Redsand Canyon Apogoitevménos

The mercenary’s smile faded swiftly.

Arsenio blinked at Aquene, processing the news she shared with him. The Roman had offered her his wife’s place in Mereo? The hairs along the man’s back rose slightly.

What of their plans? The Roman had said nothing to him of this offer. He had not shared that his wife had stepped down from her role – unable to fulfill her duties because of an injury that plagued her. This was tragic, yes, but it was not Arsenio’s fault that she was incapable. Why was he made to suffer? Why was Epoch denied the founding families that had been promised to them? Worse than this, the mercenary could not understand why the Roman had not said anything.

Arsenio was left to fill in the pieces for himself, to assume. This was not the first time he had seen the Roman retract his word. He had seen it happen in Akashingo. He had seen friendships that had faded through the inconsiderate actions of Germanicus. The mercenary had though they existed on a foundation of understanding, but it seemed that Mereo’s Imperator acted only in self-interest.

Very well, then.

The redstone wolf was stiff.

From the way you have worded this, it seems you have made your decision, Aquene. Congratulations are in order. I am sure Mereo will thrive with you over their civilians. The words did not glow with warmth. Arsenio was hurt. He was angry. These emotions could not be directed at the healer woman. It was not her fault that these things had happened, that the role had been offered to her. Arsenio had seen how well Germanicus could create duty and obligation, painted in words of kindness.

I should leave.