Lost Creek Hollow venustas

for a small time germanicus sat in contemplation of what ico had revealed. nursemaid at the end. a rescuer for the young ones when their father was put to the edge of the sword for his sins.

but the vestal spoke of misunderstanding, of some veil in this merrick he had not pierced. a wife. a pair of cubs. ico to protect them when blood was demanded as repayment.

a flick of his ear. "i mind that you are endangered." there was much to unsnarl, more to comprehend, these offenses to which, perhaps, ico had been observer if not party. yet they mattered little in this moment.

germanicus breathed, and the bouquet laced through the bridal-robes worn by ico eased, for the first time, the webbing of cracks that had splintered the edge of his heart long ago.