Calloused

32

I laid in bed with H. It had been several weeks since we had arrived in Venice. I was growing stronger by the day. My chest was pretty much healed. My father has been busy working with the Elders to make preparations to take back our city.

He was very vague with the details, only giving me crumbs at this point. I could understand why since I wasn't ready to help yet. My uncle comes to see me when he can. We talk about old war stories and the adventures we've both experienced.

We talked about my mother. Everyone knew her and loved her here. I have yet to meet the rest of my relatives. My father says I will need all of my strength because when everyone got together, chaos was bound to break out.

I wasn't sure what he meant by that, but I was curious.

"I should be able to start training again. My father said there's a few places we can use on the property." I said, playing with the soft blanket that rested over our bodies.

"It would probably do you some good to get out of this room for a while." H agreed with me. He was right, I was starting to get sick of looking at the same three paintings and the same furniture in the room.

It was small, made into a rectangular shape. The walls were covered in a dark grey. The paintings that hung on the walls were landscapes and art from the surrounding area. It made me wonder who had painted them. It gave the room a more homey feeling.

One scene was of a house with a farm. The second was a traditional Italian restaurant. They each looked very realistic. I often found myself staring at the third painting the most. It was a portrait of a man. He didn't have a face, just a tan completion. The suit he was wearing was black with red accents. His hair was neatly slicked back.

"You look at that painting a lot... is it familiar?" H asked me, ripping me from my thoughts.

"I can't explain it, I just feel like I know who that is." I said, squinting my eyes to try and connect the dots. I kept coming up blank, though. I'd have to ask my father about it when I have a chance.

"It does seem familiar." H agreed, observing the painting with me.

Once I gave up trying to figure out who it could be, I shifted my eyes to the large window on the far wall. The long, brown curtains were open to allow us to look out at the water and the property. I often moved to sit at the window to see who was coming or leaving the family's island.

I saw a boat stop at the end of the long dock. A man leaned over and tied a rope around one of the posts to keep the boat steady. A young man climbed off, standing tall as he looked around. He wore a striped suit and nice dress shoes. A matching stripped fedora sat on his head. He looked very stylish and proper.

He walked with power, with confidence. I was intrigued by this new stranger.

I felt H's eyes on me. He watched me observe this new specimen.

"You should take a picture." He snorted.

"I'm just being vigilant. Don't get so jealous." I retorted in defense.

"Whatever." H sighed, shifting next to me.

He got off of the bed, stalking towards the door.

"Where are you going?" I asked, feeling the tension in the air thicken.

"For a walk." He growled and opened the door to leave. He was greeted by my father.

"Sir." H acknowledged him.

"Styles. Just who I came to see. I need you to come with me. We're going to assess our newest recruits. I'd like you to watch with me." My father smiled at him.