Lost Creek Hollow venustas

a dangerous question. to admit to it was to betray the edict that had always been his to carry. to deny would be to quell the trust beginning to flower here. for a long moment germanicus too was silent, pondering the same splash of blossoms that sprouted from deep green.

"i suppose there have been things that seemed unethical," the eaglebound murmured after a beat. "but to speak aloud was to be untrustworthy to others in the legion." you protected one another through obedience, for only with a united front could enemies be conquered.

had not his own father given the order for — 

"were you given such an order, ico?" germanicus murmured softly, eyes now resting upon the pale, haunted snow-plains of ico's face.