When the Deserts were Green [Private Usagikun+rainytea, 18+]

[rainytea]

“Look, Prince, it's definitely the capital city!” Bilal's manservant pointed towards a spot that had been steadily growing larger over the course of the past two days. The 23-year-old turned eyes the color of water reflecting fair skies towards the city. It was easily the largest city Bilal had ever seen, even from this distance. But while the scale itself was impressive, Bilal was more taken by the greenery of the country than anything else. It was astounding, the lush grasslands and forests teamed with wildlife. Egypt seemed a paradise to a man from a small country on the rocky edge of the desert. Here, the locals were blessed with water and rich soil. His own people had to trade for almost everything except sheep and goats.

 

And that was where this journey to Egypt came in. Egypt, a mighty empire that had been steadily growing for decades, had deigned to offer the fledgling country called N'Maram a trade agreement. If the final negotiations went well, N'Maram could beat out their rival, Afgharis, for the coveted position of controlling the main trade routes to the far east. N'Maram would not only flourish as a center of trade, but also as a center of culture in the civilized world.

 

In return for this astounding opportunity of limitless potential, all that was asked for was a show of faith. That moment was emblazoned crystal clear in Bilal's mind, the moment the man pointed at him out of all the king's children. With everyone focusing on him, Bilal could only manage a stilted gesture of acknowledgement in his bewildered state. Why would he, the youngest of the sons, be chosen? No one paid particular attention to him. Father was too busy making sure his three eldest brothers were well-groomed, mother looked after his sisters, and the tutors made sure he learned enough to have some intelligence. He supposed it was just as well he was traveling. It wasn't as though he had anything useful to do at home. His brothers we're insanely jealous, though. And who wouldn't be? The luxuries and splendors of Egypt had been things to dream about before the party of Egyptians happened to pass through.

 

This was the power of a land blessed with precious water, he thought to himself. And he, the one to witness it! Perhaps here, in this new place, he would find a place for himself and a way to be useful. In the way water was a gift cherished for it's ability to give life, so too did Bilal's* deeply buried dreams of living up to his given name blossom. He wanted to do something to help others, to breathe life and hope into them.

 

His excitement mounted when the caravan finally made it's way into the city and towards the palace. Elegant buildings, bustling citizens, new smells, and exotic wares had Bilal eagerly turning his head in fascination. With joy, he noted cultivated gardens and planters softening paths and doorways. He hoped that he would be given a chance to explore the city later on.

 

They arrived at the palace in the afternoon, giving the group enough time to rest before presenting themselves for the evening meal. Bilal was glad to wash the road from his body. The servants showed him to his own bath, a sight that made him gasp. It was a beautiful place, large enough to fit at least 30 men, with brightly-colored waterlilies and a view of the famous Nile River. Layers of sheer cloth were arranged in a canopy to protect against the glaring sun and papyrus along the edges gave a wonderfully natural screen of privacy.

 

After sending the servants away, Bilal disrobed and stepped into the water. It was delightfully refreshing, and even more-so after he scrubbed at the dirt with a cloth and pumice stone. He also took care in cleaning his scalp and hair, carefully running long fingers through wavy, brown locks. Done with his ministrations, the young prince stretched lazily and enjoyed the feel of water surrounding him as he contemplated the upcoming meeting with the Pharaoh.

 

*Note: Bilal means “wetting” or “moistening.”