Two Eyes Cenote to be

To the halls of Akashingo swept the Amira of the steppes, servants in tow, pouches bursting with downy rabbitskin and gems and carved trinkets alike. News of an outpost, of a coronation, had spread through her people as the wind parts the river reeds and all of a sudden she had been off!

A fairly painless journey amounted to their arrival in Akashingo's blue chambers, she herself adorned with feathers and patchwork deer-furs dyed in traditional red-blue hues - too warm for the heat of the desert but one must make a grand entrance, no? The Amira sings for the princess-heir @Toula and those of rank high enough to greet such visitors, shooing her retinue behind her with a swish of her tail as she awaits an audience.

There is no mistaking a call from royalty. Eset promptly rests her task and brisk steps carry her to the slopes of the cenote where their visitor awaited reception.

She is a lady. Beautiful, and who’s tall demeanor speaks of her high standing. The honored guest is shown a bow of graceful reverence.

“Welcome to the land of the second kingdom, reign of Hemet-nekheb Muat-riya Isetnofret, Queen of the Red Serpent. How may I assist you?”

Her lips shiver into a small smile, knowing soon how Toula's titles will elevate.

Her call was swiftly answered by a woman of dark complexion. Wiry in build, though there was a beauty unparalleled in her angular features and honey-amber eyes - an homage to Bastet if she ever saw one. Although this was not the pale figure of Toula, the dark woman must come with good reason, for to answer the call of an Amira was a great honour. Head high, she looked down her nose as formal introductions were made, beckoning a servant for a sip of ayrag to clear her throat before she spoke her own.

"Now, now, there is no need to bow so low!" As dismissive as it sounded, rosewater eyes betrayed the true scrutiny in which she observed the woman of the second kingdom. "I am Nefari, second daughter to Queen Negalia, Amira of the queendom of Mesbasi. It is truly wonderful to make your acquaintance." 

As for the nature of her visit, "A woman to rule her people is a scarcity in this age." Indeed, Toula's reputation preceded her! "My Mother sends her regards to the Queen and wishes good fortune for her upcoming ceremony." Her retinue bowed their heads, setting their bundles on pre-placed deer hide. No doubt they would be tended to in due course.

"I am to attend the coronation in support of her campaign." 

Rarely did Zaahira part from her Queen, not with all the commotion and bustle. Always working, always tending; always praying.
Her Lady, her pharaoh, and for Zaahira awaited a rise to jodai alongside her. Her coronation could not come soon enough!
But Rashepses was alleged to soon now wear his own crown.
Zaahira was no longer a beast, but a woman; tamed by the tempered flame of crimson sand, and she, decidedly, must now show this status. A mark of kohl surrounds her eyelids on this day, and 'round her shoulders rests the skin of a diamondback.
That is how she approaches this newcomer and her henchmen; how she approaches Eset. A panther's stalk, jaw held firm and head lifted. The conversation rises as she approaches. There is talk of attending coronation, of this strange one's own dynasty in foreign land. Warmth coils at her belly — no, no, she mustn't — and she decides to fall upon a cordial greeting of a small, thin smile.
You seek audience?

feel free to skip unless addressed <3

Her smile is candid, her words are warm, and Eset finds herself charmed by the Queen’s daughter with the blush gaze, rising once permitted.

“We welcome you, Amira Nefari of Mesbasi. I am Eset, Queen’s fellahin.”

Her footing shifts as a huntress’ figure approaches; Zaahira, whose essence  dwelt always in the strength of her craft, arose now in a new vision with divine adornments that left no uncertainty about her respected status. She is somehow more fierce; elegant. Eset lowers herself into an acclaimed bow before raising the pitch of her voice to announce:

“Zaahira Bint-Sinir, mazoi and personal guard to Queen Toula.” Another spoken title soon to elevate. She passes aside but remains close, in case Zaahira had need of her, eyeing the many delicate valuables and fine gifts wrought by the princess.

If any assumptions are not okay, please let me know! Just wanted to add a little background bit.

Princess Nefari. Her name and title purr from the lips of Naberius as he draws near to the gathered group of women- servant, high guard, princess. His sunburst eyes seeking the princess and she only. 

His roguish gait is as it is always- a wiry swagger of a thin and sharply curved wolf. He comes with no stained colors to his pelt. No skin over his shoulders, nor perfume adorning his furs. He comes as his wolfish self and this only. 

As he stops, he lowers his head before her, yet eyes never part from her face. A pleasure to meet you. The steppe-people of Mesbasi must be missing you already. Though he had never met her, he had heard of her- at least referred to as the daughters of Negalia. The Lands of Sun and Sand of his home were not all that far from them.

perfect! <3

Eset stepped aside and in her place rose another. From fellahin to guard, the way this woman held herself was quite different. Nefari eyed the snakeskin, returning her curt smile with a well-practiced one of her own. "Mazoi Zaahira," after this one too was introduced. "An audience with the Queen would be appreciated before the ceremony is to begin, if this can be arranged." 

As was the duty of a princess to represent her Mother's cause, the Amira kept her jadedess behind an expression of calm supremacy. For although she had travelled far to see the Hemet-nekheb herself, such was the nature of the present moment that Toula was likely busying herself in preparation. Not to mention that matters as private as these should be discussed with less...prying eyes.

On cue, a call of her name drew her attention from the mazoi until they settled on the figure of a man, masking the surprise at her recognition with a shallow dip of her muzzle. His simplicity and intensity was intriguing; no furs nor colour adorned his pelt with the exception of his citrine eyes. "The palace is surely quieter in my absence," a reserved chuckle, rosepetal gaze meeting his own. She found it difficult to look away. "From where do you hail, my dear?" Crude familiarity giving way to piqued curiosity.

Mazoi, and personal guard to the Queen.
The way Eset says her name sends a tingle down the curve of her spine.
Naberius is given a quick glance before she turns her attention back to the foreign princess; she is shaded in oakwood and her gaze brings to mind a faint memory of childhood, her own people.
I will escort you to her, if you would like, An offer of guardianship, yes; for this woman would not see her alone, not on such short notice. I am sure she will be happy to have visitors.

She looks to him down the bridge of her nose. Soft rosy eyes meeting his of peach and orange. Head held high- body poised and regal. His own stance is one of confidence, yet one of a far more relaxed and roguish swagger. As second son, he did not bother to stand on ceremony in such a manner always. A freedom not given to his elder brother. The second daughter might too have more freedom to do as she pleased. Perhaps even, they would find something pleasing to do together. 

Naberius would pay keen attention to the way her eyes do not leave him. Though she plays as though her interest was minimal. Naberius was a man quite observant and had a sharp eye which caught a great deal many things. Whatever bit of interest she showed, he would notice and be quite happy with himself. After all, she was a princess and a beautiful one at that, even with lacking the sandy and reds he was drawn to. This and she was one of the very few pure blood women that had come there way. She was quite worthy of the prince's attention. 

I am from the land of Sun and Sand. Prince Naberius Cyrus, your highness. And there he does then bowed down his dark masked face, a wiry smile on his creamy lips. Neb of Akashingo. 

He allows a moment to linger, for whatever words Nefari might return to him, before his sunburst eyes dance over into Zaahira's direction.I will leave you to your duty. And then he turns, his tail sweeping back and forth behind him with his steps and after a bit, steals a glance around his foreleg to view the princess from a backside angle.

They regarded one another with equal reverence, however it was not until his princely status was revealed that Nefari found her attention towards him was fully justified. A wry smile made it's way onto her lips. "Prince Naberius," ears pricked, her tail stirred. Though plenty used to the bows of the noble-people of the steppes, there was some satisfaction in seeing a man of his standing hold her in such high regard. But she would not bow to him. The Houses that ruled the Sun and Sand had been a topic of many a late night conversation with her Sister, however the Amira had never personally paid them a visit. "May we speak again in the halls of Akashingo." 

So far from home and yet he had carved his place here as Neb; she let the thought linger as he turned to leave and her attention was once again drawn back to the mazoi.

"That would be wonderful," she leaves all but one of her servants to the watchful care of Eset as she readies herself to follow Zaahira, Toula's name at the forefront of her thoughts. Their duty to her was not yet complete, but she would tend to them past sundown once matters had been settled here.

a Princess, announced now outside of her throne room where she would receive the people of her court with pack matters as well as visitors from beyond.  and only after Toula and all of her titles were proclaimed does she descend from her throne to meet the fellow royal. this Nefari is lovely to behold, a credit to her lineage. welcome, she greets firstly with a smile. it is the rosepetal gaze that Toula is most drawn to, but there is much about this one’s person that is becoming. 
having heard why it was Nefari had come, her smile broadens. I am grateful for your support, Obelisk. you have come during a wonderful time. Akashingo flourishes, and it is here I lay the foundations down to expand. the work is only just beginning, though my fellahin have done brilliant work, she happily commends. 
a clear sign of her own respect for her people—no matter their station. yes, they were put to work—but it was work they were happy to do, and they were important to her. let the precedent be set. 
tell me of your home. how is your family? your Queen? she had heard of the steppe people! a wealthy city, if rumor was to be believed. what a pleasure it was, to be able to meet one of them!

hira is now entirely skippable!

It had been Zaahira, with the assistance of Eset, who had brought this rose-bearing stranger to the throne of soon-to-be pharaoh. She awaits.
She passes the gauntlet with the slightest ghost of a smile upon black lips. The many titles recited; the reason for Nefari's arrival explained in full color. Pharaoh is quick to jump into the chatter; one of the many things Zaahira admired in her.
She finds her place, yet again, at her side.

To the throne room they were shepherded; an elegant nod directed to the mazoi and fellahin for their work before her attention is stolen by the figure sat above the rest. Surrounded by ornate furnishings, the Queen of the lower kingdom exuded a beauty pale and pure - truly a pleasure for one to lay their eyes on! 

A glimmer of surprise shone in the rosewater gaze of the Amira, for her features still were dusted with the softness of youth. Barely a girl-queen yet with such high power, she couldn't help but feel impressed and a little relieved that it was her Sister and not her that lay next in line for the throne. "Queen Toula," Nefari greets as her royalty draws closer, courteously bowing low until her face breaks into a wide smile and the Queen is pulled into a warm embrace. "Such a blessing it is to finally see you!"

Pulling back, she regards her warmly. "Your kingdom is truly a sight to behold," she assures, "my Mother would be quite proud if you were her daughter." She spoke of the fellahin and their contribution; Nefari could not agree more that their exquisite halls and reception had far exceeded expectation. "She is well, though her refusal to take a husband did make quite a stir." A confusing day for a young princess that had been, though the ruckus had shortly been smoothed over. "My Sister is to be wed upon my return," she continues more informally now, "perhaps she has a man lined up for me as well, though I pray she does not." A flash of a grin, marriage was not something the Amira wished to be sucked into just yet.

"So you are a pharaoh-to-be, or so I hear?" Should the rumours be true; it was quite an unusual event, though not unheard of.

the greeting was warm, and Toula was pleasantly surprised by it. she wished that the girl was not a princess but instead, a lady that she could invite into her own court! Toula embraced her in turn, smiling. 
she supposed the girls own view on marriage mirrored that of the Queen mother that had refused one for herself. Toula was delighted by such prospects, though—and the ceremony of it all! but sensing the girl did not want it for herself she did not speak more on the matter—not then, before so many eyes and ears! 
word travels fast, she acknowledged with a smile, though nods, it is true. the palace prepares for this, and for my own marriage to the Sphinx Rashepses, her smile was wide and true. she, at least, was happy!
your own room is being prepared as we speak—but should you have any preferences, please relay them to our fellahin. they shall see it done, her tail sways behind her. how were your travels?

Oh? News of Toula's own marriage? Well, that was quite a surprise.

Sensing Toula's quietness, Nefari too had spoken no more on the subject, giving Toula ample room to speak until the name of a man - Rashepses - was brought to light. While word had travelled fast, there had been no whispers of a Prince in the equation; she wondered dubiously what her Mother would have to say to that. 

In all honesty, she thought Negalia to be much a hypocrite; offering her daughter while he herself remained husband-less. To win back the favour of Ra, her words had been, though she knew better it was to appease the neighbouring kingdoms whom she had made cross with her refusal.

"Rashepses! You must introduce us sometime," her features smoothed, hoping dearly she had not upset Toula with her ramblings. For who was she to reject an invitation to a wedding - a royal one! After all, the ceremonies, the feasts, and the men people were reason enough for her visit. Nodding gratefully at Akashingos' hospitality, she began to divulge tales of their journey.