12 Days of Sneeze (Superstitions), Day 2
I don't have much of anything to say about this one, so let's get right to the ficlet!
Ahmose was on his way to the poultry stall when he spotted a familiar face approaching. “Well met, Meresankh,” he said, smiling at her, “How are things with you?”
“Very well, thank you,” Meresankh said, as they moved to an out of the way corner to talk, “In fact, if the Gods decree it, they will soon become even better.”
“Oh? How so?”
“My youngest son, Paphnoutios, has been training to become a scribe. He was always a bright boy, and his teachers have noticed both his intelligence and his devotion to his studies. The Pharaoh has recently put forward a call for new scribes, and Paphnoutios is one of the candidates. Tomorrow, we head for Thebes, where he and the other potential scribes will be tested. From what I hear, a dozen men will be competing, though only three will get the position. I’m in the process of buying offerings for Thoth, Ra, and any other god that I believe could assist Paphnoutios in being one of them.”
Ahmose nodded. “You’ve raised him well, teaching him all the proper virtues. Between that, your offerings, and Paphnoutios’ talents, I’m sure he’ll be one of the ones selected.”
Just then, the wind shifted, carrying with it the sharp scents from a nearby spice stall. Ahmose’s nose wrinkled, and a moment later, he snapped forward with a sneeze. “Uh-pishoo!”
Meresankh gasped, and when he raised his head, he saw her clasping her hands, eyes sparkling with delight. “The Gods have confirmed your words!” she declared, “Excuse me, I had better complete my shopping and visit the temples right away, in order to keep my promise and ensure their continued favor.”
Giving him a nod, she returned to the main thoroughfare, moving as fast as her basket and the crowd allowed. Ahmose rubbed his nose and resumed his own walk, silently wishing her all the best.
(Two weeks later, he ran into Meresankh again, whereupon she told him that Paphnoutios had indeed been selected, and she and her family would be permanently moving to Thebes, thanks to Pharaoh's generosity. In addition to being glad for her, Ahmose felt a bit of personal satisfaction as well; after all, it wasn’t every day that a god chose you to be their messenger, even if it was sent in an unorthodox way.)
From Ancient Egypt (among others): A sneeze is a sign from the Gods.
Ahmose was on his way to the poultry stall when he spotted a familiar face approaching. “Well met, Meresankh,” he said, smiling at her, “How are things with you?”
“Very well, thank you,” Meresankh said, as they moved to an out of the way corner to talk, “In fact, if the Gods decree it, they will soon become even better.”
“Oh? How so?”
“My youngest son, Paphnoutios, has been training to become a scribe. He was always a bright boy, and his teachers have noticed both his intelligence and his devotion to his studies. The Pharaoh has recently put forward a call for new scribes, and Paphnoutios is one of the candidates. Tomorrow, we head for Thebes, where he and the other potential scribes will be tested. From what I hear, a dozen men will be competing, though only three will get the position. I’m in the process of buying offerings for Thoth, Ra, and any other god that I believe could assist Paphnoutios in being one of them.”
Ahmose nodded. “You’ve raised him well, teaching him all the proper virtues. Between that, your offerings, and Paphnoutios’ talents, I’m sure he’ll be one of the ones selected.”
Just then, the wind shifted, carrying with it the sharp scents from a nearby spice stall. Ahmose’s nose wrinkled, and a moment later, he snapped forward with a sneeze. “Uh-pishoo!”
Meresankh gasped, and when he raised his head, he saw her clasping her hands, eyes sparkling with delight. “The Gods have confirmed your words!” she declared, “Excuse me, I had better complete my shopping and visit the temples right away, in order to keep my promise and ensure their continued favor.”
Giving him a nod, she returned to the main thoroughfare, moving as fast as her basket and the crowd allowed. Ahmose rubbed his nose and resumed his own walk, silently wishing her all the best.
(Two weeks later, he ran into Meresankh again, whereupon she told him that Paphnoutios had indeed been selected, and she and her family would be permanently moving to Thebes, thanks to Pharaoh's generosity. In addition to being glad for her, Ahmose felt a bit of personal satisfaction as well; after all, it wasn’t every day that a god chose you to be their messenger, even if it was sent in an unorthodox way.)
From Ancient Egypt (among others): A sneeze is a sign from the Gods.