achadh

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The plains were always full with lone walkers, it seemed. Every time he tread the oasis' border, a new figure came in sight from the distance.

With narrowed eyes, he neared, carefully approaching the small, shadowed figure.

Unlike his usual intentions, he waited to approach. Would they come closer toward the oasis, or would they venture further into the pass? Unless the former, he would have no reason to intercept. He stood only as a sentry, watching; guarding.

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He watched, closely.

Distracted and unassuming, he noticed. She picked at the fields as though they were blooming flowers. But instead, they were dried, ugly blades of weeded grass. Peculiar, he thought.

But just when he thought she would discard it and move on her way, she turned to him. It was slow, motion, almost. Almost.

Curious, yet wary, she inched closer to him. The movements were purposeful, while also tentative. His shoulders tensed, stature bracing for the approach. But still, he spoke no words. Rather, he wanted to see how she chose to initiate the interaction. Or maybe he was just too stunned... was that it? No, he couldn't be...

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The long blade of grass is held firm between her teeth. She wields it like a sword.

His burning gaze holds fast, never a twitch leaving him. He is only still, even his breath seeming to slow.

When she speaks a word he does not understand, a soft, timbre sound rumbles from his chest. “You will have to speak in common tongue,” A command, firm, yet gentle all at once.

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She spoke more unfamiliar words. But she knew that, didn't she?

Was it a tease? A challenge?

He was damned if he couldn't think up a way to respond to that. Something that didn't make him out as a complete asshole. A charming approach, maybe? But hell, what did he know of charm.

Lifting a slow, daring brow, he angled his chin. Then his eyes lowered to the grass. A smirk tilted his lip. “I'll steal your blade.” A teasing threat, merely. But a threat—no, promise—all the same.

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This strange, tricky woman. What was he to do with her?

A deep rumble, just short of a true growl escaped him. In one stride, they were face to face. And when she turned, he swooped his neck atop her own, meeting her cheek with his opposing. Snapping his teeth over the end of the blade she couldn't hold, he chuffed, then tore it away from her grip.

Victorious, he did a little trot, distancing himself with the blade of grass now held captive. It wasn't the most graceful movement. But he was not bred to be graceful. Only fierce. As it appeared, he was now failing at both. Falling victim to the whims of a woman. What could have been less warrior-like?

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Slight powerplay here! Let me know if I need to alter it.

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Grinning like a damned fool, he trotted farther, toying with her as he made her give chase.

With every step and bound she took, he quickened his stride, not letting her close. Whether she was fighting for the return of her blade or simply to be near him, he hadn't quite comprehended. But either way, the game was just as amusing.

And he would keep at it until she gave in. If she gave in.

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Her voice rose and her feet quickened.

The man laughed, but not in mocking. Oh no, he was far too amused and somehow smitten by the cute little creature.

Something had come over him, surely. He never behaved this way. If only Sobekhet saw him now. He would be a laughing stock! But here, where no one could see him? Fuck it.

“Give in, little shadow!” Yes, a fitting nickname. He bellowed the words, but his voice was slightly garbled by the delicate thing he still held. “I want that sweet voice speaking words I know, or I'll never let you catch me.” And he would stick true to his promise. If he could manage to keep his limbs moving for a whole day patrolling, he could manage to evade the tiny legged woman without tiring.

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The farther he wandered, the less he heard.

Or was it not the distance? No, her voice had gone entirely.

Pausing, he turned, eyes narrowing as the realization that his little shadow had vanished. With a tsk sound, he set down the blade, abandoning it to instead search for the little minx.

“Hiding from me now?” He mused coyly, almost disappointed that the game had changed. But he could still work with this. If she wanted to play hide and seek, so be it. He could be the cat to her mouse.

“Don't worry, little shadow. I'll find you.”

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Her foreign whispers were a tickle to his ear. She baited him, but he wouldn't be detered.

Pressing his body low to the earth, he crept along. The grass failed to hide him, but no matter. The soft rhythm of her subtle movements echoed quietly. He followed. It would be a successful hunt. He couldn't fail.

Searching, searching. He poked and prodded until a soft fuzz caressed his nose.

“Ahah!” He barked in triumph, giving a light shove in the hopes of toppling her. Then with his weight, he could prevent her escape. If only she weren't quick enough to evade him.

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He huffed out a victorious breath, seizing her beneath him with a gentle hold.

Teasing her belly with his nose, he chuckled. “Looks as if I've won. You've been captured, mouse. No escape for you now, is there?” He grinned, warm breath fanning along her skin in an unforseen gesture of sensuality. Or would she even seen it that way? He was already too blind to.

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She finally spoke and he hummed, pleased as the notes of her sweet melody caressed his ears.

“That's right, little mouse.” His teeth nipped playfully, but left no real harm.

Sinking his body to the ground, he half layed himself atop her, his forearms holding her in place against the blanket that was the coarse grass.

He had no intent of letting her go. Perhaps it was his duty as mazoi to present his finding to the court. But he could be rebellious for just a little bit longer, if it meant keeping the little treasure to himself. Just for now.

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He chuffed, poking her cheek with the tip of his nose. “Like the nickname, huh? Guess we'll have to stick with it, then. Little shadow.” The adorned title came with a purr. A sound he'd never heard, nor dreamt of making. But would that stop him? Nope.

“What's a little thing like you doing all the way out here in these deserted plains anyway?” Now that he could finally understand her, he could give way to the slew of questions swimming in his mind while she busied herself with grooming his fur. He didn't seem to mind the attentions anyway. Not that she minded his in return. It was a win-win for the pair.

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