The Early Years
Meryt was born in the the town of
Nuriki within the Nubarian Oversight to a noble family of the
House of the Beautiful Star. The star alignment on that night showed great portent with the Pharaoh's Star shining brightly in the East.
As part of the noble family, Meryt had the advantage of tutors in her education, allowing her to read and write at an early age. She also was given history lessons, which were just fantastic stories of battles.
...And Pstamik the First called upon the gods, and a thousand dire crocodiles answered. They chased the Akadians down the Stygian River and into the Sea of Baal— Nefer-Sah Tutor
As Meryt manifested the ability to shimmer like heat on the desert, Her family believed she was gifted the trait of
Solanus’s Chosen, as of many of her family members inherited. They believed she would want to join the religeous cast to become a
Katapesh of Solanus like many other of the House of Nefer-Sah. When she manifested more abilites, such as fluttering away like a sparkle of light, they consulted
First Prophet Trejo of Solanus at
Kawa. She was brought to the Sun Temple of Solanus in Kawa where the First Prophet and The
Lector Waeb had her perform some tests as she may be worthy of joining the temple as a
Waeb or even
Sin Eater. They discovered she was
Hekai; touched by the Gods. It's an unusual talent not seen in many generations, though it is rumored that the House of Nefer-Sah's first or second generation children were born Hekai after the gift given by Solanus/Iset.
Looking through the scrolls and the heavens, I believe she has been gifted by a diety. The King's star is no coincidence. Tell them It's Solanus. It would be easier to tell them that, then leave any doubt— First Prophet
Trejo suggested that she should stay and study
Magic at the Sun Temple. Maybe still join the ranks of the
Katapesh if not stay at the Sun Temple in some religeous function.
Intermediate Years
While at the Sun Temple, she performed the duties of the
Hem-netjer. In exchange she got to study and learn much about magic and how to use her talents, however the Religeous caste didn't appeal to her. She only lasted a few months before the monotony of rituals and scripture bored her. She did take an interest in the library of books available at the Sun Temple. To appease the House of the Beautiful Star, he allowed her access to the Temple's library, while she stayed with relatives at Kawa. What she learned from the books is the modern history during and after the Hyborian Occupation any many of the details of the 36th dynasty from Psamtik the first (through the Akadian occupation) through to Psamtik II (his Grandson). She had learned a bit of the daily life in music and prayer relating to Solanus and the many story adventures that First Prophet Trejo collected over the years from the other continent. While fascinating and all, she really wanted to read more. she was curious to know the Line of Pharaohs as only Menkamin I who was the
Last Pharaoh to stand against the Hyborians has been mentioned in the Libary books.
When she asked First Prophet, he told her only a few people at the temple have access to the old documents housed at the Sun Temple. Even if she joined the house, she wouldn't be allowed to study them for many years as only the
Lector Waeb and himself know where the documents are secured. Besides, she didn't join the Religeous caste, so why should she have the privledge of reading any of them. After that, she left the temple and returned home. The House of Nefer-Sah accepted her choice to be a scholar of the noble caste (hey, you can always get a job as an accountant).
There are not that many people studying Khemitian history: The Country is still suffering financially since the last occupation; much of the literary works were imported by the hyborians, The old laws of no grave robbing on pain of death; and many Khemitians are illiterate. As Meryt took to correspondance to other houses, requesting books to read, she heard that there was also a young man, also requesting books.
Ali Ahmed ofcourse was not a noble, and his request was denied. Curious to why he wanted the books, she took up coorespondance with Ali. This also lead to another scholar and future rival, Katal.
This long distance relationship lasted several years, even with the occasional meeting with
Pip Ahmed to pick up or deliver manuscripts and books to share. When Katla mentioned that she was going to be travelling to a few places in Nubian Oversight, Meryt got the courage to do the same thing. Finally meeting in person, Meryt and Katla made a little place in Kawa to start their collection of ossuary, scrolls, and other libaray worthy additions. This did eat into most of her house allowance, but gave her and Katla the benifit of a place to study lke Ali in Baqi.
by Midjourney
Among the treasures found found working with her fellow scholars is the golden Ibis quill that allows the dictation and recording of speech. Katal was very jealous of Meryt's significant find, especially as she wasn't able to travel with Meryt to share in the discovery. Katla tried taking it with her, but Meryt refused. This lead to a bit of a falling out as she left to find her own "treasure", taking with her, part of the collection Meryt shared.
These last few months, neither Meryt or Ali hasn't heard from her. Meryt continued to study the books borrowed from the various houses, though her family has been getting concerned that she hasn't gotten a "real" job. Then the storm blew in, followed by the rumors from the traders along the spice route. She knew then, that something exciting was going to happen.
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