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 Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 11:57 am
He had met a few new faces in the haven of the gods, but his true calling had him once more returning to the mortal realm. Anupu smiled as he stretched and enjoyed the sun soaking into his fur. He was once again in the pride lands of the Tuait'tekem and this time he hoped to meet their King, their Pharaoh. He folded his wings against his back in an effort to be a bit more discreet, but since his form was already known he wouldn't trouble himself with further disguise.
Anupu liked to be fairly open with most royalty, he wanted them to know that he was there for them. Other Gods and Goddesses had seemed to have forgotten that it was their duty to serve the mortals not the other way around. He however found it quite important to do his duty, if he let all the royals die out, then his own existence would probably end just as quickly.
That wasn't going to happen though, he was going to bond with the royalty, protect them, help them when they needed him, and that made him feel useful again. He had a purpose again and with a grin he slowly walked through the prides lands and towards the temple.
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Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 12:32 pm
It had been an interesting day for the Pharaoh Muroki. His daughter, the Crown Princess who had been raised since her birth to one day rule when he was gone had come to see him...to plead the birthright of his young first son, her much little brother. Tesni had argued that it was Niuserakhet's place to be raised as she had been, for he was the male heir that tradition demanded, and that she could instead of ruling herself be his strong right paw and help raise him to be a wonderful Pharaoh. He was so proud of his eldest child for placing her pride's traditions above her own power and rank.
It was because of this that the Pharaoh had spent the rest of the day praying to the gods to help guide him in the matter. As the ruler he was believed to be the mortal incarnation of a god himself (talk about the divine right of kings!) but that didn't mean he was too proud to seek guidance from the other gods. Rituals and rites had been carried out for hours.
As the large Pharaoh emerged from the temple to see Anupu approaching, Muroki considered the god's appearance to be an answer to his prayers. From his beloved queen's description, this was just the god for the matter in paw.
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Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 12:58 pm
Perhaps because he had thrown himself back into his duties with a passion, or simply because time and practice helped quite a bit, whatever the reason when Anupu laid his eyes on Muroki he knew he had found the king. Perhaps it was in the way the other male carried himself, something in his gaze, or perhaps his powers were finally returning.
The words of queen Johari were still fresh in his mind, as were her sweet daughters. Indeed the credit for such an incredible royal lineage was not only due to it's queen but this Pharaoh before him.
"Pharaoh Muroki, I am pleased to once again be in your lovely lands, and to meet your acquaintance." Anupu moved closer and sat down tipping his head in a polite greeting. "I am Anupu, God of Royalty."
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Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 4:24 pm
"A heartfelt welcome to you, great one." Muroki inclined his head in turn and likewise sat down. It was not polite to loom over a sitting guest after all. Despite looking calm (seasons of practise at being a benevolent but just king rather helped him learn to control his appearance) inside he felt a little wary. He didn't want to offend any of the gods after all and it had been a while since he had met a new one. But mostly he was just pleased and happy to make Anupu's acquaintance. It was after all, a blessing to have one of the gods visit, and he did wish to ask this particular god a question which came under his domain if he could.
But pleasantries first.
"My queen Johari told me of your meeting with her not so long ago. It is an honor to have you visit our lands."
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Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 4:38 pm
"I should hope to become a more frequent visitor to your lands, and a friend to you and yours if you would permit? Your queen was most kind, and your daughter a clever treasure. I should like to meet the rest of your family, it is my duty to watch over all those of royal blood and your lineage appears steadfast."
Anupu smiled softly, seventeen young royals the number still made him feel elated within. Quite a number, and when he imagined watching over each of them it was both overwhelming and exhilarating.
"Please call me Anupu" He extended to the other, after all if they were to be friends that was the first step.
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Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 5:00 pm
"I would like to be friends and welcome you here often, very much, Anupu. And please, call me Muroki." Muroki relaxed somewhat, so pleased things were going so well. A bit informal, after meeting other gods who had several titles and were less friendly, but it was good.
"This pride, and it's royalty, came so close to extinction when I was a cub...the last prince is a hard title to bear. I sometimes fear that it will one day come close again, even though it seems so unlikely in these golden days. So it would be wonderful to me if if you would watch over my children." He smiled at the god, who would he knew be alive long after his body was laid to rest in and his soul settled in the paradise that awaited after the trials in the underworld. It would put his worries to rest somewhat.
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Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 5:08 pm
"It seems to have flourished once more under your reign Muroki. I would be quite pleased to watch over your children. I've met one of your lovely little daughters, she was with your queen." They grow so quickly...he wanted to say, but refrained, after all he was sure the Pharaoh knew that. It was his own immortality that seemed to speed the lives of those mortals around him. Still he felt at peace with it for now, he knew he could at least make the lives of Muroki's children long and safe.
"I must meet the rest someday soon." His tail curled in the sands the scales making a soft hissing sound against the earth. "Your heir especially, perhaps to grant a small blessing."
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Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 5:25 pm
"Whenever you wish, they can be presented to you. Or perhaps we could arrange a small feast, if you would care to eat with my family and get to know them?" Very untraditional offering a meal in lieu of a presentation but if they were to be friends it seemed like a good plan. It would be a pleasure to arrange. Although he was aware the gods did not always eat mortal food.... Some of the divine guests who stayed in the upper dens reserved for them had never once eaten during their stays with the pride. But even if Anupu didn't wish to eat, a family meal would be a good way for him to get to know the little ones.
"My heir...I was hoping I might seek your council on that, Anupu, if I may. My eldest, the crown princess Tesni has always been dedicated and true. However she approached me this morning to give her support to her little brother Niuserakhet who is the eldest of the litter of seventeen, my firstborn son. Traditionally his claim to the throne trumps her own."
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Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 5:43 pm
"Of course! A feast would be marvelous! Then I could meet the whole family, much more casual." He smiled and licked his lips, true he had no need for mortal food, but the taste had quite appealed to him. Just as he enjoyed the feeling of the sun on his fur, the way water slid down his throat in cooling drops. Yes he quite enjoyed experiencing mortal things.
Anupu focused once again on Muroki's words and tilted his head in thought for a moment. Hmm, the situation of heirs was often much more difficult but he still gave this matter some careful thought.
"If Tesni is proud of and true to her traditions then you should indeed allow her to help pave the way for her brother. Two heirs well trained after all is better then one, and there will be no squabbles for the throne. Tradition should stand in your case I think Muroki, consult with your son, see if he feels up to the challenge...always be honest with your children and tell them their duty is not one to be taken lightly."
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Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 6:22 pm
"Thank you for your advice." Muroki smiled, thinking again that his prayers had been answered by Anupu's visit. With his advice as well as that of his queen, vizier and high priest, Muroki could make a surer decision.
"It's a good season for feasts and for hunting too, now the river plain is lush and the greater herds return. I might head the hunt myself, if I can find the time." So much to do. His vizier would know for sure but Muroki was sure that the pride at large was due a hunt soon - they didn't hunt everyday, that would have been impossible and wasteful - so if they made several kills there would be good meal for all. Then there could be a fresh log of wood from the garden, from the tree that gave off the perfumed scent, and...
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Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 11:06 am
"You are always welcome to it." Anupu replied with a smile glad to see how it seemed to ease Muroki. If only his powers were stronger, but his long sleep had left him greatly drained of his former abilities. He longed to be able to trace the royal lines as he once had, to understand better the royals he sought out and protected. It would come in time, and truthfully it was better to learn from them by interaction then simply knowing their histories without care for the feelings that accompanied them.
"Yes, you should make the time to lead the hunt, others would be inspired I think to see the way you provide for the pride. You have done well settling in this land, few would be clever or brave enough to manage it." His paw sifted through the sand, so dry, so coarse, something so tiny and yet so irritating, yet here this pride thrived in the wild heat.
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