Why... Just why... Are these people here? [Mass Rune Knight Intro]

Ah recruitment day. This used to be a glorious event for Major Branwen. For years he would look forward to this day, as men and women alike lined up to proclaim their undying oath to the protection of Fiore and to uphold the laws and rights of the Magic Council. He had always taken great pride in seeing all the people, both young and old, that would be standing in columns and rows all along the training grounds and the barracks beyond.

But all of that had waned in recent years. Their numbers had dwindled, as the promise of adventure and excitement seemed far more relegated to the legal wizard guilds. So many of their newer recruits had left, claiming they would enjoy their time far more within those aforementioned guilds than here. Each month the number of recruits seemed to grow smaller and smaller and now even many of the veteran staff were beginning to wane and feel affected. There were a handful of hopefuls that had come this day but on each one of their faces, all Branwen could see was the possibility of another lost member. But he had introduced himself and welcomed them with open arms all the same, stating how excited he was to see what kind of potential they would show.

The Major had stepped down as the other sergeants and captains had moved in to start categorizing people by name and magical ability. He had glanced briefly at the young, blonde girl who seemed to have set herself aside from the rest of the crowd and was filling out her paperwork in silence. He noted the number of bags she had around her – apparently she had planned on moving in fully and completely. Now that was dedication he could approve of and nodded to her silently, wanting to respect her privacy.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pocket watch and checked the time. A picture of a beautiful blonde woman lay pressed against the cover of the watch, her proud features bringing a glimmer of hope into his singular gaze. No matter what, he at least had her to keep his hopes up. As he folded the cover closed once more and inserted the watch back into his pocket, there was a sudden burst of sound from the far side of the compound. A man stood at the gates; having kicked open the door with such force that each swinging barrier had slammed hard against the walls just past them. A proud and bold proclamation was shouted for all to hear, this man’s words falling on the ears of everyone within the training grounds. They had all stopped to see what the commotion was, a few of the guards turning and raising their magical staves just in case it was an enemy.

Branwen snorted softly through his nostrils but a small glimmer of a smile tugged on his face. Clasping his hands behind his back, he walked towards the man and stopped a few feet in front of him. “I appreciate the enthusiasm, young man, so long as your words are genuine,” he said, showing no wariness of danger. “My name is Major Branwen. I’m in charge of the Special Operations branch of the Rune Knights. It seems you are a bit late to recruitment process but that’s no problem – better late than never I always say,” he said with a small chuckle.

“Come, let’s get you to a table and have you fill out some paperwork, shall we?”

WC: 589