As AMNERIS exits offstage, the set changes to the Nubian camp. AIDA stands in
the middle of the stage as MEREB approaches her.
MEREB
Aida, there you are. Will you come with me?
AIDA
Where?
MEREB
The Nubian camp. Look, everybody knows that I'm the one who can get things.
And our people... They've have asked me to bring them... you.
AIDA
Why? So they can see a reckless fool dressed as a servant? No that is what I
am, Mereb. My father told me not to leave the boundaries of our village, but
I could not be so constrained. I took Nehebka and the other women up the
river. I had to see the countryside. And that's where the Egyptians captured
us. I deserve this. And our people deserve a leader who thinks of them. Not
of her own selfish pleasures.
MEREB
Aida, the Nubians want their princess.