[b]Numiel's chambers,
Niwey em Netjer[/b]

On the western side of the palace, a large, bright room was filled with expensive furniture and people. Most of them were slaves, men and women who were running back and forth to please their mistress with whatever it was she desired. On the far left side of the room stood a large gilded canopy bed, where a few slaves were still sleeping. The goddess who dwelled in these chambers didn't mind some of them sleeping in, she had more than enough slaves to serve her and satisfy her needs. Strewn about the room were cushions, in all sizes and shapes, and several of the goddess' favourites were seated on them. They were talking softly and laughter filled the room from time to time. The room was opened to one side and looked out over the palace's lavish, colourful gardens. A few musicians were playing a pleasant tune which intertwined with the soft murmur of voices and the chirping of birds. Two slaves flanked the sofa the goddess herself was lying upon and waved cool air in her direction. It wasn't even noon yet, but the sun had already begun heating the palace. 

Another slave plucked a grape from a bunch and handed it to her. Numiel sighed with delight as she let it drop onto her tongue. The fruit's soft flesh spread its quenching juice over her tongue and she slowly licked her lips, letting out a soft moan of delight. She smiled slightly and could barely hold back a laugh as she looked up at one of the male slaves' cramped expression. She was consciously thinking about her every action. Controlling what effects her actions and appearance had on others was a little game of hers she liked to play. This summer had been an exceptionally hot one, but the grapes were still plentiful and sweet. Numiel and her brother's combined efforts, had prevented a famine and the memory of that minor victory over Mareth made the grapes taste even sweeter. Numiel chuckled softly and stretched out while yawning. "Life is good, is it not, my little ones?" She said, loud enough to be heard over the noises in the room. 

Smiling faces turned her way and as one, her slaves answered. "Yes our Goddess."

She laughed heartily at their synchronised answer and elegantly put one of her feet to the ground. A smile curled her lips as she took notice of amount of time the men's gazes lingered on her body. Unless she showed herself in public, Numiel preferred not to wear any clothing but her skin and jewels. It made her feel pure, free and in control and she liked to think that her powers worked better that way. Naturally, the goddess of fertility felt no shame of her body and more importantly, clothes only got in the way of... more important things.

She was just about to go and take a stroll through the gardens when her chamberlain entered the room and bowed down to her. With a swift hand gesture, she let him raise to his feet. 

"Speak, my dear Jahi. What is it you have come to bring to my attention?" "My lady. A messenger of Lord Kheris stands in the hallway, with a message for you personally. Lord Kheris requires your presence during today's ceremony." 

A beautifully shaped eyebrow was raised as Numiel let that information sink in. "Only me?" "No my lady, all of the gods are required to be in his presence." Numiel smirked at the hope that had sounded in her question. And turned around to a group of women who sat near the gardens. "Naturally. Tell the messenger that I will join our dear lord shortly and that he need not send for my brother. He already knows." The chamberlain nodded curtly and left the room to inform the messenger. He knew that when his mistress said 'shortly', it would take her at least another two hours and of this he would inform the messenger.

Numiel gracefully clapped her hands together, resulting in the immediate attention of all those present. "Little ones, lord Kheris requires my presence during today's ceremony... For whatever reason he sees fit... You know what you should all be doing now. Leila, let the bath slaves know and see to it that your sister and her friends wake up in time to tend to my hair."

With another clap, the slaves dispersed, to ready the baths, prepare the oils, put the appropriate jewels and gowns on display for Numiel to choose, amongst a thousand other things they would have to do to make sure their mistress would be prepared.

----------------

[b]Throne room,
Niwey em Netjer [/b]

The Throne room almost empty and Numiel noted with relief that it would be a while before the ceremony would start. Usually, she liked arriving a bit late, to add some flair to her entrance and lighten the solemn mood that usually hang in the palace. Today however, she knew Kheris would not be pleased if she demanded too much attention and angering Kheris was not a wise thing to do, not even when being a god yourself.

As she walked through the large hall, she noticed Kheris standing on the small podium upon which the throne stood, together with her brother. She knew that he would be here already, but she still clicked her tongue as a small sign of her irritation. Now Nuriel no doubt already knew why Kheris had demanded their presence. She walked up to the two and made a slight bow for Kheris. Only when he gave her permission, did she raise her head. "It is a pleasure to see you my dear lord Kheris, as it always is." She couldn't completely get rid of the hint of bitterness in her voice and eyes. Her words were honeysweet, but the way she stood betrayed her feelings. When speaking to others, she would at least make sure her feminine curves were even more visible than they usually were under her deep purple ceremonial gown, but in the presence of Kheris she didn't bother doing so. After all these years she knew better than that. Her head cocked slightly and a sly smile formed on her lips before she continued talking. 

"But tell me, my Lord of Lords. Why would you require the presence of your fellow gods? It is not us the people swear loyalty to, but you, if I'm not mistaking?"