Soldier, Keep On Marching On

Merrin was determined to keep up the pace set for her by her superiors. Ever since her extended training, she'd been truly pushing herself to continue to impress the ranks. Lately, however, it was becoming more difficult and she found herself falling behind. She wasn't sure why she suddenly was far more tired and was starting to become frustrated with her body's inability to match her attitude to persevere.

Not this day. This day, she was going to overcome this feeling of lethargy and the dull ache of her feet. Merrin did her best to focus her mind and her steel her emotions as she trotted over to the training yard. She'd risen as early as she possibly could so that she was the first to arrive, readying herself to put forth her best effort. Whatever tasks they had for her today, she would accomplish and would strive to exceed the expectations...then perhaps she would at least meet them.

@Nassar

table ; bunny - - art ; Raven

THREAD TITLE MUSE

Nassar stepped past the pines, dark ears twitching as she starred at the sight before her. Her golden eyes flickered with notes of surprise as she took in the timber wolf and her ample curves. The swell around her stomach had increased, validating the noticable changes in Merrin's scent that had begun a week or so prior. Nassar, naively, had assumed that the hardworking wolf would work for a short term before tidying her affairs and settling into maternity leave. Given the rigor of their platoon, it was not uncommon for wolves to reduce their hours substantially when a litter was due.

Yet here Merrin was, violet eyes glowing with determination (and perhaps a hint of fatigue).

While it was not her place in terms of etiquette to remind Merrin of her rights, as a supervisor, it was her duty to do so. Especially before the others arrived, as Nassar wished not to make a spectacle of the soldier.

"Good morning, Merrin," Nassar greeted with a smile (that in truth, was a bit awkward). "How are you... feeling?" They had a fine working relationship, but neither had broached deep into the territory of friendship. While friendly, Nassar was not one that she expected Merrin to confide in. Surely she'd bring up her pregnancy and, hopefully forthcoming, materntity leave of her own volition.

Merrin perked up at the sound of a familiar voice. She returned the smile offered to her when she noticed who it was that had greeted her by name. "Ah, Nassar! Good morning!" She responded cheerfully, with a polite dip of the head as the other woman approached. In her presence, Merrin found that she would naturally adjust her posture, rolling her shoulders back to open her chest which made her stand a lot taller and present with confidence. She truly looked up to the warrior woman, seeking to emulate Nassar's feminine power she seemed to radiate with every pawstep.

The way she asked how she was took her off-guard slightly. One ear flicked as her mind analyzed the specific wording of the question. How am I...feeling? Her stomach tightened slightly, realizing that perhaps Nassar had noticed her performance lately and was going to address it with her. Lilac orbs remained trained on her fellow soldier as she blinked and then did her best to try to cover up any outward nervousness. "I'm feeling well, thank you for asking."

Before she could leave any room for additional questions, she glanced around the training yard, shifting the subject quickly. "What is it we'll be doing today?" She was hoping that at least if she knew ahead of time, she might be able to mentally prepare herself and in turn see better results if she had that additional advantage. "I'm ready for a challenge!"


@Nassar

table ; bunny - - art ; Raven