Northstar Vale over glacial plains

Nanuq already liked Arsenio much more than Germanicus. The Imperator would have ignored his question and demanded something else. This man not only answered, but expanded upon it, and then identified Nanuq's family with ease. It made the boy feel seen in a way he never had at home.

Arsenio spoke with a formality that reminded Nanuq of his mother, which calmed the boy and begged a proper response. Yes, I am Nanuq. He took a couple steadying breaths, trying to still the thundering of his pulse so that his voice did not quaver. My mother is well. My father is still away. Nothing has happened in the canyon, but...

He licked his lips, nervous now, and finally blurted out his reason for being here: Can I live here? Please?