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As the sun rose high within the desert, a sense of renewal circulated within the Great Wife of the Pharoah. She has been restless for several days, feeling her body changing with her steps. Once she had made peace with her mate, the kingdom of the pharaoh flourished. It was as if time had leaned upon good tidings leading her to rendezvous with Atem near a scared hidden oasis. The stars were aligned as they made their wish to experience the family growing. As the star beamed brightly around them, the Great Wife of the Pharoah; Iset knew their wish had been heard.

Months later, Iset felt something magical within her belly. There appeared to be movement, a glimpse of life forming within her. The spirits had listened and blessed her with gifts so precious no gem nor gold could ever compare. Her time was approaching with renewal faster than she had hoped. Atem had been preoccupied with exploring the further depths of the desert, leaving his cherished guard to keep a vigil over Iset and Ahaneith. Iset hadn't garnered a chance to seek his attention her King. Instead, she agreed to journey downward into the mountains with Rashimi to uncover a safe place to bear her blessings from the spirits.

Iset gathered things, and provisions for their journey as Kiros stepped into the cave where Iset rested, "My lady Iset, are you traveling within the winter months? "

Iset closed her traveling bag barely showing her surprise, "Kiros. There is something I must attend to, privately. Atem is busy with his games, I will be fine with Rashimi."

Kiros frowned, "Lady Iset I will not let you or Rashimi travel alone. You would not fare well within the white wall of cold. Please, I must insist. let me accompany you for safety. Shifters are merciless when unknowing. Please, I beg you to consider my offer".

Iset sighed, "Very well. But, if I ask of space, you must let me travel on my own, understood/"

Kiros nodded, "I promised the Pharoah I'd protect you. Therefore I shall keep my oath true. Please, let me know when you are ready to begin your journey.

Rashmi had already been notified of this journey. She advised her to prepare herself, though Iset never confirmed why. If the Great Wife of the Pharoah reached that time to receive her blessings, Kiros might be perfect for defense if a creature of chaos were to ruin this joyous upcoming occasion.

WC: 413

Kiros stood alert, ready to escort Iset and Rashimi wherever her heart led her. The Pharaoh was sometimes childish, leaning more toward his games and explorations than spending time with the love of his life. As Rashimi entered the waiting area, Kiros nodded, "Yes, Rashimi. I promised the Pharaoh to always watch over both of you."

Iset nodded, "You are a wonderful guard, Kiros. I am honored you are joining us". She then turned to Rashmi, "If you have gathered everything, we must be off". As they left the dwelling, Iset's legs felt heavy from the precious cargo she was carrying. Stepping out of the sand toward the forest, she grunted, thankful a blanket was draped over her back. As the forest opened toward a path, so did the chilled winds. Halfway down the mountain, they found a cave that seemed suitable for resting. Iset was growing restless as her belly moved beneath the blanket. "We'll be fine here" she murmured

Turning to Kiros she spoke, "Rashimi and I will need some time alone. Please guard the entrance".

Kiros noticed something strange about Iset's mannerisms yet he didn't want to anger her with questions, "Yes, Milady. If you need me, please call my name". He then bowed his head to both mares, then headed for the cave entrance. As he stood watch, the snow began falling heavy.

Iset motioned to Rashimi, "Follow me. This cave is sacred so nothing will harm us". She walked through the cave till there seemed to be light away from the cave entrance. Within this area, it seemed warm, and comfortable as if it were designed for something special. A small cascading waterfall, a bedded area, and even a single altar made of stone. Turning to Rashmi, "Do you know what this place is?" she asked with soft eyes as her back legs shifted uneasily.

WC: 310

The snow fell heavier, leaving Kiros worried about their journey home. At the same time, he turned quickly to glance back at the cave. His suspicions became clearer, as Iset's hurried responses before they departed meant something was happening. The Great Wife of the Pharaoh's mannerisms had changed since her rendezvous with Atem months back. Her excitement had been building, leaving Kiros understanding more than Atem ever would. This cave was mythical among Soquili, especially mares. Not one Soquili ever understood where the baskets came from, they just appeared. Returning his gaze to the falling snow, Kiros knew in some odd way the year was renewing with wonderful news. As curious as he was about checking in on the mares, Kiros had accepted a request. He'd place himself in harm's way if any foreboding future threatened Atem's mate.

Meanwhile, Iset had noticed golden grain and harvested grass had been placed upon the altar. Was it there before? Iset could have sworn it had been empty. As Iset's underside moved more vibrantly, she removed the blanket with her teeth. Wings tucked closely against her back, Iset turned to look at Rashimi, "How many do you think it will be?" She then looked at the grain, "I swear this wasn't here before. But, it looks delicious...". Without thinking Iset was delighting herself with sweetened harvest oats. As she swallowed the delicious meal, she turned to Rashmi, "There's enough for both of us. Come. Enjoy this with me".

WC: 245

Iset stomped her back foot forcibly into the soft dirt of the cave floor. Soon, she would welcome her children, the bodies of the Pharaohs from the Great Wife of the Pharaohs. Titles containing lineage to the ancients were given to the royal family's children. They would carry on this lineage of great names for years to come. It seemed unfathomable to believe, yet Iset was one to help this tradition continue. She seemed to be getting drowsy as tiny restless hooves pressed her belly outward.

Iset smiled in return to Rashimi's answer, "I'd say three to five the way they keep thrashing like they are. I do wonder if they are fillies or colts. Another swift stop of her right-left hoof made her wince after a vibrant kick in her belly.

"It shall be soon I, no well shall welcome Atem's children". she spoke, her voice strained by the sudden pain that shot through her entire being. Gazing over at the bedding her eyes felt tired, "Come Rashimi. I'm going to rest in that spot filled with bedding. You may rest beside me. We must be ready for their arrival". Moving toward the soft bedding her legs buckled as her head lay down in the softness. Wings neatly folded she awaited the arrival. As she lay there, Iset started pondering many things, "Rashimi" she murmured, "Where d you think the baskets come from" She smiled closing her eyes, "I think it's the spirits, personally. They are very clever..." she murmured once more before falling into a deep sleep.

WC: 259

Unbeknownst to Iset or Rashimi, something watched them from higher up in the cave. Perched upon a ledge the shadowy creature's large eyes watched the two mares like a hawk. A shadowy figure appeared from thin air when Iset started to show pain as she rose to her feet stamping her hooves. The figure was smaller than the mare covered in cloth, appearing to be two-legged. Quickly they neared close, hands upon the mare's side. They then dipped their fingers in something aromatic as it was worked into Iset's underside. The stranger in the cave ruffled its wings watching intently what was happening. The other two-legged patted Iset's shoulder departing to grab baskets. Placing them around Iset who stood calmly they waited for a sign. As Iset stirred slightly, her breathing became active. Then it was a blur, as the avian leaned over the ledge they could barely see anything other than baskets painted in earthy hues. Once Iset had folded her legs back to the ground, the figure stood upwards dusting their hands of the substance they had used to color the baskets. As they stopped in mid-stride, their eyes met the avian's gaze. For a moment the large bird was trying to grasp what had just happened. Then the stranger raised a finger to their lips, "Shhh" they said as the bird looked downward at Iset surrounded by four unique baskets. By the time the avian looked toward the figure, they had completely vanished.

The shadowy avian flew downward, the light reflecting off its royal plumage. Its appearance took on the visage of a female owl bearing lset's royal colors.

Meanwhile, the snow was coming down now, leaving Kiros stressing how they'd return. If the Great Wife of the Pharoah were to welcome her royal family, they'd starve. He couldn't bear the thought of her losing the Pharoah's children. Fearing for Iset, he ran down into the cave hoping both mares were not hurt or injured. As he neared the end, he heard running water. Slowing to a trot, then a walk he entered the great room where Iset and Rashmi rested. Around them, there sat four baskets each colored differently, bearing the royals' colorations. A strange smell made his ears perk knowing they were not alone.

"Lady Iset! Lady Rashimi, are you alright?" he called out in worriment.

A voice returned the echo with a ruffle of wings, "Kiros. Calm yourself, they are fine. Tired but fine"

Kiros snorted, gazing upon a female owl of the royal family. "Irisi, are you here as well?"

Irisi nodded, "I felt the cold and found shelter. Snow was coming. Funny all of you are all here as well".

Kiros nodded, "It was Iset who chose this place for shelter. I don't know if it was intentional, but she chose this place".

Irisi nodded, "Among Soquili there is a sacred cave where mares seek to welcome their children. I'm pretty sure the spirits chose this place as to why she's here".

Kiros breathed in relief, Alright, let's wait till they wake up. Snow is coming down heavily, so it will give them time to grow and walk from their baskets. It feels like a new chapter has started, a New Year".

WC: 540

Iset had dreamt she was walking among the grains of sand, yet they were fluffy like the clouds. There had been fear and excitement within her dream as her world transformed into something magical. She felt the touch of something recognizable as its warm fingers traveled gently along her belly. Music had traveled of her far-a-way home as she saw something in the distance. She heard someone calling her name as she glimpsed something unfathomable. There before her stood shadows of her children, granted by the spirits. As she started to approach them, her name was supposed again. Her children vanished instantly as the dream dissipated. Eyes fluttering open, she looked around in confusion, Realizing she was still in the cave. Momentarily, she noticed the movement had stopped, the uncomfortable pain was gone. Quickly, she looked around towards her belly, noting it was back to normal. Head pulling upwards she captured different scents including her own and Atem.

A voice reached her ears in the form of Rashimi. It took her a few moments to realize the message and she instantly turned, seeing the baskets. "Indeed" she spoke to Rashmi, "I saw them in my dream. They were but shadows, but I saw them"

Irisi stretched her wings, "I knew you'd find this place. It's safe from the elements and harm. The spirits are very giving to the family" She nodded looking at the Queen.

Kiros had moved quickly checking in the weather. The snow still fell making him glad he was there to protect the Lady and her Handmaiden from any predators. He nodded to Iset, "The Pharoah will be overjoyed of his children".

Irisi chuckled, "He wanted boys. He got them" Hoo".

Iset blinked, "All of them are colts?! Yes. hat is who I saw in my dream, shadows yes, but they were there".

Kiros smiled, "The start of a new year Lady Iset".

Iset nodded, "The start of a Blessed: Year's beginning".

She then gathered more grain and water, her legs carrying her back to the bedding area. Lying back down she smiled tiredly as she rested her head on the darkest basket. Soon they would greet her, finally meeting their father. Closing her eyes she murmured, "Blessed are we" then drifted back into a deep sleep. The weather could wait for the foals. For now, the Great Queen of the Pharoah was content.

~Fin

WC: 398