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

"Are you sure this is the right decision, ma'am?" Two of the innumerable servants of the pharaoh stood before her in a hall of empty majesty. The light of the morning dew shines across their gilded structure, honing words long etched on them. A great deal of time was spent repairing their writings against the onset of time. Sand, as great as a guardian it was, could not help but erode some of their walls.



A bright purple scarf clothes their esteemed ruler, exchanging the majestic bundle of silk wolven from the best artisans and jewelry capable of making kings of other realms envious...for a more humble set. From the peerless dance of soft tissue to a wrinkled fold on her arms. From vibrant colors to dull shades. A complete contrast to what she was, to what her people are.



Hands over the most worried of her subordinates, Nubait nods, a gentle, everlasting smile on her expression, wholly sublime, capable of bringing serenity on a slew of living beings. Her voice continues this soft expression, just as lucid-inducing "I must. Something far away is calling to me. This gentle twinkling star still shines alone..."



The idea of their ruler venturing so far from home was in itself an already unthinkable prospect, overwhelming the grace of withholding the management of the Sundered Kingdom in her absence. To then be blinded to the reason behind her departure, even temporary, was only additional woes upon the clad of the many canine masters of the many classes.



Yet, for all the arguments they might have in their minds, their hearts were too fostered in the many ways their ruler would counter, still as strong as before. No matter how they'd tackle their attempts, they would fail. And they knew it. Their silence is the biggest statement to it.



<span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt;;" data-preserver-spaces="true">Nubait turns from the open gate to the north, facing her closest retinue. Her smile is warm confidence casting away their deepest worries, joining her hands to the oldest one kneeling before her. A bond shines on the Anubis' eyes, looking up to the mistress like a mother would a child. They did not want their 'mother' to go, not without one of them by her 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">None of then would, however, their duty to the pharaoh only shadowed by duty toward the one that awaits them every night. No matter how strongly their canes and staves rattle, yearning to push one of their numbers to accompany her, they couldn't. Not without leaving their significant other. And she knew that. Expected it.

<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">So, they remain still, worrying in a hundred and one ways, her shadow moving apart from the palace. Moving through the gate to the north not to be seen for a while.

<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">They see their mistress disappear through the sand, their sense of duty burning brightly. Their minds double down on filling the gap of her absence. However long she intends to go, however far she thinks to travel, her kingdom shall be as resplendent as the very day she left it in their hands...

<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">"This place feels a bit chilly..." The warmth of the sand is long behind her, leaving its trace in the sole of her shoe as she walks a land of grass. The winds travel alongside her, flapping the purple silk scarf to their whim, a streamlined passage.

<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">"...or, maybe it's just me". The skies gorge themselves in sunlight, blotting the early dew of dawn in soft, gray clouds. A legion of sunrays peers through their holes in heavenly pillars, blessing the floor in first peaks of spring. Winter was only now beginning to lessen its cold, formless grip on the distant land, so distant that her kingdom was hidden 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">The chilly dew afflicts little of her demeanor despite her words, magenta eyes locked on the north. The ever distant north gently calling to her. A distance content on making it known how far still she was from its blue, pale shining, towering over the innumerable peaks. Frosty scrapers to the skies ushered in the growth of time.

<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">They become invisible in the dark of the night, whispering the last vestiges of the bitter winter. Its shiver is lost on the pharaoh's toasty coat. Not that it would need to endure another drifting night as her eyes spot the kindled light of a household.

<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 humble structure that stands on the top of a hill. It is wooden in its exterior, yet the pieces fold together seamlessly as if they belong with one another. This makes the bundle of wood and bolts as strong-looking as a house made of stone.

<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 Nubait approaches the lonely structure, so do distant lights, making themselves visible. Various bulbs of various sizes presenting her with the promise of a nightly city in a few hours' march. This lonely domain appears to have a meticulously built road leaving off in the span toward it in earthly colors unlike the blades of the emerald grass populating the plains.

<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">Lights also shine dimly within the transparent windows, showcasing a passing shadow worming its way out. The formless shade loses its ethereal shape, revealing the splendor of a woman dressed in the night's opposing hue. A snow flow perfumes her nightly dress, standing between practicality and appearance. It, however, makes no effort masking the wearer's peerless touches, from an honest pigment featuring freckles to gentle olive eyes half awake and gazing at the moonlight atmosphere. Comfortable shapes await behind the fabric of her gown, chest, and hips. Waist and thighs. Even her hands and feet, seemingly suffering from gigantism, were honed to be as soft-looking as the rest of her tenure.

<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 a new species for Nubait, none the less intrigued to find another monster adorned with the sun-kissed skin shade, even if hers was more earthly than the result of a slow work of the celestial 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">Said owner, sitting by the porch of her house, is quick to spot the radiant violet looking back to her, as peculiar to her as she was to the wandering ruler "Ahh! An unexpected visitor. I would bid you a good day, but it isn't quite the appropriate time for this, is it?"

<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'm afraid not, but it would have been appreciated none the less". Nubait stifles a chuckle behind her bearing scarf.

<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, my apology. How about you let me make up for this and give you a warm bed for the night? You look like someone who could use some R&R". The woman rises from her seat, molding one of her oversized hands to a shrunk size through her attunement with the earth. In its fleeting form, she humbly opens the door, reaching out invitingly.

<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? Giving the luxury of a bed to a stranger?" Nubait turns her cheek to her first converser in a few days.

<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">"Well, of course! It's not every day I get to welcome another gal like me, much less with the distinct makeup of a highborn". She speaks while slightly nudging her head toward her door, an invitation still to a warmer inside "Of course, if you wouldn't mind gracing this humble lady with your presence".

<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 not..." Accepting her imminent host's invitation makes Nubait realize how much she craved the solace of sleep, it's silent beckoning to her. A craving instilled within her throughout the millennia under the shifting sand, never quite leaving her mind "It has been a few days since my last rest. I cannot quite passively gather the force to keep myself awake".

<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">"Then come on in, the winds will put you soundly to sleep". The undead matriarch's step comes in trance, heeding the call of her host. The inside is darkness, matched by the unfamiliarity of the new territory. Her first impressions brought a cozy atmosphere to her side. A fleeting sensation to be cataloged in her mind for tomorrow morning as she quietly follows her host to a room in trembling darkness.

<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 feuds with the faint glimmer of moonlight, offering a glimmer of details toward Nubait's room. From the little she glances at, the room was a simple one devoid of overly grand decors. Her desire to commune with the dreamland cuts any effort to make out any more than she currently has in view.

<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">Silence surrounds her as she slowly, gently lets her body weigh down the silky sensation of feathers and springs. Her eyes give a goodbye shot to the ceiling, ready to awaken in a dreamscape.

<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">"He~y, I hope you didn't wait too long". A conversation repeats itself. Once again, the excited ruler steps into a dreamscape, marking yet another night in this tranquil realm, facing a gentle, cold star. Its shine remains fixated over the head of another individual sitting in this place tailored by dreams. A piece among 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">Cubic formations encircle a pillar that they stand on among hundreds, impossibly high in the cerulean. So high in fact, that the earth was invisible, masked by legions of twinkling fog in a blue presence. Each one of them is separated from the other over, yet, they shine as far-off stars, visible if not reachable.

<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 metallic luster sings with the cubes that serve as a rail guard, offering the view of a rainbow sky inundated in sparkling clouds. Beyond them, resplendent as they were, lies heaven present only in the most unrestrained imagination of the dreamer. Unrestrained while streamlined, the making of a lucid dream for how real and unreal it is.

<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">Here, it allows Nubait's arms to swarm around the shoulders of a well-built man a bump taller than her. A resplendent coat of blond hair covers his tailored head, matching the sharp, sculpted jawline, surely capable of breaking glass if given the chance. An immaculate denture shines from within his jaw, as bright white as his emerald irises are. He was a hunk, straight from the portrait of famed heroes coming to the rescue of a damsel in distress. A man stepping forth from a dream playing one more time.

<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">"Don't worry about it. It's not like I had anywhere to go either". He laughs a bit, returning the accolade, his shape just briefly flickering. The star hovering over his head had summarily phased out like the slight turmoil of a dreaming sleeper "Now, tell me. How is your traveling going? I know you were excited to talk about it the last time we met".

<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, just fantastic! It's a marvel to see so many new lands and taste new delicacy. Here, hold on!" Nubait's hands move forth. Sprinkles of rose dust flutter forward, joining and bonding into a dream-wolven basket. Its content joins shortly after the case, revealing a bounty of fruits, from bitter to sweet. Strong and meek. All to share, opening it before him in a faint shine of golden light.

<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">Looking at the colorful aspect of her harvest, the man nods in anticipation, scrubbing his hands as he leans over it "Hmm, quite the offering you're sharing here. Had I known you would go to this extent to present this man with a cultural sampling, I would have suggested that you'd go in traveling a while ago".

<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">"Better late than never, so they say. But, to be honest..." Her hands let the basket glide to the polished marble floor, black in its luster. They return to her knees, folded in a kneeled sitting. Her eyes become glinting, showering her expression in a hopeful light the same way her tone turns somewhat meek "I've been waiting to find someone to share with. Simple things such as food or art. Knowing that you had little in the way of diverse culinary was sort of an excuse for me to wander beyond my kingdom".

<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">His hand close to the basket, looking to savor a particularly lively set of grapes, the man stops, moved by her words. And a bit curious, wincing his eyes slightly "Really? A bit strange that you'd pick this reason to finally take a look around, seeing as you have thousands of ears waiting to listen. I would have thought you would confide to one of them, especially those subordinates of yours".

<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 chuckles "I thought I would too. But, they have their darlings to look after. Besides, I would have preferred someone just far enough not to be so rigid around me if you get my drift".

<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">"You did mention how restrained your people can be", he nods, noting the innumerable accounts of men and women standing as straight as they could in her presence, either via rumors or by the proximity of an Anubis.

<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 did...but enough about this! We're here for cultural exchanges". Nubait promptly takes a bright blue apple, snatching a bite out of it.

<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">"Good enough, I could use some sampling". And he takes the bundle of grapes, slowly eating them by the unit.

<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 dream blurs in its ephemeral persistence, drowning out her actions in an ever jubilous exchange between them. A dream coming 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">-

<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">...only to stop.

<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...? Morning?" Sunrays pour through the window silk flapping inward. The wind is its accomplice in welcoming the ruler to a warmer, yet chilly day, roaming inside the guest's room in a dance of light and wind.

<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">"Morning..." As ever with those dreams, with this place blurred by her waking, Nubait grumbles somewhat at the too-soon gone landscape. Fleeting moments.

<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">Still, her awakening is none the less a welcomed one, now privy to more serious examinations of her surroundings as the midnight only allowed glimpses. Everything was spotless, to say the least. From the desks to the cupboards, not a spec of dust or dirt was present.

<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 arises, choking out a chuckle "Oh my, it seems I've forgotten to get properly dressed". Her wandering outfit still clothes her, made manifest by her hurried pace to the bed.

<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">"Aw well, better make the best of it, no need for any change". Her eyes pass along the room for the second time. It truly was spotless, more so than she expected. Her mistress of domestic could bring herself to a thorough check-up of the room and find it with no blemish. A beautiful setting clothes the room as the dawn shears more of its light. Breath-taking scenery...

<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">...shedding a soft, sad light, as the cupboards and cabinets and desk offered little in the way of accessories. The room felt freshly built for its spotless condition. Alas, this shade was a double-edged blade, making it somewhat empty for a room, even for guests.

<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">There was very little for her to gauge her host's hobbies. Very little that often points to an unfortunate lack of wealth. Nubait can feel it alongside its peaceful atmosphere, making her host's welcoming a much more gracious act.

<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 body turns to the door, a humble construction of wood lined in a dark blue balm glistening in the light. The walls and frames and ceiling make up a similar color, presenting a warm and cold atmosphere. The scent of spring perfumed all over this humble domain.

<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 leaves the room, taking to re-arrange it. Making the bed wrinkle-free. Clearing out any air. A small touch that her retainers hurridly disallowed through their care as many nobles and their servants. Doing it here gives her a personal sense of gratitude that the common wealthy scoffs.

<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">"Here, all cleared up!" She puffs in a soft breath, watching the docile breeze sweeping in as to push the thin air out, making it like she never slept here. Her feet take a life of their own, moving out the door in an exploratory need.

<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 goes, wandering and wondering at the house, its humble demeanor and remarkably tidiness. Its...lonely and ample space. To the kitchen, the place where she initially entered. The place where a steaming aroma dances in midair.

<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? I smell spices". Nubait's eyes close, giving her sense of smell the stage to savor the ample seasoning washing over the air as formless tendrils.

<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">"Ohh, good. You're awake". A gentle face turns from the burning stove, sweat almost unnoticed as it drowns in her caramel texture. Failures to smear her rustic grace populated by the hundreds of freckles coursing her cheeks.

<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 is dressed as a distant village woman, set in a large outfit acting as slight dents to the feminity of her body, once again, toying with her human inhumanity. The small bundle of earth spiraling around her once large, clumsy hands, even the presence of daisies populating her head were but secondary proofs of her monstrous affinity.

<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">"Good morning--hold on a second, breakfast's almost ready, dear". She turns back to a boiling pot of mixtures. It was soon ready, judging by the way her head slightly rears backward, savoring the aroma of her pot.

<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 briefly reaches for a cupboard full of tiny blue vials "Never thought I'd be using those again..." Small letters word out 'E.S.P'. An alternative way of taking hold of the life-giving ether that is spirit essence.

<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 little extra for our majesty", her host shakes the tiny vial, wholly visible to her.

<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 please, I get enough of that from my beloved people. There is no need for a ceremonious title here".

<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">"Ok, sunshine, stew's ready!" A humble elegance overtakes Nubait's host, guiding her surprisingly light steps through the cupboard. Taking hold of some of the bowls she has in ample amount.

<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">Two, to be precise, sliding off her arms to the depth of a palm waiting. Soon enough a lively hot orange full of mushrooms and beef simmers inside the wooden craft, adorned with a metallic spoon.

<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 spicy, intangible smell fills the fleeting steam as the weighted bowl finds itself in front of Nubait, adorned further with a plain, featureless cup holder underneath.

<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">Another steaming bowl lands with feather flight to the other side of the table, equally as garnished...with the host soundly taking a seat a well, a spoon ready to dig in.

<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, it sounds like you've been waiting for a guest". The distant traveler takes to the spoon offered with the stew, sampling a steamy bite gorged in meat and soup. Her cheeks puff slightly, only barely as the red of passion takes over. The stew was simple, mixing meat and soup, sprinkled by some local spice, held in place by the most common bowl available that anyone could craft. Nothing close to regal craftsmanship...

<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">...and it was delicious. The blend of it all, scrumptiously perfect as she expected from an earth-attuned connaisseur. One quite observant to her first bite, a face opening up to a flavor of a new taste "And it sounds like our new guest is enjoying a humble stew".

<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">"An understatement for sure". Nubait chows down the content of the bowl, her composure persisting in painting the scene as an elegant degustation. Her bag full of meals rests in the room she slept in, so far untouched through a combination of undead physiology that allows her to stave off hunger...and local cuisine so happily bitten into.

<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">"Well, I'm glad to hear it. Name's Cloe, by the way". The troll woman nods imperceptibly, as close to bowing as the table allowed her.

<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">Cloaked still in her regal elegance, Nubait returns the apparel, midway through finish her morning stew, silently putting her tool of predilection. A tiny, silky towel glimmer into existence in her hands, its deep violet and golden braid smeared with the little dribble of soup staining her cheek.

<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">"And I am Nubait, ruler of a distant kingdom set in the golden sand". A faint smile decorates her lips.

<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">"Well now, pleased to make you acquaintance". Cloe takes a step away from the table, her bowl of stew still simmering hotly "Feel free to look around at your heart's content, and do not hesitate to call me if you need anything. I shall be tending the field in front of my little nest".

<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". Nubait bows slightly again to her host's departure, a simple white cloth knitted on her moving head following her steps to an opening of light. A brief one, before she closes the door, leaving her guest alone to finish.

<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 few minutes pass before Nubait had finished, satiated. As with the bed rented to her, the distant ruler thought to clean up after her, having started with the bed returned to readiness, now with the bowl and stencils she's been given.

<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">While she does it, her eyes gloss over the few items and bobbles available in the kitchen. A pantry, in particular, dressed with the most of it, stands out "Hmm?"

<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 singular frame made of intricate metal surrounding another frame of wood stands in her sight, reflecting a surface of shine. A peerless glassy surface. Within, a humble image of her host, Cloe, holding hands with another one. Same height, smaller hands, posed in a blue suit adorned with a yellow bowtie. Matching rings glimmer in the stasis eternity of the picture, both in silver light.

<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">"Charming couple". Nubait approaches the picture, inviting its polished wood between her fingers in a closer look. The two are boasting some of the brightest smiles she can recall, the sort that only happens with those who join with another. Every time, it was something about...finding a lost piece.

<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 picture frame was surrounded by tiny, unrefined ores and other frames of the man with a hat seem among those dwelling in caves. A pickaxe sits on his shoulder, whispering his profession "I see..."

<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">Miners never were the most wealthy, were they? Grounded workers with humble minds, often unappreciated. Seeing how he wasn't present yesterday, nor today, his shift was an elongated one as expected, leaving his sweetheart along to tend the couple's nest until his return...hopefully with enough wealth.

<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">Suddenly, the lonely, humble sensory feelings surrounding Nubait were clearer. How long was it since he left for his post? A day? Two? A week, perhaps?

<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 looks to the outside of her temporary resting place. The troll was working the earth, as she started at the very beginning of spring. So soon did the snow began to melt that her element called to her, calling to fertile grounds in need of tending.

<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 storms through the door, rightly exposed to the dim scorch of the sun placed between clouds. She watches her host endlessly prepping the earth. Half of her strength is committed to pulling away from the many natural trash that occasionally spills on her gardening soils: dead leaves, branches sometimes dug deep in the earth and other myriads.

<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 other half is communing with the ground through glimmering irises in porous yellow. Bending it to her will, moving it behind her, further seeding it in a power otherworldly.

<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 focus halted as she spots her guest, longing the edge of her surprisingly large terrain. Her coat flanks a tilting chair on the porch, leaving her with sleeves pulled to the limits of her elbows, eyes surveying the development of the terrain, and what is left undone.

<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">"Are you sure you want to get your hands in the grime of the earth? Royalties don't usually get jumpy at the thought of manual 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">"Oh, don't you worry about me, this wouldn't be my first time grounded. Besides..." Nubait takes a deep breath whilst cracking her fingers, spewing faint dim specks of dust "You haven't set up a payment for my stay..."

<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 smirk shines on the troll's lips, one that persists for the next day that they work the earth, a royal touch following their earthen guide. Day after day, they tend to it, turning it into the sprouts of a venerable garden.

<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">All this time, Nubait cannot help but think fondly of her host. Most people would be content with merely getting the supplies to keep themselves comfortable. The slightly barren surroundings that she has been returning to for the last few days told her they didn't have this much of a luxury.

<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">Explaining his extended shift, which explained her constant touch with the earth. The quiet wind blowing over a silent home. The lack of any true hobbies. And many, many more.

<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 thought about it all as she sat on the eve of the weekend. Three days spent dirtying her nails, dirtying her hands in a healthy grasp of soil, soring muscles, and overworking her sweating glands. Trivial things for a monster, the exhaustion burned away as it did her host. No paltry task could ever hope to undermine their supernatural tenants.

<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 thought as her host was grinding up a different batch of stew. A vegetable base aroma fills the room, cloaking the light in its perfume. Hunger wasn't in her mind. Not with the last days coming and passing "So..."

<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? Give me a minute, this stuff is a little more delicate to brew--

<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">"No, no, not this". Nubait turns from the table where her idle reflection stared. Looking back to Cloe sensing a question.

<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">"Something on your mind, I take it?"

<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">"You never did set any payment for my presence, did you?"

<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">"Never set up--oh, that?" The troll remains fixated on her evening stew, brewing it through the last minute "You kinda made off with that one with the extra hands, sunshine, so..."

<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">"This? No, this was me simply getting familiar with groundwork again. Seeing you gave me the itch, what with my people far enough not to worry so much about me chipping a nail".

<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">Cloe chuckles a bit, the fanning flames of her pot simmering down "An odd gratitude, but not unwelcomed. As I said, it was enough payment for me. That and, you looked like you could have used a place to rest. It was enough for me".

<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">"Maybe to you, but not to me..." A loud thump feeds Cloe's ears, causing her seamless spin with a mask of intrigue. It tears off in the place of surprise with her eyes now reflecting a gilded artifact.

<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">Drawn in the images of a well-known relic. Mold in the likeness of its shape. Gilded it sits on her table, shining brightly under the touch of the moon in a series of homely teal gems buried across its golden flesh metal.

<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 perfect life-like replica of an Ankh, the representation of 'life' in Nubait's distant past. The realities of her kingdom and the denizens that live in its golden walls made the numerous artifacts pointless, buried in a cove that none had any need to recover. They were more than sound with the myriad replicas born from the symbol's valor.

<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 a place so distant to its brethren, this Ankh would fetch enough of a prize for the seller to live off its money for years. Everlasting if the seller can find a particular interest in the more exotic collectors.

<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 knew the valor they'd have, even as mere replicas, and got a few in anticipation that her journey was to be more onerous than expected...or to display gratitude to anyone.

<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 is--" Cloe can barely speak, dazed in its magnificent glow, gorging the moonlight in return of its golden reflection "Where did--why are you..."

<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">"You've never set any payment for hosting someone like me in your humble housing. And it was a wonderful staying, enough that I wished to offer something myself".

<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">"Offer? I mean..." Cloe can feel the Ankh's worth. The weight that it presents. Something like this could get her husband out of the mines, set him by her side every single day as opposed to three, leaving her alone for the four remaining ones.

<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">'Maybe she was better off with Thomson...' were words she was forced to endure at times he thought himself alone. Wounding words lamenting his perceived lack of fortune to truly make her comfortable. As the house mistress, she was often moving, cleaning, cooking, repairing. Burdens that scarred him, seething his mind in the regrets of--

<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 can't..." Cloe takes the item, feeling the veracity of its weight. A fortune to set them in luxury...which she never wanted.

<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 hand tosses the Ankh back to Nubait's confounded expression, clutching it before it could taste the wooden table's touch for the second time.

<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">"Please, keep it. I do not need something like this, as appreciated as it is".

<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, you are married, are you not? Wouldn't you prefer to have your cherished spouse with you?" Nubait was comprehensibly confused as her host's utter refusal. Surely the idea of them no longer having to bury themselves in day-to-day tasks only to live relatively comfortably was a desire, a wish, a prayer for--

<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...and I'm already comfortable". Cloe was sitting, unable to believe the trinket she was given, having to contemplate its shine, its meticulous craftsmanship. But now, she is entirely disenchanted by it. It didn't belong here, not with her, not with her spouse "I'm happy right now. I always was. With him".

<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 watches her approaching, a chair's head soundly clutched by her now overbearing fingers. Its wooden feet grind close, set under her sitting weight "Don't misunderstand me, I appreciate this gift you're offering. I do. Rich folks don't usually take more than a glance at the more rustic people out here, and seeing you offer something of this magnitude, it's unbelievable. But..."

<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 troll sighs, traveling her hand around in motion before calling back to it. Before them, her eyes shine with an otherworldly shine "I've seen you taking glances around. Places where nothing was here to be looked at, right?"

<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 takes a few seconds to consider her thoughts. Her exploration of this rustic atmosphere was slightly bitter with vestiges of regretful aromas, spite. Maybe even loathing.

<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, you did. I can see it in your eyes". Cloe closes her hands in, softly taking her guest's palms in hers "All those rounds of misery you're feeling crawling up your back, it and its seething brethren, those were from my husband. Keyword: were".

<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">"Was it, now?" Her keen senses smell out the remnants of what once was a man with unsurmountable depreciation. They burn her nostrils, agitating her monstrous instincts, seeking to compel her to seek him out. They would have won this argument, if not for Cloe' psyche bound to the man in name and beyond in a marriage of deep blue and thick purple. She can see them entangled just about everywhere in the house like silk ribbons.

<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 dear Timothy...he was...and is the man of my everlasting dream. Every morning I spend waking up to him and his strong, gentle arms are bliss. Every morning spent waking up with a soft caress from his touch is a blessing..."

<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">Cloe sits more comfortably, hands now holding her guest's palms more delicately, enveloped in a rapturous recollection "...spending the day by his side is a slice of heavenly delight, whether staying in our love nest or wandering out with no true thought in mind. To feel his reasonably chiseled body-hugging mine is like a fortress and a big, soft teddy. I love this man. His work diligence, his overwhelming attention before and after his shift to us as compensation..."

<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 breathing remains regulated if only sweetened with a passionate flavor, speaking of a febrile, overjoyed heart "To feel his lips touch mine as he disregards his fatigue, so eager to return as I, to welcome him is bliss. To then feel his gentle touch as we join under the cover of the night, renewing our matrimony, so blissful that time becomes nothing but an afterthought is nothing less than heavenly. So...to hear that, years ago, he was feeling so guilty to, in his words 'keep me from happiness', entirely based on the fortune that we may hold...I couldn't let him get away with it..."

<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 drinks in her host's words, feeling every single fiber of this scorn at the thought that she would have been better off with someone invested in a larger house.

<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">Or a gluttonous wallet.

<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">Or even the sort of plates that those at the monetary top indulge in whenever they want.

<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">"Catching him in this loathing so strong that it was spreading outward in its bitter miasma, I bid him sit down and spoke with him. I do not remember how long we talked, when we began or when it ended. I do, however, remember telling him that he would have to curl up a mudball of everything he thought I wanted, any shallow, surface pleasure he somehow believed that would make me ecstatic...and to bury it. Having to tend to the ground while he is not here, cooking, cleaning, make the groceries, our humble disposition, however small it may be, anything and everything...none of it affects me. It didn't before, doesn't today, and never will in the future, near or distant. I told him that this life makes me happy, that he makes me happy, happier than anything. A sweet, kind, honest man is all I ever sought. And he is beyond those. Having a sudden disposable income that I do not see the use for wouldn't do anything that he already does. And ever since..."

<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 hot spill spewing from her breath returns to a more humble tone as she reels back, a fond pitch in her relentless verbal love dialogue "...he's finally stopped having those self-flagellating sessions. I'm sure you know how hurtful it can be to see your cherished sweetheart spewing bile at themselves so much..."

<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">"Even as an indirect spectator, I do, yes." Nubait's tone rumbles in a somber tone, a desolate sight to see "You never know how often men can be self-beating when they seemingly lack the same prowess as my subordinates. Goodness, some even were as far as to wonder why they even..."

<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">"Yep! That'd be like that. But, he's stopped for a few years, finally basking in the love I've been pleading to shower him in. Those times away from each other only make it more exciting when he comes back. On both sides. And, this is perfect for me. Glad as I am that you are so willing to help us out of this humble disposition, it has become so insignificant to our eyes that I feel like it would just...get in the 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">Her hands no longer feel the touch of her earth-attuned host, left with the Ankh she sought to gift. There was no need for it here. Not for years, there was. And this brings her a soft smile "Well then, I think I'll be keeping this".

<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">"Please, go ahead. Maybe someone else will need it. You don't need to worry about us".

<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 can see that". The two women exchange a chuckle as the night deepens its grip on the atmosphere. The traveling pharaoh was dressed anew, ready to return to the road as a distant blue star shines afar "Well, it's been enjoyable staying with you. But, I have my light to chase--

<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">"Your light? Hold on". Cloe takes her guest's wrist, only enough to catch her attention as her feet were crossing the door "Those words..."

<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?"

<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 was once looking for my sparkling gem in the soil...that was the time I began searching for him, compelled by..." Cloe looks to Nubait, waiting for those words to strike a chord in her thoughts. How similar to hers they were.

<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">"You didn't make those on the fly..." Her hand, twice laid by clothing, is made bare, revealing a benign marking. A star painted in blue as a tattoo.

<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">"Ohh, no wonder, then..." Cloe steps away from her guest, gripping the folds of her skirt to lift the side. A garnished, earth tanned leg awaited Nubait's royal irises, matching the sensuality of the view they were offered. With a presentation like this, who wouldn't be so eager to return to the wearer of legs so inviting?

<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, what caught her eyes was a singular tattoo. A yellow, resplendent gem offering more of a view than even the thigh it was inked too, with her voice to carry the 'why' "My dearest Timothy has a matching pair..."

<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 see..." Nubait walks closer, looking at the marker with intent interest "It is said that those who are marked in such manner will recognize a certain theme in another's words. You felt drawn to him".

<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 did, sunshine. Judging by that star you have, I'm guessing this walk you're doing isn't a walk at 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">"No. It isn't".

<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">"Then let me tell you...before he was..." Their voices blur out in the distance, deafened by the vast land cutting their words away. Cloe's eyes shift tone, so far from her gentle glimmer. This was something more somber, more tenebrous...

<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">...so, I've traveled, meeting a woman of the soil,

<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 kindred joined with a gem of the ground,

<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 she told me, he thought his dull polish a foil,

<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 her rejection of wealth, preferring their lives bound,

<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 blue star, so far in the cold,

<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">Shivering in the ice swath

<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">Won't you wait for the hands that hold?

<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 share with you, their sun's warmth