This is a collaboration between renowned photographer Sandytoess2211 (https://twitter.com/Sandytoes2211) and AI artist Lucid-Dreamer (https://twitter.com/luciddreamnf1) ----------------------------- Aztec King The sun blazed down on the ancient city of Tenochtitlan, its pyramids and temples gleaming in the bright light. The aztec woman who lived there, called herself Xochiquetzal, felt the heat on her skin and the sweat trickling down her back. She was used to the heat, but today it seemed especially oppressive. As she walked through the city, she saw the signs of the upcoming festival of Quetzalcoatl. Preparations were already underway, with people busy decorating the temples and pyramids. Xochiquetzal couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. She loved the festivals and always looked forward to them. This year, she was especially looking forward to the festival. She had been chosen to be one of the dancers in the ceremonial dance that would be performed in honor of Quetzalcoatl. It was a great honor, and she was determined to do her best. As she continued to walk, she saw a group of women gathered near one of the pyramids. They were all talking and laughing, and Xochiquetzal couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. She wished she could be part of their group, but she knew she wasn't welcomed. She was about to turn away when one of the women, called Cihuacoatl, spotted her. Cihuacoatl was the leader of the group, and she did not like Xochiquetzal. She thought she was too independent and didn't conform to the traditional roles of aztec women. "Xochiquetzal," Cihuacoatl said, her voice filled with disdain. "What are you doing here?" "I was just taking a walk," Xochiquetzal replied. "I didn't mean to intrude." "You're always intruding," Cihuacoatl said. "You don't belong here. You're not one of us." Xochiquetzal felt the familiar sting of tears, but she refused to give Cihuacoatl the satisfaction of seeing them. "I'm sorry," she said. "I'll go." She turned to leave, but Cihuacoatl's voice stopped her. "Wait," she said. "I have something for you." Xochiquetzal turned back to see Cihuacoatl holding out a small bundle. "What is it?" she asked. "A gift," Cihuacoatl said. "For the festival." Xochiquetzal hesitated, but then she took the bundle. "Thank you," she said. She started to walk away, but Cihuacoatl's voice stopped her once more. "Be careful with that," she said. "It's very valuable."