Maslakhat could tell that this sort of even ground they stood upon together was something strange, maybe even new to Sidika. He imagined that she was not used to being treated as anything other than an object of utility and not affection as most mares were. This mindset endeared him to her however, for anyone who could offer something useful to him had value immediately, and he recognized that not every mare wanted to be valued for their wombs alone. Nor did the golden bay ‘Teke expect as much. Sidika’s potential was at least twofold—her skills with respect to healing and her bloodline allowed for him to imagine the potential and possibility of coupling with her. And course, the more he got to know her, the more he respected her for her personal qualities as well.

The stallion was intrinsically inclined to keep the company of those who were useful to him and these advantages only served to further his appreciation of her more quickly, but usefulness was not the driving factor for his affections. After all, had he not sought to oversee these Dunes with the intention of providing a space for all who were worthy of its trials to grow and thrive? And what use was this space without the company of others who were pleased to be here and keep his company as well? Maslakhat was not the type to hold captives, nor force anything upon those who lived here. He defended their desires along with his own, and as long as Sidika understood that, he knew she would excel.

However, as much as these motivations drove Maslakhat, he did not think of them every second. In this moment, he was only thinking of how he wanted to touch her again, and how she regarded him with an expression that equal parts quizzical and intrigued.

What pleases you? she asked before stepping to return the action of lipping at his sparse, dark mane. He let his lips stretch into a small smile, glad to see her reach out to him.

A question where the answer was entirely circumstantial. In this moment, he answered truthfully, plainly. “Your company.”

It was not meant as flattery; Maslakhat does not play such games. She asked him a simple question and thus received a simple answer. If she asked it any other time she might receive an entirely different one. But now, in this moment, this was the answer.


MASLAKHAT

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