Titus has little to do at this point, so he listens and pays attention, but has little to offer.

During the ceremony that Seti, Rita, and Eadoin lead he is an enthusiastic presence.  Gian and Felix are with him as are the men selected to be Aelasuria's Guard. He would have been praying to Mercury, Epona, and Minerva, and Venus, each of whose symbol he wears upon one of the rings on his fingers, regardless, but today he adds Pluto, Prosperina, and Mars. When the ceremony is over the Guardsmen may leave, but he remains on his knees and meditating with his hook-pommeled long sword across his legs and his helm resting atop the leather wrapped Shield of Burgundy before him. (He hides the Burgundian heraldry, because that nation has not yet declared in this conflict and he is no longer working for them; however, he knows the value of the Shield's enchantment and how necessary it will be in the coming days.) Young Gian is a bit restless, but he stays with his Master throughout and Felix sits attentively as well.

Afterwards, Titus feels refreshed and ready. There is a look of certitude on his face. The Gods are with them today and shall be tomorrow. and every day after that. The enemy has the blessings of their Demon Lords, but such powers can not compare. What is more, he is confident that even if he falls in the coming days that will be better than to have not resisted the Emperor and permit the further crumbling of Europa. These days may have little more than an echo of the Pax Romana left in them, but he will have done everything possible to create something new and useful out of those echoes. Besides, Fortune helps the brave., he thinks with a final prayer to Fortuna.

Eventually leads Gian and Felix to their quarters and makes sure that his men are fed well and ready for the coming days.

Aelasuria rides Spica letting the troops and elves see her. She felt that Spica's presence would help to encourage and comfort them. She attends the various gatherings then responds to Eadoin. "Your help is greatly appreciated Eadoin. I know you will do everything you can to help." She nods slightly lightly resting her hand on Spica's shoulder. "If you can help Spica I would appreciate it. Hopefully the birds are in a generous mood today."

To cirrus. "I will be there the entire time Cirrus should a sylph arrive. Please let me know if you need anything." She thought it would only be a matter of time if the Fairies know where the sylph is.

Scolo Finally manages to ride a horse properly and keep up. Unfortunately he does no seem otherwise to be particularly engaged in the world around him.

Theoderic goes over the strategies with Gellas and the other leaders.  He’s relying on the Centaurs to be the flank guards, and to be able to move quickly to where he needs a sudden force, but they are not the ones who will be scouting for the enemy.  For this, he is relying on the Elves, who relay reports via the messenger Owls, and also, a team from the Lycanthrope force.  The lycanthropes can move quickly through the forest, and have the aid of super-human animal senses.

And there is the help the Elves sent.  Theoderic is surprised to see Squijit the Nixie amble into camp, his slightly awkward footsteps clearly more at home in the water.

The Nixie, a Fey water sprite, greets old friends- particularly Theoderic and Aelasuria, and fields the obvious questions.

“The Elves didn’t want to send themselves to guide you, though I don’t know their reasons.  So they called on the Fey.  Now, my home is another river, not the Sambre or the Meuse, but the truth is, Sequanna and Mosanna are sisters.  And Mosanna has been tired lately.

Theoderic asks, “Tired?  What do you mean?”

”There was a great battle, north, on the river.  A Demon was slain.  But it took a lot of strength from Mosanna, and she is saving her strength, because she may be needed again.  So she called on her sister, when the Elves called on her.  And here I am.  The Elves have closed the forest in places with impassable thickets.  But I know the ways, as long as we are close to the river.  We must keep to within a few miles of the rivers.  I have been leading the Centaurs that way, but if they are no longer going to be in the front, I must lead you that way.”

”Who am I to speak against the wisdom of a River Goddess?”  Theoderic asks.  “We shall keep close to the river bank.”

* * * * * * *

Melissa finds Titus, just to hang around and talk, before turning in for the night.

”The irony is,” she says, “ here I can’t give any help.  The Blackguards were created to control the Human populations conquered by the Huns.  But with Elves, the Huns have no plans for conquest.  They plan to destroy.  It’s strange.. I never really thought what it might feel like from the Elf point of view.  Here they are, more or less hidden away living lives of their own, and they have an entire Hun empire that has sworn to destroy them.  To wipe them all out.  How could that make them feel?  That must be terrible.”

Titus was pleased that Melissa decided to visit him. Offering her some well-watered wine he listens, "I had not thought of this... So, then, it is unlikely that there shall be any Blackguards amongst the Hun army? With all that has occurred in the past several months it seems likely, does it not, that those Blackguards remaining would be rather busy in regions that the Emperor still controls handily. The story of Zerova's death, the taking of what, three or four or more towns, word of these failures will be circulating and it would be the Blackguards that inhibit this circulation, no?"

He pauses to let her respond and takes a sip from his cup, "It seems to me that for a unit like the Blackguards to function they must separate you from not only the population you are supposed to control, but from those you would soon be controlling. I hope it will not seem cruel when I say that I find it something of a relief to hear you say this, because it confirms that you have changed significantly.

"May I give you some advice? The Emperor rules through fear. Fear of punishment if you break his law. Fear of starvation if you do not comply and serve as he demands. Fear of your neighbor -- only the Emperor will protect you from their depredations. Fear of foreigners, such as the Elves, who are cruel and even more perverse than the Emperor and will hurt you and yours. Fear that your Gods have died or fled you, because you are unworthy and only his Demons are willing to accept your worship.

"All of this presents the power of the Emperor as not only his own power, but the individual's actions... Their being. In this way, it is inevitable that the Emperor would rule and that all would be His servants. That is not how things work here. This is a good thing, but it also means that we are responsible for our actions in a way that you were not as a servant of the Emperor. In some ways this is more frightening, I think, because while the Gods are certainly still here it is each of us that must bear responsibility for the decisions we make.

"Rita will have more useful things to say on this than I, but I would say that your considering these differences between things facing you today and weeks ago is very useful, but know that you are not alone. We are your comrades and have your back not only in the field, but in your home. This is what the Romans meant in citizenship: one takes responsibility for themselves and their neighbors within the context of the Law and in doing so all are lifted above the Barbarians. It might seem intimidating from time to time, but is also powerful and gives each of us an enormous advantage over those who serve only out of fear. It is this reason that I am less concerned about be outnumbered by our foes."

Provided Seti approves, Rita builds a small shrine to Proserpina next to the shrine of Pluto that he built.

She works with Seti that night to prepare a speech that will inspire the troops and give them hope. Rita does not have much experience in public speaking and hopes the strength of her convictions makes up for her lack of experience.

The spell she has to create mud is not the powerful Transmute Rock to Mud but a weaker version of it that Softens Earth and Stone. She can at most affect a 50-foot square (10 feet per level) at a 35-foot range. Uncertain as to whether this will be enough to affect the iron warriors, she casts it to show its range and area of effect to Seti and to Theoderic and Gellas if they have the time to observe it.

"I could cast more than one of these spells to affect a larger area, but I'm not sure if the spell covers enough ground to affect a significant number of iron warriors. I'm not a strategist, but I am prepared to cast this if all of you decide it is best."

Demonstrating the spell the day before the fight will also answer her uncertainty as to the effect it will have on frozen ground.


Soften Earth and Stone
Transmutation [Earth]
Level: Drd 2, Earth 2
Components: V, S, DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Area: 10-ft. square/level; see text
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
When this spell is cast, all natural, undressed
earth or stone in the spell’s area is
softened. Wet earth becomes thick mud,
dry earth becomes loose sand or dirt, and
stone becomes soft clay that is easily
molded or chopped. You affect a 10-footsquare
area to a depth of 1 to 4 feet, depending
on the toughness or resilience of
the ground at that spot (DM’s option).
Magical, enchanted, dressed, or worked
stone cannot be affected. Earth or stone
creatures are not affected.
A creature in mud must succeed on a
Reflex save or be caught for 1d2 rounds
and unable to move, attack, or cast spells. A
creature that succeeds on its save can move
through the mud at half speed, and it can’t
run or charge. Loose dirt is not as troublesome as mud,
but all creatures in the area can move at
only half their normal speed and can’t run
or charge over the surface.
Stone softened into clay does not hinder
movement, but it does allow characters to
cut, shape, or excavate areas they may not
have been able to affect before. For
example, a party of adventurers trying to
break out of a cavern might use this spell
to soften a wall. While soften earth and stone
does not affect dressed or worked stone,
cavern ceilings or vertical surfaces such as
cliff faces can be affected. Usually, this
causes a moderate collapse or landslide as
the loosened material peels away from the
face of the wall or roof and falls.
A moderate amount of structural damage
can be dealt to a manufactured structure
(such as a wall or a tower) by softening
the ground beneath it, causing it to settle.
However, most well-built structures will
only be damaged by this spell, not
destroyed.

Rita also casts Tremor to show its effect. That spell causes a minor earthquake, but it lasts only one round. It covers a 40-foot radius spread and can be cast at a range of up to 150 feet.

"Again, I want you to see what the strengths and limits of the spell are, so you can strategically decide if you want me to use it," she says to Seti, Theoderic, and Gellas (assuming the latter two are present).

TREMOR
Evocation [Earth]
Level: Cleric 3, druid 3
Components: V, S, DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Area: 40-ft.-radius spread
Duration: 1 round/3 levels
Saving Throw: See text
Spell Resistance: No
When you cast this spell, a small, localized
tremor shakes the ground in the area.
Detritus and loose debris rattle with the
small quake, and creatures caught in the
area stumble and fall.
This minor quake is not strong enough
to damage structures. The effect lasts
for 1 round per three caster levels,
during which time any spellcaster on
the ground in the area must succeed on
a Concentration check (DC 15 + spell
level) or lose any spell she is casting. A
creature attempting to use a skill that
would provoke attacks of opportunity
(such as Disable Device, Heal, Open
Lock, and Use Rope, among others)
must succeed on a DC 15 Concentration
check, or the action automatically
fails and is wasted. Each creature in
the area must make a Reflex save each
round or be knocked prone.

"I can cast a Prayer spell, but that would have to be done immediately before the battle, and it doesn't last that long," she adds.

"And I think this time a Magic Circle Against Evil should be centered on King Theoderic. I also would like to cast either a strength spell or a divine aid spell on Riordeg."

The next morning, she addresses the troops, along with Seti if he chooses to do so.

"Things happen that appear to be coincidence, but if we view them together, we see a clear chain of events that reveals the hands of the gods. The gods have not been silent. They have been giving us signs for months. I left Arras on a simple message to establish a Temple of Pluto in Armorica, but within days, I was given a different task--escort three elves to Geneva. One of those elves was Aelasuria. On that journey, we met King Theoderic. I don't believe that was by chance. He was looking for someone to guide him to Carnotum, where he could pay honor to his late brother and father according to the rites of Lord Pluto--the same Lord Pluto who answered my grandfather's prayer and spared his life in the battle against Attila. Since we met the king, as someone once predicted, others who want to fight the Huns have come to King Theoderic to pledge their loyalty and their lives. We have an alliance of humans, elves, dwarves, lycanthropes, and fey--who would have thought such a thing possible?

I don't know whether Lady Proserpina has any other clerics in this world. But I do know that she plays an integral part in the turning of the seasons. While she lives with Lord Pluto, the world goes from death in autumn and winter to new life in spring. Lady Proserpina has made her will known now, at this time, to facilitate our own transition, from the defeat and death brought by Hun rule to a new era of freedom and life for Europa under the leadership of King Theoderic.

This day, we will show the emperor, his hordes, and the demons they worship that the gods are alive and well in this world and through us, they will once more assert their power and rule!"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:09, Tue 13 Nov 2012.

In the evening camp, Melissa talks to Titus.

”Yes,” she says, “the Blackguards will not let word of things like Zerova’s death spread.  But there is more to the Emperor’s rule than fear.  He knows how to pull different strings.  He stirs up hatred, too.  He spent a year teaching everyone he could that Elves were sneaky, scheming magical deceivers.  And Elves think they’re better than everyone, of course.  And then Orcs, you see.. they are tough, rugged and maybe not pretty like Elves, but straightforward and honorable.

”And then there are the rewards.  There’s a lot more than fear to play with.  He rewards those he wants to reward… like faithful Blackguards.  With wine and wealth and women.  When you’re not terrorizing people, life is night after night of party.”

The Emperor, she explains, is crazy, but there is a lot more behind those eyes than crazy.  He can be very shrewd.  Some say the crazy is all an act.

”Or maybe it’s like Scolo’s crazy,” she says.  “Real, but a useful tool anyway.”

Everyone settles in for the night.

The Elves that live in the area are just as quick to provide breakfast as they were with dinner the night before.  They take it very seriously, as if it is a ceremony of honor, because they suspect that for many, there may not be much more breakfast in the future.

Gellas and Theoderic put in extra effort going through the camp site, checking all the details, and seeing if there are any who seem overly fearful.  Those who seem to need it the most are sent over to Rita and Seti- perhaps the words of inspiration will be helpful.

* * * * * * *

In the midst of it all there is a sudden wind, and the two Fairies who had talked to Cirrus earlier are back… with a guest.    At first she seems like just a shimmering in the air… They are among the rarest of the Fey, the Nymphs of the Air, and their grace and beauty is legendary.  And also, mostly unseen.  They are naturally invisible creatures, and it seems to take some effort on her part just to make herself seen.

The shimmer in the air takes shape, aided by stray bits of gathered morning mist.  She looks like a lithe woman,  with a very thin figure, about the size of an Elf.

She introduces herself to Cirrus.  “I am Breeze,” she says.  “A Sylph.”

A wide eyed Cirrus hastily collects Aelasuria, who is nearby, as she said she would be.

Titus smiles, "Perhaps we each speak a bit of the same thing? I spoke of fear as if it were a singular thing, but it is not. For instance, we naturally fear that which we do not understand and might use that fear to justify not making an effort to learn. Further, once one becomes used to the wealth and gifts that the Emperor gives might he not begin to fear their loss? A leader does not need to create fear so much as exploit it in its variety and this is clearly what the Emperor does.

"Nevertheless, I understand what you say. Yes, the Emperor must be intelligent behind his madness. I believe our advantage is that Theodoric is not mad, and will never have to pretend to be so, if that is what the Emperor does. We are afraid, but it need not control us and Theodoric will not use fears to do so. As such, we may overcome our assumptions about others, Elves, Orcs, whomever, and in doing so better understand them and live with them. From this will come a more cohesive society. Understanding it the mortar that holds the bricks of civilization together, and while we will never lose fear those other negative sensibilities like greed and hate, we will be better able to learn our way around them."

He realizes that he has been talking for rather too long and pauses. With a bashful smile he continues, "Forgive me, I seem to have been on a roll. Let us see if those conceited Elves have provided us with food for the night."

In between duties, Seti makes it a point to speak with Titus, to see whether he has studied any of the ancient Roman generals. "Initially, my interest was in politics and history, but I began to have an appreciation for the art of war, especially within the midst of insurmountable odds. Do you know the legends of Britanica, of the uprising of the Celts put down by Governor Gaius Suetonius Paulinus, where some ten thousands well-trained soldiers defeated more than two hundred thousand barbarians; or the battle of Alesia, where the great Julius Caeser and his famous generals defeated a confederation of the Gallic tribes through sheer forced of will - and extremely superior engineering - turning the tide in Gaul."

"I can't help but wonder what what tacticians we have, with no priestess of Minerva or priests of Mars present. I know the Elves will defend their homeland to the last drop of blood and that King Theodoric is a skilled warrior, but against great odds, there is something special about faith, a belief in ultimate triumph that held up the Romans. When they lost that, they lost the empire," he says glumly.

"Perhaps you can serve as the king's adviser on such matters, and may Minerva bless you with the owl's wisdom. I couldn't miss that they were the Elves choice of messenger. I take that as a very good omen."

"Also, if we are to stay near the rivers, we may be able to use them to some advantage. Our priests of Pluto are more gifted in altering earth and stone, but depending on the circumstances, that could be enough to create a small, temporary bridge or rock enough to block or damage boats. I do not think the Orcs will like to fight in the water, although they will certainly do so. I still wonder where their navy went."

"And lastly," he says, "I agree the Emperor is not crazy, but keep in mind that he has Humans that work for him as well, diplomats that cross between the freakish Hun world, the demons, and ours. I have met with one of many, on a trip with a Mercator representative, Vocaphil. He was a very unpleasant man in an unpleasant world."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:25, Wed 14 Nov 2012.

Seeing that Scolo is struggling to ride Aelasuria will take some time to try to give him riding lessons. Hopefully whatever advice she can share plus a few examples would help the wizard to ride better. At least with some comfort for it could be rather unpleasant after several hours if you didn't.

Later with the Nixie, Theo and others. Aelasuria smiles taking a moment to kneel down if needed giving the Nixie a gentle hug in warm greeting. "It's good to see you again. I trust that you and your people are doing well these days? I hope that Mosanna has plenty of time to rest." If there is time she prays for a bit. For Mossana's good health and that all the river spirits are blessed this year. She also prays to the gods/goddesses for warmth to counteract the Hun's evil.

Listening to what he has to say she nods slightly. "The Huns are making the weather unusually cold. I think it's because they are aware of the Iron soldiers weakness when it comes to mud and water. I wonder if there is a way if we gather enough spirits of the forest, druids and pray to the gods that we can cause things to warm up. Even if we can't perhaps Rita's idea is the key. If we have enough people that can create mud with or without magic it could be very dangerous to the Iron soldiers. Though it would need to be rather deep to hope to do more then slow them down."

Aelasuria walks gracefully over smiling as she holds hands with Cirrus. She makes a elegant elfin gesture of greeting with a warm smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you Breeze. This is Cirrus someone I care very deeply for. She is recognized by the Fairies as a sylph although I believe she is half. I think one of her parents is either a human or a elf. Thank you very much for coming to see us. I hope that perhaps in meeting you she can learn more about her heritage. Perhaps embrace the natural gifts she has because of who she is. I know it's unlikely though I wonder is it possible to find out who her mother is? She might or might not want to know, however I wanted to give her that option if it's available."

Aelasuria knew if it was her she would want to meet her mother if it was possible. However she also knows that not all children wish to seek their parents. If there is one thing she isn't going to do is override Cirrus's wishes. Though she might try to gently persuade depending on the situation and given enough time.

In reply to Seti Aldieri (msg # 202):

Titus was surprised by Seti's visit and invited him to join he and Melissa, "I am certain that my cousin Vocaphil was quite up to dealing with the Emperor's representative.

"I have studied the great generals, Seti.... It might be said that any warrior that has survived battles and led men has studied them whether they read books or not. As it is there are only so many options in a given situation and more often than not survival is based not only on skill and physical strength, but faith. Yes, the faith you speak of is vital. And after this evening, I am confident that we go into the coming days well prepared.

"I would also agree that in the coming days sticking to the Rivers is wise. We know that the spirits of the waters have chosen our side. I saw it at Mos Trajectum most recently when Zerova was killed she had arranged for a company of Orcs to attack the city, but with the help of the water they were thrown back easily. We must be concerned about river boats, I suppose, but the fleet with which the Huns invaded the Nethershires would not have been able to come this deep into the continent. That was a mercenary fleet and would have certainly broken up now that they did what they had been paid to do in delivering the army."

 In the morning, the Elves see to it that everyone gets some share of their food, although they've never hosted so many people, and when they pack up the rest "to go", it works out to only a few small pieces of bread per person.

Melissa stays with Titus and Scolo, enjoying the fact that she has managed to go from prisoner to, if not friend, than at least traveling companion.  Melissa is not one for keeping her silence on things.  They already know her to be shrewd and opinionated.  And she definitely has an opinion, when Seti suggests that Theoderic lacks a great strategist.

"Theoderic is a great strategist," she says with certainty.

For Melissa, it is more than opinion.  She describes how his family line- through Clovis, the late King of the Franks- have always been astute warriors, and the sons were always started young, brought to battles before they had the first hair on their chins.  And despite Theoderic being the son of a mistress and not raised at the palace, he was still a prince on the battlefield, and trained from a young age.

She describes some of Theoderic's military history, including battles with the Huns along the upper Moselle and Meuse river areas, and it is quickly obvious that Melissa has more than just a casual knowledge of Theoderic's life.  She's researched him.   With enthusiasm, apparently.

* * * * *

Squijit speaks with Aelasuria and Theoderic and the others with them, telling them how the waters at the source of the Oise River- not far from Hiricio, and hence, only days from here- have returned to normal.  Even though there had been a lot of damage, there has been a lot of healing over the months.  There are still dead, twisted trees- new trees take a long time to grow and goddesses do not like to rush natural growth- but the taint of Evil is purged.  It was in the spirit of gratitude for this that the Nixies and a few of the other creatures of that region decided to help, when the call came.  The Elves were pressed, and Mosanna was pressed, and they needed help, and help was owed.  So Squijt, and a few of the others, bid their friends behind, including of course the Dryads who could not move, and headed off to join the Elves.

And then he wound up with guide duty, which he thought would be a good thing.  And so it was.

"A great many have come to join this battle," Squijit says.  "Not just us Nixies.  Elves out of the First Ward, hundreds of them.  And the forest cats, and some other magical creatures of the forest.  We all know, if this battle is lost, it is very bad for everyone.  And so we are all here."

Now there is a Sylph, as well.  Breeze attracts amazed stares from all over.  With Cirrus, there is the hint of something exotic.  Breeze, who is always at least a little transparent, makes it obvious.

The Sylph senses, very quickly, that she must clear up some mysteries, if Cirrus is ever to have any peace.

"All Sylphs have non-Sylphs for fathers," Breeze says.  "There are no male Sylphs, as there are no male Dryads.  It is the way of all nature spirits.  And we are rarest of nature spirits.  Where a Dryad has a Tree and an Oread has a Mountain, we have an expanse of air.  It is invisible, and yet it can extend over a whole kingdom.  Most of the time our fathers have been men, but sometimes Elves, and sometimes even gods, and sometimes other beings.   In the far north lands are Sylphs sired by Frost Giants."

"So then I must be a Sylph?" Cirrus asks.  "If all half Sylphs are Sylphs?  Do you know who my mother and father are?"

Breeze gives Cirrus a small, cautious smile.  "Ours is a small and ancient sorority, Cirrus.  Every Sylph is immortal.  And we are much harder to kill than other spirits.  You can cut a tree down... how do you kill air?  Slay us, and we reform."

"What does that have to do with me?"  Cirrus asks.

"I am coming to that, " Breeze says.  "You see, we are immortal, but not invulnerable, and we have our enemies.  Because there are few of us, most of the time, we know each other.  Of course I know you, Cirrus.  We have blown across the skies of Europa for centuries, you and I and Mistra and Nimbus and Cumulus and a score of others, all friends.  Your mother is Teleta, and your father was an adventuring mariner she befriended."

"Centuries?"  Cirrus looks surprised and very skeptical.  "I am not nearly that old!"

"Yes, you are," Breeze says.  "I said, we had enemies.  Even if they cannot kill us, they can be nightmares."   Breeze gives a sudden shudder, something instinctive, as if remembering one such enemy all too well.  Then she continues:  "To escape from an enemy, and protect her daughter, your mother used magic to put you into the form of a Human.  It was such strong magic that you escaped from all of us, as well.  It seems the magic decided your time as a Human would start at the beginning of a Human cycle.  But within, you are Sylph."

It is a good thing that Theordoric's arnt brought supplies with it. The food the Elves provide will help stretch that, but Titus kept this in mind as he ate.

Meanwhile, when Melissa spoke of Theodoric's ability as a General he agreed, "Yes. The King is a very capable General. He knows this game. So does Gellas for that matter. I understand your concerns, Seti, but between the good work you and Rita have done steady the faith of the men and Theodoric's strategic and tactical mind we are ready for this fight. What is more, I would suggest that the diversity of our forces might also provide an advantage, because the Emperor could not have known the variety of enemies he would face in the coming battle. He may well be prepared to inhibit Elven magic, but he must still worry about the Fey, the Lycanthropes, and different units of Human nationality, whose manner of fighting will be somewhat different between them. Include the Gods in this alchemy and I point out that we are stronger than it may appear."

It just goes to show that just because Aelasuria is a elf and a wizardess she has a lot to learn. Frankly she knew it should have been a obvious thought and yet somehow it hadn't occurred to her. Dryads were a perfect example of why Cirrus might actually have a justifiable fear of learning to much of her nature. Where Dryads couldn't leave their trees behind they tended to live their lives in one spot. Unless in the very rare case their tree was somehow moved without being harmed.

Sylphs were the opposite they tended to not stay in any one place. They couldn't because they needed to travel. Which meant if the magic was broken in time Cirrus would have no choice but to leave. "I see. A human lifetime is less then a century. Cirrus wishes to remain with us as she has formed very close bonds with friends and some she I suspect considers family. I trust you can give her at least that lifetime and that this will not be a problem? Although I suspect eventually Cirrus you will need to rejoin the sylphs as one of their own. It's a rare magic indeed that lasts forever. On the other subject can she use her sylph abilities more fully then she already has or are they sealed away?"

With Squijit she thanks the nixie for coming to help. Owed or not Squijit didn't have to come and she deeply appreciated that the Nixie had. Lookng to Theo she nods slightly with a smile. "It seems at least for the time being we have many allies. If the sylphs could pull off making it rain we might be able to produce quite a bit of mud. So long as the cold doesn't prevent it. I know we can't count on it however one can hope."

Cirrus wants to know more of what she is… what Sylphs are.. but even more, she wants to help.

”The cold,” she says to Breeze.  “Do you know if it’s Hun magic?  Can we stop it?”

The Sylph shakes her head.  "It is their magic that has called it," Breeze says.  "But we cannot stop it."

Cirrus is not satisfied with that, and presses for an explanation. Breeze tells her "The cold is not a perversion of nature.  It is cold, but it is not unnaturally cold.  It is just unusually cold.  The difference is important.  There is nothing I can do, because the weather is within what is natural."

"But there is some reason the Huns did this! " Cirrus says. "There is something evil they are up to!"

Breeze agrees.  "That may be true, but as far as nature is concerned, no evil has been committed."

Cirrus does not look pleased with that answer. Air gusts around her, and she says "Nature’s sense of good and evil is not the same as ours."

Breeze looks surprised.  "You say ‘Ours’ meaning Humans!" she says to Cirrus.  "So then maybe you are not all Sylph. I do not understand the magic that changed you, Cirrus.  Maybe no one does.  I cannot predict how much of a Sylph you will be and how much of you will be Human.  All I know is that you are Cirrus, and once, you were a Sylph."

Cirrus talks to Breeze, wanting her to use her powers to help.  Slowly, it emerges that although there are things Breeze could do, she is very afraid.  If she joins in… she knows there is magic the Huns could use against her.

* * * **

Conditions are different now, and Theoderic adapts his tactics.  The scouts are pulled in tighter, and so are the Centaurs.  No one is more than a mile from the main force.  The forest is dense, and doesn’t allow easy movement or visibility, and Theoderic does not want troops isolated and cut off.  Even in autumn, with so many of the leaves shed, the forest does not allow broad fields of vision, except for the rare clearings and meadows.

Squijit leads the way, guiding them along the north bank of the Sambre river.  At times the course weaves this way and back as Squijit aims them around the denser thickets and the wetlands.  Some bogs have frozen over, and the soft ground is hard, but many are still thick, frosty mud.

They also move much more slowly.  In full battle armor, a day of hard movement in difficult terrain can be tiring even for soldiers.  So Theoderic has them moving carefully, and very watchfully.

As the move, the owls continue to circulate. They bring news of sightings of Hun forces.  Still miles away at the nearest, but Theoderic doesn’t put all his faith in them.  It’s possible that some of the enemy has infiltrated past the Elves.

When the stop for breaks he tries to figure out the Hun strategy.  They are not sticking to the main trail.  They have broken into four main groups, and are themselves spreading out.  It makes for more convenient movement for them, and keeps the Elves frantically reacting to one group and then another, but on the other hand, Theoderic has adopted the Centaur strategy of breaking up the enemy formation first, and it seems, they have already done part of it on their own.

In the strategy discussion, Titus speaks, "So, they have broken themselves up into four units. Is there anything that distinguishes each one? That is, do they each seem to be made up of roughly the same unit types, et cetera?

"Also, how distant are they from one another? Were we to strike at one how long before it would be reinforced by another... Or is your thinking, my Lord, that we might be able to use our friendship with the waters and the forest to strike and inhibit each of the other cohorts from coming to the aid of the one we strike? We could slowly grind them down doing this..."

All that Theoderic has to go on is his reports from the Elves.  His own perimeter- scouts and Centaurs- have not yet made contact.

But the Elves have a fairly good handle on Hun dispositions.  They have not strayed far from each other.  Each of the Hun forces is within a few miles at most of its nearest neighbor.

"I do not know what we can expect from Mosanna in help this time," Theoderic tells Titus.  "But it is one good reason for doing as Squijit suggests and keeping close to the river."


As the troops move out towards battle, once again there is some distribution into sub-threads.  The Centaurs of course have their thread, although ironically, if Eadoin is now with Aelasuria’s “Queen’s Guard”, he is no longer with the Centaurs- but Rita and Riordeg are.  They should pop back to the Centaur thread.


The troops advance steadily but carefully from the Elven settlement area, following the Sambre river east.  Although the forest is dense, there are good trails, as the river lines are where the Elven population is concentrated.  Many of them live in tree villages along the winding, stately Sambre, where giant willows are popular.  In addition to villages, many of the trees have luxurious hanging gardens, like giant flower baskets dangling over the river bank.

They find that the Elves do have farms, but these are very small, specialized pieces of land that look temporary- just a meadow cleared to grow some particular crop for a while.

Although many Elves live here, few seem to be left.  The tree villages are eerily empty, with the warriors mustered to fight and the non warriors dispersed to safer locations.

A few Elves, perhaps too stubborn to move, remain.  So far, they have seen no Huns here.  But they know there is fighting less than ten miles away, away from the rivers.

As the troops move out towards battle, once again there is some distribution into sub-threads.  The Centaurs of course have their thread, although ironically, if Eadoin is now with Aelasuria’s “Queen’s Guard”, he is no longer with the Centaurs- but Rita and Riordeg are.

The troops advance steadily but carefully from the Elven settlement area, following the Sambre river east.  Although the forest is dense, there are good trails, as the river lines are where the Elven population is concentrated.  Many of them live in tree villages along the winding, stately Sambre, where giant willows are popular.  In addition to villages, many of the trees have luxurious hanging gardens, like giant flower baskets dangling over the river bank.

They find that the Elves do have farms, but these are very small, specialized pieces of land that look temporary- just a meadow cleared to grow some particular crop for a while.

Aelasuria listens to the discussion knowing cirrus has a good point. Asking the sylphs if they could help was in line with her own thoughts on the matter. "Breeze if nature isn't concerned about it being a little colder then it shouldn't be concerned if it's a little warmer. It gets colder as you go further north, warmer as you go further south. IF you can call hot winds from the south it would warm things up a little wouldn't it."

She slips a comforting arm around cirrus giving her a gentle hug. "That's true Cirrus it's not natures view on things is very different. Breeze if you can help us please do I understand your concerns. I will ask Theo, and the clerics with us as well as Scolo if there is anything we can do to ensure your safety."

If she can she gets Scolo, Rita, Seti, and even Eadoin as this is a concern for a druid as well. "Breeze might be able to do something to help us in the upcoming battle. Possibly even regarding the cold though she's understandably concerned that the Huns will use whatever dark powers, and magic they have at their disposal to harm her. IF she's going to help we must do what we can to ensure her safety."

Eadoin is quiet through most of the travelling.  He ranges with his dozen, not exactly certain what it is one does to guard a wizard.  He's not sure how to comfort Cirrus, besides, he's a bit awed by the comings and goings of the Sylphs.  For most of the conversation about Cirrus' origins and her destiny, he bides his peace.

When the conversation turns to the weather, the young Centaur agrees with Aelasuria.  He says to Breeze, "There was a…frost fairy through some of the months this summer.  Perhaps, ma'am, you could invite a few of the Summer Court here, for a short time.  An embassy, say?"  He adds, "It's just as likely to be unseasonably warm as cold, this time of year."

Titus rides with the Queen's Guard and is pleased to do so. Part of him is concered that Eadoin is with them rather than his tribe, but is pleased to have him with them. He smiles at his old friend, but does not speak. He has nothing to add to the conversation Eadoin and Aeleasria are having with Breeze. There is little he might add to the Queen's argument. Rather he focuses on his command and makes sure that his human and centaur troop is functioning as a unit.

As Aelasuria speaks, Cirrus sees doubts in Breeze’s face, so she joins in to convince the Sylph to help.

”Aelasuria’s right, that’s not going against nature.  We have cold weather, and warm weather too.  It’s natural.  And.. we need your help.  You said Sylphs have enemies.  Have you ever needed help?”

Breeze looks very troubled.  A pained look crosses her face.  “Yes, I have,” the Sylph says sadly.  “And good people came to help me.  I am grateful for them.  They would want me to help you, I know, so this will be my way of thanking them.  I will bring the air from the south.  It will be warmer.  It will take time, we do not want so much air to move so quickly.  But I will do it, do not worry.”

The Sylph rises into the air, and seems to become part of it.

”Take care, Cirrus.  Maybe it is a good thing, what you have.  You have opportunities most Sylphs never will.  I will see you again, I think.  And now that we now where you are, perhaps more of your sisters will visit.”

Breeze flies up, and speeds off towards the south, become less visible, and merging with the air as she does.

”So I am a Sylph,” Cirrus says quietly.  For once she does not seem troubled by the idea.

She smiles as she has another thought. "I wonder what Rita will think when she finds out how old I really am!"

* * * * * * *

Theoderic has the troops close together- everyone is close, so that reports from the scouts reach Theoderic quickly.

It is the following morning, not long after breaking camp.  Breeze's warm southern wind has not yet arrived and it is still very cold.  The dew has frozen into frost on the ferns and grasses along the forest floor.   The group is still along the river, when the first report of contact comes in, from the Centaurs.  They have found Orcs, a messenger from Thayer (who has taken up the role of Centaur leader)  says.

They found three dead Orcs, slain by Elven arrows, and not long dead.  They were headed south, in the direction of the Sambre river, passing in front of the direction of march of Theoderic's army.

According to the Centaur report, while these three Orcs did not make it, others pressed on.

"They would be at the Sambre River now," Theoderic says.  "And they will be able to go no further.. what are they up to?"

"We can pin them against the river and destroy a small group easily," Gellas suggests.

"We can," Theoderic says, "but we would give away our numbers.  I think we should do this with a small team.  There are not many of them."

Unable to get any further on his invention and too distracted it seems from getting any more spells the wizard wanders among Theodrick's troops. He makes waffles for some and berates others. He looks for anyone reading anything and studies hat he can and wonders at the many things going on around them.

Titus agrees with Theodoric, "We should move quickly as it seems they clearly were. Do we have any sense of how large the remaining Hun force is? A company or two of cavalry ought to be able deal with this."

Seti asks whether he may examine any of the dead Orc bodies, both for clues to their means of communication, equipment, etc., as well as delving into their spirits before they move fully on to whatever after world Lord Pluto supplies such beasts.

She looks at Cirrus with approval happy to see her standing up for what she believes in. Then glances at breeze with a touch of worry. She certainly hopes that breeze will be safe when all of this is over. "I look forward to seeing you again Breeze. Please be safe and take care."

Aelasuria couldn't help but laugh and smile giving Cirrus a gentle affectionate hug. "I have a feeling she's going to talk to you a lot about it. It could be a while before she runs out of questions or things to say. It might be possible for you to use more of your abilities now that you know Cirrus. It depends on the nature of the magic that has made you human."

Aelasuria pauses thinking about what Theo had said. "It's possible that it's a trap Theo. The know your out here somewhere. If they can get you where they want you they might try to destroy your army if you can't fight them on your terms. Whoever goes should be able to take advantage of the river or move quickly if they need to flee. It's possible the Iron soldiers could be hiding waiting for a chance to strike when your not prepared to deal with them."

She looks at Scolo, Titus, and Seti before she continues intent on trying to form a plan that might take advantage of whatever the orcs are up to. "I suggest that Scolo be involved in case I am right and they intend to try to surprise us with their Iron soldiers. We should scout the area intensely with whatever resources we have before committing. Elves have a natural talent in the woods and Rita's earth to mud spell could prove valuable. Eadoin being a druid is also skilled in woodcraft. He is also faster then the average soldier. There is probably a larger force hiding nearby. Orcs seem to be cunning in warfare I find it very suspect that they seem to have done something stupid with a small force. It seems more like bait to me then a opportunity."

"Finally we shouldn't rule out that it's a distraction. The main force may have another goal content to let us waste time crushing a small force they are wiling to sacrifice. If nothing else your right it would tell them where you are and we don't want them to know that until we have had a chance to strike a telling blow that really hurts them. Their Iron soldiers would definitely be well worth waiting to find and destroy. I can fly and scout for you Theo if you wish. I might see something from the air that we would miss from the ground."