Lightstar Family/Xarnelf/Roleplay 17

On the Hunt

The Lightstar scion waited as his men came back from foraging the battlefield. They had found a good amount of arrows which were still usable and a few leathers that appeared to be in better condition than the worst of their own. As Urjintah drew within hearing distance, Xarnelf could hold it no longer and let loose a grin on his face.

Captain Feralgem snickered after he saw his friend's countenance. "What are you smirking about, Xarne?"

The young knight continued smiling with a twinkle in his eyes. "Are the men tired and in need of any rest?"

"Well, I would say they have still got a lot of energy left, what with the last two stunning victories raising their spirits. Although, they have been quietly complaining a bit about not having been paid for almost a week now."

Nodding in understanding with his eyes closed and smile lessened, he divulged his plans for the night. "Sir Kahiko has requested that any who are available should go out hunting for the routed Lasanarians before they have a chance to regroup. He had already gone out earlier today in the afternoon with his men and managed to capture ten of our foes, returning before the last battle. Even as we speak, Sir Kahiko is gathering his men for another hunt.

"So, my good friend, I propose that we join his efforts and have us some fun tonight. Let's see if we can't capture some scattered troops or perhaps even a Lasanaran noble while we're at it."

Urjintah pondered this suggestion for a few moments, rubbing his chin in thought. A smile slowly spread across his face. "Yes, I do believe that is not such a bad idea at all. We do not need to dig in again since our earthworks still stand in relatively good shape, and none of the men are wounded. At the very least, if we do not manage to find any enemies, then the hunt itself should take our men's minds off of when you are going to pay them.

"You are going to pay them soon, are you not, Xarne?" The captain of the Farsighters shot a stern look at Xarnelf with an eyebrow raised questioningly.

His friend winced slightly and proceeded to quickly nod affirmatively. "I've been trying to figure out how much longer we can stay here in Larmebsi before my current gold supply runs out. If my calculations are correct, then I've only got enough gold to pay our men, healers, and scouts for about another week. After that, I suppose we could stay for a few more days; even though I will have no more gold on my person, I can wait until we return to Nahad to pay them again.

"Therefore, I was thinking of rewarding our men with this week's pay after the hopefully successful hunt tonight. That should raise their morale a bit."

"Ah, I see. Well then, I will go inform the men of the night's planned activities. See you in a few minutes, Xarne."

Xarnelf grinned once more and rubbed his hands in anticipation of the upcoming hunt.