Lion Head Mesa eightieth

because a dull sword is an ineffective one, she answered promptly, the response one drilled into her in the military lessons she now sat through as Pharaoh. but that was in the wrong hands, anyway—Toula was well aware that even dull swords had their purpose. but was this Zharille’s? 
her anger with the woman was for the Nebet. not for the exchange she knew nothing of—but that she had returned, and had not come to Akashingo to check in on her. and so Toula was under the assumption that they had not reunited at all—that the woman should not be a mother at all any longer, 
and so she had no wish to provide her a seed. the only reason she did not entirely disregard Zharille and what she could provide was for the daughter Toula herself had gained from the woman, however unintentional. and as the Nebet was again brought up, the Pharaoh peered to her. 
I would have her meet them, and decide for herself. it would aid us greatly, Nebet, but you will not be voiceless in the choosing of the man that you marry. and in that time, we can think on what is right and best for the Lake. it was a shame that the royal girl wanted no part of it, but she could understand wanting to be separated entirely from the one that had only created her. Racharra could be Lady of any land, not only the Lake. 
her daughter of the Red Sands would create her own legacy. a better one—as Toula did. but Toula understood the task at hand could feel overwhelming, and so she only aided the girl in narrowing it down. she looked to Senmut. find any of his remaining captains—they may be called into service, and if Mesen-Ka is to lead the way they should know him. enlist the warriors of the moonwolves—perhaps one among them is a suitable wolf for her to consider.
and as to Senmut's final sentiment: the Nebet may speak. she will always have a voice, and I also grant her the opportunity to choose. I too was given this blessing, and I think Akashingo better for it, she hummed, peering sidelong to her husband now with a smile. each of his words rang in her heart—and she said to all present so all would know she concurred, if we elect to keep her in place, he is right. the woman has been too fickle. there must be one tether so that if she leaves, there is another to place in her stead. the woman can choose if it is her husband, or an heir. but the heir must also have time to be among us, to be given the same chance and choice as the litter that came before her. 
that largely because the woman had abandoned the first, in the end. the Nebet had been given a softer place to land. why should her siblings not be granted the same privilege? but she looked to the girl now, listening, wondering what she might think of it all. Toula spoke softer now, share with us your thoughts, if you would, her voice encouraging.