Nenet crossed one arm over her chest and held her opposite arm, pressing it close to her side. It was almost like a half hug and she was still looking towards one of the walls, studying the spell there. She liked to imagine that maybe she could be graceful one day. Maybe she would flit about this very room in long gauzy white robes, a bowl of wine in her hands, and set it gingerly at the goddess’s feet. She wouldn’t spill anything and her garments would still be pristine and unblemished.

”You really surprise me sometimes.”

“Huh?” she blinked and looked over at Nia. “W-w-what?”

“I never would have guessed,” Nia continued and Nenet nodded. “Oh.” No, she supposed within herself. Nia wouldn’t have guessed, would she? Nia with her smooth skin and her pretty little nose. Nia with her rounded hips and full breasts. Nia with her fluid speech and sauntering gait. Why would Nia ever need to guess or wonder about the ways of a little sister who kept to herself and rarely said what she was thinking. Nenet knew herself to be easily forgotten but then, she did work hard to make it so. It was easier expecting not to be remembered than hoping someone would bother. Their goals were the same.

She shrugged and started walking forward, finally letting go of herself and reaching out to glide her fingers over a pillar as they passed. The hieroglyphs were smooth with rough edges beneath her touch. Her thoughts wandered back to the spells. What would she cast first? A good one on herself? Or...maybe make Akhenaten’s hair fall out? All his drinks taste sour? Perhaps she would put only good fortune in Sutekh’s path...make Nefertaari’s teeth fall out? Nia...Her eyes slid to her sister. What would she do for Nia? Depended on the day but today she thought something nice. Maybe peaceful dreams forever.

”Have you told anyone else this is what you want to do?” Nenet shook her head. The ‘anyone else’ would be their parents. ”I can’t see why Mother or Father would disapprove. Surely, serving a goddess is a noble calling.” She nodded. It was a noble calling. The noblest, probably. But how to explain…

“P-p-pleas-se d-d-d-don’t-t t-t-t-t-tell?” she stammered. Maybe she could write Nia a letter explaining why, better. She knew she could. But words, verbal words, were inadequate and she didn’t feel like stuttering out the entire thing in public. People had already glanced at her and she colored. “K-k-keep-p it-t b-b-b-b-b-be-et-t-t-t-tween-n u-usss.” She bit down on the last S and sighed. She hated talking to people. It was so annoying.

Swallowing, she gestured back outside, now tired of being here. She wanted to go home and sink into bed and a book.