It all starts with that one storyline, but what starts as a harmless and innocent idea turns out to be a nightmare. The thought of your own creation becoming the culmination of your insanity is unimaginable. But in the case of Jessica, it's a completely different situation.
All she wanted was to write an inspiring book that she would express her deepest and darkest desires, but those desires are coming back to torment her every night. The remnants of what remains in her mind now is that one image: a woman, covered in tendrils, like a writhing colony, her face concealed by a mask. The woman presses her index finger to where her lips is located.
"Shhh, be quiet," she whispers to Jessica continuously.
Jessica is bewildered by this, unsure of what to do, because in every good dream or nightmare, this woman appeared nonstop. She didn't believe that the priest she regularly visited would have any solution to her problem. But there's a strange fact Jessica doesn't know about. The real truth of it all is, whatever haunts her dreams lives in the real, being not just a nightmare but a thing of another realm.
To understand the weight of Jessica's dream, it is crucial to consider its origins. It all starts with Siduri Ebonveil, born into the royal family of Ebonveil during the coronation of King Mardok Ebonveil. Siduri takes her first breath in the midst of royalty, birthed by Queen Tashmetu Ravensa (Ebonveil). But tragedy knocks at the door or those who are bound by fate when Tashmetu dies from blood loss just from suffering severe internal injuries, carrying the infant for nearly twelve months.
Taking a peek at Siduri's status, one must not be deceived by the fact that she spent her fifteen years in the royal court and was expected to act as royalty should. Her royal upbringing didn't matter as Siduri still had the heart of a commoner. She treated everyone with the same kindness and respect that her late mother, Queen Tashmetu, would have wanted. This mindset, though noble, made her vulnerable. She trusted that her new mother (Nanshe Selene), would be just as kind, but that trust would prove to be misplaced.
—In Section 92, from the Ancestral Book Of Fate by The God Of Dreams.
In the last hours before wedding and the arrival of the new bride (Nanshe Selene), and her two sons Tammuz and Sin-Magir, when all the final scurrying for decorating the courtyard and preparing the banquet had reached its final conclusion. Amidst the calm that followed, Samsara, the youngest and most trusted servant of Tashmetu, came to visit the girl.
As a royal servant in the kingdom of Dumuzi-4, it was tradition for servants, to adhere to a strict custom when addressing their rulers. For female rulers, servants were required to knock on their door exactly four times and call out their name. For male rulers, the number increases to ten. This practice was deeply rooted in the culture of Dumuzi-4, symbolizing respect and honor for the royal family.
It was a warm afternoon at the castle, and the ancient floors that had served as a supporting surface for the Ebonveil family for two hundred years bore that cold feeling it acquired when nobody was around. And one could testify about what they felt when they stepped foot on it.
Siduri was in her chambers, brushing her hair, when the ritualistic knocking interrupted her routine. She paused, puzzled, and asked aloud in a soft and almost attractive voice, "Who is it?" Her question hung before Samsara's voice rang out clearly with a response.
Clearing her throat in order to get the words out correctly, Samsara announced herself. "It is me, my princess, Samsara." Before she could continue, Siduri hurried to the door. With a warm smile, she opened it and immediately embraced Samsara, getting her affectionately like as they were close friends on the verge of meeting.
Siduri pulled Samsara inside, holding onto her as she practically dragged her further into the room. "My princess, what are you doing? I have work I must attend to and you have to attend the venire," Samsara pleaded, but her protests fell on deaf ears as Siduri led her to the bed, the two of them sitting down with their bottoms pressing into the soft linen.
Samsara sighed. "There's truly no stopping you from getting in such a manner, is there?"
Siduri grinned, proud of her persistence. "No, I'm afraid not," she admitted with a playful shrug. Standing up she turned to face Samsara directly. "Which is exactly why you must accept my gift."
Samsara glanced at Siduri, puzzled as to why a gift would be presented to her. "A gift?" she repeated.
Siduri nodded confidently to her response. "I didn't happen to stutter, did I?" she said and before Samsara uttered another a word in protest, Siduri turned to her drawer and pulled out a flat rectangular box.
Samsara sat in a silent bewilderment, unsure of what to expect but too intrigued to interrupt. Siduri slowly opened, revealing a dazzling blue stone necklace nestled inside.
The sight of this exquisite piece presented to her made Samsara leap to her feet. "Princess!" she exclaimed. "This is an improper way of addressing someone of such status as me. I cannot accept this!"
Siduri's smile faltered just by hearing Samsara's words. She had truly beloved her as a dear friend Samsara was to her, she would accept the gift without complain. A small frown crossed her face before she dismissed the idea entirely. "Nonsense!" she declared, softly pushing the box closer to Samsara. "Which chapter in the rule book of fourth Dumuzi states such fact?"
Samsara remained resolute, shaking her head in quiet disapproval. "Even so, my princess, this isn't something I would count as right," she insisted, standing firm on her decision. Gently, she placed her hand on the box, pushing it away. "Such activity could lead to Kigal."
Yes, Kigal—the one planet that must be avoided at all cost necessary.
To have a basic understanding of the Ebonveil family in order to progress in the story, one must also look into their mortal enemies: the beings of Kigal. Much like every tool serves a purpose in every right position, so do the six planets united in their struggle to prevent Kigal from dominating their lands. The six planetary bodies include; Dumuzi-4, Anu Prime, Zigguratum, Eridu, Ishtarion and the last and most powerful of them all, sitting at the middle of the cosmos with more protection from Ziusudra-Til (Vision Of Eternal Life), is Enkidu's Rest.
—From Section 410, The Ancestral Book Of Fate by The God Of Dreams.
The two young women who were so engrossed in their playful argument over an expensive gift failed to notice the presence of an old, wrinkled figure standing quietly at the door. A deliberate clearing of the throat brought their attention to her.
Senior Servant Lady Nidaba Valdis, known to all as the Slave Mother, and birth mother of Samsara Valdis. Nidaba was a figure of both authority and respect among the servants of the Ebonveil Clan and the only servant allowed to knock casually on the chamber doors without adhering to strict protocols.
Siduri's face flushed as she quickly tucked the box behind her, instinctively reacting to the unexpected presence of the elderly woman.
Samsara stepped forward, lowering her head in a respectful bow.
"Mother, I—"
"Before you think you can do as you please, remember the responsibilities you are bound to, Samsara," interrupted the Slave Mother, Nidaba, her weathered finger pointing firmly at Samsara. Samsara lowered her gaze, her posture stiff under her mother's scrutiny.
"Yes…Slave Mother," she stammered, her voice barely audible.
"Never try such. You are tasked with presenting the cake for the occasion, you're dismissed," Nidaba continued, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Samsara nodded quickly, offering a small curtsy, before adjusting the scarf covering her head and leaving the room in haste.
Nidaba turned her attention to the young princess. Their gaze colliding, and for a few tense moments, silence filed the space between them. Siduri, trying to muster enough courage, straightened her shoulders and spoke with hesitation. "Why… would you… dismiss my humble servant?" The words came slowly, her voice trembling slightly.
Nidaba's aged expression softened, but that didn't stop the irritation. "My princess," she began with a weary sigh, "Now is not the time for such protests." Her tone carried the weight of subtle disappointment, making Siduri feel guilt under her gaze.
Siduri attempted to explain herself, her voice wavering. "I was only finishing my final touches for—"
"Not now, child," Nidaba interjected firmly. Her expression softened further as she extended a hand. "Come, we must not delay. Many guests have been invited, and it would be unthinkable for you to keep them waiting."
Siduri hesitated, glancing back at the room as though contemplating defiance. But the weight of Nidaba's presence and her own sense of duty eventually compelled her. Reluctantly, she reached out, placing her hand in Nidaba's. Together, they left the chamber, the lingering tension slowly dissolving as they walked toward the awaiting festivities.