Salvation (Everyone)

[Ebiris]

About to say no, Afina changes at the last second. "Yes, we've received conflicting reports that Taelfagn may be present at Gar Malleos. We're reasonably certain Harkin is there and currently have forces deployed to eliminate him. No assistance is currently required, but Ettan's whereabouts remain unknown. Pass that on," she asks.

[Anastasia]

"Understood," The firre says, pausing to bow to Jaela and then to Afina, going to depart.

Meanwhile, amid the soldiers returning is Moore, upright and unharmed from his warfare.

[Nephrite]

Moore gives the two a wave as he comes inside.

"I'm going to get a snack and rest a little before anything else wild happens." He says to the both of them. "Let me know if you'd like me to go reinforce anything."

[Ebiris]

"We're winding down here but we may need to suddenly reinforce at Gar Malleos or the Elven Tree so stay sharp," Afina says to Moore.

[Anastasia]

Feel free to chat here, this is winding down into a temporary pause so Gar Malleos 2 can catch up. So bear that in mind.

[Yuthirin]

'Fortress on approach to Gar-Malleos destroyed. We are proceeding. Be advised that Taelfagn is using illusions and may pop up at random. It's possible he will use his image to bait our forces into a trap. Exercise caution.' Tryll sends to the commanders.

[Anastasia]

Soon enough, Moore gets a quick snack. He sits down and rests, eating while he has the chance.

Afina keeps guarding the gate, which is busy but not opposed for the moment. No sign of devils - for now.

Jaela sits back in the command room, Adrian striding in. "Not bad for round one," he says with a lopsided grin. "We ready for round 2?"

[Corwin]

"I'm grateful that Bahamut put aside our differences and came through at this key junction," Jaela responds, relaxing in the command chair in her blessed mithril armor. "Didn't even need to resort to a Miracle! That's my resolution, I'll have you know. Cutting down on it."

[Anastasia]

"Yeah, mine is to kill more devils," Adrian chuckles, "Working on it. Anyway, so am I but what's our next move going to be?"

[Corwin]

Jaela glances down meaningfully at Gae Buidhe where it's resting against her leg, before saying, "Purely hypothetically speaking? I'd want to hear something decisive from Gar Malleous. That, a report on a located priority target or a request from our allies could get us to redeploy."

She shrugs. "Initiative rests with us. We've gone into this knowing Hell's forces are infinite, but the more time we spend securing Lifasa the more favorable our position on it is. Devils couldn't operate with impunity and at worst we'll have lines drawn in the sand. That's better than our previous guerilla-style campaigns and you can be sure we'll get more reinforcements than a discredited Bel. It's why I think that he'll make a move soon, once the currently running plots are foiled."

[Anastasia]

"So being the big, annoying itch he can't scratch?" Adrian says, "Have we gotten an update since the business about the Duke of Destiny?"

[Corwin]

"A destroyed fortress. I don't want to micromanage, and they haven't requested aid again, so we can afford some patience." Jaela tilts her head. "Balyss, however, should be free. Why not ask her if she has a lead on Ettan?"

[Anastasia]

As you mention her name, Balyss steps in. "You called?" she asks.

Adrian turns, arms crossed. "That has got to be the pettiest use of divine wisdom and insight I've ever seen," he says, then takes a long exhale. "How are we doing, Balyss?"

"Gar Malleos has become complicated," Balyss begins, going and taking a seat. "Something hidden from Our vision obscures events within now."

[Corwin]

Jaela's joke about frivolous uses of divine power dies on her lips at Balyss's tone. Frowning, she says, "The team has my full confidence. You probably heard me saying just now that I don't want to micromanage them. Still... what would it take? Gathgorian? Taelfagn? Bel? Or just an ingenious reconfiguration of the leylines?"

[Anastasia]

"We are not certain," Balyss says, voice one and many, "That alone concerns Us, that some player of great power has deigned to interfere. It is not impossible that the means of immortals could stymie Us, but it is a rare thing indeed. We fear Bel or Taelfagn has called in a powerful ally."