Lion Head Mesa I promise I've already learned my lesson

It had been a few days since the Pharaoh offered Sokha a place in Akashingo. 

A beautiful land in which she had begun to settle well and with ease.

Little had been explored, as of yet.

With careful, curious steps, the girl slithered from the depths of the palace and searched for a path to roam. Ramesses had promised knowledge, but had yet to call upon her. 

Today, she would have to entertain herself. Surely the mesa offered something decent to catch her wandering eye.

The new mazoi had likely seen him here and there, being the busy fellahin that he was. But they hadn't had a proper conversation. The hebsut was curious about her, of course. The pharaoh had brought her here himself, which only intrigued him further.

So when he caught her lovely scent on the mesa air, he eagerly tracked her down.

My lady, he said softly once he was close. He dipped his head respectively. I am Sayf, a fellahin of Akashingo. He offered a friendly smile. It is the fellahin's job to serve the mazoi in anyway they wish. Sayf took a seat, his gaze searching politely for hers. Where are you headed? Maybe I can escort you there and tell you more about life in the mesa?

A new voice, new body, new scent.

On the day Pharaoh's children first set foot before him, many had been seen, but none were sought in detail.

With great diligence, the girl studied he who called himself Sayf.

Fellahin. She repeated the title, testing the syllables of the strange word upon her tongue. An unknown word to me... apologies. Sokha's ears flattened in the slightest, eyes fixing upon the man with an apologetic glaze. 

As attentively as ever, she listened as he explained the purpose of those called Fellahin. It was unique, but there would be no judgement from her.

"Where are you headed?"

As for this query...

Nowhere specific, She admitted, paws shuffling beneath her.

This land is large. Much to see. If only she could, Sokha would have traveled the territory in a matter of hours. She was eager to see it all, know of what riches and beauty there was to offer, and learn the names of all she now would know to be her family of sorts. That's what a pack was... right?

You have no need to apologize, my lady, Sayf assured her. The servants of Akashingo are called fellahin. Anything you need, you can call on one of us, and we will make sure you have it. The hebsut smiled softly at her, a suggestive spark in his gaze. 

Yes, there are many beautiful things in the mesa, the coyote agreed. Have you seen the wellspring, he asked. It is quite the sight, especially now. I could take you there if you would like. He lifted an eyebrow in question, ready to lead her to the water if she was interested.

Servants to serve.

A single beckon, they will come.

Anything she should need-... anything at all.

All due Sayf's promise. Though, did she believe it? Maybe ... and maybe not.

There was a hardly a time Sokha ever knew a servant to serve a master or mistress willingly. If bid, those of lesser class would do as told, mainly out of fear of retribution.

This wasn't what Sayf thought, clearly. The fellahin seemed quite pleased with his title. Quote, "seemed". Only in time would she know truth. There would be a little game to play, first. 

This so-called tour would be her playground. Her chess board.

May the best player win.

Tempting the eager man with a gentle, fawning gaze, Sokha's tail then waved in an excited flurry. In this moment, the newly bred mazoi was naive and gullible; a fresh berry to pluck from the patch. It was a far stretched gamble, but a necessary one to decide whether or not experience would win over instinct.  

Waters are pleasant. Pretty spot to sing. She chimed in a lulling tone, traipsing past the [fellahin] with barely enough distance to keep her tail from brushing against his flank.

Come, then. Only you know the way, Glancing over her shoulder, Sokha awaited her guide to take the lead.

Oh, Sayf liked her. He liked most others that he met, but few were willing to play with him. He was delighted by her reaction, and when she cast him a soft, playful look, he met her gaze, his firelight eyes bright with excitement. 

Her tail brushed against his flank, and he eagerly trotted forward to her side. Do you sing? he asked, with one raised brow. Instantly he was reminded of Arsenio and a pang of sadness momentarily struck his heart. It was quickly forgotten, his focus solely on the lovely mazoi beside him.

It is not far, my lady, he promised. 

And it wasn't far; it took them no time at all to arrive at the beautiful bathing pools, made even more extraordinary by spring flowers and warmer waters. 

The hebsut stopped at the edge of the pool and smiled at his company. I can bathe you if you would like, my lady. So you can relax. He waited with a soft expression, uncertain of what her reaction would he to his offer. Some happily accepted and some preferred to bathe themselves; Sayf hoped she belonged to the former.

"Do you sing?"

Sayf was not the first man to ask this.

I do. She mused in reply, cooing with a faint wisp of breath. My mother sang to be as a young girl. She had the most enchanting voice. Mine could never compare. Modest words, to the ear, but true all the same.

The spring he had promised was indeed wonderful — lavish and bordered by beautiful scenery. 

The fellahin wished to bathe her, but Sokha was unsure. Yes, she had her fun teasing him; however, she could not imagine the touch of another unless it happened to be one in specific. Sayf was not that one.

As ravishing as a bath does sound, I think I would prefer a swim. I may still be youthful, but exercise is beneficial for bones of all ages. Without it, they would grow stiff. 

After casting a small grin his way, Sokha turned and dashed towards the bank, bounding into the water with a graceful leap. It felt splendid against her fur, her skin, her muscles.. everything. With a noticeable smile, she tread in the direction the breeze beckoned, finding more enjoyment with each stride.

Her rejection stung, his sensitive heart aching because of it. He enjoyed bathing others, even if it didn't lead anywhere else. His job was to provide relaxation and decadence to the members and guests of Akashingo, and he was taken off guard any time he was turned away from that. 

He was careful to keep the feelings from his face, only offering her a soft smile and respectful dip of his head. I would love to swim, my lady, he offered. The hebsut watched her jump into the water and swim, and then he trotted in to join her. 

Sayf moved through the water until he was close enough to speak to his company. Maybe you could sing me something? he asked. If you want to, of course.