Two Eyes Cenote Gentle words, harsh faces

She feels a thrill of pleasure at the man’s praise, hearing the truth in his words. Already she knew them to be true.

“You are welcome to visit the palace anytime, my Lord. In fact, we are having our first annual celebration of Hapi next month at the lake due North of here. We would welcome your presence, and those of any guests whom you wish to accompany you at the festival, Lord Rodyn.”

Briefly, Eset wondered what her Racharra would make of the ocean prince, but she knew better than to meddle. She led Rodyn through to the grand atrium where they were flanked by the cool rippling of the twin cenotes. There she presented the ostentatious offerings of Muat-riya to the wolves of Moontide.

“These are whole wild geese wrapped in fig leaves for ease of transport. Their flavor is rich and delicate, with good marrow in the bones. Then fermented cacti pulp, best kept out of your children’s reach,” she smiles, remembering Frolic the evening of Toula’s coronation. She gestures next to a stack of five pelts,  “bobcat furs to pad your dens, and snakeskin stoles are ideal protection against heavy rain.”

Eset points to a stone laid with various desert plants in stages of preservation next. “Dried ginger root and cinnamon are good flavors for meat. But the herbs are what I think may interest you most, my Lord. Golden gumweed is used to treat infection, prickly pear for poor digestion, and yucca will soothe skin rashes.” She explains, identifying each with the point of her paw.

Lastly, the hebsut unclasps a satchel to reveal a small collection of glittering gemstones. “Lapis lazuli and rose quartz. They’ve no practical use, my Lord, but I’ve not met a lady who's been able to resist.”

Her eyes laugh.