Ascension to Motherhood

When the ancient land of Aegytos was destroyed in the Children of the Gods War, the last act of the dying gods was to curse the Pharaoh Atenmenes and his Queen Amunetbennu with undeath. Cursed to having their souls reside within their decaying bodies after death for all time. Forever feeling the urges, wants and desires of life, yet being unable to fulfill them. They with their retainers fled Aegytos, crossed the Black Talons and reestablished their rule over the primitive people found there. Now they dwell in undeath in Atenrerna.
Both Atenmenes and Amunetbennu did all that they could to remain young and youthful in order to escape the curse. They failed, they still met death. When this happened Atenmenes then concerned himself with mobility. Through ritual preparations, embalming and alchemy he has somewhat succeeded. He remains mobile and can engage in rigorous activities. His appearance though is that of old dried leather that has been weathered and tanned to a near black color. Atenmenes is very much in likeness to that of a bog corpse.
Amunetbennu on the other hand was concerned about her beauty. The alchemical processes she followed left her mobile, yet she is restricted to the more gentler activities. Her appearance however is youthful and radiant.

by Martin

Amunetbennu's desire for youth and beauty lead her to create the tradition of Ascension to Motherhood. This tradition was created for those women who found that they could not have children of their own. Who upon receiving it would serve for twenty years and then be released to with their remaining time have a family. Unless they were selected by and bore Atenmenes a child. Then Atenmenes would share as he called it the gift so that the women would have undeath and reside in the harem gardens forever.
The ritual was created by the alchemist Kubrick. Using the purist of water gathered from rain, glacier and stream which was then distilled to free it of impurities. This was mixed with pure grain alcohol and rare herbs and spices to create an elixir for the women to drink. The potion created being called Merkwuerdigich-liebe.  Lord of War Ripper and his body man Mandrake would find and gather the infertile women and have to consume the tonic. Then the priestess elected from the women would gather the precious bodily fluids for Amunetbennu to use. The few chosen as hand maidens would apply the tears to Amunetbennu's eyes. Others would fill a bath with the mother's milk to treat Amunetbennu's skin. The most trusted would sort the moon blood by color saving  that which was crimson and keep it warm for Amunetbennu to consume.  
The women wanted for nothing. Were given the finest of  foods to dine upon, and wore the best silks and linens. Often the philosopher eunuchs would be heard talking amongst themselves if the women suffered or had a good life. None of them ever came to a conclusion.