Luneshale Pass Cerastes

Akhtar, Tuna, Tavina, Legend, Senmut, the Queen, Khusobek, even — and Eset, now, in this show of something real and reaching that had not existed between them prior. Or perhaps it had, and was merely buried resolutely beneath layers of caste. She owed them all her protection, her grace, her loyalty. Of course I will worry. I always do.
Jodai.
You are right. I am just... anxious. That she will be blinded by his grandeur. I was too, once. I pray that the Gods will be merciful, and will bring us closer to who is right for her. For us.
And then, as if the fissure between them had burst and shattered with a crumbling might; an apology. For a while, Zaahira is at a loss for what should come from her in return, a soft croak of surprise stuck in her throat. She had merely been doing her job, what she was programmed and trained to do — and yet.
That little flower, she remarks suddenly, voice dropping to a mere whisper; searching and grappling with her eyes and sinking into that softness, the feeling of dainty paw beneath her own. was that you?