The Kingdom of Thornes

E'den's POV:  It was hot again today, as it was almost everyday in the deserts near my tribe. We had lived here since our Lady Cytuna, goddess of both sun and moon, destruction and stability, created this place for us, the Sun children she created before becoming unfused.  You see, our gods can fuse with one another to become stronger gods. Lady Cytuna was a fusion of Lady Solarrys and Lady Lunnaire, and one of the very few gods to ever be born as a fusion. Upon Lady Cytuna's unfusing however, the gods closed their home off to us, as it became unsafe for us to be around Lady Solarrys. Our gods are complicated, to say the least. I try to understand as much as I can, but it's been so long since we've had a visit from our gods, that we are beginning to forget the knowledge they bestowed us with.  My waist length, golden hair was tied up into a tight bun today, held in place with small, golden clips that matched my hair color. The gold from my hair found its way on other places of my body as well, including my eyes, and both my birthmarks and tattoos that were shaped like cheetah spots were golden as well, deepening down the side of my body, until it reached almost a blackened gold at my feet. The gold was incredibly prominent against my skin, as aside from the bright golds, I resembled midnight sky. Sun Elves ranged from just bronze to completely onyx, like myself in skin tones, and the rest of our features were a mix of oranges, yellows, reds, and golds - the colors of the Sun herself, as we were created in her image. Lady Cytuna also created Moon Elves in Lady Lunnaire's likeness around the same time period, but their kingdom is far from us. I live in The Kingdom of Sands, one of the larger kingdoms, but it is split into various territories, each protected and ruled by the people who claim the sands as their home.  I was a Hunter for my people, both a protector and a provider, making us revered among our tribe. Only our priests and our Sol'Ra were above the Hunters of the tribe. As it happened though, I was also one of our Sol'Ra's children, the eldest female to be exact. Now, I'm not sure how it works in your tribe, but being a child of the Sol'Ra means you have certain responsibilities to the tribe, namely, you must do for the tribe, and not for yourself. Being an Eldest of Sol'Ra, well that meant that you were next in line to become the new Sol'Ra, or it meant that you were to be married to another Sol'Ra of a different tribe. My brother has already found his wife, and has married himself to another tribe, leaving me to become the next Sol'Ra of our tribe. I was ready. I had served as a Hunter since I was able to wield a weapon, and I had already earned my Companion. A Companion was a reanimated pharaoh, a king or queen from a different world and time. Usually, they were reanimated as some sort of animal, though were rare instances were the pharaoh reanimated themselves as a humanoid figure. We created bonds with our Companions, forging a link between us that could not be easily severed. My Companion was Hatsheput, a former queen of a place called Egypt. She takes the form of cheetah, to match me better. She tells me that our Kingdom reminds her of her Egypt, but she is glad that our tribe is better to its people than Egyptians were.  Another perk of being related to the Sol'Ra was that we were all werebeasts. We could take the form of one of the deserts animals. Mine form was a cheetah, as depicted by my birthmarks along my rib cage, which I had expanded all over that side of my body with tattoos. My brother was able to turn into a lion, something that I always found slightly amusing due to the nature of his hair. He had always had a mane, no matter how much as children he tried to tame it.  I prowled around the perimeter of our lands, something that I had taken to doing whenever I went out to hunt. I couldn't explain it, but I felt like something was going to happen soon, and as the next Sol'Ra, I was prepared for whatever threat came to our sands. Hatsheput trailed a little way out from me, doing much of the same, but using her eyes where mine were unable to reach. I stopped just before coming up to ridge of a crest in one of the dune hills, and crouched down. My right hand wrapped itself around the hilt of my hunting axe as I crept upwards, wanting to be able to peek over the top without arousing suspicion. I slowly climbed to the top of the crest, and looked over. I was near Solvess, an oasis that bridged our tribe with several others. It was often used a ritual space, for festivals, and even other ceremonies or celebrations, like weddings. Hatsheput was the first to go over the side, and I watched her from the corner of my eye. She trailed along the space where green met sand, the hair on her back slightly raised. Something was wrong. I let my eyes travel beyond, using Hatsheput's vision to tell me what she was seeing. In the distance, there dust clouds that seemed to be approaching Solvess.  I watched for awhile longer, waiting to discern any kind of shape within the dust. I soon felt the presence of other Hunters, but not of my tribe. It seems I was not the only one aware of a stranger's approach.  I retreated back to my own vision, shaking my head slightly to clear my head. Sharing a mind was a great thing, but it often meant being unable to discern your own thoughts from your Companions if you melded for too long. I looked back over the oasis, and began seeing several other animals that I hadn't previously. A hyena waited beside a rather thick sunberry bush, almost completely obscured, save for its tail, which was just barely moving. I heard a low hiss and turned my attention to a crocodile that sat beside the lake, its mouth slightly agape to show its many rows of teeth. Shortly after, a heron landed on the water as well. Its beak buried into its neck feather for a moment before returning its attention straightforward, towards the dust clouds. A howler monkey swung into my vision, gliding through the trees swiftly, until it was near Hatsheput, who was now much closer to the edge of Solvess. I let my eyes keep traveling, wanting to see just how many Companions were arriving. It wasn't long until a smile played at my lips. I could see Horus creeping along the brush quietly. He belonged to my brother. Which meant that his wife's companion wasn't far away. And true enough, the ground began to rumble slightly underneath, the sands falling from the ridge as the massive war elephant approached Solvess, its rider proudly on its back, her smile gleaming as she made her entrance. Once she arrived, I heard her let out a low whistle, prompting me to respond with a soft whistle of my own. A chorus of whistles erupted after that, allowing the Hunters to be able to locate each other as well. Most were somewhere near their Companion, others were in trees to give a difference vantage point. My brother's wife was the Sol'Ra of their tribe, The Sunriders. Most of their people were able to ride massive mounts, making them "closer to the Sun", hence the name. Being the only Sol'Ra in the vicinity however, it meant she was in charge. I watched her hold up her first, her bronzed skin glittering in the light. We all turned to watch the dust clouds, which were now rapidly approaching Solvess. It wasn't long before I could make out the legs of horse running at a full gallop, its rider holding tightly. There was no saddle on this horse, just a blanket. I released the grip on the hilt of my axe, and instead pulled an arrow from the quiver at my hip with one hand, the other reaching for my bow. I lodged the arrow, and aimed it for the rider, but held my shot. I allowed my thoughts to open, creating a connection with the other Hunters in the area. I allowed them to see what I saw, and could feel most of them drawing their bows as well.     "Hold until my signal, E'den." Sol'Ra Aya commanded through our link. "I do not want to shoot an innocent."      "Of course, Sol'Ra." I replied, respectfully. I kept my eyes trained on the approaching target, who was almost to Hatsheput's and the monkey's position by the edge. The figure suddenly leaned up on their horse, and held their arms in the air, then proceeded to wave them back and forth.  My pulse quickened, and my muscles itched from being crouched into this position.      "I mean no harm! I come to you in peace, children of the Sun." Upon hearing the shout, I allowed myself to unlock my arrow, returning it to my quiver. I replaced my bow in its holder, and stood on the ridge.      "Hail Traveler. What brings to you to our people?" I shouted back, my hand reaching for my axe once more. I could feel the other Hunters watching me, as this was a tactic we often used. Show one to hide the many. Hatsheput ran out to meet the rider as their horse galloped to the edge of Solvess, escorting the rider to me.      His arms were still raised, and looked terrified. "Please, I mean you no harm. I am Senu, of the human village Ra'Staak. I bring to your people a request from the Kingdom of Thornes." My eyes narrowed at this, but I let my hand fall from the axe's hilt, making the man exhale deeply.      "I do not harm the innocent, Senu. It is not my people's way. You have nothing to fear from me, so long as you are innocent." I saw the man's eyes light up with relief, and he slipped from the horse's back, making him yelp slightly. I could hear the chorus of snickering in my head from the Hunter's link. Obviously embarrassed, Senu tried to right himself quickly enough, brushing sand from his clothing. Then he reached his hand inside his robes, prompting me to raise my hand again towards my axe. He offered his other palm up, as a show of peace and withdrew a scroll case, offering it to me. I used my left hand to take it, not wanting to leave myself unprotected just in case. The case was gilded, covered in intricate engravings of vines bearing thorns surrounded by what looked like a family crest. "How did you come by this?" I asked.      "It was delivered to us by mistake, Sun-child. I was tasked to bring it to your people as I am the fastest rider in my village." He spoke this with pride, and I gave him a slight nod. At least he referred to us respectfully. Some of the other human tribes thought of us as equals, which is not the case. Our Gods are Elves, and they were gracious enough to mate with the humans, creating the half-Elves that rule their kingdoms. But we were children of the gods, and full Elves. We were not the same as the half-Elves. Though our existence was limited, as only a few gods created children, we were only truly able to  influence in a minor capacity whatever our parent was God over. So, the Sun Elves had some influence with the Sun and destruction, the Moon Elves had some influence over the Moon and stability. The same goes for the Wood Elves, the Time Elves, the Aquatic Elves, the Fire Elves, and the Wind Elves. The Wood Elves could either command plants, or they could shift in any animal they pleased. Aquatic Elves were completely amphibious, and half of their cities were completely submerged. The Fire Elves were Dragonriders from the Kingdom of Dragons, a kingdom far to the East of us. Wind Elves had cities in the sky, and were known as Cloud-wanderers. Being a Sun-Elf, my people were known for being able to help provide necessary warmth for crops to grow, and to stave off a lot of diseases caused by the cold. But we were also known for being aggressive, and talented warriors. Senu's fear of us was not misplaced, but at least he had the sense to act appropriately.     "Invite him in, E'den. But do not leave us." I heard Sol'Ra Aya command through the link.     "Senu, walk with me. Bring your horse." The human obeyed quickly and quietly, staying a pace behind me trying to be respectful. I led him over the ridge and into Solvess, stopping only to leave his horse at the water's edge, the beast drinking from water gratefully. The Hunters had repositioned themselves while I had distracted Senu. Now, they surrounded me, but more importantly, they surrounded Sol'Ra Aya, who was no longer atop her elephant. I led the human to her, and placed one fist over my chest, before getting down onto one knee. I blinked as I looked over at Senu, who had completely dropped to both of his knees and was practically laying on the ground, his hands forming a triangle for his head to rest on. He had to have been some sort of monk. None of the other humans in the area were as respectful as this. Perhaps he belonged to the Temple on the outskirts of Ra'Staak, I thought. After a moment, I stood and handed the scroll case to Sol'Ra Aya. She opened the scroll and began reading its contents. I watched as her eyes narrowed somewhere around the halfway point. Her smile had completely turned by the time she was finished reading the scrolls contents. She replaced the scroll into its case and resealed it, handing it back to me.      "Take this to Sol'Ra Amon. You may return once Amon gives his reply." Aya said to me, her voice very still and serious. I did not like this side of my brother's wife, as I knew it meant that there was a problem for the Tribe, and the People. I bowed once more, and turned to leave, but Aya caught my attention through the Hunter's link. "Tell your father we will wall select a Champion, and we will meet here to decide which of them will go." My head turned to her slightly, and I replied with,      "We both know I will be chosen, I will see you soon. May the sands shift in your favor." I saw slight nods from several of the Hunters out of my peripheral vision, and I turned from them, and began to close my mind once more, leaving the link. I let out a growl and began to run as quickly as I could, jumping over the crest that I had been crouched behind earlier, transforming into a cheetah mid leap. I landed on my paws, and kept going, picking up more and more speed. Hatsheput raced along beside me, until we became blurs, and raced back to my tribe, and to my father.  The journey was always quick in this form, almost too quick. My muscles yearned to run more, to hunt this way, but once we were close enough back to the Tribe, I shifted back. My chest gleamed with sweat, heaving against the fabric of my top. Several people called a greeting out to me, and I tried to bow back respectfully, but I didn't really have to talk today. I push past people with mumbled apologies, and made my way to our War Hall, where I knew my father would be. It wasn't so much a hall as a building where we planned and celebrated our victories. It was round, and held a large scaled battle map in the center of the room, complete with figurines depicting various other Kingdoms, villages, and even Hunting locations. When I entered the room, many of the Hunters bowed to me, but Sol'Ra Amon watched me with worry. I approached him, and bowed to him the same way I had bowed to Sol'Ra Aya before, but instead of addressing him as I normally would have, I used my father's title.      "Sol'Ra Amon, a request is sent to us from The Kingdom of Thornes." I presented the scroll case, and one of my father's guards took it from and brought it my father. The worried look on his face only increased when I used his title, but this wasn't just a family matter. I watched his face fall as he read the scroll, and then as he placed his face in his hands. Father seemed tired today.      "Huntress E'den, is it my wish that you Champion our Tribe and meet with the others at Solvess to determine whom shall have the honor of fighting as Champion for our People. You will take with you two guards or Hunters of your choosing, and should it be determined that you will leave us, they will go with you to ensure that you might return, "Sol'Ra E'den." The room grew quiet, and I felt my voice die in my throat. The guards and Hunters in the room placed their fists over their chests, dropped to one knee in unison and repeated "Sol'Ra E'den." while pounding against their chests. My father was naming me leader upon my return as Champion of our People, should it be decided that I would hold the honor. I stood tall, and placed my fist over my chest, pounding it twice. The movement in the room ceased, and the chanting stopped. Everyone's eyes were upon me, as I would be allowed to make one decree at this time, and no more until after officially receiving the title during ceremony.     "If I am to be Honored, but I do not return, I elect Rehema to take my place as Eldest, and as future Sol'Ra." My father nodded his approval, a small smile returning to his face. He was proud, but worried all the same. I looked through the faces of our Hunters, both trying to determine who would come with me, but also to look for my sister's face, since I just had just named her my replacement should I die. Her eyes were wide, as if she somehow seemed surprised by choice. She should have known I'd have chosen her as my replacement. While I was gone, she would be treated as I am now, as Eldest. Such is our way, as it has been since our creation.  "My choices are Safiya and Khepri, Sol'Ra Amon." My father nodded once more and waived his hand, allowing the two to leave ranks and stand beside me. "Safiya because I know no other Hunter that is her equal. And Khepri, because as much as we have had discourse in the past, I trust him to always be honorable, even if it means telling me to back down. I believe these two will allow me to return."  Once the three of us were back outside, and heading back towards Solvess, Khepri stopped us. "You really think I'm honorable?" He seemed puzzled by this newfound information. Khepri was skilled Hunter, but he was definitely more of use as a scholar. He was one of few the Hunters that had held two jobs, Hunting, as well as being one of our Tribe's healers. Even Safiya gave him a funny look.     "Of course she does. You're Mr. Goody-Two-Shoes. You couldn't do something against the rules even if your life depended upon, Khepri. You can't even lie well." Safiya crossed her arms over her chest. She was lean, lithe, and despite her height, you could easily miss her when she trying to be camouflaged. Her yellow hair was cut short, but it had always framed her face nicely. And she only ever wore clothing she could fight in. The most causal thing I'd ever seen her wear, was a war dress. It was basically a body suit of fabric that was extremely lightweight, yet durable, and had been enchanted to wear more like heavy plate armor, without the weight or the metal.  A lot of our Hunters wore outfits made with this fabric when they went out to hunt, but most changed when they got back. Safiya never does. Her eyes were a fiery orange that matched both her temperament and her personality. She was confident, and sure of her own skills, but she didn't always work with other people as she had a tendency to be painfully blunt, and wasn't something many people appreciated. Her birthmark was on her left hand, resembling an asp. Its head sat upon the top of her hand and its body wound around and up her arm. Since she was the "palest" of us, the onyx color of her birthmark stood out deeply against her skin, but she used tattoos along her arm to paint sort of a background for the asp, like it was sitting in a tree of some sort. I've watched her use it against animals - they'd be distracted by the "snake" and not notice her. I shuddered when I thought about this.      "What about you? She thinks you're the best Hunter we've got. Don't you have anything to say to that?" Khepri asked. I clearly needed to compliment the two more often if they thought that what I had said was anything other than true.      Safiya scoffed and laughed at him. "Of course I'm best Hunter we have. You'd be an i***t not to know it. I bet even the Sol'Ra would say so, Khepri."     "The Sol'Ra did say so." I interjected, making the two quiet again, reminding them of my position when I had stated these words. "Come on. I want to get back before Nightfall. I have a feeling we'll need to leave before the last light." I stated, and started walking again. After a few moments, the two rejoined me, still quiet.       We made it back to Solvess just as the sun was beginning to set. Sol'Ra Aya was still here, along with my brother. He looked up when I walked back in, and he walked over to greet me with a hug.  "Aphobis, were you chosen as well? Or are you simply here to protect your Sol'Ra?" Being Aya's husband, he was a candidate to be chosen, but he was also of high enough rank that he could be here to protect his tribe's leader and to cast a vote.      "Nothing seems to ever get past you, does it sister?" Aphobis chuckled and kissed my forehead. "I stayed with Aya, as is my duty. But I asked not to be Champion. I only want to be here as a member of rank. It would be inappropriate for me to leave. Especially not when you're about to have a niece or a nephew, huh?" He grinned broadly, and I looked at him for a moment and then at Aya. I smiled, but I let my hand come down a bit hard against his back when I congratulated him, in a playful sibling "tap". "Nothing terrifies me more than knowing there will soon be miniature versions of you running around, brother." I said with a smirk. Aphobis laughed and returned to his wife's side to relay my congratulations to her, and I saw the smile on her lips even from here.  I wandered my way into area we typically used for rituals and other voting ceremonies. It was in the heart of Solvess, and it was mostly hidden from view. Already, there were Hunters from other tribes there, each with their own guards and Companions. Hatsheput had been with me when I returned, but I believed that she had gone off with her mate for the next few hours. I never begrudged her time with her mate, though I saw some of the Hunters having their Companions stay close to them. This was typical of some of the smaller tribes that didn't trust the rest. They seemed to think that they would be attacked here, even though this is sacred ground and it is against our Laws to harm a member of the People here. As the sun finally set, Aya, Aphobis, and another tribe's Sol'Ra joined the room. Every Champion was here now, and the two Sol'Ra's took turns speaking.     "Earlier today, Huntress E'den brought our attention to a traveler, Senu, of the human village Ra'Staak." Aya turned and bade him enter, and Senu walked into the room. He tried to bow to us in sections, and I again got the suspicion that Senu was from the Temple, and not from the village.      "Greetings, Children of the Sun." Senu bowed once more. "I did indeed travel to your people to give them a message that had been delivered to Ra'Staak by mistake. It comes from the Kingdom of Thornes."  Several of the Hunters began to murmur now. It was rare that another Kingdom sent word to us, but it usually meant either approaching war, a marriage arrangement, or a request for aid. The Kingdom of Thornes lay far to our North, and was one of the closest Kingdoms to Caer Eishrum - the World Tree and the home of our gods. Surely they had the gods' protection, so why did they need us?     "Silence, brothers and sisters. Allow us to finish." The other Sol'Ra commanded, and the room hushed quickly. I stood and handed the scroll case to Aya with a bow. The Sol'Ra continued, taking the scroll from Aya once she had reopened it. They began to read the message verbatim.      'Greetings, Children of the Sun, My name is Lord Augustus Thornemight, from the city of Rosehaven, Kingdom of Thornes.  I trust this letter has found its way to you, and hope that your people are well when it is received. I must apologize on behalf Senu, he is not a villager, but my retainer. The deception was unintentional, I assure you, as Senu does indeed hail from the Ra'Staak area. However, I believed him to be one of only a few that might actually know of your location, as my request to you is most urgent. It seems as though my beloved Kingdom is under siege by an unknown assassin. There have already been four murders in Rosehaven as of the time I am writing this to you. I initially turned to the Gods to beseech them for their help, but I received word from Our Lord Turerus that this assassin is only a distraction, and that our Kingdom should fear what is coming next, but that they are unable to help us further at this time because Lady Solarrys and Lady Lunnaire seem to be in some sort of crisis. Lord Turerus asked me to send them a Champion of the Sun, for fear Lady Solarrys might become more of a "destructive force". I do not know what Our Lord means by this, but those are his words. He seems frightened for Our Ladys, and for the People of Creth. Please send word back or even your Champion with Senu. I eagerly await your response.' I frowned deeply. Lord Turerus is calling Lady Solarrys a destructive force? But why? And what sort of crisis was happening to her? The Hunters were speaking amongst themselves for a moment, and I took the opportunity to open my mind to Aya. Her face turned to mine. "There is a Temple on the outskirts of Ra'Staak, I believe Senu to be a monk of their order." I watched her nod slowly, recognition lighting her face. "If Lady Solarrys is crisis, what does that mean for us?" I asked her. The graven look on her face told me everything that I needed to know.  The other Sol'Ra boomed their voice again. "Silence!" The room quietened almost immediately.  Aya stepped forward. "You are invited here because you have been chosen as Champion for your Tribe, or were chosen by your Champion to ensure their safety. My husband Aphobis offers to be a tie breaker, and Sol'Ra Heti and I will also be voting to name one of you Champion of the Sun. You will travel to the Kingdom of Thornes and meet this Lord Thornemight, and you will serve Our Lady Solarrys in any capacity she asks of you. Do you accept Hunters?"  A chorus of affirmation responded. Aya nodded her head. The three then asked if any among of us had been named more than Champion upon our return. Damn, Aphobis. You're just as quick to catch on as I am? I thought. Khepri stood from behind me, and I growled lightly. I didn't need extra consideration. If the honor was to be mine, I'd have it legitimately. Khepri looked at me, but shook his head. "By decree, Sol'Ra Amon has stated that should she return to us as Champion of the Sun, that she return as Sol'Ra E'Den, leader of Sunheart Tribe." My brother beamed at me, but to my surprise, several other "Khepris" stood, exclaiming the same for their Champion. Well, at least I wouldn't be the only one to be given extra consideration then. Khepri sat back down, and he placed his fist over his chest and bowed to me, knowing that I wasn't exactly happy with being extra consideration. "It is nothing less than you deserve." He said lowly, only loud enough for me to hear. I sighed with frustration. Of course he was right. And if our situations had been reversed, I'd have stood for him too. I placed a hand on his knee to let him know that I understood. He wasn't as dark as I was, but his gold was a much deeper, darker shade, that almost matched his own skin tone, so he seemed to glow. I knew from childhood that his birthmark was on his upper right shoulder, a giant scorpion with its stinger seemingly pointing right at you. His tattoos cover his entire right arm, and right half of his chest as well. The tattoos cascaded with a fiery, ombre of reds, oranges, and yellows, his Scorpion being the darkest red out of the colors. I watched the two Sol'Ras and my brother leave the room to discuss the options. A wave of nausea passed over me, and I decided to head outside for some fresh air. Aphobis's POV:  I watched as Khepri, one of the Hunters from my former tribe stand. E'den had growled at him, but he shook his head at her.  "By decree, Sol'Ra Amon has stated that should she return to us as Champion of the Sun, that she return as Sol'Ra E'Den, leader of Sunheart Tribe." I couldn't help but smile at my sister. I knew she was the best option for Sol'Ra for our tribe. That's why I married a Sol'Ra from a different tribe. I knew our father was proud, but it I also knew that it meant he felt like that he was beginning to slow down. I worried for him, and hoped that his health was well. I'd have to ask E'den before she left. Several other tribes had potential Sol'Ras here tonight as well, making the decision a difficult one. Every one of the Hunters listed as a potential Sol'Ra tonight was worthy of this honor. Objectively, we knew whoever was given this honor would become a new Sol'Ra, meaning that the power balance between tribes was about to shift. It was a nerve wracking time during the naming ceremony, let alone with something like this attached to it. I walked with Sol'Ra Heti and my wife Aya out of the main room, leaving the Hunters to talk amongst themselves. I opened my mind and found that the two were already talking to each other.      "Nice of you to finally join us, Aphobis." I heard Heti say.      "Sorry, Sol'Ra." I replied.      "It is no matter, Aphobis. Your wife suggests the Hunter from the Sunblood tribe, Nubia I believe she is called. I disagree with this choice, as Nubia doesn't even have a Companion yet."     "But she has been named, Heti." My wife chimed in.      I thought about it for a few moments and then said, "I also disagree. Nubia is talented, and even giving her the extra consideration of not having a Companion yet, I do not think she is ready yet to become a Sol'Ra yet. She has only been a Hunter for one year. To send her would mean sending her and her guards to their deaths. I will not."      Even Aya nodded at this. I understood why she picked her, Nubia was incredibly intelligent. Probably even among the People's smartest. But that's exactly why I felt Nubia should be here, and not somewhere else. We needed her at home.      "I suggest Nefer-hotep, of Sunforge Tribe." Heti chimed in again, making his choice. "Nefer-hotep not only has a Companion, was named, but he also has been a Hunter longer than anyone else in that room. I am surprised Nefer-hotep's family hasn't already sent him for ceremony. Perhaps they feel as if he needs a deed worthy to ascend. Shall we grant this for him?"     Aya was the first to chime in. "No. I disagree. Nefer-hotep may have been a Hunter the longest, but it is due to his own fault. I have spoken with his family on several occasions, about when he'd be sent for ceremony. Each time they have told me that it had been planned, but Nefer-hotep has always done something to no longer deserve the honor and was set back a rank as Hunter. Things like going out to hunt for months at a time, but bringing back nothing for their tribe whatsoever. And when asked where his kills where, he stated that he ate them. He places himself above his tribe. When asked why he would return without food for the tribe, his response was because they knew they would let him come back."     I growled a bit. "Some behavior from an Eldest. Does he not want to be Sol'Ra? If that is the case, he should marry another and quit burdening his family and his tribe with his poor actions. I disagree as well."          I wasn't aware how much I had snarled, but both Heti and Aya looked at me with some concern.      "Very well, Husband. Whom do you suggest?" Aya asked after a few moments. I had known my answer before I had even walked into the room. Without hesitation, I said, "Huntress E'den, of Sunheart Tribe."     Heti sneered at me. "You are biased, Aphobis."  Even Aya seemed like she agreed.     "No. Huntress E'den has been a Hunter for fifteen years, the second longest out of anyone in that room. She has a Companion, that she has a complete bond with and has had a complete bond with since she was five years old, the youngest of any Hunter in that room to have a Companion, let alone fully bonded. Two years ago, Huntress E'den stopped a flood from desecrating the farms that supplied every Tribe in the area. It was her idea and quick thinking that allowed us to dam the river and lead it away safely, as well as provide new farm land that was given to, I believe your tribe, Sol'Ra Heti, because your people were starving. Huntress E'den also brings with her Sunheart's best Hunter, and a healer. None of the other candidates brought choices that were actually of any intelligence. They brought friends that they wanted to share honor with, while she brought people that could ensure that the job could be completed, no matter what it was. The only reason she hasn't been sent for ceremony was because she wanted to wait until the people were ready to have her, ready to follow her, not because she felt like she was ready to lead others. Yes, Sol'Ra Heti, Huntress E'den is my sister, but as an Eldest that was groomed to look for people who do well for my tribe, I look at every person out there and think they might do well for their tribes, but only with Huntress E'den do I see someone who would do well for our People. And only with Huntress E'den do I believe that Our Lady Solarrys might have reprieve from whatever it is that is ailing her, or have we already forgotten that our purpose is serve her at any cost, hm?" The Sol'Ras looked at me, shock, embarrassment, shame and then finally pride registering across their faces.     "I agree."     "I agree as well. Are you sure you don't want to be Sol'Ra? That was very becoming of you, Aphobis." Heti exclaimed. My cheeks grew hot and I gave him a slight bow.      "Thank you, Sol'Ra. But no, I personally believe that both Aya and E'den make for a better Sol'Ra than I." My wife smiled at me, and I gave her cheek a soft kiss. I watched her blush, and couldn't help but admire how beautiful she truly was. She was curvy, and slightly darker than I was. Her lips were full, and I always wanted to press my own against them. She tasted like honey and cinnamon, sweet and spicy at the same time, and it drove me mad. I heard a voice clear loudly, and I looked up to see Heti staring at the two of us. Oops. Mind link.      He chuckled and shook his head. "Save your apologies and your lust for later, Aphobis. Go and tell the others our choice."  I kissed my wife's hands and squeezed them gently before leaving the room. I allowed my mind to return to myself, severing myself from the link and returned to the main room. The Hunters seemed restless, but found their places once I returned to the room. A few guards left to retrieve their Champions, and I waited patiently for the room to refill. "Brothers and Sisters, Sol'Ra Heti has asked me to deliver the news of our choice to you all. I am proud to announce Huntress E'den shall henceforth be known as Champion of the Sun. Congratulations, and may the sands ever shift in your favor, dear Sister. May you return to us, Sol'Ra E'den." I placed my fist over my chest, and pounded it once for respect, twice for good luck, and three times for her Glory. She stood and made her way over to me. I watched as her fist hit her chest, once for acceptance, twice for gratitude, and three times for Honor. The rest of the room followed suit, each standing and bowing to her, before striking their chests three times, and then leaving Solvess to return to their tribes. I watched as Senu stood up and made his way to E'den once everyone had left. She seemed to eye him suspiciously, and I wondered what she suspected about Senu, but quickly found an answer to that question when I watched the human drop onto his knees before his, his fist held to his chest, and proclaimed, "It is my honor to travel beside you, Champion of Our Lady." The only humans that referred to her simply as 'Our Lady' and not as 'Our Lady Solarrys' were the monks from the temple in Ra'Staak. He stood up again and struck his chest three times, honoring E'den appropriately.