Lion Head Mesa (ap) Not sure exactly where I am.

At least someone appreciated him!

Reyes enjoyed the laughter that his story caused. He did not experience it as derisive in the slightest. Clearly this wandering fellahin or mazoi or whoever knew quality when they saw it. Or in this case, heard it. Reyes was pleased with himself and so his mood lightened further.

Then Towhee mentioned that g-word he had practically forgotten about until this exact moment.

My wot? He halted and looked at the dark shape trailing alongside him. It took a good few seconds of thought before Reyes remembered that he hadn't arrived solo to this wedding. The process of this thought erupted across his face: a squint, a frown, a dawning awareness, a sudden wide-eyed lightbulb moment, and then a gasp.

My girlfriend! Aye! That bastard stole Teya! He turned from Towhee and looked to where the mesa towered. It was back the way he'd come and there would most likely be mazoi doing their rounds, guarding and whatnot.

Shit. Shit! Distress coursed through him. He paced and bristled and circled beside Towhee, trying to think of what he could do. I gotta get 'er back. You dun know this guy! He has flocks of lasses at 'is beck'n call! What if 'e charms my Teya?

Oh.. oh no. Reyes had suddenly teared up at the thought.