Redsand Canyon sepelio

once more germanicus nodded to her impassioned tone. kallik was so opposite her. that was the attraction, the imperator surmised. it was a balance, in as much the same way as ruenna's diplomacy balanced his blunt manner.

it was the sum of a marriage. the eagle felt that aquene and kallik had a solid foundation from which to proceed, one tempered by the loyalty they both felt for mereo. they were young but not so that they did not understand the negatives to impulsivity.

but he would not offend her by offering a misguided congratulations. he hoped they would enjoy a long future together. and he hoped they would grow in love, as he felt himself experiencing with ruenna.

that sensation struck some portion of his heart with a striking clarity. the imperator grew uncomfortable, though his outward look remained unchanged. 

"i think it might be worthwhile to ask tamar," germanicus suggested with a calm he did not feel. "she has helped you with wounds before and seems interested enough in learning."