“I think he’s deaf.”<br/><br/>Two men stood frowning down at the supposed Escort; a stocky, muscular man who hadn’t said a word since his people arrived at Satel.  He wore a simple harem pants and a thick black waist band that covered the majority of his lower torso. The rest was bare.  Strange sandals were on his feet and the chosen protector’s hair was short and thick yet still wild.<br/><br/>“I heard he arrived wearing nothing but those sandals and a loin cloth.”<br/><br/>A mischievous woman leaned in between the two and get a better look at the outsider below.  The trio continued to watch as Motto kept vigil of the flame.  It was one of several confirmation rituals he needed to undergo before delivering the Sacrifice; keeping his attention on a small burning wick for two suns.  He was sitting cross legged with his hands resting on his knees and staring intently at the flame.  A small stone thunked off his head and bounced once before coming to a stop on the ground.  Motto didn’t even blink.<br/><br/>“Idiot!  What did you do that for?”<br/><br/>A few yards away from the Escort, a boy shoved his playmate.  “You trying to get us killed?  The Escort has the right to take any life he likes without consequences!”<br/><br/>“It was supposed to go<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic"> near</span></span>him not hit him!”<br/><br/>The men on the rooftop continued to watch as the boys decided to continue throwing experimental stones.  The wild-haired Escort didn’t seem to notice and sat unmoving, until a stone nearly hit the wick.  Faster than anyone’s eyes could track, Motto’s hand flashed out and caught it.  Slowly he curled his hand that held it into a tight fist and squeezed.  He extended his arm out to one side before opening that same hand to let the dust fall.  All while keeping his gaze fixed on the sacred fire.<br/><br/>Needless to say the mountain dweller passed all of the trials.  The festivities and celebrations were a joyous time and his companions made a good deal of new friends while feasting and dancing, but Motto was in the horse pen.  He wasn’t accustomed to riding such animals but it might be necessary for the Sacrifice.  The journey would be long and such a creature as these could be useful.  A particularly awkward steed nudged him for the third time.  Motto lifted an eyebrow at it.  It wasn’t the strongest horse in the herd..it’s form was more suited for speed but the beast kept following him and demanding his attention.  A smile broke out and Motto stroked the horse’s neck.  A light laugh.<span style="color: #00BF00">“Yes.  You.”</span><br/><br/>Ceremonial drums caught his ear and the Escort quickly followed the sound to where Dox stood on the platform with her marking exposed.  Motto had just pushed his way through the crowd when his eyes caught sight of her.  He stopped and looked up at the markings with an unreadable expression.  The next thing he knew a path had been made for him and all eyes were cast in his direction.  Realizing it was time for him to approach, Motto stood taller and made his way up to where the Chief prayed over him; touching his fresh marking still red from the branding.  Motto kept his eyes focused on the Sacrifice as the onlookers praised the occasion; committing to memory her features as it was his most sacred duty to bring her to the Provider’s altar.  He would not fail.  Once his blessing was finished and the people had quieted, he seated himself next to Dox; resting his arms on the table and clasped one fist inside the other.  Her scent was veiled by perfumes and soaps..easily fixed.  From what he could tell, she was not fit for arduous travel, but looks alone were never to be trusted.