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Rubiah had no idea who she had hit until she was able to be guided back to her feet. She was all discombobulated and in a muddle and struggling with something caught on her hair, and her dress was out of shape and, urgh! Nothing seemed to be going right for her today and it was sending her nerves burning and her patience thin.
Luckily for her, whomever she had landed on was helpful enough to set her right. By the large hands that aided in steadying her, Rubiah assumed the person to be a man and, as she turned, her hair remained in place caught upon his collar. With a wince as the hair was tugged, and a moment of ire when the girl beside the older gent made noises of disgust over her untimely entrance, Rubiah was stilled and settled by her victim's words and actions. He spoke to the girl - Nef - whom Rubiah assumed to be his daughter with a peace-maker tone and then reached to unhook Rubiah's hair from his raiment. She held still as he worked to loosen the strands from the wiry thread of his piece and then was able to smile when she was released.
There was a brightness in her features and a bright wideness to her eyes that suggested a juvenile infancy about her. Innocence.
At eighteen years of age, Rubiah was hardly an infant. And innocent was the last word that anyone who knew her would use to describe her cunning ways and her methods of exploitation. But if this man thought her a sweet young girl then that was exactly the image he was going to get.
She offered the man a soft dip of her legs, her head lowering before him. She righted the one-shouldered gown that exposed her breast, the navy silks cinched at the waist with bronze and gold. Her smile was pretty and welcoming when she rose once more.
"You have my thanks, kind sir. As well as my thousand apologies." She offered to him, her words carefully placed. They were not cocky or snarky, nor were they simpering.
Her lips parted and her eyes grew rounder when he insisted that she stay among the family that were clearly of fine breeding for the course of the ceremony and she allowed her features to light up from the inside. She ducked her head again, this time encouraging her gown to fan out and deepen the gesture of gratitude.
"You honour me, my Lord." She said, taking a lucky guess at his status. She had no idea of the family of Sheifa just yet, had not truly learnt all of the lineages of the Heis of Egypt. But she knew a man of wealth when she saw him. She had seduced enough of them and blackmailed the rest.
As Rubiah had replied to the man, she had had to raise her voice a little, the music of the beginning of the ceremony beginning. The horns and instruments rocked through the air together to summon the new Queen to the throne and Rubiah ceased speaking and stood with careful poise and quiet obedience, watching the rituals ahead of her and glancing at the man beside...
At least, that was the way of it until a large man with a knack for knocking people to the ground managed to restrain an enemy just a few paces from them. The man was relieved of his blade and the Egyptian that held him simply glanced their way with a smile and a comment that might have been about the weather. Rubiah's brows had drifted up and she glanced around at the festivities.
When the other girls close by mentioned how the man should be thanked and how he had stopped a dangerous man, Rubiah nodded.
"Yes but, if you'll forgive me My Lady, perhaps not now? I think the ceremony is truly beginning and it would be unfair to the Queen to have any more attention drawn this way, I think?"
She glanced towards the man she had fallen on, curious as to whether her act was winning any favours...
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Rubiah had no idea who she had hit until she was able to be guided back to her feet. She was all discombobulated and in a muddle and struggling with something caught on her hair, and her dress was out of shape and, urgh! Nothing seemed to be going right for her today and it was sending her nerves burning and her patience thin.
Luckily for her, whomever she had landed on was helpful enough to set her right. By the large hands that aided in steadying her, Rubiah assumed the person to be a man and, as she turned, her hair remained in place caught upon his collar. With a wince as the hair was tugged, and a moment of ire when the girl beside the older gent made noises of disgust over her untimely entrance, Rubiah was stilled and settled by her victim's words and actions. He spoke to the girl - Nef - whom Rubiah assumed to be his daughter with a peace-maker tone and then reached to unhook Rubiah's hair from his raiment. She held still as he worked to loosen the strands from the wiry thread of his piece and then was able to smile when she was released.
There was a brightness in her features and a bright wideness to her eyes that suggested a juvenile infancy about her. Innocence.
At eighteen years of age, Rubiah was hardly an infant. And innocent was the last word that anyone who knew her would use to describe her cunning ways and her methods of exploitation. But if this man thought her a sweet young girl then that was exactly the image he was going to get.
She offered the man a soft dip of her legs, her head lowering before him. She righted the one-shouldered gown that exposed her breast, the navy silks cinched at the waist with bronze and gold. Her smile was pretty and welcoming when she rose once more.
"You have my thanks, kind sir. As well as my thousand apologies." She offered to him, her words carefully placed. They were not cocky or snarky, nor were they simpering.
Her lips parted and her eyes grew rounder when he insisted that she stay among the family that were clearly of fine breeding for the course of the ceremony and she allowed her features to light up from the inside. She ducked her head again, this time encouraging her gown to fan out and deepen the gesture of gratitude.
"You honour me, my Lord." She said, taking a lucky guess at his status. She had no idea of the family of Sheifa just yet, had not truly learnt all of the lineages of the Heis of Egypt. But she knew a man of wealth when she saw him. She had seduced enough of them and blackmailed the rest.
As Rubiah had replied to the man, she had had to raise her voice a little, the music of the beginning of the ceremony beginning. The horns and instruments rocked through the air together to summon the new Queen to the throne and Rubiah ceased speaking and stood with careful poise and quiet obedience, watching the rituals ahead of her and glancing at the man beside...
At least, that was the way of it until a large man with a knack for knocking people to the ground managed to restrain an enemy just a few paces from them. The man was relieved of his blade and the Egyptian that held him simply glanced their way with a smile and a comment that might have been about the weather. Rubiah's brows had drifted up and she glanced around at the festivities.
When the other girls close by mentioned how the man should be thanked and how he had stopped a dangerous man, Rubiah nodded.
"Yes but, if you'll forgive me My Lady, perhaps not now? I think the ceremony is truly beginning and it would be unfair to the Queen to have any more attention drawn this way, I think?"
She glanced towards the man she had fallen on, curious as to whether her act was winning any favours...
Rubiah had no idea who she had hit until she was able to be guided back to her feet. She was all discombobulated and in a muddle and struggling with something caught on her hair, and her dress was out of shape and, urgh! Nothing seemed to be going right for her today and it was sending her nerves burning and her patience thin.
Luckily for her, whomever she had landed on was helpful enough to set her right. By the large hands that aided in steadying her, Rubiah assumed the person to be a man and, as she turned, her hair remained in place caught upon his collar. With a wince as the hair was tugged, and a moment of ire when the girl beside the older gent made noises of disgust over her untimely entrance, Rubiah was stilled and settled by her victim's words and actions. He spoke to the girl - Nef - whom Rubiah assumed to be his daughter with a peace-maker tone and then reached to unhook Rubiah's hair from his raiment. She held still as he worked to loosen the strands from the wiry thread of his piece and then was able to smile when she was released.
There was a brightness in her features and a bright wideness to her eyes that suggested a juvenile infancy about her. Innocence.
At eighteen years of age, Rubiah was hardly an infant. And innocent was the last word that anyone who knew her would use to describe her cunning ways and her methods of exploitation. But if this man thought her a sweet young girl then that was exactly the image he was going to get.
She offered the man a soft dip of her legs, her head lowering before him. She righted the one-shouldered gown that exposed her breast, the navy silks cinched at the waist with bronze and gold. Her smile was pretty and welcoming when she rose once more.
"You have my thanks, kind sir. As well as my thousand apologies." She offered to him, her words carefully placed. They were not cocky or snarky, nor were they simpering.
Her lips parted and her eyes grew rounder when he insisted that she stay among the family that were clearly of fine breeding for the course of the ceremony and she allowed her features to light up from the inside. She ducked her head again, this time encouraging her gown to fan out and deepen the gesture of gratitude.
"You honour me, my Lord." She said, taking a lucky guess at his status. She had no idea of the family of Sheifa just yet, had not truly learnt all of the lineages of the Heis of Egypt. But she knew a man of wealth when she saw him. She had seduced enough of them and blackmailed the rest.
As Rubiah had replied to the man, she had had to raise her voice a little, the music of the beginning of the ceremony beginning. The horns and instruments rocked through the air together to summon the new Queen to the throne and Rubiah ceased speaking and stood with careful poise and quiet obedience, watching the rituals ahead of her and glancing at the man beside...
At least, that was the way of it until a large man with a knack for knocking people to the ground managed to restrain an enemy just a few paces from them. The man was relieved of his blade and the Egyptian that held him simply glanced their way with a smile and a comment that might have been about the weather. Rubiah's brows had drifted up and she glanced around at the festivities.
When the other girls close by mentioned how the man should be thanked and how he had stopped a dangerous man, Rubiah nodded.
"Yes but, if you'll forgive me My Lady, perhaps not now? I think the ceremony is truly beginning and it would be unfair to the Queen to have any more attention drawn this way, I think?"
She glanced towards the man she had fallen on, curious as to whether her act was winning any favours...
Khufu realized that he had perhaps scared the crowd just a little bit, he had thought his guards uniform would designate him as some one safe among the crowds, but he guessed that any sort of more violent action taken would probably freak people out one way or another. He didn’t regret it though, if he could have stopped the man in a better way, he would have, but there was no way he was going to be able to in time without drastic action.
When some man snapped at him, questioning his motives in what he had done, he simply gave him a respectful smile, though it was clear in his gaze that he was not entirely joyful at being questioned when he had just potentially saved their future Queen’s life.
He opened his mouth to say something when a young woman that he guessed was the man’s daughter spoke and told her father what she thought had happened.
“Exactly.” He said, motioning to the woman in agreement with her words.
Then another woman spoke up, one who did not look like she quite belonged with the family there. But she stood awfully close to the one he guessed was the father, and he was rather amused at the thought that she was a mistress to the older man. He wouldn’t doubt it. It was rare for the noble houses and such to actually stay faithful.
“Your friend here is right. Ignore me and my friend here. Enjoy the ceremony.” He agreed, spotting a younger boy who seemed to be hiding behind what he assumed was his sister. He flashed the young boy a smile, and the other guards finally arrived through the crowd to haul the man off, and aside from the pool of blood and the dagger left on the ground, there was no sign that anything had ever happened.
Khufu quickly ducked and grabbed the dagger that the man had had and then he turned, making his way back through the crowd and away from the family who had been unfortunate enough to be right where this criminal had met the end of his staff.
The man would be hauled off for now to prevent any further disruption for the moment, and he would be questioned and dealt with by someone who was a lot more qualified than Khufu was. He was just a soldier, only here to be extra muscle. And it seemed to be a good thing too, since no one else had seemed to notice this man that had been creeping his way through the crowd.
He returned once more to his post for the moment, watching out for any more danger, or any signs that this man had not been alone. Often times assassins like that did not work alone, in case one failed they would at least have backup. But perhaps this man had been working by himself. Khufu hoped so, he really didn’t feel like dealing with more of them. There had been enough drama and disruption among the crowds for one day, he just wanted this to be over so he could get a drink.
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Khufu realized that he had perhaps scared the crowd just a little bit, he had thought his guards uniform would designate him as some one safe among the crowds, but he guessed that any sort of more violent action taken would probably freak people out one way or another. He didn’t regret it though, if he could have stopped the man in a better way, he would have, but there was no way he was going to be able to in time without drastic action.
When some man snapped at him, questioning his motives in what he had done, he simply gave him a respectful smile, though it was clear in his gaze that he was not entirely joyful at being questioned when he had just potentially saved their future Queen’s life.
He opened his mouth to say something when a young woman that he guessed was the man’s daughter spoke and told her father what she thought had happened.
“Exactly.” He said, motioning to the woman in agreement with her words.
Then another woman spoke up, one who did not look like she quite belonged with the family there. But she stood awfully close to the one he guessed was the father, and he was rather amused at the thought that she was a mistress to the older man. He wouldn’t doubt it. It was rare for the noble houses and such to actually stay faithful.
“Your friend here is right. Ignore me and my friend here. Enjoy the ceremony.” He agreed, spotting a younger boy who seemed to be hiding behind what he assumed was his sister. He flashed the young boy a smile, and the other guards finally arrived through the crowd to haul the man off, and aside from the pool of blood and the dagger left on the ground, there was no sign that anything had ever happened.
Khufu quickly ducked and grabbed the dagger that the man had had and then he turned, making his way back through the crowd and away from the family who had been unfortunate enough to be right where this criminal had met the end of his staff.
The man would be hauled off for now to prevent any further disruption for the moment, and he would be questioned and dealt with by someone who was a lot more qualified than Khufu was. He was just a soldier, only here to be extra muscle. And it seemed to be a good thing too, since no one else had seemed to notice this man that had been creeping his way through the crowd.
He returned once more to his post for the moment, watching out for any more danger, or any signs that this man had not been alone. Often times assassins like that did not work alone, in case one failed they would at least have backup. But perhaps this man had been working by himself. Khufu hoped so, he really didn’t feel like dealing with more of them. There had been enough drama and disruption among the crowds for one day, he just wanted this to be over so he could get a drink.
Khufu realized that he had perhaps scared the crowd just a little bit, he had thought his guards uniform would designate him as some one safe among the crowds, but he guessed that any sort of more violent action taken would probably freak people out one way or another. He didn’t regret it though, if he could have stopped the man in a better way, he would have, but there was no way he was going to be able to in time without drastic action.
When some man snapped at him, questioning his motives in what he had done, he simply gave him a respectful smile, though it was clear in his gaze that he was not entirely joyful at being questioned when he had just potentially saved their future Queen’s life.
He opened his mouth to say something when a young woman that he guessed was the man’s daughter spoke and told her father what she thought had happened.
“Exactly.” He said, motioning to the woman in agreement with her words.
Then another woman spoke up, one who did not look like she quite belonged with the family there. But she stood awfully close to the one he guessed was the father, and he was rather amused at the thought that she was a mistress to the older man. He wouldn’t doubt it. It was rare for the noble houses and such to actually stay faithful.
“Your friend here is right. Ignore me and my friend here. Enjoy the ceremony.” He agreed, spotting a younger boy who seemed to be hiding behind what he assumed was his sister. He flashed the young boy a smile, and the other guards finally arrived through the crowd to haul the man off, and aside from the pool of blood and the dagger left on the ground, there was no sign that anything had ever happened.
Khufu quickly ducked and grabbed the dagger that the man had had and then he turned, making his way back through the crowd and away from the family who had been unfortunate enough to be right where this criminal had met the end of his staff.
The man would be hauled off for now to prevent any further disruption for the moment, and he would be questioned and dealt with by someone who was a lot more qualified than Khufu was. He was just a soldier, only here to be extra muscle. And it seemed to be a good thing too, since no one else had seemed to notice this man that had been creeping his way through the crowd.
He returned once more to his post for the moment, watching out for any more danger, or any signs that this man had not been alone. Often times assassins like that did not work alone, in case one failed they would at least have backup. But perhaps this man had been working by himself. Khufu hoped so, he really didn’t feel like dealing with more of them. There had been enough drama and disruption among the crowds for one day, he just wanted this to be over so he could get a drink.
Hena wanted to complain more as Nia spoke of there being some sort of celebration after and having to wait until then for food and drink. He was thirsty now! But he knew deep down that complaining wouldn’t get him any where. His sister did not have anything to drink with her, and neither did any of her family members so the young Sheifa sucked it up and he would whine more later when there was something to be done about it.
What he really didn’t expect when the music started and the procession started, was for it to be interrupted by a man suddenly being hit in the back of the head and crumpling to the floor in front of them, blood seeping towards their feet as the dagger the man had apparently had clattered on the stone beneath them.
Hena was surprised, and shocked and just... didn’t know what to think. What was happening? Things had gone from the innocent fun of him trying to escape his annoying brother, to suddenly people with daggers being attacked by guards. Things just weren’t fun any more and Hena really wanted to go now, even more than he had before.
He wanted to hide against his father and whimper, but his sister held him back close to her and so he clung to her instead as their father questioned the man who had apparently knocked the other one out. Before the other man could answer, Nia was throwing her theory out to their father, and Hena nodded in agreement. Clearly the man who had been knocked out was bad, and what could his intentions have been? He had a dagger and was heading for the woman who would soon be Queen.
They could not have been good intentions.
Nia mentioned thanking him, but there was no way that Hena was going to talk to this man who stood there so non-nonchalant after hitting a man so hard on the head that he was knocked out and bleeding. He gladly retreated back a bit further with his sister, taking his eyes off the scene as the other man was hauled off by the rest of the guards. He tried to turn his attention back to the ceremony at hand, but all he could picture now was that man laying face down on the floor, still breathing but his blood had slowly been seeping out.
He hadn’t planned on ever seeing anything like that, and certainly not right now, not at this moment.
“I’m still thirsty.” He whispered to Nia, his young mind not able to focus on one thing for too long, though it still dwelled on the blood, if anything the new situation had made him even more uncomfortable than he had been before. Now along with his thirst, he suddenly felt a bit scared and a lot tired. He wanted to go home to where it was safe, drink something and go straight to bed. He didn’t even care if there was a party after this or not.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Hena wanted to complain more as Nia spoke of there being some sort of celebration after and having to wait until then for food and drink. He was thirsty now! But he knew deep down that complaining wouldn’t get him any where. His sister did not have anything to drink with her, and neither did any of her family members so the young Sheifa sucked it up and he would whine more later when there was something to be done about it.
What he really didn’t expect when the music started and the procession started, was for it to be interrupted by a man suddenly being hit in the back of the head and crumpling to the floor in front of them, blood seeping towards their feet as the dagger the man had apparently had clattered on the stone beneath them.
Hena was surprised, and shocked and just... didn’t know what to think. What was happening? Things had gone from the innocent fun of him trying to escape his annoying brother, to suddenly people with daggers being attacked by guards. Things just weren’t fun any more and Hena really wanted to go now, even more than he had before.
He wanted to hide against his father and whimper, but his sister held him back close to her and so he clung to her instead as their father questioned the man who had apparently knocked the other one out. Before the other man could answer, Nia was throwing her theory out to their father, and Hena nodded in agreement. Clearly the man who had been knocked out was bad, and what could his intentions have been? He had a dagger and was heading for the woman who would soon be Queen.
They could not have been good intentions.
Nia mentioned thanking him, but there was no way that Hena was going to talk to this man who stood there so non-nonchalant after hitting a man so hard on the head that he was knocked out and bleeding. He gladly retreated back a bit further with his sister, taking his eyes off the scene as the other man was hauled off by the rest of the guards. He tried to turn his attention back to the ceremony at hand, but all he could picture now was that man laying face down on the floor, still breathing but his blood had slowly been seeping out.
He hadn’t planned on ever seeing anything like that, and certainly not right now, not at this moment.
“I’m still thirsty.” He whispered to Nia, his young mind not able to focus on one thing for too long, though it still dwelled on the blood, if anything the new situation had made him even more uncomfortable than he had been before. Now along with his thirst, he suddenly felt a bit scared and a lot tired. He wanted to go home to where it was safe, drink something and go straight to bed. He didn’t even care if there was a party after this or not.
Hena wanted to complain more as Nia spoke of there being some sort of celebration after and having to wait until then for food and drink. He was thirsty now! But he knew deep down that complaining wouldn’t get him any where. His sister did not have anything to drink with her, and neither did any of her family members so the young Sheifa sucked it up and he would whine more later when there was something to be done about it.
What he really didn’t expect when the music started and the procession started, was for it to be interrupted by a man suddenly being hit in the back of the head and crumpling to the floor in front of them, blood seeping towards their feet as the dagger the man had apparently had clattered on the stone beneath them.
Hena was surprised, and shocked and just... didn’t know what to think. What was happening? Things had gone from the innocent fun of him trying to escape his annoying brother, to suddenly people with daggers being attacked by guards. Things just weren’t fun any more and Hena really wanted to go now, even more than he had before.
He wanted to hide against his father and whimper, but his sister held him back close to her and so he clung to her instead as their father questioned the man who had apparently knocked the other one out. Before the other man could answer, Nia was throwing her theory out to their father, and Hena nodded in agreement. Clearly the man who had been knocked out was bad, and what could his intentions have been? He had a dagger and was heading for the woman who would soon be Queen.
They could not have been good intentions.
Nia mentioned thanking him, but there was no way that Hena was going to talk to this man who stood there so non-nonchalant after hitting a man so hard on the head that he was knocked out and bleeding. He gladly retreated back a bit further with his sister, taking his eyes off the scene as the other man was hauled off by the rest of the guards. He tried to turn his attention back to the ceremony at hand, but all he could picture now was that man laying face down on the floor, still breathing but his blood had slowly been seeping out.
He hadn’t planned on ever seeing anything like that, and certainly not right now, not at this moment.
“I’m still thirsty.” He whispered to Nia, his young mind not able to focus on one thing for too long, though it still dwelled on the blood, if anything the new situation had made him even more uncomfortable than he had been before. Now along with his thirst, he suddenly felt a bit scared and a lot tired. He wanted to go home to where it was safe, drink something and go straight to bed. He didn’t even care if there was a party after this or not.
It was as if the few moments of confusion and minor panic had indeed been a test from the gods for the new queen, for as soon as she had made a decision, all once again fell into place.
Zoser let out a large sigh of relief and smiled back to Hatshepsut, who promptly exploded with joy and excitement in the way children did. It was endearing beyond words and he could not stop himself from the soft laugh that bubbled from him, a side-effect of his own relief as he wrapped his arms back around her for a brief hug.
"See? All will be as it should be," he said, words of encouragement and comfort that he could not have imagined saying mere moments before. As she pulled away, Zoser took a moment to aid the priestess in unruffling a pleat in the young Queen's robe. He did not envy the handmaidens who were tasked with keeping Hatshepsut looking perfect at every moment - with a spirit like hers, it would be all consuming.
"You did, and the gods have shown that they are proud of you already, just as they will for years to come." Zoser encouraged, once again coming down to her eye level. In his own eyes shone in pride and true belief that her willingness to choose, to decide, even at this age was what truly made her the Queen of Egypt - even at the tender age of six. If she could please the gods so handily now, then imagine in the years to come....
"Of course, I will. I will stand right by, the whole time. I promise."
Zoser knew there were few sins worse in this life than breaking a promise to a child, because once they did, they would never forget or forgive it.
Squeezing her hand and giving her one last nod of approval, Zoser slipped out of the room in a different way, making his way to the edge of the platform within eyeshot of the Queen at all times - as promised.
His attention was drawn a moment to the commotion in the crowd, catching the familiar form of Khufu, a soldier he knew from his return to Egypt during the war. His eyes snapped between the way the soldiers dragged a man away and Khufu trying to quell the situation. Still keeping within eyeshot of the processional, keeping his eyes towards the Queen at each moment that she glanced his way, Zoser still managed to sidle toward Khufu, catching a flash of a dagger that was not standard issue being tucked away, plucked up from the smears of blood on the stones.
It did not take long for Zoser to put two and two together, and though he tried to keep his face neutral to keep Hatshepsut from daring to see a concerned expression, his voice was tense.
"Good catch..."
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Check out their information page here.
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It was as if the few moments of confusion and minor panic had indeed been a test from the gods for the new queen, for as soon as she had made a decision, all once again fell into place.
Zoser let out a large sigh of relief and smiled back to Hatshepsut, who promptly exploded with joy and excitement in the way children did. It was endearing beyond words and he could not stop himself from the soft laugh that bubbled from him, a side-effect of his own relief as he wrapped his arms back around her for a brief hug.
"See? All will be as it should be," he said, words of encouragement and comfort that he could not have imagined saying mere moments before. As she pulled away, Zoser took a moment to aid the priestess in unruffling a pleat in the young Queen's robe. He did not envy the handmaidens who were tasked with keeping Hatshepsut looking perfect at every moment - with a spirit like hers, it would be all consuming.
"You did, and the gods have shown that they are proud of you already, just as they will for years to come." Zoser encouraged, once again coming down to her eye level. In his own eyes shone in pride and true belief that her willingness to choose, to decide, even at this age was what truly made her the Queen of Egypt - even at the tender age of six. If she could please the gods so handily now, then imagine in the years to come....
"Of course, I will. I will stand right by, the whole time. I promise."
Zoser knew there were few sins worse in this life than breaking a promise to a child, because once they did, they would never forget or forgive it.
Squeezing her hand and giving her one last nod of approval, Zoser slipped out of the room in a different way, making his way to the edge of the platform within eyeshot of the Queen at all times - as promised.
His attention was drawn a moment to the commotion in the crowd, catching the familiar form of Khufu, a soldier he knew from his return to Egypt during the war. His eyes snapped between the way the soldiers dragged a man away and Khufu trying to quell the situation. Still keeping within eyeshot of the processional, keeping his eyes towards the Queen at each moment that she glanced his way, Zoser still managed to sidle toward Khufu, catching a flash of a dagger that was not standard issue being tucked away, plucked up from the smears of blood on the stones.
It did not take long for Zoser to put two and two together, and though he tried to keep his face neutral to keep Hatshepsut from daring to see a concerned expression, his voice was tense.
"Good catch..."
It was as if the few moments of confusion and minor panic had indeed been a test from the gods for the new queen, for as soon as she had made a decision, all once again fell into place.
Zoser let out a large sigh of relief and smiled back to Hatshepsut, who promptly exploded with joy and excitement in the way children did. It was endearing beyond words and he could not stop himself from the soft laugh that bubbled from him, a side-effect of his own relief as he wrapped his arms back around her for a brief hug.
"See? All will be as it should be," he said, words of encouragement and comfort that he could not have imagined saying mere moments before. As she pulled away, Zoser took a moment to aid the priestess in unruffling a pleat in the young Queen's robe. He did not envy the handmaidens who were tasked with keeping Hatshepsut looking perfect at every moment - with a spirit like hers, it would be all consuming.
"You did, and the gods have shown that they are proud of you already, just as they will for years to come." Zoser encouraged, once again coming down to her eye level. In his own eyes shone in pride and true belief that her willingness to choose, to decide, even at this age was what truly made her the Queen of Egypt - even at the tender age of six. If she could please the gods so handily now, then imagine in the years to come....
"Of course, I will. I will stand right by, the whole time. I promise."
Zoser knew there were few sins worse in this life than breaking a promise to a child, because once they did, they would never forget or forgive it.
Squeezing her hand and giving her one last nod of approval, Zoser slipped out of the room in a different way, making his way to the edge of the platform within eyeshot of the Queen at all times - as promised.
His attention was drawn a moment to the commotion in the crowd, catching the familiar form of Khufu, a soldier he knew from his return to Egypt during the war. His eyes snapped between the way the soldiers dragged a man away and Khufu trying to quell the situation. Still keeping within eyeshot of the processional, keeping his eyes towards the Queen at each moment that she glanced his way, Zoser still managed to sidle toward Khufu, catching a flash of a dagger that was not standard issue being tucked away, plucked up from the smears of blood on the stones.
It did not take long for Zoser to put two and two together, and though he tried to keep his face neutral to keep Hatshepsut from daring to see a concerned expression, his voice was tense.
"Good catch..."
Hatshepsut was halfway to the alter where the high priest stood when she heard some kind of commotion in the crowd. She wanted to look but if she did, she knew her mother would reprimand her later for not following the rules that all Pharaohs and Queens had complied with since the beginning of time. She was the gods’ chosen one and must not do anything to dishonor them. That meant keeping her focus on the ceremony and not interacting with the audience.
The Dowager Queen was somewhere nearby. Even though she had not helped her daughter prepare for her coronation, she was watching. If Hatshepsut did anything wrong, she would hear about it later. The little girl didn’t like displeasing her mother. When she was scolded, she felt about two inches tall and wanted to run to her room and cry.
But, of course, she couldn’t. Queens never wept.
It was perhaps a good thing that her gaze never wavered. She completely missed the thwarted attempt on her life. Had she known, she wouldn’t have understood why somebody wanted to harm her. She could not even spell the word ‘assassin’ and she had no idea what it meant. Her mother had never told her that all royals had targets on their backs, no matter how young they were. If she had been killed, there would be no heir to the throne, which would have likely led to civil war. Every man wished to be Pharaoh.
Hatsehepsut knew none of this. Biting her lower lip as she reached the high priest, she spotted Zosie out of the corner of one eye, standing near the front as he had promised. Her heart pounded in her chest as she knelt for the first blessing, responding to the high priest’s questions with the scripted responses she had memorized. She wanted to look at Zosie again, but she couldn’t. Not now. Just knowing he was there was all that really mattered.
When the high priest of Ra instructed her to make her offerings to the other gods, she stood up and approached the statue nearest her, which represented Hathor. A servant held out the basket that contained appropriate items. Kneeling again, the young girl placed Hathor’s gifts at the goddess’ feet and asked for her blessing in a clear sweet young voice that carried enough to be heard by those gathered at the front of the crowd. These prayers were not memorized but came straight from Hatshepsut’s heart.
She repeated this ritual at the statue of each god and goddess in the circle, the offerings and prayers tailored to that specific deity. Her path brought her back to the alter in front of the statue of Ra where the high priest awaited her. At his prompting, she made her vows … to listen to the council of the gods, to put her people first, to work for the peace and prosperity of Egypt, and many other things that she promised herself she would do.
The priest asked her to kneel again and after a long prayer blessing the new Queen of Egypt, he placed the crown upon her head. It had been padded inside so that it would not fall down and obscure her face. Hatsheptsut felt a bit wobbly when she stood. The crown was heavier than she had expected but she kept her held held high as a leopard-skin cloak was placed around her shoulders. The high priest handed her the crook and flail and then turned her around and presented the new Queen to her people.
The six-year-old smiled brightly at her subjects, and at that moment, the sun emerged from behind a cloud and shone down upon them all. Her crown and jewelry sparkled in the light. Hatshepsut did not notice what a pretty picture she made. She was just glad that the ceremony that she had dreaded for weeks was finally over.
The high priest led her over to a small gilded chair that had been set in the temple courtyard. The new Queen sat down so that her people could greet her and pledge their allegiance.
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Hatshepsut was halfway to the alter where the high priest stood when she heard some kind of commotion in the crowd. She wanted to look but if she did, she knew her mother would reprimand her later for not following the rules that all Pharaohs and Queens had complied with since the beginning of time. She was the gods’ chosen one and must not do anything to dishonor them. That meant keeping her focus on the ceremony and not interacting with the audience.
The Dowager Queen was somewhere nearby. Even though she had not helped her daughter prepare for her coronation, she was watching. If Hatshepsut did anything wrong, she would hear about it later. The little girl didn’t like displeasing her mother. When she was scolded, she felt about two inches tall and wanted to run to her room and cry.
But, of course, she couldn’t. Queens never wept.
It was perhaps a good thing that her gaze never wavered. She completely missed the thwarted attempt on her life. Had she known, she wouldn’t have understood why somebody wanted to harm her. She could not even spell the word ‘assassin’ and she had no idea what it meant. Her mother had never told her that all royals had targets on their backs, no matter how young they were. If she had been killed, there would be no heir to the throne, which would have likely led to civil war. Every man wished to be Pharaoh.
Hatsehepsut knew none of this. Biting her lower lip as she reached the high priest, she spotted Zosie out of the corner of one eye, standing near the front as he had promised. Her heart pounded in her chest as she knelt for the first blessing, responding to the high priest’s questions with the scripted responses she had memorized. She wanted to look at Zosie again, but she couldn’t. Not now. Just knowing he was there was all that really mattered.
When the high priest of Ra instructed her to make her offerings to the other gods, she stood up and approached the statue nearest her, which represented Hathor. A servant held out the basket that contained appropriate items. Kneeling again, the young girl placed Hathor’s gifts at the goddess’ feet and asked for her blessing in a clear sweet young voice that carried enough to be heard by those gathered at the front of the crowd. These prayers were not memorized but came straight from Hatshepsut’s heart.
She repeated this ritual at the statue of each god and goddess in the circle, the offerings and prayers tailored to that specific deity. Her path brought her back to the alter in front of the statue of Ra where the high priest awaited her. At his prompting, she made her vows … to listen to the council of the gods, to put her people first, to work for the peace and prosperity of Egypt, and many other things that she promised herself she would do.
The priest asked her to kneel again and after a long prayer blessing the new Queen of Egypt, he placed the crown upon her head. It had been padded inside so that it would not fall down and obscure her face. Hatsheptsut felt a bit wobbly when she stood. The crown was heavier than she had expected but she kept her held held high as a leopard-skin cloak was placed around her shoulders. The high priest handed her the crook and flail and then turned her around and presented the new Queen to her people.
The six-year-old smiled brightly at her subjects, and at that moment, the sun emerged from behind a cloud and shone down upon them all. Her crown and jewelry sparkled in the light. Hatshepsut did not notice what a pretty picture she made. She was just glad that the ceremony that she had dreaded for weeks was finally over.
The high priest led her over to a small gilded chair that had been set in the temple courtyard. The new Queen sat down so that her people could greet her and pledge their allegiance.
Hatshepsut was halfway to the alter where the high priest stood when she heard some kind of commotion in the crowd. She wanted to look but if she did, she knew her mother would reprimand her later for not following the rules that all Pharaohs and Queens had complied with since the beginning of time. She was the gods’ chosen one and must not do anything to dishonor them. That meant keeping her focus on the ceremony and not interacting with the audience.
The Dowager Queen was somewhere nearby. Even though she had not helped her daughter prepare for her coronation, she was watching. If Hatshepsut did anything wrong, she would hear about it later. The little girl didn’t like displeasing her mother. When she was scolded, she felt about two inches tall and wanted to run to her room and cry.
But, of course, she couldn’t. Queens never wept.
It was perhaps a good thing that her gaze never wavered. She completely missed the thwarted attempt on her life. Had she known, she wouldn’t have understood why somebody wanted to harm her. She could not even spell the word ‘assassin’ and she had no idea what it meant. Her mother had never told her that all royals had targets on their backs, no matter how young they were. If she had been killed, there would be no heir to the throne, which would have likely led to civil war. Every man wished to be Pharaoh.
Hatsehepsut knew none of this. Biting her lower lip as she reached the high priest, she spotted Zosie out of the corner of one eye, standing near the front as he had promised. Her heart pounded in her chest as she knelt for the first blessing, responding to the high priest’s questions with the scripted responses she had memorized. She wanted to look at Zosie again, but she couldn’t. Not now. Just knowing he was there was all that really mattered.
When the high priest of Ra instructed her to make her offerings to the other gods, she stood up and approached the statue nearest her, which represented Hathor. A servant held out the basket that contained appropriate items. Kneeling again, the young girl placed Hathor’s gifts at the goddess’ feet and asked for her blessing in a clear sweet young voice that carried enough to be heard by those gathered at the front of the crowd. These prayers were not memorized but came straight from Hatshepsut’s heart.
She repeated this ritual at the statue of each god and goddess in the circle, the offerings and prayers tailored to that specific deity. Her path brought her back to the alter in front of the statue of Ra where the high priest awaited her. At his prompting, she made her vows … to listen to the council of the gods, to put her people first, to work for the peace and prosperity of Egypt, and many other things that she promised herself she would do.
The priest asked her to kneel again and after a long prayer blessing the new Queen of Egypt, he placed the crown upon her head. It had been padded inside so that it would not fall down and obscure her face. Hatsheptsut felt a bit wobbly when she stood. The crown was heavier than she had expected but she kept her held held high as a leopard-skin cloak was placed around her shoulders. The high priest handed her the crook and flail and then turned her around and presented the new Queen to her people.
The six-year-old smiled brightly at her subjects, and at that moment, the sun emerged from behind a cloud and shone down upon them all. Her crown and jewelry sparkled in the light. Hatshepsut did not notice what a pretty picture she made. She was just glad that the ceremony that she had dreaded for weeks was finally over.
The high priest led her over to a small gilded chair that had been set in the temple courtyard. The new Queen sat down so that her people could greet her and pledge their allegiance.
Onuphrious was… bewildered. Even as his daughter insisted this man had just saved the day, he stood more protectively in front of his children, eyeing the whole scene with suspicion. It was just… over? Just like that? Was the whole thing orchestrated for some reason? No, it couldn’t be. Who would orchestrate an assassin at the young Queen’s coronation?
“Forgive me, sir. I just wasn’t expecting to see such a thing today, I suppose. I shall ensure the Queen and her mother know of the service you have performed today.”
The young woman he had caught in her tumble piped up then, suggesting the thanks should wait until after the ceremony, as the opening chords were already being struck. He nodded in agreement with an indulgent sort of smile. “Yes, I suppose you’re right. No need for further interruption now.”
Braids clinked together as the girl turned around, the picture of a demure lady as she turned her attention to the ceremony. The nobleman repressed a sigh as he reflected on the behavior of his own children through this ceremony, sparing a glance for Sutekh, Akhenaten, and Neithotep out of the corner of his eye. Was it truly too much to ask that they should behave with the same amount of decorum as the common girl in front of them? Had he and his wife truly done such a poor job in rearing them up?
Quietly shushing the whispers between Akhenaten and his favored sister, the sirdar of Hei Sheifa turned to watch the young Queen’s procession down the aisle, and his heart swelled at the sight. One so young to carry such a burden, and yet the six-year-old child bore herself still with such pride and dignity. With a mother like Isetheperu, he supposed it was inevitable, but once more, he envied such behavior. Even his eldest child Nefertaari, the one he favored and indulged the most, had spent much of this afternoon sniping at her siblings, caught up in a competition that only his offspring seemed aware of. Glancing over at Iaheru, he wondered if some of the same thoughts drifted through her mind as they watched Hatshepsut’s progress. Hopefully, their children’s behavior wouldn’t be the talk of Court after all this.
As the young Queen reached her destination and the crown was lowered onto her head, the sirdar’s cheers and exclamations joined the symphony of raised voices. They had a Queen! A child, yes, but the gods had smiled on them again. Their pleasure was known in the sudden thrill of sunlight that bathed Hatshepsut, the girl turning to be presented to her people.
Truly, a moment he would remember the rest of his days.
The new queen was led to an adjoining courtyard to be presented to her subjects, and Onuphrious ushered his family forward before turning to Rubiah with an apologetic smile. “I cannot present you to the Queen along with my own children, so I fear this is where we must part ways. Watch your step in the future, eh?” His eyes sparkled with a rare jest before gently squeezing the girl’s upper arm. Turning from her, he shifted his attention to his own progeny, instead.
“Come, we must go to greet the Queen. Do not, and I repeat, do not, continue your antics in her presence, do you understand? A polite word, an oath of fealty, and that’s it. No running off, I mean it.” Here, he fixed his gaze on Sutekh and Akhenaten both, the warning clear in his tone. “Let’s go.”
Without turning back to see if his wife and children followed his lead, Onuphrious waited in a patient line until it was his turn to greet Hatshepsut. Dropping into a deep bow of respect, his gaze was held to the ground as he expressed his loyalty, “Your Evening Radiance, may the gods smile on your reign. Hei Sheifa is at your disposal, now and always.” He smiled as he lifted his head. “The sun has dawned on a new day in Egypt. We look forward to what that day brings.”
Bowing again, he gestured the rest of his family forward, standing off to the side as they offered their own sentiments.
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Onuphrious was… bewildered. Even as his daughter insisted this man had just saved the day, he stood more protectively in front of his children, eyeing the whole scene with suspicion. It was just… over? Just like that? Was the whole thing orchestrated for some reason? No, it couldn’t be. Who would orchestrate an assassin at the young Queen’s coronation?
“Forgive me, sir. I just wasn’t expecting to see such a thing today, I suppose. I shall ensure the Queen and her mother know of the service you have performed today.”
The young woman he had caught in her tumble piped up then, suggesting the thanks should wait until after the ceremony, as the opening chords were already being struck. He nodded in agreement with an indulgent sort of smile. “Yes, I suppose you’re right. No need for further interruption now.”
Braids clinked together as the girl turned around, the picture of a demure lady as she turned her attention to the ceremony. The nobleman repressed a sigh as he reflected on the behavior of his own children through this ceremony, sparing a glance for Sutekh, Akhenaten, and Neithotep out of the corner of his eye. Was it truly too much to ask that they should behave with the same amount of decorum as the common girl in front of them? Had he and his wife truly done such a poor job in rearing them up?
Quietly shushing the whispers between Akhenaten and his favored sister, the sirdar of Hei Sheifa turned to watch the young Queen’s procession down the aisle, and his heart swelled at the sight. One so young to carry such a burden, and yet the six-year-old child bore herself still with such pride and dignity. With a mother like Isetheperu, he supposed it was inevitable, but once more, he envied such behavior. Even his eldest child Nefertaari, the one he favored and indulged the most, had spent much of this afternoon sniping at her siblings, caught up in a competition that only his offspring seemed aware of. Glancing over at Iaheru, he wondered if some of the same thoughts drifted through her mind as they watched Hatshepsut’s progress. Hopefully, their children’s behavior wouldn’t be the talk of Court after all this.
As the young Queen reached her destination and the crown was lowered onto her head, the sirdar’s cheers and exclamations joined the symphony of raised voices. They had a Queen! A child, yes, but the gods had smiled on them again. Their pleasure was known in the sudden thrill of sunlight that bathed Hatshepsut, the girl turning to be presented to her people.
Truly, a moment he would remember the rest of his days.
The new queen was led to an adjoining courtyard to be presented to her subjects, and Onuphrious ushered his family forward before turning to Rubiah with an apologetic smile. “I cannot present you to the Queen along with my own children, so I fear this is where we must part ways. Watch your step in the future, eh?” His eyes sparkled with a rare jest before gently squeezing the girl’s upper arm. Turning from her, he shifted his attention to his own progeny, instead.
“Come, we must go to greet the Queen. Do not, and I repeat, do not, continue your antics in her presence, do you understand? A polite word, an oath of fealty, and that’s it. No running off, I mean it.” Here, he fixed his gaze on Sutekh and Akhenaten both, the warning clear in his tone. “Let’s go.”
Without turning back to see if his wife and children followed his lead, Onuphrious waited in a patient line until it was his turn to greet Hatshepsut. Dropping into a deep bow of respect, his gaze was held to the ground as he expressed his loyalty, “Your Evening Radiance, may the gods smile on your reign. Hei Sheifa is at your disposal, now and always.” He smiled as he lifted his head. “The sun has dawned on a new day in Egypt. We look forward to what that day brings.”
Bowing again, he gestured the rest of his family forward, standing off to the side as they offered their own sentiments.
Onuphrious was… bewildered. Even as his daughter insisted this man had just saved the day, he stood more protectively in front of his children, eyeing the whole scene with suspicion. It was just… over? Just like that? Was the whole thing orchestrated for some reason? No, it couldn’t be. Who would orchestrate an assassin at the young Queen’s coronation?
“Forgive me, sir. I just wasn’t expecting to see such a thing today, I suppose. I shall ensure the Queen and her mother know of the service you have performed today.”
The young woman he had caught in her tumble piped up then, suggesting the thanks should wait until after the ceremony, as the opening chords were already being struck. He nodded in agreement with an indulgent sort of smile. “Yes, I suppose you’re right. No need for further interruption now.”
Braids clinked together as the girl turned around, the picture of a demure lady as she turned her attention to the ceremony. The nobleman repressed a sigh as he reflected on the behavior of his own children through this ceremony, sparing a glance for Sutekh, Akhenaten, and Neithotep out of the corner of his eye. Was it truly too much to ask that they should behave with the same amount of decorum as the common girl in front of them? Had he and his wife truly done such a poor job in rearing them up?
Quietly shushing the whispers between Akhenaten and his favored sister, the sirdar of Hei Sheifa turned to watch the young Queen’s procession down the aisle, and his heart swelled at the sight. One so young to carry such a burden, and yet the six-year-old child bore herself still with such pride and dignity. With a mother like Isetheperu, he supposed it was inevitable, but once more, he envied such behavior. Even his eldest child Nefertaari, the one he favored and indulged the most, had spent much of this afternoon sniping at her siblings, caught up in a competition that only his offspring seemed aware of. Glancing over at Iaheru, he wondered if some of the same thoughts drifted through her mind as they watched Hatshepsut’s progress. Hopefully, their children’s behavior wouldn’t be the talk of Court after all this.
As the young Queen reached her destination and the crown was lowered onto her head, the sirdar’s cheers and exclamations joined the symphony of raised voices. They had a Queen! A child, yes, but the gods had smiled on them again. Their pleasure was known in the sudden thrill of sunlight that bathed Hatshepsut, the girl turning to be presented to her people.
Truly, a moment he would remember the rest of his days.
The new queen was led to an adjoining courtyard to be presented to her subjects, and Onuphrious ushered his family forward before turning to Rubiah with an apologetic smile. “I cannot present you to the Queen along with my own children, so I fear this is where we must part ways. Watch your step in the future, eh?” His eyes sparkled with a rare jest before gently squeezing the girl’s upper arm. Turning from her, he shifted his attention to his own progeny, instead.
“Come, we must go to greet the Queen. Do not, and I repeat, do not, continue your antics in her presence, do you understand? A polite word, an oath of fealty, and that’s it. No running off, I mean it.” Here, he fixed his gaze on Sutekh and Akhenaten both, the warning clear in his tone. “Let’s go.”
Without turning back to see if his wife and children followed his lead, Onuphrious waited in a patient line until it was his turn to greet Hatshepsut. Dropping into a deep bow of respect, his gaze was held to the ground as he expressed his loyalty, “Your Evening Radiance, may the gods smile on your reign. Hei Sheifa is at your disposal, now and always.” He smiled as he lifted his head. “The sun has dawned on a new day in Egypt. We look forward to what that day brings.”
Bowing again, he gestured the rest of his family forward, standing off to the side as they offered their own sentiments.
It was all Nia could do not to laugh when Hena asserted his thirst again, affectionately ruffling his hair. Oh, to have the mind of a young child again, where nothing mattered more than the moment. Granted, Nia did not live her life much outside of the moment; she was not a girl who understood cause and effect very well. Or, rather, it wasn’t that she didn’t understand—she simply didn’t care. But that was neither here nor there. It was the Queen’s coronation, and today, she supposed, she ought to care.
Their father shushed them again when Hena whispered about his thirst, and Nia made a face at the sirdar’s back. This time, she didn’t say anything, because apparently he was more inclined to agree with the clumsy commoner he had rescued than his own children. Whatever. If that’s how he wanted to be, it didn’t matter to her. He and Mother could rot for all she cared. She hadn’t even done anything wrong today. As far as she was concerned, all of this was still Sutekh’s fault.
She did fall silent, though, as she watched Hatshepsut make her way down to the altar. It was hard to see around the people blocking her view, but when the young Queen turned around with the crown on her head, even Nia smiled. While she didn’t care for all the pomp and circumstance of this coronation, she supposed a new monarch was always an exciting thing. Even if she was only a child.
The ceremony ended, she turned to face her father when he admonished them with stern words of warning. There was to be no more misbehaving from any of them, and almost, she was tempted to snark out about how he should be saying this to Sutekh, not her. But, wisely, she chose against saying anything at all, just nodding in agreement. She could greet the Queen with pretty words, as long as they could go home afterwards. She was getting really sick of all this standing around.
Hena’s hand clutched in hers, she trailed after Onuphrious as they waited for their turn to offer loyalty to the new Queen. Listening to her father’s prettily worded little speech, Nia once more suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. Why did he have to be so fancy about it? Why did they all? Hatshepsut was just a little girl; would she even remember all of this later?
Once it was her turn, however, she did not let any of her annoyance show, releasing her brother’s hand and lowering herself into a curtsy in front of the new ruler. “Congratulations, Your Evening Radiance,” she murmured, unsure if that was even appropriate. Did one congratulate someone on their birthright? She wasn’t really sure. “May your rule know peace and prosperity.” There, that sounded right, didn’t it? Curtsying again, she moved off to join her father, an encouraging smile sent Akhenaten’s way. Hands folded in front of her, she pointedly ignored the man at her side, still sore about being blamed for shenanigans she held no responsibility for.
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It was all Nia could do not to laugh when Hena asserted his thirst again, affectionately ruffling his hair. Oh, to have the mind of a young child again, where nothing mattered more than the moment. Granted, Nia did not live her life much outside of the moment; she was not a girl who understood cause and effect very well. Or, rather, it wasn’t that she didn’t understand—she simply didn’t care. But that was neither here nor there. It was the Queen’s coronation, and today, she supposed, she ought to care.
Their father shushed them again when Hena whispered about his thirst, and Nia made a face at the sirdar’s back. This time, she didn’t say anything, because apparently he was more inclined to agree with the clumsy commoner he had rescued than his own children. Whatever. If that’s how he wanted to be, it didn’t matter to her. He and Mother could rot for all she cared. She hadn’t even done anything wrong today. As far as she was concerned, all of this was still Sutekh’s fault.
She did fall silent, though, as she watched Hatshepsut make her way down to the altar. It was hard to see around the people blocking her view, but when the young Queen turned around with the crown on her head, even Nia smiled. While she didn’t care for all the pomp and circumstance of this coronation, she supposed a new monarch was always an exciting thing. Even if she was only a child.
The ceremony ended, she turned to face her father when he admonished them with stern words of warning. There was to be no more misbehaving from any of them, and almost, she was tempted to snark out about how he should be saying this to Sutekh, not her. But, wisely, she chose against saying anything at all, just nodding in agreement. She could greet the Queen with pretty words, as long as they could go home afterwards. She was getting really sick of all this standing around.
Hena’s hand clutched in hers, she trailed after Onuphrious as they waited for their turn to offer loyalty to the new Queen. Listening to her father’s prettily worded little speech, Nia once more suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. Why did he have to be so fancy about it? Why did they all? Hatshepsut was just a little girl; would she even remember all of this later?
Once it was her turn, however, she did not let any of her annoyance show, releasing her brother’s hand and lowering herself into a curtsy in front of the new ruler. “Congratulations, Your Evening Radiance,” she murmured, unsure if that was even appropriate. Did one congratulate someone on their birthright? She wasn’t really sure. “May your rule know peace and prosperity.” There, that sounded right, didn’t it? Curtsying again, she moved off to join her father, an encouraging smile sent Akhenaten’s way. Hands folded in front of her, she pointedly ignored the man at her side, still sore about being blamed for shenanigans she held no responsibility for.
It was all Nia could do not to laugh when Hena asserted his thirst again, affectionately ruffling his hair. Oh, to have the mind of a young child again, where nothing mattered more than the moment. Granted, Nia did not live her life much outside of the moment; she was not a girl who understood cause and effect very well. Or, rather, it wasn’t that she didn’t understand—she simply didn’t care. But that was neither here nor there. It was the Queen’s coronation, and today, she supposed, she ought to care.
Their father shushed them again when Hena whispered about his thirst, and Nia made a face at the sirdar’s back. This time, she didn’t say anything, because apparently he was more inclined to agree with the clumsy commoner he had rescued than his own children. Whatever. If that’s how he wanted to be, it didn’t matter to her. He and Mother could rot for all she cared. She hadn’t even done anything wrong today. As far as she was concerned, all of this was still Sutekh’s fault.
She did fall silent, though, as she watched Hatshepsut make her way down to the altar. It was hard to see around the people blocking her view, but when the young Queen turned around with the crown on her head, even Nia smiled. While she didn’t care for all the pomp and circumstance of this coronation, she supposed a new monarch was always an exciting thing. Even if she was only a child.
The ceremony ended, she turned to face her father when he admonished them with stern words of warning. There was to be no more misbehaving from any of them, and almost, she was tempted to snark out about how he should be saying this to Sutekh, not her. But, wisely, she chose against saying anything at all, just nodding in agreement. She could greet the Queen with pretty words, as long as they could go home afterwards. She was getting really sick of all this standing around.
Hena’s hand clutched in hers, she trailed after Onuphrious as they waited for their turn to offer loyalty to the new Queen. Listening to her father’s prettily worded little speech, Nia once more suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. Why did he have to be so fancy about it? Why did they all? Hatshepsut was just a little girl; would she even remember all of this later?
Once it was her turn, however, she did not let any of her annoyance show, releasing her brother’s hand and lowering herself into a curtsy in front of the new ruler. “Congratulations, Your Evening Radiance,” she murmured, unsure if that was even appropriate. Did one congratulate someone on their birthright? She wasn’t really sure. “May your rule know peace and prosperity.” There, that sounded right, didn’t it? Curtsying again, she moved off to join her father, an encouraging smile sent Akhenaten’s way. Hands folded in front of her, she pointedly ignored the man at her side, still sore about being blamed for shenanigans she held no responsibility for.
Khufu knew the man who approached, though not overly well. They had met on occasion, and as it seemed, this would be one of those occasions. He hoped he wasn’t about to be berated for his actions. If there had been time for him to stop the would-be assassin without anyone noticing, he absolutely would have. Unfortunately he had a split second before he would have finished breaking through the crowd and had a clear shot at several important targets. He had taken action as quickly as he could. And as subtly as he could. They couldn’t expect that much grace when they hired soldiers of all people to be guards. He was trained to fight on a battlefield, not sneak around and be quiet.
But he was relieved as the other man simply said ‘good catch’. At least the situation was appreciated, and while it had been a minor disruption, at least the assassin had been stopped and the ceremony could continue on without a hitch.
“Thanks.” He stated with a small nod and a smile of appreciation. Khufu hadn’t wanted to be here and do this job in the first place, but he had been one of the unlucky ones who had been plucked from his unit and brought here for the extra protection. At least he wasn’t getting himself in trouble like he normally did.
Then the noble man who had been questioning him just a few moments earlier said he would make sure the new Queen had heard of his actions, and he shook his head, quickly putting on a polite smile. He gave the other man a bow.
“No need, though the thought is appreciated, my life is for the protection of Egypt and the citizens that call it home.” He stated. Mostly he didn’t want any attention. He had no ambition to move up any ranks, he had joined the army as a means to send money back home to his family after his father had passed, that was it. Khufu did not wish to be some ranked solider, nor did he wish to earn a warriors death on any battlefield.
Satisfied that he had done his job, and that everyone’s attention was once again fulled turned on the child who would be their new Queen, he slipped easily back through the crowd and took his spot once more where he could stand guard and watch over the crowds, hoping that there would only be one assassination attempt. Or at least if there was more, he wouldn’t be the one who would have to deal with it.
He knew after this, he would need to report the situation to superiors which would be a pain the ass and would take much longer than it needed to.
“If any Gods are listening, please keep me from guard duty next time.” He muttered quietly to himself. He really was just counting down the time until he could retire from the army, and doing his best to avoid being killed until then.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Khufu knew the man who approached, though not overly well. They had met on occasion, and as it seemed, this would be one of those occasions. He hoped he wasn’t about to be berated for his actions. If there had been time for him to stop the would-be assassin without anyone noticing, he absolutely would have. Unfortunately he had a split second before he would have finished breaking through the crowd and had a clear shot at several important targets. He had taken action as quickly as he could. And as subtly as he could. They couldn’t expect that much grace when they hired soldiers of all people to be guards. He was trained to fight on a battlefield, not sneak around and be quiet.
But he was relieved as the other man simply said ‘good catch’. At least the situation was appreciated, and while it had been a minor disruption, at least the assassin had been stopped and the ceremony could continue on without a hitch.
“Thanks.” He stated with a small nod and a smile of appreciation. Khufu hadn’t wanted to be here and do this job in the first place, but he had been one of the unlucky ones who had been plucked from his unit and brought here for the extra protection. At least he wasn’t getting himself in trouble like he normally did.
Then the noble man who had been questioning him just a few moments earlier said he would make sure the new Queen had heard of his actions, and he shook his head, quickly putting on a polite smile. He gave the other man a bow.
“No need, though the thought is appreciated, my life is for the protection of Egypt and the citizens that call it home.” He stated. Mostly he didn’t want any attention. He had no ambition to move up any ranks, he had joined the army as a means to send money back home to his family after his father had passed, that was it. Khufu did not wish to be some ranked solider, nor did he wish to earn a warriors death on any battlefield.
Satisfied that he had done his job, and that everyone’s attention was once again fulled turned on the child who would be their new Queen, he slipped easily back through the crowd and took his spot once more where he could stand guard and watch over the crowds, hoping that there would only be one assassination attempt. Or at least if there was more, he wouldn’t be the one who would have to deal with it.
He knew after this, he would need to report the situation to superiors which would be a pain the ass and would take much longer than it needed to.
“If any Gods are listening, please keep me from guard duty next time.” He muttered quietly to himself. He really was just counting down the time until he could retire from the army, and doing his best to avoid being killed until then.
Khufu knew the man who approached, though not overly well. They had met on occasion, and as it seemed, this would be one of those occasions. He hoped he wasn’t about to be berated for his actions. If there had been time for him to stop the would-be assassin without anyone noticing, he absolutely would have. Unfortunately he had a split second before he would have finished breaking through the crowd and had a clear shot at several important targets. He had taken action as quickly as he could. And as subtly as he could. They couldn’t expect that much grace when they hired soldiers of all people to be guards. He was trained to fight on a battlefield, not sneak around and be quiet.
But he was relieved as the other man simply said ‘good catch’. At least the situation was appreciated, and while it had been a minor disruption, at least the assassin had been stopped and the ceremony could continue on without a hitch.
“Thanks.” He stated with a small nod and a smile of appreciation. Khufu hadn’t wanted to be here and do this job in the first place, but he had been one of the unlucky ones who had been plucked from his unit and brought here for the extra protection. At least he wasn’t getting himself in trouble like he normally did.
Then the noble man who had been questioning him just a few moments earlier said he would make sure the new Queen had heard of his actions, and he shook his head, quickly putting on a polite smile. He gave the other man a bow.
“No need, though the thought is appreciated, my life is for the protection of Egypt and the citizens that call it home.” He stated. Mostly he didn’t want any attention. He had no ambition to move up any ranks, he had joined the army as a means to send money back home to his family after his father had passed, that was it. Khufu did not wish to be some ranked solider, nor did he wish to earn a warriors death on any battlefield.
Satisfied that he had done his job, and that everyone’s attention was once again fulled turned on the child who would be their new Queen, he slipped easily back through the crowd and took his spot once more where he could stand guard and watch over the crowds, hoping that there would only be one assassination attempt. Or at least if there was more, he wouldn’t be the one who would have to deal with it.
He knew after this, he would need to report the situation to superiors which would be a pain the ass and would take much longer than it needed to.
“If any Gods are listening, please keep me from guard duty next time.” He muttered quietly to himself. He really was just counting down the time until he could retire from the army, and doing his best to avoid being killed until then.
When their father shushed them again, Hena huffed a little but he did as he was told. He didn’t want to get in trouble again, he’d had enough of it for the day. He couldn’t really see anything that was going on due to how short he was, but he stood there as still as he could as people cheered.
When his father turned to them and warned them to behave, he nodded a little. He figured he had gotten himself into more than enough trouble for one event. His father looked extra mad, and he didn’t want to make things any worse if he could help it. But sometimes he didn’t even know what he did to upset his parents. They seemed to get irrationally angry over anything and everything. Like today. Sutekh had been being mean, and he started the whole thing. The only vindication young Hena had was that his brother had seemed to get in at least as much trouble as he had.
“Yes.” He said quietly in acknowledgement of his father’s words. He would behave as best as he could, but if Sutekh started it again, he thought it was only fair for him to retaliate. It wasn’t fair if his brother got to bother him but he couldn’t do anything about it. Surely his father could understand that.
Hena followed with his family as his father lead them over to speak to the new Queen, glad to be holding Nia’s hand as they walked. His older sister always had a way of comforting him, even at his rowdiest. He thought it dumb that he had to swear fealty to her and stuff, she was younger than him!
But he would do it to save from incurring any more of the wrath his parents had shown earlier.
He listened as his father and then his sister said words to the new Queen, and he tried to scramble for what words he would say to her. He had no idea what to say, he couldn’t just copy what his family had already said, right?
So he panicked and blurted out the first thing that came to his mind.
“I like your crown.” He said, then quickly hurried off to the side to join his sister once more, not knowing what else to say, he would let the rest of his family members say all the pretty and meaningless words. He was never good with them, preferring to just say what came to his mind in the moment. He had no idea if his father would be okay with what he said, but in the moment it was the only nice thing he could think to say.
At least he hadn’t accidentally come out with an insult or something. For now he would stay still, and he would wait for the rest of his family to say what ever to the new Queen and then he would go home and he would finally have something to drink.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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When their father shushed them again, Hena huffed a little but he did as he was told. He didn’t want to get in trouble again, he’d had enough of it for the day. He couldn’t really see anything that was going on due to how short he was, but he stood there as still as he could as people cheered.
When his father turned to them and warned them to behave, he nodded a little. He figured he had gotten himself into more than enough trouble for one event. His father looked extra mad, and he didn’t want to make things any worse if he could help it. But sometimes he didn’t even know what he did to upset his parents. They seemed to get irrationally angry over anything and everything. Like today. Sutekh had been being mean, and he started the whole thing. The only vindication young Hena had was that his brother had seemed to get in at least as much trouble as he had.
“Yes.” He said quietly in acknowledgement of his father’s words. He would behave as best as he could, but if Sutekh started it again, he thought it was only fair for him to retaliate. It wasn’t fair if his brother got to bother him but he couldn’t do anything about it. Surely his father could understand that.
Hena followed with his family as his father lead them over to speak to the new Queen, glad to be holding Nia’s hand as they walked. His older sister always had a way of comforting him, even at his rowdiest. He thought it dumb that he had to swear fealty to her and stuff, she was younger than him!
But he would do it to save from incurring any more of the wrath his parents had shown earlier.
He listened as his father and then his sister said words to the new Queen, and he tried to scramble for what words he would say to her. He had no idea what to say, he couldn’t just copy what his family had already said, right?
So he panicked and blurted out the first thing that came to his mind.
“I like your crown.” He said, then quickly hurried off to the side to join his sister once more, not knowing what else to say, he would let the rest of his family members say all the pretty and meaningless words. He was never good with them, preferring to just say what came to his mind in the moment. He had no idea if his father would be okay with what he said, but in the moment it was the only nice thing he could think to say.
At least he hadn’t accidentally come out with an insult or something. For now he would stay still, and he would wait for the rest of his family to say what ever to the new Queen and then he would go home and he would finally have something to drink.
When their father shushed them again, Hena huffed a little but he did as he was told. He didn’t want to get in trouble again, he’d had enough of it for the day. He couldn’t really see anything that was going on due to how short he was, but he stood there as still as he could as people cheered.
When his father turned to them and warned them to behave, he nodded a little. He figured he had gotten himself into more than enough trouble for one event. His father looked extra mad, and he didn’t want to make things any worse if he could help it. But sometimes he didn’t even know what he did to upset his parents. They seemed to get irrationally angry over anything and everything. Like today. Sutekh had been being mean, and he started the whole thing. The only vindication young Hena had was that his brother had seemed to get in at least as much trouble as he had.
“Yes.” He said quietly in acknowledgement of his father’s words. He would behave as best as he could, but if Sutekh started it again, he thought it was only fair for him to retaliate. It wasn’t fair if his brother got to bother him but he couldn’t do anything about it. Surely his father could understand that.
Hena followed with his family as his father lead them over to speak to the new Queen, glad to be holding Nia’s hand as they walked. His older sister always had a way of comforting him, even at his rowdiest. He thought it dumb that he had to swear fealty to her and stuff, she was younger than him!
But he would do it to save from incurring any more of the wrath his parents had shown earlier.
He listened as his father and then his sister said words to the new Queen, and he tried to scramble for what words he would say to her. He had no idea what to say, he couldn’t just copy what his family had already said, right?
So he panicked and blurted out the first thing that came to his mind.
“I like your crown.” He said, then quickly hurried off to the side to join his sister once more, not knowing what else to say, he would let the rest of his family members say all the pretty and meaningless words. He was never good with them, preferring to just say what came to his mind in the moment. He had no idea if his father would be okay with what he said, but in the moment it was the only nice thing he could think to say.
At least he hadn’t accidentally come out with an insult or something. For now he would stay still, and he would wait for the rest of his family to say what ever to the new Queen and then he would go home and he would finally have something to drink.
Hatshepsut had looked forward to sitting in her little gilded chair after the ceremony came to an end. She had thought that the scary part would be over, but looking around at all the faces trained on her, she was more frightened now than she had been while presenting her offerings to the gods. The child Queen didn’t like being stared at, even in admiration. She was shy and wasn’t fond of being the center of attention, though she had been taught from birth that she would always be in the public eye.
Her mother stood behind her. As if sensing her apprehension, she placed a hand on her shoulder, pressing gently but firmly to remind Hathsepsut of her duty. The crook and flail shook in her small hands and she could hear the beads on the flail clinking together. She tried to stop trembling but her body wasn’t listening to her mind. How she wished she could go back to the palace and to the comfort of her chambers!
The first nobles to approach her were the family of Hei Shiefa. There were a lot of them. The children were lucky to have siblings to play with. She had always wanted brothers and sisters of her own. Her wide inquisitive gaze passed over each one of them in turn. The mother and girls were very pretty. The boys were … well, boys. Boys were all the same.
The Sirdar bowed deeply and pledged his loyalty to her, and expressed his hopes that the gods would be with her and that her reign would bring a new day to Egypt. Would it? Would she be the kind of Queen her people needed or would she always long to hide in a corner and let the world pass her by?
Her mother’s hand clamped down upon her shoulder. Ouch! Oh, yes, she was supposed to say something. Hatshepsut had rehearsed different responses with the Dowager Queen but they all seemed to have fled from her mind. Where had they gone? Were they coming back? What was she to do?
“Thank you, Sirdar,” she said, smiling shyly. “For your loyalty and for your faith in me.” Where had those words come from? She hoped that she had responded correctly even though it wasn’t one of the phrases that she had been taught.
One of his daughters stepped forward and curtsied to her, echoing her father’s sentiments. “Thank you, my lady,” Hatsshepsut replied simply, managing to sound regal despite her young age. Her shoulder was squeezed again, this time a gentle gesture of approval. The youngest of the family … a boy only a few years older than she … blurted out that he liked her crown. The little Queen giggled and felt her shoulder pinched. Giggling wasn’t regal at all.
She made no more mistakes as her subjects continued to approach her. Hatshepsut had never realized that she had so many of them. Eventually, she became tired and no longer paid any attention to what they said, simply nodding her head at their congratulations and pledges of loyalty. By the time it was time to go home, she could barely keep her eyes open. The last thing she remembered before she fell asleep was somebody carrying her through the door of the palace.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Hatshepsut had looked forward to sitting in her little gilded chair after the ceremony came to an end. She had thought that the scary part would be over, but looking around at all the faces trained on her, she was more frightened now than she had been while presenting her offerings to the gods. The child Queen didn’t like being stared at, even in admiration. She was shy and wasn’t fond of being the center of attention, though she had been taught from birth that she would always be in the public eye.
Her mother stood behind her. As if sensing her apprehension, she placed a hand on her shoulder, pressing gently but firmly to remind Hathsepsut of her duty. The crook and flail shook in her small hands and she could hear the beads on the flail clinking together. She tried to stop trembling but her body wasn’t listening to her mind. How she wished she could go back to the palace and to the comfort of her chambers!
The first nobles to approach her were the family of Hei Shiefa. There were a lot of them. The children were lucky to have siblings to play with. She had always wanted brothers and sisters of her own. Her wide inquisitive gaze passed over each one of them in turn. The mother and girls were very pretty. The boys were … well, boys. Boys were all the same.
The Sirdar bowed deeply and pledged his loyalty to her, and expressed his hopes that the gods would be with her and that her reign would bring a new day to Egypt. Would it? Would she be the kind of Queen her people needed or would she always long to hide in a corner and let the world pass her by?
Her mother’s hand clamped down upon her shoulder. Ouch! Oh, yes, she was supposed to say something. Hatshepsut had rehearsed different responses with the Dowager Queen but they all seemed to have fled from her mind. Where had they gone? Were they coming back? What was she to do?
“Thank you, Sirdar,” she said, smiling shyly. “For your loyalty and for your faith in me.” Where had those words come from? She hoped that she had responded correctly even though it wasn’t one of the phrases that she had been taught.
One of his daughters stepped forward and curtsied to her, echoing her father’s sentiments. “Thank you, my lady,” Hatsshepsut replied simply, managing to sound regal despite her young age. Her shoulder was squeezed again, this time a gentle gesture of approval. The youngest of the family … a boy only a few years older than she … blurted out that he liked her crown. The little Queen giggled and felt her shoulder pinched. Giggling wasn’t regal at all.
She made no more mistakes as her subjects continued to approach her. Hatshepsut had never realized that she had so many of them. Eventually, she became tired and no longer paid any attention to what they said, simply nodding her head at their congratulations and pledges of loyalty. By the time it was time to go home, she could barely keep her eyes open. The last thing she remembered before she fell asleep was somebody carrying her through the door of the palace.
Hatshepsut had looked forward to sitting in her little gilded chair after the ceremony came to an end. She had thought that the scary part would be over, but looking around at all the faces trained on her, she was more frightened now than she had been while presenting her offerings to the gods. The child Queen didn’t like being stared at, even in admiration. She was shy and wasn’t fond of being the center of attention, though she had been taught from birth that she would always be in the public eye.
Her mother stood behind her. As if sensing her apprehension, she placed a hand on her shoulder, pressing gently but firmly to remind Hathsepsut of her duty. The crook and flail shook in her small hands and she could hear the beads on the flail clinking together. She tried to stop trembling but her body wasn’t listening to her mind. How she wished she could go back to the palace and to the comfort of her chambers!
The first nobles to approach her were the family of Hei Shiefa. There were a lot of them. The children were lucky to have siblings to play with. She had always wanted brothers and sisters of her own. Her wide inquisitive gaze passed over each one of them in turn. The mother and girls were very pretty. The boys were … well, boys. Boys were all the same.
The Sirdar bowed deeply and pledged his loyalty to her, and expressed his hopes that the gods would be with her and that her reign would bring a new day to Egypt. Would it? Would she be the kind of Queen her people needed or would she always long to hide in a corner and let the world pass her by?
Her mother’s hand clamped down upon her shoulder. Ouch! Oh, yes, she was supposed to say something. Hatshepsut had rehearsed different responses with the Dowager Queen but they all seemed to have fled from her mind. Where had they gone? Were they coming back? What was she to do?
“Thank you, Sirdar,” she said, smiling shyly. “For your loyalty and for your faith in me.” Where had those words come from? She hoped that she had responded correctly even though it wasn’t one of the phrases that she had been taught.
One of his daughters stepped forward and curtsied to her, echoing her father’s sentiments. “Thank you, my lady,” Hatsshepsut replied simply, managing to sound regal despite her young age. Her shoulder was squeezed again, this time a gentle gesture of approval. The youngest of the family … a boy only a few years older than she … blurted out that he liked her crown. The little Queen giggled and felt her shoulder pinched. Giggling wasn’t regal at all.
She made no more mistakes as her subjects continued to approach her. Hatshepsut had never realized that she had so many of them. Eventually, she became tired and no longer paid any attention to what they said, simply nodding her head at their congratulations and pledges of loyalty. By the time it was time to go home, she could barely keep her eyes open. The last thing she remembered before she fell asleep was somebody carrying her through the door of the palace.