The Masked General

Astrape

Avira tossed and turned trying to avoid the light that peaked through the window shades, another day, another day she had to wake up. She grumbled softly, as she dragged herself out from the warm blankets. Her grumbling turned into quiet humming as she got ready around the room. Sylvia's ears perked. She stretched her legs, and trotted over to Avira.

Eleanor knocked on the door, entering without waiting for Avira to answer.

"Oh you're up?" Eleanor looked around the room surprised. Usually she was the one who dragged Avira out of bed in the morning. "And you're humming? What's gotten you in such a good mood?"

"Nothing, it was such an awful feeling to get out from underneath the covers and mountain of pillows. But I think it's better to force a smile at the beginning of a new day! Fake it till you make it," Avira's humming grew louder. She pulled back her hair into the usual tight low bun, and tucked Ivelle's locket under her collar.

"Are you sure it isn't because of the feast Hiroshi brought out last night during the meeting?" Eleanor teased.

After Sawyer brought her food, two weeks ago, Hiroshi began having food laid out, insisting that they eat before their evening meetings.

The humming stopped, "Of course not! I'll admit, it was delicious, but we haven't talked much since the last time we argued." Avira stood up, and grabbed her sword, and adjusted her mask.

"Princess, you almost sound disappointed," Eleanor observed, handing Avira her cloak.

"Disappointed?" Avira snorted, "Why would I be disappointed, he's just a pain. A royal one."

Eleanor shook her head as she followed Avira and Sylvia out of the room and outside. Sawyer walked around the corner with Claude, and bid them good morning.

"Morning, General Malou!" Claude nodded, and paused when he saw the wolf walking along with Avira. Sawyer stepped forward and held out his hand. "Sawyer, no."

"Good morning! It's alright Sir Claude, she's friendly," Avira nodded at Sawyer who eagerly stuck his hand out, letting Sylvia come to him.

"A wolf, friendly?" He scoffed, but cleared his throat as he saw the stern look that radiated from beneath Avira's mask. "I don't know if I'll ever get used to it following you around, but she really adds to your overall... I think 'persona' is the word I'm looking for." Claude scratched his head nervously, which produced a light laugh from Avira.

"I have been going for the 'strong and brave' look," Avira joked in return.

"Thank you for letting me pet Sylvia, General Malou!" Sawyer beamed.

"Anytime. She likes you," Avira smiled softly, and swiftly led them to the training area.

"It looks like it is going to rain today," Claude squinted his eyes, and looked up at the dark rain clouds. Avira frowned slightly.

"Hmm yes. I hope we don't get a storm," Avira looked up, and walked to the grass.

"We knights aren't afraid of a little rain and mud! Right Sawyer?" Claude pounded his fist against his chest.

"Right sir!" Sawyer nodded quickly, he mimicked Claude by slapping his chest.

Avira chuckled, "No we aren't, but I don't want our weapons and armor to start rusting. We need everything to remain in tip top shape. I'm sure we will be going to war soon." Her lips twitched. had been strangely quiet, was there really going to be a war? Nothing seemed to be happening, all they did was prepare all day everyday, but what more could they do?