Although Xochitl had mainly come to New Zerzura to get away from winter weather, she found a lot more there. She had been interested in meeting the Anubian Guards, but one in particular stood out for her. Abbas was a younger guard, assigned to be her tour guide. And while he was certainly a big hunk and she had a big sexual interest in him, she wanted to know more about him.
A little trouble she was having was with Abbas's faith and the standards that this country has. Egypt wasn't as strict about Islamic laws as some of the other countries further east, but there were still rules that Animalians had to respect. They could not dress as flashily as they could in other countries, which could be a bit oppressive in the desert heat. And while Animalians were still considered people by Muslims, Xochitl still felt a little uncomfortable when they said dogs were unclean. Abbas had explained that a more liberal interpretation of the law was applied to Animalians, Xochitl wasn't sure whether or not pre-marital sex was permitted and it was a little hard to ask about it.
So Xochi was trying to find out as much as about Abbas as she could. Fortunately, Abbas was pretty much an open book about his life. "I have two older brothers, so I'm under no pressure to provide heirs for the family and the like," said Abbas, "I always admired the architecture of Ancient Egypt. I suppose I might have become an architect myself."
"What changed?" asked Xochi.
"The terrorism," said Abbas, "The unprovoked attacks that slanders the name of Islam to the rest of the world. Those radicals even had the gall to attack us."
"So you joined the army out of patriotism?" asked Xochi.
"Essentially, yes," said Abbas, "Though I don't intend to be in the military all my life. I'm still studying to be an architect."
"So what made you want to join the Guards of Anubis?" asked Xochi.
"Like I said, I admire Ancient Egyptian architecture and serving in a city built like that is something I couldn't pass up," said Abbas.
"You didn't have to become a jackal to do that," said Xochi.
"I know, but I still wanted to," said Abbas, "Animalians have a very remarkable lifestyle and an unbiased view of the world. I wanted to be a part of that myself."
"So, does that mean you'd be interested in a mate?" asked Xochi coyly.
"Yes, but not one I've only known for a few weeks," said Abbas.
"Oh," said Xochi, her ears drooping.
"Don't take it the wrong way. I do find you interesting and attractive," said Abbas, "But I think we need more time before we actually commit to anything."
"So do we have to ask your parents' permission? Because my parents were just dogs and I'm sure they've passed away by now," said Xochi, "I guess Rodriguez might count."
"Xochitl, this is the 21st century," said Abbas, "We can just date without any formal introductions or being betrothed."
"Oh, ok," said Xochi, "Not sure if I'd want to convert to Islamic or not. It's really confusing to me and I don't think I'd look good in a hijab."
"Have you seen anyone around here wearing a hijab?" asked Abbas dryly.
"Well, no, but I thought it would be a requirement outside of New Zerzura," said Xochi.
"I'm more forward-thinking," said Abbas, "There may be the occasional need, but you don't need to wear one around me."
Xochi wagged her tail. She really liked Abbas and she was excited to be able to date him. She wasn't really mated to him yet, but she hoped that won't be too long in the future.