The night was chilled, the sand swirling through the air in wisps as the winds called them to dance. The temple stood strong and proud, unmarred despite the many centuries and storms it had weathered. And, before it, stood a lone Barkule.

He was tall for his kin, standing at a little over six feet with broad shoulders and a strong chest. His body was seemingly all muscle, but more from strenuous and intense work then lifting or athletic exercise. His dark blue fur carried the faintest tint of purple, and his coal black mane was tied into a long, thick braid reaching down to the center of his back. Wearing only a light gray kilt with a black stripe going from his right hip down to the left corner, Ha'shep held his large spear tightly, and looked to the stars.

She's out there... Fighting a war I can not reach. Within a battle I can not protect her during... Since Sekhmet had left the deserts, Ha'sheps heart had felt nothing but emptiness and longing. he himself hadn't realized just how effected he was by her, until she simply wasn't around any more.

"Tik seffalk ro ze...", he muttered to himself, looking down and shaking his head slightly. How foolish of him... To care for her, to long for her... I do only myself harm. He had come to the temple for peace, yet was having trouble finding it. Even the Father's Home reminded the young Warrior of the Elite.

Suddenly, the sands shifted, and Ha'shep whirled around, spear at the ready. But it was only- Ha'Shep glared, but bowed low. "Ka Pasin anust ukal ku, mal Ulrak." Though truth be told, most of the time the Barkule wished for the Great Fire to set on the Elder- you could say. The Elder, Kash himself, nodded and replied,

"Und ukal ku, Rado Tamak Ha'shep." The Scout Leader straightened himself up and stepped aside to allow the Elder to pass, assuming he was there to visit the temple. But the old man didn't move. Instead he glanced at Ha'shep, folding his arms into his long sleeves. Their gazes matched, and metaphorical sparks flew. Finally Kash allowed his mask to crack a little, and he frowned. "Ku vatalut, Rakute..." Tightening his grip on his spear, the Scout Leader stiffened and sharpened his glare. Despite their size and strength difference, however, Elder Kash was not intimidated. He had no reason to be, after all.

"Und visk ik tahl...?" To call him a fool was one thing, but the old man could at least have the decency to say why. With a small smile, as though speaking to a child who was still ignorant of the real world, the Elder answered swiftly.

"Ku stalut vitan ku hi zalk nik." For that moment their gazes were in synch with eachother and Ha'Shep understood instantly.

I long for Sekhmet, but as far as the Warrior Caste is concerned, I'll never be worthy of her. No matter what. I'll never gain her Sight. Anger raged in his chest, and the calm and relaxed posture of Kash only fueled it. "Ku muttut ymyt ku valaten." The older man's smile said it all. I do know. I am sure. It is the way things will always be. That's what the smile said, and Ha'shep found himself wanting nothing more then to tear that smile from the Elder's aged features.

"Sekhmet ik al pasik Rahnko, Rado Tamak. Ku rikt eko zel bynt ku makst ze." He turned, preparing to leave. "Valat kul lasytni." With that the Elder walked off, returning to his Kartum not far from where Ha'shep still stood, and left to return to the camp. Of course he hadn't gotten done what he had intended to, but perhaps, if nothing else, he had set the poor Scout on the right course. It wasn't healthy to lust after someone you could never have, after all.

Ha'shep remained in his place, eyes shut tight as he resisted all urges to howl in anger. Despite his body willing it, however, the Scout Leader forced himself back to a calmer state, placing his free hand onto the temple itself. He bit his tongue, letting his head drop as he stared dully at the swirling sand under him.

I know my place... And I am honored that she allows me as close as she does... But this is not lust, you foolish old man. Looking back up to the stars, he whispered. "Tik shalk ro ku..., kam Sekhmet. Tel... Maru..."

If only for the Clan, be careful...