súper backdated for
@Eset !!
the girl had awoken! Toula, knowing she was still recovering, swept toward the chambers of
@Tavina and murmurs a faint,
is she awake? I would like to see her,
not wanting to disturb!
and when she was sure she would not be a bother, Toula swept inside on light feet. her gemstone gaze found that of Eset, saying,
I had heard you were feeling better. I wanted to see you myself—I have been praying for you, each day and each night,
and with that, being sure the herb stores were plentiful for Tavina.
This is a dance.
It’s one she’s taken before, not with music or footsteps but parrying conversation and careful bids. There is a precious order and this is a Goddess in her mortal form whose time on the earthly plane is to maintain it.
So when the young Queen sweeps into her room, beautiful and extravagant with concern and honey-sweet words to give, the woman will abandon a spellbound daze and kneel before her gilded feet.
“My Queen, a most sincere apology for causing upset at your border,” she will not dare to speak to her face. “I offer myself in service to you, to lift this burden.”
I do not think it something you intended—you need not apologize,
Toula was insistent but soft even still, smiling now. your offering is something I would gratefully accept, if that is what you wish for yourself; there are many places for you here,
Toula hummed.
Toula would never force one into servitude, but so many yearned for it! and yet Toula was grateful for them all, and made sure they too were treated and compensated generously. never could they be forced to do what they did not wish, not while she was Queen!
fellahin is no insult, as I am sure you yourself know and understand. I only wish for you to know there are many paths for you to explore,
she elaborated. for Toula was quite proud of her fellahin.
Her words come softly, no forgiveness is needed. Eset will not rise, but there is a lift of muzzle. She sees the face she has mistaken for Hathor. Dreamlike in memory are her jade-eyes.
“Your Highness,” she draws in awe. She is radiant. “Thank you.”
The Queen will speak of ascension in rank, of a choice beyond what she knows. A priestess? Medic? Such ideas are lofty. She will want to do what she is suited for. She has always served the nobility alongside her mother. There is no shame in the rank for her; it is simply where coyotes belonged and where she felt she would stay now, if accepted here in Queen Toula’s palace.
“There would be a great honor in serving you as fellahin, my Queen.”
well spoken and well taught, Toula could see. then you will be one of my own, especially,
she decided at once. as fellahin here, know that none can command you to do anything you find true discomfort in. you always have a choice,
the rights here were different and new with her as Queen; she would not have those that aided her miserable all the while!
tell me of yourself. have you any specialties?
Toula wondered; for many had come with different capabilities! preparing meats, or flower arrangements, providing entertainment, why… even bathing treatments! and there was more—she wondered where, though, this one’s talents might lay.
“May the gods bless you,” she wavers, a trembling emotion.
Smiles unite them, and on Eset’s part, a gloss of eye for the Queen who has already shown her more grace and autonomy than she’d ever had.
Her time in the east had been spent sequestered to her master’s barren grounds, as such she knew little in the ways to keep a palace- even less those befitting a Queen!
“I will learn,” a promise comes eager from her lips, a little spirit seeping into her posture. “Of your preferences as well, your Highness. I will see your every need is met, every request fulfilled. This I avow,” she breathes.
A little rise then- she did have an interest, one not honed enough to be denoted as a specialty. It is something that had served no practical purpose in the land of Shuyet, but here, perhaps…
“I paint, Your Highness,” it is a shy sort of admission. “I have noticed the fresco halls, have wondered of the artist. They are quite beautiful renderings.”
Would this please the Queen to hear? She couldn't know, but it might have been a valued skill here, if the nobility chose to adorn their walls with works.
and Toula trusted the words. the way that they were said felt sacred, a prayer in themselves. Toula thanked the Gods once more for being with her, and for aiding in the girls recovery. I have no doubt in you,
she answers, not letting such a thing be a mystery.
and to hear of her talent! another painter in these halls?! what luck! Toula adored art, and was quite moved by the things that others created. she unwittingly sought to bring about a renaissance, more art and more beauty to surround them. pieces that evoked emotions inspired her greatly.
this too would not be a mystery to the new fellahin—not from the way Toula gazed at her with open admiration for this delightful fact! well, you must paint here!
she all but sang, my coronation, it is soon, and perhaps your paintings could decorate Akashingo,
as well as that of the other artists! some artists are not permanent residents—traders, bringing their crafts and their gifts, sharing their talents with us. and for the ones that are, I shall let them reveal themselves,
she smiled at this. well, there could be some mystery, at least!
do you enjoy decorating, as well as painting?
she wondered!
How can she be so many things at once? Gentle. Lovely. Kind.
The type of ruler who instills great pride in her subjects, honor the coyote girl feels welling within herself.
I have no doubt in you.
I will give you no reason to.
The Queen’s trust in her will not be misplaced.
When she speaks of her art there is no way to describe the vision in which the young Queen’s face illuminates. She imagines the Queen’s crowning: a grand convocation of the kingdom’s most esteemed guests. All around them: her own work.
“I will, your Holiness.” Scenes of Queen Toula in ochre, and an alizarin High Priest. A narrative of her ascension and of her devotion to her people. Let all who gather know her story. This is how the Queen of Akashingo will be revered.
“Decorating- I do,” her reply a little breathless in its excitement.
“I have experience in dinner services as well, my Queen,” Though- nothing on this scale. Still, she knew how to place settings and design center pieces, where to seat guests and when to bring out the entertainment, which courses should come first and the wines to pair them with to enhance flavors.
This she could do! And surely there was more too, whatever the Queen desired of her!
She came for opportunity: she has found it.