Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

SIXTY-SEVEN

'It is humanity's curse to dance between that which makes us human and that which keeps us alive.'

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

<><><>

SIXTY-SEVEN

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

Noaks was lush with spring.

After a long journey from the capital, Lorelai, Levi, and Thomsen had arrived at the Survey Corps base.

It was odd to see it in spring after so long. When Levi had last seen it, the place was just barely coming out of its winter slumber— some two months ago. But now, the base was alive with colour and the hustle-bustle of a soldier's daily life.

Rich green trees hugged the base, sitting upon a leafy bed of long grass, peaking through the cobblestone of the courtyard. Soldiers rushed to and fro, hurrying to their duties. The horses grazed in the clearing, nestled in the trees. The building itself had transformed in spring. The once brittle and bare vines that climbed its cream brickwork were now flowering into weeping wisteria.

Levi had never really considered the place his home, per se. But, after spending so long in the beautiful nightmare that was the palace, he was glad to return.

A lot had changed since he'd last been here— the most notable, his budding feelings for Lorelai. Not unlike the wildflowers that had sprung up around the base, Levi's heart had also woken up in spring. It seemed Lorelai had thawed it from its ice shell.

He was shaken from his thoughts as the carriage came to a stop.

"Well, ain't this quaint?" Thomsen teased, stepping out of the carriage. "Is this really a military base? Seems more like a holiday home."

"You're stuck with it now, Louis." Lorelai elbowed him. She inhaled deeply, breathing in the sweet spring air; it was a relief to be out of the city smog. She smiled at Levi at her side. "Nice to be back, huh?"

He nodded softly, turning as they saw his squad hurry over from deep in the forest.

"Captain!" Petra exclaimed, the men following her as they went to greet Levi.

Lorelai watched as Levi easily fell back into his role as stern superior. He answered questions curtly, kept his face void of smiles, shook hands but didn't deign to hug. Still, the look in his eyes told her he was actually very pleased to see them. This was where he was meant to be, after all; Levi could follow her all across the Walls, but the Survey Corps would remain his home.

After bidding her hellos to Petra and the rest of Levi Squad, Lorelai watched as they filed into the base, taking Thomsen with them. She was suddenly alone with the blue sky and distant clouds. A letter hung heavy in her jacket pocket— the first of an unpleasant correspondence.

If she were a better leader, she would stride purposefully into that base, rip open the offending envelope, and set her mind to the task. Instead, Lorelai turned her face to the sky and wished it held the moon of the previous night.

"Miserable already?" came a teasing voice from behind. Lorelai turned to meet a pair of familiar blue eyes and a charming smile.

"Erwin," Lorelai exclaimed, pressing a hello kiss to each cheek. "It's good to see you."

"I hope your stay in the capital wasn't too troublesome?" he inquired. "...Apart from the obvious, of course."

"Well, it was certainly an adventure."