[center][h2][b][i][color=00aeef]Qar[/color][/i][/b][/h2][/center]

Qar listened to Zamonth's words with interest.  The scholar within him could not help but smile at the tall tale of monsters, small and giant, that the foreigner weaved for him.  True, Qar had heard similar stories and had not visited such places himself so he was in no position to be so cynical but he somehow doubted the scale of the tales.  Instead, he took a sip of his drink and considered whether he would ever have a chance to visit such a place of mystery; surely those who lived in such a challenging environment would have knowledge and skills far above anything their kingdom had managed?

Then Zamonth suddenly changed the subject, his gaze now focused upon Qar and searching for any strange reaction to his question.  It might have been intimidating had Qar felt he had anything to hide from the warrior, but he did not.  Indeed, there was no need to hide anything about the Pharaoh from the only companion he had trusted enough to bring with him to Thebes, unless the Pharaoh himself requested it.  Thus, Qar searched around them for anyone furtively listening and then leaned in so that he could speak without his voice carrying to anyone nearby.  A needless precaution as most had had the sense to sit further away from the Vizier and the giant foreign warrior.

[color=00aeef]"To be truthful, he was not as I had expected.  I had been told that he would be young but it is clear he and I had very different childhoods and that, perhaps reflects in our personalities.  Mine was one of relative safety in a scholarly setting, the Pharaoh's... from what I gather it was less than gentle."[/color] Qar frowned, thinking of what little he actually knew about Amen.  They had spoken briefly when the physician had gone to find the young Pharaoh but aside from that they had exchanged little in the way of meaningful conversation.  [color=00aeef]"We spoke a little after he left the study.  For the first time I got to see a little of who he was.  He was honest and spoke of his uncertainty."[/color]

Qar leaned back a little, looking up at the darkening sky and remembering how easily he had opened up to the young man.  Usually, he was a fairly closed book who dealt with the ailments both physical and mental of others; there was little time to speak of his own troubles and worries and yet he had to the Pharaoh.

[color=00aeef]"I came to see a little of how he may be different to previous Pharaohs and how that could be shaped into greatness, if he had the drive to do so.  And then,"[/color] he hesitated but decided that Zamonth would surely only approve of the Pharaoh's actions and Amen would not mind Qar revealing the truth, [color=00aeef]"I saw him attack a group of slavers.  One might call it impetuous but perhaps righteous is a better word for it.  He had the courage to stand up against generations of inequality and I saw the purpose fill him, something he wanted to do as a Pharaoh and he will have the strength and will to do it, I am sure."[/color] He smiled wanly, a slight sadness in his eyes.

[color=00aeef]"I am not a leader, Zamonth.  I lack the charisma, the words and the vision to command others.  Neither am I merely a follower for I have a mind of my own which innately questions what I have been told.  The way Pharaoh Amen cuts through to the heart of matters, ignoring the frail arguments old men might throw at him, is something that I can respect and I wish to support him in seeing that vision out.  As I do so, I can use my position to chase the little ambition I have, as a physician.  As for why I interceded in the meeting... I did not want another obstacle in our path.  I will discuss the matter with the Priestess later but it can wait.  For now we eat and we drink."[/color]  He raised his cup and downed it before calling for another, he was already several behind Zamonth and felt no ambition to try and out drink the much larger man.  That being said, this was surely a time for celebration.