More Offensives (Afina and Jaela; 84 days left)

[Anastasia]

"He's been working on a more defensive mindset," Velasca says, "The Duke of Destiny requested that of him, he has complied. He has the least problem of any of us at following his orders." Her gaze is on the fire, faraway even as she speaks. "In his position, I imagine he'll be focusing on defense. It's what those fortresses are for."

[Corwin]

"Right. We'll give it a thought," Jaela voices, nodding at Velasca before heading out to confer with Morniel.

[Anastasia]

Morniel is found in the strategy room, head bowed in prayer. He looks up as you come in, "Afina, Jaela. Congratulations on recent efforts," he says.

[Ebiris]

Afina trails along with Jaela, honestly a bit glad for a breather to consider what to do more. The relentless pace of hitting those traitors is satisfying yes, but as the near disaster with Quinn showed it's also wearying. "Thank you, Morniel," she accepts those congratulations. "We're having to step up our efforts more and more because of the deadline we're on, but at least we're getting victories from it."

[Corwin]

"It could've been better, but in perfect world we wouldn't need to do it in the first place," Jaela responds. "Sorry for the interruption, but we need a fresh set of eyes on this."

[Anastasia]

"Certainly. Elena would you have someone come in with some refreshments?" Morniel considers, "Some sunrisers as well."

Elena pops in, "Sure," she says and vanishes, almost too fast to be seen.

[Corwin]

"The more we strike," Jaela gets right to the chase, "the less information we have to work on. They've gone more compartmentalized and switched to defense. Losing Balyss's help at this timing hits hard."

[Anastasia]

"Annoying. Wise of them yet certainly annoying," Morniel concurs, sitting back. "How are they compartmentalizing it?"

[Corwin]

"I don't think it's wise, per se. I think they're panicking and lack any real authority, and so try to do the best under the circumstances. Of course, my heart bleeds for the traitors." Jaela shrugs. "Taelfagn apparently stopped telling them information about each other or even regular devil plans for Lifasa, and we don't have a good idea of where or how to nab the remaining ones."

[Ebiris]

"There's still some interconnectedness," Afina puts in. "Apasa had his slaves taken to be used as sacrifices for Quinn's dark warrior ritual. But in general they're going to ground and losing sight of the bigger picture on Lifasa."

[Anastasia]

"Wisely treating a gaping hole in your chest still means you have a gaping hole," Morniel points out, with a hint of open amusement for once.

A pause as a soldier rushes in, carrying a tray of light snack foods. On it are three small glasses of glowing orange-yellow liquid and three more pixie sized small glasses of it.

Once the soldier salutes and leaves, "It doesn't surprise me. They're liabilities now," Morniel points out. "It seems taking them to Baator is not politically or magically possible, which is more to our aid."

[Corwin]

"I had this vague idea of checking in with the resistance, but if Makaril had a solid lead on a traitor he probably would've reached out himself," Jaela muses, reaching for the glowy drink. "Do you have a line to a really good diviner that'll give us a decent target?"

[Ebiris]

Afina silently takes one of the smaller glasses for herself and sips at it while Jaela asks her question.

[Anastasia]

"Several. Balyss is back," Morniel points out mildly, "If she does not suffice, then I can point you towards them."

The drink is sweet like juice and makes you smile in spite of yourselves. You can also feel a strong alcoholic burn. "It's a mix of fruit juice, alcohol and ambrosia. It brings relaxation, stress relief and happiness. Drink," Morniel says, "Happy thoughts travel different avenues than other thoughts."

[Ebiris]

"That was quick," Afina says, considering how bad off Balyss was when they set off for Lifasa a little while earlier. She does feel better for the drinking at least, easing her stress.