[ P ] tactical retreat

For Argent true connection was a rare and genuine pleasure. He had a few who he held dear, his mentor and former commander was one of them. Professionalism had kept them both at a distance and it was hard to shake old habits even now they were both retired. There was something about the Colonel that put him at ease and from that he developed a strong sense of trust that he hadn't felt with anyone other than Lieutenant Major Swift. Friendship had never been something he'd looked for. He'd settled on living a solitary life only engaging with others when required. It was all he needed, he'd convinced himself. Looking back he realised how wrong he was. He'd been so grief-stricken over the loss of his career and the inability to come to terms with his injuries that he'd forced himself to live in a bubble. The Colonel had treated him as equal and somehow made him believe it too. His newfound confidence had given him the push to sign up for the winter ball's guard.

If you lose me head towards the fleeing ladies, he remarked, unable to suppress the rumbling laugh that followed. He followed the Colonel's gaze to the young and unfortunately drunken soldier. He let out a disapproving huff, giving his large head a shake. Bloody fool, he grumbled, grey eyes narrowing at the boy. It was hardly a good look for a soldier to be intoxicated in public. Rookie or not. He should have known better.

The offer to use his first name was accepted and hearing the Colonel refer to him as Luciel was quite gratifying. It was a name he had distanced himself from, the boy he had been and not the soldier he was. He was still getting to know himself as a man and not a soldier. His friendship with the Colonel was helping him do that. Have a good night, Colonel, he replied, offering him a nod to assure him that he would come to him if he needed anything.

Exit Argent

Art by Ashon