Lion Head Mesa Medusoid Ostreatus

For @Toula <3

In these chilly winter months, warmth was hard to come across outside of piles of pelts and the embrace of another—neither of which Machiavelli had right now unfortunately.

And so, the cold-blooded dog lay lizard-like atop a section of the mesa doused in the midday sun, seemingly engrossed in...something. He seemed content, although this particular section of rock was not as private nor hard to access as he would have preferred for his work—his leg saw to that.

home, now, she moved to see to the man that had been saved by @Eset. this mission known to her, she sought to ensure his well being. there was awareness that this might be her last link to one of the women she loved most in the world. 
she approached, surrounded by other attendants. she remembered his good work. I am glad you are safely returned to us, her words are heartfelt. this had been Esets greatest wish—Toula would never let it be for nothing! how do you fare? have no fear in speaking plainly, he has encountered the long shadow of Osiris—she thought he might fear nothing, after that.

The dog's ear flicked in the direction of the flaxen-pelted woman, shattered-glass eyes turning to meet her just a moment later. The "something" he had been so focused upon, seemed to be sorting through a pile of odd-looking mushrooms which he swept aside as she approached. As Machi was lying down and could not properly bow, he did the best he could manage with a respectful incline of his fair head.

"I am glad you are safely returned to us,"

This was returned only by the subtle arching of one brow, quickly returned to a more neutral position. This woman was dear to Eset, and this perhaps was the only reason he did not move to insult her as quickly as he had her husband.

I fair as well can be expected, Exalted One, he replied neutrally, refraining from offering her anything further.

he was kind. too kind, perhaps, considering. it was a mistake to send only @Eset after him, for more reason than one—but had they of, more than @Nokht might have been stolen from them. would he understand? did he care to? 
Toula swallowed a sigh, settling down alongside him. would you share with me the last time you saw Eset? she asked quietly, watching him. ah, yes, despite the truth of the former sentiment she felt a fool for sending her friend alone! for not having another shadow her the moment news broke of her mission, and of the pale man’s absence.

The suspicious opal eyes remained fixed upon the younger woman, but as she settled beside him in a manner so unlike her husband it was nearly comical, there was a shift within the man. Machi released a sigh, closing his eyes for a moment as if thinking.

Divine one, if you bid me speak plainly, then allow me to do so now. And when his eyes reopened, they fixed upon her much more gently. Before I was taken in by Eset and Muat-Riya, I lived a very different sort of life—one that I have carried with me throughout my time here. He paused, considering his next words.

It is perhaps because of this that I have not been able to find myself fully a part of your empire, and also perhaps why I still carry the arrogance of leadership that is no longer fitting of my rank, Machi continued, voice low, although not disrespectful, as he pawed absently at the pile before him. And although I find myself, though I ask you to forgive me for saying so, perhaps more impressed with titles due to saftey than adoration, it is undeniable that you are beloved by your people, Eset especially—and there is much respect earned in that. However, there have been events in the past months that have left me unsettled, Highness.

His opal eyes fixed upon her once more, cool but not harsh. If I may be so bold, do you believe it was it a mistake for her to trust you? The unspoken question: and can I trust you now?

she listened—and still, she watched. his expressions, his movements—yes, indeed, he was a man born to a place like this. Toula had not yet heard all he had endured—much and more had occurred to keep her from knowing all. but now, now she sought to make up for all the time she had lost. would it ever be enough? 
she would make it so! Toula heard the question, and still she said nothing. was it? she would like for it not to be. I do not know that my answer to that will satisfy you, she said with a low laugh, but I want to continue to work towards being worthy of it. she loved Eset—distance had not changed that. and respected her, too.

Machi let out a soft breath, warmed to an answer that seemed to put him finally at ease. I apologize for my rudeness, Divine One, and the dog would rise awkwardly upon three legs so that he might offer her a proper bow, I will admit I have heard of your humility and kindness, but I did not trust it. Never before have I met a ruler so quick to admit their shortcomings—it is a great credit to your character and something we might all learn from. It seems your position is well-suited to you. A soft smile was offered to the god-woman.

If it pleasing to you, Highness, allow us to return inside and I will prepare a meal for you. Then when you are satisfied I might tell you at length of all that occurred.

her turquoise gaze saw the shift as he seemed to truly settle. it was now that he bowed, and perhaps she ought to have been insulted that he did not in the first place—but could not fault him, not now, not after what she had learned. her own trust was shaken in man she loved the most! still the question “why” rang loudly between her ears. still, also, the love and palpable desire! 
her appetite was scarcely there, but his offer seemed to come from a good place. she would not deny him this, if it pleased him too—he had gone through enough. 
it would please me, so long as you join me in the meal, her invite was well-meaning, and hopeful. she still wished for him to rest, and recover—but if he found pleasure in his work, she would not keep him from it!

Then it will be done. His smile was soft then as he collected his things and slid from the warm stone he had occupied.

What is it that most pleases your palate, Radiant One? asked the dog, falling into uneven step a respectful distance behind Pharoah—while the genuineness of the question was undeniable, it served a second purpose as well: a subtle test to decide if she would prefer conversation or silence while they walked, either of which Machi was content to fill.

truly, I have a love and appreciation for all foods—but honey has always been a favorite of mine. I enjoy sweets, she laughed, and looked to him. and what is your favored fare? she inquired in turn, equally interested. 
she did not know what she wished for by way of conversation—she wanted to hear from him all that he had to say, but there was much on her mind. much she had learned that still she tried to piece her way through to understanding.

Many of my favorites I have not seen since coming here, but I suppose I do enjoy eggs very much if I can find them, Machi replied after a moment of thought.

I have also found these mushrooms to have quite a unique profile, he gestured to the pelt-bag, however, some of their look-alikes are not good for eating so I've had to be especially careful before preparing them. Are you at all interested in plants, Highness?

well, we must change that! I shall see to it that more of this is brought in through trade, her tail waves at the thought. her fellahin should have the ability to enjoy themselves, too—that they served did not mean they would ever live in misery. not during her reign! 
mushrooms. she was aware that while they could also be a delicacy, there were others out there that could provide more detrimental effects. I am, she reveals, our Sesh has taught me much of them. so, you too carry knowledge of them—or was this learned through trial and error while you consumed your preferred snack? best to learn about the brilliant and beautiful man from the one who knew him best—himself!

You are very kind, he replied warmly, dipping his head.

The reveal was acknowledged with a pleased sway of the dog's tail, after all, there were few things so pleasant as discussing one's interests with those who could appreciate them. I wish I had discovered the knowledge while comparing snacks. Machi laughed. No, I'm afraid it was a bit less of a pleasant discovery, he continued, tone remaining light.

The sesh you refer to being Lady Tavina? Are the two of you close?