Bang Bang, That Awful Sound {Open}

[Ashley]

The formalities of life were something that Ashley was quite familiar with. He had grown up with political formality his entire existence—he had known nothing else. Given an experience to be himself, Ashley always naturally reverted to this status. Being able to talk to anyone, regardless of station, without level of commitment. Getting the job done, so to speak. But for this woman to eye him with a suspicious glint in her eyes, It was almost as if she were making fun of him, and not giving him the fullness of herself, either.
 
This was not a game he was used to seeing from others. With those he didn’t know, he was always formal; it was just part of who he was. But they always took him at face value. To have someone not give him what he was used to seeing, Ashley made a face that said he was mildly amused at her tone of voice, and he shook his head, the sound of shells knocking together to create a sort of “windchime” sound. It was evidence of his time spent in the ocean of late—his sense of peace. The salt that still coated his pelt gave him an odor that perhaps he should bathe off, but he found that forsaking his usual royal exterior was something that suited him. At least for the time being.
“It actually is quite a lovely morning. I have been swimming today. Cold, but invigorating. I find that it clears the senses.”

ashley

I walked the path, it led me to the end.