let me in

Kvothe

The male was respectful, which was a credit to his intent. Kvothe's questions prompted a polite nod and rapid acknowledgement, while eager restraint rained from one single, emerald eye. The Colonel's ears pressed forward, symmetrical spires overlooking a sterling crown, as he silently awaited the other's confirmation. Fortunately, he was not left waiting long; Baelfire acknowledged his intent, his youthful voice at once eager and purposeful. Kvothe studied the one-eyed male with impolitic interest, his kaleidoscope gaze weighted, considering.

In truth, there was little more to question. The army would not thank him for turning away a willing body, though his own sense of duty would promote closer investigation. A well-seasoned soldier with one eye was one thing; an untried recruit who already sported an infirmity was another. Though the male was obviously no untried child, there was a certain sense of naivety that clung to his soul, a youthfulness to his scarred visage that the military would be eager to stamp out. There was, too, the matter of motivation, of intent. Coax had mentioned the potential recruit had been lured into the life by the memory of his father...which was quite sad, if true. The dead should not compel the living, though all too often their regrets whispered from beyond the grave.

The chain of military command was clear; Colonels were responsible for their own units, and whether they enlisted from the common rabble, or whether they plucked recruits fresh from basic training, was entirely left to their own sense of service. That being said, Kvothe was put into a somewhat awkward position. His regiment was well known as the 'dregs' of the Army, and he would be doing the male no favors by enlisting him directly beneath the Immortalis' banner. On the other hand, it was possible the male would read such a refusal poorly.

Despite his own personal reservations, there was no real reason to turn the younger male away - and Kvothe had never been known to waste time or resources on regrets. He was familiar enough with the game of politics to phrase the circumstances in an inoffensive way. "Very well. Your sense of initiative will do you credit." He nodded, his thoughts falling one after another in a measured, orderly performance. "The army is thinly stretched; another willing soldier will do nothing but aid its cause. I can give you leave to pass into the crownlands, and recommend you for basic training. They will asses your skills there, and assign you to a commander accordingly." A pause, an assessing blink of bi-colored eyes. "Does that satisfy, sir Baelfire?"

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baelfire

baelfire was honestly nervous as he stood there under the colonel's scrutinizing gaze. although they probably weren't very far apart in age, he felt like a child in this moment as he waited for the beginning, or the end... what would he do if he was sent away? he had prepared to join the army for most of his life and without that he wasn't sure what he would do. he was no scholar and certainly not a thief. he drew a breath as kvothe began to speak and much to his relief, his next words were not those of denial.

he tried to hide the giddiness he felt, but could not stop the smile from forming on his lips. yes. thank you, sir.

he wondered who he would get as a commander, and if he would like them. he couldn't recall the rank his father had held, it was so long ago and that wasn't really something he'd asked when they'd talked about training or anything else. he wondered if adair had been a commander. he wondered if anyone here would remember him. it had only been a couple of years since he'd passed.

but today wasn't a sad day, nor one to think on the past. it was the day he'd achieved a long sought after goal of his and the day where it would all begin... his journey to greatness, or at least the type of greatness he wanted. he didn't wish for a high station or to be something like a king; no, he just wanted to be known for being a good and honest man who lived and died for his country. he looked to kvothe, not sure what else to say. neither he would victorian seemed to be the talkative sort. i feel rude wishing to part so soon, but if there's nothing else you need to tell me...? he trailed off, his tone curious. if that was all that needed to be done then he would leave the colonel to his duties and head out on his own.

exit

@Kvothe

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Kvothe

Words passed from thought into banal reality, stamping truths into eager ears. The Colonel kept an attentive eye on the newcomer, gauging his reaction, reading the emotions that ebbed and flowed from face to feature. A smile was swift on the heels of acquiescence, and no flicker of duplicity marred the restrained relief that suffused the younger wolf's body. Kvothe echoed the smile in turn, his tail loose in outward approval. Though he did not answer to the eager recruit's thanks, he did nod, a regal motion that was at once utilitarian and graceful.

When the other noted that he would be off unless Kvothe tilted his head consideringly. Bi-colored optics alit upon the ivory male's scarred visage, drifting across the well-formed features and hopeful energy contained therein. He noted, "Only a matter of reassurance. Conduct yourself well, and I have no doubt you will prove yourself a worthy addition to the King's cause." Pretty, courtly words - that nonetheless held the ring of truth... and a whisper of warning. To enter the army was to tie oneself to the crown, for better or worse. The position of a soldier was one of honor, yes, but the job was also considered by some a thankless task. Doors were as likely to be thrown open as they were to slam shut in his face.

Still, it was not his place to turn away a fresh face or a willing body, and Kvothe would not patronize the male for seeking gainful employ in his father's name. Baelfire was an adult, and was scarred well enough that he was likely to be realistic about the risk of battle. "Hold fast to your beliefs, and serve your commander well - and if there ever comes a time when you cannot do one or the other, find me, and I will do what I can to offer aid." Kvothe had been weaned on the army's edge, and would not readily wish his fate on an innocent, ignorant hopeful. The least he could do was voice a word of caution - though he was tenuous enough in his position that he could not do so overtly. Baelfire was free to read what he'd like from the offering.

The Colonel dipped his head and stepped aside, to usher the other through to the heart of Yorkshire. "Fare well and good luck, sir Baelfire."

[Exit, End Thread]

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