A sheepish grin formed at the right corner of Georges lips, his eyes darting down towards the floor as a grunt came from him; it was rough but there was a hint of a chortle in that raspy cough. His shoulders shrugged a bit at the comments but Peter let out a rather light guffaw.
"That he is uncle. This one is quite the jokester, very sharp," Peter said with a smile but that smile faded quickly at Georges question.
"Very long story there old chap. One I will tell you once we have a moment and I am a bit more inebriated." George didn't question the answer. He knew what it was like to speak of injuries, even if the question was only about the ones on the surface they were like a gateway to the ones swimming beneath the surface and those were much more difficult to speak about. Yet they needed to be released but one did a little bit of a push to get the job done and give a bit of anesthesia to the process so it wasn't so painful.
Figuring it was a good moment to change the topic Peter was more than relieved when a knock came to the door and the tea service was ordered by his uncle. Yet someone else wanted to speak to the Lord Major and before Peter could hold up a finger in hopes of pausing another person having to come face to face with George the Corporal entered. Peter hoped that his penchant for wanting to yell and serve his uncle above and beyond the course of duty would keep him from spotting George right off. That hope was dashed away as the man set his eyes straight on George.
George turned his head slowly as the corporal entered the room, general curiosity and a general means about keeping one sharp in their surroundings. His brow rose slightly as the man froze. He started to say hello but it was cut off as the man made a mad dash for the exit. Why did it always have to be like this? George new why but he figured at battle hardened soldier would be a bit better at dealing with a face mask. Maybe the lad wasn't so battle hardened. Turning his head to face forward once again, his chin lowered and he grunted.
"mmm, apologizes," the war scarred man muttered under his breath. Maybe he should have sent a wire to Peter instead of showing up in person.
"Nonsense my good man. That one is always a bit theatrical from what I have asserted. Perhaps a run will do him some good to get rid of some of that excess energy he possesses. One would think he was a ring master of the circus in a previous life," Peter said, hoping to reassure his old friend but he could tell by the way George's shoulders slumped as he stared at the ground and how his fingers fidgeted with the cap sitting on his knee. Clearing his throat Peter shifted in his seat slightly.
"So what brings you to Cairo?" Peter finally added, hoping this time changing the subject would work.
George looked up slowly, a timid expression on the half of his face that could be seen. There was a bit of light in his eye, a gratitude that could be seen without the words being said.
"College," he said plainly at first. Then he began to speak and told Peter and the Lord Major about how he was speaking at one of the local Universities about the transition from war to civilian life for those bearing severe injuries. A sociological study in a way. As he spoke to Peter his voice remained gravelly but his sentences became more structured. It seemed the more at ease he felt around a person the more he spoke. As long as he kept his face turned to one side to where you could not see the mask one could almost forget the trauma that laid on the other side, almost. If it were not for the damage to his vocal chords that were, that always seemed to be the tell tale sign despite everything else.
The Legal Aide for barracks looked at Josephine and Haakon and nodded. "My lord, what a trying situation for the both of you to be subjected to. Well in any case, you are back now safe and sound. Let us hope that is the last you will hear from the local authorities. Should it arise again, please do inform me and I will escort you. Best not leave you legally hanging in the wind with no representation," he said before offering his arm to Josephine.
"Yes, of course. I will be more than happy to show you two back to your respective quarters and perhaps have a bit of spirits brought up to you as well as small noche to enjoy and sustain you until the next proper meal," he suggested. "This way if you both will," he added before showing them the way back through the compound to their quarters. Their guards followed them as they went and the lawyer informed them that their drinks and snack would be up post haste, as well as their guards would escort them to the Lord Major once they had a chance to freshen up. Giving them both a courteous farewell he left them alone to tend to their business as he returned to his.
Vera Munn
Location: Egyptian Museum: Her Office
"Indeed it is, with Lady Kingston speaking the language, saying the prayer, well I dare say it means we are on the right course of action it does. How splendid," Vera said with high enthusiasm as she spoke. Her eyes darting over towards Nora.
"If it does not seem presumputious of me, I would like to suggest that perhaps now is a perfect time for you to expand your linguistical knowledge. A crash course in Ancient Egyptian might be just the ticket to help you feel more at ease. Knowledge leads to understanding and at this point I hope I am not forward in saying that you would do well to have some without the constant need for an interpreter." Ancient Egyptian was not an easy language to learn but Vera had no doubt in her mind with Lady Kingstons penchant for mathematics and her own background in education that Nora would be able to pick up the basics post haste. Her confidence in Nora's abilities gleamed through as Vera spoke. It was only reinforced as Neema spoke up. "I believe she would be able to pick up the language with some ease," the older woman said as she smiled over towards Nora. Vera's brow perked a bit at the old lady. Not over the fact that she was confidant in Nora's abilities but how she addressed Nora, calling her by her first name. Was this woman a governess to the family? She doubted it; unless she had been with Nora since she was small, the woman would have still addressed her as Lady Kingston instead of just plain Nora.
The delivery man smiled and thanked William over and over again for the payment and assured him if he should want anything else to please contact him, giving the man his card before he slipped out of the museum quickly. Only giving a quick glance towards Akhmed on the way out with a nod before pushing the door open and heading back out into the streets of Cairo. Akhmed returned the nod before turning his attention back to Mahendra. "I see, well it does seem that you fit the basic requirements for the position sir," he said as he perused the papers that the man had provided him.
"Yes, very much indeed. Though I might state that you appear to be a tad over qualified for the position of Junior yet that is not for me to determine. If you would sir, please follow me," he said as he handed the papers back over to Mahendra. "I believe the curator is available at this time, he is whom which you will need to speak with to secure a position," he added as he stepped out from behind the front desk and motioned for him to follow. Yet he was stopped as a messenger came into the museum and flagged Akhmed down.
"Just a moment sir if you please," he said as he turned his attention away from Mahendra and to the messenger. Taking the small envelope from him he tipped the man and thanked him. Opening the envelope he pulled out a slip of paper and read over it quickly. "Oh wonderful," he said with a slight smile before tucking the message away in his coat pocket and looking back over towards Mahendra. "If you would just follow me, I do need to make a quick stop before I take you to the curator."
"I dare say those are quite remarkable," a voice chimed in from behind where Mosi was seated. An older man was standing over her and looking down at the sketches she had pulled out. "Oh do forgive me ma'am. Mr. Khons, curator of the museum. I just couldn't help but look as I passed by. It is wonderful to see foreigners taking such an interest in our little slice of historical display," he said giving a slight bow as he introduced himself and stepped around her to offer his hand in greeting instead of remaining behind her.
"We get so few American's in here," he added as he looked over her attire. "Well ones that seem to take a true interest in what gems the Nile produces instead of just a passing fancy because it is in the in thing. A breath of fresh air compared to the ones I currently have to deal with," he added before his head snapped around as he heard his name being called out. It was Ahkmed with someone in tow approaching. "Excuse me," he said to Mosi before stepping over towards Ahkmed.
"Yes?"
"Sorry to disturb you sir but I was just on my way to speak to the young lady over there and then come to find you but thank the pharaohs I have struck two cats with a single glance," Ahkmed began before explaining that Mahendra was there to apply for the position of Junior in the museum and that he appeared to have the required credentials.
"I see, yes, I will take over from here," Mr. Khons said, dismissing Ahkmed to tend to his duties and then looking over towards Mahendra. "Let us speak in my office," he said motioning for Mahendra to follow him as Ahkmed bid farewell and good luck to Mahendra and then headed over towards Mosi.
"Mosi, I have splendid news," he said pulling out the envelope from his pocket and handing it over to her. It was in Arabic. "My old friend Aton said he would be more than pleased to have you attend an evening exhibition. He has no class today unfortunately but he is willing to teach you should you find the exhibition he is doing tonight a fit for you."
"Enter," Vera said as she heard the knock and turned to her attention to the door. She froze in her place as the door opened and William of all people entered her office. Her lips pursed a bit and her eyes narrowed as he muttered an apology and headed back to the stacks. How dare he come back like this. Did he believe that an over abundance of flowers would set things right so he could just stroll right back into her haven?
Shaking her head she turned her attention back to the conversation at hand. She had asked Neema why she was there and what history she had in the city. Neema had been all to happy to answer any questions, informing the women there of her past with the museum and the curator on a professional level, the tiles, the digs she had helped with, and so forth. It had left Vera rather surprised and impressed, if it were true. She would need confirmation.
"I see, I will have to speak with Mr. Khons of course about this." "Would expect no less my dear," Neema said with a nod.
"Though I believe he is in meetings today trying to hire a new Junior here in the museum so that will have to wait. Yet with Lady Kingston's history and such I see no issue if you would like to take a look at what we discovered this past night," she said as she pointed over towards a table at the far end of her office where she had thankfully moved the tiles last night, otherwise they would have come under the heel of Mr. Drakes boots when he put them up on her desk just a short time ago.
"Lady Kingston, if you would be so kind as to show Neema the tiles and perhaps show Ms. Ridgeway here as well. I believe I need to attend to an elephant in the room before it turns into a bull in a china shop," she said glancing towards the flowers from Mr. Drake that were sitting before them. Neema took the hint and looked over towards Nora, awaiting her.
Vera rose from her place as she smoothed out her skirt and took a deep breath. Turning and making a beeline for the stacks after she excused herself. Walking over towards William she had it all planned out in her head what she would stay. She would give him a right good scolding for pulling such a prank on her, for playing with her feelings like that with the flowers, for taunting her, for dare insinuating that he was of noble birth by signing the card as Sir Drake. Yet, nothing came out of her mouth besides a rather sudden
"Ahhck!" as the woman tripped over the edge of one of the runners and fell forward, landing with her face planted right into Williams chest.
"Oh fuddle," she muttered as her hands clung to his shoulders to keep from continuing to fall.
Aziza Tarek
Location: Gheit el Idda: Aziza's Home
Aziza stayed behind Harry as he entered the apartment, giving a few moments before she followed. She was nervous to enter but found that she was even more so standing out on the veranda alone. Harry gave her a sense of calm when she was around him, she felt safe. Even if her apartment still held an intruder, if Sgt. Walsh was there she was far less worried than being out alone in the open considering everything.
Slowly she stepped inside and her hand came to her lips as she looked around at what she had called her home for the last several years. The place was in ruins, her things strone about without care. The life she had built for herself had been violated and with a single glance she could feel a knot tightening in the pit of her stomach. She had been worried about joining this little expedition but after seeing what someone had done to her home she decided that it was best for her to collect what things she needed right then, send for the rest, and never step foot into her domicile again.
Looking over towards Harry as he spoke to her, her eyes were misty with tears that were threatening to form. She found it hard to swallow the lump in her throat but she managed eventually as she stepped closer to him and rested her head on his chest seeking a comfort right then she knew only he could provide.
"I will have to move," she said quietly as her arms came around him and she clung to his form, trying to fight off the want to melt into a sobbing heap. She had worked so hard over the years to build a life here in Cairo, one in which if she was ever able to see her son again she could bring him to. That was all gone now because of someone. They had taken the home she had built and turned it into a crime scene where safety was no longer an option. She would have to move. Start over again once they returned from the expedition. Have to leave the city. Perhaps the Lord Majors offer to leave the country was not such a bad one right then.
Pulling back she looked up with sorrow in her eyes to Harry.
"Just...just let me gather me things," she stuttered as she reluctantly pulled away from him. If she had not been so fearful that who ever had done this atrocity would return she could have easily remained there against him for hours. Turning she wiped a tear away and girded her loins, taking a deep breath as she walked with determination through her home. Gathering clothing, papers, what she felt she could need not only for the expedition but anything else she might need just in case she could never step into the apartment again.
It did not take her long before she had systematically packed three bags with nearly anything of value in them. A steely look of fear laced with anger seemed to fuel her as she packed as quickly as her fingers folding would let her. She was shaking visibly as she did but she managed in silence. It was obvious there was a strength beneath the fragile surface that was beginning to show through the cracks. Aziza had never thought of herself as a strong person but she had to have been to survive the way she had over the years. Trauma pushed so many to an edge which they leapt off of but not her, she pushed through it each time and carried on.
Forcing a smile as she finished and set the last of her bags by the door she looked back over towards Harry.
"I just need to change quickly," she added. There really was no place left for her to change in private. Doors were off the hinges. Shaking her head she grabbed what she had laid out to wear and motioned for Harry to turn around without a word. She changed quickly, slipping out of the attire she had been wearing the night before into something a bit more fitting for the day. It was a simple outfit, compared to what she had been wearing. Red, rose red with lace, overlayed with sheer tulle. She let her hair down fully and pulled a matching sheer wrap over her head, tucking a few loose strands behind her ears as she stepped in front of Harry and stepped into the red flat slipper by the door.
"I just need to get Drahl now," she said finally as she rested her hand against Harry's arm and let out a breath while she looked up at him. Without warning she leaned up and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. A bush came to her cheeks as she pulled back from the lingering kiss.
"Thank you, for everything."
