Russell grinned in response to Jessie's smile and exuberance. Despite her military fatigues and the M-4 slung over her shoulder she seemed as happy as a schoolgirl on a day trip. "Hey, Mitchells, you remember to bring along your bus pass and permission slip from your folks?" he teased, raising an eyebrow as he saw Niko walking alongside her. The blond elf was looking into the crowd and glared at anyone looking at her with anything other than respect in their eyes. A thoughtful expression crossed Russell's face as he watched the elf and the female soldier more closely.<em>It's not guys looking at her that gets her dander up,</em>the Marine finally realised.<em>It's the guys looking at Jess. Does she want Jess for herself - okay, better not go there.</em>Russell hastily told himself as the group proceeded on their way.<br/><br/>They approached a lavish villa with a fenced front yard and well-maintained garden. Servants in the front gardens trimmed the lawns and saw to the care of precisely laid-out beds of blue flowers, while a maid waited at the front gate. Russell blinked in surprise as he saw that, not only did the woman have bunny ears like the girl he'd seen with the basket of groceries in the town square, but she was wearing a French maid outfit.<em>I'm beginning to really like it here,</em>the young man thought dryly. Listening in on the conversation between herself and the elder elf Russell bit his lip to keep from laughing. She was doing her best to be respectful to her master but was clearly put out by the new arrivals - not at the fact they had arrived but that she hadn't been told in advance. As Namos walked past her and the bunny-girl turned away Russell stepped forward and bowed to her.<em>"I apologise for our lack of notice, Miss Rana, but we only just got here. We will try not to be a problem,"</em>he reassured her. Maybe it was a breach of etiquette to talk to a noble's servants, but getting on side with the domestic staff could be useful.<br/>