Lion Head Mesa The ballads of life

her children were her pride and joy, but she also had a kingdom to run! alliances with southbound kingdoms and calls from the northern ones, each that had interest in meeting the newborn babes of herself and her husband. the celebration to come would be grander than she had ever hoped! she thrilled at the challenge, and thus far all went as smoothly as it could. we will invite the moonkingdoms, too, she determined, and when this meeting concluded, she made way to her children!
she was surprised to see her daughter first, but not so surprised by the place she had come to. there was a handmaiden watching behind her—the cubs were never alone, two now for each. one more obvious, one in the shadows for the child that thought they could escape the one that watched in the light. 
but Merneith was not one who sought to do either! none were yet, not truly, but stories of Rashepses being quite the young rascal lingered on both of their minds. after one such story, they shared a long look that said: ah, yes, but we will be better than our predecessors and look after them with more care! it was a delicate balancing act, ruling such a grand kingdom and raising its next generation. but they both adapted to it quite well, and Toula took to motherhood and Pharaohdom with grace.
the days were longer of course, and she did feel tired—she had been eager to be alone with her babes, and her husband too. but there was another, bowing before the princess. a fellahin was quick to realize who was among them and prompt, then, in announcing Toula with all of her grand titles. 
she stepped alongside her daughter, noting the catch with a glimmer of pride in her eye. Toula turned to the Nebet, none of her tiredness present then on her pristine features. her babes had been napping when she had left, and she wondered what the others were doing—her attendants would surely advise her.
the other was lovely. flowers in her furs, and with a beauty that could not be missed, Toula openly admired her. another flower in their desert! the compliments were not missed, and Toula looked upon the Nebet with a kinder eye for it. a look to the fellahin accompanying her daughter had them stepping forward to announce her daughter, with her own names and title—not so many as she, quite yet, but Toula had no doubts each of her children would become quite accomplished. they forget “slayer of beetles”, Toula’s look to the fellahin and the Nebet was playful then. would the Nebet note that Toula spoke in their shared tongue? one her father and own predecessors spoke. one Merneith and the rest would, too. what brings you to your Amiirad? her mood was pleasant. her daughters accomplishment, and the way she held her trophy, lifted her spirits greatly. but the direction the Nebet had been heading left the mother curious to her intent.