Zale and his Pharaoh

"This is the room you'll be staying in. It is quite close to mine," Shai said with a wide grin.

Zale and Shai stood outside a room towards the end of a long hall. Zale looked over and saw Shai indicating the door at the end of the hall. They stepped into the room, and Zale let out a whistle. It was likely larger than his whole apartment, and the furnishings were nothing but the best. A king-size bed with high thread count sheets, couches with the plushest cushions, and lush rugs and curtains were only part of the deal. "As this room will be yours, feel free to do with it as you like."

"I appreciate you picking a room on the first floor, honestly," Zale said with a nod, going to the window to look out into the courtyard in the back of the palace.

"Please, I might be a pharaoh, but even I understand the simple things in life," Shai retorted, feigning indignation.

He was good at it, Zale thought.

"I will have a personal attendant assigned to you soon. Should you need anything, you may simply call on them. They will come for you at dinner time."

"It won't be mister stiff legs, will it?" Zale whispered as if Akil could hear him from across the palace.

Shai had to stifle his laughter. "Unfortunately, Akil is my personal attendant. I cannot spare him. Though, I will gladly utilize that name in the future."

After a moment of boyish giggling, Zale took in the atmosphere with a deep, lung-soaking breath. "The big dining hall, this room, just the atmosphere here. It makes it so easy to forget the reason I'm even here. It's like a world apart from everything."

Despite his words, Zale was frowning. "Yes, it is easy to be disconnected here. Many people are."

"I don't like it. It's TOO easy to forget," Zale admitted, then turned to Shai, "When can we visit the forge? I don't want to get too comfortable."

Shai nodded, not mirroring Zale's energy. "I agree with your drive. However, let us take a break for today. My prior business does have me feeling rather tired," he admitted, though his demeanor did not indicate it.

"You're right. My bad. Will dinner be in that massive hall?"

"Indeed. Though, unlike past generations, the dining hall is for all members under my employment here. Things are always quite lively thanks to that. We eat as equals, so I hope you'll do the same."

Shai started towards the door. "Tomorrow morning, we will venture to the forge. Whatever ails you aside, try to get some rest," he said with a smile, then left.

Zale waited until Shai's footsteps retreated before flopping on the couch. He kicked his slippers off and lay on the plush cushions. "Whatever ails me, huh?" he spoke softly, sinking further into the cushions.

Though he was eager to get things moving, his exhaustion suddenly set in, taking him by surprise. Before long, the weight of it was too heavy on his eyes. "If only Meru could experience this too," he thought just before sleep claimed him.