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    1. Bushman501 8 yrs ago

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September 10, 1914




It was a very foggy encounter for Reyna when she met Jean that night. The only thought that she had when she looked at Jean was that he was doing more or less ok. When he asked the question if she couldn't sleep? The answer was a shake of her head. Was she ok? A nod. She even barely registered the fingers wrapped around her left hand, but concluded their purpose was to guide her to a place to sit. That was, of course, the chair. She was tired of the floor that night and a chair was a lot more comfortable than a floor. At the very least, she woke up a little more than she was earlier.

Then a question was asked. Why did she join the Edinburgh military? Reyna thought for a moment as she registered Jean finally letting go of her hand. She noted about the fact that Jean's parents were killed in some incident in Liege City. A refuge? She still had one at home where the mansion was. Her parents were alive and well, as well as her nation. It was not under direct threat as far as she knew, but it was still under threat. Finally, Reyna gave Jean her answer. "My reason to fight? It's a very simple one: I wanted to choose my own path and to make sure the Imperials don't ever threaten my homeland. If they ever got through Europa, Vinland would be next." She paused before speaking further, listening to the news. That was....bad and good at the same time. On the one hand, many innocent people died even if they were military assets. On the other hand.... it could bring a swift end to the war that was already upon them. Either way, Vinland was likely to join after an event like that and that would mean its military forces would be here."It's...not necessarily the best news but at least home is likely to get involved. It'd be stupid not to at that point. But, Jean, your reasons to keep going should be the squad. We all want to help each other get through this. It may feel like it, but...you don't have to bear burdens alone."

That was rather silly, coming from an introvert like herself, but it was true. People in war, she knew, fought for those beside them. It was all in the stories and she believed them. Everyone counted on her just like they counted on Jean. A team effort, war is. Now that she thought about it, that sounded silly even in her head. Just when she thought of that, however, Jean seemed to be...about to lean towards her direction? Quickly, she adjusted the chair so that his head would land on her thigh, which would be much more comfortable than the chair itself or or side. Apparently, Jean was more tired than she thought: he was fast asleep. Hehe, had this happen before. Who was it...oh yeah both Scott and Eleanor did this too! Oh how many times did those goofs do that to me? I can't quite count now. Reyna couldn't help but have a quiet giggle as she looked at Jean's head. It was her opinion that everyone looked adorable when they were like this, and Jean was no exception. Whether it was because it was comfortable or for some other unknown reason, Reyna didn't dare wake him up. Instead, she took the rest of the night watch over for Jean, unable to move her leg. As well as keeping watch, she wrote in her journal a little about the events that transpired, of her current feelings.



There was only one word that stuck out when they reached the White Hart Inn. Baths. Reyna was just as surprised as the rest of them when the Imperials didn't shoot and this was apparently neutral territory? However, that word was the only thing she could think of as she called for the baths first. She didn't care where she had to walk through to get to this point, she was there. Soaking in a nice bath and finally getting rid of that dirt and grime she so hated. The small injuries she had hurt a little, but she didn't care. There was only a few things missing: maids and butlers to bring her anything she wanted and the bath tub being luxuriously large. But, compared to everything else that happened this was the ultimate luxury she could have. Something so small but much appreciated made her feel really good and almost forget about the events yesterday. She didn't care if someone walked in on her, only that they contributed to her pleasurable bath experience if they did for seeing her in a vulnerable state like this.

However, this unfortunately had to come to an end. Others needed to use the baths too and it would be rude of her to not let them enjoy this pleasure just like herself. She already laid out her spare uniform and clothing earlier, just now getting out of the bath and putting them on herself after looking in the mirror and smiling to herself. She took her time, of course, as there was no rush. She made sure everything was proper before exiting the bath, moving into the main area of the inn. It looked like everyone was having a good time, though a few of the members were off doing other things. However, Reyna had a specific goal in mind now.

Getting permission to use the kitchen, she set about this goal and borrowed a pitcher, followed by the making of what would be the product of Vinland-made tea. Better still, there was an availability of sugar here in this inn. After purchasing some of the sugar for use formerly,having plenty of money, she put in three cups of sugar in the pitcher that was now filled with warm tea and stirred it. It was this making of sweet tea that her mother, Melissa, taught her claiming "Every Vinlander woman should know how to make sweet tea, even if you are wealthy!" Reyna wholeheartedly agreed with this. But...these people were not Vinlanders. They didn't know what was so great about sweet tea made by a Vinlander did they? She had to fix this. She made a second pitcher of sweet tea and went out, offering tea to everyone in the squad that was still downstairs first.

Following this, however, Reyna went upstairs, eventually heading near where she found Isaac and Britta were thanks to the owner. That was when Reyna heard it. Sounds that were....something. She didn't even knock on the door yet she barely heard them. It was also vaguely similar to the sounds she heard right before she had the birds and bees talk with a couple of embarrassed maids and a butler, one of the maids even being her personal maid who did most of the talking. While she was not completely familiar with the sounds, she knew enough that it'd be best to not open the door. Instead, she walked away and decided they could have tea later. Though, she felt a little flushed after such sounds and her thoughts were slightly in the gutter.

After that...news of a pleasurable experience going on Reyna went to the final target for the enjoyment of tea: Jean. She didn't know what was going on, but she still wore the pendant Jean gave her since it seemed to both comfort him and was significant to him. This time, she listened before she opened the door, and after deducting nothing was going on in there she knocked on the door, with a tray with a pitcher and a few cups in her hands.

@LetMeDoStuff

September 10, 1914




Any kind of injury was always a pain. Whether in war or not, being hurt with nothing to sooth the pain was very bothersome. Normally, Reyna would have had at least some kind of medicine on hand for this much pain, but the circumstances simply did not allow for such luxuries. After their engagement with the Imperials, Reyna did not come out unscathed. However, compared to others such as Michael her injuries paled in comparison, making her feel stupid for worrying about the paper-cuts she received in comparison. A few field dressings were able to stop the bleeding at least.

As they walked through the city, Reyna looked at her hands and bit her lip as the reality of the situation sunk in. She killed a man. A man that was perhaps just as innocent as the rest of them. Regardless, she committed that action and she could never take it away. The worst part of it was....just how easy the acts themselves were. It was difficult on the mind to take the life of another human being, but the actions that took that life were so simple.

She snapped back to reality from those thoughts when they were told to get into a building, which had better protection than out in the streets, as ruined as it was. Still....Reyna could not imagine living in such a place like a rat scurrying about. At best, it looked very uncomfortable and certainly was not the mansion she grew up in. She was definitely going to have a difficult time to sleep in this place.

Moving inside, Reyna noticed Isaac having a talk with Jean who earlier, she knew, had another emotional breakdown. The last fight was very stressful, and she felt like she'd have possibly broke down afterwards. However it was his charge and willpower during that fight that counted, not the aftermath they all suffered. Satisfied that someone was checking up on Jean at least, Reyna attempted to get some sleep, curling up somewhere on the floor. It was no use, though, as hours passed on the uncomfortable floor. Reyna could barely tolerate army cots, let alone the cold floor that they were sleeping on.

Eventually, Reyna had enough and, after making sure everyone else was for the most part ok with a scan of the room went outside to check on Jean. Diana was crying in her sleep, she noted, but she didn't dare try to wake her up to check on her. That could end badly after all. Moving on outside, Reyna had nothing to say and a foggy mind and the pain of her minor injuries making her slightly wince as she walk. But, she may be able to at least get Jean a nap. After all, it would be unwise to pull the entire night watch without someone filling in.

@LetMeDoStuff

September 9, 1914




Reyna knew that there were those people out there that did not like the Darcsen race. She herself neither liked or disliked them any more than any other person. However, many like Luke fell onto the dislike side. However, the way Luke showed his dislike was what made Reyna visibly cringe. Ok, that is a dumb move. Why are you letting something that happened in the past so many years ago affect your opinion now? She was not entirely true if that was the actual case, but either way Luke wasn't very smart in this situation, especially since there were several Darcsens already in the squad.

After some time and picking up one of those improvised weapons, Reyna heard the roar of a engine. The engine would have been a welcome sight if it wasn't in the form of an Imperial attack. With Jean ordering them into the buildings, she followed Jean's group into them with a healthy dose of fear inside her. She was scared, but this was war. Rich or poor, darcsen or brunette, it did not care and it was about to show this to Reyna as she moved to make sure a room was clear via a doorway. A lesson Reyna would learn about urban warfare: that doors were the most dangerous spots.

A bullet grazed by the side of her torso, the pain barely registering to Reyna as she saw an Imperial already inside the room, a rifle raised at her direction and starting to work a bolt. However, Reyna's carbine was lighter and more suited to close quarters than a long rifle, as such Reyna with shaky hands aimed at the Imperial. Squeezing the trigger, the shot could have gone much better if she wasn't so shaky, the bullet would have went through the man's chest. Instead, however, it hit the shoulder, jerking the rifle away as the bolt was finished and the man instinctively fired into the floor. Knowing she won't have time to work the bolt again, Reyna dropped the rifle and took out her entrenching tool, rushing towards the pained Imperial.

The Imperial in turn drew his knife and held it towards Reyna, the girl swinging the tool at the Imperial, hitting him in weakened arm. However, at the same time the Imperial slashed her upper-right leg, blood trickling down it as she prepared another attack. Luck, again, was on Reyna side as the Imperial missed his next swing toward his intended spot, instead the knife getting a small stab into someplace with some cushioning: her tool kit, and Reyna's tool hit him upside the head, knocking him back. At this point, Reyna instinctively kept attacking, the fight response the most dominant here, and finally the man was knocked down from the consistent assault. As a final act, Reyna drove the shovel's blade right into the neck of the man, finally ending his life and ending the encounter.

Reyna stood there, looking down at the now-dead man with horror as she started to feel a small pain in three spots. Adrenaline kept the pain dulled for now, but that coming pain will pale in comparison to the shock of realizing that she, for the first time in her entire life, killed someone. "No, no time for this now! The others need you!" she said to herself, snapping out of it for the moment and running with a wince to others, calling to them that the room was clear.

September 9, 1914




Before Reyna left to go see Michael, she answered Diana's question. "What we make? Just industrial machinery and the parts of it. Dad always loved machinery and progress." A smile creeped on Reyna's face as she remembered her father: a good man and a loving father. A philanthropist that told Reyna to be humble with the less fortunate, for he also started as one of them. It took his entire life to build Hall Industries to the way it is now. Anyone could rise the top through perseverance and hard work, but they did not have to. They needed to rise up enough to achieve their dreams and do what they want in life.

However, that was not what Reyna was thinking when when both Diana and Jean made their comments to her after she teased Jean bashfully when he held her hand. Diana's comment of her looking cute as she blushed and Jean asking why she can't handle a little handhold. Truthfully, both combined comments made her laugh more but embarrassed her more at the same time. She didn't know what to say to either of them, instead dismissing herself to see Michael, who wanted to see the sappers anyway.

Upon reaching Michael, she found out what Michael wanted and was quite happy she answered his call: he was scribbling a map that could possibly be used in the tunnel system the sappers will have to go in eventually. Reyna herself was not artistic, but she could already tell that Michael had the practice of a well-educated individual. Giving her the piece of paper that could become precious, Reyna gave a small smile to the short man "Thank you. I appreciate it."

Upon returning to her part of the group, they continued on to the inside of the city. Jean once again talked to her and tried to tease her again. Though Reyna felt the blush coming to her cheeks and her bashfulness said otherwise, she had to reply to Jean with a small giggle. "J-Jean? Did anyone ever tell you you're a big f-flirt?" She meant this playfully of course, but Reyna nodded to Jean's next comment about the city. "Yeah, it is a shame. It would have been a nice place to visit with mom, dad and my brothers." From what she heard, Amone was quite the beautiful place, somewhere she would have loved to visit when there was no war.

Despite the destruction around her, however, Reyna had a small amount of confidence inside of her as they met up with another soldier, Ines by the looks of it, and started making her way through the breach. Although nearly forgetting about the cavalry charge, she won't ever forget it. Instead, despite her happiness and energy her heart was steeling itself for what was to come as she observed everyone around her. Stay strong, Reyna. No matter what happens...you can do this. A random thought came out of nowhere, however, as her eyes looked at Diana. Now that she looked at the Vastergoth woman, Reyna recalled hearing a small bit from Diana's hushed mutter. Something about an Astra. Although she didn't remember everything that was said, something told her that there was more to Diana than was meeting the eye. However, she also had the feeling that it was personal and not something to pry about.

@LetMeDoStuff@Conscripts@Landaus Five-One

September 9, 1914




After witnessing the slaughter, Reyna felt her head turned toward Jean, but not in any aggressive manner. Instead it was gently, as if she was a fragile piece of glass. Her mind was going a million miles per hour by the time she processed what Jean said. Her? Oh, Jean meant his sister. The pendant she was wearing was his sister's. With the mention of that, Reyna instinctively reached up to the pendant and gave a smile to Jean. Diana also came over and told them a little about their home.

Thinking about home began to calm her down, something that Reyna and in fact all of them needed. Only when she was calmed down was she able to see the logic behind everything: Jean was trying to distract everyone from going deep into the pits of insanity. It was good a good idea and one that she's seen her father use often when bad times hit on a lesser scale. A small amount of admiration in Jean's thinking rose up in Reyna before replying, not with any smile but neither with a frown, to the darcsen and Diana. "Oh...Interesting. I loved going to the local bakery in Darport! That's not a bad house either, but uh, I live in a mansion in a country town. It's really beautiful out there, with the rolling green hills and forests, not to mention the nice people! My family is kinda wealthy and own Hall Industries so we never had any problem with doing what we wanted." She heard Michael call for the sappers, but Rina decided that could wait until she was done fixing herself and tending to what Jean and the others surrounding her wanted first. One step at a time, Reyna.

That was when Middleton came back and told them to keep Lucia alive at all costs and to not put her into danger, even as they would be fighting against some legendary marksman or through a city filled with Imperials. That sparked alarm bells in Reyna's head. Wait...so if she's so important to not be harmed, why is she being put into the most possible danger? Her's was not to question why, but she questioned anyway. Was it a management mistake? Or was Middleton having some kind of relationship with Lucia?

However, something more immediate shook Reyna out of her thoughts as she felt her hand being grabbed and her heart skipping a beat as she looked to see who the culprit was: Corporal Jean Charpentier. A little redness rose in her cheeks as Reyna found herself subject to an apology. After hearing those words, Reyna started to giggle, with it getting worse by the second as she found the situation humorous and embarrassing at the same time. "G-Geez Jean! I didn't know you were so daring!" Reyna joked with a smile and a small blush. "Yeah, let's go. But first I need to see what Michael needs." With that, Reyna turned around with an attempt at a stifled giggle and went to see Michael, as he called for the sappers.

@LetMeDoStuff@Conscripts@Landaus Five-One

September 9, 1914




Well..end of the line. Reyna thought to herself as the train came to a stop. She knew what it meant: they all had to disembark to another battlefield. Although to those that came aboard the train on the way to Amone would have thought of her as some kind of veteran, the reality was she was far from it. Inside, she was still unshaken by the horrors of war, the horrors that she has yet to see. She just hoped that her training kicked in when they did come, for she felt that all would come crashing down at the worst possible moment. Still, her parents and friends believed that she'd be able to get through it, and so she held on to that hope that she would.

Getting off the train and listening to Middleton's speech, who was now a captain, Reyna went over to change into the new uniform. For a second, Reyna reminisced getting into a dress. Although sometimes against her will when she insisted on dressing herself, the hired maids of the family have helped her do this task before. Usually, there was a lot of preparation and adjustments. Now? Reyna was all by herself. The uniform was a little tight on the chest, but other than that it was within acceptable comfortable limits. At least it felt more comfortable than the old uniform.

After getting everything situated, Reyna reported to Jean and the rest of what will be her "squad." She listened to Jean's words and briefing as he started patting everyone on the back...except herself and Kalisa. Instead he spoke words to them. At first, Reyna did not know what to think. Then came the compliment of Kalisa being a badass and some hesitation afterward, as if Jean was trying to pick his words. Sweet..what? At the same time she thought that, her name was said. The gist of the conversation, as far as Reyna saw, was "don't die." Reyna was used to herself being singled out for conversations occasionally: after all many wanted to have conversations with her, some vying for her affection and some not. It depended on what was going on.

"Don't worry Jean. We'll be fine and won't lose anything! Take care of yourself too." Reyna replied with a smile while adjusting her harness. Where was this talk with Diana? Reyna thought for a moment before looking up at Kalisa, noting that as a darcsen Kalisa was a pretty one. Maybe it was because Jean was talking to two pretty girls and was unused to speaking to women? She'll have to ask about that sometime.

"So, you're Kalisa? Nice to meet you and glad to see you're alright. Heard you got hurt." Reyna offered a smile to the woman as she held her hand out to shake and listening to what Kalisa had to say briefly before going to collect her gear. What Reyna questioned when she arrived to collect any new gear they were being issued, however, was a peculiar mask that was assigned to them as she looked at the new equipment straight away. Reyna looked for instructions for usage, as she had the feeling that this mask had some important purpose. Perhaps it is for smoke to help them breathe? Whatever the case she will figure it out. Shrugging and clipping the mask to place where she can put it on fast, she moved with the rest of the squad, consistently checking to make sure everything was in its place and that she did not forget anything, even a trivial item.

At the spot where they had a good view of the Cavaliers, who were about to begin their charge, Reyna looked at the horses. Back home, she was not a horse girl although she did live out in a place where there were some of the majestic creatures. Reyna always appreciated nature for what it was, though she was a nuts and bolts type of girl by heart, hence why she showed a lot of aptitude of being a sapper. Aww, those horses! It's a shame they're also used for war, but they are great companions if my friends are to be believed. However, her prior knowledge of what some of the others, most notably veterans, talked about gave Reyna a bad feeling about this....

Her feelings were soon confirmed as the Cavaliers started to be gunned down quickly by machine-gun fire. The sound....Reyna heard it in the distance at Hill 58 when she was helping with moving up the artillery. It was not a pretty sound as she remembered attempting to count the bullets fired from such a lethal weapon before giving up altogether. Now, she watched in horror as the once-majestic creatures and riders of the Cavaliers got gunned down, wiped to the last. If anyone was alive over there, they weren't going to be for long.

Reyna stood there in no small amount of shock as she processed what just happened. Her eyes widened a small amount before the internal battle of her feelings told her to get a hold of herself. That she was warned she was going to see things like this... But nothing compared to witnessing a massacre like that first-hand. So, Reyna did the one thing she thought of: she looked away, put her right hand where her heart was and took deep breaths as she recovered herself and her senses, calming herself. It's ok Reyna. You...you won't end up like that. Calm down...You will make it. Oh God... She bit her lip, looking at how everyone else fared watching the scene.

@LetMeDoStuff @SMS

August 25, 1914




Well...I can't say I expected this. Reyna thought after she was dragged into Jean's room. After letting go of his hand and thinking nothing of it, she listened to what Jean said. Listening to that, she found out just what kind of person Jean was. He was not one of those Darcsens that sulked in depression like many she has seen before, but instead someone that wanted to do the best they could do. Sure, he was depressed now but the fact remained that this was not necessarily Jean's normal state of affairs, rather his way of coping with the horrors of war.

And he's just given me his pendant, which was his sister's. Reyna didn't think she deserved such a thing, but took it regardless with the intention of giving it back sometime. Right now, however, was not the right time. Oh geez, what do I say? Reyna thought on his words. It seemed he thought that being a leader, he had to sacrifice himself. It was true: she didn't see combat yet. However, she already felt some of the after-effects of a battle, if not the full brunt of having to go through the no-man's land. With a smile, Reyna told Jean "It's alright, Jean. However, I want you to do one thing: for yourself to survive. It is good you're willing to die for us, but know it's the other way around. Besides....I was raised believing that a leader should always make sure they and others succeed. Not that I would know too much about the subject." Reyna smile turned into a nervous one. She wasn't used to these kinds of situations. "I'm going to go. Be safe Jean and..thank you for trusting me with this." Reyna turned and left, putting Jean's pendant in her journal pouch. There was a lot to think about as she retired to her bunk and took out her journal, beginning to write in it.



Reyna's Journal


August 25, 1914.

So much happened this day, yet I was so lucky. We took that darn hill, but at what cost? Everyone else when they came back..the looks on their faces...it was not a pretty sight. Yet I saw many did not return. Thank goodness that at least some of them came back. I was worried that everyone was dead after I was pulled off to artillery duty. The mud on me didn't help much. Uck! Of all of my time in Dad's workshop I didn't think I would miss the good hygiene I enjoyed at home. On a lighter note, Isaac, Jean, Diana, and the others are all interesting people. A Kalisa was mentioned too, but it sounded like she's hurt. I hope she is ok.

Jean, first of all, seemed like he lost it. I had to help comfort him and more, he gave me his pendant. I intend to give it back to him someday, but I don't know when I will. Either way, helping him felt good and I am glad I was able to comfort him somehow. Thanks to the others' help of course! I wouldn't have been able to do it on my own. Though, now that I think about it he's rather cute for a darcsen.

Isaac? He's interesting. If he didn't take charge of everything going on I don't know what would have happened. Plus, he helped with calming Jean down. He seemed more used to the labors of the bottom, something I am not. He gives me a "tough guy" kind of vibe, which has it's own charms.

Diana? She's really nice, and cute too! She was also there helping me, although I think her and Jean have some kind of relationship with each other. She called him "sweetie" and I do not know what to think about that. She's either weird (and probably is regardless, I get that vibe) or they are dating. Oh well, it's not my place to judge the less fortunate. After all, I'm weird too. They're all probably wondering why a Vinlander is here after all.

Finally, there is Lt. Middleton. He is...I don't know. He's commanding, but already I am hearing subtle resentment toward him. Doesn't seem like everyone likes him. We will see: Dad said sometimes a good leader is not liked. However, I cannot say this resentment is surprising either, with what I know what happened in the battle.

I should go to sleep. It's been a very long day and I know there is more to come. I wonder...what will I have to face? Will I...end up like them too? I guess time is the only thing that will tell.



On the train to Amone


Reyna reread the journal she wrote as she sat in a seat on the train. Some of her thoughts changed since then, but not all of them. So many thoughts and memories, written down in that little book she kept and her father's pouch protecting it all. The train was quite busy, but Reyna sat alone. It was not because she was rejected by her fellow soldiers nor was it because she did not like them. She simply did not like crowds. Funny, considering she was showered lavish social events her entire life due to her family's wealth, yet she never desired to be in the center of attention. So she sat alone, merely observing everyone. However, she had to wonder: as a Vinlander, she was the foreigner in the Edinburgh army. It was only a matter of time before she attracted some kind of attention. Whether that was good or bad, she will see. She put the journal in her pouch after doodling a few things in the pages like she usually did and waited.
So much for her luck. She did not know how the deer appeared nor did she have time to react as she was flown straight on her back, alerting Bill. She thought it was all over before Bill suddenly took off running. The fact that this was the first time she saw anyone made of stone run was worrying. What made the matter worse was she heard the shouting about some kind of challenge for glory and honor. Whatever it was, she barely managed to duck on the ground as Bill came at mach-speed. She would have rushed after him had it not been to a place where more of those soldiers would be. Pen pal or not, it was simply too dangerous for Rebecca to check on him unless it was from a distance

It was not until after the incident that Rebecca saw the cause of Bill's launch: two figures stood near the gate. A teen and a woman. Another decision had to be made as Rebecca pondered what to do for a moment, ending up deciding to take a chance and go to the figures. Still, Rebecca had a bad feeling about this but decided it was best to at least try. Quickly, she stood up and went to two yet keeping her distance. She didn't know if she would need to run or not.

"Who are you?! What did you do to my friend?!" Fear coursed through her, but she stood her ground regardless as she spoke those words. Why was *any* of this happening in the first place? Too many questions and too few answers.




At first, Reyna was unsure if she was being insensitive. Jean did not reply for a long time before he grabbed her wrist when she knelt down. The action surprised Reyna, making her jump slightly. However, looking at the man it seemed he needed all the comfort he could get. Letting him have her wrist and hand to hold, Reyna listened to what Jean had to say, thinking about nothing but comforting the man and listening to his story.

Though she expected the account of the battle to be brutal and traumatizing, she was surprised by how much it affected the man. The way he described the event had Reyna worried. Her imagination did the rest, as she envisioned this same man beating an Imperial soldier to death with the butt of his rifle. What was the worse part, however, was the tears that he had. He was crying, letting out the emotion that was pent up inside him. That was the most difficult thing to deal with as far as Reyna was concerned.

This, however, was the here and now. Reyna felt the need to say something as she listened to the rest Jean said, catching his name at the tail end along with the information that they were relocating. Come on, Reyna. Think of something... He seemed..scared that she will have to go through the same, though she did not think she should assure him that she will be fine. Reyna fell back to what she was taught to do by her mother: smile. Smile and hope that the smile makes his day and keeps him moving forward and assure him that no matter what happens there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. "I'm Private Reyna Hall. It's ok, Jean, you did what you could."

That was all Reyna could think of to say before Isaac turned up and gave a explanation of what happened. Reyna nodded to Isaac and looked up at the man, who was another that was much taller than herself. "That's so much to go through, and yet there is more to come." she replied worriedly. If this is what these two were going through and this is their state, she worried about the rest and how she will eventually deal with it when the time came. Reyna pieced together what happened from the testimony of Jean and Isaac. Jean lead them through basically what was considered hell and back as the ranking NCO.

After fully piecing together everything, Diana came into the picture when she spoke. At least she did not have to look up as much as she looked up to Diana, who was about the same size as Reyna herself. She returned the smile to Diana as she thought this was a good opportunity to direct any conversation away from the bad that has happened. Reyna did not, however, detect the jealousy that was in Diana's voice in either instance that she spoke as she replied with a soft smile "Nice to meet you Diana. My full name is Reyna Hall. And, thank you! Your name is adorable as well! I like it and it suits you well."

"Come on, Jean. You heard Isaac. Go on and get some rest. We can handle the rest from here." Reyna said to Jean as she stood up and slipped her hand to hold Jean's hand, gently tugging it upward to let him know that she'll help him stand back up. Besides, what was he thinking sitting down in the wettest place in the trenches without sitting on top of a box?

@LetMeDoStuff @Landaus Five-One @FalloutJack




If there was a word to describe Reyna's situation, most would choose "lucky" as that word. Her participation in the charge was only stopped by a lieutenant at the last minute, who grabbed her arm and ordered her to help the sappers with the artillery pieces move the artillery up. At the time, Reyna thought she could feel the resentment that some would have toward her good fortune. Whether that was true or not, she had a task to accomplish.

Of course, not everything went according to plan even on her end. While the unit was holding the hill, Reyna had to countless times use her entrenching tool to dig the artillery pieces out of the muddy ground and occasionally push them. Both activities put strain on the woman, and her frustrations only increased as she slipped in the mud twice, with many more times losing her balance and recovering. By the time the artillery got to it's destination, Reyna had mud all over her face and hands, something that irked her the entire way.

She was finally able to at least clean her head and hands by the time she was released and told to go back to her unit. By the time she was told this so much that Reyna didn't know happened happened. She did not have any word on what happened to her unit, but she required time to rest while she could. Sitting in the rear lines on a box, Reyna took the time to gather her bearings and herself. After that, she spent time cleaning the gold pendant that was her charm, tucking it back into her uniform before looking up in the direction of where she was told her unit was and moving.

That was when she spotted the lance-corporal, Charpentier, at a intersection of the trenches. Reyna only knew the man in passing, having only seen him when she arrived as a new member of the unit and his rank being mentioned. However, the look on his face worried her. It was as if he has seen something horrible. She debated giving the man space at first: after all everyone needed space every so often and it would not be too much of a stretch to guess what happened to him in a battle zone. However, Reyna did need to report back to her unit and besides, he looked like he needed something though she was not sure if she would be able to provide at all.

Following Charpentier to his destination, but not too closely, she found him in one of the most isolated spots in the trenches. Had it been any other circumstance, she would have noted this spot for later and perhaps used it. Quietly, Reyna peeked around the corner and saw what the lance-corporal was doing: staring into the abyss. Oh geez. This might get a little rough.... Reyna thought as she revealed herself and approached slowly. After all, she already followed the man: any more looking at him from a corner and he might think she was a creep, something that she did not intend to be.

"Uh, excuse me lance-corporal?" Reyna gently spoke with concern, attempting to recall all of the lessons her mother taught her about talking to distressed people. Reyna bent down on her knees a little when she reached as far as she was willing to go so she was not standing too tall over the guy though his height almost made that not necessary for such a smaller woman like her. "Uh, I'm supposed to report back. Are you ok? Do you mind telling me what happened?" Already, she hoped she did not strike a nerve or caused him to lash out at her.

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