Sky Mesa Warriors don't cry

Safiya didn't cry, but her chest ached and her eyes burned. But she didn't make a sound. She had looked at her father until he was a small spot and she had sniffled and nudged the white male @Machiavelli 

She was gladher dad let him come with her. Even if she didn't wholly understand. She really didn't.

Beastie what did I do wrong? her voice broke on the last part and she looked up at him with eyes of sea green glass

Machi walked beside Safiya in silence. He had let her set the pace, his usual chatter held at bay. He could feel the weight of her thoughts in the air between them, but he respected his small friend's unspoken need for space, allowing the stillness to stretch as long as she needed. But when she turned toward him, a quiet sniff betraying the emotions she tried to contain, something stirred within him—an ache that knotted itself deep in his chest.

Setting the bags down gently, he lowered himself into a crouch, bringing his eyes level with hers. His expression softened as he studied her face, the way her brows knit together in confusion, and the edges of her eyes burned red.

Safiya, darling, he began, his voice low and steady. He searched her gaze, his own filled with quiet reassurance. You have done nothing wrong. He let the words linger, hoping they might find a place to settle in her heart.

Not a single thing, understand? You are not being punished. His voice grew firmer now, but not harsh, as he repeated himself, making sure the words took root. Your father is doing what he can to protect you, alright?

You have been kind, and good. he added softly, the edges of his voice tinged with anger that simmered beneath the surface—none of which was aimed at her. It was not her fault that her pure-hearted innocence had been taken advantage of.

He paused, his eyes never leaving hers, letting his words sink in before speaking once more, quieter now, but no less resolute. It is not your fault.

The silence was overbearing. But she also had no idea what to say to fill it. Her thoughts were all over the place and she truly did not understand. 

She listened studying him. He sought to reassure, help. Then why does it feel like it? Papa is sending me away and Lady Eset talked to me about how dangerous Soto is. And my sister told me she basically hated me. He has never been mean to me Machi.

She frowned in thought. She didn't understand any of this. Soto had never done anything to her. He had always been kind to her. She truly didn't understand.

Machi nodded as he listened, his brows drawn in sympathy. Sometimes, Safiya, he began gently, his voice carrying the weight of experience, there are those who extend kindness only for as long as it serves their own purposes. They might have a plan— a use for someone, and once they've gained what they sought... that kindness fades. This was a truth the half-breed knew all too well—he had often played such roles himself.

You know that both your father and Lady Eset have faced many cruel things, things that perhaps have sharpened their senses. If they both believe this Soto is dangerous, he continued carefully, his tone steady, it may be because they’ve seen something in him that you haven’t been able to. Something hidden beneath his kindness. Do you understand? His opal eyes searched hers, hoping the words reached beyond the ache she felt.

She didn't know what to do with this new knowledge that Machi had imparted. But she looked up at him with a sad little expression on her face. Her ears lowered as she worked through his words. 

That's not okay. Why would you do that? It's its. She didn't know the words for it. It wasn't nice that was what it was. It was ugly hearted and cruel. A bit like Tiye, but at least Tiye wore her cruelty like a 2nd skin. She didn't hide a different nature. 

She gave a soft breath. And nodded. I think so. But She felt her shoulders loosen as she sort of sagged. It's a hard concept to grasp. She took another deep breath and looked out over the land they were now tasked to walk upon.

He remained silent, watching as she wrestled with this new line of thought, his expression somber and unreadable. His paws moved through the sand in a graceful, unhurried rhythm, the only sign of his attention a slight twitch of his ears.

He hope she wouldn’t ever find need to delve deeper into that line of thinking. Some things were better left unexplored.

Beastie didn't speak anymore. Merely watched. And she had no more words to say either. What could she say? This felt terrible. It felt like a bit of a betrayal. She felt as if she were being sent to bed with no supper, but on a  grander scale. And she couldn't quite see the darkness that everyone spoke of, because he had never been mean to her. Nor had he been mean around her. She wasn't sure anymore what to think.

But for now. They had a journey to complete. She would not have Machi looked upon lowly because he failed to get her to Akashingo in a timely manner.

So she pressed against his neck for a minute and then nodded and steeled her tiny shoulders. Well then I guess we have a march to do. Yea?

And she tried out a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

The instinct to flinch at the touch to his neck flickered but was swiftly suppressed, buried beneath layers of practiced control. A soft sigh escaped Machi as he shifted to wrap a gentle arm around the little mazoi's shoulders. His grip was firm but warm, offering comfort without smothering, his pale cheek pressed lightly against the crown of her head.

He lingered there, his breath calm and steady as if to transfer some of his own composure to her, before offering softly, Chin up, darling. Don't ever let them see that they get to you.

And he smiled then too, returning the same pretty lie she had just told.

Yea. Let's get you to Akashingo.