Lion Head Mesa iceplant

Nazli was barely to the door when Makono took command of her. To learn that she was wanted was a surprise, and a welcome one. Come to think of it Makono had every fellahin tending to her, but none more-often than Nazli herself; still, it was a command, not a request, and it surprised the girl.

She hadn't even considered it an option. There were other fellahin, larger ones, older ones, even Tavina that could be called upon. Nazli was blushing, her mouth an O until she remembered her manners.

y-yes, miss. of course. She couldn't exactly refuse the princess.

She didn't know what else to say for a minute, then broached the subject of the journey with a shy look at the dirt. Are you, um, excited? I.. I have never thought about what life is like outside of Akashingo, she would admit.

Will it be far? Will the people be like -- that man, from Mereo, that one who is... the guard? She stopped herself before her thoughts took on a power of their own, and spilled out.