the endless dance of numbers and sound and sky
The Atans, as promised, arrive within a week, and once they do the city is curiously still with their presence. Few things intimidate people like one of the battle-skilled giants, and an entire legion could frighten a god, Maryani thinks. Of course, she looks at them admiringly--they could take a country with that number, she's certain. Not that they need to, not that it'd be practical, but sometimes imagining the possibilities can be entertaining.
Most of the citizens are in hiding, but Maryani leans out of one of the lower palace windows to watch, wide-eyed. She's actually near enough she could call down to some of them with relative ease, and can see Sparhawk and Kalten from here.
"They're beautiful," she enthuses, breathless, garnering a slightly bewildered look from a courtier.
Okay, maybe she's overly fond of soldiers. But they're so in sync! Maryani appreciates people being good at what they do, and no one polices like Atans. They're intimidating, but she's pushed that aside in favor of being admiring.