From the corner of his eye, Freir watched Xia run past him. He rolled his eyes at the prospect of being the designated adult of the group. While the Irregulars did have the talent, some of the ranks lacked the maturity. Much like when he grew up under the northern priest's roof, he found himself bailing out children out of their own trouble.

The captain had given the order so there was nothing he could do. In his few years with the Bloodrose he had learned, sometimes painfully, that mutiny and mouthing off when not needed would only result in trouble for him and his superiors. Resigned to his duties, he followed his insecure companion with his eyes.

Xia's naivety was something he envied though. The smile she flashed reminded him once more of the orphans from back home. Of something he did not allow himself to have. As with his foster siblings, he did not wish for an innocent smile to become an infant's demise. Verily, if Freir would let himself grow closer to his partners he would later berate her for treating the situation like a game.

He gripped the pommel of his sword and bolted behind Xia after letting a final thought run through his head:

"Children will be children."