Victorious advance

[Anastasia]

Have you read Seira's thread enough to be aware of what's going on in Zaaman Rul's realm in a general sense? He won't oppose you looking for obvious reasons.

[Ebiris]

Yeah, I know what's up.

[Anastasia]

Thank you, Alicia. You have my gratitude. It is because of brave souls like you that Fire yet has a chance to be purified.

[Ebiris]

Fight well and prevail, I will be there should the worst happen.

And so preparations are under way, hopefully not required but if they are she intends for it to be decisive.

[Anastasia]

Antenora and Syala are at your side as requested.

It's a matter of patience, really. Of waiting. Anticipation fills the room as you wait.

"Now...we wait," Syala breathes out, and with a sharp smile, "Oh, I'm hoping we can be the hammer that crushes Imix and the Grand Sultan against us."

[Ebiris]

"Feeling nervous," Alicia confesses as the three stand together, girded for battle and with her attention on Zaaman Rul's realm. "Picked an awkward day for it but at least I didn't exert myself much with Dragodan or when we went to Limbo. Still, Imix is a greater foe than any I've ever faced on the battlefield."

[Anastasia]

"And she's far worse than even Imix," Antenora breathes out. She reaches out, takes your hand. "We're with you, Alicia."

[Ebiris]

Alicia squeezes Antenora's hand back. "I don't think he'll back down just from us taking the field, so if we do go in we go in hard and hope we blindside him. He's the only threat that matters on the battlefield."

[Anastasia]

"The Sultan could be there, or other powerful warriors," Antenora says, "But Imix may well come forth alone, should the situation demand it or his pride urge him on." She squeezes your hand as well before, "This is just another step forward."

Syala comes forth, a hand on Alicia's shoulder and the other on Antenora's. "One of many."

[Ebiris]

"Zaaman Rul will need a lot more than just us for reinforcements if it escalates to that degree. No sign of the Sultan yet at least, it seems more like Imix taking an opportunity while the efreet run interference with their attacks elsewhere," Alicia says based on what she's heard and what she's monitoring of the battlefield.

[Anastasia]

You feel the battle, focusing on it. It is indeed a force of Imix's, a great horde. And yet more are felt - efreet joining the forces, along with minions - creatures of fire, creatures of hate, creatures of evil. It looms like a boil ready to burst, swollen and painful.

[Ebiris]

"There's numbers but no notable champions I think. Seira should be capable against this much," she adds as she monitors things.

[Anastasia]

"Or they aren't there yet," Antenora surmises. "Imix and the Sultan can both teleport in Fire no matter what we do. It would be trivial for them to come forth with powerful allies at any time. We're on the disadvantage there, as far as that goes."

[Ebiris]

Alicia just smiles. "Not directly onto the battlefield though. I taught Lixer the folly of being too eager when we attacked Avernus."

[Anastasia]

Antenora smiles back.

Just waiting to be called on, then?