Lion Head Mesa (ap) serpent

His humble nature? Under the influence of the berries, Ruenna nearly laughed out loud. Thankfully, her ambassador's instincts interfered, so all that would show upon her features was a merry dancing in her eyes. 

Ruenna tilted her head as Ramesses spoke, eager to learn more of Germanicus. Much had been left up to he imagination as to what exact privileges were indicated, but Ruenna imagined she could guess. It was interesting, but not wholly surprising, that Germanicus turned away from these privileges. It reaffirmed Ruenna's impression of the man and his character.  

She would emit a polite laugh as Ramesses contrasted Germanicus's wild nature with her own elegant one, but only because the Pharoah was clearly making an attempt at both humor and a compliment. "There was a time that I lived in these mountains as a wild thing myself," Ruenna mentioned, amusement again sparking in her eyes. Perhaps the royal couple would not believe it, looking upon the aged, maimed schoolmarm she had become.

"Towhee and I would be deeply honored to host you and your queen," Ruenna confirmed, glancing to Satsu. Or.. what was her name now? It had not escaped Ruenna's notice that not only did Ramessess seem to hear a scant one out of every five words she spoke, he also changed her name and twisted the meaning of her phrases to suit his fancy. Rue's heart went out to this poor woman, who seemed so starry-eyed for a narcissistic man who could never love her as much as he loved himself. 

Shouting drew the attention of the little group, and Ruenna recognized it as Reyes's drunken slur. Her heart sank. Why couldn't he have just stayed out...?

this can be the last from Rue, if you want to fade it into the Reyes beating thread.