Where The Sands Sleep Pt 2

Nubia: You needn't start right away. We’re on our way to the inn, for now. If you see anyone you wish to speak with, inform me and I will escort you. I will also offer council. Remember, you are not alone in this, my young prince.

*Oddly, her words help to soothe the cold dread that had been tightening in his chest. That was right. He wasn’t alone. He had Nubia right there with him. If there was anyone else in the world other than himself that knew Amen and respected him the way he did, it was her. She cared for both of them. She would never steer him wrong or leave him to flounder, nor would she let Nkosi miss any hidden corruption or lies in someone he chose to speak to that might later taint Amen and the kingdom.

Assured, the prince nodded, a small smile gracing his lips before he squared his shoulders and strode with as much grace as his young body could muster in the direction that Nubia had indicated, her silent presence following close behind.

The inn wasn’t too far away and it didn’t take long for them to reach - a comfortable looking place that, while certainly not too the high quality that might have been offered if their true identities were known, it was cozy enough and the material of the sheets were soft and warm against night chilled skin. With a hot meal in his stomach, wrapped in snug blankets and cradled in Nubia’s arms, somehow the pressure of the task at hand no longer felt so crushing.

With Nubia at his side, he would be able to press on without falter. Tomorrow would be a new, brighter day.*

---

*Nkosi rose as Ra did, though not entirely without the odd grumbling. While he was still too young to be ladened with anywhere near the responsibilities of his elder brother or any of those who were escorting him - thus not used to being up so early - he was going to show how seriously he was taking his self appointed duty. He still didn’t enjoy getting up early, but it didn’t mean that he wasn’t seeing some interesting things. As Nubia had said, if he was going to find someone who could benefit his great brother, then he needed to actually know the people first. The people of the city were far different from those within his brother’s council. Undercover as he was, the people here weren’t even aware a member of the royal family was among them. With no bowing, scraping and simpering in an attempt to appeal to one of high station, Nkosi was able to see the people as they truly were, with no polite masks or brown nosing involved.

Thus, standing outside in the early morning light under the guise of a child running errands, Nkosi watched as the baazar came alive before his eyes. The scent of fresh food newly presented in the stalls, the calls of the stall owners enticing customers to buy, the murmur of those early rising patrons as they flowed around the stalls to get to their destination, not yet busy enough at this time to worry about pickpockets. The energies of the people were so varied and so very different from those he was used to it was honestly mesmerising how life just seemed to dwell in every crack and crevice within the town, even after that very first evening.

It had been several days now since they had settled into that inn to begin the mission, though Nkosi had a suspicion the reason they lingered wasn’t only so Nkosi could get used to observing how the pesentry lived. He was young, not stupid. After all, there is only so many things it could be when Nubia is sent a message to perform a task from the Pharaoh and sneaking back late at night with a blade tinted crimson often enough that Nkosi had become accustomed to the increasing scent of copper, no matter how Nubia attempted to deguise it with even stronger, sweet smelling oils.

However, Nkosi held his tongue, pretending not to notice, or that he was fast asleep any time his guard returned blooded. He might not like the implications, but he was a prince. He knew that sometimes less palatable things had to be done for a greater cause. He also knew his brother would despite every time he would have to issue any order to cut the infection from the body of his kingdom, no matter how necessary it might be. And he knew Amen would never speak to him of it, at least while Nkosi was so young. That being the case, it just meant that Nkosi needed to work doubly hard to find his brother a wife able to support him, so he wouldn’t have to bear the burden alone.

And if Nubia got a few more cuddles than normal the morning after she returned from performing the deed, well, it was simply a coincidence.

Thus, with his guardian away on ‘business’, and his duty just that bit more imperative, the young boy would sneak out of the inn and would memorise the comings and goings of the people, with this day being another to add to his observations. The types of people who would walk the market in the early light of day certainly differed from those in the evening, or even those milling about at the days height. In not real rush at such an early time, the people were more like fish lazily floating in a shallow pond, drifting from one stall to another.

The boy bit back a giggle at the thought. Imagining the people as fish was kind of funny, no matter how fascinatingly true the comparison was.

Making his own way through the market the (certainly not a fish) boy would analyse any of the women that looked about the right age, trying to look for any of the characteristics he knew his brother would value in a wife who would rule at his side. She would have to be a strong woman, but kind. Someone who could be among and understand the people, yet also…*

Voice: RELIEF FOR THE POOR! IF IN NEED, COME TO ME! BE NOT AFRAID!

*Thoughts cut off, Nkosi rounded to where he heard the voice calling into the crowds. It belonged to a young woman, a little younger than Nubia was, with honey coloured eyes and dark, braided hair loosely fastened around her shoulder by a blue ribbon. Her voice was rich and soothing, like a song, even as she called out her offer of aid.

Perhaps it was that which drew him closer to her, eyes wide with fascination. As he approached, his eyes locked with hers and she stopped her calls, kneeling down to his level and patted his shaven head gently*

Woman: Are you in need, little one?

Nkosi: No, miss. I was wondering what it is you do?

Woman: Well, my Master ordered that I hand out our scraps to those who might need them. We do so every two days.

Nkosi: Ah. So...where is your master? Is he with you?

Woman: Ah, no, little one. He is at home asleep with the Mistress and their children. I do the work here before the day has truly started, then I return home.

Nkosi: ...Then what?

Woman: ...Well, then I will perform my daily duties.

Nkosi: Ah, no, not you. I mean, your master.

Woman: Oh! *Smile* Then the master will go about his duties!

Nkosi: Hm...Why...does he do it? The scraps thing, I mean. I don’t understand.

Woman: Well, it’s because there are people in need. Not everyone has money or can work-

Nkosi: Yet he sends you to do the job? Why?

Woman: *Raised eyebrow* You...ask a lot of questions, little one. Um...well...Master wishes to lighten his heart when we die-

*Nkosi stepped forwards slightly, sharp eyes pinning her down like a raptor, startling her into silence as he cut over her words, fueled by a determined fire*

Nkosi: But the deed is yours. You are the one who gives - he does not. His heart will remain the same when weighed by Anubis. If he truly wanted to do good, he should be helping the helpless himself. If he tries to pass off a deed done by someone else as his own, his heart will get eaten.

Woman: No! Thats…

*However, she could barely speak her retort under the child’s judging gaze. Her mouth was dry. Was this truely a child? However, whoever...whatever the boy was, she forced herself to explain.*

Woman: ...Master provides. We receive.

*Nkosi is silent for a moment, pondering on her words as his gaze stayed fixed on her, trying to see if the picture he was getting of the situation was the real one*

Nkosi: You eat when he tells you?

Woman: Yes.

Nkosi: You sleep when he tells you?

Woman: ...Yes?

Nkosi: You are not free. Do you dream when he tells you as well? Do you dream what he tells you?

*The woman seemed downright lost, if not a little unnerved by the almost scathing line of questioning.*

Woman: W-what’s your point?

*Did she honestly not get it?

Feeling an odd sense of disappointment, the disguised prince stepped back, shaking his head in mild chagrin*

Nkosi: Hmph...I was looking for a bride for my brother. Instead I found a pretty sheep with a canary’s voice…..My brother can’t marry such a person.

Woman: I...don’t understand.

Nkosi: I guess you wouldn’t. One more question.

*The woman jerked slightly at the abrupt topic change*

Woman: Uh...Yes?

*He could tell she was almost desperate to be away from the creepy kid asking questions she didn’t seem to get. Probably frustrated too, the way some adults in the court got when he bluntly told them they were idiots. He ignored it, his eyes remaining locked on hers, almost as if he could see her very soul if he stared hard enough. The woman shivered slightly. That, too, was ignored as he asked his question*

Nkosi: Miss Sheep...if you weren’t employed by your master, would you still give to the beggars, the poor men, the sick and the lame?

*The woman paused, a little surprised, before giving the question some thought. It was a puzzling one, the kind of question she might have expected from a priest, or someone more than twice her own age, ever mind the boy’s. It was one hard enough to answer even if it had been proposed innocently , but as she stared into the boy’s eyes, she didn’t see an innocent child, but something older than his appearance suggested.

It was as if she were the child and he was an elder, a wise teacher trying to impress some kind of lesson onto an underachieving apprentice.

Somehow, she didn’t think she would be able to give some nonsensical answer or offer a distraction and have it pass. Thus, she thought hard. And, thus, she answered.*

Woman: ...I….I wouldn’t….If I were without the employ of my master, I would likely be one of those beggars, the harlettes all scavenging for their betterman’s coin. Look around at night - that’s all this town is: The hungry man, and the one that is full. So, yes, I eat his scraps, but at least I am fed. I may work like a dog, but I have bread. I may...I may be a sheep, but at least I can survive….unlike them.

*Nkosi was silent for a moment longer, before finally easing his stare, shaking his head, disappointed*

Nkosi: And thus, a sheep you will remain unto death. No ambition. No integrity. Just grazing on the grass handed to you. I guess that’s the life you’ve chosen. But if you don’t even try to change, then it will never change.

*The woman reared back as if struck, pretty features twisting into something far less lovely*

Woman: How dare-!

*Her hand snapped back, preparing to slap the rude little demon, only to be caught in a vice-grip. Gasping, she twisted in time to see a slightly taller  woman before she was pushed back, away from the child, causing the ‘sheep’ to stumble. The woman turned to say more, only to blanch and fall silent as she caught sight of the armour the interceptor wore.

The entire time, Nkosi’s eyes never left the woman now quivering on the ground. He didn’t have to look to know exactly who had arrived*

Nubia: Well said, little one. Now, shall we move on? My business here is done.

Nkosi: *Nod* Mm.

*Scooping up the child into her arms, feeling him settle there trustingly, Nubia carried him over to the camel, settling him into the saddle before mounting. After a moment to adjust into as much comfort as they could, Nubia flicked the reins and the Camel plodded away towards the exit of the town and the next part of their journey.

Nkosi leaned against his bodyguard, silently taking comfort in the warmth. However, the silence didn’t last long as Nuia finally spoke once they had settled into the rhythm of the camel’s movements*

Nubia: You shouldn’t sneak off like that. When I tell you to stay somewhere, you stay. Understand?

Nkosi: Why? I wasn’t in danger.

Nubia: Untrue. Every moment you are away from my eyes, you are in danger. Understand? The scars from your esteemed parents’ deaths still plague these lands. There are a lot of people who wish to continue those dark desires upon Pharaoh Amen. Thanks to the Majai, the attempts have thus far been unsuccessful. But there are other ways to harm mortal men, my prince.

Nkosi: But...Brother is a god incarnate-

Nubia: And thus as mortal as you in all but soul. If anything were to happen to you, it would destroy your brother.

*Breath catching in his throat, Nkosi’s eyes widened, fear, worry and so many other things tightening in his chest like a vice, finally beginning to understand the women's concerns. After all, while he didn’t recall that night - he had only been a babe at the time - she, and his brother, did. They knew what it was like to lose people they knew, not just rulers, but as people, as family, to dangers hiding in the shadows.

Twisting in the saddle, he clutched himself to her bosom, not entirely sure if the hug was for himself or for her*

Nkosi: I...I’m sorry...I won’t do it again. I was just...I was bored and….and I wanted to learn, like you told me, so I could….I… could…

*Nubia hushed him gently, pecking the child’s forehead and cheeks, petting his smooth head with a hand, directing the camel more with nudges of her feet than by the rein’s held loosely in her other hand.*

Nubia: It’s alright. I’m not mad. You just scared me, is all. When I found the room empty, I thought the worst...My heart almost stopped in my chest. Please...don’t do that again.

Nkosi: Yes, Ma’am.

Nubia drew him into a slightly awkward hug, murmuring a quiet thanks before they finally prided each other away to get settled back into the saddle properly and Nibia took proper hold of the reins once more. It would take some time to get to the next village and Nubia wanted to be sure thy could cover as much distance as possible before they had to rest. Her job in town, outside of watching over Nkosi’s task, might have been over, but she would feel a tad more at ease with that bit of distance between the city and them before night fell.

[END]

Where The Sands Sleep

Rodessa: *Quiet voice* I miss you too… It’s harder now that your not with me, you know that?

Huxian: I know...But it’s not forever. Just remember that. And I’m always at the end of the phone if you ever need to get anything off your chest. You know that, right?

Rodessa: Yeah…. Oh! I promised you a story. It’s a short one - I need to translate the rest. Hopefully I’ll have that done by our next phone call...hopefully.

Huxian: Hey, no rush. Translating practically dead languages isn’t easy, after all. I can wait. Just let me know when you’ve done it. For now though...what have you got for me my dear storyteller?

Rodessa: Well…I guess I can’t leave you hanging

*She flashed a smile at him as their eyes locked. Almost cat like, she stretched in the water, leaning forward an almost coy lilt to her lips as she leaned against the edge of the bath, addressing him. If Huxian didn’t know any better, he’d have thought that she was being playful.*

Rodessa: Hey now, no peeking. I’m going to get out now.

Huxian: *Teasingly* Awww, no show?

Rodessa: I’ll be your private dancer, when I at least have underwear.

*Yep, that was definitely a note of playfulness in her voice. Huxian couldn’t help but chuckle, leaning his head against his hand, a lazy grin crossing his face*

Huxian: Meow...kinky.

Rodessa: *Chuckle* Perv.

Huxian: *snicker* What? Oh, come now, you know if the positions were reversed you’d either A, have a little photoshoot, B...well, be all over me, or C...All of the above.

Rodessa: There’s nothing wrong with looking at the art gallery. Are you saying I can’t take the exhibit home with me? I mean, we do live together.

*At those words, his smirk stretched wider, tilting his head so that he was looking up at her through hooded eyes, pinning her with a stare that might have been more befitting a fox staring down a tasty rabbit. When he spoke, his voice was a purr, an almost seductive command rather than playful comment*

Huxian: My thoughts exactly....With that as the case, surely the reverse is also true. So let me admire the art too. You’ll let me...won’t you?

*The tone sent a shiver down Rodessa’s spine, as if his eyes and very words were caressing her skin, lighting that spark in her once again, a fire that only Huxian seemed to illicit. Licking her lip, mouth feeling oddly dry, she said nothing as she emerged from the water, back turned to the communicator. She could feel his eyes almost like a physical presence, even though he was in a completely different country. Quickly, she did her best to suppress the crimson jumping to her cheeks. Whenever she had taken photographs of him in various stages of undress, he never seemed to flinch or fluster, even playing up to the camera, all in an effort to get her to react in some way he could tease her about.

Not about to let him think he was getting to her, she dragged a towel over to her, still not turning to the camera for more than a coy glance over her shoulder. They had been comparing this to ‘art’, so why not mimic the marble statues of women who had cloth draped tastefully yet sensually. The ‘cloth’ in this case being the towel, but it still worked to cover her skin, leaving only a hint peeking out for Huxian to catch glimpses of. She could feel him watch, heavy with interest. Every time she shifted, peeking over as she drew up her damp hair so that she could dry her back, she could see him watching her almost as if she was an art piece, one that he wanted to run a finger over in order to feel it’s very texture.

She couldn’t help but flash him another smirk, mouthing ‘pervert’ to him as she stepped out of the bathtub, lifting her legs to elegantly rest on the side of the bath as she ran the towel over them, making sure to arch a little, give him little hints, but nothing too overt. Just enough to keep his interest. Finally, she straightened, towel held to obscure her modesty as her lips twisted into a coquettish smile.

Rodessa: Oh...While you’re no doubt enjoying your own company...and that of your left hand, I presume.

*A playful lighter emerged from the speaker*

Huxian: Ha! You wish. Though...I might have good dreams tonight.

Rodessa: *Quiet voice* ...Me too

Huxian: *Sly grin* Oh? But I’m not the one who was giving you a show...or is it because you liked giving me one? Is that a little exhibitionist streak you never told me about? I’ll have to bear that in mind. Wouldn’t want to cause as scene unintentionally. Intentionally, on the other hand…

Rodessa: *Raised Brow* Dumbass.

Huxian: What? No rebuttal?

Rodessa: You and I both know I’m vanilla as hell. I don’t even like it when I’m getting hot an’ heavy with a lover and the lights are on, so what make you think-?

Huxian: I’m starting to think that you’re mixing a little ‘sin’namon into that vanilla and you’re just in denial….but I’ll let you keep riding that river boat for now. After all, I still want my story. *Playful pout* You still haven’t given my story, Rosebud.

Rodessa: I’ll drown you fluff. Keep teasing me and your new home will be Atlantis.

Huxian: I’ll just have to take you with me then. Although I’m pretty sure that Atlantis would probably keep us just for amusement value.  

Rodessa: What…? You’re so weird. Oh! Give me a sec.

*Shaking off Huxian’s comment - that man could be so prone to odd flights of fancy every now and then. She had to wonder about that imagination of his - Rodessa finished dressing herself in underwear, finishing the ensemble with a near see through robe. That done, she made her way to where she had left her notes after translating the various texts, grabbing her stockings and the rest of her garments, as well as oils from her cabinet, sashaying as she got to work clothing and grooming herself. She could still feel his attention on her as she brushed the communicator so that if faced the bed at just the right angle while she lazily pulled on her stockings, partly in tease and partly to give her a moment to gather her thoughts for the demanded story. Finally, she began her performance*

Rodessa: This story begins with the Maji and the young prince traveling through the night market. If I’m not mistaken, it was their first night into one of the old cities…

….

*While the air was often scorched during the day, the night air was often chill with the absence of Ra’s light. The moon’s rays offered little in way of heat, its bleak glow offering only a cool, distance.

Pulling his clothes closer to himself in an effort to ward off the chill, Nkosi shivered*

Nkosi: Nubi...I’m cold…

Nubia: Then come closer to me, little one.

*The boy did as he was told, offering not even a token of protest for the sake of pride, even when she wrapped him in a thick travel blanket she withdrew from one of their packs. In all honesty, Nubia was surprised the boy had fared so well. Unlike herself, who’s duties had her travel through blazing sun and frigid nights, this was the first time that Nkosi had traveled any distance away from the Pharaoh’s protective wing.

It had been a week since the two of them had began their journey through the kingdom, alone but for the small group of disguised soldiers, brought along at Nubia’s insistence (something that Amen certainly had not protested), if only as a precaution. Even at the outskirts of the capital, there was always a threat of something going wrong.

As they approached, Nubia dismounted the camel, careful not to dislodge the child, before lifting him to the ground. If nothing else, the movement walking would provide would help to warm the boy up as well as stretch their limbs. Handing the reins to one of the guards so they might care for the beats in their absence, Nubia lead Nkosi to one of the stalls where a delicious scent wafted, quickly bartering for food for herself and her young charge.

Meanwhile, Nkosi gazed around the market, his eyes glittering with awe and wonder, tiredness and bone deep cold falling away as it hit him once again that he was finally able to truly begin his search for the perfect bride for his great brother. He had never even seen that many people in one place outside of parades (and even then, they were never going about their daily lives) It was as if, before his eyes, the world had become an endless sea of people, living their lies the way they knew how. Few could be righteous, even fewer could be worthy of even being in the presence of a living god. Even so, as small and naive as he might be, it was his responsibility to separate the wheat from the chaff and find that one perfect person worthy to be his brother’s bride.

...Oh….gods….what had he got himself into…?

Biting back the moment of panic, he scowled at himself. No, he couldn’t think that way. He had promised his brother, his pharaoh, that he would do this. He couldn’t doubt himself. Not now. He couldn’t afford to fail-

His thoughts were interrupted as he felt Nubia’s caress over his head, his brow loosening at the gentle touch*

Nubia: You needn't start right away. We’re on our way to the inn, for now. If you see anyone you wish to speak with, inform me and I will escort you. I will also offer council. Remember, you are not alone in this, my young prince.

*Oddly, her words help to soothe the cold dread that had been tightening in his chest. That was right. He wasn’t alone. He had Nubia right there with him. If there was anyone else in the world other than himself that knew Amen and respected him the way he did, it was her. She cared for both of them. She would never steer him wrong or leave him to flounder, nor would she let Nkosi miss any hidden corruption or lies in someone he chose to speak to that might later taint Amen and the kingdom.

Assured, the prince nodded, a small smile gracing his lips before he squared his shoulders and strode with as much grace as his young body could muster in the direction that Nubia had indicated, her silent presence following close behind.

The inn wasn’t too far away and it didn’t take long for them to reach - a comfortable looking place that, while certainly not too the high quality that might have been offered if their true identities were known, it was cozy enough and the material of the sheets were soft and warm against night chilled skin. With a hot meal in his stomach, wrapped in snug blankets and cradled in Nubia’s arms, somehow the pressure of the task at hand no longer felt so crushing.

With Nubia at his side, he would be able to press on without falter. Tomorrow would be a new, brighter day.*

[END]

While I Wait Pt 2

*He couldn’t help the small nostalgic smile crossing his face, even if he knew his memories had a few extra times...However, he pushed it away and hummed in agreement*

Huxian: Sounds good to me. It certainly gives me something to look forward to after this shitstorm has passed, if you pardon the language.

Rodessa: *Chuckle* Tut tut! Swearing in front of a lady - how scandalous… Well, as much as it... pains me to do so, I’ll have to let you go. The sooner you finish work, the sooner you can call me this time. And, if you’re lucky, I might send you ‘motivation’.  

Huxian: Oh, well with a promise like that, I can’t possibly procrastinate. *He chuckled* I’ll be a good boy and get this done then.

*His tone became almost shy, though only those who knew him would have noticed*

Huxian: Perhaps you can tell me the rest of that story, too? I….Heh...you have a really good storytelling voice...you know?

Rodessa: *Blush* O-of course. Any time.

Huxian: Then...I look forwards to it, love.

……………

*With a fond smile, Huxian ended the call and sighed, relaxing back into the pillows for a moment. He wished that he could just close his eyes for a while, but as he had said before, no rest for the wicked. Being constantly drained to maintain a barrier or not, he was still the head of the mission, and with it, had a duty to deal with the paperwork. Which meant to keep his energy up by eating….Uh...whatever it was that the Lieutenant brought him.

Opening an eye, he considered the slop that was apparently his ‘morning meal’ almost uneasily. It looked the most unappetizing thing that had ever sat in front of him - uh...was it still alive? Had it ever been alive in the first place? Was it gaining sentience in his presence? Whatever it was, considering he had lived his early years eating things raw in the wild that looked better….

Huxian [Inner Thought]: ...When this is over, I’m going to fire the kitchen staff...Ugh...I can make better myself. I could probably make better myself when I don’t even have opposable thumbs. What I wouldn’t give for Sushi right now...Or aburage...Azukimeshi...I don’t even care if they’re not breakfast foods. Though I’d settle for scrambled eggs with black truffle...Hell, at this point I’d even just eat...ugh….cereal, rather than this.

*He paused for a moment, mind drifting to Rodessa and what her reaction might be to him even thinking of touching cereal. As a fellow food enthusiast, she would likely think an intervention was in order for even considering it. Though now he thought about it, he couldn't help the laugh passing his lips at the utterly affonted expression she would have if she could see what he was forced to eat, no matter how ‘nutritional’ it was.

(He took a photo of the ‘meal’ so he could show her. He had to see her reaction!)

Heh...if Rodessa wasn’t important elsewhere and had gifts in so many other areas, he might have to drag her from her mission in Japan just so he could eat something she made instead. She certainly wouldn’t serve this kind of glop. No, she was more refined in her food choices. She would make something like fried egg with hazelnuts, chanterelles, green garlic and blackberries...though she probably would have to make some for herself too and come join him (and make sure to snidely order the staff to wash the dishes since they obviously couldn’t do anything more complicated).

Chuckling, he dragged his thoughts away from the girl. Even with the distance between them, it was hard for her to not invade his thoughts. Still...he had less pleasant things he had to focus on. Sighing, he dragged his thoughts to the here and now, choking down the gruel with one hand while reaching for a pair of reading glasses in his satchel. Perching the in place, he pulled the papers closer, picking up the top sheet and began to read, brow creasing. Hopefully the work would at least distract from the taste of gloop and slimy nothingness. Although from the first sentence he knew there was going to be a lot to cover.

By the time he had managed to get through everything, sending orders back and forth, most of the day had passed. He wasn’t certain if his concentration was impaired by exhaustion or if there was honestly that much that he needed to micromanage, but he had to remind himself that it would only be a little longer until they would get outside support to maintain the barrier. He just had to hold on until then.*

Huxian [Inner Thoughts]: You’ve worked on little sleep and alost to exhaustion before and still managed to come on top. It won’t be long now. People are depending on you, so enough grousing.

*Slipping the glasses from his face, he pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to ease the ache in them from focusing on the small print. He had done his best to reduce as much energy usage as he could while still being active enough to do his job, so had spend much of his time perusing through the papers in fox form. Unfortunately, he had to at least take a mostly human form (ignoring the odd fox feature) in order to get his orders around, especially since the Lieutenant required the personal meetings in order to get the orders to the correct places. Apparently being fluffy was extremely distracting and talking human language with a fox jaw wasn’t the easiest to accomplish when you just wanted to bury under covers and hibernate.

A knock on the door broke Huxian from his thoughts. He grimaced, ears flicking back in frustration, but lowered the hand from his nose, making sure he didn’t appear as tired as he was. Slipping the last of the work into a neat pile on the side table, he cleared his throat.*

Huxian: Enter.

*The door opened to reveal a young man in a Pandora uniform bearing a tray*

Agent 1: Sir, I’ve come to deliver….

*The young man paused as his gaze landed on the abandoned tray left at the side of the bed, the food upon it having long gone cold and didn’t appear to have been touched. Clearing his throat a little awkwardly, the agent bowed his head before addressing his superior once again*

Agent 1: Ah...Sir? Was the meal...not to your standards? It appears that you haven’t touched the lunch that was left for you.

Huxian: Uh...lunch?

*Huxian blinked, glancing over at the abandoned tray. When had that arrived? He had been so caught up in his work that either he had ignored it’s appearance or he had noted its arrival and promptly forgot about it under the sea of paperwork and meetings and the blanket of exhaustion weighing heavily in his body.

Although...looking at it, he probably wasn’t missing all that much. It looked about as interesting as ‘breakfast’ had*

Huxian: I’ll be honest, the fact it was there slipped my mind. I’ve had other things keeping my attention that food simply...wasn’t a priority.

Agent 1: Ah, I see…

*The agent’s tone shifted into something not quite concern and not quite scolding, but seemed to have an element of both*

Agent 1: Sir, I know you must be busy, but do not forget yourself. You’re in the sick bay for a reason, my lord, please try to keep your strength up. The food may not be what you’re used to, but it’s designed to help regain some energy intake. Also, a woman going by the title ‘Mother’ told me to give you these. She said they are her version of ‘peach pills’? I’m not sure I trust them, but she said it could help you. I’m not sure what to do with them, so…

*The young man passed the tray over to him with his meal and a small box that looked similar to that which might hold jewelry, with an oddly familiar design of a golden dragon emblazoned upon it. Ah, he knew that symbol, and the goddess it belonged to. Carefully opening it, within, sitting on a cushioned surface, was twenty small pills resembling miniature pearls tied together in an organza bag

A note was written on the interior of the lid*

Note: Take one when the drain becomes too much to bear. You will need your strength. No spoilers!

Love, Mama

P.S. Tell me if you need more.

*A burst of gratefulness welled in his heart. Mentally, he offered thanks to the goddess whom had taken such interest in him, though, for once, she did not reply. He had a feeling, however, that she had heard him, but was leaving him to his own thoughts

Closing the box for now, he nodded to the Agent*

Huxian: Thank you. I’ll be sure to keep your words in mind.

*The agent bowed in response and left to resume his post, leaving Huxian to his meal.

...Ugh…

One unappetizing dinner later, Huxian thankfully had a break from paperwork and ordering subordinates while the head medic that had been in charge of monitoring his energy levels and making sure he didn’t collapse on himself conducted a series of tests, checking his vitals, monitoring his energy movements and checking that there was no underlying problems from his ties to the barrier. With a final look over the results, the doctor turned back to Huxian*

Doctor: It seems that everything is in order. So long as you don’t strain yourself or use your powers beyond the necessary and keep to a high calorie diet, there should be no problems with you returning to your room without monitoring. Admittedly, we would have liked for you to remain here anyway, just in case the situation with the Jiangshi changes, but...well, there are those who are in more serious conditions.

Huxian: Understandable. I would hate that people lose their lives over something as avoidable as a unnecessarily occupied bed.

Doctor: Thank you for your understanding, sir. Ah, we will require you to have daily check ups of your energy levels, however. Should the sorcerer controlling the Jiangshi or the Jiangshi themselves become more persistent, it could cause the barrier to take more energy. With only yourself maintaining the barrier, it could easily become an overwhelming strain. As such, should you feel any sudden onset of dizziness, nausea, pain, you must report back at once. We need you, sir.

Huxian: Of course. And the check ups?

Doctor: Around this time daily until the reinforcements arrived. After that, a check up before and after the energy bonds have been transferred for yourself and those who will share the burden.

Huxian: I’ll be sure to inform your team when the transfer will take place so you can have staff available without tearing them from any needing patient.

Doctor: Very good, sir. Beyond that, be sure to eat regularly. I’ve been informed of the missing meal, sir.

*Funny how the ‘over-the-glasses’ stare could make even him feel like a small kit under his Monk Caretaker’s disapproving eye. Quickly giving his word (no matter how much he internally groaned at the idea that, even free of the medical bay he still had to eat that mush!) Huxian escaped from the temporary ward and made his way back to the comforts(?) of his temporary room. If nothing else, the idea of a warm shower after a stressful day to ease the aches of energy drain and tension headaches was definitely appealing.

Despite that, his mind was not relaxed as he washed under nearly painfully hot shower, his thoughts lingering on the mentioned agents that needed the hospital beds. As much as he wished he could help those keeping the Jiangshi from all hammering down the barrier, he knew he was needed where he was to protect the agents within the building and the many citizens that were currently evacuated into the safehouses in the safety of the energy shield he was maintaining. He shouldn’t be feeling guilty*

Huxian [Inner Thoughts]: Everyone knows the importance of your job, even going out of the way to be sure that you don’t pass out trying to keep it up alone. They all volunteered to fight against the Jiangshi. You’re not forcing them to do anything. All our jobs are equally as important. As soon as the reinforcements arrive to help maintain the barrier, you can be out there personally on the front lines. Not fighting now is not cowardice. It’s a tactic agreed upon by everyone. Get your head together, Yin.

*With that, he thrust his head under the jet of hot water and his thoughts were quickly derailed as he hissed a little to get used to the heat.

A little later, loosely wrapped in an italian robe, toweling his hair and fox ears dry with a towel, he sat down on the edge of his bed, eyes drifting over to his communicator which was flashing, indicating he had received a message while he was making a hearty attempt at boiling himself alive. Pulling his tails onto his lap to towel dry with one hand, Huxian flipped through the communicator screen to the messages. It looked like Rodessa had sent him an image. It was a photo Rodessa facing away from the camera before a rose petal strewn bathtub, a rouge lace robe draping over her rear, obviously in the process of being removed. Her thick hair was tied back in a way that showed over her dusky skin that seemed to hold a warm golden hue in what had to be candlelight just out of shot.

...Tease. Though he supposed it might have something to do with his own photos…

Shaking off those thoughts, there was also a message attached to the photo, proclaiming ‘Video Call At 9’.

Quickly, he checked his watch sitting on the bedside cabinet. It had just turned nine. Good timing.

Settling on the bed, taking another moment to admire the photo as he settled into a comfortable position against the pillows propped up by the headboard, he chose the option for a video call and waited for the girl in question to pick up.

Rodessa: *Coyly* Good evening, Fluff. I thought you might need a pick-me-up, so I sent you a little gift. I’m honestly surprised you didn’t call earlier. You might have gotten a show. But I guess it’s for naught. I had a strip-tease planned and everything!

*Not that Huxian wasn’t getting a little bit of a show, considering she was easing herself into the bath, though anything particularly ‘show-worthy’ was hidden behind a wall of thick foamy bubbles. There was still plenty of skin he could see that certainly perked some interesting images, if he allowed his mind to wander - which was the intention, of course.*

Rodessa: Too bad!

*(It amused him that for someone so confident in her body and knew all the tricks in showmanship with it could be reduced to a blushing wreck when he was overly flirty in response)

Shaking off the thoughts, he instead offered her a smile as he leaned into his pillows, his hair a silver-gold waterfall spilling over it.*

Huxian: I only just saw the message, honestly. I was getting a checkup from the medic. I’m back in my room now - hurray! - though he wants me to go in for check ups. Guess they want to be sure they don’t find me on my face somewhere. Then, it seems we had similar ideas.

*He motioned to himself, knowing she would be able to see his damp hair and just-showered flush to his skin*

Huxian: Still, shame I missed the show. Raincheck?

Rodessa: ...You overdid it today, didn’t you. You look even more tired than when I left you…*Sigh* Is it that bad? I can come to-

Huxian: I’m fine. Promise. There was just some things that only I could look over was all. I practically stayed in bed all day beyond that. Admittedly there’s trouble, but we’re getting reinforcements soon. I can hold down the fort till then. The doctors are making sure of it. They’re even forcing me to eat ‘highly nutritious food’...

*He jokingly lowered his voice into a stage whisper, cupping the side of his mouth as if to prevent anyone from lipreading*

Huxian: Save me, my taste buds are dying! Oh gods - seriously! Why must all hospital food look like….like…Ugh, I can’t even begin to describe it. Just look - this was my ‘breakfast’ today.

*He attached the picture he took earlier and sent it to her. He could hear the ping of her communicator signifying the message had been received.

Covering herself, she leaned forwards to look at the photo and Huxian knew the exact moment she saw it - her expression morphed into a mixture of shock and horror, tinged with a deep sympathy*

Rodessa: Hue...They’re trying to kill you...All I’m saying is finish them before they finish you. Fight on, Soldier.

Huxian: Oh good, glad I’m not just being paranoid. I think when this is over I need you to give the staff a look over where food is concerned. Maybe between the two of us, they’ll learn something - like find a new day job that keeps them about a hundred miles away from food stuff.

Rodessa: *Chuckle* ...Maybe…Though I would prefer just the two of us alone making new recipes together. I'm your personal pastry chef, remember?

Huxian: ...Can’t deny that I miss your pastries. Yeah, I’d like that. Something else for our to-do list when we catch up? We’ll definitely have enough to keep us busy. I’m looking forwards to it. I don’t know if I tell you this enough, but I do miss you.

*Her eyes glistened slightly, eyes half lidded as a smile graced her lips.*

Rodessa: *Quiet voice* I miss you too… It’s harder now that your not with me, you know that?

Huxian: I know...But it’s not forever. Just remember that. And I’m always at the end of the phone if you ever need to get anything off your chest. You know that, right?

Rodessa: Yeah…. Oh! I promised you a story. It’s a short one - I need to translate the rest. Hopefully I’ll have that done by our next phone call...hopefully.

Huxian: Hey, no rush. Translating practically dead languages isn’t easy, after all. I can wait. Just let me know when you’ve done it. For now though...what have you got for me my dear storyteller?

Rodessa: Well...

[END]