Thank you (Osir & Layla)

[Nyra Ramses]

• Time: 4:05 p.m.
  
• Setting: underground tunnel beneath the palace
  
• Weather Conditions: hot and sunny
  

Few knew of the tunnels under the palace. Nyra had used them often. It was a secret known only to the criminal element of the city. Tonight though she had different intentions. She walked through the darkness easily from years exploring the tunnels. The entrance to the palace was near. Her thoughts were of the guard who had tried to defend her in the market. not since she had been a child had anyone had done such a thing. She felt guilty for using him to steal from the dark man.

She shimmied out of the hole that was the entryway to the palace. Silently she replaced the seal, sneaking her way down the hall towards the guards quarters. Most were out, practicing at this time. She could leave her little gift for him and leave without being found.

She stayed to the shadows as to stay hidden. As she wounded a corner she came face to face with a someone.

[Layla Amisi]

So many thoughts ran through Layla's head, leaving the little girl something close to brainless. It was difficult for her to pay attention after the previous events. It had caused her to begin to think differently, to come up with something that could help free the Hebrews. However, the thought of violence still plauged her mind. Would Elohim approve of bloodshed? Surely it was against His will. How much longer could Layla stand these inner conflictions? She could never know. It was a blessing to have Moira around. She helped relieve things, though brought up more questions then answers. Perhaps the woman was sent for a reason, though she could not say why yet. Was she sent as a savior? Someone to deliver them?

Layla continued to muse on these confusing thoughts, unaware of her surroundings. With her she carried an empty clay pot. She vaguely rememebered that she was supposed to bring it to the well and fill it up with water, and so she headed in the direction of the palace's entrance. Her brown eyes were glazed over, foggy and clouded in thought. Her small feet padded quietly against the stone floor below her malnourished frame. There was nothing to distract her this time unlike her previous discovery, so it was not necessary to set down the basin this time. This memory of what she was even supposed to be doing was very far away, as though she was watching from afar.

Rounding a corner, Layla instantly snapped out from what seemed a trance. The figure before her frightened and shocked her so that her soft brown eyes widened. She stood in the shadows of the wall, in which this seemed suspicious. An intruder? No, the guards would never let that happen, would they? Alarmed and too frozen to move, the clay pot from her hands dropped onto the floor, a loud echo resounding throughout the palace. The once empty basin was shattered into tiny pieces on the stone floor, scattered all around her. Her gaze faltered, falling on the ground in fear. Her voice came out in a whisper as she spoke in her own language.

"Be'vakasha, lo tsur ani..."

((translation: Please, do not hurt me))

[Nyra Ramses]

Those fragile eyes seared into her heart. Years before when she had been an occupant of the temple of Isis, she had met this child. She probably wouldn't remember Nyra. It hurt to see the fear in the young one's eyes. She had obviously become a slave like others there.

Her eyes teared when Layla begged her not to harm her. Nyra spoke in Hebrew, hoping ti would calm her if she spoke her native tongue. "Fear not, child. You and I are old friends. I will not harm you. Seti's commander did me a great favor and i seek to repay him."

Layla had grown so much. As a child she had been a joy to Nyra since she had no one else to play with. Those beautiful eyes were so mistrustful now. The innocence being torn away. Her heart ached to take her away from this but her life wasn't exactly safe either. She pulled her hood down so she could see her face. Nyra prayed Layla would recognize her. "Would you help an admirer leave a token of thanks?" She smiled sweetly at the child.