In truth, even though I groused about Atair following me at a distance, I was secretly glad of it. My purpose had more to do with my husband's happiness than my own, but I relished the chance to get to know my stoic brother in law better. It felt, in some ways, that he was avoiding me on purpose after the flippant comment I had made before Eness and Sakhmet, but I could not bring myself to feel sorry for it. I had seen the way that he had spoken, and there was something about the two of them that had gotten under his skin.
That being said, we had not yet delved into such deep topics. Rather, I allowed surface conversation to pass between us until the decidedly chillier temperature of the Crossing brushed over my skin. I still did not understand why any creature would seek to live in such climates, and I shivered as my think skin adjusted to the weather. I left my handsome escort to wander aimlessly, grazing as I walked. In truth, I was nervous to be here. The haze of Qetesh had faded from my skin for the most part, and I was hopeful that this meant that Antares' prince grew within my womb. I had no experience with such a thing, and only the words of my dearest friend Naz to guide me in this endeavor.
My gaze slid over the various bodies that lined the Crossing with interest, noting the absurd variety of body shapes that littered the land. At least here I could believe it. This land of barbarians was just as wild as I remembered it to be nearly a year before. The draft stallion that claimed the Desert still boggled my mind, although he seemed no worse for the wear and had not bothered me in the slightest.
The first thing I felt when I saw the pale mare that strode confidently across the meadow was jealousy. Not only was she beautiful, but she was confident as well. Each step drew me in, and even as I watched her I knew that she belonged in the Dunes as surely as I did. As much as the thought of Antares taking her as his own pained me, the thought of not offering her the same security and peace that I found among the sand was unfair.
I called to her with a soft ladylike whistle and trotted toward her, mimicking the proud bow of her neck. Now that I was married, I felt far freer than I had been when I was betrothed, which was odd considering the only reason I was here was that I had fled from this same betrothal.
"Salamo Alaykonna." I offer to her, watching to see if she has been taught the mother tongue. Cautiously I fall into step beside her, hoping that she will not take my approach unkindly. "I am Sayyida, of the Dunes."
I allow a few steps of silence before I speak again, curious as to this mare's station. "Pardon me for interrupting your walk, it's always nice to see another of the People out and around." I offer a smile to her as bright as the sun. "Do you live here, on the Crossing?"
As I walk, my gaze flicks toward the copse of trees where I had last left my speckled brother in law. His presence made me feel safer in a way that chaperones never did when I was a child and I was thankful for him anew. I did not fear this strange mare, but unscrupulous stallions still wandered amongst others in this Crossing.