A Moment of Your Time

This post is set BEFORE the current war.

W

ith the promise of war on the horizon, Obsidian had taken more serious then usual, his training. Day and night, he was sparring the other members, watching as others faced off, and he monitored their actions. He helped correct when others made a wrong move, helped to improve their abilities the best that he knew how. He knew that he had been working for a long while, trying to do his best to work his way up through the ranks. He had been a good soldier, working alongside other Captains, and Lieutenants. He didn't know who he should go speak to about it, but he knew a few names that were able to carry some weight around. He was sad to see that some of their members from the draft were no longer among their ranks. They had returned to their lives, their families, and god knows what else.

He had moved into the barracks, looking to see if any others were needing help with anything. The male's two-tones eyes looked around the room and what did he see? A member of leadership. Obsidian cleared his throat and shook out his coat, making himself look the best that he could. He puffed up his chest with a big breath and then took determined steps towards the male. "Sir, I have not been properly introduced to you. I am Corrus, Obsidian. I have served in the army for a total of two years and was hoping that I could have a moment of your time, if you would not mind."

@Nalik

code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

do not press this,
I am relentless.

Things were picking up as the army made the final preparations to march off for war. It hadn't been a question whether or not he was going. His leg was mostly healed, though he suspected he would spend the rest of his life walking with a limp courtesy of Merrin. It hadn't been forgotten that she managed to slip from her cell one night, seemingly unnoticed. Most of his time was spent in the barracks, overseeing final drills and issuing orders to those who would deploy first. He also needed to get his own affairs in order, to make sure things would be taken care of in his absence since all of his kids were also deploying. Worry gnawed at the back of his mind for them.

Someone clearing their throat had him looking up. He watched as the man steeled himself, approaching with a confidence few dared to hold in the Colonel's presence. The soldier introduced himself, Obsidian Corrus. He had heard murmurs of the young soldier, rising above his peers and catching the attention of several superiors. And it seemed he wouldn't be leaving until he had a moment of Naliks time. Years of practice would not let the smile stretch across his lips in subtle admiration.

"What it is?" He would prompt, remaining as abrasive as ever, even if he was mildly impressed with the soldier. Dark ears rotated forward, his attention now on the male who had demanded it. His expression remained even, though his stare with bright with the suggestion that this interruption had better be worth his time.

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T

he voice that followed the Colonel's attention to Obsidian was one that he had heard of before, but never experienced it first hand. This did not sway him, however. For many years, Obsidian had worked his way to becoming the best soldier a wolf could be for the Imperials. He worked with those in his free time, working on his own skills plus helping others with theirs. He was preparing himself for the ever approaching fight they would be facing. The black and white male stared at the Colonel, courage still making his heart race from just addressing him in this fashion. "Sir, I have served this great army, the crown, since I was just a lad. My father has trained me all of my life for this moment. With the upcoming battle in sight, I would like to ask of you that I may see a promotion. I have happily worked as a soldier for many years, but I would like more responsibilities, more opportunities to prove myself to not only my superiors, my peers, but to the crown as well."

He looked to the other, hoping that he would be bale to make his point across to the male. "Sir, I know you hold much power and respect in your position, rightfully earned, and I hope that one day I could have the same responsibilities and be regarded as you are. That is a dream for myself. I just have two dreams really. My family comes from a long line of betrothals, and up until recently my future wife has since fled the country. It would please my father to not only see me excel within the ranks, but to secure myself a wife." He wasn't quite sure why he was giving this information to the Colonel, not like he had asked for it - anyway.

@Nalik

code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

do not press this,
I am relentless.

A request for a promotion was on the mans lips. A grey brow arched though it was more for show rather than true surprise. Murmurs had spread through the upper chain of command, whispers of a solider, still wet behind the ears when it came to true war, but no less ambitious. Yes sir was an ever present reply on his tongue as was a word of encouragement to a fellow soldier. But that wasn't enough when one had a thirst for power.

But then personal details were spilling from the soldiers lips. He brushed it off at nerves, though skepticism still stained his features. Until a thought occurred to him and suddenly he was looking at the younger wolf with renewed interest, his stare just a bit harder now.

"Several officers have already been talking about you. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed." The formalities were often tedious for him, no matter how necessary. "There will be a more formal ceremony, but in the mean time, you'll be promoted to Lieutenant." It was a small bump in station. "At the conclusion of the war, we will see how you faired. Do well enough and you might find yourself a Major." The ultimate test would be when he stood on the battlefield, surrounded by the fallen bodies of his comrades and those left surviving were on the cusp of surrendering. How would he rally them?

As for your marriage plight," He would approach him then, coming around the old desk to stand in front of him. "I might be able to help you there too." Ryker was going to be pissed, but her displeasure wasn't at the forefront of his mind. She had had her fun no doubt, it was time to settle down. "Have you met a Captain by the name of Ryker?"

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O

bsidian had known what he was getting himself into, by speaking to the Colonel. This male was gruff, rifled from the years of war and the backlash from those who opposed the crown. He understood why he was the way he was, his father was much of the same. So when Nalik was not the most easy individual to speak to, and Obsidian was used to it. The worst thing that could happen was he would be rejected, still a member of the army, but would have to wait another day to ask the question again. When the elder wolf spoke Obsidian gave a polite bow of his head. It was good to hear that his deeds, his efforts, were not done in vain. Being told he would be promoted was everything he wanted to hear. He wanted to make his family proud, and emotions were something he did not share with anyone. On the inside he was jumping with joy, his heart pounding hard against his bones that protected it. Only a small glimmer of joy could be seen in his eyes for a split second, but only those who had seen it before would truly recognize it.

"I will continue to fight my hardest and give my all to the crown." He was not expecting the other male to have a remedy for his other issue. In fact, shock ran through his insides and he really didn't know what to say. At the question of if he knew a Ryker, he had to think long and hard. Then it hit him, he did run into a female with an R name, but he was not the best with them. It could have very well been Ryker. Or maybe he had heard the name in passing? "I have heard the name, for sure... but I am not the best with names sometimes. Why do you ask, sir?"

@Nalik

code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

do not press this,
I am relentless.

Happiness filled the newly promoted Lieutenants eye, though he kept the rest of his reaction under control. Nalik had been in his shoes once, a young wolf achieving a promotion. He had no doubts there would be a celebration amongst him and his fellow soldiers.

But it wasn't just a career the younger soldier was after. He couldn't be completely sure he knew Ryker and it would draw a dry chuckle from the Colonels lips. "You would know if you did." His only daughter was about as subtle as a freight train. He had stoked her fire as a child and now he found himself getting burned by it. It was part of the reason he would wait no longer for her to wed.

"It is time my daughter wed and settled down." Was his simple answer. "She is my only daughter." The comment was pointed, Nalik would slay armies in his daughters defense. "A young, up and coming soldier such as yourself could be a suitable match." Rykers hand wouldn't just be freely given away to anyone. If Nalik's standards were high, then Rykers would only be higher. Though he still expected to drag her kicking and screaming down the aisle.

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C

olonel Verlice had given the male a rather hefty proposition. One that would fix the issue between both of the males. The announcement of a wedding, of a future bride to his father, would make the male feel a true sense of pride. Of course, telling them about his promotion would also be well-received. He would need to seek out this... Ryker, and see what she was all about. He would not deny the request of his officer above him, one way or the other. An arrangement was the only way Obsidian ever saw himself getting married, as that was all he was allowed to believe in his youth. "Thank you, sir. My father will be very pleased to hear of my promotion and the potential mention of a future wedding. I will seek out Ryker and make myself known to her. Should you decide to give me her paw in marriage, I will be the very best a husband can be. Much like the crown, I will do my everything to make sure she is well cared for for the rest of her days." He gave a bow to the officer, closing his eyes in doing so. He was not sure what else could be said at this moment, and then it struck him. "I would also like for you to know that the preparations for the war are being handled with absolute care. Our troops are being trained and prepared for whatever is to come in the following weeks or months. My troops will do everything that is asked of them to achieve victory for the crown." With that being said, Obsidian felt it was time to remake an appearance on the training grounds, to work harder to prepare for what was to come.

[Obsidian exits, unless stopped.]

@Nalik

code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

do not press this,
I am relentless.

The newly promoted Lieutenant was eager to express his gratitude. A faint smile lifted the corners of her Colonels mouth. Obsidian might have thought it was because he shared his delight is the thought of Ryker being wed. But in reality, it was because Obsidian had no clue what he was walking into. The Colonel was letting him walk right into the lions den. Nalik almost laughed. Almost. "After you two have a chance to meet, we can talk again." Assuming Ryker didn't send him running for the hills.

Before leaving, the Lieutenant would return to matters more pressing than his potential wedding A war was looming over their heads. Nalik nodded, listening as Obsidian ran through everything he was doing. A low hum of acknowledge vibrated in the Colonels throat though he said nothing else. With nothing more to discuss, Obsidian took his leave without being asked, a small mercy that most didn't offer.

Once again alone in his office, Nalik sat in silence, considering the two was he would be fighting soon. The war that would send him north was far more preferable than the fight he was going to have to endure with Ryker. She was going to raise hell, just as she always did in an attempt to get out of getting married. But he had been patient long enough, he had let her do as she pleased for long enough. His patience had worn out.

exit

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