One day she read in a crumbling scroll about a son of an pharaoh who had been a scribe and magician: Nefrekeptah, the son of Amenhotep. He had lived three hundred years earlier and had been regarded as the mightiest magician in Egypt, for he had found and read the Book of Thoth, the secrets of the god of wisdom. The Book of Thoth was a collection of magics that would enable the reader to know the language of the animals, to cast great spells, even to enchant the sky and the earth itself!
Taharka desired the book for herself that she too might drink of its knowledge. She learned that it had been buried with Nefrekeptah at the Memphis necropolis. Taharka sought her brother, the mighty Anhur and asked him for help.
It was not difficult to find Nefrekeptah's tomb. As they were the son and daughter of a man, who even in death, held a near status of a Pharoah, the priests allowed them to enter. They broke the seals and made their way to the central chamber. There lay Nefrekeptah in his sarcophagus with a great roll of papyrus on his chest. To his left and right there were two chairs. In one of the chairs was the ghostly ka of a woman, in the other sat the ka of a young man.
She went harmlessly to the box. She opened the iron box, then the bronze box, then the wooden box, then the ivory and ebony box, then the silver box, and then the golden box. In the golden box she found the book and took it. She unrolled the scroll and read from it. Instantly she learned the language of the beasts, how to see the wind and how to hear the sun, the secrets of the gods and the songs of the stars.
The last to be read was a key to be followed, a warning:
Blessed with sight past, present and future
The ability to hear all things
Seer of the planes
Voice heard by earthreal and celestrial
Purity must be maintained
Virtue is the voice of the Gods
Fall from grace
Greed, hate and virtue lost.
Away she left wiser and in protection now of the word of the Gods.
Many came from all over Egypt to hear her wisdom and to learn from her. That would be the beginning of the downfall of her life. For when one man heard word of her ablities, the son of the Pharoah sent his guards to collect her. She was taken into custody and placed in the Pharoahs charge. As long as she used the powers bestowed upon her for his gain, she would live in luxury and peace. If she ever turned against him, the promise was made, that surviving members of her family would meet their death and that she would be tortured and never permitted to die.
In his service she remained faithful, yet kept in touch with her family. It was during a secret meeting with her brother Anhur, that they devised a plan for her escape. None were told, not even the one to whom she would go. On a night when the moon shown not within the darkened sky, she stole away with precious few possessions and sought out one particular ship due to the course it would take. Upon it she would stow away, amoungst the cargo that was being sent to one of blood. After months upon the sea, living off the offerings that were kept within the hold for the God Sobek. Promising him in prayer, she would replace each and every morsal. She survived the voyage and soon presented herself to a very unsuspecting and overjoyed sibling.
Now she resides in peace and annonimity with her younger sister, Sobekneferu, within the walls of a manor, Sobekhotep, in the vast lands of Ballicastle, adjoining the boundries of Heathfield. Nightly she is drawn to the stars, to watch and to listen.
Their homelands had changed for the worse under the tyranny of the Dark Prince, Hematuin. It had taken the family months to work on getting Taharka out of the lands and shipped to saftey with her sister. Her special talents had made her a target for all who wanted power, even the Temple of Sobek was no longer a safe place for hiding. Gifted with the ability to become one with nature, listening to their whispered words unheard by others. Sight of that yet to come, be it in the near future or that of distant. Oft the title Sorceress was whispered, due to the seers ability. Guardian of the Gods secrets as well as those of many faiths. Bound humbly to demands placed in turn, her life of contentment is one of acceptance to the path she must walk along. Powers retained as long as purity and virtue are maintained, as is the price paid for the gift given by the Gods.
Insight and Philosophy
"Thoth is one of your Gods?" He cocked his head slightly to the side, marking his curiosity.
Slowly nods. "Yes, one of several we pay homage to. His name means truth and time. He is the moon God, he is also the God of magic, medicine, astronomy and mathematics." Offering a quick study course of the particular God in which she spoke of.
He chuckled faintly and gave a nod. A curious and attentive expression marked his face. "Yes, he sounds very much like our Gods."
"Perhaps our Gods' parallel on some level. I truly believe that all beliefs are extensions of one." Quietly offered with a gentle smile. A gust of wind entered the window, capturing a length of raven hair and caused it to drift before her. A hand rose to draw it back into place, fingers to comb through and tame it.
"It seems that most religions or basic beliefs stem from the same source. They've just been adapted and changed to suit the personal beliefs of the majority." His gaze followed that strand of hair as it was given life by the wind before drawn back into the stream of her dark mane.
"I have noticed that since coming to these lands ... so many extensions of beliefs, but the basics all seem to mirror one another. Tolerances and acceptances are where they seem to differ, some more strict than others."
"Indeed." He sighed and nodded softly. "It's unfortunate that our differences seem to tear us all apart."
"That's the fallacy of human nature. Power and wealth are the things that so many seek in life. It brings forth a darkened nature and breeds mistrust, greed, disloyalty and hatreds. If all could find contentment in what they have and in what they are, peace would rein with a solid foundation. Famine, poverty and suppression would be nonexistent." Slowly she moved away from the window and to his side, there to kneel along side his chair as she gazed up at him. "We know well how such is, it has changed our lives."
"So we do..." He watched as she drew over to his side, smiling wistfully at her. "Would you rather sit in a chair?" He motioned towards one nearby.
Slowly shakes her head and offers a smile. "I find comfort here. Besides, it's not respectful for a woman to sit at the same level as a man." So was the belief of her culture. Habits retained, even upon foreign soil.
He nodded and didn't press the subject. After all, he was in no position to tell her otherwise. "What happened to you the other night? You seemed to be gripped by some sort of fever."
Brows furrowed slightly in puzzlement. "Fever? ... When was this?" Unsure as to what he was referencing to.
He wasn't sure himself what she was in the grips of that evening. "Several nights ago now. That fellow Cairns, I believe, was watching over you."
It took a moment and then she realized of what he spoke of. "Oh .." Slowly shook her head. "That was no fever. I have tendencies to visions, they do not always chose a proper place and time to happen. It seems that the Gods' had a message they wished to offer to Sieheb Trevor through me, which in turn triggered another vision that I'm still trying to understand. ... Lately, they have been becoming more frequent."
"Has something happened of late to trigger them?"
Slight motion of shoulders in a shrug. "I can't think of any particular reason for the sudden influx. It has been like this for quite some time. They shall not appear, sometimes for months, then suddenly they can strike weekly, or daily."
He reached out and placed his hand on her shoulder comfortingly. "I hope you are able to untangle their webs..."
Warmly she smiled up at him. "I know the Gods' are trying to tell me something, there is a reasoning for what they do. It can just be frustrating, and at times embarrassing also. Many understand not my gifts and look upon me as if I'm inflicted with a mental disorder. I have even been accused of being possessed by demons or some evil entity and shunned."
"People fear what it is they do not understand. They don't see mystery or adventure in the unknown. Such vastness scares them."
"I let it not worry me, let them think what they may. For I know the truth and those who matter that surround me. In that I find solace and contentment, their condemnations fall upon deaf ears. If I was to worry over all who shun me for my differences, I would never leave my home and shelter myself within the temple."
He chuckled softly, nodding his head in agreement. "Yes, this is true indeed."
Warmly she smiled upon him. "One day, my Gods' may chose to speak to you as well. I only hope they do you scare or offend, they have a tendency for the over dramatics so they can entertain themselves. Being Gods', there's none to stand before them and correct their wrongs."
"Perhaps one day. Perhaps they already do." He smiled somewhat enigmatically, but continued on. "In most pantheons I've come to know, most of the Gods and Goddesses have a flare for the dramatic. I've always thought of it as better to impress their followers."
"Many misunderstand the Gods'. I know them personally, they whisper to me oft, or beacon me to the temple to lay at my side. They too need understanding, to be touched, to laugh or to cry. They have feelings, wants and desires of their own. This is not known by many because they expect the Gods' to be above such things." Slowly shakes her head. "That is far from the truth."
"I've never really understood why they would think their patrons above those things. Stories about of love and marriage and childbirth and war. Many of the basic emotions instilled in any living creature."
Slowly nods. "Yes, creations come at a price. Sometimes their own in loss or devastation. Basics of humanity are created in the image of the Gods' to whom homage is paid. They are closer to us than any fathom. Oft their will is misinterpreted or twisted to an understanding or belief that individuals wish for themselves, not the way it was intended or implied. They realize not how this saddens the Gods'. I have many times had to dry eyes of tears, or hold to comfort in my arms when such things happen."
"Do your Gods manifest themselves before you?" He was obviously intrigued by her talk of comforting them.
Slowly nods. "Yes, They call me to the temple, sometimes collectively in council, or on an individual basis." A gentle smile to appear. "One of the privileges of being a Guardian. They know their secrets are safe with me and that I shall offer my life before exposing them."
"Interesting..." He had a somewhat bewildered expression on his face. He couldn't imagine what it must be like to stand before an entire council. Much less a single entity of such power.
"I was told by my father that I was chosen while still within my mother. I was given certain gifts upon birth, and they were strengthened through my explorations in life."
"How did you father know this?" He leaned towards her a bit, his gaze intent on her own.
"I remember it not, my childhood is sketchy in memory. He claims that as soon as I was able to form sentences, I was speaking of the Gods', repeating things they told me. That which I spoke of, oft came true within a short period of time. I was predicting things I could hold no knowledge of. It was when I came to young adulthood, that the Gods' began to offer me insight into lives past."
He smiled slowly, nodding his head attentively as he listened to her tale. "It actually all sounds quite remarkable."
"It's also quite draining and confusing as well. They are not always clear on what they show me and it's after the fact that I understand what I was told." Her smile then wavered as her gaze lowered to her hands resting upon the arm of his chair. "It has also placed me in a position where I was used in a most horrid way. No choice of my own, I did as I was bade, to protect those I cared the most about."
The hand that still rested on her shoulder gave a gentle squeeze and then relaxed again. "I'm... sorry." He knew the words wouldn't help much, but perhaps the sentiment behind them would.
Her gaze slowly rose to meet his own as she warmly smiled. "You've nothing to apologize for. It's just proof of what we spoke upon earlier. The want of wealth and power can manifest destruction on so many levels. It's a saddened state, but truth nonetheless, all we can do is ensure it never fully prevails and protect those around us by any means possible."
With that she slowly stood and gazed upon him in a gentle nature. "I should return home, It has been a pleasure speaking to you once more Sieheb Theredon. Again I would like to welcome you to our lands and hope you find your peace, as my family is." Softly stated. "May Sobek watch over you always and keep you safe in all your endeavors." A bow of her head in respect to her new found friend before she'd turn to make her way out of the tavern.
(Theredon and Taharka J'Atar)
A gift bestowed upon her by the Warden Christopher Elvenord.
From his lands of the North, It's a symbol of luck and caring.
Taharka J'Atar
Guardian of the Gods
Protector of Secrets and that Sacred
Astrologer
Visionary/Seer/Sensative/Prophet
"Sometimes what's viewed as a blessing by some, others consider a curse."
One day she read in a crumbling scroll about a son of an pharaoh who had been a scribe and magician: Nefrekeptah, the son of Amenhotep. He had lived three hundred years earlier and had been regarded as the mightiest magician in Egypt, for he had found and read the Book of Thoth, the secrets of the god of wisdom. The Book of Thoth was a collection of magics that would enable the reader to know the language of the animals, to cast great spells, even to enchant the sky and the earth itself!
It was not difficult to find Nefrekeptah's tomb. As they were the son and daughter of a man, who even in death, held a near status of a Pharoah, the priests allowed them to enter. They broke the seals and made their way to the central chamber. There lay Nefrekeptah in his sarcophagus with a great roll of papyrus on his chest. To his left and right there were two chairs. In one of the chairs was the ghostly ka of a woman, in the other sat the ka of a young man.
She went harmlessly to the box. She opened the iron box, then the bronze box, then the wooden box, then the ivory and ebony box, then the silver box, and then the golden box. In the golden box she found the book and took it. She unrolled the scroll and read from it. Instantly she learned the language of the beasts, how to see the wind and how to hear the sun, the secrets of the gods and the songs of the stars.
The last to be read was a key to be followed, a warning:
Away she left wiser and in protection now of the word of the Gods.
Many came from all over Egypt to hear her wisdom and to learn from her. That would be the beginning of the downfall of her life. For when one man heard word of her ablities, the son of the Pharoah sent his guards to collect her. She was taken into custody and placed in the Pharoahs charge. As long as she used the powers bestowed upon her for his gain, she would live in luxury and peace. If she ever turned against him, the promise was made, that surviving members of her family would meet their death and that she would be tortured and never permitted to die.
In his service she remained faithful, yet kept in touch with her family. It was during a secret meeting with her brother Anhur, that they devised a plan for her escape. None were told, not even the one to whom she would go. On a night when the moon shown not within the darkened sky, she stole away with precious few possessions and sought out one particular ship due to the course it would take. Upon it she would stow away, amoungst the cargo that was being sent to one of blood. After months upon the sea, living off the offerings that were kept within the hold for the God Sobek. Promising him in prayer, she would replace each and every morsal. She survived the voyage and soon presented herself to a very unsuspecting and overjoyed sibling.
Now she resides in peace and annonimity with her younger sister, Sobekneferu, within the walls of a manor, Sobekhotep, in the vast lands of Ballicastle, adjoining the boundries of Heathfield. Nightly she is drawn to the stars, to watch and to listen.
Their homelands had changed for the worse under the tyranny of the Dark Prince, Hematuin. It had taken the family months to work on getting Taharka out of the lands and shipped to saftey with her sister. Her special talents had made her a target for all who wanted power, even the Temple of Sobek was no longer a safe place for hiding. Gifted with the ability to become one with nature, listening to their whispered words unheard by others. Sight of that yet to come, be it in the near future or that of distant. Oft the title Sorceress was whispered, due to the seers ability. Guardian of the Gods secrets as well as those of many faiths. Bound humbly to demands placed in turn, her life of contentment is one of acceptance to the path she must walk along. Powers retained as long as purity and virtue are maintained, as is the price paid for the gift given by the Gods.
Insight and Philosophy
Warmly she smiled up at him. "I know the Gods' are trying to tell me something, there is a reasoning for what they do. It can just be frustrating, and at times embarrassing also. Many understand not my gifts and look upon me as if I'm inflicted with a mental disorder. I have even been accused of being possessed by demons or some evil entity and shunned."
