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Farvardin had gotten lost at the very beginning of trying to find the horses. From there she got distracted with the booths and just about everything else. She only found her way back to the canal in time for the rescheduled parade due to a kind old man and his dog. They guided her back and once there she stayed there acting as security.

With the parade over Farvardin was about to wander over to the banquet set up for the volunteers. However the old man stopped her asking if she knew how to get there. Sweat-dropping Farvardin shook her head no. The old man offered to have his dog guide her there and she tried to refuse. However he all but forced the dog upon her saying he didn't want to be bothered thinking if she had found her way or not.

So when she finally made her way back to the Inn she had a kind black dog by her side. She sat down at the table and petted the dog. It didn't seem like it was going to leave her any time soon. Resting her head on the table she all but fell asleep.

((Yay! I got to post finally. And looks like Farvardin has a dog for her stay in Shiganshina. XP I won't be around until later tonight so feel free to notice Farvardin sleeping... or whatever.))

Begrudgingly, Shun was back to pulling barges in tow. He was glad for when that was over and not just because he was tired. All the noise and crowd was wearisome to him. He hadn't simply retreated to a quieter area because of the incoming banquet. That was something he couldn't refuse.

He leaned against one of the walls with his arms crossed, a short distance away from the other volunteers.

Inspired by Zin's piece of quiche, Axel had wandered off to get a slice for himself. He was on his way back while Zin and Tala chatted. He was glad that both of the girls were fine. The way everyone was shivering after being pulled out of the canal had him worried. Sneaking a bite off his quiche while he walked, Axel didn't notice the newcomer to the table.

He bumped into Preacher. Axel looked up, his mouth open to apologize, and found himself face to face with his arch nemesis, who seemed to be having a cheerful chat with Zin and Tala despite his racking coughs. Axel felt suddenly immensely stupid and clumsy. Damn! Why had he had to walk straight into Preacher, of all people.

"Oh," he said stupidly. He was tired, not mentally prepared for another war of words or fists. It was all he could think of to say.

"Tha military?" Preacher blinked, and then she coughed. She hadn't pegged Shalkuntala as the military type. For one, she tended to be quieter than expected, not as ....crude. Although, now that Preacher thought about it, Lloren hadn't been crude or anything. She shrugged. Guess there was a place for everyone. [cpolor=navy]"Well, Tal, ya gotta promise ta be careful. It's right dangerous n' can't have a pretty gal get hurt. Horses, I think aren't fer m-" thump. The bump, though it hadn't been done with any force, was enough to nearly unbalance her. It felt like there was water in her ears. She turned slowly, ready to either accept for demand and apology.

Axel. That big, blond oaf. Inwardly, she groaned. This ******** a*****e stood there, mouth hanging open, just staring. "You. I'll let-" Coughs began to rack her body. "Let ya off for today On account of tha ladies." But Preacher's magnanimosity was ruined as she braced herself with one arm against the table, nearly doubling over from a wicked bout of coughing. Her eyes began to water madly as she sucked in gulps of air only to cough them right back out. Even if she had wanted to fight Axel (which she did - it was Axel after all), there was no way she could in her condition.

While he was relaxing and keeping to himself, Shun overheard some of the nearby conversation. It came off as a surprise to him to hear that Shukantala was wanting to join the military because of the horses. As Zin said, it would likely mean that she'd have to go into the Scouting Legion to really work with the beasts. The shy girl really did not seem much of the military sort, but he was not one to judge.

Pushing aside his thoughts, he closed his eyes and rested the back of his head against the wall.

So much for that plan.

"Can't you tell I'm trying to relax?" he said while cracking his eyes open to give her a sort of glare, "I'm here for the food. Food that you better not throw all over the damn floor this time."

Yes. He remembered well enough how the last banquet turned out. Danny might not have started that fire, but she certainly didn't help. Shun looked down at the mug of ale and waved it off. That, he did not want. Not in the slightest. As far as Rikki went, he looked around and shrugged.

"Maybe he fell into the canal again," he grumbled. People seemed to be keen on going for a swim the past few days after all.

Shun's eyes narrowed as he saw her hand move towards his face. Thankfully, she didn't actually touch him. That would have just lead to trouble, one way or another.

"No. I'm just here for the food. I don't make friends, now bugger offer," he grunted while making a sort of 'shooing' motion with one hand, "I'm sure you'll find your new boyfriend easy enough without me."