12/11/2025, 10:12 PM
![[Image: dd8rnsn-3f0d7905-62c6-4066-9c31-4588d1cb...iHgzqQRbN4]](https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/d2b3a0d4-24b8-4179-ad96-7bb8f88cc929/dd8rnsn-3f0d7905-62c6-4066-9c31-4588d1cb077a.png?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2QyYjNhMGQ0LTI0YjgtNDE3OS1hZDk2LTdiYjhmODhjYzkyOVwvZGQ4cm5zbi0zZjBkNzkwNS02MmM2LTQwNjYtOWMzMS00NTg4ZDFjYjA3N2EucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.sGIeAzj9HJrO3HXW7wAN0K4wShSrvVJW-iHgzqQRbN4)
Something felt strangely dream-like about the whole thing, and it wasn't until Setemhotep had begun thoroughly fussing over him that Mekh realized it was just as it had been when he was prepared for Pharoah Seti. Not that he was being thrust into anything like his former position, but he foggily remembered being taken in, fattened up, and suitably bathed before they would dare present him to their Pharoah.
Always lacking, he thought. Always needing adjusting, tweaking, smoothing down; requiring more to be acceptable. He had learned quickly how valuable it was to become socially adaptable, keeping his head down and ears cocked for every scrap of information that might carelessly fall within hearing. Mekh did not like the feeling of being insufficient.
Admittedly, right now he needed the help.
Hotep's deft inspection continued, charcoal nose only occasionally glancing at the edges of his fur as he roved the coywolf for any further ailments.
Only that which I could catch,he replied, then offered the first hint of a self-conscious smile.
There were times I considered the odd-smelling carcass, but vomiting up my stomach contents while also starving seemed to be a worse combination.
The sesh appeared to complete his assessment. Although the red moon cast its sickly glow upon the trio, Mekh found himself thoroughly distracted by the prospect of a fresh meal and the potential of a new home; it was not good to be a servant with no one to serve, he thought. Rarely, if ever, had he been truly as alone as this.
Sitamun was equally swift in her aid toward this ragged stranger, moving with practiced grace as she fetched back a clump of herbs for Hotep to administer as he saw fit. He did not miss the reassuring glint in her eyes, and pressed his ears back as he returned another tentative smile in gratitude.
May I ask how long you have resided in this place?
