#sekhmet coven

[thesirenisles]

daughters of the sun.

[bluezorya]

Raelle: WHAT?!

M: :))) *internal monologue: I gonna annoy the shit out of her in 30 minutes*

[prismcon]

We can't wait to welcome Spree Leader, Arlen Aguayo Stewart and Sekhmet Coven Leader, Ess Hodlmoser, to PRISM 2025! Who else is excited to meet these incredible Motherland Fort Salem actors?

Tickets on sale now: https://t.co/43VkbP1ipL

[aquanova99]

Even Gods can Bleed

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Final part

prev <<

A/N: For anyone that still cares about this, thank you for being patient because I’m trying to finish any series I swear (Sweats because she has like 10 more ideas she wants to start).

A/N: Also if anyone cares the next hunger games part should be up today or tomorrow depending on whether I take a nap today

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Benjamin stared at the snow falling around them. Focusing on every individual one falling to the ground before him. Grounding himself by smelling the heavy pine in the trees surrounding him. Wishing he had never asked to travel here. From Kebi’s strange behavior to learning about the extent of how grief could consume people, no parents, who truly cared for their children. Benjamin had not once thought about whether his disappearance caused any one strain. In fact, he knew it hadn’t. Save for Tia maybe, but she wasn’t even aware he had died, she’d been so shielded from anything outside of pleasing her husband.

“Benjamin?”

“Why were we not told about this? I would have never—”

“That is precisely why. It isn’t your burden to carry it was…or is ours. We knew what the outcome would be when our prior coven decided to fight. We came together for necessity, not realizing the volturi was willing to leave us be for the most part. We still see no need to fight senselessly. Our regret lies with the our lack of support and understanding of Sekhmet. We could have traveled further, not criticized her choices so harshly. I regret ending on the note that we did.” Amun paused as his memory flashed the look of anger and betrayal in his daughters eyes. Her pained look etched forever in his memories. Never quite letting him rest. “We should have known her heart, understood it more. I believe that she really thought she could take on the world and win, it was her downfall. If I could do it over I am not sure I would fight, but I would tell her how much she means to me. It’s a lesson that has taken me many years to learn.”

“You mean Demetri?”

“Yes. I may be strict with you but you need to know that I care about you and Tia greatly. I know I say I am strict because I care but in truth… I love both of you. You and Tia.”

“And now?”

“Hm?”

“You said you don’t regret not fighting before. What about now? Would you regret it?”

“We will support whatever choice you make. But Benjamin, this time it is not because I fear death or fear your mother getting hurt. But I will not take sides against my children. I have many failures. With Sekhmet, I told her I cared for her but did not support her decisions, with Demetri I supported him in whatever he wanted to do but I failed to let him know how much he was cared for. Mut, perhaps, not as badly but we failed him. We will never know with Sekhmet but with Demetri, we know had we said anything he would be with us still. It is a different almost stronger grief to lose someone that is still around.”

“Do you think the Cullens stand a chance, I mean truly?”

No. Maybe. Not really. “Yes. I cannot contribute to you or Tia or Demetri dying at my hands. We will bear witness and nothing more. I am- so sorry.” Amun cleared his throat. He knew regardless at least one of his children would not make it back, the thought brought back the sense of unease and immense guilt. Another lifetime of questioning whether he made the right choice.

“You truly do not regret not fighting?”

“No.” Amun said simply, “Had we fought, we would have never found Demetri…or you. And you would not have brought Tia.”

Benjamin nodded and quickly ran up to Amun ad hugged him, “I need to see Ommi.”

Amun stood shocked for a second before following after him. He came up to the small clearing Mut had found and saw his mate and Benjamin hugging. Mut’s eyes coated with venomous tears threatening to fall. Amun knew she would hold together if only for the younger ones to not worry.

“You have nothing to apologize for Benjamin. You should be proud of your heart. I know we are.” Amun heard her whisper as Benjamin pulled away from her. She gently stroked his cheek and then standing up and wrapping Amuns hand in hers, “Come. I’m sure we have much to discuss. Kebi, could you take them to the campsite with the Cullens?”

“And keep away from the spawn, yes. Come kids. They’ll be back in a few minutes.”

The second they were out of eyesight, Amun pulled Mut into him. Exhausted, she all but melted into his touch. After centuries together there were no words needed for how they were both feeling.

“Oh Amun. What are we to do…”

“Hope my love. Hope no fight comes about.”

“I don’t know if Benjamin will stay behind now.”

“I know. I think Tia will be what decides it for him. If she doesn’t fight I think he will restrain as well.”

“I disagree. I think he will hesitate if she stands with him. He worries about us too much. He wouldn’t risk us going through it again.”

“You are likely right, as always.”

Mut chuckled, “If he doesn’t fight, and we get the chance. We owe it to Demetri to have a conversation. Let him know how we truly felt that day.”

“He doesn’t deserve to have reopened wounds Mut.”

“I was there, Amun. The wounds never closed.”

He sighed, knowing well enough that she was right. And it was useless disagreeing with her, “Very well. We shall wait for them.” Muts eyes gleamed with the faintest glimmer of hope, she offered a sad smile and the pair walked deep into the woods towards their old acquaintances.

At the campsite stories of war were thrown around. Benjamin noticed that besides the Irish coven, none of them spoke about loss. The Romanians were vengeful, but more so spoke about power not grief. Benjamin caught himself wondering if that was an effect of dealing with their grief. He couldn’t imagine neither of his “parents” without the other. They seemed to be made for each other. Never straying far from each other for very long.  He wondered what it was like losing everyone you had ever been close to. He thought about Amun, Mut, his sister. Could he live with himself if they died just to stand with him? He looked at Siobhan and Liam, both with one hand on Maggie. Somewhere inside he knew they would leave if they truly felt she was in danger of not making it out, he also knew she would burn the world down if her family was ripped from her. They had already had one of the nomads leave. Would their presence make that big of a difference? Would their statement gain unwanted attention from the volturi?

This was wrong. He knew if he was human any contents in his stomach would be expelled immediately, part of him still worried about it. He should have said nothing. Stayed in the housing that Mut had turned into a home for him and Tia.

“Benjamin?” Mut had come from behind and put her hands on his shoulders, her comfort drowning him in a wave of guilt. He tried to hide his anxiety and offered her what little of a grin he could offer, patting one of her hands to try and persuade her he was fine. He was not fine.

“I cant wait to go back home.” Is all he could muster out. It was the truth. There was no guarantee they would all make it back there if this came down to what the younger Cullen wanted. You felt his gaze from the tent, hearing all of your doubts. He had used your gift to rally everyone into fighting if it came down to it. What happens now? You could hear him whispering to his mate, head snapping to your direction. You avoided looking in their direction. Counting down the seconds until morning came. Finding anyone to talk to just to avoid the slightest possibility of a confrontation before realizing the safest place was with his coven.

The sun began to slowly creep and rise in the horizon. Everyone progressively speaking less and less. Anxiety rising in everyone about the upcoming and increasingly possible battle. The large group silent as they walked towards an empty field. Then somehow the silence seemed to get stronger…louder…deafening. Though they were all coming together for a singular purpose it was clear to everyone that every coven stood separated, apart from one another. It was clear they would protect their own first. Amun and Mut shared a glance, anxiously and nervously waiting to see some familiar face. Amun looked far into the forest behind them. He wondered if the wolves the Cullens had recruited would be smart enough to protect their own or if they truly were ready to die to protect the people on their land. Amun knew first hand how people would die both from arrogance, and need from control. He also knew people would run if they felt they had something more important to protect. The Romanians were convinced they were still being hunted even centuries later, always running. Now, he felt, it was them running. Again. Not able to face the threat of the volturi. The circumstances different, yet so eerily similar. Trying to keep what little semblance of family he had. Hoping he could keep everyone alive this time, praying the once so eager Benjamin would decide to hesitate.

Benjamin had stayed largely silent. Still unsure of how everything would happen. Amun and Mut had placed themselves in front of Benjamin and Tia. Kebi stood besides her sister, ready to do whatever it took to protect Mut. Mut ready to do anything to protect the younger ones and her mate. Tia desperately hoping they could go home, knowing she would stand with her brother. A carousel of worry. A sea of black and red surrounded them. They were hopelessly outnumbered. Benjamin remembered Kebis stories. How the volturi had fought the children of the moon, monsters who appeared similar to the allies the Cullens recruited but no rational fiber in them. They had plenty of gifted members among them, but that was what the volturi was known for. It wouldn’t be enough. Benjamin watched as they came into view. Mut clutching Amun’s arm as her eyes landed on Demetri. Amun stiffening when their eyes met. Centuries of unresolved conflict and hurt in both of their eyes. Benjamin scanned the crowd. It was clear who the other affected party was. Their resident tracker.

There was a hurt in the blond vampire that echoed the rejection of Benjamins own. He remembered that hurt of feeling unwanted, from what Amun had told him it had been a misunderstanding. The years it had taken to come to terms that this time truly was different. And it was suddenly very clear why Amun would not be able to fight. Why Mut couldn’t imagine hurting him again. Benjamin had felt an immediate and unconditional feeling love and understanding, it was a feeling he had never been offered before. It had been, at on epoint, too good to be true. And yet. the same people who offered him refuge, had somehow turned away another. Misunderstanding or not. His “parents” had failed the volturi member. They wouldn’t do so again, Benjamin also knew they wouldn’t hold him back if he wanted to fight. Aro had begun speaking, but a new fear had taken over him. Would they forgive him? If this group the Cullens had rallied together somehow won, would they look at him the same? If he had a hand in their other child’s undoing? If they did look past it, would Benjamin be able to live with it?

Amun interrupted his train of thought, ensuring Aro would have no hard feelings for simply stating that as witnesses they were sure that Bella and Edwards daughter was not an immortal child. Aro assured them that all was well, Benjamin snuck a glance to Maggie who tugged at Siobhan’s arm, wondering why he was speaking the truth. Amun and Mut turned back to look at back Benjamin and Tia, a silent but pleading expression. Tia tugged his arm begging for him to listen, just this once. Benjamin nodded to her, and then to Amun. A low growl left the youngest Cullen boys’ lips, while Bella began to look panicked. The Irish coven looked between themselves wondering if they should follow. Benjamin snuck a final look at Demetri, the once hurt expression was now replaced by a stony glare. His family didn’t stick around to see if anyone followed their example. That was no longer their concern.

Where was that concern all those years ago? A jealous rage brewed deep within Demetri. Was his gift not good enough to fight for? He was in the bloody elite guard, for Gods sake. He had never itched for a fight more. Something to take his mind off of the deep seated ache he thought he had long ago forgotten.

The Egyptian coven ran until they reached Montana. Mut stopped first. Halted as if she had forgotten something. The rest of them stopped at different intervals to go back. Amun barely had enough time to grab onto her shoulders before Mut collapsed into his arms. A broken, guttural sob escaping her. The thought of losing someone she cares about deeply breaking something buried and long hidden inside of her. In a way, this eased Benjamins conscious. The possibility of making it worse, well…it would have killed him.

They sat there for two hours. Amun sitting next to his mate. Tia resting her head against her shoulder. Mut only spoke to ask Kebi how she felt the further away from the child. Kebi laughed, “I am not the one you should be concerned over.”

Kebi realized her words the second they left her mouth. She had meant that Mut was clearly the one that needed the support, but there was no avoiding what else she meant. Amun hissed at her, already struggling to hold himself together for his mates sake, Kebi’s remark was not helping. Mut’s head dropped, she allowed herself to shrink back into Amuns embrace. They would have stayed frozen for hours longer but Kebi’s head shot up.

“Someone is coming.”

Everyone was on their feet in seconds. The familiar scent hit Amun first. “Wait.”

He tugged on Muts hand. She clutched his arm again. Benjamin saw the tracker and what he thought was the most intimidating vampire hed ever seen. The taller one nudged forward the tracker. And leaned against the tree. Demetri glared but took another step forward. “Its been a whi—”

Mut rushed forward, cutting him off with an embrace before he could say anything. “Thank the gods you’re safe.”

Demetri’s head buried into her shoulder. It had been too long since he had felt an embrace of any kind like this. Any physical connection he had encountered over the years had been just that, purely physical. There was warmth that radiated from his ‘mother.’ Demetri tried to hold on to the hurt and jealousy he felt at the mates pair clearly  fighting to keep the younger vampires with them. Why wasn’t he offered that courtesy? As prideful as he tried to be, he caved at their welcome. He was almost ashamed, still desperately clinging to whatever scraps of affection he was offered. No. Even he could tell this was different.

Amun came up next wrapping Demetri in an embrace that shocked almost everyone but Mut and Benjamin. He rested his forehead against Demetris, a warm hand on the back of his neck. Years of unspoken apologies coming out in a single sentence. He stepped back and put both hands on his shoulders looking into his eyes and hoping he could see how much he meant every word, “I am truly sorry for not fighting harder for you and your place in our coven.”

Demetri cleared his throat. He struggled to find any words. Mut joined her mate and the three stood like that until Mut started laughing, “Gods look at us. We’re such a mess. And we’re being rude. Demetri, we have some people we’d like you to meet. You too Felix. I’m glad we are meeting under better circumstances.” Mut dashed over to hug him as well, “Thank you. For keeping him safe. And out of trouble I’m sure.”

Felix chuckled and bowed slightly to one half of the leaders in the coven. “We cant stay for long. We have a new… mission that requires our attention?”

Muts face fell, “What happened?”

“The future teller came back. Brought another being like the child. Mature. But the same. After you left…the irish and nomads got nervous and smartly, I may add, said their statements and left. Aro offered the child and its mother sanctuary.” Demetri explained.

“Did they accept?” Amun asked

“Aro wants to check on other hybrids first. They would have had week but unfortunately, Bellas shield is a bit too strong and she could effectively hide her whole family as long as she would want. So, they are discussing who is going with to South America. We’ll be leaving tonight. But as he’s talking to Carlisle he thought it was best if I checked on my old coven.”

“So soon?” Muts voice was laced with a clear disappointment

Felix chimed in, sensing his friends own guilt rising. “It shouldn’t be too long. Caius and Marcus have concurred that Demetri would do good with some time away when we return.”

“It does appear I would need a place to stay a while, so if it isn’t too much trouble—”

“Of course. Your home will always be there.”

Mut and Amun hugged him once more before it was time for him to return. Kebi came forward as well,

“It will be nice to have you back again.”

Mut grabbed Tia's hand and urged Benjamin forward as well, "Well, before you go I would like you to meet your...siblings. This is Tia and Benjamin."

Demetri smiled at his old covenmate, and the two newer additions, nodding before he left once again “I look forward to getting to know you both. It seems we will have much to discuss upon my return.”

Tia and Benjamin smiled at him. Feeling happy to see a weight visibly seem lifted off of their parents’ shoulders. Excited to have more family to learn about. Curious to know what kind of life he had lived in the volturi. As the two caped vampires disappeared from view, Mut exhaled a sigh of relief and looked towards who nodded with watery eyes.

“Lets go home."

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"You've gotten much better Benjamin. It shouldnt take long for you to not have the need for your hands."

"I hope because without them it feels draining."

"Well, Demetri is coming within the week. No practice until he leaves."

"Do you worry he will tell Aro?"

"No, I worry he will say nothing. Lets not put him in an even more difficult position. He doesn't need to feel as if he has to take sides."

"Very well, father." Amun smiled at the young vampire. The two walked into the main living area. Amun seeing his wife and her sister both sitting across from eachother, Amun slid in next to his mate. She leaned against him, her scent held him ransom as he placed a kiss against her temple.

"Wheres Tia?"

"Leave her be Benjamin, she says shes working on a project. Its supposed to be a surprise. No gifts anywhere near her room."

"I would never." Mut put her book down and stared down the young boy, "alright, I wont do anything. Swear."

Life was peacefully mundane until Demetris arrival, he brought along a curious Felix and the family was delighted to see them both. Benjamin and Felix seemed to distract themselves with play fighting and videogames while Demetri tried to not feel as if were forcing himself in a place that was welcoming him in.

"Demetri would you like to talk about it?" Tia finally asked

"I'm sorry?"

"Come on, you and our father have lots to discuss." Tia grabbed his hand and sat him on the couch. Mut tried her best to stifle her gasp but Tia was done with secrets.

"Please Demetri, ask away. We promise we will tell you anything that may have been left out." Mut may have answered but Amun knew it would be up to him to be honest about his past.

There were a million questions running through his head, he wasn't sure he was ready to learn about his own unfortunate circumstances. Why even save him? After everything? After..."I would like to start at the beginning, if that works for everyone. I would like to know about Sekhmet."

Somewhere Amun felt his wounds begin to slowly stitch themselves back together. A healing he never thought was possible in his lifetime, "The humans knew her as the Goddess of War.."

[khensaptah]

In my world, everything comes back to Ptah and Sekhmet. Even when exploring other practices, everything comes back to Them.

I remember a long time ago, a friend of mine left Kemeticism and ended up getting involved in a Wiccan coven. As we are both nonbinary, we spent a lot of time talking about gender and Wicca. Skirting around oathbound topics in their tradition, we talked about how gender was more nuanced in the mysteries than one might expect.

I've been reflecting on that conversation a bit the past week, as I have been looking at the divine from a omnist lens. What do more binarist faiths have to tell me about the gods, Who I know to be larger than binary gender. Ptah-Naunet is the Mother-Father; Sekhmet Who is of the Powerful Phallus.

Much brain; very gender.

[following-the-red-lady]

Likewise, background in witchcraft, had built a small coven and was looking into dieties associated with different elements. (Our coven is still very element focused, but now secular). Saw Sekhmet in a list associated with fire, and while found her intriguing at the time we ended up going a different route and so she was just in the background, fondly, as we did more with our coven. Later on I learned more about Kemeticism here on Tumblr and decided I enjoyed the research heavy aspects of the religion. At which point Sekhmet let me know that she was interested in a working relationship again. Which eventually grew into a devotee relationship, and has lead to where we are now. about 7 years on :)

To Kemetic Devotees!

(And anyone else who'd like to chime in!)

How did your relationship with your deities start out? How has it evolved since then?

For myself, I started out pretty insecure in my practice. I was still in the broom closet, so there wasn't much I could do in way of worship and offerings at first.

As time went on, I started to grow a lot more confident in my skills, and also became more open with my practice when I finally started to open up with my deities as well.

[twomoonsz]

gay witches are the backbone of society

[kittanthalos]

sekhmet coven + standing up for tally

[mfs-research-institute]

I'm curious about the male witches. I understand that they're lower in the witch hierarchies, both Military and Spree, but the difference between the male witches we got during season one and season confuses me. We saw the boys during Beltane all decked out in khaki uniforms, but then Gregorio shows up in the same all black uniform. Were thr Beltane Boys in their version of Fort Salem (ie: bootcamp)? Or a different class of military training altogether? Because they were geared more toward seduction and weapons maintenance, whereas the boys (boy) we've seen at War College is focused on the same combat techniques ans strategies as his female counterparts.

@queerscifinerd snatched this question up. Here are her thoughts:

"Alright so here’s my theory about male witches at war college (Disclaimer: I am talking about biological sex/AFAB & AMAB in my entire comment here, NOT gender!):

In an interview last year Eliot mentioned that male witches are apparently born much less than female witches (so instead of a male:female ratio of biological sex of about 50:50 as normal humans have, witches maybe have a ratio of e.g. 80:20 or even less than that! (He doesn't actually mention the ratio, just that male witches are very rare). This theory is also supported by the ratio of attendance at Libba’s funeral (A LOT less male witches there than female witches!). 

I think male witches have about as much of a chance as female witches to attend war college based on their numbers (maybe a little less or a little more, because apparently in war college a coven consists of 2 units + 1 male witch + coven leader. But we could still be proven wrong on this, we only have one example so far!). And in war college male witches and female witches go through the same program but everyone also still has their individual tracks as M mentioned in 2x02.

The BIG difference is how the rest of the military is treated, i.e. those that don’t make it into war college, i.e. “War Meat”. The female witches get deployed to the front. Male witches on the other hand stay at home to build weapons, get married off (considering there are so few of them, they are probably in high demand of hand fasting, I mean they have freaking Pokémon cards of them), take care of the kids, etc. That’s why their basic training looks so different. 

I’m guessing after war college male witches still do different things than female witches, i.e. they don’t get deployed to the front (Eliot mentioned in the same interview that male witches have been removed from the front for about 100 years now!), so they probably stay in administrative positions at home. This is very possible since in war college everyone is on a different track. So I’m guessing Gregorio is on a track specific for male witches.

So that’s my guess based on what we have so far. I could be proven completely wrong."

----

Thank you for the ask! As always, if you would like to join the conversations on our Discord, please shoot us a DM for an invite!

[naneki-maid]

seeing Abigail appear with a fucked up throat because she tried pulling off an ancient and damn near impossible song had me thinking of Darth Vader’s warning to Krennic in Rogue one

abigail “be careful not choke on your aspirations” bellweather

[succubusted]

just binge-read all of the presently published Beasts of Burden and holy shit

it is very, very good and has a lot of ridiculously funny moments and I'm absolutely keeping up with it from this point forward

that being said, a good long list of trigger warnings for if any of y'all are also interested

Graphic Gore

Graphic Animal Death

Graphic Human Death

Semi-Graphic Child Death/Murder

Semi-Graphic Animal Abuse

Graphic Body Horror

Graphic Suffering

Suicide and Self-harm

and also some stuff I'm not quite sure about, stuff that's specific and stuff I might not be knowledgeable enough to classify, as well as some things that just plain BUM ME OUT

Beasts of Burden is very good but look after yourselves, feel free to ask me for specifics

[bodiesonbodies]

Ess Hödlmoser as M, Sekhmet Coven Leader

[aquanova99]

Even Gods can Bleed

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Part 2

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A/N: Look who’s back? Back again. No I got a wave of motivation so I hope I can keep this up. I have closed Requests so I can catch up and not ignore anyone in my inbox. I am so sorry it’s taking so long.

✿

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“I hope there is no misunderstanding.”  

 “Of course not, we will send someone when the time is right. It is truly wonderful to see you again! Would you want to join us for dinner? I’m sure Heidi can gather enough for one more.” 

 “No need, I fed just before arriving. I do thank you for the offer.” 

  A tiny blonde ran up to Aro, whispering something of importance. A truly necessary thing to do as a vampire, but a habit hard to break. Still, she had been practicing, Mut was only barely able to make out the last part of her sentence.  

“They are already on their way.” 

 There was a sigh, “You have to forgive us, but we seem to be having an influx of…visitors. A few people in our guard are accompanying Heidi and are on their way as we speak. Could we show you to a room until we have fed?” 

  She knew full well what he meant. She had waited too long. All she could do was offer a curt nod in resolution, “I suppose there is no avoiding it then?” 

  “I’m afraid not.” 

  The air was quiet when everyone returned. There was an understanding that it was time to come to an agreement. The younger ones seemed worried about their previous actions. Benjamin began nervously tapping his fingers. 

“Careful Benjamin, you might cause a fire.” Mut ruffled his hair before taking a seat next to her husband.  

 Amun looked at his mate, asking if she was sure without speaking. She nodded and allowed him to be the one to tell the coven what the plan would be. 

“We shall go. Only as witnesses.” He looked at Benjamin when he spoke the last part, the young boy nodded too eagerly 

 “This is a bad idea.” Kebi muttered to herself 

 “One more thing.” Mut interrupted, “We stay together, whether we leave or not. Benjamin I am speaking to you. Majority rules.” 

 “That’s unfair, you three always outnumber us. But, understood.” He nodded and Tia agreed. As much as she would want to side with Benjamin, Tia was content with her life. Years of protecting him as a child translated well when she was turned, she felt indebted to him. He had, after all, rescued her from a husband she was forced to pretend to be happy with. The music that once filled her heart had felt long extinguished. Benjamin appeared one day and offered her to never have to worry again, he told her that she could have an actual family. He was wrong on part of his promise, Tia worried. Tia worried every day. She didn’t need anything else, her life was perfect. She couldn’t admit it to Benjamin, but she had no interest in going to meet those erratic looking vampires. She wishes she had kept her mouth shut. 

 “You seem nervous child.” Amun sat next to Tia. Mut had noticed her distant stare, the dissociation from any and all conversation. Her and Amun both shared a look before Mut immediately began challenging Benjamin to a game to keep them preoccupied. Tia blinked slowly, adjusting back to her surroundings. She could hear Benjamin and Mut laughing. Kebi was running from room to room collecting everything they could need. Tis brought her knees to her chest. From the minute he had met Tia, Amun had been able to tell how vastly different she was to his past daughter. The boys, they were similar in some aspects but Mut argued Benjamin and Sekhmet were the closest to sibling. He was inclined to agree. But Tia, she may as well have been a mouse, hiding within the confines of her home in the coven. She worked hard to try and not upset anyone, unsure if either head of the coven would one day tire of her. 

 “I don’t wish to leave here.” Tia had always been soft spoken, her voice only the tiniest bit away from a whisper. But this, it was if she could only mouth the words.  

 “I’m sure it’s clear I have little interest leaving either.” 

 “Then why do we have to go?” 

 Amun sighed, “Benjamin will go regardless of what we think.” 

 “Can you not tell him to stay??” 

A chuckle escaped him, “I doubt there anyone on this earth that can tell him anything.” 

 “Can I ask you something? Honestly?” 

 “Of course.” 

 “Why are you doing this? Kebi is very against this whole thing. Ommi is the only one who seems interested in really going. I don’t understand why the two of you would risk the volturi, even if we are supposed to just witness.” 

 Kebi stopped. Only for a half second but enough to warn Amun that if she heard Tia, Benjamin would be able to as well. He could tell Benjamin at a later time, “Lets walk.” Tia followed soundlessly, even more curious about the secrecy that seemed to continue to spring up ever since the tired looking vampire came to visit. Amun led the two of them right out of hearing distance. The young vampire had rarely seen her chosen father seem so pained. Amun was known for being straightforward, hiding something from either her or Benjamin seemed out of character.  

“You remember the reason we do not anger the volturi?” 

 “Of course, the war between your coven and the volturi. You, ommi, Kebi and a couple others decided to stay out and follow the rules they had set up.” 

 “Well, actually I suppose we almost ended up joining the rather hopeless battle.” 

 “I thought—" 

 “Believe me, we had no interest in doing so but we had another member in our coven who decided to fight at the last minute.” 

 “Another member?” 

 “Your… sister of sorts. A bit younger than Benjamin. She was confident we had the advantage even though our original coven barely tolerated each other. She ran away at the last minute, we were seconds late.” 

 Amun took a breath to steady himself. Tia was stunned. It was no wonder they were so terrified to let the two of them meet anyone. They had only met Isis and Osiris on occasion and they had only left Egypt to meet the Volturi once. Tia remembered despising it, she had spent the entire time wishing she was back home. Benjamin enjoyed seeing something different but he had been moved around too much to not be anxious. The castle was extravagant, and the volturi were nice enough. Still, there was a coldness in the air that worried. She saw her mother silent, as the one who tried to keep the atmosphere cheerful the quiet was enough to worry her.  

“Is--is that why you guys seemed so sad when we had to see them?” 

 Amun was surprised at the perceptiveness of his oldest. He had assumed she was scared at the long halls that seemed to stretch forever, the bleak atmosphere, the death that seemed to seep from the walls as if the ghosts of all the previous victims were still here prisoners of someone’s mistakes. Worse… He worried his stories had frightened her, worried they may not make it out. Truthfully, even he worried for that possible outcome. His fear of Benjamin possibly a similar route to Demetri had preoccupied his thoughts until he felt the tiny girl he had known to try mediate any argument cling onto his arm. He made sure to say nothing even when he could feel the cracks forming. Tia loosened her grip when the sound of porcelain struggling to hold together brought attention to her actions. Mut had noticed after this as well and held Tias hand the rest of the way.  

 “Not entirely. Benjamin was offered a chance to join their coven. We have had someone we care about decide to join them. We figured there was a chance Benjamin may consider the offer. We are aware we can be a bit overbearing.” The two were heading back albeit slow, Tia had so many more questions. “Tia. You are not to tell Benjamin about this, not yet.” 

 “You think he cannot handle it?” 

 “I tell you this only because you asked. We had not been supportive of Sekhmet’s decision and she acted rashly. Her and Benjamin are similar.” Painfully, similar he thought. Amun swore Sekhmet had to be in some way related to the young vampire. As if her soul had decided to give them a second chance to redeem themselves. “Benjamin needs to make the decision without guilt playing a factor in his choice. We both have decided regardless we will not hesitate this time.” 

 “Very well. But he should know about the other vampire you two are hiding in the volturi.” 

 “I think Mut may answer that part of the story when she is ready. It is something I am not proud of nor ready to discuss right now.” 

 “You do not need to. I understand.” Her responses always made her seem older than she was. Amun smiled at the young girl. His throat tight with guilt. Thinking back on the night Benjamin brought Tia, he had almost turned her away. Had his mate not accepted her so quickly…He would rather not dwell in those thoughts. He ruffled her hair, enjoyed the brisk air. While the temperature may not affect his own body temperature it was still refreshing, even nice to step out of hiding even for a bit. Tia on her end felt more at ease at knowing her family had no intention of leaving them behind. The two raced back, eager to get the trip over with. 

 Benjamin was eagerly awaiting their return. He began peppering Tia with questions, Tia deflected well but for the first time was not sharing her brother’s eagerness. Only saying that she had reservations about leaving. Benjamin was taken aback by this, the boy still worried he would be cast aside, worried about the day he would push too far, why didn’t he learn? Did he force his sister into possible danger? Perhaps it was just his father’s warning?  He decided to quiet his own enthusiasm for the time being, 

“You think this will go poorly?”  

 “If it was going well, Carlisle wouldn’t have had to travel to our home to ask for our help.” Kebi muttered, Mut glared at her sister. Kebi had never been one to complain but she should see the growing concern on her children’s faces. Benjamin’s eyes widened but his mother did not miss him blink back the pools of venom in his eyes. 

 “We are going as witnesses Benjamin. That is all.” Benjamin nodded at the reassurance in Muts voice. Still the usual softness was replaced with much more stern tone. Every time he brought up the volturi she had seemed to recede further into herself, and her answers became cold. This was not the mother he had come to know. Something troubled her. Yet, she still was trying to comfort him in a way, as if this matter was no longer to be discussed but a job they had to get through. Mut looked at the wide-eyed child and her own worry began subsiding at his concern. Until it was for certain, she had to remind herself a confrontation may not even be in the cards. She put her hand on his cheek, “Everything is fine. We should be leaving, the sooner we arrive the sooner we can decide what kind of help we can offer. Tia, Kebi has collected some clothes but see if you need anything else. I will make a call to the volturi. We can leave right after.” 

 Everyone had been fed and the plane ride was painless. They chose the closest area that had enough coverage for them to begin their trek to Washington. Upon arriving the cold, humid air excited Benjamin. The contacts he had so vehemently protested were welcome as he realized just how freely he could walk around mostly unnoticed. His mother had gone to get them a car to get to the Cullens with no worry of attracting any more attention. The promise of being able to meet more of his kind outmatched his want for sightseeing, he hoped he would be able to convince Amun of seeing more now that they were actually far from home. Upon arriving, Benjamin felt his hand bend the mist surrounding them, a new element he wanted to play with. Mut just shook her head. Not yet, she warned. The red-haired vampire came out and greeted them first,  

 “Amun, we appreciate you bringing your family to help us.” Benjamin saw Tia glare at the vampire who appeared a similar age to her, Benjamin was inclined to do the same. His mother and aunt were always heard in their coven. Benjamin thought that if he should thank anyone it should be his mother. The vampire seemed horrified for a split second before grumbling something to the rest of the coven. “Mut, Kebi.” 

 Benjamin took note of the way his parents had said nothing. He was still curious to see the half human child but tried to remember his mother’s words. The vampire introduced himself and explained the events that occurred with his mate, leading him deeper into the woods near the house that was secluded away. Seeing the child stopped the coven in their tracks. She only had to give a little wave for Benjamin to deem her harmless. Mut and Amun knew of Carlisle’s gifted son, and it was clear he jumped at the opportunity to show off the daughter. Still, something made Mut wary. 

 “She’s very gifted, she can show you herself what she’s been through, what she’s lived.”  

 “She communicates with her hands.” Bella picked her up, the child’s hand already outreached towards Benjamin. Mut acted on instinct pulling Benjamin back, her actions surprising even herself. 

 “What is it?” Amun hovered over her immediately, the children aware of what was happening took a step back. 

 “I- I’m not sure.” She straightened herself up, and turned to look at her sister, “Kebi, you still do not believe this is the right idea, correct?” 

 “Of course, you know my position when it comes to the Volturi.” 

 Mut simply nodded, “Your daughter may show Kebi what she needs to see.” 

 Kebi might have been furious but she knew her sister well, there was a reason Benjamin was not to touch the child. The growl that came from Edwards throat all but confirmed it.  

“She’s harmless.” 

 “Then you won’t mind showing my sister. My children run off of emotion. I want to get an unbiased opinion.” Benjamin and Tia looked at each other, there was more to this child then they had been told. They looked at their father, already piecing together what his mate had done moments ago. 

 “What’s the problem?” Bella looked at Edward clueless as to what was unfolding. If Edward answered truthfully, everyone would leave. If he continued forward…Mut couldn’t convince everyone surely? 

 “Nothing Bella, they are just concerned over their children.” 

 “Renesme isn’t dangerous, just let her show you.” She walked closer to Kebi. Edwards arm twitched to pull her back, Kebi glanced at her sister who simply nodded and let the child touch her cheek. Images like no other rushed into her mind. Her eyes stared at the deeply at the child who she had seen, who she had felt grow. The something else, she couldn’t explain it but Kebi seemed to no longer be in control of her own thoughts. She struggled to even make any movement. The child pulled her hand away. 

 Smiling at the woman still frozen in place, she managed to blink away the remaining pictures. But felt as moving any muscle hurt, it was too slow. Yet her mouth seemed to move of its own accord, “They’re right. There is no harm in witnessing. It’s incredible she’s alive.” 

 Mut looked back over to the trio. “Interesting. Benjamin, your aunt seems dazed can you show Renesme one of your tricks, maybe with some water?” 

 Benjamin did as he was told. His mother said the same thing to him when were trying to play a prank on Amun. Muts voice this time lacked all playfulness. He collected some water from the air making a pattern so beautiful the child couldn’t stop giggling as it circled her. Kebi still had not moved. His aunt showed nothing on her face. No contempt at him. She would normally dare him to try something of that nature. He’d be on edge for weeks. The shock of cold water hitting her eyes seemed to awaken his aunt.  

“Wh-what did she do to me?” 

 “She just showed you her life Kebi, that’s all.” Edward tried to soothe the panicked Kebi back into a zombie like state.  

 “Kebi. Why don’t we all go into the house? We haven’t seen the Irish coven in a long time.” Mut glared at Edward as they began to retreat back, “Benjamin, Tia you can show Renesme more tricks later. Okay?”  

 Edward stared down the Egyptian coven backing away. His plans possibly unraveling. His mate looked as stupefied as Kebi had been. Her eyes sort of glossed over. As if she was a mere shell of someone who used to be in there. Mut was sure they would follow but some more guests were arriving. Mut made sure they retreated into the farthest corner of the house before speaking.  

 “Why do you want to stay?” 

 “I- I don’t. But we should help. She did something! It’s like—she is completely innocent after all. No! What is happening? My thoughts! They are not my own.” 

 “My love, what are you thinking?” Amun grew panicked at his mate’s sister. Her mind had never switched sides. Even with Sekhmet, she remained firm in standing aside when she ran off. 

 “That child is no immortal one. But her abilities seem to do the same. Everyone here has touched her, every person is willing to help? Something does not feel right.” 

 “Feel right…” Kebi echoed. Suddenly another vampire appeared behind them 

 “You aren’t the only ones avoiding the two-month toddler.” 

 “Alistair.” Amun nodded at another acquaintance. 

 “It seems odd, right? The way everyone seems ready to fight for the child?” Amun and Alistair went over the similarities. Mut looked over Benjamin and Tia. Tia was more visibly shaken. 

 “I want to leave. Ommi please.” 

 Mut just shushed her daughter, “Its fine. But I am unsure of what Kebi will do if we leave. We promised we would stay together. It may be nothing. Benjamin, please. Stay away from the child. You can be respectful but do not let her touch you.” 

 “Is she going to be okay?” Kebi seemed to be staring off in the direction of the child.  

 “Yes. But I doubt it will get better until this whole thing is resolved. Perhaps we can talk with Zafrina. For now, let’s keep her away. Hopefully whatever is affecting vanishes over time.” The two young vampires nodded. Tia got closer to her father. Furious they had been dragged to his. Furious at herself for not convincing Benjamin to stay in their rooms. Furious at Benjamin for begging to come. Furious that for some reason this house smelled like dog. She couldn’t even speak. Amun patted her hands and she once again relaxed knowing he would not abandon her. But he had also promised he would not leave anyone behind. Kebi is easy to contain but Benjamin. He is still easily swayed. With or without the terrifying doll like child. She unfortunately was entirely right to be concerned. 

 The odd couple continued to ask only Benjamin to touch the child. To the point where it was obvious to even him that something was off. He chose to follow his mother, who made quick work of trying to find the Irish coven. 

 “Maggie, have you seen Renesmes gift?” 

 “I know why you’re asking Mut.” 

 “Then answer my question.” 

 “I don’t know. I’ve never felt anything like this. My dad says he thinks its weird too. But my mum already held her and I can’t pin intentions. Not like that. And now, she’s committed if it comes down to a fight I won’t leave her.” 

 “Of course. I just felt strange about this whole ordeal. Couldn’t have they just called Aro? Explained everything? He would at least be more willing to listen to a phone call instead of gathering a large amount witnesses?” 

 Maggie shrugged, “Maybe. I don’t want to stay much longer but I don’t know what to do.” 

 Mut squeezed the young girl’s shoulder. Maggie offered both of them a smile and nod before she went to sit next to her own mother. Benjamin admired her courage. She knew regardless she would stand by her family. He wondered if his own family would do the same for him. Would they leave him to defend himself? Did he want the answer? A couple of days passed and Kebi seemed eager to hold the child again. Mut was working hard to keep them away, Maggie must have said something to Liam because they tried to do the same with Siobhan. They had also met the young man who was certain the fight would be easy with his pack. Benjamin enjoyed speaking to him but the smell was very unpleasant. He had never had to not breathe and it was something that he hard trouble figuring out. Unfortunately, soon after Bella realized she could train her shield they were joined by the remaining members of the Romanian coven. 

 After Amun realized the volturi had gathered their own witness he was ready to leave. Edward stopped him by naming all of the vampires the volturi would go after, himself included. “Carlisle may not ask you to fight but I will.” Edward began. Benjamin felt a mix of both fear and pride that the volturi might still want him. He had only met them that one time. He would never abandon his family. Not after they had cared for him for so long. The covens began agreeing to fight. Benjamin looked at Maggie, it was clear she would rather do anything but fight but after Siobhan eagerly agreeing, she nodded back to Edward. Benjamin thought about Kebi, how she badly she wanted to stay. How even if this small child was strange she was not at fault for her circumstances. His family had left him to die, would he able to do the same to her?  

“We will talk to Aro. Show him what we’ve seen. But we will not fight.” 

 Benjamin looked at his mother. The determination in her eyes. His fathers face on the ground. If they weren’t going to fight, why go at all? Edward expected Benjamin to speak up, convinced he had enough doubts to sway him. But to the young vampire, there was something he had never seen in his mother. A desperateness emitting from every part of her. He could also see she was compromising with him, she mouthed at him to trust her and he did. She had never let him down before. Benjamin said nothing to the dismay of the red-haired vampire. Benjamin shrank back as he watched the crowd begin dividing targets and stepping away in case this was goodbye. The only ones that chose to remain were the nomads. The ones who had no one else. Entirely alone, and ready to risk their lives that truly meant little to them at this point. 

Amun and Mut left the room, “We will be right back. Tia make sure no one approaches Benjamin, and Benjamin you do the same for Tia and Kebi okay?” 

 “What do you think they are saying?” He whispered to his sister. She had barely spoken the entirety of the time they were there, and hadn’t left their father’s side. She looked as if the room they had all been in was closing in on her and soon would have no more space to move. Tia couldn’t answer, she knew they were discussing something about the volturi. Something she still did not have all the pieces to. She just shook her head, 

 “I think…we will find out soon. Maybe we should go find them.” She said this last line as she stared down a few of the Cullens staring at the remaining coven. Benjamin nodded and grabbed Kebi. She was still different, in a daze of sorts but she had become able to separate herself from the house. From Renesme.  

 “Amun you will tell him, and you will tell him tonight.” The ice in her words matched the surrounding temperature.  

 “He is not ready.”  

 “There is no more time.” 

 “You should not have agreed.” 

 “I will not turn away from any of our children again. He needs to know that we are not his enemies.” 

 “That’s your plan? We meet the volturi, tell them we came out of what? Curiosity? and now that they know we don’t intend to fight we want to leave?” 

 “Gods—” Mut hated arguing with her mate. While a rare occurrence, it was often her raising her voice out of emotion and Amun logically explaining his own reasoning. It was infuriating to not have anything to refute. 

 Amun gently put his hands on her shoulders, “Neither of them are ready. What happens when he sees Benjamin, Tia. You think it won’t hurt him to see a coven he was never around for?” 

 “I just—I miss him.” 

 “As do I. But-“ 

 “And Benjamin? Even if we do not go, Benjamin will not allow that child to die. And you know it. He would never do that to her. Do you remember what Tia told us about the younger cousins?” Se tried to continue but they both sensed the others coming in their direction, “We cannot ignore this part of our lives.” 

 “I am not good with words.” 

 “Benjamin wants a reason, tell him the truth. He wants it from you. If he has any questions afterwards I will answer them. You made this mistake before. You have regretted it ever since. We would have never been able to change Sekhmet’s mind. But we can change his.” 

 Tia reached you first, “Are you going to tell him now?” 

 “Tell me what.” 

 Amun sighed, “Lets go hunt Benjamin. There is more to this situation, you need to know.” 

 Benjamin glanced at Mut who smiled and nodded her head in her husband’s direction. Benjamin followed soundlessly. While Tia slid next to her mother, 

 “This is about the guy in the volturi right?” 

 “Yes.” Mut cleared away some trees, and pat a spot next to her for Tia to sit. Kebi looked away, but to avoid looking at her sister. Guilt eating at her as she remembered her own time after Sekhmet never returned. Her treatment of the poor kid. It had only been a few hundred years. But the grief had returned in a wave that seemed to drown them as the newest member at the time had been saved from an uncertain death. Kebi listened to Tia, Tia who was so peacefully unaware of how exactly how much they had lost. 

 "What was his name?" 

 "Demetri.” 

 The room was comfortable. If this is where they allowed guests to stay, she was sure his own private room was magnificent. She had held out hope this meeting could avoided. The last thing Mut wanted was to rip open old wounds.  

 It was foolish of her to think he wouldn’t have found her. To think she could have snuck away. Did she forget how his gift work? Did she truly believe you could forget them so quickly? Had they forgotten him? Demetri tried to remind himself that he was here because they couldn’t be bothered to deal with him. He was unsure what he expected when opened that door, but Mut never disappointed. She refused to turn around, only facing out a window pointing to a garden. 

 “I guess I am not surprised you found me so quickly. I hoped my scent would have changed enough over the years. Or did you use your gift?” 

 “A bit of both. Your scent was all over the throne room. My gift does speed things along. Did you really think I’d forget? Are you still so desperate to stay away from me, you couldn’t stay in the throne room?” 

 Muts body turned faster than Demetri had time to register. The only thing he caught were eyes, the venom pricking her eyes seemed to make her red eyes brighter.  At first she seemed furious, then broken

“You thought we cared for you so little? You really think that? That we wanted you to come here? We’re you dragged from our home?” 

 “Was I supposed to think otherwise when Chelsea said there were little ties to cut? When the two of you refused to say anything when Aro visited us?” 

 “Demetri. We said nothing because it was your choice. You alone made the choice to leave.” 

 “You were eager to let me go. None of you had a single protest.” 

 Muts eyes widened, “We-we assumed you wanted to leave. You always wanted to get out more, do more with your gift. We could no longer help you. This whole time, you truly believed we abandoned you?” 

 The hitch in Mut’s voice broke any remaining resolve he had. “Forget it. I should not have said anything—” 

 “Demetri stop. You did nothing wrong. If we had known we would have begged you to stay. Amun assumed your hesitation was because you felt bad at the desire to leave and he did not want you to feel guilt at making any decision. He was so sure you would choose this life that he—oh gods he is going to hate himself for this. I always thought-- you weren’t bored of our life?” 

 “No! I— He…wanted me to stay?” 

 “Of course he did, we both did. We couldnt feed for months. Kebi had to drag some humans into our home after a while.” 

 The thought of blood being anywhere in that pristine home made the pair of vampires let out an exasperated sort of chuckle, breaking down walls that had taken Demetri centuries to build. But Demetris mood quickly dampened, “If you’re here I assume…” 

 Muts eyes grew sad, “Yes. We wanted Aro aware to ensure we were not breaking any rules. They are quite young.” 

 “They?” 

 “Two. I did not want you to get the wrong idea. That they could replace you. They cannot. Amun cant seem to turn anyone away.” 

 “They are not here?” 

 “No, they are still young. Their human blood still lingers, makes one too excitable. We were hoping to bring them in a year or so.”  

 “Whilst I’m away, I assume.” Demetri might as well have stabbed a stake through her heart. He wanted her to argue, to try and reason with him. He wanted to be furious. But Mut seemed ready to accept any judgement he had casted upon her. She stayed silent waiting for him to continue. “Am I wrong?” 

 “I cannot explain anymore than I already have. I admit there were many faults at our end. I’m sorry our actions caused you so much pain. I make no excuses. I would hope you know us enough that we never meant to make you feel like this.” Mut slowly made her way  towards. Demetri felt himself wanting to take several steps back, yet his feet remained glued to the floor. Unable to admit the yearning he had for his family’s affection. As her hand reached up to cup his cheek his head melted into the physical contact that meant more than any short term attempt of physical connection. His own hand reached up and held hers in place.

“Are you happy here?”

Yes. No. Every fiber in Demetris body fought to try and understand his conflicting emotions. Part of wanting to return with his mother back to the closest thing he had ever felt as stability. This life he had taken on was more often than not bleak. Depressing. Another part felt he owed it to the Volturi to stay. He hesitated wondering how much of that was attributed to Chelsea’s influence. No, he owed his life to some of his coven mates. It was not the same but they were family in their own way.

He pulled away and took a few steps back to regain his composure. Even if he returned to Egypt he would not hesitate to come back if the volturi were in trouble. And separating again would be next to impossible to repair. Three seconds for every thought to run through his mind, and he felt as he had been a statue for years.

“I am.” He finally answered

Mut sadly smiled at her oldest. Heartbreak and pride mixed deep within her. “Then it seems you made the right choice after all.”

They stood in silence for a few seconds. Both delaying the most likely, indefinite goodbye. The knock at the door, caught them both off guard. Demetris face dissociating off of habit.

“Excuse me, Aro has offered to extend the invitation to you coven again.”

Demetri looked over at his mother, assuming she would show some fear at his looming acquaintance. The executioner certainly made most anyone else, squirm. Yet all he saw was sadness,

“Felix, right?”

He slightly bowed, “it is good to see you again Mut.”

“We really should try and meet under better circumstances. Please send my apologies to Aro. My husband will be worried. I should be leaving soon.”

Felix chuckled, nodded again and left. Demetri stood there dumbfounded.

“How do you know Felix?”

“Aro hasn’t told you?” Wonderful he thought, more secrets. He assumed his sires had met Aro after the war the had occurred so long ago. Maybe that’s how they had met Felix. Demetri just shook his head. “I’m not ready to discuss that. But I’m sure if he sees I give him permission he will explain. Best of luck here, Demetri. Its truly beautiful here.”

He was dreading this moment. She came up to him pulled him into an embrace he wish he did not have to let go of. The last trace of his old home released to quickly. Not enough time he thought. She paused at the door, looking back to him one last time,

“You are always welcome to come back to us. If even for a visit. It will always be your home.”

She shut the door behind her. Somehow he knew he wouldn’t be able to see his mother again until centuries later. And when he did...the circumstances were anything but happy.

➽───────────────❥

Taglist: @adaydreamaway08 @artaxerxesthegreat @aunt-pipie @heartrise @beigesatin @imtoanonymousforyou @lacychick @quarthly @venusdelaroix @jelly-fishy-babie

[rambling-addict]

What. The. Fuck.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Motherland: Fort Salem is a masterpiece! Every episode just keeps getting better and better!! Kudos to the writers, seriously. They really didn’t spare any brains going into this. Every detail is just like a puzzle piece meshing in so smoothly, to create a perfect picture.

Episode 9, bloody hell… I was literally at the edge of my seat not even a quarter of the way into it.

Warning: Spoilers! And major rambling ahead!

Let’s start with Alder.

Since she “puppet-ed” the President, I never trusted her, but when she stepped down, I felt for her. She let the Spree be the enemy and carried that burden of knowing that lives are lost because of her actions, so that civilians and witches could “try” and live harmoniously. Obviously, that was a fail, but the intent was there. She lost so much, and she’s seen so much pain. That song of grief… imagine how much pain she had to have had for it to actually trigger the birth of the mycelium.

The reveal about the mycelium being a collective being of all dead witches…kinda like an underworld of sorts… just wow 🤯

Scylla did say that the mushroom was like the king of plants in the underworld. That was a great foreshadowing from Season 1 that we didn’t even realise until this episode.

But damn! Of all the witches out there, all the dead witches collectively chose our little rebel Raelle. It makes sense now how the mycelium is so powerful. It must be so overwhelming, holding the powers of all dead witches. And kudos for Raelle finally accepting what was entrusted her. She’s gone full circle now, from not even wanting anything to do with the army and kind of resenting being chosen by the mycelium, to now having a purpose and taking it to heart. She now knows the weight of the responsibility given to her. It’s not just about her, she realises that. There was a great war coming.

This scene was so aesthetically pleasing, by the way. The photographer in me is just to satisfied with this shot.

Anyway, moving on… I’m glad Abigail is finally able to sway her mother’s decisions for her. She finally moved on from being the daughter always eager to please and follow rules, and to a soldier with purpose. She’s seeing the bigger picture now and not just chasing for glory. I love the character development.

And speaking of character development, Tally has got to be the most developed character this season.

She went from a pawn to a straight up queen in a chess game. She was a girl with high hopes for the future, a girl who was too nice. She saw the goodness in people, and so everyone was quick to dismiss her, to think her too tame. Now, she’s THE soldier who managed to change the whole game, with her chase for the truth. She stood up for what she’s always believed in and she’s just put herself on a pedestal for generations to be inspired by. I’m not gonna be surprised if she becomes the General by the end of the show.

Then, there’s the Sekhmet coven. I love this group, especially with how they all backed each other. This was an iconic shot, too.

And then, of course there’s Raylla.

Raelle the soldier and Scylla the army wife at home. They are so freakin’ flirty, I love and hate it at the same time, lol. I love that they’re sweet on each other, I missed them so much… but I kinda lowkey wanted a slower burn. But I guess, with chemistry like theirs, it wasn’t too hard to fall back to old habits. They really are the fastest among all wlw ships. From strangers to lovers to breaking up to making up to meeting the parental and u-hauling with a kid and now having LDR, lol. Kinda disappointed that Tiffany was sent off with a dodger family.

Raylla and being sexy weird. Birds and mushroom are their thing. In season 1, we have Scylla with death cap mushrooms and Raelle with her bowerbird combat charm. Now in season 2, we’ve got it flipped. Raelle is now connected to the biggest mushroom in the whole world probably, and now Scylla bonded with a bird. These two, seriously…. Everything they do is like an extension to the other.

And speaking of birds, Scylla is not a witch to be messed with, really. She has so much power on her own, and so brilliant that she managed to learn Nicte’s work involving animals. At least, I think she just learned that after the capturing of Nicte and seeing how she worked with bats. And even so, she did it with so much ease with one bird. Imagine what she could do with more birds.

Last side note, btw. I still don’t like that Vice President. He seems so dodgy. At first, I find the scene with Anacostia and the bodyguard so irrelevant, but then the bodyguard said he’s off for the weekend. I feel like there’s more to that information.

But I’ve been rambling for more than an hour now. There’s still so much to say, but alas, this post is too long now. Lol. I’m so so so excited for the last episode of season 2. I’ve seen some sneak peeks and they better not kill off Scylla or any of our favourite trio, I swear I’ll riot.

[smokestarrules]

The slow buildup to Coven Sekhmet all winning the Samhain challenge and getting the chance to commune with one dead witch, knowing that Raelle’s going to choose her mother and knowing that Willa won’t come because she can’t is one of the most devastating payoffs in the entire show. 

[viper1123581321]

Sekhmet/Union of Earth & Sky

I love mythology, so I wanted to read up a bit on the subject and I think Sekhmet is such an interesting choice for the coven name. I mean, we know all covens are named after war goddesses (as per Abigail in 2x02):

(Which, by the way, is dope.) War gods in general are associated with violence and death, but Sekhmet is depicted as particularly evil. She was created by Ra, with the sole purpose of destroying mankind, since Ra thought they were conspiring against him. At the last moment, however, he changed his mind and tricked Sekhmet into getting extremely drunk to let her bloodlust subside. (He accomplished this by colouring beer red, to make it look like blood. He spread it across the land and Sekhmet, thinking it was blood, drank it all.)

The point is, there is this element of pure bloodlust associated with her image. Some kind of pure evil. Ancient Egyptians that worshipped her, did so in hopes of appeasing her and preventing disasters and dangers from happening to them. One thing she’s especially held responsible for, is the spread of infectious disease, like plague. Which, in the context of the witch plague in Motherland, is very interesting. It might suggest that the witches themselves are responsible for the creation of this witch plague, even if they’re not aware of it. 

Because she is the creator of disease, she is also able to cure these diseases. She is often depicted with an ‘Ankh’ in her hand, which represents life. This symbol is also present in the Sekhmet hall in Motherland (although it is upside down):

Priests of Sekhmet were therefore often highly regarded as surgeons. The point here being that there is this strong sense of ambivalence in this goddess, that I think fits the show very well. I made an earlier post about how I think the witch plague could be the anti-Mycelium (here), and I think we can see this kind of balance again in the mythology surrounding Sekhmet. The difference however, is that using Sekhmet as a coven name highlights the ambivalence between good and evil. Especially since it relates directly to plagues. The cure for a disease might be found in its origin.    

Also, small side note: Sekhmet is strongly linked with fire as well. In the sense of the extreme desert heat, but also in the sense of literally breathing fire. It could be a nod to the Spree workings that use fire, maybe.    

To add to all of this, the union of Earth and Sky is also very prevalent in ancient Egyptian mythology, which made me think about what Hearst said in 2x10.

In ancient Egyptian mythology, there is Geb, the god of the earth, and Nut, the goddess of the sky. They’re siblings, both children of Shu (god of air) and  Tefnut (goddess of moisture). Of course, they were not just siblings, but also lovers. That apparently loved each other so deeply, that they were locked in an eternal sexual embrace. This annoyed the hell out of their grandfather Ra, who asked Shu to separate them. So, he did:

He held Nut above him and left Geb on the ground. So, Shu created the atmosphere which allowed for life as we know it. Nut’s hands and feet represented the 4 cardinal points of the world and helped Shu maintain the separation of earth and sky. They were called the “Pillars of Shu”. Geb took this separation really hard: his tears formed the oceans and he eventually married his mother to separate her from his father, as revenge.

Going back to what Hearst said in 2x10: the union of Sky and earth must be prevented. In the myth of Nut and Geb, it is said that originally, they were locked so tight together that no life could be possible. So, their separation made life possible in the first place. This would make me assume that their union would destroy life again. In the same myth however, Nut does get to come down to Geb at night, which just causes darkness. Finally, when there were storms during the day, it was believed that Nut was closer to Geb as well. It remains unclear what will happen when this union happens, but it certainly doesn’t seem to be good. Not for anyone (except Nut and Geb). I have been assuming that, in Motherland, this union is something we would want to happen, simply because the Camarilla don’t want it to happen. But what if it really is something terrible for both witches and civilians?

Can we have season 3 now? Please?