Redsand Canyon primus

aw, no posting order!

it was midnight of the second day when germanicus brought @Makono, @Nazli, and @Khaba to the borders of the canyon.

they stepped across. he ordered the night sentries down and directed the crown prince toward the soldier's housing. "make yourself comfortable there. in the morning i will have bedding brought for all of you."

there were enough spaces in the cave network to accommodate them all. germanicus would stand by until all were acclimated.

thank you, imperator.

and she dipped her crown to him for a solemn moment.

for come daylight, she would be soldier beneath him, him her imperator. did her father toss and turn this night? some unknowing force whispering to him how she bowed to the roman?

but to prevail upon the logical man was to play his own hand.

will i report to you first thing in the morning or shall i let you settle back home first?

While the amiirad remained to question the imperator, Khaba descended first to inspect the quarters. Gently, he waved his tail to the girl to wait for him before entering. He trusted that, of all places, their sleeping quarters would be secure, but one could never be wrong for checking first.

Khaba descended to investigate the sleeping quarters first. Makono spoke with Germanicus of things to come. None looked to Nazli, who was serving the crown prince as an attendant should; silent and faded in to the background. She saw the strangeness of Mereo again as well as the strength of the canyon walls, the freedom of the open expanses; still, she touched the bone medallion as if to say a prayer.

"first thing in the morning. answer my summons as the others do."

he looked at her and then her attendants.

"try to find rest. our days begin before dawn."

with a nod the imperator was off, though he did not return to his den.

it reminded him too much of ruenna. it was empty without her warmth.

a summon.

she dipped her crown once more as he departed.

you will join me in these things? her gaze settled upon khaba, but her body drifted near nazli. absently mindful of the girl touching her medallion.

she knew she need not ask the man. he would always be a shadow in all things she did along mereo.

they could begin their retreat to the housing at once.

When he returned from a successful inspection, the amiirad spoke to Khaba.
"You will join me in these things?"
What a silly inquiry. He had already expressed his thoughts and expectations of her time here, had he not?
But nonetheless, to confirm, the mazoi offered a sharp nod before turning to escort her down to the barracks.