Redsand Canyon You've only known the ones who leave at dawn

"i have had a good deal of help." it was easier to demur then it was to accept a compliment for the creation which had kept him from akashingo for even a visit.

but in truth the eagle was proud. he focused upon his breathing and the cadence of their steps and thought of what he might tell kallik if the other inquired. 

however, the pallid fighter was not likely to ask. both he and the legatus shared an unspoken comprehension of emotional detail into which they did not stray. kallik trusted him and he had put the same into the other soldier. this was what mattered.

the oasis lengthened before them. this time of year it was just blooming with green, darkening to rich earth along the edge of the placid lake. here he meant to help the shadow sit against a tree and here too the eagle would rest upon his own haunches.

the words were unsure and slow to come now. when he spoke it was with a hesitance he had only ever showed to two individuals, and crowfeather was one of them.

"what brought you to look at the stars again?"

germanicus could not stand the sound of his own voice. his tones were careful and gave nothing away. but his eyes were unguarded at last, rife with worry and self-control and guilt.