Rosewater Oasis The plagues

Samir’s smirk widened at Andalib’s exaggerated display, the boyish insolence a welcome break from the groveling obedience he so often demanded of others. There was an amusing charm to the stranger’s theatrical antics, and Samir found himself indulging it for now. His golden gaze lingered on Andalib’s bow, sharp and appraising, though his expression remained warm, almost inviting.

"Forgiven," Samir replied with a toothy, charming smile, honey vox laced with mock benevolence.

He followed Andalib’s gesture to the water, dipping his own paw back into the cool liquid and swirling it lazily. "Yes, the envy of the lowlands indeed," he mused with a sing-song hum, "My Haseki is the one who found our dear Oasis."

A bout of warm laughter fell from the black and gold panther's jaws as the stranger told him of his races, and his travels with parents. A very different life from the one Samir had lived. "I dare say I envy you. My life has only ever been courts, politics, war." A sigh fell from his tongue. "But do not get me wrong, I would have lived no other life."

He allowed a beat of silence to linger, his smile softening as he shifted slightly to gesture at the space beside him. "Stay a while, traveler," he said, his voice once again smooth and inviting. "I would have your name, and I would hear more of your tales. The desert has brought you to us for a reason. Ra does not bless but a chosen few."