The Liberation of the Imperium (Closed RP)

[Brotherhood Steel the 2nd]

Crown Prince Edward looked around the now ruined square, seeing the once pure white snow now scarlet, and the joyous lights now shattered and broken. "Damn Maximilian to Hell..." he murmured, his fist clenched inside its black glove. He quietly went looking for Prince Daniel, who he found with a squad of Dragoons. "So what should we do Uncle?" Edward asked.

"I'd say we leave a small garrison here to help watch this town and treat the wounded that aren't fit to keep marching. We'll bury our dead in the morning and then head out. We don't want our sacrifices to be in vain, now do we?" Prince Daniel said. Despite his efforts to remain calm and stoic in the face of the tragedy Edward could detect some sorrow and weariness in Daniel's voice and expression. "Very well," Edward murmured, walking back to his tent to go to sleep…

As the restless night went on, the forces of Constannian continued to hear the moans and cries of the civilians from the horrendous attack by Maximilian's forces. Their pain, caused by the death of many innocents, continued through the night as the townsfolk started to bury their dead in the cold night. As morning rose, the Constannian Military could better examine the damage done from the night attack. As some of their forces began to pack up camp and ready themselves to move forward, Prince Edward and some other Constannian officers decided to head into town again to check on the townsfolk. As they walked to the center of town, a service was being preformed for the persons who had lost their lives the night before.

[Brotherhood Steel the 2nd]

Shatner began to receive calls from on coming reinforcements that the previous liberated towns, that were full of thankful people, were empty. He began to contemplate that it could be the work of the enemy. But he said to himself:
"Bring yourself together Shatner. All's you have to do is arrange a meeting with your generals, devote 2 or 3 divisions to patrol uncovered no mans lands. That's all. Maybe set up 24 hour cameras to check in on the towns and see what is happening."
The next day, He ordered a meeting with his generals to discuss the problem

As their meeting commenced, two locals that had volunteered to help the forces of the RC with helping the townsfolk came forward to speak about the mass disappearances from the towns recently liberated. "Well, my lords, as you can all see we have been having some disturbing reports over the last two weeks or so from some of the towns your forces have liberated. From what we could gather, out of the thirty towns and villages you have liberated, seventeen of them have had their populations disappear without a trace. The other thirteen still have people in them, but it is clear that they too have had some of their populations gone missing without a trace also. We would like to request that you start leaving some garrisons behind to guard the towns as we think that somehow Maximilian's forces are still finding a way to penetrate past your forces to capture the civilians and relocate them back East towards the capital and to Maximilian's power base."

[RebeliousCanada]

Shatner began to receive calls from on coming reinforcements that the previous liberated towns, that were full of thankful people, were empty. He began to contemplate that it could be the work of the enemy. But he said to himself:
"Bring yourself together Shatner. All's you have to do is arrange a meeting with your generals, devote 2 or 3 divisions to patrol uncovered no mans lands. That's all. Maybe set up 24 hour cameras to check in on the towns and see what is happening."
The next day, He ordered a meeting with his generals to discuss the problem

As their meeting commenced, two locals that had volunteered to help the forces of the RC with helping the townsfolk came forward to speak about the mass disappearances from the towns recently liberated. "Well, my lords, as you can all see we have been having some disturbing reports over the last two weeks or so from some of the towns your forces have liberated. From what we could gather, out of the thirty towns and villages you have liberated, seventeen of them have had their populations disappear without a trace. The other thirteen still have people in them, but it is clear that they too have had some of their populations gone missing without a trace also. We would like to request that you start leaving some garrisons behind to guard the towns as we think that somehow Maximilian's forces are still finding a way to penetrate past your forces to capture the civilians and relocate them back East towards the capital and to Maximilian's power base."

Shatner complied to the requests and began to put garrisons in the liberated villages and towns. As he began to think, He thought he wasn't covering enough land in time. . He began to plot an air and bombing campaign with his Air Force generals.

[Valorono]

Dimitri looked at the stars as he thought of a response. " I'm must fearfully agree Richard, This war is far from over. But the least we can do is try to keep our casualties as low as possible as we force even more casualties on the enemy. When we move East we will be met by cities, frontier, and more danger. It will be tough fighting. But I'm sure that every man, Myself included is willing to die for the ideal of freedom and for their country." Dimitri paused to breathe." I'm sorry about your men Richard, I was unaware that your Company was in such intense fighting. But now that you have no men to lead I would like to take you up as my campaign adviser. So what do you say?" Dimitri asked as he waited for a response.

Listening to Dimitri speak about his lost company and the offer of becoming his campaign adviser, Richard spoke up quickly. "Dimitri, I will take you up on that offer only until we meet up with the others of your Crown Alliance. Then, I wish to join my countrymen and Emperor in their fight as I wish to somehow redeem myself for these last ten years. Until then, however, I will offer what assistance I can." As Richard finished, the sun began to set around the carnage of Serov and the surrounding area. Analyzing the situation, Richard spoke again to Dimitri. "My first form of advise would be to ready your men within camp as knowing Maximilian, he has a force somewhere not far from here waiting to catch your forces off guard. Although Serov was captured, there are still several large towns and cities to the East, before the mountains, of here that are still occupied by Maximilian's forces. Knowing them, they will try a night attack on Serov and on this camp to exact revenge."

"Thank you for the advice Richard I will make sure the troops get on defenses right away." He shook Richards hand before giving the order for the troops to prepare working on defenses. Several artillery pieces were brought in from sea and set up. Along with medicoptors coming in to bring wounded to medical ships. The men also worked on a massive graveyard and a air-strip. What troops who weren't helping rebuilding the city, working on the defenses, airstrip, or were wounded began working on building cottages by the ocean for the housing of men. Coffee was also handed out to troops so they would be able to stay up through the night. Dimitri went back to his tent to work on strategical plans if a battle would occur.

[Brotherhood Steel the 2nd]

ooc: Among others this is a time skip, bringing the rest of my chars a Week ahead. Also I will finish a trait I developed in this post viewtopic.php?p=12091717#p12091717
For more background you are free to TG me or hop on in chat...

The Crownprince was bored, more then that regarding the fact that war was actually never boring in the first stance. But the wait for the next big attack was a huge exception. Most of his soldiers had claimed the bars and brothels of the city already but that was nothing for him. So he mostly waited for messages, messages from the front, who are rare as always when Német took the command, or messages from home, there was nothing since a week which was far more to worry. He was in the mid of another drill session to keep his soldiers sober when he heard a scream far to inhuman to belong to the Crown Alliance Army.
However every Phoenixian recognized the scream at once. Gryphons were a common sight over the Sky of the Kingdom and in most cases they brought important messages.
This time was no exception, the Gryphon was a giant one, trice the length of a normal one and with golden feathers, wearing a bracelet with the royal insignia.
" A good morning to you Master fast wind, what message brought you so far abroad your normal routes ?" There was only one Gryphon of this size known so a mistake was nearly impossible.
" A good morning to you Prince Frederick, this message is for the royal family and only for them. I would appreciate it if you could give that to your father. I fear we have grave news." It was not audible if the Gryphon was truly sorry or if his affinity for dramatical scenes took the lead.
" I will do this, may I read it beforehand ?"
" You should wait young one, I know not everything this letter contents but I heard rumors. Also Mistress Fjordson send me directly. A rather uncommon command I might add."
" Then it must be important. Caroline Fjordson is no woman to risk your service like that." He turned to his second in command. " David, please handle this for me yes ? You know the routine as much as I know it. I must seek father for this." Colonel David Skarson nodded, he was adjutant of this army and when the Crownprince thinks something would be urgent then the situation were more then urgent.
" Of course Sir. Should I inform Lord Kissinger about this ?"
" Yes, yes, I know this kind of temperamental and it was never a good sign. Oh and give a large amount of food to the Gryphon, you know what he likes."

---

Within ten minutes both the king and the crownprince stormed into the town-hall, luckily for them only Francis was present. The king was visible pale, far more then usual.
" Sir, it seems we have far more problems then Maximilian forces. I received intelligence from a undoubted source today. It explains a lot, Maximilian affinity for assassins and why he could conquer the continents that easily. But to begin with this I must go back a few months. As you may know, a few months ago one of my best friends and Lord Councellor of the Kingdom tried to murder me and my family. After a lot of pressure and torture we found out that Maximilian is involved with this, that was one of the reasons why we are here today. He leaved a daughter who I took as my ward after he was executed. A week ago she received this letter, encrypted in a code only she and her father knew.
' My dearest Mel,
when you read this I will be dead there is no way to deny this. I will be dead, hopefully for the crimes I commit against the Kingdom.
Yes I'm a traitor and the rumors are true. I'm not fond of it, I'm not proud of it but this was the only way to save your life in the Storm that will come soon.
Even now I'm a proud follower of House Eirikson and it pains me that I need to take this measures, oh if I only would never marry your mother everything could be that different. I love as much as a father could love his only child, you are worth more then my cursed life, as you will play a major part in the next years. I hope you read that in the royal palace of New Hope, if not I failed you again and all my hope for the future is lost.
If yes, show this letter to the King in a instant. I love you even now and that will never change despite what the people will tell you about me. Everything will be possible right but I never will stop to love you. Make me and house Lehmann proud.

Sire, forgive me for what I have done, if everything went right I should be dead by now and you should prepare for a battle against Maximilian Maximus. Yes he is involved in the plot, I never lied about that. But certain things need to keep in the shadows for the Order. Things that are only for your eyes and ears. You will most probably encounter hostile Magic of the worst sort. Magic not seen in a thousand years. Yes sire it disturb me to write this but I have evidence that the Sisterhood is not dead. That house Leifnik didn't died out with Emelia. This is why I need to betray you my lord, I discovered too much by now to leave now and survive with the informations I gathered. You most probably found my Daughter Melisand if you could read this letter. She is everything I have so please take care for her, that is all I ask for all the years of friendship we had. She's special and she's the reason why I couldn't leave my wife before it was to late. My wife is a Priest of the Sisterhood I'm certain of this and she's mighty over that. I'm also certain that the Sisterhood has revealed herself to Maximilian years ago. With their skills and experience it would be no wonder how Maximilian could defeat all the others. Be careful with this knowledge sire, in wrong hands everything could be lost.
yours
Gustav Lehmann, May 2012'
We are not only fighting against Maximilian and his men, we are fighting against something meaner and far more evil. A ancient enemy I thought be dead. A enemy that was not seen in over thousand years. They are the second mightiest mages in this conflict, only rivaled by the elves and that was a thousand years ago. I don't want to know how strong they are nowadays. And knowing them Maximilian is only a figure in their game, a tower yes but by far not the king or even the queen. We must be most careful now, I know them better then anyone else and they have far more subtle ways to murder us then using assassins."

As Francis and his family listened to what the King and Crown Prince of Phoenixia talk about the new information in concerns, Francis's mind and facial expressions could clearly show he was not happy with the news that was now public. With the possibility of a new threat aiding their enemy in Maximilian, Francis was again on edge as this new development meant that Maximilian's plans and dealings were far deeper then anyone had originally anticipated. As they both finished up speaking of this new threat against them, Francis spoke up. "Well.....that is most unraveling news to hear. It is starting to make more sense now how Maximilian has been gaining more power over the years and also accounts for the high-profile deaths and attempts against many members of this alliance. Once Muscov is taken care of, the alliance as a whole needs to become of this news, my Graces. This affects everyone one way or another. However, if you don't mind, I have some personal things to take care of between my family." With that Francis dismissed the Phoenixian delegation as he returned to more private matters with his family.

[Brotherhood Steel the 2nd]

The hug made Alastair give into all his emotions. He quickly kiss her and move his hand on her shoulder.

The commander could only grin at her success and allow his hand to rest at her shoulder. " Well we shouldn't mourn about the deaths, we should honor them, we should give them their amount in the history books but we shouldn't let dictate them our emotions."
She steeled herself. " You are up to anything tonight ?"

With the city of Green-Town now under firm Alliance control, both the forces of Phoenixia and the Elven Imperium began to build up a point of command and supply as Green-Town was the beginning of the road to the Steel Mountain Road; which would lead to the mountain cities of Kingsmarch and The Steel Pass. As the day turned into evening, however, both the Phoenixian and Elven Commanders would be visited by a new friend they had made only a few short weeks before. With only two guards with him, Zhukovnotov arrived into the makeshift command center to give the commanders some graving news in concerns to his trip out East.

[Brotherhood Steel the 2nd]

"Thank you for the advice Richard I will make sure the troops get on defenses right away." He shook Richards hand before giving the order for the troops to prepare working on defenses. Several artillery pieces were brought in from sea and set up. Along with medicoptors coming in to bring wounded to medical ships. The men also worked on a massive graveyard and a air-strip. What troops who weren't helping rebuilding the city, working on the defenses, airstrip, or were wounded began working on building cottages by the ocean for the housing of men. Coffee was also handed out to troops so they would be able to stay up through the night. Dimitri went back to his tent to work on strategical plans if a battle would occur.

As dusk turned to night over the Valoronian forces and the city of Serov, Richard's suggestions would mount to later thankfulness as they were meet with a surprise night assault from the remnants of the forces of Maximilian from the Battle of Steel Harbor almost a month before. Although their forces had been depleted by the last battle, the remnants of this army were enough to start to lay an impartial siege against the entrenched forces of Valorono. As their siege began, Dimitri and Richard were made aware of the attack and headed to Serov to get a better assessment of the siege and how many troops were attacking their defenses in camp.

[Brotherhood Steel the 2nd]

Shatner complied to the requests and began to put garrisons in the liberated villages and towns. As he began to think, He thought he wasn't covering enough land in time. . He began to plot an air and bombing campaign with his Air Force generals.

As the RC began to leave forces behind in the other towns they soon liberated, they noticed that the disappearances stopped also from the towns. As such, with the rest of the Western Coast liberated after over three weeks of continuous push and drive, the forces of the RC began to proceed to the city of Greens-Town to meet up with the forces of the Elven Imperium and Phoenixian as they would soon be joined by the rest of the alliance to make a push to the Steel Mountain Range and onto the cities of Kingsmarch and The Steel Pass. However, as their forces moved East, the RC began to notice that even with leaving their troops behind, some towns still experienced small disappearances for no apparent reason.

[Kingdom of Phoenixia]

As Francis and his family listened to what the King and Crown Prince of Phoenixia talk about the new information in concerns, Francis's mind and facial expressions could clearly show he was not happy with the news that was now public. With the possibility of a new threat aiding their enemy in Maximilian, Francis was again on edge as this new development meant that Maximilian's plans and dealings were far deeper then anyone had originally anticipated. As they both finished up speaking of this new threat against them, Francis spoke up. "Well.....that is most unraveling news to hear. It is starting to make more sense now how Maximilian has been gaining more power over the years and also accounts for the high-profile deaths and attempts against many members of this alliance. Once Muscov is taken care of, the alliance as a whole needs to become of this news, my Graces. This affects everyone one way or another. However, if you don't mind, I have some personal things to take care of between my family." With that Francis dismissed the Phoenixian delegation as he returned to more private matters with his family.

The king clenched his teeth, it seems Lord Kissinger didn't understand the importance of this reveal but he would learn his lesson all to fast.
" Of course Sir, I will prepare my troops to this new threat, there are already reports of hostile mages yesterday during the conquering of Greens Town. We captured the City but we had higher casualities then expected. However the Steel Valley is liberated and the passage to the west is open for large operations. Normally this will be a happy notice but too many men died for this. I already every mage from the Phoenixian Kingdom that can spared. Also the Dragons will work in their human form as mages until we can fix this problem. Even then we are outnumbered and outpowered against the sisterhood if they have a large presence in Muscov or the Mountain Cities we will have high casualites. However my reinforcements should be here within the end of the week, I hope they can catch up to us soon enough."
With this words the two Phoenixians leaved, hoping that the elven mages were as good as their reputation...

[The Elven Imperium]

The commander could only grin at her success and allow his hand to rest at her shoulder. " Well we shouldn't mourn about the deaths, we should honor them, we should give them their amount in the history books but we shouldn't let dictate them our emotions."
She steeled herself. " You are up to anything tonight ?"

Alastair smiled at Franciska. He produce a new bottle of Elven this one both smoother and stronger then the last bottle they enjoyed together.

[Kingdom of Phoenixia]

Alastair smiled at Franciska. He produce a new bottle of Elven this one both smoother and stronger then the last bottle they enjoyed together.

Franciska couldn't hold back a smile. " You don't want to get me drunk again no ? This time I know what is coming." Internally she didn't care. Strangely she had more trust into Alastair then in all her men.
Soon both were totally drunk again but it was a complete other situation then a week ago. To fresh were the wounds, to exhausting the battle.
After a while they could hear noises outside of the city, it was a procession of soldiers who headed singing from Bars and Pubs all over the City, everyone has only song on his lips and without thinking she fell in it.
" You are the choosen ones, send to death in a land far away. Never you will see home, never you will see family.
But one day we will unite again, in a better world, united as soldiers we fight. united as comrades we died, united as men we will life in enternity ! You are the choosen ones send to death in a land you don't know..." She stopped with tears in her eyes when the Soldiers switched to the ancient tongue, it was a old song, older then most of the army traditions. SInce centuries it was a death song only audible after battles. Originally the Song had far more lines but since the Christianity was on the way forward only very few divisions keeped the tradition to pray to the old gods and there was no equivalent to the one god.
She noticed that Alastair had stopped his glas midway between mouth and ground when he heard the song...

[The Elven Imperium]

Franciska couldn't hold back a smile. " You don't want to get me drunk again no ? This time I know what is coming." Internally she didn't care. Strangely she had more trust into Alastair then in all her men.
Soon both were totally drunk again but it was a complete other situation then a week ago. To fresh were the wounds, to exhausting the battle.
After a while they could hear noises outside of the city, it was a procession of soldiers who headed singing from Bars and Pubs all over the City, everyone has only song on his lips and without thinking she fell in it.
" You are the choosen ones, send to death in a land far away. Never you will see home, never you will see family.
But one day we will unite again, in a better world, united as soldiers we fight. united as comrades we died, united as men we will life in enternity ! You are the choosen ones send to death in a land you don't know..." She stopped with tears in her eyes when the Soldiers switched to the ancient tongue, it was a old song, older then most of the army traditions. SInce centuries it was a death song only audible after battles. Originally the Song had far more lines but since the Christianity was on the way forward only very few divisions keeped the tradition to pray to the old gods and there was no equivalent to the one god.
She noticed that Alastair had stopped his glas midway between mouth and ground when he heard the song...

It was then Alastair stated singing a Elven song. A song of returning home from battle to friends and family. He sang in perfect Elven. His pitch was was perfect. Franciska could swear Alastair must have been a singer, but in truth he was just avergae for an Elf in his talent. As he began to sing, Franciska could hear Elven soldier all over begin to sing their own versons of the song. The phoenix soldiers and the city inhabitants where serenaded by the songs of the Elven soldiers...It was truly beautiful.

[Kingdom of Phoenixia]

It was then Alastair stated singing a Elven song. A song of returning home from battle to friends and family. He sang in perfect Elven. His pitch was was perfect. Franciska could swear Alastair must have been a singer, but in truth he was just avergae for an Elf in his talent. As he began to sing, Franciska could hear Elven soldier all over begin to sing their own versons of the song. The phoenix soldiers and the city inhabitants where serenaded by the songs of the Elven soldiers...It was truly beautiful.

The commander was taken aback from the response for a moment before she could relax a bit into the beauty of the song. She didn't understand what the song says but that was not needed, even she could understand the meaning of the song. It had similiarities with old Phoenixians songs but at the same time it was on a full other level. Now she understand for the first time why Elven Culture was known in Phoenixia even before there was an official contact between both cultures.
When the song ends she needed a few minutes to regain herself, her tears were dried, there was still the pain over the looses but at the same time there was a warmth in the hearth. She regained herself and turned to the Elven General.
" That was beautiful, better then anything I heard before. I knew elves are famous for their songs and poems, among other cultural aspects but to witness it is a whole other thing." She moved closer to him, her mind full wakened now, free from the clouths of sorrow that where there before...

[The Elven Imperium]

The commander was taken aback from the response for a moment before she could relax a bit into the beauty of the song. She didn't understand what the song says but that was not needed, even she could understand the meaning of the song. It had similiarities with old Phoenixians songs but at the same time it was on a full other level. Now she understand for the first time why Elven Culture was known in Phoenixia even before there was an official contact between both cultures.
When the song ends she needed a few minutes to regain herself, her tears were dried, there was still the pain over the looses but at the same time there was a warmth in the hearth. She regained herself and turned to the Elven General.
" That was beautiful, better then anything I heard before. I knew elves are famous for their songs and poems, among other cultural aspects but to witness it is a whole other thing." She moved closer to him, her mind full wakened now, free from the clouths of sorrow that where there before...

When the Elves finish their songs they embrace each and join their human and Warforge comrades. The soldier celebrated their victory and their comradery. In the room above the scene, Alastair looked at Franciska. His eyes locking on hers. "It was a Elven song of home. We Elves at war almost hope to return to the peace of our lives. To those we love. fortunately for me, The one I love is here before me...Thank you Franciska for being the light in my life." He said giving Franciska a look of ever burning love.

[Kingdom of Phoenixia]

When the Elves finish their songs they embrace each and join their human and Warforge comrades. The soldier celebrated their victory and their comradery. In the room above the scene, Alastair looked at Franciska. His eyes locking on hers. "It was a Elven song of home. We Elves at war almost hope to return to the peace of our lives. To those we love. fortunately for me, The one I love is here before me...Thank you Franciska for being the light in my life." He said giving Franciska a look of ever burning love.

Franciska couldn't reply with words, the warmth had suddenly turned into a burning and she closed the distance between them, letting him know how much love she inherited for him already. After the kiss broke she rested her head on his shoulder.
" You're welcome now and for all the years that will comming." If she need a prove of his intentions toward her this look was more then enough...

[The Elven Imperium]

Franciska couldn't reply with words, the warmth had suddenly turned into a burning and she closed the distance between them, letting him know how much love she inherited for him already. After the kiss broke she rested her head on his shoulder.
" You're welcome now and for all the years that will comming." If she need a prove of his intentions toward her this look was more then enough...

Alastair smiled and picked up Franciska and took her over the bed and laid her on it. As he ban to get out of his uniform, he spoke again. "Franciska I know it early but I want to spend my life after this war with you.....Will you marry me?" He said as he continued what he was doing.

[Kingdom of Phoenixia]

Alastair smiled and picked up Franciska and took her over the bed and laid her on it. As he ban to get out of his uniform, he spoke again. "Franciska I know it early but I want to spend my life after this war with you.....Will you marry me?" He said as he continued what he was doing.

She looked at him carefully for a sec. " It's to early for that, in time of war and death lovers can be separated in the blink of a second.
However it would give our side hope for the future and I can not deny that I'm in love with you so why should we wait ? Yes I love you and yes I want to marry you." She began to sheed her uniform away as well, waiting for him before they let their sorrows away for the night...

[The Elven Imperium]

She looked at him carefully for a sec. " It's to early for that, in time of war and death lovers can be separated in the blink of a second.
However it would give our side hope for the future and I can not deny that I'm in love with you so why should we wait ? Yes I love you and yes I want to marry you." She began to sheed her uniform away as well, waiting for him before they let their sorrows away for the night...

Alasatir smiled and had tears appear in his eyes. He was truly happy. He began to sing a Elven song of love. His voice became like an angel's. It was perfect. The song went on for like an enternity. Then Alastrair join his future wife on the bed in happiness.

[Kingdom of Phoenixia]

Alasatir smiled and had tears appear in his eyes. He was truly happy. He began to sing a Elven song of love. His voice became like an angel's. It was perfect. The song went on for like an enternity. Then Alastrair join his future wife on the bed in happiness.

The song still followed her in the next morning, again Alastair was up before her but she didn't care. She noticed a sheet of papers that where thrown trought the flap of the door. Smiling at the level of privacy her soldiers gives her she put a nightgrown on while she checked the reports, new reinforcement, 3 sheets of logistic, she stepped dead in track while she was in the thirth one when she heard a noise...

[The Elven Imperium]

The song still followed her in the next morning, again Alastair was up before her but she didn't care. She noticed a sheet of papers that where thrown trought the flap of the door. Smiling at the level of privacy her soldiers gives her she put a nightgrown on while she checked the reports, new reinforcement, 3 sheets of logistic, she stepped dead in track while she was in the thirth one when she heard a noise...

Alastair decided to give Franciska another song. She inspired him to sing, which he haven done in a while. He decided to sing a Elven song of friendship and happiness. He sang it out loudly and proudly. His song was quiclky echo, as other Elves added their voice to the singing. Soon all the Elves in the town join in the song. IT was like someone was fliming a musical.

[Kingdom of Phoenixia]

Alastair decided to give Franciska another song. She inspired him to sing, which he haven done in a while. He decided to sing a Elven song of friendship and happiness. He sang it out loudly and proudly. His song was quiclky echo, as other Elves added their voice to the singing. Soon all the Elves in the town join in the song. IT was like someone was fliming a musical.

Again she was taken aback by the sheer beauty of the song, washing away all the sorrows and problems she had. When her mind cleared again she heard the beeping noise of her radio.
The message was short but it let her mood change by 180 degree. " Phoenix 4 to all Phoenixians, highest alarmrate until further notice I repeat highest alarm rate until further notice." As she speak she already put on her trousers. If the rumors were true they had not much time to waste. Of course the elves watched the communication and she was barely in her uniform when Alastair returned...

[Constaniana]

As they looked onto Behemoth, Tiberius was just starstruck at the massive war machine that beholden their eyes. After a few moments of taking the sight in, Tiberius was the first to speak. "Well.....that is a most impressive machine, my friend. Surely this machine of war alone might be enough to deter Maximilian's forces from attacking us. However, there is the problem of getting it over the mountains as our peaks average between ten to fifteen thousand feet high; And the Steel Mountain range is notorious for its jagged peaks and its impossible to navigate roads and trails. But besides that, I see that this war machine might give us the edge over Maximilian." As Tiberius finished, he looked to Charles waiting a response.

---

As Tiberius was busy engaging Charles about the war machine in Behemoth, Leona decided to stay in the jeep since she was still feeling sick and dizzy from earlier. As she looked from the jeep, Leona could see that Russell was happy with the machine as he designed most of it himself. While waiting in the jeep, Leona took the time to think of the events ahead in her life as she wondered how this news of her pregnancy would affect how both herself and Russell would react to one another.

Charles thought about Tiberius's question, tuning out the clatter and background noise to focus his thoughts better. "That's true...and it will also present a challenge for our Sky Navy to get around those mountains. It might be possible to blast a way through the mountains I suppose...although it would take far too long. At the very least, Behemoth can ensure the Western half of the Imperium's safety once we march eastward," The middle-aged monarch sighed. "Quite a dilemma we have on our hands indeed, eh?" After a few moments Russell spoke. "We could go inspect the interior of Behemoth now, if you wish, Your Majesty," He said to Emperor Tiberius.

[The Elven Imperium]

As Francis listened to his wives and to Jaaera about how he needed to keep his promise in staying out of the war for at least a month, Francis couldn't resist the puppy-eye stares all four of his lovers and his baby daughter gave him to try to be guilt-tripped in to giving in. Unfortunately for Francis, the tactic worked as he spoke up to his family. "Damn you all and your woman tactics against me, this is so unfair to me being the only man in the family to defend myself. Well, it looks like you'll get your wish, and I guess I can use the month off to focus on the future. Plus, I have confidence that the Warforge will be able to take Muscov; with Emperor Tiberius there to provide assistance." As Francis finished speaking, he noticed it was getting to mid-afternoon and he decided he wanted to do something with his family. "Well, I'm off for the next month provided nothing serious happens. What do you all wish to do?"

Vera smiled "Perhaps we can return to Empire or you can show some of this your homeland? What do you think my love?"

[The Elven Imperium]

As Francis and his family listened to what the King and Crown Prince of Phoenixia talk about the new information in concerns, Francis's mind and facial expressions could clearly show he was not happy with the news that was now public. With the possibility of a new threat aiding their enemy in Maximilian, Francis was again on edge as this new development meant that Maximilian's plans and dealings were far deeper then anyone had originally anticipated. As they both finished up speaking of this new threat against them, Francis spoke up. "Well.....that is most unraveling news to hear. It is starting to make more sense now how Maximilian has been gaining more power over the years and also accounts for the high-profile deaths and attempts against many members of this alliance. Once Muscov is taken care of, the alliance as a whole needs to become of this news, my Graces. This affects everyone one way or another. However, if you don't mind, I have some personal things to take care of between my family." With that Francis dismissed the Phoenixian delegation as he returned to more private matters with his family.

Jaaera consider the words and began to think. "Perhaps us going to the Empire may be a good idea. I belive who is ever behind this conspiracy will want you dead Francis."

[Valorono]

"Thank you for the advice Richard I will make sure the troops get on defenses right away." He shook Richards hand before giving the order for the troops to prepare working on defenses. Several artillery pieces were brought in from sea and set up. Along with medicoptors coming in to bring wounded to medical ships. The men also worked on a massive graveyard and a air-strip. What troops who weren't helping rebuilding the city, working on the defenses, airstrip, or were wounded began working on building cottages by the ocean for the housing of men. Coffee was also handed out to troops so they would be able to stay up through the night. Dimitri went back to his tent to work on strategical plans if a battle would occur.

As dusk turned to night over the Valoronian forces and the city of Serov, Richard's suggestions would mount to later thankfulness as they were meet with a surprise night assault from the remnants of the forces of Maximilian from the Battle of Steel Harbor almost a month before. Although their forces had been depleted by the last battle, the remnants of this army were enough to start to lay an impartial siege against the entrenched forces of Valorono. As their siege began, Dimitri and Richard were made aware of the attack and headed to Serov to get a better assessment of the siege and how many troops were attacking their defenses in camp.

As the two made it into Serov They saw that the opposing force were fireing artillery at the forces dug in. "Return fire in the enemy positions. And Send out the F-15s to get a napalm run in." Dimitri ordered to his troops. He took Otto out of his hood and put him on a bed in his tent. Shortly after the command Artillery was raining on the enemy along with napalm. Dimitri took out his sword and mounted a horse. "COSSACKS" He yelled, "CHARGE". With that he led the cossacks toward the enemy troops and into the fight. Many of the horsemen were gunned downed. But those who remained fought bravely. As they were down to some of their last men the cossacks retreated toward the camp along with Dimitri. They were met by marines reading to continue the fight. From what Dimitri gathered out of the five-hundred thousand cossacks he led only about three-hundred survived. They were to re-coop while the others led on the fighting. Dimitri could see that they did a number on the enemy as they had on his troops. The Marines were the next in the charge, as they fought ferociously, one could only think what was going on in the minds of the enemy.