Thread: Love of the Desert [[ShadyxHoudini]]

The warmth of the quickly rising sun prompted Hamadi to wake from a restful sleep, rubbing his eyes as the suns glare through the window shone in. As eldest son of the Pharaoh, his life was one of privilege. This did not mean that live was easy for him, however. Much was expected of him, both by his own royal family, as well as the subjects of the land which would one day be his. As the next in line to be Pharaoh, he was revered as both human and divine by his people. The gods had favored him with this quasi-divinity, and he accepted the responsibility which would be one day bestowed upon him to maintain divine order and balance in his land. His life was filled with many routines. Since the age of six, he was instructed daily in the skills and tasks he would need as a ruler. He had mastered the art of fighting with the scimitar, and from the age of twelve had learned to ride a war chariot. He still spent time each week now, learning new weapons, such as the slingshot or the javelin. Once a week, he spent the day with the priests, learning how to make the required offerings to please the gods. He frequently visited the building projects and food storage locations throughout the land, to master the logistics of these important aspects of government he would soon be entrusted with. His life was planned for him from birth, and he went along with these obligations, out of a respect for his family and the gods, and because he knew no other kind of life. One day, his father would consult with the high priest and select a wife for him. His thoughts turned towards this day with apprehension at times, as he knew it would be soon, but he had long ago prepared himself to accept whatever choice was made. After all, his father was no less than a god living in human form. Who was he to question his fathers decisions? As he rose gradually from bed, he dressed in his skirt of fine, pleated green linen, fastening it with a jewel studded belt. He draped a wig over his shaved head, and placed a beaded gold collar over his bare chest, before placing his khat headdress over his head. For breakfast, he wore none of the eye shadow or eyeliner that he wore for more formal occasions. His skin was tan, but lighter than most men of lower class who spent more time in the hot desert sun. His body was fit and well-defined, but still had some of the lanky look of a boy. He looked forward to receiving his breakfast each morning from Tahirah. She was a pleasant enough girl, always polite and obedient, and did her job well. She had served him and his family for several years, and had now been assigned to him for the last few months. He went through a phase initially where he found himself subconsciously trying to please her, but he shortly realized that he didnt need to give much heed to what type of impression he made on her, since she was, after all, of a class far beneath his, and obliged to serve him loyally regardless of what she thought of him. As the guards opened the door to let Tahirah in, he approvingly observed as she entered with her head bowed down in respect. Her voice soothed him as she spoke, which it should, he thought to himself. After all, he deserved the highest level of servants, he reminded himself. His eyes followed her pleasing figure as she placed his tray down and stood in expectation of his command. He decided not to dismiss her yet today. There was something about her standing there which he found pleasant, although he couldnt quite define it. He ate some bread and berries, and took a sip of sahlab, before speaking to her. He knew making pleasantries with a servant was frowned upon, and whether it was out of boredom or curiosity, he wasnt sure, but he didnt care today. I wonder Tahirah, if you would like to have a bit of bread and cheese and tell me for a moment how the headmaster of the servants has been treating you as of late. I dont imagine you have an opportunity to eat this type of food often.