Lion Head Mesa red poppy

if you have the time <3

she had sent nazli to gather her a fine fur.

what was returned was a wonderful bobcat skin. one of the older fellahin had crafted it with perfection, but nazli would receive praise of the princess.

and the princess hoped to receive the praise of @Siptah.

she moved to his rooms at once and called out in a honeyed voice, genuine despite such a rarity.

oh prince siptah! tell me you have time for your wayward sister.

she had the fur draped along her back, prepared to present it to him in a moment.

Makono, he greeted her easily, and he slipped from his bed to press a kiss to her forehead if she would allow. He knew she had returned some days ago, but he had not actually gotten the chance to speak with her yet. He grinned at her, demanding, How was your trip? You must tell me everything. Were the soldiers good to you? He was prepared to pay them a visit, should he receive a negative response.

Always! <3

for once, she welcomed all contact, pressing into the kiss he provided.

they are soldiers, siptah, think about your question! she laughed warmly. then shook her head. i think the soldiers are more sociable than they realize. it is easy to summon them for attention when they are likely under command to respect me.

her lips pulled into a coy smile for a moment.

then she pulled the bobcat fur from off her back, spreading it before her brother.

He supposed it had been a silly question, but he could not help it. He felt protective of Makono, though he knew she could handle herself just fine. Chuckling, he sighed, Ah, I suppose you're right...

Siptah eyed the fur, intrigued, and he looked back to his sister with a curious glance. This is... exquisite.

it is for you, siptah.

she spoke. voice soft and kind for once. emotions she did not wear often, but could wear well.

i...figured it best to come with something. i was gone for so long.

a month and then some. hardly any time to others, but a chunk of their life for one another.

But I've nothing to give you in return, the Prince said, almost numbly. This, for him! It was a luxurious pelt. He embraced Makono for a moment, wrapping his neck about hers and pulling away with a smile. You're too kind.

She had not been gone that long, but it had felt long, and he wondered how the time had changed her.

if it's easier to close this out so we can move to recent stuff, feel free to <3

you do not need to give me anything.

she assured him in a tired breath. briefly cherishing the contact he had brought between them.

it is only good to be back home.