Lion Head Mesa Toiling

fire leapt beneath senmut's visage; a tight smile became more relaxed upon his mouth. "your name is a delight to the devout, noble one," he teased. 

over the red land, up the three rough-hewn steps of natural rock, into the caverns below, like working ants the subjects of akashingo sprawled beneath the mesa.

the wealth of the palace was shown, was offered; rich morsels and quenching drink, laughter; "tell me of your home," senmut murmured at last, not taking his eyes from such beauty.