Marcel was so conflicted- on one hand was the reasonable approach of [color=FF66CC]Adele[/color], and since he felt it his duty to complete the mission successfully he at first felt compelled to agree with her. In fact, if Marcel was in charge he liked to think that he'd force Hemming into turning around back to the main road, where it was probably safer, even if he had to drag him. Sure, there would be ill feelings galore and Marcel would certainly lose any sort of trust or confidence from Hemming- if there [i]was[/i] any, after Gisele's revelation- but he believed the man would eventually thank him for his life. But would that be taking it too far?

[color=00FFFF]Djonn[/color] also had made a point- one that involved much less possible loss of trust and more or less hinged on them doing their job efficiently, not to mention that Marcel looked up to the man on [i]top[/i] of listening to the only voice of authority in the group beyond their employer. But if they were to carry on down this path and Hemming get killed, and the Guard [i]knew[/i] of the possibilities, then who was at fault for the death? Hemming, with his hardheadedness to keep on the path; or the Guard, who failed to do what they had been hired for?

This was a bit too much for Marcel, who was rubbing his temples. He caught [color=FF3333]Rook[/color] taking [color=FF66CC]Adele[/color] back towards the stream and used the event as ample time to distance himself, as well, but [i]towards[/i] the caravan rather than away. 

[i]I don't like all this talk, I'd rather be doing something. I'd like to keep Hemming in my sights as best as possible without stalking the man, wouldn't want to look suspicious. I'd like my shield to be close. Maybe that won't end up mattering- whatever; I need to feel I at least tried. [/i]

It was certainly odd to think that way, especially as a mercenary. A sellsword wasn't supposed to feel so attached to virtues such as duty so much that they risked their own lives, were they? [i]Was[/i] Marcel really risking his life here? After all, this blockade could end up being nothing at all. Perhaps it was the Rimbaud tradition of protectiveness, or maybe Marcel was taking this all too seriously, or mayhap Marcel was just insane; but whatever path the caravan ended up taking, Marcel was sure of one thing: their job was to see Hemming live through this trip.

As he walked and pondered what he wanted to do his thoughts drifted towards his companions- where was [color=CCCC00]Silhainlé[/color]? He wondered how the Lessir was handling all the interaction now that everyone involved with this job were becoming more chummy. He thought of [color=FF66CC]Adele[/color], and [color=FF3333]Rook[/color], and Gisele. [i]Well...mostly chummy.[/i]