At Karnak, the excited young Kissatutu is met by a team of seven waeb priests. After she is fully cleansed and dressed in fresh garments, they lead her to the quarters of the High Priestess. There, nilaja is quietly conversing with the Chief Lector Priestess, Mirjam.

*a deep bow... timidly..

"Hotep, Most Holy Ones. I am the servant girl, KissaTutu, sent by Master Oset."

The High Priestess smiles. "Ahh, Kissa... May I call you that for now? Don't be afraid my dear, there is only peace here for you. You have come with high recommendations from Master Oset, therefore I will personally train you in the obligations of the Temple of Amun. "

"Indeed," adds the Chief Lector, "Later, I might instruct you in the Sacred Scrolls, and the recordings on our Temple walls. Most waeb priests don´t know this, but if you meet up with our expectations, perhaps..."

"Yes! Perhaps, one day, you too will be a High Priestess."

Kissa breathlessly blurts, "Oh, please. Please call me Kissa!!! Do you really think so!? This girl comes from a family of such modest means. She... I... have no blood ties to the prieshood. None that I know of. But I so love Amun. Sometimes, I think I can even see him.. Oh, but he is a marvel to behold! He comes in dreams..."

Upon hearing this, Chief Lector Mirjam raises an eyebrow.

The High Priestess nods. " Concern yourself not with pedigree. It is good that you so adore the Hidden One. As for actually seeing him, we shall discuss more, but later. For now, come with me out into the courtyard. I have some friends I would like you to meet. "

Kissatutu eagerly follows the two women out to a sunlight-flooded court. It is by far the grandest she has ever seen, surrounded by row after row of tall, brightly painted columns, and dotted with date palms.

" Sit, Kissa," The Priestess commands. They take their ease beside a rectangular reflecting pool which is filled with papyrus plants and blue lotus flowers. All is quiet, except for the mild buzzing of one stingless bee, far off in the distance.

Just as Kissatutu begins to relax, a deep gutteral growl, more like a yawn, breaks the solitude. Two regal lions peer out from behind a nearby palm. They slowly approach the women, sniffing the air around them. Both brush affectionately against the Lector Priestess' legs, then sit at nilaja's feet.

"They are so beautiful," coos the young wabet-to-be, "They bear the visages of Mahes and Sekhmet."

The lion stares serenely into Kissa's eyes. His counterpart lies down, and playfully rolls on her back. Kissatutu looks to nilaja for approval, then carefully reaches out to touch the male lion. Her tender fingertips comb through his thick titian tresses, finding the sweet spot behind his left ear. He bends his huge head in the direction of her massage, presses against her fingers, then closes his golden eyes.

"I think he likes you," smiles nilaja. "Come now. We go into Waset. Time for a bit of shopping."

Kissatutu follows the High Priestess about the city, drinking in all the new sights and sounds. The streets are filled with music, shouting and indistinct chattering, as local shopkeepers hawk their wares.

"Now is a good time for making deals.." explains the High Priestess. " Now.. before Opet. In a few weeks, prices will skyrocket."

Kissa purchases a new prayer rug, some incenses, oils and teas. One vendor, Tamyt, is especially kind, giving the young wabet a special protection amulet. "Be blessed my child, Amun has smiled upon you, " says the happy old woman from behind her cart of crafts. "This is for your safety and enlightenment." As the woman bows, Kissa is almost shocked. She bows back appreciatively. She is used to doing the bowing.. not the other way around.

Later that evening, after making her first evening oblations, Kissa curls into her new bed, still clutching the amulet. It has been the most eventful day of her life. Like never before, she feels like part of a family. She drifts off to sleep, secure in the safety of "home".