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Mana smiled brightly excitedly running through the halls, sandals slapping against the floor. She had to hurry less she'd be late for her lesson with Mahaad, and gods knew although a gentle man he cared little for tardiness. Mana loved nothing more then learning and practicing magic under her master, and while most would probably disagree she thought she had become quite good at it and held great pride in her skill.
Mahad however saw great potential in the in his young protege, a bright girl with more enthusiasm then he seen in a long time, despite her in experience every day her abilities grew and noticed how quickly she grasped on to new things. He was positive she could become a first rate magician some day, if only she wasn't so easily distracted.
There was another reason she loved their lessons, it was only during them that she got to spend time with the Prince, Atem. Who had been her best friend near since her arrival at the palace. Often Atem had his own lessons to got to, to help prepare him for the day when he would take the throne but that didn't stop them. Mana quick learning his routine, the quickest routes and best hiding spots which included the many large decorative pots just the right size for avoiding guards.
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Mana panted as she finally made it to where they held their lessons. Atem of course was already there waiting with Mahad.
"If you want to become a Master Magician Mana you have to start by arriving on time for your lessons." He told her keeping a gentle but still firm voice. She really wasn't all that late at least compared to some days
"I'm sorry Master." She apologized "I tried to get here as fast as I could."
Mahad sighed, "Do try to be on time next time. Now let us begin."
"I promise Master." She gave a small bow bow and hurried over to where Atem was standing so they could start their lesson.
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"Alright now I think that's enough for today," He informed them "We'll take a short break before your next lesson." And with that he strode off back into the palace. Seto would be the one to watch over the sparing practice to day.
"And Mana," He stopped "You're getting a lot better." He praised her. "I think you could be come a first rate magician one day. If you keep on practicing."
She grinned widely and jumped up and down. Excited that her master had praised her, Atem smiled as well happy that his friend was happy.
"Mahad is right Mana, you get better with each passing day. Maybe one day you'll be as strong as him." He told her with a smile.
As good as him? “Do you really think so Prince?” She rubbed the back of her head, her cheeks darkened a little, "I mean I have gotten better but Mahad is the best Magician there is, I'm no where near his level." She hoped she would be as strong as Mahad one day and then she could serve Atem as one of his priests, of course she knew she still needed a lot of practice.
"Mana you know you're my best friend right? You don't need to call me prince all the time, when it's just you and me you can call me Atem okay." He said
"Ok pri- I meam Atem." She corrected herself, this would take some getting used to. "You really think I could be as good as Master Mahad?" She honestly hoped that she might one day be as good as her master.
"If you keep practising maybe one day. Who knows maybe you'll even be come strong enough to join the high priests." He grinned.
Her cheeks darkened, Atem really seemed to have a lot of faith in her. "Alright then," Shesaid her voice full of determination. "I've made up my mind I will become as strong as master that way I can protect you. You've always looked out for me, I want to be the one to look out for you now."
He took hold of her hand "How about this, we make a promise. That we'll always look out for each other no matter what." He smiled
She nodded "No matter what." She repeated smiling back at him.
Mana was sure now that even after he became Pharaoh, even if he ever got married they would be friends forever and always have each others backs.