The Class Trip(Zahira)

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Victor had decided that instead of staggering through a lecture about ancient Egypt in the class he would bring the class to the Gotham Museum. For a few reasons. First off he didn't know much about the topic, another reason was that he couldn't find any head dresses nor was he willing to dress like a pharaoh. So that ruled out his usual teaching style as odd as it might be.

So he told the class to meet in the parking lot so he could take roll. The reason he let them drive their own vehicles was for 'class participation.' When he felt that all the students that were going to show up he started to gather them up. "Alright since I can tell no one else is gonna show we might as well get going. He called out loud enough to be heard over the passing cars.

he then turned and began to lead the way in. He told the students to wait by the door as he did one final check. Both with his eyes and secretly with his nose. Once he was sure that everyone who was going to be there was there he clapped his hands once. "Alright. Now ya'll are free to go where ever your allowed but remember that you might want to focus on the Egypt part. I'll be there making sure who all goes."He said eying them all with a keen eye behind his glasses. "Now get going!" He called straightening the fedora on his head.

After a few minutes of seeing who went where he made his way to the Egyptian exhibit. Once he was there he found himself looking at a statue of Cleopatra. "So your Cleopatra, eh?" He muttered to himself trying to imagine what it must have been like to be in her shoes.... Or whatever it was they wore on their feet at the time.

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It was that sweet pleasant start to a fine morning, walking through the egyptian exhibition. A touch of home. Heading to her office, to get started on some paper work before helping out with information or questions that any visitors may have. Not really sure what to expect. Whether it be a crowded day or a quiet one, but was always different day by day. Sitting back into Zahira's chair. Going through some possible shipments to transfer artefacts between Museums, Zahira has her fingers cross on a particular item, but it was hush hush for now. Though it gave her simple tingles of excitement. It was another summer day. Zahira wore a lengthy deep purple skirt passed her knees, a white singlet tucked in with a simple belt and some neutral sandals. A chunky silver egyptian bangle. Straightening her glass. Tousled her black hair, having left it out today, but nicely styled. Falling around her bare arms and extending down her back.

After signing a few documents. Zahira was confident with at least a couple new items were secured. There was a gentle rattle at her door as she signed the last document for now. "Yes?" Politely asking and looking up to see one of the assistants for the museum. Giving word that there was a university group visiting the museum this morning, particularly for the egyptian exhibition, that may need Zahira's help and answers. "Thank-you, I'll head over there right away!" Responding with a grateful smile and nod, before the assistant left. Well, well seemed it could be quite an interesting day. Zahira thought positively as exited her office and made her way back to the exhibit.

Coming through it, Zahira noticed a few students, looking upon the artefacts and information that was provided to help. Offering assistance they had any questions. Finding answering a couple small questions, before falling into a lengthy detail discussion on Isis, before the headless statue of the fertility goddess and just what an impact she had. Before pointing them to another item that had a strong connection. Left to keep eye. Wandering back around, heading into the Cleopatra space and found herself stop near the limestone statue of Cleopatra herself, only it wasn't the statue that stopped her, but the man that seemingly was talking to it. Zahira expressed a sweet smile. She couldn't deny she had done very much the same, more than once, especially back in the temples in Egypt. Calmly Zahira motioned closer, next to the man. "The last Queen of Egypt… You may have better luck than I. She was said to not only attract men by her wit and charm, but also her voice." Zahira stated Cleopatra's title as well as answering his question, with a sweet nod. Her eyes passing in between, never got old looking upon the artefacts and most of all not the face of Cleopatra. A powerful woman… Zahira adding with a smile commenting of the man talking to the statue and hinting well she had done the same before. Her brown eyes gently ran over the dark statue. She was a beauty. Zahira smiled softly to herself. "Hi. I'm Zahira, the curator for the egyptian exhibition… Did you have any questions you'd like me to answer or like more information about an artefact or the history?". Turning to the man as she officially greeted him. Extending her hand. Welcoming him properly. Straightening her glasses, before asking if he had any questions or simply wished to know more information. Assuming he was the teacher for the students, but it could be hard to tell, given their all adults. He had that teacher vibe, adding with a stylish hat.

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Victor was distracted by a student who had approached him. "Is any of this going to be on the test?" The student asked. Victor nodded. "Yes there will be but we'll review it before the test comes." He said before looking back to the statue of Cleopatra as the student left.

He wasn't sure how long he had been standing there when he heard another voice speak up. He turned to look at who it was. He saw a rather attractive woman who appeared to work here. He smiled at her comment about having better luck. "I don't know I've had conversations with some weird characters." He said with an amused grin.

Victor smiled and shook the offered hand."I'm Victor. Its nice to meet you." He said returning her greeting. "No I don't really have any major questions." He said removing his fedora long enough to scratching his head revealing his gray hair until he put the fedora right back on. Then he paused and thought about her comment. "So I take it she was quite a woman?" He asked idly. After all he could use something like this during one of his lectures. And also he felt that he had to ask at least one question. Another reason was that he didn't like to just leave someone hanging after saying hi. Then a second question came to mind. "Actually there is one question." He said then turned to her and gestured toward the statue. "Is it true that she died due to a snake bite? And it was suicide?" He asked raising his eyebrows and squinting his eyes slightly through his glasses.

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It was no surprise to Zahira that one could possibly stand before the face of Cleopatra for a lengthy time, most of the artefacts had that effect. There was so much known and told, yet so much mystery along with every piece. There were countless treasures yet to be found and some lost forever. Having stopped close by the man, gesturing a friendly smile to his own as the man turned. He appeared to be quite charming, in the sweeter sense, Zahira thought humbly to herself. Flashing her brown eyes to his comment, she was new, but Zahira already was beginning to learn it was an interesting city. "What kind of world would we live in, if everything was so easily explained?" Zahira amusingly asked, yet more stated implying she knew well of the odd characters. Meaning mostly the many faces throughout Ancient Egypt and this Exhibition particularly. They were filled with the weird and wonderful. Knowledge was a wonderful thing to chase, but mystery kept there always more to learn. Her eyes softly moved over the statue. Cleopatra would probably be the loveliest to talk to, so Zahira imagined. Feeling in her element. In this world. The room was dim lit, with more highlight upon the pieces, but it wasn't dark by any means.

Reaching to shake the man's hand. The teacher's hand. As in between her eyes trailed to the nearby flock of students, today would be ripe with questions and information. Her eyes settling a little more warmly upon the man as he introduced himself, Zahira kept her hand more gentle, but felt the hint of strength in his hand. Cringing her nose slightly without it showing, catching the scent upon her hand. There was something else. As Zahira smiled and her eyes trailed the hairs she could see glimpse on his arm, trailing up until his eyes. Not exactly sure what it was, but perhaps it was like she thought. Mystery. "Likewise, its a pleasure to meet you, Victor." Zahira responded kindly at the firm shake of Victor's hand and nodded upon hearing he had no questions. "Your the teacher for the university group, if I'm not mistaken? Was your class focusing on any particular area?" Zahira asked mostly confident, he was indeed the teacher. Trying to get the gist of what the class was. So Zahira could best help them. As the history was a vast and complex one. Zahira was here to help guide them.

Zahira smiled softly as Victor asked. "Not just a woman. She was exceptional. Cleopatra was the last pharaoh of Egypt. She brought back egyptian traditions, from an era when there had been mostly Ptolemaic traditions and Cleopatra ruled without a male co-ruler… Known for her gift of influencing some of the most powerful men of her day. Cleopatra was able to turn Caesar from seeking claim on Egypt, to turn his support to her and to help secure Cleopatra's claim to the throne." At that point Zahira trailed on a little as to who Cleopatra was, hard to exactly say given Alexandria was destroyed, along with her temple. The Library. Who knows if the heart of Cleopatra lays at the bottom of the ocean. Though it was know she was a very influential woman, especially during the power of Rome, a very male hungry ruled country. Cleopatra was remarkable in how devoted she was to see Egypt rise again to greater heights, even if she didn't quite get there, she sure gave it her all. Zahira smiled softly. Admiring Cleopatra, still enlightening the world through death. Eyes moved half out of her gaze, as if almost a trance. Smiling softly to Victor upon listening he did have a more direct question. Snake? There it was. Hard to really escape it. "There are two main versions. In one Cleopatra drank a toxic mixture and the other version she was bitten by a snake. It varies from an asp to a cobra. It was some form of poison or venom, that is for sure and yes, she took her own life as did her two handmaidens. Octavian had won and planned to keep Cleopatra as a price of his victory… She died and went into the afterlife as Queen of Egypt, as well as with her representation of the reincarnation of Isis… You see the Ancient Egyptians believed in the rebirth after death." Zahira trailed rather happily into the information. Given all persons present at Cleopatra's death, it was hard to exactly say, as all accounts were as the bodies were found dead and some accounts vary from others. It was true Cleopatra committed suicide, hinting with the egyptian beliefs, Cleopatra felt ready to pass into her next life and died in her own way. In dignity. Not that suicide was honourable, but she sure had honourable intensions. Her eyes trailed over the limestone and back to Victor, smiled softly to see him studying it a little closer. If the beliefs were true, Cleopatra could reincarnated today. It was a pleasant thought for Zahira. "There is a section on the tale of Isis and Osiris I suggest if you don't know it already, it's a great and a important myth in the ancient world. Which Cleopatra and also pharaohs prior to her associated themselves with." Zahira informed and suggested to Victor. Half wondering if she was getting carried away, it happened often, knowing what she knows and well her only real time she interacts with other people, it can kinda show. Given the cult of Isis, the Goddess of Fertility had been so popular and inspirational to many of the pharaohs. Especially Cleopatra.

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Victor nodded to her comment about a world without mystery. "You do have a point there. It would be a rather dull place." He looked back to the statue and looked it over. He could tell that Zahira liked talking about Cleopatra and the Egyptian culture. And he couldn't blame her. After all Victor himself would get carried away himself on certain topics.

As they shook hands Victor couldn't help but get a strange feeling that she was taking his scent. He shook that thought off as silly. While taking her scent at the same time. After all he was the only person in Gotham who did that. At least he hoped that if he wasn't then anyone else didn't have to put up with a mental wolf in they're head. He also felt a slight twinge of nervousness when he noticed that she was taking in his details. It was something that had always bothered him. More lately then t used to. But he pushed the thought from his mind and laughed slightly. "For all they know. I'm gonna make them write an essay on the most common name of the average Egyptian pet." He chuckled at that thought. "In reality I'm gonna have them focus more on the pivotal people and facts about the culture." He said low enough to where none of the students would hear. He liked to keep them on they're toes.

Upon hearing about Cleopatra's ability to sway men he found himself chuckling slightly."So I take it a 'commoner' like me wouldn't stand a chance, eh?" He asked. "I had heard alittle about that but not a whole lot." He added. It was clear she knew alot about Egypt, Victor started to think that it was a better idea coming here then he had thought it would be. He also felt kinda strange not having Lupin speak up. After all Lupin sure was good at speaking up at the oddest times. He listened to her speak about the tale of Cleopatra's death and when she finished nodded in a manner that said. 'oh' Then when he was sure she was finished talking he spoke up."You know alot about this don't you?" He remarked with a lighthearted smile. He looked back at the statues stepping abit closer trying to read a plaque near it and then he asked."So for all we know Cleopatra could be here in Gotham?" He was slipping into one of his teacher modes. He either would behave in a very eccentric manner or ask questions like the one he just did. He then looked back to her and smiled. "General Patton believed that he was reincarnated as well. So who knows?" He commented shrugging at that last part. "I'll have to go check out that exhibit." He said in response to her comment about the tale of Osiris and Isis.

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There very shyly Zahira dropped her eyes for a moment with a simple smile, before returning to Victor at his words. Knowing well the world was just as strange on the other side. She knew the strange well, though she hardly considered herself strange despite the perception. "Most defiantly." Zahira remarked softly agreeing, her eyes moved gently from his, she never was one to stare too long, well save in the dire moments. Brushing her hair softly behind her ear. Before her hand had reached for Victor's. Caught the unusual scent, but there was something charming about it, even though it seemed out of place. Her eyes studied a little, but wasn't tracing him so much. The scent had slightly changed. She could sense a slight ease. Nerves perhaps? Felt the pace of his heart a little quicker. Zahira politely took her hand back, to give him back his space. After all she didn't know who he was and Zahira hoped in part he didn't know who she was. Otherwise he might just find reasons to be afraid and run. As if she was the monster. Her eyes drifted off, still keeping her composure, as they darkened just slightly at the thought, but Zahira was used to being alone.

There came a rather warm break through her mind. Upon hearing Victor's laugh. Zahira faced him with a smile along with a gentle warm laugh, he was surprisingly funny Zahira thought innocently, laughter wasn't something she had often, but she seemingly enjoyed it on the rare occasions. "Anubis is a popular name for dogs, if that helps." Zahira offered amusingly in return, having recalled her own childhood pet, Anubis. She smiled softly. Although upon hearing the real reason they were here. There was a strong importance of pets in Ancient Egypt. "Animals wouldn't be a bad place to start, then. You'd actually be surprised at how much you learn about the culture solely by the influence of animals… Especially with cats, they were the most popular and most sacred during the time." Zahira mentioned to Victor that animals played a vast role in the culture, especially cats. "There's even a myth that was told of how the egyptians won a battle because of cats… We have some nice replicas of temple walls, with the depiction of animals, I can show you if you'd like?" Zahira recalled the myth fondly, it was rather amusing with the attack of cats, the enemy ran in panic. Zahira smiled softly and offered to show Victor the many depictions of ancient egyptian life, animals being a generous part of it.

Her eyes warmly looked to Victor at his chuckle. It was oddly a comforting sound, not that Zahira knew exactly why. "You seem the intellectual kind as was Cleopatra, I'd say you'd find the common ground." Zahira kindly responded to his question, expressing a soft half contained laugh and if anything he could probably win Cleopatra over with humour. So Zahira thought anyways. Feeling in her element. She blushed ever so slightly at Victor's remark. Her eyes gently shifted, there was no escaping the truth and smiled as she looked to Victor. Having noticed he was doing his best to keep to the information she was given. With so much there it was hard at times knowing what path to take and mention. "Ah, yes… Apologises if it's going over your head a bit…" Zahira softly said, smiled softly as she apologised if it was too much for him. "I've grown up with the history, as I'm from Egypt myself. You could say it is a family thing." Zahira added kindly and proud that in along line it was part of her own country's history. It was hard not to be sucked into it, with it surrounding you, but sure her parents were heavily evolved. Although it wasn't until her Master, that she studied the history more and learnt even more. Exploring any temple she could. "Hmmm, it is possible. She'd probably fit in." Zahira responded warmly and a soft laugh at the idea of Cleopatra here in Gotham. It was possible… Shifted a little and nodded herself. Her eyes studied him, not recognising who he had mentioned. "General Patton?" Shifting her eyes back as she curiously questioned. Blushed softly. Showing she was maybe only sucked into the Egyptian history and culture. "Its a tragic love story and about the birth of Horus… There's a new dvd I recently got, I can lend to you for your class to watch, if you'd like? I have others, perhaps you'd like to browse my collection if you have time? It's just in my office." Zahira referring to the death of Osiris, scattered across the world and Isis searched for his body. Also offered the lending of DVDS, they could be a good help and insight in ways the museum couldn't exactly do. Of course not exactly meaning now if he needed to remain in sight for the students, but offered if and when he was ready.

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Victor thought he had noticed a hint of shyness in her eye movements, to him that was rather strange after all he was supposed to be the one who's shy around others. He quickly pushed the thoughts from his mind as he thought that he was just seeing things. He also started to get a strange feeling that she was studying him. It was a very strange feeling for him. He looked over to her and thought that she was a very beautiful woman. But he didn't dwell on that thought. He took a quick glance around to see which of his students were in the area.

He looked at her when she brought up the name Anubis being the most popular for dogs at the time. He felt it was rather fitting given what he knew about the culture. He was also relived that she didn't say Lupin. That would have been odd for him."Wasn't Anubis the god of the Underworld?" He asked innocently. He remembered being a kid and thinking that Anubis was the coolest of the Egyptian gods. Then she brought up a victorious battle due to cats. he looked back to her with his eyebrows raised high."Cats? As in meow?" He asked even though he was asking in this manner it was clear that he was interested."I gotta see that." He said with an amused grin on his face and his arms crossed in front of him."Sure I guess it couldn't hurt to see then murals." He said with a slight nod.

When he heard the comment about being on even ground with Cleopatra he looked back at the statue."Really? Even ground eh?" He commented looking back to Zahira. Him being on even ground with a historical figure was an interesting thought to Victor. It wasn't very often he thought of those people in that way. He thought he noticed Zahira blush slightly, and again he pushed that thought from his mind. There was no way he was making this kind of impression on her..... Could he? He did his best not to dwell on the idea though. instead he shook his head slight.{color=888888]"Don't worry I'm following you. I just don't know a whole lot about the era.."[/color] He said with a slight smile. "My area of expertise is abit later." He commented. Then he raised his eyebrows slightly. "Your Egyptian?" He remarked lightly. "Well I had family on both sides of World War Two so I know how you feel." He commented. Then he smirked at her comment about Cleopatra fitting in. He wondered how many men she would have won over if that were the case. Then he heard her ask about General Patton. 'My turn' He thought to himself. "Well you see General George Smith Patton Jr. was one of the more famous..... Or rather infamous of the American generals. And he was a history buff mostly about Rome and Medieval Europe. He was very chivalrous if not brash and controversial at times. And he believed he had been reincarnated and that he fought with the Carthaginians against the Romans." He said stopping himself when he realized he had said all of that. He didn't want to get carried away. He noticed a few students standing a few feet away acting as though they were taking notes. He gave them a crossed eyed look before turning back to Zahira."Sorry 'bout that." He said quickly. When she offered to let him borrow her dvd he nodded."That might not be a bad idea." He commented. When she brought up looking through her collection in her office he paused. He was waiting for Lupin to make a remark or tell him that he had to do it. There was no way he would rest until Victor said yes. Then he remembered that he wouldn't be bearing that again. "Sure I guess it couldn't hurt." He said with a slight nod. He noticed that there was something different about this woman. Something about her scent.... There just seemed to be more to her then what he had seen so far.

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From the corner of Zahira's eye she peaked at different sounds in the space. The students close by, keeping her ears open incase she was asked for assistance, but for now she kept her ground by Victor. The history teacher. Who had questions all his own! Zahira gently smiled. Everyone does. The ancient world of Egypt was a vast one, even Zahira is always learning more. With a simple trickle in her eye at his question about Anubis. Zahira's eyes then moved to encased object nearby and motioned shortly towards it. Inside was a statue of Anubis in his Jackal form. "At a time yes, but later was replaced by Osiris. Anubis is best shown as the protector of the dead, their tombs and the mummification process… He is in ways a very important guard dog." Zahira responded rather in vested, Zahira blushed lightly, but the passion for this knowledge ran through her veins. As she smiled softly as she lightly remarked Anubis as the guard dog. As her hand gestured to the artefact. He was extremely important and he could be seen as very cool.

Zahira's eyes traced Victor softly at his reaction to the battle with cats. Dropping them not long after. Letting a breath of amusement. It generally raised eyebrows. Before softly she nodded her head politely, mostly taken by his interest, it was a nice thing to see and feel. "Certainly, its just this way…" Zahira's eyes sparkled with her expression with the gesture of her hand to the nearby room, with the animals and most importantly the cats. Shortly motioned to lead the way, a fine pace. Incase something stopped Victor or Zahira along the way. "Of course, as in meow..! Upon an attack by an enemy, the Egyptians unleashed thousands of cats. Causing their opponents to flee in panic… They can be quite terrifying!" Zahira amusingly responded to Victor. It oddly didn't need to be seen, it oddly played out in the mind, of thousands, upon thousands of cats charging and terrorising the enemy. As she motioned towards the room. The egyptians. Well they were imaginative, very as it wasn't hard to see.

There gently Zahira smiled softly. Her eyes trailed as she motioned for the next part of the expedition. Glancing the last glimpse at the statue of Cleopatra as Victor commented. Trying to envision the even ground. Playing in over in her mind. "Hmmm, maybe a little rough at first." Zahira lightly joked, it was hard to say how any today's men would measure up to Cleopatra. After all it was different times. Gently look off as she walked on. Blushed a little more at Victor's words, mostly out of relief. She was making some sense. Shifted her eyes towards him. "Ok, just let me know if you do get lost." Zahira lightly responded, she was here to help. She glowed a little extra at his next question, still with the hint of shyness. She didn't get personal all the often, the occasional comments here and there, but even then it was caution. This seemed harmless. "Yes. Just recently I transferred to Gotham, up until now I've not seen much outside of Egypt." Zahira lightly responded and mentioned. As she was still figuring this side of the world out and find a place. Maybe. It was at times feeling out of place and other times it felt like the right place. Luckily Zahira got to walk through these areas in the building and reminded her of home. Least partial of it.

Before finally Zahira halted by the small inscription of the battle with the help of cats. "Here, we are!" Upon the wall showed the images and the scene. The myth. "He sounds very intriguing. I have to admit, I do not know a great deal of American history… Of whom was he a general for?" Zahira listened and responded to the knowledge, perhaps feeling a bit like Victor out of her element. As she asked what he was a general for? It certainly sounded like a complex history. Then Ancient Egypt wasn't exactly smooth sailing. Softly looking off to where Victor was distracted. Maybe it be a knowledge trade, Zahira could probably do with more information of this country she was now in and in ways related. Given her father. Her eyes lightly returned as Victor apologised. "Thats ok!" Zahira simply said, feeling there was no need for Victor to apologise. He was a teacher after all. She smiled softly as her eyes shifted off the inscription. To the different kinds of inscriptions of animals. Their influence. It was hard not to turn and find some form or representation of animals throughout the history. "That's Bat. The white Goddess." Zahira pointed to the carving of the woman with the ears and horns of a cow. A slightly different creature than the Bat in Gotham. Before looking towards the inscriptions of hunts with dogs. The many appreciations of cats. "The Scarab Beetle, a symbol of rebirth. Like a cross. The egyptians would wear it as an amulet, to protect them from evil and when one was mummified, they replaced their heart with a stone carved beetle." Zahira mentioned as she motioned towards the carvings of the Scarab on a replica of a tomb wall and to a small artefact just before it. Slowly just restraining back, to see if anything stood out to Victor and if he had questions. Having mentioned her dvd collections on documentaries and discoveries. Victor seemed keen on those. "They should least help map out the key points. The history can be rather like a maze and we're always learning more… My office is just a short walk this way." Zahira motioned her hand, her door was out of place, but still in sight. Zahira had motioned to lead the way. Through the exhibition, the few students that were around and soon reaching her door. Revealing her decent sized office. It was cosy with the many file cabinets. The chunky desk. Some egyptian decorations. One of which was a snake like artefact statue upon her desk. Motioned further and awaited for Victor, as Zahira motioned for the cabinet with the dvds. Some of which were on occasion shown in the exhibition and others were just what Zahira had collected. One could never have too many or in ways know too much.

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Victor listened to Zahira talk about Anubis and smiled. he had always liked Anubis he was one of the cooler gods. Along with others like Thor, or Aries. He shook his head and squinted his eyes jokingly "Aren't we always." He said referring to Anubis as a guard dog. He didn't mean to use the word 'we'. He didn't even realize that he had said it. But in a way it was true... He was after all a guard dog of sorts.

Victor followed her as she started to lead him over to the murals. He had a highly amused look on his face at the thoughts of an army being turned away by cats. No matter how many of them there were or how large they were it was still an amusing image in his mind. He had heard of a few funny outcomes for battles. But all of his were from more recent history. Such as the War of 1812 and other wars from that era onwards.

"Somehow I get the feeling I'd be more on the quite side if I were to meet her." He said talking about Cleopatra. "Or at the very least I'd be on her side..... Possibly." He commented light heartedly. Of course knowing how he did things he would either side with her or step out of the way and avoid the spot light all together. He wasn't really a huge fan of the idea. He smiled at her comment about speaking up if he got lost. "I'm in my element when I'm lost." He joked. It was true though. He felt more comfortable then most when he was confused. But he didn't go looking for it though. He felt comfortable he didn't enjoy it though. He smiled. "Well welcome to the States." He said cheerfully. "I'm Texan myself." He said showing that he wasn't a Gotham native either.

He laughed as he saw the mural. It was still amusing to see. he shifted his glasses on his nose as he leaned closer to it and looked it over. He then smiled abit as she asked him who Patton was General for. "He was one of ours." He said meaning the United States. "He was highly controversial. Did a few things he probably shouldn't have. He was in charge of quite a few of our armies. But not at the same time. He had a very colorful vocabulary. And as he predicted he died after the war ended. In a car crash during a fishing trip of all things." He said as he looked at the mural. Hethen looked back to Zahira pushing his glasses back up on his nose. "Remind me not to invade Egypt." He said jokingly. He then followed her to her office. Feeling somewhat strange. It wasn't everyday he followed a woman like this.... Not that he had anything against it. It had just been feeling strange when things like this happened ever since he met that certain woman. When he saw her office he stopped in the door. He wasn't afraid to enter... More he was impressed with the size of the office. "Nice office. Mines a glorified closet." He said as he took a step into the office. He found himself wondering what he would have to do to get an office like this. But the thoughts didn't linger on that long. After all it wasn't important at the moment.

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What could Zahira truly know about dogs? She mildly questioned as she stared into the eyes of Anubis. With the quick instinct of aggression. Which was quicker? The dog bite or the snake bite? Maybe there was a reason animals didn't linger near her so long, but had Zahira ever had the time to notice? A hint of a smile. It always came when one could find even the smallest connection in history. Once even slightly hooked… It was hard to shake. Her eyes gently played, but did not pry. Curious, as to Victor's words on the 'we'. Trying to play along with the joke, she was feeling she wasn't getting. From the way his eyes looked, Victor defiantly seemed to get some understanding with Anubis. "What are you guarding? Then I gather its a natural thing for a teacher..!" Zahira then found her tongue speak her mind, not prying, but it was probably a question she wouldn't normally ask. Leaving it light as she did ask, but soon believing he was referring being a teacher. In ways Zahira protected what surrounded them where they stood. She was in her own way a teacher, but hardly felt that. She didn't feel as ready as her guardian, her mentor had said, but Zahira was ready to learn. To learn the mysteries that laid hidden within Gotham. She knew only half of herself. The other side, was not much more than a shadow.

Comfortable as Zahira was, as they walked through to the different spot in the area. The story of the cat attack was always a page turner. Catching the way his eyes moved over it, was a fine thing to see in need and was always a thing to grasp. Something you didn't expect, especially in the art of war, but its probably why it worked. Her brown eyes motioned as he spoke more upon Cleopatra. "Picking your battles would probably be wise…" Zahira lightly jested about taking sides. A gentle curve came to the corners of her lips at his joke about getting lost. Perhaps city life was the natural thug for him. Zahira curiously gathered. She couldn't deny she had a talent in staying hidden when desired or more required. Lost. Wasn't new. "I come from a world where the sands change daily, but city streets… I turn one corner and I'm back where I started." Zahira mentioned vaguely of her recent trips through the streets. Of course finding certain targets were easy, but getting back was sometimes harder. Eventually not getting scents mixed up or sounds, some she had never experienced until Gotham. "Thank-you… Despite a little lack of direction, I do get a sense of a home away from home in Gotham…" Zahira politely thanked Victor. A little shyly. Her eyes checking he had indeed welcomed her, not many had said the words, let alone mean it. She least believed he meant them. Could she really be fooled so easily? Softly mentioning despite some mishaps, Gotham she found oddly interesting. Of course not expanding on the fact it was mostly down to her father, was why she felt some connection as if the snake half belonged here as well as Zahira. Dark shadows at every corner. The ability to be lost to others. Was either a gift or a curse? Something she was sure going to find out sooner or later. "Texan! As in Texas? A desert, correct? So your new to Gotham, as well?" Zahira didn't know greatly about Texas, just more knew of it. As she questioned, wondering if it was too much. Prying? Though found it mildly interesting they were from deserts, well very different deserts she was sure.

Watched in a sweet enjoyment in watching Victor laugh at the mural and inspect it closer. It was a gift when history can inspire and can interest after so many centuries. Before finding herself smile a little warmer and oddly more truthful. Someone made her smile? She didn't even know who he was. Victor was just a name. Teacher was what he did, but who was he? Who was she to know? As her eyes turned to more interest as Victor spoke about the General Patton. It really was all new to her. There bits and pieces her father told her, but she had rarely kept with the news. She was generally a little busy, but she was fascinated by some things she had come across in the other expeditions in the museum. "He sounds immensely interesting. A lot of history wouldn't of happened if certain people didn't go out of their way to change the rules. There wouldn't be much of a growth…" Was that putting her spin of people doing something different that changed the world, was she putting to much of her own opinion on it. She warmly smiled. Where would the world be now, if people didn't change and adapt. As the world around them was always changing. Now she was thinking of sand again. Her eyes looked down for a moment with a soft sound of amusement as Victor said about invading Egypt. "You don't seem the invading type, but Egypt is still a tough country to break." Zahira lightly noted, before realising what she herself had said. Assuming. That was maybe taking a step over the line. She didn't know him. Who was she to judge. With half a smile, she lead Victor to her office across the room. Her steps lessened as they came at the door. Noting his slight reluctance, perhaps he was more of the nervous type as well. Motioning further as she moved toward the bookcase. Her fingers gently ran along the collection. There was perhaps around 30 or so. Retrieving the dvd about Osiris and Isis, for now. Just upon motioning back to Victor. He commented on the office. Looking around. It was a nice office. Far bigger than the one in Egypt. Smiled softly and she motioned to hand him the dvd. "Thank-you… Feel free to browse the others, if you like to take for your class… It is a nice office, the one I had in Egypt was also much smaller… Though I prefer to be out in the expedition area." Zahira lightly commented. It was her element in a lot of ways of course, but sure being on her own seemed the natural thing to be. It was in cases safer. "Feel free to take your time… Were you a teacher in Texas?" Zahira added in a friendly manner as she motioned for her chair, the opposite of the desk was left offered to Victor if he ever wished to take it. Before Zahira took the little step. Finding something to ask without it being over the line personal. It seemed safe. It was a start!

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When Zahira asked what it was he was guarding Victor felt a small bit of worry come on. He wasn't sure he could come up with something good enough to cover his mistake. Then when she went on to say that what ever it was it was natural for a teacher he felt the worry leave. "Yeah. In a way I protect knowledge." He commented with a smile.

When she commented about him picking his battles he found himself smiling slightly. She didn't know how true that was for him. He had learned that lesson the hard way. Victor gave a slight nod at her comment about getting lost in Gotham. "I've been in Gotham long enough to know how to get where I need to be." Then he let out a quick chuckle. "But not always where I want to be." He gave a slight smile when she asked if he was from Texas. "Yes I am....... Well.... Its not one big desert. But the part of it I lived in was mostly farmland with a few trees." He explained. "But drive west for about 4 hours and you'll hit desert so I know what its like."[/color[ He added with a smile. "And yes I've been her for a few months but not that long."

After having spent a few seconds in Zahira's office he remembered he was still wearing his fedora. He took it off politely. And in the process revealing his grey hair. He took the offered dvd with a small smile. He hadn't really thought about it but suddenly he found himself thinking about how she was very beautiful. But he tried not to let that fact become to prominent in his mind. Otherwise he wouldn't be able to keep his words straight. "No I was still in high school in Texas. This is my first teaching job." He explained. "But my uncle said I was." He added with a smile.

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With all the passing folk Zahira has talked to and shared hew knowledge. The whole personal interaction was still in ways foreign to her. Zahira could just pull her senses together, for she did have the advantage, but it seemed past that point. Besides Zahira was trained to use it wisely, not just when she wanted to. It was on occasion a feeling kind of thing. Though of course there were the natural parts she just couldn't help. Putting the corner of her lips in a smile, but it wasn't false. Though she wasn't making a point in noted Victor was worried at what he had said. It was out of sight out of mind to her. All Zahira could mostly take with was what was in front of her and for right she wasn't out to smell a rat or a dog. Looked to him innocently at his words, that hadn't exactly been what she had meant, but it was also true as nodded instinctually. "That too, but I was referring to the students you teach." Zahira comfortably pointed out, not questioned, because well it didn't feel like it needed questioning. As kindly looked to him. It was a noble thing in the larger sense, she knew well of the protection her master showed her. The challenges set were just to strengthen her,

There was a hint of an emotion or something in the little sharing she had let out just then. In regards to her way around the city, but it was nothing. Well it was something. Zahira toyed, but what was the point. Smiling softly as she wasn't one to just wander through and figure it out. Of course when she put her mind down to it, Zahira could track this city well or least trail those that needed it. So far this place seemed the easiest. "The dead ends do seem repetitive." Zahira comment in response to Victor's words, most in note to the dark alleys. The streets of course. Zahira lightly looked over the artefacts before them. Just an artefact, Zahira just needed to keep a keen eye of the city. It would be second nature. Politely as she could listened to Victor talking about Texas. Could tell the fondness in his voice. Even his expressions. "You talk of Texas very fondly… Hmmm, I take its a different desert then… It's a bit hard not to take one step and you hit sand… " Zahira lightly jested to Victor, with a smiled to the notion of the two deserts side by side. By the look in Victor's eyes, it was clear they were very different, but that hardly a bad thing. They were different parts of the world.

Soon the light chitter chatter had found them in her office. Here. Zahira in conversation. Well it was for work? Mostly. She was telling herself it was because he seemed the quiet type, but the quiet type could be very dangerous. She should know. As slide herself in her slightly tattered dark chair. It creaked only a little. As she took a seat behind her desk. Not taking note as Victor had taken his hat off, but as her eyes trailed back over at his movement. She did notice the grey, but it played not much to her mind. It was just hair for all she needed to know. Her hands straightened her glasses a little better. As her hands tidied the paperwork a little. Least in some order. She had to take care of. Wait. As her eyes skimmed over them, most of them. Shouldn't take too long. She was confident. As she sat back comfortably as Victor responded to her words. Her attempt at being friendly. Inviting. Taking the steps she could. "Was? Apologises, I take it he passed away? Was Gotham your desired place to teach?" The lightness in her eyes partially faded as in Victor's words, Zahira assumed his uncle had passed, it was kind thing if Victor remembered him fondly as it seemed. The lose of family was something Zahira knew and mostly why she was led here. Victor was still stranger to just out that which was most dear to her heart, but a hint of understanding sure made the situation more comfortable. As Zahira kindly asked had Gotham been his choice or had it chosen him in some odd fashion.

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When Zahira clarified what she meant Victor stood where he was for a second and rubbed the back of his neck. He felt somewhat silly at the moment for some reason he wasn't all to sure about. "Oh... Well yeah I guess I do that too." He admitted with a slight laugh as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Although some of them might not agree with you." He added with a smile.

Victor nodded knowingly at her comment about dead ends. "I know how you feel." He said as he moved over to a seat. "may I sit down?" He asked as he saw her take a seat. Again he felt something causing the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. He wasn't so sure what it was about her but it caused the canine side of him to be on guard. But he was skilled enough at hiding things like that so it didn't show. But he wasn't sure if there was anything else showing at the time. He considered her words on Texas being a different desert. "Well I guess you can say that. Though the closer to Louisiana you get the more swamp land you see."

When Zahira asked about his uncle having passed away Victor glanced down at his feet. It was something that was still sore for him. But not something he wasn't willing to talk about. Lupin helped him with that. Before Lupin was killed. "Actually he was murdered." He said. He may have seemed calm but anyone who was truly paying attention could tell that it was something that brought up emotion in him. That day was both one of the saddest and one of the best days of his life. It was the day he lost the last member of his family that he knew of and the day he gained Lupin and the start of a new family.

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Finally as the door closed and they were more alone. It didn't feel totally off, Zahira was used to the human interaction enough and Victor all but charming. Zahira smiled warmly, though mostly kept to herself as she caught his reaction. His nervous side maybe? Least they had the excuse they were 'working'. At his words, Zahira too expressed a silent laugh, but it seemed a valuable quality in Zahira's mind. To protect the students as well as the knowledge. It wasn't an easy role, in may ways it took bravery. To be sure that something so small could stay with a student forever. Pushing her own glasses up a little more comfortably as she offered the more direct smile. "You are helping them to become who they're going to be, they may not see it now, but they will. Of course you cannot reach everybody, but those you do, isn't that the point?" Not that Zahira was trying to make any major point, but she couldn't help put her praise on a teacher. Not that all teachers were good, but for those that were teaching for the good reasons and from everything. Even in his simple reactions. His actions. Victor seemed like the good teacher. A good man? Zahira smiled, maybe so. Only in Time.

Sinking comfortably into her chair. She defiantly felt more at ease for whatever reason. As her hands had tossed her dark locks casually around her shoulders before tucking a few strands behind her left ear and glasses. At Victor's words, Zahira could feel his truth and realised she should of offered. "Of course, Victor. Please make yourself at home." Better late than never. Zahira quite warmly invited him to take the seat. It wouldn't cause any great displeasure, Zahira was sure. They could be permitted to relax as she sat a little more comfortably in her own seat. It made her looked away ever so slightly as his nerves reactions towards her. From what she could feel she was bit torn whether it was just fear and if it was just the usually kind. Taking the breath. If it was her. It wouldn't be the first. Even when she didn't try, she could manage to spook someone off and at a point Zahira was even not meaning to it was probably her fault. Victor was still all but a stranger. A welcomed one, for now. "Fascinating and just how big is Louisiana? I can honestly say I have never been nor seen it, maybe one day…" Not that Zahira didn't know the world, just not just every part of it and this was one of those parts. Call it a distraction as you were that her calling or destiny which ever you wanted to call it, it came before other things, but now. As Zahira sat in Gotham. Mostly on her own. Her mentor was not here. With in ways a new beginning, well Zahira was open to seeing things she may not have had the chance to before. Though right now the dark streets of Gotham seemed a good location for the inner Cobra, but was her place really here in Gotham or was there something more?

It had been more than a wild guess. Call it a feeling. Even now as Victor heard Zahira's words. Questions. She could see it in her eyes, similar to what she had felt. It was that loss and if it was hard to wrap his teeth around it. Then Zahira couldn't blame him, but it defiantly was showing Zahira a different light down on him. Something real. There had been the gentle swing motion in her chair, just casual, just out of the timid behaviour or just some habit. But it stopped. Zahira stopped motionless at Victor's words. Her dark brown eyes had been on him, now slowly and silently fell. As if a mild flashback. It was always more than that. Even just the reaching out and cold limbs. Yes, it was anything but far gone from her mind. To think it happened to another and from what Zahira was aware of, it was still raw, but it would always be raw, to an extent. "I'm sorry, I truly am. I know how painful it can be… Do you know how?" Again and very sincerely Zahira spoke her apology, knowing how it was for her. It is different for everyone, but still painful on some level. Her words came slow and almost, but not quite on the brink of breaking as she mentioned she knew the feeling. As if she had revealed a major secret and she felt her arms tingle the feelings, the memories weren't so gone. It was strength just saying that out loud, but there was no telling if Victor picked up on it. As if in her attempt to hide, but also Zahira was curious to know. As she asked how. As harmless as she could, if Victor wanted to answer it, but knowing he may not want to. That was fine. Understandable. After all Zahira was the one trying to hide.

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Victor sat down when she invited him to and set his fedora down on his knee and looked at her with a slight smile. She was a rather beautiful women and she seemed to be comfortable where she was. But Victor knew how it felt to move from one type of world to another. Even though he had only moved from one end of the country to another. Where as she had moved from one part of the world to another. "I guess Louisiana is about average size for a state." He said as he realized he had never thought about it before. "My father's side of the family came from there." He added leaning back in the seat trying to settle in.

He fond it somewhat amusing that it seemed that ever since moving to Gotham he had been running into beautiful women left and right. He didn't know what he was going to do about that and didn't plan on finding out anytime soon. But then again ever sense he had met Lupin nothing in his life had ever truly gone according to plan. Victor looked at Zahira abit closer without seeming like he was inspecting her. There was something...... different about her but he couldn't tell what it was. He stopped trying to figure it out when she asked if he knew how his uncle had died. He leaned forward in the seat and clasped his hands together. "He was a Texas Ranger and was taking part in a drug raid. When his back was turned one of his own men shot him in the back on a bribe to let one of the drug dealers get away." He explained soberly staring at his feet the entire time he spoke. "I was attending college in Seattle at the time. So I heard about it over the phone." He said not wanting to talk about what he was doing just before he had gotten the phone call and not quite sure if revealing what happened shortly after was a good idea.