Lion Head Mesa Strange news flies up and down

The man ate carefully, with a discerning palate that Nazli found curious. He noticed the herbal blend and she was afraid he might refuse further meats, as it likely tasted different from what he was used to. He continued, though, and soon half the bird was gone; then there were the berries.

Nazli smiled and took a bit for herself. She chewed a berry and did not yet touch the meat. They are herbs and things from around the palace. The priests often take meals heavily spiced, and to be honest I have never dined with them before, so I did not know what to expect. She leaned in close to say, I am sorry for using you as a test subject! I hope it was not too strong. And another berry, crushed on the roof of her mouth and quickly swallowed.

His thanks made her smile, then falter a moment. She was glad of course that he enjoyed himself; but also, she thought of what Jawahir had told her, and how perhaps this meal could be misconstrued. It is my purpose, she said with some pride in her voice - but there was a darker edge to it too, a defensiveness, which she could not entirely avoid.

Girls and women have different roles, Gucci had implied, and Jawahir had confirmed. What role was she playing now? That of a girl, or a woman? She felt her face go warm, and quickly hid herself by dipping towards the fowl to take a few bites.