The Prince and the Priestess

[Raja kumarie]

' she is exactly as the gods intended her to be. In India we have many genders not just man and woman. Vashti is a women given a gift from the gods so she might preform her role as the wife of Kalhi god of fire and fertility. This is how he made her" I shrug 'eho am I to question a god? Besides she brings good luck to those she blesses with her fancing'

[Shiori]

"Many... genders? What do you call hers?"

[Raja kumarie]

"Hirjia it means women with an obstacle " I say smiling "Rajesh is hidra or man with a hole. You can be anything even neither man or woman."

[Shiori]

"Hirjia...." she whispers, as if tasting it. "Thank you. And know that if you are ever in need, you have only to ask."

[Raja kumarie]

"You are always welcome here." I say warmly "would you like some time alone or shall I stay with you"

[Shiori]

"I am certain your guests need you."

[Raja kumarie]

I bow gently before returning to the garden. I pause for a month ment taking stock of who is still present before returning to my place next to Ryuu

"Thank you for introducing me to everyone. I'm glad you all were able to come." I smile "I do apologize for any discomfort you exerianced I forget that us turks do things a bit differently." I smile reaching for the wine.

As I do my sleeve pulls up exposing what's left of my bridal henna in rich brown, red, and indigo.

[Liwanu "Li" Jekins]

Li rudely grabs for her arm, rolling up her sleeve. "Ooh, what lovely markings!"

[Raja kumarie]

"thank you I love the disgines that my sister's made. The peacocks are for wealth and prosperity the elephant for wisdom. The other arm has the gods on them. They went all the way to my hands but those have washed off already. If you'd like I can paint some on you though if you want a large piece I'd need you to return another day for it as it will take more time than we have tonight"

[Liwanu "Li" Jekins]

"My people generally paint lines upon ourselves. I have never seen such intricate designs."

[Raja kumarie]

" line based disgines are commen as well but for special occasions like weddings or festivals more intricate ones are used. This particular one took 16hrs. And the one on my feet took another 8"

[Liwanu "Li" Jekins]

"Are they permanent?"

[Raja kumarie]

'no they are temporary lasting a month or two depending on how long you leave the henna on for"

[Liwanu "Li" Jekins]

"I would love for you to paint me sometime."

[Raja kumarie]

I smile warmly "them my next batch of dye is yours. It'll br ready in a few days. Come by next week and I shall make you a lovely canvas