Usually, in the Greil Mercenaries' Camps, the men slept in large tents on the left hand side. There were usually three men to a tent, leaving them all enough room for privacy and comfort. The girls were placed on the right hand side, in smaller tents. Most of the females lived alone, since there weren't many women to begin with. Ike wasn't too forceful about this set-up though. He trusted his followers.

Since they were in a castle rather than tents, Ike had allowed everyone to pick an empty room and decide if they wanted to share or live alone. He himself was forced into an expensive room by Elinica.

So, Mia's room now was beside Shinon's. He had heard her leave at about five each morning, but had usually paid her no attention. This morning, though, he dressed himself and hurried quietly behind her.

Shinon wasn't one to intrude on anyone's private affairs. But this was different. Somebody was actually hurting Mia, beating her to a bloody pulp. And though Shinon didn't particularly care for the girl, he didn't want anybody hurting her, either. There was something… wrong… about hurting a woman.

Mia, running through the frigid rain, had no clue she was being followed. She reached the familiar building quickly, going inside after a moment's hesitation. Shinon followed her slowly, in case she happened to turn back for some reason. Maybe she was just beaten up from her intense training?

But no, he defiantly recalled bruises that came from something hitting you- not from training too hard.

Meanwhile, Volke was standing close to Mia, watching her stretch with a practiced eye. She was chattering nonsense to him, and the rain outside was loud. But that didn't stop his assassin's ear from picking up the sound of footprints approaching the door from outside the building. "Mia, come here!"

Volke's voice was quick, but his actions were even quicker. He managed to pick up the startled woman and throw her and himself behind a suit of armor before the door opened, revealing Shinon, who was looking around the room slowly, bow in hand. After giving the room a swift glance, he cursed and left.

Mia and Volke both let out a breath they'd been holding since the soaking wet man entered the room.

Now things got a little awkward.

In his haste to get them out of sight, he had thrown Mia behind the suit of armor, pushing her flat against the wall and holding both of his hands on either side of her head so she couldn't move at all.

Now, Volke turned to look at her, his hands still trapping her between his arms. Although he hadn't realized the closeness of their bodies, she had, and her cheeks were bright red. Shyly, she glanced at his face. He looked incredibly pissed. "Uh, Volke? Would you mind letting me go now?"

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