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The Empire of Tyramon

North South North West Kansas wrote:“I‘m Carissa,” the girl introduces herself.

"Ah, a beautiful name. It is a pleasure to meet you, Carissa."

The Federation of Aerlanica

North South North West Kansas wrote:

(That is probably because in my stress I forgot to make a reply :P. Smooth Brain Aeri moment lol XD)

William hugged Kiki and kissed her head.
"I know it's rough...I know how...while I don't know how it feels for you, I know what it is like. It's hard, and goodness me it's harder for you because I'm just a stay-at-home dad while you're out there leading a whole country."

He nodded.
"While you may need to keep a level head out there...you don't need to pretend everything's ok at home. We'll still love and support you all the same; we'd be fools not to.

William kissed her once again.
"We'll help you throught this...and we'll support any decision you make to get through it."

********

"Well not exactly, we'd probably still be able to keep them in check," Tsarina commented, "Simply because we're more experienced and skilled...but I suppose we should make them only use their powers in self defence; we don't need them psychically dominating anyone just because they were dating someone they didn't like, or because they have the hots for them, or because they think they're stupid."

Tyramon wrote:

"I thought you'd never ask," Kressidia said with a little chuckle, "Honestly it'd be very thankful, I'm tired of waking up with sand in my fur or hair; I'm not that well-versed in Tyramonian geography."

******

With a deep breath, Vara stepped up to the door.
"I'm here, Harmony."
She looked to Erwin, and then looked down.
"I am sorry for lying to you. I was wrong, I was a fool for trying to deceive you. I'm sorry, Harmony. Will you let me explain myself?"

There was a painfully long silence, so long that Vara thought Harmony had just decided to ignore them, or perhaps teleported to some other location. Still, they waited. Eventually, the door opened just a smidge, and a solitary eye peaked out; it was red, and rested on a pale field stricken by the dampness of tears.

The door opened in its entirety and Harmony stood there having changed out of the dress into a pair of black pyjama pants with an accompanying top. Her hair was a mess and she had clearly been crying, however her red eyes looked at Vara with conflicting emotions of rage, sorrow and frustration.

"Come in." She said flatly.

Erwin nodded.
"I will depart for now, Vara, you know how to contact me."

Good luck, Came his encouragement into Vara's mind, It's always hard the first time.

With that Erwin left, and once Vara entered Harmony closed the door behind them. Harmony wandered over to her bed and lifted a sizeable plushy of a rather cute looking black dragon.

"Alright, let's hear it." Harmony said, her voice dripping with vitriol.

******

"Well we aren't directly participating in the struggle," Spencer commented, "I...well...the last time I went toe to toe with my father I nearly died. But good foresight with the information though, although we could have used it to contact the Aerlanicans."

"We're more looking to get Ameli's help in assisting a friend, that's all." Alena commented. "Considering that there's no one with a lead in getting to Aerlanica, it looks like it'll stay that way for some time."

******

"Oh so you're blaming the Royal Emperor now for not giving you proper resources?"

Nelly grabbed the scientist and lifted him off the ground.

"The Aerlanicans can build ships with nothing but scraps and terrible tools, and you mean to tell me the brightest minds of Tyramon can't manage a single telescope with thrice as much as an Aerlanican would need?"

******

"They've gotten away with messing with me and Tyramon too much...we'll simply ensure they never, ever do anything like this ever again." Iblion coldly.

Which will be easy to enforce when they're all dead. Iblion privately quipped into Delegata's mind.

Iblion gently curled his fingers over Ameli's shoulder.
"How many souls do you think the Aerlanicans slew in this one country alone? From the biggest bear to the tiniest snail. You knew this land, I know you did. You saw it in its prime...how can you, the Sorcerer of Life, even consider supporting a nation whose history is one of war, one of death, one of destruction and slaughter."

He shook his head.
"How can you even suggest there is 'good' and 'bad' in this war?"

******

(I don't mind, you tell me what to do. If you want it to work well we could make it cripple the Federation indefinitely and have them unable to even consider continuing the war proper.

From what I know with this thing, it's subtle, fast acting and irreversible, and even if it is there's too much risk to researchers to properly figure out what it is even with the Federation's knowledge of Psyhazards and Psychic abilities. Tyramon, Delegata, Iblion and the Primaeri remnants could win right here right now if you really wanted.)

The Empire of Tyramon

Aerlanica wrote:-snip-

"Ah, well, would you like me to take you to the Palace?"

******

(Harmony should also have a pet foxcat, I think. Didn't she get one from Ameli back in Tyramon?)

Vara was concerned when Erwin left. She had hoped to have him help. But, she nodded and followed Harmony into her room.

Vara found a place to sit and took several deep breaths as she thought of how to start.

"You...you were right. Erwin and I are still in...some form of relationship. Romantic relationship, I suppose. I'm not sure on the exact details of what our status is, but suffice to say that...well...I was lying before. It is...something that I am...not accustomed to. But, regardless...when I realized that you had...some form of feelings for me, I...well...as a friend I did feel a bit sorry for you. I suppose I thought...well...I wanted you to like me and trust me more, and I thought that a romantic angle might be an easy way to do that. It often was for me in the past. Clearly that all backfired, of course."

She looked down.

"Sorry, I'm...I'm not very good at this, at apologizing. Usually I try to cover up any mistakes, often by just killing the witnesses, but...times have changed, and I am struggling to adapt."

******

"Hmmm...very well, I shall lend you some assistance. Wait here a moment."
He disappeared, and after a few minutes returned with a small brown puppy. He handed it to Alena.
"Here is our most powerful weapon. It has only been tested somewhat, but it should be able to warn you about Delegata's presence and possibly Iblion's presence. Maybe. It is also a very powerful in terms of magic, and at the very least should provide a good distraction for you to escape."

******

(Haha this reminded me of that line from iron man.)

"N-no! That's not what I meant! We just...uh..."

The Royal Guards stepped closer.
"Lady Nelly, you should not harm him, not without orders from the Royal Emperor."

******

Ameli sighed.
"Fine, I'll...if you let me go, I'll try to talk to them and convince them to stop fighting, okay? I don't want there to be war, but I don't trust you enough to tell them to surrender to you. If you want peace, truly want peace, you'll let me do that."

******

(Eh let's just see how it plays out. Though I do think that if they are sent to some high-security place, odds are it will do very, very little. Probably only infect a handful of people.)

(Does astral adamantium need to hit the core orb thing of a celestial to stop them, or just any part of their form? And what would Tyramon know about that?)

The Federation of Aerlanica

Tyramon wrote:

"Will I be safe in the palace?" Kressidia asked.

******

(I think so? yeah!)

Harmony's fox cat jumped up onto the bed beside her and curled up next to her, oblivious to the events taking place. Harmony herself looked at Vara and sighed.

"Why did you...go that avenue immediately." Harmony asked. "Why did you...think what you did back in the past would work here...who even are you? What were you even?"

Harmony shook her head.
"I feel like I both know you and don't know you, I feel like you always hide who you are from everyone, even those who are there for you and are on your side...why are you so adverse to being honest with us, with me? Why do you have to hide behind lies?"

******

"I don't exactly feel comfortable bringing a puppy into battle." Alena said, handing the animal back. "Besides, we already have measures we can put into place to alert us of Delegata's presence."

"And of Iblion's presence?"

"If he shows up it doesn't matter." Spencer said pessimistically.

******

(Thank you! I was inspired by it haha.)

Nelly looked at the royal guard, then dropped the scientist.
"I'll be in my room," She said to him firmly, "next time we speak, I expect good news."

She stormed away.

******

"They've already told us they won't surrender," Iblion explained, "the only method to change their mind is, sadly, through force. I don't try to pretend it's the best, or noble decision...but it's the only decision they've left us.

"What we need you to do, is put pressure on them. Understood? Do you know where they are?"

******

(Well where would you like them to be sent to?)

(Astral adamantium does need to hit the celestial's core to paralyse them. It does hurt if it cuts them, but not as much as Celestium.

Astral Adamantium = can paralyse a celestial, hurts a lil when it cuts/bludgeons them etc.

Celestial = only nullifies their powers/makes them weak, hurts like hell and high water.)

The Empire of Tyramon

Aerlanica wrote:-snip-

"Well...you'll certainly be safe from outside threats. And you're not the first...unusual visitor I have hosted, so you'll be fine. But...maybe don't mention your transformative abilities."

******

Vara looked down.
"Lying...lying has given me safety. There are some truths about me which have gotten me killed many years ago. Tyramon is not a place where good-hearted people can get far, if they can even survive. Ophelia must know that to be true. Henrin certainly does."

******

The wizard smiled.
"Ah, the puppy form is merely a convenient disguise, but if you do not want or need it, very well. Then I shall simply wish you the best of luck on your mission of rescuing the Sorcerer of Life."

******

A few hours later, there was a firm knock on her door.
"Lady Nelly, we must depart immediately. An opportunity has presented itself, and you are needed."

******

"Well...not really...but even if I did, I still don't trust you enough to tell you. I'll talk to them and see what they say, and then...I'll go from there."

Delegata psychically informed Iblion that Ameli did not know where the Aerlanicans were.

******

(I'd say just back to the carrier.)

(And I'm guessing that to nullify, celestium also needs to hit the core?)

The Federation of Aerlanica

Tyramon wrote:

"Well...you'll certainly be safe from outside threats. And you're not the first...unusual visitor I have hosted, so you'll be fine. But...maybe don't mention your transformative abilities."

"Certainly a much better option than the alternative."

She brushed herself down and gestured to the city walls.
"Shall we?"

******

Harmony nodded slowly.
"Ophelia did tell us a bit about the place but...I just...I thought it couldn't be that bad."

She sighed.
"Are there any good people in tyramon. Doesn't have to be now just has to be any good person that was in tyramon at any point in time."

******

"Could we perhaps avoid making weapons of immense strength appear as adorable canines? Perhaps? Maybe a more...user-friendly object or entity would suffice." Spencer commented, raising a finger. "I mean...what if you misplace it? Imagine accidentally misplacing a weapon capable of blowing up a city because you dropped it into the fruit bowl by accident?"

"I have to agree with the boy, considering the people we're going up against are most likely not going to see this for long...hopefully." Alena commented.

******

Nelly opened the door.
"What is it?" She asked.

******

"Well how exactly are you going to contact them?" Iblion asked. "I mean...if you don't know where they are, then you can't talk to them."

At the very least we can mess with her mind; she seems to be rather gaslightable. He replied.

******

(And I presume this would turn all of Nelly's girls into Iblion fangirls?)

(Yep, pretty much. The bodies/appearances is just a bit of extra protection/disguise to hide the core. Sure it doesn't help when the person knows they have it but if they were just floating orbs it'd be easy to know what and where to hit)

The Empire of Tyramon

Aerlanica wrote:-snip-

Henrin led her inside through the city to the castle-like palace at the center of the city. The design of the buildings and city was similar to Tyramonian design, but was also distinct in some ways.

At the Palace, Henrin led Kressidia to his room.
"I'll try to get a room for you, but for now you can rest here. Is there anything you need?"

******

"I suppose there are, but they don't last long - which, again, look to Ophelia and her own experience. Of all the problems between us, the legality of a romantic relationship is not one, but it was the only one for Ophelia."

******

"Oh, not to worry. The wizards have become quite good at disguise and remaining hidden."

******

One of the Royal Guards was there, already ready to go.
"One of the ships with the technology we need has ventured out of the magnetic anomaly, and we may be able to seize it, but we must hurry. You must be ready in fifteen minutes."

******

"Well...I'll...figure out how to get in contact with them."

I suppose...what do you want to do?

******

(I guess some, but not all, because the effect is varied. As long as nobody with teleportation - meaning Harmony - gets infected with that particular variant, they shouldn't be able to quickly escape though. Also the innate psychic abilities of Nelly's girls would help somewhat. Basically...it varies.)

(Tricky...I'll have to think on this more.)

The Federation of Aerlanica

Tyramon wrote:

"Yes, I'll need materials on the Tyramonian military as well as their tactics regarding the transportation of items. I will need maps of Tyramon, potential routes with maps and every known tower, forts, Bailey and keep marked as well, including their castles as well even if I won't be sieging them."

She paused.
"Oh and some food; I'm famished."

Kressidia wandered around the room.

******

Harmony nodded.
"So thats you then...just an asshole raised by a family of assholes in a country of assholes, like Ophelia..."

She let out a dark laugh.
"And here I though things couldn't be that bad."

******

Spencer nodded.
"Could you hide from a Celestial?" Spencer asked.

******

Nelly, seemingly having changed into her nightgown, nodded.

"We don't have time for me to get dressed properly, so this shall do." Nelly explained, gesturing to her attire. "I presume I must go to the telescope?" She asked.

******

"And how do you plan to do that when we haven't been able to for a while, and their contacts are on a 'need-to-talk' basis."

He crossed his arms.
"Look, are you with us or with them, because you seem awfully focused on finding them when you could be helping us here. It's like you want to screw us over..."

He narrowed his eyes at her.
"You aren't on their side, are you?"

If all else fails I could cause a temporal anomaly within a contain...eh I'll give it to you in simple terms; I could trap her in a cube, make her feel like decades are passing in seconds, and have her be tormented, abused and otherwise used by all manner of things to break her mind...you said Sorcerers were the minds, yes? Well, let's ruin her mind

Must we? She is a Sorcerer

She's the Sorcerer of Life, she could fix this land if we wanted to. Think of it as cornering the market; we become the only people able to fix this mess and Tyramon's mess, meaning we become the most important people here.

******

(Well Harmony's not the only one with teleportation. Harmony's just the most skilled being able to jump from planet to planet. Hypothetically one of Nelly's girls who has teleportation could jump out and go to a city on the planet. Also, from what you said it can't be resisted forever and once you get it it's only a matter of time.)

(Hey, I'll always answer whatever questions you got!)

The Empire of Tyramon

Aerlanica wrote:-snip-

Henrin nodded.
"I'll get what I can. Please, wait here."
Henrin left.

It was a nicely decorated room. Like much of the Palace, there was a preference for purple, blue, white, and gold - the colors of a flag she had seen on the way in. The bed was large enough for two, and there was a desk with some blank paper and writing utensils. One door led to a bathroom, and there was a closet with a variety of clothes - notably all male in design, seemingly all fitting for Henrin.

Some minutes later, a maid came by with a cooked steak and a few vegetables.

******

"Things are bad, yes. But then, I suppose many of Nelly's girls come from such terrible pasts, terrible for one reason or another."

******

"We have so far," the wizard said, "but if you are asking if we could make ourselves invisible to one nearby and looking for us, then...probably not."

******

"No, there is a frigate that is prepared for us. The enemy ship is too far for the telescope to be effective."

******

Ameli sighed.
"Look...as terrible as their past is, I'd rather try to fix things than punish them. I get the feeling you would disagree with that, but that is what I would prefer to do."

I still think there are and would prefer to use alternative methods of keeping her contained. Or...I could do a more direct moulding of her mind. I still would prefer that.

******

(Oh, I didn't know that. How many can teleport of Nelly's group?)

The Rei Khans Wife of North South North West Kansas

Tyramon wrote:"Ah, a beautiful name. It is a pleasure to meet you, Carissa."

“Thanks.” Carissa sighs softly.

Aerlanica wrote:(That is probably because in my stress I forgot to make a reply :P. Smooth Brain Aeri moment lol XD)

William hugged Kiki and kissed her head.
"I know it's rough...I know how...while I don't know how it feels for you, I know what it is like. It's hard, and goodness me it's harder for you because I'm just a stay-at-home dad while you're out there leading a whole country."

He nodded.
"While you may need to keep a level head out there...you don't need to pretend everything's ok at home. We'll still love and support you all the same; we'd be fools not to.

William kissed her once again.
"We'll help you throught this...and we'll support any decision you make to get through it."

********

"Well not exactly, we'd probably still be able to keep them in check," Tsarina commented, "Simply because we're more experienced and skilled...but I suppose we should make them only use their powers in self defence; we don't need them psychically dominating anyone just because they were dating someone they didn't like, or because they have the hots for them, or because they think they're stupid."

(No worries XD)
Kiki looks up at Will with her sad kicked-puppy face, tears streaming down her cheeks. “…R-really?”
“Mhm.”
She smiles softly. “Thanks. I’m sorry. I just… always feel like I need to be so strong. For my country, and for my kids. And Nate’s been through so much too, I’m trying to show him by example how to work through the trauma. I know he’s always going to carry it around and it will always affect him, but I want him to leave the worst of it behind him.”

Connie’s eyes widen. “Oh, sh*t…”
“Hey, they won’t be that powerful—“
“No, I just realized… someday these girls will be dating…” Connie shakes her head. “I don’t want them to date.”

The Empire of Tyramon

North South North West Kansas wrote:“Thanks.” Carissa sighs softly.

He looked at her.
"May I ask what happened to you? How you gained your ethereal qualities?"

The Federation of Aerlanica

Tyramon wrote:

Kressidia wandered about the room with an inquisitive frown as she took in the scenery. She investigated the writing utensils and the paper, as well as the bathroom and clothing.

Once the maid came in, Kressidia smiled and graciously took the steak and vegetables, giving her a polite thanks and a request for the maid to provide Kressidia's compliments to the chef.

Once she left, Kressidia swiftly dug into the meal, and in short order it had vanished.

******

"Things are bad, yes. But then, I suppose many of Nelly's girls come from such terrible pasts, terrible for one reason or another."

Harmony nodded.
"Yeah but most of us don't come from Tyramon. I just...I didn't know it was that bad in Tyramon."

She sighed.
"Look...what you did...it...hurt...not physically but...it hurt. Just...promise me you won't toy with our friend's feelings again, ok?"

******

Spencer slowly nodded.
"So the super mega death weapon remains a small puppy?"

******

"Well come on then, let's not keep everyone waiting." Nelly commented.

Silently she was cursing the situation; one on hand if she took too long she'd be accused of intentionally sabotaging the situation, on the other she'd have to improvise once she got to the ship to figure out how to keep it out of Tyramonian hands.

******

"What you prefer to do and what can be done are two vastly different things," Iblion said firmly, "Sometimes sacrifices need to be made and rules need to be bent, like now."

He crossed his arms.
"Besides, they were given plenty of chances to contact us before, why would they accept now? They're still raiding Primaeri shipping."

I still think there are and would prefer to use alternative methods of keeping her contained. Or...I could do a more direct moulding of her mind. I still would prefer that.

******

(By technicality all of them have the capacity to eventually develop teleportation, but only 5 currently have the ability to do so (excluding Vara and Nelly). Vara has met three; Harmony, of course, is the most skilled able to jump practically across the galaxy and only needs to wait thirty or so minutes between "jumps". Melody her sister can jump decently far, and Marie (the surgeon/doctor) has the ability to jump a few kilometres but only about once a day. There's two others Vara has not met however one can teleport anywhere on a planet and the other can only really teleport to as far as she can see.)

The Federation of Aerlanica

North South North West Kansas wrote:

"Best thing you can do for him is show him it's ok to feel this way, and it's not...it's not something to be ashamed of. And the best thing you can also do-" William withdrew, "-is see someone, like a therapist...show him it's ok to go out and get help, and it's ok to not have all the answers."

William wiped her tears away.
"You don't have to be invincible or perfect to be loved."

******

Tsarina slowly raised an eyebrow.

"Honey we've done freakier stuff in the bedroom, the girls wanting to kiss people they want to date is the least of our worries with them."

The Empire of Tyramon

Aerlanica wrote:-snip-

All the paper seemed to be plain and blank. The clothes were roughly Tyramonian in design and mostly formal, with a few more casual and rugged sets.

Henrin returned some time later with some maps as well as some documents on the Tyramonian military.
"I brought maps that will show transport routes that you can raid as well as their fortified positions. I also have some files on the weapons you can expect to see, including the various armoured vehicles and aircraft Tyramon operates. For the most part, the worst you might have to deal with is an IFV. Still tough, but potentially manageable under the right circumstances. Things like tanks, planes, and hover tanks probably won't be brought out."

******

Vara nodded.
"I promise."

******

The wizard nodded.
"Yes, it does. That is its disguise, and also a convenient way of storing it."

******

They were rapidly transported up to the waiting frigate in space. The Captain explained that this was an Ember-class frigate, which meant it was relatively low-performance and not ideal for this mission, but it was the only thing they had on hand at the moment ready for immediate action.

Before long, the ship had rifted to another system and was rapidly approaching a verdant planet. As they were approaching, the onboard telescope got a visual of the wooden ship. They were close enough that with the magnification they had a very good image of the vessel, and the Captain asked if Nelly would be able to teleport to it so that they could capture it.

******

Ameli shook her head.
"I will not fight this war for you. I can try to help find a peaceful, neutral end to the conflict, but I will not help you fight and kill them."

I still think there are and would prefer to use alternative methods of keeping her contained. Or...I could do a more direct moulding of her mind. I still would prefer that.

******

(Sounds tough but not unmanageable.)

The Federation of Aerlanica

Tyramon wrote:

Kressidia immediately began pouring over the information, sifting through them with an almost natural ease as if she was raised to be a military commander. She crossed referenced everything, looked at every fragment of data, every skerrick of information. She wrote things down in an ancient tongue with old runes predating even the Old Augustan lexicon.

Furthermore...she asked questions and continually sent Henrin running for more information, more details; past reports of viper wolf attacks, known reports regarding the deployment of Quick Reaction Forces, known actions made by garrison troops, the methods of communication, the lines of communication, known mannerisms of viper wolves, the regularity of troops camping in the wilderness.

She then asked for the forecast in the oncoming week, she asked for migratory patterns of viper wolves. Information that was seemingly irrelevant and unnecessary she asked for.

And more importantly, she thanked Henrin for everything. Every small action (even stuff that could be classified as common sense or common decency) she thanked him, praised him, told him to keep up the good work.

Henrin sensed royal blood in her veins. It vaguely reminded him of a certain Grendel General.

******

Harmony nodded.
"Alright...thank...thank you for the chat."

Harmony sighed as she hugged her fox cat.
"I'll start giving you some pointers with teleportation tomorrow, but for now I just need some time to myself, ok?"

******

The wizard nodded.
"Yes, it does. That is its disguise, and also a convenient way of storing it."

Spencer frowned.
"Alright...well...we'll have to wait a bit; Iblion is still with the sorcerer of life and trying to go toe to hoe with him is probably unwise."

"Indeed, we must bide our time; if we jump in he can simply teleport everyone away or send us all into oblivion with a snap of his fingers."

******

Nelly slowly nodded.
"Very good job...I will be but a moment." Nelly commented. "While you're at it, check the planet as well; it may serve an ideal colony."

With a flash, she disappeared, reappearing within the wooden vessel.

******

"And what is your plan for a peaceful resolution?" Iblion asked firmly. "Any bright ideas? What are you exactly going to suggest to them?"

"Ugh...fine, we'll avoid the fun time. Just make sure she's either brain dead, undyingly loyal to us, or gets violent against the Aerlanicans. Those people who took maven might want to try and get her back and we want to deny them her...permanently, even if it means crippling her mind."

******

(Tough but manageable eh? Hehehe, alright, if that's what you believe of course.)

The Empire of Tyramon

Aerlanica wrote:-snip-

Henrin provided quite a bit of information. Clearly there had been a great deal of intelligence gathering.

At one point he chuckled.
"You know, you remind me of a very close friend of mine...or maybe of the man she works with. Say, are you familiar with the name Mackenstine?"

(I wonder if Kressidia would have ever heard the bastardisation form of that name. She might just know it as the original "Machenstein".)

******

Vara nodded.
"Thank you, I appreciate that."
She stood up to leave.
"If you need anything, let me know, alright?"

******

"Ah...perhaps you would like a method of observing the Sorcerer of Life to watch when she is alone then?"
He presented to them a small, dark brown mouse.
"Send this, and as long as it is not found, it will provide you with sight. Who would like to connect with it?"

******

Nelly found herself on the bridge of the ship. There were several officers there, including the captain, who all turned to look at Nelly with confusion. Curiously, they all had orange skin, and the pigment in their eyes and hair had a similar change, as if all the melanin had been replaced with the pigment of a carrot.

******

"I'll tell them that they can't win, that they are just wasting lives for no reason, and that I could help them rebuild rather than fighting a senseless war."

"Well, I'll let you keep trying to convince her. If that doesn't work, I'll do my thing."

******

(Hey, the Aerlanicans are tough, resourceful, and smart. They'll manage to beat it eventually.)

The Federation of Aerlanica

Tyramon wrote:

"It's not pronounced Mackenstine," Kressidia said, a bit hurt, "it's pronounced Machenstein...it's a Grendel name, specifically, it sounds like the name of one of the noble houses...not a major one, last I checked they were a family of no name vassals my father had."

"So you do know them?"

"Yes...I can deduce you imply the military knowledge I seemingly present reminds you of him, and that fills me with confidence; I'm glad the Grendel's have not lost their martial experience."

She then tapped the map at a region along a side road.

"Here, at this camp site, five days from now. A few miles down the road it bisects a known Viper Wolf territory and the weather in the region will be windy, very windy, sufficient to obscure the sound of footsteps and paw steps so to speak. If a group of individuals camp there for the night and get savaged by viper wolves it will be passed off as a freak accident and we should avoid too much suspicion."

She circled a few other places on the map.

"These are similar places where wolf territories cross over main roads which are far enough from bases and outposts to ensure any reinforcing force is far enough away to not be a problem. We'll have to rotate between them randomly and keep time between each attack a few days apart, but we should be able to manage.

******

Harmony nodded.
"Sure, thanks."

As Vara left, she saw two Aerlanican guards wandering past talking.

"Witches? Here? What, do they want nice scenery for their cauldron club?" One asked.

"Pfff, beats me," he replied, "Let's just hope they don't turn us into toads when we ask to watch."

******

"I don't need that," Spencer said, "I've got this."

With those words, he raised his book.
"This allows me to see where people are...it's also useful for a great deal of things."

******

Nelly smiled at them all. The orange skin was curious; she'd have to ask about it later.
"Well...this is certainly a conundrum, isn't it?"

She rested over the captains chair and traced his shoulder with a finger.

"You know, I've been asked by some very interesting people to take this ship back to them so they can reverse engineer it...if I don't, well, I'm in very big trouble, but if I do, your people are in very big trouble because these people I work for have quite the itch for imperialism; they are an empire after all."

She looked to all of them.

"You can see my predicament, can't you?"

******

"And? They'd just rebuild and come back for round two once they're ready." Iblion said firmly. "The Aerlanican's aren't ones to give up."

"Remember; I want her as obedient as a puppy which loves getting kicked."

******

(Oh certainly; the Aerlanicans are tough, resourceful and smart, but that's not exactly useful here lol :P

Anyway, just checking, it spreads via proximity?)

The Empire of Tyramon

Aerlanica wrote:-snip-

Henrin looked closely at her plan.
"Yes...I think that is a good plan. Now, one thing we cannot predict will be exactly who is sent. Depending on how strict of an officer is leading the transport team, there may be from one to three soldiers on watch."

******

Vara made a mental note of that, but didn't think too much of it as she went back to find Erwin and report on the seeming success she had with Harmony.

******

The wizard raised an eyebrow.
"Ah...very well, I see you are in little need of our help then."

******

The captain stood up and stepped away from her. He drew a knife from his belt; curiously, it appeared to be the tooth of some large predatory creature, and as such had no metal.
"Who are you, and how did you get aboard my ship?

(Please disregard the fact that calcium is a metal. Calcium here is not "metallic enough" to be a major issue with the magnetic fields.)

******

"I don't think so. Once I help them to realize how terrible this war is, they won't want to continue or start it again."

"Of course. I think I will send her to that pit of failed Sorcerers where we put Lithalia."

******

(Oh not at all. It isn't that simple. This isn't bacterial or viral infection; no, this is a parasite. Infection would occur by a little cockroach-like or rather silverfish-like creature venturing inside through the nose or mouth. I'm debating whether the ear would also work, but regardless the preferred entry would be nose or mouth, and then the creature would settle down somewhere in the upper throat.)

The Federation of Aerlanica

Tyramon wrote:

"It matters little; if it is a solitary sentry we will simply overwhelm them swiftly. If it is three, we will either pick them off one by one or swiftly conduct a co-ordinated strike; viper wolves are intelligent and have good co-ordination, so rudimentary tactics should not be anomalous. The only drawback will be extra preparation at the site and the potential need for vocalisations signalling the attack which may reduce the element of surprise.

******

She eventually arrived at Erwin's quarters and found him doing some paperwork.
"So?" He asked, sifting a few folders off to the side, "How did it go?"

******

"Well, this flute seems quite useful," Alena said, raising the instrument in question, "even without knowing what these notes were-" she pointed to the ones in question, "-I managed to heal injuries."

******

Nelly simply shrugged.
"I am Nelly O'Shea, I got here because I decided I wanted to be here. Who are you and why do you think that tooth will harm me?"

(Oh, calcium isn't magnetic at all even in it's pure form)

******

"And what is your evidence for this?" Iblion asked. "How do you know they will think that way? Hell, they've been fighting themselves since time existed, why do you think they'd go "whelp, war's bad time to stop" now?"

"Where even is that? I'd like to visit."

******

(Ah, so it requires someone to actually put it in there; not too big a deal for the parasite.)

The Empire of Tyramon

Aerlanica wrote:-snip-

"Alright, I just wanted to make you aware. Oh, and you probably already know this, but viper wolves can be taught hand signals with some effort. The wolves we have are not well trained with using hand signals yet, but perhaps you would be able to assist with that, what with you being able to directly translate. I can teach you the various hand signals."

******

"I'd say it went well."
Vara explained everything that was said, nearly verbatim.

******

The wizard's eyebrows shot up. His eyes filled with alarm.
"You...played that flute? You played that song on that flute? That...that is very dangerous if you don't know what you are doing. Who all was in earshot while you played it? For the safety of the world, everyone who heard it must be put under observation for one week."

******

"I am the Captain of this vessel on a supply run for the Du Pou military. My knife is very sharp, both naturally and because I sharpen it whenever it might need to be sharpened."

One of the officers spoke up.
"Captain, there is a metallic ship approaching us."

The Captain did seem concerned. He looked back to Nelly.
"So? Are you friend or foe? You said...you said that these people mean us harm, yes? If you wish to help us, tell us how to get away from them."

(I know, but...I did kinda say that the magnetic fields magically affect even non-magnetic metals so that people couldn't just take the easy route of just building out of nonmagnetic metals. Maybe some metals still are okay, like calcium.)

******

"Evidence? I'm going to try it and see if it works. That'll be my evidence. Why do intend to stop me from trying?"

"You've been there before, but I ask that you don't go again. It was a mistake to bring non-Sorcerers there. I feel like it desecrates the site. Why would you want to go back there?"

(Whatever did happen to Lithalia? Did Nelly kill her?)

******

(Yeah, the parasite has to find its way. It can do so, but it still isn't as easy as a method of infection as, say, coughing in a crowded room or touching a doorknob.)

The Federation of Aerlanica

Tyramon wrote:

"Why would I risk exposing myself?" Kressidia asked. "The more we make it look like a few people trespassing too close to a den the better. If one manages to flee or drive off it's better they report a freak attack by wild animals than some strange lady leading a pack of viper wolves into battle. I will establish my authority the conventional way and in the way they understand."

******

Erwin smiled and chuckled.
"You seemed to have better luck than I did my first time...then again I was a teenager, not an adult, so perhaps there is the maturity advantage here."

He tapped the pages into a neat bundle.
"So, how did you find it?"

******

Alena raised an eyebrow.
"I...I just played it to the wounded assistant and it seemed harmless. Why? Why is it dangerous if I play the song...I just played a song that healed her...did...did I get the wrong song?"

She sifted through the sheet music.
"I...can't for the life of me remember which one I played but it healed them."

******

"My loyalties are to my girls, and my wish is to minimise my sins so that if a certain side of a colossal war wins I don't find myself facing a firing squad at a military tribunal. Unfortunately due to the nature of me and my...indentured servitude, so to speak, I must conduct some subtleties in my sabotage of these...individuals."

She gestured to the vessel.
"That right there is a Tyramonian warship, if it wasn't for the fact you are to be captured, not destroyed, you'd be dead. I suggest you withdraw back into the field which screws with magnetic anomalies if you wish to survive."

(Interesting...)

******

"Alright, fine, contact them now." Iblion said, gesturing to the ground. "Go on...contact them."

"I dunno, I'm curious."

(Nelly basically moved her into a location to be taken care of by some Suaven iirc.)

******

(All you need is one Suaven and a bunch of people will be lining up, single file, for it lol. If they get a suaven then it'll spread far, wide and swiftly.)

The Rei Khans Wife of North South North West Kansas

Tyramon wrote:He looked at her.
"May I ask what happened to you? How you gained your ethereal qualities?"

“I don’t know what etherarial means, sorry.”
“Ah… ghost-like?”
“Oh, that.” She looks up at the grey sky. “I died about 24 years ago trying to save my twin sister,” Carissa explains. “Then a couple years ago my friend Emily brought me back as a ghost somehow. I’m not really sure how.”
(And now that I’m thinking about that whole series of events I will be spending the day searching for it XD)

Aerlanica wrote:"Best thing you can do for him is show him it's ok to feel this way, and it's not...it's not something to be ashamed of. And the best thing you can also do-" William withdrew, "-is see someone, like a therapist...show him it's ok to go out and get help, and it's ok to not have all the answers."

William wiped her tears away.
"You don't have to be invincible or perfect to be loved."

******

Tsarina slowly raised an eyebrow.

"Honey we've done freakier stuff in the bedroom, the girls wanting to kiss people they want to date is the least of our worries with them."

Kiki nods. “You’re probably right. I’m way overdue for a therapist.” She sighs heavily. “I hate that someday he’ll probably need a therapist too. It makes me really mad that someone would do something that he would need a therapist for.”

“Kissing?!” Connie protectively holds Ella to her chest, despite the small squirms of protest. “And then…” she covers Ella’s ears and whispers at Tsarina, “the stuff that comes after kissing?! They’re going to be doing all of that someday! With someone else! Who could break their poor little hearts at any moment!”

The Federation of Aerlanica

North South North West Kansas wrote:

"Well, thats the past...it stays in the past. The problem with PTSD is if you keep remembering it it just gets worse...you just need to...change how you think about things, get a new perspective."

*******

Tsarina stared in partial disbelief at Connie.
"Honey, you've done exactly that; you have kissed, done more than kissing, and had your heart broken. You can't stop them from being independent. We either support their independence and show them how to stand on their own two feet, or we keep them sheltered and have them stumble and fall hating us."

The Empire of Tyramon

Aerlanica wrote:-snip-

Henrin nodded.
"Yeah, that makes sense. Well, you seem to have a handle on things. Anything else you need from me? Oh, I suppose at some point I should...introduce you to the viper wolves."

******

Vara thought for a moment.
"Like a successful bowel movement following an extended duration without one - quite uncomfortable, but a substantial relief once completed."

******

"It's all one song. The healing aspect is very useful, but the song played on that flute can have very dangerous side effects. It is imbued with a curse - a curse which anyone who hears it might receive. You two must be put under observation. We will do the same for the assistant."

******

The Captain shook his head.
"The nearest magnetic field is too far away. We won't make it. Pilot, take us down to the planet, full speed. We'll try to hide on the planet.

******

"Well...you guys have to let me go. And while you're at it, you can also let me shift again. It is quite rude to put such limits on me like that."

"Well please don't. This is something I care deeply about. Perhaps...perhaps I will take you sometime, if you promise to be respectful and reverant."

(Oh I thought she died. Well in that case...does Lithalia possess the psychic ability to induce raw pleasure in herself?)

******

(Oh, good point, I hadn't thought of that. Well, to be fair, only the rarer "queen" variant induces a desire to spread the parasite. And, also, I'm sure COURIER is constantly on the lookout for any suaven trying to use their powers to control Aerlanicans, so it might actually cause the parasite to be discovered sooner.)

North South North West Kansas wrote:“I don’t know what etherarial means, sorry.”
“Ah… ghost-like?”
“Oh, that.” She looks up at the grey sky. “I died about 24 years ago trying to save my twin sister,” Carissa explains. “Then a couple years ago my friend Emily brought me back as a ghost somehow. I’m not really sure how.”
(And now that I’m thinking about that whole series of events I will be spending the day searching for it XD)

"And did you succeed in saving your sister?"

(I know that feeling.)

The Federation of Aerlanica

Tyramon wrote:

"For the time being, ensure any other...raiders or rangers you have under your authority remain in hiding and gathering intelligence; learn the patterns of the patrols and bring me them." She ordered.

She wandered over to the windows, and clasped her hands in a very "Erwin Machenstein" manner"

******

Erwin paused.
"A curious analogy. I would comment that it seems strange to liken an apology to...relieving oneself...but I suppose stranger things have happened."

******

Spencer raised a hand.
"For the purposes of potentially intergalactic security...what curse? I mean...is it a minor inconvenience or is it crippling."

"Can't be as crippling as any drugs I've shot up," Alena commented, "or any afflictions I got from overexerting my powers."

******

Nelly raised a hand.
"I have a suggestion. Is there ant way for you to contact your people?"

"Why?"

"if you can, tell them you'll be marooned on the planet. I'll simply stay with the ship and tell them I ordered you to march off into the wilderness to die. You won't be able to hide on that planet as it will soon be Tyramonian."

******

Iblion nodded.
"Yeah...no...I don't think we will."

"Alright, alright. I'm not gonna lose you over something so insignificant...just bag this b%$#% and lets get her crippled."

(...possibly? I never...thought...about psychic powers in that manner, but I suppose?)

******

(You're partially right on the COURIER front; they put them in a very isolated position with a bunch of soldiers to see what the Suaven would do, how they would act etc etc.

Unfortunately Nelly told the Suaven to be on their best behaviour, leading to the COURIER getting bugger all info and asking Tabitha for research notes

Furthermore, they're not on a lookout for a very well hidden parasite.)

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