Two Eyes Cenote Gentle words, harsh faces

It was a call that held an air of importance, and fortunately for the diligent hebsut, one she had been expecting after word was sent from Akashingo of the Lord of Moontide’s expeditions. She and the fellahin had been making arrangements all morning, decorating the silver-blue halls and preparing stocks of lapis lazuli, feline furs and other finery for trade. Eset was treated to the maidservants’ whispers- how handsome the Lord was, and did they hear he was single? The hebsut had to remind them with a laugh that a nobleman did not take a servant to wife- only as a concubine.

By the time of his arrival, Muat-riya was sufficiently glowing, and Eset, flanked by a welcoming assembly of mazoi and fellahin, descended into the foothills to greet the impressive man of moontide. He rose like an obelisk from the golden sands, a bounty of rare luxuries at his feet.

“Welcome to Muat-riya, Lord Rodyn,” the coywoman bends into a reverent bow, “I am Eset, hebsut to Pharaoh Muat-riya Isetnofret Toula of the Red Serpent. Please, let us not keep you in this heat, the palace is honored to host you for as long as you intend to stay.”