#### Luminous Knights

Rolling out the tents, the paladins set up a makeshift camp. Sleep will be hard to come by, not after today's events, but they needed to regain their strength. Levran offered to stand watch during the night. The next morning, a few more squads will come to reinforce them, and commence the construction.

The recruits awoke to the various sounds of construction. Sawing, hammering nails, digging holes and taking measurements. They were not entirely sure which was better: what they just went through, or the construction duty their fellow paladins were assigned to. Levran approached them, with a middle-aged woman clad in full plat armor by his side. **"Good morning recruits. The yesterday's events were grim indeed, but our work is not yet done here. The bodies of your friends were taken to the capital for proper burial. After your objective in this area is completed, you are more than welcome to attend the funeral."** He then stepped back and pointed to the woman. **"This is your new captain, Aela. Despite your valiant performance, you're just fresh recruits, so I cannot promote one of you to fill that spot, not yet. Besides, Aela loves working with new recruits, don't you?"**

Aela was a human in her 40-ies, at least. Even though she was still with the paladins, her stance, her very expression has shown experience. Adopting a bright smile, she looked more like a mother than a warrior. A mother in massive plate armor and a huge sword. **"Oh you're all so cute! I'm going to take care of you, don't you worry!"** Certainly not what the recruits expected. **"She is one of the most experienced paladins we have. Unfortunately, she refused all offers of promotion, expressing her desire to stay with the paladin force. Don't worry, you're in good hands."** Levran explained to them. An oddball indeed, but the recruits could not find anyone better in Altea to teach and lead them. 

They had some time to themselves to prepare for their next assignment, such as eating breakfast, which was being prepared by someone nearby.