WOOD, TREES, AND WOOD

The Grand City of Cairo; gateway to Africa and the greatest of the seven cities... and surrounded on three sides by the vast sprawl of the shantytowns of the North African Enclave Complex. Welcome to Cairo Sector.

[10:05:39] <>Ambiance<> At the point where the vast semi-urban sprawl converges, the concentric land-walls of Cairo seem to jut out at awkward angles from the perfectly straight line cut by the Suez Canal Authority's demarcation wall, which touches this point from the east, and proceeds along the river's edge, to the south.
[10:05:42] <>Ambiance<> The seat of Cairo Enclave may be located at Heliopolis, but Port Memphis was certainly the heart of the city, a vast array of canals branching off from the river at either side, surmounted by such number of cranes and construction that they almost became a city unto themselves.
[10:05:44] <>Ambiance<> All told, a quarter of a million people called the harbour city home, nearly a third of the enclave's total population. It was here that any visitor to the North African Enclaves would first find themselves, and so here it was almost a certainty that one might see a selection of all that these lands had to offer.
[10:05:50] <>Ambiance<> Each day, a small army of merchants and peddlers would take to the streets, all-but accosting any who got off the boats, trying to sell them anything and everything - from finely made textiles to eerily cheap and questionably functional electronics.
[10:14:48] <>Ambiance<> From one of the boats a now somewhat recognized figure steps off- almost snow white skin glaring in the egyption sun as she shrugs her armor-clad shoulder, the rifle on her back clanking faintly against the plating as she walks forwards, biting into an apple as she serveys her surroundings.
[10:14:52] <>Ambiance<> Many of the peddlers have already learned to avoid the snow-pale girl, as those who had the courage to attempt a scam of her found themselves a free lunch of a knuckle sandwich, or swift meeting with the hard-wood stock of her well trusted business assosciate, Meryl.
[10:34:14] <Nenet> Gentle ocean waves crashing against the shore, a steady breeze carrying the scent of the ocean, and the hot African sun bearing down, only cooled by the steady breeze. A perfect place for a cat to sunbathe, and so one escaped sphinx did. The centaurian form of Nenet, a very popular idol of worship in some of the... poorer parts of the variously littered shantytowns. Well enough known to be scoffed at by many of the better-off denizens of
[10:34:14] <Nenet> Cairo, some even going as far as to think that she was just some made-up thing the poor use as a source of hope for good fortune. Yet, imagine the surprise upon those that might have seen her on this little excursion.--
[10:38:39] <Nenet> She laid, sprawled across her side, upon the highest point of the port town she could reach. Out of sight of most, while still allowing herself the chance to watch the commotion down by the ports. She rested her head on an arm, while a free hand idly flipped the pages of a magazine she managed to swipe from a bin, even if the pages mostly went unnoticed in favor of the sight before her. At some points, she would even reach for a morsel of
[10:38:39] <Nenet> meat from a bowl; one of the offerings she brought with her from her "home". All in all, she seemed rather bored... about to turn her attention back to the tattered magazine, until... she saw a glimmer.--
[10:41:35] <Nenet> "A warrior..." She muttered to herself, her eyes focusing on the armor-clad figure. She pushed upper frame up to her elbows, folding her hands as her tail began to flick with interest. "But not of this land... What are you doing here, little soldier man?" She mused to herself, ending with a sly giggle.
[10:49:57] * Nina_Lucette_Olivier walks down the docks, ignoring the peddlers that are either brave- or stupid- enough to attempt to stop her. Occasionally, a light might flicker as she walks passed, or one of many pedlers might grow confused or angry as the very tools they intend to hawk cease to function during presentation.
[10:52:39] *** Nina_Lucette_Olivier sets channel #Al-Qahirah mode +h Thoth
[10:53:04] <>Ambiance<> A rather elaborate boat appraoches and docks at the port. It was ordaned with fine silk and looked to be maintained on the daily, but wasn't garish or gaudy. It was the boat of a leader, specifically the leader of Alexandria. When it docked a well dressed dark skinned man with a clean cut and no facial hair walks off. His clothing would signify his importance immediatly without begging for attention.
[10:56:29] <Nina_Lucette_Olivier> "Oh, one of /those/ kinds." she mutters beneath her breath as she notices the approaching vessel- though as she wasn't given a ship to get onto, but a specific establishment, she pays it no mind as she makes her way through the docks, able to navigate the ocean of men and women by reputation alone.
[11:04:45] <Nenet>  "Busy day in..." She uses one of her paws to flip a page of the magazine, narrowing her eyes at the resulting headline. "Mmh... Cairo." She sighs, mentally lamenting over her captivity. On one hand, the city was awfully too noisy for her to really get involved in. On the other hand... Laying on a pedestal all day and offering "advice" and "blessings" was just so boring. If that was her life, and it was the result of popularity and "status",
[11:04:45] <Nenet> then she had to wonder what the lives of these two newcomers might be like...
[11:06:51] <>Ambiance<> From somewhere to the north, a commotion began; something starting a general current amongst the crowds, pushing them away from wherever it originated. The source, was ever more people, most moving down the street while others filtered off into alleyways or through any open doors...
[11:06:56] <>Ambiance<> And the source of that motion, was nearly a platoon of infantry, marching along ahead and behind of two IFVs, and one similar, yet larger vehicle. All three vehicles, instead of wheels or treads, moved on a set of six segmented mechanical legs. This force was clearing the street ahead of them as they went, although the crowds slowly closed in once more in their wake.
[11:07:01] <>Ambiance<> There was an air of informality to these soldiers - their appearance ranging from neat to unkempt, and their formations somewhat loose and variable. The infamous Ragged Guard of Cairo. At least they painted their vehicles in sensible camouflage, unlike Tanis and their golden tanks. It seemed they had marched all the way from Heliopolis today, bound for the docks.
[11:10:13] <Nina_Lucette_Olivier> "And now the toy soldiers are here for pretty boy." she says, shaking her head as she continues on her way- stopping as she looks up at a glyphic sign, and compares it to the paper in her hand. Thought he place seemed to be closed for the time being, this was her rendezvous- the place her client wanted to speak to her at.
[11:12:30] <>Ambiance<> When the commotion began Thoth would walk over and wave to the soldiers as a formality. He wasn't here to see the soldiers, the invite from Raet was the true reason. She needed his advice for some reason and he couldn't say no to her.
[11:22:06] <Nenet> "Hmm..." Her eyes focused on the marching militia. Busy day indeed. Granted, the sounds of boots on the ground, choreographed as if to make the most noise possible, was grating on the cat's ears. A paw pulled the bowl of meat closer to herself, a single claw plucking one out and passing it over to one of her human hands. She toyed with it, watching the soldiers march on... Waiting... After a moment or two of consideration, she shrugged, and
[11:22:09] <Nenet> popped the morsel into her mouth. While the idea she had was a fun one, she could already see a couple pairs of eyes making double-takes in her direction... to which, she merely smiled and waved. A cat out of her cage, no doubt.
[11:27:55] <>Ambiance<> Some of the passing soldiers would wave back, their actual expressions varying somewhat. A few others would have noticed Thoth's aproach - these opting for a slightly more formal, if still rather casual salute in response. A moment later, however, the entire force was brought to a sudden halt.
[11:28:05] <>Ambiance<> For a moment, nothing happened, but then the soldiers broke ranks, some setting up a loose perimeter around the convoy, while the others assembled themselves into something approaching a parade formation, within which many loitered casually.
[11:28:22] <>Ambiance<> The doors on the side of the largest vehicle opened a moment later, and a single figure emerged. They hung in the door for a moment, twisting around to carry out a brief, rather animated conversation with the man whose head peeked out from the hatch atop the turret. There was much waving of hands, but the matter was concluded in short order.
[11:28:33] <>Ambiance<> Finally stepping from the vehicle, Raet made her way through the loosely formed crowd of soldiers, the formation, such as it was, parting ahead of her as she approached her fellow Administrator. As had become typical, she was dressed in rather simple white robes, unadorned but for the formal medallion of an administrator's office, hanging from its silver chain.
[11:28:42] <@Raet-Tawy> Ah, Thoth! I see that you were on time, as always. And once again, it is us that are running a few minutes late... I trust the journey upriver was pleasant enough?
[11:32:45] * %Thoth does a small bow to Raet. "The journey was quite pleasent. Don't worry yourself over timing this display for me is quite enough to put me to shame. I would have brought with me dancers or some poets if I knew this was all for me." He smiles wide and holds out his arm for a shake and embrace.
[11:33:45] * Nina_Lucette_Olivier simply watches as the parade of soldiers walks right passed her- only a few paying her mind as she leans against the building. As a sign of 'I'm not here for trouble', she had already removed the magazine from her rifle, and locked the chamber of the weapon open.
[11:36:54] <Nenet> The returned waves did help her smile. For some reason, it felt so different to be recognized in this respect. There was a difference between being visited by those that are looking for you for personal gain, and seeing the extent of her recognition in such an open way. Perhaps she was lucky the crowd wasn't around her... Though, granted, it did seem the the brief exchange between her and the soldiers did get a few more people looking her
[11:36:59] <Nenet> way... Though, for the time being, she would simply remain in place, hoping that her lamenting on the possibility of a crowd would go... unjinxed.
[11:40:29] * Raet-Tawy doesn't hesitate to pull Thoth into a hug, being rather pleased to see him. Theirs was a small number these days, and so many of them remained, to all knowledge, missing. He is, as always, exactly himself, and she cannot help but chuckle at what he had said, before taking a step back, and regarding him more formally.
[11:40:55] <@Raet-Tawy> It has become a habit, all of this ceremony, to the point where it seems at times an ever-present backdrop to our life... But that is for another time - we have important matters to discuss... such as the future of the Two Lands. Or that was how it was ever so dramatically put to me, in similar words.
[11:48:57] <%Thoth> "How important was this invitation of yours Raet? Do you have some crazy scheme to put the Seven Cities on the map again." He would say after the hug. Looking over Raet and the soldiers this did seem to be a bit much. "Or is it Tanis acting up again with another get rich quick scheme?"
[11:55:45] <@Raet-Tawy> Ah, as much as I would like to see them fail at something yet again, no, this matter would affect us more directly...
[11:55:50] * Raet-Tawy motions down the street, to a large restaurant that presently seems from the outside to be closed. Seems they have some walking to do, yet.
[11:55:54] <>Ambiance<> One might notice that by now, the Ragged Guard had most of the area secured, and were starting to question some of the civilians present behind their curtain. They didn't trouble the mercenary, however, the few that passed by only giving her a nod before continuing about their business.
[11:55:58] <@Raet-Tawy> ... and I will start by saying that the scheme is not quite my own, and that this may concern more than just The Seven.
[07:27:55] * %Nina_Lucette_Olivier waits.
[07:40:40] <%Thoth> "How large of an involvement is this plan. Should we not be involving all the other Goveners of the Seven Cities?"  The two would stop at the entrance of the resturant. "Of course Tanis would be left out of this." This wasn't so much a question, but rather a statement from Thoth.
[07:47:40] <&Raet-Tawy> Now, you know I have no taste for politics. All that I do keeping one city together leaves me with little room for ambition. No, I am merely, you could say...
[07:47:42] * Raet-Tawy takes a moment to search for the right phrasing, idly waving a hand as she thinks. In the end, she settles for the closest approximation of the truth.
[07:47:47] <&Raet-Tawy> ... sponsoring, a certain private venture. I extended an invitation to you since I felt you may want to hear this person's intentions for yourself, and draw your own conclusions. The formality of the whole affair was simply a means to expedite the bureaucracy.
[07:50:30] <%Nenet> The party was moving, it seemed. Towards a restaurant... She could keep in her place, enjoying the warmth of an afternoon sun, but at the same time she did find herself in need of something to drink. Perhaps she would follow, then... from afar, for now. Thus, she stood, leaving behind a now empty bowl and her magazine, before making bounds and leaps across the rooftops towards the building.
[07:51:58] <>Ambiance<> As the two people approach the armored woman leaning against the wall of the establishment, they might feel a strange, largely unfamiliar pressure against them- though nothing seems to come from it for the time being...
[07:52:51] * %Nina_Lucette_Olivier eyes the approaching people, muttering something beneath her breath as she realizes they seem to be walking to the same place she's been waiting at. Though, to be polite, she does offer the two a wave.
[07:57:33] <%Thoth> A nod would be given as they pass by the foreigner and stutter for the slightest of moments as they hear such a vulgar word, but then continues on his way with not much more of a second thought.
[08:02:38] <>Ambiance<> The Administrator of Cairo, however, pauses for a brief moment. The sun overhead seems to have dimmed ever so slightly, yet it soon returns to how it was before, bathing the entire street in a golden glow. The Administrator motions for the Mercenary to join them, before turning back towards the restaurant.
[08:02:39] <&Raet-Tawy> You may as well come and observe this part of the proceedings. Your presence will stand as a practical demonstration of the current reality.
[08:03:59] <@Nitocris> Meanwhile, the Pharaoh of days-past waited inside, idly tracing lines with her finger onto the table she was seated at. More than anything, she seemed bored, as though waiting around doing nothing didn't agree with her. Perhaps it had something to do with her days as a ruler - you tend to get what you want when you want it. She thought about Raet's earlier words and the state of things as they were now. To be sure, it seemed that things were not
[08:04:04] <@Nitocris> in her favor. But then, things had never been in the Pharaoh's favor.
[08:06:30] <%Nina_Lucette_Olivier> "Raet, I assume?" she asks, picking her rifle up from beside her and slinging it over her shoulder. "Just the three of us, or is one more on the way?" she asks as she takes a moment to stretch as she pushes the door open before the two. "After you, your highnesses." she says, a cutting edge of sarcasm in her voice.
[08:13:30] <&Raet-Tawy> The only other is already present...
[08:13:33] * Raet-Tawy steps through the door. As soon as they enter the room, the sunlight shining in through the windows would seem to intensify, fully lighting up the almost-empty restaurant. With a small flourish, they gesture to the only other person present.
[08:13:37] <&Raet-Tawy> Administrator Thoth, Colonel Olivier, I present to you the would-be Pharaoh of the two lands...
[08:13:42] <>Ambiance<> Having dispensed with the ceremony - or at least the bare minimum thereof - the Administrator of Cairo turns to the once-Pharaoh, and offered their personal assessment as well.
[08:13:46] <&Raet-Tawy> ... and a lunatic, who wandered out of the desert with a new spin on an old classic. Hello Nitocris. I see that you were early today.
[08:19:43] <%Thoth> "Nitocris? I haven't heard that name in centuries, even more then that. Welcome back to the land of the living Pharaoh. It seems Anubis has neglected his duties by not providing you with a restful slumber in the afterlife." Thoth would bow as a sign of respect to the Pharaoh and wait for all others present to take a seat before sitting himself.
[08:22:26] * %Nina_Lucette_Olivier , quite contrary to Thoth's expectation, instead leans by the door, doing a quick check of her rifle before setting it down next to her, and crossing her arms.
[08:22:29] <%Nina_Lucette_Olivier> "So." she says, looking at Raet- "I assume this is where you wanted my special talent?" she says as the faint opressive pressure slightly intensifies- though it doesn't grow any further for the time being- as she seems to be waiting for her empoyer to affirm her assumption.
[08:26:24] <@Nitocris> "Early... I suppose. Or was I perhaps late? A Pharaoh can never be late or early, but as I am Pharaoh no longer..." She paused, a wry smile forming on her lips a moment after. "Perhaps." Standing, she offers a respectful nod to those that have assembled. She would stamp her rod on the ground to further welcome them, if only she had possession of that still. "Greetings in turn, Great Scribe Thoth. It was not Anubis' folly that led me to stand
[08:26:24] <@Nitocris> amongst the living once more, but my own restlessness in the afterlife. Something went very wrong in my absence."
[08:29:03] <%Nenet> As the three would enter, Nenet, disappointed in the lack of a skylight, would hop down from the roof. She gave a look from side to side as she carefully pushed open the door to peak inside. The sphinx had expected to find something of a crowd inside, but looked surprised when she saw that it was only the group in an otherwise empty restaurant. "Oh..." She began, pushing the door open slightly more, though still hiding her bottom half. "...
[08:29:08] <%Nenet> Ah... In my search for a drink, I seem to have stumbled on a private affair." Her smile was coy; almost sheepish.
[08:35:34] <%Thoth> "Many things have gone wrong Nitocris. Egypt is no longer the kingdom you know it as. The land has fractured in your absence and even after that it is has fractured more." Before he continues on the noise of the door opening and the sphinx entering would draw his attention. "Is this another late guest of yours Raet?"
[08:37:11] * Raet-Tawy had already heard the speech, such as it was. So instead, she had leaned towards the mercenary, her voice falling to little more than a whisper.
[08:37:14] <&Raet-Tawy> For now, let us see if any come to the realisation of their own accord. The precise use for your talents... is something we can discuss after certain assurances have been made.
[08:37:20] <>Ambiance<> At that point, the door had opened, and the Administrator turned to glance back over her shoulder. She seemed to study Nenet for a moment, her eyes catching the light, or perhaps even emitting a light of their own. She gave the stranger a smile.
[08:37:29] <&Raet-Tawy> By all means, come in! If you are fortunate, you may see history being made.
[08:37:32] * Raet-Tawy turns, then, to Thoth, her smile becoming more of a knowing smirk.
[08:37:37] <&Raet-Tawy> Ah, but you don't know? Every person in Cairo is my guest.
[08:48:16] <@Nitocris> "Mm. The Lady of the Sky has already informed me of some of the great many things that have transpired while I was away." Her gaze wanders to the newcomer for a moment, and anyone looking at her may notice the brief glimmer of violet in her eyes, gone as soon as it appeared. Though she had agreed to meet with these people, she was not sure what purpose she served here. Beg for their assistance in trying to put Egypt back together? An unpleasant
[08:48:17] <@Nitocris> thought, to be sure. But even with their help, it would be no easy task for a Pharaoh no one remembered.
[08:57:29] <%Thoth> The attention of the scribe woulld be brough back to the group. "As happy as I am to see a Pharaoh was this all the meeting was for Raet? Or does Nitocris factor in to your plan to bring prosperity to the Seven Cities?"
[08:59:06] * %Nina_Lucette_Olivier looks at the new arrival as she pokes in through the door, raising an eyebrow at this person- though not attempting to appear as a threat to her, before returning her gaze to the administrator.
[08:59:06] <%Nina_Lucette_Olivier> "Very well." she says softly to Raet, nodding her head as she returns her attention to the now-not-so-dead-pharoah. "So, guessing by you being a Pharoah and all, I'm going to assume you want this little rag-tag gang to help you get this, pardon my language- shithole back into proper shape." she says, being quite blunt with things. "How, exactly, that's done is still up in the air- but I do want to
[08:59:06] <%Nina_Lucette_Olivier> stress one thing." she says, looking at the others in the room- including giving a glare that could kill a man at thirty paces to Nenet- "What we discuss here is not to reach the ears of those not deemed in the 'need to know' circle." she says, her armor humming faintly as the internal power supply kicks in. "Regardless- as it stands, my standard rate isn't possible to be met for such a long term e
[08:59:06] <%Nina_Lucette_Olivier> mployment- though I am willing to listen to bargains." she says, shifting her gaze between Nitocris and Raet. "I've worked for shelter and food before- but if that's the case for the proposed contract, there's going to be more than just a shitty room in a run down inn, and piss-poor grool."
[09:03:53] <%Nenet> "History, hm...?" She repeated to herself, now even more curious. She gave a respectful nod to the apparent guardwoman, and stepped in. It was then her full form came into sight, her lower half being that of an albino panther, whose fur clashed with her darkly tanned skin. She shut the door with her back paw before trotting forwards and looking around for any staff. Upon not seeing any, she looks towards the one who had invited her inside.
[09:03:53] <%Nenet> "May I...?" She asked softly, pointing to the kitchen.
[09:09:22] <&Raet-Tawy> Of course - directly to business, as it should be...
[09:09:27] * Raet-Tawy takes one last moment to glance at Thoth, reminding him with no small amount of humour in her voice that "It's not my plan." before turning to face the mercenary. Sparing a brief glance over at Nenet, she motions towards the door, as if to imply that the sphinx should help herself. Finally, her gaze falls on Nina...
[09:09:30] <&Raet-Tawy> We are prepared to be generous in this matter - four allotments of land, on the banks of the Nile between Cairo and Heliopolis, freely held in your name. Furthermore, following the conclusion of this particular business, the City may wish to retain your services - non-exclusive, naturally.
[09:13:06] * %Nina_Lucette_Olivier pauses for a few moments, weighing her options.
[09:13:09] <%Nina_Lucette_Olivier> "What's the catch?" she asks, raising an eyebrow. "Most folks I'd work for that promise so highly for such simple work are... well, to put it bluntly" she says, shrugging her shoulders. "Planning to fuck you in the end, instead of paying out."
[09:15:33] <%Thoth> "We are beings of our word. And if even that is not enough I can write a contract that will be compelling beyond mortal law. We wouldn't be able to <fuck you over Olivier> as you so elequently put it." There was no anger or feeling of aggresiveness towards her. Infact Thoth seemed quite genuine.
[09:19:26] * Raet-Tawy smiles, rather understanding of the minor suspicion. Though it wasn't as if some other cities hadn't spent more on their Administrators' personal whims in the past. At least she had a reason, and there was no point in dancing around the truth.
[09:19:27] <&Raet-Tawy> The catch... well, that would be the implied preferential consideration with regards to clients within the territories of what-may-yet-be Egypt - we wouldn't want the likes of Tanis or Thebes to get a hold of someone with your skillset, for obvious reasons.
[09:21:55] <@Nitocris> Yes, it was technically her plan, wasn't it? Or rather, no one else had a plan, so she needed to provide one. "The plan... Fairly barebones, as you should expect. My knowledge of things as they exist at this point in time is limited. But ideally, we should try to gather power from the other cities and uproot the apparently incompetent people currently eating the land like a cancer. My power has diminished into nigh nothingness, outside of simple
[09:22:00] <@Nitocris> violence. However, I can still do more than nothing. Perhaps finance an endeavor or two... If the time ever comes where Pharaoh's power means something again, I can be of more use." Nitocris sighs, herself disappointed that this was the 'plan'. But, there was nothing to be done about it. "If any here have suggestions, I'm listening."
[09:25:09] <%Nenet> The permission was returned a smile and a short bow. While the sphinx did not formerly recognize Raet, she could at least tell that she was some manner of higher-up... Thus, though the conversation was, indeed, going well above her head, she still remained curious, and continued to listen in even as she moved into the kitchen. A short while later, she would come out with a glass of what seemed to be an off-colored cream over ice, and a
[09:25:14] <%Nenet> plate of biscuits. If she was going to help herself she might as well enjoy a nice drink and some snacks. With her treats in hand, she sauntered towards a corner where she set her stuff on the floor, and laid her feline body down. From there, she mostly quietly observerd and enjoyed her drink.
[09:27:02] <%Nina_Lucette_Olivier> "I see." she says, smirking. "You want to make me an offer many others can't match- a salary provided simply to keep me from accepting any contract tossed my way from- as you said- the opposition." she pauses, before nodding. "I will accept the contract on one condition." she says, holding up a finger. "I reserve the right to back out of the contract if the job requested becomes dispraportionate to
[09:27:03] <%Nina_Lucette_Olivier>  the payment provided, or if I discover any plans to backstab me."
[09:32:32] * Raet-Tawy seems to think for a moment, before offering a single nod.
[09:32:34] <&Raet-Tawy> ... Very well. The city of Cairo accepts your terms. As Administrator, I would add the additional clause that in the event the contract is voided, you would retain all holdings and properties transferred by such a point in time.
[09:33:46] <%Nina_Lucette_Olivier> "We have a deal." she says, pushing off of the wall as she takes the few steps over to Raet as she removes one of her armored gloves, and offers her hand to the administrator.
[09:33:49] <%Thoth> "Hold but a moment Raet, however I will say you must give us a warning prior to backing out of the contract to allow us a chance to readjust the payment." And he would bring a book out from a carry on bag slung over his shoulder. "Alexandria is a city that doesn't have large amounts of material wealth, but we do have knowledge."
[09:39:47] * Raet-Tawy would accept the hand that was offered, taking it in both of her own and giving it a single shake. For a brief moment, the sunlight streaming through the windows seemed to intensify, subtly focusing in on the mercenary. Faint, lightning-like flashes of gold sparked briefly in the air. And then all was as it had been. Releasing the mercenary's hand, she turned to Thoth.
[09:39:48] <&Raet-Tawy> ... I tend to trust that people would bring an issue to light before taking any more drastic action... though I take it this implies that you're in on this mad scheme, then?
[09:41:54] <%Nina_Lucette_Olivier> "As I see it, Thoth" she says, turning to face the scribe, "Any deal made with Raet is not one with you. As you are an ally to the clauses stated for the time being, you may pursue aquisition of my talents" she says, pulling the glove back on over her hand, "At your own discretion."
[09:44:34] * %Nenet tilted her head at the sight of the lights flickering in the air... This didn't concern her at all, and yet it still seemed interesting all the same. A deal seems to have been struck, though Nenet was still not fully aware of what it would pertain to. Hmm...
[09:48:26] <%Thoth> "I will draw up my own contract, a more proper one, call me old fashion if you will. I would like your talents as well and I will allow full access to the resources of Alexandria as good as that will do you." He would bow deeply and open his book to Olivier the page being a contracy between Herself and Thoth. The contract would be generally the same terms as what Raet had given with the clause being added they would be unable to ever
[09:48:27] <%Thoth> reveal secrets learned in Alexandria as determined by Thoth to any deemed unworthy again by Thoth. "This is a contract that you are bound beyond mortal coil. but both of us are bound.
[09:51:40] <@Nitocris> Seeing as how things weren't focused on her anymore, the former Pharaoh takes a seat once more, to observe the proceedings more comfortably. For now, it seemed a bunch of officiality that she - for once - did not need to preside over. Certainly a welcome change.
[09:58:43] <%Nina_Lucette_Olivier> She smirks at the thought of the once desecrated library- and, perhaps, the secrets it contained. "And theoretically speaking- if I were to speak of it? Does lightning strike me dead? Does the ground fissure beneath me, to swallow me whole? Am I simply unable to speak of them?" she asks, crossing her arms as she looks at Thoth- though she has questions on it, it is obvious she's interested in the p
[09:58:43] <%Nina_Lucette_Olivier> rospect of it.
[10:02:25] <%Thoth> "Your mouth simply would not work. You would forget them until the intent to speak the secrets was gone. It is a simple bind, but an effective one. Of coure I don't mean this in the most literal sense you wouldn't be able to write it down to show someone. Your body and mind would be unable to reveal the secrets learned. I would be alerted to you trying to speak these secrets and would be very disappointed." He speaks as a buisnessman
[10:02:26] <%Thoth> would on any contract between two or more parties.
[10:04:02] <%Thoth> He would then hand you a quill made from the feather of an Ibis.
[10:04:37] <%Nina_Lucette_Olivier> "So if I have any working in the revelations of the secrets, I am at fault- but if it is forced from me?" she asks, "Say I take notes about a book, and somebody stole the notes?"
[10:07:32] <%Thoth> "No need for notes. I have personally transcribed all books within the library. Your memory will be enough. Any attempts to write notes on the books not deemed general knowledge will simply fail. I have had many years to think of contingincies to such unwanted revelations of the libraries knowledge."
[10:09:31] <>Ambiance<> While the scribe and the mercenary worked out the details of their contract, the Administrator of Cairo would have turned to regard the would-be Pharaoh. If anything, the once solar-deity seemed somewhat amused by the proceedings as they were.
[10:09:32] <&Raet-Tawy> Not quite the world as you remembered, is it?
[10:12:48] <%Nina_Lucette_Olivier> "And you are aware that, to my knowledge, no magic effects me?" she asks, raising an eyebrow. "If your library were to attempt to assist my memory by such a means, it would, well- not work." she says, shrugging. "Perhaps if any notebooks I were to keep simply stayed within the library? After all, Mrs. Mickens always said taking notes helped to remember things."
[10:14:47] <%Thoth> "If your memory were to not be enough then yes I would like the notebooks to stay in the library." And as that is said the contract would be rewritten on the fly to include that any notes you take on any information not considered general knowledge would have to be left in the library.
[10:16:21] <%Nina_Lucette_Olivier> "I should like to be able to revisit specifics on the contract in the future, should the need arise." she says as she takes the pen in hand, though doesn't sign yet. "The sharing of information part seperate, obviously. Simply how it were to work around it."
[10:16:24] <@Nitocris> "No... Things are indeed quite different. But you know... things like this aren't too bad, every once in a while." Definitely better than a world where the people murder your brother. Well, it was still that world, but if she was lucky, that could remain in her memories. "Admittedly though, there is a great many things that need to be done, and the method in which to do them is... hazy for me."
[10:19:17] <%Thoth> The contract would shift again and add in the clause that the contract may be altered by either party at future points as long as the two parties agree to the new changes otherwise it will stay as the current contract.
[10:20:53] <&Raet-Tawy> Yes, one gets used to it, at least - until eventually the worst of the pomp and circumstance fades into the background. But indeed, an opening move would have to be made...
[10:21:02] * Raet-Tawy takes a moment to look around the room. It certainly was an unusual cast of characters they had assembled here.
[10:21:06] <&Raet-Tawy> ... I suppose you could always try going to war with someone - a reasonably popular choice, these days.
[10:21:11] <%Nina_Lucette_Olivier> "Very well." she says, nodding as she signs the contract- an definite decrease in the pressure that was there before as she does so- more as a sign of good faith than anything else.
[10:25:00] <%Thoth> The very soul of each being would feel not a constraint, but a feeling of strong compulsion. "Any time in you're in Alexandria feel free to enter the library. The librarians will let you access anything you want within its walls." Thoth would smile large a smile that portrayed a buisness deal well done.
[10:27:18] <@Nitocris> "Well... I don't have any armies anymore. Something like that would need to be provided. Or bought." Her eyes glance to Nina briefly. But only briefly. "But before any of that, I must meet with Anubis. He and I have matters to discuss. And, well... I won't be of much use without my heart, now will I?"
[10:29:57] <%Nina_Lucette_Olivier> "I might be able to help with that army bit." she says, setting the pen down as she finally takes a seat. "Let's just say I know some guys who know some guys. The remnants of my old army might be willing to relocate- provided the pay is good."
[10:30:20] <%Nina_Lucette_Olivier> "You know. An army with no nation and all that."