The sun fell below the horizon; a veil of darkness blanketed the desert. As the last vestiges of light faded, a woman shuffled out from a tunnel among ancient ruins. She was covered in sand from head to toe, a beaming smile on her face.
Behind her, a group of men were celebrating the day's findings. Among them, a jeweled tiara that had the largest sapphire ever seen bestowed upon the apex. The lone woman held said tiara within her hands, heading to her tent to stow it away for safe-keeping.
It wasn't that she didn't trust the men she was working with, but anyone could find themselves tempted by a jewel of such magnitude.
"Mother is never going to believe this!" She crowed to herself.
Her family hadn't been very supportive when she first told them that she wanted to be an Archeologist. Her mother fought her tooth and nail the entire time she was finishing her college courses. Her parents didn't understand that the stories they told her inspired her.
The adventures they had, the way they met and fell in love? Yeah, those stories inspired the hell out of her. They never talked of Hamunaptra or Ahm Shere anymore, which irritated her. She craved those tales, which is why she's out in the middle of the desert, trying to have her own adventures.
Although, slightly less mummies...
Neither Rick, nor Evelyn really left Egypt, anymore. They had adopted her on one of their earlier visits, choosing to raise her in the land of her birth instead of taking her back to England.
She lived a comfortable life, after the O'Connells adopted her. It was a major transition, compared to what she had been used to. But, everyday she was more and more thankful for the path her life was on.
Ardeth humored her more than her parents, when it came to Egypt's histories. He found in her, a lively pupil, but lately, ever since she'd moved out of her parents house, he'd become too invested in her. She saw him, more and more, especially out in the desert that the Medjai keep a constant vigil over.
They hadn't interfered with her dig, so she figured that she was either digging in the wrong spot, or nothing she could dig up was dangerous. Either way, she was excited when first asked to lead the expedition by one of her old Professors.
Unlike her parents, she didn't need daring and dangerous adventures to make her heart race. The priceless artifacts and historical scrolls were enough for her. The ancient texts always left her almost breathless, which was why she got along with Ardeth, so well. Their mutual respect for things uncovered in the desert was second to none.
Entering her tent–courtesy of the British Museum–she covered her mouth as she yawned, setting the tiara on her desk. Plopping down onto her chair, she grabbed a pencil to scribble a quick letter to her parents. Her father wouldn't be interested, but her mother would be ecstatic! Even though they didn't agree with her life choices, her mother still got excited over ancient artifacts. Namely, Egyptian. There hadn't been a find like this since her parents adventure in Ahm Shere.
She had found a religious temple, untouched by man. Treasures lit up every corner, the historical scrolls that the temple held were in pristine condition. The Museum was going to love it! She already did.
Finished with her letter, she placed it aside as the tiara beckoned her, once more. Tanned fingers gently lifted the tiara to eye-level, staring straight at the jewel that seemed to emanate an inner warmth. The Nile Blue Sapphire adorned in the middle was the shining star upon the golden circlet.
As she stared, her girlish fantasies from her time at the orphanage in Cairo came to mind. Giggling, she reached up to place the tiara upon her head. Once in position, a heavy warmth settled over her, and her eyelids fluttered, slowly. Another yawn escaped her lips, and she stood, quickly, to startle herself awake. When that didn't work, she stumbled her way to the cot in the middle of the tent.
XxX
She blinked, eyes wide as she took in her surroundings. Gold was all around her, more than she would have ever hoped to see in her life. She rubbed at her eyes before standing and walking over to the nearest marble pillar.
A breeze ghosted across her skin, and she glanced down when she felt more air than her trousers would have allowed. Her mouth fell open at the white silk that flowed down to her ankles. Her tanned skin glittered as if covered by millions of diamonds. Her chest was bound by a couple layers of white silk, both arms adorned with golden bangles and sparkling jewels.
Barefoot, she wandered through the palace, "Hello?" She called out.
Opening the next door she came to, her eyes widened at the woman who stood within the center of the room. Her bronze skin glittered as if kissed by the sun, her dark eyes drank Everly in, a knowing smile upon her face. Adorned in silks, just like Everly, she exuded power.
"Come, my child." She held out a hand to usher the girl forward.
With curious eyes, Everly did as she was bid, taking the hand the woman offered her. As the woman situated her hand upon her arm, she lead her out into the palace gardens. The place they were in was reminiscent of a time long passed. She soaked up the imagery, trying to commit to memory everything she could set her eyes on.
Her mother used to talk about her visions, in great detail, but never more than twice. She didn't like them. Everly couldn't ever imagine the beauty her mother described, but her surroundings definitely came close.
"Do you know why you're here?" The ethereal voice calmed the girl.
"No, but I reckon it has something to do with the tiara I put on my head, doesn't it?" Really, she should have known better. After growing up on the stories of Imhotep, she really should have known better.
"Yes, but not quite." The woman smiled, "I am Isis; protector of children, healer of the sick, and goddess of magic. The tiara you placed upon your head is that of my High Priestess, it would not have allowed you to wear it were you not worthy."
Frozen beside her, Everly was gobsmacked, "What?"
Isis inclined her head, "I've been without a High Priestess for several thousand years, and I've finally been blessed with you."
Everly jerked her hand away, "Now, hold on! I didn't agree to be your High Priestess and–"
"Enough!" Isis chastised, "Whether you chose this path, or not, matters little. Once you placed the tiara upon your head, you sealed the covenant. You are my High Priestess."
Incensed, Everly frowned, "We don't live in your time anymore! I can't go around preforming feats of magic at your behest. It just isn't–"
A bronzed hand was lightly placed over her mouth, "Hush, my child. You weren't called to perform at my command, but to listen to my guidance and do with it as you see fit. There is discord within the underworld, but it won't remain contained for long. When the time comes, you'll know." Isis leaned forward, placing a soft kiss upon Everly's brow.
XxX
Everly awoke with a start, the sun had not even crested over the horizon. The darkness suffocated her as she scrambled for the candle beside her cot.
Once she had it lit, the soft light calmed her beating heart as it illuminated her tent. Stretching, she reached for the tiara, only to come up empty-handed. As her heartbeat skyrocketed once more, phantom hands sat upon her shoulders to comfort her. Warmth seeped into her bones, and she breathed easier as her dream came back to her. It made sense that the tiara would disappear once its purpose was finished. Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and readied herself for the day. There was nothing she could do about the tiara now, better to deal with what she can.
Grabbing her letter and the candle as she exited, she approached the tent farthest from the dig site. "Jacques? Jacques, are you awake?"
There was a muffled groan, and some shuffling before a scrawny teenager popped his head from the tent. "Yes, Ms. O'Connell, I'm awake. What do ya need?"
She held out the letter, "Take this to Cairo as soon as the sun rises above the horizon. I need you to deliver this into the hands of my mother. Can you do that?"
He grumbled under his breath, but agreed to deliver the letter. Heading back to the entrance of the dig site, she traveled the tunnels to continue where they left off, yesterday. She wouldn't be able to sleep after that dream, and what better way to spend her time, than doing what she was taught to do?