Redsand Canyon muqaddima

Her reverence (because what else could that look express but awe) was broken when Germanicus moved to the oasis. She knew of the oasis because that was where Makono had wished to go upon their arrival, and she had not realized how close it was to this place with the medicines; and if she felt stupid for that, she gave no indication. The man was washing the mud from himself. Dutifully, Nazli moved to the edge as if she might be called on to assist.

Germanicus explained the timekeeping of the place. That answered one of her other unspoken questions - thinking the children of the lady-sesh would follow in her steps was incorrect, evidently. All who lived in Mereo were trained as a soldier first! It should not have seemed so odd; but it was different from her own experience, which made it so.

Should I.. wait here, for her? Nazli eyed the doorway, but was as always, hyper-vigilant if the man were to order her to service, and the way her ears tracked the sounds of the water or the movements of his rugged body in the spring were clue enough of that. Perhaps Germanicus had another use for her - but she had to remind herself, you are a guest, Nazli, a guest!

Waiting here or in the woods, those were her current options. Both felt... wasteful of her time, which unearthed some anxiety within the girl.