Good Impressions

[Raphael Bishop]

Raphael was nigh on constantly drained these days. Working across his own rangers and then covering the role of captain in the infantry whilst Naeva found someone else who would be suitable for the position was tiring enough, but he could have managed it without issue if it wasn’t for the paperwork. The ceaseless, endless, unrelenting paperwork. Worse of all, these office hours had begun to eat into what the man considered to be his actual job: training and working with the rangers and infantrymen. Making sure they were prepared for the worst, should it ever come. Aralore was famed for its military with good reason, and though Raph’s pride in his work had begun to falter in recent years, he did not wish to be the reason that Aralore slipped.

    So today he had abandoned the paperwork, left it locked away in the dusty little room which served as his office at the barracks. Out of sight, out of mind. Tomorrow’s problem. Usually he would have gone to The Singing Sparrow after a day in the barracks- perhaps Roxanne would even notice his absence- but today the Captain had tugged on his boots and wandered through the half empty military buildings. He stopped to talk to the men he knew, stopped to introduce himself to the ones he did not… with his eyes on the protectorate, Raphael knew he had to be in good standing not just with his commanders, but also with his men in general. So that was his intention today, make himself known as more than the irritable captain more often lost in a muster roll than not.

    It was on this walk through the military buildings that he found Zander Brogthamon , ”Brogthamon. Raphael said by way of greeting, nodding his head at the younger man. I know I’m not your captain, strictly speaking, but-” Trailing off, Raph ran a hand through his hair, greasy from a few days without washing, ”-I just wanted to check in, remind you and the rest of the guys my door is always open and there’s always a pint at the tavern if I see you there.” Gruffness came easy to the man, trying to make friends- to make a good impression like this… that did not come so easy.

[Zander Brogthamon]

Zander loved his job more than he ever really thought he would. Being a soldier came as natural to him as breathing. He was able to interact with other people, be up and moving, fight. What wasn't to love? It also felt good being able to protect the people he cared about. It had also given him a goal to work towards if just for his sisters sake. Join the Protectorate and become a Protector. Was it going to take time to reach that? Absolutely. But it was a goal nonetheless. Spending time with Naeva and talking with her made him hopeful.

Normally around this time the redhead would be at the Singing Sparrow or home spending time with his boyfriend and his sister. At the moment however, he was busy sharpening and polishing blades. Zander was a perfectionist in a lot of things and he'd noticed some of the other men slacking off on some of the smaller tasks. Like keeping the blades in proper shape. That was annoying. That train of thought was cut short as he heard someone call him, by his last name. The boys head snapped up mostly in surprise. Most people had stuck to simply calling him Zander or Red with the excuse of his last name being 'too much of a mouthful'.

"Ah, Captain Bishop, I wasn't expecting to see you here." He gave the man his charming crooked smile as he set the sword in his hand aside and stood up with a stretch. "Did you you manage to escape from all your paperwork?"

[Raphael Bishop]

”I managed to escape from it.” The captain said with a low chuckle, ”That can be a problem for tomorrow.” It would seem he was beginning to get a reputation not just amongst his rangers, but also the infantry, for avoiding his more desk-based duties. Honestly, he wasn’t sure how Naeva and the other commanders managed to keep on top of it- it was relentless, and for someone who hadn’t been lucky enough to grow up with a tutor or any schooling past how to shoot a bow and swing a sword. ”... Or the day after, the sooner they sort the infantry out with a captain of your own- the better.” He shouldn’t have said that, really, shouldn’t have even hinted at how the workload was a little too heavy a little too often to anyone- let alone a soldier rather than his commanders. But, Raphael was informal as far as captains went, and that had extended to the infantrymen under his command: Zander included.

    Leaning against the doorframe, the captain shoved his hands into the pockets of his breeches. You don’t need to get up Brogthamon, you’re not in trouble- just checking in.” Though it was said without a smile, there was some warmth to Raphael’s tone as his eyes found the younger soldier. ”Good to see you’re taking care of your weapon, it’ll save you time in the long run.” Making a mental note to bring this up in the next roll call- the fact that some of the soldiers had been slacking had not escaped his notice, but he had neglected to bring this matter to attention. ”Is there anythin’ you need?”

[Zander Brogthamon]

Having seen all the work Pearce went through on a daily basis Zander was all too aware how overwhelming it could all become. There'd been more than enough times he'd had to pull the nobleman away from his desk just so the man didn't burn himself out. If the captain needed to take a break from all of it he couldn't blame him. Given that the redhead had only really started to learn to read and write a year or so ago the idea of trying to go through stacks upon stacks of paperwork terrified him. Though he knew it would be something he'd have to prepare for if he was going to become a Protector.

"Everyone needs a break every now and again." When told he didn't need to stand Zander blinked in confusion for a moment. He was so used to standing up when one of the commanders walked in that he didn't really think about it. It was just a sign of respect. "Well I'm glad for that. Though I'm sure I'll find some trouble to get into."

When asked if there was anything he needed the redheads first response was to say no. Normally he preferred getting his work done on his own. Both as a way to not bother anyone else and because there was a specific way he liked things done. Still, he thought again and gave the man his charming crooked smile. "There is actually something I need. I'm almost finished here and I need a drinking buddy to go to the Singing Sparrow with me after." Perhaps grabbing a quick drink could help Raphael unwind a little.

[Raphael Bishop]

A low chuckle escaped the captain as the boy said that everyone needed a break. He was supposed to be checking in on the men, seeing what they needed, how he could help them- and now here Raphael was, being effectively reassured by a soldier. Not even a ranger but an infantryman. And something about the situation was funny, at least to Raphael. ”You’ve got me there.” He said with a slight shrug of his shoulders, his weight still thrown against the doorframe. It was sensible to take a break, that he could not argue with, however it wasn’t wise to step away from the books for too long- Raph had made that mistake before, and then he came back to more work than he thought was possible for one man. ”I didn’t hear that- I’ve got enough to do without you getting into trouble.”

    There the boy was again, reassuring Raphael rather than it being the other way around- as the captain had initially expected. ”But, if you need company at the Sparrow, that I can do- let’s go find the trouble you were talking about.” Shifting his weight, Raphael pushed off against the doorframe, ”The weapons can wait, you’re already ahead of most of the men in your company.” With that, the older man turned to take his leave, not waiting or turning to see if the Zander would follow.

    If he had followed, Raphael led them through the military buildings and out into the open air. It wasn’t too far a walk, and the fresh air was always a relief after a day in the barracks.

[Zander Brogthamon]

Zander was normally the one helping people feel better. Mostly because he didn't know when to stop talking which could also often times get him in trouble. The comment on him having enough to do without Zander causing trouble made him snicker. "I'll try not to give you more paperwork."

Suggesting that they might go find some trouble at the tavern made the redhead grin. That was the kind of trouble he was used to getting into. At least that wouldn't cause anymore paperwork. Still when suggested that he put his work down now Zander paused and looked at the remaining blades on the table. Of course he was right but he did hate leaving work unfinished. Then again who was he to say no to a captain? After putting away one more sword he followed after Raphael.

The walk to the tavern was a familiar one. Given that he usually went to the Singing Sparrow after work to have a quick drink and talk to his favorite pregnant barmaid. Zander dragged his fingers through his hair to push some of the strands back. At least the air was cool outside given how warm it had been in the room he was working. "Well, other than all the words you have to deal with," he started with a playful grin. "How do you like being a captain?"

[Raphael Bishop]

”If you could, that would be grand.” The captain said in an exhale, really hoping that the younger man’s snicker had meant he was joking. If Raphael had known just how much reading and writing would accompany his covering of another unit, he would have never accepted- okay, he would have, afterall he couldn’t really have said no- but he would have considered it a little more carefully. Maybe he should get a secretary, that was a thought- not that he could afford it personally, but perhaps a word with his commanders would…

Clearing his throat, Raphael brought those thoughts to heel (but made a mental note to explore them more later) and allowed his eyes to rest squarely on the young soldier, an easy smile coming to his lips unbidden. With each moment that passed, it was easier and easier to forget about the work that awaited him tomorrow- though this was still technically work, improving his standing amongst the men, it was much preferable to actual work.

The walk was familiar, more than second nature to the captain- if he could stumble back after almost an entire bottle of whisky, then he could probably walk it with his eyes closed at this point. And so, Raph let his attention drift to the soldier and the conversation he offered rather than the path to the tavern. ”It’s a’right.” He said with a slight shrug, ”Liked it a lot more when it was just the rangers mind, but its just fer now so no cause for complaint.” It was true, mostly. He had complained a fair bit to his sister, but he knew better than to complain to his men- even his temporary ones. ”Why d’you ask? Got your eye on the post?”