Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

TEN

'Leadership is the capacity to adapt. A true leader is willing to change, evolve and reinvent himself for no reason other than to be exactly what his people need.'

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

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TEN

Wall Maria, South Region, Approaching Port Noaks

After another day of travelling, another day of awkward conversation, the Havasians, well, what was left of them, arrived at the town in which they would most likely spend the rest of their lives.

Port Noaks was a small, riverside town mainly inhabited by small fishing businesses and young families. Above all, it was poor. The fishing industry always suffered in the Walls with the lack of any large bodies of water.

Noaks was situated on the main river, which ran from north to south. There was no substantial opportunity there; those who were born there died there as well. It was rare anyone would make their fortune and escape.

Of course, the Havasians knew none of this, and upon disembarking, began to marvel at the quaint little riverside town. Those who have lost are always eager to take back.

Lorelai sniffed the air snobbily— the whole place reeked of fish. She would spend the next month here recuperating before heading off to the Scouts. She was not particularly pleased she would be spending her precious month smelling fish. Still, beggars can't be choosers.

Sighing, Lorelai looked over to the river. While her people were somewhat excited to be getting a new chance at life, Lorelai didn't know what to do with herself. All she'd thought about this past week was survival. Now, knowing the worst was past, the freedom was daunting.

"What do you plan to do?" Erwin asked, appearing behind her.

Of course, she didn't have absolute freedom. Lorelai would be tied to this man and the Survey Corps for the rest of her life.

"Well, given that based on surviving records, I don't exist, I suppose I should correct that."

And that is what she did. First, it was visiting the town hall and filling in too many documents to count, then setting up a bank account, proof of citizenship, records of education and skill.

Lorelai had stared at her name on the first document for just a little too long. It was tempting just to... start afresh, new name, new life. But she still had commitments. The name 'Bervik' seemed a curse she could not rid herself of just yet.

After it all was complete, she decided to meet up with her family and decide where they all would be staying. Lorelai found Romero arguing with a local blacksmith. He seemed to be trying to land a job— and quite unsuccessfully, at that.

"Look, respectfully sir, we cannot interview someone who does not even possess the most basic knowledge," the smith was saying.

"Oh, yea', you little bastard? I'll shove that 'basic knowledge' up your ass and see if you notice it then, scum."

Romero then stormed off, bumping right into Lorelai.

"For Larken's sake, watch where ya' going, girl," he grumbled.

"Getting along with locals?" she taunted, amused by her eccentric godfather. "Where's Gabe, anyway?"

"Being fawned over by village girls. Whatta waste 'a space, that boy."