Lion Head Mesa upon a path of old primrose

A bare-boned ghost sidled alongside Nazli, nodding toward her kill.

Well done, Maegi congratulated, nudging the quail before she gave the girl a gentle, congratulatory shove. Not enough for much movement, but it brought them together, and they trotted side by side for at least a few paces.

She liked Nazli, the ostracized servant girl. She related to her. Maegi herself didn't feel too comfortable being royalty and waited on hand and foot.

She wanted to take Nazli under her wing.

Where're you taking this, Nazli? she asked gently, smiling, keeping a respectful distance from the girl.