(M) What I Desire Most Is... (Panu and Natora)

[Natora]

(This roleplay is rated M for mature themes, violence, love angles that might not be all that attractive to some, and colourful language and scenes.)

Spoiler: Necolita Tao 

Name: Necolita Tao
Age: 17
Description: Dark skin (though lighter than slaves) and black hair that is typically braided with strands of gold. She has brown eyes and a very delicate look about her. She is a typical princess and has been born and bred that way. She is quite thin and typically very quiet, only finding her voice in the privacy of her rooms and with the safety of her brothers peresence.
Personality: Quiet and reserved. With her family in private she is adorable and quite able to have great conversations and good ideas though understands proper etiquette and follows it very strongly, with the exception that she treats her adopted brother as her equal in all ways no matter the situation.
Things to remember: Loves her family to all the ends. Doesn't really want to be married.

Spoiler: Amenhotep Tao 

Name: Amenhotep Tao
Age: 20
Description: Dark skin (though lighter than slaves) with a shaved head so he can wear wigs whenever needed. He is very muscular and strong with his body showing it. He has dark brown eyes and typically has a very firm expression on his face. His face is very square and has a stern expression.
Personality: He knows he's to rule the kingdom one day and treats it incredibly seriously. He is always training or doing something that he believes will make him a better ruler. He is always trying to prove himself and will not turn down a challenge.
Things to remember: Only afraid of disappointing his father. Accepts his brother whole-heartedly and loves him as a brother would love any of his siblings.

The sounds of the khopesh swinging through the air and clanging together was all that could be heard on this side of the palace. The practice of the battle was done in a sand pit to make it harder for one to move and to practice what would actually be needed to be done when it ever came time for a war to be fought. The arena was lined with a wooden rail allowing a ring of sorts so others were not blindly wander into a battle like the one that was happening now. It also allowed a place for spectators to lean to watch. None would take the royal seats that were set on a small stage on one side of the arena so the part of the army that was watching the match and waiting their own turn to enter the ring were leaning on the rail and watching with excitement and baited breath.

Amenhotep fought his brother with all he had had, the sweat running down his muscles in the hot afternoon sun. His adopted brother was the only fighter in the whole cavalry that held any candle to Amen's abilities. He still hadn't managed to find out if that was because the others were too afraid to hurt the crowned prince or if he really was that much better. In any case, this fight was a challenge for both of them as it was the hottest day in a very long time and neither of them was willing to let up and allow the other a victory without taking it strongly and sternly from the other.

A few more swings and holds later Amen finally asked, "Ready to give up yet, brother? Father probably wants us to prepare for the feast tonight." This was followed by a grunt and another flurry of matched hits between the two and another hold. He was trying so very hard to distract his brother and though it was difficult, it had to be done if he wanted to win. "How many do you think will try for Necolita's hand tonight?"

Necolita was upstairs being primped and polished until she glowed. The maids were bathing her and making sure that her braids were immaculate. She was the only royal woman left in the palace now and it was a terrible burden to bear. So for the entire day before a large feast like this she was polished and catered on to make sure that there could not possibly be a woman there that would outshine her.

Being almost 18 now her father had been trying to have her married a dozen times already. Somehow Necolita managed to make it not stick every single time. There was always a reason that the wedding was not a good idea but she was running out of options as she knew her father was running out of patience. Thankfully, though tonight was not fully in her honour, tonight would be a night where Amenhotep might be able to choose his first wife finally. Both of them were quite old for not being married yet but their father was still quite healthy so they did not yet need to worry about keeping the family line alive forever. That was still to their father to worry about.

All around Necolita her room shined with the polished stone that was her floors and walls. The warm and rich carpets on the floor served to keep her feet warm in the night when she woke and make sure that the room looked wealthy more than anything else. As far as she was concerned, Necolita never wanted to marry. She had grown up being trained to be the perfect princess, which she was...except for this part of the "job". In any case she sat there as the maids continued to prepare her for the dinner and gossiped around her as she sat quietly trying to think of another excuse for not getting married.

[Panu]

Spoiler: Sethos Tao 

Name: Sethos Tao
Age: 19
Description: Dark skin (lighter than the slaves, but not as light as the rest of the family) with a shaved head so he can wear wigs when it’s needed. He has brown eyes with relaxing look in them. Like his brother, he’s also very muscular but don’t really show it off. Personality: In contrast to his siblings, he doesn’t have a special title he needs to obtain and he knows for sure. He has a more relaxed personality and like to go around helping out in the palace or make fun of some of the priests. Sethos loves to train together with his brother and spend a lot of time doing so.
Things to remember: Loves his family and will do anything to protect them. Support his brother with everything he has and will do anything to help him out.

They had already had this practice going for quite a while now, none of them wanting to give up. Sethos was not one to give up a match, even if the match was against his own brother, when the hold came he answered “if you are nervous not making it in time for the feast, you better give up now brother” a small smirk appeared one his lips. Knowing Amenhotep, Sethos knew that he would never surrender if he could avoid it, which meant that Sethos either had to hurry up and defeating him or he had to give up very soon. Another matches hit between them “Is that a beat? Around five, and no one will get her hand tonight” his body was beginning to feel the consequences of practicing outside on such a hot day, but he refused to give up “don’t try to distract me dear brother, I’m well aware of what you are doing”

“Do you think Necolita will ever get married?” it came from the younger brother after around 10 mintues, his body was killing him but he had to keep pretending that he was still full of energy. A couple of matches hit between them and as Sethos took a step back, his foot slipped and suddenly he was staring up in the air and up at Amenhotep “I guess that’s your win today.” The army who was standing around watching was clapping as Amenhotep pulled Sethos up from burning sand. Sethos picked up his sword from the sand and couldn’t help but to sigh a bit “I want a rematch soon, just remember that” he laughed and grabbed Amenhotep by the arm “time to get ready for your big evening”

The pharaoh was walking down the big long hall, two priests following him around. After having checked that everything was ready and prepared for tonight, he slowly but stead walked toward Necolita’s room. There was a few knocks on her door, before a priest opened it and the pharaoh walked his. Steadily walking towards his daughter, not really looking at the servants as they bowed for him “Leave us” the words came out as a firm order and everyone left the room. “Dear daughter” the pharaoh said in a calm voice “you look more beautiful and brighter than the sun” he smiled, but as he walked over to her, the smile slowly disappeared and instead a serious look ran over his face “even though tonight is not your big night, I still expect that you will consider some of the marriage offers that will come”

He turned around and headed for the door “I’ve been really patient with you Necolita, but it’s about to run out. I expect you to find a husband before you turn 18” The pharaoh left the room without another word and the servants once again entered the room to help Necolita finish.

[Natora]

Amenhotep laughed gently as his distraction was found out quickly. He expected nothing less but it still amused him to know that his brother really was on his best foot today. Instead of wasting words and energy on lesser things, he continued to spar and match with his brother to make sure that he wouldn't fall under again. When his brother asked about the eventuality of her getting married he considered him for a second. "Father is getting impatient with all of us and our lack of marriage. She'll be married sooner or later," he insisted before pressing on just as Sethos slipped.

Amenhotep stood at his brother's side looking down on him and smiling. It was the first time in a long time that either of them had literally slipped but it was understandable. He offered the hand to pull his brother back up. "A rematch would imply that you could beat me at a later date," he said with a smirk, teasing only. When he was grabbed to go get ready, though, he rolled his eyes. "We all know this isn't just for one of us," he pointed out. Father wanted them all married and giving him grandchildren but all of them seemed a little resistant. Still though, if Amenhotep could find a good wife tonight he might take one soon. His body was getting restless and he too was growing more excited at the prospect of giving himself an heir.

Together they walked off the sandbox and went to their individual chambers to get ready. There was a hot bath that had already been prepared for them by the servants and Amenhotep took advantage immediately. He bathed himself, finding it odd and unpleasant sometimes to let others do this one particular chore for him. With great speed the sweat from the match was relieved of him and he was able to get dressed. It being such a hot day he did choose to only wear his shendyt without the full body coverage. It was too hot to put a shirt on truly. The servants had pulled out the wig for him that was short hair but held a small circlet of gold to show his status. With that he was ready for the night and went out to the hall to see if Sethos and Necolita were ready considering their rooms were all beside each other.

****
When her father entered her room Necolita knew what was about to come. It was a lecture that typically preceded all events where there was potential to find a husband. She hated the conversation. She smiled and nodded to her father as he complimented her. When she saw the smile fade, she had a good idea about what was coming. Of course there was the lecture but as he left, he gave her a deadline. He had never done that to her before. This was different this time. This time she wasn't sure any excuse would do for her.

As the servants came back in to finish preparing her, her brow was furrowed making it more difficult to apply parts of the coal to her eyes and brow. Needless, by the time her day dreaming was over they were finished and she was dressed perfectly for the feast. Her kalasiri reached her ankles and was wrapped tightly around her. A short shawl of sheer but shimmering fabric covered her shoulders slightly for fake modesty and allowed her to move easily. With a sigh making her worried that this feast may prove different than all the rest, she moved outside.

Looking right she saw Amenhotep leaning on his door waiting for her and Sethos. He looked surprised when he saw her. "You're not normally so dressed up. Happy for me are you?" Amenhotep asked her. She had never worn a shawl or cape before. What kind of game was she playing at? She looked gorgeous. "Father put the servants up to this didn't he?" he asked.

"Do you really think I am trying to look more attractive for those gross men down there?" she asked referring to the suitors.

[Panu]

Sethos rolled his eyes a little when Amenhotep mentioned that all of them had to find one to marry “but we also all know, that the most important ones are you and Necolita, and that I can wait.” He followed Amenhotep until they had to go into their own individual chambers. Sethos threw his shendyt on the floor and dived into the hot water in the bath, he quickly washed away all the sand and sweat from the practice. Everything had already been prepared by the servants and Sethos stopped for a second and just stared at it, sometimes he was wondering what it would be like, to do everything on his own, without any servants around. Sethos pulled on his shendyt and associated jewelry, like Amenhotep, a wig with short hair and a short circlet of gold had been prepared and as he put it on, he was ready for the evening.

As Sethos left his chamber, he looked to his left and saw Necolita and Amenhotep talking together. His body stopped for a moment when his eyes fell on Necolita, she looked really gorgeous tonight. He was really surprised and his eyes soon met Amenhotep’s and a smile spread over his face as he walked toward them “You look great tonight Necolita” he leaned in and softly kissed her forehead, as he had done many times before. “So you are both ready to find a partner tonight” said in a teasing tone, knowing how much they both hated it.

Together they all walked down to the hall and shortly before they entered, Sethos leaned into Necolita’s ear “I have your back the whole evening if you need it” he said and smiled softly at her. The room was filled with people already and attention was soon brought to all of them as they entered. A lot of young women were there in hope of being married to Amenhotep. Sethos quickly also was able to point out some of the suitors for Necolita tonight, not that they were something special, he could tell by now. They were all sitting on the golden chairs, while one after one, women were introduced to Amenhotep and men were introduced to Necolita.

Sitting next to his sister, Sethos had a good view of which suitors came up to her. A man came up and in Sethos eyes, he seemed a little creepy and really not a guy Necolita should end up with “how are you any different from the other guys? In my eyes you are the most plain one of them all” Sethos said in boring tone and couldn’t help but to laugh a little when the man turned around and walked away. Their father wouldn’t be pleased, but he wouldn’t give that kind of guy a chance.

***

After the pharaoh had visited Necolita, he walked down to the big dining hall to great all the guests. He sat down on the throne and one priest walked up beside him and began to tell about the different suitors for both Amenhotep and Necolita, telling about their pasts, their families and what bloodline they came from, everything important to know.

As the three siblings walked in, the pharaoh stood up, just as rest of the dining hall and he went over to greet his sons “I hope for you to find a good wife tonight my son” he looked at Amenhotep and turned around to the crowed “this feast tonight, is a great celebration for my oldest son, who have now reached the age for marriage. Before the night is over, he will maybe have found his wife-to-be and the future queen of this land” he gave a last glare to Amenhotep and sat down on his throne again.

Tonight he wasn’t going to be the center of attention, his children would. The pharaoh watched the entertainment which had been prepared while he kept and eyes on the suitors as they walked up to Amenhotep and Necolita.

[Natora]

Walking down to the hall with her brothers was something that Necolita had come to love and appreciate. It was the calm before a storm of a fest as going to happen and it was very possibly the last time that they would do this together with only the three of them. It was sad as she walked with them but she still couldn't help but be grateful for these two that she was with. It was a rare opportunity to have her two brothers that loved her so much. When Sethos offered his help the whole night, it made Necolita smile truly for the first time that night. "I will welcome the help," she said to him though it did only sound half hearted.

As they entered and were announced, Necolita and Amenhotep both caught the lasting glare from their father before the three siblings went and sat in their three chairs that were in front of the throne for the presentation of the suitors. Woman after woman was introduced to Amenhotep though only a few were able to solidify themselves in his mind. Most were beautiful. Quite beautiful. But only a few stood out because of what was behind their eyes and he knew he would pursue them later after the entertainment and meal were over.

Necolita sat on the end with Sethos between her and Amenhotep. As suitor after suitor presented themselves, she became more and more disheartened. There were a few that had returned from trying for her hand previously but there were quite a few new faces as well. To think that one of them who she only just met tonight or once before would be forced to be her husband almost sickened her. When Sethos commented on one of the men, however, she had to stop herself from laughing out loud. The only sign that she enjoyed his little commentary was a slight upturn at the corners of her lips making the rest of the presentation bearable. She had a feeling he might have an opinion on every man that was presented to her and she intended to ask for it later. If she had to choose one in the next few months she might as well have some decent council.

Once all the suitors were presented to both the prince and the princess, there was a clap from behind them and the entertainment started. It was Amenhotep's birthday so most of the entertainment revolved around him and what a man might enjoy. There were some fine dancers though they were only dressed with long shendyts even though they were women. There were some movements that had their chests bouncing quite happily. There were a few points where Necolita gave looks towards her brothers to see if they were being phased by these dancers. Amenhotep kept his eyes forward but the skin on his cheeks started to darken a bit to show he wasn't so unaffected by the women. Necolita shook her head and turned her attention back to the dancers. Truly they were good dancers if one wanted to evaluate them on their form.

After the dancers were done the gifts were starting to be brought forwards to Amenhotep. When it was her turn, Necolita signaled to some ladies in waiting that were standing and watching for her signal. They brought a box up to Amenhotep and kneeled in front of him to present it. Amenhotep looked at his sister curiously. She always chose beautiful gifts though some were more useful than others. As he lifted off the top of the box and then the pulled the paper back underneath he revealed a beautiful khopesh that had a jewel encrusted handle and precious gems that made their way up the blade. He lifted it and held the beautiful weapon with awe. "It's beautiful Necolita," he complimented. "Thank you."

"A khopesh to fit a future pharaoh," she insisted with a smile.

[Panu]

Once in a while, Sethos would also look over at Amenhotep to see some of his suitors, because of course, he would speak with his brother about it afterwards. It wasn’t that he was really jealous of his siblings for having suitors, because he knew how difficult it was for them, but sometimes he wished that he would also have a couple of suitors, but that might not happen right away, he was adopted after all. He turned his eyes back on Necolita and smiled, as soon as he saw a small upturned corner of her lips. As soon as the dancers appeared, Sethos straightened his back and looked at them while they were dancing. Being a man, it wasn’t easy not to be at least a bit affected by it and of course Sethos’ cheeks also darkened a little. Not only his cheeks, but also his face would show shortly.

Sethos had been waiting for his turn to give Amenhotep his present, so when it was his turn, he signaled to one servant who walked up to Amenhotep with a box and opened it. In the box was a shendyt in dark fabric with golden strings, which where wowen in a pattern and some of it matched the khopesh that Necolita had presented in. In the box was also a gorgerine matching to the shendyt. Necolita and Sethos had been working together and tried to create a great and powerful outfit for the future pharaoh.

When the dancing was over, another clap was heard from behind them and the food was now being served. Sethos leaned towards Amenhotep and smiled “have you decided on a girl yet? There have been some good options so far. I have to say that I’ve been a bit jealous of you so far” Sethos laughed a little and began to eat some of the food that was served in front of them. Truth be told, he wasn’t really hungry, but in order to keep the good manners, he would eat a little. Sethos’ eyes turned to Necolita “you did well earlier, just remember to relax and breathe once in a while” a smile appeared on his lips in order to make her relax a little.

[Natora]

Amenhotep thanked Sethos for the gift. Truly it was also beautiful and to have both these gifts on him at one time would certainly make him look fierce. That was what he needed for father to trust him. He needed to be and look fierce. If he could pull that off and lead an army to their victory maybe then their father would trust and love him more. There was always an uncertainty in Amenhotep that their father didn't truly believe in his rule quite yet.

When Sethos mentioned the women as they started eating he laughed. "Sethos, if you want one, just say so. Any f them would be more than honoured to have an offer from either of us to be wed. As long as you don't choose the one I have as a favourite then there is nothing to fear," he said with a smirk.

"Of course," Necolita added to the conversation, "I would be more than willing to offer up one of my suitors to your name as well Sethos." She smiled and her and Amenhotep laughed gently at the thought while they teased their brother. Amenhotep was certain that father was simply concentrating on finding offers for them more as they were his true line. On his birthday Amenhotep intended Sethos to have a fleet of women asking for him.

Necolita looked up at her brother half way through the meal. Quietly she whispered, "Where are those dogs you love so much? They could finish both our plates so that we wouldn't have to." She smiled a little bit wanting just to see Sethos with a true smile instead of pretending to be happy for them. "Besides, one of those dancers had her eyes on you," she insisted with a small smirk.

Dinner was done not long after and the plates were removed. Now was the time for mingling and speaking. Now was the time that their father expected them all to find partners. Necolita turned to Sethos and asked, "Care for a drink, brother?" Amenhotep was already gone and milling about to find the women he had taken to the most so far. Necolita still wanted to avoid the topic as long as possible.

[Panu]

Sethos laughed a little together with his siblings “I really appreciate your offer Necolita, but I’ll have to pass that one, none of them seemed like my type” he laughed again “and no Amenhotep, I’m not going to take any of your suitors, they are here for you and not me, so don’t try to push them to my side, okay?” A smile once again came across his lips and he continued to poke to his food with his fork. When Necolita made the comment about his dogs, he couldn’t help but to laugh a bit “they would finish plates in a split second, unfortunately they are not allowed to be invited to this feast” Sethos looked at her “there were a dancer? I didn’t even notice at all, maybe I should try to find her later” he smirked back.

After the food and the plates were finally removed, Sethos stood up together with the rest of them and before he knew it, Amenhotep was already gone and out talking with the girls who had caught his attention. Sethos’ attention was soon turned to Necolita when she asked him for a drink “that would really be nice with one” he gave a signal to a servant and soon enough they each had a drink “still haven’t found anyone who’s interesting?” he looked at her and took a sip from his drink “In my opinion, and I know I’m not the one to choose one, but they all seem somewhat boring. You don’t need one who just follows order because he’s scared of the consequences”

While they had been talking, a couple of suitors had tried to come over and talk with Necolita, however either she had seemed uninterested or Sethos had made some kind of comment, so they would leave again. The pharaoh had been watching them all from his throne and was now on his way down, soon standing with Necolita and Sethos “I would really appreciate if you didn’t tried to run it for the suitors, Sethos” even though his voice was calm, his eyes was telling another story, a story which would never have a good ending. Sethos sighed a little “I’m sorry father, however the suitors today are just not worth Necolita’s hand, I’m just trying to…” he was quickly interrupted by the pharaoh “I don’t care of what you are trying to do Sethos, don’t get in the way of her marriage, this is the last warning I’ll give you tonight.” The pharaoh turned to Necolita “remember the deadline I set for you Necolita, it would be a good idea, if you did like your brother, went out to talk with your suitors” The pharaoh turned around and walked away once again.

The pharaoh walked over to his eldest son “have you found a suitable woman to be your wife?”

[Natora]

When their father came down to them, Necolita looked nervously from her father to Sethos. She was aware of the restrictions he had placed on her but hadn't had the chance or reason to share either of them with her brothers yet. This was now intimidating. Necolita finished her drink and gave her cup to a passing servant. Maybe the shot of extra wine would make her brave.

As the pharaoh left she looked over the sea of people there. Sethos was right! There was not one man here that piqued her interest. Maybe if she talked to one of them her father might be satisfied. "I suppose my birthday isn't that far off," she said softly in almost a whisper. Her birthday. The day that she would need to be married away by and have a terrible and tied down rest of her life. As much as she liked the other parts of royalty, she didn't like this one at all. "You go find that dancer and I'll start speaking with suitors," Necolita bargained with Sethos. "She was the one with the dark hair and the coal around her eyes," she gave pointless help as all the dancers had had coal around their eyes and dark hair.

Amenhotep looked up at his father as he approached. He smiled and nodded. "There is one great woman in this room that I would consider," he assured his father before pointing to a young woman he had spoken with earlier. "Lady Delphi. She is standing with her father now. Beautiful, calm, elegant. What more could I want of my first wife?" he asked his father. He had spoken to a few other ladies around the Lady Delphi but none had been as alluring as her for some reason. She really was quite stunning and as Amenhotep stood with his father, he caught the young woman's eyes. He smiled to her and nodded.

[Panu]

As their father left, Sethos couldn’t help but to sigh “he really doesn’t have much patient lately… by the way, what deadline was he talking about” looking down at Necolita he was a bit curious of why there suddenly was a deadline and it only made him sigh even more “I guess it’s important to him to get you and Amenhotep married to someone” Sethos placed his hand on her shoulder “everything will be alright, you will find a good guy before your birthday, I’m sure of it” he gave her a calming smile “I’ll try to find the dancer then and by the way, you are really bad to explain how she looked like” he laughed “you are still great though Necolita” Sethos softly kissed her forehead and disappeared into the sea of people in search for the dancer.

It didn’t take long before Sethos had found the dancer, who Necolita had talked about. It actually had been easy to find her because she had been staring at him. Shortly after Sethos was enjoying a conversation with him, he was flirting with her, not sure if it was in hope of getting her into bed, but at least just some entertainment for now. It wasn’t uncommon for the princes to sleep around a little before marriage, Sethos had done it and had been told that he had to be at least a bit experienced for his future wife.

While talking with the dancer, Sethos had been eyeing Necolita the whole time, just so he knew where she was in case she needed help, so he could rush over to her quickly. The dancer had been leaning against the wall for a bit and a smirk appeared on Sethos lips, he would never be allowed to marry a dancer, not in a million years, but a night right now wouldn’t be so bad.

The pharaoh looked in the direction were Amenhotep pointed “she’s a fine woman, beautiful and elegant, she would make a fine wife.” He looked back at Amenhotep “You’ve been doing great tonight my son, is has been a feast worth remembering” The pharaoh rested a hand on his shoulder “I want you to be a great pharaoh in the future, you’ve grown up to be a fine and strong man. Let’s go over and talk with your wife-to-be” he walked over to Lady Delphi “Lady Delphi I assume, my son has spoken great words about you. Your beauty caught his eye and now I want to know more, do you care to tell or do you want my son to tell?”