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"This is... most disturbing, to say the least..."
"But Argos is right. We cannot leave her alone."

13-8 and healbop Argos

"Yeah, I forgot, ask twelve people about a specific matter and you'll get thirteen opinions. Always happens."
"At this point we're kinda running in circles and we could debate endlessly about which path to take. I believe most of us made their opinions clear. The decision, in my eyes, is now up to Titania and Demogorgia. If they can't decide, I propose Serena as tiebreaker. She suffered less, but she still suffered a lot, more than most others in this room."

Yliss side-glanced to Mephistopheles.

"No offense, you suffered a ton too, but you got to let off some steam with that war of yours. Plus I trust Serena in coming to an independent conclusion instead of agreeing with what her mother says."

: "Oh where's your sense of wonder Rhian? This is more than a mere 'combat mission'. Our success here could turn the tide of battle, and end this war once and for all.."

"It is a mere combat mission. Yes, our success could turn the tide of battle, but that goes for everyone in the Dunlandic army. The only difference between me and the rest of the Six Knights is that I don't expect anyone in my care to die today..."

"You're a lot more confident in the competency of this lot than I am. Look at that."

"I have confidence in 'this lot's' competency. After all, I've chosen all of you. If you doubt my ability to organize special operations, surely you can find the way back on your own."

"Lord Duuunnaaasssss! Your horse looks like it has room for one more person! As the big strong and capable leader of our group, you should be a pillar for us to lean on! Come ooooon! You don't want the bards calling you 'Sir Dunas the Horse Hogger' now would you?"

Dunas responds in a hushed tone.

"Rather be called 'Sir Dunas the Horse Hogger' than 'Sir Dunas the Fool Who Put Someone Ill-Dressed For Stealth In The Woods Into A More Visible Spot By Letting Her Mount A Horse, Thus Risking Everybody's Lives'. Now be quiet, you can sit down when we arrive and observe the camp."

His gaze then returns towards the front, where a tight path barely-visible through the forest foliage leads up a hill again, the sounds of carts, armored guards and supplies moving originating from the other side of that hill. Following that path reveals a small spot ideal for hiding while providing adequate conditions to spy on the supply camp from above. As reported to Dunas by the spy, the front of the camp is guarded, but the rear is lacking, seemingly relying a lot on the natural defenses the hill provides.

"Hmmm... I see a backdoor, a possible entrance to exploit. Materials are stored rather centrally, so a few precise strikes should already suffice for completing our mission. Filled with soldiers though, that is... Wait, something's coming!"

A single transport wagon arrives at the camp's gate. Three wagons that were close by departed in response.

"Guard change, but such an unequal exchange. Well, a lighter group would be to our advantage, so..."

Dunas continues observing the arriving wagon, now unloading. A good handful of varied soldiers, as to be expected, but the moment a certain man exited, Dunas' verbal report stops and gets stuck in his throat as he heavily swallows.
Said man adresses his men in a mighty voice.

"Do not let your guard down just because the battlefronts have solidified! Dunlandic people are an opportunistic bunch, if they smell the smallest hint of weakness, they'll exploit it. Heck, they might even observe us at this very moment! But do not fear, for I am here!"

Dunas ducks down from his observation spot, adressing his group directly.

"I expected him to be at the front, but... He is here instead... The Scarlet Knight, Valentio..."

Those with even remote understanding of Westwind's military have heard of the Scarlet Knight's exploits during the War for Wyrmpeak. His fighting prowess is nigh-inhuman, having survived multiple one-versus-many situations and emerging victorious from each of them. He is also known as a blossoming tactician when it comes to infantry, with his trademark being swift changes in formations to hold defensive positions where lesser commanders would have become overwhelmed.
In other words, he is an adversary Dunas did not want to meet.

"... Whatever will happen... Do not engage him at any cost."

The rising sun peeks over the tiny peaks of Caranbough Hills, tinting the area in an orange-ish hue. The song of birds emerges from the trees of a nearby forest, soon to be disturbed by the trampling of two small groups of horses, with both groups approaching each other, each group having a rider dedicated to hold a banner high, topped by a white flag. One banner shows the Kingdom of Dunland, the other the Kingdom of Westwind. Both groups are spearheaded by their respective monarch, accompanied by a minimum presence of guardsmen.

Finally, the two groups slow down and come to a halt, keeping a respectable distance, yet close enough to not force shouting to be understood. The gaze of King Greoger Alfalm of Dunland is strained, cold, exhausted. Time did not pass mercifully for him. Meanwhile, the gaze of King Alwen Talos of Westwind was stern, stoic, yet the corners of his eyes betray his stone-like façade.

"... King Alfalm of Dunland. Once, we stood side by side. Was it thirty years ago? Thirty-five? And today, it is the first time I see your battle armanent from the front, with a face devoid of splendor."
"Alwen. As an old friend and a former battlebrother, I will forgive and forget your insult, but only once. We are here as enemies, not as two old fools to reminisce darker-yet-golden days of our youths. Yet, don’t forget whom you are speaking to, for I managed to rid the continent of most of the Darkspawn."
"That you did, Hero of Light. Without you, my nation would be lost to the tides of darkness, and you have my eternal gratitude for that."
"If you were truly grateful, surrender had always been an option."
"With all due respect, Greoger, I cannot do that. The fate of Wyrmpeak and the Mamkute is as much of importance to Westwind as it is to Dunland. Maybe even more so."
"You accuse Dunland to be less caring of their neighbors than Westwind. I have forgiven one insult, Alwen. I will not forgive a second one."
"Forgive a king’s passion, old friend. I spoke out of line. Yet, it would be foolish to let only one nation take control of all Dragonstones in the absense of the Mamkute, it would upset the balance carefully designed by the Chosen, our ancestors that freed us all. Give us half, and no blood has to flow today. You may keep the land. Please, spare some time to think about..."

In response, King Alfalm bites his thumb at the other king. Even with their faces covered, it is easy to see that the guardsmen on both sides are sweating and swallowing in anxiety.

"Since you uttered a second insult, this answer to your proposal is only fair."
"... I can see that the Hero of Light is truly dead. Our armies shall soon meet, King Alfalm of Dunland."

Both groups divide, each returning towards where they came from. Both kings darken their visage as they think of the ensuing final battle.

---

The Dunlandic encampment near Caranbough Hills. Six beings, armored and battle-ready, stand around a map of the region, looking at and shifting around stones, coins and playing cards placed on it, in their minds maneuvering various troops in a potential iteration of the upcoming battle.

"There is little room for error when maneuvering these hills. Steady ground must be achieved before we can bring hell on those Westwind wyverns."

Lady Vigrid of Dunland, of Minor Charos, representing the troops from the Duchy of Felworn along the northern Dunlandic coast. A large number of archers and other ballistic units are also in her charge.

"The same goes for their archers though. My men know how to ascend faster than any arrow can be nocked, we can achieve aerial superiority from the flanks easily from our hiding spots."

Sir Jernigan of Dunland, of Minor Cuthel, a renowned Wyvern Knight leading the Red Wings of Dunland, the only division of Wyvern Riders within Dunland that is permanent. He not only commands the Red Wings in this war, but also the reserves of both Wyvern and Pegasus Riders.

"So yer say, Jern, but dem forest’s shady. Give ’em green an’ brown cloaks and dem tomeys gonna be impossible ta see, gonna blast ye away before ye can blink."

Sir Worden of Dunland, of Minor Charos, representing the troops from the Duchy of Angbar, east of Central Dunland where the king resides. His dialect and general looks deceive his cunning mind and he is additionally responsible for fielding most tome-users.

"I shall handle the forest. A spy reported a supply camp nearby and if we make our sabotage noisy enough, it will distract any potential mages in the woods for long enough that their attention will be divided trying to search for me, Sir Jernigan. Dunland will control the air space today."

Sir Dunas of Dunland, of no Blood, personally chosen by the king for special operations during the war. For that reason, his official designation as being in charge of infantry is more a technicality to confuse potential enemy spies not doing their homework properly.

"Excellent. So that’s why you picked up that ragtag bunch, small numbers mean perfect mobility. In that case, my men will perform the most gruesome fights at the front to mask your movements, Sir Dunas. Do not let their honorable sacrifice be in vain."

Sir Dulosta of Dunland, of no Blood, representing the young Duchy of Lestern situated in the northeastern peninsula. His reputation as a fearsome combatant whose bloodlust is only surpassed by his success is known even alongside other nations despite only having been knighted recently, having been a loyal soldier of Lestern before since the Duchy had been formed in the late 260s.

"Hrmpf. Listen to those bloodless dogs buddying it up. Then again, takes two of you to come even close to the prowess of a true knight! I’ll give Westwind a reason to fear the blood of Charos and my front will be far more victorious than yours, Lestern whelp! Heh, who knows, I feel like I could best even the Scarlet Knight today!"

Sir Thrum of Dunland, of Minor Charos, representing the Duchy of Thavios in southwest Dunland. A gloryhound, but if one would put their money where his mouth is, it would be a safe bet, for Sir Thrum can back up his confidence with his axe. The man who is actually in charge of the infantry officially assigned to Sir Dunas, and sharing cavarly duties with Sir Dulosta.

Together, they are the Six Knights, united in their cause even if five of them are currently rolling their eyes after Sir Thrum’s comment.

Lulu gains Water and Eiriol gains Wind. By the power of the bloodline of Zio, Oriana's Affinity has become Swamp.

Official Character Sheets have been edited into the opening post. Feel free to check them for any potential error while I write the Prologue.

"Sounds like you intend to make us gang up on him while somehow avoiding getting ganged up by the rest of 3-A. I will await, with faint gleeful anticipation, your plan for how to shake up the Heaven of the Emperors."

Kruger's eyes wander towards the nearby Rika.

"Pardon, Riesenberg, I did not intend to overlook your presence."

Third and last evaluation. As per last week, those who were fine at least once get skipped.

Aurorix
Fifth Ace is accepted. Looks good.

GreenKnight
Asked me to review the reworked bio. Looks good.

Sora
Growth fixed, abilities adjusted. Looks good.

"We've all been dragged into this. You're no exception, Fantomas. I still hate this. But... I'd hate it more if I'd let others suffer. I don't know if I can help even a single person... ... but not trying won't give me an answer. Therefore, I try. No matter how much you think you can influence me, in the end, it was my decision and my decision alone.

And I'm proud of it."