S3E04: Revelation

With a hopeful heart, I busied myself preparing Enki’s sanctuary and safe place. The lead-lined chamber would shield his mind from external forces during the experiment if the need arises.

I ordered the servants to outfit it with every comfort imaginable – soft cushions, fragrant oils, and plenty of refreshments.

As they worked, my thoughts drifted to the Our Father Enki. He had been living in seclusion in an underground abode, where I myself grew up. He has been there for way too long tirelessly working so we can have a real life… for so many years now. Ever since the bitter feud with his brother Enlil came to a head, Enki retreated from society to… – help society. Oh Father, how heavy your heart must feel being separated from open skies and surrounded by cold unfeeling stone.

After ensuring the private quarters were ready, I went to inspect the balcony nearby. This open space would allow Enki to meditate deeply and connect his consciousness to the cosmic web, making him vulnerable to detection of whatever is trying to probe and invade the minds of every Anunnaki caught on the surface.

Guards will stand vigilant during the ritual, ready to whisk him to safety if trouble arise. But I pray that my precautions will prove unnecessary.

Gazing upward, I offered a silent plea. Please watch over my Our Father during this trial. Let no harm come to the gentle soul who only wishes to uplift others. The darkness of separation must not eclipse our light.

A servant approached, interrupting my reverie.

Servant: “My lady, all is prepared according to your instructions. Does the accommodation meet with your approval?” 

I nodded, touched by their efforts. “You have done well. Please convey my gratitude to all who helped ready our lord’s quarters.”

He bowed respectfully before leaving to share my words. As much as possible, I tried to rule through compassion rather than fear. Life under Enlil’s domain back in those times held too much hardship already without adding more.

Seeking a moment’s peace, I retreated to my private gardens. Nature’s beauty never failed to soothe my spirit. I knelt by the fish pond, trailing my fingers across cool water. The creatures nudged in playful curiosity, making me smile. Such simple joys grant respite from burdens of the mind.

Later in our chambers, I confessed my concerns to my husband Nabu. Though I kept worries hidden from others, with him I could be vulnerable.

“I know there is no cause for fear, my love, yet an anxious knot remains in my belly. I did not tel them who I think is behind all this not to hurt them or offer false hope. Dark premonitions haunt the edge of thought now.”

Nabu took my hands gently, his kind eyes radiating reassurance.

Nabu: “Have faith, dear one. If any can succeed in this endeavor and solve the mystery, it is you. Try not to fret.”

Comforted by his words, I retired for the night and managed to find rest while reminding our meeting a few days ago.

…

Nanaya: Our Father Enki, I feel certain this probe of minds is meant only to find you, be it with good or ill intent. For the benefit of all Anunnaki, it would be wisest to let it run its course.

Enki: What makes you say this, Nanaya? Your intuition tells you this? I do not fully understand.

Nanaya: It is pure intuition, Our Father. A strange feeling of love in the air, even as the Anunnaki tremble in pain. I cannot explain it better, but I feel its truth deeply.

Enki: Your instincts have proven sound many times before. I am confident in your judgment on this matter and will heed your advice.

Inanna: FATHER! – Are you certain of this path? I – I only want you safe. To lose you would break my spirit beyond repair.

Enki: Do not worry, Inanna. Nanaya has it all planned should things go wrong. And you and Marduk will stand near. Have faith, we will prevail.

Nanaya: Our Father, your trust brings me such joy, even in darkness. My spirit lifts to have you both here again after so much loss and chaos. To bear witness to your condition was a heavy burden, yet also a sacred duty. You both showed such resilience and courage before, never losing sight of your principles, even when rage and grief whispered lies. You are my anchors when sorrow threatens to pull me under and I know not which way leads back into light. I am so blessed to learn from you… I can only repay by trying to offer you a revelation. Something I deeply believe inside.

Enki: Make it happen, Nanaya.

…

Morning came too soon, the day of revelation finally at hand. I broke fast hurriedly, then went to help prepare Enki for the ritual. When I arrived to the prepared spot our benefactors were already there.

My father-in-law, Marduk, greeted me with a weary smile, the ever-present weight of responsibility showing on his face. But his eyes still held their ageless wisdom, undimmed by the long years. He pressed my palms fondly between his own huge hands.

Marduk: “Dear Nanaya, do not let fear cast its shadow on today’s purpose. You have served me and my house well in this life. I consider you my own true daughter.”

I flushed, honored beyond words by his heartfelt sentiment. Blinking back tears, I embraced the ancient being who meant so much to me. He returned the gesture before pulling away.

Enki: “Come now, child. Help me don these ceremonial robes. We must not keep destiny waiting.”

I carefully draped the ornate vestments over his frame with the help of Lady Inanna, then guided him out to the sunlit balcony. He would be the only Anunnaki exposed for the coming hours.

He settled cross-legged on a cushioned mat as I lit fragrant incense and candles around him just to be sure to help him as much as I really could. After bowing respectfully, I took my place nearby to keep watch.

I motioned all the human guards to be at the ready and Revelation time was ready to start!

Enki’s breathing deepened as he centered his awareness and initiated the ritual. I observed the subtle shift as his conscious presence withdrew inward. His physical form grew utterly still, a vessel now open and vulnerable.

Raising my eyes heavenward, I whispered a prayer. May only blessings flow through this conduit.

Time passed slowly as I maintained my vigil. The guards shifted on occasion but remained intent on their duty. Eventually my eyes grew heavy, lulled by the hypnotic silence. I must have dozed off briefly.

A thunderous crash shocked me back to full alertness. I leapt up, wildly looking around. To my horror, Enki lay collapsed on the ground, blood flowing from his nose. The guards rushed to surround him.

“Help me lift him!” I cried.

We hurried to carry the limp elder to the protected chamber, carefully placing him on the bed.

My hands trembled as I wiped the blood from his face. What violent attack had he suffered in those unguarded moments? I should never have left him so exposed, no matter what assurances I’d been given. I have failed!

Enki’s eyes flickered open, wandering before focusing on me. He croaked my name slowly.

“Hush now, save your strength.” I held a cup of water to his parched lips.

He drank gratefully before sinking back against the cushions, clearly weakened.

“What happened?” I asked. “What befell you out there?”

His breath came slowly as if even speaking took great effort.

Enki: “A presence…vast and powerful…it came seeking me. There was…a brief struggle, but I allowed it all in.”

I could not imagine what being could have so easily overwhelmed someone as mighty as Enki.

“Were you able to determine its intent?” I asked. “Does it mean you harm?” 

He paused before answering, seeming to choose his words carefully.

Enki: “I now know it does not… At first I felt it wished knowledge…awareness. Loneliness and sorrow pervaded its essence.”

My brow furrowed in confusion. What strange entity could be described in such terms? But Enki needed rest now, not an interrogation. I quieted my brimming questions. 

Enki: “Inanna!”

Inanna: “I’m here, father!”

Enki: “All Anunnaki are now free to roam as they please…”

Inanna: “What do you mean, free?”

Enki: “I cannot tell you exactly… but it has ended now. Don’t ask me how… but – It was your mother! Ninki is alive!”

Inanna: “Say what?!”