Rosewater Oasis your excellence

Arkane did not enjoy the sun— not even after countless years spent within Rahotep’s bustling court, basking in its warmth. Perhaps it was simply in his blood. Some small part of him feared he would forever miss the icy year-round winters of his homeland. Now, particularly, he felt the sun, Ra, beating down upon his brow with an audacious fierceness.

Arkane hauled himself up the dunes frontside first, rear legs sinking into the hot sand as he moved.

“I am Arkane Aydamir, former grand marshal of revered Pharaoh Rahotep, sent from Ta-senet to serve his son, treasured Pharaoh Samirseti Vahanet. I am to be his personal guard, his constant companion, his living shadow for as long as his majesty will have me.” The brute lowered himself with averted eyes, belly fur brushing the hot sand as his nose did the same. He knew already whom he was addressing, the favor with which Samirseti’s name was blessed. Such an honor was nearly within his grasp, and he would not let it evade him now. Not when power was so close he could almost taste it.

He inhaled gently, stirring the sand between his own paws. The Pharaoh’s scent was sharp— distinctly masculine with a firm, unmistakable authority to it. It was how the grand marshal had known his superior without having ever seen his face up close. A good thing, too, for Arkane could sense irritation upon him, could see it in the rigid stance he upheld even as his new plaything groveled like a weary peasant at his feet. This one would take some time to warm up to him fully, he could tell, but he would have his way. In the end he always did.

The beast did not move, hardly breathed for fear of disturbing the sand around his Pharaoh’s paws. Instead he fixed his gaze firmly downward, as he had taught himself to do so many years ago. Piety earned quick favor among the boastful and the haughty. His confidence would remain tempered, carefully restrained until the time was right. Too much personality was unbecoming of a man of his social standing.

“I am at your disposal, for as long as you will have me.”