Redsand Canyon seems a pity not to take a chance

the shadow filled his mind.

germanicus held his composure. the lady ruenna had moved along. she asked after mereo. "it has," the eagle confirmed, strongly grateful for the change of subject. their agreement had not yet settled for him. he felt himself growing strangely restless. the imperator decided that he would go upon a brisk walk later.

germanicus wanted to assure her that it was not sympathy that drove his choice.

"i have been interviewing women as well as men for positions in the canyon." the last time she had spoken, she had been firm. it was he who had been humbled then. "perhaps i might seek your counsel on something." he was suddenly and starkly unsure what to call her now. 

the formality of a noble household were titles of respect. he wondered if she had grown accustomed to his sort of address. he wondered if lady ruenna would wish to continue this. it felt proper for him to continue the titles. another time he would explore the relief that such noble words held for him.

"the two soldiers who have stayed with me are young men. glaukos is strong and impulsive. kallik is determined and unreadable. neither of them are to an age where they have the discipline to resist the feminine season. with women among us, how might i best ensure that no children are conceived among the auxillaries?" she had been in leadership. he felt that her experience might inform her as to his strictness in this regard.