Aurelius gave out a long sigh as he sat down in his chair in the command tent, loosening some of the straps of his armor to allow his body to finally breathe. Marching for half a day and then fighting for nearly the entire other half, all in this entire armor, was an experience worse than anything in Aurelius’ recent memory. Even Instructor Donovan’s fitness sessions hadn’t been this bad. Aurelius felt bad for the regular soldiers who didn’t have his enhanced attributes that his Chosen selection had given him.

And then Aurelius realized that some soldiers would have to stay up for most of the night keeping watch and patrolling the city. He had thought he was the unlucky one having to attend this post-battle recap instead of sleeping, but now he realized he had merely been fortunate. Looking around, Aurelius studied the leadership gathered around him.

General Alaric stood by the central table, his imposing figure casting a long shadow over the maps and documents spread across its surface. Despite the weariness etched into his face, his eyes remained sharp and alert. Aurelius couldn’t help but respect the man's dedication. It was clear that he took his job seriously, which was good to see from a General. Aurelius couldn’t say the same thing for many of the High Elven Leadership in the capital city.

The Headmaster, whose robes were singed and dirtied from battle, was deep in conversation with a few of the senior mages, discussing the next steps for fortifying their magical defenses.

Instructor Donovan, bruised and battered but still exuding a powerful presence, leaned against a support beam, his eyes closed in brief respite. Valen was near him, sitting on the ground and laying his back on the beam, his eyes also closed, obviously sleeping. Aurelius thought about yelling Valen’s name to wake him up, but decided to let his friend get a brief rest. He knew, however, that General Alaric would soon wake him up.

Continuing to look around, Aurelius could see many of the commanders and lieutenants of the army also gathered, their faces reflecting a mix of exhaustion and determination. The air in the command tent was thick with the scent of sweat, blood, and the lingering tang of magic. Despite the fatigue that hung heavily over everyone, there was an undercurrent of anticipation and relief.

General Alaric called the meeting to order, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "Thank you all for being here," he began, his tone solemn yet commanding. "We've achieved a significant victory today, but our work is not done. The possessed forces are still out there, and we need to ensure Silverhaven remains secure."

He gestured to the maps spread out before him. "First, let's assess our losses and the status of our troops. Aurelius, any notable casualties on your side?"

Aurelius straightened in his chair, his weariness momentarily forgotten. "We took some losses, but nothing catastrophic. Donovan's squad bore the brunt of the fighting on the eastern side, but they managed to hold their ground. Valen's group also faced heavy resistance, but they pushed through."

Donovan opened one eye and nodded in agreement, his voice a gravelly rumble. "We lost some good soldiers, but we gave better than we got. The eastern side is secure for now."

General Alaric acknowledged the report with a nod. He gestured to the map spread out on the table, indicating various points around the city. "Noted. Our scouts have reported pockets of resistance in these areas. We need to conduct thorough sweeps to eliminate any remaining threats. Additionally, we must establish strong defensive positions to deter any counterattacks."

Instructor Donovan, his voice rough from fatigue, added, "I'll oversee the fortification efforts. We need to reinforce our positions and ensure that the city is defensible. I'll also coordinate patrols to keep watch for any signs of the enemy."

General Alaric nodded approvingly. "Good. Let's also focus on the well-being of our troops. The healers are doing their best, but we must ensure our soldiers get the rest and care they need. Morale is just as important as strength right now."

Turning back around, General Alaric looked toward some of the commanders.

"Commanders, I need you to rotate your troops to ensure everyone gets some rest. Prioritize those who have been in the thick of the fighting. We'll set up shifts for patrols and sentry duty to maintain a constant watch. I currently have infantry units 1, 2 and 3 on watch, but move them around as needed" General Alaric ordered.

The commanders nodded, already mentally organizing the logistics of rotating their exhausted troops. Despite their own fatigue, they knew the importance of maintaining a disciplined and alert force.

General Alaric continued towards the commanders, "Additionally, we'll need to start securing supply lines. The battle has left us with dwindling resources, and we can't sustain our forces without proper logistics. Commander Thalindra, please take charge of this operation. Assess our current stock and coordinate with the capital for resupply efforts. We'll need food, medical supplies, and ammunition. We’ll also need engineers and builders for the reconstruction efforts.”

Commander Thalindra nodded sharply. "Understood, General.”

With that out of the way, and recognizing the overall weariness of the group, General Alaric concluded the meeting with a firm yet encouraging tone. "We've achieved a great victory today, but the road ahead is long. We'll rebuild Silverhaven stronger than before, and we'll ensure our enemies know the strength and resilience of the High Elves. Dismissed."

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As the leaders dispersed to carry out their respective duties, Aurelius remained seated for a moment, allowing himself a brief respite. He glanced at Valen, who was now being gently shaken awake by Instructor Donovan.

"Aurelius," General Alaric's voice brought him out of his thoughts. "A moment, please."

Aurelius stood and approached the General, his posture straightening despite his weariness. "Yes, General?"

“We’ll have to discuss your future, for I know that you recognize that you can’t stay with this army for long. You are needed elsewhere,” General Alaric said.

Aurelius nodded thoughtfully, absorbing General Alaric's words. "I understand, General. I was thinking the same. For your information, I was planning to head back to the capital sometime soon, most likely with the Headmaster, Valen, and Instructor Donovan. While we are on this topic, what is the plan for the Fourth Army? Is it to stay in Silverhaven or move elsewhere?”

General Alaric paused for a moment, his gaze thoughtful as he considered Aurelius's question. "The Fourth Army will remain in Silverhaven for the time being," he replied, his voice measured. "We need to maintain a strong presence here to consolidate our gains and ensure the city's defenses are robust. We will likely stay here until civilians and officials start arriving to repopulate the city so that it can return to its normal state. We are just waiting to hear word from the capital to form this and if they have any other news."

Aurelius listened intently to General Alaric's response, his mind already processing the implications of their conversation. Nodding in understanding, Aurelius acknowledged the importance of their mission. "Understood, General. Maintaining a strong presence here will be crucial for the city's recovery and security," he agreed.

“Indeed,” General Alaric started. His expression softened slightly as he continued. "As General of the Fourth Army, I treat the Fourth Army as a second family. Aurelius, you and your team’s efforts have been invaluable and certainly have saved many of our soldiers' lives. As a result, I thank you and express my sincere appreciation. I would love to have you along with the Fourth Army for a longer period of time, but as you mentioned earlier, your skills and abilities are needed elsewhere," he remarked, giving a low bow to Aurelius and a fist across his chest — typical of an army salute.

Aurelius looked at the General with an awkward expression, not sure how to handle the gratitude. He returned the gesture with a nod and a faint smile, feeling a mix of pride and humility at the General's words. "Thank you, General. It has been an honor to serve with the Fourth Army. Your leadership has been exemplary, and I have learned a great deal from you and the others here." Aurelius paused, considering his next words carefully. "While my place, as the Chosen, is with the entire High Elven population, I am committed to aiding Silverhaven in any way I can during my stay here. If there's anything more I can do before I depart, please do not hesitate to ask."

General Alaric nodded appreciatively. "Your dedication is commendable, Aurelius. I have no doubt that your skills will be put to good use wherever you go next. Augustus knows that we need it in this trying time. For now, focus on what needs to be done here. We'll handle the rest as it comes."

With a final nod of understanding, Aurelius excused himself from the General's presence and made his way over to where Valen and Instructor Donovan were now fully awake and discussing the next steps. Valen looked at Aurelius with an odd expression, having seen the interaction between him and the general.

"What was that about?" Valen asked as Aurelius approached.

Aurelius glanced back at General Alaric, who was now deep in discussion with Commander Thalindra about the logistics of securing supply lines. "He was discussing the future of the Fourth Army and our roles here," Aurelius replied vaguely.

Instructor Donovan leaned in, his voice low. "Sounds serious. Are they planning on sending us back to the capital already?"

Aurelius nodded, meeting both Valen's and Donovan's eyes. "It seems likely. General Alaric acknowledged that my place isn't here for long. We'll likely be heading back soon."

Valen's brow furrowed slightly, but he nodded in understanding. "Well, I guess we've done what we came here to do. Silverhaven is secure, and the Fourth Army will hold the fort until things settle down."

Instructor Donovan straightened up, a hint of his usual vigor returning despite the fatigue. "Then let's make sure we leave things in good order before we go. There's still plenty to do."

Aurelius agreed with a nod. "Absolutely. We'll assist with whatever they need from us before we depart."

Glancing back at General Alaric, Aurelius caught his eye briefly. The General nodded almost imperceptibly, a silent acknowledgment of their conversation earlier. Aurelius turned back to Instructor Donovan and Valen, his voice low and his eyes downcast. “Speaking of which, I didn’t even ask, do you want to even come back with me to the capital? I feel bad because it feels like I have just been forcing you guys along with me. I understand if you are reluctant to continue to follow me and I appreciate all you have given so far.”

There were a couple seconds of awkward silence and Aurelius slowly looked up into the eyes of Valen and Instructor Donovan. Valen was staring at him as if he was the world’s most massive idiot and Instructor Donovan had a similarly puzzled expression on his face. Aurelius realized he had trailed off mid-sentence, leaving his companions uncertain about his intentions.

Valen suddenly full force smacked him on the backside of his head.

“Ow!” Aurelius let out a hiss of pain while looking at his friend. He was about to speak up before Valen beat him to it.

"Don't you ever ask something that stupid again," Valen said, shaking his head, his voice a mix of exasperation and affection. "We've been through too much together for you to even think we'd abandon you now.”

Instructor Donovan chuckled, a rare sound given the circumstances. "He's right, Aurelius. We've fought side by side, bled together, and shared through the victories. We're not about to let you face whatever comes next alone. Besides, the capital will need all the help it can get, and I can't think of a better team than ours. I’m positive the Headmaster feels the same."

Aurelius rubbed the back of his head, feeling the sting of Valen's smack, but more so the sting of his own self-doubt. He managed a sheepish smile. "Thanks, guys. I... I guess I needed to hear that."

Valen clapped a hand on Aurelius' shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring. "We’ll stick with you until the end, Aurelius. Just make sure that the end isn’t anytime soon, alright?"

"Alright," Aurelius replied, a genuine smile breaking through his weariness. Aurelius could feel a wave of relief wash over him "Let's get to work then. Silverhaven still needs us for the time being. And beyond Silverhaven, we’ll head to the capital, which might need more work than Silverhaven at this point in time."