Waves of drunkenness flowed over Mandisa as she reclined on an ottoman in the front room of the saraaya. She rubbed her fingers against her heavy eyelids before batting her long lashes and staring up at the ceiling. The luxury of her home barely touched her - it was all she had ever know, and having grown up in such circumstances, she could make no other conclusion than that she deserved what she had. Certainly, no one had ever disputed such a point of view. Her throat felt dry, and she called to a servant to bring her water, but he had anticipated such a request - none of the staff were unfamiliar with Mandisa's boughts of binge drinking. He set a jug of water and a cup on the side table nearest to her.

She gave him a cold look as he poured the water for her and snatched it when he held it out to her. She drank deeply, savouring the cold sensation. It soothed her throat, but not her racing mind. Her father had been away more and more with the threat of the impending war, and she had often been left to her own devices. The luxurious court gatherings had slowed, and without them, Mandisa had little idea of what she should do with herself other than get outrageously drunk.

Stumbling to her feet, she admitted to herself that she might have crossed the line this evening. Her vision was blurry and she struggled to form coherent thoughts. Some part of her knew that she should go to bed, but the rebellious drunk part of her would not allow it. She felt the impulse to venture outside. She knew that night time in Egypt brought with it a delightful coolness, and the more she thought about it, the more she craved the refreshing breeze on her skin.

Directed towards no on in particular, she half-slurred "I'm going out for a walk." Not bothering to wait for a reply, she began to make her way towards the gates of her home. It was by no means unsafe - she had done such many times in her days. She would go for a stroll through the Northern Wastan - open only to nobles, she believed she would be in no danger.

She knew that her appearance was in disarray, but she could not bring herself to care. She wore only a length of linen tied under her bust, with a shawl of netting hanging over her breasts. She had chosen the outfit that morning in anticipation of a hot day without any company. A servant opened the gate and she hurried out. She knew that her family did not approve of her night time strolls, and she preferred not to be interrupted in her quest for fresh air.

Approaching the large fountain used by servants to gather fresh water, she noticed a few of the staff trailing her. Annoyed, she spun around and called "Just leave me alone! I want to be... alone." She put her hand up to her forehead, trying to regain her composure. Leaning against the border of the fountain, she enjoyed the breeze against her skin. She dipped her hand into the water, marveling at its coolness. She would only stay here for a little while... It wouldn't be like last month when the servants had to carry her home, surely. She scoffed at herself.