With the ironic remarks from the blonde boy came a surprising skill, in the form of swordsmanship. It seems that his blade was not just for show. Yes, he’d work for the advance party, and the fact that he volunteered made it all the better. When Arya mentioned that she’d stay behind, Veronika simply nodded. “Dave and I can go forward, and the rest of you can follow a good distance behind. If anything goes astray, hopefully we’d make enough of a ruckus for you to notice. Otherwise…” It was then that the guttural noise suddenly appeared where there was once human chatter. Veronica took a few steps forward, and then gave a glance back at Dave as if to tell him to follow. She carefully reached to her belt and pulled forward the chain sickle the girl so dearly cherished, ready to use it if the need arose.