#though it's so innatural when she's not putting some cheer or flirt in her tone tho lol

[smiletimeisrunningout]

James interrupted her dark thoughts and she noticed that the approving bearded-man was following the Major. She smile instinctively at the latter, glad he had decided to visit. Her eyes widened in confusion and surprise when the Lieutenant started explaining that Tallmadge was her new 'guard', even if she instinctively reached out to shake his hand with her good one - she made a point of keeping the other hidden, she didn't need to hear that she should be more careful - and opened her mouth to speak but closed it again, a sense of familiarity and warmth starting to fill the cracks of her anger because the way he had just been interrupted by the Major screamed friends to her, the type of disapproving one that August was. Just like she had thought the day before, Benjamin and August had quite a lot in common. And Caleb had immediately reminded her of her friend Grace, not waiting a beat to comment on her appearance.

But then Tallmadge finished by telling her what she already knew, that she couldn't leave, and with no tact whatsoever considering she was nearly given the freedom of a baby, and Emma could have murdered him on the spot - just this once a fierce glare was directed at the person who had her smiling so widely until not long ago. Naturally she pushed it back, behind the door where she had to lock in all the rage she felt until she was at least able to go after those monsters, and while she took a deep breath her lips were pulled into a forced smile. "I understand," she agreed tightly. Easy, soften up. "Of course, I don't intend to weight on you, I'll speak to George-to the general and tell him that there is no need to force you to look after me. I doubt anyone has realized I'm here yet, what they did was an attempt to draw me out. And you have more important things to worry about than my safety." It had taken more words than she had wanted but by the end the tone had returned to a reasonable, gentler one, and then she turned her attention to the Lieutenant. Now her smile returned to widen sincerely, if still not back full force.

"And Caleb, it's so nice to meet you! I'm just sorry we couldn't meet in better circumstances, I'm usually far less serious. You can ask the Major all about that," she glanced at Benjamin with an apologetic smile, "I was expecting to do... more. Well, you heard. Doesn't matter. You two are clearly close friends, when you have the time you must come and tell me everything you think I could use to annoy him, yes? I did my best in the past few days but I need more material." There, now it was all better, she needed to scroll it all off and go back to normal. "But would you like a nightcap? I think I have liquor back there."

–

"Oi, ya shoulda seen it! I thought your new friend was gonna burst right on the spot.”

“She is not my friend,” Ben grumbled, and perhaps too quickly. “You heard Washington in there, didn’t you? I am now to be nothing more than a glorified nursemaid.”

Caleb grinned. “Could be worse, eh? She’s at least easy on the eyes.”

Affronted, his gaze snapped toward his friend and he scowled. “Must everything always trace back to your pego? This is serious business, Brewster! People are being killed in her name, and now because of outer politics, I have to put our plans for the ring on hold.”

Caleb hummed. “Now, as much as I’d love to talk more about my pego, allow me to talk some sense here.”

Ben snorted. “That would be a first.”

Ignoring him, the whaler continued, “Emma’s the immediate concern, aye, but if ya have pressing matters, just send me.” Catching his friend’s look, Caleb coaxed, “Oi, c'mon now! Y'know I’m good for it!”

“Sure, if there’s a profit or some wenching to be had,” Ben muttered. With a sigh, he amended, “Look, I know you are, Brewster, but I’m worried. I’m unfamiliar with this new threat, so I am unsure of how to best protect the princess. Granted, she doesn’t know I’m her bloody look-out yet, and perhaps we should keep it that way.”

“Speak o’ the devil,” Caleb said, nudging him.

Following his gaze, he internally winced at the sight of Emma pacing about in her tent. Another soldier was guarding the premises, so at least she wasn’t being entirely reckless.

“Well, here we go then,” Ben muttered. Leading his friend up to the princess’ quarters, he had a word with Gold, then was admitted with little fanfare. “Swan?” he greeted. “I apologize for dropping by unannounced, but it would seem our business is not quite yet finished.”

“You’re lookin’ at your new life guard o’ sorts,” Caleb spoke up with a grin. Ignoring Ben’s displeasure, he stepped forward with his hand extended. “I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced. The name’s Caleb Brewster – I only make the foot wabblers call me ‘lieutenant,’ so on account o’ you bein’ a lovely lass an’ all, I think-”

“That’s enough 'thinking,’ thank you,” Ben muttered. To Emma, he explained, “I was briefed on what happened. I do not know the specifics, but I have been assigned to ensure your protection.” He nodded with a sigh. “In other words, wherever you go, I go, so if you could try and remain within camp, that would be very much appreciated.”