Mudminnow River where alph, the sacred river ran

it is difficult to perform for an audience, she says, grinning. well. . .at least some tasks are. the woman's name almost makes her laugh out loud, and she stops herself in time, though her ears push far forward at the sound of it. treason. her parents must have hated her--or loved treason. either way, what a peculiar moniker! perhaps one day she would tell tasha the story, if they became well enough acquainted.

my name is tashkent-luk, the princess responds, dipping her head in a graceful bow. just 'tashkent' will do. i come from khorasan, originally--now, i wander. it wasn't far from the truth, save that her wandering consisted of scheming as well as sight-seeing. the scenic route had its perks. nothing like sampling the real estate before you bought.

where is lost creek hollow from here?