End of Beginnings

The reddening sky dims upon a crowd of soldiers standing in ceremony over the graves of their comrades, their expression grieving as the realization of what was lost sinks in.

In front stood Michael and his officers all presiding over the ceremony. Michael walks forward, each deliberate step resounding over the crowd.

He looks to them in a sombre mood before speaking softly, his voice resonating through each of the soldier's ears, "We have all lost a lot in these few hours."

The soldiers lower their heads, grieving and mourning those who have passed.

"I am aware, that such loss might be hard to move on from." His tone is comforting, as he relives his own experience of loss.

Michael closes his eyes as he takes a bit of silence, before opening his eyes and shouting, "But we must!"

The shouts urge the soldier to look at him, his visage burned through their eyes as the red sky as his witness he proclaims.

"We must move on! For us!" He gestures them.

"For their sacrifice!" He points to the ground.

"And so that no one would suffer such loss once more," He raises his arm to the sky.

He raises his fist up, "We must proclaim to the world that we are here to be remembered!"

"WE ARE HERE TO STAY!" His words end as explosion dots the sky, the spectacle, something the men never saw before.

Everyone shouts back, fervour washing over them as they look up to the bright sky, seeing a bright new future, "WE ARE HERE TO STAY!"

Michael bows before he walks down, a small smile on his face as he watches the soldiers rose up from their mourning.

"RAAAAAAAAH!" The soldiers continued to shout as if putting into it all of their grief, some cry and some close their eyes as they try to move on from their loss.

Half an hour passed like this as darkness took over, the night was then filled with torches as soldiers ended their grieving and the light for a feast starts.

Michael sat on a table along with Anders and his officers, then he spoke, "I'm sure Anders has already debriefed you about my plans moving forward."

All the officers nod in reply and Michael continues as he takes a slice, "Though this tragedy is unfortunate I would like to use this opportunity to reform you into a more sustainable army."

The men look to him in curiosity as his ring lights up, summoning a book, "I'm sure Alex has drilled you at least once, Correct?"

The men nod in affirmation, "Then I would like you to focus on training" He gives them a book, "These are books to have your officers learn basic strategy and camp management."

Anders looks to his men who sheepishly looks down, "They are-"

Michael cuts him off, "Illiterate?"

Anders nods, "Yes, I believe only a few men could read within this camp."

"Then have them learn it," He passes him a pamphlet, containing the lesson necessary to learn reading.

Michael chews his food before speaking, "I'll be sending you supplies through a caravan, you'll have to pretend stealing it from me, to avoid suspicion."

He looks around, "I'll be having meetings with you every week so by then, kindly inform me if your camp requires something."

Anders nods as he read through the book, "Of course, I shall."

Michael takes the last bite of his meal before standing up, "Then I shall be taking my leave, I still have some issues to go through."

Anders and his officers stand and salutes, "Yes SIR!"

"At ease," Michael walks away, heading towards the carriage he had Anders prepare.

He looks to Alfred, which stands for attention, "Sir, are we leaving?"

Michael nods as he looks around the merriment, the soldiers feasting to their hearts content, at least alleviating the pain of losing someone close.

He shakes his head, "Yes, We're done here." He spoke as he enters the carriage in an exhausted slump.

"Oh my goodness, that was exhausting." He feels the rocking carriage as he lays back down.

He taps his foot, soundproofing the carriage, he sighs to himself as he lies down for the two hour trip to Ivern.

A ringing echoes through his head before he answers it, "Yes, Hello."

The first thing he heard was a sigh of relief, "You're alive, t-that's a relief, I was a bit terrified."

Smirk appears in his expression, "Aww, you really do care."

She glares at him as she shouts with tears in her eyes, "I care, so stop trying to die."

He only widens his eyes as he feels the shame of making her worry than having the gall to tease her for it, "Sorry, but there was nothing I could do then."

She tears up but he waves his hands as he tries to comfort her, "I promise you, I won't be worrying you after this,"

She smiles as she wipes her tears, "It's fine, I know it's part of the job, I'm probably just being dramatic."

"Nonono," He chuckles, "It's kinda nice to think someone is worrying for me."

She giggles, "Don't think much on it."

"How can I no-" The words were interrupted by Mary, something which Madelain more than welcomed.

"SIR! You're fine!" Mary shouts in relief.

Michael glances at Madelaine before feigning hurt, "Did you really think, I'll die from that?"

Mary smiles as she shakes her head, "Of course not,"

Her gaze though suddenly sharpens and Michael winces as she spoke with irritation, "Not yet though, despite your countless attempts on your own life, I'm sure."

Michael looks to Madelaine for help, but only sees her amused expression. She crosses her arm indicating her agreement to Mary's sharp gaze.

He raises his arm, trying to placate Mary's suffocating gaze and clear anger, "I mean I'm fine now, so that's good, right?"

She only continues to glare at him, "Do you think that's enough?"

Michael chuckles nervously, "Well, maybe?"

The amused smile from Madelaine and Mary's furrowed brow indicates that he is in for a wild ride.