Sky Mesa Ladrón

Safiya heard the cluttering of paws and Machi was there in seconds. She dropped her packs and went on a full out run. 

Drop the packs Machi!

She ran outward to provide a rear guard and side. She was the Mazoi after all. And she'd do her best.

She didn't ask why he was running. Just followed him along. And kept an eye on their rear.

She had heard the call of one to the other in the end. Had heard the language that Soto spoke. And in doing so. This one did not sound lyrical or soft. 

And she knew suddenly, keenly, why they were here. And all she could wonder was how to save Beastie,  because as her father had said, these gifts were not free.