Lion Head Mesa Who puts marmalade inside a Kong?

This place wasn't as cold as the others. In fact, aside from some frost among the grasses he came upon, Nils could see little to no sign of Winter here at all. Had he gone backwards in time? Maybe if he kept going this way, he would find his master waiting!

That thought kept him going for a while. He lurched along the steppes, finding the harder angles a taxing struggle to overcome, and took frequent rests.

There wasn't much to drink here. His mouth was so dry that he couldn't even drool! In the distance he saw shadows and sought them out, unaware that he was crossing  beneath the stately arches of the mesa towards an entire kingdom.

@Toula !

dressed in her fine furs, toula hurried quietly with her attendants to continue her work upon the altar of the Goddess that would come when the moon was full. in her mouth, and those that followed, were items to help with this task—but she was given pause upon seeing another! they were a large beast, but the young amiirad had yet to know fear in her life. she was always well protected, and knew love and kindness.
and those that looked strange were well loved by her mother and father! toula wondered if this beast was a bear from the stories told, so large was he—toula handed her items to another, and a Fellahin hurried after her, then ahead, upon seeing the creature.
they were prompt in announcing her, titles and all, to the stranger. their eye upon him was suspicious, but toula’s was warm and welcoming. hello there! she greeted, tail waving. the young sylph thought to get to the bottom of this mystery of hers immediately, and asked, are you a bear?

There was a great commotion in the daylight. He didn't know what he saw when he squinted from the shade, only movement, with reds and golds and - then a voice, which perked his ears.

A skittering thing moved swiftly aside, and a girl dog stood confidently there, smiling. She seemed enamored by him and at once Nils wanted to get close, sniff, and be friendly. It was so rare to see others these days! So he did; he lurched up and swayed towards her, much to the displeasure of those attending.

Someone bristled. He was surprised and wounded, shrinking a little. Bear? Nils not big bear, Nils -- is Nils! His tail wagged and stirred motes of dirt.

she had never heard of a Nils. but at once, she wanted one! her eyes were bright, and her tail stirred slowly behind her. can I keep you??? she asked in earnest, eyes bright. if you like to play, we could play together always—and pray together too, of course!—and go on all sorts of grand adventures! 
and toula was due to throw a grand celebration! he could come! toula daydreamt of their life together, and though she knew she had much to do toula decided at first she would do as her parents did and host this Nils.
to one attendant, toula asked, would you be so kind as to get for us sweet meats, and treats that are in season? we will be going to visit Iset, so bring it to us there please! and some to spare for Her, she bid, and looked back to Nils once they scurried away. come, my dearest Nils! she invited with a beam, drawing to his side with a wave of her plume and preparing to lead the way, her assembly in tow.

Keep? He didn't know what she meant at first. Maybe she had a master and they were nearby? But that was not how it worked! The masters chose the dogs, and the dogs had little say in it. Dogs did not choose other dogs except as friends and if they were very friendly, maybe to share meals. But Nils knew he was far from home at this point and he was very lonely.

Plus she promised to play with him!

You want to play with me? His tail was a white banner behind him now and one of the attendants had to move out of the way of it, or risk a bludgeoning. Okay! 

The girl and her many little friends began to move off, and Nils fell in to a guarded position at her side, looking more like a shepherd and them the sheep.

toula beamed at his question. oh! yes! always! this she already knew. there was no thing in this world like her Nils; toula plainly and openly adored him, immediately. he seemed happy with this, and even accepting; toula swallowed a giddy squeal, but the smile on her features spoke to her delight well enough.
she looked up at him, tail waving behind her too. whatever shall we play? she asked, thinking it the kind thing to do to let her Nils decide, there is tag, and hide and seek, and dancing, and much more... but what is your favorite game to play? the attendant retrieving their meals would return soon enough, but they could play while they waited!