[Rumors was what had brought Benjamin to the museum. Rumors are what had led him to meeting Ahkmenrah. But what he'd found on the other end of the rumors was something not quite like he'd expected. He'd been visiting frequently, getting to know him better and all too fond of him before long.
He'd taken up temporary residence in New York before long. Ahkmenrah reminded him of the old life in a lot of ways, so similar to himself in that among other things as well.
They could never leave the museum to talk, instead walking the halls or finding a place to spend time together. Benjamin found himself restless with it all too soon and he didn't quite understand how the other didn't feel utterly trapped and frustrated at such confinement -- and well he thought everything about this was a bit of a logistical nightmare.]
Doesn't this get tiring? [He asked, gesturing around the strange exhibit they'd decided to hang out in this time. He never really noticed so much of their surroundings when he was around Ahkmenrah, instead staring at him and taking in his lilting tone that Benjamin never quite expected.]
[Ahkmenrah certainly never could've expected anything like this either, not in a million years, never mind only 3,000: a fellow Egyptian walking into the museum with his face, or one so much like it that he must be a descendant, and one who was also much older than most could claim. The truth about that, though - vampires weren't part of Egyptian lore, and they never made it into museums, so it took him awhile to come to terms with the idea of drinking blood for immortality.
Granted, there were many things from their shared cultural background that also prepared him for the revelation, so he wasn't as shocked as others may have been. As time passed, he got used to the way Benjamin's eyes were sometimes deep red and sometimes amber, and took note of behavioral changes that meant he'd soon have to leave and feed. He came to know Benjamin quite well, even for a close observer like himself, came to enjoy his company. As time passed, he found his thoughts with Benjamin even when the other man couldn't make it, and other exhibits remarked on how distant he'd become; he'd been so much the life of the party before that even Larry often asked if something was wrong.
He didn't think that wrong was quite the word. Unusual was what he would've said, or at least new. And he wasn't sure why, but the fact that it was with someone who looked nearly identical to him made it feel all the more unusual.]
Tiring? [He glanced at Benjamin curiously, trying to work out which part he meant. Being free to walk the museum was such a blessed relief after so long locked up in his sarcophagus that he didn't even imagine Benjamin might mean being unable to leave.] The museum? Why would it be?
[Benjamin shook his head when the other answered. Perhaps, he should have expected as much from Ahkmenrah's answer. He'd explained his story. Both of their stories to anyone else might have been nearly impossible to believe but there hadn't really been a moment of doubt. The truth was in his eyes when he spoke.]
You do not tire of not being able to leave this place? Travel? See the world as it is now?
[He rested his chin on his loosely curled fist, eyes following ever detail of the other's face. Ahkmenrah was the most fascinating being he'd discovered in ages and he couldn't fathom why the confines of a museum, one building was enough for him.]
[Ah. So Benjamin just meant stretching his legs, broadening his horizons. He offered a mild grin, so comfortable in the man's company that he chose to take off his headdress for the first time in quite awhile and set it down beside him, revealing hair exactly like Benjamin's as well: thick, coarse curls, almost the same length.]
Wearing that is tiring, but you musn't ever tell anyone I've said so. [Even if his father wasn't here, and he was the one who'd really have something to say about it, he didn't need anyone else hearing that the head that wore the crown was literally heavy because of it.] As for staying here... I did see a good deal of the city, not long after Larry joined us as the night guard. Of course I'd love to see more -
[He glanced away again, feeling a bit guilty at the notion that his father's gift of eternal life could not be enough.] - but I'm lucky to have what I do, aren't I? To live at all?
[Was it vain if he thought that Ahkmenrah was a beautiful man? They certainly held their similarities but he found a beauty in the way he moved, the way he spoke and well everything about him that Benjamin was not. He nodded simply at the instruction not to tell anyone -- who would he tell anyway?
Benjamin's gaze didn't waver away from Ahkmenrah when he glanced away. He could easily recognize something that was familiar in himself. When being alive didn't feel like enough.]
What if there was a chance to have more? Would you want it?
[Given what Benjamin had told him about what he was, the question gave Ahkmenrah a deep chill. Part of him didn't want to think that Benjamin could mean it, but the rest wondered what else he could possibly mean, when he didn't have anything so powerful as the magic of the gods at his fingertips. Unique abilities, yes, but nothing like what his father had channeled to make the tablet.
When he finally looked back to meet Benjamin's eye, he found himself startled by the intensity of his (blood-)red gaze. Surely he himself didn't look at people that intently without realizing it... did he? It made his heart flutter strangely in his chest.]
[Benjamin gave a small smile. His story contained a little less choice in it but that was no matter now.]
Yes.
[It was clear what he was offering even though it was left unsaid. He wanted to reach and touch Ahkmenrah but there was still a part of him that felt he was untouchable, a god before him. Would he make him less so if he agreed? His brow creased at the thought and only then did his gaze lower away from his face.]
[The sudden change on Benjamin's face surprised Ahkmenrah, and concerned him. Had his unease at the question showed on his face and offended him somehow? Ahkmenrah was mindful of the distance Benjamin seemed to keep around himself, never really making any physical contact, and he respected it without ever realizing that it was about him - because who had ever shown him respect since his death? - even as he leaned slightly forward and in to try and catch the man's eye again.]
It doesn't bother me. Your being a vampire. But never having known another one, and only having seen you here, not in your actual life... [He laughed to himself when he realized what he had just said.] ... then again, you've got an actual life that doesn't end quite as literally at sunrise.
[There was more, though. So much to consider if things changed that much.] Where would I live, if not at the museum? What would I - do?
[Benjamin knew the other was trying to catch his eye again and after only a few moments of reprieve given to himself his face was schooled neutral again though a warm smile spread over his mouth.]
You would live with me. If you wanted... though you could do anything, be anyone that you wanted to be. We could go anywhere. [His words were earnest. He remembered a time where that hadn't been the case for himself.] We'd have all the time in the world to figure it out.
With you...? [That sort of generosity seemed extreme, even for someone whose company he'd come to enjoy. It warmed him from the inside out, bringing a bashful smile to his lips, bottom one caught between his teeth.] And you'd travel with me?
[There was just one more thing to consider, which had him up on his feet and racing for his tomb exhibit in a heartbeat, waving for Benjamin to come follow. The 200 ft tall jackal statues guarding the exhibit deferred immediately at the sight of Ahkmenrah and close enough to Ahkmenrah, allowing them to enter far enough to see the tablet.]
My father made this for me. He entrusted it to me. It's given a lot of people here - not everyone would consider them people, but I do - wonderful lives. If i no longer need it, I can leave it here, and they still...
[But he's still giving up that powerful gift from his father.]
[Benjamin nodded, the other's smile warmed him and perhaps that's one of the things that drew him so much to Ahkmenrah. He felt the urge to touch him again, run his fingers over his cheek but he couldn't. He was from a time where the Pharaoh's lineage had been well respected.] Yes.
[He got up quickly to follow the other through the museum. His eyes fell on the tablet and then returned to Ahkmenrah. He knew what he was asking him to give up.]
I know it wouldn't be easy but... [What was an adequate and appropriate thing to say? Centuries of life and he was still ill-prepared.]
[Slowly, Ahkmenrah crossed behind his sarcophagus and moved to touch the tablet he'd guarded all his life, with varying levels of success. There was someone at this museum who respected it now, another guardian for the priceless heirloom. And when he thought about it...]
Everyone moves on to find their own lives eventually, don't they? From parents, from schooling, from - museums and familial magic - [He turned to look at Benjamin, something more eager in his expression. His tablet cast a soft golden light across his skin, almost making him appear lit from within.] - I'd like to. I want to. I still can't quite believe you'd offer me all this.
[Benjamin watched him and for a moment he wasn't sure he wanted to give it up and Benjamin also was not sure he should have asked him to. Perhaps it had been unfair. A part of him was not sure it could work and the disappointment that he'd see in Ahkmenrah's eyes if he agreed and that happened... That image settled like the weight of the world on his shoulders.
But the chance to leave the museum and explore the world with someone he'd chosen, that'd chosen him...]
Yes. [Benjamin gave a slight nod. After all, he had been turned, staying with his Coven and Creator for so long before they had parted ways and now he was making another transition -- he hoped. He stared at Ahkmenrah, for all their similarities he was certain that he was not nearly as beautiful as he was and while he was kind and often too compassionate for his own good he didn't think he was nearly as good-hearted as he.
It was difficult to do much but stare in his presence and especially just now. He'd nearly missed what he'd said but his eyes widened as he focused his gaze onto Ahkmenrah's eyes.] You deserve the whole world at your feet, not a single building.
[What a feeling, not new but long-forgotten: Benjamin quite nearly worshiped him. It had been so long that Ahkmenrah hadn't seen it until it became too obvious to ignore, but those words - you deserve the whole world at your feet - took him right back. A pampered life surrounded by love and idolatry and luxury, with which his elder brother only made the most glancing contact until the fury of that fact drove him to eliminate the boy who he felt had stolen it all with his very birth.
It wasn't exactly what he wanted from Benjamin, who he saw more as a friend than a subject, but the way that feeling swelled inside him until his shoulders were straighter, his head higher, could not be denied. This was a future that had first seen his sacred tomb raided for "education," then seen him trapped in his sarcophagus for decades by men ignorant or uncaring of his true station. Regaining a piece of the past was fiercely satisfying under those circumstances.]
I'll do it. I'll take what you have to offer. But I only need to see the world, really, I don't know a thing about it anymore. That doesn't make a decent ruler.
[Moving back to stand closer to Benjamin, his serious expression grows stiff around the edges: not just solemn but nervous.] How - how exactly do you -
[Benjamin gave the minutest of nods. They were far past the days of the Pharoah's, though maybe a return to rulers such as them would have been an improvement on the current day. And perhaps Benjamin was merely nostalgic for the bygone era.]
I can't be sure that it will work. [He finally admitted out loud, his eyes lowered from his usual stare as he thought to explain it.] I'll drink from you, drain nearly all you have to offer and then you'll drink from me. It's not an easy transition but I will take care of you. [It felt like warmth emanated from the other and a part of him didn't want to pull that away from him. One could dream that his warmth would remain but that would be foolish.]
... I'm not sure it will, either. I'm not even sure I still have blood. [That was the sort of wry comment the others in the museum would look at him strangely for making, a bit too stark and blunt even for those from much deadlier periods in history, but he knew Benjamin would understand. He'd definitely had his organs removed, given that he was fully mummified, and a magical tablet that could bring wax and stuffed pelts to realistic life didn't leave room for any assumptions about what it did to him. He was real, he knew that much, but what did that mean beyond flesh?]
My father never had the chance to explain the full working of the tablet before I was - died. [There was a telling slip and correction of the tongue. Did Benjamin know his story, he wondered? Were many stories told of him at all?] I'm not always of much help.
[There was the pressing question. Was he sure. Was he sure?] Do people often know for certain when they make this change? [Again, his tone was making light of it in a sardonic sort of way, but he also hadn't answered.]
Edited (MISSED A LINE IN HIS TAG SORRY) 2016-09-19 19:35 (UTC)
[Benjamin's eyes shifted back to Ahkmenrah's at the statement, the shift of words that was all too noticeable. He shook his head. It was one of the rare moments -- more often since he'd met Akhmenrah -- that he felt speechless. It wasn't a choice not to speak but the utter lack of what words to say.
Instead he shook his head minutely at the comment about not being helpful.]
We will see what happens.
[Perhaps, if Ahkmenrah was truly serious about this, part of Benjamin worried it might be a whim that would change and that was part of why he questioned.]
Many, if not most, have little choice in the matter.
[Lips pursed thoughtfully, Ahkmenrah nodded. That was about what he'd expected to hear.]
My father wanted me to have eternal life. But he also wanted all of us to be together, and we were separated when our tomb was found, so they've never returned. There may be no way for things to be as he wished. The best thing I can do now is live, isn't it, something more like a real life?
[Even though this was Benjamin's idea, and he was encouraging it at almost every step, Ahkmenrah still trusted the man to give him an honest answer rather than steer him in the most personally favourable direction. One could see the sort of leader he was in that moment: caring and earnest but much too trusting and dangerously naive, viewed as benevolent by some and spineless by many more, all too easily overthrown.
Quite suddenly, forgetting the distance he always tended to respect, he reached out and took both of Benjamin's hands in his. Oh, his skin was so cold.]
Well, I'm taking the choice. I leave the rest in your hands.
[That was a weighty thing to advise on. There was always a subjective sort of feeling to what 'real life' even was. There were many that would have scorned the life Benjamin had lived and even himself at times had grown wary of it.]
I would say yes, if it were me, but only you can really answer that for yourself.
[His words were soft, tender and he wished he could give a definitive answer but that wouldn't have been fair.
Benjamin's eyes widened again when Ahkmenrah took his hands, staring down at them. The warmth that didn't really sink in but that he couldn't help but enjoy just a little. They were talking about taking it away but there was still plenty to gain.
The Pharaoh was touching him, his lips parted to speak but no words came out. Honestly, if he was to turn him he'd have to have touched him at some point so perhaps it was best to get this shock out of the way.]
[He'd gotten a little too excited there, and hadn't even realized it until Benjamin looked so startled; embarrassed, he withdrew his hands and wondered if the chill was why Benjamin never wanted to touch him. It certainly didn't bother him, given that people made of wax tended to feel a bit unusual when brought to life as well.
Now he wasn't quite sure what to do with himself - he'd made the choice, but there were still questions in his mind, he just felt a bit childish spilling nothing but questions while Benjamin answered so patiently.]
[Benjamin explained quickly at the apology that had followed Ahkmenrah letting go of him. His eyes searched the other's face again. Was this the right thing to do or would Ahkmenrah come to hate him for doing this to him? He was so kind and happy in Benjamin's mind.
What if the realities of the life they would share weighed on him? Changed him? Of course it would change him, rarely does anyone not change at all when they're altered in such a fundamental way. But he trusted Ahkmenrah's judgement and his decision -- who was he to argue, truly. And selfishly he wanted him to so they could see the world together.]
[Oh, oh no, was that it? Was that why Benjamin kept his distance? Ahkmenrah couldn't help but laugh, even though it probably wasn't the kindest response, because it was just so strange to have someone point out his title with such awe in this day and age. Benjamin himself was still millennia ahead of his family and the culture he'd known. What incredible respect for history, which is what Ahkmenrah is now.]
I was the Pharaoh. I was a Pharaoh. You needn't show me special treatment for that, Benjamin, just knowing the depth of your respect is enough.
[The smile stayed on his face even as he considered whether or not he was truly ready for this. He couldn't seem to shake it off. You're just... the Pharaoh. The words felt as though they were caught inside him and glowing, like fireflies in a net.]
I - [No. He wasn't ready.] - I must speak to Larry first. I know he'll guard the tablet well in my absence, there's no doubt in my mind, but... [He just gave Benjamin a pleading look, hoping he'd understand why Ahkmenrah still needed reassurance before he could say a true goodbye.]
I can make no promises. [Benjamin highly doubted that he could stop giving the other special treatment even at his request. He'd grown up to stories of Pharaohs and had a deep respect for the history of his culture and home country. Ahkmenrah was an embodiment of all that and much closer to the ways he was used to in his early life than many he had known since.]
You should settle everything that you need to. [He said, bowing his head slightly.] I would not have this any other way.
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alchemicalists) wrote2016-09-17 11:42 pm
look i'll try okay
idek
He'd taken up temporary residence in New York before long. Ahkmenrah reminded him of the old life in a lot of ways, so similar to himself in that among other things as well.
They could never leave the museum to talk, instead walking the halls or finding a place to spend time together. Benjamin found himself restless with it all too soon and he didn't quite understand how the other didn't feel utterly trapped and frustrated at such confinement -- and well he thought everything about this was a bit of a logistical nightmare.]
Doesn't this get tiring? [He asked, gesturing around the strange exhibit they'd decided to hang out in this time. He never really noticed so much of their surroundings when he was around Ahkmenrah, instead staring at him and taking in his lilting tone that Benjamin never quite expected.]
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Granted, there were many things from their shared cultural background that also prepared him for the revelation, so he wasn't as shocked as others may have been. As time passed, he got used to the way Benjamin's eyes were sometimes deep red and sometimes amber, and took note of behavioral changes that meant he'd soon have to leave and feed. He came to know Benjamin quite well, even for a close observer like himself, came to enjoy his company. As time passed, he found his thoughts with Benjamin even when the other man couldn't make it, and other exhibits remarked on how distant he'd become; he'd been so much the life of the party before that even Larry often asked if something was wrong.
He didn't think that wrong was quite the word. Unusual was what he would've said, or at least new. And he wasn't sure why, but the fact that it was with someone who looked nearly identical to him made it feel all the more unusual.]
Tiring? [He glanced at Benjamin curiously, trying to work out which part he meant. Being free to walk the museum was such a blessed relief after so long locked up in his sarcophagus that he didn't even imagine Benjamin might mean being unable to leave.] The museum? Why would it be?
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You do not tire of not being able to leave this place? Travel? See the world as it is now?
[He rested his chin on his loosely curled fist, eyes following ever detail of the other's face. Ahkmenrah was the most fascinating being he'd discovered in ages and he couldn't fathom why the confines of a museum, one building was enough for him.]
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Wearing that is tiring, but you musn't ever tell anyone I've said so. [Even if his father wasn't here, and he was the one who'd really have something to say about it, he didn't need anyone else hearing that the head that wore the crown was literally heavy because of it.] As for staying here... I did see a good deal of the city, not long after Larry joined us as the night guard. Of course I'd love to see more -
[He glanced away again, feeling a bit guilty at the notion that his father's gift of eternal life could not be enough.] - but I'm lucky to have what I do, aren't I? To live at all?
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Benjamin's gaze didn't waver away from Ahkmenrah when he glanced away. He could easily recognize something that was familiar in himself. When being alive didn't feel like enough.]
What if there was a chance to have more? Would you want it?
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When he finally looked back to meet Benjamin's eye, he found himself startled by the intensity of his (blood-)red gaze. Surely he himself didn't look at people that intently without realizing it... did he? It made his heart flutter strangely in his chest.]
The sort of chance you had?
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Yes.
[It was clear what he was offering even though it was left unsaid. He wanted to reach and touch Ahkmenrah but there was still a part of him that felt he was untouchable, a god before him. Would he make him less so if he agreed? His brow creased at the thought and only then did his gaze lower away from his face.]
i don't have enough srs icons
It doesn't bother me. Your being a vampire. But never having known another one, and only having seen you here, not in your actual life... [He laughed to himself when he realized what he had just said.] ... then again, you've got an actual life that doesn't end quite as literally at sunrise.
[There was more, though. So much to consider if things changed that much.] Where would I live, if not at the museum? What would I - do?
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You would live with me. If you wanted... though you could do anything, be anyone that you wanted to be. We could go anywhere. [His words were earnest. He remembered a time where that hadn't been the case for himself.] We'd have all the time in the world to figure it out.
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[There was just one more thing to consider, which had him up on his feet and racing for his tomb exhibit in a heartbeat, waving for Benjamin to come follow. The 200 ft tall jackal statues guarding the exhibit deferred immediately at the sight of Ahkmenrah and close enough to Ahkmenrah, allowing them to enter far enough to see the tablet.]
My father made this for me. He entrusted it to me. It's given a lot of people here - not everyone would consider them people, but I do - wonderful lives. If i no longer need it, I can leave it here, and they still...
[But he's still giving up that powerful gift from his father.]
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[He got up quickly to follow the other through the museum. His eyes fell on the tablet and then returned to Ahkmenrah. He knew what he was asking him to give up.]
I know it wouldn't be easy but... [What was an adequate and appropriate thing to say? Centuries of life and he was still ill-prepared.]
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Everyone moves on to find their own lives eventually, don't they? From parents, from schooling, from - museums and familial magic - [He turned to look at Benjamin, something more eager in his expression. His tablet cast a soft golden light across his skin, almost making him appear lit from within.] - I'd like to. I want to. I still can't quite believe you'd offer me all this.
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But the chance to leave the museum and explore the world with someone he'd chosen, that'd chosen him...]
Yes. [Benjamin gave a slight nod. After all, he had been turned, staying with his Coven and Creator for so long before they had parted ways and now he was making another transition -- he hoped. He stared at Ahkmenrah, for all their similarities he was certain that he was not nearly as beautiful as he was and while he was kind and often too compassionate for his own good he didn't think he was nearly as good-hearted as he.
It was difficult to do much but stare in his presence and especially just now. He'd nearly missed what he'd said but his eyes widened as he focused his gaze onto Ahkmenrah's eyes.] You deserve the whole world at your feet, not a single building.
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It wasn't exactly what he wanted from Benjamin, who he saw more as a friend than a subject, but the way that feeling swelled inside him until his shoulders were straighter, his head higher, could not be denied. This was a future that had first seen his sacred tomb raided for "education," then seen him trapped in his sarcophagus for decades by men ignorant or uncaring of his true station. Regaining a piece of the past was fiercely satisfying under those circumstances.]
I'll do it. I'll take what you have to offer. But I only need to see the world, really, I don't know a thing about it anymore. That doesn't make a decent ruler.
[Moving back to stand closer to Benjamin, his serious expression grows stiff around the edges: not just solemn but nervous.] How - how exactly do you -
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I can't be sure that it will work. [He finally admitted out loud, his eyes lowered from his usual stare as he thought to explain it.] I'll drink from you, drain nearly all you have to offer and then you'll drink from me. It's not an easy transition but I will take care of you. [It felt like warmth emanated from the other and a part of him didn't want to pull that away from him. One could dream that his warmth would remain but that would be foolish.]
You truly want this? It cannot be undone.
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My father never had the chance to explain the full working of the tablet before I was - died. [There was a telling slip and correction of the tongue. Did Benjamin know his story, he wondered? Were many stories told of him at all?] I'm not always of much help.
[There was the pressing question. Was he sure. Was he sure?] Do people often know for certain when they make this change? [Again, his tone was making light of it in a sardonic sort of way, but he also hadn't answered.]
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Instead he shook his head minutely at the comment about not being helpful.]
We will see what happens.
[Perhaps, if Ahkmenrah was truly serious about this, part of Benjamin worried it might be a whim that would change and that was part of why he questioned.]
Many, if not most, have little choice in the matter.
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My father wanted me to have eternal life. But he also wanted all of us to be together, and we were separated when our tomb was found, so they've never returned. There may be no way for things to be as he wished. The best thing I can do now is live, isn't it, something more like a real life?
[Even though this was Benjamin's idea, and he was encouraging it at almost every step, Ahkmenrah still trusted the man to give him an honest answer rather than steer him in the most personally favourable direction. One could see the sort of leader he was in that moment: caring and earnest but much too trusting and dangerously naive, viewed as benevolent by some and spineless by many more, all too easily overthrown.
Quite suddenly, forgetting the distance he always tended to respect, he reached out and took both of Benjamin's hands in his. Oh, his skin was so cold.]
Well, I'm taking the choice. I leave the rest in your hands.
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I would say yes, if it were me, but only you can really answer that for yourself.
[His words were soft, tender and he wished he could give a definitive answer but that wouldn't have been fair.
Benjamin's eyes widened again when Ahkmenrah took his hands, staring down at them. The warmth that didn't really sink in but that he couldn't help but enjoy just a little. They were talking about taking it away but there was still plenty to gain.
The Pharaoh was touching him, his lips parted to speak but no words came out. Honestly, if he was to turn him he'd have to have touched him at some point so perhaps it was best to get this shock out of the way.]
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[He'd gotten a little too excited there, and hadn't even realized it until Benjamin looked so startled; embarrassed, he withdrew his hands and wondered if the chill was why Benjamin never wanted to touch him. It certainly didn't bother him, given that people made of wax tended to feel a bit unusual when brought to life as well.
Now he wasn't quite sure what to do with himself - he'd made the choice, but there were still questions in his mind, he just felt a bit childish spilling nothing but questions while Benjamin answered so patiently.]
Should we... right away, do you think?
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[Benjamin explained quickly at the apology that had followed Ahkmenrah letting go of him. His eyes searched the other's face again. Was this the right thing to do or would Ahkmenrah come to hate him for doing this to him? He was so kind and happy in Benjamin's mind.
What if the realities of the life they would share weighed on him? Changed him? Of course it would change him, rarely does anyone not change at all when they're altered in such a fundamental way. But he trusted Ahkmenrah's judgement and his decision -- who was he to argue, truly. And selfishly he wanted him to so they could see the world together.]
Are you ready?
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I was the Pharaoh. I was a Pharaoh. You needn't show me special treatment for that, Benjamin, just knowing the depth of your respect is enough.
[The smile stayed on his face even as he considered whether or not he was truly ready for this. He couldn't seem to shake it off. You're just... the Pharaoh. The words felt as though they were caught inside him and glowing, like fireflies in a net.]
I - [No. He wasn't ready.] - I must speak to Larry first. I know he'll guard the tablet well in my absence, there's no doubt in my mind, but... [He just gave Benjamin a pleading look, hoping he'd understand why Ahkmenrah still needed reassurance before he could say a true goodbye.]
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You should settle everything that you need to. [He said, bowing his head slightly.] I would not have this any other way.