There were many things to plan for Epoch. Arsenio had not spoken to Kallik or Aquene in some time, having spent most of his days in the vale in preparation for their hold on the territory. When the news of Tamar’s pregnancy came to light, he was pleased to return to the canyon to share their wonderful update with the others. It had been good. Everything felt like it was progressing.
On his return to the canyon, the redstone mercenary was intent on speaking with the healer woman to make sure that their plans were still in place. The Greek moved through the familiar passes of Mereo until he had found the woman’s home. The scent of children was strong outside the door.
@Aquene, it is Arsenio… are you home?
The man waited with a smile outside of her door.
I hope this is alright so we can get this swinging.
The day had been spent tending over herbs and overseeing her children who were growing faster than weeds, a deep contemplation lingering in the back of her mind. Germanicus had pointed out how her husband already reported to their friend, and so Aquene’s mind led her to believe that perhaps Germanicus had at least prepped the Roman for the offer that he was making Aquene. She would not be separated from her husband, of that there was no question. It was just about the only non-question of the entire situation.
She had been finishing up a meal, Kallik already out on his way when she heard Arsenio’s voice, a soft smile forming her features. “Yes, I am home. Please, come in.” She offered, a politeness in her voice and a warmth that she carried for friends, of which all of Epoch and most of Mereo qualified as. “Sorry for the mess. It’s been a little hectic in the Canyon.” Between her fretting, the amputation she had performed a few months back, and the seemingly never ending aches and ailments that struck that would need her attention, it felt impossible to be prepared.
“I trust you’re here because of my conversation with Germanicus?” She had to assume such was the case, knowing how busy he was preparing for the formation of the outpost at the Vale.
The healer invited him into her home. Arsenio accepted the invitation with a warm smile and a wag of his tail.
Once inside, she began to apologize for the messiness of the place. The mercenary man shook his head, wishing to dismiss such worries. There was no reason to be concerned. He was not looking to inspect the living quarters of the woman and her family.
Please, do not apologize. It is hard work, tending to a family and a pack.
When she moved on to ask if his visit pertained to her conversation with the Roman, Arsenio grew confused. His head was tilted questioningly. The smile faded from his features until he had found a reasonable place to stand and speak to her – somewhere that he would not be in the way. The mercenary wondered what conversation she had shared with Germanicus to prompt that question.
Ah, I know nothing of your talks with the Roman. I came only to visit you and to see if you were coming close to bringing your beautiful family to Epoch.
The smile returned as he waited to hear her response.
He would brush off her apology and a warm smile was offered in return. Arsenio and Tamar were among her closest friends, and she valued their thoughts and opinions, holding them in a high regard. “It is… but a mother must do both.” She offered, an almost cryptic forbearance of what was to come for both of them. No doubt, Tamar’s journey to motherhood and her own journey that she would soon need to choose a path to take.
A frown found her features when he spoke of no knowledge. She would have hoped Germanicus had prepared him for this conversation, and in many ways it brought a sense of awkwardness over her. How was she supposed to broach the subject when he had come to ask of her and her family’s travels?
“It is the talks with the Imperator that may directly interfere with that plan.” She stated, bluntly but smoothed over with her almost hesitant tone, a kindness about her. “The Lady Ruenna has stepped down and sought out treatment from her back pain… it is something that I do not have specialized training in, and she reached the end of her treatment plan with me.” She explained as she sat down, the frown deepening.
“Germanicus has asked me to step in Ruenna’s place, to become the Matrona of Mereo… I was just about to seek out my husband to discuss this with him as it affects the fates of our entire family, and pins us between those we care for, asking us to choose which ones we will remain with... you and Tamar, or the Imperator, Towhee, and those who remain here after Epoch is established.” She only hoped he was not angry with her for even considering such a fact. It was far too big a decision to rashly accept or decline.
The mercenary’s smile faded swiftly.
Arsenio blinked at Aquene, processing the news she shared with him. The Roman had offered her his wife’s place in Mereo? The hairs along the man’s back rose slightly.
What of their plans? The Roman had said nothing to him of this offer. He had not shared that his wife had stepped down from her role – unable to fulfill her duties because of an injury that plagued her. This was tragic, yes, but it was not Arsenio’s fault that she was incapable. Why was he made to suffer? Why was Epoch denied the founding families that had been promised to them? Worse than this, the mercenary could not understand why the Roman had not said anything.
Arsenio was left to fill in the pieces for himself, to assume. This was not the first time he had seen the Roman retract his word. He had seen it happen in Akashingo. He had seen friendships that had faded through the inconsiderate actions of Germanicus. The mercenary had though they existed on a foundation of understanding, but it seemed that Mereo’s Imperator acted only in self-interest.
Very well, then.
The redstone wolf was stiff.
From the way you have worded this, it seems you have made your decision, Aquene. Congratulations are in order. I am sure Mereo will thrive with you over their civilians.
The words did not glow with warmth. Arsenio was hurt. He was angry. These emotions could not be directed at the healer woman. It was not her fault that these things had happened, that the role had been offered to her. Arsenio had seen how well Germanicus could create duty and obligation, painted in words of kindness.
I should leave.
He saw the shift on his features, and with it came a frown and a certain edge of sadness. It had been an intricate deal, of that much she was aware… and it would require recalling her husband from Epoch… but it was what she felt was best. She still had not had a chance to fully talk it through with Kallik, but her heart also knew he would leave the decision to her, and her happiness… he always did, even when she tried to push for him to decide himself.
She saw the stiffness and with it came a pang of sadness. “He has made me an offer, and asked me to think it over. I have decided nothing, and will decide nothing until I have a chance to discuss both the implications this has for my children as well as what my husband desires… but I must not lie… I do believe that I can do more good here. A healer must be where the soldiers are. I will always love you and Tamar both, and be there to support you in any way I can and to be your friend Arsenio, but Mereo needs a healer, and a Matrona, and I believe I am skilled enough to handle both… and so does the Imperator.” She did not wish to hurt him, but she could not lie to him.
He said he should leave and she let out a soft whine, not certain what to say, but upset with herself that she had seemed to make him so… cold.
It was not Aquene who had cast a cold front over Arsenio’s features. He had only wished to avoid reacting in a poor way. Even in her words to him, in the way that she framed it so that it appeared her mind was open to other possibilities, the mercenary could see that she had decided already. Her heart was tied to her duty, the same as the Roman. Were it not for his present company, the Greek might have cursed at the ground.
Damn Germanicus for his stunted communication. Damn him for this, Arsenio thought with a sour expression. Even as he considered his journey back to the vale, his heart was heavy with the news that their friends would never join them. He worried how Tamar might take this development.
Aquene, it is clear that you feel a duty to Mereo and its soldiers. You say you have not decided but your words have made their choice. You have only spoken of what greater good you would do if you remained behind, nothing of what good you might do if you were to leave. I do not need to be placated like a child,
Arsenio said to her with a half-smile.
You will be welcome in Epoch, if ever you should change your mind or grow tired of the military ways.
It was unlikely for a healer. The Greek man did not believe that Aquene would ever be able to set aside her obligation to those who were most at risk of injury. You are still a friend to myself and to Tamar.
He would not risk that relationship.
The redstone figure dipped his snout to her and offered one wag of his tail before turning and leaving the mother behind.