S2E10: Siblings After All #2

Three decades had gracefully swept over the Earth since our arrival. During that time, cities had blossomed like stars across the landscape, embodying the harmonious coexistence between us, the Anunnaki, and the burgeoning human populace. Amid this evolving tapestry, the grandeur of Babylon emerged, ready to inscribe itself as the nucleus of human culture.

I found myself engaged in a spirited exchange with my ever-vibrant sister, Inanna. We leaned against the opulent balcony, overlooking the sprawling cityscape below. The sunlight danced off Inanna’s attire, a resplendent composition of gold and blue, adorned with the shimmering plumage of peacock feathers… It did SHOW her a bit too much to be honest.

“For the love of Anu, really, Marduk,” Inanna quipped, her voice carrying an undertone of mock exasperation, “I’m still at a loss for why I must don this… this thing… this ensemble. Feathers, of all things!”

A hearty chuckle bubbled from within me, my gaze transfixed by the lively streets. “Ah, dear sister, you are their embodiment of creation, the radiant goddess of birth and rebirth. Your appearance, my dear, is a reflection of the reverence they hold for you.”

Inanna pouted playfully, her eyes glinting with mischief. “I understand the symbolism, but really, feathers? Couldn’t it have been something less… ostentatious?”

My grin widened, a reflection of the city’s luminous aura. “Ostentatious? Inanna, you truly possess a unique way with words. But those peacock feathers, they serve as a beacon of hope to these people. Each time they glimpse you, they are reminded of the marvel of their existence.”

A theatrical sigh escaped Inanna’s lips, her gaze softening as she watched the populace below. “I suppose you’re right. I just miss the days when I could wear something practical and race through the fields without a care.”

My tone softened as I spoke, a hint of nostalgia threading through my words. “We’ve all had to adapt to this new epoch, Inanna. Yet, underneath these grandiose titles and elaborate attire, we remain the same siblings that everyone consider lovers. Should we not focus on the truth only… for now?”

A gentle smile curved Inanna’s lips as our gazes converged. “You always possess the knack for putting things in perspective, Marduk.”

“The warrior in me, perhaps,” I responded, offering her a playful wink. “But on a more earnest note, Inanna, your contributions here are nothing short of exceptional. Babylon will resonate as a bastion of knowledge and creativity for generations to come.”

Gratitude illuminated Inanna’s eyes as she playfully nudged my arm. “And you, my dear brother, stand as the fortress of our protection. The valiant sentinel who ensures our people’s safety.”

A tender vulnerability seeped into my expression. “It’s not always an easy role, Inanna. Leadership can become quite the burden.”

“We bear it jointly,” she reassured, her voice a soothing balm. “And remember, even the mightiest of gods deserve a moment to grumble about their attire.”

Laughter erupted from within me, reverberating across the palace terrace. “You have a talent for lightening the gravest of moods, Inanna.”

“That’s my purpose,” she quipped, her wink radiating warmth. “Now, let’s leave my feathers behind. Enlighten me, noble warrior, what news arrives from the realms of strategy and warfare?”

As we leaned against the balcony, our laughter harmonized with the city’s vibrant pulse. Amid Babylon’s heart, where myth intertwined with reality, Inanna and I found solace in one another’s presence, an unbreakable bond weaving through the fabric of both divinity and humanity.

The foundation of Babylon has brought forth new horizons, each a testament to our determination to shape humanity’s destiny. The grand city, a culmination of both my ambitions and Inanna’s creative brilliance, stands tall against the sky, promising knowledge, art, and progress. Yet, as the great city takes shape, my heart knows that the intricate machinery of control and power lurks beneath the surface.

Inanna, my stalwart companion, walks beside me in this endeavor. Together, we wield the immense potential bestowed upon us by our lineage. It is true that our attire—those ostentatious outfits designed to impress these humans—may seem ludicrous, but it serves a purpose. It reinforces the awe they feel in our presence, blurring the line between gods and men. As if our height alone isn’t enough, but their reverence is an instrument of influence.

As we discuss and strategize in the private chambers of Babylon’s heart, Inanna unveils a masterful plan—a scheme to embed trustworthy humans within Eridu. These chosen few will serve as our watchful eyes and keen ears, for it is undeniable that Enlil’s shadow stretches far and wide. His grasp for control and dominion is relentless, a constant reminder that power always leads to corruption.
Inanna’s proposition speaks to her foresight and cunning. The Anunna think she is just a nerdy clown, the humans revere her above any other Anunnaki… she knows better.
The humans she selects will be our agents, versed in the arts of subtlety and guile. Through their eyes, we shall glimpse the inner workings of Eridu, and perhaps thwart Enlil’s stratagems before they tighten their grip. It is a delicate balance, for as much as we are bound by the threads of kinship, the fabric of our loyalty diverges—one towards enlightenment and growth, the other towards dominion and order.

Inanna and I pour over the list of candidates, ensuring their loyalty and strength of character. Our alliance stands as a beacon of hope, and we shall nurture its flames against the darkness of oppressive control. Through whispered secrets and concealed truths, we shall mold the destiny of humanity, shaping it towards a future where free will and understanding reign supreme.

Ah, the intricacies of this cosmic dance never cease to amaze me.

“MARDUK! You comin’ or??? What The Heck, do I have to watch the humans dance all by myself?”