Two Eyes Cenote is that it? are you not allowed to talk?

She appreciates the way Stark admires the palace, the way he is silent and attentive when she points out the different rooms and their uses. They pass through the vast nave filled with its cooling pools and glittering gemstone walls of lapis and quartz. She skims over their work of art, a measure of pride welling within her chest. It was elegant and radiant, and still her eyes found that there was much yet to be done.

“All of this is a monument to our Pharaoh, Toula,” Eset explains, “she lives in the high desert with her Consort and summers here in the pleasure palace. Many of us travel back and forth between the two regularly, so I’m certain you will meet her soon.”

“It is expected that you respect our Gods, even if you do not choose to worship them. Everyone contributes to the operations of the palace, so you will be required to take a rank here.” She leads him towards the rim of one twin cenote, its surface reflecting the moonlight like glass. There she turns to regard him again.

“Do you have any particular strengths, Stark?” Of course, she could see he was athletic. His hide bore the marks of former altercations, the telling brand of a warrior. But it did not necessarily deem him a soldier. He was given a choice here, as Toula gave to her.