---

Setemhotep was busy with his work. He had grown haggard again of late, under the redness of moon and the fresh visions which plagued him of demons in the smoke. The red sky, he hoped they could avert this omen, but the efforts did little to quell his anxiety as the moon bled on and on. Yuèshí claimed kinship with Khonsu bathed in red, and this was an omen sesh found it difficult to interpret. Was it all ordained? Did Ma'at shatter!

So he was distracted when Sitamun brought Mekh forward, and it was the mark of greatly practiced dignity upon the sesh not to leap clean out of his pelt when they politely made themselves known. Straightening, he looked to the stranger briefly, certain they did not know each other, and then Sitamun. Tension was visible in him, but well restrained.

He greeted, Em hotep nefer (In great peace).