Imhotep - Buffy_the_Bloody
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Mery-apet - Das Tor
Mery-apet yawned and stretched, slowly working out the kinks in his muscles. It was before dawn...but it was FAR from unusual for the Artisan-Prince to rise before the sun's light brought day to the world. And it was with good reason this was so. For when the sun came up, he would be there to greet it, to dance for Ra as he rose as Khepri. The male finished his stretching and carefully made his way out of his den, paws quiet so as to not disturb anyone else.
He'd gotten rather good at making his way out quietly, since most of the rest of the pride was still sleeping. He wouldn't be surprised if his parents were still asleep, in truth. Not that he'd deny them it. They were busy lions, and if anyone deserved a little extra sleep, it was they.
Father was a horrible babysitter. Though mother could be considered negligent for thinking otherwise. She had gone to praise the gods at the temple, and Tiki had been left to watch the seven new cubs that had been brought into his life. Imhotep knew he was overwhelmed, and that meant that he could easily make his way out of the den to parade outside. He wasnt sure what he wanted to do, all he knew was this little moment of freedom was going to be -awesome.- He smiled, his tail lashing back and forth as he began humming to himself. He yawned once, and it made him realize his new direction.
The oasis. Everytime he woke, his mouth was horribly dry. So with a new sense of direction, he made his way to the oasis.
Mery had been rather enjoying the near-silence of Het-Em-Seshen in the earliest hours...There was something soothing about it. It wasn't too long before he heard the little pattering of small paws on the floor of their home. Blinking, the prince looked around and behind him, searching for the sound. It didn't take him too long to find the source. It was one of the newest-born members of the pride. Well! It wasn't often little ones were awake at such an hour! Mery carefully crept up on the little one, then tapped his back from behind.
He walked with pride, an obvious prance in his step. He was so happy to be free! Oh he could just imagine the things he could do until his parents noticed! He began humming again, but as soon as someone tapped his back, he squealed and covered his mouth quickly. He whipped around, backing away to see who it was that had touched him. It wasnt a particularly intimidating lion, but he was large and Imhotep lowered himself to the earth, eyes perked up as he made sure that he wasnt about to be hurt. He had never met anyone of the pride before, though he had watched them alot. He recognized this one.. He was a prince! That made Imhotep ease, and he smiled up at hte male.
"Hi!"
Mery winced a bit at the squeal. Shoulda thought about that first...He looked around quickly to make sure no one else was awoken by it...and was relieved when he heard no one else. He looked to the young male and smiled. "Hello, little one. What are you doing up so early?" It was rare to see one so young running about so early.
When the soothing voice of the older guy touched his ears, he was instantly over his intimidation. This prince seemed nice! Momma would be so proud to know he had met a prince. Though he was brought into reality with the males question, and he cocked his head as if focusing.
"When else would I be able to get away from my overbearing parents?" He asked with a grunt. Though he instantly caught himself and smiled. He didnt want to seem rude!
"Whats your name? Im Imhotep, son of Tiki the hunter, and Shani the Priestess." He said with pride, puffing up his chest.
Overbearing? Mery-apet wasn't really familiar with such a term, since his own parents hadn't seemed such to him. Far from it...the boy IDOLIZED his parents. To him, they were everything good parents should be. "Well...you have time at lessons. Surely there's something during lessons you enjoy?" That had been how he'd discovered his love of dancing, the sheer joy in your steps showing the gods your love and thanks.
He listened to the little one's introduction, nodding. "I'm Mery-apet, one of the sons of the Pharaoh and the Queen. It is a pleasure to meet you, little Imhotep."
Aha! So he had been right. He may have been young but grandmother had done well in schooling him who was who among the pride. Or at least, those that really mattered. He thought about his lessons, and he supposed he enjoyed them. Father usually tried to teach them pouncing, but he was more likely to wander off with a little bounce in his step.
"I like to dance. Father says Im to become a hunter, but I dont think Im cut out for that." He snorted with a shake of his head.
The little one liked to dance? Mery smiled. "I liked to dance as a cub too. In fact...I dance even now. For the gods, and sometimes to bring a smile to other's faces." He sat, then crouched down so the poor cub wouldn't have to look UP. "Why don't you learn a little more about the positions in the pride...you may be surprised what is available to you."
“You did? Awesome! I bet you are a great dancer. Youre so big and all.” He said, with the innocence and happiness that only a cub can muster. He smiled up at the big guy, happy to see that he was lowering down to the smaller guys level. “Momma says I can be whatever I want. But she didn’t tell me anything about ranks. One day though.” He smiled.
Mery chuckled. "Well...I like to think I'm rather good. But I wouldn't be nearly as good as I am without my honored teachers. And perhaps, one day, you can learn from them as well...even if you choose to just continue dancing as a hobby." He thought a moment, before nodding to himself. "Would you like to see me greet the rising sun, since you're already awake?"
“Will you tell your teachers about me? Will you tell them I want to learn?” He asked, excitedly, eyes lighting up as he began hopping and jostling about in his own little way. “See? Am I any good?” He asked, once he was done with his dancing. He wasn’t sure if it even really was dancing but he liked to think it was. “Oh its no hobby, sir! Im going to be a great dancer. I just know it.” He smiled, and flicked his striped tail before looking wide eyed up at the older male.
“Could you, please? Id LOVE to watch.” He giggled.
Mery nodded, standing up to lead the little one. And watched him try to dance. He...actually was not that bad for one so young. "You've certainly got some talent, Imhotep, and I will certainly mention you to my teachers. One day, I'm sure you'll be great." He motioned for the little one to follow, making his way to where he danced every morning. It would be a little odd having an audience for it...but he felt this was important for the little one to see. He could deal with any awkwardness he felt inside later. For now...he would dance, and show the little one what dancing for the gods was like.