Shattered Crown: In the mill

## Page 1

Tula Nikos

"If you never had trust in one another, then what goal united you and these people in the first place?" Tula asked, disturbed a little by Dimitry's answer. She was unable to comprehend how exactly a group like that, without a shred of trust in each other, would work out in the slightest.

Her sisters and Enrico held heavy faith in one another, and if that was broken then death by ichor overdose was the price they paid for playing traitor.

Tula reached a hand to touch Dimitry's cheek. "Dimitry, I..." The neirid bit her lip in hesitation. "I'm worried now. You don't have to heed my apprehension, but just be safe. For me."

--

Ryouki Sato

At Erick's brief explanation, Ryouki only nodded. "It seems she's still causing a lot of trouble, for more than just you." The eldest Sato reached to adjust his metal shoulder and looked on at the returning suppliers from the People's Army. "Might as well just move on, yeah?" Ryouki kissed the top of Erick's head and motioned for his siblings to follow them over to where food was being brought.

 Silas Reid - Botanist and Odd Job Part-Timer - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Silas shot up on his elbows when he felt the tip of someone's shoe stab his leg. "Am I no longer regarded as a human being?" he said, partly to himself. "Am I now just an object anyone can trip over?" He glared at the man as he bowed and apologized, regarding him as another rebel that sought to disturb his peace.

Might be one of the new ones, he thought. He hadn't seen him in the group that travelled from Glassvale. Or at least, he didn't think so. There were so many faces that he had quickly abandoned any attempts to remember them.

"Though," the man continued on. "if you are looking for conversation about something other than this accursed war I have been looking for someone of that sort."

"A conversation," he said, deadpan. "You want a conversation. With me." Instead of turning him away, he thought to entertain the idea for once. Sure, previous conversations with these vexing people involved a man pretending to be a ghost and him being beaten to the ground, but sure. Why. Not.

He stood up and crossed his arms, inching himself towards the tree. "Alright. What is it that you want to talk about, Mister..." He waited for him to offer up a name.

Erick Bailee - King's Bodyguard - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

The remark from Ryouki made Erick feel somehow unsettled, though he couldn't help smiling at the affectionate gesture that followed. He guessed there was still a figurative sore spot on his mind when it came to Celaena - but no good would come from dwelling on it. In response to Ryouki's probably rhetorical question, Erick brought himself out of his thoughts with a nod and a confident smile. "Yeah, I can do that."

As for the food brought back by the rebel team, there wasn't much variety, but there was probably enough. In all honesty, he was impressed; he just hoped they hadn't been followed. He made his way toward the gathered supplies, finally realizing how hungry he really was, when he noticed several of the nearby rebels staring in his general direction. He could understand their wanting to guard the food they had brought back, but after spending the last ten minutes or so jumping around on paper-thin ice, he found it more than a little unnerving.

Eventually, when he finally met eyes with one of them, Erick held eye contact, turned slightly toward Ryouki, and lowered his voice to a hasty whisper. "They're onto us - help me hide all this bread under my shirt, we've gotta go."

Danor Arkaitz - Gunsmith - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Perched atop a rusted and empty tank, arms looped around her knees, Danor sat absently holding onto the food she had received from Evelyn earlier. She was glad to see everyone finally sitting down, with the room falling relatively still for the first time that day. Things in general felt a little less urgent. Of course, they still were. If she left with that supply group, she would be traveling again come morning, and if not, she probably wouldn't be waiting much longer than that. Though Braile was undoubtedly the more attractive choice, moving away from the main conflict, she realized it wasn't the right one - not if she wanted to keep her word to Evelyn.

Breathing a sigh, Danor let her heels slip from the edge of the tank and laid back, holding her food up with one hand and fixing it in a resigned stare. "Hydris it is," she muttered.

Celaena- Assassin

After she stashed the pocket watch, she walks back into the mill. Ignoring all the glares and looks she got, she climbed onto a high beam and stretched across. She didn't bother for food, figuring they wouldn't let her anyways. She keeps a eye on everyone but mostly Erick and Jack. Her feelings for them both were strong, however it was too dangerous for them to be any closer to her than they are now. She was an assassin, lots of enemies and no friends. That's how it should be, that way they wont get dragged into anything that didn't concern them. She continue to watch everyone from above.

Jack- Blacksmith

He grabs a chair and pulls it under the beam Celeana has claim, putting his huge sword in front of him has a way of showing that he will protect her. He hated seeing Celeana so upset and worried, a part of him wished Erick had died so she wouldn't be in anymore pain. However it seems that Erick was a roach, and didn't die. Jack hated him with all of his being, thinking of what Celeana had been through and how it wouldn't happen if he had looked for her. If Erick hadn't been wrapped up in his own self pity, he could have saved her from a lot of pain. Celeana could've been a normal girl. That's why he hates Erick so much, because he was the only one who could help her, not Jack but Erick.

 Dimitry Popov

Dimitry smiled and nodded. "I will do my very best. I'm still alive aren't I?" He felt the sharp edge of his jealousy dull, maybe he wouldn't need to arrange an accident for Enrico.

"As for how we were united? It was a military unit, so we didn't have much choice in the matter. It was either get transferred into the team, or go to prison on false charges." Dimitry said with some bitterness.

Of course it had been much more complex, but now wasn't the time to attempt to explain the political environment that caused the formation of his old unit.

Matthew "Black Bart" Barton

"Barton, the names Matthew Barton. Figured that at least someone in this place had something on their mind other than how to overthrow the government. And the fact you were out here instead of in there with the others suggest that you may well be the one." He said in a level tone.

"What do you do? If it is not impertinent. I've never really seen much of what's beyond my own little sphere and would like to expand my horizons." That much was true, part of it was genuine curiosity, part was that every bit of knowledge would be helpful in making his persona better.

He figured he may have been a bit overly polite though the man did seem rather preoccupied, or at least unhappy about the general situation.

He needed to do something or his mind would start wandering, and he would start worrying, something he couldn't do, since self confidence was the most important part of a good disguise.

Silas Reid - Botanist and Odd Job Part-Timer - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Silas bent down to retrieve his cloth and tied it around his the lower half of his face. "I'm a botanist," he replied. He wasn't one to share much about himself but this, he was willing.

He failed to mention that, until very recently, he spent most of his time doing anything but botany. His work wasn't cheap. Since his family didn't have some fortune lying around for him to take, he had to take up a variety of occupations just to get where he was now.

"And you?" he asked. "I assume you had a life before all this rebel business began. Judging by your choice of words, you don't seem to be much of a fanatic as the others are. Why is that?" He thought it was a requirement for the United People's Army. Or Wood's Men. Or whatever he was apart of.

## Page 2

Boraci - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

I nodded along, chewing thoughtfully. Going along with the supply group would be a good distraction, but all the action would be going on in Hydris. Plus the lead I had received pointed toward Hydris. It wasn't going to be a piece of cake to get inside the Royal Grounds, but it had the semblance of a plan around it.

"I might change my mind," I said distractedly. I shifted my weight, wiggled my feet in my boots. There was a dull roar about the cavernous room, pounding against my eardrums. The apple core made its way into my throat and I stood up, shaking my wings a bit in the heavy coat. Time for a flying break.

Matthew "Black Bart" Barton

Matthew nodded slowly. "Botany... That is the study of plants correct? I want to be sure."

He grinned slowly. "I'm actually a highway man, though not the sort that you read about it the news papers. I don't make it a habit of mine to kill anyone. Just scare them. It gives me a chance to observe human psychology in situations that are rarely seen. I find it interesting, and it pays quite well. As for my method of speech, I have cultivated many different personas over time, and am most comfortable in this one." He might as well tell the truth, it wasn't like it would really matter.

"As for what I am doing here? I happened on the rebels and thought it would be a good place to find information, about someone I was looking for. With that complete... I feel that this is quite a dreary city and it is time to move along." He said with a sly wink, assuming Silas felt the same.

Illyushin Mosin - Polkovnik (Colonel) of the 13th Guards Division - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Mosin took a knee and rested against a broken chair, occupied by one thought: I need to get back to Rojya. After considering Evelyn's offer, he decided that he couldn't get involved in some other kingdom's issues. He needed to be with his comrades, especially after he was made aware of Her Majesty's current situation.

But he was trapped in the heartland of the rebellion. Transportation was certainly limited. Perhaps some of these “recruits” would know a way to get back? Mosin looked around the mill from where he was at the so called recruits and his companions. Wait, if I could find another radio, I can contact the closest Rojyan border outpost to send in a Guards detachment to pick me up. But even if Mosin did find a radio, and contacted an outpost, he would have to stay in a much safer place than here. He remembered Evelyn's announcement earlier and decided to travel with the one known as Silas to Braile.

Silas Reid - Botanist and Odd Job Part-Timer - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

"Yes, it is," Silas replied. He didn't add more after that, only listening to what Mr. Barton had to say. He narrowed his eyes slightly when he mentioned he was a highwayman. It made him a little on edge, coupled with the fact he liked to scare people and craft different personas, although Silas was already surrounded by a much worse lot Falcon's Reach had to offer.

"Don't we all," he muttered to Mr. Barton's sentiment, balancing his shoulder against the trunk. "So who were you looking for? Was it someone among us?" He hoped the man wasn't playing games in their conversation, and it turned out to be none other than Silas himself. It was unlikely, but cruel fate was proving itself to have a thing for him.

Matthew "Black Bart" Barton

Matthew glanced around to make sure he wouldn't be overheard. "I was looking for the mercenary. The really crazy Grail who seems to know half of the people and is followed by some sort of waste monster. I'd advise avoiding them, they are... Disagreeable."

He noticed the other man's discomfort. "So, if you were to attempt exiting this place... Would you be interested in my assistance? I'm quite the chameleon." He changed his normally refined accent for that of a Lynne dock worker. "An as my pa say always 'av some-un to watch wen yah sleep." He switched back to his gentlemanly voice and grinned. "Of course, if you would prefer to go alone I would harbor no hard feelings, and totally understand, you wouldn't want to get caught with a highway man."

Evelyn Luciole - Secret Officer - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

As she made her way toward the exit, the odd sight of Jack playing the sentry struck Evelyn as suspicious, and she stopped to make sense of it. Celaena would have been difficult to spot had the officer not known where to look, and she was surprised to see her back at the mill so soon. It was less of a relief than it was a disturbing reminder that their enemies were probably closer than she knew. Still, if the job was done, that was definitely good news.

Evelyn's eyes briefly settled on Jack but avoided him as she drew closer to Celaena's perch, hoping to coax an answer or two out of the assassin. "I'm assuming you've done the job, then." She frowned, and her tone of voice grew dry. "I wouldn't be asking you, but your leader is... Well, I don't think it would be wise to approach him just now. He's not in the most generous mood." She wasn't quite sure if Miss Moonlight was feeling friendly either, but unlike the Army's leader, Evelyn and Celaena didn't have to get along. Unsurprisingly, this almost always made for much more productive conversation.

Celaena Moonlight- Assassin

She peers down at Evelyn and nods, "It has been done. I kind of figured he wasn't. Besides he was never my leader....just a job." She looks her over and raises a eyebrow, "Why did you stand up for me? Though I guess it was to prevent a fight, but is there any other reasons?"

Jack - Blacksmith

Jack watches Evelyn, keeping a hand on his sword for any moves. However how she acted earlier she was no threat, at least not now. His main focus was Erick, which he found in the crowd and watches his every move.

Silas Reid - Botanist and Odd Job Part-Timer - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Silas was careful to maintain a neutral expression once Mr. Barton offered his help, but it took a considerate amount of effort. He had planned to give them the slip once they reached Windermere. How, he wasn't exactly sure. It would certainly make things easier for him to have someone on his side. But...

"What? For a price?" he said. "What makes you think I have money?" Silas was always the pessimist, and Mr. Barton gave him ample reason to be one. Everyone wanted their efforts to be repaid somehow, after all. He had yet to find someone who was truly charitable.

Matthew "Black Bart" Barton

Matthew laughed. "I can tell you don't have money, I've got a sense for that sort of thing. And anyway, any money you have will be worthless in a few months anyway, once the economy collapses under the rebellion. It's simple, we aren't going to fight our way out of really any situation we encounter. So we will have to bluff our way. And one person can only do so much."

"My normal act will probably not be enough to convince the guards that we are likely to run into, since they will be looking for individual spys. But if we worked together we could spin a story convincing enough to let us pass. My price would be your complete trust in my methods, once it's all over we'll go  our own ways. What's that word... Symbiosis."

He couldn't tell if the man believed him, despite his long experience watching people Sila's was one of the more difficult people to read.

 Illyushin Mosin - Polkovnik (Colonel) of the 13th Guards Division - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Mosin stood up from the broken chair and started to walk around the mill, with his Shashka still holstered in his scabbard. He had made his decision, and he was intent on telling Silas of his plans before the night was over. Eventually, he found him standing under a tree. He was talking to Matthew, but Mosin could not make out their conversation.

"Excuse me, sers, if I may interrupt," Mosin said as he approached. "Silas, I would like to get to Braile as soon as possible, and you look and act like a man I could trust. I wish to go with you and your team." Mosin was tempted to go as far as to offer his Shashka to Silas if he would reject him, but that would be just too much for Mosin or any Rojyan.

## Page 3

Evelyn Luciole - Secret Officer - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Evelyn raised a brow right back at Celaena. She wasn't fond of having to strain her neck to talk to the woman - or being looked down upon, for that matter. "It makes no difference to me what you call him - as long as you do what he tells you to. As for why I did what I did, I'm sure it would have been much easier to let them do what they wanted with you. I 'stood up for you' because if he had killed you, another assassin would have followed and possibly killed him. It was his best chance for survival."

Evelyn raised her shoulders in a noncommittal shrug. "I also don't think you were lying, but I suppose we'll just have to see about that."

Celaena - Assassin

She smirks slightly, "Very well, Miss ummm whats your name? Never did catch it." She coos out. Good, she was getting her lil sarcastic attitude back. She leans over a bit, to look more down at her. Not breaking eye contact with her.

Silas Reid - Botanist and Odd Job Part-Timer - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Silas slid a glance over to Mr. Mosin. He seemed ignorant of the subject of their conversation, so he continued it with, "I still don't understand why you're helping me, but I'll consider your offer. Expect my answer by the morning." He turned from Mr. Barton to Mr. Mosin. "As for you, you are free to come if you'd like. We are certainly lacking in numbers."

Looked and acted like a man he could trust? Silas wanted to laugh, especially considering what he was planning. After the attitude he'd given them this whole time, which he would never truly apologize for, he wondered how anyone could think that fondly of him.

Silas brought a hand to his handkerchief and coughed. This time, voluntarily. He was quite uncomfortable with the situation; he didn't like how crowded it was getting at the tree. So, he clasped his hands together and said, "Well, we have a big day ahead of us. I think it's about time we call it a night." He reached down to place his bag over his shoulder, ready to make a hasty exit.

Evelyn Luciole - Secret Officer - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Evelyn breathed a sigh and placed her hands on her hips, her voice wearing dull. "Evelyn Luciole - though, 'Miss' is hardly fitting." Situation aside, past events aside, Evelyn had never really been a Miss. Whether it was owing to personality, looks, or a mixture of both, people had begun mistaking her for an adult at a very young age, and that disconnect had only grown deeper and more obvious since the Second War.

As she turned to leave, Evelyn shot yet another cautioning glance at Jack, and let her arms fall to her sides. "Go and find some food before it's gone, both of you," she shouted over her shoulder. "I do enough babysitting here without you two collapsing from hunger."

Celaena -Assassin

She smirks as she slips down from the beam and gets dangerously close to her, "You know, I think I like you~~ Miss Evelyn~ Let me know if you need me to gut someone~" With that she stalks off to the food and grabs some bread and cheese by stabbing it, putting on a little show. She smiles wickedly when she gets cold looks, good people should hate her. She walks back and hands some to Jack as she sits in his lap.

Jack- Blacksmith

He lets her sit in his lap and eats quietly, still glaring at Erick to notice Evelyn presences.

 Evelyn Luciole - Secret Officer - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Evelyn stood unmoved as Celaena drew close, as if to assert herself, before making a quick exit. She didn't exactly buy the girl's act, but had no interest in picking at it - for the time being, at least, while she was more or less keeping to herself. In some cases, being liked by an assassin was as dangerous as being hated by one - something Erick seemed keenly aware of, as he was obviously avoiding Celaena's eyes. Though, Evelyn could assume this had something - or perhaps everything - to do with her strange bodyguard, Jack, who was evidently trying to set Bailee on fire with his mind.

Though their triangle of awkwardness and resentment was downright fascinating, Evelyn had bigger issues to tackle. She had searched almost every corner of the mill for Silas, and - deciding to disregard the slim but embarrassing chance that he had somehow given her the slip - made her way outside after leaving Celaena. Lo and behold, there he was, along with Barton and Mosin. She planted herself outside their circle, briefly searching the men's expressions out of mild curiosity, and waited with crossed arms. Silas looked about as tense and uncomfortable as usual, and as she was making an active effort not to accidentally run him off, she elected to keep her mouth shut until she was officially noticed.

Celaena - Assassin

Eats the small rations she got for them and looks over the crowd, when she spots Erick she studies him for a bit then looks down. He has changed so much yet he hasn't, while her on the other hand she went to carrying dolls to carrying knives. She climbs to her beam and lounges back, taking a swig from her flask. She was well aware of Jacks hatred of Erick, telling him off will only get Jack mad at her. She didn't want someone else to hate her. She might try to get closer to Evelyn, since she seem to have the most power in this group. Only to keep herself alive and cuz she was most fascinated with her, Celaena couldn't tell if she wanted to kill her her or go drink with her.

Silas Reid - Botanist and Odd Job Part-Timer - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

"Miss Luciole," Silas blurted out as he spotted her. He self-consciously raised a hand to clamp over his mouth, becoming increasingly worried that the cloth may not be enough. After a moment, he loosened his hold but still let it hover. "What are you doing here?" Fearing the worst, he quickly asked, "We're still leaving for the morning, correct?" Had she finally been convinced that his assistance was no longer necessary? That it would be more profitable to bring the group straight to Hydris?

Illyushin Mosin - Polkovnik (Colonel) of the 13th Guards Division - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

"Thank you, Silas." Mosin stood up and adjusted his scabbard accordingly. One step closer to home. He looked around for any firearms and ammunition in preparation for the trip, in case they encounter any "hostiles" on the way to Braille.

The rebels should be keeping their stock nearby, but judging by their aggressive behavior, he didn't think they would "hand over" even a pistol to an outsider. Mosin might have to steal a rifle, carbine, pistol or any other firearm, from a sleeping rebel. If only he had kept that gun found at Wood's hideout.

Boraci - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

My chest heaved as I drew a long breath. The stars were starting to come out, little fireflies on a dark cloth. The night air contained traces of horse manure and gun powder. The whole commotion of bodies down below dissettled me. The rebels, whose leader should be dead, various assassins, guards, supposed King's people, and drifters. It all made for an interesting pot of crazy. Deciding thoughts swam through my head as I climbed to the roof.

I jogged the length of the roof, avoiding various holes. I shrugged out of my coat and boots and stretched my wings. The muscles were a bit sore, but none the worse for wear. I picked up speed, kept the wings close until I ran off the edge. I let the wind keep me afloat. Being up there, it made things clearer. I had to get to Hydris. Looked like the supply run just wasn't gonna cut it.

## Page 4

Evelyn Luciole - Secret Officer - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Silas's behavior immediately struck Evelyn as odd, and despite her efforts to appear as nonchalant as possible, she found herself staring. What sort of question was that, anyway? What was she doing here? What was he doing here? She stepped closer and pressed her fingertips together. "Actually, Mr. Reid, I came out here to ask you the very same thing."

With an almost mantis-like tilt of her head, she made a quick attempt to peer around the cover of his raised hand, but saw nothing. "Provided you aren't having any second thoughts, our plans haven't changed. Though..." She turned to steal a momentary glance at Mosin, her tone drifting off slightly. "Of course, I do wish we could do away with all this mystery." Evelyn suddenly had the nagging feeling she had been left out of something.

Silas Reid - Botanist and Odd Job Part-Timer - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Silas immediately relaxed, comforted that Ms. Luciole had not changed her mind. He had been unable to think of any other reason she'd be here otherwise. Thankfully, he was wrong.

"Hmph," he said. "If you must know, I was trying to spend some time alone. A task that is becoming increasingly difficult as of late." He gave the three of them a meaningful glare, one which may have been lost on Mosin since he seemed particularly occupied with something. As for Mr. Barton, the man may be his ally now, but Silas couldn't that let on to Ms. Luciole by giving him special treatment. Not that he would have.

"Since my efforts have clearly failed, I'll be going inside." He took a few steps toward the mill and stopped, his back to them. He felt a little better after putting some distance, enough to drop his hand. "There is still supper, correct?"

Matthew Barton - Outlaw - Old Mill, Fairhaven.

Matthew smirked imperceptibly and began walking toward a different tree. As he walked he nodded stiffly to Silas and the Rojyan soldier, bowing slightly to Evelyn.

He plopped down under a tree and began sharpening his hatchet. It still had a rather nasty chip in the blade from hitting a nail embedded in a mail crate. He would need something more than the small file he used to touch up the edge. The mill might contain some sort of industrial sharpening equipment, though he doubted the rebels would like it of he started wandering their lair.

He did not want the soldier to come. He was planning on using finesse to get past the forces blocking their path. And a military man would not help with that. Especially a foreigner. It would make it difficult to tell a convincing enough story. And the man's accent was sort of obnoxious. He seemed like a decent fellow though.

Dimitry Popov - First week of work really made me write him as an ass hole, goddamn - Old Mill, Fairhaven

Dimitry walked slowly through the mill, kicking several rebels who were lounging in his way. They didn't like it, but what were they going to do about it? Nothing. Nothing at all. And if they tried? It would be as good a time as any to demonstrate why Grail weapons were the best.

He spotted the Rojyna soldier standing about with that ridiculous ceremonial sword of his. Not that he had anything against swords, just ceremony. "Hey soldier boy! Come here! I need to talk to you!" Dimitry shouted at Mosin.

The fact they had encountered a officer of the Rojyan military was suspicious. It hinted at something Dimitry had been worried about for sometime. Outside intervention. Hard to keep a steady job as a mercenary when experienced soldiers were just wandering about.

Jack - Blacksmith

The more Jack watched Erick, the more he pissed him off so after he finished eating. He gets up and approaches him, "So your the famous Erick, back from the dead?" Feeling Celaena's eyes on him, he knew if he punched this kid in the face, she would come after him. "Some how I thought you would be taller, maybe with missing legs to explain some stuff." He crossed his arms, just to flex his strong, muscular biceps from being a black smith.

Celaena-   Assassin

She watches Jack talk to Erick, sitting up more, just incase he did something stupid.

Evelyn Luciole - Secret Officer - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Evelyn's gaze stayed fixed upon the spot where Silas had been, her shoulders rising and falling as she let out a sigh. "That's right," she answered him. "Though, I wouldn't dawdle if I were you." And off he went - again. Whatever he was hiding, it was climbing a very steep stairway from curious to irritating, and she half-expected their supply run to end in nothing but gunfire and hurt feelings. She doubted Asbel would agree to leave the group, but there was one more person she could ask to keep an eye on her investment - someone with a little free time on their hands.

She noticed a subtle bow from Barton as he passed and returned it with a nod, her mind spinning. She didn't like to leave the mill but this was as good a time as any, with almost everyone indoors and still awake. She would just tell someone - maybe a few people - where she'd like them to think she was going, then be on her way and back in no time. She looked to Barton, taking mental inventory of the odds and ends she might need to gather up before she left - namely, ammunition. "I'm going out," she said. "Don't let them do anything stupid while I'm gone, please."

Erick Bailee - King's Bodyguard - Dramatown

Erick turned to face Jack when he heard his voice, and found his eyebrows raising higher with every word out of the man's mouth. The insult to his height was one thing; he'd had a callus there for a long time. Unfortunately, that wasn't the worst of it. "What kind of 'stuff' do you mean?" he asked, donning a lopsided smile.

Jack was bigger, probably stronger than Erick, but seemed hesitant to outright threaten him - probably because of Celaena. Meanwhile, Erick was hesitant because of Celaena, Ryouki, and every other familiar face in the room. He didn't want any of them to see him angry, but that didn't mean he planned on turning the other cheek. He glanced down at Jack's crossed arms and shot him a fleeting smirk. "Has it got something to do with why you've been staring at me?"

Jack- Blacksmith

"From not getting out there to find Celaena, of course." He glares at him while smirking back, "It seems you have your legs and that they work just fine, so tell me. Erick, why didn't you go back? why have you been basically avoiding her all this time?" He holds his head high, as he hears Celaena almost quiet landing from her hiding place to the floor. "Were you just busy fighting for your life? In prison? Or were you just hiding in a castle like a coward?"

Celaena hisses, "Jack, enough."

 Erick Bailee - King's Bodyguard - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

As Jack explained his grievances with him, Erick grew still, almost holding his breath, until Celaena stepped in. He stole a look at her, his jaw beginning to clench, before returning his attention to Jack. There was no longer a single grain of humor in his tone, and only the faintest twitch of a smile on his face. "Listen - Jack, right? As far as I'm concerned, you and I are on the same team." He directed a telling nod toward Celaena.

"We're her friends. But I don't owe you an explanation for anything. Frankly, if you weren't her friend, I'd have clocked you by now." He threw his arms out to his sides, and his voice slowly rose to a shout. "So! Since I don't plan on talking to you again, I'll just leave you with a friendly threat. If you talk down to me again - or if I get the faintest whiff of bullshit from this 'loyal protector' act of yours - this coward is going to knock your teeth out. Fair enough?"

Celaena- Assassin

She lets out a low growl, "Back off Erick. Like your the one to talk." She grabs Jacks arm who was now fuming, "Lets go practice Jack." She lets out another growl when Jack pulls out of her grasps. "Jack." She says in a warning tone.

"You think its bullshit? You never looked for her! Hell, you don't seem to acknowledge her presence! Did you ever even care for her? Or were you wrapped up in your own self pity?! While she looked for you??" He gets closer to Erick and before he got another word out, Celaena slips in front of him and presses her lips against Jacks, causing him to freeze.

When she pulled back she looked at Erick, "Have a nice night." She grabs the collar of Jacks shirt and drags him back to their conner and she pushes the now dumbfounded, red face Jack in the chair, "Calm your booty down."

Erick Bailee - King's Bodyguard - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Celaena's words filled Erick's ears like mud, and his eyes widened as if she had slapped him. Like he was one to talk - had he heard her right? Jack's ranting rang in his ears but never fully registered, and Erick said nothing in reply. He wanted to run. Instead, he listened patiently to Jack, not really hearing him, and looked away when Celaena kissed the man. His shoulders bunched up around his neck and his eyes darted from wall to floor, everywhere but those two, until Celaena said goodbye. Erick flashed her a lukewarm smile and watched her go.

A few people stared, their attention caught by all the yelling. Erick didn't know where Ryouki was, but he didn't have the heart to turn around to see if he was staring too. "I think that's enough excitement for one night," he muttered sarcastically, and walked away. He couldn't see himself passing that off as a squabble and going on about his business - not until he calmed down, anyway. He made his way to the other side of the mill and sat against the wall with a sigh, looking exhausted.

 Celaena -Assassin

She slaps Jack across his face, "what the hell do you think you were doing?" She hisses quietly at him, "Don't ever talk to Erick like that! He is my business not yours!" She looks over at him and sighs, "I'm going to go talk to him...You will keep put." She turns and walks over to Erick, she puts her hands in her pockets and looks at floor then ceiling before looking at him, "You okay? Don't worry about Jack, he more bark than bite."

Jack - Blacksmith

He slumps back in the chair, a bit daze from the kiss as he nods slowly before Celaena had stalked off.

## Page 5

Erick Bailee - King's Bodyguard - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Erick let his head thump against the wall behind him, casting a dull look at Celaena. "Yeah, I'm not worried about him. A little hot air never hurt anyone." He rose to his feet with a faint groan, stretching his arms. "And I'm good. I mean, I'm tired and pissed off, but I've got a lid on it - now." He smiled. "And you didn't even have to kiss me."

His arms dropped to his sides, as limp as his tone of voice. "What about you? Are you okay?"

Celaena- Assassin

She lets out a sigh and holds her arms like she was trying to comfort herself, "I'll be okay... just a lot has happen in the last 48 hours or so.....Actually a lot has happened since the fire, but that was a couple years ago..." She shifts her weight and looks back at Jack before turning her bright blue eyes on Erick again. "Could probably use a drink though." She gives him a small smile that wasn't actually an act or threatening in any way.

Erick Bailee - King's Bodyguard - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Erick's posture once again drew inward as Celaena spoke, and he nodded in agreement. "Right. I'm sure we both missed a lot." His eyes followed hers over to Jack. Relieved to find him looking elsewhere, even a little dazed, Erick allowed himself to stare. He still felt a nagging sort of curiosity, not knowing how long those two had been... Well, whatever they were. Still, he hadn't been joking about not speaking to the man. He didn't even quite understand the bad blood between them yet, so the last thing he wanted to do was test Jack's tolerance for the sound of his voice.

When Celaena mentioned drinking, Erick's lids lowered slightly, and he suddenly felt a hundred years old. He returned his attention to Celaena to already find her looking at him, smiling. Erick crossed his arms and leaned to one side. "Or you could go eat. Last I checked, liquor's not exactly the best source of protein," he said, half teasing.

Celaena- Assassin

She chuckles softly, allowing her to relax a bit, "I had a little bite to eat earlier." She shifts her weight again then takes a more serious but sad look on her face, "We really need to talk.... It doesn't need to be now... but sit down and catch up on the couple years... seeing how the fire took us on very separate roads, Deal?" She holds out her hand towards him, giving him another smile.

Illyushin Mosin - Polkovnik (Colonel) of the 13th Guards Division - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Mosin was preoccupied with the task at hand until he heard Dimitry call out to him. He gave his surroundings one last look before walking over. "Da, I heard you," he said. "What do you want?" Mosin was a bit irritated to be called "soldier boy" but continued on. As he was approaching the man, he noticed that he had turned his attention to another person and stalked over to their direction. Mosin shrugged in return and sat on a nearby stool.

Dimitry Popov - Mercenary - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven.

Dimitry sighed and decided not to deal with that problem, as he doubted he could be objective and might end up getting in a brawl with the Voce leader.

As he turned he saw the Rojyan soldiers sitting down nearby.

"Sorry about that. Got a little distracted." Dimitry said as he walked over to Mosin.

"What I wanted to ask you was, what are you doing in Falcon's Reach? From what you've said I came to the conclusion that you're a active duty officer, so why were you here in the first place?" He asked in a level voice.

It just didn't add up in his mind, and even if Mosin was a spy he would probably not care, it wasn't like Dimitry cared what happened to the rebels in the long term, and an ally within the Rojyan intelligence might be used.

Illyushin Mosin - Polkovnik (Colonel) of the 13th Guards Division - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Mosin stood up from his seat when Dimitry suddenly came back. Out of habit, he straightened his shoulders and rested his hand on Shashka's hilt.

"I am on approved leave from headquarters, here to visit an old foreign friend who helped form the shock troops of my division. It was not my intention to get involved with the... er, rebellion but..." He shrugged. "Here I am. But I am planning to return home as soon as possible."

Erick Bailee - King's Bodyguard - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Erick stared at Celaena's hand as if she had just asked him to grab the blade of a knife; at the moment, either would seem just as dangerous. The more Erick spoke, he felt, the farther apart they would be. Once she knew how he had changed - and he couldn't lie to her - she might even deem him a threat.

Eventually, Erick let out a sigh and shook Celaena's hand, returning her smile with no small amount of hesitation. "Deal," he said. Whatever her reaction, and whatever she told him, he would just have to work through it. "Another night, though. Like you said, a lot's happened already; after ten years, what's another day or two, right?"

Celaena- Assassin

"Ya," Her smile falters a bit sensing his uneasiness, without warning she pulls him close and wraps her arms around his waist in a hug. She buries her face into his chest like she had done when she was little, she was still shorter than him just has she always has. She holds onto him tightly ignoring everyone in the room as if the only people in the world was just her and him.

Jack- Blacksmith

Jack watches them with empty look and locks his jaw as he watches.

## Page 6

Dimitry Popov - Mercenary - Old Mill.

Dimitry nodded. "Wrong place wrong time I guess. I was merely curious, slightly concerned you were military intelligence or whatever the Rojyan equivalent is."

He glanced down at the man's hand on his sword and cocked an eyebrow.

"I doubt you can draw that sword faster than I can bring out my pistol. Though I understand your distrust of me." Dimitry said as extended his hand to shake Illyushin's. He kept his left hand lazily dangling at his side though, where he could easily grab his full canteen, which was dented badly from the first time he used it as a bludgeon.

"Never really liked swords, lot of weight for a close combat weapon. A bayonet normally does everything I need." He said, nodding slightly toward the glaive like blade strapped under his rifle between the legs of the bipod.

Kristen Mernoth - Noble - Old Mill.

Kristen slowly got up, and went looking for the Sato family, she needed to apologize for what had happened near the border. She would also need to speak with Asbel, and once Leif was better she would have him thrash that Fredrick fellow for that drug he gave her.

It might also give her a chance to speak with one of the less known heroes of the second war in the wastes, which would be wonderful. There had been entire volumes written on Alice, Poppy, Erick, and Lucas, but the others barely had any ink to their names, she had tried to find good information on Asbel, but it was almost non-existent, and the book on Popov was entirely inference and utterly useless. It was frustrating, a chance to interview Erick's significant other would be an incredible opportunity.

Illyushin Mosin - Polkovnik (Colonel) of the 13th Guards Division - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Mosin chuckled. "I will not argue with that, but give me a rifle and I can hit a target as small as a head at any distance. Guaranteed." He shook Dimitry's outstretched hand. "The name is Illyushin Mosin, Colonel of the 13th Guards Division."

He patted his scabbard. "To each his own. I do not actually use Shashka for combat, save for unusual circumstances, and even then, I cannot say that I wield her as well as I should for a swordsman. But I am still proud to carry her around." Mosin remembered when his father, the soldier who found him, had presented him with the ceremonial sword. One of his fondest memories. "What is your name?"

Dimitry Popov - Mercenary - Old Mill

Dimitry smiled slowly. "Good to meet you Colonel. The name's Dimitry Popov, former assault jumper extended range specialist." As well as a few other things that he didn't mention.

"A marksmen? Well, sorry to tell you, but the only rifle here with a scope on it is on my back, and I'd prefer to keep it there. There are a lot of muzzle loaders lying around, and I might be able to get a rifle musket so you have something with a little more reach."

He was certain most of the rebels didn't know the difference between a smooth bore and a rifle, so he could probably get one of them without much trouble. And if Mosin was even half as good as he claimed he would be one of the best shots in the mill, so it would be madness to not equip him with the best the rebels had around.

"Guards division as in border guards? Or is it more of a term to set your unit apart from the common infantry?"

Erick Bailee - King's Bodyguard - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Erick froze in place, shocked, and craned his neck to look down at Celaena. "Uh..." After a moment or two of confused silence, he laughed and reached up to pat her on the back. "We'll sort this out, alright?" He lowered his voice, feeling Jack's eyes on them. "As long as your pet moron doesn't decide to punch a hole through my skull."

As if the King, his men, and those Black Hallows asshats weren't enough, now Erick had this joker to deal with. For the rest of the night, he thought, maybe it would be a good idea to lay low.

Celaena- Assassin

She pulls back and smiles, "He won't. He knows I'll kick his ass if he does." She shrugs, "You look tired, you should get some rest. The Journey isn't over yet" She gives him another smile as she walks off back to Jack and ruffles his hair before climbing onto her little beam and relaxes back.

Illyushin Mosin - Polkovnik (Colonel) of the 13th Guards Division - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Mosin paused. He knew a Dimitry once, during the Second War of the Wastes, but Mosin stopped that train of thought before it went too far. He did not want to relive those memories again. "A rifle musket would be alright for now, thank you." he answered. "Are there any sidearms available as well?"

Mosin rubbed at his chin. "The regular soldiers think of us as the 'elites.' We are just volunteers who get sent out on high risk missions. I have heard people go as far as to call us the Bayonet Division, because we are the spearhead of Rojya." Mosin was not one to boast, but when it came to his line of work, he couldn't help it. "Were you a soldier of Falcon's Reach? What made you join the rebels?"

Dimitry Popov - Mercenary - Old Mill.

Dimitry chuckled slightly. "No, not of Falcon's Reach, I'm former Grail-El military, used to be scout vanguard, which among other things is long range recon, and before that I was an assault jumper. I don't know if your military has an equivalent. We were light infantry but instead of conventional methods of transport we specialized in parachute drops from airships. Had to free fall a good ten thousand feet sometimes, since the airships had to be higher than Rocs could fly."

There were few things Dimitry had experienced that beat falling nearly two miles down, though opening the parachute wasn't enjoyable in the least, since it felt like his arms were going to be ripped from their sockets.

"As for why I'm here? Well, I'm a mercenary now, and the rebels are desperate and more likely to shell out large amounts of money than the government. No ideology behind it, other than capitalism I guess. As for getting you a side arm, I'll try, but more likely than not it'll be a flint lock. There is a shipment of Grail carbines coming soon, lever action, and not particularly accurate, but they have large magazines and decent rate of fire, and as Grail weapons go, they're dirt cheap.

Illyushin Mosin - Polkovnik (Colonel) of the 13th Guards Division - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

"Back in Rojya, we have a few Motorized Glider Divisions," Mosin said. "They operate similarly to your Assault Jumper troops, but they all act individually instead of jumping off an airship. According to high command, they are testing the gliders with mounted machine guns and light bombs for special support for our military."

Mosin wasn't sure how to feel about Dimitry's reasons. In the end, he decided it wasn't his business. At least he was not traitorous like the others. "Would it be possible for me to get one of those lever action rifles as a secondary weapon? I would prefer using a weapon with a higher rate of fire if the enemy comes at close ranges." For the moment, traveling in Falcon's Reach was clearly dangerous, if their journey here from the theater was any indication. Mosin wanted to be prepared for anything.

Dimitry Popov - Mercenary - Old Mill.

Dimitry nodded. "Yeah, a rifle might not be inventoried, a few boxes of ammunition might fall out of their cades." He said with a wink. He figured it would be very useful to be in the good graces of a high ranked Rojyan soldier he wasn't romantically involved with.

"As for your motorized glider units, that sounds interesting, they're probably faster than airships, though the airships are big enough to mount multiple gun turrets and provide almost continuous fire support. What a 25mm automatic cannon does to a pack of hell hounds is magical. I assume you've seen some of the propaganda photos my government released of high altitude bombing by a heavy airship? They aren't fabricated."

What he didn't say was that Grail aerospace research had for all intents and purposes hit a wall. The dirigible design of the airship had reached the limit of speed and carrying capacity, and heavier than air vessels, other than rockets, eluded them. Last he heard there was some research in having the propeller aimed straight up, and pull the craft upward, but it was plagued with problems

llyushin Mosin - Polkovnik (Colonel) of the 13th Guards Division - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

"Interesting," Mosin replied. "I am curious to learn more, but I should be off to bed. It was nice meeting you, Dimitry. Will you be going to Hydris or traveling to Braile with us?"

## Page 7

Dimitry Popov - Mercenary - Old Mill.

Dimitry scratched his chin. "Unfortunately I will be remaining with the majority of the rebels for the time being. As that is where the threat I'm hired to deal with will appear."

"Have a good night." He said and walked away.

SVT13 - Renagade Special activities - T minus 32 hours till detonation.

The guards on the perimeter of the dam were complete rookies. Then again, they hadn't been expecting a surprise attack by Grail commandos armed with automatic weapons.

Alexi used a rocket launcher to destroy the guard house. Rankin opened up on the security forces with his light machine gun, cutting them down as they tried to organize some semblance of resistance. The few shots they squeezed off dug into the hill side above and below the commando team.

Rankin waited above as Alexi and Jefferson moved down, and began clearing out the survivors with assault rifles, grenades, and scimitars. Once there wasn't anyone alive but then the pair climbed back up the hill, got on their motorcycles, and all three rode down.

The next part was tricky,  the bomb they were using was temperamental to say the least. The dam was incredibly solid, so solid it would have required multiple direct hits from the ten ton "Kraken killer" airship bombs to breach. The bomb used sandship fuel as it's primary source of power, about twenty pounds of the stuff spread between six rods. It worked on the same principle as a sandship critical reactor failure, the fuel eventually undergoing a super combine, and the resulting explosion would be more than powerful enough to destroy the dam. The problem was how long it took for one of these bombs to combine. Once assembled it could take up to 36 hours before it detonated.

Jefferson pulled the metal casing from the back of his motorcycle and opened it. "Masks on" Alexi ordered as he grabbed the shielded containers that held his two rods. The three of them pulled on their gas masks and tightened the straps.

Alexi installed his rods and stepped back, Rankin followed suit, the rods starting to glow faintly. Jefferson inserting his in the slots and slammed the box shut. Then the three of them shoved it over into the reservoir, and made sure it sank to the bottom.

Once it was out of sight they climbed back onto their motorcycles and drove to an observation point about six miles away. They had been assured that they would be well outside the danger zone at only three miles, but past experience told them not to trust scientists when it came to minimum safe distance.