Redsand Canyon Bid my blood to run.

Germanicus mentioned promoting her after she completed her task. Towhee didn’t know the first thing about the hierarchy here yet, but she wondered if he intended to place her above the current Auxillia, including the two present. Was he deliberately trying to build resentment among them? She had to wonder. She would definitely like speak to him more about this condition later, maybe when they toured the training grounds. For now, she merely nodded to acknowledge his remarks, limp tail giving a few grateful twitches.

Her attention shifted to the two other soldiers. Kallik didn’t even acknowledge her, which was as rude as it was unsurprising, given what Germanicus had just said. Towhee didn’t say anything or react, instead turning to face Arsenio as he grinned toothily at her. Whoa, uncanny valley. He’d pretty blatantly tried to throw her under the bus for behaving rudely at Akashingo’s borders, and now he spoke to her like they would be bosom buddies. It was definitely hard to get a bead on him, though she would get more of an opportunity later.

She opened her mouth to let him know she wouldn’t be able to hear his call, yet all three men soon turned their backs and left. Towhee gazed after them, not at all sure what to think of what had just transpired, at least until her orange eyes drifted to the only wolf who remained. Ruenna’s face reminded her of why she was here.

What are barracks? Towhee replied, smiling at her friend and motioning for her to lead the way.

It was definitely tempting to unload her thoughts on the Matrona now that they were alone, though perhaps she shouldn’t. She didn’t like the idea of being unable to speak freely with her friend but, well, this was an entirely new dynamic in Mereo. She would just have to find her footing and adapt accordingly. Either way, she was pretty sure it was worth it, just based on the happy relief she felt walking beside Ruenna again.