ELSPETH "ASHAKE" COULTER created August 1997
Copyrighted by Java Goddess a.k.a. Beth Strong
Sister of the Sacred Bean at the Temple of Starbucks
Lyris sits at the bar of the Java Goddess Cafe/Bar as the Celtic bard strides up to a vacant stool. The muse watches as the woman orders a round of strong drink, raises the glass to her lips, and downs the Arjuine Brandy in one toss. Ashake had just finished a long set on stage and the applause could still be heard. Turquoise eyes met intense green grey ones fringed in long lashes, as she pulls a cigarette from her 501 jean pocket. She notes the smoke with ambiguity, coughing on the annoying cloud.
"Must you always smoke?" asked the red headed mummy female, fanning the air with a hand.
"It's not like its going to kill ya," replied Elspeth. "You are very late for that to pop into your addled head."
Lyris frowned at her words, but continued to nurse her Gingerale, sipping gently. Condescend water tickled down the side of the glass adding to the ring on the damp napkin. "You played well tonight, as always."
"Ouch," teased the mage-musician, " a compliment. That must of hurt!"
Brisling at the remark, Lyris remained detached as she looked at the fellow bard as the cigarette embers redden at her intact of air. Elspeth blew the smoke out her nostrils like a dragon then changed to rings from the slight "oh" formed in her mouth.
The smoke then swirled into a picture perfect likeness of the henheted scribe they both loved. Elspeth blew a kiss to the image letting it break like wind over water cooled skin. She took her fedora off, brushing her chestnut bangs from her eyes.
"What's your secret?" Lyris finally said.
Snuffing out the cig, the Celt regarded the 3500 year old girl with pacified amusement. A faint smile pursed her red lips and a laugh bubbled like tiny silver bells in her throat. "Lyris, you are an exquisite minded and highly trained troubadour. What could I possibly teach you?"
Lyris had no answer to that, swirling her drink around in the glass as she gathered her thoughts. Why did the woman leave her so . . . wanting? She had always been happy with her music, but now after listening to this talented bard, the muse felt bereft of all inspiration. True her tales were there inside her soul waiting to be shared, but something was not the same. It had begun, weeks ago, when Lyris first heard the Celt sing. Her beautiful, haunting voice spun lyric after lyric that ensorceled all those who came to the Java Goddess Cafe. The muse has refused to believe what she heard as the stringed sounds of Lady Ceis shattered all emotions save one--love as the Celt spread her songs through everyone's soul. She was that powerful. Lyris excepted her to be good, but not Ra blinding superlative! And the way she sang the emotions that welled up from the very essence of her being. A flood gate of serenity, pain, and bitter sweetness came crushing down on the muse like a sledge hammer wave on the shore.
But night after night, Lyris came back to hear Elspeth perform.
True, Lyris was gifted by the gods with a voice that Orpheus himself couldn't match. Lyris enchanted, but Elspeth was beyond even that it was as if she was . . no as if her music was Magic!
The ballad Elspeth played for the muse was met to honor her memory of her lost brother, Lyris knew that. But it had awaken an old wound buried deep inside, a pain she hadn't dealt with yet. Her friend's words ranked over her soul like a fire brand as she sung her wonderful song. Tears bleared her blue eyes and slid down her cheeks. How could she give me this honor after I . . . after I .
"Can you teach me your music?" asked Lyris with hesitation.
"I haven't taken an apprentice in centuries," Elspeth sighed.
" Oh I have schooled some good ones, but Celtic bard magic is very different from your own Egyptian heka. It requires embracing a new and different set of beliefs, rules, and formulas of music theory. Lyris, you are great as it is. Why do you seek
me? Anyone adept bard would be proud to take you on until you become a true master of your craft. Why me?"
"Because when you sing . . it almost feels alive like a living creature of flesh and blood. I can see, hear, taste, feel almost touch where you transport us. I merely sing the ballads, you become them! Please, teach me this gift!"
The muse's words were sincere. Her passionate plea was not lost on Elspeth. She sat back on the stool, tossed back another swig of brandy that Theo placed in front of her before asking for a refill. The Celt grimaced at the pungent burn in her slipped down her throat.
"Happily ever after. Sometimes fairy tales don't end that way, I should know I've lived long enough to see it," Elspeth shrugged,
"and anyone who does is nothing but a disillusioned fool grasping at castles in the sky."
"Why must you always be so cynical?" Lyris bristled at the statement. "You're so jaded, and. . ."
"At least I know who and what I am," said Elspeth, placing her hand on the mahogany table, "I make no qualms about it. You, Lyris, are still floundering in a sea of self guilt that could one day consume you. When that happens, there will be no more muse."
"More riddles," Lyris slammed the glass down on the wood, "I came here for your help and you give me more rhythms. And as for being a disillusioned idiot . . better to be that than a half dead cynic."
"Oh you a wrong, girl," the Celt sipped her brandy, "I'm quite the romantic at heart. It just that you have it all backwards. Sometimes life at best is bittersweet. You take the good with healthy dose of the bad. It spices the flavor. And life is so wonderful. But the world does work like a fairy tale. The kids get backed into pies and eaten by the witch. A loving girl turns to sea foam who risked everything."
"Don't quote Hans Christian Anderson at me," the muse countered, his blue eyes rigid with tension, "There is always a happily ever after! Stories will always end that way as long as I tell them."
Elspeth shook her head as she drank the last of the brandy.
"You just missed the big mystery right there. For someone as bright as you. It should have been painfully obvious."
Lyris wondered at her words as the Celtic bard smoothed the hair back from her eye. As her bangs fell back into place, Elspeth looked at the female mummy hard, then sighed. Lyris felt that she just failed a test of some kind, what she didn't know. "What is the mystery?"
"So you want to know the answer to the mystery? What happens after happily ever after?" she reached for her fedora, flipped it onto her head, "Fairy tales don't end, Lyris, they never do. If you were half the bard you pretend to be, you would have know that by now."
The words hurt, but they were true. Lyris watched Elspeth leave
and thought for a long time.
(Scene coming up in a new fan fiction. Now on to the bio)
From the verse of an ancient prophecy known though out the worlds beyond the Western Gate as written by the priestess of Maat of Egypt.
In the greatest time of reckoning
there will come Lady of Silver
at one with all the elements
and the true magic around her
A Queen of Queens will come
Dressed in the robes of blue
Hair the color of an angry sunset
riding on a white bird
She is the true Shakti
the next incarnation of Isis,
Great Mother by different names of many people
She is the Water of Life
Healer of the Broken Worlds between the Western Gate
When you find her reveal her
for she does not know who she is
ELSPETH "ASHAKE" COULTER
BIO BY JAVA GODDESS A.K.A. BETH STRONG
Denial is not a river in Egypt!
Name: Elspeth Ashake Coulter
Name Translation: "ashake" in Elvish means sacred waters
Age: 5000+ No really knows for sure exactly how old Elspeth is. Even she doesn't truly know when she was born. She could be older, but will admit to being at least this age to pin point a time, not out of vanity.
Height: 5'11 3/4" just under 6 ft able to look Rath straight in the eye
Weight: 136 (for someone that tall she is slender!)
Eyes: green/grey rimmed iris normally. But her eyes do change color according to her mood. Eyes are almond shaped and have an elvish twinkle in them.
Hair: chestnut (dark brown) with auburn highlights. Turns silver and eyes turn sapphire blue when she works her most powerful magic. Long wavy waist length, bushy bangs. Wears it in a french braid or up under a fedora to keep the bangs out of eyes. Or up in a high ponytail as she works on her experiments.
Clothes: Elspeth refers 501/Guess or any type of jean usually torn in the right places. Wears short crop tops with her mid drift exposed. Boots or sneakers. If she dresses nice, it is in a pin striped suit (suspender style), or in beige slacks and a short sleeved black shirt. More casual dressed then most. Most important feature is her black and blue banded trademark fedora! She is never without this hat!
Jewelry: Elspeth wears a short gold necklace with about 10 fingernail sized charms on it. Most are of Egyptian origin but others are not. Some people say these are a sort of power to her. Over that on a leather thong is a two inch gold Egyptian cartouche with the symbols for health, life, prosperity. This is her oldest charm. Very special to her. If she loses, she will be upset to the point of tears. On her right upper arm she wears a thin twisted copper Celt torc armlet with dragon heads meeting at the middle. Her ears are pierced.
Race: Born a Tuatha de Danon, she is of elfish blood, fey, fairy, Light Elves, Lisofar, Seelie, lots of names to go by. But she looks totally human except for her eyes that have the elven look to them. Also referred to an a Celt
Sign: Leo
Element: Fire
God/Goddess: Ashake was chosen at birth to be the sacred avatar of Hathor, Sekhmet, Maat, and Isis. She also follows Kuan Yin, lady of mercy, and Shiva/Shakti. She is on a personal name basis with many god/goddess of different pantheons.
Animal totems: Elspeth is a shamaness and has the following power animals for power totems: dragon, unicorn, phoenix, cobra, wolf, white tiger, peregrine falcon, otter, mongoose, and kylin. There is one form she must change into on a regular basis: every few months she must go through a series of religious rituals sacred to Shiva/Shakti. Elspeth must take on the form of her naga self to do this. Her nagina body is very beautiful: upper half human lower half snake. Jade colored scales with white Celtic spirals running down the sides. She remains in this form for three days. Rath finds her is this form -- irresistible.
Animal totem armor: Her old animal power sign was the blue celestial Chinese dragon. However, early after re-meeting the Mummies, this armor was destroyed in a battle with Scarab. Rath has now made her a new amulet and armor.
Her new power animal is the oriental Kylin, half unicorn half dragon. Colors are bronze, brownish gold, jade, ivory, gilded in electrum. The suit looks like the normal Mummies armor except more ornate in nature. Built like Rath's save that the head piece looks like fanged demonic dragon/unicorn. Two small two pronged gold horns bend back closely following the head, in the middle is a hint of an electrum horn. Moonstone eyes kohled in jade. A long sleeved scale mail vest covers her upper body that resembles feather like scales. Over the breastplate is jade with morning glories etched in the metal, in the back a long silver tail attaches. On the breastplate in the symbol of the left eyed Wedjet superimposed with the white feather of Maat. Bronze gauntlets have the same design with the flower design surrounding it. Retractable claws in guantlets.
White kilt like Rath's but with a brown spiraling Celtic knot design on the sash and a large round silver unicorn buckle. Thigh high boots of scale mail and clawed foot bracers complete the outfit.
Weapon is the mitheral katana with an ivory handle shaped liked two cobras entwining wrapped in red crossed leather. Katana, at will of user, can change into a long black triple sectioned chained staff that may be used like a set of nun-chucks, then snap back into a staff. Staff is gilded in electrum and bronze.
Changing phrase: By the scales of Maat or By the Three who become One or With the grace of Shakti
Fighting style: Being raised in the Guild, Elspeth has become over the vast centuries as one of the most deadliest sword and staff mistresses known. Superlative hand to hand fighter. Not many would openly challenge her to a dual and live to brag about it. In sparring, she is not infallible. Sparring partners may throw her around. Elspeth has known many a defeat in battle. But in open circle challenge or if challenged to a dual, to this day Elspeth is undefeated. She has learned from the best and teaches. And if persuaded to teach, she is a hard, but fair task master.
Weapons: Celtic mitheral long sword forged Damascus style named Wavedancer. A Japanese katana in a polished red lacquered sheath named Ishikawa (Japanese: river of stone). These blades were forges by her deceased father, Alanor. Had a magic long knife, Sun Fang, which as many magical properties that she made. Also an alicorn dagger made form a unicorn's horn that she also made. In recent years since the death of the second lifemate, Jigen Daisuki, Elspeth has taken to carrying a Smith and Wesson 357 Combat Magnum Model 19, loaded with special rune slugs to bring down magic opponent. Normally, she despises guns but Jigen taught her the respect and handling of the weapon. She uses this gun rarely and is an expert marksmen.
Transportation: Elspeth rides a remodeled Kowaski motorcycle with a Harley Davison engine. She built it herself. Colors are blue teal with purple paint splash on the side. Room for three people to ride. She calls it "Old Blue". Nefertina loves this bike to death! It is faster and more powerful then the Jetcycle even though it doesn't fly. Nefertina on more than one occasion has wrapped Old Blue around a telephone pole causing Armon to pry it lose.
Much to her chagrin, Elspeth cries on Rath's shoulder when her baby gets killed! Elspeth is very possessive of her machines she builds.
Elspeth also made a gly-wing. Sort of an upside down hang glider that rides the winds like hawk that has it's own propulsion built into the engine. Very light made of ceramic, Rath could lift it no problem. It can fold up and be carried. Weight 10 lbs.
(Author's note: If you have seen Hayo Miazaki's anime classic Nausicaa, then you know what I mean by the glider. It is an exact duplicate of what Nausicaa uses.)
Associations: Ashake was the first alley and friend to the Mummies before the Forgotten Warriors were even awakened. Has numerous friends beyond the Western Gate and contacts for information. Is known by all the pantheons are a pain in the but, yet still honorable. Uses her contacts to help get the Mummies what they need. She is a lifetime agent of a mysterious organization known only as the Guild.
The Guild: Elspeth's main job is that of the Guild Guardian. The Guild spans time and space dolling out justice as inter-dimensional police officers for all the lawless pockets of limbo beyond the Western Gate. She has severed for nearly 5,000 years. She is one of the oldest remaining Guardians who can serve on the Counsel of Gods, the Tribunal. A privilege she has refused time and time again. She enjoys her work too much to be bogged down with that responsibly. Her main Goddess, who send her out on missions is Maat, the Egyptian goddess of law, unity, and order. Maat, though never one to take sides for any one behalf, has a soft spot for her favorite. Which has been advantageous in many circumstances.
As of now, Elspeth is on a re-assignment case with Prince Rapses reborn spirit and his Mummies guardians. Centuries ago she was sent by Maat to protect the boy prince in secret. But committed the one crime that a Guildsmen must never do--she fell in love.
It was Elspeth that pulled Prince Rapses from his mother's womb after a painful delivery. This could explain why Presley so fond of her.
Aliases: Known as Ashake in ancient Egypt. Guild persona: Lathandee Rhiannon (see additional bio)
First Marriage: In ancient Egypt was married to Rath, the scribe of Amemhotep. A stormy courtship, but had a lasting friendship through it.
Relatives: father Alanor, mother Meryah, sister Ceis, baby brother, Pent. Her family is deceased. In the modern world, about ten years earlier lifemated to a man named Jigen Diasuki. Of the union one daughter, Jessica. Both are missing, presumed dead.
Appearance: very tall, medium build, busty (something she is a tad self conscience of), athletic, dancer's body. Lithe very trim despite her well proportioned figure. Not too skinny or fat. Oval square face, strong jaw line. High cheekbones. Elvish slant to the eyes trimmed with long lashes. Phenomenally attractive. But as much of a harmless flirt she is, Elspeth doesn't truly know how gorgeous she is. Possesses a beauty of the soul that shines when she smiles. Like looking into the face of love.
Unusual Markings: One her neck, Elspeth has a magical tattoo given to her by Pharaoh Amemhotep as for as she was concerned as punishment for defying him. A small red left eyed Wedjet (Eye of Horus) superimposed by Maat's feather under that a red dagger. Though it was not meant as an insult it was to show everyone her elevated standing among non-born Egyptians and to his subjects. Only an ancient Egyptian can see the tattoo. Elspeth is very touchy about the subject and will shove anyone against the wall in anger is they ask about it. A subject best not broached. Despite all her trying, the mark will not fade. It was Rath that branded her and made the tattoo.
Personality: How could sure a bundle of Yang impulses come in such comely and genuinely feminine wrappings is one Ashake's most pleasant enigmas. She has changed over the years from her old aloof, distance, melancholy personage into the joyful person she is now.
Honest, absolutely unpretentious, determined, highly intelligent, unflappable in adversity, at times guileless to a fault. But still she is the ever present riddle wrapped within an enigma. Very complex personality. Hers is the path of subtlety. Her arrows fly true and hit home when one not is looking. She can deck with a few well-chosen words, leaving you wondering what hit you. Not that she is cruel, she is in fact quite compassionate. She tells the truth whether others are ready to hear it or not. This has gotten her into trouble. Her years of entertaining have giving her an edge in reading people. She is often a creature of highs: raging one minute, then collapsing in laughter the next.
She will tell you what she likes and dislike to your face.
Elspeth is an intensely sexual presence, a sensuous magnetism, but is blissfully ignorant of how beautiful she really is. Some call it an animalistic innocence, being so unpretentious this makes men flock to her like moths to a flame. This is manly do to her healing powers which are centered in her sexuality. She is a harmless flirt when happy. But is capable of deep emotions and rage if crossed.
Since she is a healer, Elspeth is so sensitive that she is also natural empath and telepath. Both receptive and projective. Because of this she must keep herself tightly shielded at all times. She can telepahically send long ranged messages with ease. But has very low tolerance for unethical behavior among other 'paths " or psionics or Espers as she calls them. Or if an inexperienced telepath/empath tries to read her mind without asking her, Elspeth will pound them senseless.
Elspeth does not impress easily. Has her own strict code of honor. Friendship and respect are earned. But once earned you fairly much have a friend for life.
Magic Powers
1) Potent healing powers! Through the force of her will can mend tissue, knit bones together, lower fevers, cure poisons, and close wounds. She can even cure mental illnesses and disease. How powerful she is even she doesn't know. She may only heal a specific number of people a day depending on how badly they are wounded. Her healing leaves her very vulnerable afterwards. Elspeth creates an empathic link to the person, this requires exceptional vulnerability on the part of the healer. Elspeth can be killed by healing to much.
This is not a spell! Elspeth is a true healer. There are not many in the world. These kinds of healers are born rather than trained. She augments her powers with herbs and healing potions. One drawn back is that she can not heal herself right away as she does with others. Another mage healer may lay hands on her and cast a healing spell, but otherwise she must relie on her quick body repair. If Elspeth goes up against a demon, gets her arm broken, she will be out for two week instead of eight. She does naturally heal faster than a normal person at three times the rate.
She is what you might call a Celtic shamaness in training. Though very powerful, Elspeth tends to hide her abilities until needed.
As a shamaness, she can heal the souls of people and retrieve them through a ritual of magic. But she is fighting her true destiny laid out by the gods by not giving in to the power within her. Something that leaves Rath shaking his head. Elspeth refuses to believe that she is the Chosen One.
2) Elspeth know a variety of offensive/defensive spells. Has control of all the elements. Very wiley in combat. She is know for her unorthadox way of manipulating magic. Formidable mental shields. Only Rath can track her magically.
3) As a Guild Guardian, Elspeth can use martial arts and magic in combat. And is considered one of the best Guardians ever to bet trained by the Guild. Her reputations is know through many worlds. Her name has spanned inter-dimensionally. When pressed it is best to stay out of this lady's way!
4) Besides being a healer, Elspeth is also a mage-smith and collector of arcane lore. She will go to great extences to steal, buy, and procure ancient treasures. Her private library is hidden in her off world home called the Citadel of Thunder and is the largest collections of lost magical tombs, grimoirs, and scrolls known. Many a wizard/magical practioner would love to steal or have a chance to peruse her library. (Rath included!) She does not do this out of greed. Under her jovial nature in a very cultured lady who is a lore mistress at heart and loves knowledge. Most would be gone if she didn't preserve it.
Her mage-smith abilities are comparable to Rath's. She calls herself very humbly a mere "inspired tinkerer". She builds and creates magic items of every caliber. She loves to work at this craft when she has time, but sadly she doesn't. Her magic items go for big bucks off dimension.
5) Elspeth has had her share of male "Chontras" in the past. Like Rath she fell in love with a few of her students. They didn't end happily. All turned against her and tried to us her knowledge for evil, Elspeth slayed them in mage duels by the decree of the Guild. The arcane knowledge she imparted to them was to great to set lose.
History: Courier, thief, warrior, healer, mercenary, martial artist, mage. This lady has been a bit of everything over the centuries. A jack of all trades. Working with the Guild has kept her busy.
But her most precious gift that she loves more than anything else is her bard magic. Elspeth had presence! She walks into a room and everybody notices and gives her space at the bar. Presently she is on assignment to help the Mummies guard the reborn Prince Rapses. Sometimes she wonder just why they gave her this job. Presley already has more bodyguards that he can keep track of!
When not making magic items, helping Rath repair the damages Nefertina did to the vehicles, or on a short off-world job, Elspeth does have a life outside the Sphinx.
Elspeth Coulter is currently the star performer at a place known as the Java Goddess Cafe/Bar. She is a brilliant and consummate entertainer, singer and belly dancer. With her Goldsmith guitar, Lady Ceis, she sings folk music to popular tunes with ease. Possessing a glib tongue and a rapier wit, she wows the crowd every Friday and Saturday night. Other nights she belly dances for tips.
Many of the local gods hang out at this place so there is no fighting allowed. If there is trouble, they are forever banned from the premise. So far there hasn't been and trouble. This the watering hole and laid back spot for the Mummies and the Forgotten Warriors.
Quirks and Bad Habits
Elspeth has a tenancy to drink hard liqueur, swears like a sailor, and smoke. Her favorite drink is Arjuine Brandy, an off dimensional drink hard to come by. She also enjoys whiskey, bourbon, plum wine, Titanian Wine, Yarren beer, Benden white wine, but will settle for a Kirin Ichi Ban if there is nothing else.
There always seems to be a perpetual bent cigarette in her mouth when at the Java Goddess. She will never smoke in front of Presley and does not smoke in the Sphinx.
She always wears her black fedora. Never with out it. If she loses it she will have a fit.
Has an incorrigible sweet tooth. Loves red licorice and Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream. Drinks Kuan Yin and oolong tea when mediating. But she must have her cafe mocha once in the morning or she gets very cranky! Just try and keep the peanut M&M's from her. But her unfailing addiction is Diet Coke and peanut butter.
In battle, at times, suffers from the curse of dumb luck. Like Rath, can misfire a kick, slip, or simply not look where she's going cause she's having too much fun. And end up face down on the ground and bumped into a wall.
Relations with the Mummies
Jakal: Back in ancient Egypt, these strong personalities clashed constantly. But no all together in a bad way. Elspeth, in her own way, has respected the Mummy leader very much. Both individuals are fire signs, that makes it hard for either of them to cool down when they have a difference of opinion. Jakal has always been very intimidated by the strong willed lady, not out of jealousy, but out of a private inner passion, the hunter will not admit. Time and time again Elspeth has proven to as good as leader as he is in messes with Scarab. Battling other world law breakers has given her an edge in tactics concerning the use of magic and martial skills. Jakal, many times, is amazed at her way of handling things. People listen to her. In his single mindedness, the hunter often over looks the obvious. Elspeth's wise counsel and well chosen words have often brought better results than his brute-force-is-the-main-answer-to-everything approach. Reluctantly, Jakal knows this but is hard pressed to give Elspeth the respect the other Mummies feel she deserves. Jakal has trouble admitting there is someone who is a better leader than he is. Also Jakal is very possessive of Presley. Presley obeys her rather then him. The reborn prince is quite fond of Elspeth, something that Jakal secretly despises. It was Ashake who pulled Prince Rapses from the Queen's womb. The spirit residing in Presley Carnavon does remember Ashake and this could explain the boy's strong attachment to her. But Jakal will if the need arises consult Elspeth for advice. And she is the only person in the group who can understands Jakalese--meaning his Dr. Suess idioms.
Armon--this guy has, always and will be at this lady's back in times of trouble. More a great pal than a love interest, Armon still flirts outrangiously with the Celt, who returns the gesture with equal fervor. It's done in good fun. The soldier owes Elspeth a great debt that he feels he has not repaid. Armon did not lose his arm defending Pharaoh Amemhotep per say, he lost it saving the young Celt's life from being raped on the battle field after her family was killed by renegade Nubians. Ashake in turn saved Armon's life with her healing power, but she couldn't save his right arm. (This story is to be told in my tale of Red Sands) For this the bodyguard is eternally grateful. He is very protective of his beloved friend. Of all the Mummies, Elspeth feels that Armon is the best of the guardians, he is the heart of the group. That speaks volumes more than any scroll or battle tactic known. He is the first to give her a hug when she visits the Sphinx.
Nefertina--Like Armon, the charioteer is indeed tight with the Celt. To Nefertina, Elspeth is more of a mother/friend figure that a sister/friend. Nefertina looks up to the Celt a lot. But they still can connect and have fun just hanging out or driving Rath crazy. Like Armon, Ashake saved Nefer's life after a near fatal chariot accident centuries ago. If not for the Celt's quick thinking, Nefer's secret would have been found out and the young guardian cast out and disgraced by her society. Nefertina has never forgot that and for that has her lasting friendship. However, even her affection is tested when her recklessness trashes Elspeth's most beloved blue Kowaski motorcycle that Rath and she are constantly repairing and upgrading. Nefertina has an annoying bad habit of wrapping it around a telephone pole since it is faster and more powerful than the Jetbike. Nefertina is constantly poking her nose into the lab to see what new magic gizmo she thought up. And sometimes takes them without asking. In a way, Nefertina thinks she is a better wizard than Rath. When Rath overheard the remark, the two were yelling for hours!
Rath--Of all the Mummies, Ashake is the tightest with the scribe. Rath and Ashake were married in ancient Egypt. But their courtship and secret marriage were very stormy, but through it all they have remained the closest and best of friends. These two verbally spar like mongoose and snake, but she is the only one who truly understands him. And just because they are close, Elspeth does make fun of him, but Rath loves her so dearly he lets it slide. After all this time, he still loves her ardently despite the fact that her did betray her in the name of his duty to his pharaoh. Rath is as obnoxiously possessive over her as he was in the past which makes it hard for Ashake. Their relationship is very profound. So much so that even the other Mummies shake or scratch their heads wondering about them. For a brief time, Ashake did leave the service of guarding Presley to go on a spiritual quest of heighten her powers. During this time, Rath has had his other love interests and romantic "crushes", but none of them have seemed to capture his heart that way Ashake did. Through it all, Rath does love her the best, the most and she is content with that knowledge. She does not get jealous over his little flings, but Rath gets very possessive if anyone moves in on his wife!
Presley--To say that twice is the charm . . in this case in is correct. It is hard to say if the boy is fond of her because of Rapses' fondness or his own. Of all his guardians, Elspeth is the one who cracks the whip with Presley. She loves the kid, but will not tolerate his thoughtless antics. Many times he had pressed her too far and she took the reborn prince over her knee in front of the Mummies. That incident hurt his pride more than his rear and Jakal was furious at Elspeth for doing it. She doesn't suffer from the handicap of honoring the residing spirit to the point of worship. Elspeth will drag him off by the ear and set him straight when he tests her authority. And she schools him straight when he steps out of line. But Presley is a well adjust child, she doesn't have to do this too often Maybe it's because his mother is too busy that she takes this role is seriously.
Relationship with Allies and Friends
Corryn--This kid is her little sister all the way! Still trying to get the Counsel to over turn her exile in the modern world, Elspeth Ashake is having a difficult time. Corryn looks up to her as a teacher, friend, sister, and a practioner of a practical joke. The Celt made all her war gear. Currently forging weapon for her to use in combat. Corryn works part time at the Java goddess Cafe/Bar as a waitress where Elspeth performs on Fri and Sat nights.
Amanda Carnavon--Elspeth feels sorry for the lady who must spend so much time away from her child. She frequently stops by the Museum to say hi and keeps an eye on her. Wishes the Mummies would keep her interests in mind as well as Presley's. She feels that if something happens to Amanda, Presley would be devastated. Elspeth guards his mother as well.
Bes the Mischief Maker--Yes this god and Ashake go back . .waaay back to the time of the Thronewars, the battle that left the lands beyond the Western Gate the barren waste it is today. Bes is one of the Celt's oldest friends, annoying little maggot he is at times. This pint sized god has caused her more annoying angst than Anubis has fleas! He can be a pain, hindrance, and all around pain in the tut with his weird humor and jokes. But through it all, Bes considers her his daughter along side of Corryn. If Elspeth really needs help, Bes will be at her side as quick as he can teleport there. A drink buddy, a confidante of her worst fears and blunders, Bes is fairly much her angel in disguise as long as he gets to cope a feel is the process.
Anubis, Old Buttlepaws Himself--Like Bes, Anubis and Elspeth have past together. He joins in at the Java Goddess Cafe for their monthly poker game with Bes, Sekhmet, Hathor, and Osiris. They are on opposite sides of the fight, but Elspeth feels that old jackle head is not such a bad guy after all. He's just a little to lovably dim witted to say not to Seth when they want to take over the world. If asked by the Celt, he will help. Secretly, he does admire her moxy.
Apep the Serpent Biker Dude--Apep is more like a big brother to Elspeth than friend. In the past, they were mortal enemies, they tried to kill each other! But as time went by, they met on half ground and came to respect the other. Is often seen at the Java Goddess watching her perform. Another strong ally of Elspeth's.
Geb and Nut--this divine couple are practically her adopted parents. Nut lets Ashake ride her wind currents if asked.
Seth Dog of the Desert--The guy really hates her. No if, ands, or buts about it. It they meet there will be fireworks.
Bastet--The goddess of pleasure and furiness is on questionable terms with Elspeth. But does like the lady's singing. She will assist her if asked nicely.
Sekhmet, Maat, Hathor, and Isis--all of these goddesses take an active interest in Ashake. She is their true avatar, a thing not know to her. Of all the Egyptian pantheon she works closest with these ladies.
Ra the Big Sunkist Kahunan himself--from day one the sun god and Elspeth have been on each other's back forever. She is constantly arguing with him over how he runs the Egyptian gods and makes him painfully aware that he is not perfect.
Ptah the Creator God--Ptah takes an avid interest in the coming and goings of the Celt.
The Java Goddess Pit and Crew
Heather Morale--owner and manager of the Java Goddess Cafe/Bar. Wife of Kayor Aucklandis, now the retired Guild Master. Heather opened the Java Goddess in an attempt to bring something of her hubby's own place name Kayor's here to the real world. A place where even the gods and drink and have fun. So far it is working out just fine.
Theo, Max, Rosie, and Wilcox--The homeless people that took of Rath in the esp "Dead Men Walking". Elspeth got them their jobs at the cafe. Now they are off the streets and leading productive lives. Theo is the bartender. Rosie is the waitress along with Corryn. Max is the bouncer, piano player, and tech guy on stage. Wilcox runs the kitchen in back.
Halyaren--this is a char from my Red Sands story. Halyaren is a mummy with a very checkered past. (See her bio for details)
She tends the bar with Theo.
Veria--is another one of my mummy char. Veria is the assistant to Amanda Carnavon at her job. She volunteered to be the guardian to the prince's mother. Very much the computer fanatic. The most modern adjusted of the group.
Relationships with the Forgotten Warriors
Lyris--This relationship is tenuous at best. Lyris has just recently learned that her beloved scribe has a wife and he didn't tell her about it! Let's just say she is still really ticked off about it. Now the muse has very very serious competition for the man she loves and she's not going down without a fight. Lyris is being extremely pushy about learning about Rath/Ashake's past together. But they remain as close lipped as ever on the subject. Not one else knows much about them either. This upsets Lyris even more. On more than one occasion, Rath and Ashake have told her to but out of their personal affairs. Lyris just might one day push too hard and the findings will not be pretty. It is getting to the point that it is affecting the team as far as Lyris is concerned. But even the rest of the Mummies tell her to stay out of their business. To Ashake, Lyris is a competent musician and leader of her group. Lyris is being jostled off the pedestal that she has been placed on by others as the resident bard. Lyris a bit jealous of Elspeth standing with the Mummies and feels very threatened by her presence. Resulting in very cool disdain when dealing with her.
Kalia--Of all the Forgotten Warriors, the mage-artist is her closest friend. She feels a bit torn between being a good friend to Lyris and her budding one with Elspeth. But knows that the Celt is there because it is her job given by the guild, not because of her past love with Rath. Kalia silently wonders how they got together and even more confused as to how they stay together. She is the only one who truly sees why Rath/Ashake "click" the way they do. She is the first to take her side in an argument.
Joira--This attitude gal tries to get Elspeth off guard. She likes the Celt immensely but constantly pushes to see if all the hype she's heard about her bad assed reputation is true. Joira finds out the hard way that it is. So Rath had a wife big deal! At least in proves he is human to a point. But she likes the fact that Elspeth does pick on Rath as much as she and Kalia do.
Oria--Would like to study under Elspeth and learn her magic, but is too shy to ask. Feels that the other FWs don't give her a fair chance.
Menehotep--Lady Ashake of legend was her idol next to Rath as she learned magic. Can you imagine that shock on the princess' face when she finally met her? Expecting a wise and cultured looking lady, she got a smoking, drinking tavern singer in torn 501s and tight T-shirt with a habit for not being impressed by royalty. Their friendship started off on the wrong foot. Or that is Menehotep started off on the wrong with Elspeth. To the Celt, Menehotep stuck her as a hypocrite. She wants to be just an alchemist, but insists on everyone bowing and scraping to her every wish. When the Lady did not pay her the proper respect, the princess was vexed. Her casualness bothered her. But at the same time, she wanted to learn from her, but was hard pressed to earn Ashake's friendship. Finally she did and proved she was more than just a "slippered royal brat" as Ashake called her. Now Menehotep is Elspeth's apprentice learning her magic and healing.
Trynia Amerin--this alien girl met Elspeth centuries past in the time of her pharaoh's rule of Egypt when she paid a visit to the Prince Rapses' tomb. They have also done assignments together concerning time traveling thieves the guild needed to bring to justice. The pair are like family. She is currently learning Celtic bard magic from Ashake.
Tharank--well it is not every day you learn who your real mother is now do you. (For those who don't know him check out Into the Past With Mummies Alive web site by Trynia Amerin for details)
Presently trying to win his wife, Trynia, back with the help of his parents, Rath and Ashake.
Elspeth Ashake Coulter owned/copyrighted by Java Goddess a.k.a. Beth Strong August 1997. If you want to use her for a ff please e-mail and ask at handy2@earthlink.net . . . .I'll be more that happy to oblige. Lyris owed by Mia, used to get an idea for a story that's all. All other MA ff chars are owned by their creators.