Visiting Kahi
“Kahi,” Itennu says softly, then he sighs, voice becoming louder, “Kahi.”
“What?” she asks, looking towards him with a sigh.
“You are not paying attention.” He says sternly, trying to glare at the six year old before him and failing.
“But I’m bored It-en-nu!” she replies, banging her sandaled feet onto the steps where she sat with every kick of her legs emphasising her boredom.
“But everyone in temple needs to know how to read hieroglyphics,” he says attempting reason, “besides, you ask me every day what the wall texts say.”
“You never said it was so hard!” she replies attempting a whine even though her usual giggle is already showing through, “and I’m not learning to read them, I’m learning to read about dull things!”
“Are you saying the life of a scribe is boring?” he says, feigning shock.
“Yes!” she giggles, reaching to set her spinning top going again, “I want to read about stories with those horses on these walls.” She gestures round at the courtyard, the horses and the story indeed on show.
“Then my bored little pupil,” Itennu says with a smile, “let’s go read this story.”
“So,” Kahi says slowly looking up at the wall, “that’s what it meant.” She grins at Itennu, her smile bright and he feels his heart warm and not for the first time he is grateful he chased her that morning three years ago. “It’s a nice story.”
“We’ll have you reading the others on the rest of the temple soon.” He smiles back at her, “and writing them all, I promise you that you will soon grow sick of even this story.”
She shakes her head hurriedly, denying that she would ever get bored of such a thing. He laughs softly, reaching out to pat his charge on the head before a quiet chuckle draws both of their attentions to a shady patch under the fig tree in the centre of the courtyard.
“Seth, Seth, Seth, Seth, Seth, Seth, Seth!” Kahi cries, running the shot distance to collide with the gods legs, holding him tight.
“Hello to you too Kahi,” he smiles, crouching to draw her into a tight hug, his large hand almost completely covering her head.
“Did you bring a present?” she asks, pulling back to stare at him critically and Seth looks to Itennu questioningly.
“Everyone who visits a temple pays homage,” he explains, now comfortable in the presence of his Lord now they meet so often, “So, all visitors bring gifts.”
“I see,” Seth says slowly turning back to Kahi’s expectant face, “Well I could hardly be a rude guest now, in my own temple too.”
As she giggles happily he searches in his long robes, his Anubian like face overly thoughtful as if the task is a great one then he grins at Kahi and pulls a doll from his robes offering it to her. With a happy smile she takes it, surveying the doll critically before it passes some sort of test and she holds it close.
“Now then Kahi,” he smiles, rising to his feet and taking her by one hand to lead her down to sit by a small pool, “Tell me all you and Itennu have been up to.”
“Up to?” Itennu says indignantly, unable to hide his chuckle, “You make it sound like I’m teaching her bad habits my lord.”
“I would be very worried if you were not,” Seth comments turning to give Itennu a wicked smile, “Now, go and find something to do in the temple. She’ll be safe with me.”