Read Chronicles Of Mirth :: With it

The advisor places the amulet around your neck, the cool metal resting against your skin. The Pharaoh continues, "Wear this with pride, for it is a symbol of your new status. You are now a part of the new initiates to our community, and we will support and guide you on your journey to becoming truly, one of the Many." The room erupts in applause, the nobles clapping their hands and cheering.

The sound of their approval washes over you, filling you with a sense of belonging and accomplishment. Crown Prince Nefer-Hotep steps forward, his eyes shining with a newfound warmth. He takes your hand and squeezes it, a gesture of camaraderie and friendship. The Pharaoh watches approvingly, his stern expression replaced with a look of satisfaction.

You smile as they smile at you, "When is the next part of the ceremony?" You ask this as you look at the Pharaoh.

The Pharaoh's eyes light up with excitement as he hears your question. "Ah, I'm glad you asked," he says, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "Now that you have completed my trials, the next part of the ceremony will take place at moonrise, when the rays of the moon illuminate the sacred Temple of The Mirthful Ones. It is there that you will drink my blood, take on your face paint and be officially initiated into our community, and receive the blessings of the divine, only then will you be one of us, only then will you be one of the Many and take part in the true and complete worship of the Mirthful Ones, the He Who Destroys and the She Who Constricts, it is what you have traveled so far to gain and with your successful reciting of the sacred texts, it is what you shall have"

The Pharaoh's words hang heavy in the air, and you can feel a sense of anticipation building in your chest. You nod, signaling your understanding and excitement. The Pharaoh dismisses the crowd, and soon you are left alone with him, Crown Prince Nefer-Hotep, and a few select advisors. As the sun begins to set, you make your way to the Temple of The Mirthful Ones.

The temple is an awe-inspiring sight, with towering pillars and intricate carvings that depict the history and mythology of The Mirthful Ones. The setting sun and rising moon cast long shadows across the temple grounds, and the air is filled with the scent of incense and burning torches. The Pharaoh leads you to the altar, where a golden chalice awaits.

The chalice gleams in the soft light, its surface polished to a mirror-like sheen. Next to it, a ceremonial knife lies on a velvet cloth, its blade sharp and gleaming. The Pharaoh picks up the knife, his movements fluid and graceful. He turns to you, his eyes filled with a solemn intensity.

You take another deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle upon you. The sight of the golden chalice and ceremonial knife evokes a sense of reverence and gravity. You nod, meeting the Pharaoh's gaze. "I am ready," you reply, your voice steady and firm. The Pharaoh's expression softens as he slices into his own chest with the knife.

"Drink my blood" You move to lap at his blood as it drips into the chalice from his chest wound that is slowly healing. After a moment, a sinner is brought and you walk over to them, taking a paint brush and ancient paint palette and painting your desired design on their face. You then chase the sinner around the temple, grabbing them by the hair and yanking their head back. With a hiss you rip out the sinner's throat and with that the ceremony concludes with the Pharaoh shouting

"You have drunk of my blood and joined with us and I as one, welcome to your first step becoming one of the Many!"

The room fills with the sound of chanting as the Pharaoh and his attendants welcome you into the community of The Mirthful Ones. Your heart races with excitement as you take in the sights and sounds of the ancient ceremony, your senses heightened by the blood you have just consumed. The sinner's body lies at your feet, their life force now a part of you and the Pharaoh.

You drink the rest of his blood from the chalice.

You feel a surge of energy coursing through your veins, the power of the ritual taking hold. The paint on your face glows in the moonlight, a symbol of your new status as one of the Many. The Pharaoh stands before you, his chest still bearing the mark of the knife. His eyes are filled with pride and approval as he looks upon you. The chanting reaches a crescendo, and you feel the weight of the moment settle upon you.

As the last notes of the chanting die away, the Pharaoh steps forward and places a hand on your shoulder. "Welcome to our community, my child," he says, his voice deep and resonant. "May the Mirthful Ones guide and protect you on your journey."

Meanwhile two servants were gossiping in the palace, "I don't know Talos, do you really think this new Young Blood is going to make it among the Many?" The other servant shrugged as he looked at his companion "I don't know Meshnet, it's not something that's up to Onnori like us to decide after all, he'll hear the call of the Mirthful Ones if they find him worthy."

As they continued their conversation, another servant approached them. "Eyes forward, fangs back," the newcomer snapped, glaring at the others. "You're supposed to be focusing on your duties, not gossiping about the Young Blood's chances." Talos looked away, his cheeks flushing slightly.

Meshnet sighed and nodded. "You're right, we shouldn't be talking about that here. Let's get back to work." As they turned to leave, another servant approached them, her eyes wide with excitement. "Did you hear?" she whispered. "The Young Blood has become one of the Many!"

Talos and Meshnet exchanged glances, their hearts racing with anticipation. "That's incredible news," Meshnet whispered back. "I wonder what this means for the future of our temple." Talos shrugged "I don't know Meshnet, I'm still skeptical about all this"

The other servant rolled her eyes. "You're always skeptical, Talos. Just because you haven't found your purpose yet doesn't mean the Young Blood won't." Meshnet placed a reassuring hand on Talos's shoulder. "Come on, let's go see for ourselves. Who knows?"

As they walked through the palace, they could hear the faint sound of music and laughter coming from the great hall where the Young Blood was being celebrated. The servant who had been speaking earlier spotted them and waved them over. "Come on, you have to see this!" she exclaimed, tugging on their sleeves.

Reluctantly, Talos and Meshnet followed her to the great hall. As they entered, they were met with a sight that took their breath away. The Young Blood, now known as one of the Many, stood in the center of the room, basking in the adoration of the crowd.

The room was filled with the sound of music and laughter as the Young Blood smiled and waved to the cheering crowd. The walls were adorned with intricate hieroglyphs and paintings of the Mirthful Ones, their eyes seeming to follow the new initiate's every move.

The Pharaoh himself stood at the head of the table, beaming proudly at his newest recruit. As Talos and Meshnet watched, a servant approached them with a tray of food and drink. They hesitated for a moment before accepting a cup of wine from the servant.

As they sipped their drinks, they couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and respect for the Young Blood. Talos looked around the room, taking in the opulence and splendor of it all. However he was not impressed at all. "I wonder what kind of power he thinks he possesses that made him worthy of this honor," he whispered upsetly to Meshnet.

Meshnet shrugged, his eyes still fixed on the Young Blood. "Only time will tell, Talos. But for now, let us enjoy the celebration and support our newest brother in the Many."