Night Watch I: Eliza, Ward of Andrew

*Blasko's POV*

This was going to be a real gamble. I was putting myself on the line. But Andrew just wasn't coming around after Juliet's death, he needed some added responsibility, he needed a task. This one would even provide him with companionship by force, whether he liked it or not. That it was female companionship was irrelevant to me; that wasn't my intention.

The Council had met with all the First Officers last week and told us an exile was being sent from a neighboring tribe. Of course, all of us wanted to know what the exile had done and where he or she was coming from. Some tribes refuse to enact capital punishment for all crimes, no matter how grisly.

Apparently the exile was a female by the name of Eliza. She had committed a murder. The Council surely knew more, but hadn’t gone into depth. But what they had said was telling.

(Flashback)

Councilman Sebastian, sounding casual, said, "Eliza is being sent from the Merry Willows-" we all groaned in unison, "-and will be arriving in five days. The Council has already reviewed her case in depth and we have decided we would like to try and place her somewhere, try and integrate her. She would require heavy supervision. Any ideas are welcome."

James spoke first, making the obvious point, but rationally, "Councilman Sebastian, as Eliza hails from Merry Willows, and they will not execute for even the most heinous of crimes, perhaps she should not be placed with civilians?"

Elder Lemmy snorted. "Bastian said we reviewed her case, kid!" He then mumbled a few expletives to himself. Elder Lemmy did not like being Elder, did not like Meetings, and was not known for his patience. He was a wise leader, but hated pomp and circumstance. He rolled his eyes.

Elder Ozzy watched from the corner, an unofficial member, curious. He had recently stepped down from the Council amidst protest, retaining his honorary title, and we all appreciated his input. "Bastian, what breed is she?"

Councilman Sebastian looked from Elder Ozzy to me. "Eliza is an unranked Night Watch soldier, actually. She previously protected the Walls of her tribe’s village; her record was spotless before her crime." All eyes turned to me.

That was when I thought of Andrew, walking around like an automaton, with nothing to drive him other than the vague purpose of protecting the Soul of the Forest. He needed something real, something tangible. He needed interaction.

I took a breath. "I propose that Eliza be made my Second Officer's ward. He has been in mourning for years since the death of his partner; I believe that the added responsibility and contact would do him good. Andrew is also a very capable warrior, should Eliza prove to be a problem." No one spoke for a moment.

"Excellent idea! Well, problem solved. Let's go have a drink, eh?" Elder Lemmy looked around the room, and after a moment, we all rose to go have a round.

(End flashback)

Now that the Day had come where Andrew was actually going to find out about my clever plan, I was both excited and anxious. I figured I'd have to play it off like some solemn, important duty (which it was, this woman was a murderer and needed watching), and he'd take it all right. Especially given his recent bullshittery with Ashley. At least I thought he would.

Notes

a... murderer?

very sleepy, hope there aren't too many mistakes- feel free too point them out. :O)