Two Eyes Cenote Dear Arkansas Daughter

Why stop at Mazoi? Machiavelli purred, his smile curling with a cunningly. You have the potential to ascend even higher—to become the next Jodai, perhaps. His voice was smoother than silk. Do not temper your ambitions, my friend. Aim for the stars, for you are more than capable of reaching them.

Machi tilted his head slightly, the gesture thoughtful, as he tried to place a face to the familiar name. Tiye is your… sister, correct?

The half-breed’s grin widened, a mischievous glint in his opal eyes. I wouldn’t dream of it being any other way, he replied, the grin lingering. Then let us start with the dangerous ones, he suggested, his gaze sweeping over the array of plants that lined the cave wall. These here— he gestured toward a particularly ominous cluster of foliage, —are all very dangerous. Don’t even think about touching them, or our Hebsut will have my head faster than you can blink. No trial, straight to public spectacle. The half-breed chuckled softly, though there was an edge of seriousness in his tone, as if he wasn’t entirely joking.

He moved to another section of the garden. These, however, are safe, he assured her, his paw brushing gently over a cluster of lavender and releasing its calming fragrance into the air.

I deal mostly with plants that affect the mind, not the body, Machi explained, reaching for a small pouch that clinked softly with seeds. He held it out to her, letting her see the tiny specks nestled within. This is lavender, he said, his voice taking on a more tender tone. Doesn't it smell nice? It’s often used as a stress reliever—its scent is known to calm the nerves and ease the mind. But I think it will serve just as well as your first plant, don't you think?