Redsand Canyon proximus

Fennec’s irritation grew as he threw her words back at her in a way she hadn’t intended. Even though the next statement should have been a compliment, the insult she took from the previous completely overshadowed it.

I’m not a soldier because I don’t take orders and because I do what I need to, when I need to, to survive. Even if that means breaking ranks. She drew herself up some, and there was more bite behind the words, something she hadn’t had reason to show since before their marriage.

I don’t follow someone because I have to. Not even you, as General or as a husband. You can order me not to go. But I won’t help you with this plan. And I won’t forgive the insult.

He thought she was stupid, walking into this unprepared. Or incompetent and unable to defend herself. She knew what she was walking into and she knew that there was a chance she would need to get herself out. She didn’t plan on going in without a strategy and she certainly didn’t plan on going alone. But if he didn’t trust her, he was her leader; he had the right to refuse.

She had the right to hold that against him.

he did not care for this glissade of sensation between he and fennec.

"you are my equal. you are the only one i cannot order to go or to stay. but you believe i mean to insult you by voicing my opposition. your presence there is dangerous simply because you are my wife," germanicus said impassively, stung somehow by what fennec had said. 

"very well. will you go alone or will you take another?" the imperator went on. 

he had no more argument and no more resistance he would voice. fennec would have what she desired.

the eagle knew he was being unfair in some subterranean way, but his pride could take no more of this particular discussion.

His words were still straightforward but for once they did nothing to ease her mind. If anything she grew colder as he explained, saying again that there would be danger because she was his wife.

It was good that he wouldn’t stop her because he clearly had no idea what her capabilities were. If she’d known this position would come with guard rails she wasn’t sure she’d have taken it.

I’ll be going soon. She didn’t answer because she didn’t know and she was out of the patience needed to decide. It didn’t matter. If they couldn’t spare an escort she would find her way there alone.

Deeply bothered in a way that was both unexplainable and unfair, Fennec turned to go, choosing an abrupt and frosty exit over further argument. Anything else she wanted to say would only make things worse.

<3

when fennec was gone, the chill remained in the air and it was not the refreshing gust of winter. 

for a long while germanicus was still as though carved from the earth itself.

he had not expected this and yet he had not avoided it. the months with he and fennec had taught him that she prized directness. and so he had directly entered an argument and not a frank discussion.

would his wife come to regard him with the same scorn as arsenio?

he turned and melted into the opposite landscape, heart a dulling thud.