They came with a retinue, but they were alone now. One of them had sent a call, then they all dissipated like water on a hot day. No doubt to return to the desert.
It was cold here, but the pearl didn’t blink. They shivered, lightly, but they didn’t think it was visible. They hoped not, anyway. Bahiti twisted their dark head to the sky, for just a moment, before it was back to peering into the depths of the Mesa.
This was where they were supposed to go? They had half a thought to scoff.
it was senmut who came to answer the summons for pharaoh.
the lithe figure of black stood out against snow and red sand. "this is akashingo." he had seen them arrive and then be left here. an offering, he supposed.
the priest was silent, expecting the outsider to answer.
Eyes like gold coins would watch the priest as he approached, tracking his movement like the great cats of the mountains. They raised their nose in acknowledgement.
…you are the Pharaoh?
This was the one they had been sent to? Their eyes flicked over him again.
Quite the wimpy looking one, wasn’t he? A lizard biting his ankle looked like it would cause him to croak.
"i am one of his priests, the hem senmut."
his green eyes moved over them as they had not with royal bodies, but had since his frequent meetings with isa.
"have you come to serve?" senmut watched the small black frame silhouetted against the snow.
The coyote was not disappointed.
He was a priest, not the Pharaoh they had been sent for. At his question, they would nod, acutely aware of the snow dusting the tops of their sleek black shoulders.
Yes.
The gold-mint eyes watched from the shade of dark eyelashes.
I am Bahiti.
They slowly moved into the scented borders, black tail swirling behind them.
And I was made to serve.
will post w ram after u <3
"then come, bahiti."
senmut turned and led them back to the palace, to the downsweeping path underneath the mesa that expanded into an ever-churning maze of activity and voices and food and flowers.
and pharaoh, surrounded by courtiers and fellahin, perhaps even his heir and queen apparent, the vizier beside him.
"divine one." senmut lowered himself into an obeisance and motioned for the coyote to do the same, a forehead kiss to the floor. "this is bahiti. they are a gift from visitors outside the palace walls, and are made to serve."
he did not rise until the pharaoh said a word.
They followed in silence, dancing on light feet that were built for desert sand. The priest, Senmut he had said, led the way through hustle and bustle, dancing lights and other canids alike. They followed with their gold-mint gaze, every bright color and splash of motion.
Until the priest would stop, and they would meet the eye of Pharoah. Senmut ducked low his head, until it met the ground. Bahiti would do the same, tucking one leg and extending the other in front of them until their forehead met the ground and their eyes fell closed.
They were made for this. It’s what they had trained for, were made for, were built for.
skip senmut!
the young priest strode among them. the throng cleared and all eyes fixed to the graceful sable creature who bowed in the middle of his court.
they were magnificent, and he felt almost the opposite of dearly loved maggie, who had accompanied satsu to the land of the dead.
pharaoh rose slowly and senmut stepped away as the divine man descended the steps to stand before the gift. "from where do you come?"
Hope you don't mind me tossing him in here for trade purposes! Will be cameo, unless addressed.
Khaba had made good use of himself.
When not at the side of the
sōzokujin, he stood guard within the palace halls, or often within the
pharaoh's throne room.
Today, he was present as one of the priests brought someone before the eyes of Ramesses. Set close to the throne, the dark beast was keen with his work. He sat like a statue; a dark shadow that loomed nearby.
Cordially, the
jodai nodded his head to both as they entered.
Words would not come from him as they conversed — not unless he was made to speak.
They did not rise, resting with their forehead to the stone floor. Dust settled fine on their forehead fur, a streak of red dust that sat between their umber ears.
A desert people, who have heard tale of you. I am named for fortune, so they send to you good fortune.
The courtesan would speak, voice low and reverent in ways they didn’t know if they felt or not.
They could taste dust in their mouth, but it was no different that breathing in sand. All of it was the same to the desert creature they were.
last for me! <3
fortune. a glittering jetstone.
ramesses slid a gentle, manicured paw beneath their jaw and lifted the pointed, flawless face. their fur shimmered with indigo undertone; their eyes were pieces of sunspot.
"i accept the trade of your people."
there was a hunger in his eyes now, in his voice. "jawahir. nazli. sayf. you will take bahiti to the wellspring and cleanse them. see that they are fed. see that they rest."
his lazuli stare had not left the nightstone.
"then send them to lady sokha to be properly arrayed."
only after ramesses would send for them. he released bahiti and turned back to his throne, heart thrumming in anticipation of enjoying such a gift. he welcomed such a diversion from courtcraft.
Acceptance.
The pharaoh would not send them back to their desert, and would instead keep them among his retinue. Gold foil glinted on pointed black features, and the coyote accepted the fold of their fellows around them.
Guided out of the throne room, they would cast a single look over their dark furred shoulder, before they would be gone with a curl of an ink dark tail.
Fin! Thank you for the amazing thread as always <333