#phaesm

A   FIRM   GRIP   ON   THE   BLASTER   IN   HAND,   HIS   STANCE   PROPER   AND   UPRIGHT.   silence   encapsulates   him,   a   stern   look   resting   from   underneath   the   helmet   that   obscures   a   soft   face.   top   of   his   class,   a   soldier   that   exceeded   all   expectations.    he   stands   awaiting   her   criticism,   to   hear   either   brute   words   or   high   praise.

a rise in his tone, a heft of his body---------- ‘ i reached out for promise. & myself promising whoever heard my call greatness. instead i was met by. . . ‘ his hand lunged from his side aimed towards the platoon ( singed armor & all ! ) he’d dismantled as if to cast the irritation from within to the outer world. ‘ i must abandon this rock now. eliminating you would cause me---- who are you, by the way ? one of those knights i hear rumors about ? 

     ❝ YOUR WORK ON Gan Moradir has earned not only my attention, but the attention of the Emperor. ❞ He wears his authority like an open wound, something that hurts to stare at for too long. But his presence seems to fill every inch of the room; && no matter which way one might turn there is a reminder that he stands just out of sight. Watching, waiting, an oncoming storm. ❝ He’s approved your promotion to captain of your own squadron. ❞ 

              The morning creeps in over the hateful architecture of the Carida Academy, draping its grey, angular buildings in a pallid frost of light. A dome arches around the foremost training grounds, cloudy && turbulent with the exhaust of training explosives. 

     ❝ You will assist in their primary training beginning at 0500. ❞

“Now, Captain. I am confident that you will be frank, particularly when it has been asked of you.” 

The liquor in the decanter has been chilled to a degree that ice wouldn’t be needed. He poured them each a serving, though was relatively sure she wouldn’t partake. It was the gesture that counted.

“It concerns my image. It’s no secret that it is a matter which is very important to me, and it’s no secret that even after I’ve come into this position following my father’s untimely end that it might not be...” 

He wavered ever so slightly as he capped the decanter, clearly searching for the right phrase.