For
@Makono, whenever you get the chance!
Khaba had not seen the
amiirad for many days; not since their
first encounter.
While she had promised to send for him soon, the beast was impatient. He couldn't help but find himself eager to be looked upon by such an eager, inviting stare, such as her own.
So, with concealed avidity, the shadowed
mazoi trailed the halls to where the young girl kept to one of her private chambers.
A
fellahin was nearby in attendance, having happenstance been departing to fetch something upon the
amiirad's command. But when they turned the corner, the towering beast stepped within their path and chuffed deeply, demanding that they turn back and announce that the
mazoi sought an audience.
she had not meant to keep the mazoi waiting.
only that her entire world had seemingly crumbled over the last few days. the chasm in her heart was not unnoticeable. the way she did not hold @Ramesses' attention like she once did, the way she spoke less and less. nearly prepared for a vow of silence if it showed her those who were loyal.
she thought upon senmut, nazli.
khaba.
did he bend his knee to lord pharaoh before her?
was he here as the eyes of pharaoh?
a fellahin announced the grand warhorse's arrival. makono sent the fellahin away to bring the man in before they went about their way for other chores. they would be alone, in the silent chambers of the amiirad.
her gaze was heavy upon him, but she did not speak yet.
The amiirad did not keep him waiting.
Just as quickly as they had vanished, the fellahin reappeared and gave him the "okay" to enter.
Entering slowly, the mazoi's heavy stare fell upon her. She looked to him too, wordless. She was still well and healthy, it seemed. Though, there was something off.
It was not an easy thing, to question or prod. So, Khaba simply sat before her and cocked his head. He hoped she would understand the intent and tell him what he so evidently wanted to know.
he sat.
a questioning cock to the way his head fell.
she wondered if he truly could not speak, or if him simply opted not to. would anything she tell him ever escape his lips?
the room was empty, save for them. their breathing, their heartbeats. she found him no less enchanting now than she did before, despite knowing he might be pinned beneath her father's thumb.
did pharaoh send you?
she spoke, dull and cool. eyes growing half-lidded.
There it was. That same, childishly stern stare. The ogle he desired to burn against his skin.
She did not wait long to bring a new topic before him. A question; one of which shot a pang of chagrin. Did she believe that the mazoi would truly betray her so easily? Yes, he held loyalty to both, but that would not set him between them.
Almost as soon as the question befell her lips, the beast's head shook. He wasted no time, for fear of any hesitance that she may mistake for deceit.
he shook his head.
quick and pointed.
she watched him as such too. she remembered the words of the hem to her. what was to stop her from making a move on the mazoi? to capture him beneath her own thumb?
but if he played both sides of the court she needed to be careful.
i would like to see your face more.
she told him in a low breath.
patient. waiting.
It was an odd request that came, for the amiirad wished to see his face for longer than he'd shown.
Odd, yes — but he would oblige.
Shifting his feet below him, the mazoi did as requested and lifted his snout higher. His posture heightened altogether, now giving him a more regal, massed appearance. He didn't notice it all too much, but hopefully the view was satisfactory.
she laughed.
but it was low and warm, not harsh and jaded. she would take no pleasure in making a fool of him — and so she wouldn't.
i mean for you to come visit more.
she waited, once more. enraptured by the pose he had pulled himself into.
He'd mistaken the request. How foolish.
The amiirad laughed, but not in a way to satirize him. At least she had some sense for his pride.
To acknowledge his new understanding, the mazoi flicked an ear simply. A small grunt accompanied shortly after.
So be it. If such was her wish, Khaba would visit more.
do you have everything you wish for?
she wondered what he did wish for. what he dreamed of at night, what he clung onto in the darkest hours, when Ra did not lighten the lands.
Did he have everything he wished for? Tch. Such was a silly, selfish question.
Who in this world ever had all that they wished for? Those that were naive and sought nothing of their life, perhaps?
But that was not him. It was not Makono either.
He would not answer with gesture, but instead choose to wait for her to find the answer for herself. The mazoi stared blankly upon here all the while.
there is something missing,
she cooed as she reclined slightly in thought. this she was certain of.
i'll find it.
a challenge, she cherished those most. it will take me time, but perhaps next time we meet i will have found it.
her features split with a regal smile.
The amiirad found herself challenged, deciding that she would learn of what the mazoi claimed to be missing.
He was curious now, for he even he did not know what it was.
Was there something she saw that he could not?
go, rest.
she ordered softly. truthfully he did not have to rest. she merely wished to see him off so she could brew.
you'll know when i have found it.
Rest? How could he?
This part, he hated. Readied for something grand of entertainment, but then it be set aside for another day. If only there was a way to name it...
But as she commanded, the mazoi obliged without question.
Tipping his snout in a light nod, Khaba saw himself out of the chambers, then off to his own.