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Ialu regarded the elf for a long moment, as if trying to figure out if this was a trap. What could Eladrian really gain? So Ialu was Egyptian. There were thousands of others like him. And that was assuming that Ialu meant those 'features'. But all the same, Ialu didn't see any way this could come back to bite him. He could leave at any time, and he'd have all of those jewels.
He finally smiled slightly and nodded, "Thank you, sir-... or, uh, Eladrian..." He smiled again, looking to the bag, "We can keep our halves together for now, I'll take my half if I leave. Otherwise, I'm just happy using them for living expenses... And I suppose we need some clothes as well. I-..." He watched Eladrian, "What am I aiding you in?"

Ialu watched the mare run towards them, taking a few steps back in alarm. This wasn't a normal horse. What was the land like across the vast, endless seas? Was this normal for an Eldren? Perhaps that was why they kept to themselves so much. Ialu felt like filth next to this shining, gleaming god of a man. And his mount was just like him, splendid and wonderful and humbling.
Ialu used what he knew about horses, bringing his hands out in front of him, low, nonthreatening. He bowed his head as well, staying back until Eladrian told him differently. He knew an animal of this size could be dangerous.

Ialu felt the man wrap around him, and he gasped softly. Eladrian's hold was so warm, comforting. The whispers tickling his ear, he nodded just slightly. He was afraid if he spoke that he would scare the creature off, but he was also afraid that if he spoke, he would show some of what he was trying to keep down inside of him. Impure. That was the definition of what he was. It was easy, with a master and slaves around him, to forget what those outside would think of his lifestyle. Ialu had never chose to be a slave, and he was good at his job. Rarely was he ever ashamed. But he felt so now, in the arms of this beautiful man, with this mythical creature standing there, unwilling to touch him.
He swallowed hard and shoved that thought away. It didn't matter. He needed to focus. He closed his eyes and thought of the one pure thing in his life. And in an instant, he felt like he was there, sitting in his mother's lap. He was barely four, his head shoved to the traditional side lock all Egyptian boys had. His mother was darker than him, almost nubian, her long black hair braided and her arms thick and warm. She was telling him a story about his father, whom he had never met. She was telling him that his father had the most beautiful pale skin, and blue eyes, just like Ialu's. He smiled, resting his head back on Eladrian's shoulder slightly, eyes closed, hand out. He remembered laughing, just because life was good, and it had bubbled up inside him with child-like realization that the moment he was in was eternal. His mother holding him, and Ialu basking in her adoration, unaware of the life he would face.

Ialu felt the velvety soft muzzle press into his hand and his heart surged. He opened his eyes and smiled, feeling peace wash over him. Eladrian controlled his other hand and he was nearly trembling as he stroked down the length of her majestic nose. His entire life, Ialu had never seen anything quite so beautiful. Any sense of sorrow or offense he had felt before vanished into the moment.
He glanced back at Eladrian and laughed softly, unable to keep the pure joy from bubbling up in his throat. He whispered, "She is so beautiful... I can feel joy just looking at her, just touching her like this..." Ialu couldn't really remember feeling this happy, and he had a feeling that a person like Eladrian would only bring about more happiness. He hoped so, at least.

Ialu smiled. He had rode plenty of horses, so this was familiar territory. Maya was a much taller than the average horse, but Ialu had always ridden Arabians, so the difference wasn't that far off. He reached up, clasping Eladrian's hand. Though he still felt weak, sheer will gave him the boost to leap up and straddle the creature. He smiled and sank against Eladrian's shoulder, arms wrapped tight around him. This felt familiar, right, even.
His legs gripped a little tighter than he needed, maybe, feeling a bit fearful of falling. But he knew Eladrian wouldn't wouldn't let him go. He spoke softly into his partner's neck, "Where are we going?"

Nodding into his shoulder, Ialu let himself drift. He held tight to Eladrian, but his mind was too weary to keep awake, so he drifted into his own dreams. Riding Maya was enough to inspire even beautiful, hopeful dreams. Ialu felt like he was riding on the wind, and his dreams became misty as they dashed though.
He imagined Eladrian was suddenly facing him. They soared together, like sand picked up but a fitful desert whirlwind. Ialu was staring into Eladrian's unearthly eyes, and melting into his strong, pure body. Ialu smiled into Eladrian's shoulder, letting himself dream.

Ialu woke fully at Eladrian's call, groggily looking about. It was late and hard for his eyes to focus, but he could see fires. He smiled into Eladrian's shoulders. As they came to a halt, he recognized the dark skinned man immediately. Eladrian's former owner. So, they really were friends.
He watched the two of them converse, then felt the gaze turned on him. He smiled when Eladrian stuck up for him, letting his arms slip so he could dismount. Sliding off the flank of the beautiful creature, he landed on his feet and held his hand out to Amun, "I am Ialu. I know I would also be very much obliged if we could share your company." He glanced back to Eladrian. A Lord? It made Ialu's head spin.