EnsTren: chibi Atemu is torturing Mahaado with his chibi innocence
EnsTren: "You know I bet that the reason it's taking Seth so long to recover is because he has blisters and infections."
Edmondia: "...perhaps he has internal injuries, my prince."
EnsTren: "I don't know... 'Cause the blisters and things must have burst because there was white puss on my saddle."
Edmondia: He cringed. "...I see." In reality, he was about to throw up.
EnsTren: "And a lot of blood," he continued, "So I think they gave him blisters and they burst while we were riding."
Edmondia: He didn't want to be having this conversation. "I understand," he managed thickly. And he did. All too well.
Edmondia: "And it will take his muscles a long time to heal - he needs to be able to walk and sit comfortably, and that's difficult to do with leg injuries."
EnsTren: He nodded up at him, "I hope he gets better soon, at least the infections should be gone by now... I hope they didn't burn him to make him blister," the little prince looked very worried about this prospect.
Edmondia: He swallowed and reached down to ruffle his hair. "I don't think they did, my prince, I think he's just hurt inside."
EnsTren: He nodded again, "That's probably why he flops when papa picks him up," he replied, not getting the double meaning.
Edmondia: Mahaado bit his lip. "Yes, my prince, I'm sure that's it. And maybe because he was stolen away, he doesn't like being picked up anymore."
EnsTren: "That's probably why he kicked that guard."
Edmondia: "Yes, it probably is. Maybe you should tell the guards and the healers not to pick him up anymore."
EnsTren: He nodded self-importantly, "I'll do that! Thank you Mahaado."
Edmondia: He lowered his eyes. "Of course, my prince."
EnsTren: And he smiled brightly and ran off.
Edmondia: And Mahaado slumped against the nearest wall, and slid down to bury his face in his hands.
EnsTren: Ai... Seth.
Edmondia: What had the palace come to, when servants would not search for a missing noble? Was everyone so afraid of them? They were still only children - and the prince was still painfully innocent.
EnsTren: They, he was doing his best to preserve that, before it was gone.
Edmondia: Couldn't anyone else see what they were doing?
Edmondia: Didn't anyone else care?
Edmondia: Just because they were Shadow-children...
EnsTren: Because of cursed blue eyes and skin that was too pale. Naught could be done about the eyes but Seth had been getting darker in the light of Ra. However he was paling to a mere tan from having to be indoors so often.
Edmondia: When he was better, he would have to take the boy and the prince out to the gardens to play. The gods knew no one else would be willing to do it.
Edmondia: And... perhaps Simon would let him take over some of their lessons.
Edmondia: He could take them outside for those, surely.
EnsTren: He did not know how he managed to keep up this act with just the prince, facing that other child may be too much. The prince did not know, Seth did.
Edmondia: But... no one else would try to save what little innocence they had left.
Edmondia: He had to try.
EnsTren: Those poor children.
Edmondia: They had done nothing to deserve this.
EnsTren: Atemu talked to him and his father and Seth. Seth could not reveal all to Atemu, but at least had a little release, even if it was with pranks and murder.
Edmondia: At least they had each other, when all else failed.
EnsTren: When all others had failed.
Edmondia: ...was this what their blessed land had come to?
Edmondia: A prosporous land and a happy people...
Edmondia: But their was no joy for their own children.
EnsTren: Perhaps he could make himself open for Seth to speak to. But could either of them bear it? And then... who would he turn to for release? Mana was too young, not much more than a child herself still.
Edmondia: His station was not yet high enough to confide in the pharaoh... and Simon would not hear him.
Edmondia: ...it would have to stay with him.
EnsTren: He did not like how subtle intent moved in him, it felt too close to being a traitor, to using the divine. But... did not the pharaoh deserve, nay, need to know what his son thought? So he would not be surprised?
Edmondia: But were his prince's private thoughts and fears not just that?
EnsTren: If they were private would he tell them to Mahaado? It was not as if he were spying on the child's thoughts. He offered them up verbally and openly.
Edmondia: Or was his the role of confidant?
EnsTren: He did not know.
Edmondia: But he would have to decide soon.
EnsTren: Perhaps he should pray... or simply even ASK the little prince.
Edmondia: Yes, he could ask him.
Edmondia: He wouldn't be offended by the question, would he?
EnsTren: No, he was surprisingly open with those he trusted for a child born of shadow.
Edmondia: ...it was a pity that trust was reserved for so few.
EnsTren: He would ask, but he must hurry to catch him.
Edmondia: So he sprang to his feet and raced off after the prince.
EnsTren: He phrased himself with suitable aplomb when he caught up with him. Such a trusting child.
Edmondia: So trusting that he didn't mind the question.
EnsTren: So trusting he didn't consider what he said to be a secret. Mahaado was a confidant, yes, but about Seth it wasn't a secret.
Edmondia: So he smiled and bowed and thanked him, not letting his inward relief show through.
EnsTren: He backed away and turned, walking, once out of sight he ran. The Pharaoh deserved to know. And in telling him perhaps he would gain back some of his own Ma'at.
Edmondia: Yes. This was the right thing to do.
EnsTren: So he presented himself to the Pharaoh, and in private relayed to him what his son's thoughts and conclusions were.
Edmondia: And the Pharaoh looked troubled.
EnsTren: He told him how he did not suspect the truth and had been endevoring to keep up that fiction, how the prince did not suspect him because he meant no ill.
Edmondia: "How long do you intend to protect them?"
EnsTren: "As long as it is necessary and as long as I can." He suddenly choked and shivered, "Unless you think it would be better for the Prince to... know."
Edmondia: "...he's still too young for that."
EnsTren: He breathed a sigh of relief and bowed, "As you will, great pharaoh."
EnsTren: "I was... considering relaying the information to Seth, so he can keep up the fiction as well. I do not believe the child wants anyone to know."
Edmondia: A sharp nod was the only answer.
Edmondia: He took that to mean that the pharaoh approved.
EnsTren: Thank the gods.

"Beyond that... I don't know what to do for him. I want to get him out into Ra's light, if his skin darkens they will be less wary of him."
Edmondia: "And what of his studies?" The words were even, drawn out slowly and thoughtfully.
EnsTren: "He is dutiful in catching up, and I was thinking of perhaps letting Simon take them outside for a few lessons."
Edmondia: "Simon is an old man, and they like to cause trouble. Outside they would be even more mischievious. How would he keep them in line?"
Edmondia: He was getting the feeling that this was some kind of test.
EnsTren: "Seth cannot run yet, and your son would not leave him behind, Great Pharaoh. Furthermore Seth is very intent on his studies and so would not be likely to give into mischief." He shifted uncomfortably, "They are both more interested with playing with shadows at night now, my Lord."
Edmondia: "...and who has been monitoring their progress, priest?"
EnsTren: He tensed slightly, "All eyes are to your son, my lord, as to Seth I believe it is only myself, Simon, and your magnificence."
Edmondia: "And who has been with them at night to make sure they do not accidentally destroy my palace?"
EnsTren: He dropped his eyes, "I do not believe anyone has been, my Lord."
Edmondia: "Someone had best rectify that situation, priest." The words were an order.
EnsTren: "Yes Great Pharaoh," he bowed deeply.
Edmondia: "...and of the child. Will he be able to continue the path he has chosen?"
EnsTren: "...He will never be a priest to Ra, Great Pharaoh. With his temprament and... circumstances, Set would be a better choice. He is a moody god and supports Osiris and Ra despite the lies of some of your predecessors."
Edmondia: "And will he serve my son?"
EnsTren: "Yes, your son has already promised him a position as one of his priests, even if he must... remove one of yours when he assumes the throne. According the Prince Atemu, Seth asked if he could be a Priest."
Edmondia: "I see." And the pharaoh was quiet for a moment.
Edmondia: "Tell me, priest, what do you see for them?"
EnsTren: "A difficult time."
Edmondia: "Even a blind man could tell me more than that."
Edmondia: "Tell me, will their relationship cause more harm than good?"
EnsTren: "I think how they are united and devoted to each other will make them strong and in turn make Kemet strong."
Edmondia: "You seem very certain of that, despite the fact that they are both shadow children."\
EnsTren: "But they are not evil, they believe in Ma'at, your son is the very essence of it, Justice."
Edmondia: "...do you love them, priest?"
EnsTren: "Yes, My lord, your son especially."
Edmondia: "You realize you are alone in your care for them."
EnsTren: "No, My lord, I am not."
Edmondia: "Oh?"
EnsTren: "I believe Simon cares for them, or at least your son even if he doesn't fully understand... And you care, My lord."
Edmondia: The pharaoh chuckled. "Simon is an old man, and I am not much better. You will have to be the one to care for them when I am gone."
EnsTren: "I will, my lord."
Edmondia: "And there is also Mana to consider."
EnsTren: "She is a child herself... And I'm afraid the boys are entering that age."
Edmondia: "She is only a few years your junior," and was there a hint of amusement in his words? "And what have you noticed about them that would make you think so?"
EnsTren: "Your son has a perchant for hiding in pots and often brought Seth with him on such things. Seth always made sure he did not climb into a pot he knew Mana had hidden in."
Edmondia: "Oh?" And now he was definitely amused.
EnsTren: "And was terribly upset if he found out that she had been."

Edmondia: (is Seth afraid Mana has cooties?)
EnsTren: (used to be)
EnsTren: (the ordeal, harem girls dying)
EnsTren: (not any more)
Edmondia: (wonder what'll happen when he finally sees her again)
EnsTren: (kinda go pale and stand very still since he doesn't really know how he should react anymore)
Edmondia: (so Seth's in an even more awkward position than most adolescent boys)
EnsTren: (yes, and how long was he there with the bandits? I mean... for the girls to die with miscarriages and everything more than a few months)
Edmondia: (miscarriages, messed-up abortions - a few months at least)
Edmondia: (I'm guessing around five to six months)
EnsTren: (they probably payed more attention to the girls at first)
Edmondia: (yes, that's what I think as well)
EnsTren: (then turned their attentions to the pretty little boy)
Edmondia: (once all the girls were sick or dead, yeah)
Edmondia: (I imagine the first few months he probably was put to work carrying things and setting up tents and the like)
EnsTren: (and raped once or twice when the girls were with someone else and to keep him from running and as punishment)
Edmondia: (poor thing.)
Edmondia: (and since we now have that figured out... bit of a culture shock when he gets back home)
EnsTren: (what kind are you thinking of?)
Edmondia: (well, after spending so much time in a bandit's camp, it'll be a shock going back to the palace)
EnsTren: (What's Aku's reaction, internal and external to Seth's flopping?)
Edmondia: (Akunamukanon? Startlement, realization, and immediate action)
EnsTren: (what action?)
Edmondia: (yelling for the healers)
EnsTren: (poor shaking flopped Seth, first being picked up by a big older man and then having him yell)
Edmondia: (he went into shock, I don't think he was feeling much of anything)
EnsTren: (yeah, but the yelling)
EnsTren: (not the words, but the actual act of yelling, yelling didn't bode well for him in the camp)
EnsTren: (and Atemu's "Papa! What did you DO?!" "Did you break him Papa?")
Edmondia: (concern, alarm, and how to keep the truth from his son)
EnsTren: (It's why I think Atemu would realize it)
EnsTren: (by the time he's old enough to make the connection it's far in the past, Seth's acting normal, no one talks about it)
Edmondia: (mmhmm - but he'll definitely make it)
EnsTren: (if it's brought back to his attention)
Edmondia: (yeah, but any number of things could spark the memory)
EnsTren: (is he okay with women picking him up?)
Edmondia: (yeah, I think so)
Edmondia: (he probably got used to the women, and may have tried helping them)
Edmondia: (so women fussing over him he doesn't mind)
EnsTren: (or can tolerate, he finds it a bit odd)
Edmondia: (yes, but he likes the women healers more than the men)
Edmondia: (but there's still a little bit of awkwardness with the ladies)
EnsTren: (They don't care though, they are doing it because the death threats)
Edmondia: (and what must it be like, I wonder, for him to be around Atemu again?)
EnsTren: (thank god he's okay ness)
Edmondia: (mmhmm... and, I think, infinite gratefulness)
EnsTren: (he's always been devoted)
Edmondia: (but now even more so, I think - after all, it's been a long time since he's been held and cuddled and fretted over)
EnsTren: (had a teddy-cousin to hug)

EnsTren: (Atemu's reaction to when he puts all the clues together?)
Edmondia: (very quiet, internal rage - he'd kill them all over again if he had the chance)
EnsTren: (despair when he realized what all those hard foods had been doing to him)
Edmondia: (they were eating soft crumbly cakes most of the time)
EnsTren: (still has to come out, and since it is at least subtly damp in there things like that take a long time to heal)
EnsTren: (oh and he probably has stitches)
EnsTren: (in my head Atemu called Seth to his chambers, grabed him, and cried)
Edmondia: (how old?)
EnsTren: (I don't know, he just figured it out though)
Edmondia: ('cause I have trouble seeing Atemu crying past the age of... twelveish)
EnsTren: (crying for Seth, because he realized what happened)
EnsTren: (more of dampeyed clinging holdness)
Edmondia: (and Seth all: o.o)
EnsTren: (and Atemu apologizing and saying that he killed them too quick)
EnsTren: (Seth gets it and holds him)
Edmondia: (and there is cuddling.)

Edmondia: (heh, our boys amuse me)
EnsTren: (oh?)
Edmondia: (how to give Simon a heart attack: have neither the pharaoh nor the high priest up in time for morning rites - run into the pharaoh's bedroom to find them sound asleep on top of each other)
EnsTren: (*snarks*)
Edmondia: (them very silly)