Redsand Canyon I'm a woman, Mary. I can be as contrary as I choose.

The Matrona extended an apology of her own. Malila didn't see it coming and exhaled softly, visibly grateful that they were back on even ground. Truthfully, she felt that Ruenna didn't owe her anything. She shook her head, shuffling forward to gently place the bottoms of her paws against the others. "That was never my intention. I never meant to disrespect you and your ways."

"But...I can already see why you fight so hard to earn the respect of the soldiers. It mustn't be easy." She sympathized with her struggles. She reached out with her muzzle, a hairs touch away. "Please, tell me then. Tell me what it is like to be a wife in Mereo? I said I am determined to learn and I want to show you by having an open mind." Maybe marriage would not be so bad after all...