to respond so quickly. In departing, he had forgone any of the ornamentation that usually adorned him for such visits to the Hei leaders, barring the khol around his eyes and the presence of the Royal Scribe amulet upon his chest. His hand still bore small smudges of ink that he had not fully wiped away in his haste, something he hoped would be forgiven. If it were not for his height, moderate breadth, and shock of silver and black hair, he would have seen quite plain indeed.
Once permitted entrance and pointed toward the young Sirdar's location within the house, he was guided in by a servant and offered an honorary bow before dismissing the servant with two quick flicks of his hand. He formed a soft smile at first that quickly faded through his words, "'Implore'. I cannot say that I have ever had anyone 'implore' for my presence. Is everything alright?"
No sooner had he asked the words did a quick lookover of his friend indicate the answer. There was more than the usual exhaustion and standard worry in his eyes, there was also what seemed to be a glint of....panic.
Without a word, Zoser reached behind him to close the door to the room and ensured the latch was shut.
"What has happened?"
For the most part, Zoser had very precariously split his life into perfect halves when it came to his responsibilities to the crown. First came his love for the Archives, consistently perfecting them to the pristine level that would be worthy of being permanently stored in a fine, shining white tower in Alexandria - or so the plan went.
The second was to maintain informative relations with the various Heads of the Heis, not only to continue supporting that main purpose, but to advise the Queen Dowager and the Queen Hatshepsut - and in these recent months, the Pharaoh Iahotep. There was a rather regular schedule that he had developed over the past months, and for the most part, his visits to the various Heis proved to be more social and amicable than not. As well, his visits were usually dictated according to his schedule, as Zoser appreciated regularity and aimed to offer the same courtesy to his hosts.
As such, when Narmer's missive arrived, Zoser had been in the midst of a major cataloguing overhaul - balancing precariously on a scaffold that had been placed alongside the extensive shelves. There was an urgency in the man's writing that seemed slightly out of character for the young general. It was disconcerting.
Once he had finely explained every detail of the cataloguing project to another scribe, Zoser descended from the scaffold and issued a few minor orders before setting forth.
Zoser knew that, if anyone had read the missive he received, his prompt response would indicate a certain favoritism towards Hei Haikaddad - one that he would have a difficult time denying if hard pressed for an answer. Perhaps it was sympathy for the family following the loss of Narutt, or the joy of having seen the young children as they had grown into young adults over time, or simply because of how he could see the cracks forming in the veneer of their nobility, despite Narmer's efforts.
Compassion had always been Zoser's downfall in these instances.
The Ghani District was not far, but he was certain that Narmer was likely not expecting him to respond so quickly. In departing, he had forgone any of the ornamentation that usually adorned him for such visits to the Hei leaders, barring the khol around his eyes and the presence of the Royal Scribe amulet upon his chest. His hand still bore small smudges of ink that he had not fully wiped away in his haste, something he hoped would be forgiven. If it were not for his height, moderate breadth, and shock of silver and black hair, he would have seen quite plain indeed.
Once permitted entrance and pointed toward the young Sirdar's location within the house, he was guided in by a servant and offered an honorary bow before dismissing the servant with two quick flicks of his hand. He formed a soft smile at first that quickly faded through his words, "'Implore'. I cannot say that I have ever had anyone 'implore' for my presence. Is everything alright?"
No sooner had he asked the words did a quick lookover of his friend indicate the answer. There was more than the usual exhaustion and standard worry in his eyes, there was also what seemed to be a glint of....panic.
Without a word, Zoser reached behind him to close the door to the room and ensured the latch was shut.
"What has happened?"
People always said money was not the solution to everything, but in honesty, Narmer would be delighted right now if he had some extra gold. It didn't help that the pharoah had recently decided that the Hei's should be checked - how was he to explain the few bags of gold he had come across? Anxious as he was to solve some of the saraayaa's problems with gold, and to for once, make his nieces, nephew and sister in law happy, Narmer had not even stopped to think of the implications that could come with the gold that was given to him. There was nothing free in the world afterall - so how was he to explain their appearance? As it was, Narmer could hardly make head or tail of the Hei's ledgers.
But he couldn't lie to the taxmen either. It was by no magic that the receiving room of the sarayaa had gotten a new coat of paint, or that he had replaced the furnishings in the dining area and fixed the exterior of the Haikaddad saraayaa. This was exactly why Narmer had wanted a life in the military, and had left teh running of the Hei to his brother. Narutt had always had the levelheadedness and clarity of mind to ensure every last coin was accounted for.
Already, the toils of the past week was visible on his face, for his eyebags hung heavier then ever as he paced his study, running a hand through his short cropped hair. If he had just met with the members of Hei Sheifa earlier, perhaps a proper explanation could be had. Afterall, Hei Sheifa had plenty of riches, and had Narmer finalized his engagement with one of their daughters earlier, it could simply be said as an advance to who would soon be family.
Now, he didn't know what to do.
When the servant came to notify him of Zoser's arrival, Narmer couldn't open the door fast enough to his study, relief clear in his amber eyes as the elder man walked in. Zoser was a man Narmer looked up, in posession of knowledge and skills in areas Narmer could only dream of. Outside of asking for further monetary help, the previously unknown man from Thebes was his best bet in figuring out how to get himself out of this financial mess. Ignoring Zoser's jabs at hilarity, Narmer grabbed the note that had came, and pushed it at the elder man's direction.
"This." he murmured, allowing Zoser time to open the hastily folded parchment before he spoke. "I'm sure you know of the recent missive from the Egyptian council to all the Hei's? They are seeking an audit, because of some unaccounted for funds in the royal treasury. I..." he paused, making a strangled voice in his throat as he paused in his pacing, and then buried his face in his hands as he leaned agaisnt the work desk. "Gold had appeared, Zoser. And I used them without asking where it came from. The Hei needed it, you see! But now..." he trailed off, but the meaning was clear, despair obvious in the way he slouched against the table.
He just didn't know what to do.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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People always said money was not the solution to everything, but in honesty, Narmer would be delighted right now if he had some extra gold. It didn't help that the pharoah had recently decided that the Hei's should be checked - how was he to explain the few bags of gold he had come across? Anxious as he was to solve some of the saraayaa's problems with gold, and to for once, make his nieces, nephew and sister in law happy, Narmer had not even stopped to think of the implications that could come with the gold that was given to him. There was nothing free in the world afterall - so how was he to explain their appearance? As it was, Narmer could hardly make head or tail of the Hei's ledgers.
But he couldn't lie to the taxmen either. It was by no magic that the receiving room of the sarayaa had gotten a new coat of paint, or that he had replaced the furnishings in the dining area and fixed the exterior of the Haikaddad saraayaa. This was exactly why Narmer had wanted a life in the military, and had left teh running of the Hei to his brother. Narutt had always had the levelheadedness and clarity of mind to ensure every last coin was accounted for.
Already, the toils of the past week was visible on his face, for his eyebags hung heavier then ever as he paced his study, running a hand through his short cropped hair. If he had just met with the members of Hei Sheifa earlier, perhaps a proper explanation could be had. Afterall, Hei Sheifa had plenty of riches, and had Narmer finalized his engagement with one of their daughters earlier, it could simply be said as an advance to who would soon be family.
Now, he didn't know what to do.
When the servant came to notify him of Zoser's arrival, Narmer couldn't open the door fast enough to his study, relief clear in his amber eyes as the elder man walked in. Zoser was a man Narmer looked up, in posession of knowledge and skills in areas Narmer could only dream of. Outside of asking for further monetary help, the previously unknown man from Thebes was his best bet in figuring out how to get himself out of this financial mess. Ignoring Zoser's jabs at hilarity, Narmer grabbed the note that had came, and pushed it at the elder man's direction.
"This." he murmured, allowing Zoser time to open the hastily folded parchment before he spoke. "I'm sure you know of the recent missive from the Egyptian council to all the Hei's? They are seeking an audit, because of some unaccounted for funds in the royal treasury. I..." he paused, making a strangled voice in his throat as he paused in his pacing, and then buried his face in his hands as he leaned agaisnt the work desk. "Gold had appeared, Zoser. And I used them without asking where it came from. The Hei needed it, you see! But now..." he trailed off, but the meaning was clear, despair obvious in the way he slouched against the table.
He just didn't know what to do.
People always said money was not the solution to everything, but in honesty, Narmer would be delighted right now if he had some extra gold. It didn't help that the pharoah had recently decided that the Hei's should be checked - how was he to explain the few bags of gold he had come across? Anxious as he was to solve some of the saraayaa's problems with gold, and to for once, make his nieces, nephew and sister in law happy, Narmer had not even stopped to think of the implications that could come with the gold that was given to him. There was nothing free in the world afterall - so how was he to explain their appearance? As it was, Narmer could hardly make head or tail of the Hei's ledgers.
But he couldn't lie to the taxmen either. It was by no magic that the receiving room of the sarayaa had gotten a new coat of paint, or that he had replaced the furnishings in the dining area and fixed the exterior of the Haikaddad saraayaa. This was exactly why Narmer had wanted a life in the military, and had left teh running of the Hei to his brother. Narutt had always had the levelheadedness and clarity of mind to ensure every last coin was accounted for.
Already, the toils of the past week was visible on his face, for his eyebags hung heavier then ever as he paced his study, running a hand through his short cropped hair. If he had just met with the members of Hei Sheifa earlier, perhaps a proper explanation could be had. Afterall, Hei Sheifa had plenty of riches, and had Narmer finalized his engagement with one of their daughters earlier, it could simply be said as an advance to who would soon be family.
Now, he didn't know what to do.
When the servant came to notify him of Zoser's arrival, Narmer couldn't open the door fast enough to his study, relief clear in his amber eyes as the elder man walked in. Zoser was a man Narmer looked up, in posession of knowledge and skills in areas Narmer could only dream of. Outside of asking for further monetary help, the previously unknown man from Thebes was his best bet in figuring out how to get himself out of this financial mess. Ignoring Zoser's jabs at hilarity, Narmer grabbed the note that had came, and pushed it at the elder man's direction.
"This." he murmured, allowing Zoser time to open the hastily folded parchment before he spoke. "I'm sure you know of the recent missive from the Egyptian council to all the Hei's? They are seeking an audit, because of some unaccounted for funds in the royal treasury. I..." he paused, making a strangled voice in his throat as he paused in his pacing, and then buried his face in his hands as he leaned agaisnt the work desk. "Gold had appeared, Zoser. And I used them without asking where it came from. The Hei needed it, you see! But now..." he trailed off, but the meaning was clear, despair obvious in the way he slouched against the table.
He just didn't know what to do.
As soon as Zoser entered the room, the young Sirdar placed a parchment note in his hand. While his fingers flipped open the folds of paper, his eyes looked up through his brows at the man, noting how he continually paced the room. Anxiety had taken Sirdar Narmer for some time since coming into his position as Head of Hei Hakiaddad, but this was beyond what he was used to seeing.
Zoser digested his words as he read over the parchment, taking a moment to link the two thoughts together as Narmer admitted to using the gold - gold which now threatened to disappear if the Pharaoh's men ever found out about it. Blinking as he reread the words and glancing back to the young general, Zoser puffed a breath through his nose, running a hand through his hair and scratching at the back of his neck, as if to will his mind to think.
"You are certain that you do not know your benefactor?" Zoser started, knowing the answer already from the way the man slouched against the desk. It was clear the young nobleman had decided that the mysterious gold given to him was in fact the gold missing from the Royal Treasury.
And, from the outside, it looked like it, too.
Zoser rested his knuckles against his lips, deep in thought as if puzzling through it. Of a few things, Zoser was certain: Narmer and his family did not steal the money from the Treasury- but someone had. If this was a ploy to bring down an already failing Hei, it was...almost sloppy.
Zoser's brow furrowed in thought as he examined the writing on the note - who sent this?
While there was clearly something larger at play, there were fast remedies that needed to take place first, such as ensuring that Sirdar Narmer did not end up in an early grave due to his worrying nature.
"Did you mark the incoming gold into your ledgers?" Zoser asked, much like a physician asking for symptoms of an ailment, "If you did, this will be more...complex. If you simply spent it as it came, we may be able to remedy the issue on paper to bide you some time." Zoser waved a hand toward the desk, as if asking to take a seat before the ledgers spread out.
The desk was chaos and it sent the compulsive portions of Zoser's mind a flutter in agitation. His brows were furrowed as he set the note from his hand aside and set to work trying to flick through some of the papers, figuring out some sort of timeline. At initial glance, the numbers looked even worse than he had suspected.
Did Narutt have these financial issue as well and simply hide it better? There were so many questions, but Zoser knew that too many questions would send the young Sirdar into more of a tailspin than ever thought possible. It was no fault of his own that he did not speak the language needed to understand bookkeeping - it was never supposed to be his lot in life.
Then again, he supposed better Narmer than Kissan at this point in time.
Zoser let himself explain his thought process as his fingers sorted through the papers, creating some form of organization about the chaos.
"I believe that you are not taking it from the Treasury - pardon my assessment, but a criminal's life would not suit your nature. There is no guarantee that the gold you spent belongs to the Royal Treasury, however, you do not need me to tell you that this does not look good. Still, that means that someone is doing so. Whether or not it is associated with this or is something separate requires further....investigation."
Zoser finally looked up from the parchments before him, satisfied enough in how he organized them into neat, tidy piles on the desk, to the point where the color of the wood and the engrained design in it was visible for the first time in who knew how long.
"How much of the gold remains?" Zoser asked, cautiously, praying to whichever god would listen that the desperate man before him had not spend all of the gold in one fell swoop.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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As soon as Zoser entered the room, the young Sirdar placed a parchment note in his hand. While his fingers flipped open the folds of paper, his eyes looked up through his brows at the man, noting how he continually paced the room. Anxiety had taken Sirdar Narmer for some time since coming into his position as Head of Hei Hakiaddad, but this was beyond what he was used to seeing.
Zoser digested his words as he read over the parchment, taking a moment to link the two thoughts together as Narmer admitted to using the gold - gold which now threatened to disappear if the Pharaoh's men ever found out about it. Blinking as he reread the words and glancing back to the young general, Zoser puffed a breath through his nose, running a hand through his hair and scratching at the back of his neck, as if to will his mind to think.
"You are certain that you do not know your benefactor?" Zoser started, knowing the answer already from the way the man slouched against the desk. It was clear the young nobleman had decided that the mysterious gold given to him was in fact the gold missing from the Royal Treasury.
And, from the outside, it looked like it, too.
Zoser rested his knuckles against his lips, deep in thought as if puzzling through it. Of a few things, Zoser was certain: Narmer and his family did not steal the money from the Treasury- but someone had. If this was a ploy to bring down an already failing Hei, it was...almost sloppy.
Zoser's brow furrowed in thought as he examined the writing on the note - who sent this?
While there was clearly something larger at play, there were fast remedies that needed to take place first, such as ensuring that Sirdar Narmer did not end up in an early grave due to his worrying nature.
"Did you mark the incoming gold into your ledgers?" Zoser asked, much like a physician asking for symptoms of an ailment, "If you did, this will be more...complex. If you simply spent it as it came, we may be able to remedy the issue on paper to bide you some time." Zoser waved a hand toward the desk, as if asking to take a seat before the ledgers spread out.
The desk was chaos and it sent the compulsive portions of Zoser's mind a flutter in agitation. His brows were furrowed as he set the note from his hand aside and set to work trying to flick through some of the papers, figuring out some sort of timeline. At initial glance, the numbers looked even worse than he had suspected.
Did Narutt have these financial issue as well and simply hide it better? There were so many questions, but Zoser knew that too many questions would send the young Sirdar into more of a tailspin than ever thought possible. It was no fault of his own that he did not speak the language needed to understand bookkeeping - it was never supposed to be his lot in life.
Then again, he supposed better Narmer than Kissan at this point in time.
Zoser let himself explain his thought process as his fingers sorted through the papers, creating some form of organization about the chaos.
"I believe that you are not taking it from the Treasury - pardon my assessment, but a criminal's life would not suit your nature. There is no guarantee that the gold you spent belongs to the Royal Treasury, however, you do not need me to tell you that this does not look good. Still, that means that someone is doing so. Whether or not it is associated with this or is something separate requires further....investigation."
Zoser finally looked up from the parchments before him, satisfied enough in how he organized them into neat, tidy piles on the desk, to the point where the color of the wood and the engrained design in it was visible for the first time in who knew how long.
"How much of the gold remains?" Zoser asked, cautiously, praying to whichever god would listen that the desperate man before him had not spend all of the gold in one fell swoop.
As soon as Zoser entered the room, the young Sirdar placed a parchment note in his hand. While his fingers flipped open the folds of paper, his eyes looked up through his brows at the man, noting how he continually paced the room. Anxiety had taken Sirdar Narmer for some time since coming into his position as Head of Hei Hakiaddad, but this was beyond what he was used to seeing.
Zoser digested his words as he read over the parchment, taking a moment to link the two thoughts together as Narmer admitted to using the gold - gold which now threatened to disappear if the Pharaoh's men ever found out about it. Blinking as he reread the words and glancing back to the young general, Zoser puffed a breath through his nose, running a hand through his hair and scratching at the back of his neck, as if to will his mind to think.
"You are certain that you do not know your benefactor?" Zoser started, knowing the answer already from the way the man slouched against the desk. It was clear the young nobleman had decided that the mysterious gold given to him was in fact the gold missing from the Royal Treasury.
And, from the outside, it looked like it, too.
Zoser rested his knuckles against his lips, deep in thought as if puzzling through it. Of a few things, Zoser was certain: Narmer and his family did not steal the money from the Treasury- but someone had. If this was a ploy to bring down an already failing Hei, it was...almost sloppy.
Zoser's brow furrowed in thought as he examined the writing on the note - who sent this?
While there was clearly something larger at play, there were fast remedies that needed to take place first, such as ensuring that Sirdar Narmer did not end up in an early grave due to his worrying nature.
"Did you mark the incoming gold into your ledgers?" Zoser asked, much like a physician asking for symptoms of an ailment, "If you did, this will be more...complex. If you simply spent it as it came, we may be able to remedy the issue on paper to bide you some time." Zoser waved a hand toward the desk, as if asking to take a seat before the ledgers spread out.
The desk was chaos and it sent the compulsive portions of Zoser's mind a flutter in agitation. His brows were furrowed as he set the note from his hand aside and set to work trying to flick through some of the papers, figuring out some sort of timeline. At initial glance, the numbers looked even worse than he had suspected.
Did Narutt have these financial issue as well and simply hide it better? There were so many questions, but Zoser knew that too many questions would send the young Sirdar into more of a tailspin than ever thought possible. It was no fault of his own that he did not speak the language needed to understand bookkeeping - it was never supposed to be his lot in life.
Then again, he supposed better Narmer than Kissan at this point in time.
Zoser let himself explain his thought process as his fingers sorted through the papers, creating some form of organization about the chaos.
"I believe that you are not taking it from the Treasury - pardon my assessment, but a criminal's life would not suit your nature. There is no guarantee that the gold you spent belongs to the Royal Treasury, however, you do not need me to tell you that this does not look good. Still, that means that someone is doing so. Whether or not it is associated with this or is something separate requires further....investigation."
Zoser finally looked up from the parchments before him, satisfied enough in how he organized them into neat, tidy piles on the desk, to the point where the color of the wood and the engrained design in it was visible for the first time in who knew how long.
"How much of the gold remains?" Zoser asked, cautiously, praying to whichever god would listen that the desperate man before him had not spend all of the gold in one fell swoop.
All he could think about ever since he had first gotten notice that the treasury of the pharoah was coming to audit their finances, was that he had failed the memory of his father and brother. Narutt would've never allowed something like this to happen, their father would've never agreed to using undeclared gold. He had been desperate! And his desperation had led him to forget the values and criteria's that Nakht and Satiah had raised him with, and that resulted in him being consumed by shame and regret, and it ate at him inside like a shadow that you cannot cast away.
Shaking his head when Zoser tried to reconfirm if Narmer knew where his money from, the young Sirdar barely moved aside from the shake, as if all the fight had fizzled out of him now that Zoser was around. His brother's death was at an age when Narmer just started to learn how to be independent, and the early departure of Narutt meant Narmer still struggled with relying on no one but himself.
"We did not, but it shows for we had spent money in fixing up the saraayaa." his voice was small, almost wispy as he spoke, as if all the hope had deflated out of the man. Had Zoser noticed as he walked in, he would've seen the gold and ornaments freshly polished, the walls painted a new sheen of paint, and many cracks and crevices now fixed. While most of the rooms were still closed off from visitors and staying alike, the main sitting room area was now looking better then ever, and if someone asked Narmer to explain how he had gotten around to doing it... well, he would have no good answer to give. "Can it be remedied, Zoser?" the man glanced up when the older one seemed to think of a way.
Hurriedly, Narmer headed over to the shelves to grab the ledgers spread out in disarray and with no sense of organization, before more or less shoving it at Zoser in his eagerness to find out a solution.
"Thank you for believing me old friend, but I'm afraid even with your vote of confidence, the financial advisors would need concrete proof of my innocence." he murmured, a realist more then anything. Biting his bottom lip, the man allowed a brief period of silence to settle between them, dragging the pregnant pause out before a small voice responded. "None."
Because that was the truth. He had spent a large chunk of it on fixing up the saraayaa, and then gave the rest to his nieces and nephew to spend on upgrading their wardrobe, not to mention the rat issue that had resulted in Kissan purchasing a cheetah - and while that had been great to suss out all the rodents which had infested their saraayaa and caused even more damage to the housing, the cheetah now ate up even more of their finances when it came to feeding the hulking feline who now ate more meat in a day then they did.
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All he could think about ever since he had first gotten notice that the treasury of the pharoah was coming to audit their finances, was that he had failed the memory of his father and brother. Narutt would've never allowed something like this to happen, their father would've never agreed to using undeclared gold. He had been desperate! And his desperation had led him to forget the values and criteria's that Nakht and Satiah had raised him with, and that resulted in him being consumed by shame and regret, and it ate at him inside like a shadow that you cannot cast away.
Shaking his head when Zoser tried to reconfirm if Narmer knew where his money from, the young Sirdar barely moved aside from the shake, as if all the fight had fizzled out of him now that Zoser was around. His brother's death was at an age when Narmer just started to learn how to be independent, and the early departure of Narutt meant Narmer still struggled with relying on no one but himself.
"We did not, but it shows for we had spent money in fixing up the saraayaa." his voice was small, almost wispy as he spoke, as if all the hope had deflated out of the man. Had Zoser noticed as he walked in, he would've seen the gold and ornaments freshly polished, the walls painted a new sheen of paint, and many cracks and crevices now fixed. While most of the rooms were still closed off from visitors and staying alike, the main sitting room area was now looking better then ever, and if someone asked Narmer to explain how he had gotten around to doing it... well, he would have no good answer to give. "Can it be remedied, Zoser?" the man glanced up when the older one seemed to think of a way.
Hurriedly, Narmer headed over to the shelves to grab the ledgers spread out in disarray and with no sense of organization, before more or less shoving it at Zoser in his eagerness to find out a solution.
"Thank you for believing me old friend, but I'm afraid even with your vote of confidence, the financial advisors would need concrete proof of my innocence." he murmured, a realist more then anything. Biting his bottom lip, the man allowed a brief period of silence to settle between them, dragging the pregnant pause out before a small voice responded. "None."
Because that was the truth. He had spent a large chunk of it on fixing up the saraayaa, and then gave the rest to his nieces and nephew to spend on upgrading their wardrobe, not to mention the rat issue that had resulted in Kissan purchasing a cheetah - and while that had been great to suss out all the rodents which had infested their saraayaa and caused even more damage to the housing, the cheetah now ate up even more of their finances when it came to feeding the hulking feline who now ate more meat in a day then they did.
All he could think about ever since he had first gotten notice that the treasury of the pharoah was coming to audit their finances, was that he had failed the memory of his father and brother. Narutt would've never allowed something like this to happen, their father would've never agreed to using undeclared gold. He had been desperate! And his desperation had led him to forget the values and criteria's that Nakht and Satiah had raised him with, and that resulted in him being consumed by shame and regret, and it ate at him inside like a shadow that you cannot cast away.
Shaking his head when Zoser tried to reconfirm if Narmer knew where his money from, the young Sirdar barely moved aside from the shake, as if all the fight had fizzled out of him now that Zoser was around. His brother's death was at an age when Narmer just started to learn how to be independent, and the early departure of Narutt meant Narmer still struggled with relying on no one but himself.
"We did not, but it shows for we had spent money in fixing up the saraayaa." his voice was small, almost wispy as he spoke, as if all the hope had deflated out of the man. Had Zoser noticed as he walked in, he would've seen the gold and ornaments freshly polished, the walls painted a new sheen of paint, and many cracks and crevices now fixed. While most of the rooms were still closed off from visitors and staying alike, the main sitting room area was now looking better then ever, and if someone asked Narmer to explain how he had gotten around to doing it... well, he would have no good answer to give. "Can it be remedied, Zoser?" the man glanced up when the older one seemed to think of a way.
Hurriedly, Narmer headed over to the shelves to grab the ledgers spread out in disarray and with no sense of organization, before more or less shoving it at Zoser in his eagerness to find out a solution.
"Thank you for believing me old friend, but I'm afraid even with your vote of confidence, the financial advisors would need concrete proof of my innocence." he murmured, a realist more then anything. Biting his bottom lip, the man allowed a brief period of silence to settle between them, dragging the pregnant pause out before a small voice responded. "None."
Because that was the truth. He had spent a large chunk of it on fixing up the saraayaa, and then gave the rest to his nieces and nephew to spend on upgrading their wardrobe, not to mention the rat issue that had resulted in Kissan purchasing a cheetah - and while that had been great to suss out all the rodents which had infested their saraayaa and caused even more damage to the housing, the cheetah now ate up even more of their finances when it came to feeding the hulking feline who now ate more meat in a day then they did.
Zoser's mind seemed to function in two entirely separate directions.
One side heard Narmer's words, aware of the inflections of fear and anxiety that had been present since the moment the unprepared young man had taken on his role as Head of Hei until young Kissan could come of age - if not for longer, given the state of things.
The other side made swift calculations, the fingers of his left hand running down the ledgers and across the lines of receipts while his right hand moved independently to scratch out the few credits and many debits. His face pulled downward slightly with each dip the numbers took.
How in the name of the gods were they bleeding money so horribly? Had Narutt's income been that much more significant than Narmer's? Thoughts of solutions plagued a third corner of his mind, trying to figure out ways to help the family of his dear friend, but it came short for quite some time.
"Mmhmm," Zoser murmured, still engrossed in trying to figure out a precise figure that would be close to what the Royal Financial Officers would find for themselves.
The question from the young General had Zoser looking up from his work, brows knit together yet high. It was not a pitying look, but it was not a glance that bore the best of news. These numbers were terrible, and even though there was an unspecified amount of unaccounted for gold, he could not deny that any remedy that took place would be difficult to explain - yet...not impossible.
Even if they hadn't spent all the gold....which they had.
Zoser sat back, looking over the numbers again and chewing on the inside of his cheek a moment before sucking his tongue across his teeth in thought. Eyes flicking over the numbers once again, he raised a brow slightly as a thought occurred to him, and he rolled his knuckles across his lips as if testing whether or not the words would form upon them.
"There...may be a way, but it will be risky and make the Hei look even worse on paper than it currently is," he mused, fingers splaying over the papyrus as the thought, when his brows both shot up, "However, we could use your strife perhaps to....solve the mystery behind all of this." Zoser stood, his thumb running across the pads of his fingers in a familiar fidgeting motions, smearing what little splatters of ink had already made their home in the beds of his nails.
"It will make you look incompetent as a Head of Hei, careless with your finances, but...perhaps we could use your issue to discover who the true culprit is." Walking around to the window as if to glance out and ensure no one listened in through the panes, he added, "It would require taking those receipts you used the gold on and applying it to your current books to make you look in even more dire straits that you currently are...and hiding the same difference from your actual Hei's funding elsewhere."
Zoser turned to face Narmer again, fully aware of how illegal this entire circumstance was becoming and how dangerous it was for him to even put himself in such a position. It could all be rectified later on, but what Narmer H'Haikaddad needed right now was time to pass the Financial Officer's standing.
"...when would you expect your next 'payment' from your mysterious benefactor?"
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Zoser's mind seemed to function in two entirely separate directions.
One side heard Narmer's words, aware of the inflections of fear and anxiety that had been present since the moment the unprepared young man had taken on his role as Head of Hei until young Kissan could come of age - if not for longer, given the state of things.
The other side made swift calculations, the fingers of his left hand running down the ledgers and across the lines of receipts while his right hand moved independently to scratch out the few credits and many debits. His face pulled downward slightly with each dip the numbers took.
How in the name of the gods were they bleeding money so horribly? Had Narutt's income been that much more significant than Narmer's? Thoughts of solutions plagued a third corner of his mind, trying to figure out ways to help the family of his dear friend, but it came short for quite some time.
"Mmhmm," Zoser murmured, still engrossed in trying to figure out a precise figure that would be close to what the Royal Financial Officers would find for themselves.
The question from the young General had Zoser looking up from his work, brows knit together yet high. It was not a pitying look, but it was not a glance that bore the best of news. These numbers were terrible, and even though there was an unspecified amount of unaccounted for gold, he could not deny that any remedy that took place would be difficult to explain - yet...not impossible.
Even if they hadn't spent all the gold....which they had.
Zoser sat back, looking over the numbers again and chewing on the inside of his cheek a moment before sucking his tongue across his teeth in thought. Eyes flicking over the numbers once again, he raised a brow slightly as a thought occurred to him, and he rolled his knuckles across his lips as if testing whether or not the words would form upon them.
"There...may be a way, but it will be risky and make the Hei look even worse on paper than it currently is," he mused, fingers splaying over the papyrus as the thought, when his brows both shot up, "However, we could use your strife perhaps to....solve the mystery behind all of this." Zoser stood, his thumb running across the pads of his fingers in a familiar fidgeting motions, smearing what little splatters of ink had already made their home in the beds of his nails.
"It will make you look incompetent as a Head of Hei, careless with your finances, but...perhaps we could use your issue to discover who the true culprit is." Walking around to the window as if to glance out and ensure no one listened in through the panes, he added, "It would require taking those receipts you used the gold on and applying it to your current books to make you look in even more dire straits that you currently are...and hiding the same difference from your actual Hei's funding elsewhere."
Zoser turned to face Narmer again, fully aware of how illegal this entire circumstance was becoming and how dangerous it was for him to even put himself in such a position. It could all be rectified later on, but what Narmer H'Haikaddad needed right now was time to pass the Financial Officer's standing.
"...when would you expect your next 'payment' from your mysterious benefactor?"
Zoser's mind seemed to function in two entirely separate directions.
One side heard Narmer's words, aware of the inflections of fear and anxiety that had been present since the moment the unprepared young man had taken on his role as Head of Hei until young Kissan could come of age - if not for longer, given the state of things.
The other side made swift calculations, the fingers of his left hand running down the ledgers and across the lines of receipts while his right hand moved independently to scratch out the few credits and many debits. His face pulled downward slightly with each dip the numbers took.
How in the name of the gods were they bleeding money so horribly? Had Narutt's income been that much more significant than Narmer's? Thoughts of solutions plagued a third corner of his mind, trying to figure out ways to help the family of his dear friend, but it came short for quite some time.
"Mmhmm," Zoser murmured, still engrossed in trying to figure out a precise figure that would be close to what the Royal Financial Officers would find for themselves.
The question from the young General had Zoser looking up from his work, brows knit together yet high. It was not a pitying look, but it was not a glance that bore the best of news. These numbers were terrible, and even though there was an unspecified amount of unaccounted for gold, he could not deny that any remedy that took place would be difficult to explain - yet...not impossible.
Even if they hadn't spent all the gold....which they had.
Zoser sat back, looking over the numbers again and chewing on the inside of his cheek a moment before sucking his tongue across his teeth in thought. Eyes flicking over the numbers once again, he raised a brow slightly as a thought occurred to him, and he rolled his knuckles across his lips as if testing whether or not the words would form upon them.
"There...may be a way, but it will be risky and make the Hei look even worse on paper than it currently is," he mused, fingers splaying over the papyrus as the thought, when his brows both shot up, "However, we could use your strife perhaps to....solve the mystery behind all of this." Zoser stood, his thumb running across the pads of his fingers in a familiar fidgeting motions, smearing what little splatters of ink had already made their home in the beds of his nails.
"It will make you look incompetent as a Head of Hei, careless with your finances, but...perhaps we could use your issue to discover who the true culprit is." Walking around to the window as if to glance out and ensure no one listened in through the panes, he added, "It would require taking those receipts you used the gold on and applying it to your current books to make you look in even more dire straits that you currently are...and hiding the same difference from your actual Hei's funding elsewhere."
Zoser turned to face Narmer again, fully aware of how illegal this entire circumstance was becoming and how dangerous it was for him to even put himself in such a position. It could all be rectified later on, but what Narmer H'Haikaddad needed right now was time to pass the Financial Officer's standing.
"...when would you expect your next 'payment' from your mysterious benefactor?"
The Egyptian's quiet, thoughtful sounds, while well-meant, only put Narmer further on edge as he watched the man work. Filled with nervous adrenaline, the man couldn't help but pace back and forth as Zoser looked at the work, mental calculations going on. Narmer understood at least a little of what had to be done when it came to running a Hei, but surely a few calculations couldn't take that long?
When Zoser finally spoke, the young Sirdar almost pounced on the advisor, eyes wide to absorb every word spoken. "What mystery is it?" he echoed, confusion clear in his voice as his eyes followed Zoser when the man stood. He only needed his Hei to be out of the Pharoah's rage, for the man who led their kingdom was well known for his unpredictable temper, and Narmer did not need it directed at Hei Haikaddad.
That he would be made to look incompetent however, was quick to put hesitation in Narmer's eyes, a little of his ego springing forth, not to mention panic. If he was made to look incompetent, what was stopping the pharoah from taking his Hei away from him? But right this moment, he had no choice, and beggar's can't be choosers. "So... we make it look as if I've been spending money I don't have? But should the pharoah question the vendors, would it not be found out?" he couldn't help but query.
Biting his bottom lip in worry, the man couldn't imagine the sort of trouble he could get himself in to, not to mention dragging the Hei's name through mud - or Gods forbid, completely losing the Hei in the end. How would he face his father and brother in the afterworld if it came to that? He couldn't turn his sister-in-law and nieces and nephew destitute! Would Sameera be allowed to still keep her job if that happened? A million and one questions popped in his head, Narmer almost missed Zoser's question.
Blinking in surprise, it was a moment before he could formulate an answer, and that comprised of a shake of his head, before he shrugged and showed Zoser an empty sack. "I never know. It's only happened twice, that gold appeared at the end of my bed when the sun rose and I woke up. And we don't have as many servants, so no one exactly knows who came in or left the house at night." The man tossed the empty sack glumly on a nearby table, and stared at Zoser in despair. "I... As long as the Hei isn't taken from me due to looking incompetent, Zoser, I'll try anything. I... I can't lose the Hei, at least. It's what Narutt would want Kissan to have. And Na'meah, and his daughters."
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The Egyptian's quiet, thoughtful sounds, while well-meant, only put Narmer further on edge as he watched the man work. Filled with nervous adrenaline, the man couldn't help but pace back and forth as Zoser looked at the work, mental calculations going on. Narmer understood at least a little of what had to be done when it came to running a Hei, but surely a few calculations couldn't take that long?
When Zoser finally spoke, the young Sirdar almost pounced on the advisor, eyes wide to absorb every word spoken. "What mystery is it?" he echoed, confusion clear in his voice as his eyes followed Zoser when the man stood. He only needed his Hei to be out of the Pharoah's rage, for the man who led their kingdom was well known for his unpredictable temper, and Narmer did not need it directed at Hei Haikaddad.
That he would be made to look incompetent however, was quick to put hesitation in Narmer's eyes, a little of his ego springing forth, not to mention panic. If he was made to look incompetent, what was stopping the pharoah from taking his Hei away from him? But right this moment, he had no choice, and beggar's can't be choosers. "So... we make it look as if I've been spending money I don't have? But should the pharoah question the vendors, would it not be found out?" he couldn't help but query.
Biting his bottom lip in worry, the man couldn't imagine the sort of trouble he could get himself in to, not to mention dragging the Hei's name through mud - or Gods forbid, completely losing the Hei in the end. How would he face his father and brother in the afterworld if it came to that? He couldn't turn his sister-in-law and nieces and nephew destitute! Would Sameera be allowed to still keep her job if that happened? A million and one questions popped in his head, Narmer almost missed Zoser's question.
Blinking in surprise, it was a moment before he could formulate an answer, and that comprised of a shake of his head, before he shrugged and showed Zoser an empty sack. "I never know. It's only happened twice, that gold appeared at the end of my bed when the sun rose and I woke up. And we don't have as many servants, so no one exactly knows who came in or left the house at night." The man tossed the empty sack glumly on a nearby table, and stared at Zoser in despair. "I... As long as the Hei isn't taken from me due to looking incompetent, Zoser, I'll try anything. I... I can't lose the Hei, at least. It's what Narutt would want Kissan to have. And Na'meah, and his daughters."
The Egyptian's quiet, thoughtful sounds, while well-meant, only put Narmer further on edge as he watched the man work. Filled with nervous adrenaline, the man couldn't help but pace back and forth as Zoser looked at the work, mental calculations going on. Narmer understood at least a little of what had to be done when it came to running a Hei, but surely a few calculations couldn't take that long?
When Zoser finally spoke, the young Sirdar almost pounced on the advisor, eyes wide to absorb every word spoken. "What mystery is it?" he echoed, confusion clear in his voice as his eyes followed Zoser when the man stood. He only needed his Hei to be out of the Pharoah's rage, for the man who led their kingdom was well known for his unpredictable temper, and Narmer did not need it directed at Hei Haikaddad.
That he would be made to look incompetent however, was quick to put hesitation in Narmer's eyes, a little of his ego springing forth, not to mention panic. If he was made to look incompetent, what was stopping the pharoah from taking his Hei away from him? But right this moment, he had no choice, and beggar's can't be choosers. "So... we make it look as if I've been spending money I don't have? But should the pharoah question the vendors, would it not be found out?" he couldn't help but query.
Biting his bottom lip in worry, the man couldn't imagine the sort of trouble he could get himself in to, not to mention dragging the Hei's name through mud - or Gods forbid, completely losing the Hei in the end. How would he face his father and brother in the afterworld if it came to that? He couldn't turn his sister-in-law and nieces and nephew destitute! Would Sameera be allowed to still keep her job if that happened? A million and one questions popped in his head, Narmer almost missed Zoser's question.
Blinking in surprise, it was a moment before he could formulate an answer, and that comprised of a shake of his head, before he shrugged and showed Zoser an empty sack. "I never know. It's only happened twice, that gold appeared at the end of my bed when the sun rose and I woke up. And we don't have as many servants, so no one exactly knows who came in or left the house at night." The man tossed the empty sack glumly on a nearby table, and stared at Zoser in despair. "I... As long as the Hei isn't taken from me due to looking incompetent, Zoser, I'll try anything. I... I can't lose the Hei, at least. It's what Narutt would want Kissan to have. And Na'meah, and his daughters."
Zoser's brows raised at the intensity of the young sirdar's response and raised a slight hand as if to urge him to calm down for a brief moment. Yes, this was a stressful time, but pouncing upon him as he mused through the possible solutions was not going to be very helpful in the long run.
"The mystery of your benefactor," Zoser stated, plainly, a bit surprised that the man had not kept up, "Why would someone mysteriously leave you funding unless they already knew of your financial situation? On top of that, why would they then issue this almost-teasing threat unless they had pre-meditated this entire circumstance? It is as if someone purposefully is maneuvering against the Hei..."
Zoser quelled his words after a moment, regretting almost instantly that he mused such things aloud as he noted Narmer's widened eyes.
Quickly, he had offered his potential plan, and watched the wheels in Narmer's mind spin as he followed along.
"It would not raise much suspicion if any. If you have not logged the money coming in, then it will be simple enough work to log the funds going out," Zoser noted, setting out each step. It was almost too simple, actually, at least in a way to bide time. It was also highly suspect if not handled carefully, but Zoser was nothing if not careful.
Zoser raised a brow at the thought of the money simply appearing at the foot of the bed. He looked down to his hands then held up the more recent missive, the one phrased in an almost sing-song teasing way.
"Then, they are close. Whoever this is will be watching how you handle this, though, and if they are the ones taking the money from the Palace, they will not want to be found out. It is as if they are toying with you...which is too prideful in my mind and will lead to their fall."
Zoser sighed and set the missive down, thinking again a moment about the next steps before glancing back at Narmer, who bore anxiety in every inch of his form. As he should have, too. His concern was shared among all the Hei's, including that of H'Moghadam. Zoser dreaded that conversation and prayed to the gods that Osorsen had been wise with his funding.
"Once this is settled," Zoser said, setting a hand on the young man's shoulder, "I hope that we can still find a more lasting solution to the Hei's financial state. Did young Lord Kissan tell you that we met at the bathhouses some time ago? I had mentioned to him the possibility of taking him on in the Archives for a time. That could bring some coin in, but as you can imagine, it did not exactly fit his idea of swashbuckling adventure."
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Zoser's brows raised at the intensity of the young sirdar's response and raised a slight hand as if to urge him to calm down for a brief moment. Yes, this was a stressful time, but pouncing upon him as he mused through the possible solutions was not going to be very helpful in the long run.
"The mystery of your benefactor," Zoser stated, plainly, a bit surprised that the man had not kept up, "Why would someone mysteriously leave you funding unless they already knew of your financial situation? On top of that, why would they then issue this almost-teasing threat unless they had pre-meditated this entire circumstance? It is as if someone purposefully is maneuvering against the Hei..."
Zoser quelled his words after a moment, regretting almost instantly that he mused such things aloud as he noted Narmer's widened eyes.
Quickly, he had offered his potential plan, and watched the wheels in Narmer's mind spin as he followed along.
"It would not raise much suspicion if any. If you have not logged the money coming in, then it will be simple enough work to log the funds going out," Zoser noted, setting out each step. It was almost too simple, actually, at least in a way to bide time. It was also highly suspect if not handled carefully, but Zoser was nothing if not careful.
Zoser raised a brow at the thought of the money simply appearing at the foot of the bed. He looked down to his hands then held up the more recent missive, the one phrased in an almost sing-song teasing way.
"Then, they are close. Whoever this is will be watching how you handle this, though, and if they are the ones taking the money from the Palace, they will not want to be found out. It is as if they are toying with you...which is too prideful in my mind and will lead to their fall."
Zoser sighed and set the missive down, thinking again a moment about the next steps before glancing back at Narmer, who bore anxiety in every inch of his form. As he should have, too. His concern was shared among all the Hei's, including that of H'Moghadam. Zoser dreaded that conversation and prayed to the gods that Osorsen had been wise with his funding.
"Once this is settled," Zoser said, setting a hand on the young man's shoulder, "I hope that we can still find a more lasting solution to the Hei's financial state. Did young Lord Kissan tell you that we met at the bathhouses some time ago? I had mentioned to him the possibility of taking him on in the Archives for a time. That could bring some coin in, but as you can imagine, it did not exactly fit his idea of swashbuckling adventure."
Zoser's brows raised at the intensity of the young sirdar's response and raised a slight hand as if to urge him to calm down for a brief moment. Yes, this was a stressful time, but pouncing upon him as he mused through the possible solutions was not going to be very helpful in the long run.
"The mystery of your benefactor," Zoser stated, plainly, a bit surprised that the man had not kept up, "Why would someone mysteriously leave you funding unless they already knew of your financial situation? On top of that, why would they then issue this almost-teasing threat unless they had pre-meditated this entire circumstance? It is as if someone purposefully is maneuvering against the Hei..."
Zoser quelled his words after a moment, regretting almost instantly that he mused such things aloud as he noted Narmer's widened eyes.
Quickly, he had offered his potential plan, and watched the wheels in Narmer's mind spin as he followed along.
"It would not raise much suspicion if any. If you have not logged the money coming in, then it will be simple enough work to log the funds going out," Zoser noted, setting out each step. It was almost too simple, actually, at least in a way to bide time. It was also highly suspect if not handled carefully, but Zoser was nothing if not careful.
Zoser raised a brow at the thought of the money simply appearing at the foot of the bed. He looked down to his hands then held up the more recent missive, the one phrased in an almost sing-song teasing way.
"Then, they are close. Whoever this is will be watching how you handle this, though, and if they are the ones taking the money from the Palace, they will not want to be found out. It is as if they are toying with you...which is too prideful in my mind and will lead to their fall."
Zoser sighed and set the missive down, thinking again a moment about the next steps before glancing back at Narmer, who bore anxiety in every inch of his form. As he should have, too. His concern was shared among all the Hei's, including that of H'Moghadam. Zoser dreaded that conversation and prayed to the gods that Osorsen had been wise with his funding.
"Once this is settled," Zoser said, setting a hand on the young man's shoulder, "I hope that we can still find a more lasting solution to the Hei's financial state. Did young Lord Kissan tell you that we met at the bathhouses some time ago? I had mentioned to him the possibility of taking him on in the Archives for a time. That could bring some coin in, but as you can imagine, it did not exactly fit his idea of swashbuckling adventure."
If there ever was a time that Narmer needed to remind himself to breathe, now would be the time. Ever since he had returned, he had felt as if the shadows of his brother and father, while well-meaning, was choking the life out of him as he worked to fill their shoes. So when Zoser raised a hand to urge him to calm, for a brief moment, it worked. Narmer paused his train of thoughts as he focused on breathing, in and out, in and out, for just a moment so his mind and heart could stop racing to see who would reach the finish line first.
Finally breathing deeply, his eyes flickered to Zoser as the elder male started to speak. His musings only served to stoke the flames of panic within the young sirdar even more, but luckily the older advisor could identify it and stop his words before they go further, and instead, Narmer chose to focus on the possible solutions offered. Perhaps for this time, his inability and shortcomings in noting every single cent that they received and spent would be beneficial to him?
"But how am I supposed to explain the sudden changes I've managed to make to upgrade my saraaya? And the payment I've given?" he asked, always the detailed one. Afterall in military training, one had to focused on minute details. But the difference was, when adrenaline coursed through his blood, it made it easy. It was much harder to focus when Narmer was seated in a study on a chair, trying to churn out numbers and figures.
At wit's end, the young male only watched the elder one as he sighed. Did it mean Zoser think it pointless then? The solution they had agreed upon was short-term at best. Afterall, his hei would need financial funds long term.
"I have a... somewhat of a solution for that, I think." he admitted sheepishly, when Zoser asked for one. His eyes had registered surprised when the elder male had mentioned meeting his nephew. Kissan had spoken of no such thing with him, but then again it had been some time since he's last had a chance to properly speak with his nephew, what with the recent events that had been happening. "I am grateful however, for your offer to Kissan, Zoser. It would help him in future bookeeping tasks he'd have to undertake as the head to the Hei in the future." His sister-in-law had lacked exactly that, which led to the current financial fix they were in, so Kissan learning in advance would definitely help. "It may not fit his idea of an adventure, but its necessity, and he'll have to learn that some day afterall." Narmer was nothing if not a realist these days.
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If there ever was a time that Narmer needed to remind himself to breathe, now would be the time. Ever since he had returned, he had felt as if the shadows of his brother and father, while well-meaning, was choking the life out of him as he worked to fill their shoes. So when Zoser raised a hand to urge him to calm, for a brief moment, it worked. Narmer paused his train of thoughts as he focused on breathing, in and out, in and out, for just a moment so his mind and heart could stop racing to see who would reach the finish line first.
Finally breathing deeply, his eyes flickered to Zoser as the elder male started to speak. His musings only served to stoke the flames of panic within the young sirdar even more, but luckily the older advisor could identify it and stop his words before they go further, and instead, Narmer chose to focus on the possible solutions offered. Perhaps for this time, his inability and shortcomings in noting every single cent that they received and spent would be beneficial to him?
"But how am I supposed to explain the sudden changes I've managed to make to upgrade my saraaya? And the payment I've given?" he asked, always the detailed one. Afterall in military training, one had to focused on minute details. But the difference was, when adrenaline coursed through his blood, it made it easy. It was much harder to focus when Narmer was seated in a study on a chair, trying to churn out numbers and figures.
At wit's end, the young male only watched the elder one as he sighed. Did it mean Zoser think it pointless then? The solution they had agreed upon was short-term at best. Afterall, his hei would need financial funds long term.
"I have a... somewhat of a solution for that, I think." he admitted sheepishly, when Zoser asked for one. His eyes had registered surprised when the elder male had mentioned meeting his nephew. Kissan had spoken of no such thing with him, but then again it had been some time since he's last had a chance to properly speak with his nephew, what with the recent events that had been happening. "I am grateful however, for your offer to Kissan, Zoser. It would help him in future bookeeping tasks he'd have to undertake as the head to the Hei in the future." His sister-in-law had lacked exactly that, which led to the current financial fix they were in, so Kissan learning in advance would definitely help. "It may not fit his idea of an adventure, but its necessity, and he'll have to learn that some day afterall." Narmer was nothing if not a realist these days.
If there ever was a time that Narmer needed to remind himself to breathe, now would be the time. Ever since he had returned, he had felt as if the shadows of his brother and father, while well-meaning, was choking the life out of him as he worked to fill their shoes. So when Zoser raised a hand to urge him to calm, for a brief moment, it worked. Narmer paused his train of thoughts as he focused on breathing, in and out, in and out, for just a moment so his mind and heart could stop racing to see who would reach the finish line first.
Finally breathing deeply, his eyes flickered to Zoser as the elder male started to speak. His musings only served to stoke the flames of panic within the young sirdar even more, but luckily the older advisor could identify it and stop his words before they go further, and instead, Narmer chose to focus on the possible solutions offered. Perhaps for this time, his inability and shortcomings in noting every single cent that they received and spent would be beneficial to him?
"But how am I supposed to explain the sudden changes I've managed to make to upgrade my saraaya? And the payment I've given?" he asked, always the detailed one. Afterall in military training, one had to focused on minute details. But the difference was, when adrenaline coursed through his blood, it made it easy. It was much harder to focus when Narmer was seated in a study on a chair, trying to churn out numbers and figures.
At wit's end, the young male only watched the elder one as he sighed. Did it mean Zoser think it pointless then? The solution they had agreed upon was short-term at best. Afterall, his hei would need financial funds long term.
"I have a... somewhat of a solution for that, I think." he admitted sheepishly, when Zoser asked for one. His eyes had registered surprised when the elder male had mentioned meeting his nephew. Kissan had spoken of no such thing with him, but then again it had been some time since he's last had a chance to properly speak with his nephew, what with the recent events that had been happening. "I am grateful however, for your offer to Kissan, Zoser. It would help him in future bookeeping tasks he'd have to undertake as the head to the Hei in the future." His sister-in-law had lacked exactly that, which led to the current financial fix they were in, so Kissan learning in advance would definitely help. "It may not fit his idea of an adventure, but its necessity, and he'll have to learn that some day afterall." Narmer was nothing if not a realist these days.
Zoser's eyes continued to pour over the parchment in his hands but flickered back up to the young general as his panic seemed to mount higher and higher. Reaching out to place a hand on the man's shoulder, knowing that he could very well bat it away while in such a state, Zoser shook his head. Steaming at the ears over this was not the way to handle the issue, but then again, Zoser was not under such stress at the moment and could not truly relate.
All he knew is that there had to be some sort of solution within their grasp, but Zoser could not see it fully. He understood Narmer's concerns not only about the Hei's appearance in society but also in its survival overall. It was quite a predicament and having an unknown timeline in front of them clearly put the entire situation on edge.
Zoser could not answer the young Sirdar's question in that moment, despite the fact that his mouth opened and closed a few times before he eventually just exhaled through puffed lips.
"I...do not have an answer for that," Zoser started, very quickly adding on at the end, "At least, not yet. Give me some time. Let me take your accountbooks with me dating back to when the coin started arriving. Let me see what I can do as far as creating a temporary stop to the issue." Zoser crossed back to the desk and closed the ledger, stacking two of the most pertinent ones atop each other while slipping some of the receipts he stacked inside the covers.
Zoser offered a slight smirk to Narmer as they agreed that Kissan could use some more practical knowledge in his wheelhouse. "As a compromise, a bit of training under my watch could result in him still attending the battlefront. Wars need scribes as well."
Tucking the ledgers under his arm, he cross back again to Narmer, setting a hand on his shoulder and leveling a serious look with him.
"As for all this, the best course of action is to appear as if nothing is amiss. Hei Haikaddad will stand. I will do my part to ensure that, so long as you do yours and stand strong. We will find a solution." Standing back slightly, Zoser offered a bow, awaiting a proper dismissal so he could set to work finding a solution to the problem.
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Zoser's eyes continued to pour over the parchment in his hands but flickered back up to the young general as his panic seemed to mount higher and higher. Reaching out to place a hand on the man's shoulder, knowing that he could very well bat it away while in such a state, Zoser shook his head. Steaming at the ears over this was not the way to handle the issue, but then again, Zoser was not under such stress at the moment and could not truly relate.
All he knew is that there had to be some sort of solution within their grasp, but Zoser could not see it fully. He understood Narmer's concerns not only about the Hei's appearance in society but also in its survival overall. It was quite a predicament and having an unknown timeline in front of them clearly put the entire situation on edge.
Zoser could not answer the young Sirdar's question in that moment, despite the fact that his mouth opened and closed a few times before he eventually just exhaled through puffed lips.
"I...do not have an answer for that," Zoser started, very quickly adding on at the end, "At least, not yet. Give me some time. Let me take your accountbooks with me dating back to when the coin started arriving. Let me see what I can do as far as creating a temporary stop to the issue." Zoser crossed back to the desk and closed the ledger, stacking two of the most pertinent ones atop each other while slipping some of the receipts he stacked inside the covers.
Zoser offered a slight smirk to Narmer as they agreed that Kissan could use some more practical knowledge in his wheelhouse. "As a compromise, a bit of training under my watch could result in him still attending the battlefront. Wars need scribes as well."
Tucking the ledgers under his arm, he cross back again to Narmer, setting a hand on his shoulder and leveling a serious look with him.
"As for all this, the best course of action is to appear as if nothing is amiss. Hei Haikaddad will stand. I will do my part to ensure that, so long as you do yours and stand strong. We will find a solution." Standing back slightly, Zoser offered a bow, awaiting a proper dismissal so he could set to work finding a solution to the problem.
Zoser's eyes continued to pour over the parchment in his hands but flickered back up to the young general as his panic seemed to mount higher and higher. Reaching out to place a hand on the man's shoulder, knowing that he could very well bat it away while in such a state, Zoser shook his head. Steaming at the ears over this was not the way to handle the issue, but then again, Zoser was not under such stress at the moment and could not truly relate.
All he knew is that there had to be some sort of solution within their grasp, but Zoser could not see it fully. He understood Narmer's concerns not only about the Hei's appearance in society but also in its survival overall. It was quite a predicament and having an unknown timeline in front of them clearly put the entire situation on edge.
Zoser could not answer the young Sirdar's question in that moment, despite the fact that his mouth opened and closed a few times before he eventually just exhaled through puffed lips.
"I...do not have an answer for that," Zoser started, very quickly adding on at the end, "At least, not yet. Give me some time. Let me take your accountbooks with me dating back to when the coin started arriving. Let me see what I can do as far as creating a temporary stop to the issue." Zoser crossed back to the desk and closed the ledger, stacking two of the most pertinent ones atop each other while slipping some of the receipts he stacked inside the covers.
Zoser offered a slight smirk to Narmer as they agreed that Kissan could use some more practical knowledge in his wheelhouse. "As a compromise, a bit of training under my watch could result in him still attending the battlefront. Wars need scribes as well."
Tucking the ledgers under his arm, he cross back again to Narmer, setting a hand on his shoulder and leveling a serious look with him.
"As for all this, the best course of action is to appear as if nothing is amiss. Hei Haikaddad will stand. I will do my part to ensure that, so long as you do yours and stand strong. We will find a solution." Standing back slightly, Zoser offered a bow, awaiting a proper dismissal so he could set to work finding a solution to the problem.
If a man as well versed and experienced as Zoser could not find a solution, then what chance did he have? He was not the best with numbers, of that Narmer was sure. And numbers were key when it came to the prosperity of a Hei, something he desperately wanted to ensure, if only so he could live up to his father and brother's glory. Yet why did he feel a creeping sense of being a failure already?
The man watched nervously as Zoser pored over the parchments he had handed over, the silence taut in the room which needed no filling. He bit his bottom lip, but otherwise ignored the hand on his sholder - the man felt numb, his hands were cold. He could not afford any mistakes, especially not when he could risk his nephew, nieces and sister in law homeless. The man cursed the bad timing. All he needed was just a few more weeks, or months maybe, as he arranged a marriage for himself for a wealthy bride, or maybe even for one of his brother's offspring, enough marital gold to keep the Hei running and to take the heat off his ledgers.
The man nodded when Zoser asked to take the books. What else could he do? It wasn't as if any of the books were useful if he kept them here. He had no clue what else he could do, for he had studied the papers over to no avail. If a pair of fresh eyes could find something, Narmer was more then willing to try. "Yes, please. I would be anxiously awaiting an update then, Zoser, and you have my utmost gratitude." the man said with a thankful voice, handing everything over to the man.
Finally in the midst of the tense way in which Narmer held himself, it loosened somewhat with the conversation turned to Kissan. His young nephew needs much more training, but he held hope for the boy.He was Narutt's offspring afterall, right? So the boy surely had his brother's natural inclination for leadership and numbers, hopefully. "I'll be thankful for you taking Kissan under your wing, Zoser. He needs other figures to look up to."
With a last bow as Zoser promisedand bowed in return, Narmer waited till the man had left, before he heaved a heavy sigh, and turned on his heels to survey the partially empty study now with an equally heavy heart.
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If a man as well versed and experienced as Zoser could not find a solution, then what chance did he have? He was not the best with numbers, of that Narmer was sure. And numbers were key when it came to the prosperity of a Hei, something he desperately wanted to ensure, if only so he could live up to his father and brother's glory. Yet why did he feel a creeping sense of being a failure already?
The man watched nervously as Zoser pored over the parchments he had handed over, the silence taut in the room which needed no filling. He bit his bottom lip, but otherwise ignored the hand on his sholder - the man felt numb, his hands were cold. He could not afford any mistakes, especially not when he could risk his nephew, nieces and sister in law homeless. The man cursed the bad timing. All he needed was just a few more weeks, or months maybe, as he arranged a marriage for himself for a wealthy bride, or maybe even for one of his brother's offspring, enough marital gold to keep the Hei running and to take the heat off his ledgers.
The man nodded when Zoser asked to take the books. What else could he do? It wasn't as if any of the books were useful if he kept them here. He had no clue what else he could do, for he had studied the papers over to no avail. If a pair of fresh eyes could find something, Narmer was more then willing to try. "Yes, please. I would be anxiously awaiting an update then, Zoser, and you have my utmost gratitude." the man said with a thankful voice, handing everything over to the man.
Finally in the midst of the tense way in which Narmer held himself, it loosened somewhat with the conversation turned to Kissan. His young nephew needs much more training, but he held hope for the boy.He was Narutt's offspring afterall, right? So the boy surely had his brother's natural inclination for leadership and numbers, hopefully. "I'll be thankful for you taking Kissan under your wing, Zoser. He needs other figures to look up to."
With a last bow as Zoser promisedand bowed in return, Narmer waited till the man had left, before he heaved a heavy sigh, and turned on his heels to survey the partially empty study now with an equally heavy heart.
If a man as well versed and experienced as Zoser could not find a solution, then what chance did he have? He was not the best with numbers, of that Narmer was sure. And numbers were key when it came to the prosperity of a Hei, something he desperately wanted to ensure, if only so he could live up to his father and brother's glory. Yet why did he feel a creeping sense of being a failure already?
The man watched nervously as Zoser pored over the parchments he had handed over, the silence taut in the room which needed no filling. He bit his bottom lip, but otherwise ignored the hand on his sholder - the man felt numb, his hands were cold. He could not afford any mistakes, especially not when he could risk his nephew, nieces and sister in law homeless. The man cursed the bad timing. All he needed was just a few more weeks, or months maybe, as he arranged a marriage for himself for a wealthy bride, or maybe even for one of his brother's offspring, enough marital gold to keep the Hei running and to take the heat off his ledgers.
The man nodded when Zoser asked to take the books. What else could he do? It wasn't as if any of the books were useful if he kept them here. He had no clue what else he could do, for he had studied the papers over to no avail. If a pair of fresh eyes could find something, Narmer was more then willing to try. "Yes, please. I would be anxiously awaiting an update then, Zoser, and you have my utmost gratitude." the man said with a thankful voice, handing everything over to the man.
Finally in the midst of the tense way in which Narmer held himself, it loosened somewhat with the conversation turned to Kissan. His young nephew needs much more training, but he held hope for the boy.He was Narutt's offspring afterall, right? So the boy surely had his brother's natural inclination for leadership and numbers, hopefully. "I'll be thankful for you taking Kissan under your wing, Zoser. He needs other figures to look up to."
With a last bow as Zoser promisedand bowed in return, Narmer waited till the man had left, before he heaved a heavy sigh, and turned on his heels to survey the partially empty study now with an equally heavy heart.