Maslakhat blinked at her again as she pushed him away, insisting she did not fear being disparaged; instead she offered nonchalance in her defense and avoidance of what his gestures meant for her. She was so careful to shrug him off, to push away any feelings he might have for her, disguising these mixed emotions under the pretense of odd impressions. As much as she might desire to be seen as her true self in the presence of another, she was so careful to hide this self—to know her was impossible if she could not acknowledge who she truly was beneath what she projected.

He can only snort, stepping closer to her. The golden bay ‘Teke reached for her sparse mane with his lips, seeking to break the tension with some physicality. She agreed to take up the small oasis as her base, and she explained unprovoked the origins of her scars. Maslakhat does not wish to be disrespectful, but he only half listened as she explained how she came to bear such marks. Bobcats, poison, healing skills. Yes, it was certainly fortunate that such actions were taken when they had been, otherwise she would not be standing here today.

When she paused to replenish her thirst, he retracted his idle fondling and waited for her. He noticed how she turned away from him, and even though it felt as though she had told this tale countless times, he sensed that somehow this time it felt different. “I appreciate you sharing that,” he said evenly. “But I want you to know there’s no obligation to explain yourself. Nor is there one to do what you deem your duty, unless you desire it.”

He flicked his tail as he stepped toward her again. “Here, you are free to do what pleases you, whatever that may be.”


MASLAKHAT

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