When dawn breaks the tall Mamluk gets ready to start the day, taking the brush, soap and bowl, items to shave his head and perform his cleaning habits, which so zealously carries out every day. The inside of the tent is not big nor tall, though the Mamluk bends and moves easily within; patiently, waiting for the new day, opens the curtain that keeps him from the outside, and to his surprise finds something there; a box covered with a mantle sits ahead the tent. He carefully eyes the package noticing a letter on it, does not take too long long to identify the familiar hand writing.
Ice wrote:
Be careful. Nox has a special liking for the ankles.
-Ais
Getting rid of the protective cloth reveals the creature inside, which rapidly curls to the other side of the cage with a hiss like the trapped beast it is. A clawed hand darts the way up, protecting the eyes from the unforgiving sun of Khem. The creature, with red eyes full of contempt from between the digits, meets the grey and calm stare of the priest, gazing at each other for a time that seems an eternity.
The creature remembers someone from the past, it is a young kobold, just a cub, with obsidian scales that nearly reflect the light; yes, it is easy to see where it comes from, who the mother was, and by definition who the father. Above all, evokes a promise and a bond of friendship, a commitment to comply; an unexpected task, especially for a man who lacked of a childhood.
The confusion doesn’t last long, the tall Mamluk shows the palm of his hand, trying to avoid a hostile gesture; slowly withdraws, and sits in front of the box, watching the creature, giving him or her time to relax. Time passes, the sun becomes hotter as it rises on the horizon, the heat makes its mark and both remain face to face, without a word to say, and occasionally crossing stares.
When the creature finally seems to relax (but who can be sure about that, it is only a weak interpretation over time) then the Mamluk rises slowly, heading to the tent, coming back carrying a mug with milk and salted meat. He sits in front of the creature, then remembers the ankles and discretely slide them back, while leaning to offer drink and food to the little kobold.
_________________
You should never be in the company of anyone with whom you would not want to die