For Nuisum who gave me a big smile when she told me how much she loved my stories; thanks for the vote of confidence - I dedicate this next chapter to you. For those who are new to the Ishtar series, check out the Previous Ishtar image link and there you'll find the links for the synopsis of the series to date. After waging war with Sargon of Akkad, Ishtar, the Goddess of Love and War and her cousin and vizier, Ninshubar, Goddess of the Wind arrive at their Grandfather Enki's home in Eridu. Grandfather Enkiiiiiiii! Grandpaaaa! Ishtar! Ninshubar! By the Gods...but then I am a God...welcome back to Eridu! I can hardly believe that you are here and we are together again! I know it has only been a few weeks since you left for Lagash, but it feels like you were gone an eternity. Give me a hug, right now... both of you! Who am I to disobey my Grandfather? Get in here Ninshubar, Grandfather needs a great big bear hugging! I am right behind you my Lady, do not think for a moment I am giving up my chance to be held in Grandpa's arms again! Hoo! My arms are big enough to embrace the two of you together. So the raid went well? I haven't seen any of Sargon's louts prowling around in days. Yes Grandfather, the strike on Lagash went well. Not exactly as we had planned it, but such is war. And we won. The temples of Sumer will be spared; the peoples and faiths of Akkad and Sumer will now be one. Great, great! Only you, Ishtar, could have pulled off such an impossible feat. Well, actually, Grandfather, I hate to admit it given that I didn't want her to come, but our victory had a lot to do with Alora. She was the one who went after Sargon and broke into his chamber. And it was she who drew his blood. My Lady is being uncommonly modest Grandfather. Despite Alora's bravery in battle with Sargon it was Ishtar who took on the Gods of Sargon and it was she who united her brothers Sin and Uttu to raise the energy that resulted in the resurrection of Alora - despite her having blasted the begeeses outta poor old Sin only minutes before! And then.... Stop, stop, Ninshubar, this is all too much for this old man. Slow down and tell me what really happened. Alora fought well but she is not with you now? What happened to her? Was my Granddaughter killed? Aaaah, well, kinda, you see. ... Grandfather, the story of Alora is going to take a bit of telling. Well, I've got plenty of beer! Good, because Ninshubar and I need a few after what we've been through. Let us then speak of Alora over ales. Previous Ishtar

"She Returns"