Spotted Eagle Mountain They're throwing bottles at your house.

This had been a trip meant for the budding ambassador that was Makono, not little Nazli; she was completely out of her element as soon as they stepped beyond the mesa's claim.

It was cold where they crossed a river, colder than even the wellspring! The mountainside reminded her of home most fondly, and from a high vantage point she spied the distant red cliffs; at once she was mystified by the insignificance of the palace.

The guard kept himself farther afield than what Nazli would have liked, at first, but over time she came to enjoy the company of Makono and the constant gossip that flit between the two of them. Awed by giant trees, or trying to mimic the strange birdsong that they heard together, all manner of things filled Nazli's senses and thrilled her in a new, profound way.

She did not think about her brother even once, not with her new-found sister here with her. As the sun was setting and the trio came upon a meadow, Nazli watched the colors transition over the princess and wanted to laugh, and weep, because she felt so many things at once, and it was overwhelming.

Makono had found her way to the helm of the procession and as Nazli slunk by the surly guardsman, she was reminded of their destination; this was not done for pleasure, but with a greater purpose. The time for girlish frocking would soon be at an end.