#rc ishtar

[anamorozov]

[xxmyhomexx]

Flower From Tiamat’s Fire: Salute to The Five, Part 2

A continuation of my previous post :)

~~~

“Pardon my interruption, but Lord Enki has arrived. It is time to take Laney to the square.”

Laney braced herself as she followed her family out of the room and down the hall. They could delay the moment no longer, it was time. She gripped the edges of her gown in case she almost tripped over the train, with Nikkal behind her guiding her with her hand on her back. Laney grinned at the thought of her mom’s comforting hand, and her father matching every step as they lead her to the door. It comforted her knowing she wouldn’t be alone, and her loved ones made the transition easier.

They stopped at the front doors of Kingu’s home: no, the family home. Laney’s chest puffed out as she nodded to her mom. Nikkal unlocked the doors and pushed them open, revealing the stoic, broad face of Enki. The most powerful and wisest of The Five, she gawked at the robes he wore. They were the same shade of blue as his hair, although laced with more jewels and a cape covering his shoulders. She wanted to run around, compliment him endlessly, but she knew better. She was no longer a kid.

“Lord Enki,” Nikkal pressed her fingers against her collarbone in salute. “We did not expect a personal visit.”

Enki smiled. “Well, I simply had to see the newest heir to the thrones of Tiamat. My, my, you look beautiful, Lady Laney.”

She copied her mother’s motion, but Enki dismissed her notion. She would be a new goddess, and between them, salutation was not needed.

“It is time, my water lily,” he held out his hand for her. She tensed, gritted her teeth with a gulp, and shakily interlaced her fingers in his. She had almost forgotten she was to ride with Enki, and not her family. In front of the house, two silver and gold carriages with winged horses awaited their go: one for her, and the other for her parents. Nikkal and Kingu smiled in assurance before Enki escorted her to the larger, jeweled carriage. A coachman opened the door for them, nodding politely.

As she climbed inside, Laney froze at the three people inside waiting for her. She wouldn’t be riding with her parents, but to her shock and confusion, Ethan and her grandparents were piled inside. Enki took a seat next to the coachman, and the clopping of hoofs lead them through Ur towards the Ziggurat.

“Oh my Lords!” Laney held her Uncle in her arms. “I thought…Enki…”

“He made special arrangements for you, Sprout,” Ethan stroked her cheek. “He didn’t want you to feel alone.”

“But Mom, Dad…”

“Already knew,” Laney’s grandmother spoke up. Her grandparents adorned themselves with clothing appropriate for the ceremony, her grandmother’s dress a velvety burgundy with golden sleeves. Lagash’s tunic were the colors of an Earth mage, green and brown. Her grandmother’s mental health had lessened and eased over time, allowing them visits to Ur on occasion.

“I remember riding through here, although it was on Kua rather than in a carriage,” Ethan laughed. “Oh you were so happy, Laney.”

“Now she will enter a new era, one of a Goddess,” Lagash noted.

“Lagash,” Laney’s grandmother narrowed her eyes. “Do not ruin the peace for her.”

“It’s ok, Grandmother,” Laney smiled. “He can have a say in what he feels.”

Lagash cleared his throat and leaned forward. “Are you really happy, Laney? Do you feel…ok?”

Laney’s lips downturned and her eyes softened. All of her family and loved ones were aware of her destiny, and a part of her missed the moments of a carefree childhood, playing with her grandparents at her childhood home and sprinting around The Academy in hopes Ethan would catch her in his arms.

“I’m…adjusting,” she formed words. “I always thought I’d be visiting your house more, and Uncle Ethan would be planting flowers for me to run through and make plant jewelry.”

She snorted at the thought. “I still want to go back and feel like a kid again. A part of me doesn’t want to…ascend Dad’s throne.”

Ethan rubbed her knee in support. “This is a brave thing you’re doing, my niece. And don’t forget, you’re always welcomed home.”

“Don’t lose your spirit, my beauty,” her grandmother smiled. “You’ll still be my little sun.”

Lagash grunted and crossed his arms. “Not a sun, more like the moon. Chaos runs through her blood, I’ve seen it: dark as night, but just as beautiful.”

Laney scratched her neck and sighed. Before long, an entire crowd started to gather outside the buildings, humans and mages alike. They were looking towards the carriages, cheering and calling Lord Enki’s name. He waved as mages started to release fire, water, air, and earth magic into the air, almost as if throwing streamers into a parade. Enki caught a water lily and released it into the sky as fireworks.

“All hail the new Goddess of Night! Lady Laney!” A random man’s voice shouted through the crowd. Laney saw men and women blowing kisses, chanting her name, and clapping their hands. The town’s buildings had been decorated in the theme colors of The Five, and birds of every color soared down from the sky in an elegant dance. She smiled and waved out the window, unsure of what to say but showing appreciation with her eyes.

“My childhood is indeed over.” She gazed away, swallowed a lump in her throat, and the tears threatening to spill from earlier flowed down her cheeks. She slumped forward, whimpering and sniffling. Her grandparents and Ethan frowned in sympathy, and she tightened her grip around her Uncle’s hand. She hissed, gasped, and threw her head back.

“I’m ok,” her hoarse voice betrayed her ears. “Just give me a second.”

She inhaled through her nose, exhaled, and rolled her shoulders back like her mom did. Just breathe in, she commanded herself, just like Mother taught you. Once her body relaxed, she nodded and wiped her watery eyes. It was an important day, there was no time for mixed emotions. What was done is done.

The carriages carted them to the middle of the Ziggurat, where another crowd of people formed around the center. Laney stepped out accompanied by her family, Ethan gripping her hand as she walked down the steps. More loud cheers echoed through Ur, directed at both her and Enki. Laney noticed more familiar faces at the front of the crowd: Su, Niall, and Iyar. They came for her, they came to see her! Decked out in traditional garment, they were smiling and nodding to her.

Laney could no longer take it. She ran from Ethan, sprinting towards her loved ones. She held each one of them, inhaling their scent. Su, Iyar, Niall, they all smelled like royalty. Their arms held her as if she were still a child, fondly and passionately.

“You’ll do well,” Niall pulled back to kiss her forehead. “We believe in you, my sparkle.”

“Make me proud, darling,” Su gripped her wrists. “Never forget your light.”

“And dance!” Iyar twirled around, plucking a few strings on his lyre that she loved so much. “Fill the world with music! Sing your song to the people of Ur!”

Laney giggled and pressed her forehead against his. She closed her eyes and sighed before Enki cleared his throat.

“My dear,” he crossed his arms behind his back. “Come along.”

Iyar motioned her along as she strolled to Enki, eyeing them over her shoulder. The wise, old mage accompanied her in front of the Ziggurat, her eyes scanning the torches that the statue of him lit. The building was huge, taller than any pyramid with an endless flight of stairs. At the top, she saw the rest:

Ishtar, Shamash, and Enlil. They cast glances at the crowd, smiling and enjoying the company of humans and mages in harmony. While this filled their hearts with happiness, they saw Enki holding his hand out for Laney at the bottom of the steps.

“My Lord,” Laney shook her head. “Please, let my family guide me to the temple. It’s the least I ask.”

Enki saw Nikkal and Kingu following behind. They stood at the edge of the stairs, watching their daughter in anticipation. Enki, raising a brow, motioned for the guards to let her parents through. Kingu and Nikkal, staring at everyone, stepped past the armed bloodhouds straight to their daughter.

“You may escort your daughter to the temple doors, but that is all I can allow.”

Laney smiled at him gratefully, and eagerly took the hand of both her father and mother. Enki nodded at the crowd.

“I hope to see many of you at the banquet later tonight! We shall see you all in time!”

The crowd cheered and waved at them, chanting blessings and throwing flowers towards them. Ethan, Nikkal’s parents, Su, Niall, and Iyar, everyone she loved, watched her. Ethan waved drastically, blowing kiss after kiss making Laney giggle. Enki started to ascend the stairs with the family in tow.

The more they climbed, the higher Laney realized they went. It was a long way up, too long, and she grew terrified her feet might give out and send her tripping all the way down. Kingu squeezed her hand, hazel eyes dancing into yellow.

“You’re ok, my Lady,” he whispered. “I’m so proud.”

“You already said that,” Laney mentioned.

“Can I not openly show love for my daughter? I think I can,” Kingu smirked. Laney stifled her laughter as they reached the final step: the final step to the doors of the Ziggurat, the temple of The Five. The brown doors were enormous, almost five hundred times the size of The Five and her stature. Two guards saluted them, including Laney and her family.

“My, my,” Ishtar bowed before her. “You are truly a daughter of Kingu.”

“A beautiful girl,” Enlil smiled. “So innocent, full of life. A greatest treasure.”

“If not, the most beautiful.” Shamash bit his bottom lip as if he were tempted to take wealth from a great King. Laney bowed her head in respect as the doors opened. Each of The Five stepped inside, leaving Laney with Enki waiting for her with her family.

“So…” Laney tightened her grip in her parents’ hands. “This is goodbye.”

“Not goodbye,” Nikkal shook her head. “More like see you soon.”

Whimpering, Laney threw her arms around their necks in a group hug. She wanted them there, to tell her everything would be ok, but they couldn’t enter with her. Kingu rubbed her back as Enki cleared his throat again.

“Laney, come.”

The girl, in reluctance, let go of her mother and father with tears in her eyes, nodding in a silent promise to be brave. Nikkal and Kingu smiled as she turned her back to them, allowing Enki to guide her into the temple. The only thing she heard was the sound of doors closing.

[xxmyhomexx]

Flower From Tiamat's Fire: Salute to The Five, Part 1

I keep getting ideas for writing after seeing all the posts people keep putting up! This will be a couple of parts, as it is about Kingu and Nikkal's daughter as an adult! It has no connection to the game, and is once more about The Five!

~~~

"Since Kingu is stepping down, it is mandatory to balance the thrones. Once she reaches age 25, Laney must take her Father's place."

"Your daughter controls Chaos better than anyone. She is perfect."

Laney's yellow eyes snapped open think over the events that transpired over her life. She remembered meeting The Five for the first time, sleeping in Ishtar's bed and eating cookies with Enki. It was only a handful of times they welcomed her, but those times were the warmest the world's rulers treated her. Now, just as her parents' taught her, her 25th birthday was here, which was also the annual Salute To The Five Ceremony.

Sitting at the vanity in her old bedroom, she observed her reflection. Her skin reflected her father's pallor, midnight black hair falling in waves down to the small of her back. Her angular face produced high cheekbones, and her yellow eyes reflected her mother's. The cherry-red lip paint on her lips glossed as she puckered, sighing deeply in her chair.

Her dress was outfitted in a style that suited her tastes, a simple but elegent lavender with a flared out bottom and off the shoulder sleeves. The Five ceremony would start in two hours, and she still hadn't moved a muscle to get to the door. Why was she like this? She had the confidence of her father, but the timidness of her mom.

"By Lahamu and Lahamu, curse you." She sneered.

"Curse me? I hope not, because I bring gifts!" A man's voice startled her from her chair. He wore orange robes, his dark brown hair tied back in a manbun, green eyes dancing on her while carrying a basket with ribbons, a dagger, and other trinkets. Laney's muscles relaxed as she recognized Kishi, a boy from a neighboring village near The Academy, and one whom her mother rescued from an Annunaki.

"Kishi," she hugged him as he sat the basket down. "By the name of Irkalla, never scare me like that again. I could've scorched you and fed you to the Annunaki.

"Psssh, bitch please," Kishi scoffed. "A little thing like you could never."

They both laughed as she sat back down. Kishi leaned forward and massaged her shoulders, figuring out how to style her hair. He fanned out her locks to her face, asking her if she had any suggestions.

"I'm thinking braided buns and curls going down your back," he scratched his chin. "Or maybe clipped back in a crown?"

Laney's lips formed a thin line. She had always loves long hair, and she swore to never get it shortened unless the ends needed trimming. Now gazing at her reflection, she inhaled through her nostrils and nodded to herself.

"Cut it off."

Kishi froze. "Excuse me?"

"I want it short," Laney leaned back. "Maybe down to my chin. Yeah, let's go with that."

"Darling," Kishi was perplexed. "You never wanted anyone to cut it short."

"Times are different, Kishi," Laney relaxed her shoulders. "I'm about to...become a part of The Five."

"Oh, Laney," Kishi rubbed her head. "You never asked for this life."

Chuckling, she shook her head and lowered her lashes. He was right, she never asked to become Kingu's successor. Enki wanted a replacement, and Tiamat's thrones needed five people to rule over the world. Humans and mages lived in harmony now, and the peace following Tiamat's demise lasted years and years. She thought she'd be at the House of The Lion practicing sparring with Aunt Su, listening to Uncle Iyar plucking his strings, or listening to Guardian Niall and her parents reminiscing about her childhood.

Instead, she was privately tutored, trained twince as hard from any other mage, and learned the ins and outs of ruling as part of The Five. Kingu and Nikkal taught her as much as possible, preparing her to their best for her 25th birthday. Now it was here, and a part of her wished it'd end as fast as it started.

"Me too, but I'll make best of it," she finally answered Kishi. "I won't let The Five down, or my family. I'm not weak, and I sure as Irkalla am not someone to give in. I'll be the best damn ruler Ur has ever seen."

"That's my girl," Kishi rubbed her head. "Now, how do you want the cut?"

"In waves."

~~~

Outside her daughter's room, Nikkal's hunched shoulders rolled back in anxiety. Clutching her blue dress's wrap tightly around her chest, her long fiery hair tucked tightly above her head in a braided bun with ringlets framing the sides of her face. Today, she'd guide her only daughter to the Ziggurat, where she'd start her rule alongside Enki, Ishtar, Shamash and Enlil.

She was so strong-willed, but her poor girl had to learn faster than anyone to fight and learn magic. Never once did she complain, cried a few times, but never gave up. Now, on her birthday The Five Ceremony would take place, which meant her induction as well. She was a proud mother, a very proud one.

"Are you all right, My Lady?" a familiar figure wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to his chest. Kingu, her child's father and husband, wore black robes with a long flowing cape. It was traditional Five clothing, although he'd be inducting someone else. His hair was fastened in its normal style, but looking at him, she'd fallen in love with him all over again.

"Yes," Nikkal turned around to kiss him. "Just trying to delay the moment our girl takes her place with Enki."

Kingu pursed his lips. "A part of me feels guilty."

Nikkal's eyebrows rose. "Why, dear?"

"It should be someone else, not Laney. If it were up to me, I would've never have left if they told me she needed to take my place."

He closed his eyes and frowned. Nikkal cupped his face, forcing him to open them.

"Laney chose to accept this, Kingu. She is scared, but she understands her duties. Believe me, as her mom, I'd have change fate as well."

The two leaned in and pressed their foreheads together. For a few minutes, they remained together, in a mental embrace hoping the hours of the ceremony wouldn't come. Unfortunately, reality wasn't fantasy, and they needed to face Enki and the others sooner or later. Kingu released his wife and walked to the doors, grabbing both handles and opening them to reveal a shocking display.

Their eyes widened when they saw Laney facing them, fanning out her dress. She looked like an angel, although they notice Kishi sweeping the strands of her hair into a pan on the floor. Her once long, lush locks had been chopped off, reaching now her chin in wavy strands. To keep it out of her face, Kishi clipped two strands back with silver and purple hair ornaments. Her makeup was minimal, only cherry red lip paint and pink powder to accentuate her cheeks. A matching shawl draped over her shoulders completed the look of her beautiful gown.

"Mom, Dad?" Laney tilted her head. "What time is it?"

"It's still early, but we came to get you," Nikkal smiled. "You look gorgeous, my dove."

"Yes," Kingu smiled wide. "Like an angel."

He wrapped his arms around her and held her close, as close as any father could. He did not want to let her go, to start a new life, he just wanted her to stay here and keep on nurturing and loving her. But as any father, he had to let her grow into an adult, an adult who was now going to be a new member of The Five.

"I'm so sorry," he whispered in her hair. "I wish things were different."

"Father, no," Laney shook her head. "Don't say that. I know it wasn't the life you wanted for me, but I've come to terms with it. The Four needs a successor, and I can control Chaos. I'm not afraid."

Kingu stroked her cheek and smiled. "You're a terrible liar."

Laney smirked. "I guess you can never truly be ready, huh?"

"Things will get easier," Kingu gripped her hand. "Trust me."

Nikkal walked in the room and pulled her daughter close as well. She may not have been a special mage unlike Kingu, but she was still an equal in this family, and her daughter was her everything. As a mom, she envisioned her life as a free spirit, choosing her own path and creating happy memories.

"Just know we are still proud," her breath hitched. "So, so much."

Tears threatedned to spill out of her eyes, but Laney shook her head and cleared her throat as the family separated at a knock on the door. A servant entered her chambers, bowing to the family.

"Pardon my interruption, but Lord Enki has arrived. It is time to take Laney to the square."

Laney braced herself as she followed her parents out of the room.

[xxmyhomexx]

More Flower From Tiamat’s Fire Theories

So I saw some spoilers for the new chapters (They were BIG) and they were sad, which left me to write something happy! They have no connection to the game, are about Kingu and Nikkal’s daughter from previous posts, and are what I believe The Five would be like if they weren’t monsters!

Enki

Upon meeting her for the first time, he is immediately smitten. He notices how much Laney looks like Kingu, and her yellow eyes she gets from Nikkal.

Laney is left with him as her parents work at The Academy, and Enki kneels down in front of her. He lifts her in his arms, smiling at her as he starts walking towards the halls.

“Are you hungry, Laney? Would you like something to eat?” he peers down at her.

Laney scratches her chin and nods happily. “I want cookies, please.”

Enki laughs and declares she shall have them, escorting her into the kitchen.

Shamash and Enlil

In the garden of the Ziggurat, Laney and Enki sit on a long white and purple couch with a plate of cookies and a pitcher of milk on a table. Laney is munching down while telling Enki of her “practices” as a water mage.

“And Aunty Su says if I keep practicing, I’ll be just like her!” she claps her hands together as Enki laughs. 

The doors burst open and two familiar faces step out. There is a gentle breeze that whips their face, and Laney spots their red and blue robes. She scoots closer to Enki, gripping the edges of his cloak with small fingers. Enki rubs her back as Shamash and Enlil walk over.

“My, my, Enki. You’re really enjoying snacks while we--why hello.” Enlil spots Laney sitting on his lap. 

“Laney, my flower, meet Shamash and Enlil.” Enki introduces her to the two.

Laney hops off his lap as Enlil holds out his hand for her. She is hesitant at first, but takes it as Shamash scratches his chin in amusement. 

“My, my,” he kneels down in front of her. “She looks just like Kingu.”

“He’s my daddy,” Laney informs him. “And Nikkal’s my mommy.”

“They must be at the Academy,” Enlil lifts her in his arms. 

“Yeah, but I miss them,” Laney frowns. “I want my mommy and daddy.”

Shamash shakes his head and slips her from Enlil’s grasp, tsking and running a hand through her midnight-black hair. Her yellow eyes are full of sadness, almost as if she were on the verge of tears. True enough, Laney starts to cry for her mother and father.

“I wanna go home,” she sobs.

“Hush, hush,” Shamash comforts her, stroking her wet cheeks with his thumb. “It’s only until they are done, my sweet. Do they work all the time?”

“Yes,” Laney nods. “Aunty Su watches me but she couldn’t today.”

“Well, you are here with us,” Enlil smiled and wrapped an arm around Shamash’s shoulders. “Do not be sad, child. You are here to have fun! What do you like to do for fun?”

Enki nodded as Laney thought for a moment before smiling.

“I like gardens! Mommy and daddy let me play outside a lot,” she said. “Can we go outside?”

“Somewhere even better,” Shamash and Enlil nod to one another before announcing they’d take over babysitting for Enki.

Ishtar

It’s a beautiful garden as Laney gasps in delight, stopping to check out every flower and plant her eyes could find. She points out a ladybug, a butterfly, and a pink flower floating in the breeze. Shamash and Enlil are having trouble keeping up, but she is slow enough for them to watch her. She is laughing and jumping around, the sad little girl just a shadow of time. 

“Looky, Enlil, Shamash! Water,” Laney runs over to a rivulet where water is flowing from. Purple flowers sparkling magic are floating, and she knelt down to flick droplets in the air. Laughing, she hops from stone to stone, kicking and splashing all around.

“Be careful, Laney,” Enlil calls for her. “You don’t want to fall in the water.”

“It’s ok, Enlil,” she assures him. “I’m practicing my water powers.”

“Water powers?” Shamash elbows his lover in the shoulder, shaking his head. 

“You’re doing amazing, darling,” he smiles. Laney stops playing in the water and runs back to the garden.

“Shamash, Enlil!” a woman’s voice stops them in their tracks. They and see a woman with green and brown hair step into the light. She wore a green dress with a long blue cloak attached to a sleeve, eyeing them in annoyance.

“Why are you here in my garden? I did not ask Enki to...” her eyes dance on the little girl sniffing flowers. “Oh my.”

Laney laughs as butterflies dance around her hands and one lands on her nose. 

“Ishtar, this is Kingu and Nikkal’s little girl,” Shamash took her hand and smiled. “Laney, this is Ishtar.”

“Ah, yes!” Ishtar clapped her hands together. “What a delight. I’ve heard wonderful things about you, my dear.”

“Mommy says you are a garden fairy,” Laney looks at the greenery. Ishtar laughs and kneels before her.

“I am indeed, my flower,” she smiles. 

Laney yawns and starts to rub her eyes. It is apparent she is getting tired, and starts to lull as Ishtar picks her up. The goddess smiles as she scratches her back.

“My feet hurt,” Laney says. “I’m getting sleepy.”

“Let’s get you comfortable, then.” Ishtar carries her across the garden into her private chambers. Greenery and flowers shine as she settles her on a bed with plush white pillows and leafy covers. The canopy is held up by trees, and Ishtar tucks her in.

“Awwww,” Enlil is delighted. “She likes you most, Ishtar.”

Ishtar rolls her eyes as the lovers chuckle. Laney sits up and looks around the room.

“My horsey,” she pouts. “I forgot it.”

“Your horsey?” They don’t understand.

“My toy,” Laney yawns. “It’s white and black.”

“Ah, I see,” Shamash snaps his fingers and thinks for a moment. “I have something better.”

The tips come to light with fire, swirling around until the flames took shape. Laney’s eyes widened as an orange fox with purple eyes and two, yellow-tipped tails came to view.

“For you, my lady,” he hands the stuffed animal to her, and she squeals in glee hugging it close to her chest.

“Thank you, Shamash.” She is elated.

“You’re welcome. Sweet dreams, Laney.” Shamash and Enlil wish her blessings before walking away hand-in-hand. Ishtar sits on the edge of the bed.

“Sweet dreams, dove.” She strokes the top of her head as she lays back down, lulling off to sleep minutes later.

[indomitable-mrs-barkley]

@ftf-appreciationweek

[thestonelady]

The Flower from Tiamat's Fire Appreciation Week Day 5 - Earth

Ishtar, before Ereshkigal was trapped in Irkalla

Based on that vine

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