Victorious advance

[Anastasia]

"Politics are merely an extension of war," The Red Knight concurs, as you advance ahead towards your forces. "You fought well without unsheathing your sword."

[Ebiris]

"You speak of the other war occurring right now," Alicia says. "Yes, I'm unsure how much longer that will last but we're doing what we can to support our allies in every way we can. Either way, the force you'll be inspecting today are prepared for a far less fiery battlefield."

[Anastasia]

"Daun," The Red Knight concurs, following as you reach them. "Let me see them, Alicia."

Go ahead and play this up as much or as little as you like.

[Ebiris]

Soon they reach the parade ground, a place set up for Red Knight's own honour guard to stand before their own viewing platform, her horse taken care of by a squad of groomsmen. Then they all get to watch the soldiers prepared for Daun march and drill, lining themselves up for inspection afterwards while Red Knight is led to tour one of their galleons, before she has the chance to watch a mock boarding action and battle to round things off.

[Anastasia]

Strength of Light does good work, the drills going well. As you watch, the Red Knight overlooking them?

They're good.

Thank you.

They could be better. I would offer an advisor attached to this force, to aid them in strategic and tactical decisions.

As you did with Jarem for Alyssa?

Yes. You have less need of it, but there is always need for wise council.

[Ebiris]

There are many circumstances where Alicia would refuse such an offer out of hand, because as nice as Red Knight is, she doesn't trust her discretion. But against the forces of Demogorgon she knows Red Knight doesn't have any interests on the opposite side, so there's no conflict of interest like there would be against Hell.

If you have a skilled candidate in mind, we would find them a place and pay heed to their suggestions.

[Anastasia]

I do. Her name is Drulal, a valkyrie warrior seasoned in Ysgard as well as with experience in the Blood War, albeit unwillingly for the Blood War.

I'd like to meet her first.

Meanwhile as the Red Knight works Antenora keeps her gaze on the inspection and performances, the mock boarding action going on smoothly.

[Ebiris]

In that case I'll accept Jessica's judgement on the matter.

Be good for her sister to take some responsibility for the big decisions, even if this is fairly minor in the grand scheme of things it'll get her more used to having the final say where it counts.

Take 10 for 72 with divine insight for knowledge: planes (or religion) on Drulal regardless though.

[Anastasia]

Drulal is a valkyrie who serves the Red Knight. Hardly unremarkable, as many of Ysgard's warrior maidens fall in with her due to shared interests, no matter their disagreements with law and chaos. She's noted for steadily advancing over the many years, never truly reaching a dead end but managing improvement over the long eons. She's smart, pragmatic and has a loathing of fiends of any kind. She spent a few centuries in the Blood War after a catastrophic loss to yugoloths, and according to the stories, was treated as a prize of war by the 'oths before she ultimately served as a military advisor.

What being a 'prize of war' is for the 'loths isn't really constant or clear, but it begins at things best not thought about and only gets worse from there.

[Ebiris]

That's certainly unfortunate and nothing to be held against her, so Alicia has no warnings to impart Jessica. Hopefully they'll have a productive meeting.

[Anastasia]

She will be here soon.

From there the rest of the inspection goes well. Your forces acquit themselves well - they look ready, at least to your eye. As ready as they can be without hands on experience.

Once done, the Red Knight approaches and offers you her hand. "You'll do well with a few strong minds directing your efforts," she declares.

[Ebiris]

"We hope they'll be enough to tilt the scales on Daun," she says, clasping Red Knight's hand and shaking it. "So before you return to Warrior's Rest would you join us for dinner? There's a fine sampling of seafood available from our new seas," she says, a banquet prepared to complete their duties as hosts.

[Anastasia]

"Gladly," Is the answer you get.

Soon enough the five of you are enjoying just such a meal. Amid the general discussion of the banquet and the back and forth, "She's here," The Red Knight says, "She's near your bakery, Jessica."

"I sensed that," Jessica closes her eyes a few moments, "Excuse me, sister." Then she's gone, Antenora raising her glass to her.

"So," Syala says, "I hear you got your start on this stage by slaying a Demon Lord. Balum, the Demon Lord of the Hordes?"

[Ebiris]

Nodding to Jessica as she departs, Alicia listens attentively to what promises to be an interesting story about slaying a demon lord. That's something she hasn't managed herself after all.

[Anastasia]

A warm chuckle, "Oh, that was the final moves of a long act. I'd quarreled with some of his minions on my way to ascension," The Red Knight explains, Antenora pausing her meal to listen. "He had tread on many toes trying to get me, all as I planned. So when I launched a crusade against him, I found many volunteers eager to see him taken down."

After a sip of fresh tea, Syala adds, "Something like Aurora did?"

With a rich, amused smile, "It's a page from the same book," The Red Knight concurs. "I had every confidence I could outsmart him and was willing to test my might against his. My one limitation was getting a strong enough force to march on his hordes. One that would do no less than speak of the newly risen Red Knight and speak her praises in the aftermath of victory."