the Pass was a safe place that carried those that traveled through it safely. it was a place wisely selected—and Toula was glad for the decision that brought them there.
presently, Toula drifted toward the spring for her evening baths—here, her schedule would not be known and her path not memorized. and so she was guided by both
Mazoi (
@Zaahira and
@Legend both then!) and the
fellahin that would attend her there.
the words were easy to pick up, in so open a place. she did not hear the quiet voice of Khusobek—nor did she hear the words of Melody… not until the last of them were spoken.
…The Queen's... I decided… reach higher, rather than lower…
Toula heard fractured words, but in her own years of political training it was not so difficult to imagine what could possibly be missing. no doubt they three could be heard now, and the conversation might change its course.
Toula would not keep them. she paused long enough to see who was present other than the
Hemet and her eyes fell upon Khusobek.
did you enjoy yourselves at the feast?
she asked, words soft but clear over the stirring winds.
yes, the feast—food and drink of which was brought to their mouths by the trade she maintained, the pelts they sat upon too. some of which the princes had brought, men that had come for
her.
it was not anger she felt in her breast as her gaze turned to Melody. it was disappointment. she would not let her sister be used—not by anyone. and the truth was, she had not thought Melody capable of it! Makono had seen something in the
Hemet, and for that Toula had loved her. but now… now she felt only hurt, looking upon that lovely face,
but Toula revealed none of that on her own features. not even the exhaustion from the day, or her travels, could be seen. no—she maintained composure, in the face of it all.
more likely than not a brief one or two off cameo — tell me if any of this isn’t okay!