7817/Light Truths in Dark Sands 3: The Covening

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Light Truths in Dark Sands 3: The Covening
Date of Scene: 13 September 2021
Location: The Oasis, Egypt
Synopsis: Lydia spends her final day at the Oasis to join the coven.
Cast of Characters: Lydia Dietrich, Raven Darkholme




Lydia Dietrich has posed:
It's the second night at the hidden oasis of Eishq Alhaya, the Coven of Life, and Lydia has returned to her tent after the phone call with Mystique and Clarice to spend some time with her new journal. She spends a good couple of hours recording everything that she's experienced since she left, from the night long travel in the sands to the meeting of the Coven, and all that happened therein.

When finally satisfied with what she wrote, she spends some time just enjoying the outdoors for a while, occasionally plucking a fresh fig to eat, and eventually being fed a delicious dinner. She really /is/ being treated like a desert princess here, and it's something that she could very easily get used to.

And then the night is done, and Lydia goes back to her tent to sleep away the heat of the desert day, curling up in her bed made entirely of soft, plush pillows. Her sleep was filled with strange dreams. Jackal headed gods weighing the hearts of the dead, a man piloting a boat, which was also the sun, across the sky, and other such strange things.

She wakes up early the next sunset, feeling awake and refreshed, once again curled around a pillow. It must be because she misses sleeping with Mystique, she muses, and promises herself to get a body pillow when she gets home for those odd nights that they spend apart. Yawning, she goes to the bath to find that it is, once again, filled with scented waters, and once again takes a nice long relaxing bath, this time washing her curly hair to get all the kinks and tangles out of it.

Once out she gets dressed in a new gown, and adorns herself with the jewelry that's been laid out for her, letting her hair hang heavy with damp, to air dry in the desert heat. Walking outside she takes a deep breath to fill her lungs with that fresh, cool air that comes off the oasis, something that she'll miss once her time here is done.

Raven Darkholme has posed:
The night is just creeping across the oasis, but the half moon is bright in the sky over heard. The lights that are normally lit in the night are mostly all out, those lit offer only illumination along the path that is meant to be followed. Instead of Hatshepsut and Senet being there, it is a young woman in a red gown, her jewelry matches Lydia's but the stones are all red jasper. In her hands she holds a small bowel of what looks like a white powder of some kind.

"I am Ticary," she says softly. She can't be more then eighteen years old. "Are you prepared to begin your journey?"

Lydia Dietrich has posed:
Lydia is staring at the night sky when Ticary comes up to her. She's used to seeing this many stars out on the Asteroid, but down on earth it feels more vast somehow. She looks down at the young woman and and an eager smile plays at her lips. "I am," she says.

Raven Darkholme has posed:
Ticary dips her fingers into the powder and starts sprinkling it along the ground, as it hits the earth and mingles with the dirt, it begins to glow softly.

"I will serve as your guide, Lydia Dietrich," she says quietly, a smile on her face. "Do you willingly accept to be guided to the Eishq Alhaya along the path of the moon?" Even as she speaks, she continues to sprinkle the powder along the ground, knowing the woman will accept.

Lydia Dietrich has posed:
And so it begins. Lydia straightens her back and smooths out her gown, ending with a shake of the hands to release nervous energy. "I do," she says, trying to keep herself from just /bouncing/ with excitement. She takes a step forward, the first of many, on the softly glowing path.

Raven Darkholme has posed:
Ticary is very careful not to stop on the path herself, instead laying it out for Lydia to follow. The first step taken brightens the way even more, until Lydia is bathed in light and her feet are collecting the powder and thus also start glowing.

There is no one else out, no other sound offered. The rustling of the natural breeze through the leaves of the trees is the only audible sound there is.

Lydia had walked this path before with Hatshepsut the night before, this time it was being laid out before her like the yellow brick road to Dorothy. After about the tenth step, Lydia begins to see ghostly images of pure white, all women, along the sides of the path. At first just a few, then slowly more and more, until there are hundreds lining the path she is walking.

Lydia Dietrich has posed:
The glow on Lydia's feet suffuses with the natural glow of her ectoplasm, giving the whole thing a soft gradient, like she was being lit up from underneath. The absence of people she expected. This is a sacred rite which only a select few have tread.

However she wasn't expecting to see those select few women to walk the path with her. It doesn't slow her down, any, but she does take in the wonder of it all. She supposes that the next time somebody takes this walk her own glowing green form will walk beside her.

Raven Darkholme has posed:
The entrance to the underground cavern is already glowing as they arrive, the doors opened wide and inviting. Ticary sprinkles the dust right up to the entrance, then without pause heads down the stairs and out of sight. Those who walk along with Lydia offers smiles and waves, urging her along as if to say she is headed in the right direction and welcomed to do so.

Lydia Dietrich has posed:
Lydia smiles back at the ghostly women, nodding her thanks to them, as she descends the stairs. She takes her time, no need to hurry, and enjoys the process of this. She never got to join the Girl Scouts despite begging her mother to let her join, so she never really got to belong to a group that had ceremony and pageantry, and despite the solemnity of the rite, she's grinning from ear to ear.

Raven Darkholme has posed:
The ante chamber of the cavern is opened, all the arches revealed, and the glowing path guides Lydia through the halls to the ritual chamber.

Today the ritual chamber is adorned with long curtains of white linen between the ankhs on the walls. In the center of the ankh's circular head is a hand crafted wooden stand holding a very ancient and old looking, deep stone bowl willed with water. The bowl itself is a foot and half in diameter, and six inched deep. The outside is perfectly smooth and on the inside numerous hieroglyphs have been etched into the stone. In the bottom beneath the water is: https://ancientreasures.com/products/sterling-silver-ankh-pendant-with-cubic-zirconia Resting on the stand beside the bowl a small, very sharp looking dagger.

There are two women standing in semi circles with the blue, they wear the matching sheath dresses that sisters and others have worn and been wearing all along, of course theirs are in blue. There jewelry is all done in gold and chalcedony stones. There is one woman in red, her jewelry in gold and jasper stones. Jaxa stands at the doorway waiting for Lydia. She is wearing a green sheath dress in the same style and her jewelry is all in gold and olivine stones.

Jaxa offers Lydia a bright smile and her hand, then will proceed to escort her to the first white semi circle. "Remain here and silent until it is your time to move," she offers quietly, then she moves to one of the green semi circles.

Lydia Dietrich has posed:
Lydia can feel her heart beating as she walks along the glowing path through the antechamber and into the halls. She pauses at the threshold of the ritual chamber to take in its splendor, now that it's been adorned. Stepping through she nods at Jaxa and goes over to the semicircle and stands there, back straight, chest out, and silent.

Raven Darkholme has posed:
All thirteen of the elder sisters enter the chamber one at a time. Each wears orpiment yellow dresses, their jewelry done in gold and citrine. The first to enter is Jenean, and the last is Kezia who moves with a steady pace, not at all the slow moving old woman who needed aid walking the night before. It was as if she's borrowed some limber and agility medications. Each moved to a specific semi circle in the ankh, and then they reached their spot the pure white flame of the candle there flickered once before returning to normal.

"We are come together this day to welcome a new sister to the Coven of Life," Kezia announces as if the room was filled with people. "The Tuqus Altajlid will now begin."

Kezia steps to the bowl first, collecting the small dagger in her right hand. "I am Kezia, mother of the eishq alhaya. I willingly give my blood to the bond to welcome Lydia Dietrich as daughter and sister!" Very carefully she uses the tip of the dagger on the tip of her middle left hand finger, while holding it over the bowl. Three drops of blood fall into the water then the bleeding just stops and she set the dagger back beside the bowl and moves to her semi circle to stand.

Aysi moves to the bowl next, collecting the dagger in her right hand. "I am Aysi, the eldest sister of the eishq alhaya. I willingly give my blood to the bond to welcome Lydia as a sister." Then she also adds her blood to the water, exactly three drops.

Hava waits for Aysi to return to her semi circle then steps to the stand with bowl and collects the knife. "I am Hava, an elder sister of the eishq alhaya. I willingly give my blood to the bond to welcome Lydia as a sister."

Then comes Hetshepsut, Fathiyaa, Jaci, Moina, Amunet, Glorianna. Anja, Nyah, Minako and last is Jenean. Each repeating the same motions and words, each adding three drops of blood, then each returns to their semi circle. When all thirteen have finished, they kneel as one. Jaxa walks over to Lydia and takes her hand, guiding her once around the ankh, pausing at each of the elders. Each touches Lydia's left hand with their left hand, no blood remaining, but with each touch there is a small zap like static electricity. At the end, Lydia is guided to the bowl, then Jaxa leaves her there and steps out of the ankh.

Lydia Dietrich has posed:
Lydia watches the ceremony in open wonder as each of the Sisters goes and welcomes her into the fold, adding three drops of blood to the bowl to seal their words. Once all of them are done she's led around the circle, being touched by each Sister. At each touch, there's that little zap. Normally, perhaps, it would be invisible, but her ectoplasm reacts to it, sending a small flare of amber from where she is touched.

And then finally it's her turn. She takes the dagger in hand, saying, "I am Lydia Dietrich. I have come and feel welcomed by my sisters. I freely and willingly seek to bond with the eishq alhaya, the Coven of Life." Then she repeats it in Hebrew to add to the ceremony. Her Jewish nature is as much a part of her as her blood is. She then takes the sharp knife, and unflinchingly cuts the pad of her middle finger on her left and and lets three drops of blood drop into the bowl.

Raven Darkholme has posed:
At the very moment that third drop of Lydia's blood hits the water in the bowl, there is an intense and powerful wave of energy and light that explodes from the bowl. It moves around the room three times, then through all thirteen of the elders in the order that they had stepped to the bowl. In the end, it circles Lydia three times before it passes right into her, spreading heat through her entire body. To Lydia it seems like only a few seconds that she is standing there as slowly she feels the heat give way to a sense of no longer being alone. She hear no thoughts, sensed no minds, she merely felt as if she would never be alone again.

In the bowl, the water and blood is gone having been the force behind the light. The ankh that rests at the bottom of the bowl no longer has a red stone in the center, instead it has turned into a stone of the purest white.

Hatshepsut had stepped up beside her, when Lydia had no idea, it had only been a few seconds, right? "The ankh is yours to wear, a physical connection to all of us," she says softly.

Lydia Dietrich has posed:
When the light hits her body, Lydia gasps, a sharp intake of breath. The warmth that spreads through her causes her to close her eyes and, perhaps subconsciously, lifts herself inches off the ground. When the heat is gone she's back on her feet again and a hand goes to her heart, clutching it through the gown. That sense of belonging, of others always being there for her is something that she will now carry with her for the rest of her days.

She finally opens her eyes, and looks over at Hatshepsut when she speaks. She nods, and takes the medallion out of the bowl, turning the winged ankh over in her hands.

Raven Darkholme has posed:
The others begin to move in closer, smiles on their faces. Kezia gets close enough to pat Lydia's arm, and the feeling offered when looking at the older woman is no longer of barely knowing her, but instead... Lydia /knows/ her. Everything about her. When she was born, how many children she has, that she's been married twice but divorced because those men could not handle being married to a woman with a free spirit and determined mind.

In fact, as Lydia looked around at all the faces of the coven, she knew them all as if she had been a part of their lives from the day of their births to the moment they were standing there. Every major event, every good time, every bad time, it was all there at the back of the mutants mind.

Lydia Dietrich has posed:
Lydia's eyes go wide when she realizes just what's happening. She had expected something a bit more obvious like what happened in the genealogy spell where all that information just gets crammed in her head. What she didn't expect was this passive /knowing/ of these people... her sisters. It's like she always knew, and just now remembered.

She can't help but laugh when she meets the eyes of her sisters, remembering the joys that they've had as if she was there with them. It isn't until she gets to Hatshepsut and the list of memories are long. The good, the bad, the torturous and the joyful. Out of all the women here, she's the one who understands her faith the best, having lived the majority of it's lifetime.

"I guess you're the one," she says, finally breaking the silence.

Raven Darkholme has posed:
The minute Lydia speaks, the minute she chooses, a rousing and loud cheer echoes through the chamber. The doors fly open wide and beyond in the gathering room are many of the women and people from the small tent town outside. There is food, music and wine, people already dancing as if they started the party long before the guest of honor arrived.

"You will forever be linked to this place," Hatshepsut says with a smile and a soft laugh. "And to all of us, and those who have been before us. Thank you, for choosing me Lydia, I give you my word I will not let you down nor will I fail in my duties as your instructor and mentor."

Lydia Dietrich has posed:
Now that the ceremony part is over, Lydia gives in to her inner child and claps happily and she bounces on her feet. "I have never felt anything so amazing in my life," she says. She all but skips over to Hatshepsut and gives her a quick hug. "Thank /you/ for bringing me here, for giving me this chance, for mentoring me. I hope I live up to expectations."

She laughs and she turns on her heels and all but runs into the gathering room to partake in the food and the merriment. Even though the ceremony only lasted fifteen minutes, tops, she is /starving/ and could use something to eat. Of course the first thing she goes for is a fresh fig.

Raven Darkholme has posed:
The party continued until nearly sun rise, the entire village coming and going at some point to congratulate Lydia, and offer presents. Handmade clothing, jewelry, even a couple pairs of sandals, simple things given with love and respect to the newest member of the coven and thus the village.

Food comes and goes as well, from meals to snacks, finger foods and those that require plates, everyone ate well on this night. Beverages were primarily wine, but tea and coffee were made available the later it got, just in case someone needed sobering up.

An hour before the sun would rise however, Hatshepsut approached Lydia, a smile on her face. "Are you ready for the second part of your welcome?" She asks softly. Some had already retired, but many still danced and sang, were telling stories about the last binding, or their own for that matter.

Lydia Dietrich has posed:
Lydia is having a grand time. She wasn't expecting a party after the end of the ceremony so the whole thing has been an absolute delight. She makes small talk with the locals, and even with some of the other coven members, even though she feels like she already knows everything about them. Still, it's like catching up with a long lost friend.

The presents also come as a surprise. The gowns and blouses she holds up to herself to see how they'd fit (and they'd fit perfectly). She wishes she could try them on right there and then and look to see what she'd look like in a mirror. Mystique is going to get a fashion show once she gets back, she muses.

She cherishes it all as it comes to her. She tries all the food, asking what each one was, and asking what the recipes were for the most delicious ones. Of course there were fresh figs for her to snack on.

When the hour comes, and Hatshepsut comes to her she turns to look at the woman. "There's more?" she asks, astonished. How could there be more?

Raven Darkholme has posed:
Hatshepsut laughs softly, offering her hand to Lydia so she can lead her out. The party will go on until the sun rises, or people pass out, which ever comes first.

"You are a full member of this coven now Lydia," she explains as she walks. "That affords you many gifts from all of us, but more importantly, this place becomes your second home."

Once they step out of the cavern and into the oasis, the horizon was already threatening to get light, so Hatshepsut picks up the pace just a little. There is no indication of the powder that had been sprinkled to guide her, no sign of the pure white spirits that had walked with her. The oasis looked now as it had when she first arrived.

Lydia Dietrich has posed:
Lydia takes her mentor's hand and is lead out of the sacred chambers into the twilight of the night. She hurries after Hatshepsut, knowing what the dawn would bring for her.

Lydia laughs, "Or third home, as the case may be," she says, eyes twinkling. She's got her apartment, which is her home, and the Asteroid, which is already a second home. "You can never have too many homes," she concludes.

Raven Darkholme has posed:
Along the path and back to where all the tents are built. Although they look like the sort that are meant to be taken down and moved, not one of them have been moved in many, many years. As they approach where Hatshepsut's tent is located however, there is a new one right across from it, nestled in among the trees.

"This is your tent," she says, gesturing to the tent. "It is not large, but in time it will grow. Inside you will find Masika waiting, she will be the one to tend to your tent and any belongings you choose to leave here." She moves toward the tent. "You may also choose to take her with you if you wish, her duty is to you, your belongings and your studies."

Lydia Dietrich has posed:
Lydia looks at the tent with wide eyes, walking around it's perimeter once before going inside. It's cozy in there. Not much to it but comfortable. It's also where she meets Masika which she gives a tentative "Hello," to.

She looks a little uncomfortable when she thinks about having her own servant. Sure they had maids at her house and a cook that would come by and regularly make meals for them, but somebody to actually wait on her hand and foot... that's another thing.

"I don't know what I would do with her," she admits. "I mean.... I don't want to just /leave/ her here with nothing to do, but I don't know what I would have her do if I were to take her with me."

Raven Darkholme has posed:
Hatshepsut follows Lydia once around the tent, then at the door way pauses to ensure that Lydia enters her home first, then follows. Just like with the larger tents, just inside the entrance flaps is a foyer room, fully carpeted, with cushions and a low table to sit to for dining or merely sitting at, the place where guests are greeted. There is only one hall off the entry room, which is where Masika is standing, right at the end of the hall.

"You think there is nothing for her to do while you are away?" Hatshepsut asks, then looks to Masika.

The woman is in her late teens, or early twenties, young really, but she looks eager and ready. "Even when you are not here," she says in perfect English. "There are things to tend to. Everyone member of the coven is responsible for tending their part of the oasis, or rather seeing that it is tended. Your tent is maintained and checked, to ensure it is always in perfect condition, and I protect your belongings, ensuring that no one, not even the Elders, enter and touch them. There is a great deal for me to do."

Lydia Dietrich has posed:
Lydia nods slowly as Masika speaks. "I see." It makes sense, really. The Oasis is a community, and so everybody does their part. "Then I guess I don't have to worry about it that much," she concludes. She shakes her head, overwhelmed with it all. She raises her arms as she turns, "There's just so much. I must admit I'm a little overwhelmed."

Raven Darkholme has posed:
Masika offers a slightly curtsey before walking over to Lydia, offering a bright smile, "That's the other thing I'm here for, to help."

Hatshepsut chuckles softly, "She is quite eager to be of assistance Lydia, and as I must get to my tent before the sun finishes rising, I would suggest you take a moment to collect yourself, speak with her and then rest a bit."

Lydia Dietrich has posed:
Lydia nods to Hatshepsut. "Have a good night then. Er, day. Rest." She grins sheepishly, not entirely sure what the proper nomenclature to use when talking to somebody who sleeps all day long.

Once her mentor departs, she turns to Masika and thinks about what she could do. She briefly considers returning back to the party, but realizes that she's quite tired. "Um. I guess we'll need to collect all the gifts that they've given me back to my tent," she says. "It's been a long day, and I should get ready for bed myself."

Raven Darkholme has posed:
Masika gestures toward the hall, "I will show you to your room then. I believe it is set up exactly as it was in Hatshepsut's tent, but if something is out of place please let me know. While you rest I will see to your gifts, do you wish them packed for your return trip?"

She heads down the short hall to the room that will be Lydia's. Because it is the master room, it is much larger, and the bed is much larger as well. The bathroom has a large vanity with stool, as well as a double sized wooden bathing tub. Everything that had been in the other room was moved, and placed in the same place in this room.

Sitting on the dresser is a small collection of books, four or five of them total, each looking old enough that they very well may have been written by scholar's when Hatshepsut was a child... though those would have been scrolls. "These are yours now," Masika says, gesturing to the books. "They are the fundamental spells of the coven for you to learn."

Lydia Dietrich has posed:
Lydia follows Masika to her room, and finds it much to her liking. "Yes," she says to the young woman. "I want to show off for my friends. They'll be curious when I come back."

Her eyes go wide when she sees the books however. She gently picks one up and opens it, her fingers gently feeling the age of the pages as she turns them one at a time. "This is amazing," she says. "I'll probably spend some time reading these before going to bed."

Raven Darkholme has posed:
Masika nods, then indicates the small bell by the bed. "I will go collect your gifts and prepare then for travel, if you should need anything before you sleep, please ring and I will come."

She checks the pitcher on the table to ensure it is filled with water, and is cooling, then one last check of the bed before she moves to the door. "Thank you for letting me stay, Miss Lydia."

Lydia Dietrich has posed:
"Oh!" Lydia says, surprised at the gratitude. "You're welcome. You can always tell me if you want to come with me or stay. I can always bring you along if you want to see what it's like in the big city."

With that she nods, and starts taking off her sandals to get ready for bed. She crawls in and instead of laying down, she gets comfortable sitting crosslegged and flips open to the first page of the book she had selected and starts to read.

Raven Darkholme has posed:
Masika shakes her head with a soft giggle, "My place is where you want me to be Miss Lydia." Is what she says, before she slips out to go and collect the gifts. No one will touch them, in fact they will be exactly where Lydia left them, but each thing will be tended, folded and packed to return home with Lydia.

Lydia Dietrich has posed:
Lydia spends hours pouring over the book, fighting off yawns once the morning creeps in. Eventually, she has to admit that she's tired and she really should rest, so she tucks the book away, curls up around a pillow and falls asleep.

Once again the day passes quietly as Lydia sleeps, this time having strange dreams reliving some of her sisters memories. And once again, Lydia wakes up refreshed.

Raven Darkholme has posed:
As the sun sets, ending another day in the oasis, the soft scent of fresh flowers fills the master bedroom from the adjoining bathing room. Masika has run a cool bath with the same floral scents used before, a combination of the flowers that grow in the oasis during certain times of the years.

The clothing Lydia wore when she arrived in Cairo have been cleaned, pressed, and laid out for her to put on. Sitting in the bedroom by the curtain that marks the doorway is two large leather suitcases that look to be camel leather, thus are sturdy and meant for years of use.

During the day while Lydia slept, the books were all placed into a new leather satchel that presently sits with the suitcases, waiting for Lydia's journal that sits on the dresser, with the pen that had been gifted to her, to be added to it. All of her gifts from the night before, and from the days before have been packed neatly into the suitcases, jewelry, dresses, shirts, and even the sandals for when she next returns.

Lydia Dietrich has posed:
Lydia has been constantly amazed at how people seem to be able to do their chores around her without waking her up. Today is no exception when she finds that she's been all packed up and ready to go. She shakes her head in wonder and makes her way into the bathroom to take her morning bath, and once again luxuriating in the opulence of it.

Once done and dried, she gets dressed in her old clothes, remarking on how constricting they felt after spending several days in those light and breezy gowns. Still. It's nice to have pockets. Before she puts on her shoes, she takes her journal and pen, and sits down on a pile of pillows to write down yesterday's events. It takes her a while to recall all that happened but once done, she folds her journal closed, places it in the satchel with the other books, and gets ready for the rest of her day.

Raven Darkholme has posed:
Masika has been trained in all the ways that attentive servants keep their jobs. Noting when Lydia was up and moving, breakfast was started so that by the time the bath was finished, and Lydia had finished writing in her journal, it was ready.

Ringing the string of tiny bells by the curtain to Lydia's room, the equivalence of knocking, Masika announces herself with a soft, "Breakfast is ready, and Hatshepsut will be here in about thirty minutes." She then waits so that she can show Lydia back to the main room where breakfast is laid out. Foul Mudammas, a hearty Egyptian dish has a base of fava beans and chickpeas. Cumin, lemon, and garlic add flavor, and fresh herbs and vegetables brighten it up. There is also fresh fruits, tea and a light fruit juice.

Lydia Dietrich has posed:
"Thank you, Masika," Lydia says, coming out of her room, the smell of breakfast drawing her to it like a moth to a flame. She sits at the table and enjoys herself some tea to go along with the Egyptian dish. She takes her time savoring every bite and once she's cleaned her plate she finishes it off with some of the fruit juice.

Raven Darkholme has posed:
Masika collects the dishes, but not before setting a small book next to Lydia on the table. Once she disappears, there is another ring from by the main entry, most likely Hatshepsut as Masika said. Before Lydia can even register that the bells sounded, Masika reappears to pull open the flaps. This allows Lydia to see Hatshepsut there, but at this point neither she nor Masika move or say a thing. Clearly they are waiting for the mistress of the tent to invite the guest inside.

Lydia Dietrich has posed:
Lydia looks at the small book laid down before her and picks it up, looking at it curiously. When the bell rings she looks up and sits there for a moment waiting for Hatshepsut to enter. There's a moment of impasse before it suddenly dawns on her what it is that's expected of her. "Oh!" she says, "Come in!"

Raven Darkholme has posed:
Hatshepsut steps right inside the door, making sure to tap the sand off her sandals before moving more into the room. Masika closes the flaps behind her, then again disappears.

Moving over to the table, Hetshepsut kneels down across from Lydia "Good, Nasika gave you the recipes. Everyone in the village wrote one recipe down for you, I wanted to make sure you got it before you left." She offers a bright smile, looking pleased as a cat who just caught a mouse. "I hate to see you go so soon, but know you must get back to your life before Raven storms the oasis with tanks through Clarice's portals."

Lydia Dietrich has posed:
"Oh yes!" Lydia says in surprise as to what the little book is. She takes and and flips through some of the recipes before stowing it in a pocket. "Thank you!" Just one more thing to treasure from this trip to the desert.

The quip about Raven elicits a laugh from the glowing green mutant. "Indeed. Also, as much as I love it here I /do/ miss her greatly and wish to be back in her arms." Her eyes glitter in amusement, "But I promise you, I'll be back here before the year is out."

Raven Darkholme has posed:
Hatshepsut offers a slight bow of her head in acknowledgement, then looks back to Lydia.

"I will be returning to New York at the end of September, where I will remain for a time so that I can begin your lessons. The books that I left for you will teach you the five fundamental spells that all other forms of our magics require you know. They are simple, because they are so very basic. You may go further in each of the books if you wish, once you has the basics, but do not attempt too much without my supervision. I would not want you to blow yourself or your lover up."

A broad smile spreads across her face, once again revealing her fangs. "I will have the NonDisclosureSpell ready by the end of September as well, which I will teach to you. I do not think that Clarice nor Raven would trust me to cast it on them. The Ankh that you received that last will shield you from scrying magics, thus helping to keep you concealed from our enemies. There is so much still to say," she sighs softly. "But I think it better that you head home and we will talk again soon."

Masika appears again, this time carrying the luggage and the satchel. She offers a smile and nod as she walks right out the flap of tent, clearly she knows where she's going with Lydia's belongings.

"You said that you could call to be teleported, yes?" Hatshepsut says as she stands again.

Lydia Dietrich has posed:
"Okay," Lydia says, nodding. "If I need to get a hold of you before then I've got your phone number and can send you a text. I don't really expect to be needing to do that, though." She can't help but chuckle, "NonDisclosureSpell. I like it. I can't wait to show this place off to them so they can understand how much it means to me."

The knowledge of the Ankh's properties cause her to clutch it through her shirt. "This is good," she says. "This will put a lot of minds at ease. I had put up some wards in my apartment to help counter being scried but I couldn't figure out a way to keep something like that on me."

Lydia returns Masika's smile and nod, and turns back to her mentor. "I can. Once we get out of the oasis they can zero in on my location and open a portal here."

Raven Darkholme has posed:
Hatshepsut offers her hand again, for no other reason than she enjoys the contact. So many people avoid her, not because she's a Vampire but because she was a Queen. "I am certain that Raven already knows your location, from the moment the GPS stopped working," she offers as she guides Lydia out of the tent.

"I will be returning to Cairo in a few days, my phone will work there. The village has more supplies it needs, so I will gather them and get them sent back with Jaxa."

Several people, including many of the Thirteen come out to give Lydia hugs and say good-bye as they are walking along. There are perhaps a couple more gifts, and then Kezia is there at the edge of the oasis. "We are all so pleased to have met you, Lydia. You know our numbers, if ever you need us, call."

Lydia Dietrich has posed:
Lydia is more than happy to take Hatshepsut's cool hand in her own, not being afraid of vampire /or/ Queen. "You're probably right," she tells her. "She's been itching to come storm the gates and rescue me from the dragon's den."

She nods at the Queen's itinerary, "Really, I doubt I'll need to give you a call. I'd be surprised if anything more exciting than hot sex with my girlfriend happens between now and when you return to New York."

Then the coven comes to wish her goodbye. She hugs those who want them, gathers the gifts which she hands to Masika to be packed with the rest and nods to Kezia. "The pleasure has entirely been mine," she says. "If I need you, I'll call. In the meantime I'll send you all copies of my books for you to read."

Raven Darkholme has posed:
Masika takes a moment to add the new items to the emptier suitcase, then once again closes it up ready to go.

Hatshepsut grins really broad and big at the mention of Lydia's books. Yes, they all knew she was a writer now, and even knew what she wrote, but until the binding she had managed to keep that secret from other other twelve.

Kezia wiggles her brows and says something in Arabic to Aysi who turns red enough that a tomato had nothing on her. Turning, she just walks away as if she was just plain done with all of them right now.

Hatshepsut leans to whisper to Lydia, "They'll all read your books, and you can expect texted comments."

With the good byes given, Masika and Hatshepsut step outside the shimmering edges of the oasis with Lydia. The luggage is set down, and Masika slips back inside, leaving Hatshepsut to offer Lydia the phone she will need to call.

"They will see only the small oasis the you saw upon approaching, but you will always see the truth of this location. Remember, it is important to say nothing until the NDS is complete."

Lydia Dietrich has posed:
Lyida can't help but giggle at Aysi's reaction. She nods at Hatshepsut, "I'm counting on it." Still chuckling she follows the Queen out into the desert proper, to the spot where she had contacted her lover last. Accepting the phone, she goes and dials Mystique's number.

"It's time," she says when her lover picks up. "Come and get me." And then waits.