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Raise that lamp a little higher, I need the light on <i>every</i> detail of the exhibits.

Yes, Curator Hanimefendi!

Who put this statue of a songstress with the sculptures from the Old Calendar Age of Shadows? Completely wrong era. Take it out and move it to Hall Two.

I'm on it, Curator Hanimefendi!

<i>Where</i> is that instrument restored with tech from the Old Calendar Age of Chants? Why don't I see it?

Not here...

Not here either...

♪O guests from afar, ripples in the lotus pond follow thee here♪

♪Neath the tree's shade, sup sweet dates and fresh beer♪

♪Let us toast now to a midsummer, and cheers!♪

Oh, Medjehtiqedti Hanimefendi, your singing rivals even the most elegant of fowlbeasts! I can't tear myself away!

Ah, Medjehtiqedti Hanimefendi, the notes of your lute flow like purest water! Like the calmest, sweetest brook!

But of course. I have worked tirelessly for months to produce the perfect rendition of this ancient ballad.

Hmph. Words sweet as honey, fingers idle as a slumberfoot. No wonder I couldn't find you.

You do know that restored lute is going on display tomorrow, right, Titi?

Do allow the welcoming committee to borrow it for today, Anat. We have an honored guest coming, and the museum must receive her well.

It's a special exhibit for the Flood Festival, Titi.

Our top priority is ensuring there are no errors in any of the sections.

Our visitors can be very fussy about the details. You've been here long enough, you should know better than I.

Let's not get mad now, <i>Curator Hanimefendi.</i>

This is your first major exhibit since taking up your post, so I understand that you're a little anxious about it.

But trust me, Anat, you need to calm down. No matter what you're putting on display, someone is going to nitpick it.

This is Menat-Ha'mait. Every family's got some treasure stashed away somewhere. It's no surprise they'd turn their noses up at our exhibits.

I'm going to check over the new displays for tomorrow.

Don't worry, I won't disturb your date with that esteemed gentleman.

It's an object I'm studying, not my date.

You look at it ever so lovingly, though.

Strange...

Has no-one picked her up yet since we've been talking?

I'm guessing that girl over there is learning how the irrigation channels work, gonna write a thesis on the history of it.

Or maybe she's an epigraphist, and she's just cleaning the sludge off the stele in the river.

What's the difference? They're just different types of history nerd.

Blame it on the city's long history. Every historian in Sargon gets obsessed with this place.

Yeah. Look at this ancient riverway we've got here, four centuries old, broad and wide. And our buildings? A youthful two centuries, yet tall and impressive.

You wanna talk about 'rich historical tradition'? Well, here you have it.

Can any of them beat the Flood Festival, though? We've been celebrating it for over a thousand years.

Oh, when it floods, I'm going to offer up some white oasis flowers to the river god. May His breath be forever filled with their fragrant aroma.

What offering have you prepared, friend?

A cup and plate of pure gold, along with a jar of wine, in accordance with my family traditions. The wine was sealed by my grandfather when my father was born, an excellent vintage.

May He enjoy its taste, and share in the festival spirit with us.

May we meet Him wandering the realm, and earn His blessing.

O immortal Menat-Ha'mait, may He forever grace this city.

Did you find it yet, hanimefendi?

Give me a sec, kiddo, I think I felt it just now.

But you've been standing in the river for half an hour already. You keep saying you almost got it...

Shh! I'm trying to concentrate here...

Seriously, where has our little shahzada run off to now?

I've got people at every gate waiting, but none of them have seen her.

I've put so much thought into welcoming you, how could I let you just slip into the city like this?

Masaa al-kheir, Medjehtiqedti Hanimefendi. Wherever are you going in such a hurry?

Ah, Bekti Hanimefendi, it's you. I'm meeting an old friend of mine!

Here, some oranges I just plucked from my garden. They ripened just before the festival, I'm sure everyone will love them.

Take a few for your friend, Medjehtiqedti Hanimefendi.

She's not a fan of favors, but I thank you in her stead. Salaam, Bekti Hanimefendi.

Ma'a s-salaama!

The people here are so friendly.

*sigh* Let me have a think about where she'd go...

Where did she like to run off back when we were in school?

Ah, I'm really sorry, hanim! I didn't see you there. Forgive me for knocking your oranges on the ground.

I'm fine, how about you? Are you alright?

Thank you for your kindness, hanim.

Oh no...

What's with the frown all of a sudden? Are you hurt?

A shadow flitted across your forehead just now, an ill omen. I fear you will meet with some misfortune soon.

If you are willing to part with five dinars, I can ward it off for you.

Umm... Well, uh, sorry, but I've got an appointment, gotta go now! Bye!

Wait! Two dinars! Just two dinars, then!

This isn't a trick! You really are about to run into some bad luck!

You wouldn't trick me, would you...?

Of course not. I always keep my word.

Really? *sniff* But...

Aw, don't cry, I'll—

Agh! It slipped away again!

Waaaaaahhh!

Ah, no, don't cry! I was just teasing you! I got it! See? It's right here in my hand!

You're a meanie...

*sigh* I'm too used to teasing my little brother back home.

I feel sorry for your poor little brother...

Save your pity, that kid gives me endless headaches. Alright, pass me the jar. I'll put the fin in it for you.

I thought I'd never see my goldfin again... Thanks, hanimefendi.

Tsk, tsk, tsk. I worked my butt off helping you get your finny friend back. Put a little more pep into that 'thanks'.

THANK YOU SO MUCH! YOU'RE THE BEST!

Now that's more like it.

Alright, you'd best hurry home already. No more fancy ideas about trying to take your pet for a walk.

See you, hanimefendi.

Taking a pet fin for a walk in the river? Reminds me of the crazy ideas I had as a kid.

*cough*

Well then. Seems our audience has finally had enough of me groping around in the water for finbeasts.

Glad you still know me so well, Pepe.

*sigh* I really don't want to head to the museum so soon. When Anat's in question-asking mode, I won't even get a moment's rest.

Where is she, anyway? She didn't come with you?

She's acting curator now. Got a lot of things to do. With the upcoming super-important exhibition, she's been busier than ever.

Nice. Never thought she'd get promoted right after she arrived. I remember back in school, nobody thought she'd go far with that meek personality, but I knew she was a hard worker. She'll go far.

She's always been one tough reed. She never yields.

Sure you aren't talking about yourself? You've been in this city for a while. No big changes?

Me? I'm not too busy, but I'm also not too free. I was just barely able to secure the title of vice curator.

Weren't you in charge of stuff at that Columbian museum?

I was in charge of their business operations. Things are different here, you know.

The Menat-Ha'mait museum doesn't need to profit. Annual support from the Lords Ameer and the Padishahs is enough. No use for me.

Which is great. I get to take it easy.