Lion Head Mesa Kourasménos

a moment's respite,

he had become drawn and aloof. sleeplessness often came to plague him. the result of this was plainly seen.

but his eyes had not lost their watchful and protective air.

arsenio had ceased laughing.

now the eagle came to stand alongside the scarlet man. he wanted to know if the intrigues of the court had wiped away the guard's happiness. or if darker things plagued him.

"i am going on a patrol," he told the other. the invitation was in the way he stepped away, grateful to be leaving the mesa even for its outlands.