Lion Head Mesa [allies] meridianus

in the colder court of mereo, it was easy to forget the lavish beauty of akashingo. 

like cold, sweet water during a scalding summer day, akashingo's halls drowned the memory of more drab aspects of qiao's life. she breathed in of the blooming petals underfoot, forgetting herself a moment in its grandeur.

but they were not here to softly speak of summer orchids and high summer noons;

they were here because the queen had been killed.

qiao took the spot in which tavina had been standing before she departed; it was here she solemnly glanced across the party of wolves that had been good to her. how drab and dusty they appeared, while red-fanged akashingo rose behind them!

this was a beguiling place to be so beautiful.