Annanu returned to Uruk. It seemed like a rather good ending.
He had ventured deep into the underworld and ultimately returned, neither killed by the Queen of the Underworld nor forced to pay any price.
Of course, perhaps he had paid a price, but no one knew about it.
For instance, Ishtar had already fallen into a state of panic.
A few days ago, the Kurgarru and Galatur she had sent out returned to her temple covered in wounds, bringing with them threats and ridicule from that bastard sister of hers. It had nearly enraged her to death.
And now, having received definite news that Annanu had returned from the underworld, Ishtar—
She gritted her teeth, her expression shifting uncertainly.
What exactly had Annanu experienced in the underworld?
Ishtar could not understand why her gloomy, sinister sister had let Annanu return so easily.
Why?
In contrast to Ishtar's mood was the goddess Nanshe.
She heard news of Annanu's return through the streams, and immediately forgot all about a goddess's dignity as she flew straight toward Uruk.
Night had fallen here. Annanu had just moved Enkidu's stone bed back from that bastard Gilgamesh's room, and was holding hands with Enkidu as they chatted when he suddenly sensed a familiar ripple of divine power.
With lightning speed, he pressed a hand against the floor. The Key of Heaven blasted out from a golden ripple and stood before Annanu.
"Annanu—"
The call drew closer and closer. Nanshe, she—
Could no longer stop herself!
Bong!
Nanshe crashed headfirst into the Key of Heaven and fell unconscious to the floor.
Annanu remained calm and unruffled, while Enkidu sat beside him, dumbfounded.
"Is this really okay?" Enkidu scooted a little closer to Annanu and asked worriedly.
A swelling had already risen on the head of the