As the Night fell.

[Vanidor]

The events of the day, happened swiftly after the arrival of a message to the main center of Brotherhood command. Things said to those in charge, and -meetings- held amongst the soldiers. There were rumblings coming from those border forts, at least until the sun kissed the horizon and started it's downward flow towards nightfall. Then there was activity within those border forts, and along the wall. Sentries that had maintained vigil for months against whatever darkness would want to strike, just stopped.

Spears were lain against the crenelations, and crossbows set into the niches. As that sun drooped, so too would the banners that had once proudly proclaimed the Brotherhood's presence. In each location the a simple flag was raised in place, that being the banner of Myrken. Darkness had come, and no more were the lanterns hung in their customary places along the walls and at the gates, a thing done ever since Kerrak had -ordered- the night to be driven back. Darkness had come, and from the forts men and women in the grey of Janerio would march towards Fort Sumpter, there just outside of town.

It did not matter that some wore the indigo patch that said they had once served in Straka. Nor that some wore the crimson badge that spoke of service in Almark. Also unimportant for now was the sigil that marked the Myrkenborn. Dozens bore this mark, proud upon their chests and shoulders. Once they came to the fortress, the Captains of the Brotherhood would step out.

"Soldiers. Brothers. Sisters. Companions." It was Karolinger here, with his head held high and his surcoat freshly pressed and washed. He could have been a proud Knight, like one of those who rode with Malaroth, from the way he stood upon that simple dias of wood. "Our contract did be terminated with the Government of Myrken Wood. Soldiers from Xanth Grange shall be taking over our places at the walls. Your long vigil, as it do stand, be at an end. I am here to say that Janerio do know when it is no wanted in a place, and I feel it to my bones here."

"This being said. I am disbanding the company, and dispersing the coin owed to each man and woman, or to remaining heir. The two years owed to each of you, by -contract- signed by my hand shall be paid out. Let it be known that we honour our contracts, until the faith is broken by others. Each one of you who do stand before me this day shall be raised up within the annals of our Order, and remembered as stalwart friends and companions. Who stood beside one another despite all the disparaging remarks that did come from all sides. So. For those of you who would remain here in Myrken, it is your right to settle where you do please. We will take no ill with this decision, as I know many did start families here, or did be born to this land. Take the last pouch, that is your due, and be happy and free. Content in knowing that you did all that -you- could for your home."

"For those of you who do no wish to stay here, I will say that you are welcome to remain. In two days we shall be leaving Myrken, for a location that shall be decided by vote. If it pleases you, do leave your decision with the Captain of your Grand Company. The Light shelter you, and hold you in it's hand."

And here, Aeryn would step down from the soap box, and then adjust the coat of arms that sat across his chest. With a thought, he would turn to the man next to him and remove the sigils that marked him as the leader of this unit. They would be placed into that man's hands, and then kisses were placed upon those scarred cheeks. Jons Alverro Feul could only widen his eyes as the mantle was passed into his hands. Aeryn would salute, remove his surcoat, and then walk away from the fortress.

[channe]

It had been a good ride back to the fort, watching the familiar roads pass along, generally forgetting that back in Myrkentown lay all sorts of ills.

None as dissappointing as this.

You could have slammed Agnieszka Kaczmarek with a piece of lumber, come at her with a blood oath, and still she would not have moved; she watches the transfer of authority to Feul, the shocked dispersal of the Brothers, and feels something rather unexpected: burning dissappointment. Despite her reason for joining -- moot, now that Calomel takes care of the Kaczmareks -- she likes the Brotherhood. She likes being treated as competent, with the modicum of respect she recieves when she isn't screwing up; she likes her armor, her room at the barracks, the fact that nobody condescends to her or looks down on her for her temper -- and, more than mostly anything, she likes Aeryn Karolinger.

Behind her, the company disperses, but Agnieszka's steps are sure. They're following him, the wind picking restlessly at hair she hasn't washed in days. Whether he speaks with her now or later -- he's got priorities, he's got work to do to demobilize -- she'll follow him to the end of the list field, stand there, and make her intent to talk to him silently known.