[IC] Valkyria Chronicles: Lions of the South

[Raven_Operative]

Lilly Jatmoore

It took a while, but by the grace of the Valkyrur, none of the stains or scuffs Lilly's skin and uniform had collected proved to be permanent. Nearly an hour after she had started, she exited the showers, went to her room and got dressed. The barracks around her was almost completely empty, so she was able to don a fresh uniform without the worry that someone might walk in on her. It appeared that everyone was busy socializing or attending to other duties around the base. Taking advantage of the peace and quiet, Lilly flopped limply onto her bed and closed her eyes. She might have fallen asleep right then, if her stomach had not growled fiercely a minute later, jolting her back to reality. "Well I guess sleep will have to wait..." She certainly wasn't going to get any relaxing done while her stomach was attempting it's best impression of a feral dog, so with much reluctance, Lilly rolled back out of bed and made her way over to the NAAFI.

Lilly couldn't help but smile when she arrived. Apparently while she had been cleaning herself, a significant number of the squad had met up here and were in the process of eating, chatting and making merry. Seeing a bunch of her comrades chatting away like they had been back in training brought a sense of normality back to her and lifted Lilly's heart a bit. They had only been gone for a handful of days, but Lilly had already gained a new-found appreciation for peaceful moments like this. Now, she mulled to herself as she stood in line for her food, the question was: where would she sit? She would have loved to sit and enjoy dinner with James, but he was talking with a girl she didn't recognize. Maybe Squad 4 was getting another transfer? At another table sat Mr. Carn, Sgt. Harald and Ms. Rousseau. It seemed like they could accommodate another person, and Lilly did want to ask Harald how he was doing, but... Well, she was not particularly comfortable around Evan. His cavalier attitude about war was not something she appreciated, but it seemed to leak from every fiber of his being. In her survey to find another table, Lilly eventually spotted one seating a lone figure in the corner of the mess hall. Aria Hexner was there, happily (or unhappily? In truth, Lilly did not know about the girl's tastes in food) munching away on her food, and being completely ignored by the rest of the group. Hmm. Well that would not do! It just seemed too sad to have a squad member eating alone, especially when they had just been fighting side by side. Once she had collected her dinner, Lilly made her way over to Aria's table. "Good evening, Miss Hexner, would you mind if I sat with you?" Lilly quickly caught herself, remembering both what James had said about calling people by their last names, and that Aria had explicitly requested this of her as well. "Oh, my apologies, you said I should address you as 'Aria' last time we spoke." She paused to take a bite of potato (for her stomach was still growling), but continued on once she swallowed. "So, Miss He-Aria. How are you? Have you made any more interesting drawings since last we spoke?"
@Evil Snowman

[Evil Snowman]

Private Hexner

@Raven_Operative

---

Once the APC was clean Aria wasted no time in disappearing outside to for a smoke. Savouring it as she had fight the urge to smoke it as quickly as she could. Once her need was placated Aria headed to the barracks to drop off her gear. Once free her equipment Aria roamed the base for half hour. Needing a good walk to stretch her legs out properly, Aria using the walk to remember the layout of the base. Having only been here once or twice before and only for a short time.

After her walk, Aria went to the NAAFI to get herself something to eat. Feeling her stomach starting to rumble, thinking she could use a good proper meal. Given she'd hardly eaten on the trip to the base. Arriving at the NAAFI Aria got enough food to feed three people. Picking a corner to sit down it not minding sitting by herself, even though she saw a few other squadmates already and talking. Aria thinking she'd used the time to finish a drawing she'd be working on. Along some of the trip finding it hard to do much in the APC. So she sat down food set down in front of her with her notebook set down a little off to the left. With three pencils neatly lined up above.

At first Aria balance the act of eating and drawing well. She'd do a little bit then eat a few mouthfuls so on and so forth. This being a well-practised ritual. She used to get her work done, whether it was effective or not was a matter of debate. Not that Aria cared even if this ritual had lead to Aria ruining a few drawing by spilling food and drink on them.

Aria didn't even notice Lilly approach. Looking at her for a moment as she chewed on the bit of food in her mouth. Swallowing before clearing her throat to speak.
"I don't mind. But I said you can call me Hex as well. Aria or Hex whatever floats your boat." she said in her normal monotone. Taking another lot of food into her mouth. Then Lilly asked the annoying question of 'how are you?' followed by asking if she had made any more interesting drawings since the last spoke.

Aria sat for a moment thinking on how to answer Lilly's first question.
"Okay I think." she answered after a moment of silence. Having answered question Aria placed her notebook near Lilly. Showing the picture she was working on. Which was one of everyone in the APC. Done from Aria's point of view.
"I don't know if it interesting to you. But to me it is. This drawing kept me from shooting you all. Really needed to have a smoke during the trip back. Was trying to be mindful of everyone else." Aria stated pointing at one person in the drawing.
"That one is you. Still, wish to be faceless? I did mean what I said. Pretty face and all. If you still do, I'll make something up using your real face as my template. Won't be the same but, I must respect your wishes." she continued realising she'd not given Lilly basic courtesy of asking her well being.

"Forgive me. How are you, Lily? Also before you answer, I must thank you for what did during the battle ... I'm sorry if that made the mission more difficult." Aria said internally feeling bad for not giving Lilly basic courtesy and what happened during the retaking of Vasel. It made Aria pleases her expression or tone remained her normal unchanging ones.

[KoL]

Lance Corporal Eris Reinhardt
^{Fort Breda}

"Thank you, Si— I mean, Corporal Hunt," Eris saluted James after he finished looking over her papers. Her posture as she waited his evaluation made clear that Eris was still tense. Nevertheless, as soon as James said that she would have the rest of the day for herself after she were introduced to the Sergeant (who, Eris presumed, was their squad's commander), she sighed a relieved sigh. At least she wasn't going to be sent to action from the get go, that was supposed to be good, right?

"If you allow me Sir— sorry, sorry keep doing it without thinking, Corporal Hunt, can I get something to eat in the meanwhile? I don't think that I can handle much more on an empty stomach," Eris asked shyly, her was face red from ear to ear out of embarrassment, for being such a klutz when it came to this type of thing.

@Zarkun

[Zarkun]

Corporal James Hunt|Down Time at Fort Breda

@KoL

James nods. "You've got plenty of time LC, so go get some food. Sergeant's caught up talking with Karn anyways. I'll come find you after he's done talking with Karn. Enjoy your down time." Once Eris had gone to get her food, James settled back into his own rhythm of things, eating while reading over a newspaper he'd picked up outside the office he'd gotten his stripes from.

[Raven_Operative]

Lilly Jatmoore

Lilly smiled slightly as she examined the sketch Aria handed over. "My, My... Well I am glad you were able to abstain from further violence. Your drawing is quite well done as usual, Aria." When Aria asked her again about appearing in her sketches, Lilly masked her briefly darkened expression by taking a bite of potato and chewing thoroughly while holding up a finger to signify 'wait'. "Thank you for asking me Miss Hexner, but I still would prefer for you to exclude me. I do not... Ah, never mind." Lilly waved her hand as she abandoned what she was about to say and took another bite of food, descending into silence for a moment while she ate. That silence was quickly broken, however, when Aria asked her how she was and thanked her for her actions in the battle.

"Please pay it no mind, Aria, I am just glad that you were not seriously injured." Getting off the topic of her being in Aria's drawing lifted Lilly's spirits again and she smiled wryly as she continued. "If anything, I should be the one apologizing for not being as collected as I should have been in that battle... But regardless, I am well. Thank you, Aria."

The conversation died out a bit, as the two ate, but Lilly brought it back up again when she remembered something she had wanted to ask. "Aria, are you able to draw from memory? Everyone is probably too busy to pose, but I would like to commission sketch from you. I was hoping you could draw a picture of our squad before any more people get transferred out. Excluding myself, of course."
@Evil Snowman

[Lennon79]

Sergeant Harald, Gallian Militia

'Apparently so. Sieve's new one on me though...' The Sergeant pulled up a chair and flopped a pile of paperwork down in front of Carn. 'I hear Vasel got pretty intense; mind filling me in?' He motioned toward the pile of reports. 'Regimental AARs didn't give much detail on 4's contributions and they're a bit light on transfer details.' He paused for a second, gazing across the room to Hunt as the Corporal chatted away to an unfamiliar face. When was it that Carn became his XO..? 'On second thoughts, I'll dump the admin on Hunt; he's gotta learn the paperwork. If there's anything you need for the APC, give me a heads up and I'll steal a few requisition forms.' Harald scooped the reports back up, gave Carn a lazy pat on the shoulder and wandered over to his new Corporal.

'Congratulations on the promotion, Hunt. I think there was supposed to be a formal ceremony, but between supply shortages and General Staff quaffing champagne over Vasel, I'm impressed you managed to find some stripes at all.' He say down heavily across from Hunt and looked after the unfamiliar girl he had been taking to. 'Must confess, I've been out of the loop for a while so I'm not sure who you've been flirting with recently.' Harald gave Hunt a sidelong grin. 'New transfer?'

@Raven_Operative
@Zarkun

[Zarkun]

Corporal James Hunt|Down Time at Fort Breda

@Lennon79

James jumped slightly when the pile of paperwork landed in front of him, looking up from his paper to see who it was and smirked at the Sergeant while chuckling at the joke. "Ah, no more flirting than you do with the ladies, Sarge. But yeah, she's a new transfer. Lance Corporal with officer training, but seems she turned down the promotion." Taking a moment to appraise the pile of papers in front of him, the Corporal sighs. "Take it you're passing this on to me then, Sarge?"

[Raven_Operative]

Evan Carn

"Heh, well yeah. You had enough holes in you that Bons was right confused about whether to treat you or use you to strain pasta" Evan took a long swig of his water before leaning in closer and gesturing towards the topic of his discussion across the room. "I gotta hand it to the boy, though. He did a good job of stitching you together in the back of a moving APC." They didn't have a chance to talk much more than that though, as it seemed the Darcsen felt he was needed elsewhere. Carn's expression quickly darkened when Harald patted him on the shoulder as he passed by. "Don't touch me, Darcsen." Once the sergeant left, he brushed off his shoulder. At least it didn't seem like he had gotten too much grease on him...

[Edit: Part 2 of post Nix'd]

[KoL]

Lance Corporal Eris Reinhardt
^{Fort Breda ❖ Downtime}

"Thank you, Sir! I'll be honored to serve on Squad Four," Eris said after having her having been officially introduced to Sergeant Harald. Leaving the two officers to discuss some documents, as she asked permission to leave, in the typical roundabout military way she learned about during her officer training. "Is there anything else I can do for you, Sir?"

Eris certainly hoped they wouldn't dump those documents on her, considering her training and life experiences, which made her quite good at filling forms and sorting papers. But, if that happened, so be it. "After all, whatever happens, happens. I'm already on the Militia, what else could happen?" Eris silently questioned herself, while hoping that she would get dismissed and could join a circle with less pressure, like that of the duo of women sitting on a table not so far away from there.

@Zarkun @Lennon79

[Lennon79]

Sergeant Harald, Gallian Militia

'At ease LCap. Pleasure to meet you.' Harald wasn't honestly sure if she was being sarcastic or not; even after purposefully ignoring Carn's insubordination, he couldn't help but feel a little paranoid. The odd flash of dark hair in the room highlighted other Darcsen quietly getting on with their meals, but he was the only one with stripes... No-one could ever say they were honoured to serve under a darkhair. A cynical scowl crossed his face for a moment, but he caught it quickly. 'Nothing as yet, Reinhardt, was it? Orders will be posted outside my office 0600 tomorrow, muster at 8. I look forward to working with you.' Dismissing her with a salute, Harald turned back to Hunt as he stared over the papers before him. 'Since when do I get to flirt with anyone? But no, I need to countersign most of these so I can't just dump them on you... sadly.' The Sergeant picked up the first one and cleared his throat. 'Number one, lost equipment report. Need a list of everything used or lost at Vasel, along with...' It was several hours before the pile was thinned out and the two men parted for the evening.

@KoL @Zarkun

___________________________________________

0530 April 17th, 1935 EC
Fort Breda, Gallia

There was something invigorating about the day's first cigarette. A mug of scalding hot tea and a well-packed rollie could make all the difference when you've only been awake ten minutes. Harald leased a mighty yawn, standing outside the bunkhouse entrance with the air of a man preparing for the longest day. A few of the squad were no doubt awake already and behind him, he could hear stirring bodies of the others. The requisition orders he and Hunt had filled out were scheduled for delivery at 8am sharp, assuming the logistics night shift hadn't been asleep at the wheel. New weapons, new recruits and a real, honest-to-Valk medical kit. Whether or not they would be allocated a trained medic to use it was another question... He glanced down at his chest, wondering if said kit would have made a difference in saving his own lung... Probably didn't matter anyway. Instead he half turned back into the bunkhouse, casting a flat look over the sleeping masses. '... Hands off cocks, on socks! Wake up, wake UP boys and girls, it's a beautiful morning for some PT! Squad 4, assemble out front in... 180 seconds! Latecomers will have double PT, so get a move on!' As the squad scrambled out of bed, the Sergeant took a leisurely walk back to his office to finish his tea.

[Massasauga]

Pvt. Callaway
Squad 04

Veronica's day started the usual military way: By getting yelled at. She was used to it, a little. Of course she didn't like the fact that the sleeping arrangements were co-ed. Not that she didn't trust her comrades but because it just made things really awkward. She had to change in the bathroom before going to bed. She slept in her PT uniform, as was regulation. T-shirt and shorts, with everything else in the locker beside the bed.

The girl shook her head, trying to clear the cobwebs out, then hopped out of bed and got her shoes and socks on. She was out the door and ready for the fall-in formation in seconds.

[Raven_Operative]

Evan & Lilly's Post

"Eugh..." It wasn't so much the Darcsen's voice that woke him (for he was a heavy sleeper), but the sudden stampede of militia men running for their gear. Fuuuuck... they just came back from a battle, why were they doing PT so early... Evan rolled over, tumbled out of bed and onto the floor with a dull thud before staggering to his feet and haphazardly changing into PT gear. Damn fuckin' Darcsen, fuckin' PT early morning bullshit. In the back of his mind, Evan wondered if he'd still have to have put up with this if they'd just left the bloody dark hair to die. Shirt went on, then boots went on... then boots came off as he realized he needed to put on pants. Evan's dressing speed was usually slow, but his lack of sleep and judgment was compounding issues further. By the time he finally sauntered out to the group assembling outside it was clear he was one of the last ones there. Not that he cared, mind you. Being low on sleep had a tendency of making him not give a shit about... well, just about anything and he was confident that his strength (which was significant) would carry him through any additional pushups he was assigned.

Lilly on the other hand, was one of the first out the door. Though she was out the minute her head hit the pillow, her sleep was light and haunted by nightmares. It didn't take much to wake her up, and by the time Harald had finished his yelling, she was already in the process of putting on her socks. ~180 seconds later, she was outside and standing at ease in formation, letting the others mark off of her. While her abilities in combat seemed to have plateaued (probably due to her panic attacks), her ability to get up and dressed in a short period of time was still readily improving. Her appearance almost looked normal this time.

[KoL]

Lance Corporal Eris Reinhardt
^{Fort Breda ❖ Next Morning}

Well, it seemed like Eris had lost her chance to get settled with most of the rest of the Squad after her transfer. Hopefully, she would be able to do that today. Though, she was initially startled by the thought that they wold have to use a single dormitory for the whole of the Squad, men and women alike. That said, it wasn't a very improper idea when you think about the fact that they would have to eventually sleep beside one another while in the battlefield. As long as the regulations were respected, there was no need to be overly prudish.

On the following morning, Eris was one of the first to wake up, mainly because she was used to doing so, like most people who live in the countryside. Also, there was the fact that she didn't have any tiredness to shake off. As such, she was geared and ready to... PT? (well, looks like that was the best way for the Command to reward a Squad that just came back from combat without making them feel too much at home, huh?). Either way, she was ready and standing at attention besides the others as soon as the Sergeant called.

One thing that Eris couldn't help but notice, as she spared a moment to glance around those already lined, was how many women were part of Squad 04. "At least I'm not going to be alone in a male dominated Squad," Eris thought, letting out suppressed sigh of relief. For once she though what would be if she got her promotion to Lieutenant a few years ago? But then, what would happen when people found out that she was of Imperial origins? "It's no use thinking about those issues. Just calm yourself and do what you are told as long as you don't stick out too much, people won't be pointing fingers at you, Eris..." the silver-haired woman thought, steeling her stance and glancing forward. Even then, the way she held her equipment close to her, made it quite clear how nervous Eris was.

@Raven_Operative @Massasauga @Lennon79

[Lennon79]

Sergeant Harald, Gallian Militia

0535 April 17th, 1935 EC
Fort Breda, Gallia

As the last few seconds ticked away, Harald drained his cup, flicked away the dead cigarette and marched purposefully back out to the waiting squad. En-route he passed Carn still pulling himself together. 'In your own time PFC...' He couldn't say he was surprised by the driver's lack of enthusiasm; Carn had performed well in the field, but wasn't one for discipline. Probably served him better in this outfit than a more... orthodox one. Regardless, the rest of the squad was stood outside to attention, by and large looking pretty good for the time of day. 'Good morning ladies and gentlemen. Feels good to be back with you after Vasel; I hear you gave 'em hell.' Mild overstatement judging by the mission reports, but the Sergeant rather suspected Squad 4's contributions had been downplayed by the writers. No officer would willingly give praise to a squad not led by one of their own. 'Most of you remember me I'm sure, but I do see the odd new face, which means it's time for that same introductory spiel once more. My name is Sergeant Harald and I will be your squad leader for this war. I'm a police officer by trade and not a soldier, so I will try to treat you like my co-workers instead of my subordinates. I hope you all do the same. On the other side of the base, bells began to ring, signalling the arrival of the first morning convoy. All going well, the squad's new toys should be arriving with them. 'While I'd love to have a meet and greet, we need to start off with some PT. First off, hundred star jumps in full kit; spread out a metre apart and start when ready. Hunt, you count reps, there's a good chap. Those of you who were late, looking at you Carn, make it a hundred twenty.' As the squad grudgingly set themselves up for the PT, Harald took a position along the line to join in. 'Ready and... count!'

___________________________________________

After a good hour of basic exercise and runs, Harald called everyone back together and with a whistle, called over a lad with a brace of water canteens. 'Good reps people; have a drink and take a knee. Got about... half hour to waste, so relax.' As the squad settled in to recuperate, a truck ground to a halt just outside of the barrack house and a young militiaman jogged over. 'Sergeant Harald, Squad 4? Got your delivery here; four munitions crates, one medical, one private goods and one recruit. Please sign here.' Once he had Harald's signature, the man jogged back over and began unloading. Another lad hopped down off the truck, apparently their newest member. 'Morning Private!', Harald yelled over. 'You're over here with us.'

[AdmrlStalfos19]

Whistling along to his own tune, Ezekiel Gosling looked out the passenger window of a truck that he'd just so happened to hitch a ride from. There was only one man that could possibly keep him company... and he seemed to rather keep his eye on the road ahead instead. Ezekiel could've sworn that much concentration wasn't necessary to drive from points A to B, but to each and his own, he guessed. After travelling a mile or two, the truck eventually came to a stop.

"This should be the place," the driver stated, taking a clipboard he'd set to the side with him and exiting out his own side of the truck.

"Hm? Should be?" queried Ezekiel as he turned to face the driver, only to note he was already gone, "Meh. I ain't coming out until I know for sure..."

With that, the young militia busied himself by continuing on with his previous whistling... until he heard the driver return and open the back of the truck in order to take stuff out of it. Taking this as his cue to get out, Ezekiel opened the door and slid off his seat, collecting the rifle that he had off to one side, slinging it over his shoulder and slamming the passenger door shut. He made his way forward and looked at the back of the truck out of curiosity, noting that the clipboard from earlier was just sitting there as the driver dropped off supplies a couple crates at a time.

'Alrighty then, let's see here...' curiosity getting the best of him, Ezekiel examined the clipboard whilst the driver was completing his supply run, the first thing he saw being the signature that could now be found on it.

'Harald, huh? No surname or anything? Hmm... ah, he must be one of them. Gotcha.' that noted, the young man scrolled his eyes upward a bit to see what kind of supply run this driver was supposed to be on; it may have looked ordinary to the untrained eye, but with Ezekiel's keen examination... "Wait, hold up. Private goods? What kind of chump does this guy have to...?"

"Morning Private!", another voice yelled over, interrupting the lad's private musing, "You're over here with us."

"Er, yeah, I... kinda gathered already," with that reply, Ezekiel put the clipboard back down where it was, and proceeded forth to meet the squad that he'd be serving under, "So this is Squad 4, eh? Interesting..."

He took the time to size each individual member of Squad 4 up and down, bearing an innocent smile across his face. He may have inadvertently paused at chest level each time he looked in one or two of the girls' direction, but he kept such pauses short and his overall gaze subtle. After all, there was a superior officer right there to his left that could suspect ogling of him if he wasn't careful.

"You guys seem like you could use a sniper on deck. Then again, that's probably the whole reason I'm here, innit? Oh right, I must remember my manners. Private Ezekiel Gosling, reporting for duty," performing the obligatory salute as he introduced himself, the sniper turned his attention to his superior officer, who he assumed must be the man named Harald, "So where're we headed, boss-man?"

@Lennon79

[Raven_Operative]

Lilly Jatmoore

Lilly yawned and stretched her tired (and almost nonexistent) muscles. She had done reasonably well in their PT, but was still hampered by her inability to get a decent night's rest. Sighing, she resigned herself to the fact that she would probably never get quite enough sleep while she was in the militia, so long as nightmares and early morning PT kept plaguing her.

When the group was told to relax, Lilly took a moment to walk about and loosen up. Around her, most people were either laying or sitting on the ground, resting or chatting. Beside her, Carn was finishing up an extra 20 sets of burpies and was not looking like he was enjoying a single minute of it. Not that she particularly wanted to talk with him anyways; His attitude about war did not sit well with her. She would have flopped down as well, but was worried that if she sat down before walking around a bit, she wouldn't be able to get up. Even with the training and battles she had been involved with, remaking a soft body pampered by an aristocratic life into one suitable for the harsh reality of combat took time.

On the other side of the clustering of soldiers sat one of the new girls. Lilly had never gotten her name and she hadn't been introduced to the squad, but it appeared she would be joining them. Most of the squad hadn't noticed her arrival it seemed, nor had they taken note of how nervous the girl had been at the start of PT. Lilly did, however, and felt she aught to do something about it. Though the girl's nerves had clearly steadied a bit after the PT, she still looked a little off - something Lilly could relate to all too well.

"Good morning, Miss." Lilly greeted her with a friendly wave and bow, after walking over to where she was seated. "You were one of the new arrivals assigned to our squad, yes? Are you having any trouble settling in? You looked a bit nervous." Lilly took a seat beside the girl to rest, now that she had stretched a little. It seemed like they had a bit of time to kill, so she settled in for a chat. "My name is Lilly Jatmoore, by the way. It is nice to make your acquaintance."

[Zarkun]

Corporal James Hunt|Morning in Fort Breda

PT for James had felt surprisingly light despite the fact that he was still feeling his wounds from their time in the field. When they were given down time, he joined the Sarge in meeting the delivery truck. When the new arrival asked where they were going, James spoke up. "We don't actually know yet, orders haven't come in yet. Corporal James Hunt, squad second in command. Welcome to Squad Four, Private Gosling."

[KoL]

Lance Corporal Eris Reinhardt
^{Fort Breda}

The long stare the newest private gave to the female half of the Squad didn't escape Eris' perception. Try as she might to remain unnoticed, she couldn't hide her, erm... assets, especially during a PT session. Her embarrassment got further expanded when the private made his introduction. "H— how come a child that cute be in the militia? And why is he checking the Squad's women?" Eris thought while trying to read the rest of the Squad as well as she could.

Eris was so distracted by her thoughts that she didn't even notice when another woman, approached her. She was only roused back to the real world when the girl who introduced herself as Lily asked a few questions of her. "Oh, ah... sorry, I didn't mean to ignore you. I wasn't paying much attention, this just... too much to take in at once, I think," Eris replied.

The silver-haired girl fidgeted around a little, showing some obvious apprehension before addressing Lily again. "I'm sorry... where are my manners? I'm Eris Reinhardt, the pleasure is all mine," Eris said, extending her hand to her newest acquaintance.

While Eris talked with Lily, she couldn't help but notice another woman who seemed to be a bit isolated not very far away from them. Thinking that perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to invite her to this small gathering, Eris excused herself from Lily for just a moment and walked to where the woman she noticed was resting. "Excuse me if I'm intruding, but it seems like you are on your own as well," Eris said shyly, "If that's the case, would you like to come and talk with us?" she said, gesturing toward where Lily and she were.

@Raven_Operative @Massasauga @AdmrlStalfos19

[Massasauga]

Pvt. Callaway
Squad 04

For her, Veronica had never truly been a physically inclined person. As such, exercises wore her out a lot. She was wiped, but it was still better when she first went through training. She swigged water from her canteen and tried catching her breath. Fuck, she knew this was all for the better of being a soldier, but damn it sucked! She was going to be sore for a few days at least. She was also worried about the PT uniform not covering her back entirely. The scarring from that day was gnarly, and it did have a little up to her neck. She recently had a haircut, but hoped that it still hid it.

Veronica did start a little when Eris came over and started talking to her. While not an antisocial by nature, she did find herself a bit on the loner side. She gave the girl a small smile.

"I would, but I'm afraid my legs haven't recovered yet." She gave a light chuckle.

[Raven_Operative]

Lilly Jatmoore

The conversation with Eris was pleasant but short, with the girl soon excusing herself to go and beckon the other new arrival over. Despite trying her best to put the girl at ease, Lilly could still tell that Eris was pretty nervous. Heh, in a way it reminded her of herself back when she first joined the militia. Not that she had completely gotten over it, mind you, but that she was slowly getting a bit better managing it. Eris' manner of speaking was also somewhat familiar. Reserved and polite, it reminded her of the way aristocratic society conducted itself back home. "Yes I believe we might get along very well, Miss Reinhardt.", Lilly mused to herself and smiled as Eris talked with the other girl. While she waited, she busied herself with trying to clean the grass stains and dust off her outfit. Her neat-freak tenancies were starting to get better, but she still did not like being in a dirty or stained uniform for any longer than absolutely necessary.

Of course, with the squad still kept somewhat close together, it was easy to listen in on other people's conversations. Especially when said conversation involved pointing at Lilly. As such, Lilly overheard Eris when she asked the new girl if she'd like to join them and likewise, heard the response that about her inability to stand. Well that was either a diplomatic refusal or a pained admission about the state of her fitness, and since the squad seemed to be composed of somewhat blunt individuals (Eris excluded), Lilly felt it was unlikely to be the former. "Please do not inconvenience yourself for my sake, I am more than capable of walking myself." She said as she slowly pushed herself to her feet and walked over to join the two of them. "Your body will get used to the exercise, it just takes time. My name is Lilly Jatmoore, it is nice to meet you Miss...?" She spoke in a sympathetic tone, before extending her hand to the girl for a handshake.

@Massasauga@KoL