Lion Head Mesa corrosion [wp]

toula took tavina's words to heart, and felt better for them. what worry existed was chased away, and her eyes were bright again without the shadow the thought of their disapproval had brought.
toula had not missed how many a familiar eye turned to tavina! and though tavina might not know all here, it was clear she knew many. many more than she! and so, her presence at her side was a boon. that would make me the most happy, she said cheerily.
she withheld the gasp upon seeing who it was they first were to speak with. before the tiny child was a mountain of a man, scarred and savage in his look! there was not fear in the young toula's eyes, but wonder. he bowed to her, and toula stood tall and proper. he introduced himself, and she knew the place of which he spoke of. you are a soldier, she acknowledged, and she observed the way in which he stood.
it was not unfamiliar. she had seen the mazoi do the same, time and time again.
toula thought of her lessons, though what lingered on the tip of her tongue was a question that begged to be ask. soldiers are obedient to princesses, her sister @Makono had told her! did soldiers dance? would he like to dance with her?
perhaps that was not a good place to begin. first to know him! well met indeed! was your journey here from mereo a swift one? i do hope you ran into no trouble along the way, she began, gaze searching him for any sign that he might have. she peered edgewise to tavina, a soft, hopeful smile present. some of the lessons of her sesh might be exercised here!