Post by Deleted on Oct 4, 2022 22:03:20 GMT -5
[ For @astor ]
The world was an interesting place for the time being. The barracks were still abuzz with the rumors he had unintentionally taken a part in and for once in his life, he hadn't been alone in the fault. In fact, one might say it wasn't his fault at all. A beautiful woman came onto him in the courtyard, open for everyone to see, and he was only a man, after all. He did rebuff the rumors at every chance, no matter who asked. He wasn't out to get the Lady Stewards job taken away from her, or have her reputation ruined. In all actuality he actually did like Scout. She was fiery, strong-willed, stubborn, and endlessly entertaining. She seemed to know what she wanted. The problem was that what she wanted had been low-born.
Still, his feelings for her only went so far. In the end there was little he could do to stop her family from stripping her of her title if they wanted to, or the Queen from firing her as the steward. Yes, he denied all allegations but what he worried about most, despite what he might have told her, was his own job. He liked being a Legionnaire. It afforded him a lot of things he wouldn't have otherwise, and he didn't just mean a roof over his head or a little bit of money. He'd made connections. On the streets he had a little bit of power. Maybe he wasn't some kind of criminal mastermind or assassin but he got what he wanted, when he wanted it, and that was thanks in part to how easy it was to manipulate people based on one single idea: a Legionnaire had honor. A Legionnaire can be trusted.
So putting on the act was just a part of it. Scowling when he was asked. Reiterating what he'd said over and over again or telling the men to fuck off when they asked questions. Already it seemed to be slowing down. Helena Kane hadn't visited him yet, so that was good. He certainly didn't want to marry her granddaughter, suns sake, but for now he still had to be careful.
The Thirsty Wench was one of his usual haunts. It was, in fact, where he'd met Scout Kane, and he hadn't been back since then. Not for any specific reason, just because he'd been busy. But it was best he and Scout stay away from one another for now, and Ikisina had locked herself away in Baronet Moore's manor home, so what else did he have to do? The moon had been out for an hour or so and he'd already had a drink of his own, but nothing of interest was going on inside just yet and people-watching was the only reason he usually enjoyed the place. So he'd stepped back outside, lit up a cigarette, and puffed on it. Leaning against the wall not too far from the entrance of the place, he looked up at the stars.
He heard the footsteps of someone approaching, but didn't look down to nod to them until they'd gotten much closer. Eyes fell on a familiar form and he lifted a brow, a smile quickly crossing his lips. "Surprised to see you here, Astor."