Luneshale Pass knife & heart

"you did not call for me again, hemet."

the crocodile's words were for @Melody, pitched low with sole intention toward her ears. "and when next i see you again, you have placed your lot with a mysterious princess who wishes to be pharaoh." he was amused. "did the desert give you its dreams, holy one?"

She'd scarce parted from @Ashikaga since her return, seeing to it that the Amiirad was comfortable and regarded with respect by those few who approached her. It was not lost on Melody that perhaps this intrusion was unwelcome. Yet the Gods had led her here, had they not?

Perhaps Senmut, too, would forsake her for this. But what priest would argue with his own Gods? And so Melody had not yet taken the time to speak with him, not ready to see her teacher in this unfavorable light.

It was Khusobek who sought her during a rare moment alone. She met him with a languid smile, a glance over her shoulder without turning fully to meet him yet. Senmut asked me to look to the stars. To the Gods, She began, gaze drifting skyward briefly. So I did. Nothing more. Her eyes found Khusobek again. You found entertainment elsewhere, no? The Queen's servants. I decided to reach higher, rather than lower.

the Pass was a safe place that carried those that traveled through it safely. it was a place wisely selected—and Toula was glad for the decision that brought them there. 
presently, Toula drifted toward the spring for her evening baths—here, her schedule would not be known and her path not memorized. and so she was guided by both Mazoi (@Zaahira and @Legend both then!) and the fellahin that would attend her there. 
the words were easy to pick up, in so open a place. she did not hear the quiet voice of Khusobek—nor did she hear the words of Melody… not until the last of them were spoken. 
…The Queen's... I decided… reach higher, rather than lower… Toula heard fractured words, but in her own years of political training it was not so difficult to imagine what could possibly be missing. no doubt they three could be heard now, and the conversation might  change its course.    
Toula would not keep them. she paused long enough to see who was present other than the Hemet and her eyes fell upon Khusobek. did you enjoy yourselves at the feast? she asked, words soft but clear over the stirring winds. 
yes, the feast—food and drink of which was brought to their mouths by the trade she maintained, the pelts they sat upon too. some of which the princes had brought, men that had come for her. 
it was not anger she felt in her breast as her gaze turned to Melody. it was disappointment. she would not let her sister be used—not by anyone. and the truth was, she had not thought Melody capable of it! Makono had seen something in the Hemet, and for that Toula had loved her. but now… now she felt only hurt, looking upon that lovely face, 
but Toula revealed none of that on her own features. not even the exhaustion from the day, or her travels, could be seen. no—she maintained composure, in the face of it all. 

more likely than not a brief one or two off cameo — tell me if any of this isn’t okay!

perhaps he had not expected to find her so acerbic, but melody's response surprised khusobek. she insulted him and it cracked at his pride like the lick of a whip.

he might have reminded her that by his staff had she gained such confidence, but the appearance of their very regent bent him low toward the earth.

"so i did, divine one. akashingo's hand is truly one of jewels."

the mazoi would not speak again unless bid, daring only to glance to royal ankles and no higher. the presence of the other guardians intrigued him.