User blog:Parzival12/Desert Flower- A Pharaoh Fanfic- Chapter 3 -

Here is the final chapter to Desert Flower. It has been a very fun experience. I invite others who have thought of writing fanfics, even if it’s not on monster girls, to give it a try. You have nothing to lose. Hopefully I can do more soon. Unfortunately it is rather short compared to the others. Or maybe it just feels that way. I felt a bit stressed because I felt the need to finish this after doing two chapters. I felt it would be cruel to end it after all that work. I’ve spent the last few weeks….  Procrastinating, until I typed this up in the past two nights. Enjoy

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Before dinner Aria has her attendants show me to some sort of preparation room. Apparently to get me cleaned up and changed for our little date. You can call this a date right? A man and a Woman… Together at night. Eating, and drinking. Yeah. Without a doubt this was a date. I haven’t gone on many dates in my lifetime. Too busy with work and all that. Not that the prospect hasn’t interested me. I just haven’t found a woman special enough to pull me away from my busy life.

The room I was lead to was quite nice. It had a small bath in the corner surrounded with flasks filled with different oils, soaps, and scents. It held a large closet filled with clothes of all different sizes and styles. I decided I would take use of the bath and change. It had been a very long day and my clothes were filthy and drenched with sweat.

I also took the time to think about what I was going to say to Aria. She seemed relatively nice and reasonable. I’m sure if I just explained the point of this little trespass into her territory she could help me think up a solution. The recent gathering of monster girls was more than likely not her fault. At least not intentionally. She has been asleep for hundreds of years, so how would she even know of recent events?

I think the best strategy would to simply be as nice as possible. I’m no ladies man, but I have been told on more occasion that I am…..Cute…. So! I will use my natural charm and wit to win her over. Plus she wasn’t too bad looking herself. The past few centuries haven’t touched her a bit.

After a few hours of simply lounging in my given room, I hear a voice call from outside the door.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“You have been given ample time to prepare. You will now be taken to the dining room.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Right after I hear that Estet walks in.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Let me make myself clear. If you disrespect or attempt to harm Mistress in any way, I will have the servants cut you down in an instant. Understood” She looks me dead in the eye as she says this.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Completely.” I’m tempted to say something snarky, but she doesn’t look like the type who can take a joke. So I just play it safe.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Good. Now follow me. Remember to mind your manners. Why Mistress Aria would ever waste a second on a peasant like you is beyond even me. But the Mistress is kind. She will have an audience with even the lowliest of creatures.” She begins leading me down a series of hallways.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Well I am the first face she saw when she woke up.” I respond halfheartedly.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">I’m just so distracted by the palace itself now. Not to long ago it seemed completely dead. All of a sudden it was teeming with life. It was well lit with all the torches lining the walls, there were servants running back and forth, even the paintings and hieroglyphs on the walls seemed more vibrant.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Through here.” She finally stops at an intricate archway.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“The Mistress is already awaiting your arrival inside. Do not keep her waiting any longer.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Again she gives me her best death stare. Which is funny considering she’s a good foot shorter than I am.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“That’s strange, because before me she was waiting for a few hundred years.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">I couldn’t help myself.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Just go.” She deadpans.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">As I thought, she’s not one for jokes. Oh well.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">I enter the room without another word. Inside there are two guards on each side of the doorway, stiff as boards and eyes straight ahead. There are also a few guards lining the walls of the room. It is a very beautiful place. There is a slightly lowered midsection where the table is. The Pharaoh is sitting at one end of the table sipping on her drink. There is a bountiful feast laid out on the table.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Like what you see?” The Pharaoh lowers her goblet slightly and a slight smile.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Absolutely.” I can’t help but drool a bit. Ever since I started this trip I’ve been gorging on nothing but rations. Frankly speaking, anything that could be identified as vegetable or meat substance simply by looking was a warm welcome.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Oh my..It’s nice to see I still have it after all these years.” Her smile widens a bit as she says that, she leans forward with her hand under her chin.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“OH! I didn’t mean you. Wait- Eugh. You look very nice! Lovely! It’s just that I haven’t seen any decent food for a while now, so all this is a bit overwhelming.” I tried to save face a little bit.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">She just gives a slight laugh.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Aren’t we the smooth talker? I bet you get all the Pharaohs with those charms of yours. Please, have a seat.” She gestures towards the other end of the table.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">I walk over and sit with as much charm, dignity, and gallantry as I can muster. Which is to say, none at all.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“You simply must try this wine. It was a gift given to me, and I only drink it on the most special of occasions. It has been aged for forty- Well.. I guess it would be more like four hundred years now.” She begins to pour the drink in my own cup.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I’m sorry my lady but I’m afraid such an exquisite beverage is wasted on me. I’m not much of a wine connoisseur myself.” Especially considering I’ve spent most of my life living off pepsi.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Well if you are going to start somewhere, why not start with the best? And besides, how else am I to repay the man awoke me from my deep slumber.” She gives me another one of her wonderful smiles.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Ah yes. I must admit though my lady that I, didn’t exactly do so on purpose. I just happened to stumble upon you. Somewhat literally.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Well either way I am awake now. I have you to thank for that. For it seems my loyal servants are incapable of tying up their own sandals without me.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">She sends a sharp gaze around the room to each of the guards and few servants. Somehow they all manage to stand even straighter. They make my back hurt just looking at them.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Anyway, back to business.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Please listen my lady. There is a very important matter that we need to discuss.” It was high time I got back on track.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I believe I know what the matter is you wish to talk about. There has been much disruption in the desert as of late.” She has a more serious expression on her face as she says this. <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Yes! We don’t know what it is, but it appears as though the monster girls are all gathering to this area. I haven’t the slightest clue as to why either. I was hoping you could shed some light on this.” I say.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Yes I certainly can. You see, they aren’t gathering towards something. They are running away.” She looks at the bottom of her goblet in thought.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Running away? What would they all be running away from? And why to here?” I begin to ask more questions as I start stuffing my face with whatever my fork can hold.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Have you ever heard of the...Apophis?” She looks at me again. All hints of a smile gone.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“The Apophis? I suppose I have. Mostly in ancient texts or old dug up books. There isn’t much on them. Mostly legends really. But if I were to hazard a guess by your reaction, you have a more intimate knowledge of them.” I answer.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">She gives a short and bitter laugh. “You have guessed correctly. You see, the Apophis are the Arch Nemesi of all Pharaoh. Countless generations my lineage have opposed them. Our kingdoms have been battling each other for centuries. No one combatant managing to gain the upper hand. Many times the Apophis have attempted to be rid of the Pharaoh, cut off the head of the snake you see? But no matter what, a new Pharaoh always manages to rise in place of the old. You can call it magic or destiny or whatever you wish. But the fact remains that every time a Pharaoh in charge is killed, a new one suddenly arrives to take their place.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Is that how you got into power?” I interrupt her for a moment.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“You can say that. When the pharaoh before me was captured and killed, I was chosen to take her place. You see the title of a Pharaoh is more of a curse, if you want to call it that. The mark of the Pharaoh was passed onto me, and as such I became ruler. However the Apophis knew a new ruler would take the throne. That is why they prepared a spell in advance. Through some sort of ritual involving the Pharaoh before me, they somehow managed to get to me without even coming close. As soon as the mark was passed to me I was incapacitated. Of course, if they used a spell that simply killed me they would have accomplished nothing for someone would have taken my place. So instead of simply killing me they put me into some sort of half dead state. Sealing away my consciousness. As I was not technically ‘dead’, or at least not in spirit, the kingdom had no ruler to guide it.. ”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">She was looking down dejectedly. I could tell these weren’t the best memories for her.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“But wait. I understand how important a ruler is, but couldn’t have someone else taken the reins? Albeit temporarily? Are you telling me a whole kingdom collapsed just because their ruler was out of commision?” The idea seemed a bit farfetched to me. Especially thinking of how expansive the kingdom was in it’s heyday.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“You do not understand. The Pharaoh isn’t just some rule. The Pharaoh is the very essence of the kingdom. The kingdom and its servants, guards, and subjects are simply the embodiment of the Pharaohs will Without a Pharaoh, a kingdom is simply like a puppet with it’s strings cut..” She explains.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I see. So what happened then? I know you were mostly likely gone during all of this, but what happened to the Apophis? They obviously aren’t very busy nowadays. Why did they simply disappear all of a sudden? Shouldn’t they be the ones calling the shots out in the world?” With their main competitors out of the way, I doubted they had much competition.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Ah, that part had to be explained to me as well. For you see, the mages within my kingdom had their own little tricks. Not only was I tied directly to the kingdom, but they also tied my essence to the very desert region. It was easy to do considering I had no say in the matter. Being half dead and all… The desert region became nearly inhospitable. Only the sturdiest of monster girls were leftover. A few took shelter within the sunken kingdom, not daring to venture out into the harsh desert. Of course, the effect has certainly waned over the years. Despite this there are still frequent sandstorms, as you well know. I imagine that the Apophis also survived after all this time. With the desert becoming less hostile they are no doubt coming out of hiding. And THAT, my dear Andre, is why all the monster girls are taking shelter. Because they know that the awakening of the Apophis spells disaster for all.” She finally finished her explanation and sat back in her chair, pouring herself more wine.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“That certainly is a lot to take in. Do you uhm.. Do you know some way of stopping the Apophis? Besides all out war I mean.” I can’t help but feel a little overwhelmed. An ancient Evil kingdom rising from myth and legend isn’t something I’ve studied for. Well not in depth anyway.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“*Sigh* Not as of yet. Remember that I just woke up. I barely know of the outside world as it is. I do have my people working on their location though. Apparently they’ve moved after all these years. But enough of that! They probably won’t make their move for years to come. I doubt they will be in a rush once they find out I’m back in action. Now please, let us finish our meal, I wish to get to know you. I’m surrounded by yes men these days.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I’m all yours for the evening.” I tell her. She just smiles.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">********************************************************************************************

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">*Time skip of about 45 minutes because I suck at casual dialogue.*

 

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“HA! Then what did you do?” Aria giggles.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Heh. Then he just looks at us and he says, ‘Guys, what do I do now?’ And Marcus just says, ‘Scotty, that wasn’t your car.” I was telling her a story that, I hoped, would make her laugh. It was successful so far. I had also been telling her all the new things the world had to offer. Cars, cellphones, light bulbs. Morgan Freeman.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Hah, you certainly are an interesting man. Tell me, how did you manage to make this trek all by yourself? Not that I’m doubting your resourcefulness, but the desert is a treacherous place.” She asks lightheartedly.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">I feel like punching myself. I’ve been so caught up in recent events I completely forgot about the people who are supposed to be here with me. I can’t believe I managed to sweep them under the rug while I was feasting right now. Terry is probably dead. The Colonel I don’t care about as much, but he helped me get here too. Even if he did leave me to die.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Andre? Is there a problem?” Aria looks at me curiously. Tilting her head slightly.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“YES! I- Oh my God, I-I completely forgot about the rest of the squad! I was about to call them friends, but if I’m honest with myself I barely talked to Terry, but he did save my life. So that counts for something. The Colonel I would put more in the, ‘Enemies’, column.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Oh my, do you know where they are?” She asks.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I don’t know. Well, kinda. You see, in the beginning, when we had to get past thesphinx, a friend of mine, Terry, sacrificed himself to Save The Colonel and I. Then, when we got deeper into the tomb, We started being chased by these mummies. Long story short, The Colonel left me for dead to save his own life. Although it’s hard to be upset about that when it lead me to you.” I don’t bother telling her about the two that went down even before we entered the tomb. There's nothing she can do for them.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I see... Estet!” The Pharaoh calls out.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Estet immediately comes charging into the room, instantly locking her death glare onto me.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Yes Mistress! Is this plebian bothering you? I shall have him removed from your presence at once!” Estet says.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Don’t be silly, I am enjoying Andres company very much. I just wish to know if any other visitors to the tomb have been found.” The Pharaoh asks Estet.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Uh-Uhmm.. Well, you just woke up you see.. Already your are so busy… I didn’t think you would want to waste your time with a few pesky invaders…” Estet is looking down as she says this, Aria was slowly raising her brow as Estet went into her explanation. Then she abruptly stands from the table.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Bring them here at once!” She says.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Yes Mistress!” Estet responds, and runs off.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Honestly, sometimes I have no idea what she’s thinking. I apologize. Hopefully your friends are unharmed.” She tells me.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I hope so too..”

 

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">*******************************************************

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">When Estet finally comes back I’m both relieved and annoyed. Relieved at the fact that Terry is alive, and seems to be relatively unharmed. And annoyed at the fact that The Colonel is alive, and seems to be relatively unharmed.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I found this one with the sphinx Mistress. She was planning on keeping him to herself, but I had the guards seize him for interrogation later.” She says pointing to Terry. “This one must have crawled through the small tunnels in the tomb and ended up in the sewers.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Now that I realized, The Colonel did have a slight odor to him. The sewer eh? Maybe there is justice afterall. I am glad to see Terry is fine though.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Are these the comrades you spoke of?” Aria asks inquisitively.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Yes. Well, at least I consider one of them a comrade. The other one… Not so much.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Oh? Which one of them is the one who left you for dead?” She gives the both of them a sharp glare.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Terry starts trying to put some distance between The Colonel and himself.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“The smelly one. He’s the one that broke my ankle, that you so nicely healed for me.” I tell her.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I see. In that case, perhaps it would be best to decide what to do with him later. For now… Guards, take him to the holding cells.” She has the guards carry The Colonel away kicking and snarling.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Aren’t you going to introduce us dear?” She asks me.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Oh yeah. Uhh.. Terry, this is Aria, she is the Pharaoh and ruler of this palace. Aria, this is my new friend Terry.” I introduce them.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Terry tentatively holds out a hand to shake and Aria shakes it.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“It is a pleasure to meet you Terry. I apologize for that whole sphinx incident. She can be a bit clingy sometimes. At least you seemed to have come out okay. I should thank you as well, for bringing Andre to me safely. I know you probably had no idea we would end up meeting together like this, but I am grateful nonetheless.” She tells Terry with a smile.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">This has been a rather wonderful turn of events. Not only have I survived thus far, but I also got my savior back.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“It’s nice to meet you ma’am. My Queen. Your highness. Lady. Uhmm…” He seems a bit at a loss for words. I was too at first.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Please, any friend of Andre is a friend of mine. I insist you call me Aria.”  She tells him.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Alright then, it is nice to meet you, Lady Aria.” He says and gives a slight bow.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I don’t feel a large need for the ‘Lady’ part but I’ll take it. I shall have my servants escort you somewhere you can rest and relax. I’m sure this whole event has been very stressful for you.” She tells him.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“That would be very nice my Lady. A nap sounds wonderful right now.” He says.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The guards proceed to usher him out the door.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I just now realize that I never really got a chance to talk to him personally again. Oh well, I’m sure I’ll get another chance soon. I still need to thank him for saving me after all.” I tell Aria.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Indeed. Now my dear, I’m going to be rather forward with you.” <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:'CourierNew';color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">(Because I’m lazy and really don’t feel like having 5 chapters worth of building up their relationship. ) <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">She looks at me.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“About what?” I respond.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I like you, and I want you. I have many things to offer if you were to become my husband. I don’t know if you currently have, or have been in any relationships, but I am very interested in being in one with you. You would become the ruler of a kingdom alongside me. I would make sure you were well loved. And <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">satiated. <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The choice is yours.” She tells me. A hungry glint in her eye.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I also find you very attractive. Not just physically either. I would be honored to be your lifemate. Although I’m a bit short for cash these days, so you’ll have to wait for a ring.” I give her a slight bow and kiss her hand. Usually this type of romance makes me queasy, but it seemed like the right thing to do in the moment.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">She smiles happily down at me. “Very good then! All is needed is the royal wedding!” She says.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Oh? When will that be?” I ask her.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Right now! Priest! Mary us at once!” She calls out. A man in ancient egyptian clthing wearing a funny hat comes in.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Do you take Pharaoh Aria to be your wife?” He asks me.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I do.” I respond

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Do you take Andre to-”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Yes yes, hurry it along.” She rushes the Priest.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“I now pronounce you husband and wife. Kiss.” He throws flower petals in the air and leaves just as quickly as he came.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Talk about shotgun weddings.” I say humorously.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“What’s a shotgun? Anyway it took him long enough. Now we can finally get to the fun part.” She leaps into my arms and I begin carrying her bridal style.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“The fun part?” I say. Although I’m pretty sure I know what she has in mind.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Oh yes. Shall I be the guide to my- <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">our <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> private quarters?” She asks sultrily.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Please do. My love.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:'CourierNew';color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">(You are probably going to just have to use your imagination. I’m not sure what the rules are on lemons, so I’m just gonna be cautious here. If they are okay I’ll make a separate blog post for it.)

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">*Time Skip 3 months*

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:18.666666666666664px;font-family:Corsiva;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Dear Uncle Tony,

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:18.666666666666664px;font-family:Corsiva;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">I know it has been awhile since you have had any contact from me at all. I want to start off by saying I am doing very well. I have met the woman of my dreams. I also have a new career. Let’s just say I am in a leading role in a rather large organization. Anyway, I want to tell you all is well, and that I am currently working on the problem regarding the Desert region. I have found out the cause of the problems. I’m not sure if you have heard of the Apophis, but they are said to be quite the nuisance. They aren’t too active right now, but I’m told they will be fully awakened eventually. Hopefully by then we will be ready for them. I realize I should have written you a long time ago, it’s just that I have been so caught up in recent events that I’ve neglected other responsibilities. Not to mention my lovely wife keeps me rather.. <span style="font-size:18.666666666666664px;font-family:Corsiva;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Busy… <span style="font-size:18.666666666666664px;font-family:Corsiva;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Guess that charm you talk about runs in the family huh? I am very grateful to you for sending me on this mission Uncle. You changed my life drastically, and definitely for the better. I’m going to end this letter here, but I will make an attempt to contact you more often. I love you Uncle, and thank you once again.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:18.666666666666664px;font-family:Corsiva;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">-Andre

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“*Yawn* Who are you writing to love?” I feel a pair of arms wrap around me as I put the finishing touches on my letter.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Just my Uncle my dear, I felt the need to contact him after all this time.” I turn my head and give her a kiss.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Hmmm…. Well if you are finished, I would like to continue our activities from earlier in the day now, if you don’t mind.” She begins kissing my neck. My kryptonite.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">She was referring to our little meet up right before she went into a long and boring meeting. SHe says it helps her relax and keeps her from being too tense and strict during hearings. Not that I’m complaining.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Certainly darling.” I reply.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">She grabs my hand and leads me to the bed. After a while sleep finally takes us both.

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<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:48px;font-family:Corsiva;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">~Fin~

 

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">*************************************

Thank you to HoundTheDestroyer93  for reviewing this once again.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">This whole thing was a bit rushed, I think it shows in some parts. Anyway as I said before I might be doing a few one-shots of Aria and Andre in the future. I might even include The Colonel and Terry in a few as well. If you have any ideas let me know. I really enjoyed writing this. I’ve actually learned quite a lot from the experience. Number one being that I need to expand my vocabulary. I noticed early on that I kept using the same words over and over because I couldn’t think of different ones to express the same thought or meaning. It got very repetitive, so I often goggled synonyms to certain words, to keep it somewhat fresh. Thank you all very much for reading this. Until next time!