Redsand Canyon pollis

Perhaps Germanicus thought of himself as unromantic, but this was not at all how he was viewed by Ruenna. A man need not wear his heart on his sleeve for it to be known by a perceptive woman, and Germanicus had shown his heart in with his actions, if not his words. Each time he requested her advice and listened earnestly, in every quiet evening they shared in their room, and with every pawful of healing balm massaged into her back, Germanicus showed his heart. It would never be forgotten that Germanicus had compromised much of his original vision for Mereo to accommodate for Ruenna. What could possibly be more romantic than the gifts of respect, quality time, and sacrifice?

Germanicus was still for a long moment. Then he pulled Ruenna closer, pressed his forehead against her own, and spoke his vow. His words were rough. This was difficult for him, to talk this way. Ruenna appreciated the effort more than he knew. 

"Germanicus, I could not imagine how you could be a better husband than the one you are already," she insisted. She tilted her head to place a small kiss on his cheek, and then she continued. "If you care for your children with the same effort and intentionality that I see you demonstrate every day with your soldiers, you will be a great father as well." Germanicus was already a father figure to many of Mereo's young men, whether he knew and accepted this or not. Ruenna was certain that he would not experience fatherhood to be so different from the leadership and mentorship roles at which he already excelled. 

"They will be adored," Ruenna echoed, beaming. She then swung her muzzle in toward her stomach to lick at her belly fur, certain that her children could feel her and would understand how much they were loved already. 

Ready to fade when you are!