Although her course of study is exceptionally demanding, eager young waeb priestess Kissatutu pursues every new bit of knowledge in earnest, soaking up everything she sees, hears, tastes, smells and feels, like a Great Green Sea sponge. And on this fine sunny afternoon, High Priestess niljaja takes her ease in the company of Chief Lector Priestess, Mirjam. The pair chat quietly over a shared pot of spiced licorice root tea. Together, they make plans for the upcoming Opet festival, when the subject of discussion turns to their junior prodigy.

"Kissa's energy and determination are remarkable, " muses nilaja. "Of course, being so young, she could stand some improvement in the concentration department. Why, she flits from one subject to the next with the speed of a stingless honey-bee in hot pursuit!"

Looking up from her cup, Mirjam chuckles and elaborates. "Ahh yes, indeed. Little Kissa exhibits the will, however, she does tend to get lost somewhere along the way...."

The two wise women laugh quietly amongst themselves, whispering like two sibling spirits in the sunlight. Also there amongst the fragrant lotus blossoms and shady palms of the grand courtyard.. nilaja's lions. Every now and then, they pad their way across the enclosure, growling guttural greetings before drifting off to nap once more. The days seems almost perfect, until...

"Mistress! Mistress!" shouts Kissatutu frantically, stumbling into view, seemingly from out of nowhere.

The tranquility is instantly broken. A small crowd of maids and cooks shout warnings at Kissa, trailing her all around the courtyard. Nilaja's first maidservant Khensit fervently chases Kissa, waving a dry date palm branch in the air, swinging it wildly to and fro. "You young lady are gonna get it now! I told you the High Priestess was in private conference. You get back here right this very instant, before I take this switch to your asp.."