Levi's noncommittal response is difficult for Reiner to dissect. It's more polite than an outright refusal, although that may be because Levi doesn't want to provoke him in this situation. (Not that Reiner could do much if Levi verbally provoked him. He'd still get Levi back to his mount, for Gabi's sake.) But it's also far from acceptance of the offer. Pride standing in the way, maybe? Or apprehension? Or maybe Levi just doesn't want to be around Reiner for an extended period of time.
Well, whatever. Reiner made the offer; that's all he can do. Whether Levi eventually takes him up on it or not is a problem for future-Reiner. His conscience is clear.
"My hometown has a harbor," Reiner says. "I learned how to swim as a kid." It's no more than he told Hange during their conversation at the beach, but it's far from the whole story.
Each Warrior Candidate represented a significant monetary investment. The time and resources spent training them made them far more valuable (literally) than the average soldier. Losing a Candidate to something as preventable as drowning was unacceptable. Between Liberio's harbor and the (polluted) river winding along the internment zone's edge, drowning was always a risk. Therefore, they were taught to swim.
But, of course, Reiner doesn't delve into any of that. As far as he's concerned, revealing that his hometown has a harbor is more than enough.
Levi's orca approaches with its sad little whistle. Reiner stops propelling them upward and simply hangs onto Levi, waiting until the other man has a secure hold of his mount before letting go.
"Hey, buddy," Reiner addresses the orca once Levi is on its back, his tone switching from practiced neutrality to something softer. "Can you do me a favor? Can you make sure he stays safely on your back until you get to the village?"
Autumn magic permeates those words, the ability to ask animals for small favors allowing the orca to understand Reiner. However, whether it will actually grant his favor is anyone's guess.
no subject
Well, whatever. Reiner made the offer; that's all he can do. Whether Levi eventually takes him up on it or not is a problem for future-Reiner. His conscience is clear.
"My hometown has a harbor," Reiner says. "I learned how to swim as a kid." It's no more than he told Hange during their conversation at the beach, but it's far from the whole story.
Each Warrior Candidate represented a significant monetary investment. The time and resources spent training them made them far more valuable (literally) than the average soldier. Losing a Candidate to something as preventable as drowning was unacceptable. Between Liberio's harbor and the (polluted) river winding along the internment zone's edge, drowning was always a risk. Therefore, they were taught to swim.
But, of course, Reiner doesn't delve into any of that. As far as he's concerned, revealing that his hometown has a harbor is more than enough.
Levi's orca approaches with its sad little whistle. Reiner stops propelling them upward and simply hangs onto Levi, waiting until the other man has a secure hold of his mount before letting go.
"Hey, buddy," Reiner addresses the orca once Levi is on its back, his tone switching from practiced neutrality to something softer. "Can you do me a favor? Can you make sure he stays safely on your back until you get to the village?"
Autumn magic permeates those words, the ability to ask animals for small favors allowing the orca to understand Reiner. However, whether it will actually grant his favor is anyone's guess.