Around them, people drank and chatted, couples danced to music being played not far off, all of them ignored the pair whispering into each other’s ears in the garden. A big enough crowd had the odd ability to make you feel alone.
Daka released Mahu’s earlobe and sat back. Flakes of his gold now sparkled prettily on Mahu’s left cheek.
“Come here,” Daka ordered and brought Mahu’s other cheek to his neck as well. “So you’ll match.”
“I’m sure it suits you more than it does me.”
Daka disagreed. “I think you’d be surprised.”
“If you say so.” Mahu reached for the extra cinnamon stick. “This was quite thoughtful. Thank you.”
Daka bit into his. Oily and sweet, the treat was a poor trade for Mahu’s kisses, but a good distraction if they were going to explore the market. He climbed off Mahu and helped the man up. Mahu shook out each leg one at a time.
“Sorry.” Daka giggled, not actually sorry at all. “I stole all the blood from your legs.”
“It was worth it.” Mahu’s generous smile was aimed all for Daka. “Come with me to the temple? I brought a tribute for Osiris.”
“Of course.” Daka wasn’t a religious man, but he knew Mahu was. It didn’t surprise Daka that giving to the gods was part of the festival experience for him.
They departed the garden, walked past a long row of vendors and through the wide courtyard to the massive limestone Temple of Osiris. Colossal pillars made up the entrance, designed to inspire a sense of awe in the true believer. With the sounds of celebration having faded in the distance, the crowd here was restrained, reverent.
Humbled before the massive structure, Daka and Mahu went side-by-side beneath the pillars to a towering statue of Osiris on a thick stone pedestal. Hundreds of tributes littered the stand by his feet: nuts, breads, sweets, and beer. Anything the god might enjoy between duties. Other devotees came and went as they hung back, Mahu waiting his turn, Daka waiting to watch.
Mahu pulled a set of scrolls tied with leather from his tunic, offering one to Daka. “Would you like to leave a tribute as well?”
Having never worshipped Osiris, or any god for that matter, Daka squirmed and shook his head. Pretending would be disingenuous, and Mahu would disapprove if he knew. “No, thank you. I’ll wait for you here.”
Mahu tilted his head, studying him. “Are you sure? A tribute puts you in the gods’ good favor and keeps demons and curses at bay.”
“I’m sure.” His nerves rattled at the mention of demons. “Take your time.”
Mahu nodded then made his way to the statue on silent feet. He knelt before the pedestal, set the papyri upon the base, and bent his head. Though he didn’t stay long, each passing heartbeat left Daka more ill at ease. He respected Mahu’s beliefs but couldn’t join in them. He had to wonder if that would cause problems between them someday. A spear of worry lanced Daka’s chest as Mahu rose and returned.
Daka stared at the two beautifully rolled scrolls left behind with their neat leather bows tied atop, a tangible symbol of Mahu’s devotion.
His expression serene, Mahu held out his hand. “Shall we?”
Daka took it. Questions lingered on the tip of his tongue as they made their way out of the temple. He struggled with the phrasing.
“Does it bother you that I didn’t want to leave my own tribute?”
Mahu glanced at him thoughtfully. “I’m not bothered, only curious.”
Daka didn’t know how to respond to that. There was so much he hadn’t yet told Mahu, and he was beginning to think he ought to.
“Perhaps you have no one under Osiris’s care, and that’s why you don’t think to make an offering. But I have many. My wife. My daughter. My son. In the afterlife, we’ll be reunited so long as I please the gods.” Mahu’s voice came slow and deep. “You might feel differently someday. Until then, your good fortune is a blessing, not a curse.”
Daka had the sweeping realization that the only person he loved that he might one day lose to the underworld…was Mahu. His family were immortal, but Mahu… Daka stumbled. Mahu’s arm came strong around his middle, catching him.
“Are you all right?”
Daka leaned heavily into the embrace. No. “Fine. I tripped.”
Mahu rubbed his back and passed a hand through his hair, ruffling it. “Have you been drinking the free beer without me?”
Mahu’s expression was light, eyes crinkled. He enjoyed teasing.
Daka rallied and tried to match his mood. He’d been looking forward to this festival and would have fun. He could dwell on problems of pesky mortality later.
