Lion Head Mesa زهرة مكدمة

She had thought herself quick and hidden, to be alone for a time and to weep over nothing. The many conversations that swirled around her, dwarfed by the words of one neb.

She thought herself under control when she emerged again, only to be faced with Jawahir - they saw all, no matter what Nazli tried to hide.

It is nothing, she lied, and shook her head, and could not look Jawahir in the eye lest the other fellahin see how drawn her face had become.