Winchester/Fairfield Expedition - Depature

[winfield]

[After working for roughly a day and a half, nearly nonstop for some of you, the town's looking both healthier and hardier. With most (if not all) of the expeditioners contributing to reparation and building, you've managed to get a lot of work done: all the buildings have at least been patched up to some extent, and the poor broken fence is now standing and sturdy. You've even managed to get together a couple outposts. Nothing fancy-- they're just elevated platforms, really-- but they serve their purpose of allowing people to see far out quite well.

It's probably best to start heading back now, though, since you need the supplies you brought to last you the trip home.]

DR. BREWER | PACK IT UP, KIDS | HEATH | PEOPLE WHO WANT TO STAY

Comments

PACK IT UP, KIDS

[sworn]

[While the new citizens of Fairfield might be tolerating their presence, it's clear that they're not exactly ready or willing to have their guests stay too much longer. There's still much work for them to be done on their own, and the residents still have a trip ahead of them.]

We should make our way back to the castle. We have done all that we can for them, and the rest is in their hands.

[Vereesa does her best to help everyone get ready for the trip back. She'll walk around, gathering everyone up and passing the word along. If anyone needs a helping hand packing their things or readying their mounts, she's there to lend a hand.]

[encryptedlock]

[Unfriendly glances from the locals or not, York looks confused at the idea that they should leave.]

What? Why? We haven't even seen the aliens yet!

[C'mon, he's been spoiling for a fight here.]

[sworn]

[Vereesa's not unreasonable, she'll hear him out.]

And there are many travelling with us that would rather do without. We've helped to fortify the town in case of another attack.

How long would you wish us to stay and wait for them to return? It has been several days since they've vacated this area, but if you'd like to be here to greet them...

[encryptedlock]

I would, actually. That's why I came out here in the first place - to help them against an attack.

[Why would anyone come out here if they didn't want to--but no, even the Doctor prefers not to fight, and York will concede that. But why not be here when they do get attacked?]

I mean, isn't it pretty shitty to just leave them all here after they call us in to help? What if they attack as soon as we turn our backs?

[sworn]

There will always be the risk of another attack. Days from now, even weeks from now. We could stay a fortnight, and even after leaving then there is the risk that they may attack once we leave.

I do see your point, and it is a valid one, but our supplies will only last us so much longer and I do not wish to be a drain on this new community when they've only just begun. But perhaps a smaller group could remain behind.

[encryptedlock]

I'll be in that group. [Even though he needs to go back to the castle and drag South out of her depression from her brother's leaving, he can't in good conscience leave now.]

Besides, I promised Dr. Brewer I'd help him build a better radio tower so we can have consistent communication. And I brought one of the sleighs, so...it would really only take me a couple of hours to get back to the castle anyway, if I needed to.

[sworn]

I imagine there are others who feel the same and would join your cause. Would you spearhead this smaller group? I've heard tell of your skill and trust they would be in capable hands.

[It's less flattery and more just stating the facts. She's wanted nothing more than capable leaders making themselves known.]

[wizard_redfive]

Already? We've barely done anything yet!

[sworn]

When would you have us leave? In order for them to strengthen as a community, there are things that they must do on their own. We cannot do everything for them.

[wizard_redfive]

At least a few more days. They're still unarmed. What if the Collectors return for another attack?

[fuckelves]

I agree - we've only just arrived, how are we certain the danger has passed?

[He's really just upset because he didn't get the opportunity to contribute as much as he would have liked. Thorin feels the need to prove himself to the others, and feels he failed to do so on this mission, thus he's reluctant for it to end.]

[sworn]

[She nods, in actual agreement with the both. But she fears that such a large group would only be a drain on the brand new community.]

As large as we are, we cannot all stay. However, a smaller group should remain behind to continue to lend aid and keep watch. Would you be part of that?

[fuckelves]

I would be open to such an idea, yes.

[Let it not be said that Thorin Oakenshield shied away from conflict or danger.]

[findatree]

Already? But we just got here!

[wow that was fast]

[sworn]

[She loves that even the youngest residents are so eager to help, but already she's in protective mother mode. She tries not to show it.]

There are others who have chosen to stay behind. They will ensure the safety of the survivors.

[findatree]

I heard they want to be farmers. Can't I stay and watch them plant seeds?

[sworn]

You wish to stay only to watch them plant seeds?

[findatree]

I've never seen anybody farm before.

SORRY FOR LATE

[sworn]

[That's... strange. But a valid reason.]

I suppose they will need additional hands to help them sow their seeds.

Re: PACK IT UP, KIDS

[the_effect_she_has]

Agreed. I'll scout ahead a little, make sure the way is clear.

[Katniss stated simply, as she made sure all her gear was packed up again. All that ... for nothing. It seemed strangely anticlimatic, despite what they had learned.]

[fanstheflame]

Good luck, Catnip.

[he says it like he's not going, yet ... because, well, he's not.]

[the_effect_she_has]

[She turned to Gale, her dark eyebrows raising in surprise.]

...Why are you making that sound like you're not going with us?

[fanstheflame]

Because I'm not. ... There's still a lot they need help with, here, and ... if they get attacked again? ... And I could have done more, but didn't? [he gives her a quiet, pointed look. not an angry one, just ... steady. she's got to be feeling it, too - how much this place resembles their home. if he has a chance to protect people, he's going to take it, even if it isn't really the Seam]

[the_effect_she_has]

[She looked back at him - and then she got it. That nagging feeling in the back of her mind that had kept bothering her the entire time they had been here. Why it made her uneasy. It did remind her of the Seam ... before the firebombs. Before everything.]

...All right.

[Her voice is quiet, but she nods her head with understanding.] I'll see you when you come back, then.

[fanstheflame]

Don't worry. I'll keep in touch. [he'll go in for the hug, because he still does those, okay]