Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

THIRTY-ONE

'Shiganshina and Havas cannot be more opposite— both geographically and in terms of character. One, the warm city in which families prosper, the other, a cold kingdom that rules with an iron fist. At the opposite ends of the Walls, and at opposite ends of this world's hardships.'

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

<><><>

THIRTY-ONE

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

Today was the day the Scouts set off from their base in Noaks and travelled South to the district of Shiganshina. There, the mission to the supply shacks would begin in earnest.

All the possible training had been done. All the possible preparation was complete. Lorelai felt ready as she packed her things, but she could tell many did not.

The atmosphere of the Survey Corps was completely different this morning. Before, there would have been shouts and merriment echoing through the manor. The mess hall would be loud and busy; soldiers would chat and laugh. But today— the building was quiet.

Soldiers still rushed to and fro, performing last-minute chores and preparing any way they could. But there was no merriment, no easy laughter; tension hung heavy over the place.

Lorelai and Levi retained some semblance of normalcy. They ate together in the mess hall, two of the very few soldiers talking. But Lorelai could tell even he was on edge.

Eventually, after a tense morning of late preparation, all was in order, and it was time to go.

She sauntered up to the line of carriages, carrying her satchel and ODM gear. Erwin and Levi were talking casually, leaning against the carriages as she approached.

"Hey, boys," she greeted smoothly. "Which carriage am I in?"

"Apologies, Dr Bervik. While you are valuable, you are still an entry-level soldier. You'll be travelling as an outrider," Erwin informed her.

Lorelai grimaced. "Delightful."

At that moment, the stable hand brought out Beau from the stables, his white coat glistening against the morning snow. Beau's reigns were placed in her hands.

"Looks like it's just you and me, boy," Lorelai mumbled to her horse, loading her gear and satchel onto him.

"I'd ride with you if I could."

She turned to see Levi watching her from by the carriage, his expression slightly more irritated than usual.

"Don't look so grumpy," she teased. "I'll see you there."

Lorelai climbed into the saddle, patting Beau's neck affectionately as she sent Levi a confident smile. It made his heart ache, knowing she had no idea what horrors were coming. He had planned to break it to her during the journey, but that was no longer an option.

Levi, paranoid, walked up to her and began adjusting the straps of Beau's saddle.

"Hey. I'm fine, really," Lorelai insisted, leaning down to press a kiss to the top of his head.

He went a little pink with embarrassment. "Okay," Levi receded. "I'll see you in a few hours." He walked back towards his waiting carriage; his eyes lingered on her as he went.