In Satriya, pursuit of perfection was a godly thing. Orderliness did show the favour of the gods while assuring their stability in kind, and so, Merneith had proven godliness again in the grand affair which now was gifted to Sitamun and Sapair.

Divine light shone happily upon the pair, and Hotep had prepared many invocations to assure them healthy, fruitful lives together from this day until their last.

He considered it a high honour to have been asked to preside. Groomed, oiled, and perfumed to a fine sheen, High Priest stood centered behind Sapair in star-speckled leopardskin. Hotep's voice raised with the others in hymn as Sitamun came forward, radiant.

There was the joy of the bride, which warmed his heart, and the apprehension of the groom, which Hotep believed proper — so it was no sin to be amused by the grizzled warrior's newfound humility.

Welcome, all who have come to celebrate this blessed union, he announced as song faded, and all eyes affixed to the dias. We lift them up before gods and mortals as blue lotuses, that bloom which is perfect and joyous to behold. Our hearts are light with the promise of a bond that transcends!

Against the ear of each, he placed just such a blossom. Later, they could be set in the sacred pool of the temple to float as offerings, in gratitude for what had been given.

Then smiled warmly at them both. Favoured servants of Pharaoh and Queen, today, you create a house of your own.

This was marriage in Egypt! Grg Pr — to make a house. It would be theirs, for all the rest of their days if they wished.

May Ra shine upon it and bless you with long years. His light warmed the chamber.

May Hathor bring you pleasure. She had done this already, if coarser rumours were to be believed. Hotep placed a string of her prayer beads on each of their shoulders, woven by Rakhufu.

May Heqet make you fruitful. He scattered dried wheat grain about their feet.

And should you ever be lost, may Khonsu guide you always to rest at the threshold of this door — the home your love has made for you both.

Arms spreading, Hotep leaned back on his heels, motioning for them to turn and face the crowd as bonded souls. If they had vows to claim or gestures to make, before one another and all gathered, they might do so now.