Two Eyes Cenote Quiet steps

Safiya was irritated to say the least. Her parents were doting over Tiye which was normal and her brothers were being themselves. So with determination. She took one glance to her parents and when eyes were turned quickly left the room.

Pretty eyes took in all that was the red walls. The coming and going of other adults. The sounds that found her ears. All of it so different. She continued walking boldly. Unafraid.

Hope you don't mind me hopping in!

The man padded down the hallway on soft paws, seemingly taking special care not to be heard; an antler held firmly between his jaws—one of his final presents to deliver from Moontide.

He would leave it quietly by the couple's room; they would know who the gifter was by scent. Although winning over most of the palace's inhabitants was on the forefront of his mind, it would be a long while before he went out of his way to see the pale fellahin that had leered at him like he were a chunk of wagyu.

Slinking down the corridor like a cat-burglar, he dipped out of the way of another passing figure, and nearly toppled over a bobble-headed pile of fur, only managing to save himself—and the babe— just in time.

Opal eyes blinked down at the child, wondering how in the world it had managed to escape the confines of its parent's room. He placed the antler gently on the floor with a light tink!

This was one of the whelps the antler was for in the first place, was it not? Machi regarded the child with the fascination of a dragon looking over a new jewel. It was very small, munchable even. Although this one looked like it might try to bite back.

Hello, little one, he murmured, crouching down so that he was on the thing's level. Out for a stroll today, are we?

Not at all. Thank you.

Safiya had seen the man in a coat of many colors ahead of her. She had noticed him with wide eyed fascination. As she did with everyone in the corridor. He had held something in his teeth, that she had been curious over.

Safiya didn't know this man's troubles with her mother. Had he been outspoken, she could have agreed that sometimes she was irritating. Especially when she paid special attention to only one babe. Which happened more often than not. Hence why here she was and here was where her family wasn't.

However, in her open eyed fascination. She had missed the other figure. And now here she stopped short like a leash. Staring upwards at aface she had been watching. And wondering how she had not fallen.

Safiya stared back at him with eyes wide in wonder. Not a lick of fear in those sea depths. A proud tilt to her head. For she had not yet been taught her place as slave. Though when that lesson came. Though she may grow meek and mild. There would be no fear.

Safiya sniffed at his nose as he came near her. Tiny snout wrinkling. One small wag of red tail.

Her voice barely used came out soft and quiet. Walk? Yes.

You speak! The man exclaimed with a chirp. Marvelous! He returned its wag with a generous thump of his own, a grin playing upon his lips. That would be sure to make things a lot more interesting.

Now then, what brings you all the way out here? He inquired, extending a paw to gently guide the child closer to the wall, out of harm's way amidst the hustle and bustle of passing feet. Did you happen to lose your way?

Safiya made a soft churr sound as if to say of course I do. But placed a small smile on her face. A soft nod. She didn't speak well and preferred not to speak at all.

A frown o her face as she thought of hwr parents amd her devil sister. Tiye. she said darkly. Eyes stormy.

She shook her head no vehemently. She knew where she was going. And it was anywhere but here.

Tiye? The man repeated curiously. Oh my, my, my, Machi tutted, looking down at the little thing, trouble in infantile paradise, hmm? That sounds positively dreadful.

Well, my dear young traveler, if you haven't lost your way, I don't suppose I could accompany you to wherever you're venturing to? He asked, a flicker of amusement dancing behind his opal eyes.

But before we proceed, Machi added with a soft smile, punctuated by a gentle raise of his brow and a tilt of his fair head, have you had the opportunity to partake in a meal? It simply wouldn't do for a little thing like yourself to wander on an empty stomach.

She nodded as he repeated her dreadful sisters name. Now Safiya was the queen of double standards. Had the man said something mean about Tiye she ansolutely would have scolded him. As it was Tiye was her sister.

She looked up at him. A frown on her face in thought. But then she nodded. He could come, she supposed.

Her stomach took that exact moment to growl in protest of its emptiness.

Delightful! The man exclaimed with another thump of his tail. Please, allow me to escort you to the dining hall, he offered with a gracious bow, rising gracefully to his feet and extending his arm toward their destination.

As they strolled down the corridor, Machi positioned himself on the side of the child closest to the center of the hall, a subtle gesture to ensure the little one's safety amidst the stomping paws around them. You know, he remarked, his voice a soft murmur amidst the echoes of passing footsteps, you possess quite the remarkable intellect for one so young. Why, I'm not certain I was half as clever at your age. When that was referring to, he had no idea. Not that it particularly mattered to the man. After all, any age below a year or so was more or less the same by his estimation—messy, loud, and somehow always sticky.

As the pair continued, he pulled aside a passing fellahin, asking them to send a message to the youth's parents:

To whom it concerns,
One of your offspring has escaped your den. Please come collect them from the dining hall at your earliest convenience.
Machiavelli

Figuring it would take the poor servant roughly the same amount of time to locate @Khusobek or @Inji as it would for him to reach the dining hall and ensure the child received a hearty breakfast, he continued on his way unhurriedly.

So, my dear young compatriot, what is your name? he resumed, a soft smile painting his sharp features. And, Machi paused, squinting down at the walking pile of fluff for a moment before continuing, Are you a boy beastie, or a girl beastie?

Safiya laid her ears to her head for a moment. He was a bit loud and overexcited. But it was alright.

Safiya peered up at him. Listening. She preferred to listen. Everyone had so much to say and she just. Didn't.

She followed his paw steps. Her own quiet against the ground. Taking in all that was around so many rushing to do biddings.

Safiya. she stared at him deadpan. Her bright eyes into his Girl

Couldn't he tell? She was a sister, daughter. Perhaps he wasn't like her parents. Did he know if he was boy or girl?

You beastie? Name? she chirped back.

A very pretty name, indeed, Machiavelli responded with a nod of approval. As the pair rounded a corner, he spared a brief glance over his shoulder, ensuring the antler he had left behind was safely positioned. With a satisfied nod, he redirected his attention to the conversation at hand, Let us hope my little gift remains where it was left. If not, I dare say the current adventure will be worth the sacrifice, won't it?

Me? A beastie? The piebald man echoed with a hearty laugh. Hmm, perhaps you're onto something. I suppose I am—the very worst kind, he teased with a devilish smile. My name is Machiavelli, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Safiya.

Is there anything in particular you'd like for breakfast?

Safiya smiled nicely at hia compliment. They did have nice names. Even Tiye even if her sisters personality left a lot to be desired.

Gift? Venture?

She nodded. Adventure sounded good. He was taking her for food. She got to see new faces. All good. Though she wasn't a 100% sure if she was having fun yet.

Safiya looked ay him. Eyes fearless. A soft hmm look on her face. Ahe shook her head.

Good beastie. Mach, machia, machiavelli. 

It took her a few tries but she finally got it.

What's good? she was not particularly well versed in food choices. Her parents had given them a limited menu thus far.

Very good! He complimented, a soft smile lighting up his pale features. How about, Machi pondered, choosing to address only the girl's last question, something simple? Perhaps a cut of hare accompanied by a selection of seasonal berries?

He glanced down at the little figure beside him, How does that sound to you?

Safiya had no idea what it was that he was talking about. But he was an adult and if he said it was good. Then perhaps she should try it. She gave him a little nod. And tilted an ear upwards.

Good.

Her eyes took in all the sites. There were so many new sights and sounds and smells. It was almost a bit much. But she wasn't frightened, just overstimulated and curious. 

She looked up at the man. Many. She motioned around with her paw.