Ashton nodded to Valerie, continuiong to look in her direction. “I've not had much of a chance either, and it seems the dancer may well be here to stay, she is welcomed by all at the very least. I'm going to talk to Laplace about staying, and helping.” He didn't know what the swordsman though of him, and part of him realized that what she, or anyone else thought of him mattered little.<br/><br/>He then nodded to the other soldier, giving a bow of his head. “No sir, I was not a mercenary. I'm part of the Galatian Wyvern Riders. Well, was. I was sent here to support an otherwise land based group in quashing a rebellion. That was my order... but seeing the situation, I opted to dissent, rather then allow murderers and would be rapists to do what they will to my people. And if this is what we're being reduced to, I will not stand for that, this is not how my country will operate military matters, especially against its own civilians.” His voice was calm, but he had the tone of conviction as he spoke about the military.