Not quite present dated but takes place after the wedding!

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Nakhtmin returned with the golden bloom. Several, in fact, to see whether it could be cultivated in the Skyspear and what ways it might be dried or applied to other ailments. Setemhotep was grateful. Azalea, he suspected, would be more appreciate still. For with this blossom, she would be free once and for all of the curse which ravaged her.

The blue turtlehead gave her back her faculties. But without frequent infusion, its effects faded. She could not leave Satriya, or she would succumb again to the influence of chaos. She had not seen her sons, and for this, Setemhotep ached.

He was glad to be a vessel by which true healing might at last be offered. It was prepared in a tincture with honey and white fish, for no other reason than he thought the ordeal deserved some celebratory pomp.

I think, He even suggested, sliding the delicacy toward her, We might even have reason to break into the wine.

The potion of the blue flower had allowed Azalea to become semi-normal again. It broke the reign of the parasite, and although she did not completely feel herself, she was at least able to speak and take care of herself again.

How was she ever to repay Hotep and Nakhtmin for their help? And the little mouse?

Her life was owed many times to Hotep, and thus the woman will have to keep a special eye on the man.

Today though, there was good new. Nakhtmin, the very odd looking deer thing, had returned with the golden blooms, which she was told will bring her completely back to normal. She could return to her sons soon enough! She wondered how they were with her being gone…but she knew Jakten would take care of them. They were old enough to handle most things on their own, anyway.

Azalea watched as Hotep prepared the new blossom, a thing most beautiful if she were to say so herself. The golden hues were like that of the sun upon glittering sand, a look she had come to appreciate with her stay here. It was a land nothing like where she came from, a land of great aesthetics, and things that she could not explain as a wolf. It opened her eyes a bit to how strange life was, and that there was a lot of unknown.

Green eyes looked to Hotep and she gives a nod. The smell was amazing, and she sniffed it delicately. ”Wine? Is that like from the berries that is often consumed in Jakten?” she asked, having never participated in such a thing herself. Her only real introduction to it was it absolutely wrecking Jaxxon. Part of her held suspicion to such things.

”This smells…divine!” she says, her normal excitement toned down by the pinch of the parasite still struggling to take her mind. Her white muzzle reaches down to take a bit, and her eyes closed as she enjoyed the taste. ”Hotep, you and Satriya have been too good to me. However can I thank you?” she asked, digging in for another bite.

Indeed! Hotep grinned. The juice of the berries, kept tucked away until their flavor becomes... well, more palatable. Only to be indulged in occasionally, but I think this occasion warrants it!

His eyes drifted to the horizon, the warm sands drifting off the dunes there. With some sadness, he considered that upon her mending, she would have all reason to depart. I would ask for your continued patronage to Satriya, you and your sons, if I thought I could convince you. His weakening grin showed he knew this was not likely, and only meant in jest. But to see you well again, my friend, is repayment enough.

She continues her eating, glad knowing that this will all be over and her body will truly be hers again…if it really does work. The blue turtlehead had indeed helped. The thing no longer held constant control, but would rear its ugly head if she went too long without it. The berries, a whole different story, but she would try them with Hotep. He didn’t seem the type to get carried away like those in Jakten.

”Well, then let us indulge, I shall do it for you!” she said with a nod and a grin. She took a deep breath at the mention of her sons, though she knew they would be alright, she would feel better knowing for sure. Hellbore basically wanted nothing to do with her anyway at this point, but a mother loves anyway.

”They will come here, my sons, and who knows, maybe they will like it here. Jakten though…my cousin is there now, and my sons are rather taken with her,” she admits, wondering if any of them would consider a different home. Amunet, being one of Satriya’s religion by birth, is the one she is a little surprised didn’t want to live here. It was indeed a fascinating place.

”Bring this wine you speak of!” she says then with a thump of her tail, leaving such thoughts for the future to worry about.

Let it be so! He agreed, gesturing gladly to a fellahin who bowed and rushed with poise to fulfill the request.

I would not seek to part families. Hotep admitted, thinking it ideal if the entire clan made home for themselves here, the cousin included. But know you are welcome in these halls, you and your kin.

An ear coiled. Azalea had been sick for a long time before reaching Setemhotep, it seemed plain. How much did she remember? How long since you have seen your boys? You must miss them terribly. He asked, as the servant returned with a bowl of sweet smelling wine, floral and earthy. Splaying a paw, he invited Azalea to take the first sip.

As nice as it would be to be near her priest friends, Azalea feared the Satriyans would not be a…fan of her ways, where as Jakten tolerated…no, celebrated it. The threat of Joxxer was now not as heavy on her mind either, but she knew Hellebore would have none of it. Hotep did not know what kind of children she had.

“It can be a consideration,” she said truthfully, though she knew the chances were as slim as a blade of grass.

She eyes the wine as he presented it to her. Her nose inhales the sweet floral scent, though the color threatened to emulate blood. Very different things. She laps up a taste, such flavor never having touched her tongue.

“I…do not know. I remember leaving in the middle of the night, feeling the…thing getting closer to taking over completely. Then it gets…hard to recall,” she started with terrible, green eyes narrowing in thought. “My cousin will ensure their health, as well as their father. They check often but…” she takes another sip, shifting her weight uncomfortably.

“I know I will get to my sons soon, but what of Taiju? You mentioned before, maybe…a ritual, something that may ask your gods to bring him back? This world…it most certainly brings souls from other worlds so…might as well try?” she asked as she lifted her head, looking to Hotep with great hope. There was a rare tremble in her lips, that she chalked up to the parasite but…she still so desperately wanted her family whole again.

His eyes softened. Still she ached for that which was lost. Still he mourned that he had not be able to save the child at the first. But had they not both witnessed miracles here? Had he not fashioned himself into catalyst to summon El'Zeath from the sacred flame? Perhaps it could be done again.

The promise of a Priest is yours. Whether the parts of his soul are to accept rejoining into his Ib, I cannot guarantee. His own will has some great part in this. Surely, though, surely, a twin would seek its double, given the chance? A child would call for their mother? Yet if it is your wish, I will expend every effort to restore what was lost, I will counsel with every god, and do all in my power to restore your kin.