Lion Head Mesa mirrors

The bundles were easy to spot. Nazli wondered who had tucked them together so neatly. When the boy glanced her way Nazli smiled awkwardly a second time.

Grabbing one, hoisting it (thankful for her new height), she followed. He decided where they'd place the bundle, and then there was a pause as they collectively recovered.

Out here beneath the sun, he was radiant. There were strong cinnamon notes to his coat that set him apart from the typical coyote-blood of the fellahin, and a strength to him that reminded Nazli of the princess; she felt suddenly quite ugly herself.

Without word, she turned to head back for another cluster of reeds.