Redsand Canyon exordium

"i am her husband," germanicus added once ruenna had given her greeting. it was strange to speak aloud, strange but not foreign. perhaps this statement might answer arsenio's unspoken question. "the storm rose when we were almost to the mountains and forced us to pause for a time." the explanation was for the lady redsand, if only to explain his delay.

germanicus pulled into his mind the way her voice had sounded when she greeted him. "this is arsenio and tamar," the eagle went on. he assumed ruenna would not be so surprised, given their discussion upon the matter. "her cough has only arrived in the last couple of days. will you please take her indoors? i intend to show arsenio their new quarters but i would like to give her a chance to be out of the cold."

the red man would want to wait with his intended. but the imperator had words for him. he gave a slightly warmer look to tamar, inclining his head to indicate that she should go where ruenna bid. theirs was only the single room, an intimate space, but with the barracks still upon its build, he felt such should be offered to those in need. the pair from akashingo would be within their own den before the morning rose, but he understood the swiftness of an illness.

germanicus sought his wife's eye before stepping back, motioning to arsenio. he would not yet depart until he had assent.