She did not ask anyone for permission to leave Satriya—too excited to consider that—and would have told her father if she had seen him, but Senmut had been gone at least a day.

When she finally departed there was a spring in her step. Aiesha hurried to where she was to meet Osiris—carrying a bundle of rations and herbs, in case they needed anything during their travels; she had pilfered a storeroom while nobody was looking, presuming it would go unnoticed.

Have you traveled much? The girl asked her new companion as they crossed the dunes, having spent much of the afternoon moving north. Myself, I like to think I am well traveled, but... That was before my arrival here. Everything is different now.

He was a traveler—and a companion to Merneith? Aiesha considered asking about the queen so that she might further grow their friendship, but thought better of it as Osiris explained; no, she wasn't going to side-step an opportunity to learn directly from the woman if given the chance. Now was a better time to learn about her new friend.

He was curious, and Aiesha laughed at his formalities. Aiesha, please! But how could she explain this...?

I was born in Muat-Riya, the summer palace of Queen Toula. My parents were—are, priests; but when the Divine One left Akashingo, she elevated my father to rule. That made me... Amiirad. As she spoke of this she found it easier to gloss over the more painful parts.

Then we arrived to Satriya and... I suppose since my father is not pharaoh, I am not really a nebet. Smiling to the guardian, Aiesha wonders what he makes of this.

He heard her, but he didn't understand. Maybe she hadn't been clear enough—or, she didn't know how exactly to convey such a deep truth of herself, especially to a new friend. If she had wanted to impress him maybe she would have challenged the creature to a spar, or really shown off her confusing position, instead she was trying to explain... Something. She didn't really even know what, now.

I suppose not, no. But I don't see myself as one. I don't—I don't know how to explain. She felt the frustration bubbling up, and her pace became a bit choppy as her focus drifted from the path ahead.

Those who are pharaoh are chosen, of course. They speak for the gods, they are gods themselves! But I don't think my father is a god— This came so suddenly, and she passed over it without thinking about how heretical it was to speak aloud, or how treasonous, should the wrong ears hear it! Just because the Divine One named him such; he is suddenly elevated! That is fine for him, if true. I don't see how that changes who I am, or what I am. And.. I'm the daughter of priests, not nobles. It sounded very much like Aiesha was trying to make sense of it for herself just as much as Osiris.

And besides that, Satriya has its Pharaoh! Clearly the gods made their choice when they stole us from Akashingo— Ah! She was going off on the same argument she had made of Senmut, which had driven him from the palace. How unfortunate. Her ears turned and she looks now to Osiris, sheepish. I'm sorry. I have... A lot of feelings about this. You're right though, I am still somehow a nebet... But I'd rather be a mazoi. I think.

A sigh.

She nearly corrected him, but he did it himself. Aiesha listened as best she could—she was used to being taught, and the lion had much to express.

He was forgiving of her outburst; he accepted the value of her feelings, which was a charming piece of his personality, she decided. As for roles—Aiesha let out a little laugh.

The sound cut out when the topic switched to fathers. Aiesha remembered the last time she had spoken to her own father and the argument that had resulted. The feeling of being put second. The way Senmut had turned from her and fled.

They're supposed to. At this point I think my step-mother cares more, and we aren't even blood. She mumbled this, most of which was drowned by the way Osiris spoke of the gods.

I wish we could ask them! The gods are powerful; they brought all of us here, had us pass through the field of reeds—but we aren't any different here. They watch and scheme, but it would be so much easier if they would be direct. She was exasperated by the very idea.

Of course, that's what a priest was for.