Of Linen Robes and Elaborate Crowns

(Dragging down Stars)

Chapter Summary: The festivities pertaining to the coronation often lasted for days, as the crowning of a new ruler was a time of great joy and celebration for the nation. It was believed that the gods were in attendance during the rituals and festivities.

THEBES

Once they were located and identified, the travel from Dendera to Thebes was made in almost no time. The soldiers were given instructions to bring Massika and whoever was traveling with her to the main palace as soon as possible.

Massika recognized that even if they were quite firm in their instructions and gave no room for protests or complaints, they were never rude nor disrespectful. And considering that, the ones escorting them were quite high in their ranks, she wondered if the order to treat them with care and respect came from the Pharaoh or from Het himself.

By the time they got to the main palace, a welcome committee not unlike the one that received the pharaoh back in Hardai was there to greet them. A group of girls quickly rounded Massika and led her to what was to be her room for the next few days. A group of boys made the same with Khaba, though instead of leading him to the royal wing, he was led to the quarters given to important guests.

Which were on the opposite side of the palace, giving them no real opportunity to say their farewells as they would have had they've been in the same ward.

Their hopes of maybe meeting sometime before the wedding were dashed away almost instantly. The girls that surrounded her, had precise instructions of always being with her, because the future Queen of Kemet needed to get used to the life in the palace, and as such her ladies in waiting should be there to help her to adapt.

Her days were soon filled with wedding preparations, with her meeting Seamstresses and tailors, offering the best designs for her wedding robes and her wardrobe in general; meeting caterers for the official banquet that would be held after the ceremony; with florists that would be providing decorations for the hall where the wedding would take place.

She even had to interview the musicians and performers that would be animating the banquet and the ceremony.

There was not a day that was actually free for her. Usually her days would be so packed with activities she would often fall asleep before her head actually hit her pillows from exhaustion.

But it was ok. All those activities were ok to keep her from thinking about things. Or about people… or about events.

And exhaustion was good to keep her from dreaming about silver tresses and blue eyes that shone purple under certain circumstances. About long arms and firm muscles that held her tightly at night.

Yes, she told herself. Exhaustion was great.

Khaba's schedule was not looking any better than Massika's as he found himself in the company of other local priests, primarily of the temples of Wepwawet, Thoth and Osiris. They claimed that they needed to start coordinating the upcoming festivals of the funerary gods, and as the one with the highest rank among them, he was unable to tell them off.

The only night he was somewhat "free" he received the visit of his 4 best friends, who came to see how he was doing with the upcoming wedding.

Since Seth and Thoth were the ones with a mortal facade to rely on, they had at least the decency of knocking the door before getting in, even if Anubis knew that even if he told them to go away, they would not have listened.

Once they were inside, both gods decided to get a bit comfortable, shedding some of the usual regalia. Thoth going as far as letting his long blond curls fall free. For his part, Seth decided to inspect the current accommodations of his friend and while not finding them lacking, they thought he should have gotten something better.

Horus and Ra, on the other hand, did not bother to even announce themselves, and just appeared in the middle of the waiting room inside Khaba's quarters.

For a moment, Anubis thought about complaining about the unsolicited but not entirely unwanted company, or about the way they just decided to appear in his quarters without a care of who could see them get there, but refrained and just went with the flow. He knew that, when this four, led by Ra, got an idea on their heads, there was no way to dissuade them from completing it.

And this time, it seemed, their mission was to distract him from what was going on in his life.

Seth and Thot's easy banter actually managed to lift his spirits, their raving going from the uselessness of some of the tasks they were given, some gossip from the palace (provided by Thot) and, when they were feeling especially ridiculous, they started to argue about whose shade of blonde hair was better. They then started to play light (and not so light) pranks on Horus, making the brown haired god scowl and even snap at them. Ra who was watching them amused, would join them from time to time into making the other god suffer for a bit.

After making him suffer for a bit, they listened to Horus explaining his latest studies of the stars and they way some of them were moving in patterns that were strange even for him. he explained that there seemed to be some movement from places overseas that were affecting his reading but that ultimately he was sure nothing major was happening.

They knew it was inevitable to talk about Anubis' beloved, but when they finally asked him about her, they avoided any talk about upcoming events, and just focused on the good days, the funny stories and fond memories.

Anubis didn't know he needed their company this much until they were about to leave just before dawn.

One by one, they were disappearing, each of them getting back to their mortal occupations in the case of Seth and Thoth or to the other plane,in Horus and Ra's case.

Just before disappearing too, Ra turned back to face Anubis. His midnight blue eyes looking over him, as if trying to decide if what he was about to tell him was the right thing. "Khabis, you know that you're like a little brother to me, and I don't want to see you suffer. I will always respect your decisions and will always support you but… maybe you should consider spending a long season back in the Duat."

Anubis understood what was left unsaid, and actually considered it. He knew his friend wasn't expecting an answer right away, so he just gave him a one armed hug before murmuring… "maybe I will."

Ra disappeared in a burst of golden light, leaving a pensive Anubis behind.

The day before the wedding, Massika received a visitor that she was not expecting… even if she should have, considering that she was now engaged to the man.

Then again, she was not sure if she really wanted to deal with him at the moment. She understood the whole convenience marriage deal, and even the whole secret identity idea… she was just upset with him not coming forward before she realized by herself in the worst way possible.

No, she was not entirely sure she wanted to deal with the man at that exact moment, though it was not like she had any real option. Nobody was able to really say no to the pharaoh.

Plastering the sunniest smile she could manage, she opened the door of her temporary quarters to allow him in, which he promptly did, entering the room as if it was his and his alone.

She found herself feeling irritated with the man, and he had not even uttered a word yet.

She calmed herself, thinking that perhaps her irritation derived from the marriage situation and the constant longing she felt for another man. She thought that maybe she was being unjust with him and that, if she wished to live, maybe not happy but content in this marriage, she should at least try to get along with the man.

So with their apparent previous friendship in mind she decided to hear him out.

They made some small talk, him asking her about the trip to the capital city and she in turn asking him about the tour around Kemet. Funnily enough, both questions received vague answers that seemed to gloss over the facts.

After some more minutes, Massika finally had enough, both her irritation and her curiosity getting the best of her, so without much preamble she asked, "why didn´t you tell me about your identity? Or about your intentions to marry me before the arrangements? It's not like you never had a chance to do it."

Taken aback by her bluntness, he took some time before managing to answer, something that Massika interpreted as if he was trying to come up with another lie. She told him just that and to please refrain from it.

"I was not planning on marrying yet, to be honest. The idea came from the councilors during the trip along Kemet, and when they presented you as a candidate, I just agreed."

"So I was the easy way out."

"More like the only one I would have felt comfortable with."

There were no more words after that for quite some time, she mused on his answers; he just admired her beauty.

"Were any of the things you told me actually true?" Massika's question shattered the silence. Her tone was not accusing, nor judging. It actually sounded resigned, as if she was expecting him to confirm that everything was a lie, and the man that she got to know did not actually exist.

"No, my birth name is actually Akh, and I really was born on on name Ahmose was given to me when I inherited the throne from my father. Part of my childhood was spent in Abydos with my mother, though, as you can see, I am not a scribe. I… tried to tell you as little lies as possible, mostly because of practicality."

"Look, I know we are starting this with the wrong perception of the other, but I hope we can make this marriage work, for the sake of Kemet, but mostly, for our sakes. I'm sure neither of us wants to have a miserable existence for the rest of our lives"

Massika had to concede that he had a point, and that she had been thinking the same thing when he got to her doorstep.

"I guess… if we both put some effort… O.K., let's try it."

She sealed the deal by offering her hand, which he promptly took, kissing it instead of shaking it.

A small laugh escaped Massika's lips at this. Yes, she would never be really happy, but she could at least get to be content with this.

Dawn had not broken yet and the main palace was already bursting with activity. All servants, hired temporary aids and whoever could be available to help were already getting things ready for the wedding ceremony and the coronation afterwards.

The wedding would be held in the main hall of the palace, which was ordered by the Pharaoh himself to be prepared and adorned with yellow and red flowers, white linen and as much gold as possible. Finger food and lots of beer would be offered to the select few nobles and other guests that would be present in the ceremony before everybody had to move to the main palace garden, where the new queen would be crowned and given a new name according to the predictions made at the moment.

The garden itself was to be adorned with linen of several colours, but mostly white, as most of the flowers there were also of that same colour. Gold appliances would be placed there too, so they could shine with the light of the sun giving the entire space an ethereal look.

During both instances, there would be musicians and performers ready to please their needs for music or entertainment.

All in all, it would be a great event.

Little by little, people started to fill the main hall; Noblemen, high ranking military men, and sacred men from all over Kemet started to gather in small groups, reconnecting with old acquaintances and in general trying to not look as curious as they actually were for who would be their future queen.

Words were soon lowered to murmurs when people noticed that the pharaoh was already passing through the big doors that led to the hall. He was flanked by the high priest from the temple of Osiris and his general in chief of the army of Kemet. People parted for them, letting them pass towards the throne in the center of the hall. As soon as the pharaoh was seated, they dispersed and mingled with the rest of the people already gathered there.

It was now just a game of waiting.

Some minutes later, a guard announced that the bride was there and that they needed his permission to start the ceremony. Getting his affirmative, The guard moved back to the door where some of Massika's Ladies in waiting were ready to start the ceremony.

The musicians then started the ceremonial performance, the ritualistic music for joyous occasions and weddings. The ladies in waiting started to advance into the hall, throwing flower petals while dancing to the tune, as an offering and a prayer to the Goddess Bastet so she could bless the union.

Moments later, the priest that would lead the ceremony came through the doors, with a sure pace and his head high; his black robes with golden accents, marked him as the highest authority of the temple of Anubis, where the bride to be was from.

The priest was Atem, who as part of the negotiations for the marriage, demanded to lead the ceremony, even if it was not something he usually did.

By the time the ladies reached the lower steps of the throne and the Leading Priest got to take his place to lead the ceremony, the doors of the hall opened for the last time to admit the bride to be.

She was being carried by several men in an open palanquin, displaying her for everybody to see. They advanced some of the steps inside the hall before depositing her in the middle of the venue. Atem took her hand in his and proceeded to escort her to the Pharaoh's side, but not before hugging her and silently asking her for the last time if she was sure that she wanted to go through with this.

At her silent but firm yes, he released her and finally escorted her to the throne area.

With great care, Atem deposited Massika's hand into the Pharaoh's waiting ones, and while he went behind them to take his place to lead the ceremony, the pharaoh said some words meant only for Massika's ears, where he, in front of the gods pledged himself to her. Silently and with a small smile, she did the same.

Neither promised eternal love, but they promised fidelity and comprehension.

As tradition dictated, words from one of the sacred books were read aloud. They served as both a remembrance of the union of Osiris and Isis in the ancient times and as the guide and expectations of what was to be the marriage of the ruling king.

And, as tradition dictated, Atem gave his approval of the union as the father of the bride, as a priest and as the representative of the people of Kemet in that moment.

Taking her hand in his , he slowly led her to the main garden, where the rest of the guests and important people of the city were already waiting for them.

Once there, priestesses and maidens that acted as seers approached them and took Massika elsewhere. Sitting her in the small chair that was prepared for that express purpose, they began the divination for the future of the queen. Chants and prayers could be heard by all the people present, and some of them could even see some energy being channelled to and from the priestess and the Pharaoh's new wife. The chants suddenly stopped. The seers were finally given a vision. They all could see water, rain, strength and victory into the girl's future.

And so, the name of the new queen was decided.

"Me, Menmaatre Ahmose, Pharaoh of the Upper and Lower lands of Kemet, living representation of the God Osiris on this earth, present to you your new Queen of Kemet." Ahmose turned around to take a small golden circlet with a snake on it that was slowly placed upon her head. "From now on, she is to be known as Queen Anukit, who should rule by my side with wisdom and strength."

The words of the pharaoh were received with cheers and acclamations both because of this announcement and because of the fact that, finally, there was a new queen.

Celebrations for the wedding and subsequent coronation were held all over Thebes. Beer was available for everybody, as well as food and entertainment. Noblemen and high ranking officers could be seen mingling with the rest of the population, even if they had the option of staying on the inside of the palace for a more private celebration.

Then again, since the pharaoh and his new queen were now outside as well, they decided that it could be a good exercise to see how the rest of the people were receiving the news.

There was a moment where a group of kids surrounded their new queen, asking her to play with them and trying to take her with them. Security guards were about to intervene and send the kids away, but before they could, the queen smiled at them and told them that she would join them as soon as she could.

Apparently satisfied, they ran away to pester somebody else.

"You're rather good with children."

"I have always enjoyed their carefree spirits, and the wonder they still have for the world."

The subject was dropped when some of the people of the council approached them, and in a not so subtle manner, left the new Queen outside of the conversation. Not giving them any mind, she decided to mingle and explore too.

She was in the process of picking some of the food offered near her when a voice startled her into dropping the small snack.

"I must admit that you look gorgeous in those robes, though you would look even more stunning if you were smiling like you meant it, dear."

Turning around, Massika found herself face to face with Thoth, who was now donning his guise of Seker the scribe. He was holding several snacks on one hand while trying to pile some more with the other. Noticing her scrutiny, he motioned for her to resume choosing something to eat so they could move from there.

She obliged, picking some sweets and waiting for him to finish. They began to walk seemingly aimlessly in silence, enjoying the food and looking around the celebrations. For a moment, Massika was tempted to break the silence and ask him if he had seen Khaba. However, she reasoned that maybe his invitation to wander around was to talk to her about that or maybe to bring her to where he was waiting.

Turns out she was, and was not right.

They ended up walking to where Khaba was waiting, though he was not alone. He was talking with people she had never seen before, and if she hadn't known better, she would have thought they were guarding or even protecting him. Not that he actually needed protection. By the time one of them noticed their presence, all of their eyes turned to her, making her feel rather insignificant in her presence.

She understood why, when they introduced themselves; she was being surrounded by the highest gods of Kemet.

Seker proceeded to introduce them, pointing at the one with a human guise first, and then pointing out who else was there. Het was the first one to approach her, taking her hand and giving it a chivalrous kiss. "It is a pleasure to meet you, young Massika, or should I say Queen Anukit?"

"Massika is alright" Blushing slightly, she offered him a weak smile that she hoped hid her nervousness. He started light conversation with her, the other gods joining in still with some reserve but before she knew it, she was already having fun with them.

She was sure that there had been a test somewhere, and it seemed that she passed whatever it entailed.

Ra excused himself first, claiming he had to go look for Hathor so they could attend some urgent matters. The knowing gazes of the other gods told Massika exactly what those urgent matters were.

Horus was next, though in his case, a young boy appeared out of thin air looking for him. He gave them his farewells before disappearing in the same way as the boy.

It left Seker, Het and Khaba alone with her, though not for long. Even if they still were bantering and joking, both Seker and Het knew that the other two needed some time alone to finish sorting out things, so with the excuse of finding some more food (Seker) and another beer (Het) they left them alone for the time being.

And if they made sure that they were somewhat invisible to the rest of the party well…

Problem was… once they were alone, neither of them knew what to say to the other and soon an uncomfortable silence had set over them. They had a lot of things they wanted to express, a lot of "I love you" and lots of "I miss you already" but neither were the right thing to say there.

In the end, they heard a familiar melody and settled for a dance.

It was the same melody they were dancing when they first got together. And the same dance they heard on another festival when they admitted their love for one another for the first time.

And it seemed that that same melody would mark the end of their current story.

Unlike the other times, their dancing was not joyous and carefree. It was not filled with happiness and fast steps, or smiles and even kisses. This time their dance was almost solemn, too serious to match the happy tune. There were no smiles, or kisses or love declarations. There were no love filled hugs but hands tentative holding each other while trying to convey desperation.

They got separated when the melody ended, neither looking at the other in fear of not liking what they would find in their eyes.

"I… am going back tonight" Khaba murmured, in a voice so soft that even Massika, being as close as she was, struggled to hear him.

"I though Atem said you would be in the city for a couple of days more."

"Massika, I am not going back to the temple in Hardai, but back to the Duat, to resume my duties as a judge."

"So… this is Goodbye for us…?"

"Yes, It is."

The sting of unshed tears made itself known in her eyes, but she forced herself to hold them back and instead offer him a smile. She knew it looked a bit forced and a lot sad, but she also knew that he would appreciate it either way. Impulsively, she hugged him with all her might, clinging to his neck and trying to not sob while in his arms. "I really hope that we will meet again sometime."

She broke the hug and ran away, not noticing the small tear that rolled down his cheek. He also turned around ready to leave the venue. "Yes, we will" he whispered before disappearing.

Juuust in case you missed it:

Anubis: Kunzite
Thoth: Zoisite
Seth: Jadeite
Horus: Neprhite
Ra: Mamoru