(OOC: First off, HUGE thanks to you Ord -- the artist you commissioned to draw Rory did a truly outstanding job, and I think I'm still picking my jaw back up off the floor from seeing the finished product. Looks like he did a great job on Cami as well, and can't wait to see how Gaud looks!)
Well, the group was all back together now, if only briefly.
Justice, he couldn't help but notice, seemed... well, grumpy might've been an understatement and a half. In the brief time he'd gotten to know the upperclassman Rory hadn't seen him approach anything you might describe as 'jovial' unless he was contentedly poking and prodding at someone's thoughts and behaviors, so it wasn't unexpected. Still, his expression suggest a mood most foul indeed. Hopefully that didn't end up attracting any Grimm once they left the safety of the walls... though, in all honesty, he'd almost feel bad for the Beowolves if Justice crossed their path in such a state. But... why? Rory had the distinct feeling he'd missed something, a notion reaffirmed as Calen rejoined them massaging his throat.
The shieldbearer's thoughts turned abruptly as Cami mentioned being shot at, his expression briefly twisting in horror. It was hard not to assume Vona was behind that, but the idea that they might retaliate against an unarmed civilian on a goodwill mission -- let alone one with Cami's reputation -- was disturbing to the extreme. That thought was still sinking in as he absorbed Calen's advice, nodding along in numb agreement.
"... Makes sense. Hopefully at least a few villagers have personal weapons to contribute if -- scratch that, when -- the Grimm start probing the defenses." He paused, considering what other options might be available. "I have a few other ideas, but I'll have to see what there is to work with. In any case," He turned to Cami, mustering a reassuring smile that dimly reflected her own. "I promise, Anov will hold. I'll make sure you and the people here are safe, one way or another."
"Stay safe out there," He tapped the edge of his goggles. "And stay in touch if you can. I downloaded some old topographical maps of the area before we left Beacon that might still be useful; I'll send them to Calen's Scroll before you head out."
It was probably too much to hope that things would be quiet and uneventful until the replacement gun could be retrieved... time would tell what troubles awaited the students next.