Lake Rodney Kill Wanheda, and you command death.

Much to his surprise, Praimfaya did not react the way he anticipated. While he'd expected a tantrum of epic proportion, she instead maintained a collected manner despite his announcement of her mother's betrayal at length. His pale gaze did not stray from her face, alert for any sign that she might sulk and turn away, but he found nothing of the sort. She breathed a sigh (of defeat?) and carried on, willing to accept that her dam was not perfect, and Dacio felt his pride inflate.

Not because he was right, but because he acknowledged then and there that Praimfaya displayed a maturity far beyond her age. She would've grown into an impeccable commander had she been given the opportunity, of this he was sure, and knew that she could've been a Heda he would find great honour in giving his life for.

He mustered a smile, small and knowing, though underlying with sorrow. Dacio was genuinely disappointed to hear of Eske's passing; he would forever remember her devotion to Heda, her strong spirit and her unwavering bravery on the battlefield - all in his own private way. Perhaps, in time, the sore reminder of her abandonment of the kru would not taint that memory with such darkness, but he could not make any promises.

"We seek a place to lay low for the cold season," Dacio answered his young companion when she asked after he and Opalia's plans. "The shaking earth has driven prey from the coast, and an attack by us on one of our enemy's own left us open to retaliation. It made sense to head this way. When the snows thaw, hopefully we can revisit the idea of winning back our birthplace."