Hushed Willows a swell of smoke arose and filled the air [festival]

Rue felt @Soltero's chin settle over her crown as the man accepted her embrace. She hadn't been sure he would, not after the way they had said goodbye. Leaving the Creek so abruptly, Rue knew she had let down the few wolves she considered friends within their ranks. What was more, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had let Soltero down the most.

Although the pair had never spoken of it, Rue had certainly felt that anticipatory tingle of potential-- the possibility of some kind of future that danced enticingly between the pair. Turning her back on the Creek had shaken that already-tenuous bond, and Rue had been unsure if any of it still remained. 

Rue pulled back after a moment, tilting her head to the side to look upon Soltero's features. What was he feeling? She never knew with Soltero. Rue opened her mouth to offer a return greeting, but she was interrupted as the Elysium leader addressed the crowd once more. She gave Soltero a small, knowing smile before repositioning herself beside him to watch the blessing take place. 

As Olive concluded the ceremony, she prompted the visitors to plant a seed. Rue bumped her shoulder lightly against Soltero's, silently suggesting that they approach the seed pile. Perhaps the task of finding a proper planting site would allow them a chance to speak more privately and catch up, without giving the appearance that they were absconding to engage in... fertilty festial activities. Rue was a sensitive girl, and she had already felt eyes upon her simply as a result of hugging her friend.