Lion Head Mesa (ap) serpent

It seemed to Ruenna a small miracle that Reyes had backed down and departed of his own volition; would any in attendance even believe her if she tried to assert that this Reyes they saw tonight was the reformed version? The peaceable way of life in Brecheliant must have done him some good. Teya must have done him some good, Ruenna thought, though she would certainly never voice as much to Towhee. 

Ruenna had taken advantage of the temporary lull in activity, circling the refreshments and partaking a little more in the fermented fruits. Much to her surprise, the pain in her back had abated; she felt light enough to dance!

She smiled as the newlyweds approached. "Pharaoh, Queen. You have my heartfelt congratulations! Redhawk Caldera celebrates with you. I'm Ruenna Redfern." She dipped her head respectfully. For once, Ruenna wasn't overly worried about using the correct titles, or bowing the correct way, or offending someone somehow. She really couldn't blow it more than Reyes had, could she? 

When the groom and his bride sifted through the wedding gifts later, they would find a hide packed with both fresh and dried meats (some of the choicer organs included), medicinal herbs, and several luxurious mink furs that Ruenna hoped might line a den for little the princes and princesses to come. Tucked in the folds would be the crimson tail feather of a red-tailed hawk, identifying the giver of the gift.