Overture Downs in xanadu did kubla khan

she shakes her head. no, no, she purrs. i do not play that game. you spoke first, you tell me first. that's an order. her spine straightened, head lifting an infinitesimal degree. it is a subtle sign of dominance; she feels herself to be his better, and is not afraid of showing it. he is a good sport, though--there's no doubt about that.

i would prefer your highness, tasha jokes, her smile turning wry. but 'tashkent' will do. and you, bala? she asks, gaze wandering over his form (she never bothered to hide her appreciation for the male figure, though this one's a bit scrawnier than she'd like). what do they call you?

god, she hopes it isn't something dreadfully plain, named after a mountain or some shite. that is all-too common, in the various lands that she has traveled.