User blog:MockingJester/A trip to the North: Twilight

A kingdom has risen from the sand of time. Once, left to sleep in eternity under its burial from an avian entity. Them, and their fellows, the lords of those kingdoms, the last to close their eyes. Eyes closing to the curtain fall of their avian sun, forever trapped in the maw of its ancient and slithering darkness, trapped in endless oblivion.



Its final command as the teeth of the dark one sank over it was for them to one day return once the darkness of its void maw spat no more. A closing word to its people, a final shine of its brightness before silence, crypts closing down on the pharaohs as its maws closest in on the avian...



Eons, many eons passed, seeing the sand swirl and ruffle, shifting in what thought to be forever. Only for eternity to be but a passage. The sand tombs weren't the eternal wardens of the kingdoms. Only their preparatory modelers, only their guides to another era so alien to the one they left.



It rumbled and shifted, sweeping itself whole in great sand storms reaching the heaven like a shroud revealing a sleeper. The shine of the sun once more reflected upon the golden palaces and pyramids, warming the cold, lifeless streets and houses. Tombs and palaces. All burning with a blinding glimmer unseen in eons.



And so, they woke...

---

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"Uuuaahhh..." As she did, her first breath of the day taken in a long yawn, touched by the gentle brush of the sun. She laid at the very top of the tallest building in this kingdom of the scorching sun, one amidst many.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">Her awakening experience is honed by the pink luster of her silk fabric draping the windows, drinking in the warmth of the star to reflect it in its shade.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">The sheets that struggled to keep her curves from the world fell in their attempt, revealing the flawless caramel coursing alongside the whole of her body, relishing the blessed touch of the lord of demons. Crimson veins etched in paint travel the top of her hips to end at the lowest of her feet. Everything else was overtaken by her undead skin make natural once more in a caramel twist.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">The sheets further fall away from her body with her movement away from the bundle of silk. A body, graceful as it is mostly devoid of anything outfit, clothed by nothing more than the covers to her most intimate parts.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"My queen, you are awake". A servant quietly opens the door to her quarters, armed with a basket holding much what looked like bathing equipment. She presents them to the waking pharaoh as she plants her knees on the floor, taking on a bowing gesture. A bar of soap purchased with a scent of outside breeze. A towel yet unused or cleaned at least a dozen times. An extra pair of underwear and bras not unlike the ones she wears, taking on a whiter color as opposed to her black set, all ready for today's bath.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">The ruler leans toward the meager servant, dressed in a much more modest maroon set, top, and bottom coating more of her body up to the elbows and knees. Nubait takes a hand to the meager maid, on her shoulder, and a gentle smile.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">To witness this pouring simper is a gesture of approval, promptly lifting the servant back to her feet, waiting on the ruler to pass through her door to follow straight to the bathroom.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">---

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"You go on now". Nubait's hands take hold of the basket the morning maid held, intended on personally washing her. A task handed by the domestic chef of the pharaoh's quarters.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"R-really? I do not mind washing our venerated ruler". Her hands did not contend the same way her words did. Considering the domestic chef's tendencies to chide any idle worker and how stringent her standards are, she preferred not to become one of her many victims so soon in the morning.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"Oh, come now. As old as I may be, I do remember how to rub a bar of soap on my body". A chuckle spills out from the ruler, a contrasting soft relaxation pulsating her body.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"I..." At a loss for words. She couldn't just rebuke the ruler's word. At least, she never had the mind to. Not with her repeated insistence on washing herself. "...very well. I apologize for bringing it up".

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"Do not worry about it. I understand that Sitra can be harsh from time to time. I should speak to her about that". Nubait turns to the bathroom maiden, gesturing for her hands to cup before her. A second ago, they were empty, pulled from the basket she was supposed to tend her pharaoh with. But now, they hold a tiny, miniature bead. It reflects a strong, deep pink at its core while the outer shell glimmers in a lighter shade. Harmony between the two extremes.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"In the meantime, however, make sure to have enough time to pamper yourself before going about your duties, alright?" A blatant smile hones on the maiden, having received the bead enough time to recognize the word of the pharaoh. A token of satisfaction likely to dismiss her from further chores until after breakfast, when she duly begins her day.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">Grateful, she bows down, seeing Nubait bow back before turning, the door closing by a faint push of pink at the knob. Alone in a steaming back, she merges in the warming waters, disregarding her underwear by the side on a wolven basket. Here, she relaxes, letting her entire body flow to the bath's current.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">A whiff of warmth tingling her every pore. A hot touch tickling the surface of her skin, intimate almost. Here, hidden by the steam, embraced by the warm liquid peeling the sweat and dirtiness, Nubait slumbers, feeling utmostly relaxed. Arms stroking her belly from behind, guided by her playing pair. Hands gently caressing the tip of her belly button, held in place by hers. Her back, rolled in a body sharing a similar temperature.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">Lips musing a giggle, also tempted to turn, expecting...she doesn't. She doesn't turn. No, she had no reason to. Reality strikes once more, offering a make-belief, the same illusion always prancing before her, dancing in the waves of her own making. Her giggling soon is gone, the soothing atmosphere decreased to a complete halt, returning her bliss to the depth of imagination.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">A longing stare lines up the ceramic walls followed by a sigh as she realizes how good of an illusionist the waters were at portraying, playing. A slight annoyance comes between her wincing eyes, scolding the warm waters with a mana-fueled slap at its surface, splashing her in its abundance of heat.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">She grabs the soap bar...

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">---

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">The day advances slowly, intrinsically observing the pharaoh in her elegant outfit. The edges of her clothes adorn their wearer with the subtle of gold purchases, solid braided metal wolven into silky purple, a mix of beauty and authority. That alone, while a rare trait in the clothing of the Sundered kingdom, wasn't much to depict her as the one above all.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">If not for how well her subjects recognized her, the red tattoos and gentle expression, then the pharaoh's crown set Nubait apart from the rest. From the Sphinx, from the Anubis, the mummies, and living citizens going about their days, bowing in her direct sight.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">Walking to the center of her pyramid, towards the gilded throne that once spent a part of eternity without a sitter, Nubait spends her day split between the ever-flowing offerings of the growing human population bloating her halls and...

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"What do you think of this space? All we would need is to trim down the dunes". Words come fast the resurgence of sand kingdoms. The Sundered kingdom is one among them, even in its rather long time to adapt to the new changes. A desire for many, exiled, disillusioned or otherwise, to venture and take home within its expanding territory.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"Yes, I believe this place will do, my lord". Two figures stand by the sand, feet planted over what was to be the next parch of land to become a part of Nubait's expansion. One of them has ears as sharp as daggers, surveying the hill of sand they stand on.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">She nods, glancing over beyond the dune where a massive set of blocks and sheds. Equipment, heavy and light, sliding over the shifting sand. Hundreds of laborers laid near them with one of their numbers sporting staves at the front. A wooden pole embalmed with a golden scarab at the tip, which itself is encrusted with a sapphire gem, swirling with mana.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">Sand is deflected by these 'sand benders', waiting on the architecture chef's call. A call they spot via her nodding gaze "Sandmen, call the laborers to work".

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">The Anubis wastes no time gathering a sum of mana rushing to her staff. Before then, its shaft taps on the apex of the dune, echoing a swath of blue flames over it. It eats the sand in a hurried pace, burping the shriveled dust high in the air to be dismantled by winds.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">As she does this, a legion of yellow bandaged men approaches, tools, and sand sleighs in tow, surveying and analyzing the freshly cut dune to size. Their runic gauzes blend with the sand that crumbles under their heavy steps, walking as a tide of tireless men and women.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">A sight that pleases the Anubis, witnessing the immense efficiency of newly-inducted stone tilers and their spotless reputation. Already at the construction phase, it would be mere weeks before the tiles and houses and commerces of tens of thousands became ready and able.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">However, her satisfaction dwindles in the rise of curiosity once she turns to her pharaoh, expecting the ruler to take a minute or two to watch the worker class. A sight that countless times fills her with pride, despite how hidden she keeps it, to see Nubait watch over what they considered the very lifeblood of the kingdom. Their people. Today, though...

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"M...Mistress?" The Anubis takes a step forward, setting her side-to-side with Nubait, glancing at the pharaoh. Her tenure is a silent one with whatever breath she takes covered by the sound of drifting sand. Eyes locked on the sky, seemingly looking at something...or looking for something.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"Mistress". Bennu speaks up, a notch in her tone, reserved and quiet at the same. Enough to prompt Nubait's head shift, blinking a few times in her way.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"Hmm? Ohh, my apologies". A warm smile coats her caramel lips "For the briefest of seconds, I thought I had spotted a little critter flapping in the distance".

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"Really? Where? I'd like to see the temerity of a bird wandering in a sandstorm like this". Bennu takes to the skies, scrutinizing the cerulean.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">Nubait subtly shakes her head, still showering her small simper over the canine woman looking for the temerity of a bird that wasn't here. She puts a hand on her subordinate's shoulder "Oh, it left as soon as our workers began".

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"Hmm, unfortunate". She turns away from the skies. An hour of surveying the land tends to upset her stomach in hunger.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"Hungry?" Nubait holds her breath, suppressing the desire to chuckle. Her subordinates, while astute managers, often have the unfortunate trend of cutting away their well-being in the process. This was ironic, seeing how quickly and often she and Sitra were to berate any worker thinking of skipping their own are beforehand despite their seemingly cold regiment. Seeing a way to 'punish' her for this double standard, the pharaoh promptly takes her follower's smooth paw and begins walking back, caring little of the growing embarrassment rushing to the canine's cheeks, deep red.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"Mistress..."

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"Now, now, Bennu, we do not work on an empty stomach. I've told you that. Now, we have to go back".

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"But mistress...not like this...the workers, they'll--" For a man, trying to pry his hand from the grasping hand of a monster was like trying to deface a wall that had partially swallowed his wrist to the other side. Unless he had enormous strength to force the rock from his hand, he wasn't getting out of this without any help.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"The workers can do without your presence for the time being". Right now, this is how the ancient Anubis feels, pulled alongside in a walk back to the palace amidst the moving laborers.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">Nubait made little of Bennu's ongoing embarrassment, her stomach continually advocating in her favor. Instead, she glances at the hundreds toiling for the arrival of new neighbors. Many duos among small groups. A man and a woman brought to work hand-in-hand. She watches them in her walk, how seamless they are. Human or monster, the pair had an almost supernatural prowess to the task, often sharing a second or two of contact.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">It was the idea of the demanding Anubis to make sure the couples were paired, the monster tact seeing the effect of familiar hands working in conjunction. Right now, she was blinded by shame, forced to display her inherent hunger at everyone's ears...

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">---

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"So, you as well?" The day had passed to noon. Noon to the evening. The evening to darkness. A time where most of the Sundered kingdom is laid to sleep. Some take to nightly walks or night guard.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">In the two's cases, it was a different calling to the mess hall at one of the many tables available. Sitra nods, a bowl of soup between her paws "It was. It was during the evening when she came for supper. Of course, being the domestic lead, I thought to prepare my lady's dish".

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"Of course". Bennu nods subtly, following between the meaty stew between her teeth, savored.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"I came to her room, her dish and dressings. And I spotted her looking at the sky from her balcony".

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"Yea, I noticed too this morning, when reviewing the latest expansion for additional buildings. She told me it was a bird she saw, but...her expression..."

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"I know". Sitra continues, waiting on Bennu to sip her spoon full "It was different, right? Hopeful. Longing".

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<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"Yes. It was like the first time I've met my..." The architecture Anubis stops midway through her sentence, cupping her necklace. Or, it only looked like a necklace when it was a silver loop with a radiant gem-encrusted at its heart. It glimmers beautifully in the night, reflected in her eyes. Quickly, she clutches it close to her heart, holding it here, looking to the side.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">"Yes. Every time, she had that expression. Always looking at North with such longing. But, I doubt it. With the number of suitors coming every day to confess to her, the overabundance of willing contestants to her, I doubt that's the case. But still...to see her wander the edge of the balcony, gazing so far, longingly...what do you think could be so far North that caught her attention so deeply?"

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">Their theories fly by the dozen, soon blurring out as the distance increases upward. To Nubait her room. Inside it, there was a bag alongside a heavy piece of outfit filled with wool and wind-resistant layers. Many more items laid close, all graciously forged from the worker class, the few in which she confessed a traveling to the North. To the azure star drifting in the sky...

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">As for the pharaoh, however, she still stood by the patio at the very top like almost every night. Alone, surveying the night. Eyes dancing in the Northern direction.

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;">

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">She raises a hand in its way, inhaling deeply as if placing her palm against another's. A palm pointed toward a sight hidden to everything but her eyes. A cold, gentle light, a star so far in the distance once again shining its radiance amidst a celestial river.

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<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">There shall be a nightly tide,

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">Quiet and reclusive on a curtain of stars,

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">Where I gaze at the eventide,

<p style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">Up the north where I would start...

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