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Akhenaten had been asked to visit two different people by his father, both were apparently supposed to teach him important lessons about what it means to be an heir and what it takes to run the Hei. Hena hadn’t been prepared for all this since birth like his older brother had been, instead it seemed like his parents were panicking now, attempting to make him into what they wanted him to be instead of who he was. He missed the days when not much was expected of him other than not get anyone pregnant out of wedlock. Too late for that he supposed, not that anyone knew of the bastard child he had fathered. He had made sure that no one would know the child was his.
Now though, instead of drowning his mind in wine as he wished to do, he was on his way to the archives. His father had told him to seek out a man named Zoser. He had decided to visit him second out of the two men that his father had asked him to go and talk to, because the archives sounded like a lot less fun than spending time with Osorsen. At least when he had visited the other man, his father had sent him with a gift of wine, one that Hena had been sure to partake in.
Now? He came empty handed, and his father hadn’t even allowed him to bring any slaves with him this time, a fact that just made this whole situation worse than it needed to be. If he didn’t know better, he would think his father was sending him on these fools’ errands just to punish him.
He approached the archives, a little hesitant as he entered, looking around. He didn’t see anyone right away. He could have sworn that he was there on the right day and at the right time. Perhaps this Zoser fellow would not show up, and then Hena could go home and at least tell his father that he had attempted to do as he asked. It wouldn’t be his fault if the other man wasn’t there to greet him. He almost thought of turning around and leaving and saying he had waited around for awhile without anyone else showing up.
That was until he heard a slight noise that seemed to be coming from some where nearby.
“Hello?” He called out, his voice confident and calm, the tone of a young man who was used to getting what ever he wanted when ever he wanted with no consequences.
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Akhenaten had been asked to visit two different people by his father, both were apparently supposed to teach him important lessons about what it means to be an heir and what it takes to run the Hei. Hena hadn’t been prepared for all this since birth like his older brother had been, instead it seemed like his parents were panicking now, attempting to make him into what they wanted him to be instead of who he was. He missed the days when not much was expected of him other than not get anyone pregnant out of wedlock. Too late for that he supposed, not that anyone knew of the bastard child he had fathered. He had made sure that no one would know the child was his.
Now though, instead of drowning his mind in wine as he wished to do, he was on his way to the archives. His father had told him to seek out a man named Zoser. He had decided to visit him second out of the two men that his father had asked him to go and talk to, because the archives sounded like a lot less fun than spending time with Osorsen. At least when he had visited the other man, his father had sent him with a gift of wine, one that Hena had been sure to partake in.
Now? He came empty handed, and his father hadn’t even allowed him to bring any slaves with him this time, a fact that just made this whole situation worse than it needed to be. If he didn’t know better, he would think his father was sending him on these fools’ errands just to punish him.
He approached the archives, a little hesitant as he entered, looking around. He didn’t see anyone right away. He could have sworn that he was there on the right day and at the right time. Perhaps this Zoser fellow would not show up, and then Hena could go home and at least tell his father that he had attempted to do as he asked. It wouldn’t be his fault if the other man wasn’t there to greet him. He almost thought of turning around and leaving and saying he had waited around for awhile without anyone else showing up.
That was until he heard a slight noise that seemed to be coming from some where nearby.
“Hello?” He called out, his voice confident and calm, the tone of a young man who was used to getting what ever he wanted when ever he wanted with no consequences.
Akhenaten had been asked to visit two different people by his father, both were apparently supposed to teach him important lessons about what it means to be an heir and what it takes to run the Hei. Hena hadn’t been prepared for all this since birth like his older brother had been, instead it seemed like his parents were panicking now, attempting to make him into what they wanted him to be instead of who he was. He missed the days when not much was expected of him other than not get anyone pregnant out of wedlock. Too late for that he supposed, not that anyone knew of the bastard child he had fathered. He had made sure that no one would know the child was his.
Now though, instead of drowning his mind in wine as he wished to do, he was on his way to the archives. His father had told him to seek out a man named Zoser. He had decided to visit him second out of the two men that his father had asked him to go and talk to, because the archives sounded like a lot less fun than spending time with Osorsen. At least when he had visited the other man, his father had sent him with a gift of wine, one that Hena had been sure to partake in.
Now? He came empty handed, and his father hadn’t even allowed him to bring any slaves with him this time, a fact that just made this whole situation worse than it needed to be. If he didn’t know better, he would think his father was sending him on these fools’ errands just to punish him.
He approached the archives, a little hesitant as he entered, looking around. He didn’t see anyone right away. He could have sworn that he was there on the right day and at the right time. Perhaps this Zoser fellow would not show up, and then Hena could go home and at least tell his father that he had attempted to do as he asked. It wouldn’t be his fault if the other man wasn’t there to greet him. He almost thought of turning around and leaving and saying he had waited around for awhile without anyone else showing up.
That was until he heard a slight noise that seemed to be coming from some where nearby.
“Hello?” He called out, his voice confident and calm, the tone of a young man who was used to getting what ever he wanted when ever he wanted with no consequences.
Classifying the various texts and artifacts that would be transported to Alexandria upon completion of the Library had been a very taxing venture, taking up much of his time throughout the days. Fortunately, his staff of scribes were more than competent, so that when he did have to step away for an advisory meeting or a Hei visit, he could rest on them with full confidence.
Well, almost full confidence.
A meticulous man with more neuroses than he would like to admit were healthy, Zoser consistently went over his staff's work, even going so far as to ensure that the bindings of the books were aligned just so. Some may have called it 'intense attention to detail' but others may have called it 'obsessive.'
Much of this time, though was to keep his mind busy. Thoughts of the most uncomfortable evening of life blended with the memory of soft skin and dark eyes gazing up at him, and a torn feeling within that made him question whether or not he was a man in his forties or an adolescent once again. If his mind was busy with work, most of those thoughts were at bay and he could proceed with the absolutely mature decision to pretend that it was not happening at all.
Hello?, a voice called through the archives, echoing along the pristine marble. Zoser's singular brow raised as it did when curiosity piqued, then a flash of memory sent him looking to the high windows to note the hour. Ah, yes, he was expecting a member of Hei Sheifa in the Archives...and not the one who had been on his mind of late.
Almost comically, Zoser craned his head around the side of a towering shelf to see the H'Sheifa lord standing in the waning late-afternoon light before stepping out.
"Ah, my Lord, Akhenaten, it is a pleasure," Zoser greeted, dipping into a low bow with his hand across his chest. When he straightened and stepped closer to the man, he noted their difference in height - though slight - and took in the sight of the man. Every aspect of him, from his adornments to the particular stylings of clothes, even down to the manner of the hair on his head and his face practically screamed rebellion. Zoser tried not to be amused.
He knew entirely too well the status of Hei Sheifa, and the straits they were in as they tried to cope with the 'loss' of one heir and now the manufacturing of another, one who had never really considered heirdom at all. His gaze was not critical, but assessing, though his courtier-proof smile remained in place.
"Can I offer you some refreshment while I gather some things that may serve our purpose?" Zoser asked, his long-scholars kilts sweeping as he stepped past the young man towards his study, a guiding hand gesturing towards the ornate sectioned-off area that served as his core of operations.
Already upon his desk, he found a few basic ledgers and some of Hei Sheifa's past financial statements, along with the records of past years of taxes and their contributions on the Council. It was all very dry material, but it had been perfectly ordered and set in a way that would hopefully be as painless as possible for the young man. Glancing behind him to see the expression, Zoser offered a small smirk and added, "I promise it is not as dull as it looks. Perhaps a honeyed mead or a chalice of foreign wine will make it bearable, my Lord?"
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Classifying the various texts and artifacts that would be transported to Alexandria upon completion of the Library had been a very taxing venture, taking up much of his time throughout the days. Fortunately, his staff of scribes were more than competent, so that when he did have to step away for an advisory meeting or a Hei visit, he could rest on them with full confidence.
Well, almost full confidence.
A meticulous man with more neuroses than he would like to admit were healthy, Zoser consistently went over his staff's work, even going so far as to ensure that the bindings of the books were aligned just so. Some may have called it 'intense attention to detail' but others may have called it 'obsessive.'
Much of this time, though was to keep his mind busy. Thoughts of the most uncomfortable evening of life blended with the memory of soft skin and dark eyes gazing up at him, and a torn feeling within that made him question whether or not he was a man in his forties or an adolescent once again. If his mind was busy with work, most of those thoughts were at bay and he could proceed with the absolutely mature decision to pretend that it was not happening at all.
Hello?, a voice called through the archives, echoing along the pristine marble. Zoser's singular brow raised as it did when curiosity piqued, then a flash of memory sent him looking to the high windows to note the hour. Ah, yes, he was expecting a member of Hei Sheifa in the Archives...and not the one who had been on his mind of late.
Almost comically, Zoser craned his head around the side of a towering shelf to see the H'Sheifa lord standing in the waning late-afternoon light before stepping out.
"Ah, my Lord, Akhenaten, it is a pleasure," Zoser greeted, dipping into a low bow with his hand across his chest. When he straightened and stepped closer to the man, he noted their difference in height - though slight - and took in the sight of the man. Every aspect of him, from his adornments to the particular stylings of clothes, even down to the manner of the hair on his head and his face practically screamed rebellion. Zoser tried not to be amused.
He knew entirely too well the status of Hei Sheifa, and the straits they were in as they tried to cope with the 'loss' of one heir and now the manufacturing of another, one who had never really considered heirdom at all. His gaze was not critical, but assessing, though his courtier-proof smile remained in place.
"Can I offer you some refreshment while I gather some things that may serve our purpose?" Zoser asked, his long-scholars kilts sweeping as he stepped past the young man towards his study, a guiding hand gesturing towards the ornate sectioned-off area that served as his core of operations.
Already upon his desk, he found a few basic ledgers and some of Hei Sheifa's past financial statements, along with the records of past years of taxes and their contributions on the Council. It was all very dry material, but it had been perfectly ordered and set in a way that would hopefully be as painless as possible for the young man. Glancing behind him to see the expression, Zoser offered a small smirk and added, "I promise it is not as dull as it looks. Perhaps a honeyed mead or a chalice of foreign wine will make it bearable, my Lord?"
Classifying the various texts and artifacts that would be transported to Alexandria upon completion of the Library had been a very taxing venture, taking up much of his time throughout the days. Fortunately, his staff of scribes were more than competent, so that when he did have to step away for an advisory meeting or a Hei visit, he could rest on them with full confidence.
Well, almost full confidence.
A meticulous man with more neuroses than he would like to admit were healthy, Zoser consistently went over his staff's work, even going so far as to ensure that the bindings of the books were aligned just so. Some may have called it 'intense attention to detail' but others may have called it 'obsessive.'
Much of this time, though was to keep his mind busy. Thoughts of the most uncomfortable evening of life blended with the memory of soft skin and dark eyes gazing up at him, and a torn feeling within that made him question whether or not he was a man in his forties or an adolescent once again. If his mind was busy with work, most of those thoughts were at bay and he could proceed with the absolutely mature decision to pretend that it was not happening at all.
Hello?, a voice called through the archives, echoing along the pristine marble. Zoser's singular brow raised as it did when curiosity piqued, then a flash of memory sent him looking to the high windows to note the hour. Ah, yes, he was expecting a member of Hei Sheifa in the Archives...and not the one who had been on his mind of late.
Almost comically, Zoser craned his head around the side of a towering shelf to see the H'Sheifa lord standing in the waning late-afternoon light before stepping out.
"Ah, my Lord, Akhenaten, it is a pleasure," Zoser greeted, dipping into a low bow with his hand across his chest. When he straightened and stepped closer to the man, he noted their difference in height - though slight - and took in the sight of the man. Every aspect of him, from his adornments to the particular stylings of clothes, even down to the manner of the hair on his head and his face practically screamed rebellion. Zoser tried not to be amused.
He knew entirely too well the status of Hei Sheifa, and the straits they were in as they tried to cope with the 'loss' of one heir and now the manufacturing of another, one who had never really considered heirdom at all. His gaze was not critical, but assessing, though his courtier-proof smile remained in place.
"Can I offer you some refreshment while I gather some things that may serve our purpose?" Zoser asked, his long-scholars kilts sweeping as he stepped past the young man towards his study, a guiding hand gesturing towards the ornate sectioned-off area that served as his core of operations.
Already upon his desk, he found a few basic ledgers and some of Hei Sheifa's past financial statements, along with the records of past years of taxes and their contributions on the Council. It was all very dry material, but it had been perfectly ordered and set in a way that would hopefully be as painless as possible for the young man. Glancing behind him to see the expression, Zoser offered a small smirk and added, "I promise it is not as dull as it looks. Perhaps a honeyed mead or a chalice of foreign wine will make it bearable, my Lord?"
Hena looked around at the tall shelves as he waited for someone to come and greet him and tell him where the hell he was supposed to go. Or what he was even here for, he saw no point in any of this, but he had to appease his father. Akhenaten knew to pick his battles, at least for the most part. This was one of the ones he would allow his father to win with not much more than a little bit of whining from his son.
At the moment all he could see was the fact that he was surrounded by books, and the first thought that came to his mind was that Nenet would probably love this place. His sister was always lost in her own little world, nose in a book, missing life as it passed right by her. Hena hated books. He had been forced to read so much as a child, he refused to do so now unless absolutely necessary. No one could claim that Akhenaten was dumb by any means, but he was also far from being a scholar.
Finally his attention was drawn to some movement as someone stepped out from around a shelf of books and greeted him. Akhenaten vaguely remembered seeing the man before, probably at the Hei Sheifa household doing business with his father or something. He assumed this was Zoser, the man that he had been sent to see.
“Wine.” He said immediately, not offering any sort of greeting back to the man, instead his attention had been grabbed the offer of a refreshment and the idea that he might be able to at least make this day go by faster with the taste of some wine upon his lips.
He followed the other man as he moved to walk past him, looking around again as they entered a new area. Hena found himself a chair and without a word sat himself in it, tired of being on his feet already. He just wanted to get this over with and leave. His eyes fell on some documents upon the man’s desk and he groaned. This was going to be even more boring than he thought.
“Wine will do.” He reiterated at the offer of wine or mead. “The strongest you have.” He said, shifting to sit up a little more in his chair, though he still sat rather casually. He ran his fingers through a bit of his hair that was over the front of his shoulder and waited for his drink to be brought. Zoser would find him rather uncooperative without a glass of wine in his hand.
“I can simply tell my father that you did what ever you’re supposed to do. I am sure we both have better things to do than sit here in each other’s company.” He offered, not sure that the older man would go for it, he seemed like the type that wouldn’t risk upsetting the current head of the Hei Sheifa household.
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Hena looked around at the tall shelves as he waited for someone to come and greet him and tell him where the hell he was supposed to go. Or what he was even here for, he saw no point in any of this, but he had to appease his father. Akhenaten knew to pick his battles, at least for the most part. This was one of the ones he would allow his father to win with not much more than a little bit of whining from his son.
At the moment all he could see was the fact that he was surrounded by books, and the first thought that came to his mind was that Nenet would probably love this place. His sister was always lost in her own little world, nose in a book, missing life as it passed right by her. Hena hated books. He had been forced to read so much as a child, he refused to do so now unless absolutely necessary. No one could claim that Akhenaten was dumb by any means, but he was also far from being a scholar.
Finally his attention was drawn to some movement as someone stepped out from around a shelf of books and greeted him. Akhenaten vaguely remembered seeing the man before, probably at the Hei Sheifa household doing business with his father or something. He assumed this was Zoser, the man that he had been sent to see.
“Wine.” He said immediately, not offering any sort of greeting back to the man, instead his attention had been grabbed the offer of a refreshment and the idea that he might be able to at least make this day go by faster with the taste of some wine upon his lips.
He followed the other man as he moved to walk past him, looking around again as they entered a new area. Hena found himself a chair and without a word sat himself in it, tired of being on his feet already. He just wanted to get this over with and leave. His eyes fell on some documents upon the man’s desk and he groaned. This was going to be even more boring than he thought.
“Wine will do.” He reiterated at the offer of wine or mead. “The strongest you have.” He said, shifting to sit up a little more in his chair, though he still sat rather casually. He ran his fingers through a bit of his hair that was over the front of his shoulder and waited for his drink to be brought. Zoser would find him rather uncooperative without a glass of wine in his hand.
“I can simply tell my father that you did what ever you’re supposed to do. I am sure we both have better things to do than sit here in each other’s company.” He offered, not sure that the older man would go for it, he seemed like the type that wouldn’t risk upsetting the current head of the Hei Sheifa household.
Hena looked around at the tall shelves as he waited for someone to come and greet him and tell him where the hell he was supposed to go. Or what he was even here for, he saw no point in any of this, but he had to appease his father. Akhenaten knew to pick his battles, at least for the most part. This was one of the ones he would allow his father to win with not much more than a little bit of whining from his son.
At the moment all he could see was the fact that he was surrounded by books, and the first thought that came to his mind was that Nenet would probably love this place. His sister was always lost in her own little world, nose in a book, missing life as it passed right by her. Hena hated books. He had been forced to read so much as a child, he refused to do so now unless absolutely necessary. No one could claim that Akhenaten was dumb by any means, but he was also far from being a scholar.
Finally his attention was drawn to some movement as someone stepped out from around a shelf of books and greeted him. Akhenaten vaguely remembered seeing the man before, probably at the Hei Sheifa household doing business with his father or something. He assumed this was Zoser, the man that he had been sent to see.
“Wine.” He said immediately, not offering any sort of greeting back to the man, instead his attention had been grabbed the offer of a refreshment and the idea that he might be able to at least make this day go by faster with the taste of some wine upon his lips.
He followed the other man as he moved to walk past him, looking around again as they entered a new area. Hena found himself a chair and without a word sat himself in it, tired of being on his feet already. He just wanted to get this over with and leave. His eyes fell on some documents upon the man’s desk and he groaned. This was going to be even more boring than he thought.
“Wine will do.” He reiterated at the offer of wine or mead. “The strongest you have.” He said, shifting to sit up a little more in his chair, though he still sat rather casually. He ran his fingers through a bit of his hair that was over the front of his shoulder and waited for his drink to be brought. Zoser would find him rather uncooperative without a glass of wine in his hand.
“I can simply tell my father that you did what ever you’re supposed to do. I am sure we both have better things to do than sit here in each other’s company.” He offered, not sure that the older man would go for it, he seemed like the type that wouldn’t risk upsetting the current head of the Hei Sheifa household.
In an instant, Zoser felt himself shift from his usual courtieresque approach to the young Lord to the near-muscle memory of his life as a scholar - mores specifically as a tutor and professor. This young man had quite a few lessons to learn, and not all of them would have to do with the running of his Hei in the future.
Pasting a noble-worthy smile across his features that did not reach his eyes, he inclined his head and turned to reach for a bottle of wine and a chalice, his smile falling immediately once it was out of the man's sight. Just as soon as it was gone, it returned as he poured the man his draught and set the bottle on the desk before him.
Almost too casually, Zoser leaned back against the desk, his arms crossing at the young man's proposal that they simply state that they met and move about their life. Zoser's eyes crinkled as an unamused laugh huffed through his nose, and he glanced to the ground, immediately deciding upon his approach.
"Ah....so, you like wine," He stated, redundantly, gesturing at the glass he placed on the desk before them. Zoser watched the young Lord's face, welcoming and almost encouraging the annoyed or irritated look his statement would garner. Almost theatrically, Zoser tilted his head back, as if thinking hard as he said his next piece, "How about the garments you wear? The Sarayaa you live in and the way it is maintained? The food you eat and the gifts you give and receive."
"And let us not forget the dalliances you so enjoy either at home or within the two cities." There was a distinct shift in his tone, darkening it as he leveled the man with a stern glare, as a man who knew too much - marked by a cheshire grin. "I have seen you in those places. I go there as well, but the difference is how well we can function despite it."
Shifting to stand so he could walk around to his usual place across the desk, he braced his arms against them, looming forward to make a point. However, once he spoke, his voice was lighter and almost complimentary, though the words stated otherwise.
"With all due respect, Lord Akhenaten, Hei Sheifa has not expected much of you, and you never expected to have such expectations placed upon you. However, Hei Sheifa has lasted too long and existed in too distinct a prominence within the Kingdom to be undone over....wine." He tilted his head towards the cup in the man's hand. His expression lightened, almost more amused than anything, "So, as pointless as you may see learning these things, it is beyond imperative for the continued existence of your name....or, if you wish to think of it, the continued existence of your current lifestyle."
Zoser paused, clearly depicting a definitive end to his monologuing as he raised a brow, awaiting a response.
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In an instant, Zoser felt himself shift from his usual courtieresque approach to the young Lord to the near-muscle memory of his life as a scholar - mores specifically as a tutor and professor. This young man had quite a few lessons to learn, and not all of them would have to do with the running of his Hei in the future.
Pasting a noble-worthy smile across his features that did not reach his eyes, he inclined his head and turned to reach for a bottle of wine and a chalice, his smile falling immediately once it was out of the man's sight. Just as soon as it was gone, it returned as he poured the man his draught and set the bottle on the desk before him.
Almost too casually, Zoser leaned back against the desk, his arms crossing at the young man's proposal that they simply state that they met and move about their life. Zoser's eyes crinkled as an unamused laugh huffed through his nose, and he glanced to the ground, immediately deciding upon his approach.
"Ah....so, you like wine," He stated, redundantly, gesturing at the glass he placed on the desk before them. Zoser watched the young Lord's face, welcoming and almost encouraging the annoyed or irritated look his statement would garner. Almost theatrically, Zoser tilted his head back, as if thinking hard as he said his next piece, "How about the garments you wear? The Sarayaa you live in and the way it is maintained? The food you eat and the gifts you give and receive."
"And let us not forget the dalliances you so enjoy either at home or within the two cities." There was a distinct shift in his tone, darkening it as he leveled the man with a stern glare, as a man who knew too much - marked by a cheshire grin. "I have seen you in those places. I go there as well, but the difference is how well we can function despite it."
Shifting to stand so he could walk around to his usual place across the desk, he braced his arms against them, looming forward to make a point. However, once he spoke, his voice was lighter and almost complimentary, though the words stated otherwise.
"With all due respect, Lord Akhenaten, Hei Sheifa has not expected much of you, and you never expected to have such expectations placed upon you. However, Hei Sheifa has lasted too long and existed in too distinct a prominence within the Kingdom to be undone over....wine." He tilted his head towards the cup in the man's hand. His expression lightened, almost more amused than anything, "So, as pointless as you may see learning these things, it is beyond imperative for the continued existence of your name....or, if you wish to think of it, the continued existence of your current lifestyle."
Zoser paused, clearly depicting a definitive end to his monologuing as he raised a brow, awaiting a response.
In an instant, Zoser felt himself shift from his usual courtieresque approach to the young Lord to the near-muscle memory of his life as a scholar - mores specifically as a tutor and professor. This young man had quite a few lessons to learn, and not all of them would have to do with the running of his Hei in the future.
Pasting a noble-worthy smile across his features that did not reach his eyes, he inclined his head and turned to reach for a bottle of wine and a chalice, his smile falling immediately once it was out of the man's sight. Just as soon as it was gone, it returned as he poured the man his draught and set the bottle on the desk before him.
Almost too casually, Zoser leaned back against the desk, his arms crossing at the young man's proposal that they simply state that they met and move about their life. Zoser's eyes crinkled as an unamused laugh huffed through his nose, and he glanced to the ground, immediately deciding upon his approach.
"Ah....so, you like wine," He stated, redundantly, gesturing at the glass he placed on the desk before them. Zoser watched the young Lord's face, welcoming and almost encouraging the annoyed or irritated look his statement would garner. Almost theatrically, Zoser tilted his head back, as if thinking hard as he said his next piece, "How about the garments you wear? The Sarayaa you live in and the way it is maintained? The food you eat and the gifts you give and receive."
"And let us not forget the dalliances you so enjoy either at home or within the two cities." There was a distinct shift in his tone, darkening it as he leveled the man with a stern glare, as a man who knew too much - marked by a cheshire grin. "I have seen you in those places. I go there as well, but the difference is how well we can function despite it."
Shifting to stand so he could walk around to his usual place across the desk, he braced his arms against them, looming forward to make a point. However, once he spoke, his voice was lighter and almost complimentary, though the words stated otherwise.
"With all due respect, Lord Akhenaten, Hei Sheifa has not expected much of you, and you never expected to have such expectations placed upon you. However, Hei Sheifa has lasted too long and existed in too distinct a prominence within the Kingdom to be undone over....wine." He tilted his head towards the cup in the man's hand. His expression lightened, almost more amused than anything, "So, as pointless as you may see learning these things, it is beyond imperative for the continued existence of your name....or, if you wish to think of it, the continued existence of your current lifestyle."
Zoser paused, clearly depicting a definitive end to his monologuing as he raised a brow, awaiting a response.
Hena listened to the man’s words, his anger growing a little inside him as he tried to keep himself calm, but he paused at the other’s final words. He had never really thought about that he supposed, that in order to keep up his current lifestyle, he would one day need to take the mantle from his father and keep the house at it’s current level or even elevate it. Should the house fall to ruin, so too would his abilities to keep himself and his sister supplied in fine whine, opium and lovers. The smug look that had previously been on his face seemed to fall, and he fell silent, thoughts churning in his mind.
He didn’t like that this man could get to him like that, could get right into his head and bring him down to reality. He remained silent for a bit longer, unsure of what he wanted to say.
On one hand he wanted to be pissed that this man supposed to know him, to know what drove him and what he wanted, but... well he did. He had spoken straight to Hena and had hit a sore spot, one that Hena hadn’t even realized was there.
He looked down at the cup of wine in his hands, and he leaned forward to place it on the desk beside the other cup instead. So much for his idea of getting out of here quickly and avoiding any of this. But he had to admit, the reality that he could lose the ability to live the life he so loved, it had hit him hard and suddenly the wine hadn’t appealed to him quite as much in the moment.
He sat up a bit in his chair instead of slouching back into it.
“Alright, you have my attention, at least for now.” He said, trying to act like the man hadn’t gotten to him as much as he had. Akhenaten would never fully admit that someone had bested him in any terms. He was a very self centered boy.
“Show me then, what ever it is that you’re showing me.” He said, attempting to hide his worry behind snark instead. The only thing he could think of now was a future where he had ruined his house, and where he would have to live like a commoner. The thought absolutely repulsed him, and while he had no problem mingling with commoners, he took them as lovers quite often, he would never wish it upon himself or even any of his sister to have to live such a life.
He couldn’t imagine having to work himself to death to scrape by and barely be able to eat let alone afford luxuries such as wine, opium and jewels. He then realized, if things did end up going down hill, he would be forced to sell his collection of gold and jewels, and suddenly he was sitting up a little straighter and paying more attention. He would never let it get to that point, even if it meant having to listen to what ever this man and the others his father had sent him to see had to say.
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Hena listened to the man’s words, his anger growing a little inside him as he tried to keep himself calm, but he paused at the other’s final words. He had never really thought about that he supposed, that in order to keep up his current lifestyle, he would one day need to take the mantle from his father and keep the house at it’s current level or even elevate it. Should the house fall to ruin, so too would his abilities to keep himself and his sister supplied in fine whine, opium and lovers. The smug look that had previously been on his face seemed to fall, and he fell silent, thoughts churning in his mind.
He didn’t like that this man could get to him like that, could get right into his head and bring him down to reality. He remained silent for a bit longer, unsure of what he wanted to say.
On one hand he wanted to be pissed that this man supposed to know him, to know what drove him and what he wanted, but... well he did. He had spoken straight to Hena and had hit a sore spot, one that Hena hadn’t even realized was there.
He looked down at the cup of wine in his hands, and he leaned forward to place it on the desk beside the other cup instead. So much for his idea of getting out of here quickly and avoiding any of this. But he had to admit, the reality that he could lose the ability to live the life he so loved, it had hit him hard and suddenly the wine hadn’t appealed to him quite as much in the moment.
He sat up a bit in his chair instead of slouching back into it.
“Alright, you have my attention, at least for now.” He said, trying to act like the man hadn’t gotten to him as much as he had. Akhenaten would never fully admit that someone had bested him in any terms. He was a very self centered boy.
“Show me then, what ever it is that you’re showing me.” He said, attempting to hide his worry behind snark instead. The only thing he could think of now was a future where he had ruined his house, and where he would have to live like a commoner. The thought absolutely repulsed him, and while he had no problem mingling with commoners, he took them as lovers quite often, he would never wish it upon himself or even any of his sister to have to live such a life.
He couldn’t imagine having to work himself to death to scrape by and barely be able to eat let alone afford luxuries such as wine, opium and jewels. He then realized, if things did end up going down hill, he would be forced to sell his collection of gold and jewels, and suddenly he was sitting up a little straighter and paying more attention. He would never let it get to that point, even if it meant having to listen to what ever this man and the others his father had sent him to see had to say.
Hena listened to the man’s words, his anger growing a little inside him as he tried to keep himself calm, but he paused at the other’s final words. He had never really thought about that he supposed, that in order to keep up his current lifestyle, he would one day need to take the mantle from his father and keep the house at it’s current level or even elevate it. Should the house fall to ruin, so too would his abilities to keep himself and his sister supplied in fine whine, opium and lovers. The smug look that had previously been on his face seemed to fall, and he fell silent, thoughts churning in his mind.
He didn’t like that this man could get to him like that, could get right into his head and bring him down to reality. He remained silent for a bit longer, unsure of what he wanted to say.
On one hand he wanted to be pissed that this man supposed to know him, to know what drove him and what he wanted, but... well he did. He had spoken straight to Hena and had hit a sore spot, one that Hena hadn’t even realized was there.
He looked down at the cup of wine in his hands, and he leaned forward to place it on the desk beside the other cup instead. So much for his idea of getting out of here quickly and avoiding any of this. But he had to admit, the reality that he could lose the ability to live the life he so loved, it had hit him hard and suddenly the wine hadn’t appealed to him quite as much in the moment.
He sat up a bit in his chair instead of slouching back into it.
“Alright, you have my attention, at least for now.” He said, trying to act like the man hadn’t gotten to him as much as he had. Akhenaten would never fully admit that someone had bested him in any terms. He was a very self centered boy.
“Show me then, what ever it is that you’re showing me.” He said, attempting to hide his worry behind snark instead. The only thing he could think of now was a future where he had ruined his house, and where he would have to live like a commoner. The thought absolutely repulsed him, and while he had no problem mingling with commoners, he took them as lovers quite often, he would never wish it upon himself or even any of his sister to have to live such a life.
He couldn’t imagine having to work himself to death to scrape by and barely be able to eat let alone afford luxuries such as wine, opium and jewels. He then realized, if things did end up going down hill, he would be forced to sell his collection of gold and jewels, and suddenly he was sitting up a little straighter and paying more attention. He would never let it get to that point, even if it meant having to listen to what ever this man and the others his father had sent him to see had to say.
Zoser did his best not to let the smug satisfaction of victory reach any further than the fine lines at the corners of his eyes, particularly as the young man relented. This was not the first time when his mind had the upper hand against noble blood, nor was Lord Akhenaten the most petulant or self-aggrandized young noble that found themselves under his tutelage. In fact, the fact that the young man did not put up so much of a fight against being dragged through all of his short comings, regardless of how carefully crafted Zoser's words were, was surprising. He was going to take that as a blessing in itself and not complain.
"Good. That will certainly make this easier," Zoser mused, stepping away from the center area before his chair at the desk and gesturing towards the more comfortable chair for the young lord. After all, unless the man could read the more-or-less foreign concept of financial ledgers upside down, it would make things go a lot faster.
Ah, there it was, the bolstering tone of one who was worried but hid behind tone. It was a common folly of young men, almost like a second-language. For militant men, actions spoke volumes over words, and fear was not something to be addressed at all. Were you scared? Fight harder for your life. In court or among the nobility, it was just as easy to build a wall of intensity, much like the birds along the shores of the Nile. Spreading wings and puffing of chests could dissuade smaller threats, certainly, causing them to think better of it and offer a wider berth.
That would not be the case today. In fact, Zoser wanted to turn the apprehension on its head before the day was done. It was a routine well-practiced by the Royal Advisor. His position had consistently come with apprehension, which is why he had done his damnedest over the years to ensure his likability among the Hei leaders. If they trusted him, they would serve him with honesty and, in many cases like with Hei Sheifa, life-long friendship.
"Ah, don't be like that, My Lord," Zoser crooned, picking up the cup of wine he had poured for the young man and offering it back to him as a bit of encouragement, "For years now, I have considered your father and mother dear friends. I hope that in the many years to come, when the Hei comes under your skilled hand, we can be considered the same. Despite this current torture."
Leaning over towards the shelf again he plucked another chalice, setting it on the desk and pouring himself his own dram of wine, enough to give this meeting a more humanizing quality, one less of tutor and pupil and more of a functional, business affair.
"If it encourages you further, once we make our way through the basics here, we could break for an afternoon repast. As I mentioned before, you and I do seem to favor the same establishments within Cairo."
There, a peace offering.
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Zoser did his best not to let the smug satisfaction of victory reach any further than the fine lines at the corners of his eyes, particularly as the young man relented. This was not the first time when his mind had the upper hand against noble blood, nor was Lord Akhenaten the most petulant or self-aggrandized young noble that found themselves under his tutelage. In fact, the fact that the young man did not put up so much of a fight against being dragged through all of his short comings, regardless of how carefully crafted Zoser's words were, was surprising. He was going to take that as a blessing in itself and not complain.
"Good. That will certainly make this easier," Zoser mused, stepping away from the center area before his chair at the desk and gesturing towards the more comfortable chair for the young lord. After all, unless the man could read the more-or-less foreign concept of financial ledgers upside down, it would make things go a lot faster.
Ah, there it was, the bolstering tone of one who was worried but hid behind tone. It was a common folly of young men, almost like a second-language. For militant men, actions spoke volumes over words, and fear was not something to be addressed at all. Were you scared? Fight harder for your life. In court or among the nobility, it was just as easy to build a wall of intensity, much like the birds along the shores of the Nile. Spreading wings and puffing of chests could dissuade smaller threats, certainly, causing them to think better of it and offer a wider berth.
That would not be the case today. In fact, Zoser wanted to turn the apprehension on its head before the day was done. It was a routine well-practiced by the Royal Advisor. His position had consistently come with apprehension, which is why he had done his damnedest over the years to ensure his likability among the Hei leaders. If they trusted him, they would serve him with honesty and, in many cases like with Hei Sheifa, life-long friendship.
"Ah, don't be like that, My Lord," Zoser crooned, picking up the cup of wine he had poured for the young man and offering it back to him as a bit of encouragement, "For years now, I have considered your father and mother dear friends. I hope that in the many years to come, when the Hei comes under your skilled hand, we can be considered the same. Despite this current torture."
Leaning over towards the shelf again he plucked another chalice, setting it on the desk and pouring himself his own dram of wine, enough to give this meeting a more humanizing quality, one less of tutor and pupil and more of a functional, business affair.
"If it encourages you further, once we make our way through the basics here, we could break for an afternoon repast. As I mentioned before, you and I do seem to favor the same establishments within Cairo."
There, a peace offering.
Zoser did his best not to let the smug satisfaction of victory reach any further than the fine lines at the corners of his eyes, particularly as the young man relented. This was not the first time when his mind had the upper hand against noble blood, nor was Lord Akhenaten the most petulant or self-aggrandized young noble that found themselves under his tutelage. In fact, the fact that the young man did not put up so much of a fight against being dragged through all of his short comings, regardless of how carefully crafted Zoser's words were, was surprising. He was going to take that as a blessing in itself and not complain.
"Good. That will certainly make this easier," Zoser mused, stepping away from the center area before his chair at the desk and gesturing towards the more comfortable chair for the young lord. After all, unless the man could read the more-or-less foreign concept of financial ledgers upside down, it would make things go a lot faster.
Ah, there it was, the bolstering tone of one who was worried but hid behind tone. It was a common folly of young men, almost like a second-language. For militant men, actions spoke volumes over words, and fear was not something to be addressed at all. Were you scared? Fight harder for your life. In court or among the nobility, it was just as easy to build a wall of intensity, much like the birds along the shores of the Nile. Spreading wings and puffing of chests could dissuade smaller threats, certainly, causing them to think better of it and offer a wider berth.
That would not be the case today. In fact, Zoser wanted to turn the apprehension on its head before the day was done. It was a routine well-practiced by the Royal Advisor. His position had consistently come with apprehension, which is why he had done his damnedest over the years to ensure his likability among the Hei leaders. If they trusted him, they would serve him with honesty and, in many cases like with Hei Sheifa, life-long friendship.
"Ah, don't be like that, My Lord," Zoser crooned, picking up the cup of wine he had poured for the young man and offering it back to him as a bit of encouragement, "For years now, I have considered your father and mother dear friends. I hope that in the many years to come, when the Hei comes under your skilled hand, we can be considered the same. Despite this current torture."
Leaning over towards the shelf again he plucked another chalice, setting it on the desk and pouring himself his own dram of wine, enough to give this meeting a more humanizing quality, one less of tutor and pupil and more of a functional, business affair.
"If it encourages you further, once we make our way through the basics here, we could break for an afternoon repast. As I mentioned before, you and I do seem to favor the same establishments within Cairo."
There, a peace offering.
Hena was bitter about the fact that this man was able to get to him so easily, and while he tried to keep that hidden, he was not the best at hiding his distaste and it was written on his face and in his gaze. Regardless he rose from the chair that he had planned on sitting in to drink a bunch of wine and instead moved to the one that the other had gestured to. Looking out over the ledgers, he recognized them, though in his youth he had never cared to pay attention to any of it. Nor had his father cared to teach him any of it. That was always their precious son Sutekh’s job. He had never been groomed for any of this, all of his parents attention had gone to their firstborn son.
Until it had been found out that Sutekh was in fact not his father’s first born, then suddenly amidst the drama of Sutekh being banned, Hena found himself in the others shoes as heir to the house. Now he was in way over his head, and without the twenty years of grooming his parents had given Sutekh, he was expected to be the perfect son and heir.
Hena’s eyes went to the man as he offered the wine back to him, and he hesitated a moment, wondering if this was some sort of strange test or something. But the call of the deep red liquid was too strong and he took the cup, though he limited himself to a small drink at the moment instead of chugging the entire thing in one go as he normally would.
Zoser spoke of one day being friends, and the humour returned to Hena’s eyes as he thought of how ridiculous that sounded. Hena didn’t have friends, didn’t want friends. Contacts when it came to the business world and the world of running his Hei? Sure, perhaps that, but when the house came under his command, he would run it the way he wanted, and he would not subject himself to such torture as he was being forced to endure now.
Though his attention was caught at the idea of the offered break after the work. Could this old guy truly be any fun to go out with? Only one way to find out.
“Show me then, what it is my father wishes you to teach me. And then it will be I who teaches you what it is to have fun.” He said with a smirk, a bit of his cockiness returning now at the idea of getting to go out after this. He could have easily gone out on his own, but something about the idea of this man who must have been at least twice his age trying to keep up with Hena when it came to drink and opium was far more amusing than drinking on his own.
He thought perhaps the drink afterwards would drown out the boring tedium of what he was about to learn. Though the other man’s words about losing his lifestyle still stuck in his mind, and made him at least sort of pay attention.
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Check out their information page here.
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Hena was bitter about the fact that this man was able to get to him so easily, and while he tried to keep that hidden, he was not the best at hiding his distaste and it was written on his face and in his gaze. Regardless he rose from the chair that he had planned on sitting in to drink a bunch of wine and instead moved to the one that the other had gestured to. Looking out over the ledgers, he recognized them, though in his youth he had never cared to pay attention to any of it. Nor had his father cared to teach him any of it. That was always their precious son Sutekh’s job. He had never been groomed for any of this, all of his parents attention had gone to their firstborn son.
Until it had been found out that Sutekh was in fact not his father’s first born, then suddenly amidst the drama of Sutekh being banned, Hena found himself in the others shoes as heir to the house. Now he was in way over his head, and without the twenty years of grooming his parents had given Sutekh, he was expected to be the perfect son and heir.
Hena’s eyes went to the man as he offered the wine back to him, and he hesitated a moment, wondering if this was some sort of strange test or something. But the call of the deep red liquid was too strong and he took the cup, though he limited himself to a small drink at the moment instead of chugging the entire thing in one go as he normally would.
Zoser spoke of one day being friends, and the humour returned to Hena’s eyes as he thought of how ridiculous that sounded. Hena didn’t have friends, didn’t want friends. Contacts when it came to the business world and the world of running his Hei? Sure, perhaps that, but when the house came under his command, he would run it the way he wanted, and he would not subject himself to such torture as he was being forced to endure now.
Though his attention was caught at the idea of the offered break after the work. Could this old guy truly be any fun to go out with? Only one way to find out.
“Show me then, what it is my father wishes you to teach me. And then it will be I who teaches you what it is to have fun.” He said with a smirk, a bit of his cockiness returning now at the idea of getting to go out after this. He could have easily gone out on his own, but something about the idea of this man who must have been at least twice his age trying to keep up with Hena when it came to drink and opium was far more amusing than drinking on his own.
He thought perhaps the drink afterwards would drown out the boring tedium of what he was about to learn. Though the other man’s words about losing his lifestyle still stuck in his mind, and made him at least sort of pay attention.
Hena was bitter about the fact that this man was able to get to him so easily, and while he tried to keep that hidden, he was not the best at hiding his distaste and it was written on his face and in his gaze. Regardless he rose from the chair that he had planned on sitting in to drink a bunch of wine and instead moved to the one that the other had gestured to. Looking out over the ledgers, he recognized them, though in his youth he had never cared to pay attention to any of it. Nor had his father cared to teach him any of it. That was always their precious son Sutekh’s job. He had never been groomed for any of this, all of his parents attention had gone to their firstborn son.
Until it had been found out that Sutekh was in fact not his father’s first born, then suddenly amidst the drama of Sutekh being banned, Hena found himself in the others shoes as heir to the house. Now he was in way over his head, and without the twenty years of grooming his parents had given Sutekh, he was expected to be the perfect son and heir.
Hena’s eyes went to the man as he offered the wine back to him, and he hesitated a moment, wondering if this was some sort of strange test or something. But the call of the deep red liquid was too strong and he took the cup, though he limited himself to a small drink at the moment instead of chugging the entire thing in one go as he normally would.
Zoser spoke of one day being friends, and the humour returned to Hena’s eyes as he thought of how ridiculous that sounded. Hena didn’t have friends, didn’t want friends. Contacts when it came to the business world and the world of running his Hei? Sure, perhaps that, but when the house came under his command, he would run it the way he wanted, and he would not subject himself to such torture as he was being forced to endure now.
Though his attention was caught at the idea of the offered break after the work. Could this old guy truly be any fun to go out with? Only one way to find out.
“Show me then, what it is my father wishes you to teach me. And then it will be I who teaches you what it is to have fun.” He said with a smirk, a bit of his cockiness returning now at the idea of getting to go out after this. He could have easily gone out on his own, but something about the idea of this man who must have been at least twice his age trying to keep up with Hena when it came to drink and opium was far more amusing than drinking on his own.
He thought perhaps the drink afterwards would drown out the boring tedium of what he was about to learn. Though the other man’s words about losing his lifestyle still stuck in his mind, and made him at least sort of pay attention.