The Attack on Remi (EII)

[Alranus Aurilia]

Two days after the occupation of Fort Modlin

A blood red sun cast the dawn upon the pale-green, frost-touched plains of the river basin, with the river in question playing the part of a shimmering blue referee temporarily staving off impending conflict. On one side of that river stood the ruin of Fort Modlin, which sat in the center of a wide expanse currently lined with rows of the canvas tarps of hundreds if not thousands of cream colored tents. And on the other side of the river, up next to the coast, was the walled, circular shape of a particularly unique Ilian city.

And it was early on this morning that Low Officer Aurilia found himself standing in the chill, drafty air of High Officer Harel’s tent. In the dusty light of a couple of old lanterns, he fervently poured over a tattered piece of hide: a map of their next target, the trade city of Remi.

The blonde officer bit his lower lip in mild frustration as he tried to glean understanding from the map’s faded drawings amidst a myriad of what looked to be tea stains. It was fortunate that most were off in the margins, rings of cups once carelessly set down, but more than enough fell upon the detail of the picture itself. One, a dark brown blotch that darkened the entirety of the port district, completely destroyed the readability of the roadmap. Looking at it, the low officer had no idea where the streets were coming from, nor where they were going. Heavily used streets? Places of interest or value? Not apparent at all. Had someone carelessly knocked over their drink the last time this thing had been used? Hopefully, otherwise Alranus would have to conclude that some baser man had decided to use the chart to wipe their ass.

Alranus merely shook his head at the thought. It might seem surprising to some that their outfit was using such a horrible tool to plan their next attack, but such was the life of the military man. You could have the finest soldiers, the sharpest weapons, the hardest armor, and the most purebred steeds, and yet somehow all of your tents would have holes in them because the supply regiment forgot to air out the canvas before storage. Or moldy rations; that was always the worst. Alranus had once even received a messenger pigeon in from the field carrying what he had assumed to be orders hastily and illegibly cut into a napkin. Whether it had been the fault of a drunken officer or a poorly trained assistant, Alranus had never figured out, but prematurely deploying his wyverns had not shone kindly on him upon later review. If he didn’t assume that this was another case of the same carelessness, he could only guess that nobody in intelligence had thought they’d be invading Remi any time soon, otherwise they would have redrawn a better map.

“I apologize High Officer,” spoke Alranus. He took a step back from the table and placed his hands behind his back in a soldierly manner. “I’m trying to think of a way we can coordinate a land, sea, and air offensive, but this map makes planning such an assault more difficult than it should be.” He shook his head and made a small gesture towards the map. “The thing is ancient, and it looks like someone spilled their evening tea all over it, among other things.” Low Officer Aurilia took a deep breath, then turned to look at High Officer Harel. “If we firebomb the city, like we did Modlin, navigation is hardly an issue, but I figure you’re looking for for something a bit more delicate, no? A lot of good could be gain from occupying the city with minimal destruction.”

[Riva Harel]

High Officer Riva Harel stood opposite of the blonde low officer as she sifted through a small pile of messages she’d received after their mostly successful occupation of Fort Modlin. It had been disappointing, the premature launch of the wyverns, but the result had been the same. Still, there had been unnecessary loss of life - despite their best efforts, casualties cropped up in even in what seemed like a cut and dry operation. They couldn’t have predicted the bandits having mages of their own, and unfortunately some of their soldiers had paid with their lives.

Picking up one of the rolled and wax sealed messages, Riva unrolled the parchment and read the request from one of their commanders to wait until noon today for reinforcements joined them to march on Remi. The woman didn’t believe they had lost so many men to warrant that, but it wasn’t her place to question her superiors, especially after the miscommunication that had happened that night. If it kept the commanders happy, then so be it.

But even then, noon had come and past today, so Riva needed to find out when they would be able to move their troops; the window of opportunity to catch the city off guard was closing with each passing moment.
“Hand me that scrap of parchment there, Officer Urban.” The woman motioned to a flat scrap that her low officer quickly grabbed and handed to her, along with a quill. Riva penned a return message acknowledging the request and asking for an update as to when the reinforcements would arrive and handed it to her low officer. “Make sure that makes it out on a messenger pigeon within the hour.” With a quick nod, the man left the tent with the message, leaving the older officer with Officer Aurilla still pouring over the map of the city.

As soon as he looked up with his comments on the quality of the old thing, Riva couldn’t help but smile.
“It’s not the quality of the parchment your map is drawn on that wins wars, Officer Aurilla; we make do with what we’re afforded…” She paused, looking over the old tattered thing, “though this old hide has certainly seen better days.”

Shifting the few rolled up messages that remained in front of her to the side, Riva leaned over the map as the officer presented their challenge. While another firebombing run would certainly send a strong message to the port city - not to mention all of Ilia when they heard of the destruction - Alranus was right to think that occupying the city would provide far more value to them than simply leveling it. Modlin had simply been the keyhole that would help unlock the doorway into Ilia that was Remi; Etrurian troops could use the port city to march through into Ilia uncontested, and they could use the ports to both cut off trade to the northern parts of Ilia while using them to the Etrurian military’s advantage. It was vital to take the city in, mostly, one piece.

“You can imagine the advantage holding one of Ilia’s main ports and trading hubs would provide to our occupation,” Riva said simply as she looked over the stained map, wondering the best way to approach. They’d received word from their scouts the evening previous that, while fairly well fortified, there was one of the city walls’ gates that was less guarded than the rest - called Tidegate.

“According to the scouts," Riva said as she pointed out the gate in question, “during high tide the water goes all the way up to the city walls here, but at low tide there would be enough sand underfoot for a few hundred men to attack and breach the city walls. Starting an attack there could draw enough attention from the main gates to bring more men in on foot as well.”

[Seraph Alastor]

There was no surprise that Etruria's Archangel was sent to Ilia to assist in the invasion but what was a surprise however that he wasn't sent initially. The man had quite the mixed feelings about it as Seraph did not enjoy being too far away from Etruria and especially The Prophet. The closer he was the better as he could keep an eye on things. Though the farther he was the less he was in the strangle hold of the prophet but he knew that he had eyes everywhere. Luckily there was no need for Azrael as Seraph dreaded wearing that armor.

Still it was best that Seraph continued playing this game of being a devote follower and a good soldier. Being sent in as reinforcements was strange considering the reports he had read didn't seem to indicate there was any need to. Perhaps command was being overly paranoid or due to how the last operation was handled, lost faith in the leading capabilities of the officer in charge. Perhaps it was just an overreaction on their part but regardless it was enough to get Seraph and his men to mobilize, good news for those who were a bit restless.

They would be marching to Remi after joining with the forces awaiting for them at Fort Modlin. It was an interesting maneuver that was executed at the fort but how things seemed to get out of hand would be the reason Seraph was sent out. Seraph had wondered how prepared the initial forces was seeing how they had been stressed to make sure they had a surplus of supplies with them. Illia could be a cold and unforgiving place at times and the last thing one needed was to be short on rations or a way to keep warm.

Once the fort had been in view a messenger was sent ahead to inform those in command of their incoming arrival. With the support of Seraph and his troops the taking of Remi would be a swift and easy one. Or at least that was what was repeated at Seraph from his talks with one of his high officers. One who had the terrible habit of being meticulous and repeating himself. You would certainly not forget a battle strategy with this man around, despite how much you might want to shut him up. It was a wonder how Seraph dealt with it.

Despite the long trip and the murmurs of mixed emotions about the invasion of Illia the troops spirits were high. Many of them were itching for action or rest, most likely due to the boredom of marching all day. It would be easy for them to stop and take some time to rest but being so close to their destination it seemed pointless. They would have to bare with it, a request easily made by Seraph and easily agreed to. It was strange to his other commanding officers how easy it was from him to rally a crowd and get them behind him.

[Remus]

There was endless amounts of work to do. The wounded from Fort Modlin's siege gone wrong were far higher than the healing unit had initially prepared for. The lapis haired priest had done his best to maintain vigilance through sleepless nights and keeping the number of those who perished from wounds post siege as minuscule as possible. Healing magic was well..magic, but it wasn't infallible. It was bound by limitations. Limits on the healer in question. Limits pending the wound compounded ontop of that. Some healers, with enough skill and prowess, could restore entire limbs in swift lengthy sessions. Others struggled to heal cuts. Remus had gone through great lengths to ensure the later were able to help with the more serious wounds in more persisting ways. like the concept of "Kill them with bug-bites" but healing them instead.


By the time they'd approached Remi, and assembled their forces, Remus was airing on a comfortable six hours of sleep between the past two days. If he hadn't often been plagued with sleepless nights, he'd find himself in a more daunting situation. However the bags beneath the priests eyes did not deter him from smiling with beaming enthusiasm. As if a endless well of some form of energy lingered within him that he could afford such niceties. The priest now quietly strode through the camp, walking with another of the faith behind him. A blonde cleric who had been helping him better organize the quality of the healing unit.

Sister Freyalise had proven herself very invaluable towards the blue haired priest. Her mind was task-oriented, and she had a remarkable knack for keeping everything sorted and organized. If nothing else, Remus had to report to High Officer Harel since the rather lazy bishop presiding over the healing ward was still one to linger in his own tent more than tour the wounded. His piousness to the Prophet was likely what had afforded him his position. Sapphire robes rustled as the priest approached the gathering of higher ranking officers, holding his staff as if clutching a walking stick. The slight smudges along his cheek, and crimson stains upon his robes and hands gave him the look of a mad-man who had participated in a butchery. Realistically, it was from applying pressure to wounds that were openly bleeding, to slow it and condense the damaged tissue so it was easier to mend. Admittedly, he had tried to clean himself better. His report was overdo though and took precedence to several minutes wasted scrubbing off the sign of his trade. Remus tapped his stick lightly with each alternating footstep before he looked to the gathered officers and bowed his head quietly before speaking during a moment of passing quiet. With a weary expression fading briefly to show his usual smile, warm and inviting despite his lack of rest; he spoke.

"High Officer Harel. The last of the wounded are healthy once more. Casualties were small overall, including the few that we couldn't save from their wounds. Though we had to use a few packages of healing salve and vulnerary packs, er..the precise numbers though are..Sister Freyalise? "

The blonde woman curtly bowed to her senior officers before lifting her hand to adjust the small book of scribblings which was used to keep inventory of the healing units supplies. Her tone was curt, airing on formal at the least. "Six crates of healing Salve, and five full Vulnerary bags." She closed the book with a loud thump, though the violet tassel dangling to the side had the page saved with a small velvet like thread running down the back. She gazed back to Remus before the priest lightly rubbed the back of his neck chuckling sheepishly. "Honestly, we were blessed with fortune to have so many apt healers. Many serious wounds and injuries were averted." Blessed indeed. The medical ward had been a horrifying sight for two days. Blood stained the emerald grass they'd camped upon, tainting it with a sea of red. Groans and shouts of pain had been common heard...and there was only going to be more to come.

[Alranus Aurilia]

"That's an aggressive plan of attack, High Officer," replied Alranus, a cautious grin upon his face. Boots on the ground, swords and shields ready. Inquisition soldiers would storm into the city the day they arrived for battle! The thought tickled every patriotic bone in the low officer's body. It was daring, and the blonde Etrurian liked daring! He based his career around daring, and this very invasion was one of Etruria's bolder moves in awhile, so it was fitting that High Officer Riva was proposing such an offensively oriented battle strategy. Rather than draw out the invasion into a long siege, a war of attrition, this could end the attack in a matter of days, further demonstrating the Inquisition's overwhelming military might and minds. It was a strategy based around the when and not the how, which made it potent because people always prepared for the when, but it was a rare mind that actively looked for time-based holes in their defenses.

"It gives us a window for a swift and decisve victory, but it time boxes us," continued the Low Officer, the grin he wore growing more serious as he spoke. He put a hand to his chin, now seriously considering the outcome of both success and failiure. "High tides occur every twelve hours. Low tide is the halfway point. Ideally that would give us six hours to breach the Tidegate." Alranus's hands began cutting up the air as if it were a loaf of bread to further visualize his point. "But if we consider the fact that the tide is constantly rising once it reaches its lowest point, we'd be fighting against rising tides while we push into the city." He leaned over the table and drew a circle around the area outside of the weak point his commanding officer had pointed out. "And if we don't mobilize quickly enough, we risk losing men to the sea." Alranus tapped the map again. "We'd have to begin moving the men into position as the water drops below their ankles, and get them into the city before it passes their knees." He began pacing side to side as he looked up at Riva. "It's not impossible by any means, but we'd need a distraction so that the infilitration force isn't made into target practice for the Remians. Perhaps if we-"

The low officer was cut off by the arrival of a young blonde healer and a young blue haired one. While Alranus was not familiar with the former, he knew the latter: Remus, who had essentially become the acting head of he medical corps while the true holder of that tide actively shirked his duties. The low officer would be sure to put that bit of observation into his report after the upcoming battle to see if they couldn't move the healers under more capable leadership. Nevertheless, the young priest had proven himself an impressive healer in the taking of Modlin, and more importantly, an impressive leader under immense pressure. He was a combat medic through and through, and Alranus respected him for it.

"Blessed indeed," spoke Alranus as the healer finished reporting to the High Officer. "Though I hate to admit it so direly necessary, Modlin would have likely become our grave rather than that of the rebels without the help of you and your healers." The low officer bowed his head. "St. Elimine clearly smiled on us when you were assigned to the redeeming of Ilia."

[Riva Harel]

Still looking over the map in front of them, Riva’s lips were pursed and eyes were focused as Alranus analyzed the observation and crude plan the high officer had lain on the table. It was aggressive indeed, something more akin to what Uri would have thought up if he were alive. In fact, the man would have loved the challenge of it all, knowing they only really had six or so hours and had to race the clock. For Riva, though, it meant less time their men had to be attacking the gate, which meant more opportunity to minimize casualties so they could more effectively enforce their subjugation of Remi.

All of the low officer’s observations were 100% accurate, though, and they were definitely something to consider. The last thing they needed was for the tides to rise and sweep away their men, which would not only waste hundreds of lives, but also give the Remi guard plenty of time to prepare for the second attack, as they would then know the Inquisitorial forces were at their doorstep. Alranus was correct that they needed a distraction, but before he could detail his idea, two from the healing unit entered the tent.

Remus sounded weary, no doubt tired from the constant stream of wounded from the botched occupation of the fort. Granted, it was theirs, but the exercise should have been a simple one - the brigands should not have been using magic, should not have been as prepared as they had seemed. Nonetheless, under Remus’s de facto leadership casualties had been minimized and, as he had reported, the wounded were already back on their feet, ready for the next phase of their invasion into the Great White North.

Riva listened carefully to the report of their wares, bringing her hand to her chin as she thought. “Thank you both,” Riva said as soon as Sister Freyalise finished. They were lucky indeed, but that didn’t change that the occupation had used more of their supplies than planned. Taking Remi by attrition wouldn’t even be a last resort now; an aggressive assault would be necessary to secure the port and allow shipments of more supplies and men to continue their campaign.

“She has indeed,” Riva concurred, giving a polite smile before looking back down to the map. “In fact, we were just in the middle of discussing our liberation of Remi. We could always use the healing unit’s standpoint, if you’ve the time to stay.”

Not waiting for Brother Remus to respond, Riva looking up to Alranus briefly before looking down to the map again. “You were saying, Officer Aurillia?”

[Seraph Alastor]

A young squire made his way swiftly through Fort Modlin looking for those in charge to complete his mission. Making his way through the fort he was only stopped a few times by some who wanted to know where his destination was and who he was seeing how they didn't recognize his face. Eventually someone had stopped him and decided to show him the way to their commanding officer. "Excuse me High Officer Harel!" A soldier would say as he along with the messenger made their way to Riva's location. "A messenger has arrived from our reinforcements" The young messenger would stand forward, ready to deliver his message.

Meanwhile as Seraph road toward the Fort, feeling like he was practically there, one of his high officers rode next to him. Officer Rosalyn Quell, a fine officer that had been working with Seraph for years now. "A fine day for a ride, wouldn't you agree Rosalyn?" The High Commander would say with a smile on his face. "Yes I believe it is," She seemed rather annoyed with her Commander, probably due to the fact that she rather talk strategy and about their mission than talk about the weather. Didn't help that Seraph liked to mess with her from time to time.

"I think it would be time spent wiser if he discussed our plan for taking the port town," Seraph was always impressed with her determination and efficiency. Others were probably more annoyed by her rather workaholic attitude. "Now now, let's save that talk for once we get to the fort. I'm sure High Office Harel would love to talk to for hours about what our plan should be," That was an interesting thought, watching someone else deal with Quell. Definitely something worth the trip if not for a laugh or two.

"High Commander Seraph Alastor sent me ahead to tell you of the soon arrival of your reinforcements! They should arrive before sunset!" The messenger was obviously nervous, probably due to his rather young age. Truth be told they would probably make their way to the Fort much before that but saying before sunset was probably the easiest way of doing so, gave them some leeway in case they were held up by anything or did show up later than expected. Everything should go as expected and they should arrive before then, heaven knows there will be quite a few frustrated officers if they didn't.

[Remus]

Remi. This was the part he'd been concerned about. Remi was a large Ilian port town teeming with people. There was no way he'd be able to minimize innocent casualties to a level that he could live with. Once more, his sister's words echoed within his mind. "You can't save everyone. Keep yourself alive. That's what matters." So..if he couldn't stop the siege of Remi, and their chance of surrendering was non-existent...what would help most? Expediting it? Perhaps.

He scrounged for thoughts. Ideas. Anything. Anything at all. He wasn't a tactician..nor a great strategist in any form combat. He only really knew magic, and healing magic at that. Or.. not healing magic only. Staves. Staff magic. That meant..

His thoughts were taken back to the Fort. How precisely they had managed to get as close as they had. That could be it!

Another interuption arrived however as a soldier entered announcing his presence, and the arrival of reinforcements. Oh dear...that could.. would prolong fighting if they went into a standard siege. This was bad. Quite bad. Though the priest had grown proficient at masking his true intentions and desires, he felt he'd have to speak up, and soon. There was far too little he knew of any commanders the other units could bring, and right now his word might have higher input given his success healing the others. Sheep in wolves clothing. Sheep in wolves clothing. Alright. Be the wolf. he adjusted his poise to stand up a bit straighter as he erased the baring of a man tired by days of healing. He instead tried to compose himself entirely.

Remus quietly cleared his throat before capitalizing on the quiet between officers before speaking up.

"If..I could? I may have a potential solution to a diversion..that would also allow for the forces to theoretically win the day faster."

Right. I've got their attention hopefully but..I have to sell it. Long winded explanation time.

He gazed briefly to the female that had accompanied him, taking note of her very professional poise and mannerisms before re-assuring him that he could sell this.

"Er..yes. So..how do determine we've won the day? How do we know we can turn the tide? For our forces? I would imagine it's once were in the city. This being the trick. You've got the plan at the oceanic entrance..but what if we could use our distraction to also create a weakness in the wall? Right..so as shown with the fort, and er...firebombing..what is Etruria known for? Mages. Magic. If we represent this by blowing a hole in the wall, it could send a more impactful message. However approaching the walls alone would usually be disastrous. I however..have a proposal. Given how efficiently the healing unit utilized our barrier and teleportational magics..I believe we can do what we did with the healers to assist the mages to get close enough to bombard a single point in Remi's wall. Perhaps the sides of their main gate, where the hinges would be? I seem to recall after a particular accident with my sister once that doors can be easily weakened if but a single hinge is damaged and-er...sorry..I'm losing track. "

Clearing his throat again, to regain composure, and steady his heart that hammered wildly with in his chest as the nervous sensation of anxiety crept further into his very core, the priest continued. "If one of our priests teleports myself, and perhaps one or two others who are proficient in barrier magics, we can effectively shield the mages while they blast at the wall of Remi with their own magic. This siege would likely cause a panic, and begin forcing them to muster forces to the gate. At-least..I would. This draws their eyes to the battered wall. Er..though from there I would not know what to do since I ah..well..don't command soldiers..but it's an idea!"

Though he ended it on a meek note, falling back into his natural sheepish nature, the priest smiled and rubbed the back of his head. He was almost certain he'd made himself look like quite the fool. However, if this could end it swiftly and save overall lives on both sides? He'd back it with his life if need be.[/i]

[Alranus Aurilia]

Alranus's brow furrowed as the healer relayed his own thoughts on the matter, though he waited for the man to finish speaking before he spoke his mind.

"Like some sort of bomb?" questioned Alranus, eyeing the places Remus had mentioned on the map. "It would be an impressive display, but I don't know if it would be the most effective use of such an attack. The Remians know we're here. They will be ready to respond at the first sign of trouble. Blowing a hole in the wall will just create a choke point that every man, woman, and child in Remi can meet us at. But the gate...” The Low Officer's finger stopped scratching his chin and migrated down to the gate where it rested as the man continued to speak. "The gate is where you'll want to focus your efforts." Alranus looked up at Remus. "It's a single portcullis. It has no hinges, not in the way a door would, so we can't just kick it in, but if you can teleport men into the city, then surely you can get them into the gatehouse and raise the front gate. Once you've achieved that, then we'll have undisputed access to the city, and the Remians won't know where to focus their efforts." The wyvern rider was getting pumped listening to himself refine the healer's ideas into a proper plan of attack. This was Etrurian battle strategy: aggressive, bombastic, and decisive! Alranus crossed his arms stood up straight, a statisfied, smug grin upon his face. "Of course you'll need to make it loud. We want the Remians to know-"

"Excuse me High Officer Harel! A messenger has arrived from our reinforcements."

Alranus was again interrupted by a newcomer, and his smug smile quickly turned to a scowl. What could be so important? He looked to the door. This time it was one of Riva's men, only with another man entering behind him, immediately identifiable by the insignia on his armor. One of the Archangel's men?

"High Commander Seraph Alastor sent me ahead to tell you of the soon arrival of your reinforcements! They should arrive before sunset!"

The Low Officer couldn't hid the childlike grin that quickly wiped away his frown. He wasn't sure if he could be more ecstatic. The Archangel was coming? Here? Alranus would be able to fight alongside the Archangel himself? It was too good to be true. Seraph Alastor, better known as the Archangel, was one of the Prophet's top commanders, a soldier of the highest pedigree who rose through the ranks faster than lightning. If he was here, then the Prophet was truly going all in.

"Did you know?" asked Alranus, directing his attention to Riva. "Did you know we were getting reinforcements from Delphia?"

[Riva Harel]

Riva Harel listened carefully, her eyes scanning over the map as the healer Remus pieced together what she believed were the bones of a plan that could certainly work. It was clear he was speaking from the vantage point of a healer, minimizing casualties on both sides. While the latter wasn’t the most pressing concern, she could see the value in the man’s plan. Alranus chimed in, taking the clay that was Remus’ suggestion and shaping it into what they needed: a perfect distraction, one that would allow a dual-front attack, and one that would spread Remi’s already thin forces thin enough for the Etrurian army to overcome.

But just as the plan came into being and was being refined, the flap of the tent they were in was flung open, two men entering. One was a man from Riva’s own battalion, one of her newer recruits, while the other was unfamiliar to her. Like Alranus, though, she knew in an instant just where the newcomer had come from, his armor emblazoned with the insignia worn by all of the Archangel’s men.

Nodding towards her own man, Riva pushed off of the table and straightened up. “Dismissed, Private, thank you.” The private saluted, though it seemed his hand shook as he scurried from the tent. The high officer wasn’t surprised by the reaction, especially since any Etrurian with ties to the military knew who the Archangel was. Even the usually scowling Officer Aurillia bore a grin as the messenger saluted the high officer, announcing that the high commander would be joining them by dusk.

“Very well,” Riva said with another nod towards the messenger, who swiftly nodded and exited the tent as well. As soon as the young man was gone, Riva returned Alranus’ attention, giving yet another swift nod. “I did, but they neglected to mention we would be receiving the High Commander.”

Riva’s brow furrowed; while part of her was equally as ecstatic as Alranus was regarding the opportunity to fight alongside Archangel, the high commander’s presence said one of two things. Either the higher ups were going all in and expecting a swift and overwhelming victory in Remi, or they doubted the current ranks could get the job done. She prayed it was simply the former.

As the small group had been hashing together their plan for taking Remi, Officer Urban had reentered the tent silently, now standing beside the high officer and wearing a similar grin to Alranus’. Shaking her head, Riva glanced at the man before looking back down at the map. “Officer Urban, rally the other officers and ensure their battalions are ready to receive the high commander. St. Elmine forbid, if we’ll have anyone dallying about when High Commander Alastor arrives.” With that, the grinning low officer disappeared from the tent once more.

Distractions finally removed, Riva looked back to Remus and Alranus, her visage still controlled and commanding, despite the exciting news. “Now, as Officer Aurillia was saying, I agree that we need to make our entrance at the gate loud, bombastic even. It would serve us two-fold: the louder the distraction, the more harried the response from the Remians. Add to that the intimidation factor of coming in hot and from two sides, and there’s little way these unorganized Ilians will be able to withstand our forces.”

[Seraph Alastor]

"Sire," A voice spoke out causing Seraph to perk up, having gotten distracted by the scenery. It was Rosalyn though this time Seraph had the feeling she did not wish to talk strategy. "What is it?" Seraph was quite curious as to what the officer wanted as she normally got right to the point but seemed to be approaching as if she wasn't sure what she wanted to ask. "It's about Lord Aelius. Was it such a wise idea to let him remain in Etruria? I understand you gave him the opportunity for him and a few others to learn but he and his men were quite the assets to our forces," Seraph smiled a bit at this, this wasn't their first time discussing this.

Aelius was a young noble that was put under Seraph's watch after the noble had joined the Etrurian army. Seraph had taken the lad under his wing and they had a bit of a student teacher sort of relationship. Normally Aelius would be at Seraph's side during missions and marches but he was given a task that required him to stay in Etruria and join their forces once they were prepared. "It was Aelius who wished to stay behind and I believed it would benefit us in the long run. Besides there wasn't much I could do to convince him otherwise since his mind was made up," This answer didn't seem to satisfy the low officer, which was understandable.

"Our forces are more than large enough, perhaps oversized in the first place, and can handle his absence and once he rejoins with us we'll have benefitted from it. Now we are almost to the Fort so let's put this to the back of our minds for the time being," Despite whether or not she agreed with his decision at this point it didn't matter much as they couldn't do anything about it. The rest of their ride consisted mostly of a few discussion here and there about what they would do once they reached the fort.

The signs of battle were evident all around them once they were a few moments away from the fort. It must have been quite intense for all those involved. At this point Seraph had demounted and walked toward the gate, holding the reigns of his steed and leading it along. Around him were various officers all awaiting their commanders orders. "Remember we are here to provide reinforcement. I do not wish to step on any toes or cause any tension so for now you are to respect and cooperate with the unit here. Last thing I wish to here are grievances that my men are acting out of bounds and arrogantly," He was sure he didn't want to tell his men this but it gave him piece of mind to make things clear.

"Officer Cardinal, assist with the wounded and the medical staff stationed here in any way you can. If they need anything do not hesitate to comply, no need to get my approval for anything," Seraph spoke, addressing the Officer in command of most of the medical units amongst Seraph's army. "Officers Quell, Erasmus, Flint and Caemus with me. We are going to meet with Officer Harel. Don't want to keep the High Officer waiting too long," Once inside the fort Seraph would be asked to be taken directly to High Officer Harel as they had much to discuss.

[Remus]

Remus was lucky that he'd taken on a notoriety for long hours and little sleep when duties needed to be done. His skin was already pale and the bags beneath his eyes indicated that he had almost no sleep consistently; if that hadn't been the case though? His skin would've been ghostly white entirely, and he felt a chill run down his spine. This was bad. Beyond bad. It was awful. While clamors of excitement at the sudden announcement filled the room; Remus leaned against his staff slowly and eased his eyes shut for a moment. Though it was unlikely any would particular notice in the brief moment it lasted, he felt every last ounce of fatigue come rushing back as panic seized his very core. How could this get any worse? A man, who reported personally to the prophet himself was approaching with additional forces? Was there any hope for peaceful occupation with such a man at their head?

He had to think. He had to act. Personal intervention. The easiest way he could micro-manage the damage was if he was there personally. He'd learned that well enough already. At-least, if guided the initial aspect. If they resorted to fire-bombing once more..that would be far too horrendous to watch. No..maybe he could ply this just a bit further. He would steel himself, some modicum of color returning to him as the priest stood up straight. Everyone else had taken an added feverish tone or zeal to them to some degree. Likely from bolstered spirits that the Archangel approached. Himself? He took added fervor through determination. Every life he managed to save, was a family he kept whole. He knew he couldn't save everyone..but he could try.

The priest spoke up as Riva began to continue her train of thought off of the wyvern riding low-officer. Almost as soon as she finished, Remus spoke up.

"I would like permission to lead that force that is teleported within the city. A few of the people in my unit are already vastly experienced in teleportation magics, and I as well as a few others are proficient with barrier magics. It will be easiest to keep the intended demolition from being halted do to expected retaliation. Besides.."

The priest extended his hand briefly, and a brilliant light began to glow. His entire palm slowly pulsed with the radiant essence of holy magic, associated with Elimine herself. It permeated waves of light that it bathed all around it in outwardly, and despite its bright light, the priest found himself gazing directly at it. This magic seemed like a focal point to him, and his tone became far more serious as he spoke allowed. It was also the first time he was publicly showing his own talents with the associated offensive magic to anyone in the army; having otherwise only displayed his talents for healing. "If you truly wish to spread the word, and emphasis on Elimine's judgment..it should be done with light magic. Swift. Powerful. Precise."

As if to emphasize, the priest directed his gaze to the map; looking to the point that was to represent Remi. Though the scale was vastly smaller, guiding his hand to the map and waving his palm, a small ray of light came down upon it. This light did not burn nor have any potency behind it, but it did emphasize his point. As swiftly as he had conjured the light however, he ceased the flow of magic and found his eyes swiftly darkening everything around him as his gaze attempted to re-calibrate for the now less lightened tent.

He'd put up a composed, serious front. Internally however, his heart rattled with pure terror and his pulse was rapid. Not through the idea of combat, but because he was not used to such a composure. That a smile was not idle upon his lips tore at his soul to its foundation. He had to remember though, here, he was a sheep in wolves clothing. These other individuals? Wolves. Wolves through and through.

[Alranus Aurilia]

"It’s not my call to make, but I see no reason to disagree."

The response was directed at both High Officer Harel and Healer Remus. If they wanted a flashy entrance, the only thing better than the magic of St. Elimine herself would be sound the trumpets of the Prophet’s own cavalcade! But while that was impractical, this was very much within their power, and with healers in tow it could prove to be exactly the surgical attack they needed. If they could last long enough for the bulk of the Etrurian forces to get into position, this assault would be over before it began.

“It's truly an excellent idea, healer Remus,” complimented Alranus with a toothy grin. Of course he was still pleased by the news of the arriving Archangel, but Remus’s proposal was plenty to get excited over. "We'll attack them from all sides. We'll force them to split their defense. We'll tear into them like a lion and gut them from the inside out!" Getting amped up, the Low Officer punched his right hand into his left palm a couple times before slamming his fist on the maps table. "They may have walls, but we have the proud men and women of the Inquisition, hardened and trained in the light of our Prophet! Even if they see us coming from miles away, they'll be helpless to stop our advance. Truly the Saint herself presides over our plannings this day!" He let loose an eager chuckle, gestured excitedly towards Remus, then looked to High Officer Harel.

"And what of the 1st Wyvern? Even if we forgo aerial firebombing, my troops are still a valuable asset. If they fly pegasai against us we can meet them in the skies, and if they do not then we can tear their ramparts to shreds." Alranus put his hands on his hips, puffing out his chest. "The Heretic himself would be powerless against us."

[Riva Harel]

High Officer Harel remained silent with an approving nod towards Healer Remus as he relayed his additions to their plan. Riva could only wonder what fate would have befallen them if the current lead in charge of their healer regiment had been left in charge; Remus was conservative in his proposals, but also kept in mind the needs of the battalions as he made his suggestions. Once their assault was all said and done, they’d have to propose a promotion for the spoft-spoken priest. He certainly deserved one, at this rate.

Attention being drawn back to Officer Aurilia, Riva listened as he placed his stamp of approval on the idea as well, continuing to develop it, not to mention be caught up in the excitement of it all. The high officer had to admit, it was hard not to lose composure amidst all that was going on. Their assault on Remi had drawn Archangel here, and depending on their success, they could soon hold one of the keys to the rest of Ilia, all whilst the nation struggled in a losing battle against Bern. Just the thought of it all made Riva crack an eager grin.

“You and your men certainly are…” Riva responded to Officer Aurilia, her eyes now cast over the map of the city once again, eyes narrowed and seeking out a place for the 1st Wyvern to lay in wait for the unsuspecting Remian ponies. Another moment would pass before the Officer’s finger would land on a small dock, not too far south of Remi, extending off of a handful of cliffs. “Here. Send a scout to see if there are any caves or arches that we could use for your men to stand at ready in case of any pegasi sightings. The moment they are,” Riva continued, looking up to Alranus, “the ground invasion will sound the alarm to call your men in. As you said, I’d prefer we shy from another fire-bombing, but I’ll leave it to your best judgment. There’s no room for error this time.”

Looking over the markers that had been placed over the map, Riva finally stepped back with her arms crossed. “Unless you men have anything else to add, I believe we all have a slew of preparations to make. I propose our attack at just before low tide tomorrow morning, before dawn. Objections?”

[Seraph Alastor]

They wasted no time, each group moving to where they needed to be while the rest of the men would await their. Fort Moldin looked like it was nice structure before the battle and Seraph wondered whether or not it could hold all of Seraph’s men along with those who were already here was yet to be seen. Many would most likely have to set up tents outside the fort. They had certainly seen worse days when it came to where they would end up sleeping and would be a relief compared to having to sleep on the hard floor. Though Seraph knew despite their situation his men wouldn’t complain.

Once they had finished discussing with High Officer Harel and went over the current affairs of everything then Seraph could focus on finding his men places to set up in the real world that wouldn’t be in the way. From the looks of things there was much movement, didn’t seem like there was much of anyone not doing anything. Nice to see that they were being as productive as possible, Seraph hated seeing people laze about when there was work to be done. Not only was it a waste of valuable time but it also showed that whoever was in charge lacked discipline and efficiency.

The Archangel would be the first to enter the tent of High Officer Harel. He’d shortly be followed after his own officers as he scanned the room. It seemed that they had arrived in the middle of what looked like a strategy meeting. ”Ah apologies, we did not meet to interrupt anything.” Seraph would apologize, much to the annoyance of Officer Quell. Despite his ranking Seraph still liked to practice common courtesy and proper manners. Just because one is in a high position it did not give them the right to act like a pompous brat.

”I am High Commander Seraph Alastor and these are Officers Quell, Erasmus, Flint and Caemus. It’s a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance.” There was one in the tent that seemed to stick out to Seraph. From the looks of it the young man was priest but one that he wasn’t completely familiar with. Once introductions were out of the way Seraph would want to get down to brass tacks. Taking Remi would play a pivotal role in this war and failing here wasn’t an option.