Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

THIRTEEN

'The military has always kept what they know about Havas hidden from us. But it is safe to conclude that Havas does not battle titans in the way we do. While our soldiers practice the noble art of the sword, their power over their enemies is far more destructive.'

-An extract from the book 'Royal Questions' written by scholar and journalist Aksel Briggs.

<><><>

THIRTEEN

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

"Are you alright?" asked Hange as Lorelai sat down in the carriage. "That was quite a close call."

"Yes, quite." Lorelai caught her breath. "Thank Larken you both were here."

"You should thank Levi; it was his idea to come and find you when we realised you were late."

Levi just crossed his arms and refused to look at them.

"Oh? Well, thank you, Captain."

"Yeah, whatever."

The carriage set off again, winding along the dirt track that would take them to the base. That little incident with the bandits had certainly come out of nowhere, but what bothered Lorelai was that they didn't even try to rob her. What kind of bandits weren't interested in loot?

"Have bandits been an issue in this area for a while?" she queried.

Hange nodded. "Yes, although there has been quite a lot of them around lately... I wonder why."

So did Lorelai. Right at the time a few hundred Havasians turned up in an area, a bunch of bandits did as well. Coincidence...? Or perhaps otherwise?

Hange seemed to follow her train of thought. "You should be careful."

Lorelai nodded, but it wasn't herself she was concerned for.

"For starts, you shouldn't be walking alone in bandit territory," chastised Levi with a glare. "How thoughtless can you be?"

She internally groaned. Captain Levi certainly had his uses— he seemed a capable man, but all his good points were continually cancelled out by this irksome personality of his.

"I'm not going to save your ass again," he finished smugly.

"Oh, please, save me the pretences. Don't pretend like you didn't enjoy playing the hero, Captain. I can see right through you," Lorelai taunted.

Levi, seemingly off-put, only said, "Stop talking bullshit."

Content that she had won that little debate, Lorelai turned her mind to what awaited her at the base.

The carriage began to pull up into the courtyard. Lorelai had only seen the base once, but it had been a reoccurring theme in her dreams at night. As she exited the carriage, the place felt a little familiar.

"Welcome home," Lorelai muttered to herself.

The place was bustling with activity. Soldiers were everywhere, left and right, some carrying huge piles of equipment and others rushing about with paperwork. Over yonder, Lorelai could see what looked like training exercises.

It was early, the morning birdsong had only just begun, but the base was already alive with activity.

As they crossed the courtyard and went into the main building, some of the soldiers began to notice Lorelai's presence, chattering amongst themselves and pointing her out to their comrades. Larken help me, Lorelai thought. That speech of hers had really left an impression.