Lion Head Mesa they're calling for your head and they're calling for your name

it had been ages since she'd ventured to the catacombs. it felt like coming home, in a way. it also felt taboo, somehow - as if she were crossing over a patch of holy land where she was not welcome. there was nothing inscribed within the floor, no sign of anyone having blessed or cursed this place. nazli had a feeling of trepidation until she was faced with the yawning mouth of the catacomb's entryway.

there, she looked down the hall. she spied the shadows, in case anyone might traipse close, but it was a quiet moment within the palace while everyone continued to mourn. for once in a long while, nazli did not draw attention. she tipped her chin down, as if to pray, and murmured:

brother, are you -- well? once it had been habit to come and visit @Zakariya here, or in his own alcove. the boy had since retreated to the darkness where he felt the most comfortable, and nazli's life had become its own obstacle. she had not forgotten him - or so she told herself, feeling the constriction of guilt at her throat.