Homefront

[Anastasia]

Valar is there. He comes forth and sits opposite you, "Let me begin with the general view," he says, "Then we'll get to individual forces and our own situation."

[Corwin]

Seira nods, gesturing for him to continue.

[Anastasia]

"The war is in a distinctly defensive phase. The efreet seem at least accepting of attacks on Fire, though they are continuing fortifications and not all attacks to Fire go well," Valar begins. "After efreet efforts began it, both sides are conducting vigorous efforts to strike at the other side's resources across the planes. The efreet as of yet have not moved on Celestia, the Cauldron or any allies directly after the failed attack on Lunia. However, they are setting a high pace and tempo for resource attacks. We've taken our share of hits there; we've been moving what we can to safer planes or transferring resources and funds to safe locations such as Brightwater."

A pause for a sip of water, "Both sides are doing damage to various efforts and mitigation efforts are being employed, as well as traps and counters."

[Corwin]

"In your opinion, does the current situation favor us?" Seira inquires.

[Anastasia]

"I think it favors none of us," Valar finally says, "All sides are bleeding, but no decisive wounds will come of this. What it will do is put any participant's goals back and further back from the loss of infrastructure, support and resources."

[Corwin]

"In that case, compile a list of infrastructures for me to hit in person," Seira bids Valar. "I doubt Eblis or the Sultan would retaliate similarly, and they are the only ones on the enemy side who would give us actual trouble. In case the efreet send one of their nobles instead, let me know at once and I'll strike him down."

[Anastasia]

"It will be done," Valar says, "What of Imix? Do you believe he will interfere again?"

[Corwin]

"I believe his next target will be Zaaman Rul. We'll need to do all in our power to ensure a favorable outcome at the time."

[Anastasia]

"If Zaaman Rul falls, our foothold on Fire is gone," Valar says, "An intolerable situation. I agree, the question of when and how Imix strikes is important."

[Corwin]

"Zaaman Rul will call on me if he believes an attack is imminent, and for now I'm trying to draw fire to us, pun unintended," Seira tells Valar. "I intend to take a week on diplomatic pursuits, but if a suitable target appears let me know at once. And afterwards, I will be able to contribute in earnest."

[Anastasia]

"I will do so," Valar agrees, "Now, are you ready for specifics?"

[Corwin]

"Go for it."

[Anastasia]

"First of all, our own forces are doing well. While we take losses and have lost some resource battles, we are holding our own. Moreover, we are not being overwhelmed yet. As of now, the efreet are responding with proportional force rather than trying to knock any force out of the war. I suspect they're preparing to do just that - but Zaamal Rul instead." Valar says. "Likely to secure Imix's full aid in this conflict."

[Corwin]

"If they think they can manage it, let them come," Seira says with a snort. "Quantity may have a quality of its own, but not in every conflict."

[Anastasia]

Valar smiles at that. "You plan to take the field if that happens?"