Elva frowned, hands on her hips, looking down at her sleeping brother, who was still sprawled and sleeping on one of the cushions in the library. She flicked his ear, and the Captain woke with a start and a curse. “[i]My, someone had a late night. Unusual. And did you happen to catch the thief who had been stealing cigarettes from my stores, hm?[/i]”
	Edward rubbed his face. “[i]Was having trouble sleeping, is all.[/i]”
	“Mmhm.” She sighed, sitting beside him, patting his arm. “You’ll be going back with Kire today, right?” He nodded, and she rested her head on his shoulder. “[i]Please be careful, old man,[/i]” she murmured. Ed leaned his head against hers. 
	“[i]I will. We will.[/i]” 
	“Your elf is waiting in the great hall, by the way,” Elva commented, and Ed chuckled.
	“Whatever do you mean, ‘my’ elf?”
	Elva grinned. “You’re a better liar than that when you put your mind to it, brother.”

“Good morning,” he greeted, when he reached the hall. “[i]Did you get some sleep, at least? And, hopefully, better than I have? I slept at the wrong position,[/i] ” he added with a grin, before simmering down. “[i]This had been brought up yesterday, but the march will begin around noon today and continue to the next day, where we rendezvous with our other battalions. While I figure you might be interested to see a little of Amria on the way, I wanted to ask if you prefer just meeting us where the camp will be in two days’ time, or if you would like to march with the rest.” 

--

Gavin pondered Ruli’s words. “I may not be as good as you or Ysaryn or Zeke, but—I need to see it. Besides, no better way to test what you’ve taught me than a practical exam, right?” 
	Daryll glanced at Ruli, not looking particularly hopefully at what the lad had said. “Actually, the best way is a controlled environment, not in the middle of a pivotal battle.”
	“I don’t want to be dead weight to you,” Gavin said to Ruli. “And—I appreciate what you’re saying. About what I have done so far. I am proud of it, no matter what.”

	“You should be.” Kire’s voice came, as she entered the chamber. She was already in full armor, her sword at her hip, and the only thing left for her was to put on the helmet. 
	Daryll looked her over, his expression grim. “You aren’t jumping right into the fight—right?”
	Kire nodded, and gave them the same explanation Ed had given Ysaryn. “You don’t have to rush the bombs just yet. You can just show up at the rendezvous point. Ed and I need to be there with the men and women marching for us, so if you elect to stay, you have over a day till we arrive at that designated space.” She glanced at Ruli, who was nursing a cup of coffee. She wondered how he felt, waking up this morning.