Luneshale Pass fifty-first

Powerplay with permission!

Akashingo gathered.

In her ignorance, in her joy, Melody wondered if they knew what was to come. They sensed it; Senmut sensed it, or perhaps he'd believed in her more than she'd dared hope. Absent for the preparations, what the Hemet saw on the horizon was a sign from the Gods.

This feast —

Whether they knew it or not, they celebrated @Ashikaga's return.

Not Pharaoh; not yet. Melody's eyes were reverent upon her all the same. She led the way, cleared a path, drawing the blue-eyed royal through the crowd without a single glance spared for any of her packmates. Her devotion was to the Gods, and to the gilded blood flowing through Ashikaga's veins as it did Makono's. She went to the Queen, dropping into a bow to announce the Princess.

Nekubi Ashikaga, Melody spoke steadily, voice loud enough to carry to the others. Princess of the Scarlet Land.

Then she stepped aside.

Her world was whole again.