Shatter Crown: Out of the mill.

## Page 1

Part 7 - Chapter 1

Danor Arkaitz - Gunsmith - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Joined by two rebel grunts by the names of Les and Newt, Evelyn set to waking everyone – politely at first, but her voice grew louder and flatter with each passing minute. “Breakfast is on the table! Let’s get moving!”

Alice sat upright with what must have been a record-setting yawn, shrugging into the sleeves of her crumpled jacket. Danor sat a small distance to her left, already returning her belongings to their places in her bag, and soon made her way to the center of the mill where most of the preparations were under way. The moment Evelyn slowed down enough for Danor to approach her, she caught her attention with a wave. “When are we leaving?”

“The supply run will be leaving in about an hour,” she replied, “but we still need to make sure everyone here is properly armed. When we have our weapons, we’ll go.”

Danor nodded and found herself a chair, watching the mill begin to stir – with a few exceptions. One of them, of course, was Asbel. Alice tried her best to wake him up without angering him, but he gave little response aside from the occasional mumbling complaint. Danor considered helping, but thought it unwise to put herself on the bad side of a shade host - even one as lethargic as Mr. Sutherlin.

Evelyn and the other early risers had used most of the few available tables to lay out the food, which mostly consisted of salted meat, bread, and a few bags of shelled walnuts. Two larger tables stood alone, surrounded by a mix of chairs and crates, and quickly began to fill as the mill woke up. The sun had yet to shed a single ray into the bulding by then, but after the events of yesterday, nearly everyone was rushing to prepare for the journey out of Snowview.

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

Mosin was awakened by the smell of food, particularly the meat. But before he would join the others, Mosin packed whatever he had into an improvised rucksack and tightened the strap of the scabbard holding Shashka.

He wanted to meet with Dimitry later, for that rifle musket and "uninventoried" lever-action rifle. Hopefully, he could find a gunsmith along the way so he could ask for a few boxes of ammunition. For the standard rifleman, a few boxes of ammunition is needed to hit individual targets at long range, but for Mosin it's more than enough.

Dimitry Popov - Mercenary - Old Mill.

Dimitry carefully untangled himself from Tula, careful not to wake her up, then changed into his dirty equipment, of he was going to be marching he might was well keep his clean gear clean.

Rifle slung over his back he walked outside and looked up. Several large metal crates with "military surplus" stenciled on the side sat next to a large patch of flattened glass, guarded by four rather irritated mercenaries armed with belt fed light machine guns.

"You Popov?" One of them snapped.

"Yeah." Dimitry grunted, then stuck his hand out and demanded "crowbar."

One of the mercs handing him the tool and he started opening the crates. Everything seemed to be in order, and Darton wouldn't try to rip him off, since the arms dealer was terrified of Tabaraamon.

He grabbed a weapon at random and a box of 200 rounds, and stalked past Evelyn. "Get the rebels armed, make it organized. Everyone gets a rifle and a box of ammunition, put any extras in carts for transport. They decided on giving you a thirty day grace period before interest starts on your payment."

He spotted Mosin looking around and tossed him the lever action rifle and bullets. "Here, the sights should be zeroed in already, it's accurate to about four hundred yards, then the bullet looses stability and starts tumbling mid flight. I put the muzzleloader rifle against the door, it's got a powder horn and a few dozen rounds, but it's also got a bullet mold."

Matthew Barton - Outlaw - Where am I? What did I do last night? Matthew rubbed his head and went looking for breakfast, nothing much at all. He ducked his head outside and decided it was not time to deal with that. Figured he should go find Silas, see if he found any food.

His head hurt a lot, and bright light did not help in the least. He also felt sick. He shook his flask. Empty. Must have had a lot of fun last night. He puked in a bucket. Yeah, a lot of fun last night. Too much fun. That's why several of the rebels were looking at him funny.

He put his hand up to support himself against a tall fellow in black but just fell through. Was he hallucinating?

Tabaraamon stepped over the hungover outlaw and bent down to get a better look. He quickly recognized him, a fellow with a bounty that stretched over all the provinces. The shadow snapped his fingers in the man's face before wandering for something more interesting to do.

Matthew staggered to his feet and feeling a bit better restarted his quest to find Silas, maybe he would be more successful this time.

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

Silas sat up from his mat in the far corner, his clothes crumpled beyond repair and hair even messier than usual. After days of forgoing sleep, while taking minimal naps here and there, he finally crashed. Yet he was still tired.

He looked at Evelyn with half-lidded eyes, drawn by her yelling. He couldn't register what she was saying at all, his mind still in a haze. Slowly, he shifted his gaze over to the others, and he was harshly reminded that he had to live through another hellish day.

No one had a fear of dying like he had but sometimes, he just had this nagging thought that an eternity of nothingness might be preferable to whatever he was experiencing now.

With a sharp intake of breath, Silas began to stand up. He patted down his clothes, even though he knew it would make little difference. It was a habit, he supposed, trying to keep himself tidy. As he took account of his person, he remembered the satchel he found and the mixture he prepared. It should be ready, he thought.

Sneaking a glance to make sure no one was looking, Silas grabbed his satchel, examined one of the better-looking vials, and downed the mixture. When nothing terrible happened at first, he breathed a sigh of relief. He didn't doubt his own skills, but an improvised recipe done in a hasty timeframe didn't guarantee good results. Still, Silas would have to wait a little while longer in order to fully gauge its effects.

Fixing his satchel over his shoulder and his handkerchief over his mouth, Silas walked over to the nearest chair, at the corner of one of the two tables. He stared down at the food with mild disinterest before silently watching everyone else scarf down their share. It was an understatement to say he felt quite out of place.

Silas made a noise under his breath. As if he belonged anywhere other than with his plants in his quiet apartment. Soon, he assured himself. I'll get there.

As he waited for them to finish, he wondered if he should go looking for a newspaper or something to keep him occupied. He had no desire to partake in a short walk for once, and he was tired of the same old dry speculation of whatever caught his eye. Mr. Barton still needed an answer, he supposed, but Silas wasn't sure if now would be the correct time. He hoped the others would be too distracted to notice their inevitable conversation.

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

"Spasiba, Dimitry," Mosin said as he grabbed the equipment. "May we meet again." Mosin examined the lever action rifle and checked the magazine tube. Lighter than a bolt action, and faster too. The magazine tube was fully loaded with eight rounds, and the iron sights had been properly zeroed in. Mosin manually moved the rifle's hammer forward into the safe position, so there wouldn't be any accidental misfires. The rifle sling was made of tough leather, which was alright for Mosin.

He slung around the rifle to his back and picked up the rifle musket. With a rifle this long, with such a low rate of fire, Mosin thought he should only use it against long range targets. This particular musket was much easier to reload, and ammunition for it should be plenty. With no safety, Mosin tilted the trigger slightly enough so a misfire was unlikely to happen there too. The ammunition for both rifles were different, so he organized them by separating the bullets into his left and right pocket. "I will make every shot count. No pull of the trigger will be a waste of energy."

Alice Beckett-Oswald - About to be unemployed - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Alice honestly wouldn't have taken Asbel for such a stubborn man, and she was on the verge of leaving when he finally made eye contact with her. His eyes were bloodshot, and he sounded as if his throat were full of mud. "Are we leaving?"

Alice breathed a sigh. "Soon, yes. And even sooner than that, the supply run will leave." The reply seemed to open the man's ears. "Are you all right, Asbel?"

He smiled, eyes wandering the room. "No less than usual."

"You're usually hungover?"

"Somehow, I'm almost surprised you know the meaning of that word," he replied with a chuckle, shoving himself to his feet. "All right, go on. I'm up."

She looked him up and down as if waiting for him to sneak back into bed again, and with some hesitation, turned to leave. Something told her this new habit of his was going to merit a talking-to later. She grabbed a share of the available food, less than she wanted but enough for a decent meal, and sat down across from Silas Reid. Seeing that they were going to be working together on the supply run, she wanted at least some vague idea of what to expect. "Good morning," she offered, and flashed him a somewhat drowsy smile before she began eating.

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

Evelyn stopped to listen to Dimitry, nodding along as he spoke, and looked to the men outside who were already a fair distance down the road. "How nice of them. Thank you for introducing us." She started toward the crates as Dimitry continued on his way, obviously busy. "All right, I'll get to it." She recruited a few people, including Mr. Bailee, to help her hand out the weapons and ammunition. The man was curious about the new guns, which was nothing but worrying to Evelyn, and she kept a close eye on him throughout the process.

On the bright side, she was happy with the deal so far. The money would be an issue, of course, but that was a hole she could dig herself out of. Charging into Hydris with sub-par weaponry, on the other hand, would have been a catastrophe.

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

Silas turned his head to see who greeted him, finding a familiar-faced, blonde-headed woman sitting across from him at the table. He had seen her the first day they arrived here, after Ms. Luciole's treachery had been uncovered.

Alice Beckett, the other half of the Oswald couple, captain of the king's guard and head of the survey team that saved humanity from the Wastes four years prior. He still couldn't believe they were here, aiding the rebels for god knows what. He couldn't believe he would find himself having an awful-looking breakfast with them either, in a rundown mill, in a city torn apart by yet another war.

"Morning," he said curtly. He didn't return her smile, and he was past the point of asking questions regarding their motives. It would not do to reason insanity. After an uncomfortably long pause of trying to not do anything that would jeopardize his mission and trying to figure out what to do instead, he asked, "Have you decided whom you'll be traveling with?"

It would certainly be beneficial to have some of the heroes on his team. If they could survive more than a month in the Wastes, they should survive anything.

Frederick Dermon - aka Boraci - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

I shook my head side to side, trying to unplug my ears. The flight last night was enjoyable, and I could almost forget about the upcoming journeys. I had been wavering back and forth, trying to make a decision. There was the main city, Hydris, and the resources it contained that could help me. But there was also the supply run that promised something out of the mundane that had been my life for four years.

I sat up, looking over the ledge of the mill's loft to the bustling below. My boots landed heavily on the ladder, however I tried to be as discreet as possible. My internal debate: talk to someone one versus not talking. Not talking would make me suspicious. Or would it? Not that I cared what most of these people thought about me. I sighed. It was too early to be thinking.  With my hood down, I could see more of the action. Most everyone was up. Walking up to the large table, I snagged some bread for breakfast and spotted Alice at another one. Chewing rather obnoxiously, I approached her and - what was his name? - Silas Reid and took a seat a couple chairs away.

"Good morning, Alice, Mr. Reid." Maybe being social wasn't such a bad thing after all.

 Celeana- Assassin

Celeana approaches Evenlyn, armed from head to toe with her hair in a side braid and small backpack that most likely held clothes and weapons. She stands in front of Evenlyn, looking nimble as a cat, "So Deary, anything I can do to help. I rather not sit on my ass and be a dead weight." She purrs out with a sly smile. Jack standing behind her with his own backpack and large sword on his back with his arms crossed.

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

After fiddling with his equipment and newly-acquired weapons, Mosin walked towards one of the tables and pulled up a wooden stool. He straighten his back and grabbed a slab of meat from the table. The Rojyan soldiers and officers by tradition eat the same meals, so no one would feel "exclusive" from the rest. But meat this tender was quite rare back in Rojya. For Mosin, good food was like music you can taste, color you can smell. He only needed be aware to stop and savor it.

While Mosin was enjoying his breakfast, he talked to the people seated around him regarding radios as his primary mission was to find one to call in a detachment to pick him up and return to Rojya. One of the rebels, a woman, told him that there was a postal office on the border of Braile that had a radio that could reach Rojya. She claimed that she used to work there as an operator. Mosin thanked her by giving her a piece of his meat, as he noticed that she was not given a lot on her plate.

## Page 2

Alice Beckett-Oswald - Captain of the King's Guard - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Silas's short reply drew Alice's eyes up from her breakfast, eyebrows raised. She paused for a moment as if expecting something more, but realized soon enough that he was already focused on another thing entirely - so she continued eating, trying in vain to keep her thoughts from wandering home, until Silas spoke up.

"Oh! Well," she began, sitting back. "If you don't object, I'd like to go to Braile. I think I would be more useful to your group than Officer Luciole's." Though the answer was given lightly, Alice's eyes lowered and her smile faded as if she'd just spilled a secret. Truthfully, she dreaded going to Hydris, and was horribly ashamed of it to boot. The thought of seeing other knights and guardsmen - people she knew and trusted - dying at the hands of her friends was almost more than she could stomach.

By the time Boraci made himself known with the sound of his chewing, Alice was grateful for having her thoughts interrupted, and shot the man a smile. "Good morning, Frederick." Erick had finally thought to explain the details of Boraci's situation last night when the two had a chance to catch up, but the distinction would still take some getting used to for Alice. Thinking back to Silas's earlier question, the knight grew curious and stopped to ask it herself. "If I may... Do you think you'll be joining the supply run to Braile with Silas and me - or will you be following Evelyn into the lion's den, so to speak?"

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

Evelyn stopped just in time to avoid crashing into Celaena, and met her with a stony frown. Still, the girl's attitude took her off guard, and Evelyn found herself considering the question where she'd intended to brush it off. "You don't say." Evelyn took in a deep breath, her attention flickering between Celaena and Jack.

"Well, you can start by never calling me "Deary" again. And if you want to help me hand out these weapons," she added, indicating the nearby boxes with the point of a finger, "that'd be just swell. May as well put your friend over there to work too; the sooner everyone's properly armed, the sooner we can leave. One rifle, one box per person." With that, she gave Celaena a polite nod and was on her way, patting the assassin on the shoulder as she passed.

Celaena- Assassin

She smirks, "Alright, Sugar. We'll get to it~" She strides over to the boxes and starts handing them out while Jack holds the box and follows her around while she passes them out.

Jack mumbles, "I don't like guns... they jam up to easily"

Celaena smiles, "I guess that's why I'm your favorite customer~"

Jack chuckles, "that and one other reason." Celaena giggles as she continues with the task that Evenlyn gave her.

 Dimitry Popov - Mercenary - Old Mill

Dimitry found his recruits standing close together examining their new weapons with excitement. He smiled thinly to himself and walked by.

He knew the mercenaries guarding the weapons werent alone,  so he went looking for the man in charge of the lot. He was rather surprised to find Darton, the arms dealer himself, leaning against the wall of the mill.

"What are you doing here?" Dimitry growled.

"Here to drop off that special order you gave me. Don't worry, I charged it to your new friends. I don't think they'll notice." He said as he handed Dimitry a small package. "You do know how to use that thing right?"

"Yeah, it's adhesive, and it's got instructions on it too. If I remember correctly." Dimitry grunted.

"Well, just make sure it's facing out, don't want illusion to become reality." Darton chuckled.

"Yeah. Thanks, where is the ammunition I ordered?" Dimitry asked.

"Oh, that? We didn't have any in stock. You have any idea how hard it is to find Ember bullets? Not easy, especially without any warning. I put the normal bullets in with the stuff for the rebels." Darton replied.

"Well is that it?" Dimitry asked.

"Yeah. Oh, on last thing, be on the lookout, the airships took some ground fire coming in, we retaliated of course, but some are still out there."

"Good to know." Dimitry said as Darton walked toward the ladder leading to the airship hovering over head.

That finished he walked back into the mill to make sure he had everything.

Leif Ragnar - Useless Character - Old Mill

Leif woke with a start when his cart started moving. Dragged by that huge dark figure that wasn't quite human.

"Hey! Stop it!" He growled.

The thing dropped the cart and turned to him. "Or what?" It hissed.

"I'll... Gods save me." He gasped, having no idea he had been pulled by a demon.

"No, they won't." It laughed as it started pulling the cart again.

Tabaraamon smirked. These people were so easy to frighten. It was almost so easy it wasn't fun.

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

Evelyn cast a sharp look over her shoulder as the nickname dug into her ear like a splinter, and she resisted the urge to shout something back at Celaena. Not being one to let these things go, she decided to save her comebacks for later and focus on getting the hell out of town before those Black Hallows asshats got the drop on them - again. With the extra help, weapons were being handed out quickly enough, so they could probably leave as soon as the extra guns were stowed away and everyone finished eating. If she didn't know any better, she would say things were going well - according to plan, even. It almost made her nervous.

Danor Arkaitz - Gunsmith - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

With her impressive-ish new firearm now fastened to her person along with her handgun, Danor felt slightly less out of place. While she was neither a rebel nor a proper fighter, she had officially left her hesitance behind. When she noticed the Shadowed One harassing Leif, however, it threatened to creep right back. She hated to see the man in distress, but what was she supposed to do? Say please?

After a moment's consideration, Danor stood, determined to appear focused on something unrelated to the nearby scene, and began searching for the Grail man whom that spirit seemed attached to. Before long, she spotted him nearing the mill, and made her way over to him. "Excuse me," she began, trying her best not to rush. "Could I ask you to call your- your friend over? I think he's bored, and he's scaring the nice man in the cart."

Frederick Dermon - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

I swallowed, and the bread plunked down like a pebble in a pond.

"I was unsure, but now I think I'll be joining you all in the supply run. Could be dangerous. But maybe not as dangerous as the 'lion's den.'" I smiled sincerely, careful to keep any bread bits out of my teeth. I was momentarily distracted by a deep shout. Oh, the man in the cart - Leif - had awoken. It looked like the demon was stirring up the passenger. I idly wondered if the demon ever got tired. Sore muscles? Cramping joints? If not, all the better.

I rounded and smoothed pieces of bread before popping them into my mouth.

"I hope I'll be of use."

Silas Reid - Tsundere - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Silas turned his head toward the next person to sit down at the table. It was Mr. Dermon, the Kyuketsuki-who-may-not-be-a-Kyuketsuki. At the mention he would be traveling with them to Braile, Silas had to take a moment to pause. Just there, did he... Did he just feel a tad relieved at the thought of some familiar faces remaining?

No. Absolutely not. He could not get attached to them. Before the mill, there had been a moment when he let his guard down—when he returned to the inn instead of running away—and look where that got him. He would be sure not to let the same mistake happen again, on the off-chance he might actually become sympathetic towards their plight and join in on their lunacy. Well, he might have to play along with their comradery in order to maintain his facade, but no more than necessary.

He would do things his own way, even if that meant making an enemy of everyone he crossed.

Silas propped a hand under his cheek and averted his eyes from the table. "Well, thanks for coming along, I suppose."

Dimitry Popov - Mercenary - Old Mill.

Dimitry was surprised to see Danor making her way over to him. What she told him was not at all surprising.

"Him? Bored? No shit, why do you think he follows me around all the time? He needs to do stuff or he gets destructive. Sort of like a energetic puppy, except with a six foot long sword and super human strength." Dimitry said tiredly.

He stuck his fingers into his mouth and whistled. "Hey! Come here for a minute?" He shouted at Tabaraamon from across the room.

The shadow vanished and reformed next to him. "What do you want?" The spirit asked.

"Danor wants you stop bothering the cripples. I sort of agree, it's rather immature."

"Fine. But if I have to drag the one in the cart around I will mock him."

"I really don't care. Go bother the rebels or something." Dimitry said.

He turned to Danor. "Anything else? Like an explanation of what he is and why he follows me around? Or do you think he's some sort of God like entity, because if you do don't say it around him. He's already got enough of an ego."

Alice Beckett - Captain of the King's Guard - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Though Boraci's remark on the possible danger of their errand brought a twinge of worry to Alice's face, she nodded in honest agreement. If Braile turned out to be half as dangerous as Hydris, they were well and truly doomed. "I wouldn't think so, no." When she followed Boraci's shifting attention - as well as the shouting - toward Leif and Tabaraamon, her posture became as straight as an arrow and she moved to leave her seat, fuming. Before she could make another move, however, the Shadowed One vanished and Alice sank bank onto her chair with a sigh, muttering something about common decency.

Recalling Boraci's comment on being useful, which she had barely heard through the sound of her internal shouting, Alice rejoined the conversation with a wry grin. "Oh, don't be silly. Of course you will. And you're very welcome, Mr. Reid - but perhaps you should save the thanks for when we reunite with the group in one piece."

Danor Arkaitz - Gunsmith - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Dimitry's explanation of Tabaraamon's behavior caught Danor somewhat surprised, though she had to admit that it made sense. "Hm." It also made the spirit seem less frightening - until he materialized in front of her, which was nearly enough to force a very unflattering shriek out of her throat.

When her work was more or less done and Tabaraamon agreed to entertain himself elsewhere, Danor relaxed a little, and even smiled at Dimitry's question. "Really?" She thought it over for a moment or two. "I don't think I've ever met a god-like entity before, so I wouldn't know what to picture - but I don't think he's it." She shrugged, slightly embarrassed. "Still, that doesn't narrow it down much, so an explanation would be nice. Is he always such an ass?"

Alice Beckett - Captain of the King's Guard - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Though Boraci's remark on the possible danger of their errand brought a twinge of worry to Alice's face, she nodded in honest agreement. If Braile turned out to be half as dangerous as Hydris, they were well and truly doomed. "I wouldn't think so, no." When she followed Boraci's shifting attention - as well as the shouting - toward Leif and Tabaraamon, her posture became as straight as an arrow and she moved to leave her seat, fuming. Before she could make another move, however, the Shadowed One vanished and Alice sank bank onto her chair with a sigh, muttering something about common decency.

Recalling Boraci's comment on being useful, which she had barely heard through the sound of her internal shouting, Alice rejoined the conversation with a wry grin. "Oh, don't be silly. Of course you will. And you're very welcome, Mr. Reid - but perhaps you should save the thanks for when we reunite with the group in one piece."

Danor Arkaitz - Gunsmith - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Dimitry's explanation of Tabaraamon's behavior caught Danor somewhat surprised, though she had to admit that it made sense. "Hm." It also made the spirit seem less frightening - until he materialized in front of her, which was nearly enough to force a very unflattering shriek out of her throat.

When her work was more or less done and Tabaraamon agreed to entertain himself elsewhere, Danor relaxed a little, and even smiled at Dimitry's question. "Really?" She thought it over for a moment or two. "I don't think I've ever met a god-like entity before, so I wouldn't know what to picture - but I don't think he's it." She shrugged, slightly embarrassed. "Still, that doesn't narrow it down much, so an explanation would be nice. Is he always such an ass?"

Dimitry Popov - Mercenary - Old Mill

Dimitry nodded. "Not really. He just gets bored easily, which is understandable at his age. He once told me that by three hundred years he had done just about everything he could do in his current form. So he's always looking for things to keep him entertained. Most of the time it's something relatively innocent, he breaks into a lot of libraries and steals books, but sometimes he just decides to harass people."

"From what he's told me he is like a banshee but was allowed to retain his memories and through that his humanity. And I sort of understand why you don't see him as godlike, because all you've seen is a really tall spirit that can teleport. Not what he truly is." Dimitry said vaguely.

Matthew Barton - Bandit - Old Mill.

His head still hurt, but at least he could look at bright lights without pain. One of the rebels tried to push food on to him, but the smell made him gag slightly.

He spotted Silas speaking with several others and plunked down in a free chair and sat slumped, head in hands. "What is going on? Are more people coming? I really hope not. Easier to get spotted and harder to lie our way out." He said in rapid slurred speech.

## Page 3

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

Silas frowned slightly in distaste when Mr. Barton came clambering over, looking much worse for wear than he had, much like a drunk one might see roaming the streets late at night. He thought about sitting somewhere else, planning to talk to the man when he didn't look like he was about to throw up, and was just about to stand, when he faintly heard Mr. Barton utter something that shot a dose of fear straight into his heart.

"Are more people coming? I really hope not. Easier to get spotted and harder to lie our way out."

Silas jerked from his seat and walked towards him in a brisk pace. "Mr. Barton, are you, perhaps, ill? I have experience in medicine. Let me check that out. Wouldn't want to spread that to any of the others." In a low voice, he added, "Get a hold of yourself. If you ruin this for me, I swear I would not be above slipping strychnine in your next drink."

Alright, he wouldn't, but so much was a stake. He was sure Evelyn already suspected something at least, and the others didn't need encouragement. He exhaled deeply, trying not to let his worries get the better of him. That was how people really got caught. "Come on. We can discuss our arrangement outside."

Danor Arkaitz - Gunsmith - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Danor listened in silence until Dimitry's explanation reached its end, by which time she found herself reconsidering her hesitance to speak to Tabaraamon. It seemed she had underestimated him in more ways than one. "If he's anything like what you described, then I'm sure you're right. I never knew that was possible."

Beside that, she suddenly couldn't help trying to imagine how difficult it would be for him to find things that still interested him after a those first few centuries - whether he had godlike powers or not. To Danor, now that she considered it, such a predicament sounded almost hellish.

Shaking herself from her thoughts, Danor straightened, flashing another small smile. "That was very educational! Thank you." She turned to leave but paused mid-step when a certain thought snagged in her mind, and turned to face Dimitry. "Are you coming to Hydris - or have you joined the supply run?"

Alice Beckett-Oswald - OOPS - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Curious, Alice leaned forward to see Mr. Barton more easily when he stopped to sit at their table, but the slurred mess of speech that followed made his ailment clear. She sighed; Barton would be the second visibly hungover person this morning, which was oddly discouraging. It took Alice an extra second or two to really take notice of what, exactly, he had said.

At first, she more or less passed it off as a simple difference of opinion - until Silas shot out of his seat like a spring and moved to Barton's side. Alice watched him begin to ramble but said nothing, and eventually looked back to the remainder of her meal - even though she was now completely uninterested in finishing it. "I hope it's nothing serious," she added flatly, feeling somewhat sick herself. She doubted herself, hoping she had imagined it, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something about the past ten seconds had been very wrong.

Matthew Barton - Outlaw - Old Mill, Fairhaven.

"You aren't helping matters." Matthew hissed into Silas' ear before sitting up straighter. He turning to Alice and with a slightly lopsided smile said. "No no, everything is alright. He was just worried I might be sick. I'm fine but thank you for your concern." He said and patted Silas on the back.

He quickly racked his brain for a way to change the subject. He slightly widened is eyes and faked sudden recognition. "You're Alice Becket aren't you? Hero of the second war of the wastes? My niece is obsessed with you." He started rummaging in his pockets for a piece of paper.

"I'm sure you get this all the time but could you sign an autograph? It'll mean the world to her." He said in a false pleading tone and held out a slip of paper.

Dimitry Popov - Mercenary - Old Mill.

Dimitry shrugged. "Any time. I'm sure he'd be happy to talk to you about it. Too happy, will talk your ears off."

He started looking to see if Tula was awake but turned back to respond to Danor's question. "I'll be heading for Hydris. That's what I'm being paid to do. What about yourself?" He asked.

Alice Beckett-Oswald - Captain of the King's Guard - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Alice's eyes searched Barton's face as he explained himself, and again she fell silent. When he suddenly seemed to realize who she was, her own eyes widened as well, though a little more like a cornered mouse than someone who'd just recognized a face. "I- um..." She stood up, shooting Boraci a questioning look, and nodded. "Of course, I'd be happy to." She took the piece of paper and held it flat against the table, pausing for only a second before she wrote a small note which read, "Stay out of trouble!" followed by a swirly, ornate signature. She passed it to Barton with a smile.

"I would say I'm sorry I couldn't meet her, but - well, given where we are now... Perhaps another time." If there really was something going on, maybe a hidden message on a slip of paper wouldn't make much of an impact - but, at the very least, it could no longer be said that she hadn't warned him.

Danor Arkaitz - Gunsmith - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Danor's smile faded a little as the nerve-racking reality of their situation crept into view again, and she began fiddling with the hem of her shirt. "Same here. I have business in Hydris." She breathed the faintest of laughs through her nose. "Aside from overthrowing an entire government, that is. In that case, I guess I'll be seeing you and the god-like entity around. Good luck." With that, she gave a small wave of her hand and made her exit, watching the sun's rays begin to pour through the small windows of the mill. Wouldn't be long now.

Asbel Sutherlin - Rebel Mercenary - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Asbel finally sat down at a table, two seats away from a few men and woman of the People's Army, and pointedly avoided their eyes. Dread sat in the pit of his stomach like a poisonous sludge, and every bite of food made his face curl. Today, however, he was absolutely determined to make himself useful. He had to start sometime, and now that a certain set of lives were on the line again, this was as good an opportunity as any. This was not his morning, without a doubt, but he had made his decision: for the first time in a while, he would do his best.

When a rebel grunt held out a rifle to him, using the full length of her arms to stay as far from him as possible, Asbel thanked her and took it. Ignoring the stray glances here and there from the nearby strangers, Asbel then shoved the rest of his bread into his mouth and began resolutely chewing.

Celaena- Assassin

Once she finishes passing out all the guns, she scans the room then slides up onto the table next to a tall and lanky guy, Asbel something or another she thought, and seeing how his face was scarred up, he must be one hell of a fighter and wouldn't mind learning a thing a or two about them. She faces Jack who stood in front of her. "What? Don't give me that look if you  aren't going to say anything?"

Jack raises an eyebrow, "So we aren't going to talk about last night?"

She smiles sweetly, "whatever do you mean?"

Jack lets a low growl escape from his lips as he speaks, "You kissed me."

Her smile fades, "And your point? You were being a hot headed, it was the only thing I could think of besides gutting you."

 Silas Reid - Player of the World's Smallest Violin - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Silas opened his mouth to insist, but Mr. Barton had already turned his attention to Ms. Beckett or more appropriately, Mrs. Beckett-Oswald. He pressed his lips into a flat line before walking back to his seat, resuming to watch the scene unfold in silence.

Honestly, what was he getting into? Should he even trust Mr. Barton? It was a dangerous game Silas was playing, and he was in a precarious position at the moment, just barely hanging on whatever control he had left. Just one misstep and he might end up dead.

Clenching his teeth, Silas reached over the table for a cup and a water pitcher. If there was one thing he'd give Ada, it was tiring sometimes, living like this. No real friends, no allies. But in the end, they were all more trouble than they're worth.

Asbel Sutherlin - Rebel Mercenary - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Asbel, being who he was, took no issue with outright eavesdropping on Celaena and Jack's conversation. He recognized the red-haired girl, and judging from the events of yesterday, she would almost certainly have something interesting to say. He was not disappointed. A lovers' quarrel? No, perhaps they weren't a couple - yet. He pinched his lips between his teeth to keep from smiling, though the corners of his mouth twitched persistently upward as he idly twisted a copper coin over and under his fingers.

Danor Arkaitz - Gunsmith - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Danor finished the remainder of her breakfast on her way through the mill, brushing the crumbs from her hands and stopping alongside Leif Regnar's cart. She folded her arms behind her back, greeting him with a smile and a nod. "Good morning. Have you eaten, good sir?"

Celaena- Assassin

"You're being over emotional about this, besides you know I don't date. Not in times like these. Gezz." She rolls her eyes at him.

Jack moves closer to her for him only to pushed back by her foot, "Oh ya? You said something different a two years back."

"That was then, This is now. You need to get over yourself." She looks over at Asbel and smirks slightly, "Don't you agree, little birdie?"

Boraci - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

My mouth dropped a little bit when Mr. Barton asked for Alice's signature. I guess she really was a hero. Not that I doubted the publicity of some of the more sightly members of the Second War of the Wastes, I'd just never quite witnessed it for myself. I wondered, for a moment, that if I had been wholly human I would be recognized as well. But I wasn't about to let myself sink into self-pity. Being famous was dangerous, and probably more trouble than it was worth. Probably.

My attention lingered a bit on the mild confrontation between Miss Moonlight and her lackey before settling back on Mr. Reid. He looked like he had just bit into a lemon.

"Having any doubts?" I asked, twiddling my thumbs on top of the table. "Aren't used to this kind of lifestyle, huh?" If my memory served me right, this guy was some sort of plant scientist. What did they call it? Oh, botanist.

## Page 4

Leif Ragnar - Cripple - Old Mill

Leif glanced upward. "No, I haven't. I'd also prefer not to have anything either. I don't need any food anyway, I won't be doing anything that requires energy." He said slowly.

Kristen hobbled over and looked at Danor. "I could use some food before we start. If he isn't going to eat anything, I'll take his extra."

She was exhausted, since she normally moved alot in her sleep, and every time she shifted her injured leg started complaining.

Dimitry Popov - Mercenary - Old Mill

Dimitry grabbed the boxes of ammunition Darton had left for him and stuffed them in his backpack. Evelyn was still standing around so he walked over. "Start them moving. The locals will probably try to attack now that the airships aren't here anymore."

"What do you want me to do to help?"

Matthew Barton - Outlaw - Old Mill.

Matthew smiled and took the piece of paper, acting like he hadn't seen the additional note. "Thank you. This will really make her day." He said.

That was easy, really easy. Maybe this wouldn't be that hard. Unless Silas had another outburst. If the man couldn't keep his cool during a normal conversation involving a slight slip of the tongue Matthew wasn't confident in the man's ability to play along with a possibly elaborate lie.

But he would have have to deal with it, since alone he would be way too suspicious.

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

Like you wouldn't believe, Silas thought. "It does take some getting use to," he said instead, raising the cup to his mouth. After he'd taken a sip, he placed it down and tapped his fingers methodically against the side.

Normally, one would try to fill the silence and attempt to continue the conversation. Silas didn't engage in small talk. At least, not very frequently. Besides being a rather quiet though easily-irritable soul, he found such conversations to be a nuisance, pointless even. If the other person wasn't sharing anything pertinent—much like his neighbor and his strange pride in the new paint on his bedroom walls—instead of listening to them, Silas would often find himself staring into their eyes and thinking about how very much he'd like to set their hair aflame.

However, he'd already spoken to Mr. Barton and Ms. Beckett, and nothing too terrible happened, so perhaps he could give Mr. Dermon a try. Last night, he was in a humorous mood and today, he wanted to seriously give the appearance that he had changed somewhat. Make his newfound allegiance to them more believable. Ada would have found this amusing, he was sure. He may not be an actor, but he would do whatever it took to ensure his survival.

"What about you?" Silas asked. "I could be wrong, but you seem quite at home with how things are done here."

 Boraci - aka Frederick Dermon - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

To my surprise, Mr. Reid seemed a bit more talkative than he had been. Maybe it was due to nervousness, but that didn't seem very likely. Mr. Reid didn't strike me as the nervous type. More the quiet, condescending brand of human.

"Yeah, ever since the war, chaos seems to be second nature for me," I replied, rubbing my neck. "It's actually a lot more organized than I would have thought." I continued to play thumb wars with myself, picking pieces of dried mud off my fingers. I was curious as to what supplies we would exactly be collecting on the trip. Guns were abundant here, and almost everyone carried a weapon of some sort.

I fiddled with the rifle that was strung on my back, taking it apart and cleaning it with edges of my clothes. Oil stained the cloth. I didn't handle guns often, but I had learned from a small band of hunters who specialized in Wastes kills.

Asbel Sutherlin - Rebel Mercenary - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Asbel straightened in his seat when Celaena's attention fell on him, and her question brought a drowsy smirk to his face. "Birdie? Not to be contrary, but I've always thought I looked more turtle-like than anything else." He pocketed the coin and held out his right hand to her, all but ignoring the assassin's companion. "Just 'Asbel' will do, Miss Moonlight. Pleasure to make your acquaintance." He glanced at Jack and smiled thinly, hoping to avoid a confrontation with the man.

Danor Arkaitz - Gunsmith - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

"Ah, I see." Danor's eyebrows furrowed, and she fell thoughtfully silent before Kristen's request caught her ear. Danor turned to face her and nodded, stealing a glance at what remained of the available food. "Yes, I'm sure I can find you something." She smiled, glad to finally be getting something done. "One moment." She started off in a run but soon slowed down, all too aware of the gun hanging from her shoulder. It occurred to her that carrying this and her belongings would be frustrating at the least - dangerously awkward at the most. She would just have to leave some things behind, she guessed.

Before long, Danor returned with some food wrapped up in one of the cloths used to set out the bread, tied loosely enough to easily reach into. She held it out to Kristen with a small nod. "There you are."

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

Evelyn nodded somewhat absently in reply to Dimitry, watching the lazy bustle of the mill. When asked what he could do to help, she gave a small shake of her head, but eventually met his eyes. "Once everyone is up and moving, just help me get them organized. Leif Regnar will need someone to pull his cart, the People's Army need to stay at our backs - just help me make sure this doesn't go from an army to a mob."

With that, Evelyn stepped forward and raised her voice, calling for the room's attention. "It's time to head out! We're not stopping until we reach Hazelshire, just outside Hydris. Mr. Reid, if you can meet us before we get to Hydris, that's where to look."

Evelyn took a short breath, surveying the small army. "Let me make our mission crystal clear. We're here to win - not to play. My recruits take the lead and they decide what is or isn't a threat; we're not going to chew a bloody path to Hydris like a pack of hellhounds. I catch someone getting too trigger-happy, they can fight the rest of this war with a pocket knife." Only just realizing she had begun to pace, Evelyn fell still, her chin held high like a trained hound's. "We're making history today. Let's make it something we can be proud of. Mr. Reid, grab your people and get going; I hope to see you all in Hazelshire. The rest of you, stand up and make damn sure you've grabbed yourself a gun. We're next."

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

"Might I ask what you were doing before we were roped into all this?" Silas asked Mr. Dermon. But it seems that despite Silas's attempts to participate in normal human behavior for once, their conversation may have been stopped short anyway, by Ms. Luciole. He had to admit he was relieved by this.

Once Ms. Luciole was finished speaking, Silas nodded in affirmation and stood up from his chair. He patted a hand against his satchel, making sure it was secure, before clearing his throat and saying, just loud enough for most of them to hear, "Everyone heading to Braile, please follow me." He then started to make his way to the door, feeling a bit anxious as he went. He couldn't be the one leading this whole expedition, right? No, he was just a navigator. Not to mention that he didn't have the character. Surely, someone else would step up to the task.

Celaena- Assassin

She gives him a sly smile and shakes his hand, "I was right. Your name is Asbel~ Please call me Celaena, This is Jack. He doesn't bite much." She giggles and relaxes back and swings her legs a bit, "So why are you here? In this rebel group?" She pulls out her flask of alcohol and takes a swig while Jack just watches silently.

Dimitry Popov - Mercenary - Old Mill

Dimitry slowly walked forward and shouted. "Form three lines! We will be moving through possibly hostile territory while inside the city, but don't go shooting at every shadow, it's a waste of ammunition! Stay in formation, and everything will be much smoother."

He grabbed two stronger looking rebels and ordered. "Pull the cripple cart." One of them looked at him angrily, so Dimitry back handed him. "Get moving." He snarled.

"Now form the lines! The sooner we leave this place the sooner you get to prove your worth!" He bellowed, holding a clenched fist above his head. The rebels started forming lines, but it wasn't organized in the least. Oh well, he would let someone else deal with that. His biggest concern would be getting out of Snowview without coming under Loyalist attack.

He waved the small band of recruits he trained over to a tree. Once they were all there he said. "Now, we will be at the front. So keep ready to fight, the loyalists are still in the city. Remember what I taught you, and keep to cover. We will not be stopping soon, so if you don't have everything go get it now." Several of the rebels ran off toward the mill, grabbing rucksacks and weapons. Dimitry pulled on his gas mask, and strapped it down. If they were going to be in urban combat he wanted to be protected.

He made several last minute preparations and leaned against the tree while the other preparations were being wrapped up.

Matthew Barton - Out Law - Old Mill

Matthew stood up and made sure he had all of his personal effects and hadn't lost anything during his over night bender. His top hat was slightly crushed, so he pushed it back into shape. Still had his shotgun and hatchet, he hadn't taking one of the rifles since it would make it more difficult to get past security forces. He would have to talk to who ever else was coming about weapons, they couldn't look like rebels.

He followed Silas as he put on his hat, brushed dust from his suit jacket, and did he best to make sure his undershirt looked properly creased. It looked a bit better, probably as good as it would look all things considered.

"I'd suggest we go a completely different direction as the rest of them when we leave this building. Any loyalists, guards or what have you will be distracted by all the rebels and won't notice us." He said to Silas. "And sorry about the incident earlier. I was not at my best."

Kristen Mernoth - Noblewoman - Old Mill

Kristen smiled as Danor brought her some food. "Thank you so much." She said as she took it and sat it in the cart.

With some difficulty she clambered into the cart and sat on Leif's legs. She doubted very much that the rebels wanted her slowing them down. "I hope you're going to be staying with us. It's nice to have another scholar to talk to." Kristen said to Danor as she did her best to get comfortable.

A pair of larger than normal rebels came and began dragging the cart toward the entrance of the building. She opened the bag and began nibbling on an apple. It wasn't exactly fresh, but it was something. She had succeeded in getting some paper that hadn't been written on, as well as a reasonable number of pencils so she would have something to do.

Asbel Sutherlin - Gunsmith - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Asbel shrugged his shoulders. He was somewhat uncomfortable under Jack's watchful eye but did his best to hide it. Anything else would probably just raise the man's suspicion. He rolled the girl's question around in his head, his eyes wandering, but Evelyn's announcement began before he could answer. He guessed it was that time; they were leaving the mill. He listened quietly, focused, until she was finished - then rose from his seat with a smile. "In this rebel group, Miss Celaena, there is a small handful of people to whom I owe a very large debt." He tilted his head this way and that, trying to mask his hesitance to speak. "As a matter of fact, your spinach-headed friend is among them."

"Actually, the bottle said 'broccoli green.'"

Asbel nearly jumped in his seat at the familiar voice. Erick stood behind him with crossed arms and a grin, barely taller than even a seated Asbel. "Speak of the devil."

Erick threw his arms out wide. "And he shall appear! Just wanted to say my goodbyes before I head to Braile." He looked to Celaena and Jack. "Though, I don't know which way you two are going, so I guess I'll just wish you both good luck."

"That reminds me," Asbel muttered, and gave a small bow of his head. "I should be off as well. It was lovely to meet you both - and good luck, Erick." Asbel left in a hurry - for him, that is, which was barely a brisk walking pace. He soon found Silas and his group heading for the door and eventually caught up, moving to walk alongside Boraci. "Hello - and, ah... Goodbye, I suppose. Be safe, all of you."

Alice turned to face Asbel and smiled, obviously surprised to see him. "Take care, Asbel."

"Only since you asked." He looked to Boraci and gave his arm a punch with all the force of a sleep-walking toddler. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do, hm?"

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

Evelyn circled the inner wall of the mill, guiding people to their respective places like chess pieces. The tables had all but emptied, and the United People's Army's leader rushed to get his own people ready as quickly as possible. He wasn't as difficult as Evelyn had previously thought, but the absence of hatred didn't equal trust, and she still planned to watch him closely. Speaking of which, she could only hope her old friend outside would be able to see Silas passing by from wherever he was. She wasn't about to send Silas off unsupervised, and if she had to sacrifice one of her most trusted allies to babysit him from afar, it had better be worth it.

Danor Arkaitz - Gunsmith - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Danor darted out of the large rebels' way as they moved to pull the cart along, and soon found a comfortable walking pace alongside them. She smiled at Kristen, adjusting the strap of the bag over her shoulder. "I feel the same way. Danger is one thing, but feeling like the oddball in a room full of rebels..." She shook her head. "That's another beast entirely. Yes, I'm staying. I can always see Braile some other time!"

Celaena- Assassin

She crosses her arms and smiles, "Wherever you are going, Erick, is where I will be going." She gives a polite nod to Asbel, then turns her attention to Erick, "I'm not letting you out of my sight. No matter what anyone else says. They can kiss my ass."

Jack stares at Celaena in shocked, "Celaena.. maybe you should reconsider..."

"No. I lost him once, never again." Her face grew cold and stern as she spoke, "I will not lose another person I care about. Over my dead body."

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

Silas nodded. "We'll head south and cut straight across to Braile." He hoped they would be able to make good time by the day's end. Perhaps they may even reach the border, and then some.

When Mr. Barton apologized, Silas said nothing at first. He simply opened his satchel and pulled out a small clump of green leaves, held together by a single stem. He plucked one off before putting the rest back and offering it to him. "It's a peppermint leaf. A drop of oil would have been more helpful in your situation, but it is not without benefits in its natural form."

Silas was then reminded of something and suddenly stopped. Of course he would be forced to partake in one last irrational act before he parted ways with the lot of them. He made a mental account of his limited stock, and approached the closest member of the other group, Mr. Sutherlin. "Something that might aid you all in your next skirmish," he said, consciously looking away as he held out a handful of plantain leaves. "Simply apply it directly to a burn or cut. Don't expect it to perform miracles though."

To be frank, he fully expected these rebels to perish in their endeavor. The king may be a fool, but he wouldn't give up his throne and the kingdom without a fight. Silas shouldn't have bothered to give them anything at all, yet... they weren't entirely deserving of a terribly painful death. And he had only relieved himself of the more common herbs so far. Chamomile, peppermint, plantain—things anyone could find if they just knew what they were looking for.

## Page 5

Boraci - aka Frederick Dermon - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

I didn't answer Mr. Reid's final question, as I didn't see the point. We'd have plenty of time to talk on the road anyway. I followed the botanist as everyone started bustling around. Dimitry's shouting could be heard all the way across the mill. I was glad I wasn't one of his troops. It sounded like they'd get a lashing pretty soon.

"I'll keep that in mind," I responded, just as Mr. Reid handed him a clump of plant-like substance. I ruffled Asbel's hair. "Don't get shot."

I was ready for an adventure, even if it was only a supply run. I wouldn't have to be dragging around a very heavy, probably very angry man either, or his tiny friend. Our group would hopefully go mostly unnoticed, as we were quite a bit smaller than the massive group heading to Hydris. But all's well that ends well, right?

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

Erick's face brightened when Celaena decided to join the supply run, even more so when he heard the weak protest from Jack, but he soon noticed his friend's tone was changing. By the time she had finished speaking, Erick was as shocked as Jack. He reached out and gingerly tapped her shoulder, forcing a soft laugh. "Hey, that won't be a problem. If there's one thing I've learned from the past ten years, it's that I'm very hard to kill."

He shook his head. "Besides, this is just an errand! In and out, piece of cake. Come on, you two, let's meet the rest of the group. Look alive, Jack!" With that, Erick gave Celaena an encouraging pat on the back and started toward Silas's group. He was glad to see familiar faces there, along with a few new ones. Most importantly, everyone there looked capable. Mr. Reid was a bit odd, almost definitely not a fighter by any stretch, but if he really did know something about those herbs then he would still have plenty of work to do. Directing the question at no one in particular, Erick spoke up, taking a place alongside Alice. "So, who's in charge now that Officer Gasbag is out of our hair?"

Asbel Sutherlin - Rebel Mercenary - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Unsure what to expect, Asbel leaned back a little as Silas approached, and stared dumbly at the unfamiliar leaves as the man explained their purpose. When Silas's intentions clicked, Asbel smiled and accepted the offer. It suddenly occurred to him that they would definitely be needing them. "Thank you," he finally replied. "I'm sure we'll be putting it to good use." He fixed Silas in a playfully suspicious squint, amused by the gesture.

Boraci's voice soon caught his attention, and he looked up to him only to be met with a hand ruffling his hair. Ignoring the disheveled white strands tickling his eyelids, he shot Boraci a smirk. "Oh, put that mushy talk away, old chum. You'll embarrass me." He backed slowly away and took a shallow bow. "Until Hazelshire, goodbye for now." Erick smiled and smacked Asbel on the back as he passed, which he returned with an almost sober nod, struggling to hold onto his earlier enthusiasm.

Well, he thought, at least he would still have Dimitry around. Asbel hovered at the edge of Dimitry's ranks - or his yelling range, more like. He tried his best to sneak into place unnoticed, avoiding eye contact, and eyed the mill's entrance as if it were made of bees.

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

Silas gave Mr. Sutherlin a stiff nod and returned to his position in the front, intent on keeping it brief and simple. As he walked, he was momentarily overcome by a wave of regrets. It wasn't as if Silas had an endless supply, and what he did have couldn't cure everything, nor very effectively. If the way back home was just as perilous as he imagined, they would need all the herbs they could carry.

He mentally reminded himself that no one would be needing any chamomile. And besides, it wasn't as if he could take it back. It wouldn't happen again either, since it was going to be the last time he would ever see them. There was no point in debating it any further. He brought a hand to his temple, hoping that his contribution stamped out whatever grief his conscience was giving him.

When Mr. Bailee spoke, Silas put his hand down and shoved those thoughts aside. "I know the way, but I don't believe I have the... fortitude to keep anyone in line. If someone else would like to take charge, please do so."

Celaena- Assassin

She smiles a little and follows Erick to the group, sticking close to his side. Not just look after him, but also she doesn't know anyone else and is a bit cautious around others. Which could also be taken as shyness. She glances back at Jack who was always right behind her like a shadow. She tries to follow what everyone else is saying, but she only ended up confusing herself. Celaena mutters quietly to Erick, "So whats going on?"

Jack- Blacksmith

He glares slightly at the closeness between Erick and Celaena, not liking it one bit. Why can't she cling to his side? He huffs and listens to the small group.

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

Mosin slung his rucksack around his waist and carried his rifle musket in a standard rifleman's grip, one hand holding the barrel, the other holding the stock. In this pose, it would be easier for him to carry the heavy rifle musket around.

"Silas," he asked. "I was wondering if we could stop over to Cheshunt on the border of Braile. I have been told that there is a working radio at the post office, which I need to use in order to return to Rojya." If they couldn't, Mosin thought that he would have to part ways with them much earlier than he expected.

Matthew Barton - Outlaw - Old Mill.

Matthew stepped forward. "I know that area, at least, the better traveled parts. Got some friends who owe me one as well."

"As for taking control, I nominate myself for that as well. Unless anyone else has experience in the area and think's they're up for it. Cheshut you say? Close enough I think. Good place to gather information about what we will run into later."

He continued. It would also serve as a perfect place to break off, he knew a tavern owner who had a rather impressive speak easy set up in the basement of the bar, and he could slip in there and vanish.

He sighed there were so many people know, which basically forced them into direct confrontation between them and anyone they met, unless they wanted him to be in charge, if so he would do hid best to convince them that most of the time it would be better to weasel their way out instead of shooting.

Dimitry Popov - Mercenary - Old Mill.

Dimitry rubbed the one of the lenses on his gas mask with a cleaning cloth. It was smudged, which would just irritate him, especially of he attached the thermal imaging unit. The loyalists loved their smoke screens, and he wanted to have the advantage.

He shifted on his feet with impatience. How stupid could the rebels be to not figure out how to line up in a orderly matter? Or maybe it was Evelyn. He didn't trust her, didn't respect her, and doubted she would pay up willingly when this was over with. But she had a kid, and that meant he had leverage. Not that he would need to be payed with this all went to plan.

He just stayed where he was, watching everyone run around like decapitated chickens. This rebellion would be over once they ran into actual soldiers of Falcon's Reach, the ones who held the borders against shades and hellhounds, and they would cut this disorganized pack of yokels to ribbons.

He sighed and leaned back, wishing that he had chosen a group of combatants that actually had odds of winning.

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

Silas's answer worried Erick a little; he certainly didn't have the stomach for that sort of position, so he didn't dare volunteer himself either. He could only hope people didn't start fighting over it. Luckily, soon enough, the highwayman stepped up to take the lead. He seemed like a reasonable fellow - someone Erick didn't think he'd mind taking orders from for a while. Though, honestly, he was surprised Alice hadn't volunteered. Erick turned toward her, curious, to find her watching Barton with a similarly puzzled expression.

After a time, she smiled. "That sounds reasonable. Do we have any other volunteers, then, or shall we be on our way?"

Erick raised an eyebrow and faced forward again. "As far as I'm concerned, Bart can take the lead." Alice's odd reaction snagged in his mind; he had seen her try to be sneaky before, and she stuck out like a sore thumb to anyone who knew the first thing about it. Maybe she didn't want to be led by a highwayman or perhaps she simply disliked him, but there were gears turning behind that sugary facade.

Erick nearly jumped when Celaena spoke up, jarred from his thoughts, and couldn't help laughing at himself. He whispered back, "We're going south, into Braile. Silas says he can take us to some supplies that'll help us get through this, so we're going to find it and then try to rejoin the others before they storm Hydris. Like I said, piece of cake."

 Celaena- Assassin

She nods slowly at his answer, "I see... So we are picking the leader?" Celaena steps up a bit and speaks up with a harsh yet stern tone to her voice, "I rather have either Alice take the lead. I trust her more to follow through the task that is at hand." She crosses her arms and smiles sweetly at the group and looks at this Bart guy and a her smile threatens to become a smirk as she stares him down. "I mean she seem to have more experience plus I like her better than a mere outlaw."

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

Mosin raised his hand and stepped forward. "Would any of you mind if I took point? I am not familiar with the area nor do I wish to lead, but I can provide forward reconnaissance. If I find any potential hazards or hostiles several meters ahead, I will call them out or eliminate them if necessary."

Mosin believed that by taking point, the group would move at a faster, safer pace. He went on to explain, "My abilities as a marksman can be used to its full potential this way. Of course, if anyone else would like to come with me, I would certainly not turn them down."

Alice Beckett-Oswald - Captain of the King's Guard - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Alice physically flinched when Celaena spoke her name, alarmed by the suggestion, and made a hurried dismissive motion with her hands. "Miss Moonlight, I may be a knight, but I'm just as much an outlaw as he is. By being here, I'm committing treason as we speak - and so are you. Please, let's not turn this into something ugly."

Erick shifted where he stood, surprised by Alice's pleading tone as much as Celaena's protest.

Feeling his questioning gaze, Alice rushed to explain herself. "If our goal is to move quickly and to avoid resistance - which it should be - then I'll be of little use. I would sooner nominate Erick than myself." Alice's only acknowledgment from Erick was an amused snort. In response to Mosin's request, she gave a small nod and looked to Barton, attempting to gauge his reaction.

Nearby, Alice heard Erick muttering to Celaena, "However this turns out, you've got good intuition."

## Page 6

Matthew Barton - Outlaw - Old Mill

Matthew slowly turned and faced the assassin. He adopted an condescendingly polite tone and said. "Maybe I am a mere outlaw. But I don't see anyone else stepping forward, so I guess everyone else has less of a problem with me than you do. So unless you have any more remarks allow us to start moving."

He moved his head to speak with Mosin "Having a scout is always helpful, especially considering the numbers of loyalists, guards, and soldiers that are most likely swarming the countryside."

He didn't expect to be chosen as the leader, but since it appeared that the majority of them didn't have a problem with it he wasn't going to argue with democracy, because wasn't that the whole reason this rebellion was going on?

Jessica Stuart - Ambassador - Grail embassy, Hydris

Jessica glared out the window at the mass of protestors outside the embassy. The riot breaker team stood at the gate, watching for a change in the crowd, rocks, bottles, and the occasional pistol shot bouncing off their black and red armor. Also in the courtyard were several animal handlers struggling with half trained hellhounds. The dogs were there not to be used, except in an emergency, their presence was to intimidate the crowd even more, because as scary the riot breaker troops were, waste creatures were far worse.

She went back to her desk, and began reading through government dispatchs that had arrived during the night.

The most recent council meeting had been even more fraught with conflict between the ultra nationalists and the internationalists. And from the looks of it the ultra nationalist "victory" party was gaining traction amongst the moderates.

What was more concerning was the report by the second fleet that someone had stolen a super combine bomb from a secure bunker in a military test site. The bomb had been reported stolen over a month earlier but with bureaucracy the way it was Jessica was surprised she has even received a notification.

She opened a drawer in her desk and took the standard issue gas mask out and set it on a side table so she could grab it if needed. It would provide some protection if the bomb went off nearby, and toxic ash was raining down on Hydris.

Celaena- Assassin

She crosses her arms and looks at Barton after listening to everyone, "I don't trust you. You act like you have other plans in mind, been there done that." She gives him a sly smile as she swiftly approaches him, leaning forward slightly she looks up at him, since is shorter than him, but there was a wicked gleam in her eyes as she stared into his. "However if you want to be leader, then I won't stop you. But if you try to do something other than the mission and we ALL go back to the rondevu point then just be weary of getting your tendons cut in half~" She grins wickedly, "Though don't worry, Jack can make you some metal legs so you can hobble around to beg for money~," with that she nimbly steps back and does a back cartwheel to Erick side and stares Barton down.

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

```

Erick answered Barton's suggestion with a nod, eager to leave and hoping to avoid a scuffle, and froze when Celaena outright confronted the man. He took a hesitant step forward, tempted to intervene, and was obviously disturbed by the blatant threat. He bowed his head as began began to settle in when Alice's voice abruptly raised to address the assassin.

"That is quite enough, Miss Moonlight. You don't have to enjoy following Barton's lead, but you will treat him with respect as long as he commands this group."

Erick was quick to voice his shallow agreement, suddenly desperate to leave the mill. "Looks like everything's settled, then! Off we go!" Hardly subtle, but his motives would have been obvious regardless; he just wanted to keep them from fighting.

  Boraci - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

There arose a small scuffle over who was to lead the group. It was quickly dispersed, mostly by Alice's protests, and Erick made sure to get the group moving. I kept near the back, trudging along in my heavy boots. It looked like I might have to put up with Miss Moonlight's antics the entire way to Braile, which didn't sit well in my stomach. At least they weren't directed at me.

I was perfectly happy with Barton as leader, and it was a good idea to have Mosin as a scout. Hopefully we'd bump into somebody and there'd be a little confrontation. Something to stir things up a bit would be appreciated. Maybe another rebel group that had bees up their pants. Or, gasp, even a loyalist band! Most likely, though, we'd just encounter citizens who were tired of the fighting and wanted to get on with their lives.

 Jack- Blacksmith

Jack grabs Celaena arm and pulls her aside and lowers his voice, "What the hell were you thinking?! Are you trying to get yourself killed?!?," He growls slightly in annoyance when Celaena pulls her arm away and pulls her red, beautiful braided hair over her shoulder. He watch her scarred, small hand fiddle with the braid. His eyes move to hers which met his in a icy stare.

"No. It doesn't concern you what I'm thinking or what I'm doing." Her words stung a bit and he knows that she knew it would.

"It does concern me. I'm trying to protect you."

She glares and snaps harshly, "I don't need protecting." She turns on her heels and walks back to Erick. Jack lets out a aggravated huff and follows after her, but letting her have her space.

Celaena- Assassin

Now irritated with Jack fussing, she might as well make some small talk with Erick to distract her from Jack's stare from behind. "So Erick, Have you found anyone yet? Got a girlfriend? Boyfriend?" She forces a small smile, trying to be light and happy for his sake. She reaches to pull her cloak around her but then she realizes that its now missing. Damn, that was my favorite cloak too... So she pulls out her knife and starts fiddling with it, keeping herself distracted.

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

Mosin nodded at Barton, acknowledging that they'll have to work together in the meantime. He supposed they would get going now that the matter of leadership had been resolved. "What are your orders?" Even if Barton was truly an outlaw, Mosin hoped that he would use opportunity to do some good for himself.

Vadim- Mercenary- GoldeLedge, Braile

Vadim closed his eyes.

Suddenly he could feel the sharp, winter wind whipping at his face. He was on Sasha again, galloping through the snow, then the blood. The wet ground was stained with blood from both the ghouls and the humans they feasted upon. He readied himself, slowed his breathing down as he brought his lance down with it. Time slowed as the snowflakes melted all around him. He could see their individual patterns, each of them unique. Millions of them as they melted and crashed into the world around him. Then he crashed as well. His lance impaled the veloz ghoul with a tremendous impact, nearly bringing the beast's ravenous face towards Vadim.  Vadim had to let go of the lance and drew his saber. He slashed at another veloz ghoul he passed. Blood and gore splattered all over Sasha's white hide. Roars and screeches began to fill the air as the ghouls began to spot Vadim and his men. They didn't have much time. Eyes upon ranks of hungry eyes turned towards Vadim. They rose from their meals. Vadim saw them, hundreds of them. Hundreds of black eyes focused on them then all at once, they charged at him. Sasha turned and began to gallop back. Vadim sheathed his sabre and fired backwards with his pistol in some vain hope of killing some that were on their tail. The screeches grew louder and louder as they began to catch up. Vadim glanced to his left side, seeing a rider torn from his saddle and being ripped to pieces before he hit the ground. Vadim spurred Sasha on harder, gritting his teeth as they approached the forest line. At first, the flares were shot into the sky. Then, the rattle of machine guns filled the night sky.

The sharp whistle of the train awoke Vadim from his sleep. He peered out the window to see that he had finally arrived. He was greeted by a cheery conductor and left the train car alongside a good number of people. The train ride had cost him a hefty sum but it was towards a mystery that needed solving. Vadim stepped off the train car and onto the platform. Vadim took a deep breath, smelling the warm air. It was a new breath of air for him as he had never ventured this far south before. It would be a new experience for him but this isn't exactly a vacation.

"Temple tenements, 4th George Street, Castelton Avenue..." Vadim muttered beneath his breath. It was a litany he said every few minutes to remind him why he was here. The lieutenant colonel had left in a hurry, he forgot to cover his tracks or more specifically, he forgot to burn his receipts when he left his residence in Rojya. It was now a matter of time before Vadim would get some answers but his throat was parched. Vadim needed a drink .

```
     Matthew Barton - Highwayman - Old Mill, Fairhaven.

```

Matthew watched the assassin dance around like a moron for a second before turning to more important matters at hand, though he did mutter "Fucking psychopath." Under his breath, too quietly for anyone to hear.

He nodded to Mosin before looking out the door. "We stick to side streets, avoid confrontation. Our enemy knows this city, so they will have a major advantage. Keep close together, we'll head towards the east gate, hopefully the majority of local militia will be distracted by the main rebel force."

"And we should leave now, put as much space between us and the city before nightfall." With that he started walking towards the door, unbuttoning his jacket so he could more easily access his weapons.

Dimitry Popov - Mercenary - Old Mill, Fairhaven.

Dimitry growled and started pacing. Evelyn was even more incompetent than he had thought possible for someone in her position to be. He went over his rifle once again, tightening the bayonet lug even more, despite it being tight enough. He tested the balance, and while it wasn't perfect since he didn't have the cleaning kit in the stock, it was good enough.

As he paced Tabaraamon appeared next to him. "Found some locals nearby, killed them for you."

"Were they armed?" Dimitry asked.

"Yes. They were waiting to ambush this lot." The shadow said with a wave toward the rebels.

"Wonderful." Dimitry sighed.

"It was so easy. I need to fight something more interesting."

"Considering the way this is going, you might get to fight half of the army of Falcon's Reach."

"That would be different. Haven't done anything like that in a few centuries. I'll do it."

"We have to get there first." Dimitry sighed.

Alice Beckett-Oswald - Captain of the King's Guard - Old Mill, Snowview, Fairhaven

Alice followed Barton without a word, idly resting a hand on the pommel of her sword. It seemed almost impractical to carry it then, when she had a rifle over her shoulder, but she decided to allow herself a little sentimentality. Besides, despite the immense difference in range, she would probably be more likely to survive with a sword nonetheless. Her father had suggested some months ago that she might be shortsighted; if she made it through this, maybe she would get her vision checked. At the very least, it would be useful to become skilled with a handgun.

She was careful to give every roof they passed a quick once-over, hoping to prevent any more cheap shots from those Hallows people. Despite the fact that they were heading for territory which was largely unknown to her, she was glad to leave Snowview, and stepping out of the mill had been like leaving a dark cave for the first time in months.

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

Erick shot a dull glare at Jack for his bitter temper and faced forward again as the group made their way out of the mill. The following mention of romance from Celaena amused him, and he held back the urge to make a joke of it. "Ryouki Sato," he answered slowly, smiling. "I think you'll like him." Once the inevitable lapse in self control hit, he once again turned toward Jack. "So, feel free to stop eye-stabbing me anytime now. I'm already smitten with someone else."

Quite pleased with the idea of permanently stepping out from under Jack's death stare, Erick returned his focus to the task at hand, though a twinge of concern crossed his expression when he noticed Celaena reaching for a cloak that was no longer there. "Chilly?"

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

Evelyn found her focus lingering on Silas's group, her eyes squinting into a glare. What the hell were they squabbling over? Just as she began to consider intervening with whatever argument they seemed to be having, they quieted down and began to exit the mill, prompting Evelyn to get her recruits prepared to leave after them. She raised her voice and turned toward them, "Alright, let's get moving! Stay in formation and keep your eyes open." With that, she moved to the front of the group and began to lead them outside, restlessly scanning her surroundings.

 Celaena- Assassin

She laughs slightly at his remark to Jack, who blushed slightly and looked away, "I'm sure I will. I always knew you would go after a guy." She smiles slightly, "I'm perfectly fine..Just used to having my cloak... It seems I've misplaced it..... But the cloak wasn't that important... I had foolishly stuck the small drawing of my parents in it...However its alright, I knew sooner or later I would have lost it, been killed, or robbed. Whichever had come first." She fiddles with her dagger as she talked. She then smiles at him, "That was all in the past!" She laughs loudly then looks away and brushes her fingers on her cheek, "Sorry something got in my eye, while I was rambling on about stupid things."

Jack watches her sadly then stares at his feet as he walked along.

## Page 7

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

Silas had been staring off to the distance during Mr. Barton and Ms. Moonlight's argument. At the first sign of trouble, his eyes glazed over and their voices around him dulled into a murmur until finally, another squabble in the group had ceased. It was a trick he was coming to learn, one that he would have to employ often if he were to hold on to his senses. Better to pretend nothing was happening than to add more fuel to the fire.

When the group began to move, he fell back from the front to the center-most part. Mr. Barton seemed to know where he was going, which meant Silas's guidance was unnecessary. He was free to burrow himself in the cluster of people, safe from any danger. A cowardice move, he'd admit, but he wasn't as if he cared about that sort of thing. Much.

The woman was with them, for some reason. He wondered if it had anything to do with that conversation he overheard. He narrowed his eyes at the back of Mr. Barton's head. At least their dear leader wasn't planning on charging forward, guns blazing. Silas was sure he would collapse from even a light wound, supplies on hand or not. His hand squeezed the top of his satchel. Almost home. I only need to survive.

Erick Bailee - King's Bodyguard - Snowview, Fairhaven

Celaena's off-hand comment brought a suspicious look to Erick's face, leaving him somewhat tempted to challenge it, until she began explaining why the loss of her cloak bothered her so much. His fingers began to fidget and his face scrunched into a slight grimace, as it often when he thought very hard about something. "A drawing of your parents?" Erick's eyebrows furrowed until they almost met in the middle. He couldn't stop the group, and leaving - noticed or unnoticed - would probably be difficult. Then again, this was a special situation, wasn't it?

"I lose things all the time. There's almost always a way to get them back." He shot the girl a grin and lowered his voice to a whisper. "For example... If you know where you might have left your cloak, I could get it back for you." He faced forward again as he waited for her answer, pushing his shoulders back as he once again reminded himself to stay alert.

Asbel Sutherlin - Rebel Mercenary - Snowview, Fairhaven

Asbel turned this way and that as he walked, surveying the crowd around him. He stayed in his place well enough but occasionally strayed a little, still adjusting to the measured pace of the group. Once they had all made it out of the mill, Asbel's nerves instantly began to fray. He had no idea what he was doing. Then again, Evelyn probably didn't either, which was much more of a comfort than it should have been. If he simply kept his head up and tried, for once, to watch where he was going, then he could surely lend a hand somehow.

Alice Beckett-Oswald - Captain of the King's Guard - Snowview, Fairhaven

Alice moved a little to her right in order to give Silas a space near the group's center, which he seemed to prefer over a place at the front. Not a good sign, she thought, but she could understand it. Even in Braile, they were all but bound to encounter trouble, and whether or not they could successfully stay out of its way remained to be seen. So, in the hopes of at least breaking up the dark gray cloud hovering over the group, Alice quietly chimed in. "You know... I've seen groups with rougher starts than this do quite well for themselves." From beside her, Erick huffed a small laugh. Brushing off the reaction as if she hadn't heard it, she gave a sagely nod, and resumed her careful watch over the rooftops.

 Celaena - Assassin

She blinks and looks up at him, her eyes seem bright for once, "You know where it is?" Celaena keeps her voice low as well, not wanting anyone else basically just Jack from grabbing it for her. She hated owing people, "Do I have time to quickly grab it?" Her eyes dart around looking at everyone before meeting Erick's brown eyes with her bright blue eyes.

 SVT-13 - Renagade Special activities - Barn, Fairhaven.

Alexi slowly paced across the hay loft of the barn they were using as an observation post since it was far enough from the bomb to be safe, but they could still watch the detonation. Jefferson was sitting in a pile of hay proof reading a letter to his wife while Rankin was off somewhere flirting with the farmer's daughter.

They had told the farmer and family that they were merchants who's luck had run out and been forced to sell just about everything. Their motorcycles and weapons were hidden in a dense grove of trees.

They needed to be nearby to make sure everything went properly. Alexi himself had no doubt the bomb would be powerful enough to level the dam, but it might also vaporize too much of the water and wouldn't result in the catastrophic flooding they were hoping for. It was always a possibility.

He kept pacing.

"That is extremely irritating you know." Jefferson sighed from his seat in the hay.

"Shut up." Alexi snapped.

"Fine." Jefferson grunted and pulled a small book out of his pocket.

"What are you reading?" Alexi asked.

"Nothing." Jefferson replied.

"Sure." Alexi said before snatching the book from the other man. It was blank.

"I use it as an excuse not to do anything. No one bothers someone reading, and all I have to do is look at it and flip the pages every few minutes." Jefferson said and snatched it back.

"You keep watch. I'm going to sleep." Alexi sighed and found a place to lie down.

Dimitry Popov - No faith in Humanity - Leaving the Old Mill, Fairhaven.

Dimitry and Tabaraamon walked ahead of the larger formation of rebels, Dimitry's recruits trailing behind him in a loose "V" formation.

The city was extremely quiet, and if it wasn't for the rebels marching behind them it would have seemed like he was the only living thing here. He hated cities. So many blind zones, so many windows an enemy could leap out of. At least in the wastes you could spot your enemies on the horizon, and at least have some warning.

"I really hope I actually get paid for this job." Dimitry growled.

"Me too, then you might stop complaining." Tabaraamon replied.

"Yeah, but at least during the war of the wastes we were fighting for the common good. This? I really don't care who is sitting in the throne in Hydris."

"You don't think they will be able to change their government system?"

"No. The council was formed because a succession war would have been too bloody. No one wanted to see what pitched battles between sandships would look like, so they compromised. Here? They'll keep tearing at each other like starving hellhounds until only one is left. Years, decades even, of war. I could make a fortune."

"Indeed." The shadow replied looking towards the sky.

Vadim- Mercenary-  The Blind Mouse, GoldeLedge, Braile

It wasn't long walk from the train station that Vadim found a inn that had sounds of merriment coming from every window, and door. Vadim was used to drinking but he wasn't so used to drinking in this southern weather. Most of the time, he would drink to keep warm but a drink was a drink.

He walked closer to the establishment to see the name of the inn.

"The Blind Mouse..." Vadim scoffed at the ridiculous name. He usually didn't judge the name of inns but this one, he had to laugh at. It was at least better looking than the places he is used to. The Blind Mouse occupied a corner of an impressive-looking building that stretched down the street. In fact, most of these shops and businesses seemed like they were partitioned from the larger buildings they occupied. Each space was enough for the business to display their wares and attract customers. And most of all, it was quite orderly. Voldovagrad was a not a city to scoff at but the building seemed like they were built continuously on top of one another, making the streets crooked and perpetually filled with traffic. He wondered if that was the effect of all the wars that Rojya had over years or simply terrible city planners.

His thoughts were cut off when a man drunkenly stumbled out onto the street. A man that looked like he had been drunk since last week. He sloppily got up and did the most insulting rendition of the famous Rojyan step, flailing his arms and legs as if he was a puppet being shaken by their nefarious puppet master. The man bounced towards Vadim and pointed towards Vadim's patch.

"Th-ank yo-uh fou yah service!" The man said. "I hoooped yah gave theeem ghouls a thrasing!"

Before Vadim could answer him, let alone knock him out, the man waltzed down the street. At least someone this far south acknowledged what his countrymen had to go through.

Vadim entered the inn to the sounds of a busy establishment. Laughter, loud talking, glasses clinking and a band playing music filled the air. He snaked around the full tables and towards the bar. The bartender was a rather spry and quick old lady who was attending to several patrons in the span of a few minutes. Vadim was taken aback at how swift yet graceful the old lady was in attending to the busy bar that it took a few awkward seconds of the old lady practically screaming at him to realize that it was his turn.

"Hello! Welcome to the Blind Mouse! Anything you need?" The old lady said at the top of her gravely voice.

"Do you Akadian Eight?!" Vadim also shouted back, half expecting a resounding no. Half the time he drank in Rojya, they ran out of his favorite drink: Akadian Eight. Akadian Eight constantly sells out because of its easy-drinking and crisp flavor. Not to mention that a Czar once coined this his favorite drink as well but the name eluded Vadim for the longest time. The old lady gave a quick look under the counter and filled the glass.

"You're quite lucky! This is the last drink!" The old lady, flashed a toothy grin. "The name's Mouse! If you need anything just give me a call!"

Vadim grinned back but mostly because they actually had his drink. He sipped and took in the taste before he reminded himself why he was here. He took out a small piece of paper which had the address of a certain officer by the name of Gustav Fyorovich.

"Mouse!" Vadim called and the Mouse came to him quickly despite the noise. "Do you know where this address is?"

Mouse looked at the paper Vadim gave, gazed up at the ceiling in thought before bringing it back down to the paper.

"Take the tram outside to Wilker's Street, make a right and keep going straight. The tenements will be on the right side, next to the post office!"

"Thank you very much!" Vadim happily yelled. Mouse grabbed his arm and gave him a sincere look.

"No, thank you dear. I can't imagine what you boys must have went through. This one is on the house, okay? You have to treat our veterans right!" Mouse nodded her head went back to tending the bar. Vadim finished his drink and left in a hurry, catching the tram before it left. Going here was a good decisions after all.

 Lucas Oswald — Snowview, Fairhaven

It had only taken a few minutes of walking before Lucas began to feel unwelcome in the empty streets of Snowview. Every few steps, he expected an enemy to appear on the top of a roof or down a dark alleyway. Lucas had learned to be alert from all the time spent in the Wastes, where every step was a risk. But the feeling of danger around every corner would never be something he’d get used to.

“You know,” Alice said. “I’ve seen groups with rougher starts than this do quite well for themselves.”

Lucas laughed under his breath and thought back to their ragtag team of heroes. It was surprising how much time had passed. The Wastes seemed like a distant memory, one he wanted to forget. But everything that was happening in Falcons Reach was a result of the dreaded wasteland. Would he ever forget?

He slipped his hand into Alice’s and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

“Aww,” Griffin said, making kissing noises in their direction. Lucas rolled his eyes and watched as Elizabeth punched Griffin in the arm.

Griffin Parrish — Rebel Officer — Snowview, Fairhaven

“What was that for?” Griffin asked. He rubbed his arm where Elizabeth’s strong punch landed.

“Can you be more immature?” she said with a disapproving shake of her head.

“I was only joking,” Griffin said apologetically. “Plus, I thought I could lighten the mood a little.” He inched slightly away from Elizabeth toward the front of the group.

The streets of Snowview seems eerily quiet. He couldn’t help but glance over his shoulder, half expecting to see someone following them. His eyes scanned the rooftops for the rebel group who called themselves the Black Hallows. After reassuring himself that there was no immediate danger, Griffin’s shoulders relaxed slightly.

“So,” he said in a sing-song voice, “What’s the first stop?” His question hung in the air.

Matthew Barton - Outlaw - Snowview, Fairhaven

Matthew's shoulders slumped slightly when the young rebel asked when they would be stopping. He hadn't considered that, he had just assumed they would walk until they reached their destination or night fell. Of course, he doubted some of them could keep that sort of pace up. They didn't live by wandering the roads.

"We'll stop at noon to eat and make sure no one is following us, but until then we keep moving." He didn't want to stop, but what could he do? Abandon the ones who couldn't keep up?

Maybe if they ran into a stagecoach he could convince the others to help him rob it. Down with the wealthy, rise up the proletariat or whatever other hogwash these people preached.

"So, the mighty Woods Men, heard about you. What makes you different than all the other rebels? Other than your superior technology if course."

It was something he noticed early on, the difference between the common rebels and the Woods Men, a greater level of competency.

SVT13 - Renagade Special activities - Barn, Fairhaven

Rankin climbed the narrow ladder into the hay loft, glanced at Jefferson sitting in a corner running a sharpening stone across his katana, occasionally shaving off a little sliver a paper to ensure the blade was razor sharp.

Alexi was stretched out in the hay, eyes shut.

"So I was invited to bring you two down for lunch. The family doesn't get much in the way of visitors, and would be quite happy if we joined in." Rankin announced.

Jefferson didn't even look up. "Sure. I could use a home cooked meal. Dried fruit, meat, and roasted nuts are getting a bit boring."

Alexi opened one of his eyes and yawned. "When?"

"About three hours." Rankin replied.

"Fine." And then Alexi went back to sleep.

Rankin nodded and climbed back down the ladder.

Erick Bailee - King's Bodyguard - Snowview, Fairhaven

Making an effort to hide his slight nervousness, Erick continued to speak without taking his eyes from the road ahead. "Nope! I don't think you do - but I might, if you get my meaning." He chewed on his lower lip, aiming to choose his words carefully. Griffin's question gave Erick an idea, but its potential quickly fizzled; noon would be too late to run back to the mill. As he saw it, that left one option.

"Celaena, if you leave now, these people might think you've run off. That would be bad. So, just stay with them, keep my seat warm, and I'll be back with your cloak before you know it." He held out his right hand, shooting the girl a hopeful smile. "Deal?"

Alice Beckett-Oswald - Captain of the King's Guard - Snowview, Fairhaven

Lucas's barely audible laughter brought a smile to Alice's face, and her nerves quieted somewhat - even more so when Griffin's childish teasing caught her attention. Too embarrassed to dwell on the earlier tension of the group, Alice simply stifled her laughter so as not to encourage him and gave a slight shake of her head. The budding conversation between Griffin and Barton gained Alice's interest when the latter asked about Wood's Men, and she couldn't help but eavesdrop. Besides, after Hiram's rather secretive behavior, she was curious to know what sort of group he had created.

Celeana-Assassin

She watches Griffin with interest but looking back at Erick. Taking his hand she gives him a nod, "Alright. Don't be too long..." She mutters softly, before turning her attention back to Griffin and studies him. Cocking her head a bit to the side as she studies his build and tries to size him up, how many weapons he might on him and if he can use them well.

Griffin Parrish — Rebel Officer — Snowview, Fairhaven

Griffin took out his pocket watch and clicked it open. They still had a few hours until noon and his stomach was already growling.

“So,” Barton said. “The mighty Woods Men. Heard about you. What makes you different from the other rebel groups? Other than your superior technology, of course.”

“Well,” Griffin said with a mouthful of bread. “We don’t kill unless it’s necessary. Most rebel groups we’ve run into have been hostile. Woods Men protect the people.”

Elizabeth looked at Griffin as if he was a nasty bug. “Woods Men," she began, "want a better life for the people of this country, one the King could never provide. Most rebel organizations that have popped up seem to have their best interest at heart. We want a country of the people, for the people.”

Griffin nodded in agreement. “What we need is a new government system. The King has too much power on his thrown, and has abused it.”

## Page 8

Boraci - Snowview Fairhaven

I dodged dust clouds that were the result of the numerous pairs of shoes pounding against the ground. Maybe it would rain soon, but not too much. I didn't want to get stuck in the mud. I warily watched the rooftops, flinching a bit whenever I thought I saw a shadow. As the talk of Wood's Men reached my ears, I thought about the fight ahead. Because of course there'd be a fight. At least this time we didn't have to worry about Waste creatures; just the creatures of the cities. I fiddled with a couple of my knives in my pocket, pricking my fingertips.

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

Silas moved with the flow of the group, feeling like a piece of wood being carried adrift by the sea. Unlike before, the silence of the city was anything but calming. It made the air thick with uncertainty. He wanted to jump at every creak, every skitter. Just like the rest of them, he had enough of this place, that's for sure.

But even when his surroundings began to buzz with conversation, he couldn't bring himself to relax. He had to physically bite his tongue to keep from spewing something too vile in response to Mr. Parrish. Even a night's rest couldn't have contained the fury that had been born from their first meeting, and his nonchalance only served to spur his ire. After taking a moment to calm however, he still managed to keep his tone pleasant—a Silas level of pleasant—and his expression, ever guarded.

"A noble cause, I'm sure," he said. "But might I ask the reason, perhaps, for what purpose you spirited the majority of us away to your hideout in Glassvale?" And what gave any of you rebels the right to decide anything? "Forgive me, if I'm a little curious." He expected nothing more than a madman's answer, just like the ones to all the other questions which he had refrained from asking, but if there was one thing he wanted to try and figure out, it was why he was brought into this mess.

What, exactly, gave rise to his own personal hell.

Griffin Parrish — Rebel Officer — Snowview, Fairhaven

“Well,” Griffin said, “we all know that Hiram is one for theatrics. He had been keeping an eye on some old friends of his. Hiram is never too particular when it comes to his plans. But he had us following the train. When it derailed, we were right on the scene.”

Griffin shrugged his shoulders and took another bite of his loaf.

Elizabeth nodded as Griffin recounted the day the train had derailed. She peered in Silas’s direction, studying him.

“As we all know,” Griffin continued, “that day didn’t go as planned.”

Erick Bailee - King's Bodyguard - Snowview, Fairhaven

Erick visibly relaxed upon receiving Celaena's approval, and gave her a quick pat on the shoulder. He didn't mind traveling alone for a while, even in a place like this; there were plenty of places to hide, and he knew his way around well enough. As he considered the best way to part from the group without raising suspicion, he noticed Celaena's eyes on Griffin and smirked. Knowing that Celaena was a dangerous person to embarrass, however, he thought better of actually mentioning it.

"Guys," he began, just loud enough for the rest of the group to hear. "It looks like I left something really important back at the mill." He easily brought up a sheepish laugh and snapped his fingers, faltering only slightly when he caught a puzzled look from Alice. "Just my luck! So, I'm just going to go and grab that, and I'll be back shortly. Don't wait up!" Hoping the political conversation would help shield him from his teammates' full attention, he gave a short wave of the hand and took his leave.

From behind, Alice called, "Be careful, Erick." And just like that, the unease began to set in. Overnight, he thought to himself, Snowview had become a fierce competitor for creepiest town in Falcon's Reach.

Alice Beckett-Oswald - Captain of the King's Guard - Snowview, Fairhaven

The explanation from Griffin and Elizabeth struck a chord with Alice, as much as she reminded herself to be skeptical. She bowed her head slightly, the brightness dimming from her smile until only a pensive stare remained. They made a better argument than most rebels, but that proved very little in the way of intention - or commitment. When she saw it for herself, she would believe it.

Silas' question raised several more for Alice, and she listened carefully for an answer. Old friends... Perhaps she was only being too cynical, but the phrase itself stuck out in her mind. If the people at the mill, the people she knew from the Second War, had come from that train... Well, Alice could only stomach so many coincidences at once. Yet another reason she needed to have a talk with the man, she guessed, though part of her dreaded the thought of it.

Erick's hasty goodbye turned Alice around to look at him, shocked. Running off alone in a place like this - what was he thinking? Judging from the nervousness in his voice, he was hiding something, and she eventually deemed it best to leave him to his business. Cornering him with questions wouldn't help, so she simply asked that he be careful and watched him go.

Evelyn Luciole - Secret Officer - Snowview, Fairhaven

Like an invisible fog, the smell of chemicals hung in the air and pricked at Evelyn's conscience. She had ruined this town. She could only wonder how long it would be before anyone in their right mind came back to this place; it felt like an empty shell. Not empty enough, though, it seemed. Far off, somewhere ahead of them, a gunshot rang out - then another, and two more. From where she stood, Evelyn could only guess at the culprits, but it didn't sound like there were very many. With an outstretched arm as a signal to follow suit, Evelyn slowed down to listen.

  Matthew Barton - Supply team leader - Supply team, Snowview.

Matthew cocked his eyebrow. "I'm sure his old friends were very understanding. From what I've heard  of them I'm surprised you are still alive."

The sudden disappearance of Erick surprised him, but didn't really matter overall. He noticed Silas seemed agitated about the rebels, but in control to a certain extent. He would side with the botanist if things came to blows, and doubted the rebels would be stupid enough to raise much of a fuss in fear of bringing additional enemies.

"This new government system, would it be something like the Grail council?" He didn't think it would happen. Ever single major rebel group would either have to agree, or be destroyed. But then again he had thought the wastes would have devoured Hydris by now, so he wasn't going to put any money on the outcome.

Dimitry Popov - Mercenary - Main rebel group, Snowview

Dimitry had finally relaxed a little, enough that he didn't need to glance across every rooftop every few seconds. There were enough armed rebels to discourage all but the largest or most suicidal attacks, and even then he was reasonably confident in the weapons the rebels had, if not the rebels themselves.

But that was one reason Evelyn had hired him, he had the skills and the equipment to help make up for the lack of those attributes within the rebel forces.

The sound of gunfire snapped him out of his thoughts and he glanced at Tabaraamon and in a low whisper said "Culver toss."

"No. Springboard." The shadow replied.

Dimitry nodded and grinned. "Good point."

The shadow crouched down, holding his sword parallel to the ground, flat of the blade pointed upwards. Dimitry backed up then sprinted forward, jumping onto the flat of the sword and the shadow heaving him upwards, launching the mercenary a good fifteen feet up, more than enough to let Dimitry swing himself over the low parapet wall on the second floor balcony.

He looked over the edge, but saw nothing. He shook his head, and motioned at Evelyn that he didn't see anything. Of course that meant that whoever was shooting wasn't within his line of sight. He hoped it was a small skirmish between rebels and the surviving guards, but nothing was ever that simple.

Celaena- Assassin- Snowview, Fairhaven

She continues to walk with the group with her arms crossed. She studies everyone in the group, trying to find strengths and weaknesses. She hated working in a team, someone will always mess up. If she messed up, it was her own fault and there would be no one in the crossfire. However if someone else messes up she surely will have save their butt. Celaena doesn't want to disappoint Erick or get blame when things go bad. She lets out a sigh and looks back to where Erick had run off. Maybe she shouldn't have bothered him with her cloak... it was just a drawing. She looks back at Griffin and watches him. He seems like he can handle himself in a fight and also seem to know a lot about what's going on. But Celaena stayed back in her position, keeping an eye on their surroundings as she fiddles with one of her throwing knives. Hoping Erick will get back quickly.

Evelyn Luciole - Secret Officer - Main Group, Snowview

Evelyn drew her pistol as Tabaraamon boosted Dimitry up into a nearby balcony for a better view of the area. In the seconds before Dimitry's signal, the gunfire drastically escalated, and Evelyn began to question the actual size of the scuffle. It drew closer, louder, until Evelyn feared a stray bullet might strike someone - and then stopped. A few antsy recruits inched forward, but Evelyn motioned for them to step back.

She held still, straining to make out even the slightest hint of movement, when a band of roughly twenty men, rifles waving wildly as they ran, rounded a corner and rushed straight at Evelyn. She raised her gun and aimed, but paused when she noticed them constantly looking over their shoulders, fleeing blindly as if from a pack of hellhounds. The terror in their expressions was plain even from a distance. Despite spotting Evelyn and the other rebels, none slowed down until one fell to the ground with an arrow through the back of his neck. Another of the men screamed, hysterical, and ran for an adjoining alleyway. The others followed, then disappeared.

Evelyn scanned the nearest rooftops for any sign of the culprit, but her attention was soon drawn by eight more people strolling around the corner. From head to toe, each one sported some of the heaviest armor she had ever seen, ornate but covered in dents and chips, and each carried a different weapon. They were obviously knights, probably among the King's best - but what the hell were they doing out here? The second soldier, carrying a shield and a large maul, was the first to approach. He stopped some distance away, and rested the head of his weapon on the ground.

Determined to have the first and last word, Evelyn spoke up. "Who are you?"

The second knight's voice left his helmet as a low, metallic snarl. "It makes no difference to you, wretch."

The rebels' guns bristled behind her, and Evelyn nearly raised hers as well, until she remembered the arrow. None of these eight carried a bow. Evidently, one more knight had yet to be seen; luckily, it seemed no one had spotted Dimitry either. "I guess not. Well, if you have business with the poor bastards who just ran down that alleyway, please don't let us distract you." They wouldn't dare, she thought - not against numbers like ours.

The sixth knight chuckled, but the second continued to give off an air of intense, seething hatred. "They'll die quickly enough on their own," he said, "and we have other places to be. But to ignore a group of this size..." He shook his head. "We would be remiss."

Without further warning, the knights rushed forward with alarming speed. Four men led the charge with shields raised, and Evelyn fired three shots from her pistol without fazing them in the least; if nothing else, she had to slow them down before they tore through the group like a battering ram. "Fire!" She drew the sword-breaker from its sheath and braced herself. "Hold your positions, don't let them through!"

Dimitry Popov - Mercenary - Maim Group, Snowview

Dimitry spun in surprise at the sudden appearance of the knights and quickly ducked behind the low wall that edged the balcony he was standing on. No need to reveal his position if Evelyn couldn't talk them out attacking. He also needed to find that damned archer before arrows started pelting the unarmored rebels. He was reasonably safe from arrows, his deep recon armor was designed to protect against roc talons and hellhound fangs, an arrow would not be any kind of problem.

When the knights charged he got ready. Their armor would be weaker from behind, and he didn't want to have to waste any of his expensive armor piercing rounds on this. He popped up, rifle at his eye and dumped six rounds into the nearest one. None penetrated. He was surprised, but then again he was using the weaker "automatic" rounds, so it shouldn't have been remarkable. Dimitry growled in frustration and aimed at the joint between the breastplate and the neck, but before he could fire and arrow struck him. It hurt, but didn't break the skin, just a sudden punch to the gur. He ducked and began crawling inside, hoping to lure the archer out.

Before he was inside he bellowed "Aim for the eyes!" In a hope that at least some of the rebels would hear him.

Tabaraamon - Undead horror - Main group, Snowview

Tabaraamon slowly walked forward, sword materializing in his hand. He grinned, this might actually provide a challenge.

He pointed his sword at the knights and in a magically amplified voice snarled. "One of you will face me in honorable combat. Or I shall slaughter you like plump little pigs the day of a feast."

Several stopped and stared, unable to comprehend what was happening. Then the biggest of the bunch, a fellow almost as tall as Tabaraamon and armed with a battle ax that rivaled Audun's in size stepped forward and rapped a metal clad fist across his steel breastplate. "I will fight you demon."

"I would like to know your name. Few men are brave or foolish enough to agree to fight one of the shadowed ones." Tabaraamon spoke as he advanced, taking a more solid form to make the fight somewhat less lopsided.

And then they began. The inky black sword and blood spattered war ax met with a crash, sending a shock up both fighters arms'. Tabaraamon ducked and spun, attempting to cut his enemy off at the knees, but the knight was far quicker than he had expected and brought the haft of the ax down, blocking the sword.

The ax came down, the shadow grabbing it and pulling with his free hand, throwing his opponent off balance and slamming the pommel against the man's shoulder with enough force to crimp the armor, jamming the joint. The knight snarled and made several wild attacks that Tabaraamon easily avoided.

Finally the knight made contact, knocking the sword out of the shadow's hand. Tabaraamon sighed, it had been fun, but now it was time to simply assert his dominance. He lunged, grabbed the knight's helmet and ripped it off, tossing it over his shoulder. The man screamed in sheer terror before his neck snapped. The shadow dropped the body, armor clanging. He glanced over and decided he had done his part, and the rebels should do the rest as a way to gain confidence and weed out the weak.

Celaena- Assassin

Starting to get bored she decides to get on higher ground, so ignoring everyone she walks up to a building. She bend down and pulls out a blade that was in the toe of her boots and she climbs up the side of the building, just by her nails and the blades. Once she reaches the top, she smirks at everyone below. She walks along the roof top, fiddling with her daggers.

Jack- blacksmith

He lets out a sigh as he watched her then focus on whats happening in front of him

 Hiram Wood — Rebel Leader — Main Group, Snowview

“Don’t let them through!” Evelyn yelled.

Hiram took the rifle from off of his back and began to fire at the eight large knights. Their shields deflected the rounds easily. They were advancing closer at strikingly fast speeds. With such large stature, he was surprised at how agile they were.

“Aim for the eyes!” Dimitry yelled from somewhere overhead.

A sudden idea sparked in Hiram’s brain. They needed a higher advantage. He shot a quick look at the rooftops and began to climb the nearest building. Once he was on top, he began to take aim at on of the knights below.

Before he could fire, an arrow flew through the air and knocked the gun out of his hands. He tried to catch it before it flew off the roof. “Great!” Hiram growled. He jumped to the next roof as another arrow flew passed his left shoulder.

Hiram scanned the rooftops for the archer, but he couldn’t stand still for long. Another arrow grazed his left shoulder as he took cover. He took two pistols from inside of his jacket and dropped onto the balcony that was below him.

Taking a leap of faith, Hiram jumped onto the back of one of the knights. He was about to fire the pistol into his neck, but the knight had surprisingly quick reflexes. Hiram was thrown to the ground.

Everything was blurry as Hiram was slammed onto his back. The knight loomed over him, his great sword raised in the air. Hiram rolled to the side as the sword hit the ground with a clang!

The knight grabbed Hiram by his shirt and lifted him off the ground. “Any last words?” he said, amusement in his voice.

BANG!

Hiram fired his pistol against the knight’s helmet. The knight released Hiram from his grip and went stumbling backwards. Unfortunately there was only a massive dent left from the bullet. But either way, the knight was off balance.

Hiram charged forward.

## Page 9

Danor Arkaitz - Gunsmith - Snowview, Fairhaven

The sight of the knights turned Danor's limbs to lead, and her entire body began to tremble before the first shot was even fired. She often heard horror stories about the high-ranking knights - everyone did. Even with their outdated, barbaric weaponry, they were practically superhuman and nearly impossible to touch. Still, with that archer above them, they couldn't run; her only hope was to fight.

She drew her pistol, sticking close to Leif's cart as Evelyn and Dimitry's orders echoed in her head. As much as the rebels tried to push back, basic instinct sent some of them inching backward or even turning to flee, but most who left the safety of the group were shot down by the hidden archer. Danor raised her gun and, realizing she had been holding her breath, took in a deep gulp of air. "Kristen, stay low."

That hateful knight with the maul was within her line of sight, knocking one and two rebels aside with every swing. From here, she thought, while he was focused elsewhere... Maybe she could get him. She crept closer, settled into a more balanced stance, and took aim...

The bullet clipped the edge of the helmet's gap, then hit the person inside. Like a wounded animal, he let out a splitting roar of pain and rage, swinging wildly. When he leaned forward, blood oozed from his face - and with his remaining eye, he caught Danor staring. She screamed when he dashed toward her, dazed and stumbling but still dangerously quick; before she could take two steps, a grazing blow from the maul knocked her to the ground.

As he lifted the maul into the air, she rolled onto her back and fired again, only managing to strike his helmet. His arms seemed to go limp, and he dropped to one knee. Obviously fighting the shock of the blow, the best he could do as Danor scrambled away was to catch her by the ankle, forcing another scream out of her. She knew her only chance was to turn around and keep shooting, but if he managed to drag her any closer, it would all be over. Why the hell had she taken that shot?

Erick Bailee - King's Bodyguard - Snowview, Fairhaven

Erick hurried through the empty streets, taking every possible opportunity to shield himself from sight, and soon found the familiar road leading straight from the mill. Reminding himself not to get too comfortable, he kept an eye on the rooftops and alleyways, moving much more slowly than he would have liked.

When he reached the mill, he peeked in through a window to find the place occupied by a group of about twenty people - rebels, judging by the guns and panicked arguing. Erick muttered a curse under his breath and ducked low to the ground, weighing his options. Maybe they were friendly, maybe they would blow his head off the minute he stepped into view; that wasn't a coin he was willing to flip. If he couldn't wait them out, he would have to either lure them out of the mill or sneak around them.

Dimitry Popov - Mercenary - Main group, Snowview Fairhaven.

Dimitry switched magazines, grabbing the mag with a blue stripe painted on the side from his bandolier and slapping it into position.

He saw an arrow strike a rebel and grinned. He had the archer now, considering the size of the street the only way the arrow could have hit from the angle it did was if the archer was... There.

There was an open window, and through it he could see a shadow being cast on the wall. The building looked like it was wood, so he would have no problem shooting through the walls. He waited for the archer to notch another arrow so he would be have a better estimate of where his target was. The archer drew another arrow from the quiver and Dimitry adjusted his point of aim a few degrees to the right and squeezed the trigger.

The long bluish gray bullet erupted from the barrel, streaked across the street at mach 1.5 and burst through the building's wall. Dimitry saw the archer's shadow jerk violently and collapse. He looked down at the knights and rebels it didn't look like there was much the rebels could do without plenty of luck.

He thought about the knights. They would likely have good information on the overall situation, and possibly what sort of security measures they might encounter across the kingdom. And the ransom that he could obtain for a captive knight would be substantial. He lowered his point of aim and shot the nearest knight in the left kneecap. The high velocity bullet had no issue breaking through the thinner armor at the joint, but also effectively blew the man's leg off. "Oops. So much for that." Dimitry muttered and went back to looking for archers, just in case there were more.

Jessica Stuart - Ambassador - Hydris, Fairhaven.

Jessica stretched and went back to eating her oatmeal.  Breakfast was one of the few parts of the day she wasn't bombarded with requests, documents, or reports. In the Grail fashion it was a substantial meal, plenty of oats, meat, and cold coffee. There wasn't any fruit, as that was saved for lunch, a much less hearty affair that Jessica often skipped to get more work done.

She sat with most of her staff, who all ate in silence. She carved off a large slice of honey ham and put it on her plate, and glanced towards the room the security staff were devouring the food faster than the kitchen staff could serve them. One of the animal handlers tossed a peice of pork the size of a loaf of bread to his hellhound hybrid, which snatched it out of the air and swallowed it after barely chewing. It was both disgusting and fascinating.

She thought back to a recent request from the first fleet for a situation report about the king's mindset and security arraignments. They claimed it would be helpful for foreseeing possible hostile action by the king, but Jessica wasn't that naive. She knew what sort of planning went into an assassination attempt. She had ordered several herself.

Matthew Barton - The best damn untruth teller alive - Supply Group, Snowview, Fairhaven.

"Get down. You're easier to spot up there." Matthew snarled at the assassin as she lurked on the roof top.

He wasn't used to staying hidden in a city, but the golden rule was the same as the countryside. Don't be silhouetted against the sky.

It would seem like something an assassin would know. At least, a good assassin would know to stay below the horizon. Well, he had exaggerated his ability to obtain money to fund the rebellion to Evelyn, so Celena probably did the same thing. It made sense, no one would tell the leader of a small army that they were only mediocre at what they did.

Tell a convincing lie and hope nothing comes to challenge it. That's how he had always lived, and it had worked out in his favor. At least most of the time.

Celaena- Assassin

She huffs at Barton's remark and rolls her eyes, "I know that after all I've been doing this for years, I'm looking for something." she growls back. She then mutters some unsightly words under her breath as she looks back towards the direction of the mill, a little worried about Erick. Then she licks her finger and sticks it up in the air and looks around more before jumping off the two story building and casually landed with barely a thud. She makes a face at Barton before slipping into the shadows. She runs a bit ahead of the group and darts into an alleyway, she pulls out a loose brick and smirks when she found a brown pouch. Celaena tucks the pouch into her pocket and waits for the group to catch up and walks over to Alice. Guessing in the normal chain of command, Alice was right below Evelyn however even if she wasn't she liked Alice enough anyways. Currently not liking Barton she decides to be childish and ignore him for the moment and hands the pouch to Alice, "This is the payment from the job I was suppose to do."

Danor Arkaitz - Gunsmith - Snowview, Fairhaven

When a sharp kick to the face proved ineffective against the knight, it became clear to Danor that she was doomed if she couldn't get back on her feet. Close combat with someone like this would be nothing short of a death sentence for all but the most skillful fighters. Worse yet, even though the knight clearly hadn't fully returned to his senses, Danor couldn't pull her ankle free no matter how hard she fought, and the man was already raising his shield like a weapon.

Danor raised her gun and aimed for the joint at the man's elbow, but before she could fire, two bullets struck the knight - then several more, each from a different direction. At least three rebels had targeted the knight, and although the barrage was sending a few more stray bullets in Danor's general direction than she was comfortable with, it gave her the distraction she needed to get away. By the time she was on her feet, the rebels had surrounded the knight like a pack of dogs; the gunfire from within the circle of people was deafening. Danor cautiously backed away, feeling sick, and tried to regain her bearings.

Asbel Sutherlin - Rebel Mercenary - Snowview, Fairhaven

No one was more surprised than Asbel that he had managed to survive the initial assault from the knights. He stuck close to Evelyn as often as possible, his back facing hers, and listened carefully for the sound of clanging armor. One of the attackers, carrying a two-handed sword, entered Asbel's line of sight shortly before having the lower half of his leg blown off; it was good to have Dimitry looking out for them from above, at least. Some distance away, a knight with a shield and flail seemed too busy swinging and bludgeoning his way through the crowd to notice someone pointing a gun at him from afar, so Asbel raised his rifle and took aim. The fighter was one of the largest and by far the most aggressive. The closest comparison Asbel could think of was an enraged hellhound - a huge, enraged hellhound with a suit of armor and a large, spiky weapon.

Alice Beckett-Oswald - Captain of the King's Guard - Snowview, Fairhaven

At Barton's scolding, Alice glanced warily upward, but Celaena's reply piqued her curiosity. Looking for something? Before Alice could ask the girl what she meant, she had disappeared into the shadows again, and Alice hesitantly returned her focus to her surroundings. Before long, the assassin returned, coins in hand, and surprised the knight by offering them to her. Alice waved the girl's hand away and patted her on the shoulder. "It's yours. Show it to Evelyn later if you like, but I'm sure you'll have all but proven your pure intentions by then." She shot the girl a cocky smile. "Isn't that right?"

Hiram Wood — Rebel Leader — Snowview, Fairhaven

There was no doubt that these knights were some of the best-trained fighters there were. Not only their giant size but their unmatched skill could make even the bravest Waste creature tremble in fear. Their armor was nearly impenetrable, as Hiram had found out when his bullet ricocheted off of the knight's helmet. But now that the knight was off balance, Hiram found it an excellent opportunity to get the upper hand.

The sound of battle rang around Hiram as he charged toward the lumbering knight. Pistols in hand, Hiram launched himself into the air and kicked the knight in the chest. The knight recovered quickly and swung his great sword at Hiram with surprising speed. Hiram ducked underneath the sword just in time and fired a few shots at the knight's helmet again. The knight was too quick; he dove out of the way the second Hiram raised the barrels of his guns.

The Knight took another skilled swing at Hiram, who jumped out of the way. As the knight was recovering from the miss, Hiram aimed his pistols expertly and…bang…bang…bang. The bullets made contact with the knight’s helmet again, making several large dents. There was no way the knight was going to be able to get that helmet off of him now. The giant stumbled backward and fell on the cobblestone streets, knocked out.

Celaena- Assassin

She returns the cocky smile her her own chilling smile, "Of course~" After walking a bit more she glances behind them and lowers her voice so Alice would be the only to hear, "How long will Erick be? Maybe I should've gone with him...." She pulls out a piece of wood and starts carving it, and it looks like she has been working on the block of wood for a while now.

Viktor Starkov - Royal Guard - Rojyan Embassy,Hydris,Fairhaven

Czarina,

We are anxious about your state back home. Not even Klaus Grisha or Anya Bodrov have replied to any of these addresses in your stead and it has been days since your last message. The princess has refused to eat, or leave her bed, or speak to anyone other than myself or Ryan. When she does, it's curt questions and tears. The pressure and your absence have made her suffer, and I am at my wits end of trying to find a way to settle everything out. I

He tossed aside the pen with frustration, and ripped apart yet another draft of the letter he desperately needed sent to Genya in the north. Ryan was out on an allotted errand, escorted by one of the Embassy's guards. Alina was in her quarters. With a turn of his head, Viktor could see her empty gaze out the window, her knees pulled up to her chest and her choppy, black hair curtaining over her face.

"Printsessa?" After a sigh, Viktor hesitantly turned to try and get his distracted charge's attention. Her blank gaze drifted away from the window slowly, hanging on the walls, the floor, the blankets around her, and then at Viktor's eyes. She then looked back to the floor, closing herself further off and turning away from her guard.

Please, Genya...she needs you.

???? and ???? - ???????? - Barrelling towards Sunrest, Fairhaven

"Where's the clutch again?"

"Lever to your right!"

"I can't reach it!"

"Just lean forward a little!" She lurched forward to try and gain hold of the lever to break the aerosani the two were piloting at a breakneck speed.

"We're going to crash, devushka, so step on it!" He yelled out in frustration and out of fright as the sight of a large building and a smaller, more distant group of people started to draw closer. (( girl ))

He had been injured, badly, moments before the two of them began an arduous journey from Ravka to Hydris in order to get Princess Alina out of the Rojyan Embassy and to a safe, secured location. One of their assailants from Rojya had managed to cut deep into his side with a weapon forged with blessed metal and it was taking the man days to heal the deep gash in his side. So now, the petite, and easily spooked immortal, was in the driver's seat. Her feet barely reached the pedals and she had to crane her neck to see over the window, so he was propped up in the passenger's side to be her eyes and ears as she struggled to maneuver the large military vessel.

"My uzhe na meste?" She whined as she slipped forward to reach for the break. (( Are we there yet? ))

"Net, no yesli my ne budem seychas ostanavlivat'sya , my budem umirat' !!!" ((No, but if we don't stop now, we're going to die!!))

"My uzhe-wuAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!" The young woman Shrieked as she managed to yank the clutch and the aerosani came to a screeching halt that lurched the two of them forward in their seats. The power of her cry shook the vehicle more, which made the impact hit both of them inside physically.

As the aerosani came to a stop, Anya Bodrov crawled out of the small space with levers and shifts and rubbed her hit head, tears forming at the corners of her eyes. She glanced up to see Klaus doing the same, mussing his messy blonde hair and the gash in his side opening up more.

"K-Klaus...are you-?"

"No. I still feel like shit. Thanks for asking." He curtly responded between heaving breaths. "Now let's get out of here before anyone starts to wonder what more Rojyan military personal is doing in Falcon's Reach."

Klaus Grisha struggled to his feet and reached a hand to help Anya out of her tight corner. The Grinning Ghost phased right through, but trembled as her dear friend helped her to stand straight. The two weaved their way out of the aerosani, and into the open area around it. After a glance or two, once his vision began to clear after being obscured by a bright sun, Klaus could see that they barely missed the large structure to his relief. The nose of the vehicle, however, was deep into the ground, and the boards underneath were practically crunched.

Anya began to tear up again, but Klaus brought her close and covered a hand over her mouth. "No tears, no tears. We'll handle this mess later. We just need to focus on trying to get to Hydris. From the looks of things, I think we've made it to the right province?" He looked around to see all their surroundings, trying to take in every detail. "We haven't been here in so long. Well, I haven't. I don't think you have."

"Never..." Anya mumbled behind his hand.

 Part 7 - Chapter 2

Alice Beckett-Oswald - Captain of the King's Guard - Sunrest, Fairhaven

As the distance widened between the travelers and the town of Snowview, the ambient tension slowly began to lessen; by the time they were nearly halfway to the southern province's border, things looked almost normal at first glance. Here and there, people passed by them just a little too quickly, their eyes glued to the cobblestones below. Voices reached them on occasion, though never within sight and never above the most modest speaking voice. The town around them was a cramped maze of lanes and alleys, and Alice struggled to search every possible hiding place before they passed it.

At this rate, if they were careful and lucky, they could make it to their destination and back without a single incident. Then again, Erick and Ryouki still hadn't made it back... The way she saw it, Erick had either been distracted by something or gotten them into trouble - quite possibly both. She just hoped they hadn't lost their way.

"Do we have a plan to get into Braile?" Alice let the question hang in the air for anyone to take, keeping her voice low.

Erick Bailee - King's Bodyguard - Snowview, Fairhaven

As Erick had suspected, wearing Celaena's cloak made him feel at least twenty-five percent stealthier - with another five percent added once he donned the hood. He reminded himself every few seconds to take it off the minute he saw Celaena, since he doubted she would find it as amusing as he did, but it was actually beginning to grow on him. As it was, he wasn't very mysterious, but with this thing on? Instant air of mystique.

In a place like this, though, he couldn't help looking a little pensive anyway. Everything about this damn town screamed danger, and after seeing those rebel men so spooked back at the mill, he was sure it wasn't his imagination. So, he carried his rifle rather than slinging it over his shoulder, and only spoke to Ryouki to help retrace their steps. This wasn't the place or time for silly risks.

Evelyn Luciole - Secret Officer - Snowview, Fairhaven

Evelyn could hardly believe her eyes. They weren't "winning" by any stretch of the imagination - her estimation of their losses made her feel sick - but they were holding their own. Several of the knights were injured, and the archer was either dead or incapacitated. If they ran then, she thought, most of them would certainly get away. On the other hand... It would also mean leaving most of the injured behind.

In that case, she guessed they would just have to force the knights to run away instead. "Don't let them near you!" Evelyn followed Asbel's sights to a nearby knight just before he fired, and followed suit; even after she saw blood, the man kept charging forward, and she had to shove Asbel out of his way before he tried to strike at them. They could win, she thought. It would be ugly, but they could win - and the sooner the risk to the knights outweighed their pride, the sooner it would be over.

Ryouki Sato - Sunrest, Fairhaven

Erick was on edge, rifle at the ready, and Ryouki was armed to the teeth right behind him. His eyes were scanning the area around them consistently, and thanks to his brother shortly before, he was now armed to the teeth with sharpened chakrams and blades secured in his clothing and light armour.

A distance away, he was jolted by a large shift in the ground, and the sound of what must have been a large crash. "Erick!" Ryouki nudged Erick to snap him out of his tunnel-vision focus. "I think we have company to the right...not too far off, but I think we should investigate." The bladesman unfurled his chakrams and adjusted the cowl of his undershirt over his mouth and nose.

Tsukiko Sato - Rebel Fighter - Snowview, Fairhaven

Her sister was one of the injured, and she was practically on fire with fury at this point as she fended off some oncoming men that tried to get after Taiyo and her brother, who was desperately trying to pull Taiyo out of the fray. Tsukiko's throat was hoarse as she cried out and fought up-close with her rapier.

"Watashitachi kara hanarete! Kanojo kara hanarete!" The youngster had spilled blood, landing a jab up and underneath a female knight's breastplate. More knights came up around her as her front foe fell, and her weapon clattered to the ground as they took her up by the arms. Tsukiko struggled and screamed as she tried to shake them off, but then, saw red splatter to her eyes as she barely managed a flinch. Her new assailants fell with her, but only she was able to stand up again and grab her blade. With a turn, she saw that the crazed Enrico had fended them off, his two pistols blazing and at the ready for more.

She barely knew the man, and her red-stained eyes narrowed at him at first, but then he gave her a grin that she somehow managed to read as "I got your back."

Illyushin Mosin - Polkovnik (Colonel) of the 13th Guards Division - Sunrest, Fairhaven

Mosin perked up when he heard a loud cry, followed by a crash, west of their location. He remained composed but it sent him further on edge. He ran back to the group's location to report on his findings, although he was sure they would have heard it. "I will see what it was," he said.

He ran towards the origin of the sound, stopping every so often to press himself against the buildings and check his surroundings. His finger was balanced on the trigger and he was ready to fire. When Mosin came upon the crash site, his grip on his rifle musket loosened and he stared at the scene in shock. A Rojyan aerosani? Here? When he turned his head, Mosin was in for a bigger surprise.

"Comrades Anya Bodrov and Klaus Grisha!" he exclaimed. "You have come as well?" He gave the open area a good scope, almost expecting to see Her Majesty behind them. "The Czarina, Her Majesty, is she alright? What happened to you both?"

## Page 10

Klaus Grisha - Former Guard to Czarina Andreyevich - Crash Site at Sunrest, Fairhaven

Anya yelped suddenly, leaping into Klaus's arms. He exclaimed in surprise as he caught the fragile girl. "What the hell?!"

"I heard someone!"

"Anya, please, just..." Klaus glanced up and was stunned to see a member of the Guards Division, evident with the uniform, approaching them with a lowering musket. "Sir." His tone dropped and became serious as he listened to the soldier's inquiries. Anya floated down, standing at attention at Klaus's side.

He then asked about the Czarina, and Anya's face fell, her posture crumpled, and eyes began to fill with tears again. Klaus yanked the smaller girl to his uninjured side to hide her face against his own military jacket and he looked at Mosin with a serious glance.

"She's dead. Executed by the people. Anya and I tried everything we could, or...I did. At least."

Anya moaned through her tears. "Klaus...let go of me. You're hurt." Her words were muffled as he pulled her closer.

 Vadim- Mercenary-  Temple Tenements, Goldledge, Braile

Temple Tenements reminded Vadim of the old paintings his father had of lavish castles and elegant chateaus that would make the drab oils come to life. With lavish colors and the appealing use of shading to detail the minute details within the pieces, these paintings had cost his father a small fortune. Temple Tenements looked like one of the castles in his father's collection but slapped on a gaudy row of buildings. The architects seemed like they were a little too inspired by the facets of castles and palaces so they desired to make an apartment block look like a king's summer palace. The result was nothing short of garish.

The street that Vadim took to get there opened out before him into an avenue and down the block were similarly gaudy houses. He wasn't familiar with designs but what he did know was that he didn't like it. He hastily crossed the street and looked for the entrance to the tenements. After a few moments of pacing up and down the block, he entered the gilded lobby where he was greeted by a man who stank of arrogance and too much cologne. The man was behind the counter, writing something in a thick ledger. The way he glanced at Vadim already enough for him to dislike him but he had to find that officer. Vadim approached the desk as his footsteps echoed throughout the empty lobby.

"Hello, may I help you today?" The man asked nonchalantly, his eyes scanned Vadim before continuing to write number down in his ledger.  Vadim reached into his pocket and pulled out a receipt.

"I'm looking for a Gustav Fyorovich. I was told he lived here." Vadim scanned the room anxiously as he waited for the man to respond, thinking that he might see Gustav.

"I'm sorry but Mister Fyorovich is no longer staying in this establishment." The man said dismissively, not even looking up from his writing. Vadim was taken aback but he still pressed on while also suppressing the urge to jump the counter and murder the man.

"Wait, I was told this was his current residence. I telegraphed here a week ago and they said he lived here. Did he say or leave any-"

"Mister Fyorovich terminated his contract rather recently, I'm afraid." The man still hadn't looked up but by the way he was gripping the pen, Vadim could tell that he was starting to get on the man's nerves. "And, even if he still lived here, I am required by law to maintain privacy of a resident unless the proper authorities ask of it. Are you part of the proper authorities?"

"Well no but-"

"Then I am afraid that I cannot continue this course in the conversation then." The man finally looked up with a hint of frustration through his calm face.

"This concerns Mister Fyorovich's good health. If I do not talk to him then I cannot help him." Vadim said as concerned as he could.

"If this concerns Mister Fyorovich's good health then I advise you talk to the proper authorities.  They would know what to do. Is there anything else, Rojyan?" The man looked Vadim straight in the eye. And in that moment, Vadim's eye twitched.

"Let me tell you about my experience with the proper authorities." Vadim reached out and grabbed the portly man by his small shoulder with an iron grip. The man let out an audible yelp as Vadim did so. "My comrades, fought and died for your so-called "proper authorities". While you laid down on your silk blankets, I was in the snow and mud and blood just so you can get up from your bed without a ghoul breathing down your neck. Just looking at you, I know you did not sacrifice a thing. Now you will give me the key to Mister Fyorovich's room and you will tell me where he went or I will give you a taste of what those monsters did to me."

The man reached below the counter and after a few moments of fumbling around, he dropped a copper key on the counter. He shakily pointed to the stairway to Vadim's left and meekly said: "3rd floor, second room to your right."

"Thank you, kindly." Vadim flashed a toothy grin and let go of the poor man. When he let go, the man fainted and fell right to the floor.

Vadim ran up the flights of stairs, knowing he had a good 30 minutes or so before the man awoke and called the authorities. Luckily for Vadim, Fyorovich's room was easy to find considering that its door was barely hanging on by the hinges, and there were three holes that bullets had passed through. Upon closer inspection, boot prints were firmly implanted on the door which means someone had kicked their way in or had tried at least. Vadim carefully entered the room to see it was a mess. This seemed like a repeat of what he found in Rojya with the place an utter wreck. Fyorovich had left as quickly as he had arrived it seemed. Boxes of his possessions were still untouched, and bed seemed barely used. Vadim could tell that this apartment was once quite spacious but the clutter and the boxes made it look like a cheap room in an inn.

Vadim didn't have enough time so he flipped through everything as quick as he could, looking for another clue. He rifled through Fyorovich's paper piles once more but this time he was unsuccessful in finding anything concrete. They were all bank receipts and transactions but no addresses. However,Vadim could see that Fyorovich was moving large sums of money and giving it to several people. Vadim wrote down as many names as he could before he heard the sound of heavy boots making their way towards him. He looked around for an escape before he noticed an open window next to the bed. Vadim grinned as an idea passed through his head.

"He went inside here!" He recognized the familiar voice as he tied the bed sheets to the frame then to the sheets themselves. It was a quick knot but it would do. The footsteps became louder and quicker. "Hurry up, he's still in there!"

Vadim regretted not staying long enough to see the disbelief on their faces. Vadim vaulted out of the window and shimmied his way down. It wouldn't bring him to the ground but it would bring him close enough to the ground so when he jumped, he wouldn't break every bone in his body. When he was close enough, he dropped down to a balcony below. He landed but he jumped off of that balcony as well. He landed with a resounding thud on the concrete to the confusion of bystanders below. When Vadim got up, his left arm surged with pain but he had to leave. It took a few meters of running for him to find out that he dislocated his arm after landing on it. He dashed into a corner, grasping his arm. Vadim collected himself with a deep breath before painfully pushing his arm back into its socket. With a sickening pop, his arm was back in place but grabbing a bottle of beer wouldn't be as easy it usually would for the time being.

Slumping to the ground, Vadim got the list of names and read through as he caught his breath. But, what he read took his breath right out of him.

 Dimitry Popov - Mercenary - Main Group, Snowview

Dimitry decided it was time to dispose of more knights. An unaccounted for archer was problematic, but not as big of an issue as enemies with almost impenetrable armor swinging axes and morning stars around like madmen. He swung his rifle around and aimed for the back of the armored soldier's head. The armor piercing round blew a clean hole through his target, and unfortunately, a rebel's knee.

He sighed, but what was he supposed to do? Just sit here and do nothing? Then he heard someone behind him. Before he could turn around someone looped some sort of wire or string around his neck and started pulling it tight.

Dimitry pushed back, the back of his helmet slamming into whoever was trying to strangle him. They both fell backwards the pressure on his neck abating. The attacker tried to stab him in the gut but Dimitry's armor preformed as it should. They rolled away from each other and stood back up. Dimitry went for his revolver, while his opponent drew a short sword and lunged. Dimitry ducked under the first swipe of the sword but couldn't get a shot off, they were too quick. Another swing hit him in the arm, giving him a nasty gash but nothing catastrophic. He grabbed their sword arm and yanked them closer. He couldn't fire this close since he had loaded high explosive rounds and would be within the lethal radius. So he put his gun over the other's shoulder and fired. The high explosive bullet hit the wall and detonated. The archer ended up with half a dozen peices of metal in his back which gave Dimitry enough time to finish the job with his knife.

He sat down, blood dripping against the floor from the wound in his arm, and breathed a long exhausted sigh. He ripped a section of the dead archer's cloak and wrapped it around the wound, pulling it tight, but not so tight it cut off circulation. Maybe an unaccounted for archer was a threat after all.

Matthew Barton - Outlaw - Supply Group, Approaching the crash site, Snowview.

Matthew glanced at Alice. "Actually I do. The roads are going to be swarming with patrols, both rebel and government. The government patrols won't be to much of an issue, since I assume as a knight you would out rank anyone we encountered. But we should stay off the roads, as they are not particularly direct and most routes would force us into Lynne, which would not be good."

"Now, from what I've heard there would normally be trains full of troops patrolling the rail system. Which would discourage rebels from moving near the tracks. But... The Snowview bridge was destroyed, and the nearest railroad bridge that crosses this river is almost a hundred miles down stream, so the patrols are going to behind schedule, by a long shot. The people in Fairhaven may not even know the bridge was destroyed, and any rebels likely haven't either. So we follow the tracks leading to Braille."

"So unless someone has a better idea..." A crashing noise cut him off, and Mosin went charging off without any warning.

"I guess we investigate that first. Spread out so we can't be easily surrounded."

He drew the sawed off from inside his coat and checked to ensure it was loaded with buckshot, then carefully began advancing towards the place the sound had come from.

Celaena-Assassin

She jumps slightly at the sound of the crash, then before Barton could said spread out. She already disappeared into the shadows and ran towards the sound. She watches Mosin from the shadows as he ran towards the sound. Drawing her twin hunting daggers she stays in the shadows ready to strike at any moment. She won't let anyone in the supply group get hurt, not as long she's around.

Erick Bailee - King's Bodyguard - Sunrest, Fairhaven

Erick stopped to look at Ryouki when he felt the nudge against his arm, and nodded in agreement. He followed him toward the noise, on high alert, and just at the figures ahead caught his eye and he lifted his rifle, a familiar voice crushed his composure to dust. Next to the wreckage of their vehicle, Klaus and Anya stood next to Mosin, talking. This meant something bad - it had to - but he couldn't help himself. He slung his rifle over one shoulder, threw back the hood of his (Celaena's) cloak, and sprinted toward Klaus and Anya. Barely remembering his surroundings, he succeeded in keeping his voice low, but the strain of relief and concern in his tone of voice was more than audible. "Get your supernatural asses over here!"

Alice Beckett-Oswald - Captain of the King's Guard - Supply Group, Sunrest, Fairhaven

Alice had little time to mull over Barton's plan before a crash rattled the ground beneath her feet and caught the attention of the entire group. Alice's eyebrows furrowed as she shot Barton a quick nod and headed for an unoccupied route toward the sound, a hand on the sword at her side. Practically walking on her toes, she followed an alleyway through to a street where what appeared to be a military vehicle had crashed, leaving its two passengers - Klaus and Anya - standing shaken in the street.

Alice could hardly believe her eyes. How long had it been? Luckily, with Mosin nearby, the two weren't likely to be mistaken for a threat; in fact, it seemed he knew them. Hoping to nail this into her allies' heads, she carefully made her way out into the open as well. To her surprise, Erick seemed to have had a similar idea, though he almost looked ready to cry at the sight of the two. Eyeing the two guards up and down with a tentative smile, she approached Mosin, turning around mid-step to raise a hand as a signal for the rest of the supply group to relax.

Asbel Sutherlin - Rebel Mercenary - Main Group, Snowview, Fairhaven

The knight Asbel had shot was injured, but not badly enough; the bullet had hit the edge of the helmet's opening, sending flayed metal into the knight's face and left eye, but it wasn't enough to stop him. Other rebels shot and struck the knight as he passed, bolting past Asbel as if he had lost track of him. Sensing an opportunity, Evelyn ran to the knight's front and hooked the thinner prong of her sword-breaker onto the chain of the flail, trying with all her might to keep him from swinging.

She succeeded in disabling the weapon, giving Asbel time to line up another shot, but the knight realized this as well. He bashed his shield against Evelyn's shoulder again and again, not letting up for a second, until Asbel pushed past a nearby rebel, shoved the barrel of his rifle through the opening of the knight's helmet, and fired once just as the shield connected with his hand and the gun. Asbel hit the ground on his knees, doubled over in pain, followed closely by the dead knight.

Seconds or perhaps minutes later, Asbel heard a knight call out to the others, "Retreat!" By the time he looked up, the remaining handful of knights, battered and disoriented, had broken through the rebels and run off.

"Let them go," Evelyn shouted, placing a hand on his shoulder. She lowered her voice, looking down at him. "What happened?"

Still in shock, he straightened up and glanced down at his hand; needless to say, the injury was obvious. She nodded, giving his shoulder a light pat before making her way toward the center of the group. She tapped six people's shoulders and sent them to search the area for any remaining attackers, then raised her voice yet again. "Let's tend to the wounded and get the hell out of here." She turned toward the balcony where she had last seen Popov. "You alive up there?"

Illyushin Mosin - Polkovnik (Colonel) of the 13th Guards Division - Sunrest, Fairhaven

Mosin's rifle musket almost fell to the ground. "No," he said, slipping back into his native tongue. It was almost a whisper. "That can't be right. She can't be... she can't..." Mosin stared at the two of them. Her Majesty's closest bodyguards had left her side, just like Comrades Tula and Ryan had left the princess', and they had failed her. This time, anger did not fill him. Only despair. He was helpless, just as he was in that bunker.

No. He had to stop. He had to think. Rojya was falling into chaos. He couldn't too.

When Anya started to protest to being pulled into Klaus' jacket, Mosin noticed the blood that was spilling from his side. "I will get the others," Mosin said, his face grim. He had to inform the group that they were not a threat and to give Klaus medical attention. However it seemed that the group was already close behind. "What happens now?" he asked as Erick came running.

Celaena- Assassin

She blinks when she sees Erick and sheaths her knives before stepping out of the shadows. She sneaks up behind Erick and blows on the back of his neck then stands next to him. Since everyone is getting teary eyed now, she assume that everyone knows each other then looks at Erick, seeing he is getting teary eyed too. She crosses her arms, staying quiet and watches everyone. Finally she realized that Erick wasn't wearing any cloak but her cloak which she then raised an eyebrow at him.

 Boraci - Sunrest, Fairhaven

I followed the rest of the group, weaving through a few buildings and dusty back roads. As I turned a corner, I already saw a small welcoming committee greeting... was that really them? Klaus and Anya were standing a little ways away from a wreckage. Pretty bad one from the looks of it. Mosin seemed more than a little upset.

I rustled around in my small pack, offering some bandages, or strips of cloth that could be taken for a bandage.

"Anyone hurt?" I asked unnecessarily, noting both were standing defensively. I shuffled my way up to the front of the group, patting Mosin on the shoulder awkwardly. The guy seemed deeply upset.

 Klaus Grisha - Former Guard to Czarina Andreyevich - Crash site at Sunrest, Fairhaven

He glanced up at the call of a familiar, youthful voice, and couldn't help grinning and calling back with matching verve. "Well, if it isn't the man who stole away my one great love." Klaus laughed, and winced at the pain in his side.

Anya grizzled against his coat. "Will you ever stop making jokes?"

"Sometimes that's what you have to do..."

More familiar faces began to gather-Ryouki, albeit masked, Alice Beckett, the bat man Boraci, all familiar from the Second War. Ryouki lowered his mask as he drew near, and Klaus thought he could see traces of a smile ghost Ryouki's shocked expression. The feminine man straightened, and then noticed the blood staining Klaus's side. His face contorted from shock to anger to worry to confusion and through the cycle again and he drew closer but was stopped by Klaus gently lifting a hand.

"I'm working on that."

"You are bleeding your entire insides out!"

"Nice to see you're worried about me, baby. But I'm undead remember? It's healing..." He then exhaled shakily. "Just...really really slow."

"What...what cut into you?"

Klaus then explained seriously. "The members of Rojya's uprising got managed to get their hands on blessed metal. Nochnyye, or...supernatural beings like Anya and myself all over Rojya have been slaughtered. The ones that got to me nearly uh," He playfully dragged a finger over his neck and gagged.

"Klaus, you...you idiot!" Ryouki cried out, exasperated.

Anya nodded in agreement.

"Let go of the ghost girl." Ryouki then added. "She can't move. And you need medical attention."

"I do not." Klaus rolled his eyes. "Just uh...just a place to sit or something..." He let go of Anya, and pressed his hand more against his pulsing side, breathed deep, and shifted his weight. "There's a lot I think you all need to know."

--

Usami Sato - Rebel - Main Group, Snowview Fairhaven

Taiyo was bleeding profusely out of her shoulder and had several cuts and abrasions on her exposed legs. Tsukiko had left her with Usami to tend to while she and Enrico had tag-teamed, and later got sent off to scour more of the area.

"Usa...it hurts a lot..." Taiyo's eyes were watering and dripping down her cheeks as he immediately went to start trying to patch her up using items from the first first aid box he got his hands on.

"I bet, just try to stay still for me." Usami tersely answered as he disinfected her large injury first. The bullet was buried in her shoulder blade and just barely got to the bone. A lucky dodge buried it in at an angle, but she managed to survive, for now. She winced with every touch of the dampened cotton he used to soak up the blood and clean the hole.

"My tattoo's probably ruined.." She moaned softly, and gave out a short yelp as a sensitive area was touched. Usami shushed her as he held down his youngest sister and tried to quickly patch up the badly injured Taiyo.

The Grecian soldier, Tula, drew near then. Her sharp and smiling face was bruised around the eye, and her clothes were in shreds around her. She was battered and limping a little, but her full lips were in a cheery grin as she approached Taiyo and Usami. "Hey, I know this may be a bad time, Taiyo, but can I ask you something?"

Usami raised a brow sharply at her intrusion, and she backed off a step or so. "It's a simple favour...actually, maybe I could ask you too." She bit her lip and sighed softly. "Just wanted to see if I could borrow some fresh clothing? I'm in rags at this point."

Taiyo couldn't help throwing in a quip. "That's because you got down and dirty and wrestled some of the soldiers-iTAIIIII!" (oWWWW!)

"Of course you can. I'm pretty sure Taiyo has an extra shirt." Usami answered properly.

"I'm skinnier than she is..." Taiyo winced as Usami dug in a little hard to shut her up before she could say anymore. "N-No offense?"

"None taken." Tula rolled her eyes, her smile not fading. "Usami?"

"Mine will be too big, but I guess that's not an issue..." He then gave her a questioning look. "Will 21 Guns and Trigger Warning mind?"

"I'm desperate here!" Tula moaned, but couldn't help laughing at Usami's surprisingly creative nicknames. She tugged at what remained of her military dress shirt. The white, thin fabric was torn at the sleeves from when they were in the gas cloud earlier, but there were slashes from bayonets and gashes torn in the fabric from grappling hands. Nearly all of Tula's tattoos could be seen, even though she made an effort to remain decent by adjusting it over her chest and stomach every so often.

Usami paused, then set aside the first aid on Taiyo to dig around for a shirt Tula could wear for a while. He quickly tossed the Grecian woman a sleeveless, black shirt from the bag and then went right to his sister again, much to her chagrin. "Owowowowowowowowowowowowow!"

Tula caught the tossed garment and grinned. "Thank you, kiddo. I'll change elsewhere. You're wonderful!"

  Erick Bailee - King's Bodyguard - Sunrest, Fairhaven

Erick looked Klaus up and down, shocked to see the heavily bleeding injury to his side; as he began to explain himself, Erick stepped back and fell silent. He sighed, his face tense with worry, until he noticed Celaena beside him. He flashed her a weak smile and shrugged out of the cloak, holding it out to her. "The drawing's still there," he assured her. "I checked." After a deep breath that seemed to clear his head somewhat, he continued. "Celaena, this is Klaus and Anya. They fought in the Second War of the Wastes with me."

At Klaus's ominous remark, Erick turned to face him, practically hiding behind Ryouki's arm. If Mosin's expression was any indication, they were in for terrible news. While Erick was lost in thought, Alice had made a short trip to the line of buildings behind them, where a stack of empty wooden crates were stacked. She pulled one down, careful to do so soundlessly, and set it behind Klaus. "Here, sit down," she said quietly, looking somewhat disturbed by the sheer amount of blood he had lost. Her eyes still left Klaus and Anya occasionally to search the adjoining streets and nearest rooftops for trouble, but Klaus's statement held onto her attention.

Danor Arkaitz - Gunsmith - Snowview, Fairhaven

Danor sat herself down near a lamppost, feeling little aside from the urge to cry - or puke. She figured she was lucky. The grazing blow to her back had left a deep, angry abrasion, but aside from that, she was more or less unscathed. She pressed a hand against her left temple, stowing her emotions as best she could, and reminded herself of Evelyn's orders. There was no shortage of injured men and women to patch up before they left, some of them well beyond saving - so she simply started with the first person she noticed.

As she searched her belongings for a makeshift splint, tending to a woman with a badly broken arm, more people joined in to help the wounded. Again, lucky for her, since she was barely holding onto her composure. She heard hushed questions around her, mostly concerning the knights' business in this part of Fairhaven; she could only guess. She hoped the supply group didn't get in their way.

## Page 11

Dimitry Popov - Mercenary - Main group, Snowview Fairhaven.

"Technically? Yeah." Dimitry shouted to Evelyn before he sort of rolled off the edge of the balcony and landed with a crash in a large pile of trash, then almost puked at the smell. "I hate this shity backwards country, and it's damned lack of sanitation." He snarled as he stood up and brushed himself off.

The wound on his arm was much worse than he expected, the blade hadn't been sharp at all, so it hadn't cut cleanly, so what had started as a minor drip had completely soaked his sleeve and had no indication of stopping. He noticed Tula walking awau from with Ryouki's siblings who's names he didn't remember.

He approached the brother and sister and grunted "I need your suture kit. Will pay for it even."

Without waiting for a response he grabbed the needle and thread from the first aid kit and rolled up his shirt sleeve, exposing a ragged six in long wound which cut directly through about two dozen identical cartoon skulls with "X"s over their eyes.

"You kids may not want to see this. Don't know what your threshold for gore is, so I'd figure it's best to warn you..." He yanked his hip flask out and doused the wound with the remaining liquor, which made him flinch, then began stitching himself shut.

It was agonizing. His face lost any color not caused by exposure to the sun, his eyes tried to bug out of his head, and he kept his jaw clenched so tightly he was worried his teeth might crack. He tried to keep his breathing steady, but failed, quick gasping inhalation, slow hissing exhalation.

Needle in, needle out, pull the thread tight, repeat.

Finally it was finished and he pulled a small steel syringe from the inside of his coat, injected it and breathed a long low sigh. "Sorry. But I don't trust anyone else with that. At least not here. No offense intended, I... Just don't know how good you are at this. And if I made a mistake it's my own fault, not anyone elses."

"So... How are you two? Anything you want me to look at? I've got couple local anesthetic shots left if anyone needs them." He asked with a strained whisper and cracked a crooked smile.

He figured he should at least offer, he had snatched their suture kit without any permission, and while those weren't exactly expensive it was more the principal of it. Matthew Barton - Outlaw - Supply Group - Sunrest, Fairhaven

Matthew didn't get close to the new comers, even though several of the others did without any apparent fear, and seemed to be on decent terms. The vehicle they arrived in first was strange enough, and the insignia marked it as Rojyan. The occupants on the other hand...

The man was human enough, but something was off about him. The teeth for one, and a certain quality he couldn't identify. But it made Matthew extremely uneasy.

The woman, or girl was obviously undead, and possibly more disturbing than the seven foot tall shadow demon that followed the Grail psychopath around. It was the fact it looked so young and innocent on one hand, but on the other she looked like something from one of his grandmother's stories about ghosts and goblins. Stories that still haunted his memory even now.

Jessica Stuart - Ambassador - Grail embassy, Fairhaven.

Jessica slowly opened a large manila envelope that had been just been delivered by airship, despite the fact the next dispatch shipment wasn't due to another three days.

She used a small switch blade to open the envelope and pulled out several peices of paper. The first was stamped with the seal of the first fleet special intelligence division. The organization in charge of international espionage, except for scientific espionage, but what was the point of that?

"Urgent Report\_4795229

For designated personnel only.

Report on Rojyan uprising.

Intelligence reports highly fluid situation, and very little is known. Agents in position are unable to communicate to the outside world so they are not exposed.

Rebels have obtained "blessed metal"(composition unknown) weapons, and commenced a genocide against alternative life forms within their borders.

Government is currently unstable, the extent of which is unknown. The Czarina has been executed, the nature of the events preceding this are unknown at this time.

Diplomatic courier airships have taken ground fire from [redacted] as well as [redacted]. Currently all non-crucial airship traffic has been banned and all crucial air traffic will be escorted by military airships.

First fleet second expeditionary force has been deployed to a prepositioning point 100 miles from the border.

All personnel meeting with Rojyan citizens of any rank are ordered to refrain from speaking on this subject to keep our field operations secret. Any information breach will be dealt with by third fleet internal security.

Message ends."

Jessica sat in shock. She had met the Czarina once or twice and diplomatic gatherings, but she was on reasonable terms with Alina. It seemed like she should inform Alina of her sister's death, but how? She couldn't say anything without rousing suspicion about where that information had come from. And she really didn't want to get a visit from internal security. Her father had gotten such a visit and had been found impaled to a wall. So she wouldn't tell anyone about it, just to be safe.

Celaena- Assassin

She smiles and pulls the cloak around her, "Thank you. I might have to buy you one, you looked pretty mysterious in it" She bumps his arm with her shoulder slightly in a playful gesture. Then pays attention back at the group, listening to everyone, she steals a glance at this Ry-Ryoki or something other guy then looks back at Erick and smirks slightly. Holding back remarks until things calm down again.

Klaus Grisha - Former Guard to Czarina Andreyevich - Crash site at Sunrest, Fairhaven

Anya helped lower Klaus to sit on the crate, her tiny frame awkwardly helping him down. He gave a shaky exhale as he adjusted himself comfortably.

"Thanks..." Klaus smiled at Alice before she glanced away, and then began to address the group. "Now, this is going to be heavy. I just had to tell Comrade Mosin here earlier and he's still in shock, it seems..." He wet his lips and then began.

"I don't know if you all know much about what's been going on in Rojya, but basically everything has gone to shit. Worse than here. Everyone in Genya's Parliament turned against her and the citizens she tried to help, the Nochnyye and Vallakian immigrants sanctioned in Rojya's cities. Old prejudices that have been prevalent since her rule began started to boil over, and they wanted to overthrow the Czarina. This Black Revolt business started, and Genya ordered her Elite Three to get her sister out of the fray as quickly as possible. That's literally the only reason why Printessa Alina Andreyevich is in Hydris right now, hopefully with the three of them, and safe."

He inhaled again, his side still inflamed and bleeding and hurting as he vainly tried to heal the wound himself. "Background's done, now for recent events...as in why Anya and I are here, and why I'm bleeding a little. A squad of defected soldiers got into the castle and past some of the old barriers from when the Czarina had initiated The Game, and reached Anya and myself just before the Czarina's chamber. We thought we had finished them off, and then...then, one was left. This man in all black, with all these scars...He got my side, and spooked Anya into a corner. She couldn't move or speak or anything because I got hurt. I was weakened, but I still tried to go after him, and he had a knife to Genya's throat and by the time I got inside her chambers...it was too late." Anya was leaning on his knees now, trying to hold back tears again. He pet her thick hair gently as he spoke, laughing. "You're gonna call me an idiot for this, Ryouki, but I learned how to travel in the shadow again. After Genya was assassinated, I immediately took Anya in the shadows to get to the nearest transport we could. I..let her grieve on the way back. We have a new mission now that she's gone, and I had to be the level head to get us here. But then, I couldn't heal fast enough...started to feel weaker, so she drove."

"I'm too small to drive an aerosani..." She whined against his knee. "My feet don't reach the pedals..."

 --

Taiyo Sato - Rebel - Main Group, Snowview, Fairhaven

She flinched as she watched Tula's beau ruggedly patch himself up again. Taiyo's position on Usami's lap and weak state prevented her from looking away easily. When the burly man finished, she piped up an answer to his inquiry. "Could you look at my shoulder? Usami doesn't know how to get this thing out, but he's been cleaning it up at least." The young girl whined. "It stings bad..."

"You don't have to pay for the suture kit." Her brother added in, looking Dimitry in the eyes. "It's on me. I'll get more supplies...at some point."

After having apparently changed, Tula walked back over slowly. "Again, thank you so much...oh, Dimitry!" She went to him and her eyes fell on the knife wound. "Wow, you stitched that up quickly."

Taiyo looked up at Tula from her laying position. "No thanks to us. We're just all kinds of helpful right now..." She hummed lightly. "My sister was up in the front with that psycho ex of your at her rear. They were so cool!"

"I'm sure they were something, sweetheart." Tula smiled. "How's that shoulder?"

"Usami needs help getting it out...otherwise, it's all clean. And it still hurts..." Taiyo groaned.

Illyushin Mosin - Polkovnik (Colonel) of the 13th Guards Division - Sunrest, Fairhaven

Mosin shot Frederick a grateful look before shaking his head at Klaus. "With all due respect, Comrade Klaus, even a injured Kyuketsuki must be attended to." Reznov's passing during the war had proven that immortality had its flaws. "Silas," he said, turning toward the peach-haired man. "I overheard that you may have some medical expertise. Is there anything you can do?"

Then Mosin turned back to Klaus, listening as he broke the news all over again. "I have met with Comrades Tula and Ryan," he said. "Shall I inform you of their situation?" Mosin wondered if there was any need to continue traveling with the group to Cheshunt. "Would you like for me to join you two?" he asked. If he could not be included in the mission, Mosin might as well be needed in Rojya, now more than ever, and continue on to Braile.

His eyes drifted over to the damaged vehicle. "We can still salvage some parts from the aerosani. Perhaps the Degtyaryov Model 27 you have mounted may still be of use." Mosin would find these traitors and eliminate them one by one, especially the scarred man in black.

Dimitry Popov - Mercenary - Main Group, Snowview

Dimitry nodded. "Shouldn't be all that hard. I'm going to give you something for the pain, so you don't flinch, might cause even more damage." He jammed the syringe into the muscle next to the wound and started getting out his tools.

"I really appreciate that. I've got a decent first kit, but it's buried under my ammunition and other equipment, didn't really want to go digging through my pack getting blood all over my food and clean clothes." He said half jokingly to Usami.

"But if we have any free time I can teach you some more advanced first aid if you want."

He pulled out a small needle nose plier used to repair his rifle and wiped the grease and oil off then dipped it in the disinfectant.

"Don't think we have been introduced. Or if we were I must have forgotten. It's been a busy few days. I'm Dimitry." Then he stuck the pliers in the wound and yanked out the bullet. "Looks like it didn't shatter or shed it's jacket. But when possible you should to a real doctor to make sure there aren't any fragments left." He took several cotton balls and stuffed them in the wound to plug the holes.

"I'd advise you don't put any strain on that arm whatsoever for several days, and don't try to lift anything for at least a few weeks. Unless you get to a real doctor."

He turned to Tula and smiled slightly. "Well, it's not the first time I've needed to do this. It's not comfortable, but all in all I'm fine. Can't do much with this arm for a while though."

He tested his uninjured arm on her shoulder. "Glad you're safe. Not that you can't handle yourself but..." He motioned to the nearby carnage.

SVT-13 - Most definitely merchants who aren't hiding anything whatsoever - Fairhaven countryside

The three members of SVT-13 sat around a rickety wooden table across from the farmer, his wife, two sons, while their daughter brought in the stew that was lunch.

"So you are merchants? You don't really look like merchants." The farmer grunted.

"Well, we are former military, fought in the second war. Figured it was time to get in a line if work that didn't involve hunting horrific monsters through a nearly endless desert." Rankin replied.

"I guess that makes sense. Wouldn't want to tangle with any thing from that place." One of the sons said.

"Well, they aren't all that tough when you put a two inch long hunk of metal in their brain pan. To put it simply." Jefferson said as he ripped apart a small loaf of bread and tossed a peice into his mouth.

"What sort if things do you sell?" The farmer asked.

"Anything we can get. Food, clothes, weapons, mounted waste monster heads. Really anything that we think will turn a profit. We even sold our wagons since we could get twice the price we paid for the stupid things." Rankin explained.

"So what are you going to do now?" The farmer's wife asked.

"Head back to the sandship docks on the Fairhaven border and get some more wares and new wagons. Rinse and repeat. We are trying to obtain a license to let us purchase an airship so we can begin making budget passenger flights across the wastes. Until now anyone who wasn't rolling in money could only visit another country if they got on a sandship, which is not exactly pleasant."

"How very nobile." The farmer's daughter said sarcastically.

"No, just filling an economic niche. A surplus military airship or light cargo hauler could carry about fifty people in decent comfort for about... A hundred Grail denars one way and still make a profit. The big luxury vessels normally run around fives times that." Rankin was the most convincing lier of the three, so he took point in this conversation.

Asbel Sutherlin - Rebel Mercenary - Snowview, Fairhaven

Overhearing Dimitry's remark about Falcon's Reach, Asbel breathed a joyless wheeze of a laugh and leaned forward until his forehead rested on the cool ground, his eyes shut. Having more or less come to his senses again, he didn't dare look at his hand, but it felt very, very wrong. Then again, what part of this situation didn't feel wrong? He was surrounded by dead people. As things quieted down, however, Asbel's injured hand began to scream, and he nearly followed suit. None of that "turning a new leaf" bullcrap was worth this.

Turning a new leaf... Leaf? Leaves! As if through some divine intervention, Asbel remembered Silas's gift. Holding his injured hand against him, he dragged himself to his feet with a grimace that flushed his entire face pink, and scanned his surroundings. When that yielded nothing but an eyeful of horrible, he yelled. "Evelyn!" She entered his line of sight soon enough, looking rushed and confused. "Here," he huffed, holding out the plantain leaves. "Silas said this could help with cuts. Can you use it?"

Evelyn hurried to take the leaves, nodding. "I'll have to improvise a little, but I think so. Thank you." She glanced up at him, troubled, but he cut her off.

"Go and use it, then. I don't look that awful."

With a roll of her eyes, she turned to leave. "Alright, alright. Just sit down somewhere."

Erick Bailee - King's Bodyguard - Sunrest, Fairhaven

Celaena's remark brought a downhearted smile to Erick's face, and he almost thought to return it with a joke, but he couldn't manage it - especially not after what happened next. Klaus's announcement was nothing less than the throat-punch he had expected. He looked between Klaus and Anya, gauging their expressions, and replied in a tone of voice which was unusually reverent for Erick. "I knew things were bad, but I never imagined... I'm sorry."

Alice's wary, quiet watch over the group crumbled away, baring a heartbroken expression which she was quick to hide with an open hand over her mouth. Memories of the Wastes - of her wedding - flared in the back of her mind; the one kind ruler she had ever met was gone. After a moment taken to collect herself, her hand dropped to her side again, and she spoke up. "I'd like to help if I can."

Silas Reid - Botanist and Odd Job Part-Timer - Sunrest, Fairhaven

Silas seized up when he heard the crash, his chest caving slightly in on itself and his eyes darting frantically for any danger. Were they already about to get caught between another confrontation? When the group began to move toward the direction of the sound, he was furious. Why not let their “point man” ascertain the situation himself? He seemed eager enough. Still, Silas followed and kept himself out of harm’s way with the cushion he created.

And he remained there, even as he recognized the faces of another pair of war heroes Anya Bodrov and Klaus Grisha. Even as the people around him began to make a fuss over their tearful reunion. Even as he could clearly see the gaping wound at Mr. Grisha’s side. Only until Mr. Mosin singled him out did he step forward.

Making a faint sound of annoyance, Silas got down on his knee and tried to appraise the injuries beneath Mr. Grisha's coat, still at a safe distance. “Have you made any attempts to disinfect the wound? Any debris may be hindering your... healing process. Bits of this blessed metal may even be lodged in the area.” He didn’t know what was normal for a Kyuketsuki—their usual pale skin and gaunt-set eyes would normally be cause for concern—but continuous blood loss was surely not a good sign for any creature. If they had travelled all the way from Rojya, anyone else would have already perished.

“He’s not human,” Silas commented. “For all I know, I can finish him off with any of the herbs I have at my disposal. I can only recommend a clean wash, a layer of gauze, and some rest. Perhaps some stitching as well, if it hasn't been too long and that wouldn't interfere with your abilities.”

He wondered if his advice would register, considering how stunned most of them looked. He hadn't met the Czarina, knew little about her save for her position and the role she played in the Second War of the Wastes, but he at least dreaded how her assassination would affect the revolution here in Falcon's Reach. Her murderers were just another set of fools who couldn't understand the cost of their actions. Perhaps this might be a wake-up call for some of the rebels here, though he wouldn't hold out much hope.

Speaking of registering. He looked over at Mr. Mosin. Since when had Silas been on a first name basis with these people? He had called on him so easily, as if he’d consider him a friend of some sort. The rest of them seemed to have a similar idea lodged in their heads as well. It worked to his advantage, didn’t it? Yet Silas could shake how unsettled he felt.

Taiyo Sato - Rebel - Main Group, Snowview, Fairhaven

She felt Dimitry jam the syringe into her muscle and bit down on her lip to stop a scream, but started to feel numbness around the area quickly enough as the Grail man set to work.

"Dimitry, I'm Usami Sato, and this is my youngest sister, Taiyo." Usami quickly introduced the two of them for her. Taiyo could hear a soft smile in her brother's voice. "I'd happily take up your offer to learn, and I'm sure my sister would too."

"I'd feel a lot less useless, that's for sure." Taiyo grumbled against her brother's knee. Her head rolled up to look at Tula and Dimitry once he had finished helping Usami tend to her wound, and sighed softly when the Grail man pulled Tula in with an uninjured arm. "You two are just the sweetest. I'm going to get a toothache." Taiyo giggled as she saw Tula's face flush. "Th-Thank you.."

Tula had turned to look Dimitry in the eyes and reply to him. "I'm glad you're safe too, but you need to be careful with your injuries as well, sir." She smirked, her full lips pulled taut.

"Yeah! Yours looks pretty bad too." Taiyo bluntly stated. "I'm surprised you were able to help me out still. Thanks for that, by the way. You're really strong!"

--

Klaus Grisha - Former Guard to Czarina Andreyevich - Crash site at Sunrest, Fairhaven

He could see everyone move and, for once, regretted opening his mouth.  After listening to everyone's grievances, noting how the withdrawn Ryouki crossed his human arm with his metal one and looked off and dejected and how Erick and Alice seemed almost punched in the stomach and how Anya began to cry again, silently, Klaus picked back up again. "So now, it seems Anya and I need your help again...starting with the wound in my side, I suppose." The Body Thief turned to Mosin. "I'd also like a location on Tula, Ryan, and Captain Starkov if you have any idea where they may be. Last I remember, they had been sent with Alina to the Embassy in Fairhaven's capital. Has that changed?" The last part shook in Klaus's voice, as fear started to seep in.

Then, a peach-haired man came out of the crowd, a man Klaus didn't recognize, and started to assess his wounds and ask questions. Ah, a doctor? Klaus answered his first question with a hint of embarrassment. "I haven't, sir. We literally came straight from Rojya over the course of three days. First through shadows, and then in this hijacked aerosani. I...may have tried to? But that could help me out." He shrugged off Anya, and then his coat, in order to give the man a better look at the wound that blossomed blood through the side of his white shirt.

"Anything about herbs and Kyuuke is a myth, my friend." Klaus clarified. "But this...that thing that Genya's assassin used to knock me down, damaged me like something would a mortal person. I'm sure something that works for a person who is alive and mortal could help stitch this up."

Ryouki finally spoke out. "Klaus, you're an imbecile."

"Whaat?"

"Only you can really 'stitch that up.' You self-heal." Ryouki explained to him, and then to the rest of the group. "I think Klaus is referring to pure silver. That's the only natural substance that can harm a creature of the night, whether a werecreature or Kyuuketsuki. It paralyses your healing processes and can sometimes leave behind shards to further poison your system."

Klaus's mouth went slack in shock. "It's just silver?! Really? I've worn silver jewelry before, rings and stuff. Why hasn't it hurt me before?"

"This stuff is likely real, untainted silver, which they don't make into jewelry. Why the hell are they calling it Blessed Metal?"

"They literally take it to the church and dip the stuff in holy water." Klaus frowned. "I thought that was why it was stopping my healing, but apparently not. It just burned a lot and those burns healed." Klaus then turned to the peach-haired man. "What sort of herbs do you think would help a human out, sir?"

Silas Reid - Botanist and Odd Job Part-Timer - Sunrest, Fairhaven

Silas's gaze returned to Mr. Grisha when he began to pull away at his clothing, and he wrinkled his nose at what he saw. Never taking his eyes off the laceration, he made some sort of gesture over his shoulder and said, “Someone fetch him some water, if you will. For now, Mister Grisha, keep applying pressure. You’ll need to take off that shirt and put something sterile over it.” Although it was an awful sight, Silas couldn’t get over how his body had managed to keep up with the loss. If only he had something like that for his own sake.

Despite Mr. Grisha’s assurances, Silas remained skeptical. "Are you sure? You may look like a human, perhaps might have been one once, but the physiology between us and your species are far from alike." He may not have known much about the creatures from the Wastes, but that he knew for certain.

Silas listened as Mr. Sato shed some light on the material that had incapacitated Mr. Grisha. In the back of his mind, he made sure to make particular note of that information, since he may find it useful in the future. For now, though, he focused most of his attention on the matter at hand, and applied what he’d just learned to his assessment.

“I hope you’re right about silver being the only substance that can harm him,” Silas said. “If something goes wrong, understand that I am not to be held accountable.” He brought his satchel over his shoulder and riffled through its contents. After a few moments, he pulled out the same stem he’d shown Mr. Barton and plucked a leaf from the bunch. “We won't be using any herbs on that wound yet," he said, holding it out to Mr. Grisha. "I want you to chew this. It’s peppermint. If anything, it might relieve some of the pain.” All of his items were a little dried out, but it was better than nothing.

He looked up at Mr. Barton. “He should be treated as soon as possible, but I’m afraid the accident might draw some unwanted attention. Should we continue this elsewhere?”

## Page 12

Klaus Grisha - Former Guard to Czarina Andreyevich - Crash site at Sunrest, Fairhaven

Klaus smirked wryly at the man, unable to resist a snappy flirt, but after a Look from Anya and Ryouki, he said nothing and calmly removed his shirt. He winced at the tension in his side as he straightened, which opened the torn skin more. The wound was red and angry, a sharp slash from his navel up to where his second-to-last rib began at his back, and pulsed blood down his side. The skin around it, swollen and hot to the touch, had fragments that almost gruesomely tried to stitch together, literally, as Ryouki said, but the tension between the two wasn't enough. There were still some burns around the irritated skin, that Klaus may have missed when trying to heal himself, or were simultaneously afflicted by the silver.

"It's silver, alright." Ryouki noted after he got a look at the wound. "Klaus, I'm sure you would have remembered that."

"It may have slipped my mind? Never thought anyone could manufacture, let alone mass manufacture weapons of pure silver for real..." Klaus shrugged, and held Anya's hand tightly to try and calm the Ghost girl beside him, who was actively trying to avoid looking at the wound. He took the offered herb from the man, peppermint, and placed it between his flatter back teeth. "Thank you." Klaus politely smiled at the doctor. "This is starting to help a little, the good taste distracts from the pain a bit."

 Dimitry Popov - Mercenary - Main group, Snowview, Fairhaven.

Dimitry hoped his face was tanned enough that no one noticed the slight blush he developed after Taiyo's comment about him and Tula. He didn't like showing much emotion in public, very few Grail did, it had been ingrained into their culture.

He shrugged. "I am, at least I try to be. And it's not that bad. I've been shot, stabbed, broke both my legs. Just can't put any weight on this for a while, nothing to worry about." He did his best to keep Tula at ease about his injuries, he was as careful as he could without holding himself up in a snipers nest a mile from all the fighting, and what was the fun in that?

"It's not so much about pysical strength, some people deal with pain differently. My nerves aren't very sensitive, don't know why they just aren't. Some people have more sensitive nerves so things I would shrug off hurt them more." Then he grinned. "The drugs help to. Can't deny that." He turned to Taiyo. "I've got plenty for when that wears off. It's light and dirt cheap. You to." He smirked at Tula.

Matthew Barton - Outlaw - Main group, Crash site

Matthew nodded to Silas. "Yes, we should. Don't know how much help a doctor around these parts will be for someone of his... Unusual biology, but it'll be better than nothing. As for getting out of here we still follow the tracks, at the very least they will lead us to a small town that might have a doctor."

He turned to Mosin who was removing a large, strangely shaped gun from the vehicle. "You almost ready?"

He thought back to what the flesh and bone waste creature had said. Something about the location of some people... The names were familiar. He thought back to the short meeting he had with the Rojyan ambassador a few days ago. He turned to Klaus and sighed. "Briefly spoke with your ambassador about the location of someone I was looking for, I remember there were two bodyguards with her, both men. I think the ambassador said something about Tula... It's been a busy few days I can't remember."

Silas Reid - Botanist and Odd Job Part-Timer - Sunrest, Fairhaven

Silas nodded along to Mr. Barton's decision. When he turned his attention to Mr. Mosin, and Mr. Grisha began to thank him, Silas simply stated, as he always did, in a no-nonsense tone, "Don't. I'm merely fulfilling my role in this group."

He stood up to brush the dirt and grass off his leg. "We'll be leaving soon," he said. "Can you make the trip, or will someone have to carry you?" He couldn't trust himself to make an accurate physical assessment of Mr. Grisha, as ignorant as he was on the subject of Kyuketsuki, but he could continue to ask questions. “It would be helpful if you could describe the pain you've been having these past few days. Have you felt discomfort anywhere besides the area of your injury? Are you experiencing any dizziness?”

Silas crossed his arms. “I should warn you that I’m not a doctor, but I have plenty of experience in medicine and illness. I'm confident that I'll be able to manage the situation until we can get to next town, where we can find you a proper physician." He quieted down once Mr. Barton spoke to Mr. Grisha and informed him of what he knew. Silas personally didn't have much interest in the Rojyan princess's whereabouts, but he understood how important it must be to the two former guards.

Illyushin Mosin - Polkovnik (Colonel) of the 13th Guards Division - Sunrest, Fairhaven

Mosin wandered over to the aerosani to inspect the damage. "The Degtyaryov Model 27, 7.62 by 54 millimeters," he muttered to himself. "This will definitely be useful." Mosin began the careful process of removing the machine gun from its pintle mount. When he was finished, he turned his attention to the inside of the vehicle.

There were at least a dozen drum magazines, each containing fifty four rounds. He jammed half of them into his rucksack, while he put the other half of the magazines in his rifle pouches. The only other thing that he could find salvageable was a sniper's summer field coat, indicating that the aerosani belonged to a guards division. Only a guards division's aerosani would have sniper coats.

Mosin decided to wear the coat over his uniform. He had been shrugging his arms into the sleeves and pulling the hood over his head when Barton came over to ask if he was ready. "Yes," Mosin said, lifting up the Degtyaryov Model 27. "I have taken all that I could."

After Silas and Barton finished speaking with Klaus, Mosin added, "I had encountered Comrades Ryan and Tula four days ago in Glassvale. Comrade Ryan claimed to be on a reconnaissance mission, while Comrade Tula was placed on a mission of observation. From my understanding, Comrade Ryan had soon left for Hydris to rejoin Her Majesty and Comrade Victor. I had been travelling with Comrade Tula until recently, when our group separated this morning at Snowview. She will be returning to Hydris with the rebels."

Tula Nikos - Second of Rojya's Elite Three - Main Group at Snowview, Fairhaven

"I fair pretty well, myself, darling." Tula crooned in reply, placing a hand over Dimitry's chest. "I have the blood of gods in my veins...sort of." She ended with a laugh and kissed his cheek.

Taiyo lamely raised a hand. "I'll take those drugs though...I'm super sensitive, I guess." Taiyo's brother began to calmly rub the unaffected area of her back as she added. "Hey, Dimitry, I was being serious about asking to learn first aid." Tula looked on at the youngster, who was now trying to prop her upper half up on her elbows on top of Usami's thigh.

"I don't know much, but I learn fast-ish..." Taiyo smiled brightly.

--

Klaus Grisha - Former Guard to Czarina Andreyevich - Crash Site at Sunrest, Fairhaven

To the peach-haired man, he smiled off to one side, feeling calm and at ease with his words. "I'm sure I can walk a few steps. Though, I will need someone to sink my teeth into. This is all the blood I have and my nice shirt is now soaking up all of it."

Anya then added, timidly. "Though, someone stronger than me should maybe help him stand...I've tried."

"Now as for other pains?" Klaus shrugged. "Not really...it's just the injury and the fatigue coming with the blood-loss. I don't feel faint, more than just..starving." He added with a laugh. "Best be lucky Anya's holding me back."

"Hey!" The Ghost girl interjected with a pouty frown.

Then, another man spoke up. "That would be Captain Starkov and Ryan Petrushkov, but why wouldn't Tula be with her?" Klaus responded to the first answer of his questions on his comrades. He clasped Anya's hand as soon as she made a squeak of worry. Then, his second question was answered by Mosin, and Klaus was first pleased, but then immediately shifted to worry. "Why didn't she return to the Embassy if she was simply sent out on a mission? She needs to be with the princess, especially now. I trust Captain Starkov and Ryan, but all three of them need to be with her."

Silas Reid - Botanist and Odd Job Part-Timer - Sunrest, Fairhaven

The hair on Silas's neck immediately stood at its end, and he took a step back. He certainly wouldn't be the best candidate for either task, for more reasons than one.

"Right. Of course. We'll have to find volunteers for that, then," he said, a little uncomfortably. He cleared his throat and turned to the rest of the group. "Where is that water, people?"

He saw the strips of cloth Mr. Dermon offered in his hand, and approached him. "Just bring those over to Mister Grisha over there." He waved a hand in his direction. "He'll need some to stop the bleeding, and the rest for dressing."

Perhaps he should suggest that those two engage themselves in a meaningful conversation, being Kyuketsuki and all. Silas could be wrong about Mr. Dermon's species, as he was beginning to suspect, but they seemed to have some similarities in biology. For all he knew, Mr. Dermon might know more about Mr. Grisha than he did.

Boraci - Sunrest, Fairhaven

I almost snorted when Klaus winked at Mr. Reid, but kept it down. This was no laughing matter. The wound looked downright nasty, and the closer I got, the most stinky it became. I nodded at Mr. Reid's suggestion, looking over my shoulder meaningfully to anyone there when he mentioned the water. I hadn't seen any wells nearby, but maybe I had missed something. I approached Klaus, bandages in hand.

"Excuse me," I offered as I layered a couple strips around the gash, gently tying them together. "I can take over from here, Anya," I added as I put Klaus' other arm around my neck.

 Erick Bailee - King's Bodyguard - Supply Group, Sunrest, Fairhaven

Hearing Silas repeat his request for clean water, Erick jumped slightly, and gave an affirmative nod. "Right! Back in a second." He was sure he could find a water pump somewhere - something clean to hold the water, on the other hand... Eh, he'd figure it out. Without another moment's hesitation, he hurried off in search of the supplies.

As he left, he heard Alice's voice chime in for the first time in a while, and glanced over his shoulder to see her rolling her shirt sleeve up to the elbow. "Well," she began in an almost laughably matter-of-fact tone. "Unless you have any objections, Klaus, perhaps it's time I made myself useful. I'll volunteer."

Evelyn Luciole - Secret Officer - Main Group, Snowview, Fairhaven

Once the group seemed to settle down, everyone busy with something or another, Evelyn took note of their casualties. It was horrifying, though hardly surprising, that so few people could do so much damage - and then escape, no less. Perhaps she shouldn't have let them get away so easily.

After allowing enough time for most everyone to gather themselves, Evelyn decided it was time to be on their way. At this rate, the supply group would reach Hydris before they did. "Let's get moving, everyone. We've still got plenty of ground to cover before nightfall."

Klaus Grisha - Former Guard to Czarina Andreyevich - Crash Site at Sunrest, Fairhaven

"I didn't mean to scare you, sir." Klaus quickly apologised to Silas, who looked uncomfortable when he mentioned that he needed blood. Suddenly, Boraci was there to wrap bandages around his wound. Klaus graciously complied, and allowed the support to help him stand.

Then, Alice offered him arm, an offer Klaus couldn't refuse even if he tried. "Alice Beckett, you are a vision and a saint." Klaus beamed, hesitantly and gingerly taking her wrist. He subtly inhaled, the scent of her blood bringing back old, old memories. "I won't take much, I promise. Just enough to get my strength back." The Body Thief looked into her eyes to seal his word before slowly putting her arm up to his mouth and sinking his teeth into her skin. He did this quickly and as politely as one could for a blood drinker, the self-aware man had already made certainly one person uncomfortable.

## Page 12

Dimitry Popov - Mercenary - Main group, Snowview, Fairhaven.

Dimitry was about to ask Tula what exactly she meant by that, what the blood of the gods even was, but figured this wasn't the time. He returned the kiss and slowly stretched.

He pulled another one if the syringes and handed it Taiyo. "I can't give you more than four a day, too much can cause nerve damage."

"And sure, I can teach you some while we march. Can't go into the more complex stuff since I would have to demonstrate it and we cant do that while walking. But I'll do what I can." Dimitry said.

He over heard Evelyn getting everyone moving and sighed. "Well, I guess it's time to get back on the road."

He glanced around and spotted the Shadowed one sitting on a low wall, whistling tunelessly. "Get out in front, sweep the route clean. I don't want any more surprises." Dimitry shouted at Tabaraamon.

The shadow grunted and slowly stood up then vaporized.

Dimitry turned back to Usami and Taiyo. "First lesson. Triage. Who needs help the most, who needs it the least, and people who aren't worth trying to save. There are four groups. Minor injuries, with no direct risk to their life. Serious injuries, that if untreated will likely result in death, but not immediate. Major injuries, which must be treared immediately. And fatal injuries, which are essentially impossible to treat. Major injuries are your highest priority, as you will still have a chance to save them."

Matthew Barton - Outlaw - Supply Group, Crash site, Fairhaven.

Matthew tossed his canteen to Silas. "It's full, and I recently disinfected the canteen." He did that every few weeks, he couldn't stand the taste of rancid water, he had drank enough of that in the past.

He slowly looked around to make sure no one was sneaking up on them. When he turned back the one called Klaus was sucking blood out of the knight.

"Never thought I would see that." He said to himself and went to take a swig of his canteen, forgetting he had given it to Silas.

Silas Reid - Botanist and Odd Job Part-Timer - Sunrest, Fairhaven

Silas caught it with a small sound of surprise, the canteen nearly slipping from his fingers. "Thanks," he murmured as he unscrewed the top and eyeballed its contents. He returned to where Mr. Grisha stood, reluctantly situating himself closer to the Kyuketsuki.

"I don't actually know how long it'll take until we reach the next town," Silas explained, "so we're going to flush as much silver as we can before we go, since that appears to be the cause of your bleeding. When you're finished with... that, please lie down. Mr. Dermon can help you up again as soon as the deed is done."

For the entire time he spoke, he kept his eyes away from the display before him, his head turned slightly to the side. His voice sounded muffled, quieter behind the handkerchief around the lower half of his head. In moments, his body language had altered completely.

He was afraid.

Yet it was quite different from what was usual for Silas, beyond the fear, anger, and uncertainty that came to him daily. It was something different, distinct. And although he was trying his damnedest to hide it, it was one more thing that couldn't be stuffed behind a mask.

He tried to focus his thoughts on the wound. He hoped that he could get a better look once they cleared some of the debris, but it was an infection if he ever saw one. In hindsight, he probably shouldn't have told Mr. Grisha to continue applying pressure, not until most of the silver was cleared from his system at least. If they had the time, a needle, and match on hand, Silas might have been able to remove the fragments without a doctor. But they had to hurry, or someone a lot less friendly might come along and more people may end up injured.

Erick Bailee - King's Bodyguard - Sunrest, Fairhaven

Erick peered through the window of a bakery a couple of streets over, finding only stillness within. He couldn't smell any food, either, which was encouraging. Checking the front doors, his suspicions were confirmed: the place was closed in a hurry, and almost definitely empty.

"This damn mission's making a burglar out of me," he complained to himself, prying at the window's latch with a knife. Still, he had to admit, it was a small thrill to find exactly what he was looking for. He grabbed a jug of water and made his way back to the window, only to hear the siren's call of fresh-ish food. It might not be so easy to come by in the near future, he thought, and the stuff was going to waste anyhow. He pulled a hurried estimation of the supplies' cost from his pockets and left it in a drawer, then escaped with his spoils tucked away in a cloth bag along with a few small towels.

Alice Beckett - Captain of the King's Guard - Supply Group, Sunrest, Fairhaven

Alice jokingly turned her nose up at Klaus's compliment, an eyebrow raised, but her sense of humor evaporated as he took hold of her wrist. She nodded soberly at his attempt to reassure her, and averted her eyes just before the startling twinge of his fangs piercing her wrist. The pain was nothing remarkable, but the awkwardness of having Klaus's fangs in her arm after five years without seeing him or Anya... Excruciating.

To Alice's surprise, however, Silas seemed much more disturbed by the whole ordeal than she was. She supposed it was only natural for someone who had never seen such a thing. That in mind, she made a point to appear as nonchalant as possible, and her wandering eyes soon settled on Anya. "You should be quite proud, you know, getting this troublemaker here in one piece." She made a subtle nod toward Klaus, donning a small smile in the hopes of settling her nerves.

Celaena- Assassin

Having slipping into the shadows without anyone notices she makes her way through houses and shops, grabbing things here and there. She spots Erick and smirks slightly and sneaks up behind him and blows on his ear, "Hiya~" She giggles, putting a gold watch in her pocket.

Jack- Blacksmith

Since Celaena had ran off, Jack decides to hunker down and sharpen his weapons and builds a small knife sheath.

 Illyushin Mosin - Polkovnik (Colonel) of the 13th Guards Division - Sunrest, Fairhaven

Mosin hesitated. "I am unfamiliar with the situation, but Comrade Tula may have been sent away as some sort of punishment. That is all I know on the matter." Mosin zeroed in the sights of the Degtyaryov Model 27 to 200 meters, the default range of Rojyan weapons. He no longer had any need for the rifle musket. "Does anyone need a weapon and some ammo?" he asked.

Erick Bailee - King's Bodyguard - Sunrest, Fairhaven

Startled by the rush of air against his ear, Erick spun around to see Celaena behind him, and halfheartedly swatted at her. "You're gonna get yourself shot, sneaking up on people like that!" Catching a glimpse of the gold watch as Celaena put it into her pocket, Erick's eyes lowered and his shoulders slumped as he continued to make his way back to the group, motioning for her to follow. "So, uh... Where'd you find the watch?"

Evelyn Luciole - Secret Officer - Snowview, Fairhaven

As the group picked themselves up and started forward again, Evelyn resisted the urge to keep glancing over her shoulder, afraid the knights might come back. They wouldn't - their pride would never allow such a decision - but after a fight like that, one could hardly help feeling anxious. Maybe they were there to find Doctor, maybe they were simply passing through Snowview on their way to enforce justice somewhere else, but it was a safe bet that she had seen the last of them. But after cutting their numbers in half, filling the air with the sound of gunfire, it was an even safer bet that the King's men wouldn't leave them alone for long.

Celaena- Assassin

She follows Erick back to the group, "I snagged it. Planning on selling it." She says casually like she's done it before. "I have to be prepared incase everyone suddenly decides to ditch or shun me." She shrugs as she walks, "If anyone hurts you, they'll be killed no matter the consequences" She stares at the ground somehow feeling guilty for snagging the pocket watch.

 Taiyo Sato - Rebel - Main Group, Snowview, Fairhaven

As the group moved on, Taiyo stayed right at Dimitry's side, wide-eyed and taking in every word. Her hands kept busy with the syringes he had gifted her, the girl fidgeting as she learned from Dimitry. "Major injuries..like your arm and my shoulder earlier?"

Tsukiko and Enrico had joined back now as they had regrouped, and Taiyo completely overlooked how her sister had come up beside her until she leaned against Taiyo's injured shoulder. She winced and lightly shoved her off.

"Sorry...I forgot." The sisters clasped hands as Tsukiko quietly apologised. "Are you doing better?"

"Yes!" Taiyo grinned. "Dimitry's teaching me some other first aid things as well."

"Good. I'll be quiet then." Tsukiko smiled affectionately at her sister, and then looked off at Enrico, who now joined back with Eis and the other kids of Voce. He was translating and barking orders, walking backwards with Eis as his eyes on the rest of the group. Does he know any of this stuff too? He seems to...but I'd rather learn from Dimitry. They're both crazy, but I think I'd trust Dimitry more...

--

Klaus Grisha - Former Guard to Czarina Andreyevich - Crash Site at Sunview, Fairhaven

At the troublemaker comment, he heard Anya giggle and respond cheerily to Alice. "He's much more tame now than you would think...and unfortunately, especially so since he was injured. It was difficult. I'm much too small to drive an aerosani, even at the shortest adjustment."

The Body Theif removed his fangs from Alice's wrist after several moments, refreshed slightly and appearing a little flushed. "Thank you, Alice." His voice was a bit thin and quiet, but expressed a genuine thanks for her willingness to offer her blood. After he took a moment to catch his breath, he heard Mosin respond to his earlier question and then Anya gasp. "Punishment?!"

"Any idea what she may have done?" Klaus ran a hand through his hair, exasperated. "Dammit, what the hell did she do now..."

"Oh, no! Tula can't have done something that got her in enough trouble to leave her post!"

"Believe me, Anya. Yes, she can." He then turned to the rest of the group. "So you've seen her then, obviously. Where is she?"

Ryouki then spoke up. "With the other group. If you follow us, you'll find her and maybe some more familiar faces."

"Don't tell me she screwed up just so she could get to see her boyfriend again." Klaus actually seethed with irritation.

Ryouki stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder to try and calm the man down. "I'm...I don't know her very well, but I doubt she's that flighty. Your emotions are running wild, and we need to get you medical attention still. Focus on one thing at a time."

 Dimitry Popov - Teacher - Main group, exiting Snowview.

"Sort of. They are closer to serious injuries since they wouldn't result in immediate death. A major injury would be an severed artery. If a big one is cut it can be fatal in a few minutes. But they are relatively easy to treat, all you have to do is get some of absorptive material like a shirt, and hold it to the wound, while applying as much pressure as you can until the bleeding stops."

Dimitry replied.

He half nodded to Tsukiko as way of greeting and glanced at the sky. Overcast, didn't look like rain, but it was always a possibility. The rebels seemed to still be in shock from the knight attack, which was to be expected.

He was surprised Ryouki wasn't with his siblings, he seemed to be the protective sort. Then again his siblings may be more capable of staying out of trouble than Erick. That wouldn't surprise him. SVT-13 - Renegade special activities - Fairhaven countryside.

Rankin glanced at his watch and sighed. "We had best be moving on. Thank you for your hospitality."

The farmer stood up and shook their hands as the commandos left the farm house. Once they were well away from the building Rankin checked his watch again. "Soon. We should get our protective gear on Incase someone made a miscalculation on the yield of that bomb."

Alexi nodded. "Good. The waiting has been killing me. Feels like it's been weeks since we set that charge."

They walked into the woods and recovered their motorcycles, and began donning their hazardous operations gear. "At least it's cool outside. Won't boil in our own sweat." Jefferson growled as he pulled the rubber lined jumpsuit on.

"Oh shut up, it's better than cancer." Alexi snapped.

"No shit." Jefferson shouted, face turning red with anger.

"Sorry... I didn't mean anything with that." Alexi replied, holding his hands up in surrender.