A certain alliance which I won't name has now recruited 2 of my newbie elflings before they have completed their training. The first time, I let it slide because anyone is free to leave as they wish but the second time makes me suspect they have actively approached my newbies and encouraged them to leave. No other elfling has ever left before graduation time.
Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for my newbies to go there once they have graduated at 5k pop. I actively encourage them to fly the nest once they are ready, to whichever alliance they choose. I'm happy for them to pick that alliance now and will assist them to move closer to that alliance for when they graduate.. but I have a graduation requirement for a reason.
The reason given for leaving, in both instances, is that they want to settle near their long term alliance and not have to move later. This makes no sense since they are free to settle wherever they want. I believe both have been under the impression that I am too far away to support them if they move to the opposite side of the map (which is rubbish.) They have both left before I've had the chance to explain to them.
So, should I approach this alliance and ask them to leave my players alone until they graduate? Or just ignore it as it's the choice of the newbie? I'd never try to keep someone who wanted to leave.. but I get the impression that's not the case here.