The Return of Tambelon [Mystria]

[Tambelon]

The Malgravean Front

The fearsome Zahhak was not here, at least not yet. But Dragons were certainly in evidence.

The gathering of a force in Luban outside the Peal was not unnoticed, and here at least the dragons had reached their limits. Instead, the army of Tambelon had a new problem.

The area beyond the peal was a no-go zone for the army on the whole, but with every day that passed, it seemed that the enemy’s regrouping attempts grew more organized. With the thump of artillery reaching into the Peal, the safe zone had shrunk further, and the Marshal of the Malgravean Front Army had a difficult task.

The overall war goals of Tambelon were as yet unrevealed to the allies, but it seemed that they wished to retain land and perhaps conquer the continent altogether. Still, when the allies began to shell the Tambelonic forces near Luban, they were left with a realistic limit of the Peal’s effects.

The first conscripts from Luban who encountered the new type of Gorgarite soldier were able to report that their new weapons worked even within the Peal, however. The steelborn were formidable opponents, but the Teslas and their derivatives worked and even gave them a chance to capture some of them…

The Kouralian Front

The Imerian and Dornalian landings were too far south for Tambelon’s forces to reach and across densely settled and defended terrain. Still, they were watched, and there was no doubt in the mind of the Great Goat that they were a significant threat. The fact was they could quickly treble or even quintuple the manpower on this front and begin to drive the Armies of Tambelon back if not dealt with.

High in the Campanile, Grogar stared into his seeing pool, spinning his designs.

And that was when he noticed the keenness with which the Imerians were casting their runes with the intention of scrying weaknesses in the Shattering Peal.

He rose and approached the bell, his hooves clipping on the stone floor, it was deafening, and strange creatures attended it and the lesser bells around it, smaller cousins and efforts at duplicating its craft.

He smiled and levitated one of the lesser bells down from its place above, detaching it from its mounting and holding it in the air. ‘Take this to the front, in the mountains, bring a map, I will show you where to take it,’ he said.

As he spoke, the guards of the tower came forward, receiving the bell. Their captain paused to look at the great lord, and Grogar smiled.

‘Speak.’

‘Why my Lord, what purpose would this serve?’

‘Simple, I wish to give them something to desire, I will have our men build a lesser belltower in the Kouralian mountains. The enemy desire the power of Tambelon, they will come for this, even though its power is a fraction of the Great Bell. Then, we will trap them, and bring them to a battle of our own choosing. I trust my marshals to make the arrangements. Go, now.’

‘Yes, Great Lord,’ the captain said and turned to follow his men.

[Rohane Alista]

Written with Dornie

Camp Mustang
Somewhere near Luban, Malgravean Ancestral Research Colony

Even while the Commonwealth Dragoons were making their assault on the enemy near Luban and even while the Dornalians prepared to sally forth alongside the Imerians to deny Grogar a shiny new Kouralia, there were other matters to which the Dornalians had to attend. In this case, an assembled meeting with the Rohanians.

Word was that their forces had begun to be deployed to the MARC, and consisted of an eerily similar force to the Commonwealth Dragoons--a dragon riding group of badasses named the Wyvern Knights. In turn, it behooved the Dornalian Task Force on the ground to link up with them to coordinate operations to liberate the MARC alongside the Malgraveans from enemy control. After all, when one was about to go into the Denied Zones, one needed all the firepower they could get.

So it was that Vice Admiral Paul Nomura and his Commonwealth counterpart, General-Polkovnik Lyudmila Snowhammer, stood ready to meet their Rohanian counterpart, to discuss operations to come. What would happen? Who would the Rohanians send? And, what did the Rohanians have in mind?

They wouldn't wait long, the Rohanian contingent arriving just a few minutes later. At the head was an Alistinian woman with grey hair, a patch on her breast reading KARIMI, and right behind her another Alistinian, this one a much younger looking man with dark hair and a patch that read IN'LANI. The woman had the stars of a Major General, the man the special patch of an AMTF captain, which translated to actually being about a full horse colonel.

"Greetings!" The Rohanian woman said, her voice exuberant. "I hear you've got some dragons here ready to fuck shit up! General Sara Karimi, the elder, though. Niece is in the officer academy, so I'm going to have to ask you not to confuse us!" She laughed.

The Vice Admiral nodded and said with a polite smile, “VIce Admiral Paul Nomura. I’m the one heading up the Dornalian task force in the region, and this is my colleague--”

Snowhammer stepped forward, her cape and cloak and her neo-medieval tactical gear moving quickly forward as she introduced herself with what could only be described as exuberance of her own, mixed with tinge of boisterousness, pronouncing her rank in the Russian style and her voice giving off a distinctly odd mixture of Scandinavian and Slavic all in one.

“General-Polkovnik Lyudmila Snowhammer. I am the co-leader of the Task Force, from the Commonwealth of the Westfall Realm--we are joined at the hip with the Dornalians, it is long story--and the one responsible for the dragonriders, yes.” Snowhammer then continued, proud of her forces, “More precisely, they are a detachment of men and women of the Commonwealth Dragoons, more formally the Composite Dragoon Squadrons, both Commonwealthers and Dornalians themselves. The First Squadron has gone into action nearby to assault the enemy’s flank, but others are flowing in as we speak.”

Vice Admiral Nomura jumped back in, slightly annoyed but not showing it.

“The Dragoons are designed to operate in what the Dornalians have called the Denied Zones, where Grogar’s technology suppression fields are the most effective.” He then added, “You said you were bringing your own dragon forces?”

"Of course! The Winter War made the bigwigs decide we should bring back an old classic!" Sara Karimi beamed, slamming a tablet on the table hard enough to make Malik cringe. It had an image of a knight on the back of a large, pitch black wyvern, heraldic tabard over armor that showed a deep blue dragon in flight. The knight appeared to carry a lance and a sword, but also a surprisingly long rifle. The wyvern, meanwhile, had plated armor in certain spots, most of which was decoratively painted. "The Wyvern Knights! These bad boys, well actually, mostly bad girls, sixty-five percent female corps, they're meant to let us fight high magic foes where we can't bring our anti-magic. Instead, we bring pure, savage, violence."

Lyudmila’s reaction….was more favorable than Karimi may have expected. Smiling a very wide smile, the Commonwealher nodded and went approvingly, “I can comprehend this. Our methods are different--the Dragoons rely on magic for example--but the goals are most assuredly the same.”

Nomura then interjected with, sternly, “Well, within compliance to the Laws of Armed Conflict, and without too much collateral damage to the Malgraveans of course.”

Lyudmila acknowledged Nomura with a “Yes, yes, that was implied--don’t interrupt.” before continuing onwards. “Anyway, I like the way you think. What did you have in mind for a battle plan? Again, the First Squadron is assaulting the flank of enemy forces outside of Luban, as they are moving to attack.”

"Kill 'em all, mostly," Sara replied, causing Malik to sigh softly. "First, I intend to hit them with so much fire and fury they don't dare to come near Luban for a million years. We believe the mobile rocket artillery we brought with us will still work from these positions, so we'll use those to open, then send in the Wyvern Knights to ensure disruption, followed by our ace in the hole," Sara flicked the tablet, causing a photo of a perfectly white stallion to appear. "The classic, the undeniable, the thing that still makes evil tremble in its sleep… Rohanian Cavalry Corp."

Lyudmila nodded along, until the last part about the cavalry. The briefings from Ms. Lockhart had told her much about the Rohanians and their love of the horse, but she was not aware their cavalry arm still existed.

“Wait up. You are saying you have an entire unit of cavalry ready to exploit the disruptions in the enemy line?” Chewing the thought over for a second, Lyudmila added, “Impressive. Our dragonriders were mainly acting as air assault and dragoon units--the idea being that they deploy men and materiel forward into combat as infantry, and then continue to fly around to provide close air support while objectives are taken.” She then added, with a nonchalant shrug, “I mean, I would not want to feel the effects of dragons’ fire up close myself. My Uncle Torvald learned that the hard way--he draws sustenance through a mechanical straw now.” As she said all that, Lyudmila made a mental note to suggest that Nomura bring forth some more conventional shock cavalry, not to be outdone by the Rohanians, but obviously didn’t say it out loud.

“Either way, I like this idea. It is a good idea.” Lyudmila said, clearly finding a kindred spirit. Nomura once more interjected adding, “Wait. I think we’re missing something critical. Where is all this going to take place? I mean, I know you’re directing rocket strikes at enemy lines and then making moves, but I think we need to establish some specifics first.”

Lyudmila looked at Nomura like as if someone had just thrown a wet blanket on the occasion, but she could only sigh slightly and let him carry on--he was after all, technically in charge of the Task Force and thus had the right to have some say in how things went.

“Well, General, that’s where you all come in, isn’t it?” Sara replied. Malik set a small transmitter and a flare stick down on the table. “Here’s our idea, but I expect we’ll modify it. You folk are already pushing, so this’ll go out with your units, and when they find an area they’d really like introduced to some booms, they’ll put this transmitter down and bug the hell out, cause we’ll give ‘em five minutes to leave. If the transmitters don’t work in this weird… what did you call it? The Denial Zone?” Sara asked, but pushed onward. “Then the flares are the next best thing. Will probably be less accurate, but very little but chemistry to make those work.”

“I see, I see.” Lyudmila nodded, scrutinizing the tools as one would scrutinize fruit at the supermarket. “We can get these over to the First Squadron, and the rest. And we call these the Denied Zones, and I didn’t make that up.”

Nomura shrugged, going, “I mean, it makes sense. Technology doesn’t work in the Denied Zones.”

“Anyway, we will keep this in mind. Either way, I cannot wait for us to work together.” Lyudmila asked, “Tell me, are your men and women sensitive to soldiers going into berserker rages with axes on the enemy?”

"If they're chumps!" Sara snorted, but this finally caused Malik to speak.

"We would generally prefer that such behaviors are saved for when absolutely necessary, so as not to strain the discipline of our forces. Malik In'Lani, Captain of AMTF Squad Six at your service," he continued, giving the Dornalians the open palm greeting of Rohanians. "We are special forces operatives, not standard infantry, but you can trust us to take on the most dangerous jobs."

“Indeed, Captain In’Lani, indeed.” Nomura spoke up now, adding, “The AMTF’s reputation precedes it. In fact, its anti-magic capabilities would be appreciated as we conduct our operations in the Denied Zones.”

With a smile and a nod, and the use of some very telling language that In’Lani may have been used to from the Dornalians given his prior adventures with them, Nomura continued.

“That said, we brought our own units of operators and specialists, we did not forget about that. Individuals drawn from various parts of the Dornalian government. Military personnel. Selected law enforcement units with relevant skill sets. Specialists from other government agencies and the private sector. The usual panoply.”

A shuffling could be heard, and Nomura then went, “One of them’s coming in now. She’s been read in, it's no security risk.” Turning to the front of the meeting area, Nomura commanded, “Come in!”

Marching into the room would be a woman wearing a set of Multicam BDUs, jungle boots, and a small Stetson made out of artificial weather-resistant materials, albeit done up in Multicam also with a new chin strap. All manner of utility belts and other equipment were present on the woman--including two items In’Lani would recognize immediately. One was a square holster with the symbol of the Postal Inspection Service in embossed on its faux-leather form, which contained a small square device resembling a smartphone. The other was a dramatically exaggerated leather leg holster with the words, “Property of José McClung, Fresno, California”, holding a scoped revolver of massive size. Lyudmila looked at the piece with pride and a crooked smile, as the woman stepped up and saluted the Admiral and the General-Polkovnik. And if those items didn’t do it, then the nametag reading “McClung” would give her away.

“Acting Inspector-in-Charge Millicent McClung, Colonial Republican Postal Inspection Service.”

“At ease, McClung.” The Admiral turned to the Rohanians, adding, “McClung’s one of those selected law enforcement personnel I was talking about. She runs Joint Communications Tactical Team One, and is going to be working with other elements to perform reconnaissance and direct action in support of Dornalian and Allied elements as required, as well as to provide relevant analytical expertise.”

Millie nodded, going, “The Denied Zones mean we won’t be able to hack into anything, but we can still do much more than that. After all, I’m used to long stakeouts of high value targets, and more to the point, direct combat.” With a knowing nod and a turn to Malik, Millie said, “Mr. In’Lani can attest to the last point.”

"Indeed," Malik replied with a nod. "Inspector-in-Charge McClung and I have worked together many times, in many kinds of operations. Indeed, we've been attached to the exact same unit I think three times now?"

“If not the same unit, then the same theater of operations at least three times.” Millie nodded, helpfully leaving out anything classified.

“Well, that should make coordinating operations easier then, I think,” Nomura added with an approving nod and tone. “The AMTF can work in concert with JCTT-One and other units to conduct reconnaissance and direct action as needed.”

“That’s our hope as well,” Malik replied. “We are, of course, still under the General’s purview, but have been granted a fair amount of liberty; if you urgently need us, please, don’t be afraid to ask. Either way, Inspector-in-Charge McClung, it would be a good idea for us to run the soldiers through some coordinated drills, and then draw up some plans to make best use of both our units.”

“Oh, absolutely. I think we’d need to get our operators acquainted with their new AMTF colleagues to ensure optimum interoperability in operations in the Denied Zone.” Millie said that last part with maximum attention to careful word usage, and with a tone that suggested a bare minimum of questions was necessary.

For their part, Nomura nodded, and Lyudmila added, “Glorious! I will have selected personnel from the other groups involved join you all. Even some of my people.” With that, Millie turned to Malik, going, “Right. Did we need to do anything else, you think?”

“I can’t think of anything else. General?” Malik asked Sara Karimi.

The older Alistinian woman shook her head and laughed. “I can’t stand these meetings anyways! General, uh… Provost, we’ll get back up for more specifics once my men and I have a more solid grasp of our logistics and such! And if you need to borrow some horses, just ask, we brought forty thousand of the damn things. Ten thousand for our soldiers, twenty in case we need them for logistics, and the other ten just cause we fuckin’ love horses!” The Karimi woman cackled at her own humor.

“I will trade you many horses for many axes, then!” Lyudmila said proudly. “As a bonus, they are axes with guns on them, so you can shoot and chop all at once! Trust me, they are most useful.” She then added, “Oh, and it’s General-Polkovnik, but General Snowhammer will do. Or perhaps in more informal times when the greensap flows and the zakuskis come out, Lyudmila Ulfrikova, or even Luda if we’re really being informal. But one thing at a time. Either way, it was a pleasure, and we must talk again.”

Nomura added, focusing on the literal horse trade, “Well, sure. We could use some horses, and also we have people who can ride them well enough.” Nomura of course, did know some people…and also knew that as annoying as it was to deal with Captain Lockhart, she knew even more people and could get things done quickly. Certainly, Lockhart was why the General-Polkovnik was here, for sure. Then again, he also knew some people…either way, he’d make it happen. He had to.

“Great! I don’t need the axes, but they sound fun!” Sara chuckled. “Axes are pretty traditional for we Karimi, so I might take one of those just for the collection. Regardless, I do believe we’re done here!”

“So we are, so we are.” Nomura said with a nod. “Well, if we have any further questions or business, we’ll give you a call. In the meantime, welcome to the sandbox.”

Lyudmila then whispered to Sara, “He’s so serious, this one.”

“Okay, we’re done here,” Nomura said, now politely but firmly turning to Lyudmila going, “The General-Polkovnik and I have business to discuss.”

Millie then turned to Malik, going, “Well, let’s boogie. We got things to take care of.”

Sara shrugged, leaving the tent to go off on her own business, already riding off on a mare by the time Malik and Millie left the tent. "General Karimi is about the most coarse general in the entire army. Pretty sure they sent her here half to get her out of the way while they do some restructuring of our forces."

“Well, the General-Polkovnik seems to be cut from the same cloth. She’s definitely a lot more aggressive than the Vice Admiral. Rumor has it she’s got friends in various places too, including…well, let’s call them various other government agencies.” Millie’s use of the pet euphemism for the involvement of ERIS and the various organs of the Dornalian Intelligence Community made things clear. “I mean, it’s not a bad thing to know a guy, but I personally would have used a little more tact myself and tried not to be such a jerkass.”

She then added, “Either way, I think those two are like the old Dornie saying--they go together like peas and carrots.”

"As long as they don't get us all killed," Malik sighed, leading Millie through the tents to a section of Rohanian prefabbed buildings, where he led her into a small one. Every building was the same bland urban camouflage colors, and the inside wasn't much better, this one containing a table and not much else of note. "Welcome to the Special Forces Planning Outpost, or Fort Table, as we're calling it," Malik chuckled.

"The name's apt. It's a table. Not even a map." Millie said with a nod. "I assume the map's around here somewhere?"

"There's a map," Malik replied, tapping a button on the table which caused a screen on it to come alive. It displayed an overview of the MARC and Kouralia, though most of it was red. "Red is the anti-tech zone. You're going to be excited, we already know what our first mission is."

“I’m listening.” Millie leaned in, looking at the map intently wondering when the map would change.

“The AMTF and… select partners,” Millie would know this meant ‘whoever you think won’t fuck us over’, “Will be making a run with armored vehicles into the exclusion zone, just to make sure we can. If initial tests are successful, we’ve got orders to hit Ryx, disrupt the enemy, and teach ‘em why their tech exclusion isn’t the complete shield they think. After that’s when the real fun begins, of course.”

“A risky manuever, but one which will be interesting--assuming we can indeed punch through. You people bringing in hovertanks? I hear the Denial Field rips axles a new one. And by real fun, I assume we mean raiding and other shenanigans?”

“Correct on all counts. Always can count on you to grasp a concept quickly,” Malik praised with a small smile. “Indeed. We’re not going today though, tanks have yet to arrive. But tomorrow… well, rally your people, whoever you think best. Oh, and, Millie?”

“Yeah?” Millie asked with a raised eyebrow, even as she thought of who she’d bring.

“I’m really glad to see you again. When this one is done… let’s take some time off, alright?” Malik’s smile turned wry. “I’d like to take you somewhere that isn’t a hellhole for once.”

“Well, that would be a lovely change of pace, Malik.” Millie reciprocated the grin, adding, with a tone that agreed very much with the sentiment, “Besides, being the Acting Inspector in Charge, there is such a thing as delegating authority.” She then added, “Auram seems nice this time of year. Isn’t all shot up, full of goat demon things, frozen, or other such horrors. The only thing you gotta worry about is your kid’s college fund, though I imagine the Kobolds make a nice buffet.”

“Well, Auram would work, or maybe I can show you my hometown. Uh… introduce you to mom and dad,” Malik rubbed the back of his head. “But let’s not jinx ourselves, we can discuss it later.”

“This is fair. If that’s the case, I can show you mine once you show me yours. Just be prepared to hear endless federal agent stories, and maybe the odd discourse on raisins. But, that’s the Casa de McClung for you.” Pausing, Millie then said, “Anyway, I can definitely tell I’m bringing JTCC-One. I trust my people to strike deep, do recon, et cetera. As for the others, I got some ideas. Marine Commandos, Army Special Ops, maybe a unit of Dathomiri-Miradathi Scouts, et cetera. The only problem is making a choice, but well, such is the way things go when you’ve got your choice of forces.” She then paused and went, “I’d even take a force of Commonwealth ICBA or regulars, though I’d want to make sure they don’t indulge their tendencies to midnight requisitioning too much. Still, I wouldn’t want to fuck with an intoxicated viking-elf-bonk with an axe and a goal.”

"Remember, we're keeping this small. This isn't a full scale invasion, it's a surprise attack and then retreat," Malik told her. "Alright, so here's where we're thinking of departing from…" he began to draw lines on the map, telling Millie all about their current plans...

[Malgrave]

made with Rani

Luban, Malgrave

Tambelon’s return had been foretold and due to operations undertaken in Hippocratia stalled for a brief moment, a pause which had given the Territorial Defence Force extra time to organise the defence of the Research Colony.

In the chaos of the invasion and the establishment of the anti-technology field nobody had thought to ask about their overall goals, it was suspected that Grogar himself required territory but even these rudimentary guesses weren’t based on anything concrete and the analysts at the International Operations Committee found themselves consistently frustrated.

In response, an order had been given to the frontlines instructing units armed with the AR-3 to take all steps required to capture a Grogarite soldier and after many fruitless attempts were able to capture a steelborn soldier and escort it back to a secure location in Luban.

Upon awakening the steelborn would find itself sitting on a metalic chair, the room itself spartan aside from a table and a chair that was occupied by an IOC operative.

The creature in question was a strange combination of materials, clearly animated by some form of magic, but different and more vital than a golem. These forces had been causing havoc across the MARC for the last several days, where they made contact they were devastating, though they did not seem to be trying to occupy the MARC yet, instead their operations were aimed at limiting the capability of forces coming from Luban to relieve the areas affected by the Shattering Peal, as the Grogarites called it.

The creature began to move slowly, a faint blue light in the eyes of a burnished face showing its awareness, but for now it said nothing.

“It is known that you possess the intelligence required to communicate which is why we are here and not in a secure medical facility,” the IOC operative said, “Name? Identifier? Rank? I’ll go first then as a fair exchange. I am Park Min-Seo and now it’s your turn.”

‘I do not have an identifier, I am third of the unit of ten,’ the entity said, its voice was a masculine burr, chosen perhaps at random, perhaps to intimidate, but it spoke perfect Malgravean Ancient, which was disconcerting in a small way.

“I’ll just refer to you as three of ten then unless you prefer another identifier,” Min-Seo said jotting down the information, “I notice that you are capable of speaking Malgravean Ancient with some proficiency. Is that something you were born with or have you picked it up during the course of the campaign?”

‘When we are created we are given the languages we will need, yours, the Kouralian one, Hippocratian, Rohanian, Common, and several others are imprinted within us.’

“Let’s hope that imprinting method isn’t adopted by others in the region then, as the relative lack of understanding when it comes to Malgravean Ancient makes it easier to insult people without them knowing,” Min-Seo joked as she took in the intelligence, “Aside from language what other instructions are you given during this process?”

The steelborn did not respond to the joke, perhaps it didn’t even understand humour.

‘We are created with the knowledge of how to fight, or perform our roles, in some cases that is more complex, shadowbinding, magecraft, and other such skills. When we step from the creation forge we are ready to fight at once,’ It seemed that this warrior was proud enough of the work of how it was created, and wished to demonstrate the ability of its creator. The implications were startling.

“Is this forge still located in the central city of Tambelon? It must be quite the journey from forge to the frontlines.” she said

‘We teleport,’ it said, and spoke something that was not actually confirmed but surely suspected, whatever it was that the Tambelonic forces were using to intercept or prevent teleportation was not affecting their own forces, unlike the disjoining of axles. ‘I will not tell you where the creation forges are,’ a slip, that, in that it had said there was more than one. Perhaps it had not noticed the distinction.

“Just means you’ve missed out on the potential to put on some local music and relax on your way to the frontlines, a real shame,” Min-Seo said noting the confirmation of the Tambelonic teleportation, “You have been quite proactive around Luban recently though even if the fight is still ongoing in Ryn, Cerne and Gosbury. Why? I can’t imagine that you are frightened of dealing with the conscripts stationed on the front.”

‘I will not tell you of our tactics or strategies. What is music?’

“I’ll guess that your master simply filled your head with everything you needed to know about combat and forgot everything else,” Min-Seo said with a sigh, “Since you’ve been quite polite I'll provide you with the information. I suppose music is best described as creating sounds, now, this can be done simply using your vocals or instruments but the two can be combined as well.”

Min-Seo then withdrew a small MalTec device from her pocket, the operative swiping through a few screens before the room was filled with the sound of mpop.

“If you were journeying on the roads then you’d be able to listen to something by Yukika to soothe the mind,” Min-Seo said, “How do you even communicate with your fellow steelborn?”

It listened to the sound, tilting its head from side to side, ‘I have heard things like this before, chanting, and this speaks of shade and darkness,’ it said, ‘but it appears to be giving a report... telling a story... not invoking the powers of darkness. What purpose does this serve? Does it make you stronger? This Yukika just admitted to being a bad person, is she a traitor?’

“It is supposed to invoke powerful emotions within those listening, a lot of music in this category of music focuses on the topic of heart and depression but with a curious upbeat that makes people reflect upon their own past,” Min-Seo said, “In this song Yukika is confronted with the fact that she no longer loves her partner and she contemplates if breaking up makes her a bad person and also questions if the happy times during the were genuine or an illusion. It is something that makes you reflect upon your own life and it has a nice overall beat so people enjoy listening to it. What did it make you feel?”

‘Confusion, but then, my life has been very short so far, so perhaps I will feel differently when I have greater memories to compare such things to? I am eighty three days old, assuming my unconsciousness was not more than a day, is that long enough to experience music?’

“In Malgrave we often play music to our children to soothe them and open them up to culture,” Min-Seo said, “...but you do possess significant intelligence so I imagine that you could start to experience music, although, the fact that you have simply served as a soldier and not gone through the hardships of civilian life means that you may struggle to get a strong grasp on it compared to others.”

‘Civilian life does not seem difficult. The risk of death or destruction seems extremely low for the average civilian in your nation, somewhat higher in Hippocratia, and higher still in Tambelon, but I do not understand what is difficult about it. Does this woman sing about her poorly functioning circulatory organ?’

“Death isn’t the only difficulty that you’ll contend with in your life, Three of Ten,” Min-Seo said, “In this song Yukika is speaking about the emotional anguish that can be experienced during the end of a romantic relationship, it is quite hard to explain but daily life can be quite a rollercoaster of emotions,” she said, “Do you eat food? I like to bake bread during the weekend and the smell and sounds associated with baking are quite pleasing as I associate them with the taste of fresh bread itself but also with happy memories of baking with my parents. If something wrong happens during the baking process though it can cause a flurry of negative emotions, as I have just ruined something I put hours of time into. It’s all part of a journey though and we explore part of it through music.”

‘I am familiar with this emotion,’ the Steelborn said, ‘I have experienced it when I have missed firing at your people,’ its left hand flexed, the pneumatic link that fired its weapon had been disconnected, but there was still a reflex to test it. ‘I can eat food, but I do not require it for many months yet,’ he said. ‘Parts of my structure are organic and will perish in time, unless I enter a state of torpor, but I have never eaten food.’

“What type of food does a steelborn eat? Do you eat together or alone? If your people are unfamiliar with non-civilian life I can’t imagine it is pleasant,” Min-Seo said, “What would you like to eat? When I want a snack I sometimes eat something called arancini, a deep fried rice ball that are filled with a local mushroom or cheese mixture, and in Malgrave we often eat together in large community halls but from time to time privacy is nice.”

‘I do not know any steelborn who has eaten. The fleshcast eat together, they are always eating, like many organics, but more-so. I imagine we would eat as they do? That seems...’ the creature considered, ‘it engages a thought I did not consider. When we defeat you I will eat your arancini,’ it pronounced.

“What do the fleshcast eat? When I picture them I can’t imagine them eating anything that anyone aside from the Imerians would find appealing,” Min-Seo said clearly, quite distressed from an earlier encounter with Imerian food, “Aside from eating arancini what do you think will happen in the future? What do your masters plan to do with this land if you are able to conquer it.”

‘This land shall be taken by Tambelon and those who are on it will be made to work for us, it will be conquered, is the word.’ The entity seemed convinced of this, ‘Long ago we were driven out,’ though of course, three of ten was never driven out, ‘when Lord Grogar demanded that the whole inner sea,’ the Gulf of Ino, surely, ‘bow to him. Now he has prepared and will conquer all of Mystria south of this land, and make it into the Empire of Tambelon.’

“It’s enslavement for those unfortunate enough to be captured alive during this proposed Tambelonic victory scenario then, an unappealing fate and one that many would certainly oppose quite strongly,” Min-Seo noted, “What do you think would happen to you if Lord Grogar isn’t able to fill his desire of conquest and you had survived? Just hypothetically.”

The Steelborn stared at Min-Seo, as if trying to guage her thought, ‘Why would that happen? Lord Grogar has every advantage, once Kouralia falls, you will be forced to surrender.’

“Why would we surrender to a life of enslavement and misery? If I surrender I will be forced to toil for Lord Grogar until I die whereas if I fight I hold onto a future where I will be able to return home to my family and sing with them as I bake bread by the ocean.”

‘You would die for bread?’ the steelborn seemed confused, ‘It seems like most would chose to be conquered rather than to die.’

“I’d die for the freedom to bake bread, Three of Ten,” Min-Seo replied, “What about you? If this situation happened and you found yourself in our custody, what do you think the future would hold for you?”

‘You are morally weak, and will likely not kill me, therefore when Lord Grogar triumphs, I will be freed,’ the Steelborn said, without false bravado, this was what it thought would happen.

“I meant in a situation where Lord Grogar is unable to triumph and so you can’t be freed,” Min-Seo said, “I mean as we speak troops from across Mystria are making the journey to reinforce positions in Kouralia and we’ve been able to halt your advances, so what do you envision when you imagine such a future? Developing an interest in music perhaps?”

This seemed to be a question that Three of Ten had not considered, ‘I do not know,’ it said, ‘I might try different things, to... experience them.’

[Dyste]

Co-written with Malgrave

Cerne Residential District, Research Colony

Luana Caivano was scared, the small neko had been taken to Research Colony as a precaution during the opening stages of the winter war but now this gesture had put her directly in the middle of a new conflict erupting as Grogar’s forces attempted to take Cerne.

In the opening stages of the conflict, the conscripts and adhoc civilians tasked with keeping Luana’s new home safe had attempted to keep everything as normal as possible and small classrooms and even a pioneer group had been formed to keep some manner of education and social fun happening during all the chaos.

Yet all of that didn’t stop Luana from understanding that she was in danger, and the fact that one of her teachers was constantly within arms reach of an AR-2 underscored the fact that they were essentially moments away from the frontline.

In all of this Luana kept thinking back of Zahhak, the neko had met the little kobold back in Epping alongside Rylux and Amelia and she couldn’t help but think that having the brave hero on her side now would help her rescue not only herself but her friends and teachers as well.

What Luana didn’t know though was that her minor ancestral powers were being amplified by the anti-technology zone and soon a little kobold would be getting a message from a small scared neko.

Castle Dyste

Zahhak the kobold was walking around the castle’s walls; ever since Rylux took that job as one of the queen’s retainers, he had quite the busy time helping out his partner, along with his own work. But it was then that he heard a voice in his ear…

Zahhak would hear the voice of a scared child, a voice that belonged to a small neko that had given him some swimbold treats a few months ago, “Herobold! Monsters are attacking my new house and I am really scared!”

Zahhak’s ears lifted up, “Herobold? That… me?” He seemed surprisingly willing to go with this, maybe traveling around with Rylux had made him used to such things. “Where are you?”

“Herobold!” Luana exclaimed seemingly surprised that her usually weak ancestral energy was able to connect to Zahhak, “I am in Cerne! All of the cool stuff stopped working and now some scary monsters are trying to eat us and we have to eat this really gross cabbage and I can only eat swimbold on a monday.”

“EAT BLEHS!?” Zahhak gasped, “That terrible! I come help and save from blehs! You okay until I get there, right?”

“I am safe, a few weird dragons and tigers turned up!” Luana said referring to the Silverdaleans that had been fighting in the skies earlier, “It is just super scary and loud all the time but I hope you come soon.”

“Bolds!? Stripebolds!?” Zahhak blinked, “I find you!” he said as he rushed into Rylux’s study. The ice draconid Sage was reorganizing books, using the aid of a golem made of a mix of metal and wood to move them in his new study. Speaking in Kobosh, he spoke to his partner, “Rylux, we need to go to Malgrave, now!”

“Um, why?” Rylux frowned, replying in Draconic; the two languages were essentially different dialects of the same one. “Are they not being attacked right now?”

“Someone needs my help! In Cerne!” Zahhak blinked, before trying to speak to Luana, “What is name again?”

“Luana, the fastest kitty around!” Luana said quite proud of her small victories in races with her friends although Zahhak would be able to tell she was still quite scared.

“I go help now!” Zahhak gathered up a few items, getting prepared to go.

“Zahhak, WAIT,” Rylux facepalmed, “No, you cannot simply ‘go’ there. It is dangerous, and there is no way to just make it there under these conditions…”

Zahhak pouted, before an idea hit him, “We teleport!”

“Zahhak,” Rylux sighed, “Even if we did do that, I do not know Malgrave well enough to be able to pinpoint the right area…”

“But Melly know, right!?” Zahhak said. “We ask her!” Zahhak looked around, “MELLY! YOU THERE!?”

“No, Zahhak, you cannot just ask that way and expect her to-”

At that moment Amelia entered the room, the eccentric scientist looking up from her notes with deep confusion evident in her face.

“What are you doing in my office? I don’t hate the incursion on my work but I thought you were rather busy, Rylux,” Amelia said, the scientist crouching down to give Zahhak a muzzlerub out of instinct, “...strange I don’t remember having a cute golem assistant but I could just be dreaming things since it has been a while since I slept.”

“... This is my office, Amelia,” Rylux sighed, “Have you been mixing up the rooms again?”

“Melly, we need help!” Zahhak sneezed slightly at Amelia’s muzzlerub, before resuming his story, “Friend of ours in danger! They trapped in Cerne! I want go help them!”

“It is?” Amelia said, peering around the room as if to check, “Ah! I still haven’t gotten quite used to the directions, a few people even said that I shouldn’t try and read while walking! It’s never gotten me in trouble before so I am quite confused,” Amelia said, the scientist seemingly forgetting all the times it had caused her serious problems in the past, “Cerne is quite a dangerous place though, Zahhak. I heard that the Royal Institute enforced a total ban on teleportation magic into that region due to some people going missing. If you wish to go you’d have to travel to Luban first, a city which I heard is outside this anti-teleportation field.”

“That how go?” Zahhak blinked, before nodding, “Then I go, help out!”

“Zahhak, are you even listening to me,” Rylux sighed, “I… at the very least I cannot allow you to go alone. Even if we…” he looked over at the golem stacking the bookshelves, “Hm… perhaps we can have a little aid here. Amelia, how familiar are you with our golems, shield guardians in particular?”

“Golems?” Amelia said, the scientist searching through her brain for information despite the lack of sleep, “Is that not similar to the construct that was present in Epping during Ancestor Day? I remember reading a few journals that theorised on their design and construction but I don’t think I would be able to build one from scratch. Why?”

“Well, allow me to explain a little,” Rylux cleared his throat. “The first golems were designed by the elven Sage Jarlsberg Thaumsmith back during the early days of Dyste, as a way to protect people; the designs back then were less advanced than they can be now, but essentially the core remains the same, they are constructs that can follow a mage’s instructions, and once they have such instructions they can carry them out in a semi-autonomous way. I believe you are aware of the Jarsberg Institute, yes? It was named after him, and it was the original purpose of it before it branched out into various fields.”

“Now, shield guardians are a variant where instead of a Mage being needed for its instructions, it can instead work with an item such as an amulet,” Rylux opened his cloak a little to show an amulet on his neck, “And can perform such tasks at a more direct rate. While only one can be used by an individual at a time, they can work even for non-mages - not those who have anti-magic such as Rohanians, mind you - and can react better, making them good for bodyguard work. If we use them, we could have aid for Zahhak’s little quest to save his friend.”

Amelia gladly took in the information from Rylux, the Malgravean reminded of the times that she’d quite literally jot down notes on a notebook to ensure that she remembered various clues and tidbits that would pop up during her adventures, “I have been consistently impressed by the Jarlsberg Institute since my arrival to Dyste, they’ve got quite a fierce dedication to scientific discovery and their archival work means that I have been able to locate a ton of information on the storage of ancestral energy,” the scientist said, “A semi-autonomous drone that can be used by non-mages within the anti-technology zone that has a history of protecting people? I bet those in the Research Colony would love to have such a capable defender amongst their ranks.”

In spite of those being totally not the terms the Institute would’ve used for their advancements, Rylux understood enough about Malgraveans to take it as the compliment it was, “Well, I can certainly request a deal, though of course it will be up to both our governments to agree to such a thing… regardless, I think with these, we can go to Cerne.”

“You come too?” Zahhak asked.

“Well, naturally, I have to go as well,” Rylux said, “Without me, you would not be capable of returning, after all. And Amelia, well, she knows the area better than either of us, but that of course is up to her…”

“I’ll leave the details of such a deal up to those eccentric enough to get involved in politics, Rylux. Although for the sake of those in the Research Colony I hope that a deal can be reached soon.” the scientist said with a frown

Amelia again crouched to be able to see Zahhak more readily.

“I wouldn’t be able to live with myself knowing that I had sent a dear friend off into danger by themselves, and as Rylux said I have spent a fair bit of time in Cerne so I shall be your official guide during this mission.”

Zahhak nodded, “Yes, Rylux, Melly and mebold go on adventure to save friend! I make sandwiches for journey!”

Rylux smiled at his friend’s enthusiasm, “Oh, I know he will make great ones for us. Now, Amelia, I think you would agree a small group is best for this, yes? Not only is there a limit on how many people you can teleport at once, a large group would be more easily noticed during the extraction and cause more problems for us.”

Amelia nodded in agreement, “It wouldn’t do us much good if we couldn’t extract Zahhak’s friend because we took too many people with us,” she said, “I am not all that well-versed with the local heroes anyway so I can’t think of anyone else to add to our excursion at a pinch, although, I will send a quick message to Virgil before we leave just to update him on our plans.”

“Indeed,” Rylux was writing a letter as they were talking, having handed it to his shield guardian as he finished. It then inserted it into one of the envelopes on the side of the room, this one having the words ‘Jarlsberg Institute’ on a little plaque above it. “I should be receiving a message shortly from our friends at the Institute for the whole golem idea… on that note, I did have one more idea for the extraction if you’re interested…”

“Oh?” Amelia said, the Malgravean partially distracted by seeing what she could only describe as the Dystan version of an email system, “I am open to any suggestions that you have.”

“Oh, you like this?” Rylux smiled, “It was an invention by the director of the institute himself. Back before computers were around, we did need a way to transfer messages to each other. They have their advantages and disadvantages to the electronic kind.” As they were talking, Rylux got a letter back, “Hm, alright, it appears that they will bring it up with Parliament. I believe our golems could be quite helpful in this conflict, as they would not be affected by the field happening. But as far as this extraction goes… you did say you liked my shield guardian, correct?”

“It certainly speaks of Dystan innovation, as a concept it reminds me of the pneumatic tubes that connect various offices back home albeit with magic instead of technology,” Amelia said, “As for your shield guardian I did say that it looked quite impressive. Do you intend to send it with us on our rescue mission?”

“Well, yes,” Rylux said, “While golems are immune to many types of magic, teleportation is not one of them, though sending a golem without someone to help instruct it simply is asking for failure. But what I am really asking is… do you wish to try one out for yourself?”

“You mean try to operate a golem?” Amelia asked, “It would be quite an interesting test to see how these golems would perform in the hands of a Malgravean. How do you exactly order a golem around though?”

“Well, specifically, I can request a shield guardian for you, the control amulet is far simpler to use,” Rylux replied, “I can acquire one from the Institute, a similar make to the one I use. We will need a bit to prepare, yes? I can have it here in a few hours, enough time for you to contact Virgil and Zahhak to finish his sandwiches.”

“I make swimbold for Melly and friend Luunny!” Zahhak said from the side room.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to use a golem,” Amelia said, quite wrapped up in the future possibilities, “Plus I imagine that it would help alleviate some of the concerns that Virgil may have about me heading into such a dangerous area.”

“Excellent,” Rylux smiled. “I believe this might be a good chance to test some things, too, like if potentially extractions like this are viable on a larger scale if needed…”

“And more sandwiches to test!” Zahhak said, as he stuffed more into a special carrying case, made to keep them warm and fresh. Now, for the next dozen for the trip…

[Malgrave]

written with Sno

“On average will they reach about thy waist my royal princess!” The officer responded to the question that Runa had asked, for good measurements did he make a sweeping gesture with his hand around his own waist, a bit higher than Runas own were.

“RIght, thank you, lord commander!” She responded with a short nod. She had to admit that she was not particularly convinced by the argument but she expected the most as she stood and waited outside of the freshly built walls of the new royal palace. Like almost everything in Imerbürg were they new. They were built on the place of the old walls and in the same style but as she had grown up around the old ones and had spent most of her life around them could she immediately tell that these were but an imitation of the old ones, the carved soldiers and plant decorations were still being painted and carved just like everything else in the growing city.

Even the living towers were bare, while functional and covered with the golden sandstone that old Imerbürg had been famous for were they still mostly built with people in mind and one could still see carvers and painters rush amongst them, it was like that all over the city, no matter where one turned could one see large collections of peoples rushing about, building, fixing, carving, and painting. In the other direction flew countless wares fresh off the newly rebuilt factories. The city was experiencing a growing spur that was true, people flocked to it in huge numbers, from all over the federation, giving the new city a more cosmopolitan look than it had had before. This could even be seen in her own entourage, there were her loyal confidant, ally, and amongst other things friend Honey from Leporidaeria. A nonhuman and a representative from the First Sister that the beastling shared a name with. She looked human enough for the long and slender ears that stuck out from her long black hair that in turn rolled down over her olive skin. To stand out from the more conservatively dressed Scanderans did the beastling insist in wearing her more revealing clothing, a long skirt went down past her knees and down halfway to her long slender feet. Her midriff was bare and she wore a small silken blouse that covered her chest and shoulders but little else. However with the cold harsh Scanderan winter taken into account did the beastling also wear a very thick fur lined Scanderan cloak. She was however in terms of jewelry far from unadorned, rings, armbands, and necklaces glimmered in the light from the electronic torches as they stroke gold, silver, and gems but also more common materials as rocks and bone.

Runa herself was dressed in a more conservative Scanderan dress of white linnen but with silver thread mixed in that made it glimmer in the light. A second dark blue outer dress that was embroidered with the golden eagles of her house in thicker wool was resting over it. She was beyond that surrounded by a motley collection of people in the white robes of the foreign relation advisory, some soldiers of the high guard in their black uniforms and silver armour. However the one that stood out the most was Orm, one of her cousins henchmen, a tall albino dressed in a very simplistic beige tunic and with simple brown trousers. The only decoration he wore was the arm rings that he had been granted as trophies and honours from his service to the high king. His head was similarly odd and foreign, shaved clean even including his eyebrows, the only thing piece of hair on him at all were his long fu-manchu moustache that was white as newly fallen snow.

His eyes moved and he looked upon her, his eyes like always were cold and made her shiver as she quickly looked away, desperately wishing for the Malgraveans to arrive. Orm always made her nervous and she could not for the life of her figure out why her cousin kept the man around.

In time the Malgraveans would arrive, the current crisis impacting the Research Colony and the continuing conflict in Silverdale meant that the Prime Minister herself couldn't appear in person until later to make such a request, however, Eliot Reymont, the current Foreign Minister was available to travel to Imeriata and utilise one of the benefits of being a member of the Crown Alliance.

Eliot Reymont wasn’t the only Malgravean present in the room, as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had decided to dispatch an individual figure to help out their efforts with the Imerians, with Seo Yi-kyung, the Director General for Mystria stepping into the position, an individual that had travelled across Mystria in recent weeks to help deal with the list of crisis that had emerged rather suddenly.

Unlike their Imerian counterparts, the members of the Malgravean delegation didn't wear dresses or uniforms but formal suits that indicated that they weren’t present to engage in small talk or other pleasantries but get straight down to business, with the only adornments present being a pendant that was worn by the Malgraveans present.

Eliot and Yi-kyung would bow towards the Imerians present, the Malgraveans reserving the deepest bow towards the Royal Princess, the figure was known in Malgrave as a character in the popular series Adventurer High but apart from that not much was known and both Malgraveans didn’t want a repeat of earlier interactions between Imerians and Malgraveans.

Runa, well versed in court politics and decorum waited for a moment as the Malgraveans bowed before a Herald stepped forward, he was a young lad dressed in fine white wool tunic and trousers but carried over that a thick tabard woven of silver cloth with a heraldic eagle of gold embroidered on it, the head of the eagle however was hidden behind the crown of the high king and served as the coat of arms of the Stjärnkhrone dynasty.

“INTRODUCING…” the herald started to scream in the good old tongue “HER ROYAL PRINCESS RUNA AUF STJÄRNKHRONE! COUSIN IN THE FIRST LINE OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, blessed be His dynasty and may they rule eternal, BY APPOINTMENT THE HEAD OF THE RECEPTION!” He shouted loudly in the good old tongue before again withdrawing to the side.

“Ah, Jungrfrau Eliot Reymont!” Runa said, taking a step forward as Honey joined her, and to her slight worry Orm as well. The large Albino towered over her, the beastling, and as little said about the Mals the better. “I am honoured to accept you on behalf of His royal highness, blessed be His lineage, I was appointed to serve as your guide and host while you are here at the palace, I hope this is to your satisfaction! His royal highness wished to extend his wishes but he remains somewhat busy to greet you until your audience with him!”

Eliot bowed again in greeting as per Malgravean traditions, “It is a pleasure to be received by you in these troubling times, Royal Princess. I quite understand how busy affairs of state can keep one busy, especially as I imagine that the reconstruction work still takes up a considerable time of the day,”

“Prime Minister Nadzieja Brzezicki also extends her apologies for her inability to be present at this meeting until later, however, due to the current situation her travel outside of the country has been somewhat delayed,” Yi-kyung said, the Malgravean also delivering a second bow before speaking.

“It is quite remarkable that you’ve managed to rebuild the palace in such short order, Royal Princess. I must commend the work that your artisans have done in recreating the building in its former image,” Eliot said as she looked around the room in an appreciative gaze, “We were always quite hopeful that the anti-radiation technology we provided would allow the Imerians to start to recover and it seems that is the case.”

“We are most thankful to her ladyship elect! Please bring the thanks from His royal highness, blessed be his dynasty for time eternal, we do understand and are most willing to offer our own help in the situation” She said to Yi-kyung before turning to the other Malgravean.

“Yes… it certainly helped to a degree, do be careful though jungfrauar, the area is still dangerously radioactive!” Runa joked, her delivery however were deadpan enough that most of her own people turned to her with a surprised look and quite a few of them looked at the ground, trying to figure out what the cousin of the high king knew that the royal authorities would have decided not to share.

“In that case I will be careful to avoid any strange glowing puddles, Royal Princess,” Eliot replied in a similar joking manner before adding a joke of her own, “We wouldn’t want to have to spend the next few days bathing in mushrooms.”

“We also do have a gift to present the High King to commemorate the length of our alliance and friendship,” Yi-kyung said presenting a carrying case to the Imerian delegation before opening it for those to see, within the case and nestled within a velvet liner was an ornate small sword, the golden gilt hilt embossed with a variety of flowers native to parts of Imeriata and Malgrave while the sword itself contained images of Imerian and Malgravean naval prowess and glory.

“It was rather hard selecting a suitable gift for the High King, Royal Princess,” Eliot said as she took a brief glance at the sword, “but we do have a fascination with fencing and similar combat sports and as a result have a number of artisans that are capable of creating such works of art,” the Foreign Minister said referencing the fact that fencing was one of the sports taught across Malgravean society, “I do hope that the High King finds such a gift agreeable and proof of the strength brought about by our friendship.”

“I am sure His royal highness, blessed be his house and may they stand tall and proud as their earliest ancestors did, will find it most agreeable!” Runa said with a smile and nodded to a guard that stepped forward to receive it.

“We prepared a gift of our own to your monarch… however the situation being what it is… we were uncertain if we were gifting it to the throne directly in the wait for the return of coronation of the next head of state or to hand it directly to the heir assumptive, however you have yet to nominate one!” She said with an uneasy shrug before snapping with her fingers. A page stepped out of the crowd with a box that he opened. Inside were a hnefatafl table, carved from different pieces of wood, white birch seemed to compete next to ebbony of darkest black on the board itself, the only exception was a cross in the middle and the rim that were made exclusively out of Scanderan blood oak. The material was greyish with lines of red resin like sap that had dried in the colour of blood crossing it like veins. The outer ridge was carved in the likeness of nature and dancing people and animals. This rested on a firm white background dressed in silver thread mixed with Scanderan ocean silk of white creating an almost pearllike textile in hue and colour. Runes were inlaid in a greenish material all over the board, a quick look would reveal it to be serpentinite that had been crushed into a fine powder and inlaid into the board itself. The pieces were carved either from the white birch or the black ebony into the likeness of Malgravean soldiers with weapons at the ready, bar only the black queen that were carved in the likeness of Celeste Orsini. The first queen of Malgrave, well the first one the royal authorities would be damned if they were going to admit was a monarch, they still claimed the first contact between Malgraveans and Imerians had just been a realm in revolt, and nothing more. She and she alone had specks of silver as her crown, sword, and armour were all painted in silver leafs.

“Ah, and finally! Refreshments!” Runa said with a smile as a second page, a girl this time in a white dress with the heraldic eagle embroidered all over it. The girl curtsied to the guests and extended four large mugs made from ivory, it was hard to tell if it was from mammoth or walrus from just a quick glance. What however was impossible to overlook was the carved flowers that surrounded both the top and bottom, painted green and red and white and blue. The content of the mug was green in colour with a brackish texture that made it hard to see the bottom of the mugs. The smell however was that of pine forests. Runa took one and gave it a joyful sniff. Honey, the only other person that took a mug, gave it a less than pleased look and gave the two Malgraveans a quick warning shake of her head.

“It has been a troubling time for the monarchy due to the arrangement that we were forced into signing with the Atumite civilisation, however, I am certain that this gift will be greatly appreciated by the Paragon Queen when they return to the homeland,” Eliot said bowing as she accepted to the gift and handed it towards an unnamed assistance that had been called into the room earlier to assist with this part of the diplomatic ceremony.

“In fact we were rather hopeful that the Imerians would be able to send a delegation to such a ceremony if one takes place in the future. It is quite an honour to witness the nominated Paragon put themselves before the judgement of the Ancients through the Control Chair, and only a few individuals have seen such a process in person.” Yi-Kyung said as she admired the gift sent by the Imerians.

Eliot meanwhile was using her years of experience as Foreign Minister to put on her best poker face around the pine tea drink, the Malgravean had heard tales about the drinks rather unpleasant nature from Claudia following the coronation of the High King and she was rather dreading taking part in the experience itself.

“It has quite an interesting smell, Royal Princess,” Eliot said as she took in the fragrance of the offered pine tea.

“I am quite impressed at this container. Is it ebur? ivory?” Yi-kyung asked as she took the offered tea and gave a tentative drink of the liquid.

“Please, we are between civilised companies here, you can call them what they are; savages!” Runa said darkly at the mention at the atumites, her otherwise joyful face twisting into a grimace of… it was hard to say if it was sadness or rage behind it.

“But I can assure you, our blessed federation is a furious beast best left undisturbed, the Atumites will in good time learn of our fury and vengeance!” She added, her every word dripping with hate.

“Ah…” Honey put in, she herself taking a deep sip of the tea and made a grimace, less fury and more disgust on her face though. The taste was a well known one, tasting foul and sour, one’s very mouth feeling thick and coated with some oily residue afterwards. It was an ancient technique that only a certain breed of pine was harvested for it’s leaves and at the same time drained from sap that was mixed into the brew. How someone would even get the idea of doing it, much less keep doing it to themselves and others were certainly something the beastling would never understand. But then again Scanderans were in general not the kind of people that changed their minds when they decided on a course of action, not even if better or more sensible alternatives presented themselves. Honey had to stop herself, no ‘not even’ were not the right phrase of words, ‘especially’ was more fitting.

“It is made from ivory! I am not sure what kind though!” Honey explained as Runa took a sip of her own tea, seemingly the only one to enjoy it.

“Yes, however I am sure His royal highness, blessed be His name and reign, would be honoured to dress your new queen in a silver cloak when she has been chosen!” Runa added, seemingly in a more cheerful mood, her eyes however were dark still. The implications were somewhat arrogant, being dressed in a cloak of silver was after all one of the traditional Scanderan symbols of kingship. “I myself would at least do so, I have heard a lot of your country over the years, it seems like quite the fascinating place!”

“It is a type of terminology that we have tried to avoid using in official documents within recent years, as for example while the phrase uncivilised is comparable to intense dislike or disfavour in Malgrave some believe that we are being rude towards them,” Yi-kyung said referencing a recent directive that had been issued to members of the Foreign Ministry and concerned journalists.

“We have to be mindful that not everyone is receptive to some of the differences between the Malgravean language and the common tongue,” Eliot said furthering the point made by her counterpart, the Foreign Minister coughing for a few moments out of shook from the rather horrid taste of the pine tea.

“I understand that we’ve got a different ceremonial process for the successful appointment of a new Paragon Monarch, however, I believe that there should be room for the High King in passing some manner of ceremonial gear to the newly selected individual, perhaps in conjunction with our Kouralian allies so such an event can be a unifying figure for the Crown Alliance,” Yi-kyung suggested, the Director General having no visible negative reaction to the pine tea as she drank the liquid, “You would be quite welcome in Malgrave, Royal Princess. I believe that you’ve gained some personal popularity in the country after your positive portrayal in a few of our cultural productions, even a fan club as well.”

“Yes, I did try to see that show, we tried our best to get it running here in the palace, it took several attempts and we watched all the 1 and 10 episodes in the first season, however we were not able to spot the character based on me, ‘twas really odd. Anyway we had the man in charge of the monitor put to mammoth stable duty!” Runa said, sounding oddly disappointed.

“As for the unified coronation duties I suppose that would be a honourable idea to strive for, while I cannot take a decision like that myself, I would be happy to bring it forward to His royal highness!” She said with a quick nod to the page that quickly took a step forward and filled everyone’s cup with tea.

“10 episodes? I believe you’ve accidentally missed two episodes, Royal Princess,” Yi-kyung said thanking the page as she accepted more of the pine tea, “I understand that the character based on yourself appears in a rather amusing and popular episode at the end of the first season, and well from that point forward they became a bit of a fan favourite with people from Aurora and Omsk,” the Malgravean said not touching on the unpopularity of her character in other places of Malgrave.

“I can’t imagine the filth involved in looking after a mammoth,” Eliot said with a minor chuckle as she thanked the server of the pine tea, even if she did feel an immense hatred towards the person for bringing her more of the foul liquid, “I am thankful to you for agreeing to bring such a recommendation before the High King. It is the opinion of the current government that more needs to be done to increase the connections that exist between the Crown Alliance members and what better to achieve that then through joint celebrations? It shall certainly give us something to do after the current gloom of these crisis is over.”

“Yes, speaking of while no official request of course has been made yet, the krigsmakt were seemingly planning to start off operations, would they be requested, with a parade, we are certain that the image of royal guardsmen in disciplined ranks ought to improve morale for your civilians would such an idea be approved. Similarly are we open to aid in any celebrations when victory has been assured, both in the terms of produce and entertainment would it be requested!”

“And yes, 1 and 10 episodes, not just 10 corret? As for mammoths, yes I have been told they do produce a lot of… spill, but since he managed to somehow get around the character based on me did that seem appropriate!” Runa pointed out with a curious look.

“I am quite certain that such an image would be quite welcome on the streets of Epping, as in recent years the image of a royal guardsman has seen a rather positive upswing with its honourable efforts to remove some of the rascals engaged in piracy and other such crimes from the region,” Eliot said with a smile, “We should also be open to Imerian entertainment and produce during such a celebration, especially entertainment as we are quite curious about the varieties of Imerian musical talents that could be offered.”

“You could also offer some of this refreshing pine drink,” Yi-kyung said speaking up on the matter with her cup in hand, “I wonder if any research has been conducted on the positive health benefits of such a drink,”

“...yes that would be a possibility,” Eliot said, although she was rather more uncertain about taking the drink to Malgrave, “As for the series it has two and ten? You are on episode twelve which I believe is titled food fight. It is quite a popular episode as I said before.”

“Ahhh, well that explains it… easy mistake to make I suppose… Though I must ask… why me of all people?”

“You?” Eliot said trying to figure out how best to frame the rest of her response, “I suppose you were seen as both an important figure in Imeriata and one that could be written in a positive and light-hearted framing to provide some entertainment to those watching it.”

“I know one of the other popular episodes does involve the construction of a jousting robot that ends up being rather overpowered in its capabilities,” Yi-kyung said referencing the second episode the character based on Runa was in, “It caused quite a surge of interest in jousting for a while within certain communities.”

“Just for a while?” Runa added in a shocked manner “But it is such a great sport! The glory, the thrill, the danger, the handsome lads and lassies in their painted armour!”

“Yes, a surge only lasts for a moment but its popularity has continued to grow in certain rural communities,” Eliot said talking for her counterpart, “It is quite a spectacle but one that perhaps needs a few more Imerians willing to cross over to teach it.”

“Very well, we should be able to get some champions over as part of the festivities. However, speaking of such things…” Runa said as a page appeared, like so many others of his line of work did he wear fine clothes hidden under a tabard, like most others were they in a silvery hue that shimmered when he walked and an eagle of gold embroidered over his chest. A quick nod was given to Runa and the rest of the Imerians.
“I do believe you had a formal request to make, His royal highness are willing to meet with you now!”

“It will be quite a joyous occasion to see such champions in action, Royal Princess,” Eliot said quite interested in seeing the Imerians in action, something about the joys of seeing the professionals in action spring to mind

“You are correct on that front, Royal Princess, although we consider ourselves quite fortunate to have been so warmly welcomed by yourself. We do have a mission though so we are ready to meet his Royal Highness now.” Yi-kyung said before she finished the remains of her pine tea.

“Yes, follow me if you would be so kind!” Runa said with a smile and started to walk away, the rest of the party parted and allowed the two Malgraveans to pass through before linking up behind them. Through winding corridors did she lead them, down from musty old painted walls and tapestries could one read the long and ancient history of the star crowned dynasty. There were warrior kings from the age of bronze, noble knights in armour, generals and statesmen from the expansion era and rulers from the modern one. Pictures of men in chariots stood tall and proud, as did men in robes of religious offices and even more modern ones. A more noteworthy exception was a tall bright smiling man atop a light tracklayer in full military regalia, behind him could one see a small village, not of Imerian design where ship after ship after ship laid anchor. Large massed ranks of infantry were marching out from the town with artillery, tracklayers, demi-tracklayers, lorries both armoured and not, horses, and of course aeroplanes and dragons. In the young smiling man’s hand was a sword held high and in his other a bear cub under his armpit. It was a fuzzy little thing with a very elongated nose, a bear from Björnland. Something that made it very clear that it was a painting of Harald auf Stjärnkhrone the eagle of the north. A major general in the northern front in the liberation of Björnland. The most successful one even. Around his tracklayer however could one see men and women in Scanderan civilian clothing that cheered and greeted their saviour.

Runa did however not stop, instead deciding to speed up her step when they passed the huge portrait that rose from floor to ceiling. But when they turned around a corner did they finally turn and see the large silver covered door. The door was flat and seemed to be polished enough to serve as a mirror. Only a large eagle made from gold was inlaid in the mirror door, it also had the same mirror quality on the few places feathers were not etched into the great eagle. Guards flanked the door, dressed in the by now familiar dark uniforms of the high guard. Their faces were impossible to read as they were covered by the faceguards hammered into the likeness of angelic faces. Their chests were similarly protected by a silver cuirass, upon it was an eagle etched however unlike other items were it not gilded. Their hands rested either on the swords on their hips as their left hands did or like their right hands held their long black KVG’s. On each rifle one could see individual scenes, of warriors, battles, hunts, and scenes from old tales and stories, each rifle individualised. However despite all the ornate decoration, despite the gold, despite the blue blood that flew in the veins of each of these men were there a certain deadliness to them. They stood tall and erect, their eyes unseen but one could feel them following you. Their limbs and joints seemed like springs just itching for a chance to flung into action and lay down the judgement of the heavens.

However instead of that did a page open the large door and another hall could be seen beyond, this one also tapestried and while no light came from the large windows that covered one of the walls due to the midday night that held the continent in its grasp, could one still see the stained windows hold images of great kings. The long hall continued, the same guards as the ones outside stood like statues in exact positions. At the end of the hall however rested what they had come for, a large throne seemingly made entirely from silver that towered above everyone and everything. Around it’s feet looking positively tiny compared to the massive throne stood men in uniforms of the guard, adjutants and officers alike. There were clerks from the various branches of government, mostly women from the internal affairs advisory but also some men from the military while there were several women in military blue dresses that marked them as rear adjutants and logistics personnel. There were also clerics, men in red robes stood next to a pair of men and women that were naked, some of them looked like they had been starved with thin limbs but protruding bellies A few others were women in black robes, their faces entirely hidden by silver masks and the rest of their heads were firmly enveloped by dark hoods. A small machine also paced around the foot of the throne, it was small in design, a box on wheels with a square head that moved suspiciously in the direction of the interlopers. However despite the clearly foreign design of the machine had a lot of care been taken with it clearly. It also wore a form fitted tunic of white embroidered with the eagle of gold on it, in federal military tradition did it’s right arm hold the rank of a low ranking adjutant dedicating it’s rank. However it’s left arm was covered from top to shoulder with the same rank knot that the king had, showing it as an adjutant attached to the high marshal of the krigsmakt. Similarly did a red cloak with a thin trimming of fur rest around where it’s shoulders were. A belt of fine leather had been carved for it but for what purpose a robot without trousers needed a belt was uncertain, most likely was it just there to keep it’s dagger of office and service revolver in place.

Above all this however sat a man, if one could call such an august figure a man. Dressed in white sea silk with silver cloth mixed into it did his clothes look very pearl like. Intricate knots covered his entire arms in gold and red. His boots were polished to a sheen and reached way up to his knees, and the more simplistic military knots of the guard decorated his hips. Around his shoulders rested a long cloak checkered in gold and white and draped by the white pelt of a snow lion on top. His face and head was mostly covered with a silver helmet, old and beyond the age of all countries represented combined. Only a thick mane of hair hang out beyond it, at places braided and small medallions and icons braided into it. Some were shimmering silver, others seemed to be made out of ivory or bone. The high king of the absolute royal federation, the master of more domains than one could shake a stick at, ruler of millions upon millions.

He sat tall and proud, and looked at the arrivals, at least facing them, whatever happened behind the face mask of his one could not tell.
“INTRODUCING THE DELEGATES OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF MALGRAVE! JUNGFRAU ELIOT AUF REYMONT! DAUGHTER OF JULIA, DAUGHTER OF LYANNA, DAUGHTER OF SIXTINE! AND JUNGFRAU KYUNG AUF YI, DAUGHTER OF EUN-JI, DAUGHTER OF SEO-HYEON, DAUGHTER OF SU-JIN!” A page roared and the high king gave a quick nod in greeting.

“REJOICE! Thy stand before His royal Highness Primus rex Stjärnkhrone XIV silferföd by the grace of the gods high king of the absolute royal federation and divinely appointed ruler and unifier of the Scanderan races, the descendant of the first Imerian high kings especially and foremost Emanuel the first, Son of Oskar II, the son of Primus the XIIIth, the son of Emanuel the VIIth, the son of Gustav the IInd, the son of Anders the IIId, the carrier of the royal sword first carried by the demigod Belrion son of Bel, vanquisher of evil, Champion of life and light, defender of the living and vanquisher of the dead, liberator of slaves, breaker of chains, the protector of the federal crown jewels, the holder of the sword of Halmir and carrier of the enlightened torch of civilisation, patriarch of the noble house auf stjänkhrone, carrier of better and more important titles than the space Russians and the king of Old Tyrannia, Chief of chiefs, Shan of shans, Monarch of monarchs, Prince of princes, Crowned in steel, fire, and flowers. Flame of all flames, protector of the faith of the chronicles and the city of the burning rose and the arch cleric, leader of ritual and sacrifice, chosen of the fierce unconquerable sun and crowned in starlight, mortal protector of the faith of the two faced goddess and defender of her temples and chosen by all gods big and small. As well as the protector of the free city states of Ta’ka sha’mirias well as defender of Hungary and her regions and the realms as king of Imeriata and as such the king of salt, forest, river, and mountain, defender and autocrat of flodmarkerna, Sundet, Söderang, Söderberga, Innahafsarna, Aster öarna, Vast öarna, Sydvedian, Storfloden and the river king, king of Vedian and the duke protector of the mountains, Eple Halvøyn and lavlandet, king of Erathia and as that the duke of Ankea metsä and ruler of the thousand lakes, the lord and defender of Länsisola and Etelä-kentät, king of Karmanjaka over the ancient rivers river, from the ancient mountains mountain, king of Northern Taranakan, king of Izalta, king of Nordomark, and king of Andervel but also the righteous and lawful king of New felandia and the king emperor of Dajing, the duke of Sydvinland, Northern Venezue, Sthalinge, Gustavsland and Sjöland, The Shah of the crown states of Ta’ka sha’miri and the Padishah of all of Ta’ka sha’miri, The lord regent of the colony of Nova Imeriata, Imerian Africa, Angland, the two peninsulas of Tvaude and of Somalmark, The Grand duke of Suderland, The prince of Isarna, Salmo, judeheim and Khan of Salonia, Sultan king of Ramir, the Emir of Sandland and Jarl of Salywa and the free city of Krakborg and Styrfastning, defender and lord of the city of Arkham and Sirmera, and furthermore the ruler of the federal terretories of Vastermark and the northern iceplains and as such high chief of Isfalten and keeper of Sfartmård , By the right of the constitution of the protectorate leopridaeria prince defender of leopridaeria, the high lord of Kalmer, Salmoborg and Gaseborg, Lord of the countless cities and lands under his most blessed and righteous rule, the lord defender of Imerbürg, Coparborg, Vesiki, Sjöborg, Afrikas fastning, Erikasborg, Nova Imerbürg, Wein, Udeborg, Angborg, Ambir, Nya Landborg, Nymarksborg, Sorgerstad, Anderborg, Nordanstad, Kängruborg, Sthalstad, Kängruborg, Judeborg, Moskstad, Daji, Sajing, Ademarksborg, Salem, Söderhamn, Öborga, Dragograd, Gapur, Bor-zut and Táibĕi but as well the Enlightened Emperor of Nicksyllvania and as such the King of Leazus, Emperor of Helman, Grand Prince of Zeth, Emperor of Japan, Emperor of Jungria, Duke and king of Hornet-Kereburos, Despot of the Great North, Grand Duke of the Western Badlands, Master of the Southern Marshes, and the king of Dragkon and the wielder of the Holy Swords, the Demon Sword Kaos, the Holy Sword Nikkou, and the Greatsword of the Empire, Nickiller, Great Protector of the Helman Wall and Majino Line, also by the right of his birth high marshal of the royal guard and the Imperial commander of the Imperial nicksyllvanian army, the grand commander of the federal order of the golden sword and the Nicksyllvanian order, the knight commander of the order of the golden cross and the order of Africa, the lord commander of the colonial order, the high commander of the federal order of the silver rose and the order of Scandera, the Taranakan order and the Order of Vinland may his reign last until the end of time and may the empire and federation he rules stand even through the flames of the endtimes to protect all of his royal highness subjects!” The page roared, stopped and took a deep breath.

Runa and the rest of the people that had followed the Malgraveans each fell on their knees and bowed their heads before the throne.

Eliot and Yi-kyung followed the actions of those in the room, the Malgraveans fallen to their knees as they had been instructed to do so by the civil servant that had briefed them on Imerian customs prior to stepping foot in the country.

“Delegation from the united kingdom of Malgrave, our loyal subjects, you may rise!” The voice of the high king boomed out, through the room, it was a weird speech. He was not shouting yet the voice was loud and seemed to reverberate through the air itself. The ancient helmet turned to the side slightly as it bore it’s darkened eyes down upon the two diplomats.
“We were told you have come before us to request the aid of our warriors upon thy shores!” He said, similarly there were no shouting but despite the distance between them filled his voice the entire room.

Eliot’s eyebrow rose slightly at the mention of the word loyal subjects, but nevertheless the Foreign Minister stood and started addressing the reason for her presence in Imeriata, after all getting into a fight over a few small words wouldn’t serve anyone's interest.

“You are correct, your Royal Highness,” Eliot said her voice firm despite her displeasure of loud noises, “We have been unable to contact our fellow citizens in the Research Colony or indeed the Kouralian mainland, such tidings suggest that the predicted return of Grogar has occurred and so we request the aid of the Imerians to vanquish this evil and save our citizens from harm.”

Yi-kyung also rose, “If I may retrieve something from my pocket, your Royal Highness. I believe I have something that should showcase the severity of the evil that we are facing at this moment.”

“Show us, we are most curious to see what trinket you feel you need to display before uus for us to grant our armies in your defence!” The king said, the voice loud as before, however one could hear a hint of curiosity to it as he leaned forward. Similarly did a lot of men in uniform strain their necks as they also looked at the delegation before them.

“I am confident that your armies do not need this trinket to be victorious in battle, your Royal Highness,” Yi-kyung said as she withdrew a small holographic projector from her jacket before holding it before her and activating it.

When Yi-kyung activated the device those in the room would be able to see a holographic map of Kouralia and the Research Colony, typically a standard display for those familiar with the territory of the member states of the Crown Alliance, however, in addition to this one would be able to see a realm of darkness from the arrival of the black city and the dark magic that flowed from its vile creation,

“I thought it would be prudent for you to be able to see the source of the great evil that is now troubling our lands, your Royal Highness. It is this evil that has called us here today to ask for your noble assistance.” Yi-kyung said

“Yes… that seems to be about the extent of the corruption as far as we ourselves estimated!” the high king said with a nod, giving a wave with his hand and a woman, short of stature with black hair and dressed in the uniform of the technological advisory stepped forward with a huge painted map just for the location it was of the offended region but a large black circle had been painted in the middle filled with monsters of various kinds, similarly could one see fighters of the countries affected by the ring itself around it standing tall and proud. A glaring exception was the Malgravean fighters that on average only reached the chest of other fighters. But one could also see federal troops amongst the fighters in the blue, white, and gold of krigsmakten. There were some slight differences though as the federal version of the circle was larger than the Malgravean hologram, but there were also the normal sea monsters that had been painted in the ocean.

“We extrapolated our own version of what we expected the area to be from satellite photographs taken during the night and assumed the worst case scenario!” The woman explained as she gave the Malgravean map a second look.

“I assume your reports and readings are based on more up to date data and seems not as bad as we had feared!”

Yi-kyung looked at the map with great interest, such an item wasn’t just an example of the fine craftsmanship that still existed in Imeriata but also an example of how the Imerians were interacting with their adoption of more advanced pieces of technology and she made a note to inform her colleagues of her interactions when she returned home,

“You are quite correct, Comrade,” Yi-Kung said speaking to the technological advisor, “It is fortunate that satellite networks are still functioning and we’ve been able to maintain our view over the region, so this footage is actually live.”

Eliot nodded in agreement with her colleague before making some slight gestures to change the holographic display,

“We are quite glad that you’ve developed your own keen knowledge of the situation, your Royal Highness,” the Malgravean said before adding, “It is quite hard to see but initial displays showcase several vessels belonging to the Royal Navy that appear to be crippled, they’ve made no movements for several hours now and have been unable to be reached through communications for the same period of time.”

“In response we have dispatched the nearest fleet from Ilan to establish what is impacting the region, however, on this front we understand that the Imerian Navy could also be of assistance, your Royal Highness.”

“Of course, we will dispatch naval assets immediately, we have taken the liberty to already prepare for our troops to mobilise and be ready! We have several flying boats ready to both scout and prepare to extract any survivors would they need to!” The king spoke before looking at a man in the orange white uniform of the navy, however his orange markings made him a man of the air wing. He saluted quickly by striking his breast before he started to march out in firm but precise movements.

“As for troops, we will have 50 field armies mobilized and ready with naval infantry support to operate in the region under the command of His royal prince Björn auf Stjärnkhrone himself! The crown prince of our domains and our heir, he will be first into the fray with about 6 field armies as the first wave! We have already started to prepare for this when the situation began! Our troopers will start to ship out in a steady stream to avoid another magical wave to take out our naval capacities entirely! However we have a few things that need to be discussed. Firstly, we would like to purchase land within the United kingdom of Malgrave to serve as a naval base and supply depoy! We would prefer if we could make this permanent to ensure that the federation could provide aid in the future again! Would your government find this acceptable? We would of course pay for the land used in this manner and the base itself would be held if possible under the vassalage of the Malgravean crown if this is found acceptable! Secondly, it is common for the guard to hire locals if practical, would the united kingdom object to us hiring Malgravean personnel to support our actions?”

“If it is required our logistical facilities at our naval base on the territory of Ilan can be utilised by Imerian naval assets and that of your naval aviation, your Royal Highness,” Eliot said as she pondered the rest of the information put forward by the Imerian High King, “I do not have a military-attuned mind being a diplomat but I understand that the distance between locations in the region is quite large, and as always Malgrave remains on hand to support our esteemed friends in the Crown Alliance go about their duty.”

Yi-kyung meanwhile tackled the wider security situation, the Foreign Ministry official working out best how to describe the Malgravean situation to the High King.

“It is a rather tricky situation in Malgrave, your Royal Highness due to the history of our civil war,” the Malgravean explained, “It would be quite impossible for those with Malgravean citizenship to take up arms for a foreign state, although on this front I believe we’ve got something of an example to use that has proven itself to be quite useful.”

At that point Yi-kyung changed the holographic display, with the image changing to showcase a point of space on the Malgravean mainland.

“JFB Progress Hill is an area on the Malgravean mainland that is currently occupied by the Kouralian Armed Forces under a leasing agreement between our two nations, with security being handled jointly by Malgrave and Kouralia. I trust that a similar arrangement between Imeriata and Malgrave would be quite efficient, your Royal Highness.”

“The issue is one of standardisation, Federal warships are designed with federal military harbours in mind, a standardised pier is able to fit everything up to a super battleship as well as smaller vessels allowing for squadrons to dock without hesitation or need to think. Similarly are our own transportships designed with the same volumes in mind, while we can adapt is it a matter of expediency which would make it easier for us to build a harbour and facilities of our own, that is the reasoning why we suggested that liege would hold the land in vassalage of the Malgravean crown, not our own domains!” The high king explained. “However, would your crown prefer to host troops there as well would we agree to those terms, however some areas would for obvious reasons be forbidden for these people to enter, is that an acceptable counter offer for you too?”

“As for the issue of recruitment, is that the term of the legal documents? Your subjects are barred from ‘taking up arms for a foreign state’?”

“I was more thinking of the assets that have already been deployed, your Royal Highness. We do have facilities that can see to the refueling of these floating planes and our port facilities at Ilan were expanded recently to account for the increased size of certain Imerian warships,” Eliot said, noting the existence of the super battleships.

Yi-kyung meanwhile nodded in agreement with the High Kings assessment, “It would be quite understandable for certain areas of this base to be forbidden for non-Imerian personnel and I understand we share the same agreement with the Kouralians at JFB Progress Hill, your Royal Highness,” the Malgravean said before adding, “You are also correct. It would be quite impossible for a Malgravean to enlist or take up arms in the manner that I believe you are suggesting unless they possess some manner of dual citizenship.”

“Very well, such recruitment will not be carried out, until we can find a work around for such legal issues and until your crown will give it’s consent!” the high king said sounding a bit disappointed but with an accepting nod. “However if it is merely a citizenship is not an issue, we freely hand those out to whomever swear fealty to us and our lineage!” he added, truthfully. The federation despite it’s quick claim to Scanderan high culture and the supremacy of the Scanderan ways of things were far from what one would think of as a modern nation state. It was not built over some tribalistitic belonging to a nation, it was bound to it’s monarch and it’s monarch alone, being Scanderan, a member of the mel Sha’tuul, or any of the countless other peoples that made up the federation.

“But as for the harbour and staging area, we have a few places we have looked into as possible spots!” he continued with a quick nod as someone took out a map. Four locations were marked off. They were odd choices, far from the larger population centres but otherwise nonsensical from a quick look. However would one know the Imerian’s viewpoint and be more than well versed in the local geography to an almost insane level were they picked for partially defensive positions as they held a great opportunity to send off naval threats incoming to Malgrave itself, however more oddly were they also chosen for their close location to woodlands and river mergers with oaks. Both important religious places for Scanderan belief as well as access to large hills that could uninterruptedly overlook sunset and sunrise as was a good symbol for those aligned to the holy sun. The two faced goddesses however were the least nature oriented of the three religions so it mattered very little to her. All in all were they places of great magical potential and of religious ritualistic value as well as how great their defensive value would have.

“It is perhaps something that could be sorted out during the planned meeting of the Crown Alliance, your Royal Highness,” Eliot said remembering the earlier planned meeting between Kouralia, Malgrave and Imeriata, “Malgrave does have joint-citizenship arrangements with the Dornalian Republic and I imagine that such a thing could be arranged between ourselves and the rest of the Crown Alliance which would permit this troop arrangement that you mentioned earlier.”

Yi-kyung looked at the list with a smile, “You have picked some rather sturdy locations, your Royal Highness. We shall have to ensure that these locations don’t interfere with any planned expansions of any MalTra facilities, however, I am quite confident that we’ll be able to come up with a suitable agreement considering their distance from any major population centre. Furthermore we’ll have to coordinate the construction of suitable religious and other civic structures near this planned base, so that Imerians that happen to travel outside the immediate area can still attend religious festivals, eat food from their homeland or enjoy some entertainment. It is something that we’ve implemented with the civil restaurants near Progress Hill as they now serve a Kouralian-friendly menu in addition to the usual Malgravean fare.”

“Intriguing, we would hand such details over to the holy chronicles, and the temples of the two faced goddess and the unconquerable sun!” He said with a nod before his silver covered head turned to one of the women in black, their own faces obscured by masks in a similar material.

“I do however believe some secrecy in construction would be required from the temple of Ishiri!” He asked as the woman bowed and took a step forward.

“Indeed my royal highness, it is an honour that my royal highness would bring it to attention!” She said before turning to the Malgraveans. “Our temples are hidden in secrecy and only those initiated in the inner mysteries may be privy to any secrets known to the divine One, we assume that we should be allowed to build our temples with such requirements in mind?” She asked.

“I see no reason to interfere with your religious customs, as I trust the building will be safe and secure we can allow a certain amount of secrecy in their construction,” Eliot said replying to the religious figure.

“It should be quite a simple affair, your Royal Highness. It is recognised that the Imerians are perhaps the most trustworthy people in Mystria, so once a formal agreement can be agreed between our two states I trust that it can form the foundation of a new era of prosperity for both the Imerian and Malgravean peoples.”

“We are hopeful for such a future as well and hope that we can discuss such things at the victory of our troops here in Imerbürg!!” The high king said with a nod “We would of course need more time to prepare our troops however we can directly deploy five field armies with more to come, this will include the royal crown prince himself and his second army which will serve as the overall command of federal troops in both your domains and in Kouralia, We expect that this will serve to your full satisfaction! If that is so will we be able to extend an open hand of friendship and launch the operation we have named; ‘operation open hand’!”

“We are incredibly thankful for such assistance during our troubles, your Royal Highness,” Yi-kyung said bowing slightly as a sign of thanks, “I must recommend a slight change in the name of this operation, however, as it would clash with a previous engagement conducted by the Royal Navy and make archiving rather troublesome. I do suggest an alternate name such as Operation Sollicitus or Operation Instancabile? Sollicitus means meticulous and careful while instancabile means indefatigable.”

“If you would excuse our feigned ignorance, you said that your royal navy carried out an operation with that name before, might we inquire what that operation was?” The high king said with a chuckle going through the gathered crowd.

“I understand it was a military operation against those involved in the slave trade, your Royal Highness,” Yi-kyung said undeterred by the action of the crowd, “...a rather sad but paragon-worthy cause considering the suffering involved in such an uncivilised practice, so based on that understanding it would be more prudent to select a different name for the operation like Operation Instancabile or perhaps another Imerian suggestion?”

The room went deadly quiet at those words where it had been filled with gay chuckles before. Some awkward coughs could be heard as the high king stiffened and rose up. The older people in the room could be seen rolling their eyes if they felt they could get away with it but one could see frowns and hints of annoyance on the eyes of the younger members.
“Don’t accuse Primus of being a slaver, he hates that!” Runa hissed in a low voice as she dolted near the Mals, dropping all formality in her whisper.

Primus stood up for a moment, his facial expression hidden behind his mask before he slowly and deliberately sat down again, however even then could one see his hands grasping the armrests of the chair firmly.

“I..:” he began before taking a deep breath. “We intended for the name to be a political move, a way to remind the world that so often forgets, that no matter the cause, no matter the slight, Our domains will always be on the side of justice and good, no matter what has been done to us!” He said, a hint of anger still there in his voice. “That is why it will stick, furthermore are your suggestions not in line with our official naming conventions for our operations!” a statement that was technically true, the federation lacked any form of naming conventions in most cases after all, operations name included.

Yi-kyung fought off the urge to roll her eyes in response, the Imerians were known to have quite the flair for the dramatic but bringing up an anti-slavery operation and then getting annoyed at the first mention of slavery was certainly a tactic that the Malgravean hadn’t heard for some time,

“I wasn’t aware that the Imerians had a strict naming convention for their operations, your Royal Highness,” Yi-kyung said pausing as she considered her words, “In that case in order to respect the official naming conventions of our close Imerian friends while avoiding any potential archiving problems I suggest that this mission is referred to as Operation Open Heart, such a name signifies the opening up of bonds between our two peoples and showcases the good nature of the Imerian assistance.”

Eliot meanwhile simply bowed to the High King slightly before speaking, although she was rather confused as to why the Imerian was so angry, “It would seek as a point of bonding between our two people, your Royal Highness. A heart is a powerful symbol after all.”

“We must admit, we feel ourselves that the potential propaganda points scored for the federation by reminding everyone that despite your own attack on our forces would we still be willing to come to your aid according not only our obligations but also in defence of all that is good, which serves as a potent reminder that our domains is first and foremost a champion of good and flamelight upon the world, massively outweighs any potential in Malgravean archevical duties, especially since you could easily solve it by placing the name of our domains before the operation in parentheses when discussing how our lads were bravely putting their lives on the lines to save your people!” The king said firmly, raising his eyebrow a bit under his helmet. Despite his willingness to send countless people off to war to save these people at the cost of their lives, the Malgraveans were as headstrong and ungrateful as ever he noted.

“I feel that any of these potential propaganda points would be squandered if people were needlessly reminded of a time when the Imerians actively engaged in the uncivilised practice of slavery or that the Malgravean Navy was once involved in a fierce interception campaign against the Imerians due to our efforts to stamp out the cruel practice of slavery, your Royal Highness,” Yi-kyung said equally firm, “It is why we have suggested a series of alternate names so that the Imerians may receive the propaganda value of this operation while avoiding a callback to unsavoury times.”

“You are operating under the assumption that people remember that very fact and bring up that very fact constantly, whenever a royal guardsman stand tall and proud against evil it is brought up, whenever a royal and federal navy vessel take out one of the accursed scoundrels, whenever our glorious flag flies over land now purged of it’s taint is that old sin brought up!” The king countered bitterly, his voice taking on a sour tone.
“However, that is our sin to bear, and ours to repent for!” He continued with a tired sigh.

“We are however willing to compromise, what would you suggest you are offering in return for us changing the name?”

“Offer?” Eliot said

“You seem very keen on us changing the name even if as explained we feel like our political interests are best served with keeping the name, as a name it has no negative impact on the conflict, and historically it seems very unlikely to have such. As a result we feel that our state has very little incentive to do so, as a result, we are willing to change it but we would want a token of your good faith in return to show that you are as willing to compromise as we are, as such we are willing to offer you this bargain; When interacting with Imerian equals and superiors in rank as determined by military protocols will Imerian salutes be used!”

“I remember that your earlier feigned ignorance in reaction to issues surrounding the name Operation Open Hand was found to be quite amusing, your Royal Highness. It suggests that this name was selected due to the fact you’d knew that we would object, a movement to gain such concessions as the Imerian salute? Curiosum,” Yi-kyung said idly tapping her leg as she spoke, “I don’t believe such behaviour should be rewarded with offers of false compromise or it would certainly send out a bad signal for future negotiations and I don’t think anyone would want that, especially as we look forward to deepening the bonds between the Crown Alliance and extending quite a fair bit of welcoming treatment to Imerian religious organisations that will be supporting this proposed military base.”

“You are mistaken, it was chosen for two reasons, the first is the previously mentioned symbolic meaning and the propaganda points that would come with it, the second and equally important was not to get you argumentative, it was chosen for the simple reason that we assumed you would be somewhat embarrassed, that is about as far as the plans for that went! Our assumption was some stammering and some quick glances at the floor! preferably would a similar reaction also be achieved at the victory celebrations! Jungfrau you make us out to be quite more a villain than we are!”

“A villain? I wouldn’t ever suggest that Imeriata in its current state was suitable to play the role of a villain, your Royal Highness. I simply suggested that the name Operation Open Hand was offered with rather bad intentions, something you refer to as embarrassment but an incident that those advising you would certainly understand could lead to a more complex disagreement that could be used to gain concessions in return for the abandonment of this rather unsavoury name,” Yi-kyung said in a determined tone, “I recommend that we pass over this issue by simply selecting one of the alternate names that we proposed earlier, as this apparent issue of salutes can be adequately dealt with by the appropriate local commanders I don’t see a need to offer some apparent bargain in return for something that should be offered to avoid embarrassing an ally.”

“Very well, if you officially petition for us to change the name we will take it under consideration!” Primus said with a heavy sigh as he waved his hand waiting for the request to be made. After all he had offered them a quick out and he was not unreasonable but he was still a monarch and just bending for foreign arguments were not a thing that regal dignity allowed.

“It is a satisfactory arrangement, your Royal Highness,” Yi-kyung said with a bow and a small smile, “I do believe that concludes the major business behind our presence here today.”

[Imeriata]

Eliot joined in with a bow of her own before speaking, “We are quite thankful for your consideration, your Royal Highness,” of course the Foreign Minister suspected that some intense lobbying would go on in the background but in the meantime a conclusion needed to be reached, “...but on a lighter note I have been told that someone in this building would like a special signed plushie figure of one Atoti auf Bergholm.”

If there was any doubt or reaction in the eyes of the king was it obscured by the mask. However if it had not been there could one see a grin spreading over his face. It was after all a show he enjoyed to watch more than he cared to admit, in the Malgravean version rather than the localised one produced by the guild.

A person that did flinch a bit and got a very annoyed look on his face as he glared at the Malgraveans was Atoti himself.

“We accept this honourable gift in the likeness of our honoured vassal and adjutant with open arms of course!” primus said firmly and gave the Malgraveans a nod. “An odd choice of man though we must admit!”

“It is a rather odd character since he spends a majority of his time getting beaten up by the women of the show after failed courting attempts, however, his constant failures do provide some amusement to many, your royal highness, ” the Prime Minister said.

“Just like this Imerian has become popular on TV are we hopeful that Imerians and Malgraveans can become firm friends in real life, a combination of small and tall, your royal highness.” Eliot stated quite pleased about the warm reception the gift received.

“Yes… It is our hope that such a relationship may be achieved as well however we would raise some concern about depicting one of our closest adjutants in such a manner! We would have to admit that seeing one of our own servants being depicted with rather great femininity throughout the show before being depicted rather closely to our cousin is a bit too much so we would ask to refrain from bringing that show up too much!” The high king pointed out, seeming to take some joy out of the explanation as he gave his friend a quick sideway glance, something the other man responded to with an annoyed roll of his eyes.

“However we cannot complain too much as it is quite frankly a good way to foster rather good relations between our crowns, while it should most likely be hammered out in the future we would request permission from your queen to allow us to fund some well established shows and even fund new ones in cooperation with Malgravean TV to depict the federation in a rather positive light and co-operation with not only your states but also the Kouralians!” The king added quickly, his voice rather friendly again.

“I’ll take that advice under consideration, your royal highness,” Eliot said with a smile of her own, “...although you do know how these writers can be. I imagine they take some enjoyment out of making an Imerian such as the character in question taking part in more feminine ways, especially as a majority of them tend to be women themselves, of course, I imagine that if another Imerian character were to be introduced that they’d be displayed with far more manly characteristics as that is a popular trend at the moment.”

Nadzieja laughed for a few seconds at some of Eliot's remarks, “Yes, it is true that the allure of the Imerians is even reaching the shores of Malgrave, although certainly not at the level of our Kouralian allies who seem to be embracing quite a myriad of shipping arrangements between members of the crown alliance.”

“We would also be quite interested in cooperative television project, over the past few years we’ve had quite a success working with nations such as Kouralia and the Dorn Republic to further cultural enrichment,” Seo Yi Kyung said, “Unfortunately, our Paragon Queen is still at the mercy of the Atumites but our broadcasting corporation has the authority to be able to work with the Imerians under a previous initiative designed to foster greater connections between regional partners.”

“Very well, we will contact some of the networks in that case and your government to work out proper terms!” Primus finished the discussion.

“My apologies!” Runa cut in as there seemed to have been some confusion about and the Imerians were talking at one another with a confused tone at the earlier remark. “What does naval design have to do with this show in particular? I never noticed any special focus put on that aspect bar some few mentions here and there!”

“Naval design?” Nadzieja said, a rather confused expression appearing on her face as she was quite thrown by the interjection of Runa.

“I think your use of a Dornalian phrase has caused some confusion, Nadzieja,” Yi Kyung said taking over due to the Prime Minister’s confused state, “By shipping the Prime Minister means those that like to imagine that people are in a relationship, so someone might write a story about an Imerian and a Kouralian or a Kouralian and a Malgravean based on their characters in a particular television show.”

“So akin to damliteratur?” A younger woman, maybe in her mid to late teens, asked eagerly which resulted in an older woman next to her giving her a slap at the back of the head and several men staring at her with a deep frown, several men in uniform took a step aside away from her which seemed to cause more distress than the slap.

“Damliteratur?” Nadzieja said, the same look of confusion clouding the Prime Minister’s face as she struggled to understand the Imerian concept, “I am not exactly familiar with this piece of work. Is it a romantic book that promotes the idea of courtship and cuteness in a relationship?”

“YES!” “By the fierce sun above NO!” Two responses came, one from a nearby young man in a freshly pressed officer uniform in the green of Ta’ka sha’miri with the orange turban outfitted with pearls, golden chains, and a large exotic feather. The other voice came from the young woman and was once again followed by a loud twap as the woman besides her grabbed the young miscreant and started to pull her away by the ear with some noticeable protests.

“It is… nothing we should put too much stock in we can assure you Jungfrau!” Primus added quickly, we think the concept is explained to satisfaction! However before our cousins outburst take this conversation into a less than appropriate situation maybe we should move on… We feel like the most pressing issues have been dealt with and the Jungfrau does not have further issues. We would say the court can adjourn this topic for the day and we can escort the jungfrau and the jungfrau’s delegates to appropriate quarters!”

“It sounds like something highly inappropriate, so certainly not a topic for conversation in a professional environment such as this,” Eliot said rather firmly, although a small part of her was tempted to search up the term later, “I am rather thankful that a potential awkward moment has been avoided.”

Yi Kyung nodded in apparent agreement, “We have been quite impressed by the warm welcome that we have received so far, your royal highness,” the diplomatic figure said, “As we have discussed quite a few topics day I think it would be fitting to be escorted to our quarters.”

Nadzieja nodded as well, “We have been most touched by your hospitality, your royal highness. I am rather optimistic about the remainder of our stay here.”

“Indeed, Jungfrau Yi and Jungfrau Nadzieja, if you would follow us!” Runa said with a smile and started to walk off with Honey in tow. They exited the large thrownroom in just enough time to see the teen from earlier being dragged off by the ear and getting quite a loud screaming rant delivered to her in Imerian.

“If your ladyships would prefer could we show you the rooms you would rest in, baring that would her royal highness be honoured to have you visit her quarters as the host for this evening, her royal highness as the lady of the household is after all the one in charge of receiving quests!”

Nadzieja and the rest of the Malgravean delegation bowed in thanks as they were led with Runa towards their quarters.

“It would be a pleasure to meet with her Royal Highness,” Nadzieja told the Imerian, “I understand that Malgravean society has been quite curious about her role in things for quite a while. Isn’t that right?”

At that Yi Kyung nodded in agreement, “Yes, the online community has been filled with speculation on her Royal Highness since the coronation a few years ago,” the Malgravean said neglecting to mention some of the detail of this speculation, “It is a shame that the Minister of Science and Engineering isn’t here. I heard that she was quite interested in meeting with her royal highness again.

“Given her tendency to create mechanical inventions and other chaos perhaps it is better that she is at home leading the efforts to counter Grogar,” Eliot said stifling laughter as she remembered some of the memes that had gone up on the internet after that particular incident at the coronation, “It would be interesting to hear the perspective of her royal highness though.”

“I am sorry but what speculation would that be?” Honey added a bit confused, “my people never really had much of an internet connection prior to joining the federation and it never caught on much afterwards either!” the beastling pointed out, her large bunny ears drooping a bit of confusion.

“As for her royal highness her duties are essentially the same as the High king himself, blessed be his household and reign, but in charge of the feminine parts of government, the economic advisory answers to her as a person just as it answers to the High King as a monarch and she is in charge of the economy of the household of the Star crowned dynasty themselves, like my stipend as a member of the household is handled by her!” Runa explained.

“She is of course also in charge of the personnel hiring of the royal household itself, similarly is she heavily involved in the education branch of the government, the wildlife preservation and park services, and the like, you know, just womanly parts that men aren’t really equipped to handle!” the woman continued.

“Speculation about her royal highness?” Yi-kyung asked, “It is quite varied between online communities, some are quite curious as to how she came to be married to the High King while others are positively overjoyed about her particular sense of fashion, of course, others are just talking about how attractive she is but such talk really isn’t befitting of such a public space.” the Malgravean said.

“I imagine that the internet is quite a confusing place for someone that isn’t familiar with the technology themselves but you appear to be making a good effort which is quite commendable,” Eliot said with a smile of her own before focusing on the remainder of the conversation, “Do you believe that her royal highness would be interested in talking about economic affairs then? I do remember talking to a few business representatives that are quite concerned about a possible negative perception towards Malgravean goods produced in Imeriata.”

“The reason for the marriage between her royal highness and his royal highness, blessed be them both, is less exciting than one would imagine I am afraid!” Runa said apologetically.
“She is the niece of the king of Old Tyrannia, emperor I believe the title was, a state we have a less than great relationship with, to avoid the idea of an all out war were it decided that we should arrange a marriage between our household and theirs, the match however seemed to have been a very happy one though luckily enough!” Runa explained

“But yes her royal highness would most likely be willing to at the very least discuss it but she would most likely need to have some guid representatives, an approval from his royal highness, and some oversight by the economic advisory as well before we would sign off on anything, I assume you would also need to have some form of confirmation from your government jungfrau, especially if it is done in such an unplanned manner!”

“You mean that the coupling ceremony was arranged for political convenience as opposed to after a period of courtship?” Nadzieja asked, the Prime Minister using the Malgravean term for marriage as opposed to the Imerian one, “In that case it is quite fortunate that they’ve managed to find happiness, although I am not that surprised since quite a bit of the buzz about the pair previously was about how charming they looked as a couple.”

“It is quite an understandable requirement,” Eliot said with a smile, “It wouldn’t be proper to go into such meetings without the proper officials present or permission granted, especially when dealing with economic matters.”

Yi-kyung nodded in agreement, “I believe it would be quite beneficial for us to discuss certain economic issues while we have the chance for such face-to-face meetings, so I shall make the required communications with our civil servants back home. I trust that you can make the suitable preparations on your end for the meeting with her royal highness?”

“Well it is really not that different from how commoners and nobles alike have parents at times arrange marriages for their children if you think about it, the only difference here is that the beneficiary is international diplomacy rather than good matches!” Runa explained the marriage front with a patient smile.

“And of course, I am sure something could be arranged in regards to economic talks, did you have anything specifically in mind if you don’t mind me asking?”

“I don’t believe that arranged marriages are common in Malgrave, so this is quite the learning experience. I imagine that a situation can occur where people aren’t that pleased about the partner that they end up with then. How is that dealt with in society?” Eliot asked

“Yes, well we are quite interested in examining the trade imbalance that exists between Imeriata and Malgrave, Yi-kyung said, “As Malgravean goods are at quite a disadvantage when entering the local Imerian market it puts people off from engaging with the Imerian market and purchasing their goods in kind, even if some of your items like furniture are quite popular back home.”

“If the man is unable to keep a woman joyful in a marriage would it be annulled in front of Hirvera and Mirviva!” Runa said “That would be his eternal shame though so any man ought to do his best to keep his wife in a happy relationship!”

“As for the import thing…” Runa continued sounding a bit hesitant as she looked at honey for just a moment. “Well those very same protective barriers are what keep our economy strong and independent, it is that security that generates wealth inside our borders and not with foreign capitalists, that wealth and the security of the economy is what keeps your state protected by the strength of our arms and what keeps our locally sourced… I believe runes, furniture, and food products are so cheap in your own state!” She explained, sounding very hesitant and uneasy about the prospect. Even the limited rights granted to the Allaneas had gone through hoopes and wire to ensure that the wealth served the federation, such like forcing them to build factories in the absolute royal federation and using locally sourced raw materials.

“Really?” Eliot said, her diplomatic experience preventing her from making a snarky comment about the high-rates of annulment, “I am quite thankful to get the opportunity to understand a lot more about the Imerian system, as we know a lot more about each other I will think that we shall find areas of common agreement.”

“Capitalism? Disgusting, Yi-kyung said echoing quite a common sentiment that had developed in the country following the 80’s. “We have virtually eradicated the decadent system of capitalism and replaced it with our own economic model which is comprised of a mixture of state-run companies and self-managed enterprises such as cooperatives and the like.”

“Right… we keep to the old ways, the tariffs keeps outside forces from interfering and establishing as you mentioned an uneven trade balance in our favour, strengthening our market and making us not reliant on foreign goods and trade, while the internal market is similarly dominated by collective small landholders, tribes, large noble estates, corporations, guids, religious orders and authorities, royal enterprises, and similar groups, all under the overall umbrella of the royal merchant guild!” Runa explained. She thought about making an argument against the idea of how effective collective and state run businesses could be but decided against it. After all that was entirely ideological and she had no intention of causing an incident because the Mals had a short temper.

“Yes, these seem quite like the list of old ways,” Yi-kyung noted, “It is just the hope of certain business and union leaders back home that just as certain old ways have been reformed that certain positive allowances would be given to the Malgraveans due to our membership of the Crown Alliance.”

“At least that is what we wish to discuss during our meeting with her royal highness and her associated officials,” Eliot said, “Although it isn’t the sole purpose of our planned meeting.”

At that Nadzieja stepped forward, “Yes, we were rather curious as to what role her royal highness plays in regards to visiting foreign nations? Would it be possible for her royal highness to visit Epping or Aurora in the future?”

“Gasp!” Runa said with faked shock “Say not that you suggest that we should listen to unlanded wealthy individuals opinions in state policy, jungfrau Yi, if I did not know better I would take you for a capitalist with statements like that!” She added with a joking tone. “It is worth talking about but I cannot promise anything, did you have anything you planned to offer us in return for special privileges in this case? If you don’t mind me asking”

“As for visits, yes, her royal highness is despite her foriegn origin still a leading part of the star crowned dynasty, she speaks with the full authority of a queen and a visit would be easy to arrange!”

“I don’t think Malgrave has wealthy unlanded individuals to give such opinions in the first place,” Yi-kyung said chuckling lightly at Runa’s words, “It would most likely be met with a commitment to increase imports from your own country. We are always looking for sources of cheaper raw materials to fuel the construction taking place in the Research Colony and I imagine that will increase once the reconstruction efforts start.”

“It would be quite pleasing to have her royal highness visit Epping then,” Nadzieja replied idly fiddling with a small piece of jewelry, “I believe they’d find the ASG headquarters quite impressive, especially as it is connected to a ring of the ancestors that was provided by the C’tan.”

“You have a fully functional gate?” Runa asked curiously as she raised her eyebrow for a moment. “I heard that was one of the reasons we were attacked a bit back but I assume you would guess that I am not one with the highest clarity so I cannot tell exactly what my cousin is up to at all time!” She continued with a sad sigh,

“Knowing him though, probably some fiendishly clever ploy intended to ‘strengthen the glory and might of our household and our domains!’” She said doing a terrible bad impersonation of the high king.

“It was a gift from the C’tani after we opened up tighter relations and apparently is quite defended against any fiendish plans that the enemy could put together to mess with us.” Yi-kyung explained.

“Yes, although I understand that the C’tani required it be placed in a public area so that everyone may enjoy the transport benefits that it provides,” Eliot explained, “It is quite a reasonable request that I imagine was put forward by a person of incredible intellect and wisdom.”

Nadzieja rolled her eyes at the latter half of Eliot’s remarks, “I understand that the Imerians went through some struggles after that conflict, although it did certainly showcase your adversity as the High King would say,” the Prime Minister said, “I am hopeful that the assistance we provided in the form of materials to clean-up the radiation left behind provided some comfort to the people.”

There was a moment of tenseness and a muttering went through the Imerian lines as faces soured a bit and glares were given. Even Runa seemed to turn cold and was about to add something before Honey was the one that broke the silence.
“Oh yes Jungfrau Nadzieja, it was most helpful, it is our hope that we can provide the same aid to your research colony and Kouralia when this situation is over, as a matter of fact while it has not been entirely finished yet do I know that the economic advisory is currently drawing up plans to provide aid packages both to the Malgravean state and the Kouralians in the hope to rebuild the states post war as well as offering loans with very favourable interests to aid not only in rebuilding but also in maintaining the fighting forces during the conflict!” She added joyfully, not really something the federation had entirely finalised yet and thus not something they were supposed to bring up but then again it was better than having Runa saying something very angrily which would cause a diplomatic incident. The last time Honey had seen Runa like that was when she had found that Hope from Sadness disk hidden away in Runa’s record collection for her gramophone. Honey had joked about going to show it to the whole court and for a moment had thought that the woman was going to either strangle her or have the guard shoot her.

Of course she hadn’t done either and the outcome was much less dramatic but the look of fury and hatred had still been quite a sight to see. Of course what she had done had still not been the most logical nor well thought out and that mirror had never been repaired properly.

“Of course it very much aided in raising the opinion of the Malgravean amongst federal subjects!” She continued, which was at least partially true, that opinion had very much tanked when the Mals surrendered and left the federation out to dry but it had slightly improved afterwards. Of course most Imerians still held the opinion that Mals were as untrustworthy as they were short. However Honey were not Imerian and tried to keep their acts seperate to keep a cold head.

“We are quite grateful that our assistance was well-received then,” Eliot said either failing to recognise or deciding to ignore some of the tension that had been generated by the Prime Ministers remarks, “It was regarded as the least we could do following the bombardment, as well the term is quite hard to translate into common but we aren’t fond of dying in a conflict with no chance of victory as was the case when faced with spaceships.”

Nadzieja nodded with the assessment with the Foreign Minister, “It is perhaps suitable for the Imerians to carry on fighting when threatened with such destruction, however, the Malgravean people aren’t really prepared for such a situation, especially, since our population centres are so dense.”

“It is perhaps a topic of situation best left in the past,” Yi-kyung said, “We are far better prepared for such a situation now, as we have made preparations for new weapons and defensive shields that should ensure we remain in the fight against our Imerian allies,” the Malgravean said, “It is perhaps best if we talk about more hopeful things. I wonder if her royal highness would be interested in watching some cultural displays during her visit to Malgrave? I understand that Yukika Saito will be performing at the ASG headquarters in time, so perhaps it can be arranged for the pair to meet?”

“While I cannot speak for her royal highness, would I find it odd if it could not be arranged at the very least!” Honey said quickly as she grabbed runas arm as the other woman seemed about to protest. Glares and frowns were however all around at the lists of excuses that at the end of the day boiled down to that cowardly “malgrave first” line of thinking that made the shortlings so untrustworthy to begin with.

“Though a religious ceremony would of course always be acceptable to uphold the favour of the gods in Malgrave!” Honey continued.

“It would be quite pleasing for some of our artists to be able to showcase their talents to an Imerian delegation,” Eliot said, the Foreign Minister once again ignoring some of the rather rude looks that had been sent towards the Malgravean delegation for speaking about the earlier war.

Nadzieja nodded in agreement with her colleague, the Prime Minister taking the time to hide her disappointment about the Imerian reaction, “We have quite a few religious communities within Malgrave which have expanded due to our increased contact with nations like Kouralia and Crystal Spires.”

“Yes, quite a few Malgraveans are religious. I personally am favourable towards Serion, something I picked up after making a visit to Crystal Spires a few years ago,” Yi-kyung said with a faint smile, “I also believe that the Breheimian Universal Church has quite a sizeable following in the country due to the number of migrants that currently work in the research colony.”

“I understand that Harmonism is a growing faith as well, especially as Luna has talked with our citizens before,” Nadzieja explained, “It is quite hard to ignore the power of the gods when their actions can be measured quite easily.”

“Interesting, I suppose we should start to send our own missionaries too in that case!” Honey said with a smile. “I can only assume that the Malgravean crown would not object to us spreading faiths that worships in flame there too!”

“Missionaries?” Nadzieja asked with a curious look on her face, “I am not that familiar with the concept of missionaries, so perhaps you can enlighten me on that front.”

“Someone that spreads the faith! For instance, would a cleric of any of our religions move to Malgrave temporarily to preach the good word of the faiths that worships in flame then that would be a missionary!” Runa explained

Nadzieja thought for a few moments before responding, “You mean an Imerian wishes to establish a religious building in Malgrave and start offering services to the local people?”

“What faiths do you think are interested in opening up such temples in Malgrave then?” Eliot asked, “

“It is a thought, I sadly enough don’t have the authority to speak for the faiths but I am sure they would all be interested, big and small alike!” Honey added with another of her sweet smiles.

“And here would be the rooms we set aside for the aids, we have our servants standing by of course would they need anything!” Runa cut in as she directed them to a few doors standing nearby. A few servants were milling about already and there were a few guards in the black uniform of the high guard with their silver chest plates and their faces hidden by their individualistic face guards attached to their helmets.

“I am certain they’ll be thankful for any such service they receive during their stay here,” Nadzieja said as she looked at the people going about their business, “As you can imagine it is quite important for us to be kept up to date with events unfolding back in our capital.”

“We do have ways of establishing contact with the mainland, of course, but it is quite important to have a team dedicated to the task,” Yi-kyung said tapping the part of her head where her MalTec Ascension implant was placed, “We are quite thankful for these accommodations.”

“I am certain the phone lines would work to get in contact with your home continent certainly?” Runa added surprisingly as they rounded another sharp turn, this time were there more guards. Some of them stood tall and proud in ceremonial uniforms, lion pelts were sewn to checkered gold and silver cloaks, their heads concealed by bronze helmets, and their chests covered in black chainmail. At their shoulders rested heavy looking spears and they held shields emblazoned with the silver and eagle of gold that guarded the short corridor that ended in a wall with a large window that overlooked the huge city outside. At the far end by the window though could one see high guardsmen in combat uniforms. Black tunics and dark blue trousers with golden embroidery met one's eyes, their heads and torsos hidden by silver and they held large long rifles in black with golden scenes inscribed into them.

Two large doors were opened and an impressive room awaited on the other side. Two doors took one to smaller side bedrooms but the main room was clad in wood and tapestries. Old paintings looked down on those inside with annoyed or disdainful looks. A fireplace roared merily in one corner and a thick carpet covered the floor. Bookshelves were packed with old leather bound tomes. In the center stood one tall and stout table where a few drinking horns stood and to acompanize them one could see an old cupboard filled with drinks resting easily against the wall. Like the corridor just behind the heavy doors behind them did large windows dominate the far off walls and one could see the large city of Imerburg spread out below oneself.

“And finally your rooms, would anything be required can it easily be arranged by the servants!” Runa added with the same smile she had used prior to the discussions

“We are most thankful,” Nadzieja said the Prime Minister taking a curious gaze at the tomes on display, after all a lot could be learned from what someone had on their bookshelf.

“Yes, we are quite thankful to the kindness that you’ve shown us,” Eliot said, the Foreign Minister quite pleased with the room, “May I enquire as to the measures that are being taken in regards to the food? As you may know Malgraveans do have certain dietary concerns.”

“They will be most certainly taken into consideration, we have a large number of meatless alternatives prepared from pickled whitecoal served with boiled root vegetables and smoked eels, the classic sourcream with a large collection of pickled fishes and boiled rootapples and rice. From Vinland do we have what is called “pansarfiskknyte” where the armoured fishes in the region are grilled for hours filled with various vegetables and served with rice on the side, the classical Scanderan delicacy of blackmoss served with whalefish, and of course if you feel for more exotic food have we also prepared cheese filled peppers served with sea serpents and firegrass sauce. Would neither of these be to your liking have we also have various shrimps, lobsters and crayfish that can be served with sauces and grilled beard!” Runa explained

“We also of course took the liberty to have drinks available!” She added and nodded to a large cupboard that was opened to reveal all kinds of drinks, large collections of pine needles stood next to colourful bottles whose labels were painted with what one assumed it was brewed with. Ciders, meads, and wines made with black berries, apples, pears, lingonberries, raspberries, strawberries, with more exotic fruits from the federation like mangos and grapes. With those were also amber and white drinks in exotic shapes that seemed to suggest stronger contents. Two bottles stook out, one filled with a brackish liquid and ended in the stuffed head of a seagull. A second bottle had the likeness of beavers shaped into it as the furry animals were playing with one another over a bottle of a light amber hue. Hidden amongst the glass bottles were countless bottles of ceramic make as well as more exotic canisters like thick bamboo sealed with a thick layer of wax at the top and decorated with a large heraldic emblem.

Drinking horns carved with playing maidens and woodland scenes of various sizes stood organized from small ones that would barely fit between one's fingers to truly gargantuan things that seemed like they would require both hands to drink from.

The bookshelves on the other hand seemed to be covered from front to back in heavy leatherbound books with golden runes inscribed into them that made it hard to tell what they were about. The ones made in red leather with roses ablaze engraved into them were easy to guess what their content included. The black ones with silver runes carved in exquisite detail with silver runes carefully painted on black leaflike pages made it easy to guess what it was about due to the famous nature of that book. Even without the paintings of a naked woman with the feet of a bird and large wings on her back surrounded by butterflies. Even the white books with the young naked man carved in gold on them with the beams of the sun from behind his head and a bow and decapitated head in each hand was also fairly easy to guess what it was about. Other books were harder to guess, lardins were painted in full battle gear in others. There were very few ones in foreign languages but a few ones were there seemingly picked at random as if they had hurriedly tried to push as many written in the common tongue in there as they could find. There were a few Harald Harding books next to Rikard Riksknekt, a few famous love romances, a pair of brooding looking heavy books named “Debates on the nature of the Flameborn Ones and their ancestry to the rose and the parentage of They”, “In argumentative condemnation of those of the oneflame” sat next to “In defence of the Singular flame and the theology of the eastern shore”. “The complete parentage and lineage of the star crowned dynasty from our most Glorious Monarch Primus rex Stjärnkhrone XIII to their ancestral figures in the dawn age but also the complete collection on the shield side!” There were also a few adventure novels of dubious value and some books on Imerian ideology, especially the rather provocatively named “By Divine Fire, an argumentative debate against the savage, the foreigner, and the ideology of inferior standing!”. There were also some books on animals as the books “Our most humble friend, the shagrat in art through history” stood tall and proud next to a very worn and well read book labeled “The complete history of geese, breeding, wilderness, and survival” a third book just read “River wolves”

“It sounds like quite an interesting array of dishes,” Eliot said, the Foreign Minister’s curiosity piqued by the myriad of choices and variations in fish and accompanying vegetables that spoke of the differing climate and palette of the Imerian people, “I am quite unfamiliar with Imerian food in general as it has yet to gain some manner of popularity within Malgrave, at least compared to the food enjoyed by the Kouralian which appears to have found some popularity amongst locals and migrants, so you can say I am quite looking forward to trying these dishes for the first time.”

Nadzieja meanwhile kept her focus on the book, as more of a traditional academic the Prime Minister wasn’t interested in minor details of food but rather what could be gleaned from the books

“You have quite an interesting collection of books from the adventurer series to the historical texts, quite pleasing to see,” Nadzieja said, “I know that the adventures of Harald Harding have become quite popular back home with the introduction of quite an accurate Malgravean character, although I am partial to anything that mentions the cuteness of the shagrat.”

“Yes, the shagrat is quite popular back home,” Yi Kyung said with a faint smile, “I believe people like to see videos of shagrats being petted or fed and they’ve even been introduced in the research colony as the environment suits them quite well.”

“We of course took our time to only serve meat from the ocean as that seems to be the prefered diet for Malgrave!” Runa said with a cheerful smile as she explained the food. “And while some of it is from the Tuul'Mel, there are quite a few dishes from the Scanderan peoples, both from the home continent and beyond it! I am however sure you will love it as it is one of the greatest culinary traditions in the world”

At the last statement Honey looked a bit unsure and waved her hand as to indicate that it was very hit and miss.

“As for the books, I cannot tell if the Harald stories are good or not, I have not read them being a lady and all, they are mostly aimed for young boys I think! I myself read more the lady Frida cycle” Runa explained as she turned around to Nadzieja “However if that duel a bit back was anything to go by, they must have been quite the read, though you know what young lads can be like!” She explained. Leaving out that it had been quite a major affair as the young Friherre-squire Erik auf Törnehall had faced off against his equal Lord Däck löjtnant Birger auf Järnenäfe in a duel. The duel had been preceded by a rather public and well published series of essays and responses in the Imerbürger times where they had held quite a debate over which of the newly introduced female characters would be a best fit for Harald Harding as a wife. As they were an army officer and navy officer both branches had taken the side of their respective champion and even high ranking officials had volunteered as seconds for the duel in question. Even the author Nils auf Görgenholm had shown up but he had been respectfully impartial about the whole ordeal.

“The Shagrats are amazing creatures though I must admit, good wool, and meat from them as well as jewelry. However I must admit that my favourite part is just climbing in with them when they crawl up to one another when they sleep as they are very quick to let humans into their packs!” Runa continued, as any good blue bloodied Scanderan was she quite a fan of the humble shagrat. She remembered owning one as a pet when she was younger but she doubted in hindsight she had been the best owner.

“I didn’t know that Imerians could get so passionate over a fictional relationship, although I suppose that is quite like some of the arguments that have broken out between fans of Ancestral Guest House over who would make the best partner for Kim Eun-Ji,” Nadzieja said referencing a few of the fights and cyber warfare episodes that had broken out between fans of the series, “I am not that familiar with either characters as I haven’t read them myself. I do know that the Transport Minister is quite a fan though even if she does try to hide her collection of books. I am quite curious about this Lady Frida collection though, perhaps you could tell me more about it?”

“Do the Tuul'Mel people typically eat a lot of fish then? Malgrave itself employs quite a lot of fish in our cuisine due to the abundance of fish farms and health of our local fishing waters,” Eliot said, the Foreign Minister interested in knowing a lot more about the different people within Imeriata, “

“What can I say, boys will be boys!” Runa said with a smile “When honour and what you are passionate about is on the line blood must flow” she continued to explain.

“The sunworshipers also eat fish, most federal cultures do as we are all very nautically based, they also eat a lot of meat same as us, however it is the sea serpents that the Tuul’mel generally eats, both the smaller ones and the large leviathans in a similar way we eat whalefish that makes them stand out and they are famous for!” She explained “It is however the Sydvinlanders with their terror birds and armour fish, as well as the Izaltans with their scale lizards that has some of the most exotic regional foods even if the Sydvinlanders are Scanderans so it is still rather familiar in that regard! The blalanders are known for their turles...” She explained using the more formal term Tuul’Mel and the more common “sun worshipers' interchangeably as she listed two foods she always found strange. The scale armoured reptiles that dominated Izalta were always an odd food with their weird sauces and tendency to boil their food in oil. Similarly the birdlike food of Sydvinland was always interesting as it was Scanderan in origin with odd meats and vegetables added.

“The lady frida cycle is a book series written by Lady Frida auf Grannafe! Instead of books aimed at men is it more romantic than adventure based, it also has a new heroine every story, but in generally are they often young troubled rapscallions that might not be the best ladies around, criminals, delinquines, masculine women, and other kinds of deviants, they are often transported back to a fantasy like realm named ‘Flodermark’ in various periods of time, there do they learn the womanly arts and find love while having all kinds of adventures aplenty!” Runa explained, getting a bit less formal and sounding more like someone rambling off about a topic they are way too interested in rather than someone giving a causal explanation.

“Of course being aimed to women can they focus more on the romance aspect than the stories for lads can but they are as moral and educational in nature, I remember learning quite a lot about embroidery from ‘sfatholmes borg’ and I think ‘A red flower in spring’ taught me more about math and economics than any teacher did!”

“It does appear as if quite a few cultures across Mystria are nautically-inclined, a curious phenomenon that I imagine can be linked to both simple geography and history,” Eliot said, the Foreign Minister remembering the discussions on this shared nautical history she had with Dystan and Glaristanti representatives over the past few years.

“Would it be possible to get a copy of some of these Lady Frida books? It would be quite nice to look at some Imerian romance novels,” Nadzieja said, quite curious about the Imerians take on love and romance.

“I do have some romance novels with me, although they aren’t really focused on adventure but more the courtship of the ladies,” Yi Kyung said, although the variations she knew of the Lady Frida books were probably not suitable for local Imerian audiences

“We can have some of the books brought down, translated into English of course!” Runa said, sounding a bit hesitant as she thought it over if they could find the books.
“Any preference? Date of publishing? Chronological order? Best ones first?” She asked before looking thoughtful for a moment.

“Not thought too much about it, there is a lot of sea I suppose, I can ask someone if you want for the reason why there are so many sailing races in the federation and the rest of dimheim if you want to!”

“Speaking of… people, there was also an official invitation for a visit one day to you by the local asgrer sect temple! If that is something interesting to you could we arrange such a visit otherwise could we just say no!”

Nadzieja paused for a moment as she thought of an appropriate response to the question, “What books do you recommend? I am not that knowledgeable about this Lady Frida series and I find that it is easier to get into a subject by asking someone that has a greater familiarity with it.”

Yi Kyung meanwhile tackled the issue of the asgrer sect, “You mean to say that the asgrer sect wishes to visit Malgrave? It could certainly be arranged, although I can’t say that sort of reception they’d get in Malgrave.”

“It is likely that the Lead Scientist of the ASG will wish to hold some discussions with them in Epping if that is the case,” Eliot said, “Who exactly is in charge of this sect and have they stated their reasons for this prospective trip?”

“I think this was more a local invitation for you yourself by the local cleric of the sect rather than a request for a state visit!” Runa said uncertainty as she looked for support for but a moment. “Truth be told I am not certain who leads the sect as a whole, I think the leadership is split between the eldest daughter of the current Jarl of Malhala, but exactly if this is the case, the details, and even the name of their leader is not details I have memorised!” She continued apologetically.

“I think the current high cleric had some connection to Frifru Frida auf Holmerdottir here at court, you remember the lass Runa, black hair, short as can be, rather clumsy…”

“Was she the one that tried to...”

“Yes, the very same, I think the military was going to have a fit and ban women from entering their areas of the castle entirely… but yes her, her uncle has her exceless Hilda auf Styrkeholm and her sisters as his sister-wives… though I am uncertain if that marriage also included the high cleric or not…” Honey added, seemingly thinking hard about it for a moment. “at least that is the situation I got when I spoke with the young frifrun”

“As for the books, I will see if I can find a copy of “A thorn without a Rose” and “A blue rose in the snow” Those are some of the better books in the series and a good place to start but since the books are not connected to one another can you really start anywhere!” Runa added again as she nodded thoughtfully at Honey’s explanation of the situation in Malhalla.

“Malhala?” Eliot said, the Foreign Minister not exactly familiar with the term and how it related to the inner workings of Imeriata, “Is this somewhere nearby?”

“I am very much thankful for these recommendations,” Nadzieja said, the Prime Minister bowing lightly to show her gratitude, “I must say these books sound quite intriguing from the titles.”

“It sounds like this High Cleric is quite an eccentric individual,” Yi Kyung said qute concerned about the tales that she had heard from the Imerians, “Are you quite certain that they are interested in meeting with us?”

“It was the High Cleric that made the request, she is a great theologian and has proven herself as a representative of her people, however I think you are mixing up the high cleric with firfrau Frida auf Holmerdottir which was my mistake in the explanation, Frida is the niece of the husband of her excellency! And I would not say she is eccentric as much as… Well there are rumours going around what with her fascination with engines and motor vehicles, it is not proper for a young lady we keep telling her but the young miss won’t give up!” Runa explained with a sigh as she shook her head.

“As far as Malhalla goes it is in Asterstrand!” Honey added helpfully with her bunny shaped ears stiffening a bit as she for a moment turned curiously at the wall for a moment. A blank spot beside a bookshelf and a painting of a lordling in white throwing a javelin at another mounted lordling and striking him in the throat.

“As far for the books are concerned, they are quite good if I do dare to say so myself. I remember when I was younger that I stayed up all night whenever a chapter came out and I bought the whole collection as soon as they were available! I even remember that I ordered several custom made ones with fullpage oil paintings!” Runa added and honey looked back to the other Imerian with a curious look on her face.

“Wasn’t that just…”

“WELL I am parched! Honey, why don’t you go pour us some drinks! Is there anything in particular that would interest you?” Runa quickly cut her friend off and nodded to the huge cabin with the bottles. “I will take the Bäverhjolk, mix it half in half if you do not mind!”

“Engines? Vehicles? In that case I believe they’d enjoy speaking with Claudia as they’ve taken to messing around with engines after speaking a rather eccentric Dornalian figure,” Eliot said referencing the Minister of Science & Engineering, a figure who frequently engaged in quite a few pranks using her extensive engineering skills

“It does sound like a promising offer,” Nadzieja said, still quite confused over the entire ordeal but rather willing to move on, “Bäverhjolk? Is this some manner of local drink? I have not heard of it before.”

“I am not certain it is something that should be encouraged, it is not particularly ladylike after all! She won’t find a husband if she keeps digging around machinery, the poor dear!” Runa said, sounding a bit doubtful. “And yes, It is a federal drink made from… Baverstein… What is the common term…. Beaver stones? It has a very vanilla taste to it… castoreum? Is that what it is called?” She added rahter suspiciously as one could see exactly what Runa had meant with half in half as Honey first poured what seemed to be cooled pine tea into a glass before pouring the alcohol, a common practice in the federation where the otherwise very strong drinks were mixed with the pine tea it was so famous for.

“I could think of a fair few partners that would be interested in someone with such hobbies, although I suppose that is one of the key differences that exists between our two nations,” Eliot replied, although the Foreign Minister didn’t mention that the suitors would be a mixture of both men and women.
“Oh? I shall have to bow before your expertise then as I am not that knowledgeable about the common beaver,” Nadzieja said, the Prime Minister taking a drink of the offered alcoholic beverage.

“Why of course! Three bäverhjolkar please honey! make it half and half!” She said with a smile, seeming a bit doubtful about the claim that there would be suitors for a woman that spent her days in engines all day. Of course if it was brought up would she not be particularly horrified. In all three faiths were homosexual marriages nothing odd or out of the ordinary even if the temples prefered heterosexual ones.

Homosexual relationships though were nothing that federal subjects raised an eyebrow to either, especially amongst women that were generally seen as lustdriven was the practice common and taking female lovers were generally seen as just part of growing up for women, just as men were expected to at least have a male love to share comradery with. However some eyebrows would be raised if the two people were of equal rank socially as that caused issues about making one of the people involved a homosexual as they took the “wrong” position in such relationship, especially amongst females was this rather obvious as most people would assume that the two involved would cross such a line.

But this was not something Runa took up as she would just see it as the natural order of things, instead she smiled as Honey entered with a few glasses mixed with the chilled tea and the bäverhjolk. It was a strong drink even mixed with the sour tea and it had a very odd taste, the pinetea’s distinctive sour taste was there but it was also very sweet with a strong overtone of vanilla to it. Runa drank her drink carefully and in small sips.

“If you think this is good I would also recommend the gull wine, it is a famous drink from up north but I would need to warn you that it is not a particularly ladylike drink… however as there are nobody but us ladies here don’t I think that anyone would mind or be too outraged if some gender roles were skirted around!”

“It sounds like something that is far beyond my tolerance for alcohol,” Nadzieja said, the Prime Minister not being much of a drinker, instead preferring to drink various blends of tea, “Unfortunately I shall have to give it a miss.”

“Will you be drinking this gull wine as well?” Yi Kyung asked, “If you are to be engaging in such behaviour then I shall join you and test out this beverage from the up north.”

Eliot shook her head, the Foreign Minister reminded of all the times that alcohol and a room full of women had proven to be a rather disastrous combination, “If you are drinking this gull wine I suppose I can be tempted to take a small sip to soothe my curiosity.”

Honey gave Runa a look that seemed less than impressive as the Imerian woman looked as innocent as only a well trained actor could. “I of course will also indulge, half in half for all of us I believe!”

“Well one is one too many for me so I will skip!” Honey said with a smile that seemed very forced as she took a bottle with an odd shape, it’s stopper was just a stuffed seagull head and the content looked brackish with a cloudy texture to it.

“That.. that is odd it seems like…” Honey began before she gave the bottle another tug, it got loose but so did something else, one of the walls in the far distance swung open, quiet as could be, had it not been for the moment in the corner of one’s eye would one not even have noticed the wall opening. Certainly a well oiled machinery that kept it in check.

“Vid i…” Runa hissed with a shocked expression on her face and a few words in Imerian that seemed to be less than polite language.

“I… I think I will take one of those drinks anyway….” Honey said, giving the dark opening on the other side a suspicious look. Runa also looked at the void that had opened up with dumbfounded surprise and shock.


Nadzieja reacted in a manner akin to a frightened cat, the Prime Minister jumping upon the reveal of the hidden entrance way but remaining silent for the time being to refrain from unleashing a series of curse words.

“Is that a hidden door?” Eliot said, the Foreign Minister having regained her composure much faster, “I encountered similar passages when working for MalTra but I didn’t expect to see one today.

“It appears that our esteemed hosts are also surprised by the existence of this doorway,” Yi Kyung said looking over the entrance with some suspicion, “Is it common for Imerians to have these little hideaways?”

“We have servants passages…” Runa begun sounding unsure as she took a glass offered her and took it down one shot before realising what she did and made a horrid grimace and let out another series of curses. Honey smiled sadistically at her friend’s reaction before she offered the newly filled glasses to the other in the room as Runa went up and gave the passage a look.

“It does not look like one…. no interior decoration and they don’t tend to be hidden…” She said confused as she looked over the hole. “It is also dusty… The inqusition also has a few tunnels if they need to keep someone under surveillance but I sat down in that meeting and His Royal Highness, blessed be His name, Himself said that we were not going to put you under such guidance, I and her royal highness herself picked this room because it did not have any observation platforms….” she added as she put her head into the corridor that opened up.

“An escape tunnel maybe? Ohhh… should we check it out? Who knows where it goes?”

“I do not have much experience with servants tunnels but wouldn’t they be in a far better state of repair? It seems that this one has been in a state of disuse for quite some time which explains why you are unaware of its existence,” Nadzieja said with a frown as she looked at the entrance, as although MIDD had been cured relatively recently she was still rather cautious about being around such dust.

“I doubt the inquisition would use such tunnels for observation as well, especially, as it can be unlocked by those that aren’t authorised to access it,” Eliot said, the Foreign Minister grimacing as she drank the rather strange tasting gull wine.

“I think my partner would kill me if they found out that I was comprehending exploring an unknown tunnel,” Yi Kyung said referring to her partner who currently served as the Ambassador to Glaristant, “It does seem like quite a fun adventure though so I am open to the idea of exploring this passage.”

“Seems like a plan… just wait a moment…” Runa muttered as she gathered some blankets up and tied them up to make a quick satchel, she quickly put some mead and cider bottles into it. “A good adventure should not be had when parched!” she said happily as she took a few steps into it, stopping quietly as she looked around, there was a lantern hanging on the wall and she pulled it down and flicked a switch that made it light up showing the tunnel before them. It was in a decent state of repair even if it had not been cleaned in a while. Decoration was uncharacteristically sparse and only a tapestry showing what could only be assumed to be escape instructions judging from the pictures, a man in a very realistic design was shown running down a stair while two people sat sobbing in an elevator surrounded by fire. If one could read Imerian would one confirm that this was exactly what it was as the runes at it’s side read off various security rules.

However Runa took a few steps forward with the torch in her hand, for a while did the party continue down corridors, down twisting stairs, down down down they went and while it was hard to say how long they had been headed down must they certainly have passed down below ground by now. It took a while however the narrow corridor opened up, a large area where lorries could easily pass by one another stretched out before the group. Runa gasped and quickly flicked the lantern off and made a hissing sound to quiet down.

“Do you hear that…” She said. If one focused, could you hear distant voices but they were still far distant and who or even what they were saying was still lost to the distance between them and the owners of the voices. Would one focus a lot more could one even see a dim light far ahead in another passage like the one they were hiding in.

[Imeriata]

“I have never encountered a hidden emergency exit before, although the rather disused nature of this tunnel suggest that it isn’t a common practice in your country as well,” Eliot remarked, the Foreign Minister not commenting on the earlier swipe of additional alcohol for the spur of the moment adventure

Nadzieja and Yi Kyung remained silent for the time being, the pair deciding to focus on their surroundings, as although the pair had done military service in the Territorial Defence Force and Royal Navy they’d served as a journalist and an intelligence analyst respectively and so lacked any real hands-on combat experience.

“Voices?” Eliot asked in a low whisper, “Inside this tunnel or outside in another room?”

Honey strained her long ears. “Inside the tunnel… four… no five men… and something else… there is something odd about it, coming closer!”

“And sort of, we have servants' corridors that are generally hidden but not like this, they don’t tend to be this disused!” Runa explained, rather worried as she looked forward where one could now see the light make a turn and start to light up the corridor their tunnel merged into. While the one they now made their standing in was small, the one before them large enough to allow a lorry to drive through it meaning they were most likely underground.

“Maybe we should back off…” she said uncertainly.

Nadzieja looked quite uncertain herself as they found themselves in a tunnel, a few terrible scenarios flowing through her brain

“I am not that confident in our ability to continue forward, especially, if we could encounter some manner of vehicle in this tunnel” she said

Eliot shook her head, “It looks disused? If anyone is down here then we’ll have the element of surprise at least and if they are a threat then we have the option of withdrawing?”

“...right let's just hope we don't get into a fight then because I didn't get involved in diplomacy to use my ancestral abilities to fight people.” Yi Kyung said

The group before them did not do much to make them less suspicious, they whispered in hushed tones and most of them wore either royal guard uniforms, civilian clothes but with military insignia on them, inquisitorial uniforms, or one of them wore the unmistakable robes of a cleric, but they also covered themselves in dark cloaks. Honey had not been entirely right on the money as there were six people, what this other thing was was impossible to say. Two of them stuck out though, Attoti the adjutant of the high king himself with his own very spartan rank knots embroidered on his left arm but also the very intricate ornate knots of the high king himself embroidered from top to bottom on his right arm, giving his tunic a very asymmetrical look.

While the young adjutant did not stop, one of them did so. Orm was his name if the Malgraveans remembered him, he had always circled around the king in the background but he wore no uniform and his clothes were plain to an extreme. He was a large man of an Albino stock, shaven clean on his head with only a long white fu-manchu mustache.

He halted suddenly and as the group passed them by did he look into the darkness where the women were hiding. He opened his mouth and one could see from the ever dimening light from the quickly vanishing torches that his tongue danced in the air as if he tasted the air.

“Herr Orm?” A voice came from the group as the voices stopped and the large man looked back to the group and hissed.

“I thought I ssssssmelled something, mussssst have been nothingssss” he said slowly in Imerian but he did not move nor look away as one could hear the rest of the group start to walk again.

“Well be quick about it then, this thing has been planned for a long time and we have need of your… skills would this thing go sideways!” Attoti replied annoyedly from the corridor as one could hear them start to move away.

“A must do… but I don’t like it, it is not a holy thing to do!” One could hear the annoyed voice from what could only have been the cleric from the rest of the group, he did not move either but he had stopped beyond the place where the women hid.

Orm the large albino though stood where he stood, his tongue tasting the air as he looked into the darkness.

Nadzieja kept quiet as she watched the ongoing display, the Prime Minister recognised Attoti from an earlier briefing she had received on the Imerians from the people present with her now, however, she was also vaguely aware of his existence through his appearance on the popular animated series Adventurer High, although, she was told quite firmly that the Imerian most likely didn’t like being referenced to a character that tended to be played as a bit of a failed ladies man

Yi Kyung also decided to remain silent, on top of her recognition of the adjutant of the High King she also recognised the uniform of the Inquisition and an individual she had recognised earlier that seemed to be in the background of quite a few important conversations with the High King, of course, it had been quite some time since she had worked as an intelligence analyst for the Royal Navy but she did understand a potential threat when she saw it and she wasn’t too fond of fighting them with just her ancestral abilities.

Eliot also didn’t speak, the Foreign Minister knew that they could potentially be in massive trouble if they were caught, however, that didn’t stop her from attempting to speak in non-verbal terms to her fellow colleagues, the Malgravean making a few hand gestures to try and non-audibly verbalise her confusion about the presence of quite a few senior Imerians down in this tunnel.

Orm looked into the darkness for a few moments more, it seemed almost at times like he was looking straight at them before he finally shrugged and started to head down with the rest of them.

“I was promissssed a tribute for thissss ritual yesssss? The ssssacrificessss flow ssssslowly!” He hissed as the group moved on.

“It… I hope the divine could forgive us for toying with such a force but it must be tested certainly!” the cleric muttered quietly, mostly for himself as Attoti groaned.

“Aye your damned beast, flesh and blood will be provided in return for services granted, as is the old ways for your kind!” the adjutant muttered as the voices again slowly died out.

“Oh damn that is not good, did you see them Honey? Those were all commoners or not far from it, low nobility at best… and what were they talking about? Rituals? This is not good, but if we got caught… oh no that would be dreadful…” Runa muttered, sounding scared and horrified at the implications of the words the men before them had uttered.

“Aye… I would like to know exactly what they are talking about!” Honey said suspiciously. “My people is in debt to his royal highness, blessed be his dynasty, and I would prefer to see that no danger befalls the crown, though if we get caught…. you are right I doubt it would be pretty she muttered.

“I would not want it but worst come to worst I could sneak up ahead on my own and you ladies could head back…” the beastling said uncertainty as she worriedly looked up over her shoulder towards the way the small group of people had went.

Nadzieja coughed slightly at the rather dismissive attitude displayed towards commoners and those of the low nobility, “...still quite a bit of dust in here, my apologies,” she said taking the decision not to directly mention the slip

“You can’t just go alone, Honey. What would happen if that man with the lizard tongue saw you?” Eliot said, shaking her head quite firmly, “It is certainly too dangerous for one person to go forward even if it would give them certain advantages in stealth.”

“If we wish to solve this mystery then I suggest we move together,” Yi Kyung suggested, even if in more typical circumstances not fuelled by alcohol she would most likely recommend everyone return to safety, “Would those Imerians seriously expect a bunch of women to be down here on an adventure? If it came down to it we may be able to have the element of surprise.”

“Don’t you know that adjutant?” Nadzieja said asking Runa, “You are both characters on Adventurer High....”

“Yes that Is Attoti, he is a close servant of my cousin… but there are… rumors about him… some people do question his sexuality amongst other things!” Runa said doubtfully as she leaned around the corner.

Honey nodded “Yes they said he was dating at least four women in the palace just last year, two at the same time even!” she added, of course with a smirk that might just be because the very Imerian viewpoint in considering someone gay for being too into the ladies.

“But what is this adventurer high? Never heard of it! But yes you are right, they cannot expect a few of us ladies down here! Lets see what kind of dastardly schemes these lowborn buggers are up to!” Runa added then hastily. Sounding equally scared and equally excited.

“At the same time?” Nadzieja said rather surprised at such an attitude coming from an Imerian official close to the High King, “It appears that his portrayal on Adventurer High was quite accurate then, a small blessing since some thought that it may of caused some issues within your country.”

“I sincerely hope that those women were at least aware that he was in multiple courtships at once,” Yi Kyung said before checking to see if the way forward was clear, “If not it may be beneficial to have a word with them.”

“It looks like it falls on us to investigate this strange plot further then,” Eliot remarked quite thankful that they had at least brought some alcohol with them to give them the confidence and idiocy required to continue with such a plan

Runa and honey both exchanged a quick look before both taking a chug from one of the bottles they had brought with them.

“I think… I don’t know, what kind of man approaches women so I would imagine they started it? But if they both knew, who knows!” Runa said with a shrug as the two Imerians started making their way forward, after the group that vanished off into the darkness before them.

“It is not something I am familiar with, it seems quite Spirean,” Nadzieja said with a shrug before she took a swig from one of the drinks passing it onto her colleagues who also decided to share the alcohol.

In spite of the foolishness of such an action the Malgraveans made an effort to follow the Imerians as they followed their fellow Imerians into the unknown.

For almost 15 minutes did the five women trail the group of men, at times did the albino stop and glared over his shoulder as if to inspect the darkness but he did not seem too bothered by what he saw if anything. One time Runa managed to kick over a stone and the group had to hide amongst the pillars that decorated the walls. Even here down in the darkness had the Imerians not decided to leave areas bare.

Attoti stopped and suspiciously let his torch light over the walls but it touched not the women. He was just about to take a step forward before the albino put his hand on the man’s shoulder.

“‘tisssss but sssssssmall creaturesssss of no concern!” he hissed and shook his head as Attoti stopped and looked out into the darkness and back to the albino.
“Rats?” He asked as he resumed walking “Could have sworn it was bigger than that!”
“Aye, ‘tissss nothing of consssssern…” The albino hissed once more as the group moved again. It took not long before they turned down a side passage and the women could see where they had arrived.

A huge room spread out below them accessed by a narrow staircase of stone. Men in the red robes of the chronicles hurried around below carving odd runes of powers onto the floor while others inspected the work and double checking the formulas. Cauldrons filled with odd woods stood ready to be light up and 9 horses had been gathered but judging from how they swayed did they seem to be drugged, something that might be for the best as one could see 9 large gallows erected and noses had been placed around their necks.

In the middle of all this could one see a huge statue shaped into the form of a man dressed in old armour. judging from the shine the dancing flames gave off was he molded from silver or something similar. It laid down with a blade in one hand and a shield in the other. Making sure that they did not interrupt could one see men in military uniform and some in the robes of the various advisories hurrying about or watching the procedures before them.

What probably drew the attention last was a rather sturdy looking cell at the end of the room, thick iron bars rose from the floor to the ceiling and here was the security the strongest as several armed and ready men held guard with bayonets and rifles aimed at the occupants.

9 they were, women, men and children in worn and ragged Imerian clothing with an almost dirty and feral appearance. While they were mostly hidden in the shadows could one still see their weak looking frame and desperate and terrified looks on their faces whenever the light shone on them.

One of the guards barked something furiously at one of the women that seemed to have gotten way too close to the bars and gave her a kick. Something that did not seem to have the effect as she jumped him with almost supernatural speed. He roared in horror and pain as the caged woman grabbed his foot and started to pull him towards the bars.

Her strength must have been immense as the large soldier was quickly pulled as hard against the metal wall as could. However whatever plan she had for him came to naught as in a frantic hurry another guard arrived at the cage with a burning torch that shone light upon both the guard and the woman. She screamed in pain and horror and withdrew as quickly as she had lashed out back into the darkness. The wounded man was dragged back into safety and a gunshot rang out as a man in an officer uniform took aim into the cage and one could again hear the woman cry in pain. The cry was not cut off though as one would have expected and it continued even as the officer holstered his pistol.

The treatment of the man was also not what one would expect. Instead of looking to the safety of their comrade did the soldiers push him up against the wall, rifles with bayonets attached were aimed at him and barking orders were called out. He tried to explain himself apparently but the orders came again with more urgency and fury as one could see how the guards simply responded by a motion that clearly showed that their firearms no longer had their safeties moved away from whatever state they had just had.

Quickly did the man undress and only after a thorough inspection by a medic did his comrades stand down and he was taken off into a corner where he was given medical aid.

“w… what in the name of all that is Dark..:” Runa muttered as they all surveyed the scene before them.

Nadzieja couldn’t help but be quite unnerved from the strange sight before her, the academic had expected to see something quite peculiar when she had agreed to go on this alcohol fueled adventure but she didn’t expect to witness whatever the Imerians were getting up to, an uncomfortable feeling that was only heightened due to the earlier incident with the stone.

“If I was pressed I would say that his comrades were checking to see if he was infected,” Yi Kyung said her earlier experience as an intelligence analyst paying off as she was able to maintain some semblance of control.

Eliot shook her head at the weird display, “Prisoners? Horses on drugs? All those men from the Chronicles assembled around this statue? I don’t quite understand what is going on here.”

“It could be a sacrifice? An offering to this statue to provide Imeriata with some benefit during the upcoming war,” Nadzieja mused, the Prime Minister being able to focus the academic questions posed to distract herself from the disturbing elements
“Perhaps the sacrifice is to serve to cure whatever ailment appears to be harming those within the cage?” Yi Kyung suggested, “Although, it is quite hard to predict what will happen next without getting a look at the runes and formulas they are using for this ceremony.”

“I just hope I don’t have nightmares about this,” Eliot said with a shudder before she turned to face the Imerians, “Have you heard of anything remotely like this in the past?”

“N-no… nothing I can think of…” Runa said, sounding rather uneasy as she looked over her shoulder and back to the spectacle before them.

“No sorry, my people worship the mother of butterflies and her six children, not the fireborn Gods of the north!” Honey said as she also started to look down on the ritual before them.

“That looks like a horse sacrifice though… and dedicated to a silver statue… it does not look like any ritual I have seen but we are generally not let near those dedicated to Bel…” Honey continued sounding rather puzzled as her ears moved back in concentration.

Then a loud shriek could be heard, quickly joined together by the men in the robes as they all took places around the large statue, braziers were moved forward in a synchronized manner as herbs and woods ritualistically were placed into the fires. All the time did the men circle around the statue as the loud shrieking song of the clerics became louder and louder.

Then at once it happened, the men started to pull the ropes around the horses neck and slowly but as one did they got pulled off the ground. The hooves of the horses kicked weakly in protest as they were raised up towards the ceiling above. The chanting all continued, the fires grew larger and larger as one the horses died from the noses around their necks.

Larger and larger the flames grew, the air seemed to shake with magical might, the chanting became louder and louder and one could almost see shapes moving in the fire now, dancing shapes in animal and humanoid standing all moved along to the chanting. Then as one did the flames rose up once more into the air before they were sucked from the braziers and into the large statue. Like hurricanes of flame they all vanish into the construct and darkness fell over the spectacle before them. The chanting all died down, only one voice remained that slowly and carefully read out something in the dawn tongue. Commands of unknown meaning in a language not spoken by common tongue for as long as memory could recall was all that filled the air.
Then the statue opened it’s eyes.

It’s gaze was flame. Around it’s head large flames spread out as a bonfire mane. The joints of it started to light up as if the large statue was now a suit of armour worn by a man made of fire. Runes that had been inscribed into the thing also seemed to shine white from the heat. The thing moved it’s head. It looked around as people all took a step backwards wherever it’s flaming gaze went. Soldiers, Clerks, and Clerics alike all fell to their knees in awe as the large silver clad fire in the shape of a man looked. Then it started to rise up.

The huge suit, almost three times the size of a man, rose up, stretching to it’s full height, not in a slow and clumsy manner as one would expect something of that height to do. No this was athletic and fast, it’s movement was fluid and light, akin to a dancer or a river more than a hulking beast.

It stood up and looked around. Then in it’s hand appeared a spear of pure fire. It was bright and shone with a white heat and it was surrounded by flames that emanated from the weapon. In it’s other hand a shield appeared, large and round and forged from the same hot material. It just stood there, large and imposing, silver and flame made manifest. Honey seemed to gasp as Runa seemed to look at the imposing creation almost dumbfounded, her eyes wide open and her mouth hanging ajar.

“Horse sacrifice?” Yi Kyung asked quite disturbed at the concept.

In a matter of moments, these questions were answered as the sacrifice ceremony started and the drugged-up horses were led towards their deaths.

Nadzieja and her counterparts didn't look at the spectacle, the Malgraveans not, particularly comfortable around animal sacrifices.

“I am definitely having nightmares about this at some point,” Eliot said

Nadzieja appeared to be both confused and upset about recent events,

“So the horses were sacrificed to give life to this soldier? Nadzieja asked, “What about the sickened people we saw?

Yi Kyung meanwhile focused her attention on the soldier, “It looks impressive but it is still just one unit. Have you seen something like this before?”

“I… I don’t think so… no they could not possibly do so, that would be necromancy! Killing to bring life cannot be it!” Honey protested as she looked at the tall figure in the chamber.

A loud voice boomed out as the mouth of the statue moved, and words that seemed to be made from the clashing of blades and the fury of firestorms, what it said was spoken in the dawn tongue, old beyond comprehension but filled with fury and rage. One of the officers answered him in the same tongue.

“ALRIGHT YOU ABOMINATIONS! YOUR CRIMES ARE NUMEROUS AND AGAINST LIFE, CREATION, AND KING!” One officer roared at the people in the cage. “FOR YOUR CRIMES AND VILE PRESENCE IN OUR BELOVED LAND ARE YOUR RIGHTFULLY SENTENCED TO DEATH! HOWEVER IN HIS MERCY HAVE HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS…” he continued and broke off to look down at the floor and mumble something that could not be heard, however knowing Imerians it was mostly a well wish to the monarch as was common when you mentioned him.

“DECIDED THAT YOU ARE TO FACE A TRIAL! SURVIVE AND YOU MIGHT LIVE, FAIL AND YOUR SENTENCE HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT! THIS HOLY WARRIOR SUMMONED FROM FIRE AND FORGED IN BATTLE THIRST FOR BATTLE AND YOU ARE TO PROVIDE IT! TAKE UP ARMS AND IF YOU ARE ABLE TO BRING HIM DOWN WILL YOU NOT BE TIED ONTO THE POLE AND LEFT TO SEE THE SUN RISE!” He continued again as if his earlier break had not happened. “IN YOUR CAGE IS WEAPONS, ARM THYSELVES YE UNHOLY ABOMINATION IF YOU WISH TO HAVE A CHANCE AT CONTINUING YOUR WRETCHED EXISTENCE! STAY AND WE WILL KEEP YOU UNTIL YOUR LAWFUL EXECUTION TIME!”

The man that conversed with the statue finished whatever he said to the firey statue and pointed to the people in the cage. The statue stood unmoving as the doors opened and the people inside started to grab swords, axes, polearms, and maces that had suddenly become visible as the walls shifted and revealed hidden compartments.

“Oh…” Honey muttered.

Nadzieja winced slightly at the raised voice of the Imerians, a common occurrence when their normal speaking volume appeared to be what the Malgraveans would classify as nearly a full shout

“I am too sober for this,” Eliot commented as she watched the spectacle transform into some manner of trial by combat, the Foreign Minister drinking quite a large quantity of alcohol to cement her point

“What manner of creatures are these? It is quite fascinating that they appear harmed by light, and I wonder if their mere existence is a crime or if they’ve performed some other deed that has led them to this fate,” Yi Kyung said quite interested in learning more about the customs of the Imerians,

“I am more interested about escaping this ordeal with our own lives,” Nadzieja said, still quite shaken from the earlier, “Honey? Runa? How do we plan to get out of this one exactly?”

*Runa just sat transfixed on the being of fire, somewhat similar to the soldiers in the chamber, most of them had even fallen to their knees and made the sign of the burning rose with their hands by placing their closed fist over a spread out pawn.

“I… I mean we don’t kill things that deserve to live!” Honey began defensively as she handed one of the bottles she held, the one with the stuffed seagull head on it, to Eliot “The only things I can figure out that we kill on sight are living corpses, vampires, demons, and the like! I would imagine these things are… I don’t know, murderers or something, maybe they poisioned someone’s lifestock, I don’t know!”

“But yeah… maybe… maybe we should… move..” she began as the captives spurred out of the cage, faster than one would expect from a human. However if the captives were quick, the statue was faster. Like a dancer it moved, it’s spear danced amongst the oncoming prisoners with a speed ill at odds with it’s size. It’s spear moved with shocking speed and slid through foes and left sizzling wounds after it as the people around it turned into ash. One thrust in particular went through the ground like it was butter leaving a massive hole surrounded by quickly cooling melted rock.

IT took but a mere moment before the people that had left the cage were but piles of ash and only a woman and two men that had remained in the cage were left. The statue stood still for a moment before he once more stood in attention. He spoke some words again, in the same old tongue, again it sounded like battle and raging fire. What however made him look the most horrifying was the fact that he raised his spear and pointed it directly to the group of women.

“oh bugger me sideways…” Runa muttered as she finally snapped out of it.

“Is that thing pointing at us?” Nadzieja asked Runa looking quite nervous about the prospect of being attacked by such a fearsome soldier

“....perhaps it would be time to introduce ourselves? I don’t think they’d harm Runa considering her relation to the High King.” Yi Kyung said, even if a small bit of nervousness did slip into her voice.

“I…” Runa begun as most of the people looked in their direction. The statue however did not move as the officers looked confused at one another.

“I… well they might not harm me! But do you know what my cousin would do if I got caught spying on… whatever this is! Or if they even bring us to him, gods above know what this is!” However some soldiers were already moving in their direction.

“Do you think we’d be able to even run away from that thing?” Eliot asked Runa in a doubtful tone, “You saw how fast it was!”

“I prefer getting caught by regular soldiers as opposed to being attacked by something we saw destroy an entire group of people.” Nadzieja said looking quite troubled.

*“I… I really don’t want to be caught at all!” Runa hissed with fear and worry clearly audible in their voice. “We don’t know who these people are even, I don’t see anyone I recognise of high noble stature! Who knows what they are doing!”

“You really want to try and escape then?” Nadzieja said looking at Runa as if she had just suggested the impossible, “I supposed we can try then.”

Nadzieja looked quite uncertain with herself as she began to move backwards in an attempt to make a retreat, of course, the Prime Minister believed that such a plan was doomed to fail but it was worth to try in order to soothe the concerns of Runa, especially, as the Imerian looked quite frantic at the possibility of being caught.

Yi Kyung and Eliot shared a similar viewpoint on the entire ordeal but nevertheless worked to try and hide from the approaching Imerians, if they could retreat to the tunnels they saw earlier it was probable that the soldier would be too large to follow them.

“Please!” Runa begged. “You don’t know what my cousin would do if I got caught here!”
Honey gave the scared princess a doubtful glance before saying. “If we run, I suggest we do it now!”

“I am not that pleased with the consequences of getting caught either,” Eliot said noting the way the giant soldier had dealt with earlier perceived threats

Nadzieja didn't need to be told a second time, the Prime Minister attempting to get away from the situation as quickly as possible taking Runa with her.

Yi Kyung just sighed before joining them, the Auroran figured they would be caught but obliging the Princess was the best response for now.

Runa started to run as the heavy bootfalls of soldiers started to be heard behind them, however her dress made it harder for her to run, somewhat also hindered by clear evidence that she was slightly drunk, but also not a very good runner. Honey on the other hand just pulled her shirt up around her waist and ran as fast as she came, which was considerably faster as she started to pull her friend after her.

Thankfully the Malgraveans weren’t wearing such impractical clothes, however, they were also slightly drunk and despite the fact that two of them had a military background that required some semblance of fitness, they were also in quite unfamiliar terrain in poor lighting.

Nadzieja decided to focus on following Honey, as she figured the speedy bunny beastling would have a better chance of leading everyone to safety.

The bunny girl did good speed but was clearly slowed down by her friend that she had pulled behind her. “IN HERE!” She shouted as they finally reached one of the winding side corridors, while it looked exactly like the one they had entered through had it not been even remotely long enough for them to return to the same one. Making it impossible to tell where this one led. Just as Honey dodged into the corridor could one finally see men emerge from the stair behind them, a most of them holding electronic lanterns, all but the leading man, a hulking beast of an Albino.

Nadzieja didn’t even think about where this new corridor would lead them, the Prime Minister grabbing her colleagues' hands as she dragged them to follow Honey into the relative safety of these new corridors.

“Let's promise never to do such a silly thing again, ok?” Eliot said between pants as she was positively dragged around by her colleague who appeared to possess considerably more strength when frightened than her academic background would suggest,

“I… JUST…. WANTED…. TO… HAVE… SOME… FUN… AND… SEE…. WHERE… IT… LED!” Runa said between heavy panting, clearly being as unused to running as her plump shape suggested. But then again did Imerians have the advantage that tall heels had never really made it into women’s fashion. Finally did they see two doors, one earlier and just behind that, the two Imerians were trailing just behind again though.
“GET ONE OF THEM OPEN!” Honey half shouted half whispered shrilly as she pulled her friend after her.

“I suggest more suitable clothing for future adventures,” Nadzieja said as she briefly cursed her shorter stature which was some disadvantage in a situation such as this

Yi Kyung just sighed deeply before motioning to open one of the doors before them, the official not in the mood for conversation while trying to escape whatever vile punishment Runa believed would befall her if she was caught.

The door opened up as quickly as the one they had entered the tunnel system as a trio of young ladies, maybe in their late teens or early twenties all shrieked in shock and surprise as they all jumped up from the left wall they seemed to have been all pressed up against.

“W-W-WE W-W-W-WEREN’T DOING ANYTHING!” One of the trio, seemingly the ringleader, screamed. The room itself seemed to be rather properly furnished, a small fireplace held a fire in it. A few bookshelves were fully stocked and a trio of red soft sofas stood around in the middle of the room surrounding a low table where a few bottles stood untouched. Similarly where there were a couple of parchments, quills, inks, and trays of sand intended for either calligraphy, or writing or poetry. However judging by the piles of paper filled with scribblings it was most likely the later, or the former if the trio was very poor at it.

“Run run run!” Honey kept at the rest of the group as Runa hid her face as they tried to dash past the women.

“Enjoy your poetry!” Nadzieja said as she was dragged past the woman by her Foreign Minister, of course, she suspected that they were doing something else entirely but it certainly wasn’t appropriate to yell it out in public when attempting to flee a confusing situation.

“Where are we even?” Eliot asked, the Foreign Minister obviously was quite clueless in the internal layout of the palace and was hopeful that Honey or Runa could shed some more light on their whereabouts

“I…” Runa began as she pushed out the door and looked around, to their right was just a dead end but to their left did the corridor continue.

“Oh that is the bastus!” Runa added quickly as she looked to their left where room after room seemingly led to the famous Scanderan steam baths. Runa took off running again as a loud scream from the trio of girls in the room behind them followed the door to the tunnel being kicked open again.

As the women ran did a confused head look out from the first sauna as a man with a blanket wrapped around him just barely looked out to see what was going on.
Then again did the door they just left get kicked open and a few men in the uniforms of the guard once again emerged, looking around before they noticed the sprinting women.

“HALT!” One could hear the loud shouts from the soldiers.

“...a bath house?” Nadzieja said between pants as she kept on running alongside her colleagues

“I think it would be wise if we didn’t tell anyone about this unfortunate detour through the bath house,” Yi-kyung said attempting to ignore the growing commotion behind them

“Honey, could you help guide us somewhere safe?” Eliot asked, the Foreign Minister assuming that the beastling knew more about the palace.

“Yes… a… steam… bathhouse… the doors… is… a…. steam…. bath…” Runa breathed heavily as she pointed to the large wooden doors, one could hear commitions behind them.

“I… I don’t know if we can outrun them for lo…” Honey begun as loud shouting behind them could be heard as the soldiers seemed to shout loudly and angrily at the women that they just left behind.

“Yes… we…” Runa begun before the two Imerian women looked at one door and then at each other.

“THE LOOSE PANEL!” They both said, again hopefully and stopped dead in their tracks. They turned around and bolted back the way they came two doors and boh quickly opened one of the doors. Behind it was a simple room without any occupiers luckily enough, with wooden walls with the exception of the leftmost one that was white washed and painted with a pair of women that danced with a warrior in maile, on the wall ahead of them was what looked like a massive staircase with three stairs on it. Each stair was tall enough to sit on. The other side on the other hand held a wood stove with an odd large pit on the top filled with rocks of various size.

“We can hide here!” Runa said quickly.

The two women dove to the wall next to it and quickly pulled aside a small almost invisible panel that one would never have seen if they had not pulled it aside.

“QUICKLY!” Runa hissed as honey dove back into the hole and vanished from view.

Nadzieja looked quite uncertain at the newly emerged hiding spot, however, the earlier adrenaline of the chase and a light shove from one of her colleagues resulted in her finding her way inside the hiding spot

When Runa entered could one not see anything on the other side but when the Malgraveans joined could one despite the invisibility see out clearly through the gaps between the wooden planks and even here could one see what most likely had at one point been imagined as a storage area for whomever used the bathhouse. However if that had been the idea, did it seem very poorly thought out and it mostly seemed to hide some spoiled books that had grown wet from the steam and a little graffiti on the walls, some being of a less than polite nature depicting a few men.

“Be quiet now!” Runa said as she closed the gap behind them.

In response Eliot moved to position her hand over Nadzieja’s mouth, the Foreign Minister knowledgeable enough to know that the
Prime Minister wouldn’t be able to resist making a comment on the fate of the books that had been ruined by whoever had decided to place them in a bath house, a small huff indicating that she had given up her complaints.

Yi-kyung simply rolled her eyes at the display, the official simply waiting for the guards to abandon their pursuit so that they could return to their rooms and enjoy some peace and quiet.

Just as the women closed the lid the door flung open and two soldiers walked in with electronic lanterns in their hands and a batoon in the other. One could clearly see the two men walk around confunded for a moment as they spoke to one another confused in the good old tongue.

For a moment the soldiers looked straight at them but they then turned around, it seemed like the Imerian women knew what they were talking about, it was impossible to see persons hiding in the walls.

Nadzieja waited for a few moments before turning to speak to the Imerians present, a confused but stern look on her face,

“Just what is this little hideaway exactly and how do you know it exists? A hidden room within the steam baths? I can’t even think of a reason for such a place existing,” the Prime Minister said her mind filling with various nonsensical ideas

Eliot just shook her head, “I am also interested about how we intend to get back to our room.”

“…and the identity of whatever machination attacked us,” Yi-kyung said, “Just what could be powered by sacrificing all those horses and what purpose will it serve? I wonder if it could be used against Grogar.”

The Malgravean translator machine flashed quickly as the words of the soldiers slowly scrolled through it’s screen.

“I… I could have sworn they ran in here comrade!”
“Well… I cannot see them and they cannot just have vanished into smoke, maybe they kept running down the corridor?”
“Wouldn’t we have seen them if they did?”
“I don’t know, women can run quickly when they want to. Besides this room is reserved for the warriors of the palace by the command of the high queen in ages past, would you really think a woman would enter such a room?”
“I… I guess you are right… BUGGER ME SIDEWAYS! We better keep going then, we don’t want witnesses running around about this thing!”

“Oh it is an open secret, every woman in the palace know of this area!” Honey said with a shrug.

“Not that we have been here before ourselves of course!” Runa added, giving Honey a stern glare.

“The original reason for this area was a storage room to keep rocks; they would need to be replaced in the wood stove outside! However, with the building of a proper storage room for both wood and rock down the corridor did they decide not to build them in the other steam baths!” Honey said before stopping herself “... or so I heard!”

“The… the sacrifice of horses is common in rituals to Shimmering Bel!” Runa said as she thought through the thing, that is a ritual men are involved in so I cannot say more… the light though… flames…. there is no way such a thing could be a thing of evil… it was a glorious divine symbol certainly! Even you must have seen it’s fiery glory! A warrior of the Gods that must have been! ” Runa continued with an almost religious conviction. Honey did not look as convinced but then again fire had a very holy role in Imerian religion that was not shared with all the other faiths in the federation. A fiery creature would obviously invoke a being of good and a servant of the gods for Scanderans, especially if they were scared and stressed and could not think straight.

“Of course,” Nadzieja said, although, she was rather uncertain that every woman in the palace knew about this rather strange hideaway, “I can’t quite say for what purpose this room would be used for now since it is no longer used for storage but then you wouldn’t know about that,”

Yi-kyung coughed briefly in an attempt to divert attention towards more serious matters, “If this was a sacrifice to Bel that would make sense considering the situation impacting Kouralia and the Research Colony, a testament to how seriously you are taking your commitments and most welcome despite our lack of familiarity with such sacrifices.”

Eliot just sighed, “Just how do we get out of here? I think that is the more important topic as I imagine that someone will come looking for us soon and be rather surprised when we aren’t in our room.”

“I don’t think they know who we are… the soldiers just said the women!” Honey pointed out as she thought about it… “Certainly they would have used our titles if they knew who we were…”

“The main issue though….” Runa said as she thought about it “This specific room is reserved for the warriors of the palace, to walk out of here would we need to do so without being spotted to begin with!”

“Disguises?” Eliot suggested, “I doubt they’ll be looking for women here, so if we can create a convincing disguise we may be able to sneak out in time before anyone gets suspicious.”

“In that case we’ll need to leave quickly,” Yi-kyung said, “I don’t wish to be here for long.”

“In the men’s steam baths? I doubt they are looking for us here, no…” Runa said with a sigh “But I don’t know what we would disguise ourselves as? Do you keep a spare set of clothes around?”

“Where would I keep a spare set of clothes?” Eliot asked quite confused at the suggestion of the Imerian

“...perhaps we should just liberate some clothes from the bath house?” Yi-kyung suggested, “I imagine that our Imerian colleagues here would prefer not to be caught in this general area.”

“That… sounds doable!” Honey said thinking for a moment as she scratched her big ears in thought. “Should I go?”

“Yes, that would be quite welcome,” Nadzieja said not feeling brave enough for the task herself

“Alright, leave it to me then!” The bunny girl said as she quickly vanished out again. It took quite a few nerve wracking minutes as the trio of women sat waiting for their comrade to return and a few times could one hear footsteps outside of the door, unsure if their comrade was on their way past or another guard was just passing by. Finally did the door open and close quickly as the Leporidae earned woman once again dove into their hiding spot with a large collection of black and blue clothes.

“Finally, I had to dodge some guards and almost got caught once but I managed to do it! Still got it!” She said with a cheerfully smile as she dropped it on the floor with a heavy thud as the armour of the high guard made impact with the ground. There were 4 sets of clothes there, all of it Guard issued clearly and reserved for the elite high guard. Black tunics with gold trim, one of them with the winter greatcoat for added warmth. Four pairs of very slim fitting trousers of dark blue hue with red stripes down the side, one of which seemed to have some very stiff custom padding in the front which seemed like it would be rather uncomfortable if one was a male. Swords to be hung from belts were there as were a few service revolver and semi-automatic pistols. The bright silver like cuirasses with the great monogram that in runes read PrS surrounded by golden inlay was there as were the famous silver helmets of the guard. Face Masks were attached to them, one looked like a gently smiling youth, a second one had the wrothful look of a bearded angry man wheras one was a laughing man with a thick mustache in gold and the last one seemed to be carved into the likeness of a roaring lion. Being enchanted metal customized for each soldier did offer great protection in a firefight, but it would also hide their faces if someone did not give them a closer inspection.

“Armour?” Eliot said holding one of the face masks, “I suppose it is quite effective at hiding our face,”

Nadzieja bowed slightly in gratitude, “You were quite fantastic getting such a selection of gear, although, I can’t say that I have ever worn such armour before it shall be an interesting experience wearing it,”

“Let’s just put on this uniform and get back to our rooms,” Yi-kyung said moving to put the armour on, the Malgravean selecting picking a face mask that looked like a roaring lion

“Of course.” Nadzieja said selecting a face mask of a smiling youth before working to put on the different pieces of armour

“Alright then!” Runa muttered as she put on her own helmet and readied her ill-fitting uniform as honey seemed finally to have managed to hide her ears under her helmet. “Let's see if we can fool anyone!”

The group clearly made their way out into what by now was a downright chaos, men in uniforms ran around trying to figure out what was going on as a dark skinned man in the uniform of the high guard officer corps with an impressively ornate knot on his arms barked orders before he snapped to attention by slamming his fist into his chestplate as two new men that approached, both of them well known by now. Attoti with his famously asymmetrical knots on his arms seemed to take the lead as he got a quick report and behind him the bored looking Albino; Orm. The uncomfortably pale-faced man seemed to not pay much attention to the discussion as he boredly gazed out the window as the women started to walk past the heated discussion in Imerian.

Just as they passed however did his red eyes widen as his tongue seemed to lick the air and his head snapped in their direction and his head tilted in thought before he finally chimed in, in the good old tongue and the two officers looked at him for a moment, thought and finally nodded in agreement.

“YOU FOUR!” The albino roared in the common tongue of Mystria, yet there was something odd about his speech, it was hissing and gravely and spoke rather bluntly without the flowery polish one could expect from Scanderan gentry.

He started to walk past them as he hissed once more “Fooolooow me! I neeeeed sssssssentriessssss to hhhhold the main gatessss!”

“Yoou, hold thissssss!” he added throwing a large sack to Yi-kyung, it was a very heavy one with it’s content obscured but felt suspiciously much like meat and bones.

Yi-kyung grunted as she worked to pick up the sack handed to her by the albino, of course, such an interjection wasn’t surprising at this point as it seemed like fate itself was intervening to deny their escape.

Nadzieja and Eliot just nodded and prepared to follow ahead with the albinos instructions, although they did turn towards the Imerians for any form of guidance they may offer during this strange encounter.

The sack was heavy to say the least, it was too heavy for most ordinary people and seemed to be filled with something… animalistic? If one would not know better would the idea of cow legs spring to mind.

“You sssssseeem to aaaaallll have an odd sssssmell!” the Albino said as he turned sharply to the left and led the group away into an abandoned corridor as they finally left the hectic search behind them and only leaving them with old scenes of hunting, there were men and horses hunting every kind of animals from the mysoxen of the far north to the birds of the south and one majestic piece of a mounted lardin striking down a fearsome lindorm with a spear. His head ablaze and him covered in an armour of painted steel.

“I sssssmell the rosssssssessss of the fieeldssssss not on your hair! Nor the fruitsssss of the woodsssss” He hissed as he kept on walking, barely giving the group a look now as he sped up, forcing at least Runa to be forced to jog along. “Yet I can sssssmel your blooood, it ssssssmels of the lightsssss of the night ssssssssky!!” he continued finally looking back over his shoulder looking at them all with the same bored expression “Who? sssssssspeak!”

“Smell?” Nadzieja asked quite confused at the questions of the eccentric Imerian, as never before had she encountered someone that said openly at least that they could smell her blood.

“Who? You want to know who we are?” Eliot asked, the Minister weighing up the options before her, “We are just Mallings working hard to serve the crown,”

He snapped his attention to Eliot and eyed her closely as he walked up to her and sniffed loudly before his tongue tasted the air and almost licking her face guard as he thought for a moment.

“I sssssssmell it! Your blood wasssss sssssick, yeessss an old cursssssse but it isssssss dead, gone!” He said seemingly in agreement as he thought for a moment puzzled. “More! I sssssmel more, old blood! From the sssssstarssssss but not of sssssstarlight!” He said finally seemingly accepting the statement with a quick nod.

“Yes, the curse was vanquished quite recently,” Nadzieja said, deciding to use the strangers own description of MIDD.

“Just where are we going with this sack exactly?” Yi-kyung asked quite curious to see where they were being led

“Food! Mine not to touch ssssssmal ones!” The albino hissed angrily as he snapped his attention to the other Malgravean. He licked the air again around her as he thought for a moment.

“Yesssssss…. you too, cursssssse and old blood it smells like!” he hissed again before he looked over the two Imerians.

“Yet not yooouuuuuu… you sssssmell of the sssssssssouth and warmth! Nothing there sssssssssmal one!” he hissed as he repeated the gesture to Honey and finally returned to Runa. “Ahhhhhh yessssss…. there it isssssssss…. ssssssssmal one that sssssssssmels of the ssssssssssky lightsssssss!” he hissed finally with a nod as he seemed to lean over Runa that looked rather shaken by the whole experience despite her hidden face and from the look of her were she frozen solid.

“Now hold on! I am a member of the high guard Herr! I will not be insulted thusly, I am of noble rank and blood!” Honey decided to add something that would be true as the high guard was exclusively picked from the social as well as military elite. Every soldier had noble rank even if unlanded friherrar made out the vast majority of the ranks as more senior members of the nobility often were able to serve in officer roles.

“Are you now?” Orm hissed again and looked over the bunnygirl once more, the same disinterest on his eyes again. “Sssssshould you ssssstrike me with your gauntlet little noble? Ssssssssshould you duel me assssssss you ssssssssmal onessssss do?” He continued to hiss, as a grin spread over his face as he walked up and seemingly towered above the tallest member of the group of women.
“Then do it! Sssssstrike!” he hissed as he leaned down over her, Honey took a step backwards in surprise and started to stutter out a defense.

“No?” Orm hissed, cutting her off. “Too much of a girl are you sssssssmal one?” he hissed and laughed at her before eyeing the two Malgraveans.

“You? Are you going to ssssssssay ssssssomething for your comradessssss?”

Nadzieja and Eliot remained silent even if they wished to step forward and defend their Imerian colleague, both figures not feeling confident enough to intervene as the former only had limited experience with the Territorial Defence Force to call upon and the latter had no military background.

“You have insulted the honour of our comrades, Herr,” Yi-kyung said, the Malgravean deciding that nobody stepping forward would hint strongly towards them being imposters of some kind, “If you have no intention of apologising to my comrades then I shall have to challenge you to a duel!”

“Hah! You fighting me?” The albino said as he turned his attention to Yi-kyung “You really thiiiiiink thaat issss a ssssssmart plan?”

“I would be a fool and a coward if I let insults about my comrades go unchallenged,” Yi-kyung said, a determined look about her even with the mask covering her face, “So what do you say Herr? How do you wish to settle this?”

“Hah! You haaaaave bravery ssssssssmal one! But I care little of your kindssssss honour!” He said with a shrug finally “But if you want sssssspek to my massssssssster! The king!”

“King?” Yi-kyung said, quite confused at the man's rather casual tone, “You mean the High King, blessed be his name, and long be his reign or someone else?”

“Think you are missssssssing a few titlesssss there!”

“You mock the High King, blessed be his name and long may his name be sung in glory,” Yi-kyung said, quite clearly confused by the man’s actions

“I do not, we ssssssserve the sssssssame master do we not?” He hissed again and tilted his head as if he expected something.

“In that case we have nothing to quarrel over as we are all comrades in service of the High King, blessed be his name and long his reign,” Yi-kyung said before nodding to the rest of her colleagues

“Bah, know your place ssssssmal one!” The albino hissed and started to move again. “Ssssssssoo how have you found the houssssse so far?”

“It’s been wonderful,” Nadzieja said deciding to speak up, “Quite unlike anything back home,”

“The tunnels too I hope?”

“Tunnels?” Nadzieja said recalling an incident from earlier, “I suppose you're right.”

“Mayhapsssssss ye even ssssaw thingsssss that ye ssssshalll nay ssssee?” The albino asked innocently as he reached for the sack that Yi-kyung carried and pulled out a large raw leg of some unidentified creature that thankfully had at the very least been skinned and took an abnormally big bite out of it. A sickening crunch told a tale of broken and pulverized bone as the albino leaned at the wall eyeing the four women as the Imerians with a horrified gasp backed off.

“I don’t go around seeing things I am not supposed to,” Eliot said, shaking her head at the man's question.

“...are you just going to eat your lunch?” Nadzieja asked, a clear tone in confusion in her voice as she just wanted to be able to return to their room.

“Bah if that be sssssssssoo bear blooodsssssss!” The albino hissed angrily as he looked at the women in uniform from one to another before he angrily waved them away.

“Give me one reasssssson I ssssssshould not tell what I ssssssaw!”

“Hypothetically speaking if we did see something we weren’t supposed to see I guess it may be quite embarrassing if such information were revealed,” Nadzieja reasoned, “If we were simply allowed to return to our posts then such a hypothetical situation would never be revealed and we could all continue to live our lives as if nothing had ever happened.”

“Not for me!” Orm said with a shrug “It would be on Attotisssssss head!” the albino continued.

“It would be quite an awkward situation but if that is all then we shall return to our regular duties.” Nadzieja said

“baaaaaaah” The albino hissed as he chewed one of the large horse legs, his breath heavy with the smell of blood and meat as he chewed and glared the women down.
“I will teeeeell your kinsssssssman blood of the sssssssstarcrown!” he hissed glaring at Runa as he spat something heavy down on the floor that impacted it with a heavy thud.

Without a single word did the Albino turn around and started to walk off as Runa looked as unhappy as she could be with honey carefully rubbing her shoulder comfortingly.

“I… I think we should head back to the room…” Honey said uncertainty. “I can get us some mulled wine to calm our nerves…. oh and something I am sure you outlanders will enjoy, something I am sure you have never tried before but we have this dessert made from frozen milk mixed with fruits and berries! That will make this night much better I am sure!” She said trying to sound as cheerful and optimistic as possible but her eyes still trailed back to what the Albino had spat out; the bones of a horse’s leg.

“I agree wholeheartedly.” Eliot replied, the Foreign Minister entirely shaken up by the gruesome ordeal.

[Imeriata]

Kouralia

"From what we can tell are the enemy here, some additional scrying have confirmed not only the presence of a bell but also the presence of a river merging and a large oak and as important, the colours of the enemy warlord, would we be able to seize this tower would the benefits be endless!” The report finished from the adjutant as Harald auf Holmmark carefully studied the map that had been hand painted on a large canvas of mammoth velvet with small figures depicting federal, allied, and hostile forces in silver, gold, and red respectively.

"Huh, correct height?" One man cut in with a positive nod of approval as he picked up one yellow painted figure depicting a Malgravean fighter.

"They are actually designed with the average height of a Malgravean subject! They are not half our size, at worst head shorter!" Harald explained, after all it was politically unwise to annoy their closest allies in the region so humorous consideration had to be dropped. Originally had she thought about making them in the stereotypical joke but it had seemed too obvious and not really something that would accomplish anything but annoy their erstwhile allies.

"We can see a few road crossings here and here!" Harald pointed out changing the subject and taking the officers eyes away from the figures she had commissioned. As everyone at last went back to the map that had been copied from kouralian maps with laylines overlapping them. The difference was in the artistic flairs added as animals, monsters, and detailed woodland had been hand painted on the map. Another thing she had commissioned for the campaign and a most wonderful piece of art 'twas. In reality had she tried to paint it herself, a man ought to be able to paint well everyone knew but she still felt like she was not one, she had never in youth been given the training and her art skills were sub par at best, it was a skill she tried her best to master since the king had finally given the order that she was to be seen as a man, she had finally been able to serve as a warrior, and a leader. No longer had she been forced to write long essays about military matters, no longer was she forced to smile as men tried to dismiss her ideas just because she was a woman. She was a man now and she should feel proud. Despite that however was there still just a wrongness about her. The trousers felt uneasy and not something she was fit for. She felt uneasy when people still saluted and said "My lord" and even looking in a mirror felt odd, she looked like a man and she was a man but still she thought of herself as a woman and there was still a sense of unease. She had done her best to have the tailor give her a cut that exaggerated her hips and chest, that had helped a bit, she felt a bit more like a woman again. That though was a dangerous game to play, the men looked suspiciously at her after that. The sash was the only thing that made them look away and go back to their work.

"Would we cease them can we cut off enemy supplies and stop enemy reinforcements, as such would I recommend that we moved in some Mounted jäger regiments through the enemy frontlines in spares woodland, with spellcraft and a sudden assault should we hopefully be able to break through and seize the road crossings. When we take them can we start a large scale push through the frontlines and make a quick push through the roads to link up with our infiltration formations. When that is achieved would this small area be surrounded and cut off. Then we can at the same time begin an advance, forcing the enemy to redeploy to stop this advance taking some pressure off the frontlines elsewhere. At the same time do I suggest a third operational phase with multiple spearheads beginning their storming of the tower and the bell from our prepared positions in our currently controlled territory but also from the newly captured positions here and here, swarming them from multiple directions, taking the bell and the tower, any remnant forces will then be ringed in and wiped out!" She explained moving up some figures representing curassiers, grenadiers, wyvern riders, dragons, and also some larger statues shaped like warriors of old and covered in symbols of the gods, from the three major religions but there was also the star goddess, mighty Ulgorth, and the fish gods of the islands.

"Any questions?" She asked as she looked up at the men before her

"My Lord, what about the logistics for such an offensive operation, and what about projected casualties?" A young halfling piped up, she was wearing the robes of the internal affairs advisory and talked with the air of a woman who spent most of her time in the logistics.

"Of course, we need to prepare for such an offensive, we have attached the plans for what we need and sent a list to your department to help precure what we need and establish the routes to support the offense. We also fully plan to put up runestones around the front to prevent scrying and even communications more complicated!" She further explained and received a chorus of nods and "hear hear" from the gathered officers and officials. As no further objections were raised did she gather the relevant documents and charts for the planned offensive and put them in a letter that was in turn sealed with three wax seals, those of the kreigsmakt, the king, and her own personal heraldry. For a moment did she hesitate, again did the wrongness of a male heraldry facing her make her pause.

"My lord commander?" A curious voice reached her as she quickly turned looked up to the hardened face of her adjutant Björn Björnssen, a grizzled veteran with a think Iron gray beard that still held a shade of straw of his youth. His left arm held the simple knot in white of his own rank but his right arm he held forward was wearing her ornate red and gold knot that reached almost to his shoulders.

"Oh, 'tis nothing… a moment of discomfort 'tis all!" She explained as she handed him the letter. For a moment did his eyes go to the heraldry emblem and then darted to the sash around her waist. Not red as an officers was supposed to.

"Ah, I see my lord commander!" He said with a quick nod. For a moment could she have sworn there was understanding there.
"Heavily lays the burden of command my lord commander, we are thankful for my lord commander's sacrifice!" He added with a smile, warm and fatherly.

Her chest filled for a moment with some reassurement for the moment of understanding. As always did the old man at her side make life just a bit more bearable. Between all "My lord", the trousers, and all the discomfort that came with trying to be the man she had been declared by royal command.

"No my squire lieutenant, the calculations are wrong, you want 40 more barrels" Came a voice to the pair. The same woman from before was in a heated discussion with the armoured form of squire lieutenant Birger auf Holmmark the commander of the cuirassiers, she used the correct honorific but her smile and tone seemed more like she was going to say "sweet whiskers leave the math to the women, go play war!"

That at least was something that she did not miss; math.
"But I shall deliver the message to the kouralian officers hopefully will they agree to my lord commander's proposal!"

---

Kouralia

The oars hit the water again as the shallow galley ran up the river.
"Bloody, simplistic, does not look like a warship!" Ulf muttered as he gave the bloodpike a suspicious look. The galley was very much a young ship and looked like it was built in a hurry. No gilding bar a stripe around the waterline, it’s hull simply painted in red and blue, no figurehead, the sail was merely painted with the golden Eagle of the crown and the shields at her side carried equally simplistic paintings.
"A simplistic ship for simple cargo, herring for the frontlines!" Birger, a fellow in the uniform of the guard and part of the same section as Ulf said with a chuckle.
"Herring?" Ulf said looking up confused. "Saw a few barrels but where did you get the idea that we are moving Herring from?"

"The registry says herring, what else would we be shipping?" Birger countered as the pair looked surprised at one another, one of them seemed to have something wrong and they both were trying to see if the other knew something they did not.

"I saw statues down there! Looked like the unconquered sun and one had a human head on the body of a lion, must be Ulgoth Himself, the third one looked like shimmering Bel!" Ulf said finally, his mind remembering the trip down cleaning, he had peaked in but a moment before a naval officer stormed forward screaming his lungs out threatening a good thrashing and Ulf had scraped and begged most kindly before he buggered off with an earful. Of course 'twas commands fault, he had been told to clean the entire ship, not his fault nobody had put up a warning on that door. The glimpse in though still made his mind remember the statues. Lifelike, made from silver or something like it, braziers and torchers there had been, a damned impressive array of items and religious icons, and kindling, whatever was in that hull had not simply been herring but it looked like holy work. The two of them looked down uneasily at the deck and whatever was below, bringing statues to war was understandable but why would they keep that secret?

"Queer business, better leave that be, kingly orders be not for our ilk!" Birger finally said and shrugged. The two men turned again forward to the fore castle where a few machine gun nests looked ready to turn anything that even looked at them oddly into paste.
"Aye… not for our ilk!" Ulf agreed.

---

Official communiqué from the absolute royal federation of Imeriata and her realms

From: His royal Highness Primus rex Stjärnkhrone XIV silferföd by the grace of the gods high king of the absolute royal federation and divinely appointed ruler and unifier of the Scanderan races, the descendant of the first Imerian high kings especially and foremost Emanuel the first, Son of Oskar II, the son of Primus the XIIIth, the son of Emanuel the VIIth, the son of Gustav the IInd, the son of Anders the IIId, the carrier of the royal sword first carried by the demigod Belrion son of Bel, vanquisher of evil, Champion of life and light, defender of the living and vanquisher of the dead, liberator of slaves, breaker of chains, the protector of the federal crown jewels, the holder of the sword of Halmir and carrier of the enlightened torch of civilisation, patriarch of the noble house auf stjänkhrone, carrier of better and more important titles than the space Russians and the king of Old Tyrannia, Chief of chiefs, Shan of shans, Monarch of monarchs, Prince of princes, Crowned in steel, fire, and flowers. Flame of all flames, protector of the faith of the chronicles and the city of the burning rose and the arch cleric, leader of ritual and sacrifice, chosen of the fierce unconquerable sun and crowned in starlight, mortal protector of the faith of the two faced goddess and defender of her temples and chosen by all gods big and small. As well as the protector of the free city states of Ta’ka sha’mirias well as defender of Hungary and her regions and the realms as king of Imeriata and as such the king of salt, forest, river, and mountain, defender and autocrat of flodmarkerna, Sundet, Söderang, Söderberga, Innahafsarna, Aster öarna, Vast öarna, Sydvedian, Storfloden and the river king, king of Vedian and the duke protector of the mountains, Eple Halvøyn and lavlandet, king of Erathia and as that the duke of Ankea metsä and ruler of the thousand lakes, the lord and defender of Länsisola and Etelä-kentät, king of Karmanjaka over the ancient rivers river, from the ancient mountains mountain, king of Northern Taranakan, king of Izalta, king of Nordomark, and king of Andervel but also the righteous and lawful king of New felandia and the king emperor of Dajing, the duke of Sydvinland, Northern Venezue, Sthalinge, Gustavsland and Sjöland, The Shah of the crown states of Ta’ka sha’miri and the Padishah of all of Ta’ka sha’miri, The lord regent of the colony of Nova Imeriata, Blåland, Angland, the two peninsulas of Tvaude and of Somalmark, The Grand duke of Suderland, The prince of Isarna, Salmo, judeheim and Khan of Salonia, Sultan king of Ramir, the Emir of Sandland and Jarl of Salywa and the free city of Krakborg and Styrfastning, defender and lord of the city of Arkham and Sirmera, and further more the ruler of the federal terretories of Vastermark and the northern iceplains and as such high chief of Isfalten and keeper of Sfartmård , By the right of the constitution of the protectorate leopridaeria prince defender of leopridaeria, the high lord of Kalmer, Salmoborg and Gaseborg, Lord of the countless cities and lands under his most blessed and righteous rule, the lord defender of Imerbürg, Coparborg, Vesiki, Sjöborg, Afrikas fastning, Erikasborg, Nova Imerbürg, Wein, Udeborg, Angborg, Ambir, Nya Landborg, Nymarksborg, Sorgerstad, Anderborg, Nordanstad, Kängruborg, Sthalstad, Kängruborg, Judeborg, Moskstad, Daji, Sajing, Ademarksborg, Salem, Söderhamn, Öborga, Dragograd, Gapur, Bor-zut and Táibĕi but as well the Enlightened Emperor of Nicksyllvania and as such the King of Leazus, Emperor of Helman, Grand Prince of Zeth, Emperor of Japan, Emperor of Jungria, Duke and king of Hornet-Kereburos, Despot of the Great North, Grand Duke of the Western Badlands, Master of the Southern Marshes, and the king of Dragkon and the wielder of the Holy Swords, the Demon Sword Kaos, the Holy Sword Nikkou, and the Greatsword of the Empire, Nickiller, Great Protector of the Helman Wall and Majino Line, also by the right of his birth high marshal of the royal guard and the Imperial commander of the Imperial nicksyllvanian army, the grand commander of the federal order of the golden sword and the Nicksyllvanian order, the knight commander of the order of the golden cross and the order of Blåland, the lord commander of the colonial order, the high commander of the federal order of the silver rose and the order of Scandera, the Taranakan order and the Order of Vinland may his reign last until the end of time and may the empire and federation he rules stand even through the flames of the endtimes to protect all of his royal highness subjects.
To: Most Illustrious High Crown.
Regarding: Military aid.

---

In the name of the defensive pact that exists between our domains, the absolute Royal federation decided to reach out our hand in friendship to help the continued arming of the kouralian crown in the continued conflict. We are offering you a continued supply of small arms, artillery, uniforms, food, medical supplies,and ammunition to keep arming your warriors. Similarly, are we offering a steady supply of foodstuffs, medicine, clothing, fuel, and beasts of burden to keep the Kouralian and Malgravean populations fed during the crisis.

We also are fully willing to in time fund the kouralian and Malgravean rearmament and reconstruction efforts after the war. First by supplying enough heavy, light, and medium tracklayers, lorries, and demi tracklayers from federal supplies to recreate the armored and mechanized ground forces of Kouralia and Malgravean fully painted in combat livery and ordained with combat heraldry of respective crown. Similarly, are we also willing to supply the kouralian navy with loans to cover the construction of Imerian naval and air assets both constructed for lower cost.

We also offer a large sum of 120 000 000 000 NSD to be supplied from the coffers in the Absolute Royal Federation to be paid out to both Kouralia and Malgrave to help reconstruction to be paid out in monthly installments over a 9 year period would either state accept. Similarly under this period we will also offer both crowns large scale loans with no interests during the continued conflict.

---

Signed and approved by:
His royal Highness Primus rex Stjärnkhrone XIV silferföd by the grace of the gods high king of the absolute royal federation and divinely appointed ruler and unifier of the Scanderan races, the descendant of the first Imerian high kings especially and foremost Emanuel the first, Son of Oskar II, the son of Primus the XIIIth, the son of Emanuel the VIIth, the son of Gustav the IInd, the son of Anders the IIId, the carrier of the royal sword first carried by the demigod Belrion son of Bel, vanquisher of evil, Champion of life and light, defender of the living and vanquisher of the dead, liberator of slaves, breaker of chains, the protector of the federal crown jewels, the holder of the sword of Halmir and carrier of the enlightened torch of civilisation, patriarch of the noble house auf stjänkhrone, carrier of better and more important titles than the space Russians and the king of Old Tyrannia, Chief of chiefs, Shan of shans, Monarch of monarchs, Prince of princes, Crowned in steel, fire, and flowers. Flame of all flames, protector of the faith of the chronicles and the city of the burning rose and the arch cleric, leader of ritual and sacrifice, chosen of the fierce unconquerable sun and crowned in starlight, mortal protector of the faith of the two faced goddess and defender of her temples and chosen by all gods big and small. As well as the protector of the free city states of Ta’ka sha’mirias well as defender of Hungary and her regions and the realms as king of Imeriata and as such the king of salt, forest, river, and mountain, defender and autocrat of flodmarkerna, Sundet, Söderang, Söderberga, Innahafsarna, Aster öarna, Vast öarna, Sydvedian, Storfloden and the river king, king of Vedian and the duke protector of the mountains, Eple Halvøyn and lavlandet, king of Erathia and as that the duke of Ankea metsä and ruler of the thousand lakes, the lord and defender of Länsisola and Etelä-kentät, king of Karmanjaka over the ancient rivers river, from the ancient mountains mountain, king of Northern Taranakan, king of Izalta, king of Nordomark, and king of Andervel but also the righteous and lawful king of New felandia and the king emperor of Dajing, the duke of Sydvinland, Northern Venezue, Sthalinge, Gustavsland and Sjöland, The Shah of the crown states of Ta’ka sha’miri and the Padishah of all of Ta’ka sha’miri, The lord regent of the colony of Nova Imeriata, Blåland, Angland, the two peninsulas of Tvaude and of Somalmark, The Grand duke of Suderland, The prince of Isarna, Salmo, judeheim and Khan of Salonia, Sultan king of Ramir, the Emir of Sandland and Jarl of Salywa and the free city of Krakborg and Styrfastning, defender and lord of the city of Arkham and Sirmera, and further more the ruler of the federal terretories of Vastermark and the northern iceplains and as such high chief of Isfalten and keeper of Sfartmård , By the right of the constitution of the protectorate leopridaeria prince defender of leopridaeria, the high lord of Kalmer, Salmoborg and Gaseborg, Lord of the countless cities and lands under his most blessed and righteous rule, the lord defender of Imerbürg, Coparborg, Vesiki, Sjöborg, Afrikas fastning, Erikasborg, Nova Imerbürg, Wein, Udeborg, Angborg, Ambir, Nya Landborg, Nymarksborg, Sorgerstad, Anderborg, Nordanstad, Kängruborg, Sthalstad, Kängruborg, Judeborg, Moskstad, Daji, Sajing, Ademarksborg, Salem, Söderhamn, Öborga, Dragograd, Gapur, Bor-zut and Táibĕi but as well the Enlightened Emperor of Nicksyllvania and as such the King of Leazus, Emperor of Helman, Grand Prince of Zeth, Emperor of Japan, Emperor of Jungria, Duke and king of Hornet-Kereburos, Despot of the Great North, Grand Duke of the Western Badlands, Master of the Southern Marshes, and the king of Dragkon and the wielder of the Holy Swords, the Demon Sword Kaos, the Holy Sword Nikkou, and the Greatsword of the Empire, Nickiller, Great Protector of the Helman Wall and Majino Line, also by the right of his birth high marshal of the royal guard and the Imperial commander of the Imperial nicksyllvanian army, the grand commander of the federal order of the golden sword and the Nicksyllvanian order, the knight commander of the order of the golden cross and the order of Blåland, the lord commander of the colonial order, the high commander of the federal order of the silver rose and the order of Scandera, the Taranakan order and the Order of Vinland may his reign last until the end of time and may the empire and federation he rules stand even through the flames of the endtimes to protect all of his royal highness subjects.

[Imeriata]

Operation Malignant, Kouralian northern coast

The water around them all was quiet in the night as the war galleys and longships lined up on the kouralian northern coast. The ever increasing federal war galley fleet was really starting to move increase it's number as Ulf could see as he looked out over the quiet serene winter night. His arms and back still ached after what they had been through, the flat bottomed ships had been driven to the gate and then rowed up as far inland as possible before they had been dragged over land with mammoths, horses, and the backs of warriors put into it. Finally had they been able to reach another river system and sailed out into the sea again. His cheeks hurt in the chilly air and every breath he took left clouds of smoke trailing in the night wind as he fished a chewing stick up from a pouch and thoughtfully started to chew it.

"At least I hope the upgrades are to your likening!" A voice came from behind him followed by a hand that Ulf quickly grabbed and pulled the worn looking Birger from up over the railing. He leaned over where his friend had been working feverishly and gave it a quick nod. The ravisher was finally starting to look like a proper warship, of course they just had one simple painted relief panel installed in the aft depicting scenes from the Kouriad where the red eye landed first on Kouralian shores. Gilded and painted it was with the red stone eye of the hero himself shining bright and proudly in the night.
"Well the sails still leaves a lot to desire, and we only have one relief panel, ought to have two more at the very least to be a proper warship! Though I must say that the figurehead is a nice touch!" Ulf admitted as the two looked to the forecastle where a few paintings had been made of local Kouralian river gods. The name Ulf did not exactly remember but he hoped that the offerings of shagrats that they had made when they first entered the Kouralian rivers would appease the two spirits. Two naked women that proudly handed swords to Imerian navymen were painted on the wall and in true Scanderan fashion were their heads engulfed in fire even if their hair and eyes were red and green in imitation of the local Kouralian stereotyper. Beyond it however was the figurehead of the galley, depicting the paragon Celestina Cannavaro, not only carved but also painted with gilding making it shimmer in the sun, if the stories were to be believed had the Malgravean bard Yukika Saito been used as the inspiration and she was wearing Imerian style plate armour and her head afire.
"Aye, starting to get somewhere finally, though we should have proper heraldry on the sails rather than the simple white we have now!" Ulf pointed out, firmly refusing to buckle on his policy that he should complain about every single minor detail he could.
"I mean look at the bloodmaid over there! Now that is a proper warship!" He added pointing angrily into the night.
"Aye, captained by the son of a duke that one is, spent a fortune on His own money on making that one look like a proper warship, no royal funds coming in later!" Birger remarked as he held out his hand, the wordless request was answered instantly as Ulf fished another chewing stick from his pouches as the two looked out over the sea. A mighty ship that was, a lion was carved and painted as its figurehead and impressive reliefs covered its aft and front castles depicting the history of the ship’s history. The shields on its sides were painted depicting tons of Gods, Chronological ones, a few local ones, and even a few of the native small gods of Salywa were the ship’s captain hailed from. Its sails depicted a lion attacking the sun.
"Now that is a ship to be damned proud of!" Birger admitted as he spat a large blob of blue saliva over the railing into the chilly water below them.
"ALRIGHT! WE ARE HEADING OUT! EVERYONE BE READY YOU LAZY GITS! TO THE OARS! LADS AT THE SAILS!" A loud voice came through the silent night, similar roars started to come through the night all around the large armada of longships and war galleys that had been gathered around them. Ulf and Birger exchanged a tried look as they all looked at one another before they quickly rushed to the oars that had been designated as theirs, all around them did people wake up and joined them, grumpily and tiredly as naval men and infantrymen get up from their sleep and rushed to their oars. All over the large fleet there was a similar story as guardsmen and navymen all rushed to already chosen positions and with well drilled discipline started to as one man moved the oars. In almost no time and with the wind at their back did the navy set out sail.

Operation Malignant, the sea, the bloodmaid

"As you can see my lord commander, my troops and ship are fully operational and ready to strike at the enemy without remorse nor mercy when we come upon them!" Namashi Hiro explained proudly as he gave the map before them a happy slap, while most of the night and day had already passed were most of the fleet taking a moment to catch up and soldiers were sleeping and resting as the senior commander, Lord Commander Frans auf Hilgerholm was inspecting the ship and troops before the raid. With him were a few superior officers and the cleric Nils auf Krigerberg who was in charge of the spells that gave the fleet such good weather as the large swarm of ships quickly made its way north east.
"Indeed! Very impressive!" Frans pointed out as he gave the Sylwanese troops formed up on the galley deck a quick nod as they went through their drills before the officers left the commonry to their own devices and walked down into the officer cabin.
"Now as for our plan..." Frans began as he rolled out a large map on the table that Hiro and his officers all leaned forward to study and most of them exchanged a few surprised looks.
"A bit far north my lord commander" Hiro asked as he looked up surprised "'twas my understanding that we were to support the Malgraveans by landing in Ceme, though this landing plan seems to be quite a bit further than that..."
"Well spotted Lord Squire lieutenant! This is what is estimated to be the enemy HQ in the malgravean Colonial holdings. As such is it the honour of us to launch a full raid at the enemy HQ, our allies are withdrawing fully south with a sizable force of the enemy at their heels, as such do we intend to force the enemy to re consider the folly of their position, we have 20 banners here of the field army we are about to deploy to the Malgravean colony and I fully intend to use that to overwhelm the enemy HQ, stirke at the heart of the foe, when they finally show up in force are we going to escape the same way we came, before finally making out way down to Ceme and then re-enfocring the Malgravean front lines, laden down with loot and prisoners!"
"Impressive my lord commander!" Hiro said with a wicked smile on his face, bloodthirst and a hunger for glory as true in the young officer as it was for any good Imerian.

Operation Malignant, Malgravean Research colony.

Ulf sat quietly and roared, all around him was tense silence as their cloth wrapped oars silently dipped down into the water, a thick magical mist was all around them as they approached their enemy shores. The anticipation was almost as thick as the mist and one could almost taste it in the air, Officers stood ready looking at pocket watches. Then, the mist was just gone, the morning sun shone down upon them as dawn was rising and the spell crafts that had driven the mist to the shores and attempted to protect their advance from scrying spells vanished as the mist was carved out of existence as the runes were broken by enchanters. All around Ulf could he finally see the massive fleet that was launching this raid. The sea was full of longships and rowboats, behind them sat war galleys in huge numbers and the skies were full of dragons, wyverns, and war balloons.
What had suddenly been quiet and silent was almost as sudden the complete opposite. Artillery was roaring from the galleys as the howitzers and artillery pieces in their aft castles started to hammer away at whatever positions that the war balloons deemed targets of interest. Drums and horns started to blare as the boats started to reach the shorelines and dragons and wyverns were darting ahead of the main fleet to sweep down and provide covering fire. Ulf reached for the KVG resting in his lap and he could only hope that they had been able to pull off something the enemy did not expect because of the idea of charging screaming into a machine gun nest.
"ULF! LOOK! 'TIS THOSE STATUES I SAW! WHAT IN THE HOLY NAME OF THE GODS!" Birger roared and pointed as from one ship a huge statue, shining as the sun hit its silver skin, steam rising up from it as huge flames leapt from it and its massive spear. It was holy. the divine brought down into mortal shape and given shape of silver and fire. Elsewhere a huge lion male with a furious head of man moved forward in the same speed and thirdly were there the Sun himself made manifest. An athletic boy with a bow that shot arrows of light and fire at whatever targets it could see, the young man shone as the sun itself, not as strong but to look at Him hurt slightly. But it was worth it. It was glorious to see three manifestations, three avatars of the Gods themselves next to their forces. All around did men look with such awestruck faces that the advance seemed to have slowed down. Then Ulf and he could swear that all the men around him felt the divine spirit drive them forward. These war avatars led them on and he started to row quicker, more furiously, the gun in his lap seemed to call for him, and Ulf really wanted to answer it.

Operation Malignant, Malgravean Research colony.

"Good shot, new target loaded in!" The officer roared as the gunnery crew of bloodmaiden quickly turned the howitzer around, no axels could be used so they relied on a circle platform resting on ball bearings to turn their cannons.
"POSITION LOCKED!" Roared the battery corporal as they finally reached the right angle and locked the machine into place.
"RAISE ANGLE!'' The corporal roared again and the crew jumped into positions and started to raise the artillery piece again. Again they were unable to use axles but the federals had been improvising again, this was not possible to do with the heavier artillery but pistons were used to raise the artillery piece that rotated at the rear around two interlocking rings on each side instead of around an axel. The method was slow, laborious, prone to breaking, and impossible to implement for heavier pieces but for the smaller field pieces was it a suitable solution.

“FIRE!” The gunnery corporal roared and once more did the galley roar with the thunder of artillery as the two howitzers in the aft castle started to hammer the shoreline for whatever concentration of enemies it could find.

Operation Malcontent, Malgravean Research colony. The Mouth of the river Soren, Fasan class super battleship FAKS Bane of the profane

Fleet master Serker auf Tralerfad stood tall and proud on the bridge of his mighty vessel as he glared out over the sea before him. The cold chilly wind gently stroked his whiskers, cheeks, and ears as both his pointy ears and cheeks took a reddish hue to them. His white uniform great cloak with its blue naval trim seemed to flutter in the wind as the winds this high up seemed to scream for his blood as they tried to pull him down the superstructure into the water below. Maybe even the winds seemed to think an elf in charge of a super battleship group was too offensive to the old order he thought to himself with a grim inner laugh at it.

“My Lord FleetMaster! Introducing his lord commander Harald auf Holmmark!” A voice shouted out as one of the on board heralds announced the presence of the overall commander of the federal forces in the region. And Serker turned around. A woman in uniform came out, her broad hips made that clear but Serker had to correct himself, there was a pink and blue sash around the man’s hip, a man by royal decree is a man irregardless of what they were born as.

“My lord commander, I am honoured to have your lordship on my humble vessel!” He said with a quick greeting.
“Humble? My lord is very free with the usage of that word if it applies to the last argument of kings made manifest, a fasan class is far from a humble vessel!” The man pointed out as he joined the fleet master at the railing and looked out over the large collection of launch pads, both smaller ones and the massive ranged ones able to strike at targets beyond even the horizon and far from what most vessels could even threaten the massive vessel itself. The thick armour able to shrug off anything that even dared to attack such a vessel and the massive guns able to lob shells a meter thick at foes on the shore.

However what drove one’s eyes now was the utterly massive formations of men in blue and white uniforms milling about, horses, mammoths, dragons, wyverns, and whatever beasts that the federation could desire in combat milled around on the deck. The same was true for the other ships in the armada and the transport vessels they escorted. The first lines of troops that were going to make landfall in the Malgravean territories before they launched the attack.

“I conceded as much my lord, a fine wessel, shame we cannot sail it through the sund! This battleship group of mine and your lordships warriors ought to lay whatever that damned rascal has as defenses low, and bring the vile wizard back to Imerburg in chains!” Serker added with a haw.

“Aye, alas my lord, we will have to make due with the humble guardsman and his bayonet!” Harald said with a theatrical smirk.
“Dear heavens Man, I do not envy whatever foes we are up against here, to face a bayonet charge by the federation is nothing any foreigner can stand up against!” Serker said, shaking his head as the two officers continued to look down on the deck where troops started to disembark in large numbers onto various galleys and barges that awaited them to sail up to Ryn.

Official communiqué from the absolute royal federation of Imeriata and her realms

From: His royal Highness Primus rex Stjärnkhrone XIV silferföd by the grace of the gods high king of the absolute royal federation and divinely appointed ruler and unifier of the Scanderan races, the descendant of the first Imerian high kings especially and foremost Emanuel the first, Son of Oskar II, the son of Primus the XIIIth, the son of Emanuel the VIIth, the son of Gustav the IInd, the son of Anders the IIId, the carrier of the royal sword first carried by the demigod Belrion son of Bel, vanquisher of evil, Champion of life and light, defender of the living and vanquisher of the dead, liberator of slaves, breaker of chains, the protector of the federal crown jewels, the holder of the sword of Halmir and carrier of the enlightened torch of civilisation, patriarch of the noble house auf stjänkhrone, carrier of better and more important titles than the space Russians and the king of Old Tyrannia, Chief of chiefs, Shan of shans, Monarch of monarchs, Prince of princes, Crowned in steel, fire, and flowers. Flame of all flames, protector of the faith of the chronicles and the city of the burning rose and the arch cleric, leader of ritual and sacrifice, chosen of the fierce unconquerable sun and crowned in starlight, mortal protector of the faith of the two faced goddess and defender of her temples and chosen by all gods big and small. As well as the protector of the free city states of Ta’ka sha’mirias well as defender of Hungary and her regions and the realms as king of Imeriata and as such the king of salt, forest, river, and mountain, defender and autocrat of flodmarkerna, Sundet, Söderang, Söderberga, Innahafsarna, Aster öarna, Vast öarna, Sydvedian, Storfloden and the river king, king of Vedian and the duke protector of the mountains, Eple Halvøyn and lavlandet, king of Erathia and as that the duke of Ankea metsä and ruler of the thousand lakes, the lord and defender of Länsisola and Etelä-kentät, king of Karmanjaka over the ancient rivers river, from the ancient mountains mountain, king of Northern Taranakan, king of Izalta, king of Nordomark, and king of Andervel but also the righteous and lawful king of New felandia and the king emperor of Dajing, the duke of Sydvinland, Northern Venezue, Sthalinge, Gustavsland and Sjöland, The Shah of the crown states of Ta’ka sha’miri and the Padishah of all of Ta’ka sha’miri, The lord regent of the colony of Nova Imeriata, Blåland, Angland, the two peninsulas of Tvaude and of Somalmark, The Grand duke of Suderland, The prince of Isarna, Salmo, judeheim and Khan of Salonia, Sultan king of Ramir, the Emir of Sandland and Jarl of Salywa and the free city of Krakborg and Styrfastning, defender and lord of the city of Arkham and Sirmera, and further more the ruler of the federal terretories of Vastermark and the northern iceplains and as such high chief of Isfalten and keeper of Sfartmård , By the right of the constitution of the protectorate leopridaeria prince defender of leopridaeria, the high lord of Kalmer, Salmoborg and Gaseborg, Lord of the countless cities and lands under his most blessed and righteous rule, the lord defender of Imerbürg, Coparborg, Vesiki, Sjöborg, Afrikas fastning, Erikasborg, Nova Imerbürg, Wein, Udeborg, Angborg, Ambir, Nya Landborg, Nymarksborg, Sorgerstad, Anderborg, Nordanstad, Kängruborg, Sthalstad, Kängruborg, Judeborg, Moskstad, Daji, Sajing, Ademarksborg, Salem, Söderhamn, Öborga, Dragograd, Gapur, Bor-zut and Táibĕi but as well the Enlightened Emperor of Nicksyllvania and as such the King of Leazus, Emperor of Helman, Grand Prince of Zeth, Emperor of Japan, Emperor of Jungria, Duke and king of Hornet-Kereburos, Despot of the Great North, Grand Duke of the Western Badlands, Master of the Southern Marshes, and the king of Dragkon and the wielder of the Holy Swords, the Demon Sword Kaos, the Holy Sword Nikkou, and the Greatsword of the Empire, Nickiller, Great Protector of the Helman Wall and Majino Line, also by the right of his birth high marshal of the royal guard and the Imperial commander of the Imperial nicksyllvanian army, the grand commander of the federal order of the golden sword and the Nicksyllvanian order, the knight commander of the order of the golden cross and the order of Blåland, the lord commander of the colonial order, the high commander of the federal order of the silver rose and the order of Scandera, the Taranakan order and the Order of Vinland may his reign last until the end of time and may the empire and federation he rules stand even through the flames of the endtimes to protect all of his royal highness subjects.
To: The United Kingdom of Malgrave
Regarding: Military aid.

---

All glory upon those who fight by our side and defend their own colonial holdings in this day of struggle and strife. Rejoice for I am writing this offering aid and support in these troubled times. As we are writing this letter, the crown of the absolute royal federation started to assemble support in the form of military material, supplies, and civilian relief efforts to be delivered to the people of the United Kingdom's colonial holdings. As such is the Absolute Royal Federation of Imeriata and Her Realms willing to start to deliver war material such as bullets, bayonets, shells, self propelled shells, swords, shields, Uniforms of Imerian cut but in Malgravean combat livery, blankets, shoes, knapsacks, banners, horses, sleds, mammoths, dragons, and other beasts of war to support the war effort.

We are further more willing to provide a large number of KVG weapons in both the shape of the mighty 09 battle rifle, but also storm rifles, machineguns, and carbines all chambered in the standard malgravean bullets corresponding to the weapon type.

Similarly are we also willing to start providing aid to help the Malgravean crown aid their colonial subjects in the shape of blankets, clothes, food, medicine, religious icons, drink, but also toys, books, musical disks for gramophones both in Imerian style music but also locally produced Malgravean ones

Jet upon this are we offering a large sum of 120 000 000 000 NSD to be supplied from the coffers in the Absolute Royal Federation to be paid out to both Kouralia and Malgrave to help reconstruction to be paid out in monthly installments over a 9 year period would either state accept. Similarly under this period we will also offer both crowns large scale loans with no interests during the continued conflict.

---

Signed and approved by:
His royal Highness Primus rex Stjärnkhrone XIV silferföd by the grace of the gods high king of the absolute royal federation and divinely appointed ruler and unifier of the Scanderan races, the descendant of the first Imerian high kings especially and foremost Emanuel the first, Son of Oskar II, the son of Primus the XIIIth, the son of Emanuel the VIIth, the son of Gustav the IInd, the son of Anders the IIId, the carrier of the royal sword first carried by the demigod Belrion son of Bel, vanquisher of evil, Champion of life and light, defender of the living and vanquisher of the dead, liberator of slaves, breaker of chains, the protector of the federal crown jewels, the holder of the sword of Halmir and carrier of the enlightened torch of civilisation, patriarch of the noble house auf stjänkhrone, carrier of better and more important titles than the space Russians and the king of Old Tyrannia, Chief of chiefs, Shan of shans, Monarch of monarchs, Prince of princes, Crowned in steel, fire, and flowers. Flame of all flames, protector of the faith of the chronicles and the city of the burning rose and the arch cleric, leader of ritual and sacrifice, chosen of the fierce unconquerable sun and crowned in starlight, mortal protector of the faith of the two faced goddess and defender of her temples and chosen by all gods big and small. As well as the protector of the free city states of Ta’ka sha’mirias well as defender of Hungary and her regions and the realms as king of Imeriata and as such the king of salt, forest, river, and mountain, defender and autocrat of flodmarkerna, Sundet, Söderang, Söderberga, Innahafsarna, Aster öarna, Vast öarna, Sydvedian, Storfloden and the river king, king of Vedian and the duke protector of the mountains, Eple Halvøyn and lavlandet, king of Erathia and as that the duke of Ankea metsä and ruler of the thousand lakes, the lord and defender of Länsisola and Etelä-kentät, king of Karmanjaka over the ancient rivers river, from the ancient mountains mountain, king of Northern Taranakan, king of Izalta, king of Nordomark, and king of Andervel but also the righteous and lawful king of New felandia and the king emperor of Dajing, the duke of Sydvinland, Northern Venezue, Sthalinge, Gustavsland and Sjöland, The Shah of the crown states of Ta’ka sha’miri and the Padishah of all of Ta’ka sha’miri, The lord regent of the colony of Nova Imeriata, Blåland, Angland, the two peninsulas of Tvaude and of Somalmark, The Grand duke of Suderland, The prince of Isarna, Salmo, judeheim and Khan of Salonia, Sultan king of Ramir, the Emir of Sandland and Jarl of Salywa and the free city of Krakborg and Styrfastning, defender and lord of the city of Arkham and Sirmera, and further more the ruler of the federal terretories of Vastermark and the northern iceplains and as such high chief of Isfalten and keeper of Sfartmård , By the right of the constitution of the protectorate leopridaeria prince defender of leopridaeria, the high lord of Kalmer, Salmoborg and Gaseborg, Lord of the countless cities and lands under his most blessed and righteous rule, the lord defender of Imerbürg, Coparborg, Vesiki, Sjöborg, Afrikas fastning, Erikasborg, Nova Imerbürg, Wein, Udeborg, Angborg, Ambir, Nya Landborg, Nymarksborg, Sorgerstad, Anderborg, Nordanstad, Kängruborg, Sthalstad, Kängruborg, Judeborg, Moskstad, Daji, Sajing, Ademarksborg, Salem, Söderhamn, Öborga, Dragograd, Gapur, Bor-zut and Táibĕi but as well the Enlightened Emperor of Nicksyllvania and as such the King of Leazus, Emperor of Helman, Grand Prince of Zeth, Emperor of Japan, Emperor of Jungria, Duke and king of Hornet-Kereburos, Despot of the Great North, Grand Duke of the Western Badlands, Master of the Southern Marshes, and the king of Dragkon and the wielder of the Holy Swords, the Demon Sword Kaos, the Holy Sword Nikkou, and the Greatsword of the Empire, Nickiller, Great Protector of the Helman Wall and Majino Line, also by the right of his birth high marshal of the royal guard and the Imperial commander of the Imperial nicksyllvanian army, the grand commander of the federal order of the golden sword and the Nicksyllvanian order, the knight commander of the order of the golden cross and the order of Blåland, the lord commander of the colonial order, the high commander of the federal order of the silver rose and the order of Scandera, the Taranakan order and the Order of Vinland may his reign last until the end of time and may the empire and federation he rules stand even through the flames of the endtimes to protect all of his royal highness subjects.

[Legokiller]

Research Colony, Cernes
Conscript Force Alpha of Silverdale

Lillie's eyes sharpened as she held her battle rifle to aim and fire right at enemy creatures in the far distance. Yet each shot was inaccurate and missed its mark. In return, Lillie had to duck in cover to avoid crack and buzz from the enemy’s counterfire. Only the shots from the friendly celestial-summoned cow spirit soldier took down the Tambalion soldiers. “Ugh… Stupid gun.” She stumbled down into the trench and took out her dragonstone. Ever since her recruitment to make a real difference than run away from another invasion. Instead it was a source of annoyance and fright. That being said: life became even more awful. No heroic fights or anything. Just some odd stale bread and MDRs beyond the dorky cow woman celestial mage’s little food in the middle of a damp trench. Plus the helmet and basic equipment caused her mild itching problems.

“Why do I need to hold back? Surely the creatures will fall with a few good breaths,” Lillie pouted. Her eyes were fixated on one of the wounded ponies who was taken away as a chatterbox of a peridot crystalfolk tried to fix up a gun.

“Lillie…” The voice of the summoner, a shaved and young adult demihuman sheep boy with brownish curls, approached the hotheaded half-elf. Jim, or that’s what the folks called him, was a simple shepherd farm hand from one of the islands that was forced to come here. The simple ‘summon a helpful hand’ of an agathion cow warrior/farm hand with both a battleax attached on her rifle, which was the only thing that Jim could summon that was any use. “You know that everyone sees it as dangerous. You almost got shot up last time.”

“Look, I know Magic Trick doesn’t have any spells left by now-” Lillie paused as a shout came nearby.

A blue unicorn with a swirling pink mane looked exhausted as she blasted many magical missiles from her horn, and was literally in pain from the intense heat on the head. “Damn it! Why did I sign up for this… I should’ve left.”

A hulk of a human held both an axe on the side, snorting as he continued to fire, and ducked from another wave of butts. “The woods are too dangerous. Undead and these creatures stalk here. If anything, defending here is better than risking everything to reach Luban.”

“Oh, I don’t know… Maybe use a ship, and sail the freaking SEA INSTEAD!” Peridot shouted.

“Well, it is but… We shouldn’t lose faith! I know Gugalanna will help us, and the Malgraveans likely have a plan to get everyone safe.” Jim said.

Magic Trick shrugged. “I hope so! Otherwise we have to pray for some form of salvation or a mage to come over with an exit way-”

The unicorn’s ears twitched as a ghastly roar from the skyline came forth. One that tore from the shadows of the world, and into the material world itself. “Oh no! It’s a dragon!”

Peridot dropped her eyes and jumped high into the air. “Dragon! EVERYONE RUN!”

“Oh come on!” Lille snorted. “Look, just hide or something! I got this!”

As mass panic set in for the Silverdalean conscripts to find cover from the underground, fox holes, bunkers, and buildings, Lillie lifted her dragonstone to be surrounded in a mist of petals and ice to become a grand silver dragon. As her wings stretched upwards and she began to take flight, the green Crystalfolk eyes widened. “No, this is mad!”

“Wait… Oh, I understand!” The sheepman spoke up. “It takes a dragon to beat a dragon. So… um let’s allow them to fight okay?”

“It’s not a freaking movie!”

Lillie’s draconic form took into the skies to intercept the hunting dragon in its tracks. The umbral dragon, while it hunted for unfortunate people in the streets and frontlines, was taken by surprise by the slam and crash from the younger dragoness. Lillie went wild and thrashed her bites against its scales, while the elder stroke back. As it began to fall, the only brave Silverdalean who didn’t flee was the celestial one who provided sharpshooter fire support.

“Eh!” Lillie growled as another bite from the beast hit her side. “That’s it, take this!” Lillie breathed out a mighty frost blast down as she shoved the umbral dragon away. Yet even the arctic particles of thousands of needles of pain only hampered its state! The dragon, of course, returned its breath, which Lillie narrowly escaped as she swooped down towards the trench line itself. As people panicked, the celestial cow sniper gave one shot at the umbral dragon’s eye to cause it to shriek in pain. It was all just enough for Lillie to turn around to claw deep into its underbelly.

As it was in pain, the beast tried to get away into the shadow plane! At least before Lillie went ahead to deliver one last bite in its back leg and ripped it out! The umbral dragon let out one last roar as it descended and crashed down into the ground.

The young dragon elf returned to her position and shifted back to show her bruise up, ruffled, and quite scratched up with a few claw marks. “Okay… Now that’s how it is done… I think that’s how a pro like Alvis does it.”

Silverdale, Winter Palace, Presidential Bunker


“The situation within the northern continents of the Pony lands has become dire,” Arthurus spoke up. “As this strange Anti-tech field persists, the reports shown are quite accurate that malfunction and a period of breakage are common. At this rate, many of these nations will fall in a matter of weeks or less. That is not to mention a disruption of this scale will cause outbreaks of civil unrest. Unless something is done, millions will perish.”

Miranda gave a stern look as she looked at the reports, and the monitor screen to show the affected area across the land. “This is severe.” She then grimaced. “There are not only six million of our people in the Research Colony and others, but hundreds of millions who need help.” She then let out a small breath. “Quite a difficult challenge, but we need to make sure our folks return safe and do something.”

“Our obligation at this time is to aid Malgrave with as much military assistance as we can and see if we can study and build counter weapons to this Tambelion threat. Given the winter war draws to an end we have a surplus of magical fire-based items and mutations that can be supplied.” Arthurus stated. “It may be best to send our light airborne infantry with archaic airships as support. Much of our hardware is mostly useless or prone to failure. That being said: our supplies need to be spread to the folks in need and see if it is capable of reaching them. Malgrave’s Research Colony and Kouralia are our best hope, but nations further in are more difficult to reach. If it’s possible at all.”

“Yes, and time is of the essence.” Miranda nodded. “Outside of that, we might have to get experimental with magical means to help transport such aid, and figure out how to counteract these hindrances.”

“Yeah!” A purple-haired woman with braids and in a suit spoke up. “I mean… Ahem, there are many hindrances for Silverdale at the moment.” Neptune said as she adjusted her glasses. “As we’re aware, the ice monster horde’s main assault has been closed, and the majority of our forces are in a state of search and destroy. Given the anti-technology field, our airborne divisions and troops can’t be rapidly deployed. That being said, I believe our mobile airborne infantry teams of fliers and riders can be used well. Alongside our full-time industrial capability from our major cities, we can recover other factories from the south pole.”

“Hmm, that is good at least.” Miranda nodded. “But yes, we need to provide magi support as well. Alongside some prayers and rituals as well. Now then…” Miranda moved over to the nearest device to make a phone call. “I’ll speak with the Prime Minister on this matter.”

[Dyste]

A couple of years ago Luban was a quiet city and close to being regarded as an empty ghost town within certain circles back in Epping, as the city which had been constructed with approximately thirty-million residents in mind was shockingly small and prior to recent events only boasted a population of around eleven million residents, with a majority of these being a mixture of locals or those that had Breheimian heritage.

All these embarrassments had pushed aside, as the Research Colony became a point for millions of Silverdaleans to try and escape the chaos of the winter war, and long singe mothballed apartments and shops became filled with life and joyous feelings as they began to service their new arrivals with the eventual plan being their safe return to the Silverdalean homeland.

Unfortunately, the arrival of Grogar had meant that these plans had rather abruptly been cancelled as infrastructure in cities like Cerne and Ryn had fallen apart and their populations were now at risk of attack from the near-constant raids and assaults being orchestrated by the forces of Grogar.

Being outside the technological exclusion zone had afforded Luban increased protections in dealing with harassment from Grogar, however, it also meant that the city was being used as a central hub not only to organise the safe evacuation of civilian forces in the region but also as a staging point for military operations in the country.

All would be quite clear as Rylux, Zahhak and Amelia found themselves teleported in one of the public squares that made up the centre of Luban, as they’d get a good look at the sandbags erected around virtually every building in the city and the gentle thud of artillery and anti-air fire which indicated that the fight was close-by.

Zahhak would even get a glimpse of some fast-moving jets as they moved around in a patrol formation intent on protecting the skies from the assaults of the enemy! A few citizens waving at them from nearby apartments as if to extend some form of luck on them during their ongoing mission.

Yet that didn’t matter at the moment as they soon found themselves confronted by a couple of conscripts, the duo clearly wishing to know the identity of the new arrivals as part of an obvious security regime.

Amelia merely bowed at the conscripts before slowly and clearly withdrawing an identification card from one of her lab coat pockets.

“Sub-Lieutenant Amelia Lowwe,” the scientist said in the way of introduction, “We have travelled here from Dyste to lend our assistance to your efforts.”

It was quite clear that the conscripts were shocked to see such a figure before them, the soldiers frozen for a few moments as they double-checked the identification before them.
Amelia frowned partially, the scientist snapping her thumbs in front of the conscripts to no avail

“Is something wrong? I don’t often use these papers but they do accurately show that I am part of the Active Reserve” the scientist said with a frown.

“Perhaps it might be because of them?” Rylux gestured behind them, the three of them were not entirely alone, seeing as they each had a shield guardian following them. “Or that you are traveling with Dystans like ourselves. “Or perhaps they might be surprised to see a famous idol here…”

Zahhak, meanwhile, seemed to be getting recognized by everyone, waving to the people as he passed by.

“A famous idol?” Amelia asked, a look of confusion on her face before she took a glimpse at Zahhak, “I suppose Zahhak is quite popular in Malgrave as I hear his plushie sells quite well and raises a lot of money for charity.”

At this the conscripts seemed to return to life even if they looked a bit starstruck to be around the famous kobold and his companions, “All seems to be in order, Sub-Lieutenant,” a conscript said as he returned Amelia’s papers, “Apologies for the routine but security is quite important here.”

Amelia bowed as she received the papers, “It is no problem, Soldato and we apologise if our guardians here concern you but they are here to help,” she said before deciding to pose a question, “Is Luban Central still operational?”

“Yep! I thought that it would be busted but somehow it’s still able to send supplies to Cerne? We have been using it to send reinforcements,” the Soldato said, “You may need to get a special carriage for your friends though.”

Amelia didn’t seem concerned as she turned to Rylux, “I imagine that the Territorial Defence Force has an office within Luban Central so we’ll best head over and ask to be added onto the next supply train heading to Cerne. How well do these golems transport?”

“Oh, they should not be a problem,” Rylux remarked, “They can easily be transported as part of the cargo, or stay by our side as passengers, though of course the size might be an issue there,” each of them being about as large as the Draconid himself was.

“It may be easier for them to travel as cargo as I imagine the passenger compartments will be rather full with fresh conscripts and I don’t think they’d like squeezing in with a few golems,” Amelia reasoned, “Just hopefully it isn’t too much of a hostile journey.”

Without much thought Amelia began to head in the general direction of Luban Central, a relatively simple task as the large glass structure stood out in stark contrast to the concrete of the surrounding apartments and commercial shops, although, even at this distance Rylux and Zhhak would be able to see a significant portion of the building had been left open to the elements as the glass had shattered during the earthquake that had marked the start of the Grogar crisis.

“I can’t say that I am too impressed with the design of Luban Central, an engineering marvel certainly being able to construct a station using so much glass, but now much of it has broken away,” Amelia said shaking her head as the group approached the building, “All likely the work of some architect from Omsk that believed glass work would set them closer to the Ancestors or some nonsense that just means poor engineers have to work extra harder to make their dreams a reality.”

“If that is the issue, perhaps some Dystan crystal glass might be needed,” Rylux tapped his glasses, “We use it for specific projects, as it is more receptive to spells and harder to break than regular glass is. Of course, if sturdiness is the key, it would not stand up to metal, naturally.”

“It is likely that the entire structure will be demolished after the war due to the structural damage it has taken, so I shall have to suggest Dystan crystal glass to the engineers involved in such a project,” Amelia said, quite impressed with the suggestion, “Let us hope that whatever comes next isn’t tainted by the crazed mind of architecture.”

Amelia looked like she was going to continue her rant but with a shake of her head and a sigh simply continued to lead the Dystans within Luban Central Station.

“Yep, a lot of work for MalTra engineers in the future.” Amelia simply remarked as she looked around.

Behind Amelia, the Dystans duo would be able to see the remnants of cafes, small restaurants and shops which were clearly designed to cater both the flow of local commuters that made Luban their home and the occasional tourist which decided to make a trip to the Research Colony. Aside from that they’d also see ticket offices and informational centres, alongside a series of escalators and lifts that indicated that the city was connected to the Luban Metro Network.

“We will be travelling on one of these high speed lines,” Amelia said pointing to a distant series of barriers which were now constantly open due to the war, “Just have to gain permission from what I believe is now a TDF office. Can you help me explain these golems if they ask any questions?”

“Golems not ask questions,” Zahhak confirmed, “No mouths!”

“No, Zahhak,” Rylux sighed, “Amelia means if they have questions about the golems. Either way, I should be able to field any questions they might have about them.”

“Sad in a way but I can’t see much need for it beyond the aesthetic,” Amelia said with a shrug as she headed towards the ticket office, the eccentric scientist tagging onto the end of a small line that had formed, “I think this will be your first journey on a cross country MalTra unit? It will be slightly different compared to trains we’ve taken in the past and a lot bumpier than usual but we’ll be travelling in excess of 500 kilometres per hour so it won’t take long for us to reach Cerne.”

“Indeed it will,” Rylux confirmed, “I have only taken local ones when visiting you. Speaking of which, Zahhak, you wanted to ask something, right?”

“Is place still clean?” Zahhak asked. “Or will have to clean someday? No messes!”

“Yes, the metro is quite different to these city to city connections and some of the inefficient modes of transport we encountered on our trips abroad,” Amelia said, the scientist quite confused about Zahhaks question, “You mean the train or my apartment? Sahaeli has been helping me, as we hope to start a family of our own soon so can’t really have a messy apartment with that.”

“Good, because if not, I come there and clean!” Zahhak frowned.

“Zahhak, I think you are merely giving Amelia incentive to not keep it clean by doing that,” Rylux shook his head. “While I doubt it will be as fast as the Otter or as comfortable as an airship, I can think of worse ways to travel for certain. Far, far worse ways…” he shuddered a bit.

Amelia patted Rylux partially regretting bringing up that particular incident, although, to be fair the Malgravean had been thinking of something else entirely.

“I do remember that the Airship was quite comfortable before it was invaded by those rather mean chaos soldiers but I did get a new pet bunny from it,” Amelia said, “...just crewed by stupid people who won’t let fellow engineers inspect their work.”

Ahead the line was steadily moving forward, as conscripts received fresh orders to be dispatched to the front, although, even from this angle it was clear based on height that not all were strictly Malgraveans.

“It does sound like quite an incentive to keep things messy, Zahhak,” Amelia said as she gave the kobold a muzzle rub, “I enjoy cleaning now though since I have more of an established routine at home but well I think we’d quite enjoy your company anyway especially Virgil since it’s been a while since our last joint gathering.”

Zahhak sneezed from the muzzle rub, “That is good! But you need to make sure to find all corners, not just easy-spot dirt! Will have to check next time!”

“I think that is Zahhak’s way of asking to visit when we are able to,” Rylux chuckled. “You cannot blame him, can you?”

“I certainly don’t blame him and in fact encourage his visits,” Amelia replied with a smile, “A lot of nearby restaurants have started to offer more kobold friendly menus so I think that is a sign that you are due a visit.”

At this point Amelia, Rylux and Zahhak found themselves at the front of the line, a rather tired conscript in-front of them.

“Identification and purpose of travel,” the conscript said, the chevron on his uniform highlighting him as a lance corporal

“Sub-Lieutenant Amelia Lowwe,” Amelia said passing her identification card over, “We intend to support the defensive efforts in Cerne.”

“Your companions, Comrade Lowwe?” the Lance Corporal replied either too tired or too focused on his job to respond to the group in front of him.

“Indeed,” Rylux crossed his arm and bowed his head, “Sage Rylux Crescent of Dyste.”

“Zahhak Ashtail!” The kobold waved at the lance corporal.

In response the Lance Corporal simply typed the information into his computer before copying the information in paper format.

“...and these things with you?” the Lance Corporal asked, referring to the golems, “Will they be cargo?”

“Yes, they will be,” Rylux confirmed, “We can direct them there when you can, it would be more efficient than trying to move them yourselves.”

“Just need something for the records, Comrade as nothing can seemingly stop paperwork requirements,” the Lance Corporal said, “I am certain that the Officer Cadets will be quite thankful for that information, although they are on hand to help you carry anything else on board.” the conscript said, pointing to a few conscripts that appeared to be between sixteen and eighteen years old.

“Much obliged,” Amelia said with a bow, “Which platform is the next train on?”

“Platform 4, Comrade. It will depart in 11 minutes so make certain that you are seated ahead of schedule as MalTra doesn’t delay departures for anyone.”

Amelia bowed again before turning to head towards her waiting train although she didn’t get far before the group was met by one of the cadets that they had been made aware of just a few seconds earlier, a small neko who appeared to stumble over her own feet before correcting herself to bow before the group.

“Comrades? Do you require any assistance on your journey?” the neko asked, “I may look small but I am quite strong! I carried quite a lot of suitcases in Cerne during my previous deployment assisting refugees.”

Amelia looked quite confused, “Who are you?”

“I am Officer Cadet Sabina Campo of the 1st Colonial Training Regiment,” Sabina said bowing once more, “Just a local who wishes to help defend her home from nasty monsters.”

“I think as far as strength, we can manage,” Rylux said, “But any help in protecting the people is greatly appreciated. That said, I am Sage Rylux Crescent,” he bowed his head, “It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“I am strong too!” Zahhak waved, “Fought against evil on different worlds!”

“At least you don’t pack as much as the Silverdaleans! I thought that I would be carrying a simple suitcase and then wham it would suddenly open up to reveal an endless supply of gear which made it all really heavy!,” Sabina said, nursing her shoulder as she remembered those very tiresome encounters, “I was born in Cerne, so if you are heading towards a certain location then I can help. What are you looking for small dragon?”

“Looking for friend!” Zahhak nodded, “Friend who talk in head, ask me to save them! So I go and help!”

“Who are you looking for? I know a lot of people in Cerne!” Sabina replied, the neko clearly interested in helping the kobold

“Oh, it was Luana Caivano,” Rylux spoke up, Zahhak nodding in agreement, “She likely has some mag-ancestral energy capability in order to do that.”

“Luana Caivano?” Sabina asked rhetorically, “A small neko child? Always rambles on about heroes and swimbold treats? I know her! I helped some Silverdalean refugees move into the apartment she was staying in so I can guide you right to her.”

“Really!?” Zahhak gasped. “That her! You help us?Melly, we can have help!”

“Hold on,” Rylux said, “You do understand, it might be quite dangerous doing this? I understand you wish to assist us, but I want to make sure you are aware of the potential danger along the way…”

“It’s also dangerous simply remaining here in Luban as we’ve been coming under attack from those annoying Grogarites,” Sabina replied, “Cerne is my home though so you’ll be a lot safer with someone that knows the streets compared to someone relying on a MalTec device as they can take you down some really dangerous routes.”

“Sabina likely speaks the truth as our navigation guides would be based on pre-war information due to the technological exclusion zone,” Amelia said, “..but I am not overly comfortable so as Rylux said you must be absolutely certain.”

“Luana is a fellow neko and I really want to help those people I met earlier as they were really kind to me,” Sabina said, “I may be small but I am trained and I have a few tricks in my pockets to help out.” the neko added showcasing a small shield spell that hovered in front of the neko

“You know ancestral energy?” Amelia asked

“Yep! I was studying to become a regular wizard in Ryn before I got called to help out in Cerne so I can use what I have learned to defend myself.”

“I see…” Rylux considered this for a moment; she had military training, some magical capability, and was a local in the area, which would be able to be helpful, but he wished to avoid unnecessary risk, “... okay, you can come with us, but if things get dangerous, I ask that you and Zahhak be careful not to risk yourselves over this. Is this fine with everyone?”

“More help means save friend? Then yes!” Zahhak exclaimed.

“I have no intention of going to the afterlife yet so you won’t see me charging ahead like an Imerian,” Sabina said, “I’ll be all sneaky and such with our little dragon here.”

“Hopefully Luana’s apartment will be protected by the Territorial Defence Force so we’ll have some greater protection when we arrive.” Amelia said as she passed the now open barriers that separated the main station from the platforms

“It is! I was attached to the 1st Infantry Division before Grogar turned up,” Sabina replied, “You’ll be looking for an elf called Sub-Lieutenant Moon Ji-Eun.”

“How comfortable are you with reducing your size, Rylux?” Amelia asked “It may be a tad easier to fit on the train during the journey if you aren’t as tall as you are now.”

Rylux sighed, as he casted a spell that halved his size; he was still taller than the others, but not by much, “I would indeed not wish to be uncomfortable. Of course, I have spells for adapting a human guise as well, but we can go with that when needed.”

“I can’t see such a reason for such a spell to be used during our travels in the Research Colony but it’s good to know.” Amelia said bowing slightly as a sign of thanks

Soon the Dystans and Malgraveans would pass by a few carriages that were dedicated to cargo, with a mixture of ammunition, food, medicine and other supplies being loaded in container units clearly destined for the front in Cerne and where the golems would be loaded for safe keeping.

Amelia didn’t pay particular attention to such matters, the Malgravean instead focusing on the doors of the train as she looked for a suitable door eventually focusing on the ninth carriage of the maglev train, although, her reasoning for such a choice wasn’t exactly easy to determine without reading her mind.

“It isn’t up to the standards of a Dystan airship but these seats should be quite comfortable as they are designed for long-distance travel in mind,” Amelia said, as with most trains they were arranged in a coach-like formation with rows of two seats facing each other which meant that the party could reasonable fit together, “I’ll just be working on some notes during our journey if you don’t mind?” the scientist asked, tapping a button on the side of the wall, a small table now appearing in the gap between the seats.

“That is perfectly fine,” Rylux said, having taken a seat, Zahhak sitting next to him and started to work on some sandwichsmithing, “Myself, I am working on some notes on the shield guardians’ performances during this, and a few other things I believe might be useful for Dyste to contribute for the efforts here. Given that our military is undergoing restructure and the incidents in the Dragon States and Rohane Alista, our ability to send troops is rather limited, but there are many ways to help people beyond soldiers. After all, I am the royal court’s head of logistics, and that matters just as much in times like this.”

“I’ll just be putting some thoughts down on the storage of ancestral energy, as I imagine that even MalTra could use such devices to help reduce taller passengers to a more comfortable size,” Amelia said, “I am quite thankful that I have been able to remain outside politics, however, I will say that the Dystan contribution to our defence efforts will certainly be important to those that matter most, the people of the Research Colony.”

“Dyste is quite a small country so I don’t think anyone expects it to be everywhere at once but those golems looked quite strong!” Sabina said, “Comrade Rylux. May I ask where you studied ancestral energy? It looked quite easy for you to cast that spell earlier so I was curious since well I am still studying in Ryn.”

“Oh, well…” Rylux actually seemed a little flustered, he wasn’t actually that used to talking about his own past, “I actually studied under a lot of famous Sages, but perhaps most notably under Melux Whitewing,” the name would’ve needed no introduction, the longtime chair of the DSA Council was one of the most famous Dystans around. “But the majority of my training was simply at the Royal Magic Academy in Valitora, like for most Mages in Dyste. What you saw was a pretty standard spell, anyone with the title of ‘Mage’ in Dyste would be capable of such a thing. Of course, many take issue with such a practice, but I have travelled enough to be fine with it. It would be a simple enough spell to teach anyone practised in the art.”

“Really? I haven’t really looked up the spell before as if I was any smaller I think I would disappear or get crushed like a bug,” Sabina said, like with most Malgraveans she was quite small and likely stood at 5 foot, “Valitora? You have quite an accomplished education in ancestral energy. Do they accept foreign students? Did you learn more in the field...or at least I think thats the right word maybe pool or farm? But I do want to learn a lot more since I want to use my ancestral energy to protect people.”

“In that case you’d best focus your attention on healing, shielding energies and other productive boons that can aid your comrades,” Amelia said speaking as she wrote, “We may be entering combat now but only to protect our fellow citizens from harm which should be the prime focus of any Malgravean,” the scientist added, “I feel sick whenever I think of our skills being used to be the aggressor so just keep that in mind.”

“Indeed, I shall keep this in mind; I am no slouch in a fight, but I am not nearly the equivalent of my cousin in that regard,” Rylux admitted. “But if you want to learn more about such abilities, Sabina, you can be accepted into the academy with a referral, and as a Sage, I happen to be qualified in giving them.”

Meanwhile Zahhak was finished with the first set of sandwiches, “You like swimbold, yes?” He offered a fish sandwich to each of the Malgraveans, having learned their preferences over spending time with Amelia.

“It’s bad form to slouch anyway as you’ll just end up harming your back,” Amelia said, the scientist bowing slightly as she accepted the swimbold from Zahhak, “I will hopefully be starting a family shortly, so I intend to live a more peaceful life in the future.”

Sabina bowed as well, “I enjoy swimbold, and well I have been studying super hard as I hope to focus on defensive barrier magic,” the human said, “What is Valitora like? I hope it isn’t too cold like Silverdale or Imeriata.”

“Oh, nothing of the sort!” Rylux shook his head, while Zahhak happily gave out sandwiches, “Dyste is not exactly known for cold weather unless you go to Onkmet, and that is because of a special spell to make a more snowy town. We may be more north of the equator compared to Malgrave, but not nearly high enough to be around Imerian temperatures. But, I digress… Valitora is Dyste’s most populous city and its capital, situated around the middle of the island. It is our centre of commerce, knowledge and culture, having a district for each of them. In many ways, if you wish to visit Dyste and understand it in a meaningful way, I would recommend visiting; most people who do so go to Undellah or Auram instead, which are fine cities, but they very much focus on tourism.”

“A focus on commerce, knowledge and culture? It sounds a bit like Epping, although, I have only been a couple of times as I made the trip for Ancestor Day a couple of years ago to see the Ring of the Ancestors,” Sabina said, “Plus a bit like Cerne since it’s called the regional capital of the Research Colony but well it’s obviously seen better days and I imagine that quite a lot will need to rebuilt.”

“Dystan adventuring groups may be famous, however, in Malgrave I think we acknowledge that this curiosity for the unknown also extends to scientific discovery plus your peoples understanding of ancestral energy is certainly beyond that we have been able to piece together over the past few decades,” Amelia said, “I have quite enjoyed working together with Dystans on my project and hopefully we’ll see a bit more collaborative projects in the future, as well the weather in your country is certainly more enjoyable compared to other locations.”

“How does Valitora fare in the study of defensive barriers then? If I am to focus on this area then I'll need to try and pick the best academy to hone my talents in ancestral energy,” Sabina said with a confident nod, “Plus places that are the most friendly to Malgraveans? I wonder if they’ll have an ASG building nearby or some m-pop places? I like the idea of embracing new things but some home comforts away from home also sound nice from time to time.”

“Having Melly over is good!” Zahhak nodded, working on the reserve sandwiches as the others spoke. “Guest room kept clean for when she wants to see us.”

“Ah, we call that Abjuration,” Rylux said regarding Sabina’s question on defensive barriers. “Indeed, it is certainly a focus of study. I myself had my major in teleportation, as Amelia can no doubt attest to. As for the ASG and m-pop… I have never seen any, but that does not mean they do not exist, I just never really searched for them. That said, Malgraveans do lag behind Silverdaleans and Rohanians for immigration, so I imagine that it is a bit less common, but who knows? With the recent work done, you might start to see more of it in the capital.”

“Have you seen any signs of it when in Dyste, Comrade?” Sabina asked Amelia with some curiosity.

“I don’t listen to music, a bit too distracting plus my par...biological contributors tried to get me to play a few musical instruments so I don’t have the best association with it,” Amelia said with a shrug, “When more Malgraveans come to live in Dyste I am certain that we’ll see a few ASG centres pop up as their communal meals may tie nicely into the feast culture that exists locally.”

Sabina seemed content, “In what type of building do Dystans typically live? I have my own room in an apartment but well I know a few people that live in little individual places.”

“A bit strange but rural Malgraveans and those in the Colony sometimes have their own individual housing units and we can’t really force them to live elsewhere, especially, as some perform quite important services in remote locations.” Amelia said

“Shelter is a given right in Dyste,” Rylux remarked, “And those that have become citizens shall be given a place of their own. Dystans tend to be a little more individualistic, so they tend to be single homes, unless one chooses to live with family or friends. For example, when I moved out of my parents’ place, I chose to take a home with Zahhak.”

“Place would not be good without me!” Zahhak added. “Needed to go!”

“Considering the state of Rylux’s office I have to say that I agree with that statement, Zahhak,” Amelia said with a chuckle, “You’ll just have to come round my place later to make sure it’s all up to standard, right?”

“What about students?” Sabina asked, “In Malgrave we tend to stay together as the communal living is apparently a bonding experience? I just wonder what it’s like in Dyste.”

“Will do!” Zahhak nodded, “Will make sure you keeping up, or it pouting time for you!”

“Well, I suppose some students choose to live in dormitories,” Rylux considered, “I never did that personally, but that was in part because my parents live in Valitora, and I admittedly was… not exactly the most social of people at the time. Hard to believe it, but I was mostly a recluse until a short time before I met Amelia.”

“You were?” Sabina asked rhetorically, “What made you change?”

“Zahhak changed,” Rylux rubbed the kobold’s muzzle, “He was hired for a bit of part-time work for my family, and we became friends during that time. He convinced me that there was far more to the world than just books and learning from them, there is much to learn from exploring as well! You could say he changed my life.”

“Zahhak is a cleaner, sandwichcrafter, life coach and also a hero? You were really lucky to find such a friend,” Sabina said, “May I give you a muzzlerub?” she asked Zahhak

Zahhak looked up, muzzle pointed excitedly.

Sabina gave Zahhak a muzzlerub!

Zahhak sneezed, followed by doing a little dance! “Happybold!”

“No wonder he became a idol of millions, hm, Amelia?” Rylux chuckled.

“Most certainly,” Amelia said smiling at the kobold, “I myself was quite different a few years ago but through the friendship of Zahhak and thanks to Rylux and others I was able to find happiness.”

As Amelia finished speaking the train started moving off on schedule sending the group and their golem companions hurtling towards Cerne and the frontlines at great speed.

[Rohane Alista]

Written with Malgrave

The Skies over North-Western MARC, Early Morning

There were a few scores of them, creatures reminiscent of dragons in many colors flying through the skies of the MARC. Each had a saddle, and a rider in it, and each of those riders wore their own heraldry on top of a standardized uniform. The heraldry ranged from simple things, swords or basic dragons, all the way to complicated designs of proper former noble houses of Rohane Alista, including most prominently a black dragon clutching a silver sword, all on a blue background, of the lead rider. Each rider had a rifle, specially designed for ease of use one handed, a long lance, the purpose obvious, a sword, in case of forced landing, and medical supplies along with an extra saddle. They also each had a wireless ear piece in their helmets, the kind that would work perfectly find even in the exclusion zone.

The lead rider was currently using that very radio to communicate with the mission supervisor, or at least she was attempting to. “Major Moira Moculsie, of the 1st Wyvern Brigade, calling in to receive further briefing.”

“Sub-Lieutenant Izabella Pasternak receiving you loud and clear, Major Moculsie,” a female voice said in way of immediate reply, “Following the evacuation of Monsaum, we have become aware that an infantry battalion attached to the 1st Reserve Infantry Division was unable to attach itself to the final evacuation push and is presently cut off from reinforcement and supply near the mountain line which separates the northern border region which the larger city of Gosbury,” the voice said, “Our last reports indicate that four hundred soldiers are presently alive, although, that figure could be incorrect as we suspect that they’ve come under fierce enemy fire due to their position close to the enemy beachhead.”

"Understood, Sub-Lieutenant," the Rohanian replied. In the far distance, she could just see the tips of mountains, a good indicator they were closing on their destination. "Do we have any information on how many soldiers are no longer combat capable? Are they priority evacuees or least priority? And would you mind if we went over expected Malgravean assets on this mission one last time?"

“Specifics aren’t known at this time, Major, but present intelligence suggests that between 110 and 140 soldiers could be incapable of prolonged combat operations, so they’ll be the priority for this evacuation,” the Sub-Lieutenant replied, “In terms of assets they’ll be whatever the troops can carry so light mortars, mobile anti-tank and anti-air platforms and the standard infantry weapons. By our reports Captain Azzurra Fermi will be your point of contact when you arrive on scene.”

“Noted,” the major replied. She held back a small sigh, the lack of up to date information on either the targets of the rescue or further reinforcements made a significant hole in her information, which stood to make this whole endeavor riskier. Still, she was a professional, and so was every last one of her members, and they were going to save these people. “No way to contact them ahead of time and let them know friendly forces are in bound? We’d rather not get mistaken for Grogarite raiders.”
“We are checking, Major,” came the reply although considering the language differences it was possible this message had a few meanings, “Interference from local hostile forces is making such efforts difficult, however, we are providing as much information as possible to Captain Fermi’s units so they should be aware of your arrival.”

“That will be good enough, then,” Moira nodded, though of course her conversation partner couldn’t see it. She did hope she was doing an alright job; learning the Malgravean tongue had been a rather slapdash task, but she’d done her best. “If possible, please inform them to create a barrier line; we intend to do a run over with fire breaths before starting the evacuation itself.”

“Understood, Major. I’ll pass on the message to Fermi’s unit,” came the reply from the other side of the radio, “Gosbury has medical assets preparing as I speak so they’ll be ready to accept any wounded soldiers, now, just unleash pain and turn a few of those Grogarite soldiers into fire meat for us.”

“Roger,” the Major replied, spurring her wyvern on to greater steed. “You can expect much of the… what is it in Ancient… grilling of the bovines? As soon as we arrive.”

Sub-Lieutenant Izabella Pasternak was confused for a few moments, as the Malgraveans didn’t routinely grill bovines and so language around such an event had only developed upon the arrival of more migrants in the country, “...most people would just say the grilling or roasting of the meats? A more localised saying would be the steaming of clams.”

“Hrm, no, in Rohirric it would be we’re going to cook a lot of cows, it means we’re going to be very busy… and probably set something on fire,” the Major replied, immediately followed by a snort. “And clearly it’s very important to the mission at hand!”

“Just make sure that you put the proper weight behind your pronunciation, Major,” the Sub-Lieutenant replied, “I wouldn’t want your arrival to be associated with asking for directions to the nearest restaurant.”

“I think the nearest open restaurant is closer to where we’re taking them than where they are now either way, so at least it’s progress!” Moira laughed softly, watching the mountains in the distance start to rapidly grow in her vision. “Alright, Sub-Lieutenant, the time for jokes is over. We’re approaching the target destination. Are we expecting any reinforcements to come in behind us, or are we all we have? Either is fine, but it’s important for the planning.”

“Aside from the Dornalians you are the only real force in the immediate area with any real mobility at the moment, Major,” the Sub-Lieutenant replied, “Expect no reinforcements but you’ll be informed if the situation changes. Just as I think the common saying goes good luck and happy hunting.”

“Thanks, Sub-Lieutenant. I’ll nab one for you,” Moira said, moving her hand up to her helmet and switching to her local radio. “All forces! Mountains less than one klick out! Up and Over op, survey the ground situation, and then strike in coordinated groups! Intel is spotty, so let’s make sure we identify friend and foe before we go blazing!” She instructed the rest of the wyvern knights. It took only a few more minutes for them to reach the mountains, climbing over them at the lowest points they could while not all bunching together, spilling across the peaks at the same time as the sun began to rise high enough to shine over them. The knights flitted about in the sky for a few moments, attempting to asses the situation below.

Upon inspection, the knights would be able to see a line of trenches that had been dug into the surroundings of a large hill that overlooked its immediate area, although, without talking to the troops themselves it was impossible to determine if this work was the result of them listening to the Majors earlier recommendation or if the troops had dug-in independent of such suggestions.

Even from this height Major Moculsie and her colleagues would be able to witness the rag-tag nature of the fighting, as a majority of the units equipment had been rendered virtually obsolete by the technology exclusion zone the lack of armoured vehicles and motorised artillery was quite evident, as the heaviest firepower available was a few mortars that the Malgraveans had been able to take with them on the march to their new defensive positions.

It was also at this point that they’d see the enemy that the Territorial Defence Force was tackling, a positive horde of mixture of undead wildlife and even undead humanoid figures that almost looked designed to soak up conventional bullets as they trundled towards the trenches without any particular care about the damage being inflicted against them or their nearby comrades.

With the equipment issues and the likely possibility of ammunition shortages due to the fact that they were cut off from supply, it was quite clear that the conscripts below couldn’t hold off against the undead horde forever and help was quite desperately needed.

“No idea how long they can last,” Moira said to herself before heading to her radio again. “Strike Teams! Prepare for Operation Cinderfall! Rescue Teams! Prepare for Operation Valkyrir! You know what we’re here for people, and you know this is it! Let’s prove our place on the battlefield! OORAH!”

A chorus of oorah’s echoed back across the radio, a little expression that they force had picked up from their Dornalian counterparts, as nearly half the wyvern knights lifted even higher in the sky. Moira, perched atop her own black steed, watched as the rainbow of small draconic beings began, one after the other, to dive down.

With the sun behind them, those on the surface could be initially forgiven for not noticing the new arrivals, but soon their awareness would be raised by a solid wall of roaring from the wyverns. The knights had organized themselves into wings of six, in an arrowhead formation as they dropped rapidly towards the battlefield, flames growing in the maws of their mounts. It was too fast to count, but there were at least a couple hundred of the beasts on the attack run.

The dropping Strike Teams suddenly pulled up, just above head height, making runs against the gathered undead with the fire in their maws spilling out in beams of heat and fury on the collected foes. As each wyvern finished its attack, it pulled sharply back up, rising again, gunfire coming from the knights, each of which was equipped with an experimental triggerless rail rifle inspired by Malgravean designs, attempting to add more damage to the blazing lines they had just left.

A loud cheer erupted from the Malgravean defensive lines as the wyverns commenced their attacks on the undead foes which had been causing them endless pain and hardship for the past few days, although, such noise would be quite hard for the Rohanians to hear over the noise created by their beasts and the gunfire that continued to erupt from TDF positions as they set to take advantage of the support being given to them.

In the aftermath of the assault of the wyverns, a clear opening had been created between the defensive lines and the enemy forces on the horizon, as while hardened against bullets the forces of the undead were incredibly weak to the pure heat put forward by the wyverns and many had simply turned to ash while others had been killed by their new rail rifles and fire support from the nearby conscripts.

In fact, such was the heat from the wyvern blast that the remaining grass and soil around the conscript positions had been burnt black, a fact which made many of the conscripts watching the display pleased that they had remained in their trenches for the duration of the combat instead of poking their head out.

As the strike teams rose up again, the rescue teams descended, much more carefully than their counterparts had, to land behind the trench lines. Where there wasn’t enough room, the wyverns and their knights hovered just off the ground, allowing those who had landed first to dismount and begin moving.

The very first to land had been Major Moculsie herself, and it took mere moments until she was on the ground, helmet removed to reveal long blonde hair done up in a tight bun. “Where is the commander of this unit?” She asked the closed soldato, and then added. “And, if you can, run off to your medics, please. We need them to prepare the wounded for emergency evac.”

Major Moculsie wouldn’t have to wait long, as a small elven woman stepped forward to respond to her question.

“Captain Azzurra Fermi speaking,” the elf says briefly pausing as she signalled for a few conscripts to start transporting the wounded soldiers from their positions inside the trenches to the new evacuation point, “I lead what survives of this unit. Major Moculsie I believe? We were informed that we were getting Rohanian support a few minutes ago.”

"That's good, it will make this easier on everyone," Moira nodded. "Nice to meet you, Captain. We're here to get you all out, but HQ has said to evacuate the wounded first, so that's what we're going to do. I do want to give you fair warning; anyone of mine who takes someone out isn't coming back. It's too far to fly this trip multiple times while lugging about multiple people, and they wouldn't make it in time anyways. So near the end of this, we're going to start transitioning strike teams to rescue teams. Just so you're aware. What's the current count in need of evacuation?"

“Pleasure is all mine, Major, as without access to supplies our long-term position wasn’t looking that good,” Captain Fermi replied, “Altogether, we have just over 130 soldiers that are wounded, however, from that i’d say that 67 are in immediate need of evacuation,” the elf said, a few stretchers bringing forward a few conscripts that looked like they had lost a rather hard battle against one of the undead creatures, “All the rest of us though are in a good position to fight even if a lot of our gear broke down at the start of this terrible war.”

"We'll take the one-thirty first, then. We can fit all of those on current rescue teams, so that's good, and up to seventy more. Do you have any soldiers that are particularly exhausted? They could go with the first wave to leave," Major Moculsie said, watching as the wounded were guided to the wyverns and then secured into saddles in various ways, depending on their injuries. "I wish that there was a better, safer way to transport them, but uh, any docking facility in a rain, right?"

“Really? You have my personal thanks and that of the conscripts under my command,” Fermi said bowing slightly as tradition.

A few moments passed before Captain Fermi turned to a nearby Soldato, “Get Sub-Lieutenant Wronski and his unit to report to the evacuation point,” she ordered, “Wronski and his troops are good soldiers but they’ve been holding off the undead with bayonets and sure will for a few hours now so I think they deserve a little break from the fighting, and well as you said any docking facility in a storm.” the elf added

"Indeed," Moira smiled tightly. "Ah, it looks like the strike teams are preparing another run. You don't happen to have large quantities of anything easily flammable to hand, do you?"

Fermi shook her head, “Unfortunately not as we had to destroy quite a lot of flammable stuff before marching here to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.”

"Understandable, but unfortunate. Alright, Captain, if you wouldn't mind organizing your forces for an orderly evac, I'll direct continued strikes to keep the enemy off our backs. Deal?"

“Pactum,” Fermi said giving a rather simple reply in Malgravean Ancient which signified an informal deal, the Captain moving to help organise the ongoing evacuation.

Already the Major would be able to see a plethora of stretchers that were waiting for evacuation over in the designated spot, with a few of the exhausted conscripts also joining and helping their wounded comrades.

Sadly, carrying the stretchers properly would take far too long to rig up with the wyverns, so in all but the absolute worst cases, the wounded were helped into the backup saddles by the knights. They were then secured by various means, as the uniqueness of each wounded person’s injuries meant some were easier than others to secure. Finally, the rescue teams began to lift off, allowing those who had been hovering to land and begin the process anew with the slightly less severely injured.

As this happened, the Major watched the strike teams descend again, further blasts of fire let loose into undead horde. She hopped onto her own wyvern, lifting off to hover above the makeshift encampment and survey the damage. As she watched the final few wyvern knights let loose on the Grogarite forces, she began calling specific squads to peel away from the assault, each waiting for a Malgravean trooper to either be brought to them or approach on their own as they landed in the field. By now, all the rescue teams were departed, and Moira could even just make out the first few passing back over the mountains despite the sunglare. She waved her arm at Captain Fermi as she lowered back down to the ground.

Initially the onslaught continued as it did when the wyverns first arrived, with the undead horde not particularly caring about their own safety or that of their comrades as they continued forward despite taking numerous losses from the fire attacks of the riders, however, after a while the mass of undead began to slowly stop and after a few moments the now charred field surrounding the conscripts was empty.

All was quiet as the conscripts were loaded on the wyverns, a rather unconventional process compared to the standard rotodyne extraction and something made even stranger by the relative short stature of the Malgraveans compared to the wyverns but the Malgraveans knew it such an eccentric method of transport was superior to being stranded in the middle of soon to be enemy territory.

As more of the wyvern riders departed the undead once again decided to return in force, with the arrival of birds of prey and a variety of larger creatures such as bears indicating that the undead forces were at least being partially directed by some unknown force attempting to take advantage of the reduced number of defenders.

“Shit,” Moira snarled, no longer waiting for the Captain to reach her, but flying over to where she was. “Captain! Sorry to say, but we have no time for organization now! I’m calling all the knights to come and get anyone they can!”

Fermi looked positively exhausted by the moment the Major had reached her, as since the death of her superior officer in the earlier stages of the operation she hadn’t had much opportunity to rest and recent matters had meant that sleep was a distant memory.

“Just start evacuating conscripts in the southern section of the trenches, and I will keep sending folks your way,” the Captain said working to direct a few conscripts off in the direction of a nearby wyvern rider, “It isn’t the best organisational work but should mean that we won’t leave anyone behind.”

“Better idea,” the Major replied, leaning down and extending her arm to the Malgravean officer. Luckily for them both, she was quite tall even for a Rohanian woman, able to reach low enough for the captain to grab her arm. “Climb on. It’ll be a lot easier to get around in the air.”

Fermi looked surprised for a moment but accepted the offered hand, the Malgravean was naturally quite small but a few years of active military service meant that she was quite strong for her size.

Moira hauled up the Malgravean, also quite strong from her physical training, and helped the new rider get settled in the second saddle. “Alright,” she said, looking over her shoulder. “You just point me where to go, and I’ll have my knights follow us to get people lifted out. Ready?”

“Ready, Major,” the Captain said using her new position to get a decent look around the battlefield, “Just over here to the east,” the officer said pointing out to a location in the trenches that had previously served as the ad-hoc hq, “Just finished taking down the HQ by the look of things.”

With a nod, the Major had the two flying towards the area Fermi had pointed to, already on her radio once again. “Strike Teams One, Two, Three, rally to me. Get ready for airlift. All other strike teams, prepare for emergency pickups, following me across the line. Let’s not leave a single soldier back, folks.” As they arrived, so too did a dozen other wyverns with their riders, already dismounting to help the Malgraveans around into the saddles and then lifting them up again.

Moira turned to her companion with a small frown. “Sadly, the material is largely going to be lost. They aren’t helicopters, the weight limit is pretty strict.”

All of the conscripts looked rather glad to be whisked away by the wyverns, especially, as the undead horde was still on the march over to their location.

Azzurra nodded in understanding, “It’s all been destroyed as we’d rather not leave anything to the enemy,” she said, “Last location should be in the rear with the mortar teams as they are currently setting up a nice trap for our Grogarite foes about now.”

“Alright, we’ll head there,” Moira said, watching wyverns descend for any stragglers around the main trenches as well. “Luckily we require a certain measure of self-drive for the knights, so any who notice stragglers will grab them on their own. The rest had better try and delay those forces, though, they’re getting close,” she frowned as she said that, watching the undead horde marching in a strangely organized fashion and closing. Even before she could land near the mortars, knights were dropping to the ground, rushing about to get as many soldiers aboard their wyverns as possible, as fast as possible.
Moira would be able to spot a few soldiers behind the mortar crew maintaining a rate of fire on the strange mass of undead, a mixture of heavier machine guns and sniper rifles being used to try and beat back the threat for at least a moment.

“You have our thanks, Major,” Azzurra said, “Beyond our mortar teams and the support crew in the foreground we should all be ready to depart, although it is possible that some stragglers have been able to get lost in the chaos.”

In fact, a few of the wyvern riders would be able to see a group of conscripts in one of the trenches, a couple of the soldiers clearly focused on firing on the enemy while a third could be seen crouching down applying some sort of medical care to a wounded soldier.

A single wyvern made a run in front of that section of the trench, lighting the ground in front of them on fire, as several others landed just behind it, hurrying to help those who weren’t wounded to mount. It was too far for Moira to tell what was being said, but a few moments later, the wounded soldier was brought out and secured in the front saddle of a wyvern, with the knight taking control from behind. With that, the group left, abandoning that section of trenches under cover of other knight’s gunfire.

The mortar teams, meanwhile, were being hustled along as much as possible. They were the last significant group of Malgraveans left, as far as the knights could spot, and the undead wouldn’t be delayed much longer, as even the Major pulled out her rifle and fired a shot towards one that stuck its head over the trenches. “Alright, are you ready to leave, Captain?”

“Absolutely, Major,” Azzurra replied, the elven woman looking quite relieved to be able to depart from the area she thought would mark her end.

In the background the mortar teams had seemingly finished their trap and had started to look to the nearest wyvern rider for safe passage out of the danger zone, a pressing matter as the first trench lines were already starting to fill with undead.

As the last of the Malgraveans were evacuated by the wyvern knights, Moira watched them go, then lifted off herself. A few beats of her mounts wings, and they were above the hordes of undead, a few more later and they were rising towards the mountains. By now it was probably closer to noon than daybreak, judging by the position of the sun, and she was satisfied. This operation had gone even better than hoped, and as the last of the wyverns passed back over the mountains, her instincts told her that this had been an important, if minor, victory against Grogar’s forces. Now, it was just a job of getting the Captain home… and then recommending her for some kind of medal, probably.

[Tambelon]

Operation Malignant

Audacity, bravery and a non-trivial amount of magic brought the Imerian attack from an unexpected quarter. The Steelborn of Tambelon and their commanders were very powerful, but with the closure of the Straits of Ino, and the destruction of vast amounts of Kouralian, Freestian and Malgravean naval hardware by the Shattering Peal, they had regarded the Gulf as their own playground, and they had not considered an attack likely.

The first to sight a sail was designated seventh of its squad, the fifth in their column. For a moment he had no concept of what it was, the education given to the Steelborn was rudimentary and did not extensively cover such things, but it was clear from how the things moved that they were somehow artificial.

‘Come and see,’ he said, in the stilted manner most of its kind said.

The sixth of their squad approached, stepping away from their duties, using a pair of binoculars to sight the inbound vessels as they cleared the mist.

The Imerians opened fire, flashes showing on the decks of the red and blue ships far off.

That was when the thunder began to fall.

The Bridgehead of the Tambelonic forces was an extensive camp that had been raised with remarkable speed, they had not consolidated their advantages in the field, but they had anticipated attack from land, not sea, and they had constructed heavy artillery in embrasures that faced inland, equipped for direct fire, leaving them with no easy way to destroy the Imerian ships as they closed in.

There was return fire, but it was sporadic to start and swiftly succumbed to Imerian counterbattery fire, the spotters more than earning their pay.

The dragons and wyverns from the Imerian attack filled the air, and they met with a largely empty military-weyr on the Tambelonic side, a huge field for staging and provendering dragons that was largely empty as most of those that had made it to the Malgravean side of the Gulf of Ino were still harrying Cerne and other areas, allowing them to corner and destroy their Tambelonic enemies.

When Ulf and his party landed on the shore, they met a scene from Morkerheim itself, the cold stone and wind of the sea extended back some way, while harbourage for Tambelonic ships had been set up in one area, but fires blazed in the harbour. Even before the boys in blue struck the gravel shore the whistle of bullets filled the air. The steelborn’s weapons were adapted to work well in the Shattering Peal and while the great guns that decided many conflicts had been on the Imerian side, there was no denying that the enemy were capable.

Enfilading fire raked up the beach and cut many a soldier boy’s life short as the Steelborn took up positions rapidly to retaliate on their enemies.

In itself a bloody toll would have been wrung from the attackers. But there were the avatars, and their divine fury could not be withstood. Wherever the trio of living idols walked, they brought wrath on the defenders sending despair among their enemy and inspiring their allies.

A machine gun position before Ulf’s boat exploded in fire as one of the arrows shot by the form of the Fierce Unconquerable Sun hit it, the steelborn defenders bursting into flames and writhing in an agony that showed that while they might have been metallic they were not robots.

‘The Enemy are upon us, general!’

The command post of the Tambelonic bridgehead was a little way inland, but still close enough that the coastal battle could easily be heard. Sergeant-Major-General Satar moved with a will, his expressionless eyes looking at the humanoid steelborn as it entered the pre-fabricated command post, moving with an exhausted air.

‘I know that,’ he said, looking at the interloper’s head-crest, which bore the tansverse ornament of a colonel.

‘They have broken through to the marshalling ground and this command post’ it said.

Satar stared for a moment, ‘Engineer-Major, slight the portal, do it now,’ he ordered. He had no idea how the enemy had broken through so quickly. They had constructed a portal to Tambelon itself, while that had been useful it was a liability if the raiders were able to get through it they could bypass a significant part of the Black City’s defence.

When the battle was over, the Lord Commander Frans auf Hilgerholm was able to claim a remarkable success, the sword of the first Tambelonic General officer to be captured, along with more than eight thousand prisoners, too many to be easily transported by any means, but his assault was still hard-pressed, for the majority of the Tambelonic army in the Research Colony was dispersed, and though he had cut their main line of communication, elements would even now be wheeling about.

Cerne, and a lot more hard fighting awaited.

[Imeriata]

Operation Malignant

The sun shone bright as Namashi Hiro walked over the landing positions that had been sized, Troops were walking around in the ordered chaos that only military operations could achieve. Prisoners of wars were led in chain in huge numbers to the ships similarly were every artefact and piece of paper that looked even remotely portable or valuable being hauled off by troops under constant watch by federal NCOs. The gate itself had sadly enough not been captured so they had been unable to launch a raid into the homeland of the invaders but he could still bask in the glory of his victory. The wind gently rustled his long black hair as he looked towards the enemy encampment where everything that did not look important to them was being burned, demolished, smashed, or pocketed by the troops themselves. Cavalry was out around them, he knew that much and hear hornblows in the far distance, they were out on patrol, hunting down stragglers and warding off enemy re-enforcements that had not gathered in enough numbers. In reality he should still have more than enough time to withdraw as even getting the full picture by the enemy forward command would take a bit, and by the time they had the time to organize their counter offensive would he and his men already be long gone.

"MY LORD SQUIRE LIEUTENANT!" Came a voice and he turned back, an adjutant had ran forward, he could see his own rank knot embroidered on the man's left arm while his right was a less ornate and much simpler one that showed the adjutant's own rank, meaning that he served Hiro but was not the highest ranking member of his adjutant corps.
"Yes? What is thy report?"

"I came from the ships my lord squire lieutenant! the prisoners and the loot is gathered and we are ready to leave!" The adjutant quickly reported slapping his fist over his heart in a salute.

"Good, Wha..." Hiro begun but was interrupted by a large explosion as cheers came from the enemy camp, jet another supply storage that had been deemed unimportant seemed to have gone up in flames judging from the remnant of the enemy camp.
"What reports the clerics, what is the process of the enemy causalities?" He demanded as he looked to the beach, another squad that had been shattered by one of their new war Gods wrath made manifest judging by the melted slashes.
"Also almost done my lord squire lieutenant, they have poured salt water on most of them and the mass pyres over there have taken as many as we could throw on there!" The adjutant pointed in a direction where mammoths were drawing a net filled with corpses into a hole where dragons stood ready to turn it into a furnace.

"And my opposing number?"

"The enemy herre commander has been given a captains quarter, in 'The slayer of foes' the windows were of course jammed shut and we installed bars on them, a cleric as well is part of his guard to ensure he cannot use magic and that he can be prevented of doing so would he try. However he has been provided the best food, medical care, and pear wine that we could arrange my lord squire commander!"

"Very well, tell the fleet to prepare to head out then! we are done here!" He added finally as he turned around and walked back towards the boats. Roars soon rose all around him and he could see as men once again were preparing to leave and the first columns had already formed up as they were prepared to leave.

Operation Malignant, The ice wall

The ships had finally started to reach the wall of black ice that seperated these shores of the Malgravean's colonial holdings and the oceans themselves and first and foremost of the men departing was Hiro, sitting atop a mighty war mammoth surrounded by cavalry holding the banners of his personal heraldry, the 6th, 2nd, and 4th field armies that had been involved in the raid. There was the flag of the absolute royal federation, the Stjärnnkhrone house heraldry, the war flags of the federation and of course the war flags that determined the rules of engagements flew proudly in the wind. Prisoners and loot was in the center of a large column behind him flanked by royal guardsmen on both sides as with music and the thunderous movement of thousands of troops did the large scale dismounting continue. If the Malgraveans in the minor harbour had expected to see such a sight just a year ago Hiro doubted, however here they stood, confused and worried as large scale of guardsmen were shipped into their harbour or dismounted on their shores. Prisoners were being marched off flanked by their gaolers as they were pressed towards the regions outside of what the federals simple dubbed "Axelbanesfaren" or "the sphere of the axle bane". His troops were setting up camps and starting to rest and resupply as resupply was waiting for them, he knew it would. The enemy could not react to this sudden strike yet and another raid was planned would this one have been successful. Rushing towards Ceme were large formations of horsedrawn sleds he knew, skimounted infantry, cavalry, wolfriders, war mammoths, mammoth drawn artillery, dragons, wyvern formations, the federals very much planned to strike when the iron was hot, they were going to swing around north, and strike hard at the first shore they found lightly defended, seize harbours to allow resupply at the same time as the Imerians would strike north from the Malgravean lines, the two forces would they try to link up cutting the enemy troops engaging around Ceme off from supply while they would continue to push as hard as they could on all fronts forcing the foe to withdraw to stabilize the front line. A simple plan but good enough to work, as a result did he allow the men to rest, soon again would they set out he knew, but then again the other troops of the federation was also making their way north, by sled, hoof, ski or whatever means they could.

Official communiqué from the absolute royal federation of Imeriata and her realms

From: lord commander Harald auf Holmmark, Commander of the 6th field army and Lord of Holmmark.
To: The United Kingdom of Malgrave
Regarding: Military aid.
Encrypted: Yes

---

I write this tiding bringing news of the great fortune and the great labours of my glorious and courageous warriors that upon this day struck a most savage blow against the despicable foeman! Through a raid that shall go down in the glorious annuals of both dynasties of our realms as one worthy of note and honour have my troops secured great victory and spoils that any reaver would look upon with great envy. As the holders of these dominions and as the colonial overlords of this realm upon which glorious battle is being raged does His Royal Highness, may his house reign upon such times that even the stars in the night skies no longer shines, offer through me and my quill to deliver a grand total of 3000 captured foemen from our loot to be granted to the Malgravean crown and monarch in absentia.

---

Signed and approved by:
His royal Highness Primus rex Stjärnkhrone XIV silferföd by the grace of the gods high king of the absolute royal federation and divinely appointed ruler and unifier of the Scanderan races, the descendant of the first Imerian high kings especially and foremost Emanuel the first, Son of Oskar II, the son of Primus the XIIIth, the son of Emanuel the VIIth, the son of Gustav the IInd, the son of Anders the IIId, the carrier of the royal sword first carried by the demigod Belrion son of Bel, vanquisher of evil, Champion of life and light, defender of the living and vanquisher of the dead, liberator of slaves, breaker of chains, the protector of the federal crown jewels, the holder of the sword of Halmir and carrier of the enlightened torch of civilisation, patriarch of the noble house auf stjänkhrone, carrier of better and more important titles than the space Russians and the king of Old Tyrannia, Chief of chiefs, Shan of shans, Monarch of monarchs, Prince of princes, Crowned in steel, fire, and flowers. Flame of all flames, protector of the faith of the chronicles and the city of the burning rose and the arch cleric, leader of ritual and sacrifice, chosen of the fierce unconquerable sun and crowned in starlight, mortal protector of the faith of the two faced goddess and defender of her temples and chosen by all gods big and small. As well as the protector of the free city states of Ta’ka sha’mirias well as defender of Hungary and her regions and the realms as king of Imeriata and as such the king of salt, forest, river, and mountain, defender and autocrat of flodmarkerna, Sundet, Söderang, Söderberga, Innahafsarna, Aster öarna, Vast öarna, Sydvedian, Storfloden and the river king, king of Vedian and the duke protector of the mountains, Eple Halvøyn and lavlandet, king of Erathia and as that the duke of Ankea metsä and ruler of the thousand lakes, the lord and defender of Länsisola and Etelä-kentät, king of Karmanjaka over the ancient rivers river, from the ancient mountains mountain, king of Northern Taranakan, king of Izalta, king of Nordomark, and king of Andervel but also the righteous and lawful king of New felandia and the king emperor of Dajing, the duke of Sydvinland, Northern Venezue, Sthalinge, Gustavsland and Sjöland, The Shah of the crown states of Ta’ka sha’miri and the Padishah of all of Ta’ka sha’miri, The lord regent of the colony of Nova Imeriata, Blåland, Angland, the two peninsulas of Tvaude and of Somalmark, The Grand duke of Suderland, The prince of Isarna, Salmo, judeheim and Khan of Salonia, Sultan king of Ramir, the Emir of Sandland and Jarl of Salywa and the free city of Krakborg and Styrfastning, defender and lord of the city of Arkham and Sirmera, and further more the ruler of the federal terretories of Vastermark and the northern iceplains and as such high chief of Isfalten and keeper of Sfartmård , By the right of the constitution of the protectorate leopridaeria prince defender of leopridaeria, the high lord of Kalmer, Salmoborg and Gaseborg, Lord of the countless cities and lands under his most blessed and righteous rule, the lord defender of Imerbürg, Coparborg, Vesiki, Sjöborg, Afrikas fastning, Erikasborg, Nova Imerbürg, Wein, Udeborg, Angborg, Ambir, Nya Landborg, Nymarksborg, Sorgerstad, Anderborg, Nordanstad, Kängruborg, Sthalstad, Kängruborg, Judeborg, Moskstad, Daji, Sajing, Ademarksborg, Salem, Söderhamn, Öborga, Dragograd, Gapur, Bor-zut and Táibĕi but as well the Enlightened Emperor of Nicksyllvania and as such the King of Leazus, Emperor of Helman, Grand Prince of Zeth, Emperor of Japan, Emperor of Jungria, Duke and king of Hornet-Kereburos, Despot of the Great North, Grand Duke of the Western Badlands, Master of the Southern Marshes, and the king of Dragkon and the wielder of the Holy Swords, the Demon Sword Kaos, the Holy Sword Nikkou, and the Greatsword of the Empire, Nickiller, Great Protector of the Helman Wall and Majino Line, also by the right of his birth high marshal of the royal guard and the Imperial commander of the Imperial nicksyllvanian army, the grand commander of the federal order of the golden sword and the Nicksyllvanian order, the knight commander of the order of the golden cross and the order of Blåland, the lord commander of the colonial order, the high commander of the federal order of the silver rose and the order of Scandera, the Taranakan order and the Order of Vinland may his reign last until the end of time and may the empire and federation he rules stand even through the flames of the endtimes to protect all of his royal highness subjects.

[Malgrave]

written with Lego

Idol Antics

At the start of every week, the Malgravean government held a public briefing which contained a mixture of information from data-driven reports on the progress of the current third-year plan to updates on the Prime Minister's itinerary.

It was typically a dry and inconsequential briefing and as such tended to be attended by only the most dedicated citizen and an assortment of political journalists tasked with reporting the news to the wider populace.

Historically, it was a process which owed its existence to the start of the civil war when updates on the conflict were presented in a digestible format for the people and efforts to recover from the exodus was announced.

In fact, the briefings in the build-up to the collapse of the National Workers' Republic and the Socialist Republic were the first of such meetings attended by the international press and more recent briefings concerning humanitarian assistance in Crystal Spires and aid to Silverdale had garnered considerably more attention compared to regular briefings.

All this was understood and the government had streamed its reports on MalTube for several years now, however, the ultimate issue of audience retention remained and work to tackle this was only seriously started after the election of Nadzieja Brzezicki as Prime Minister with the role of idols expanded from mere awareness campaigns to spokespeople for the government itself.

Park Eun-Ji had some personal reservations about the validity of such a policy, however her previous experience in filming Noob to Pro? meant that she was a natural candidate for the scheme and had eventually agreed to help out efforts, the Malgravean bowing in greeting to the nearby camera as she started her work.

“Hello! I am Park Eun-Ji and today I will be serving your guide as we talk about some interesting developments between Malgrave and Silverdale,”

Eun-Ji wasn’t simply speaking to a camera but rather appeared on the corner of a screen broadcasting Moncraft, a popular game which had been chosen as it was possible to reasonably play while responding to questions

“Today we will be continuing our journey in Moncraft and hopefully gather some of the materials required to construct a Ring of the Ancestors but fortunately we won’t be on this journey alone as today we are joined by Miranda Songbird.”

Eun-Ji’s camera then withdrew to include the Silverdalean President and she manipulated her in-game character to include her as well.

“Just give some rightful adoration and love to Miranda here for agreeing to take part and help explain some interesting developments.”

Behind Eun-Ji’s character a two-story wooden structure could be seen, with the windows and plant decorations indicating that it served as some manner of home base for Eun-Ji.

“Hiya Payaya Eun-Ji!” The pink hair idol in her ‘strawberry’ outfit waved at the character. She appeared to have some shiny diamond boots and a two winged cape behind her. “I’m glad to be here ~❤️!”

Eun-Ji’s character bowed in response before she walked towards the house behind her, the virtual Malgravean opening a series of double doors to reveal a basic hallway with two doorways on either side and a central staircase which led towards the second storey of the building.

“Just a brief detour on our adventures as I need to pick up some maps I found earlier which will hopefully lead us towards adventure,” Eun-Ji said, the virtual idol wasn’t visibly armoured as she was wearing a simple clothing based on estimations of uniforms worn by the Lanteans but moved without worry to a room on her left.

Miranda would find a relatively simple room, a bed situated next to some flowers and a bookcase with a simple chest and some crafting equipment stationed alongside, although the Silverdalean would also be able to see a cat located on the bed.

“Bohr kitty has missed everyone,” Eun-Ji said, kneeling down to present the cat with some fish as the chat filled with custom emojis of the kitten, “As I get the map please think of some suitable questions to ask myself and Miranda.”

“D’aww.” Miranda crotch over to the kitten to try and ‘pet it.’ “I hope it wasn’t too difficult to get past the panther in the jungle.”

Eun-Ji looked quite sheepish for a second as she looked around, “I certainly didn’t try to feed the panther a tasty fish treat,” the idol said, winking at the camera, “...not all cats are super friendly like Bohr here.”

Bohr was purring quite happily in response to the food and attention and hopped up on Eun-Ji’s bed to take a well-earned nap.

“It looks like we have our first questions here, a question from a user called MalTraEnjoyer which asks for updates on work being performed by MalTra to repair and modernise the Silverdalean train network and a second on the status of Silverdalean refugees in the Research Colony.”

Eun-Ji paused for a moment as she thought upon a response to the two questions put before the duo,

“MalTra is working with their counterparts in Silverdale to repair damage brought upon due to recent troubles, and well we’re also modernising the network so that it can carry the latest generation of high speed trains alongside other upgrades to signalling and station-side comfort which have been tested in Malgrave,” the idol explained, “MalTra will be constructing the units in Silverdale and I also believe that they’ll be filled with Silverdalean electronics and other localised features to account for weather and other variations, so a unique variant of the existing model that we believe will serve Silverdale well,” she said, “As for the refugees? Many of them are in Luban at the moment which is outside the technological exclusion zone and we are evacuating them as I speak, although Miranda here may have some more information.”

“Ah yes! We’re of coure trying to save lives from the party pooper Grogar who is no good at gaming at all. Have to pull the plug on all technology as well.” Miranda witted. “That is why we’re sending as much transportation and potentially something greater to get everyone out. AS even leaving one person will be quite disastrous.” Miranda then looked at Eun-Ji. “But these new highspeed trains will be like something in moncraft as well? If more so speedy and float above the rails themselves?”

“It is a bit difficult at the moment, however, we do have some friendly ports which we’ll be using to evacuate the civilian population alongside some other forms of transportation for those capable of using ancestral energy,” Eun-Ji said as she gathered a few supplies for the journey on top of the map, “Yes, a maglev network will form the basis of the new Silverdalean high speed rail network and guarantee that people can zip between cities at speeds of over 500 kilometres an hour.

Eun-Ji passed Miranda a few baked potatoes and potions as she set herself up for the upcoming journey.

“A question here from PenguinLove98 which asks for a bit more detail on the level of support between Malgrave and Silverdale? I think we can both respond to this one?” Eun-Ji said nodding to Miranda before she focused on replying to the question herself, “Beyond what I have mentioned already? MalPha has a new research facility in Silverdale which it is going to be using to develop new medicines enhanced with ancestral abilities and I believe MalTec and MalMart have their own expansion plans, plus as a member of the ASG I myself have been busy in Silverdale and the country has been quite open and receptive to our music and other cultural products which has been really uplifting during these hard times.”

“Oh why yes, Silverdale has been very cooperative as of late. As you’re all aware, there is this whole anti-technology bubble in the northern pony lands that is causing some real trouble. However our folks and gunmages did figure out a way to try and keep our weapons useful without going the whole pikes and spears route. The whole SGH VOID series of magical firearms for magical applications in the firearm designs, and the Almas ‘Simple’ weaponry that is less relative to the main failures of those components. Lastly is the ‘reliable’ enchantments being imbued to our existing hardware to keep them less prone for failure too, but that’s quite a bit expensive. I guess something for the folks in the field to handle. Outside of that our commercial goods are making their way from simple food items, merchandise, and even the soda brands of Chilly Willy.” Miranda explained.

“In the opening days of the crisis it was difficult for our forces to operate in the region due to the creation of this technological exclusion zone, as while the AR-2 has been an effective tool in our arsenal for many decades I don’t think the designers had such parameters in mind when designing the rifle,” Eun-Ji said, a pout appearing for a few moments, “Fortunately, we have been able to push an earlier prototype into production which we’re calling the AR-3, however, even with assistance from outside allies we still need to produce millions of weapons to equip units being called from the reserve and this is where the Silverdalean weapons come in which will be named ER-1 and ER-2 respectively while in service with the TDF and we’re quite thankful to the Silverdalean defence industry for aiding us during these hard times.”

Eun-Ji then presented Miranda with a firearm, although, if the Silverdalean was proficient in either Moncraft itself or wider ASG lore she’d understand that the weapon was based on non-lethal weapons deployed by the Lanteans, although, the sword handed over next was decidedly more lethal.

“It always pays to be prepared for all circumstances, although, both in real life and in Moncraft we Malgraveans typically prefer non-lethal methods of solving conflict sometimes this can’t always be achieved,” Eun-Ji said, “We also have a few more questions? SweetShadow asks who is your favourite idol or cartoon character which you want to couple with?”

At that Eun-Ji just stared at the camera for a few seconds

“Just again with the coupling ceremony questions? I would say that I would punch you for asking it but you’d also probably enjoy that,” Eun-Ji said, although it was quite clear that she was teasing her viewers, “Isn’t the answer obvious? I am sitting next to the extremely talented and good looking political idol who helped me connect with the Silverdalean people so I have to say Miranda.”

“Oh me?” Miranda gave a light chuckle. “Oh how sweet Eun-Ji. Then again, I know this super adorable elf named Candice Invernos who might be the right fit for you.”

“Really? I may have to give a little surprise bit of information to our lovely viewers then,” Eun-JI said, as the chat was exploding into a rather chaotic mess, “I already know that Candice Invernos is the right one for me, a cute elf who is perfect to snuggle and who keeps me protected from the Silverdalean weather.”

“D’aww that’s adorable.” Miranda chuckled. “Anyway, you wanna answer a few new questions? Something to cool down the chat.”
Eun-Ji laughed at Miranda’s comment, the Malgravean idol seemingly finding some small enjoyment from the reaction of the chat, “I do love seeing chat like this but I'll save it for future non-government streams. It looks like we’ve got two new questions? What does Malgrave intend to do with the Research Colony after the war and then someone asking if Silverdale will have both a monarchy and a president now?”

As Eun-Ji was thinking on her response she motioned for Miranda to follow her on Moncraft, the Malgravan taking her to a small basement which appeared to open out to a small version of a metro station with tracks leading off into the distance.

“It is rather difficult to predict the lasting-impact of the conflict in the Research Colony, however, our immediate plans after the war is a period of reconstruction albeit with minor changes as we’ll be able to implement improvements based on local needs and technological improvements,” Eun-Ji reasoned as she hopped on a train that appeared, the system seemingly automated by some unknown system, “Beyond that we are hopeful that an increasing number of companies will decide to move their R&D departments over to the Research Colony as when repaired it will return to being a healthy centre for progress in Mystria.”

“As the folks in Silverdale decided by democratic means, there will be a monarchy under guidelines of Silverdalean laws. Naturally there is going to be a president as the voice of the people is still important. Plus life will become even more magical in nature.” Miranda said.

“Magical?” Eun-JI asked as the train started to move to the next destination, a simple tunnel comparable to underground systems in the real world albeit slightly more basic due to it being a video game, “What do you mean by that? It appears that a few people wish to know how ancestral energy also known as magic will have a wider role in Silverdalean society.”

“As in less mundane and more whimsical in a sense. As beings return with great ice powers, we can see an increase of more snow structures than the ones in the South Pole and other pockets of Silverdale. Of course there are its unique challenges as can be seen in Crystal Spires with job markets, but us Silverdaleas do make sure folks aren’t left behind.” Miranda explained.

“It appears that a lot of viewers are excited to explore that future themselves,” Eun-Ji said, the idol briefly looking at the messages rolling past in chat, “I know a few people that have travelled to Silverdale to enhance their understanding of ancestral energy and I suspect that will only increase over time.”

It appeared to be a short ride or a fast train, as the carriage came to a stop and Eun-Ji guided Miranda off the train and onto the platform, a far more basic affair which indicated that it had been dug out rather recently.

“A rather basic stop but I built it out because it connects to the ocean and I discovered something interesting a few days ago,” Eun-Ji said as she climbed the stairs towards the surface, a few sheeps and pigs in the distance, “...and speaking of ancestral energy we have a question which asks if students will be able to freely stay in Silverdale or Malgrave during the course of study or if they’ll require any specific paperwork? I think it's like a visa agreement? It is an inter....”

Eun-Ji’s comment was interrupted by the arrival of a giant gecko, the creature looking around for a few moments before deciding to charge at the party seemingly intent on turning them into his lunch.

“Well a student exchange is always possible! That said.” Miranda readied her blade. “I hope you broke your gear!”

Eun-Ji simply hid behind her shield, the idol deciding to take a defensive approach as she readied her sword.

In response the gecko simply continued its charge, the large lizard deciding to attack Miranda and Eun-Ji with it’s tongue which worked to bring them in close range which is when Eun-Ji decided to strike with her sword.

Miranda quickly dodged the tongue attack, and tried to strife to the side to deliver a critical attack on the gecko!

Within a few moments the Gecko realised it’s fatal flaw and tried to escape, however, it was soon cut down by Miranadas critical strike and left behind a couple of gecko eyes used for crafting potions.

“There we go! Now where were we again?” Miranda asked as she picked up the eyes.

Eun-Ji was quite used to getting distracted by hostile mobs, and soon hopped back into the swing of things, “We will have to travel on the ocean for a bit next as our next destination is underwater,” the Malgravean replied pulling a boat from her supply bag and walking to place it on the nearby ocean, “Sometimes I wish I spent more time with Janina in Portmon as I find controlling these things to be really annoying!” the idol said with a small pout, “...but we do have a question from someone that asks if the new Silverdalean cities will have public parks and space for nature?”

“Well obviously. There are plans to make big groves into great tree apartments. Something that is necessary as there is a bit of wolf trouble in Glacius for example. That part is something the local experts like druids and clerics are looking into.” Miranda said.

“Wolf trouble?” Eun-Ji asked before quickly looking at the scrolling chat, “...and I can already see all the memes being made about Eclipse now, a few of our songs may reference the moon but I prefer being a cute little kitty.”

“Heheh, oh just a bit of spirit trouble nearby. Nothing too worrisome.” Miranda said. “Just something to solve when cities encroach on remote parts of the wild.”

“Is that what the clerics and druids are for then? It sounds like quite an important job,” Eun-Ji commented as she started rowing the boat into the ocean, the idol instinctively humming an old Eclipse song in the process, “...and predictably we have a question about if Silverdalean institutions accept druids and cleric from outside Silverdale?”

“Well it’s one go to experts. But to answer your questions for institutions, I believe so. Granted, there are many circles of druidic clicks, the folks in Aurora Academy, and the Silver Harmonism Temple. As you can imagine, there are a bunch of traditions that one can follow or not.” Miranda briefly explained.

“Just don’t expect to turn up to the Aurora Academy in Malgrave and expect to receive the same results,” Eun-Ji said referencing the common use of Aurora in Silverdale and Malgrave, “Even if they likely have a student exchange scheme,” the idol added before moving over to the next question, “Will shows produced on networks like MBS or TVN be delayed due to the war? It will likely depend on the show, however, shows like Weekly Music Countdown and Path to Justice certainly won’t stop.”

“A delay? Sheesh that’s awful.” Miranda said. “I know a few shows I follow were delayed due to a few studios and potential scenes became infested with monsters once! Plus a few spots are now rumble.”

“It is disappointing but a few series were filmed in the Research Colony like Tech Watch which is filmed in Electronictopia, the main MalTec research facility,” Eun-Ji explained, of course, MalTec fortunately had a few backups for their data but the destruction of the research city was still harmful to the company, “How are Silverdalean production companies managing to rebuild after the destruction?”

“Eh just trying to get a bunch of stuff, resources from the rumble, some new studio locations, and whole new shot relocations. That kind of stuff.” Miranda said.

Eun-Ji nodded, “A lot of similar work is being undertaken by production companies in Malgrave which is why Janina had to do some of her live events from the Dornalian Republic since that is where Travellers was filmed,” the idol explained, “What sort of treasure are you hoping that we’ll find at our destination, Miranda? I am looking for a Lantean shield upgrade as it can be a bit annoying holding the shield like this when sailing.”

“Oh, some unique treasures to even a rare sword.” Miranda answered. “That and maybe some enchantment books.”

“It is possible, although, we don’t know if the Ancestors possessed swords they are quite popular in Aurora so were added to the game on launch,” Eun-Ji said, “Books are quite common as well we are a nation of nerds but maybe we’ll be lucky and get some good enchantments?”

Eun-Ji then stopped rowing the boat, a tad curious as the Malgravean was still in the middle of the ocean but she appeared rather confident as she passed over a small device to the Silverdalean.

“Just equip this rebreather and it will allow you to breathe safely underwater as we travel to this secret city here,” Eun-Ji said, “It will replace your helmet but it is a lot safer in these conditions since I don’t know how long we will be underwater.”

“Probably a long time, but there are a few tricks we can exploit.” Miranda chuckled.

Eun-Ji just winked at the camera before her character jumped into the water.

Below the waves, Miranda would be able to get a look at an example of an ancient Lantean city ship albeit a fictional version based on discoveries made by the ASG but one which still managed to showcase the engineering capabilities of the Lantean people, as towering spires scattered a central island surround on all sides by large ornate piers which appeared dotted with a number of spaces for defensive ornaments and shuttles.

“It is a miracle of engineering that this structure has been able to survive underwater without any visible structural damage but that is due to a shield that cuts it off from this harmful environment, although, we are unsure how to create the powersource for this type of advancement for the time,” Eun-Ji said remembering something she had been taught earlier by the ASG, “We will be able to bypass this shield through our handy rebreather which notes us as friendly members of this city, a little surprise that I picked up while exploring a dangerous mountain base which tried to explode on me.”

“Sheesh, that is quite a surprise. I do wonder how they did that.” Miranda said. “Anyway, are there killer robots here?”

“It is knowledge beyond us as the Lanteans possessed technology far beyond our understanding,” Eun-Ji said, “If this city was on land we could come across some nasty robots but I think this place will be empty.”

Eun-Ji slipped through the shield and fell to the ground at the start of one of the piers, a large distance separating them from the central island of the city which seemed to be near the maximum render distance provided by Moncraft.

“I don’t think the Ancestors knew how to build small things outside of small personal devices and the like,” Eun-Ji joked, “...but we should be near a transporter that should take us closer to our final destination. Just look for something which resembles an elevator.”

“Okay.” Miranda began to search around the area to see if there are any buildings or odd structures that'd look like an elevator. That and testing her pick to see if there are any unique blocks to collect or make new entries or staircases.

Miranda was able to find new unique blocks, as the surrounding buildings were made of an odd type of metallic material suitable for both surviving in space and other hardships and a nearby structure appeared to act as some sort of lightning lance, with the clearance revealing a small hub which appeared to act as the transport hub.

“Awesome! It looks like you found the transport,” Eun-Ji said, a small screen in front of her showcasing the entire layout of the structure, “Just pick somewhere on the screen and we’ll transport to that location. I recommend somewhere on the central island.”

“Ooh, what’d be there?” Miranda asked. All the while eager to tap a place in the central island.

Miranda would quickly find out herself as the duo were transported to an open room deep within one of the buildings in the central section of the city ship, a combination of the buildings position underwater and the offline status of the rooms lights and computers making the room quite dark and gloomy.

All that changed when Eun-Ji stepped forward, as the room seemed to light up with our presence through some unknown means.

“I am partially glad that this is a visual representation as I imagine it would be quite dusty in real life,” Eun-Ji said as she activated a small computer terminal, a series of shutter doors opening which revealed a Ring of the Ancestors, “It looks like we have stumbled upon the embarkation room, an area which we presume was used to launch expeditions.”

Miranda would also be able to see a couple of storage units in the corner, a few words in Lantean explaining that they were to help expedition members.

“Now that’s interesting. This place might be good to set up a temporary base now that we’re exploring the city.” Miranda went over to check the storage units for any useful goods.

Miranda would find a few food items which were labelled as ration packs by the game alongside a couple of standard potions for healing, however, the real treasures game in the form of a sword which looked like a rapier and a few books which contained enchantments to boost sword strength and provide protection against hostile ancestral energy.

“Did you find anything good?” Eun-Ji asked, the idol thinking a few things over as she looked through her inventory, “We should be able to life this thing from the ocean to the surface which will help us avoid a desperate search for more power in the future.”

“Oooh I got a new sword.” Miranda chuckled as she looted all the valuables in the barrel. She then showed off her blade. “What do you think?”

“It looks like quite an upgrade, a few swift thrusts and you’ll be able to say goodnight to anyone that tries to mess with us in the future,” Eun-Ji said, the idol still looking around at the computer in search of something, “...this should do it.”

Eun-Ji’s actions seemed to cause something, as the structure they were in seemed to rumble and shake and the lights around them flickered as power was sent to different systems in the city ship

Miranda would be able to see the city ship gradually rise up in the water, a process which steadily increased until the structure burst through the surface akin to a dolphin or whale with light now freely cascading through the windows in the tower.

“Incredible.” Eun-Ji said looking at the window, a virtual city in front of them as the duo could see that they had landed on the tallest spire in the centre of the structure itself.

“Oh gosh… This is quite amazing.” Miranda said in awe. “And no sight of any annoying lag itself.” She chuckled.

“Thankfully Moncraft is a well optimised game and can handle stuff like this with ease,” Eun-Ji remarked, “If we are to activate the Ring of the Ancestors we will need some other materials but I think that is a mission for the future.

Eun-Ji bowed to the camera, “It has been a pleasure to be able to play with you and I know everyone is thankful that you took the time to reply to all these questions, especially, as it is a rather unconventional format.”

“It was great to play with you two Eun-Ji! Now folks, cya!” Miranda waved goodbye at the camera.

[Glaristant]

Cowritten with Malgrave

The normally bustling Turak district of the Glaristanti capital of Arnhem was eerily quiet for what should have been one of the busiest holidays of the year. The throngs of pilgrims and shoppers that would have traditionally packed the streets of the capital’s largest commerce districts were absent, with them being replaced by the occasional armored patrol of the Glaristanti army. Between the Battle of Arnhem a little over a year and a half ago, as well as the recent attacks in Malgrave the Glaristanti government had been keen to keep the capital as secure as possible. “It’s a pity that we won’t be seeing the normal festivities for Legion Day, but I suppose it can’t be helped given all that’s going in and around your homeland.” an ashen skinned elf woman with silver hair said as she looked down to the streets below. The elf wore a simple blue suit and gray skirt, along with a silver emerald necklace that contrasted with her golden eyes. She gave her guests a smile as she moved to sit down on a plush black leather couch opposite of them. The elf, known as Aine Icebliss had called them here for a very important meeting at the behest of the director of Glaristanti intelligence, “Now forgive me for having called you here on at such an early hour, but my superiors feel that time is of the essence regarding the ongoing crisis in Malgrave. Now please do be aware that the information I will be sharing with you today is meant for yourselves and your superiors only.”

“It is quite unfortunate that events have conspired to take such festivities away from us,” Lee Se-jin said as she took the offered seat, the ambassador had been able to establish some manner of contact with her superiors back in Epping, however, the situation was quite fluid and updates continued to flow in through her MalTec implant

“In such times certain sacrifices must be made for the betterment of the nation, the alternative would be to put them at risk which isn’t acceptable,” Izolda Paszek replied, the half-elf was here as a member of the newly formed International Operations Committee and served as a sort of liaison between the Glaristanti intelligence service and her counterparts back home, “I agree that time is of the essence, however, in these troubling times it is important that such judgements are based on as much information as possible.”

“In that case we would gladly accept such information to assist our homeland in dealing with this unfortunate incident,” Se-jin said, deciding to speak in a more diplomatic tone, “What is the nature of this information?”

“Indeed. We were to have held the ceremonies for Legion day it would have presented a potential security risk at a time we can ill afford it.” Aine said, motioning for her aid to bring her and the Malgraveans a tray of refreshments.

As the maid returned with the tray, Aine took a silver cup of tea and eyed her guests. She had crossed paths with Ambassador Lee at a few state functions and had read her file, with her seeming to be quite the capable individual despite her youth. By contrast, she had little to go on for Paszek who she had yet to encounter in her work with Veckne barring some general information. She hoped that would change with time, but she would have to see, “It is very simple, Ambassador. The information we will be providing you relates to the nature of Grogar’s allies, his fiefdom in the Shadow Plane, etc. Additionally we will be providing you with what information we have on the arsenal he has stockpiled. I am uncertain of what help it will be to your nation, but it will at least allow for your people to have a more complete understanding of your foe.”

Lee Se-jin accepted the tea with a minor bow, the ambassador taking a few moments to enjoy the offered drink before responding, “It is quite hard for me to find the words to describe how thankful we are for being able to access such information,” Se-jin said, the ambassador words highlighting both the extreme gratitude she felt for such an offer and the fact that her people's ability to speak in common often broke down in certain circumstances, “I am aware that we’ve conducted some minor experiments to ascertain that the technology exclusion zone is being created by some manner of inaudible sound, however, beyond that our knowledge on this Grogar is rather limited.”

“It would be beneficial to have more information on the lands controlled by Grogar and the allies that support him on the field and more importantly behind it,” Izolda said, the intelligence official ignoring the offered tea for now, “It would allow our operatives to engage the enemy with much reduced risk, such information is quite welcome,” the Malgravean said before quickly asking a question of the Glaristani official, “...and what do you require for this information?”

Se-jin coughed lightly at Izolda’s question, “I believe what my colleague here is saying that we’ve previously been asked to offer some manner of....dulcedo or sweetness to the offer when attempting to garner assistance, so we are naturally quite curious.”

“Naturally, you know that we will not give such information away without something of equivalent value. Now, her majesty realizes that this may seem self-serving but….we are bound by certain rules when sharing divine or planar knowledge with those outside of our order.” Aine said, her golden eyes narrowing as she scrutinized Izolda, “To be blunt, what we seek in exchange for our information is access to the ongoing ascension research. The findings of this research will go a long way towards placating our patrons.”

Izolda ignored the narrowing eyes of the Glaristanti official, the IOC delegate instead moving over to whisper something to the local ambassador before returning to her previous position seemingly content with whatever she had said.

“Yes, the natural tendency in certain quarters can be to be, how should you say individualistic or nationalist with your work? It is something which has always caused some confusion within Malgravean spheres as we believe that scientific collaboration helps unlock many a mystery, as by working together we can look at a problem from multiple perspectives or exploit areas in which another partner may be stronger and vice versa,” Se-jin said with a smile as she considered the Glaristanti request, “You would be liaising with the Department of Ancestral Research & Understanding, a wing of the Ministry of Science and Engineering and Institute for the Development of Ancestral Technology and Advancement Towards Ascension, a research institute attached to the Ancestral Study Group. If you are comfortable with it, Glaristanti researchers could even be attached to the ASG team?”
At that Izolda decided to intervene, “Of course these officials would need to undergo a basic security clearance by the International Operations Committee and the Internal Security Division,” the half-elf said in a tone quite typical of intelligence officials.

“A standard procedure which I imagine that you would engage in if we wished to send researchers to work in your institutions as well,” Se-jin added, the Ambassador speaking in a more soothing and diplomatic tone, “I trust that any Glaristanti sent will pass quite easily.”

“All of this would be acceptable in my view, but do bear in mind that I would need to confer with my superiors on the matter. Pending their approval, you would likely see members of Arnhem attached to the ASG team on rotating assignments.” Aine said, “If you would like, you are welcome to join me in meeting them. They have extended an invitation to you all to join them at one of our bases out of realm, provided you do not mind making the trip.”

“As I said in Malgrave we tend to take the viewpoint that collaboration on matters like scientific research is beneficial to all involved, so the assistance of Arnhem would be much appreciated on this front as they’ll likely provide quite a valuable difference of perspective and skills to any research team,” Se-jin said, the Ambassador seemingly pleased with the Glaristanti offer

Izolda meanwhile just nodded in agreement with Se-jin's comments before whispering something to the Ambassador, the IOC representative seemingly happy with proceedings but needing to pass along information nevertheless.

“Yes, we would be quite pleased to join them in this other realm,” Se-jin said, “I am quite looking forward to visiting another realm as it is an experience that has not been experienced by many of our citizens.”

“It is an experience regulated as one can easily find themselves in an uncomfortable situation without appropriate preparation,” Izolda said, the intelligence agent reminding the Ambassador of some of the safety regulations around planar travel, “Most citizens have a greater familiarity with use of the Ring of the Ancestors.”

“Excellent. My superiors and their host will be most pleased that you accepted their offer. Now please, if you would follow me we can depart for the meeting site.” Aine said as she pulled a silver scroll from within her coat, all the while uttering an incantation in a guttural language the Malgraveans couldn’t quite understand. A silver portal emitting mist opened before the group of delegates, all the while they could hear the warbling of song birds. Aine led the group through the portal after a moment’s delay, their vision being blinded by a rainbow of vibrant colors as they were transported a other worldly realm. As they looked around the Malgraveans could see that they had ended up in a lush courtyard with a crystal like spring surrounded by low silver walls with plants blooming in all manner of blues, reds, yellows, and whites. Over the rows of flowers stood trees with almost crystalline like leaves that reflected all manner of hues back towards the mals, all the while they could see insectoid like dragons playing beneath the shimmering auroras that dominated the night sky. Aine smiled as she watched the dragons dance on the horizon before turning back to her charges, “Welcome to Dal Riata, realm of the Auroran Duo. My superiors and our host should be arriving shortly but feel free to explore for a bit before they get here.”

The group could hear the soft flapping of wings coming from above, all the while they looked up to see a figure descending to the courtyard. The pale skinned figure wore a lengthy black robe with white lines stretching across, it doing little to conceal her feathery angelic wings. Her silver pupiless eyes regarded the newcomers with a hint of curiosity before she at last spoke, “Ah, Aine….I was wondering when you would arrive. Mistress Kys and your compatriots were beginning to think you wouldn’t show. At any rate, these must be the other mortals you spoke of…..The Malgraveans.”

The angel gave a deep bow as she continued to regard the malgravean delegation, “Greetings honored guests. I am Felice, servant and deva of the Goddess of Death and Queen of the Auroras, Kys. It is my mistress’s hope that you will enjoy your stay in her realm. If you need anything, you need only ask myself or one of the servants here.”

Se-jin found herself positively overwhelmed by the experience, quite a few Malgraveans had become more familiar with the existence of dragons and other planes within the past two decades but to witness it in the flesh was something entirely different and she made a brief internal note to show off to her wife about her adventure upon her return.

“It is certainly an experience that I have not felt before, this realm it is like something from the pages of a novel,” she told Aine, the Ambassador only being slightly surprised by the arrival of a new figure, “Yes, we hail from the United Kingdom of Malgrave. I am Lee Se-jin, the current Malgravean Ambassador to Glaristant.”

Izolda meanwhile was a tad more suspicious about the new realm, of course, the IOC agent didn’t expect their Glaristanti hosts to actually perform some manner of subterfuge, however, the life and career of an intelligence agent invited paranoia and she kept a careful eye on her surroundings as the Ambassador introduced herself,

“I am Izolda, a small part of the security team assigned to assist the Ambassador here during her duties,” Izolda said, of course, such duties often involved espionage on behalf of her superiors but that was best left unsaid.

“May I enquire as to how this realm came to be?” Se-jin asked, the Ambassador seemingly curious about the location they were in, “Was it crafted by a divine act or was this area settled for its current purpose?”

Felice listened intently as the Malgraveans introduced themselves, seemingly somewhat intrigued by the mortals.She had admittedly become somewhat familiar with Malgraveans after dealing with a number of their kind during her duties under her goddess, but had yet to interact with living ones. She gave a slight bow before she spoke, “I see….Truly, it is an honor for us to be able to host a delegation of such distinguished individuals. We have had quite few of your kinsmen join the host of souls residing with the realm, but only once have we hosted a living Malgravean. At any rate as for your questions….”

“Ugh….Honestly Felice, would it kill ya to be a little less formal?” said a voice coming from a black and silver drake fluttering behind the group. The creature quickly shifted into a dark skinned woman with three waving fox tails and twitching vulpine ears. Her golden eyes scrutinized the group before she cracked a toothy smile, all the while posing, “Nice to meetcha, you all! I’m Ivrea, goddess of Magic, Mischief, and Nobility...as well as the junior goddess of the Aeon Court..”

“But yes….As for your questions, myself and the other member of the Court contracted the court wizard of the Goddess Brasa to help us form it with our divine power. Think of it as being an extension of the two of us, actively shaped and given life by our essence and desires.” Ivrea said as she shifted the scene around them to that of an autumnal grove with gently flowing streams and trees bearing leaves of every color.

Se-jin was quite surprised at the new arrival, although her work in the diplomatic service over the years had trained her to be able to conceal her shock in such cases and so instead she simply bowed in introduction,

“Ivrea, is it?” Se-jin asked in a rhetorical manner as she bowed in greeting, “It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, even though the circumstances behind the calling for this meeting is not a particularly pleasant one for my homeland,” the Malgravean said, a sad smile gracing her
face even if she did enjoy watching the scene shift around them, “In any case I am most thankful that you have been able to look after the ancestral energy of those that have departed from their physical form on this plane, in Malgrave we have certainly gained a greater appreciation for your ability to look after those before their ascension.”

“Yes, the guest house theory,” Izolda said mentioning a theory that the Glaristanti delegates would be most familiar through the show Ancestral Guest House, “It is certainly an interesting one, although it does paint certain security concerns over what happens to those who are present in a foreign afterlife.”

“It is certainly an interesting area of study at the Royal Institute, however, I don’t believe it is an appropriate area for conversation, especially, with a crisis currently ongoing in the Research Colony which threatens the living,” Se-jin said with a surprising firm tone, perhaps an indication of the confidence that officials had received following recent intelligence reforms made by the Prime Minister, “It would be prudent to discuss what steps we can take to alleviate these immediate concerns, namely the evacuation of the civilian population which has been hampered by the technology exclusion zone and the restrictions around teleportation ance...magic.”


“Oh yes….One of the petitioners from your country inquired about that when he was brought before Kys and I. Quite the interesting theory, even if it isn’t quite correct.“The Guest Theory can be more accurately applied to the Boneyard, which is one of the realms that feeds into Dal Riata. By contrast the souls that enter this realm tend to remain here, unless they are called to another plane by their native deities.”Ivrea chuckled as she summoned a table with an array of glaristanti and malgravean dishes set upon it. The goddess took her seat at the head of the table, all the while motioning for her guests to take their seats,her expression changing to be far grimmer at the mention of Grogar, “Yes...my fellow Goddess and I have been kept well informed about Grogar’s violations of the mortal plane and the surrounding realms. Needless to say that neither of us are pleased that this upstart is seeking to undermine the existing order, something which is made even worse by the effect his actions are having on my domains. Now we will not be able to intervene directly given that our attention is needed in rebuilding silverdale and handling crises, yet with that being said...Kys is willing to use her control over the auroras to assist in moving troops and evacuees to safe places. I myself do have access to various spells that could help you in subverting his field as well. Beyond that, we will need to see what you require and we will do what we can to aid you from there.”

“It would be rather foolish for us to assume that everyone travelled to this Guest House environment upon leaving their physical form behind, as circumstances differ across Mystria as the influences of the divine vary and a whole manner of circumstances impact which afterlife we travel to, although the saddest state are those without a soul who are left to a rather uncertain fate after death,” Se-jin said, a smile smile appearing as she took note of both the local and Malgravean dishes available, although her colleague spoke before she could comment on such a display, the topic of soulless individuals quite a difficult once within Malgrave.

“We are currently working on constructing a temporary docking facility at Sinubis, a small residential settlement which is both outside the Technology Exclusion Zone and the barrier that has seemingly blocked the Gulf of Ino, however, considering that such a site is likely to be under considerable attention from the enemy it would not be safe to direct civilians through this location so your methods would be considerably safer.” Izolda said

“Yes, we feel a certain manner of tristitia or deep sadness and shame that we have been unable to provide the Silverdalean people with safe refuge during their time of need in the aftermath of their own security situation, such actions are certainly unworthy of those that seek to follow the Ancestors but we hope that our rather disgraceful failures can be alleviated through the creation of this portal,” Se-jin said reflecting the deep embarrassment that many in Malgravean society felt about how the return of Grogar had directly scuppered the assistance they had provided to millions of Silverdalean refugees.

“It is also important that we evacuate the civilian population as to reduce the strain on the supply lines, as soon as these people are removed from the danger zone then we’ll be able to consider a military operation to scupper the enemies momentum and put them on the defensive,” Izolda said, “...hopefully in a manner that does not rely on such barbaric methods as we’ve seen so far in the colony,” she said, referencing a common belief that hand-to-hand combat unlocked a rather primitive side of her people that was counterproductive to societal advancement

Ivrea nodded, listening intently as the Malgravean delegation spoke of their intentions. seemingly somewhat amused by their comments. She herself cared little for the concerns of mortal souls unlike her superior, but nonetheless found the actions they took to be rather fascinating. The goddess of mischief gave her guests a sly smile, all the while her three tails waved behind her, " You have my assurances that we will do everything in our power to aid both the people of Malgrave, well as the refugees that you have taken in. To that end, I suppose I can create a temporary settlement in my portion of Dal Riata to accommodate at least some of the evacuees. Though we cannot create a portal within the zone, either Kys or myself should be able to open a pathway for you just outside of to allow you a direct conduit to our realm."

Felice, who until this point had remained silent at last spoke up, "Though her majesty is not present at the moment, I can assure that as her herald we will make what resources we can spare available to you. Additionally, I have been assured by our honorable Glaristanti guests that will provide you with access to their files on Grogar."

Se-jin bowed slightly towards the figures, the Ambassador quite thankful of the offers of assistance provided, “Thanks to the brave efforts of local researchers, we have managed to determine that the Technology Exclusion Zone does not extend across the entire Research Colony, so as we speak a team of engineers are constructing a new port facility to serve as an operational hub for planned counter-offensives against Grogar.”

“Unfortunately, we lack the appropriate means to organise an effective counterattack outside the deployment of railguns, however, we have been able to restart a portion of the maglev network so people trapped within cities like Cerne are slowly flowing towards Luban,” Izolda said, a small frown indicating that she was quite uncomfortable with the current state of affairs.

“Yes, the process is sadly quite slow as transporting millions of people is hard going without use of ancestral energy or the reliable use of technology, even without considering the work that needs to be done to create a safe corridor of travel,” Se-jin said, “I trust that the Territorial Defence Force will do everything in their power to make that a reality though.”

“...as effective as a group of conscripts can be with barely functional weapons, dwindling supplies and virtually zero air support,” Izolda said with a sigh, “I know that they’ll fight incredibly hard to protect their comrades but without air support they’ll be massacred before we can supply them with new weapons.”

"I see…" Felice said, as she pondered the concerns of the Malgraveans. The supply issues could at least be somewhat mitigated through the use of some of the stockpiles within Dal Riata and the Arnwehr’s storehouses there. The evacuation by contrast would be somewhat more difficult, as it would require placing the interplanar transport mechanisms of her mistress or her auroras under a good amount of stress. Yet with that being said, she knew that at the very least a few thousand could likely be evacuated at a time. She nodded, gesturing towards one of the auroras overhead, “Now we will not be able to evacuate all of the refugees from Luban at once or even over a short period, but through Lady Kys’ auroras we can at least evacuate a few thousand per day. As for the supply situation, we do have a limited supply of arms and rations that we should be able to provide that may mitigate your equipment shortfalls in the short term.”

“For our part, we would be willing to supply one of our expeditionary brigades to help secure the nonaffected parts of the research colony. They won’t be enough to stem the tide, but I would imagine a presence of well equipped veteran troops should make for a potent asset.” one of the Glaristanti officers said.

“Of course, we understand that it would be impossible to simply teleport millions of people in the court of a single day, as the act of teleportation itself is one that puts an incredible strain on the one casting the spell, however, the very fact that we’ll be able to transport the most vulnerable out of harm's way is an incredible gift and one that I am certain will provide much comfort to those impacted,” Se-jin said once again slightly bowing as a sign of gratitude, “I am aware of the fact that my colleagues have contacted the Dystans and Silverdaleans for similar assistance in transporting people out of harm's way and, of course, the colony also has citizens trained in the use of ancestral abilities so perhaps that will aid your own cause.”

Izolda simply nodded, the Malgravean letting her colleague focus on the matter of refugees as she centred around logistics.

“Thankfully, the Territorial Defence Force has sizeable reserves of ammunition in the Research Colony as it serves as one of the training hubs for our conscript service, however, the fact that we cannot easily transport this ammunition to the front is something which is proving to be a major detriment to operations in the area. I can say with certainty that the expeditionary brigade will be a welcome arrival to Luban, at the moment we’ve only got TDF units present so the presence of these veterans will provide some welcome experience to our efforts to evacuate people via safer routes further away from the conflict zone, especially if we are able to create a corridor of safety to a safer port in a neighbouring country.”

“I see. Then it sounds like we have the makings of a suitable enough plan to begin the evacuation. We will need to finalize it with Lady Kyara and coordinate with our officers on the receival planes, but that should not take too much time though. As for transporting the ammunition to the front, we could set up a similar corridor to ensure the prompt resupply of both our forces and the TDF. Though not quite on this scale, we have executed a smaller such operation in the past when we had to supply our forces during the siege of Silverwoods during the Winter War. So it should just be a matter of upscaling it and ensuring the corridor remains un disrupted.” Felice remarked.

Se-jin appeared visibly relieved, as the hardship being experienced by those in the Research Colony weighed heavily on her shoulders, “It is hard to describe how valuable these evacuation corridors will be to our efforts, as with the civilians out of harms way we’ll be able to freely engage in counter-offensive operations to liberate territory that has fallen into the hands of the enemy.”

“By our last reports, the defensive line positioned in the mountains around Gosbury is holding strong, although the situation in Cerne has been described as fluid and situations described as fluid are rarely positive.” Izolda said, the intelligence officer sharing some information she had received since the start of the meeting.

“It is difficult us, however, we must remember that behind a heavy door there is always a blue sky,” Se-jin said, the Ambassador reciting a popular Malgravean saying, “With the assistance of our Glaristanti friends here we’ll be able to build our own blue sky.”

“Very well. I will meet with Kyara within the next few hours to work on the logistics of setting up a corridor here for you. Mind you, it will be a small endeavor at first but within a few days we should be able to be evacuating several hundred to a thousand souls. Expect to hear from me shortly, Izolda. Until then, I bid you farewell.” Ivrea said, giving a nod as she faded from view.

“We will reach out to our superiors in Arnhem about dispatching the expeditionary brigade within the next few days. It may take some time to dispatch more forces, but they should be enough to help hold the line in Cerne for some time at least. Now if you all would follow me, we will take you back to your hotel for the evening.” Felice said, rising from her seat as she gestured for the Malgraveans to follow her.

[Legokiller]

Collab with Rohane Alista

Forward Command Post in Luban

For the out of their league Silverdalean conscripts who got roped up and did not dare to risk it all to unknown lands, the sight of the first flock of the true professional airborne winged soldiers and the rain from the skies brought relief bombarded any enemy nearby from pegasi squads. Cargo planes from Silverdale made the long-distance journey from the south in about a day or perhaps more and flew down into the airport of Luban. As the first wave of engineers, soldiers, relief aid, and druids arrive to establish the forward command base, there was a sense of cheer from even the waddly friends of ‘oh gosh it's real soldiers are here.’ Soon enough a whole woodland grove nearby the airport became great tree fortresses, with a whole patch of trees weaving together a wooden portal to the roots of the world tree, Gaia itself, to reach Silverdale to help with transportation between lands. Alongside the first wave of scouts from the fellow birds and creatures organized by pony druids were used to gather intelligence of the nearby undead and potential enemy whereabouts.

Unreliable information was expected, as animals and their concepts don’t always translate well. Even the use of familiars was at risk from predation. The daring of all was the ancient druidic art of the Tree Portal as the druids and staff made sure to camouflage it well from attacks. A crossing that is a jump between points in the world and planes have oversight from not just the spirit of earth itself, but other supernatural entities to potential attacks from Tambelon forces as paths cross into the shadow realm. Preparation from the nuts to ritualistic sacrifices and aid of unique dryads to help use a safe passage in this route from points in Silverdale like Snowy Light’s Aurora Gift and Luban was needed to be done. The Tree Portal is a mere gateway than a great formation of a tree itself in the natural world. That in itself had to be protected from the outside and within the roots. All said to help with the logistical run and people to arrive at the base itself.

It was a busy hive where the soldiers of Silverdale arrived by different marks of the hour to prepare whole battalions to prepare for the relief operation to attempt to rescue the Research Colony before it became overrun with the hordes of creatures. At the helm of the operation was General Cassie Loveheart who took the task to lead the arrival of airborne and magic troopers in a daunting task to fight in and outside of the anti-technology field zone. Not only reports of strange metal automatons form the dossier but also swarms of dragon beasts in the sky. Why of course it had to be dragons. Cassie dealt with them from the Winter War with the flocks of ice beasties. This time it is different as there are fewer options to approach them this time. No luxury of helpful modern weaponry here.

Hence there needed to be a few experts and fellow dragon folks besides a few tactics like the wing clipper, high caliber ammunition, thunderbolts in a bottle, and explosive lances for the sky troopers and cloud snipers. Hence she approached one of the tents where the assembly of a few dragon elves awaited and one famous person she knew that could help. Cassie let out a sigh as she knew there was one elephant in the room, beside the literal elephant druid nearby, who wanted nothing but an adventure. Oh, Cassie wished that it was simple and easy to invite her into another day.

Already inside the tent was the person who was Cassie’s elephant in the room, a woman with silver hair and golden eyes. Her pointed ears flicked slightly as the general entered the tent, the woman looking over. She was in a naval officer’s uniform, her rank insignia indicating she held the position of Wing Commander, and a tag on her breast read “Wyrmheart”; it had been a recent thing, but she’d decided, in the end, to change her last name to her brother’s. The woman saluted the general stiffly. “Wing Commander Kamuri Wyrmheart, at your service.”

“Good evening Commander Wyrmheart. I hope you had a good flight and settled down as of now.” Cassie smiled as she gave a salute.

“I arrived safely,” Kamuri replied, dropping the salute. “The flight could have been smoother, but it could’ve been a lot worse, too, so all told it was good.”

“Great to know. To be frank I got quite stiff from the trip. “ She gave a soft laugh. As she dropped her salute she looked at Kamuri. “Now we have quite the road ahead of us. This will be different from what we faced back home.”

“General, all due respect,” Kamuri replied, her brows furrowing. “But you know I was retired. And frankly, I don’t see how I’m supposed to help here? Unless you want me to relive my little taste of adventure,” she laughed, patting the sword on her hip. “But I’m a pilot, I thought planes didn’t work here?”

“Until there is an experimental jet fighter able to resist the zone, the only aircraft can be outside of the zone and Luban’s airspace.” Cassie then mused. “That being said: there is another skill that is recognized that's proven quite helpful in the skies. I believe you did read a few books and dragon martial arts articles to fight other dragons, no?”

“I’ve trained with my brother, mostly,” Kamuri replied. “I’m not as good as him with the dragon form, but I’m still pretty good! Though, you know, I’m sure you could ask for him too? If you just looking for big tough dragons, I’m pretty sure he’ll sort you! Or both of us, I guess?”

“Unfortunately, he declined the offer to join us.” Cassie answered. “It’s a shame. No grand hero to aid us, but we can make do.”

“Aw, I bet that’s cause Talva said no,” Kamuri frowned. “Too bad, I haven’t gotten to see him much recently. So what do you want me to do, anyways? Go duel dragons or something? Does the big mean goat have dragons?”

“Yes and from the dossier, flocks of them. They’re no Jabberwocky.” Cassie gave a small cold expression with a shiver. “But, there are many that we have to help contest them.”

“Well... oh, alright,” Kamuri sighed. “But I don’t want to spend forever here, you know? I was retiring! Sometimes a girl gets tired of the war stuff, you know?”

“I understand. I hope this is a short tour and not end up in some alternate plane, but this time the shadow plane.” Cassie said. “That said: one of our objectives is to make sure our people return home, and help the Malgraveans push out the Tambelon forces out of this area. So it shouldn’t take a year or two.”

“Well, I’m down to help all the Silverdaleans I can, of course!” Kamuri nodded. “That’s what I signed up for!... but yeah, it’s fine, I’ll help. Damn, I guess a girl takes one sabbatical and pays for it the rest of her life, huh…”

“Then be ready to achieve that goal.” Cassie said. “Once this is completed a beach vacation is well earned. Outside of one beach site nearby naturally.”

“Oooh, a beach,” Kamuri closed her eyes, imagining it. “Do it all for the beach… right! Well, let me know where you need me, General. I should send a message to my brother, let him know I’m a-ok.”

“Of course.” Cassie nodded. “You’ll be alerted on the next mission briefing before we enter the field.”

“Alright,” Kamuri nodded. “Permission to leave?”

“Permission granted.” Cassie said.

Kamuri saluted again, leaving the command tent to go about her day.

❄️ Main Camp’s mess hall ❄️

As the grill of fish and roasted carrots were made from the kitchen at the makeshift tent, an air of fresh air coming from the smooth berry candles and baked pastries to remedy the awful jetlag. At one of the tables was the surrounding of the lesser officers from the military to even a budding commander from a holy order of ‘cuddle knights.’ A flying reindeer, a green-haired psi-soldier, and a strange half one arctic elf with bat wings.

“Not long ago we were at Silverdale fighting monsters, and well it’s our lucky day. We must combat more monsters.” Rudolph remarked.

“Our specialty.” Esper rolled her eyes. “By the gods, we got the short straw haven’t we?”

“Nonsense Esper. It’s a chance to repay our friends to help, and perhaps aid other lands like Kouralia.” Rudolph said.

“That’s optimistic.” Esper crossed her arms. “The only time I had a bit of enjoyment after that freezing war was a date with Leora. That was wild.”

“Wild?” The voice came from an elven woman with flowing snow-white hair. “That is quite curious indeed.”

“It was a good party. That’s all. No need to ask further.” Esper said. “Really Lyclyn.”

“Oooh, okay.” Lyclyn chuckled. “I won’t pry.”

“Good. What I did pick up from a few rumors is that Lothar went on another crusade of justice in this region.” Esper said. All with a curious smile.

“The Lothar?” Rudolph put his hooves on the table in excitement. “That’s amazing. A true hero of justice. Oh, that’d be a sight to behold.”

“Yes, and we can descend from the sky to rescue him.” Lyclyn smiled. “If he is endangered of course.”

“Rescue? Now that’s odd. Probably he ran off somewhere.” Esper shrugged.

“He must’ve volunteered,” Lyclyn suggested. “Of course, it’s been quite shaky as information is quite sparse on his whereabouts.”

“Well, once we fly over Cerne or a small village, the rallying cry ‘for justice’ will alarm us that he’s there! Alongside his folks like the wild Hilda, and the macho Sancho.” Rudolph said.

“Maybe. Lothar will have class as an agent of justice.” Lyclyn winked.

“Hmph. True enough.” Esper said. “That said: I do wonder if he does have the Falchion or not on him. I figured it might be in a museum by now, but no solid info.” The Falchion is a legendary blade forged from the fang of a divine dragon scion goddess Nico. One powerful enough to slay dragons with ease and able to protect them from their wrath.

“Ooh. Well for me… My Lady provided me with this divine blade.” Lyclyn pulled out a steel bastard sword that radiated a celestial light of the flame and was made of cold iron itself. “My own Dragon Slayer.”

“What the…” Esper’s jaws dropped as Rupholen leaned over to look at the blade.

“Said to be acquired from another world from a cutie shopkeeper,” Lyclyn said. While it did sound unbelievable, it was indeed true. One blade to help a holy paladin in the skies to help in battle.

❄️ Operation Typhoon ❄️

Lessons from the past were critical to the approach to face the anti-tech zone. In time proper, air brigades from the winged beings and mounts were prized in the ancient days to help give an edge over the boreal forests and cities of the olden times. Even during the civil war guerrilla and small derpy bombs (e.g unguided small bombs) were used to help destroy key targets without the usage of greater bomber fortresses by pegasi. Such strategies to aid the Malgraveans and push out the Tambelons have to be put to the test.

The airborne troopers, composed of its flyer folks of pegasi, flying reindeer, fellow birdlings, dragon elves, and bat folks, were joined up by magi specialists on broomsticks and flying Temna (aka big pegasus) mobile riders to take up to the skies. Alongside the Weather Corps companies to help move whole clouds to make concealment for the team’s flight paths. All to help even the comedic flying sleds pulled by groups to look to spot and ‘deliver’ small gravity bombs and thunder in a bottle to strike at enemy defense positions and bases. Even squadrons of flyers work to contest the skies above friendly positions to rid the draconic menace. At the ground level were close air support flyer units and magi troopers came to assist the Malgraveans on the defense to hopefully push forward to Cerne.

[Hippocratia]

Sarullon was not having fun. It had to be said. War was definitely not fun.

At least when you were conscripted.

He was one of the Altmeri, the pure people, the high elves. Five hundred years ago his ancestors had attempted the invasion of the Northern Continent, only to be scattered by a great hurricane brought about by the Hippocratians and forced to settle the desolate province of Rocky Prospect. They had come hoping to conquer the beast races and they had instead found an awkward sort of peace. Peace under the watchful eyes of Pegasus Sky-Forts that hung like executioner’s axes over their settlements.

But now that peace was gone, and the Hippocratians had demanded that all who could bear arms be trained and sent to the front.

This was unfair, of course. Grogar and Tambelon were a Hippocratian problem. Rumours said that once the Black Goat and his city had been part of Hippocratia, and that he had been banished to the Shadow planes by the ponies for rising up against their oppression, only to fail. It was also part of the lore that the Altmeri had fled from the Dragon States to form their new Dominion just after Tambelon had been banished.

If only the Ponies could just deal with their own problems and leave the Altmeri alone, to resume their rightful place as masters of at least Rocky Prospect...

‘Stop daydreaming!’

The command from the sergeant barked out, and Sarullon glowered resentfully at him. The Sergeant was half his height, green, and ugly. The gob did not deserve to be commanding Altmeri. But he’d been in the 64th regiment of foot (as contrasted with hoof) for years of professional service and had rank. Sarullon knew he didn’t deserve it, a Gob ordering elves around was disgusting.

‘Yes sergeant!’ Sarullon said.

‘Good man, if you’ve got nothing useful to do, then get hauling supplies.

Sarullon groaned inwardly. He didn’t do it aloud though, the basic training had beat that instinct out of him. ‘Yes sergeant,’ he said.

__ __ __

The 63rd regiment was on a mission, their present goal was to secure the front against further Tambleonic incursions. The War in Hippocratia was less intense than in Kouralia or the Freestian colonies, but it was still a high intensity affair. The archons of Hippocratia were keen to send their less reliable troops into battle against the enemy, Humans, Altmer, and others from the far provinces were herded to the front like cattle to the slaughter; not that cattle were slaughtered in Hippocratia. Their status was higher than humans - and their kin.

Sarullon had a rifle with a trigger block that worked, a reconstruction of an old pattern, an armourer had converted it to a sputter-gun like those of the enemy, one drew back the bolt, put in a clip - not a magazine, a clip - and a single squeeze of the lever trigger would fire all five rounds in immediate succession.

Rain hammered down in the darkness as Sarullon walked his rounds, the patrol was an onerous duty. The Khajit soldier with him had it easier on night duty, but he was poor company, and Sarullon followed him, boots squelching through the mud.

In the distance, he heard a piping, trilling and high.

‘What was that?’ he asked.

The Khajit, Rafeliz, flattened his ears, ‘Nothing, local ponies.’

Sarullon pushed the button of his safety and drew back the hammer of his stamped rifle.

Rafeliz turned toward him, yellow eyes barely visible in the moonlight. ‘What’re you doing?’ he asked.

‘I heard something, didn’t you?’ he asked.

The Khajit looked at him, and his eyes seemed fierce in the gloom. ‘Khajit heard nothing,’ he said.

Sarullon brought up his rifle. In better times there would have been radio, now there was nothing so reliable, ‘I’m raising the alarm.’

Rafeliz was on him in a heartbeat, one paw over the elf’s mouth, meat-wet breath hissing, the altmer’s gun fired, a single burst of fire. ‘Khajit will show you brother,’ the feline said.

__ __ __

The battle had gone against the Hippocratians, the whole regiment routed by the surprise attack. When Sarullon woke he was disarmed, and hideous creatures moved about. They were in the form of humanoids, but horribly composed, as if assembled by a child playing with clay. None had the right features, in the right place, but all had arms, and all had legs, and all carried weapons.

Sarullon was shackled, his hands before him, and he could see others as they were herded, but he was separate from them.

‘A great victory,’ Rafilez said. ‘Lord Grogar will be pleased.’

Sarullon said nothing. On TV he’d have cursed them, but he couldn’t be bothered to care. He was a dead man.

__ __ __

Brass Tacks levitated a quill over the paper, a gemstone of magical light hanging over the desk on her curlpad. She had kicked off her hoof-boots and removed her regalia. She rubbed her face on a fetlock, and began to write.

To all the governments of Mystria and the Pony Realms

For immediate copy and despatch.

From the Office of the Archon Basileus, Mare-A-Thon, Hippocratia

Subject ~ The Cults of Grogar, the origins of the Dark Lord

We have latterly had several inquiries as to the situation with the Cults of the Dark Lord Grogar. I wish to shed some light on how who these cults are, how they operate, and some supplemental information in addition to the pre-war briefing packs on the menace of Grogar and the History of Tambelon.

The History of Tambelon

In the distant past, Hippocratia extended significantly to the East and North of its present geographical confines, including the territory now known as the Freestian Colony of Fortuna. I won’t try and write a history book ~ I dare say that there’s many better ones available if you have the time to indulge ~ but some context will help.

Hippocratia was founded thousands of years ago in the Pre-Equestria era by Abraxias the Bold, the first and greatest Archon, who led settlers across the great ocean to this land from the ancient pony homelands. The land was old before that and some people lived here long before the arrival of ponies, though we have now dwelt here for many thousands of years, along with our fellow Equestrians, including goats.

The history of Grogar is unclear, not because there is too little said on the matter but because there is too much. Old Hippocratian chronicles relate that he first arose more than a thousand years ago, and was expelled by Princess Celestia, the chronicles relate that this was in a distant land, while many critical analysts say instead that he came from our own nation.

Tambelon certainly was part of Hippocratia, in a desolate province it formed the trade port of Hippocratia on the Gulf of Ino, and it soon grew stong and prosperous. The land around the city is mountainous and my ancestors exploited many goats as tenant farmers and slaves in constructing the city, and though some of our people would argue that these things are exaggerated by modern historians, it must be said that every brick of the city was mortared with tears.

The Old Chronicle of Hippocratia dates the foundation of the city to approximately two thousand years ago, which is likely significantly before Grogar was born. This is perhaps the most authentic period source, which states that the Polis brought its distinctive black stone from ancient pre-pony buildings that had stood on the coast of the Ino for thousands of years, or from under the hills.

Hippocratia was not a united country in those days, but a collection of city-states, and Tambelong ruled itself for long centuries, though it was a pony state and it had close relations with others, including my own Mare-A-Thon and the proto-kingdom of Coltchis.

Grogar himself first enters the tale about a thousand years ago, of course so far back there is no such thing as a birth record, so we only have what contradictory tales relate, as said above, he has several contradictory origin stories, but certainly he did several things in roughly this order; firstly we know that he begat many monsters, though we do not know how, and I certainly hope that this is largely a metaphor for transformative magic, throughout the Pony Realms and wider Mystria, no one but Grogar could count them all, it is said; the Old Chronicle says that the true number is ‘More than there were stones in his great castle.’

When the first of these monsters had matured, he led them to the ancient pony homelands, and he was defeated, though the Hippocratian Chroniclers do not know how. Sadly this is before the establishment of Equestria and our records are poor. In Hippocratia at least, there are layers of ash in the archaeological record that correspond to such a time.

He drops out of recorded history again after this, and it should be said that it is entirely possible that these are separate goats using the same name as a terror tactic.

The second rise of Grogar proved that he is a remarkable mage, and this legend states that had created an artefact called the Bewitching Bell. This turned up recently in Equestria. This artefact can drain others of magic even over a great area and harvest it; I would speculate that this is part of what has given him the power he now has.

This bell was stolen by Gusty the Great, an Equestrian hero, and Grogar seems to once more have been defeated.

Centuries later, the same Grogar, or perhaps another, had come to control Tambelon, and began a terrible war to conquer all of Hippocratia, it’s possible that his ambitions had become smaller at this stage, but he was very nearly successful, forcing Celestia herself to come against him.

In the ensuing battle, the city of Tambelon was banished to the depths of the Plane of Shadow, for five hundred years, and we come to the present time.

The Cults of Grogar

The question of what the Cultists gain from their allegiance to Grogar and what they gain from it is at once an easy and difficult one to answer.

Regrettably it does seem that Hippocratia is the epicentre for this. Our longstanding discriminatory past has left a great number of people and ponies the victims of social exclusion in our land, which makes a large recruiting base. Any alternate belief system tends to find appeal in those to whom the status quo offers little.

Before I was elected, I was a clerical leader by trade, and I have met many of the Cultists. The last months have been wearying, and I fear that I have seen too much of what I and my predecessors have done wrong over the centuries. To many of the cultists in Hippocratia, the appeal of upending the existing social order is strong, and they see Grogar as one of their own; sapient goats have traditionally held low status here.

Perhaps if our people had been wiser, and truer in our commitment to Harmony and Friendship, this would never have happened? Perhaps Grogar would even now be a friend to all? I cannot know, but this is one part of the appeal.

There is something darker in the cults though, each group has its own liturgy, and is operated in a distributed cell structure. Although Grogar himself and his city have not been able to return from the Plane of Shadow for many generations, his servants have been coming and going for some time, and cultists know of Grogar and his followers as a Voice from the Darkness.

Common elements are that he is possessed of the same enfolding darkness that empowered and corrupted Nightmare Moon, and the less famous Stygian. This is almost certainly true, Princess Celestia has deigned to confirm this; she has done battle with Grogar twice, but has confessed she has little insight beyond that into his mind.

Some similar blessing seems to shield the cultists from most divination magic, and I am informed that this even works against many of the divine powers of non-Harmonist theurgists as effectively as it does us.

A rare few leaders of the Cults seem to receive arcane power of considerable might, I have personally confronted one such leader, and I was taxed beyond my limits; we failed to capture her. Although I may have drawn attention to the past and present sins that haunt us, we are not a militant people, I have never had to defend myself with magic before this war began, but even so I think it is worthy of note.

I would hate to encounter Grogar himself.

The Cultists believe that by certain rites they can become capable of transcending their physical forms, I have seen some succeed in doing so; they claim that those who have mastered these secrets are immortal and beyond the reach or judgment of other powers, save Grogar, and certain powers, be they the Darkness or the Mother of Monsters or many other names.

A detailed taxonomy of these things seems impossible to determine, as each small cultic group has its own traditions. I am reminded of the fable of the blind ponies trying to determine the shape of a pachyderm. The more we find out about our enemy, somehow the less we seem to know; it galls me that we thought we were ready.

Be watchful for the cults; know that some are simply misled, some are worthy of pity, and some are ruthless beyond all moral norms of ponykind or any other species, capable of shocking atrocities.

Yours in Friendship,
Brass Tacks

She set the quill down, and put the lid on the pot, reading the letter once more until her tired eyes abandoned the effort to find any spelling or grammar errors, and she scattered pounce on the letter and blew it off before applying the seal of her office.

‘Radiant?’ she called, rolling the letter up.

The door opened, and a smaller unicorn stepped into the room. ‘Your Grace?’

‘Can you take this to the copyists? Only the ones who you trust, send copies to every nation in the region who is not on the sanctions list.’

‘Even the Imerians?’

‘Especially them, Radiant,’ she said.

The younger pony bowed her head, taking the tied-up scroll.

Brass Tacks waited for the door to close, then blew out the candle, collapsing down, thinking of sleep, but staring at the cloud covered sky through the lancet window and through her tears.

[Legokiller]

OOC: Collab with RA
Helicondale, Silverdale

President Miranda strolled across the fluff of the clouds in her winged pinkie elf form to admire the grand sky street of Helicondale. The cloud metropolis with the dazzling nights of the auroras and streams of rainbow glimmered down into the mist above the grand forests of Windrun, and whole floating castles built by the cloud giants dangled above. One of the great cities of Silverdale where many pegasus soar across the cloud hops, and even penguins used a few magic fly up in the air itself. Even gravity defied islands of earth with entire neighbourhoods and parks passed by, as weather ponies fixed up the last of the nasty snow clouds caused by the wicked Garyx.

For the citizens of Helicondale, the city moved across the whole of Silverdale from the mainland, the Icy Coast, and even over great oceans. All with a series of factories to the Temples of Air to help guide the gusts of winds across whole oceanic windmill farms. That, and the dangerous lightning faculties to aid in some form of renewable energy. That and the schedule of ‘when this part is needed’ to help the farms, eco-farms, and other services across the nation itself. For Strawberry Miranda, this is a good visit as she walked on the ‘watch your step’ pavement that was lost on the veil of what holds you and what gravity takes you down for a wild ride!

That said, Strawberry Miranda decided to take her time after a whole visit to Helicondale Flight Academy to do something special before president work returned with a vengeance.

"Don't go too fast, dear," her companion called out to her from a little ways behind. If she was cautious about staying on the pavement, he was absolutely rigid about adhering to that warning. Jorge was wearing a special pair of boots just for this trip, but didn't seem to fully trust them as he followed Miranda. "I wonder if I'm the first of my people to ever walk up here. It's a good thing there's some solid ground… somehow."

“In short: pegasus magic.” Miranda chuckled. As to make a point, she pointed to one of the construction ponies molding and reshaping the clouds with their hooves like it was dough. “It’s pretty neat! That said, any other fliers can step on here well enough. Just be careful! We’re almost to the ice cream shop nearby.”

"Sure," Jorge replied. "Hey, remind me to thank Petra for those pills later. And also tell her she sucks. They really do repress the anti-magic, but I feel exhausted. This ice cream place is solid, right?"

“I know high altitude sickness will make adapting here more painful, but anti-magic sickness? How does that work hone?” Miranda asked as she looked at him with surprise. “Oh and sure.”

"Apparently the Arnwehr came up with a pill that induces mild sickness in those who take it, and it causes a change in the Rohanian immune system that weakens our anti-magic field. The stronger the field, the more effective it is," Jorge explained. "That's all I really know. It is absolutely worth it, though, if it means that I get to be up here with you," he gave Miranda a smile, catching up to her and taking her hand.

“How bizarre. Maybe I need to look up Rohanian anatomy. That being said: it should be the same as any human. I know for Silverdalean Equloines, they do have the ability to manifest our own cutie marks. Thankfully not on our butt cheeks.” Miranda then shows one of the back of her hand to show off a game controller with a CD and music in the back. It seemed to glow for a moment before it became a regular tattoo-like. “That being said: being part Ayuru does give me a few… contacts with not only Miss Strawberry Elf, but others out there in other worlds.

"I wish I knew more about these other worlds of yours," Jorge shook his head. "I'm really impressed by just how much you know. I was reading about the different planes the other day, and I just couldn't wrap my head around it all. Though, on another topic… I wouldn't hate it if the mark was on your rear," he snickered.

“That sounds lewd.” Miranda booped his nose. “But as for that part… well I know you might’ve got the stink eye to bad looks, but I… well ahem, download a few of my father’s heritage. Sure I can summon a literal divine avatar, but the Ayuru folks… Um, let’s say other folks are quite superstitious about us and think we’ll summon a literal monster one day to kill them. Something well… No one wanted to take the risk with us with that ability in the past. That and sheesh… I am seeking to please the people too much? Sure, I’m popular in Silverdale, but in the Mist Continent, that might not be that great. But hey, my papa’s side does have a good home in Luminas Valley at Crystal Spires.”

Jorge's humor quickly evaporated for concern. "Listen, Mir, I don't care what other people think. I know there's no way you would ever willingly do something like that, and if anyone tries to say you will, I've got a few choice words for them. And… honestly, who cares what they think in Crystal Spires? Sure, maybe someday it will matter, but you're not president of Crystal Spires, are you? You're president of Silverdale, and I'm really impressed by just how well you've done. So… don't worry about what people who aren't your concern think, alright? Or if you do, tell me, so I can help you, at least?"

“I’d have to disagree on that. Sorry, but I’m in the business of a whole reputation is everything. The worst case is becoming a pariah or in a bad light for all of history. ‘The world is watching’ is what the Spireans would say. That being said… Silverdale is giving aid to the Spireans, so hopefully it’d show that Ayuru folks, even half-ones, are trustworthy.” Miranda said. “That said… I’ll tell you if someone is causing me trouble.”

"... you are the professional politician," Jorge sighed, giving Miranda a small smile. "So you would know better. But I think your reputation is pretty great so far, and should only increase as Silverdale continues to recover! Well, not like I'm unbiased, though, I give you a one hundred percent approval rating."

“It’s high alright. That said: it has its critics, and there is a whole balance act to keep both Republicans and Monarchists happy. That, or not make a big screwup on the deal. That being said, the Liberals are happy to be more active against Tambelon, and maybe…” Miranda paused. “Hmm, better reach the other North Pony Land states to see if they have assistance, which they do most likely.”

"The work never stops for you, does it, dear?" Jorge asked. "Let me know how I can help, whenever you need it. Even if it's just a back rub! I've been taking lessons in massage during my down time, you know."

“Doing your part helps a lot. That and keeping Mishera from being overflow with tasks.” She chuckled. “Anyway, I guess we can relax from the killjoy mood. We’re almost there.”

In front of them was a literal ice cream cone entrance called the ‘Fluff Pastry Shop.’ They can see a flock of excitable foals with the annoyance of their pegasus parents who tried to reel them in at the line. Alongside what appears to be a small elf, but more round and cuter. Of course, those people were known as ‘Halflings’ or Lalafells.

"Aw, cute kids," Jorge watched as one particularly rambunctious foal kept running just out of their parent's reach. "You're right, though, let's enjoy ourselves here. There's enough time to deal with serious stuff later."

“Hi!” The Lalafell, a blonde haired man with round glasses, waved at the two! “Welcome to Fluff Pastry Shop!” Jorge can see a vast array of flavours from even the exotic tropical fruits like guava, dragonfruit, and D'aal, to various sweets. That and the containers of many candy brands. One that was even being refilled by a gummy blue pegasus who poured in a ton.

"Hello," Jorge replied with a smile. "Hmm, maybe I'll stick to something simple today. What about you, dear?"

“All. In. Mix the cheesecake and D’aal flavors!” Miranda said.

"Oooh boy," Jorge laughed. "A sugar rush for you, huh? I'll take a mint, and you know what? I'll add a scoop of the bubblegum, too. Might as well live a little, right?"

“Okay coming right up!” The server said.

After a whole customised mix, Miranda got various candies and nuts as she sat down at the table. Seemingly ready to have a sugar high! All as a magical swirl appeared next to her and transformed into a letter with a unique foreign seal from Hippocratia. “Oh what you know, a neat message.”

Jorge paused, a spoonful of ice cream halfway to his mouth. "What amazing timing. I'm going to guess it can't wait?"

Miranda took a lick of her ice cream as her hand glowed sparkly as the letter opened up. “Well, we can take a look. See for yourself.”

Jorge leaned over, reading it with Miranda. "I can hardly believe half of this," he said. "Did you know about any of this information? It all seems… extremely useful to have known months ago, I feel like. Improper intel is a huge killer…"

“This is rather new… Like sheesh, whole folks flocking to Grogar of all people?” Miranda appeared quite baffled at it.

"I think you'll need to keep an eye out for it in Silverdale," Jorge said. "The people here tend to be pretty positive, thankfully, but there's been a lot of destruction recently enough they might be able to find some people… I hope not, though. You're doing everything you should be, after all."

“True, I can’t be certain if there are roots here or not. Although, given how Blossos just ended up using monsters rather than cultists to do the work. After all, nutty claw girl bounced to Garyx after she poofed. So we better watch out for what monster this Grogar Cult will toss at Silverdale or so.” Miranda said.

"Well, he's busy fighting in the Pony Lands, isn't he?" Jorge asked quietly. "Hopefully he's got nothing to spare…"

“Can’t be totally sure. Now that Silverdale has put its feet into the Norstralia Theater, it’d increase the pressure against Grogar.” Miranda said.

"Rohane Alista has, too," Jorge nodded. "But not as many as I expected. I think they're focusing on Catedonia… there's a lot of violence going on right now, isn't there?"

“A little too chaotic. A slight close call from the dagger’s edge.” Miranda said. As in a whole ‘no scramble to put up the city shields’ from nuclear annihilation deal.

"Yeah," Jorge shook his head. "Damn, now I'm thinking about all the fighting when I was supposed to relax with you. Miranda… do you think I did the right thing? Retiring from the army? I wonder if I should be out there, fighting, right now."

“Jorge…” Miranda paused for a moment. “Look it was a big decision and well.. I don’t thing it’s wrong. Sometimes we just don’t see what would happened next.”

"You can say that again," Jorge laughed, giving Miranda a side hug. "Thanks. I just wanted someone to tell me I didn't have to be out there fighting, I suppose. My fight now is on the homefront, supporting you, right?"

“Right. After all, it's not super easy to make all those decisions. It isn’t virtual after all.” Miranda winked.

"I'm glad it's not. I doubt you'd be quite so soft to hold," Jorge teased, returning to his ice cream. "For what it's worth, I think you've also made good choices. The return of the monarchy was a bit surprising, but I think it's working so far. Just… let them take at least a little bit of the work away, if you can?"

“I doubt it’d be a little easier. Just a bit more hands to visit other places, that's all.” Miranda said. “They’re a bit timid, but we’ll see how the two queens will grow.”

"Aw, alright," Jorge replied. "It was worth asking. You know, Miranda… if you'd find it helpful, I have some favors I can call in. Some PMC's for Silverdale to hire, so you don't have to send valuable hands for rebuilding. I don't know if that's helpful, but the offer is open if you decide it is."

“Favors? I guess we have to review that in the near future. It might be helpful.” Miranda said.

Jorge nodded. "I just want to help you. I know I saved your life once, but that was business. This is, uh…" the man froze up. "Well, it's… I care about you, you know, I don't want you to stress yourself to death."

“Eh-You don’t have to make it super awkward you know.” Miranda said. “Let’s review this once we return back to the office, okay?”

"Oh, you're worried about it being awkward?" Jorge smirked, then leaned over and kissed Miranda. "It's not awkward to want to support my favorite person. Whether that's in the quest to help her relax, or make a good impression for all Ayuru. But you're right, that's enough business, isn't it? How's your ice cream? Mine is great."

Miranda froze up after the kiss. Seemingly a bit unable to figure out what to do next. “It-it’s good…” She then tapped her finger on the table. “Oh, you wanna get some fresh air?”

"Sure," Jorge gave her a curious look. "Are you alright? Brain freeze?"

“Yeah something like that.” Miranda nodded.

"Well let's get you out somewhere warmer, then," Jorge said, standing again and offering her his hand. "Just… stick to the pavement, please."

“I got wings silly.” Miranda chuckled as she stood up and took his hand.

"I don't!" Jorge replied, leading Miranda out of the ice cream parlor. "I can jump pretty high, though," he chuckled.

[Imeriata]

Operation Malfunction, Malgravean colonial holdings

KAMBOOM a short ranged howitzer roared as it’s new sled mounted frame groaned in protest as it tried desperately to get out of the ropes and chains that held it in place. The thunderous roar made the trees around it’s crew shake most violently and caused a new snowfall on them as last night’s snowfall once again was sent flying.

“STILL AT 45 DEGREES!” Göran Haraldssen roared as he held out the measuring tool that made sure that the rods driven into the ground as a bipod to keep it at an angle still kept the temperamental artillery piece angled and aimed in the right direction.
“Damned dark sorcery! Would be that we could use the axles as normal and these vile savages would be dead!” A curse came from another member of the artillery crew as they quickly unscrewed the breech plug and jammed another shell in there.
"READY! ARTILLERY PIECE IS READY!” The gunner of the howitzer roared at the top of his lungs.
“Mighty shimmering Bel please take our prayer and let our arms find the foeman and strike him down!”
“Blessed sun above, shine upon thine soldiers, guide our arms and strike the foe down for us!”
“Oh Goddess of two faces, may thine face of fury look upon the foes of thine beloved warriors, aid us to strike upon the foe!”
“Ancestors of these lands and their paragons come to the aid of thine descendants and aid their comrades who fall in their names!”
“Spirits of the land, lead the foe unto where the shells shall rain and withhold from them cover and safety!”
The crew repeated a well practiced mantra as they poured out a bottle of mead and left a piece of choice meat at a small shrine they had set up with wood carved statues in different make and style. Some clearly local made that the soldiers picked up on their way to the front and some of Federal make.
“And upon thee blood drinker, we give sacrifice and praise, strike the foe down with fury for thine indignation!” The crew all repeated before quickly pouring some mead mixed with blood of a wolf on the howitzer too, a sacrifice to its spirit to let it know that it was also included in their crew and to make sure it fought as one of them.
“FIRE!” A roar came and they pulled the string that once again made the cannon roar.
“THAT IS IT COMRADES! HALT RELOADING AND BEGUN TO WITHDRAW TO NEW POSITIONS!” Roared their gunnery leader as the crew started to run around in practiced movements. Holy icons were picked up with reverence and put in their caskets as the horses were moved forward and tied to the artillery piece. The shell sled was tied to it’s mount and before long time was the three sleds being pulled away joined by the rest of the battery as they quickly rode off in the snow to the next firing position that had been assigned to them.

---

Operation Malfunction, Malgravean colonial holdings

“The enemy frontline is over yonder, what we are trying to do is to skirmish with their line in the hope of establishing a breakthrough somewhere! Would we break through if there are more line regiments behind us and behind them grenadiers and cavalry. If we break through will we be reinforced by those lines to get the offensive going, the grenadiers will then take on whatever foe tries to resist us to establish an even greater breakthrough, normally would then tracklayers and carrier tracklayer formations be employed to create a rapidly expanding breakthrough!” Björn auf Osterled explained as he pointed over the field where one could see enemy movement in the snow. Of course his explanation was a bit loud to be heard over the firing of both the foe and the royal guardsmen that had taken position in the treeline and were happily trading shells and bullets with the enemy. All around him did the young officer cadets nod. They were all wearing distinct uniforms and amulets to protect them from the worst of the dangers associated with the frontline but they needed to get some experience with how the field of battle was after all. Especially that pony fellow, not a teenager but a grown man Björn noted as he gave the new noble, Marble facade if memory serves.

The fellow seemed a bit jumpy, not a good show for a nobleman but then again Björn suspected that he needed to be a bit comedating to the fellow. After all he had just escaped a revolution and there were non-human nobles nowadays. Good thing Björn had to admit, a few years ago he would have argued up and down against the idea but the new noble non-human the king had made part of that august caste had proven themselves more than good. After all, his youngest son seemed to have a young elf lady that came over a bit too often to make his appointment about one thing or another. He should probably give the young boy a talking too because if the two thought they were discrete were they sorely mistaken. But he still trusted his son not to dishonor the house and a bit of courtly love never hurt anyone either, the lady herself was a delight as well so no harm done he had to say.
“Worry not my dear fellow! The foeman is over yonder and we are not about to charge them anytime soon!” He said pointing with his sword over to the enemy just as an explosion threw up earth and ice not too far away.
“What?!?” The pony asked with a shocked expression on his face.
“WORRY NOT!" WE ARE NOT ABOUT TO CHARGE!” Björn roared and waved his sword in the direction of the enemy to explain for the pony as another explosion went off.

---

Having studied their culture and habits for close to a month now gad Marble facade came to a realization. Imerians were crazy.
“Oh I would look so great in a uniform! I know guns! I was part of the airsoft club! I’ll be a great officer!“ He had thought as they had been offered some jobs that they could do, now here he was.
Bullets all around him surrounded by a few teens in white that seemed about as worried about the battle taking place all around as they were about rain back home.

He had assumed he could just become a logistics officer and enjoy balls in a fancy uniform. But no, that would be too easy. He thought to himself as he tried to listen to what the officer was explaining. It was hard to hear though over the explosions, firing of rifles, and the screaming of dying and dead men. Marble was shivering, not just from the cold but the fear that seemed to grip him.
Oh shit the officer looked straight towards him, he said something just as a shell went off worryingly close. Did he say charge? Did they plan to actually attack?
“WHAT?!?” Marble said horrified as more explosions went off by the shellfire.
“...Charge!" The officer roared again waving his sword towards the enemy. Marble was frozen for a moment, Dear Celestia did they expect him to lead the charge? He was just a pony, they could not be serious. But if he did not…. would they take all the stuff he had been given away from him? They would not do that would they?

He felt his hooves start to move “FOR THE KING! CHARGE!” He roared and was off.

---

“What is the matter he…” Björn began as he saw utter horror on the pony’s face when he tried to explain that there would be no charge so no need to worry.
“FOR THE KING! Charge!" The pony roared and then he was off screaming over the field.
"WAIT! Don…" Björn began as he felt the icy grip of terror twist his guts.
“YOU HEARD THE NOBLEMAN RELAYING OUR ORDERS COMRADES! FOR THE HIGH KING! CHARGE!” Roared a guardsman that had stood next to the pony and a warcry rose up from the squad around him as they also rose up screaming firing as they went and they too were on the way over the top towards the foe to Björns utter horror.
“WE ARE NOT GOING TO LET A MERE PONY SHOW US UP LADS! GLORY ETERNAL TO THE FIRST MAN TO FALL!” Roared an actual squire a bit further down the line as the whole superior section started to move forward.
“THERE IS NO DEATH IN COMBAT! YOU FALL AND RISE ETERNAL IN GLORY!” He could hear the superior section roar in response to their squire as they rose up and started to run forward with bayonets lowered and firing as they went.

“SORRY MY LORD SQUIRE-LIEUTENANT! I DID NOT HEAR THE ORDER TO CHARGE FROM MY LORD SQUIRE-LIEUTENANT!” A cry came from his other side now and Björn had only managed to turn around to stop the man as he saw a squire blowing a horn as he rushed forward followed by the superior section around him that all roared their warcries. Bayonets brandished, machine guns laying down covering fire with the men with flamethrowers moving in protected positions to clear up the enemy. A movement at his side made him turn around again as he saw his group of cadettes moving forward waving their swords screaming oaths to king and Gods alike.
“I… oh bugger…” Björn muttered as he also started to run forward with his sword drawn.

---

The Royal Palace, Imerbürg, Imeiriata proper, The Absolute Royal Federation

”And this location is confirmed?” The high king muttered as he looked at the parchment that the inquisitorial agents had provided him.
“From the prisoners and from what our own intelligence network has been able to gather as well as what little information our scrying in the flames have granted us my Royal Highness that is where her royal princess is held in captivity!” the inquisitor confirmed with a deep bow. During the campaign against the dark lord in the Malgravean colonial holdings a great number of enemies had been captured and they had been all treated with the kindness and respect worthy of foes in battle.

That is not to say that such efforts were exclusively altruistic in nature. Covertly had every word been recorded, every sentence had been rigorously been taken into account. Every single officer that seemed to have knowledge had been isolated and offered bribes a plenty. Even their reactions to such efforts had taken into the calculations.

And now finally a position from the kidnapped princess had finally been determined thanks to the tireless work of the inquisition.

“Thank you, you are dismissed from our presence!” Primus said as he looked over the reports as the inquisitor and his men all bowed and withdrew from the king’s private quarters.
“And what are our plans about this?” Attoti asked as the Erathian man lazily sat down in the window stilt when the two men were finally alone. Leaning his back against the cold dark glass where the Scanderan midwinter night oppressively hung over the continent as his blond head rested against the old stonework that framed the window.
“Tell her liege lords and vassals? Her concubine and that friend of yours is running her domains are they not?” He asked “Or just rescue her ourselves?”
“And if it did not succeed would we be the ones that cost the world the chance to save a goddess?” Primus countered, raising an eyebrow at his friend. “Not to say it's costing u… me a close personal friend!”
“True, leaving it to her vassals then?”
“Informing her vassals and offering them whatever support they require!”
“A joint venture?”
“An offer for a joint effort, though… I think I will bring it to Rosman herself, she is a trustworthy individual of impressive skills… the concubine I don’t know too much about personally, he was a grand major previously!” Primus mused to himself as he thought out loudly while his friend fished a blue stick out of an intricate silver box.
“Whatever decision you make, she is a goddess is she not? ‘tis her decision too!” Attoti said with a jovial smirk, a jest that got him an annoyed look before Primus went back to his work desk and picked up quill and ink as he started to address the pink and white pony that he considered a friend. What the federation knew of the kidnapped princess location and the offer from the federation to match whatever the nightspire did in resources and manpower.

[Tambelon]

Operation Malfunction

The strongpoint was a fortification built in the old style, deep ditch and rampart that rose up out of the earth with a commanding position over a Malgravean monorail line that was currently one of the few ways to access the regional capital. As Marble Façade led the charge, it seemed that he was certainly doomed. Regular staccato fire came from the fortified position toward the Imerians preparing to attack it as their artillery blasted breaches in the strong-point.

The Tambelonic forces had pivoted away from this kind of fortification recently, since the Imerians’ newly harnessed artillery had come into play, but it was still quite effective at providing security against wyvern and other attacks, as the structure allowed the troops within to confound that kind of flap-airmobile forces.

All conventional logic said that the moment the Imerians charged at the position they would face mortars and sweeping automatic fire that would quickly decimate them, opening up from four hundred meters and continuing to bracket them from both sides of the Tambelonic fortress as they attempted to close in.

That wasn’t what happened.

The fire from within stepped up, but instead of being a torrent, it was still withering fire that opportunistically marked targets, with a single true machine gun working its way down the line, reaping a toll on the attackers.

But that was it.

As Marble Façade and Björn closed in, a Steelborn sharpshooter on the rampart drew a line on the assault force, adjusting the screw-mounted range finder on his gun to give the right elevation and lining it up through Marble Façade’s head. An impulse to the fluid link in its arm pushed the weapon to fire.

The shot didn’t come, a piece of shrapnel from the bombardment had punctured the metallic sheathed fluid-line.

Annoyed, it reached for the pressure kit and a new link-tube, detaching the old one, watching the target galloping ever closer.

It would not do.

‘Affix bayonets!’ the order was called out, and with a distinct annoyance the sharpshooter fetched the wicked Tambelonic bayonet and snapped it into place on the end of the lengthy rifle, falling into close order to join with the remainer of its squad at the bastion.

As one they stepped onto the rampart to repel the charge as the enemy met the slope at the deep ditch. The Steelborn cast grenades into the pit and fired at short range, even as several of them were cast off the edge.

But there was something deeply wrong with the Tambelonic defence.

The position was built for a garrison of six hundred. Less than twenty steelborn defended it, and many parts of its ramparts were lined with silver-painted mannequins looted from Malgravean shop window displays from outlying towns.

On the one hand, it was a battle that Marble Façade and Björn lived through, and a glorious example of the noble pony’s insight.

On the other, it seemed the Steelborn were up to something…

[Dyste]

The Jarlsberg Institute
Calberona, Dyste

Among the steps leading up to Dyste’s most prominent magical research institute walked a black-scaled draconid in a gray cloak; a fairly normal sight in the nation, but the individual was no ordinary visitor to the facility even for them. It wasn’t every day the Knight Commander dropped by.

Ares Darkclaw was at one point a Royal Knight, but he had quit ages ago due to a disagreement with his predecessor, Kel Darkfire. Kel had been a staunch traditionalist in his methods; certainly they worked when it was still the age of the Imperial War, but that had been centuries ago, and Ares had long felt that if Dyste didn’t acclimate to the times, they would be left behind by everyone. Forming the mercenary company the Black Army after leaving with other former knights and adventurers looking for consistent work, they eventually grew into the largest mercenary company in Dyste, gaining international fame due to their aid of Silverdale in the Winter War. Enough so that when they were looking for a successor to the role of Knight Commander, he was chosen in order to help with bringing forward Dystan efforts.

Of course, it had been far from easy to do so, and that was part of the reason he was here, to meet with someone who had an idea about it.

He was met with a silver-scaled draconid in a light blue robe in the lobby, “Greetings, Sir Ares; I am Jubel Glacos, Mage of the Institute and Vice-Director of the Construct Department. I trust you have been well?”

“I would not say so,” Ares let out a low growl, “It is bad enough the situation my… predecessor left me in, but it seems every moment there is news of a new conflict. If it is not those towers in Rohane Alista, it is the attacks in Catedonia, or the tensions between Aravea and Corneria. Dyste lacks numbers to aid our allies everywhere, even with the restructuring happening.”

“Yes, well, we at least have an idea with one of them,” Jubel offered him to walk into a hallway, where manufacturing on several constructs were happening, “Thanks to our Minister of Defense, we managed to get the funding necessary to increase our golem funding. It has always been a cornerstone of our institute,” the modern golem was believe to have been invented by Jarlsberg Thaumsmith, the elven Sage and adventuring companion of Tyroth Blackfang that the institute was named after. “Given the circumstances in the areas affected by Grogar’s magic, we felt it quite suitable for the conflict there.”

“Are you sure they will work?” Ares said with some concern, “I am all for aiding in the conflict, of course, but if they fail upon entering…”

“Not to worry about that,” Jubel showed off an iron golem, partway through creation, “They are heavily resistant to magical effects like that, not to mention most of our designs have no axles in sight to break. They should work fine in most situations. We even have several models to try out, from brass to stone to even mythril!”

“Very good,” Ares was still unsure of this, but if they could offer more help to their fellow Mystrians, he was all for it. “But conflicts are not won by troops alone. I wish to employ some of the Institute’s inventions to help troops on the ground; with the conditions, even things such as communication and food preservation can be damaged by conventional means, so I wish to employ Shifting Mail and Bags of Preserving,” both Jarlsberg Institute; the former being a pair of envelopes that could teleport a letter between them, the latter a variant on the bag of holding that was more focused on keeping items in them at a consistent state, most used for preserving food.

“... I see,” Jubel sighed, “I will have to discuss that with the director, as it is not in my department, but I think it should work… but speaking of this, we did have one other idea that we have been theorizing, and this seems like the perfect opportunity to test it out…” taking the knight to a screen, he revealed some blueprints showing a design for an airship, on the corner was written Project Highwind. “You know of our Falcon-class airships, correct?”

“Naturally,” Ares said, “The ones we made with aid from Rohane Alista.” They were made with the intention of working without magic, eschewing the levistone aspect for a solely mechanical one. “What of it?”

“Well, we had been thinking… if we made an airship without the use of magical components, could we not make it work the other way around? No axles required, only wind magic and levistones to propel the ship!”

“And this will… work, yes?” Ares was skeptical on this.

“Well, it is still in the testing phases,” Jubel admitted, “But if they work, Highwind-class airships would be a monumental boon to the efforts in Tambelon. … naturally they cannot be as fast as a Nautilus or as armed as an Enterprise, but it should do the job well for transporting people in and out of it when needed.”

“I… will discuss this with our Parliament representative,” Ares said, “And see what they think about it. In the meantime, we will advocate on behalf of the golems and magic items for the effort. Thank you for your time,” he bowed his head, “Now, if you shall excuse me, I have another matter to attend to,” he bowed his head, stepping outside and using a scroll to teleport back to his office in Valitora.

---

This other matter was one that was still secret at the moment; a potential rescue mission for a VIP from the clutches of Grogar. He had been contacted with an offer to recommend someone to join in the rescue efforts, but noted the potential dangers of it; only send someone of top-tier ability. With the way the restructuring was going, it was unlikely one of the Knights would be up to it, but what about an adventurer? Surely someone who had managed to reach Great Wyrm-rank at the Adventurer’s Guild would be the best choice…

As a former mercenary captain, he was quite aware of the rankings and who help the coveted rank. He could eliminate a lot off the bat; if he was sending an individual, he needed someone who tended to take work by themselves, as most adventurers were in parties, meaning sending just one of them opened up a whole bunch of issues. And yet, it needed to be someone who was capable of working in a party all the same, not a lone wolf. Most of all, it needed to be someone who could adapt to situations, they didn’t know what they’d be facing out there. And with that, one sprang to mind; a 30-year veteran of adventuring, one that held the not-so-flattering moniker of the ‘Pudgy Pugilist’; even the arena staff seemed to underestimate him. And yet, every time the Suidan adventurer set out on a quest, he always seemed to pull through. Even during his service in the Winter War, he managed to take on monsters by himself that a force of soldiers would struggle with.

Thankfully, he had a Shifting Mail to the Guild, that could in turn forward it to him. He wrote down a brief message:

To: Helvos Venja, Great Wyrm-ranked Adventurer
From: Knight Commander Ares Darkclaw
Re: An important mission

I have gotten a request to send aid for a mission in Tambelon, one that I believe you are most suited for. When you get this, send a message back to the guild to me so we can meet. I shall explain the details of the mission to you then. Speak of this to no-one.

Short and to the point; he didn’t need to make an official communique for this, it was simply to set up a meeting. He sent it through the envelope, vanishing from it when he closed it, being teleported to its matching one in the Guild.

All he could do now was wait; he knew that Helvos was the best person for the job, but even for him this was a very dangerous mission. He hoped things would turn out for the best, for everyone’s sake…

[Imeriata]

Operation Malfunction, Malgravean colonial holdings

Marble facade stood and shivered as the adrenaline was slowly dying down and the terror seemed to recede as the sound of combat slowly started to move away as troopers continued the assault on the flanks of the enemy defenses to roll up the enemy lines when the men ahead of them kept the enemy pinned down.

“MARBLE FACADE!” A roar behind him came up as the pony turned around and a pair of officers and his teacher came towards them. He never really had become an expert on human facial expressions, what was that? Anger? Had they not intended for him to charge?

“AYE! GLORY TO HERR AUF FACADE!” Another roar came up from the men around him as the two officers stopped in their tracks as most soldiers around him raised their hats in praise.
“GLORY TO THE MAN THAT LEAD THE CHARGE!” One man roared in approval.
“GLORY AND PRAISE BE VICTORY!” Another cry.
“GLORY! GLORY TO THE FIRST OVER THE LINE!” A third roar came as most men started to flock around him. He could feel how the men grabbed him and raised him high up into the air. Men started to move into the gap in the frontline that they had broken up, he could see how the men that had been steadily pouring in had at first been line infantrymen mounted on skis but had by now been replaced by mounted cavalrymen, light hussars and heavy cuirassiers if he read the uniforms correctly. All quick moving units designed to exploit breakthroughs. Even odd statues pulled by teams of horses and surrounded by men in holy garbs, he could not place exactly the religion though. Blue robes.

“But… Dead! Fallen!” he began to protest quickly and with a worried stutter, changing between the two words for dead that he knew Scanderans used, all in an attempt to get them to put him down. After all, while the enemy was far away and he wore the amulet but he did not want to be waved around still as a potential fire magnet.

The Imerians around him fell quiet for a moment as he protested and he assumed that he had gotten them to actually realize what he was talking about.

Instead did they raise their fists, swords, and rifles in jubilation.
“THERE IS NO DEATH IN COMBAT!” one man roared loudly his eyes burning with pride and joy.
“YOU FALL AND RISE IN GLORY ETERNAL!” They all cheered as loudly and proudly, a chronological mantra if Marble remembered correctly.

No, he seemed to have been correct the first time. Imerians were crazy.

---

Operation Malfunction, Malgravean colonial holdings

“No my lord squire commander, I can see the cavalry moving up ahead, so far no foes and the road seems clear” Björn Flygerssen muttered into the radio device as he sat next to the large warballoon and watched the feed the anima in the sky gave them through the grainy camera as the black and white images on the picture screen seemed to show a clear breakthrough of the enemy line so far. He muttered to himself as he leaned closer to the fire they had set up next to the observation post.

The two blalanders with their reddish skin and clear red eyes tried to do their best to keep warm but their homeland was still far off and the winter was not something they were used to as their homeland was far to the south.

“As damned cold as the underworld!” Björn heard Göran mutter loudly as he seemed to decide between if he should have his hands out around the fire or just keep his gloves on as a shield against the winter chill.

“Do not bring that world’s attention upon us by speaking it’s name, comrade!” Björn chastised his brother in arms “May the fire of the Gods keep us from those who’s awakening shall bring about the end of time!”

“Aye, praise be the Rose that burned, the Gods, the Sun, the two faced Goddess, The ancestors and the spirits of these lands! The Gods and their allies protect those who fight!” Frans, a third member of the observation team, added from behind them as Göran groaned and went back to looking at the fire, though not without making the symbol of the burning rose with his hands.

“Damned Sashi finds this weather enjoyable though, prim and proper in their normal uniforms at daytime!” Göran went on to continue his complaints.
“‘Damned Sashi’ comrade?” Frans added looking up again “My brother in the flame, we are Blalanders, how are we not Sashi?”

“Oh bugger upon ye! Ye know what I mean, Sashi as Scanderans from Scandera!”

Björn sighed as Göran and Frans went at one another again, as usual that eternal debate of what was a Sahsi and what was a Scanderan. It really did not help that the crown used the two terms interchangeably and essentially ever realm had their own definition of what the difference between the terms there were, if any.

“No my lord squire commander, even with it’s eyes that can see heat!” Björn instead said into the radio as he switched to another mode and the black and white image was replaced with another one, almost entirely black but with bright white spots here and there where the camera above noticed the heat of objects around the snowy ground, he flickered a few buttons and the colours inverted so that the officer at the other line would get a proper look again.

“Aye my lord squire commander, turning it around 5 degrees!” he said and instinctively went to the wire that would make the balloon spin, stopped himself and sighed.
“MOVE THE BALLOON! FIVE DEGREES CLOCKWISE” He roared over his shoulder as Göran and Frans stopped their bickering and started to walk around the large circle that they had marked out. The long ropes around the balloon to make it spin ever so slightly.
“Better my lord squire commander?” He asked, again cursing that damned spell.

---

Operation Malfunction, Malgravean colonial holdings

The air was howling around them and the bitter chill of the latitude made Belrer really happy for his thick fur lined coat and helmet as the dragons wings made their mount make a slight turn, the sudden change in acceleration made him thrust slightly to the left and he felt his harness catch him as it bit into his shoulder a bit. However the worst hit was to his exposed face, his beard did it’s best to keep the cold air and wind out of his face but still he felt it bite into his lips. He had a cover for his mouth sure and knew soon that the freezing pain would force him to cover it, however for now the chill made him feel alive.
“Aye, I can see you back there rider! So far the coast is clear!” he reported as he took the time to lean out over the dragon’s side in a rather dangerous angle. Again did the harness bite into his shoulder heavily as he spoke into the radio. However it was no danger as the sturdy leather straps kept him well and truly tied to the large flying beast. Their escorts of wyvern riders would also keep their eyes out he knew as they sped ahead of the cavalry that started to move forward through the sudden breakpoint. Calls to their allies would already have gone out he knew, but for now the glory of this breaking attack was the Imerians and the Imerians alone.

[Urmanian]

Emponyon, Hippocratia

Major-General Amber Star paced rapidly around the room, the orange earthling mare’s hooves tapping agitatedly on the floor as she stopped every so often to check her fetlock watch and stifle down an exasperated groan.

The Hippocratians had allowed the Sorrelians to use the town hall building to house the local operational command as the fledgling socialist republic finally decided to shake off a decade worth of rust and begin deploying its forces against Grogar. The Vermillion Army wasted no time in decorating the spacious Ionic-columned meeting room with the mandatory portraits of Chairmare Shining Path and Caramel Marks, as well as a propaganda poster titled “Aid the courageous struggle of the sisterly Hippocratian people!” which depicted pony soldiers of both countries using bayonets to menace Grogar as well as his fat and top-hatted capitalist cronies. On the table in the middle of the room there was an assortment of tablets, laptops, magic scrolls and paper maps strewn about with a holographic illusion floating in the air that magically converged the immense amounts of various data into a singular three-dimensional map of the affected areas of Hippocratia and Kouralia.

Naturally the intel on Tambelon was still spotty at best - spy planes and drones were out of the picture obviously, magic divination was met with powerful countermeasures and even satellite imaging was rather patchwork due to the Dark Realm’s shifting and otherworldly nature. The intel Hippocratians had collected helped enormously, of course, but planning still involved a lot of guesswork and drawing lines across static maps the old-fashioned way.

The source of Amber Star’s woes, a tall and lanky middle-aged brown unicorn stallion wearing a red trenchcoat and a peaked cap sat hunched at the table, poring over the maps and reports very, very slowly with his sleepy-looking and dispassionate eyes. “Hmhm, yes, I see” he muttered and nodded to himself as he seemed to process everything letter by letter.

Why was the stallion even there, Amber Star didn’t know. She supported the Marksists of course, but instituting Army Commissars was the stupidest decision they’ve made so far, as far as the Major-General was concerned. Sure, officially he was there to foster morale, loyalty and review the decisions of the command to make sure they fall in line with Marksist doctrine. But Amber Star could only feel her morale and loyalty dropping every moment she was forced to spend tolerating the Commissar’s presence, and she had no idea what Marks could possibly have to say about troop deployments and infantry tactics. All Commissar Oak Shadow had done is waste time by being imposed as Amber’s second-in-command and giving no productive suggestions (except “needs more revolutionary songs”) while most every decision still required his consent.

“Well…it looks like a good plan I suppose. I see no problems with it.” Oak Shadow finally said as he put down the military tablet he was levitating. Took him long enough, the better part of an hour to be exact.

“Oh really? That’s good comrade Oak Shadow, I guess I can finally work on actually getting it into motion!” Amber Star said, trying very hard to keep herself from rolling her eyes.

“Well there’s one more thing. I need three more signed copies, preferably in hoofwriting.” the stallion said in a purely deadpan tone.

“WHAT?”

“Just a joke. A little levity does wonders to boost morale, which is one of my responsibilities after all.” Oak Shadow gave a smile that could dry hay and curdle milk.

“Right…haha.”

“The Vanguard, I suppose, approves of this course of action and expects you to see to its swift execution,” the stallion said as he rose from his seat, torturously slowly, “Now, if you require any more of my counsel…”

“Oh nonono, I would hate to waste one more second of your priceless time, comrade Oak Shadow.”

“Right. Then excuse me as I must attend to a very important paint-drying inspection. I serve Sorrelia!” the unicorn saluted robotically.

“Yes, yes. I serve Sorrelia.”

I need a smoke, Amber Star thought with exasperation as the Commissar had finally left the premises after what felt like an eternity. The Major-General fidgeted about her uniform until she had fished out a pipe, and puffed on it until her face went red, creating a cloud of floaty and colorful soap bubbles.

That’s better.

She stepped outside herself, squinting a bit at the warm rays of early summer sun which illuminated the pleasant landscape before her and glittered on the colorful marble of Emponyon. The plains outside the town were meanwhile dotted with numerous camouflaged tents flying Sorrelian flags and sundry containers with everything the westerners had brought with them. The latter being moved around largely by magic, muscle power or gribblies of burden, for the lack of any vehicles that relied on axles.

This undertaking was not a small one for Sorrelia, the revolutionary state was still young. Going from the throes of civil conflict to fighting Grogarite cultists on their own soil, everypony was already exhausted by war and yearned for peaceful reconstruction. The complete loyalty of the military was still under question, and so it was decided to rely entirely on motivated volunteers for this campaign. If somepony didn’t want to go to Hippocratia, they were allowed to stay home with no questions asked and no strike to their record. Fortunately, many were stirred by appeals to Harmonist duty – the temples hastening to prove themselves useful to the new regime that was rather suspicious of them, and preaching a crusade against the wicked forces of Grogar. And of those who weren’t moved by that, there were ones motivated by the internationalist duty to fight against filthy fascist-imperialist pigdogs instead. Or simply by the opportunity to become one of the first Heroes of the Republic and maybe even win some exclusive free front row tickets to Conscript Energy.

As it stood, there were over 300 thousand Sorrelian soldiers dedicated to the campaign so far, although the logistics of moving them all in were not easy. They were able to establish a few anchored portals around Emponyon, but those had understandably limited throughput, especially when it came to massive war beasts. Some equipment was brought from ships parked outside the magic exclusion zone using sheer pegasus wing power, but that also had its limitations. The fact they didn’t have to bring in tanks was a small blessing.

As Amber Star walked towards the military camp, she could see some hoofponies carrying a new kind of weapon, a sleek rectangular thing with translucent pink bits. Using a block of faceted crystal as ammunition, these unusual guns worked by using parallel electric currents to shear off a sharp piece of crystal and fling it at tremendous speeds. The crystal would sponge up some of the energy used to launch it, and release it as a magical shock upon penetrating its target – almost assuredly instantly terminating all but the most supernaturally resilient targets. Without any axles, this peculiar weapon could still be used within the area of the Peal, though without the convenience of swiveling saddle-mounts.

The crystal rifles were still not that common though, they were a new design that was yet to enter true mass-production and have a good logistical base behind it. Those were mostly distributed to a few elite assault battalions. Other soldiers bore weapons that were no less strange – most common was a spiked magical staff that could be fixed to a saddle mount and used as a lance, or electronically fired to release the magic within as bolts of flame. There was also a good number of unicorns equipped with magic-amplifying gear – an assembly of electrodes and lenses that allowed them to focus and aim their energies with great efficiency – and pegasi wearing harnesses letting them store and release ambient electricity from clouds at will.

In lieu of fighting vehicles, the Sorrelians brought with them sundry trained magical beasts, being drilled and tended to by pony handlers even now out in the fields surrounding Emponyon. Making a rather frightful sight for any pony used to dealing with monsters while traversing the wilderness, to be sure. There were slingtails, strange creatures from volcanic areas that tossed rocks using their mighty tails in order to bring down prey – now trained to launch improvised explosives and incendiaries, replacing conventional artillery. Majestic rocs with their resilient feathers of living stone would replace aviation, following flocks of pegasi, griffons and hippogriffs in daring attacks on Tambelonic supply lines. Even the ridiculous ornery puckwudgies known to launch their poisonous spines at trespassers were brought to Hippocratia to serve in surprise attacks. A squad of mature dragons also agreed to test their mettle against the Grogarites, in return for generous gemstone rations of course.

Important too was work of the diviners - unicorn astrologists, deer seers, zebra shamans and kirin geomancers who worked tirelessly under the direction of Farseer Talldeer in Flankfurt to provide magical intel by reading stars, burning ritualistic bonfires to consult smoke, and working other kinds of divination magic. Important and arguably no less dangerous than the duty of an infantrypony as the horrors Grogar had unleashed into other planes to hinder divination attempts could drive many insane or even dead from fear or eldritch feedback.

There were still modern weapons that could be operated in the Peal – particularly mortars and recoilless rifles - and those Sorrelians had brought in literal heaps, making sure to saturate every platoon with as many as logistics permitted. Aside from heavy metal mortars, there were lightweight small mortars manufactured from magicked plastics infused with carbon nanotubes, producing a weapon light enough that it could be carried and operated by just one pony with relative ease as long as there was ammunition at hoof. Makeshift tachankas made by mounting mortars and grenade launchers on sleds or pegasus carts (mostly purchased from local farmers at a nice premium) were built by some in order to facilitate raids against the relatively ponderous and inflexible Steelborn ranks.

Overall the tactics would resemble those used by ponies in the old times of Naponeon more than modern combined arms warfare, though of course with way more mortar fire involved. Each pony tribe using their abilities – earth ponies forming a robust vanguard firing line while manipulating plants and the lay of the land for protection, unicorn mages raising barriers and lobbing spells from the back, and pegasus skirmishers scouting ahead and striking at the enemy’s vulnerable spots.

Amber Star walked closer to the camp, and smiled at the sounds of joyous songs coming from within, and the smell of hearty vegetable rice being prepared in mobile kitchens. Amber was of the opinion that ponies were not for war unless forced to, but there was something greatly inspiring in the show of high morale and solidarity that she saw in the camp, all kinds of beings united in the face of one terrible enemy - far from being cowed by the horrors of Grogarite cults like they were just months ago, but laughing and singing in the face of danger. Whole nations stirred when Imeriata went to war, but a similar thing could be said about Sorrelia, another truly multi-ethnic empire. The technicolor diversity of beings pacing around the camp could be dazzling to an untrained eye – from Xiaomanese ponies and kirins practicing open-air martial arts to keep their senses sharp, griffons and hippogriffs racing in the sky to zebras and Buraqi saddle arabians singing campfire songs; from the tiniest Breezies fluttering around to spot and repair equipment imperfections too small for larger beings to notice to mighty dragons deigning to use their flame breath to heat s’mores for their comrades-in-arms.

The initial gist of the plan was to march westwards and relieve the beleaguered forces of Polemarch Steelhof there – possibly taking over from the Hippocratians to an extent in order to free them up to deal with the insurrections in Aletia. After the Hippocratian front was properly stabilized and fortified, a part of the force was likely going to split and deliver a punch southeast into Kouralia. But for now, Hippocratia would be the focus. It was perhaps not the most intense theater especially next to Kouralia, but it was one where they could establish the safest logistic chain. Besides, they were also fellow ponies and Harmonists, and Sorrelians were allowed to be a little nepotistic as a treat sometimes.

---

On the other side of the continent, another force was also being deployed to the Malgravean Research Colony. However, this one was far more modest, consisting “just” of a few naval infantry brigades and several engineering and magical battalions. This would mostly serve as a token show of solidarity with the Malgraveans while relieving the poor local conscripts somewhat and patching some blind spots they could have with regards to ‘ancestral energy’ as they called it. With the troops came a large amount of humanitarian aid for the civilians, mainly food and medical supplies, as well as temporary shelters and small gifts like toys for children – much of it from charitable solidarity drives held by workers’ councils. However, this force wouldn’t be doing any major offensives.

[Hippocratia]

Eastern MARC

Since the Shattering Peak had first struck, the continent had been plunged into mayhem. All of continental Kouralia and Hippocratia had been silenced, and even most of the Research Colony.

Even in the east, though, times were stretched, as refugees fled from the land in the west that could not feed itself. But now they were joined by new refugees flooding from the East, Hylians of their lapsed lands to the east, crossing the mountains and the Soren River with tales of dismay and horror.

From the north west, ponies, dragons and gem-skinned changelings fled with similar tales.

Until now many strategic planners might have believed that Grogar’s ambitions were limited to the Shattering Peal’s influence, but it seemed he had even grander plans.

They brought tales of fleshcast raiders allied with atavistic changelings and tribes of raiders. At first the communities in the east had struggled against these but been able to defend themselves, but now it seemed things were going increasingly poorly due to the lack of industrial activity to rely on and the constant pressure.

The Harvest

In the months from the Shattering Peal’s first striking, much had happened, at first the effect of removing modern life was to torment the population with power cuts, and then with shortages as it proved difficult to feed large cities without wheeled transport, while rationing had helped in some areas, now there was another problem.

In all nations, food was left in the fields as summer shone…

Modern industrial societies were predicated on the simple notion that the machines would work. And while all the societies involved could mobilize huge numbers of people, harvest was backbreaking work and even after that, re-planting when the time came would be a wholly new challenge.

In Hippocratia, humans, mer and ponies starved together, and struggled together, though at least Earth Pony magic was reliable and the ponies were less urbanized than many other states.

In the food queues and the fields of emergency harvesting detachments there was a new solidarity, too. People who had been divided before were meeting for the first time in straitened circumstances.

Without mass media, and forced out of their homes, stories were shared that had never been heard before.

Time would tell.