Thread: In the Emperor's service [Ghostwolf and Dionysius]

It seemed to Verena that she had been waiting a while, and she was starting to become impatient. She had said that she did not want to be kept waiting, yet here she was. The snow had begun to melt on her shoulders and cap, so she removed it from her head to shake the collecting water from it and taking the opportunity to tuck a few stray red hairs away from her face. She put the symbol of her office back on, ensuring it sat straight before pulling her warm fur gloves off and stuffing them into the pocket of her grey coat. With her scarf away from her face, her breath was free to mist in the cool air as the gentle flurry of white continued outside. The Commissar eyed one of the chairs, but resisted the urge to sit down and rest her legs. It would not do for someone to walk in on her lounging, even if they had been keeping her waiting, Verena signed, beginning to pace within the tent as she waited. A few moments later, the tent flapped lifted and the Commissar turned towards it and stepped inside. That explains it, she thought to herself as she noted the field kit of this newcomer. She was taken aback slightly by his lack of acknowledgement, especially a lack of salute. She would have to work on that. She managed not to show that it bothered her as the man moved past her and set down his pack. Only then did he acknowledge her with a tilt of his head and a smile, before introducing himself. Verena couldnt help but let a small frown cross her features, brows furrowing slightly with displeasure. She was not keen on the terminology he had used, but at least she now knew the name of the regiment. She would let it go, for now. Commissar Verena Tyber. Yes, I suppose I am. She nodded in affirmation as she looked at the Captain, trying to get the measure of the man. She stood patiently as he began to remove his field kit. Without it, he still seemed to dwarf Verenas slender form despite her thick heavy Commissars garb, and there was a height difference of several inches between them even though she wore heeled boots which caused her to look up at him. Rena found it unfortunate she certainly did not have an imposing physical presence. She nodded along as he explained. More than I would have liked, but it cant be helped she stated plainly, the Commissars voice was soft and smoky, but had a stern edge to it. Watching him place his sword and pistol on the desk, she wondered how many times they had been used and when were they last. Then he began to casually remove his jacket and shirt, leaving him bare-chested in front of her. Verena fought to hide her surprise as he shed his clothes, taking in the sight of him as he moved over to the basin and began washing. Her eyes drawn to the scars he carried, she wondered how he had received them, and to his muscle definition. She had of course seen a shirtless man before, and wearing much less, at the Schola, but never this close. The men and women had separate sleeping quarters and bathing facilities to avoid unwanted complications during their studies. Verena averted her eyes from him she could feel a slight heat begin to prickle at her cheeks, a hint of soft pink upon her pale skin. His fitness was certainly not in question, if the same applied to the rest of the Regiment, Verena would not have to implement a training regime. When he asked her the question, she returned her gaze to him. Her deep cobalt blue eyes were drawn immediately to a droplet of water than was slowly making its way down the Captains chest. She was distracted for only a second, inwardly shaking her head. Do your duty, let no one or nothing stand in your way. The Commissar shook her head. No. Ive been given very little information. I arrived in-system on The Paragon and took the first shuttle down I could. So if you could fill me in, that would be most appreciated she admitted, someone had to brief her after all. Tell me Captain, where is your commanding officer? I expected to be greeted by him. Surely you arent in charge of the entire regiment?