Salvation (Everyone)

[Anastasia]

"Doubtlessly," Morniel agrees, "How about the Outer Ring Fortresses? This may lead them to suspect that we are priming a hole for a larger army ot pass into Lifasa through."

Sylvie gives Moore a look at that. It's neutral at first, but softens. "How much power do you have left, Moore?"

[Nephrite]

"Some of my crafty tricks got used up." He answers. "But I'd have enough to be of use in a big fight for a good while. I could manage a Wish if it came to it. Ah, that does remind me, I should take a spin by the arch again when we're done here, I lost a few of my spells with that champion from Hell."

[Anastasia]

"Be prepared," Adrian agrees, and...

We're basically waiting on Tryll, Surru and Jaela to finish up, but feel free to chat as you want, you two.

[Ebiris]

"I don't really understand how we'd get an army past the Outer Ring Fortresses anyway, where would it be coming from that wouldn't be better just gating in like we and our allies have already been doing?" Afina asks, the whole strategic value of those places somewhat lost on her. "But if the devils think it important we could. Alternatively, since we know the devils are planning to destroy everything of value rather than let us have it, what about any cities that are still standing? Their surviving populations might be executed en masse by the devils to stop us from liberating them."

[Nephrite]

"Is there any strategic benefit in moving Aurora?" Moore asks. "I know we picked this spot as a staging area, though... mm. I suppose it depends on if there are larger groups of devils reinforcing anything that we feel the need to attack, right?"

[Anastasia]

Adrian shrugs, "If Hell thinks so, good enough for us."

"A moment on that," Sage Vul'lath says to Afina's request.

Meanwhile Gisfal look to Moore, "This isn't about territory, and Hell's funneling in soldiers freely. It's an unusual look for a war for a Prime. By and large we're winning, and there's an argument that being a big bump on Hell's backside is enough. But on the other hand, we can save others if we strike out."

[Nephrite]

He nods. "Right. I was just thinking if we needed to evacuate civilians, like Afina suggested, that'd be easier with Aurora closer."

[Anastasia]

"We've seen what Hell does to civilians," Sylvie says in a quiet voice, "But your idea is good, since there's still innocents left. Useful ones, if nothing else."

[Nephrite]

"At this point, we probably can't afford to focus on much else besides using those sigils. Unless we wanted to send some forces to try and liberate something, but... What does our fighting force look like now as opposed to when we began?" Moore asks.

[Anastasia]

"Well, we've taken light to moderate losses, but some of those are back on their feet," Gisfal says, "Even investing 20% of Aurora's strength, we're at about 75% of our pre-battle strength, which is better than I estimated. We're fine there for the moment."

[Anastasia]

As everyone talks, "They're back!" Elena pops in, "Look!"

Jaela, Surraruthru, Tryll, Calleigh, Simmer and Balyss return. On them are the marks of victory - including two hard won sigils.

[Nephrite]

"Well, it seems like it's time to work on that ritual of yours. What exactly is involved in that?" Moore asks.

[Iron Dragoon]

"We have. The last sigils are ours and the tree is planted."

[Anastasia]

"Finally," Adrian cracks a smile, nervous and taking a breath after. "We can end this soon."

[Yuthirin]

'I'm not familiar with this ritual. Could you give me an overview?' Tryll asks.