Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

EIGHTY-SEVEN

'Exploration is the refusal to stand stagnant as cattle.'

-An extract from the book 'Evolutions' written by philosopher Adette Briggs.

<><><>

EIGHTY-SEVEN

Wall Maria, South Region, Port Noaks, Noaks Survey Corps Base of Operations

Levi lingered in the courtyard, watching as Lorelai and her squad readied themselves to set off to Falkirk.

The city was a few hours on horseback away, sitting against the North-East side of Wall Maria. Levi had never been there, no one had. And that was precisely why this mission was vital.

Lorelai's oath had struck something in him. Perhaps she was just a talented liar, but, Levi didn't think it possible that she harboured even a single doubt of her return. Therefore, he decided to trust her as far as possible.

It wasn't a complicated mission. Observe and report. Everything would go perfectly fine, he hoped.

"You'll catch a chill out here Elske, wear your scarf tight." Iva was wrapping a dozen layers around her friend.

Elske huffed. "It's the middle of summer! I don't need a scarf. Stop nannying me."

Iva retreated, putting the scarf in Elske's bag instead. "I know... I'm just worried."

She softened a little. "Don't be. We've faced worse than this."

"We've never faced titans before..."

Elske put a hand on Iva's shoulder. "Hey. It's going to be fine. We've been everywhere together, all across the Walls, from Islet to Shiganshina. Outside will be no different."

Iva grinned a little. "I wonder what's out there."

"Let's go see then, huh?" Elske grinned back. The two of them mounted their horses.

Levi's eyes drifted to Lorelai again. She was presently working Thersa through a fresh bout of nerves.

"Breathe, sweetheart; it's going to be fine," Lorelai assured her.

Thersa's eyes were wide with fear. "We could be eaten."

"We could," Lorelai agreed. "But we won't. Why don't you ride with me, hm? I'll watch your back."

She nodded hurriedly. Lorelai helped Thersa onto her horse, fiddling with her saddle's straps and uttering words of comfort.

Levi just hoped Thersa would make it. Out of everyone on the squad, she'd always been the meekest. But beneath that veil, Levi could tell there was a concealed strength. Thersa was fiercely loyal to Lorelai, and in that loyalty there was power.

Gabriel and Thomsen were sharing hushed conversation over by their horses.

Levi had caught wind of their blossoming relationship. If Thomsen ended up marrying Gabriel, and he ended up marrying Lorelai... well, that was to be a hell of a family dinner.

Lorelai walked up to him. Levi's thoughts disappeared.

"We're about ready to go," Lorelai said stiffly; clearly she was feeling a few nerves.

"You alright?" Levi straightened her cape.

"Nervous, I suppose. What if I make a wrong call?"

"You won't," he smiled softly.