Lion Head Mesa mirrors

senmut himself had snuck away to the river. 

he sluiced water over his limbs, his muzzle, his head. his voice was a steady muttering of various prayers, eyes closed as he turned his face to the sun.

water droplets tumbled from his fur, shining like golden coins. 

when he looked up it was to spot the retreating form of a servant girl. the hem dried quickly and followed her, catching up in the passage. "you are nazli, are you not? the favourite of princess makono."