Beneath The Fleece

The General

A tall, lean muscled man slinks in, clad in a silvery gray and white uniform. The jacket hugs his form firmly, white buttons trail down the middle stopping at his belt. The belt itself has been forged with the royal crest embedded in it, a lion with a crown atop its head, seated over a broad sword. The males hair was almost as light as Trinity's, it flows down pooling against his shoulders in a dark blonde cascade. He has high cheeks bones and sharp facial features. Stubble litters his jaw and upper lip. His gaze sweeps over the shop observingly, before ice cold gray eyes land on us. He tucks his hands behind him, seeming to interlace the limbs. He strides forward then, eyes lingering on Trinity far longer than I cared for. He stops a few feet away before clearing his throat.

"Hello, my name is General Charles Raimus. I was recently positioned here in Veros and am acquainting myself with all of the villages." He bends slightly in a formal bow.

"It's an honor to meet you Sir Raimus." Trinity curtsies deeply, keeping her body bent uncomfortably, gaze locking on the floor.

She knows her place and it is unfortunately at the foot of this prick. The man smiles wickedly at her small complying frame and anger boils inside me. Something in the way he watches her doesn't set right with me. She remains bowed until given permission to stand.

"You may rise." His smile grows, clearly feeding off of the control he has over her.

Trinity slowly rose but keeps her gaze locked on the floor, hands clasping in front of her in a submissive manner. The man opens his mouth to say something more but I cut in, snapping his attention to me.

"Hello General, what can I help you with?" I give him a tight lipped smile, crossing my arms over my chest. I meet his glare with one of my own, conveying my distaste.

His smile drops and I can see irritation etching itself onto his features. But just as quickly as it arrived the emotion disappears. He plasters on a fake smile this time, the anger still shining boldly in his crinkled eyes.

"Ah yes, hello" He mocks my previous greeting. "I was hoping to speak with the proprietor." He turns fully toward me then.

"Clearly that is not you, boy. So could you kindly go and fetch them." His smooth lips tip up revealing his straight white teeth.

The way he speaks has my skin crawling. I clench my jaw and fists tightly before looking to Trinity. She can clearly sense the uncertainty drifting off of me and gives a small dip of the chin, as if to tell me she will be fine. Turning back to the man, I give my best impression at a cruel intentioned smile. Allowing a threat to show through my features.

"Sure, I'll be right back." I draw out.

Abruptly I stride from the room, practically stomping like a toddler. Once out of sight I sprint through the back of the house toward the workshop. Unfortunately it is across the long yard and I curse under my breath at the time that tics by. The cold morning dew misted about the grass soaks into my pants, but I can care less. My movements are hurried as the dull wooden shed comes into view. Smoke waftes from the chimney, no doubt a roaring fire flaring inside the forge.

"Father!" I burst through the wooden double door's breathing heavily.
Both he and Sebastian cease their movements attention snapping in my direction. Apprehension suddenly plastering over their faces.

"What is wrong?" My father stands, forgetting the metal work he had been pounding at.

Short copper hair sticks to his sweaty forehead. Almost grazing his thick bushy brows. Eyes the same color as my own sweep over me. Gruff red toned facial hair hides what is no doubt the thin lines of his lips. His bulging muscles, visible due to the smithing apron being the only form of tunic he wears, had clenched tightly in anticipation. Various scars and burn marks fleck his large arms. He was without a doubt an intimidating man.