By the time the exhibition fights were over, the training grounds had emptied considerably.
The thousands of soldiers who had filled the grandstands only a short while ago had dispersed across the military compound, returning to their respective duties.
Only the twenty Captains remained.bThey had gathered on the pale sand alongside Mirabelle, her mother, Kaelith, Lucien, and the General.
The formal atmosphere from earlier had loosened considerably.
Mirabelle had spent some time speaking with the Captains individually, asking about their units, their experiences during the war, and whether there was anything they believed the soldiers needed.
Her mates had joined those conversations as naturally as though they'd been doing this for years.
