Kigal sat atop a flat rock outcropping all throughout the night with another gathering of shades around her. Some sat with a poise suggesting a former life of riches and authority, perhaps courtesans or dignitaries, while others sat with arms looped around their knees, a few even sprawled out on their stomachs. No matter who they had once been, they were all here now.
In the darkness of night, a heavenly courier had come bearing gifts from heaven’s host of gods to celebrate her ‘awakening’ to her true nature. Before her he laid out lapis combs, lyres, delicate silver bracelets, a chunk of honeycomb, perfumed oils, a lacquered bowl, and sweet figs, all tokens from the major deities. Kigal wondered which gift her father had sent. The messenger didn’t know either. Though she had asked how he
