Redsand Canyon when you wake up hungover, you wish you were sober

crowfeather's rejoinder was unexpectedly bitter. drakon's eyes sharpened on him, suddenly watchful as he went from criticizing to defending germanicus in the same breath. he did not know about things like healing herbs or pack life, it was true, but drakon knew people. this went deeper than their conversation, or even mereo itself, he was sure of it.

did he hurt you? he blurted, before he could stop himself or even think about what he was saying. realizing his error immediately, he hastily added, sorry - you don't have to answer. that was too personal. anyway, it doesn't matter - about mereo or akashingo or whatever. it's not like i have anywhere else to go. and it wasn't like he hadn't been used before, either. he would survive.