Chapter Text
‘Please, spare my son. Do not punish him for the misdeeds of his father. Please do not have my son face any calamities.’
A part of me couldn’t help but recall the memories of my father as I lay motionless on the Nile’s riverbank. The vast, starry sky above me stretched far and beyond. Overwhelmed by the recent events that unravelled in the ancient tomb, allured by the twilight, I snuck out of the palace to find a moment of solace. Even though the full moon was luminous, the nature of the night was that all was covered with a veil of shade. A slip on uneven ground and, before I knew it—
“Goodness, that was quite the tumble.”
I jolted up at the hushed and humored voice cutting me from my thoughts. But in my rush, a twinge instantly ran up and down my arms and legs. Grimacing, a grunt escaped me as I realized and sat with my scrapes and bruises.
“The scenery down here is beautiful, but I don’t think it’s worth rushing recklessly for.” A thick and well-worn cape hooded over your entire silhouette. I kept my guard as you stepped closer, but a light feeling of relief eased my nerves as I noticed that you didn’t seem any older than I was. Stopping in your stride, leaving a gap of distance between us, you settled down in front of me. Perhaps you had sensed my anxiety, but the space you left between us was just enough to make your intentions known without encroaching on my personal space. “I may not look like it, but I hope to one day become a doctor-scribe.”
Raising a hand, you closed your eyes and started to recite an incantation, casting a spell over my fresh wounds. I was in awe by your choice of action. Even though my injuries were superficial, you felt it was still worth a conjuration.
When the chant came to an end, you broke the silence with an apologetic tone, “Though I said I hope to become a doctor-scribe, I’m still a student in training.” Reaching into the woven bag concealed beneath your mantle, you pulled out some materials before asking for my permission to physically patch what was left of my scratches.
The spell and the dedication in making sure what was left of the accident was well mended, both sentiments gave me a great deal of comfort I couldn’t quite express in words.
‘Remember, everyone falls once in a while. That’s what makes us stronger.’ As a gentle zephyr brushed past me, it resurfaced the buried memories of a time long gone. The blow of the calm breeze carried along with it the echoes of when my father still consoled and encouraged me.
Yes… It is important to stand when I fall, but it gave me great comfort that I didn’t have to rise alone.
“And there we go!” Patting the wrappings, your cheer had taken me out of my solemn thoughts.
“Thank you for helping me.” Never the best in casual conversations, I was careful to not let an awkward silence settle. Quietly and hesitantly, I found something to say, “... You have an incredible affinity with magic and healing.”
A gentle chuckle sounded from you, “No, not exactly. Rather than purely relying on my innate abilities, I call to the gods and draw my knowledge of the lands so that they may aid me.” As you turned your head, I followed your gaze up to the full and brilliant moon, “Khonsu— that is, the moon, when invoked, protects travellers and has a connection with healing. And these agapanthuses— lily of the Nile as they call it, when used correctly, their leaves have anti-inflammatory properties and can act as bandages.”
With your detailed explanation, I understood the depths of your dedication to your studies. It was your passion and your pride. Having witnessed and heard your proficiency in your duty reinvigorated me in working on mine.
“The flower is also said to be a symbol of–” Stopping yourself mid-sentence, it was as if you caught yourself from saying something you shouldn’t. Nonchalantly, you waved it off, “Ahh… Nevermind it. I shouldn’t be teasing you.”
It would have been a lie to say I wasn’t curious, but you didn’t seem to hold any ill will so I paid it no mind. Instead, I took in the touch of earth and flora, the scent of the night air, the steady flow of the Nile, and the moon that floated far above. This was the exact sensation I was looking for— what had led me away from the palace. It led me here so I could have this minute of respite.
Just as the moment started to settle, you turned to address me once more, “It’s getting late. You should get going.”
“Uh… huh?”
At my puzzlement, you gave a soft giggle. “Not many folks around these parts can wear linen as lightweight or as well kept as yours.”
Whenever I slipped away from the palace, I ascertained that I presented myself in a way as to not stand out, but you easily caught on. I still had much and more to learn.
Pulling away the cloth that draped over your person, you fixed it over my shoulders and styled it in place. Without the curtain over your form, it was far easier to make out your features. And with your appearance accented by the ethereal moonlight, I could only stare dumbfoundedly.
“There we go. Hopefully, this should help so you won’t catch any malicious eyes on your way back.”
“W–wait.” I stammered momentarily to gather my thoughts, “Please, may I know your name?”
Giving a quick pause, you glanced away for a moment as you made your decision before shaking your head in refusal. “I’m sorry,” you started silently, “I don’t think I should just yet.”
Having just met me and deduced my social standing in that short time, your caution wasn’t unfounded. As much as I dreamed of seeing a peaceful world where status didn’t matter— where everyone could live freely, as it currently stands, I was still the royal prince— that I'd one day become the intermediary for the gods and the people. There were far more repercussions for you than there would ever be for me.
“But…”
A small seed of hope sprouted within me as you interjected with the indication of another possibility.
“If you ever decide to return the cloak, I’ll be here to greet you.” A tender expression painted your face, “Though, try not to take the same path down as you did tonight. Otherwise, you’ll miss the beautiful sights the other roads have to offer.”
“Yes. Thank you.” Without realizing it, I found myself smiling back, “I’ll keep that in mind.”