Bramblepoint [M] The Night Comes Down like Heaven

had he ever run through a forest so serene as this one? at first the priest's eyes had widened; he had spluttered in laughter that machiavelli should spur him onward so quickly. but with a swiftness had sleep fallen from greenstone eyes; senmut found himself whipping after the fellahin with an alacrity he had not thought possible.

suppose it was such climbing to the top of the mesa each morning which had endowed senmut with stronger legs, but even at the blessing of such an advantage, he grew pathetically winded far too quickly, as if opulence had filled him with air and not strength.

this was of third amusement for senmut, who as a we'eb priest had not even devised that such riches might come to him. and to feel the work of fine wine and exotic meats upon him now, well! 

there were no words in him to admit it, but the lithe flanks of machiavelli, flexing with elegant grace, favored the eye enough to distract the prince from the burning of his chest, the fire seeded through limb and groin.

theirs was indeed a race, made resplendent by bars of moonlight and the scattering freckled light of glowing insects flirting underfoot as prince and servant galloped in a headlong galivant through shadowed branches. senses perceived the sweetness of fruit before senmut noticed that the trees had changed. he slowed to glance about, and in that moment the gliding form of machiavelli dipped fully from view.

panting, senmut followed, albeit at a slower pace — his heaving chest took in the narrow prettiness of machiavelli's own, the flourishing step, the hint of strain still yet in that appealing voice. flashing a smile, senmut caught his breath and approached, pretending dourness as he came to join the fellahin at the orchard's table. "suppose i had you flogged for making me run so fast," the prince threatened lightly, teasing the power of his position in wholly unmeant way.

"to what do i owe such a pleasure?" the priest asked softly, though he did not truly believe that machiavelli needed such a reason.