The chatbox has been hidden for this page. It will reopen upon refresh. To hide the CBox permanently, select "Permanently Toggle Cbox" in your profile User Settings.
This chatbox is hidden. To reopen, edit your User Settings.
Rayla bounced around happily as Amarissa pet her until she spotted Maeri’s mother and yipped excitedly at being returned to the familiar woman, tugging at the leash excitedly. Maeri knew there was very little that could get the dog to calm down once she had gotten excited. Perhaps it had not been the best idea to bring the dog out into the city full of unfamiliar sights and smells especially here where she could run into Amiti or any of his family. Maeri had wanted to make a good impression on Amiti and the city that she would soon be moving to, but at the moment, the only person she wanted to make a good impression on was Amarissa.
When they reached her mother, Yonita brightly greeted Amarissa. “Amarissa, how nice to see you here. Is your brother here to hear the scholar teach at the university?” Yonita politely inquired, as she took the dog back from Amarissa. “Yes, we’re just visiting Damascus to make some final arrangements,” Yonita answered before Maeri jumped back into the conversation excitedly.
“We sent Talora and Nedevah back to Judah with my aunt. They’re arranging everything for the engagement ceremony.” Maeri said everything excitedly all in one breath. How could anyone not be excited? She still couldn’t believe that she was going to be a bride and live in this city that they were now standing in. “Then we’re coming back here for the wedding.” Maeri smiled broadly, looking over at Amarissa. “You absolutely have to be there. It’s going to be a great time. Nedevah’s so good at parties and Talora…” Maeri’s face fell slightly thinking of how grumpy her sister had been lately. “Well, she likes parties a lot.” Maeri didn’t say anything more. Talora’s reputation was something that everyone knew but no one ever said anything directly about. Nor did Maeri particularly wish to discuss Talora’s behavior.
Yonita’s smile had become much more fixed at the mention of Maeri’s eldest sister, but Maeri didn’t notice. She was too caught up in the thought of what was awaiting her when she returned to Judah. “Perhaps you could travel back with us, and help set up for the ceremony?” Maeri asked, voicing the thought that just popped into her head. She didn’t know why, but it seemed important that Amarissa was there with her.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Rayla bounced around happily as Amarissa pet her until she spotted Maeri’s mother and yipped excitedly at being returned to the familiar woman, tugging at the leash excitedly. Maeri knew there was very little that could get the dog to calm down once she had gotten excited. Perhaps it had not been the best idea to bring the dog out into the city full of unfamiliar sights and smells especially here where she could run into Amiti or any of his family. Maeri had wanted to make a good impression on Amiti and the city that she would soon be moving to, but at the moment, the only person she wanted to make a good impression on was Amarissa.
When they reached her mother, Yonita brightly greeted Amarissa. “Amarissa, how nice to see you here. Is your brother here to hear the scholar teach at the university?” Yonita politely inquired, as she took the dog back from Amarissa. “Yes, we’re just visiting Damascus to make some final arrangements,” Yonita answered before Maeri jumped back into the conversation excitedly.
“We sent Talora and Nedevah back to Judah with my aunt. They’re arranging everything for the engagement ceremony.” Maeri said everything excitedly all in one breath. How could anyone not be excited? She still couldn’t believe that she was going to be a bride and live in this city that they were now standing in. “Then we’re coming back here for the wedding.” Maeri smiled broadly, looking over at Amarissa. “You absolutely have to be there. It’s going to be a great time. Nedevah’s so good at parties and Talora…” Maeri’s face fell slightly thinking of how grumpy her sister had been lately. “Well, she likes parties a lot.” Maeri didn’t say anything more. Talora’s reputation was something that everyone knew but no one ever said anything directly about. Nor did Maeri particularly wish to discuss Talora’s behavior.
Yonita’s smile had become much more fixed at the mention of Maeri’s eldest sister, but Maeri didn’t notice. She was too caught up in the thought of what was awaiting her when she returned to Judah. “Perhaps you could travel back with us, and help set up for the ceremony?” Maeri asked, voicing the thought that just popped into her head. She didn’t know why, but it seemed important that Amarissa was there with her.
Rayla bounced around happily as Amarissa pet her until she spotted Maeri’s mother and yipped excitedly at being returned to the familiar woman, tugging at the leash excitedly. Maeri knew there was very little that could get the dog to calm down once she had gotten excited. Perhaps it had not been the best idea to bring the dog out into the city full of unfamiliar sights and smells especially here where she could run into Amiti or any of his family. Maeri had wanted to make a good impression on Amiti and the city that she would soon be moving to, but at the moment, the only person she wanted to make a good impression on was Amarissa.
When they reached her mother, Yonita brightly greeted Amarissa. “Amarissa, how nice to see you here. Is your brother here to hear the scholar teach at the university?” Yonita politely inquired, as she took the dog back from Amarissa. “Yes, we’re just visiting Damascus to make some final arrangements,” Yonita answered before Maeri jumped back into the conversation excitedly.
“We sent Talora and Nedevah back to Judah with my aunt. They’re arranging everything for the engagement ceremony.” Maeri said everything excitedly all in one breath. How could anyone not be excited? She still couldn’t believe that she was going to be a bride and live in this city that they were now standing in. “Then we’re coming back here for the wedding.” Maeri smiled broadly, looking over at Amarissa. “You absolutely have to be there. It’s going to be a great time. Nedevah’s so good at parties and Talora…” Maeri’s face fell slightly thinking of how grumpy her sister had been lately. “Well, she likes parties a lot.” Maeri didn’t say anything more. Talora’s reputation was something that everyone knew but no one ever said anything directly about. Nor did Maeri particularly wish to discuss Talora’s behavior.
Yonita’s smile had become much more fixed at the mention of Maeri’s eldest sister, but Maeri didn’t notice. She was too caught up in the thought of what was awaiting her when she returned to Judah. “Perhaps you could travel back with us, and help set up for the ceremony?” Maeri asked, voicing the thought that just popped into her head. She didn’t know why, but it seemed important that Amarissa was there with her.
Curveball Gathering of Smarts
As if to determine that the men due to complete God's work and ensure that the information within the library is finalised and secure, should have already returned inside to continue their efforts, one of Damascus' electric storms starts to lighten the sky in little flashes, as clouds start to swirl. Whilst the threat of rain is uncommon in so acrid a landscape, what is more of a concern is the wind that has started up, swirling around building and down streets with a menacing power. Particularly as no shutters had been closed in the library and so much of the records within are simple, light and easily scattered parchment...
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
As if to determine that the men due to complete God's work and ensure that the information within the library is finalised and secure, should have already returned inside to continue their efforts, one of Damascus' electric storms starts to lighten the sky in little flashes, as clouds start to swirl. Whilst the threat of rain is uncommon in so acrid a landscape, what is more of a concern is the wind that has started up, swirling around building and down streets with a menacing power. Particularly as no shutters had been closed in the library and so much of the records within are simple, light and easily scattered parchment...
Curveball Gathering of Smarts
As if to determine that the men due to complete God's work and ensure that the information within the library is finalised and secure, should have already returned inside to continue their efforts, one of Damascus' electric storms starts to lighten the sky in little flashes, as clouds start to swirl. Whilst the threat of rain is uncommon in so acrid a landscape, what is more of a concern is the wind that has started up, swirling around building and down streets with a menacing power. Particularly as no shutters had been closed in the library and so much of the records within are simple, light and easily scattered parchment...
As he was attempting to lead Zoser away, Amiti suddenly remembered he was holding something. Looking down, he found a basket in his fist and he frowned. Where-how? And then he looked up, catching Amarissa’s gaze and suddenly her request clicked into place, like some puzzle piece that had been rattling around, waiting to be put together. Caleb. This was for Caleb. Raising the basket, he said, “Caleb,” and nodded, like that was enough of a response after however long he’d been mindlessly holding this thing. Normally he wasn’t this distracted, but the last few minutes had been completely and distinctly abnormal and so he excused his own behavior.
With Zoser accepting his invitation to find food, Amiti walked them along the stalls, wanting to hurry this along. He was constantly side eyeing the vendors they passed, making mental calculations about who would be most forgiving of this arrangement and who wouldn’t be. He’d just settled on a man who sold falafels when Zoser spoke.
"Are they part of your family, Councilman?"
“Hmm?” Amiti blinked and swung his attention to Zoser. He stared for just a second and then looked away again, clearing his throat. “Yes.” He thought of Amarissa. “No, I mean…” Forcing his thoughts onto Maeri, he hated to have to admit about the dog, but it couldn’t be gotten around. “Maeri of Yonita is my intended. I am not married to nor marrying Amarissa of Rishona.” Although she would have been a fantastic choice, had his father looked in that direction. He wasn’t entirely sure what had swayed his father so strongly toward Maeri but he suspected it had more to do with Yonita’s doing, rather than his father’s inclinations.
"Will the dirt offend back at the University? Should I change?" Zoser asked and Amiti ignored him for just a moment when the rumble of thunder overtook the short exchange. It was so unusual to have rain that at first he thought a distant cart had crashed into another one before he looked to the furthest edge of the sky to find clouds advancing on them. Because of the direction of the storm, they hadn’t obstructed the sun, and so he hadn’t noticed the near silent approach.
“You’re Egyptian,” he said distantly, attention now elsewhere. “You aren’t held to the same standard,” he answered in Coptic as well, not thinking about the switch in language. Because he dealt with Egyptian traders so often, crossing from one language to the other wasn’t uncommon for him to do.
"As you know, I am far less than familiar with what is acceptable and unacceptable among you and your people. If there is a way for me to remedy any of the offenses I have made since arriving - for I know there are many - I would certainly like to try. Even if it starts with simply changing out of sullied clothes into others."
Amiti turned away from the storm and again, had to change gears, refocusing on the conversation. He realized what he’d just said and closed his eyes while pressing his lips together until they formed a thin line. Then he opened his eyes again. “I mean, if you would feel more comfortable in something else, please change your clothes.” But he didn’t actually take back what he’d said. It was true. Zoser was Egyptian. Most Judeans would, of course, prefer him clean but they expected lax manners from a foreigner. It wasn’t encouraged but they wouldn’t have thought he’d even want to change to get cleaner, so if he showed up having rolled around in mud, they’d give each other a look and then continue working.
“Let us-” he was just saying, about to direct them towards the falafel vendor when the clouds rolled up frighteningly fast, the heavens opened, and rain drenched them all as though Noah’s Flood was happening right here in their market. “Run!” Amiti shouted above the den, shoving only once on Zoser’s shoulder and then taking off himself. It was undignified for a councilman to run, or anyone, for that matter, but there were times it could be excused. He figured this was one of those times. Because he’d just remembered that the university was completely open.
His sandals slapped against the wet stones. Heat rose and there was the strangest sensation of cold water amidst bakingly hot air. Dashing to the door of the university, Amarissa’s basket bouncing against him the whole way, Amiti skidded inside the door, nearly slipped on the suddenly slick stone, regained his balance against the wall, and kicked off his sandals, leaving them scattered in the hall as he ran to the first room he came to, shutting the shutters.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
As he was attempting to lead Zoser away, Amiti suddenly remembered he was holding something. Looking down, he found a basket in his fist and he frowned. Where-how? And then he looked up, catching Amarissa’s gaze and suddenly her request clicked into place, like some puzzle piece that had been rattling around, waiting to be put together. Caleb. This was for Caleb. Raising the basket, he said, “Caleb,” and nodded, like that was enough of a response after however long he’d been mindlessly holding this thing. Normally he wasn’t this distracted, but the last few minutes had been completely and distinctly abnormal and so he excused his own behavior.
With Zoser accepting his invitation to find food, Amiti walked them along the stalls, wanting to hurry this along. He was constantly side eyeing the vendors they passed, making mental calculations about who would be most forgiving of this arrangement and who wouldn’t be. He’d just settled on a man who sold falafels when Zoser spoke.
"Are they part of your family, Councilman?"
“Hmm?” Amiti blinked and swung his attention to Zoser. He stared for just a second and then looked away again, clearing his throat. “Yes.” He thought of Amarissa. “No, I mean…” Forcing his thoughts onto Maeri, he hated to have to admit about the dog, but it couldn’t be gotten around. “Maeri of Yonita is my intended. I am not married to nor marrying Amarissa of Rishona.” Although she would have been a fantastic choice, had his father looked in that direction. He wasn’t entirely sure what had swayed his father so strongly toward Maeri but he suspected it had more to do with Yonita’s doing, rather than his father’s inclinations.
"Will the dirt offend back at the University? Should I change?" Zoser asked and Amiti ignored him for just a moment when the rumble of thunder overtook the short exchange. It was so unusual to have rain that at first he thought a distant cart had crashed into another one before he looked to the furthest edge of the sky to find clouds advancing on them. Because of the direction of the storm, they hadn’t obstructed the sun, and so he hadn’t noticed the near silent approach.
“You’re Egyptian,” he said distantly, attention now elsewhere. “You aren’t held to the same standard,” he answered in Coptic as well, not thinking about the switch in language. Because he dealt with Egyptian traders so often, crossing from one language to the other wasn’t uncommon for him to do.
"As you know, I am far less than familiar with what is acceptable and unacceptable among you and your people. If there is a way for me to remedy any of the offenses I have made since arriving - for I know there are many - I would certainly like to try. Even if it starts with simply changing out of sullied clothes into others."
Amiti turned away from the storm and again, had to change gears, refocusing on the conversation. He realized what he’d just said and closed his eyes while pressing his lips together until they formed a thin line. Then he opened his eyes again. “I mean, if you would feel more comfortable in something else, please change your clothes.” But he didn’t actually take back what he’d said. It was true. Zoser was Egyptian. Most Judeans would, of course, prefer him clean but they expected lax manners from a foreigner. It wasn’t encouraged but they wouldn’t have thought he’d even want to change to get cleaner, so if he showed up having rolled around in mud, they’d give each other a look and then continue working.
“Let us-” he was just saying, about to direct them towards the falafel vendor when the clouds rolled up frighteningly fast, the heavens opened, and rain drenched them all as though Noah’s Flood was happening right here in their market. “Run!” Amiti shouted above the den, shoving only once on Zoser’s shoulder and then taking off himself. It was undignified for a councilman to run, or anyone, for that matter, but there were times it could be excused. He figured this was one of those times. Because he’d just remembered that the university was completely open.
His sandals slapped against the wet stones. Heat rose and there was the strangest sensation of cold water amidst bakingly hot air. Dashing to the door of the university, Amarissa’s basket bouncing against him the whole way, Amiti skidded inside the door, nearly slipped on the suddenly slick stone, regained his balance against the wall, and kicked off his sandals, leaving them scattered in the hall as he ran to the first room he came to, shutting the shutters.
As he was attempting to lead Zoser away, Amiti suddenly remembered he was holding something. Looking down, he found a basket in his fist and he frowned. Where-how? And then he looked up, catching Amarissa’s gaze and suddenly her request clicked into place, like some puzzle piece that had been rattling around, waiting to be put together. Caleb. This was for Caleb. Raising the basket, he said, “Caleb,” and nodded, like that was enough of a response after however long he’d been mindlessly holding this thing. Normally he wasn’t this distracted, but the last few minutes had been completely and distinctly abnormal and so he excused his own behavior.
With Zoser accepting his invitation to find food, Amiti walked them along the stalls, wanting to hurry this along. He was constantly side eyeing the vendors they passed, making mental calculations about who would be most forgiving of this arrangement and who wouldn’t be. He’d just settled on a man who sold falafels when Zoser spoke.
"Are they part of your family, Councilman?"
“Hmm?” Amiti blinked and swung his attention to Zoser. He stared for just a second and then looked away again, clearing his throat. “Yes.” He thought of Amarissa. “No, I mean…” Forcing his thoughts onto Maeri, he hated to have to admit about the dog, but it couldn’t be gotten around. “Maeri of Yonita is my intended. I am not married to nor marrying Amarissa of Rishona.” Although she would have been a fantastic choice, had his father looked in that direction. He wasn’t entirely sure what had swayed his father so strongly toward Maeri but he suspected it had more to do with Yonita’s doing, rather than his father’s inclinations.
"Will the dirt offend back at the University? Should I change?" Zoser asked and Amiti ignored him for just a moment when the rumble of thunder overtook the short exchange. It was so unusual to have rain that at first he thought a distant cart had crashed into another one before he looked to the furthest edge of the sky to find clouds advancing on them. Because of the direction of the storm, they hadn’t obstructed the sun, and so he hadn’t noticed the near silent approach.
“You’re Egyptian,” he said distantly, attention now elsewhere. “You aren’t held to the same standard,” he answered in Coptic as well, not thinking about the switch in language. Because he dealt with Egyptian traders so often, crossing from one language to the other wasn’t uncommon for him to do.
"As you know, I am far less than familiar with what is acceptable and unacceptable among you and your people. If there is a way for me to remedy any of the offenses I have made since arriving - for I know there are many - I would certainly like to try. Even if it starts with simply changing out of sullied clothes into others."
Amiti turned away from the storm and again, had to change gears, refocusing on the conversation. He realized what he’d just said and closed his eyes while pressing his lips together until they formed a thin line. Then he opened his eyes again. “I mean, if you would feel more comfortable in something else, please change your clothes.” But he didn’t actually take back what he’d said. It was true. Zoser was Egyptian. Most Judeans would, of course, prefer him clean but they expected lax manners from a foreigner. It wasn’t encouraged but they wouldn’t have thought he’d even want to change to get cleaner, so if he showed up having rolled around in mud, they’d give each other a look and then continue working.
“Let us-” he was just saying, about to direct them towards the falafel vendor when the clouds rolled up frighteningly fast, the heavens opened, and rain drenched them all as though Noah’s Flood was happening right here in their market. “Run!” Amiti shouted above the den, shoving only once on Zoser’s shoulder and then taking off himself. It was undignified for a councilman to run, or anyone, for that matter, but there were times it could be excused. He figured this was one of those times. Because he’d just remembered that the university was completely open.
His sandals slapped against the wet stones. Heat rose and there was the strangest sensation of cold water amidst bakingly hot air. Dashing to the door of the university, Amarissa’s basket bouncing against him the whole way, Amiti skidded inside the door, nearly slipped on the suddenly slick stone, regained his balance against the wall, and kicked off his sandals, leaving them scattered in the hall as he ran to the first room he came to, shutting the shutters.
For the briefest moment, Zoser considered thanking the Councilman for guiding him to the falafel stand and then attempting to set out again to fend for himself. No matter how Zoser tried, he could not help but feel like a burden and inconvenience for the man. The Egyptian was not one who was keen on attempting to seek approval from those he hardly knew, but their very first meeting was one of the worst first impressions he could have managed. Despite the way the Judean man's critical glance seemed to grate on Zoser's nerves, as if he were going to immediately cause some form of mischief if not constantly monitored, he figured that attempting to concede and rectify their initial interaction was appropriate.
Even as he attempted to start some conversation about the man's family, Amiti's distraction was apparent, leaving Zoser to all but sigh and roll his eyes at another failed attempt at amiability. So much for trying, he supposed.
It was not until he had asked about changing his clothing that he noticed the source of the Councilman's distraction, glancing behind them to find the clouds tumbling and mounting in a strangely swift manner. Zoser had not even begun to order his meal when the cracks across the sky threatened.
The realizations fell into place one after another - the thunder rolling, Amiti's order to run, followed by his dashing to the university. The windows were open, and when they broke for the meal, many of the scrolls - some several centuries old - were exposed to the elements.
The rain as it began to cascade from the sky, Zoser broke into a run, his long legs quickly closed the distance made by Amiti's head start. Scaling the stairs, he nearly met his own tumbling end catching himself with a hand on the ground before joining the number of hurried scholars as they scattered throughout the university, particularly in the archives where the work had been well under way.
While he remained silent as the Judeans frantically gestured and shouted orders of closing shutters and removing the most rare and delicate artifacts from near the windows, where they had previously been placed in sunlight. His long limbs worked wonders in reaching out and grabbing dual shutters at a time, struggling with a few latches before he got the hang of it, he made his way down to each open window until soon the limited light began fading to the point of sheer darkness.
Winded yet satisfied, Zoser huffed and puffed a moment, watching pricks of lamplight begin to spread and light like the fireflies over the Nile, a thought that brought him a pang of homesickness. After a bit, the room was washed in pockets of dim light, as the shrouded Judean scholars moved about, assessing the damage that had been done so far.
Taking a moment, he glanced around and saw the state of things, catching his eyes on Amiti. After a moment of hesitation, he moved towards the one acquaintance that seemed to tolerate him at this point. Upon stepping into the light near him as orders were given and scholars set about attempting to assess the damage, Zoser raised a brow, murmuring in Coptic.
"So, what to first?"
Glancing the man over, noting his bare feet and the smears and speckling of wet clay around the edges of his clothing, Zoser made a feeble attempt at smothering a laugh, contorting his lips as if trying and failing to hide his amusement. At the man's curious glance, Zoser shrugged at first as if to stop himself from saying it, yet he could not resist.
With a slight wave of his hand towards the man's garments, Zoser could not help the laughing lilt in his voice as he said, "We match now."
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
For the briefest moment, Zoser considered thanking the Councilman for guiding him to the falafel stand and then attempting to set out again to fend for himself. No matter how Zoser tried, he could not help but feel like a burden and inconvenience for the man. The Egyptian was not one who was keen on attempting to seek approval from those he hardly knew, but their very first meeting was one of the worst first impressions he could have managed. Despite the way the Judean man's critical glance seemed to grate on Zoser's nerves, as if he were going to immediately cause some form of mischief if not constantly monitored, he figured that attempting to concede and rectify their initial interaction was appropriate.
Even as he attempted to start some conversation about the man's family, Amiti's distraction was apparent, leaving Zoser to all but sigh and roll his eyes at another failed attempt at amiability. So much for trying, he supposed.
It was not until he had asked about changing his clothing that he noticed the source of the Councilman's distraction, glancing behind them to find the clouds tumbling and mounting in a strangely swift manner. Zoser had not even begun to order his meal when the cracks across the sky threatened.
The realizations fell into place one after another - the thunder rolling, Amiti's order to run, followed by his dashing to the university. The windows were open, and when they broke for the meal, many of the scrolls - some several centuries old - were exposed to the elements.
The rain as it began to cascade from the sky, Zoser broke into a run, his long legs quickly closed the distance made by Amiti's head start. Scaling the stairs, he nearly met his own tumbling end catching himself with a hand on the ground before joining the number of hurried scholars as they scattered throughout the university, particularly in the archives where the work had been well under way.
While he remained silent as the Judeans frantically gestured and shouted orders of closing shutters and removing the most rare and delicate artifacts from near the windows, where they had previously been placed in sunlight. His long limbs worked wonders in reaching out and grabbing dual shutters at a time, struggling with a few latches before he got the hang of it, he made his way down to each open window until soon the limited light began fading to the point of sheer darkness.
Winded yet satisfied, Zoser huffed and puffed a moment, watching pricks of lamplight begin to spread and light like the fireflies over the Nile, a thought that brought him a pang of homesickness. After a bit, the room was washed in pockets of dim light, as the shrouded Judean scholars moved about, assessing the damage that had been done so far.
Taking a moment, he glanced around and saw the state of things, catching his eyes on Amiti. After a moment of hesitation, he moved towards the one acquaintance that seemed to tolerate him at this point. Upon stepping into the light near him as orders were given and scholars set about attempting to assess the damage, Zoser raised a brow, murmuring in Coptic.
"So, what to first?"
Glancing the man over, noting his bare feet and the smears and speckling of wet clay around the edges of his clothing, Zoser made a feeble attempt at smothering a laugh, contorting his lips as if trying and failing to hide his amusement. At the man's curious glance, Zoser shrugged at first as if to stop himself from saying it, yet he could not resist.
With a slight wave of his hand towards the man's garments, Zoser could not help the laughing lilt in his voice as he said, "We match now."
For the briefest moment, Zoser considered thanking the Councilman for guiding him to the falafel stand and then attempting to set out again to fend for himself. No matter how Zoser tried, he could not help but feel like a burden and inconvenience for the man. The Egyptian was not one who was keen on attempting to seek approval from those he hardly knew, but their very first meeting was one of the worst first impressions he could have managed. Despite the way the Judean man's critical glance seemed to grate on Zoser's nerves, as if he were going to immediately cause some form of mischief if not constantly monitored, he figured that attempting to concede and rectify their initial interaction was appropriate.
Even as he attempted to start some conversation about the man's family, Amiti's distraction was apparent, leaving Zoser to all but sigh and roll his eyes at another failed attempt at amiability. So much for trying, he supposed.
It was not until he had asked about changing his clothing that he noticed the source of the Councilman's distraction, glancing behind them to find the clouds tumbling and mounting in a strangely swift manner. Zoser had not even begun to order his meal when the cracks across the sky threatened.
The realizations fell into place one after another - the thunder rolling, Amiti's order to run, followed by his dashing to the university. The windows were open, and when they broke for the meal, many of the scrolls - some several centuries old - were exposed to the elements.
The rain as it began to cascade from the sky, Zoser broke into a run, his long legs quickly closed the distance made by Amiti's head start. Scaling the stairs, he nearly met his own tumbling end catching himself with a hand on the ground before joining the number of hurried scholars as they scattered throughout the university, particularly in the archives where the work had been well under way.
While he remained silent as the Judeans frantically gestured and shouted orders of closing shutters and removing the most rare and delicate artifacts from near the windows, where they had previously been placed in sunlight. His long limbs worked wonders in reaching out and grabbing dual shutters at a time, struggling with a few latches before he got the hang of it, he made his way down to each open window until soon the limited light began fading to the point of sheer darkness.
Winded yet satisfied, Zoser huffed and puffed a moment, watching pricks of lamplight begin to spread and light like the fireflies over the Nile, a thought that brought him a pang of homesickness. After a bit, the room was washed in pockets of dim light, as the shrouded Judean scholars moved about, assessing the damage that had been done so far.
Taking a moment, he glanced around and saw the state of things, catching his eyes on Amiti. After a moment of hesitation, he moved towards the one acquaintance that seemed to tolerate him at this point. Upon stepping into the light near him as orders were given and scholars set about attempting to assess the damage, Zoser raised a brow, murmuring in Coptic.
"So, what to first?"
Glancing the man over, noting his bare feet and the smears and speckling of wet clay around the edges of his clothing, Zoser made a feeble attempt at smothering a laugh, contorting his lips as if trying and failing to hide his amusement. At the man's curious glance, Zoser shrugged at first as if to stop himself from saying it, yet he could not resist.
With a slight wave of his hand towards the man's garments, Zoser could not help the laughing lilt in his voice as he said, "We match now."
The previously quiet university was alive with frantic activity as men forgot dignity in favor of saving that which was most precious to them; their work. Amiti’s mind was completely blank as he went from window to window, blinking in the face of the driving rain and shutting it out. The sounds of shutters slamming closed echoed throughout the halls and he ignored the water sopping down his face and chest, scurrying from one room to the next. Because the university was so big, the whole endeavor took time, and he helped work on the side that posed the most danger to their work.
Barely aware of any particular room he was in, he found himself ending the endeavor back in the archive room. With the last shutter closed, Amiti breathed a sigh of relief, and only then noticed the way his brown hair hung lank against his face and the water dripping from his short beard. Turning around, he held out his arms and looked down his drenched body where his robes hung heavy and sopping. He and most of those who’d been on the other side of the building were the most soaked. Annoyingly, it was only his front and he felt uneven.
Glancing up, Amiti caught Zoser’s eyes roaming him, from his feet and on up. He dropped his arms, feeling as though the Egyptian was judging him. “I had to hurry,” he said a little more civil than he initially was going to do. Zoser came closer and, murmuring Coptic, asked what they were to do now. He glanced up into Zoser’s face, about to answer, when he noted the other man looking him over more closely and saw the barely concealed smile that he suspected might turn into laughter within a few seconds. His stomach gave a little twist of fear. Why was Zoser laughing? He was just as unkempt, but that turned out to be the reason.
"We match now,” the Egyptian said, clearly amused and Amiti felt the breath leave his body in a rush of relief. Then, he pressed his own lips together, as he looked Zoser over again, and then himself. Zoser’s perfect paw prints were smudged and unrecognizable as that of a dog. Amiti’s own robes had a few smudges from where he’d smacked against dusty bookshelves and walls. A laugh bubbled up and he let it out, soft at first, incredulous, and then another one, more real this time.
“We do look frightful,” he agreed, the laugh stopping fairly abruptly once he received snarky glares from some of his contemporaries for laughing with a foreigner. Regaining his composure with lightning speed, Amiti affixed his hands behind his back and leaned in so that they wouldn’t be overheard. “Zoser, you have helped us avoid a disaster. If you would like, you may come to my home tonight and sup with us.” He glanced around and stepped closer still, heart pounding at the thought of being found out that he was hosting an Egyptian. “But don’t be seen. You know. As much as you can.”
Growing up in a xenophobic culture, and only just starting out with mildly breaking that streak, Amiti didn’t see any issue asking Zoser to keep the invitation a secret. After all, it wasn’t Zoser’s reputation at stake. It was his. If Zoser had been Judean, Amiti would have patted him on the arm, but he wasn’t, and so he kept his hands to himself and gestured toward the archives. “I’m going to help clear those up, but um. Bring extra clothes. Our servant can wash those for you. She won’t mind.”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
The previously quiet university was alive with frantic activity as men forgot dignity in favor of saving that which was most precious to them; their work. Amiti’s mind was completely blank as he went from window to window, blinking in the face of the driving rain and shutting it out. The sounds of shutters slamming closed echoed throughout the halls and he ignored the water sopping down his face and chest, scurrying from one room to the next. Because the university was so big, the whole endeavor took time, and he helped work on the side that posed the most danger to their work.
Barely aware of any particular room he was in, he found himself ending the endeavor back in the archive room. With the last shutter closed, Amiti breathed a sigh of relief, and only then noticed the way his brown hair hung lank against his face and the water dripping from his short beard. Turning around, he held out his arms and looked down his drenched body where his robes hung heavy and sopping. He and most of those who’d been on the other side of the building were the most soaked. Annoyingly, it was only his front and he felt uneven.
Glancing up, Amiti caught Zoser’s eyes roaming him, from his feet and on up. He dropped his arms, feeling as though the Egyptian was judging him. “I had to hurry,” he said a little more civil than he initially was going to do. Zoser came closer and, murmuring Coptic, asked what they were to do now. He glanced up into Zoser’s face, about to answer, when he noted the other man looking him over more closely and saw the barely concealed smile that he suspected might turn into laughter within a few seconds. His stomach gave a little twist of fear. Why was Zoser laughing? He was just as unkempt, but that turned out to be the reason.
"We match now,” the Egyptian said, clearly amused and Amiti felt the breath leave his body in a rush of relief. Then, he pressed his own lips together, as he looked Zoser over again, and then himself. Zoser’s perfect paw prints were smudged and unrecognizable as that of a dog. Amiti’s own robes had a few smudges from where he’d smacked against dusty bookshelves and walls. A laugh bubbled up and he let it out, soft at first, incredulous, and then another one, more real this time.
“We do look frightful,” he agreed, the laugh stopping fairly abruptly once he received snarky glares from some of his contemporaries for laughing with a foreigner. Regaining his composure with lightning speed, Amiti affixed his hands behind his back and leaned in so that they wouldn’t be overheard. “Zoser, you have helped us avoid a disaster. If you would like, you may come to my home tonight and sup with us.” He glanced around and stepped closer still, heart pounding at the thought of being found out that he was hosting an Egyptian. “But don’t be seen. You know. As much as you can.”
Growing up in a xenophobic culture, and only just starting out with mildly breaking that streak, Amiti didn’t see any issue asking Zoser to keep the invitation a secret. After all, it wasn’t Zoser’s reputation at stake. It was his. If Zoser had been Judean, Amiti would have patted him on the arm, but he wasn’t, and so he kept his hands to himself and gestured toward the archives. “I’m going to help clear those up, but um. Bring extra clothes. Our servant can wash those for you. She won’t mind.”
The previously quiet university was alive with frantic activity as men forgot dignity in favor of saving that which was most precious to them; their work. Amiti’s mind was completely blank as he went from window to window, blinking in the face of the driving rain and shutting it out. The sounds of shutters slamming closed echoed throughout the halls and he ignored the water sopping down his face and chest, scurrying from one room to the next. Because the university was so big, the whole endeavor took time, and he helped work on the side that posed the most danger to their work.
Barely aware of any particular room he was in, he found himself ending the endeavor back in the archive room. With the last shutter closed, Amiti breathed a sigh of relief, and only then noticed the way his brown hair hung lank against his face and the water dripping from his short beard. Turning around, he held out his arms and looked down his drenched body where his robes hung heavy and sopping. He and most of those who’d been on the other side of the building were the most soaked. Annoyingly, it was only his front and he felt uneven.
Glancing up, Amiti caught Zoser’s eyes roaming him, from his feet and on up. He dropped his arms, feeling as though the Egyptian was judging him. “I had to hurry,” he said a little more civil than he initially was going to do. Zoser came closer and, murmuring Coptic, asked what they were to do now. He glanced up into Zoser’s face, about to answer, when he noted the other man looking him over more closely and saw the barely concealed smile that he suspected might turn into laughter within a few seconds. His stomach gave a little twist of fear. Why was Zoser laughing? He was just as unkempt, but that turned out to be the reason.
"We match now,” the Egyptian said, clearly amused and Amiti felt the breath leave his body in a rush of relief. Then, he pressed his own lips together, as he looked Zoser over again, and then himself. Zoser’s perfect paw prints were smudged and unrecognizable as that of a dog. Amiti’s own robes had a few smudges from where he’d smacked against dusty bookshelves and walls. A laugh bubbled up and he let it out, soft at first, incredulous, and then another one, more real this time.
“We do look frightful,” he agreed, the laugh stopping fairly abruptly once he received snarky glares from some of his contemporaries for laughing with a foreigner. Regaining his composure with lightning speed, Amiti affixed his hands behind his back and leaned in so that they wouldn’t be overheard. “Zoser, you have helped us avoid a disaster. If you would like, you may come to my home tonight and sup with us.” He glanced around and stepped closer still, heart pounding at the thought of being found out that he was hosting an Egyptian. “But don’t be seen. You know. As much as you can.”
Growing up in a xenophobic culture, and only just starting out with mildly breaking that streak, Amiti didn’t see any issue asking Zoser to keep the invitation a secret. After all, it wasn’t Zoser’s reputation at stake. It was his. If Zoser had been Judean, Amiti would have patted him on the arm, but he wasn’t, and so he kept his hands to himself and gestured toward the archives. “I’m going to help clear those up, but um. Bring extra clothes. Our servant can wash those for you. She won’t mind.”
Zoser was initially surprised by the man's response. He had been expecting yet another scathing scowl, but when a few scattered laughs bubbled up from the Councilman's chest, Zoser's expression broke into a broad smile. Ah, so the man was capable of enjoyment. Interesting.
The moment passed quickly as the man glanced around at the onlooking Judeans. Zoser wondered if perhaps they were just as surprised as he was at the man's laughter, but knew that more than likely, it was his own company that pulled their expressions in such a way. It was something he could get used to for the next week or so before returning to the openly expressive land of his birth.
Tilting his head in slightly, as if to listen more closely to what the man said, Zoser's eyelashes batted a few time in surprise at the offer, but he quickly accepted the terms.
"That is a kind offer, I thank you," Zoser replied, offering a small bow to the man that seemed more exaggerated than he intended, simply because of his height. When Amiti stepped closer, Zoser resisted the urge to step back, but kept their faces close as he urged him to be as unseen as possible.
Zoser's expression pulled into yet another suppressed smirk, pressing his lips together as if to bar the words from exiting. As a man who had yet to eat due to the shift in weather, the thought of food was welcome and kept his lips sealed. He had a sneaking suspicion that if he drew to light in humor likening himself to a secret mistress and swearing that no one would find out about them, Amiti would revoke the invitation and Zoser would find himself without another meal.
"As you wish it," Zoser replied, the same laugh toward his prior thought still lingering in his voice. Nodding, he watched as Amiti stepped away to assist the others before stepping his own way, out of the sight of the curious Judean onlookers to set back to work.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Zoser was initially surprised by the man's response. He had been expecting yet another scathing scowl, but when a few scattered laughs bubbled up from the Councilman's chest, Zoser's expression broke into a broad smile. Ah, so the man was capable of enjoyment. Interesting.
The moment passed quickly as the man glanced around at the onlooking Judeans. Zoser wondered if perhaps they were just as surprised as he was at the man's laughter, but knew that more than likely, it was his own company that pulled their expressions in such a way. It was something he could get used to for the next week or so before returning to the openly expressive land of his birth.
Tilting his head in slightly, as if to listen more closely to what the man said, Zoser's eyelashes batted a few time in surprise at the offer, but he quickly accepted the terms.
"That is a kind offer, I thank you," Zoser replied, offering a small bow to the man that seemed more exaggerated than he intended, simply because of his height. When Amiti stepped closer, Zoser resisted the urge to step back, but kept their faces close as he urged him to be as unseen as possible.
Zoser's expression pulled into yet another suppressed smirk, pressing his lips together as if to bar the words from exiting. As a man who had yet to eat due to the shift in weather, the thought of food was welcome and kept his lips sealed. He had a sneaking suspicion that if he drew to light in humor likening himself to a secret mistress and swearing that no one would find out about them, Amiti would revoke the invitation and Zoser would find himself without another meal.
"As you wish it," Zoser replied, the same laugh toward his prior thought still lingering in his voice. Nodding, he watched as Amiti stepped away to assist the others before stepping his own way, out of the sight of the curious Judean onlookers to set back to work.
Zoser was initially surprised by the man's response. He had been expecting yet another scathing scowl, but when a few scattered laughs bubbled up from the Councilman's chest, Zoser's expression broke into a broad smile. Ah, so the man was capable of enjoyment. Interesting.
The moment passed quickly as the man glanced around at the onlooking Judeans. Zoser wondered if perhaps they were just as surprised as he was at the man's laughter, but knew that more than likely, it was his own company that pulled their expressions in such a way. It was something he could get used to for the next week or so before returning to the openly expressive land of his birth.
Tilting his head in slightly, as if to listen more closely to what the man said, Zoser's eyelashes batted a few time in surprise at the offer, but he quickly accepted the terms.
"That is a kind offer, I thank you," Zoser replied, offering a small bow to the man that seemed more exaggerated than he intended, simply because of his height. When Amiti stepped closer, Zoser resisted the urge to step back, but kept their faces close as he urged him to be as unseen as possible.
Zoser's expression pulled into yet another suppressed smirk, pressing his lips together as if to bar the words from exiting. As a man who had yet to eat due to the shift in weather, the thought of food was welcome and kept his lips sealed. He had a sneaking suspicion that if he drew to light in humor likening himself to a secret mistress and swearing that no one would find out about them, Amiti would revoke the invitation and Zoser would find himself without another meal.
"As you wish it," Zoser replied, the same laugh toward his prior thought still lingering in his voice. Nodding, he watched as Amiti stepped away to assist the others before stepping his own way, out of the sight of the curious Judean onlookers to set back to work.