⚘ devotion

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Each day was a repeat of the last. The mazoi patrolled, ate, and slept. On a few occasions, he sought out a fellow mazoi to spar or chat, specifically Mesen-ka, his assigned "tutor".

Today was no different. He had set out early, spanning his path along the far border of the oasis.

It wasn't quite unusual to see someone new traveling their land. He'd seen a few himself already, and heard of others. But like the soldier he was, he was wary all the same.

“Halt!” He commands, voice firm and unwavering. “Speak your name and your purpose on these lands, stranger.”

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No words came from the petite wolf. He was met only with silence, a stare, and a head tilt. Odd, but who was he to judge?

“You walk the lands claimed by Akashingo, ruled by our pharoah and her husband, the semer-wati. Can you speak?” He assumed maybe she could not, in which case would make this interaction far more difficult. But I guess he'd figure out a way to make it work.

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She spoke a singular word. In equal parts, it relieved him and concerned him.

“Don't speak if it strains you. I'll provide yes or no questions when I can, if that helps. Er— but first, I'm Tahrosek. And you?”

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Saira.

It was a pretty, he could admit. But he didn't voice his thoughts, intending to keep this strictly business. He merely nodded to acknowledge her answer.

“Are you a lone traveler, or do you have a place to call your own?” He scolded himself immediately upon asking, realizing quickly he'd asked two things at once. But it was already out. Hopefully she could accommodate to both.

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There was instant relief when she managed to answer both questions without him having to repeat. But then, she wanted him to reciprocate.

“I live here, among the people of Akashingo. I am a soldier, or as they call it, mazoi.” He fell silent then, carefully appraising her.

“If you need to rest, I'm sure our pharoah wouldn't mind having a fellahin tend to you and provide a meal and a place to rest. Come with me, yeah?” He turned his body slightly, as if to lead her away, but glanced back, waiting to see if she would accept the offer.

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"Many?"

He wondered if she was referring to the number of his people, only figuring to assume. “There are many of us, yes. If that's what you're asking.” But maybe she wanted more information. “It is a new and growing kingdom. But of kind rulers who want the best for us all.” Or so he could only hope. He'd only been here a short while.

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"More?"

He arched a questioning brow, unsure of what "more" meant. But when she gestured in his direction, he wondered then if she wanted to know more about him.

Ah, well—shit. He wasn't good at this part. The small talk. The history. He'd give it a try, though.

“I've only been here a short while before becoming a soldier of these people. I come from a different land, while still similar in the way these people live. I was a soldier there too.” A captain, more specifically. But that was only a minor detail. “I have a friend here, Sobekhet. You might meet him, if you decide to stay.” Other than that, there wasn't much else to him. Not that he could think of just yet.

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He faltered in his step, pausing as he turned to face her. For her, he held a hint of sympathy. His expression rarely admitted his true feelings. But for her, his usually hardened gaze softened. “Yes. You will be safe here. And even if you do not feel safe with the others yet, I can promise you are safe with me.”

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He nodded, understanding her hesitation.

He was a stranger to her, just as she was to him. But if she stayed, in time, she wouldn't be.

“Soon, perhaps not.”

Understanding her newfound silence, he then held it too, continuing on to lead her further into the oasis.

---

We can fade out here and I can pop out a new one with leadership tagged. ^^

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