germanicus discovered the night before how very little he understood this most ancient of processes. the tension which ran taut through ruenna's body worried him, though he refused to show this and only tucked her closer to him. 

the imperator did not leave until he was bid to do so. his wife couched it in his own duties, with which he agreed, but he also suspected that this was not a place for him now. 

nevertheless the eagle found it quite difficult to leave her, and kissed her forehead with a lingering gesture of encouragement and affection before he departed the den. 

he would put the newer auxilia through their normal paces before going to seek out kallik, and all the while he could not keep his mind from the home he shared with ruenna, nor what might be taking place therein even now. 

she was in aquene's capable care. he must have faith.