Yearning for liberation (Afina)

[Anastasia]

You find Ebony amid the phase spiders. She sits here sipping tea. As you come in, the noise of the courtyard muted by the webs, "Would you care for some?"

[Ebiris]

"Not right now. In fact would you mind coming with me?" Afina asks, "I need to discuss some things privately with you."

[Anastasia]

"Of course," Ebony says.

Go ahead and set yourself up for that, Afina.

[Ebiris]

It's just to avoid eavesdroppers, so Afina takes Ebony up to one of the meeting rooms. "I don't know if Antenora spoke to you while she was here earlier, but we're going to be joining Sylica and the Cauldron in their attack on Benfal in a weeks time. You're of course the natural liaison between us and Sylica's forces so I wanted to tell you what pertinent information I've had our researchers come up with so you can pass it along and find out where Alicia would like us deployed on Benfal so we can build our plans around it," she explains.

[Anastasia]

"Do go on then, I'll be in contact and relay what you wish to be told," Ebony says.

[Ebiris]

Afina proceeds to repeat the information Sylvie gave about Semyaza and his servants, notable figures and tactics both. "I don't doubt most of that's already known but we may as well be thorough - our research division isn't to be scoffed at," she says after her narration. "So if you can find out where Alicia wants Aurora to attack and get us some information on the terrain and local defenders, I can work that into the wargames I have planned so we'll be as prepared as we can possibly be."

[Anastasia]

"Wise. I will return shortly with that information," Ebony says, "Is there anything else?"

[Ebiris]

Should she comment on the gloss of Ebony's feathers? No, she doesn't want to get into another analysis. Also she felt somewhat condescended to when she tried flirting with Ebony over that whole nudity on ice thing. "No, that's all thank you," she gets up. "I'll be getting everyone started on exercises now, so just come find me when you have something."

[Anastasia]

It's not long. A few hours pass before Ebony returns, giving you a break from training. "Aurora's presence is desired for a trio of cities. They are all on plains and by a large river and are some of Benfal's largest. Our goal will be to liberate them and be seen by as many devils as possible."

[Ebiris]

Back in the meeting room for this, Afina nods. "That sounds like a situation where having a defensible fortress immediately on the scene would be helpful, so suits Aurora's strengths. What can you tell me about the cities and their defenders?"

[Anastasia]

"Three cities: Fairwater, Elons Rapids and Liber." Ebony begins, gesturing as she tells her story.

"Fairwater is home to Semyaza's 4th army of irregulars and are lead by a company of erinyes. Elons Rapids are home to the Beautyseers, a group of military seers overseen by a fallen astral deva. Liber northernmost on the river and home to the 1st naval arm. Besides the river the terrain is flat and has little cover. It's good territory for marching armies or to engage a force with a minimum of defensive advantages. They'd changed hands before in local wars before this, as the river route is profitable and the terrain makes defense challenging."

[Ebiris]

"Jaela will be thrilled to get some use out of her boats," Afina says dryly. "So a mixture of naval combat and city fighting, unless we can goad them into battling us on open plains. I can work with that. Anything else I should know?"

[Anastasia]

"Yes, there's word Dougalf may be at Liber when we attack," Ebony says, "The intelligence isn't confirmed, but if he is, he may join the battle."

[Ebiris]

"I think that sounds like a problem for Hanna to sink her teeth into," Afina nods. "Thank you, Ebony. Let me know if anything else comes up from back home."

[Anastasia]

Okay, how are you going to integrate that into the training?