Lion Head Mesa Hear them mumblin' low

he'd sat himself in the shade of an alcove, itself in the shade of the halls, panting so the tongue might cool the brain with the earthy below-ground air.

he'd seen the shadow - by accident, not some skill - and for a moment his heart skipped, thinking it jakoul- !

but no, t'was the newest addition to the mazoi ranks, imposing stranger with foreign airs - not to akashingo, but the wilds beyond it.

lion's head mesa served as a net, catching travellers before the wilderness could dissuade them.

gucci closed his mouth, although the little pink tongue still poked out. he gave the stranger a once-over, and decided this a good opportunity to prod at their character.

"mah-zoee!" he called. beckoned with a paw. "come 'ere."