Trickle, trickle... You wake up in an hourglass, sand falling on your head. Outside there is desert, devoid of everything human except for one small signpost. You can barely read the letter left by your nefarious captor: "DON'T WORRY. I TOLD YOUR FRIENDS. THEY ARE ON THEIR WAY." Trickle, trickle... You wait till the sand is ankle deep, and then, standing on the sand, you try reaching to clog the hole, but your ankle is chained with almost no extension from the bottom. The hole is still two feet above your stretched hands. Trickle, trickle... You look around for extensions, maybe a stick? But alas, you have nothing except your clothes: denim jeans and a white shirt. You empty your pockets, finding a wrapper with chewed gum and a pocket knife. Trickle, trickle... The hourglass will not break from the inside. You have tried using your knife but have only dulled the blade. Trickle, trickle... You have less than an hour. By then, the sand will rise, completely suffocating you. Hurry now, the sand is already up to your shins.

We sound like Eden as a pair. Make us weight, we won't play fair. Sometimes consensus, most times schism. Usually locked away in prism. If by chance you seek, then throw. The serpent sees where we meet low. We carry freight when we meet high, But separate us, and we die.

Unlike other rulers I am strengthened by neglect. Over my jurisdiction, great taxes I elect. When routine dues are paid, I am weakened severely. Yet if too long delayed, it may cost you quite dearly. My vault is of the flesh, my tellers silver and bone. The upkeep of the kingdom is financed with a loan.

I have a heart that never beats, I have a home but I never sleep. I can take a mans house and build anothers, And I love to play games with my many brothers. I am a king among fools. Who am I?

You may think me an actor; people come from all over the world to see me play my role. The play begins like all plays do – the red curtain draws aside, and I come onto the stage. There is one other actor. He is dressed in beautiful, bright clothing. I, however, am entirely naked. There are many acts in this play, in between which the other actor helps me to get dressed before the curtain reopens. He dresses me in colorful piercings and a red coat. The story we tell is a tragedy through dance. My choreography is straightforward, but if he forgets his then the play is over. Either way, I consider this a once in a lifetime performance. What role do I play?

I'm the end that brings the end, I'm the one that hides. Shackles gird me waist to toe, Sealed in tower I. Ever tasked to make amends, Slowly here I die. My stricken foe you'll never know, His death is met with sigh.

Twice born but once it dies. A more feline obelisk then a dairy soar. Some to royalty will rise. When seen by many they're adored. What is it?