[Breakaway~totheweird]

[Due to recent events, the Anubites are out of commission. They returned to Egwyn for the sake of continuity. Anything Anubite related is intellectual property of Breakaway~totheweird. Nothing should be used regarding them unless permission is given by Breakaway~totheweird. Thank you.]

[Somono]

"... I think that's the worst of it for today. Everyone should get back to their duties."

Motioning for the lot of the workers to return to their stations, the man looks around afterward with a frown on his face, almost confused by this turn of events. He can't say that the sandstorms are unexpected-- in fact, he'd come into contact with quite a few of them since he'd arrived in the city-- but they'd become more frequent little by little. Shy a month ago they'd numbered in at least one every few days at the least, now they were a constant thing-- a reminder that this mecca hidden in the golden desert surely was something meant to protect them all. He held no doubts that the walls would hold, but he always had to think ahead... what if they didn't? What if the copious amounts of sand and relentless battering of the walls served to shatter not only their defenses, but their spirits? In essence, he had no idea... however, he did have work to do, that much was a fact.

Having arrived in Unaybis a bit less than a month prior, he'd taken to joining along with a guild of merchants-- they took him under their wing, and after having increased their stocks by a rather hefty amount he'd been promoted to the position he was in mayhaps a week before now. He couldn't say that he was used to having this much power-- as little as it was-- but it was something he'd been given due to his hard work, so who was he to deny it? Stepping across the guildhall with his arms crossed and his pipe in hand, the man would find himself sooner than later reaching the doors of the headquarters-- their compound. Pushing past them to the buzz and glowing outdoors, he'd make his way around the city, stepping lightly against the compact sands.

It was around lunchtime, wasn't it? Why not get something to eat?

Making his way to the nearest-- and cheapest-- spot, he'd enter through the revolving doors and take a seat, resting his arms on the counter while speaking out his order. "I'd fancy something light to eat... maybe bamia and koshari. Beer too, against my better wishes." As it was said, it was done... at least they started on his order for the most part. Placing his pipe in his mouth and letting out smoke from between his lips, he'd wait.

[Breakaway~totheweird]

Somebody else sought refuge from another, spontaneous sandstorm by entering whichever building came first. Ironically, it hosted a fair amount of consumers, either famished or hiding away from the settling, desert sands. Occurrences like these can occasionally bring good fortune. Or, so it seemed. This newcomer dusted off their shoulders with two, gloved hands, then brought down cloth concealing a youthful countenance. A fresh face belonging to a meek fellow swiveled about the surrounding area, as if attempting to scope out one of the many people. Cerulean eyes drifted over uncounted peoples, soon stopping on one man standing at the counter. Just who he needed!

Said traveler bobbed and weaved throughout crowded individuals to reach his destination. Coming to a skidding pause in front of the merchant, this person spoke up, stuttering here and there. "E-Excuse me, Sir Ramses Anubite?"

[Somono]

He hadn't heard his full name out loud in quite a while, so it made a bit of an impression whenever the traveler called him out. Taking his bowl of bamia into hold and setting it down before doing the same for his koshari, he'd press his hands together and say a short prayer before taking the spoon he was given and starting to eat. He surely realized that he was being talked to, but he seemed to rather want to eat than acknowledge the presence. Filling his mouth with the sweet and tangy taste of lamb and okra, he'd allow himself a moment to pause before sighing. Looking over his shoulder at the traveler, he'd raise an eyebrow, motioning for them to stop.

"No need to be so nervous... but yes, I am he. What is it?" he'd ask, setting down his spoon for a moment to take a sip of his beer. He was slightly annoyed that his meal was being interrupted, but he had to get used to it-- never a day would he have a bit more than a few minutes of peace after all. Smiling, he'd motion for the new arrival to take a seat before continuing on his meal, intent on finishing his bamia before getting to the koshari. He wasn't too focused on this... man or woman, but they had a bit of his attention nonetheless.

[Breakaway~totheweird]

Judging by looks, with choppy, blonde tresses, and meek frame, it felt impossible to pin down a gender. Nonetheless, they reciprocated Ramses' reaction in stride. Even their voice failed to distinguish whether it belonged to male or female. "S-Sorry for bothering you--" Wavering attention spans would note down turned, pointed ears. An elf in these parts? What sort of uncommon circumstances brought them away from Mersales' underwater paradise? After a point in time, it became increasingly difficult to concentrate on any statements posed by this wanderer. Emerald beads, clear in constitution and threaded through the helix of one ear, swung about with each movement made as they proceeded with small talk. What was that? Interrupting to find out may be in poor taste.

They sunk a hand into cloak pockets and fished around. Throughout said tousling, its hood dropped down and revealed something crucial: a very slight lump at the front of their throat. Well, mystery solved. He happened to be in the presence of an incredibly androgynous man. Folded paper would be held out towards the Anubite. "-- A letter from Nefertari Anubite. This must be opened as soon as it's received."

[Somono]

Continuing his meal, whilst pulling down his turban a slight bit at the sight of the new arrival's ears, Ramses'd find himself suddenly self-conscious. It wasn't that he was hiding his heritage, he simply found it strange to not do so in the mecca. Discrimination was a key factor among all things, but who would think of him to possibly be of such a tribe while in the midst of all else who also wore such headgear? It'd become natural for him to wear numerous turbans now-- it wasn't something he could simply drop or wring out of his system. Setting down his spoon once he finished his meal, he'd reach out for his beer once more, his eyes suddenly widening at the sight of the... letter?

"Nefertari...? Well, it must be important then if she's writing me. Let me see it," he'd say, reaching out and taking the folded piece of paper. He wasn't sure what it could possibly entail-- maybe support for his actions? Would she be sending over minerals and materials for him to sell and trade in order to increase her profits? Mayhaps she'd ask a favor or two of him, or maybe she thought he needed aid? Either way he was interested in what she may want with him, especially since he took to hiding himself away in the bulk of the Unaybis paradise.

Taking it in hold and opening it, he'd peer down at the contents, blinking away what sleepiness struggled to take a hold of him.

[Breakaway~totheweird]

Dear Ramses,

I will skip the formalities. This is an official invitation to visit the Anubite Estate in Oniga. There are no ulterior motives behind your summoning, other than to become re-acquainted with distant kin and personally congratulate you on owning your first business.

Hoping to see you soon, cousin.

Nefertari Anubite
Clan Leader of the Anubites

[Somono]

Sighing at the parchment after reading it a few more times over to memorize it, he'd run his fingertips along each individual letter, tracing each and every stroke of the pen, the quill, the ink... he'd try to imagine how much time she took to write to him, or what she'd truly been thinking whenever she did so. For the most part he was clearly given a choice-- he wasn't being forced to come, nor did she seem to mind if he didn't go. Instead of trying to make him go under her bidding as the clan head, she'd decided that it'd be better to give him the option of returning to the estate, which he'd clearly have to go see at some point in time anyway. Folding the paper back up and sliding it into his pocket, he'd reach briefly into his robes and pull away a pen and piece of parchment.

It'd be then he'd write a reply of sorts-- he wouldn't be able to leave right away, but it'd be good to at least let her know of his response beforehand. Jotting down his approval and how long he thought it'd take him to reach the estate if he took his time, he'd hold out the paper in the direction of the deliverer, taking another sip of his beer. "Was this all you were sent here to do then, or do you have some other purpose?" he'd question, slowly rising to a stand as he'd roll his shoulders back. He has no specific reason to want to leave yet, but if he's to go on a journey he does have to prepare, no?

[Breakaway~totheweird]

"Only to deliver messages, sir." The youngster stated this matter-of-factually. He was positive that his premise of seeking Ramses out was said earlier. Aforementioned missive would be stored away in a vast amounts of holding holstered to his back. Providing one, swift bow of the upper body led to said foreigner tossing up breezy hood and promptly evacuated the premises, ducking through more people as he did so.

[Somono]

Watching the messenger walk out, Ramses would be left to his own devices for quite a while. He had no other reason to stay in the tavern aside from maybe a few drinks, but he'd gotten bored of it-- after all he had a few more important things to handle now, that much was for certain. "Well, might as well..." he'd mutter, tilting his head back and finishing off his drink. Setting down his mug and heading for the door, he'd start his short trek back on to his place of work, stepping on inside before lifting up his arm and looking around. This would be a bit difficult to manage, but... maybe he could make it last.

"I'll be heading out early tomorrow. You're in charge while i'm gone, and if you have any questions you're free to send me them, concerns or anything else at this address. I expect only the best from you guys-- don't let me down while i'm on my trip," he'd say simply, pointing at one individual before glancing at another-- they'd know who he was referring to, and as for who would be in charge after the one he'd chosen would be left up to personal judgement. He trusted his team enough to handle the bulk of the work even if he wasn't around, though he still didn't know how long he'd be gone-- that much would be decided whenever he got there.

"That's all. I'll leave tomorrow, good work and good luck."