Northstar Vale vitiosus

maxim's daughter came and went.

reyson came with lacerated face and heavy steps. "praefectus." the yellow eyes were calm but germanicus was concerned.

the lady meadow arrived next, and before the roman could offer a greeting, she embraced reyson tightly.

she had been crying, a detail he noted along with the unexpected flame of jealousy that licked under his breastbone.

arsenio was last. germanicus smiled quietly and dipped his head. "it is good to see you well. maxim came to me in mereo with news of reyson. i came myself to see to him, but before we spoke privately i thought it best to see you first, arsenio."

that last for them alone. he too did not know where he stood with the red greek man.