AntFolk - Writing

This is Benly, a character from a series of stories I'm writing.

I have two versions of this illustration. I prefer this one because it captures Benly's expression. He's embarrassed but trying to stay dignified in spite of it all.

This is a scene that comes after his care-child Marffey, who is only six years old, put on his work hat backwards. Benly works as a soldier for the Honeyvel army. He just finished making his soldiers speak the Honeyvel pledge. One of his soldiers teases him playfully, speaking, "A little early for you Ben?" Benly is considered to be one of the toughest lead sergeants in the army if not the toughest. He makes his soldiers work very hard, not to be mean, but because he cares. He expects his soldiers to be up really early. He starts off around 4:30 am or so. Needless to say this was a bit embarrassing for him to have been outsmarted by a six year old.