[color=CD5555][b]ELLIOT HOLDT[/b][/color] - Fort Braemur[hr]
[color=CD5555]“Fiancee.”[/color]

As she’d been for six years, patient and faithful. They went to City Hall for the certificate but Elliot didn't want to go through with a ceremony under such rushed circumstances. She deserved better than the absent runaway he was. The check would still go to her in some fashion, as she resided with his parents.

Resisting the urge to scratch at his cheek, he saluted the clerk. Bid the… [i]cyborg[/i] farewell with a half-hearted [color=CD5555]“it will be a pleasure serving beside you, ma’am”[/color], hastily, before his breathing became noticeably shallow.

Gravity was an accelerating force after all, and it got more crushing with every step he took.

Captains resided in a building separate from the main barracks and were provided with their own rooms. His belongings were sparse - a photo here, a watch case there. Small but meaningful pieces. Easy to pack for a big move across the country.

He let himself fall onto the bed, reflective, waiting for the sense of duty to kick him in the national pride and uplift his spirits. This was a big responsibility, and they’d deemed him of all people suitable for the job. His comrades were going to be so excited. He’d defeat those craven Southerners, secure a prosperous future for Northern Croania, then retire and move to the coast with his family. 

Or he’d die. Perish without ever seeing Irina in a white dress and veil.

He waited for the sense of duty to overtake him, but all that was inside him was simmering dread.

[color=CD5555]“Bah! N-No matter!”[/color]

Immediate issues first. The transfer had pushed up a lot of tasks on his to-do list. So many errands to run, and only a day to do them! The most important thing was composing a letter for home regarding this update. Before that though, he needed to get to the mess hall.
The lunch period was wrapping up, but he knew the soldiers’ routines well enough to know they’d still be there making the most of their free hour. His usual comrades at the usual table. His brothers. Elliot’s smile must have been transparent, going from the way they regarded him.

[color=d8cfbe]“Lost more blood today, Captain? What's up?”[/color] Richton said.

Elliot breathed.

[color=CD5555]“I, uh…”[/color] Ah, tomes. [color=CD5555]“I-I got reassigned to West Division. Dalris, the front. We ship out tomorrow.”[/color]

[color=d8cfbe]“Oh. Wow.”[/color]

Elliot didn’t look at their faces. He scratched his cheek.

[color=d8cfbe]“Shit. Fuckin’ Alphonse inhaled half the drink last week, didn’t he?”

“Barton’s got a stash. Reyson’s roommate too.”[/color]

[color=d8cfbe]“Get ‘em to haul ass here.”[/color] Richton clasped Elliot’s shoulders. [color=d8cfbe]“That’s incredible news. You’re gonna do us proud.”[/color]

[color=CD5555]“I… yeah.”[/color] Elliot forced a chuckle, almost crumpling from his friend’s grip. [color=CD5555]“It’s big stuff.”[/color]

[color=d8cfbe]“But don’t you worry, brother. This is going to be the greatest send-off party this Fort has ever seen.”[/color]

[color=CD5555]“You’re going to plan it in an afternoon?”[/color]

[color=d8cfbe]“What do you take us for? Only the best for Kothlin’s finest.”[/color]

Elliot had held it together until then. He wrapped his arms around Richton, tightening as much as he could, and heard himself begin to bawl.