Lightstar Family/Xarnelf/Roleplay 22
Troop Reforms
"Are you sure about this, Xarne?" Urjintah asked his friend as they left the bank.
"Yea, Jint, I'm sure. I don't want to do it, believe me, but I see no other plausible alternative."
"Very well then. I shall assemble the men at the fields."
"Noble Farsighters," Xarnelf addressed his troops gathered outside of Nahad, "some of you have been with me since the beginning, while others of you have joined me at different times when I called for you to defend the realm."
Here, the young man paused, not quite sure how to continue. His eyes found those of his captain, who smiled back encouragingly, supplying him with renewed resolve.
"I have come to trust in your abilities through the battles we have fought together, side by side. What I must do now is not the easiest of choices. The time has come for a change, gentlemen, which I hope will be for the better. By now, you must have heard the rumors surrounding the disappearance of our Lady Arella, the Arcangela.
"I have decided to travel north in search of any information relating to her current location. But alas, I cannot afford to bring all of you along with me on my quest. Therefore, I must send a good portion of you back to your homes. Are there any volunteers?"
The Farsighters began chatting with each other, and men who had come to be friends embraced. Soon, about a half of those assembled broke off from the main group, stepping to the side. Xarnelf observed their movements stoically, one part of him glad that he would not have to make the entire division himself, and another part sad that so many were willing to take their leave. The men became silent once more and waited for their leader to go on.
"Thank you everyone for your cooperation. When all this is past and the Arcangela returned safely back to us, I may very likely call on those left behind to join me again, if you will have me as your commander.
"Talk with Captain Feralgem for your last pay, and may the Aenil bless you all."
