For many of the Eurusi, they are finally going home.

It's been a long time coming for many, and for generations, reportedly no ship from the Compact has sailed across the darkwater and survived. But there is no darkwater currently, not presently. The deeps vanished some time ago, and the path to Eurusi across the seas may well be clear.

Ignoring the legions of demons sweeping across the Mourning Sea, that is.

But oddly, there's nothing at first. Not other ships, since most refugees have fled or been run down. Not other shipping, as the seas are too dangerous. By the time they pass Redreef shores, which shockingly look to be mostly in tact but vacant, there's no sign of the enemy. They are missing, or far further back than anticipated, and the flotilla passes by most of the domains of the Compact unhindered, despite the loss of many of the outlaying lands.

((Entry round of poses, before it gets to action, feel free.))

During the time that the fleet was passing by other holds known to of been devoured or otherwise wiped out, it was odd to still see, from a distance, these places empty. Standing on the top deck of the Desert Queen, Volya Malesporo, once of the now dead House Shaivahn frowns at the sigh. "Why does this bother me far more than I want it to." he utters mostly to himself. "I don't really like this. So many holds empty, but not just wiped out off the face the world. I expected more desolation."

Princess Fatima Masah'Malak Thrax stands at the helm of her caravel, the Desert Queen. It is the flagship of the Isles Canines. It is the flagship of the fleet going to Eurus. To her side, also, is an equally grand caravel, belonging to Princess Katarina, of the Eventide Flotilla. As at last they sail out, a voyage long in coming, there were cheers at first, rising from the many, many ships of the thousands upon thousands who chose to follow. Soldiers, men-at-arms, ten thousand Eurusi, many knights and sellsails and sellswords. They are all here, sailing out to sea. But as they begin to sail by the desolated islands, and there is nothing to be seen, no sign of life anywhere, there's a sense of unease. The silence is deafening and eerie, and definitely not natural.

There is a bleak expression on Fatima's features for just a moment, before she lifts her chin, her dark hair woven into a braid down her back. "I am not sure what happened," she says in reply to Volya, "but we sail on." The helmsman nods, and continues to steer the ship toward the east, toward Eurus. A small green flag is raised from the main mast, signalling to the rest of the fleet that they are clear. A yellow flag, of course, would be a warning. And red would mean danger. They have their signals. Flags are important. Atop the mainmast of the Desert Queen, flies a new banner. That of a teal serpent with a gaping toothy maw, circling a vertical spear, on a field of crimson. The personal banner Fatima has chosen for herself.

A lion's mane of once dark, now mostly grey hair spills down the shoulders of the tricorn wearing and long coat presence of the armored Ahriman Grayson. Once the fleet admiral for Alaric III he spent twenty years having been lost among the deeps looking for his King. Of the ships and quest only, Ahriman survived. And now he sails where he once dared before with a grim expression and scowl plastered on his face. The ships with him are crewed with some of the saltiest weathered sailors who owed loyalty or favor to the man. Many sailed with him when he was in his prime. Now the man holds a cane and walks slow. His body is ever covered foot to toe lest someone view the myriad of torture and scars from his near two decades in captivity. Dark eyes scan the horizon at lifelong familiar waters, charts, and maps studied by the former Grayson naval leader consults his charts and maps and then checks on the crews. Prince Ahriman Grayson cuts a rather cold iceberg in otherwise indifferent waters.

Faye travels along with Dame Imi, who is always excellent company, but this feels far from being a pleasure cruise. At the ship's rail she scans the shores they pass and the horizons, looking for any threat. She only looks down once to take a good look at the spiders that assist their travel, and that's enough to burn the image into her brain. At quiet moments, she takes the time to make sketches in her travel book, but that's really only to keep her hands busy.

For a Northerner who's never been on a ship bigger than a longboat, Imi's having one of those odd experiences. She's spent much of her time at the bow of the Of Course I Still Love You, peering over the railing while holding on for all she's worth. "There are *spiders* under us," she points out for like the thirtieth time. Faye's probably getting tired of hearing about that, or Imi's attempts to talk to them in Nox'alfar by shouting riddles that don't translate well down at them. It's a way to pass time when not staring at shores that once held citizens of the Compact and reflecting on just why they are empty.

Princess Katarina Valardin, born the heir to the throne of the Dune Kingdom of Suj'abbat, is also on the Desert Queen's deck. She's wearing her Valardin admiral's uniform -- there will be time to change into something more traditional as she nears... her birthplace. Perhaps her home. The sight of the empty holdings gives her cause to reflect, and she does so in silence, gold eyes gazing out toward the solemn and still sights.

Nebulosa is rarely far from Volya's side, and at this moment, she's /right/ next to him, frowning out at what he frowns out at. She's not saying much - what is there to say? Briefly, she looks around the deck of the ship to see how others are handling this eerie turn of expectations. Her head shakes, and then she's leaning her head against Voly's shoulder, saying something quietly.

Deja vou... Lady Juliana Igniseri looked out over the water, at the ships of the Isles Canines and she feels like she was here before. This time, it's not Sebastian and Abbas with her, but Luis and Fatima. And if she had time, she would send a silent prayer that this time will be difference. But Jules is here for one real reason and that is what she is focused on. She is a healer and they will need her and those that she will command. Hopefully. But that means being ready before there is a fight, having everyone ready as can be as they pull the wounded and it means protecting those wounded while the fight rages on. She knows her husband, her sister, they are doing what they need too as well it was too late to second guess.. the quiet is a chance, an opportunity to get ready.

While many of the Eurusi are finally heading home, Samira's home is now behind her. She spends much of the journey abovedeck spending time in the company of the other travelers or simply staring into the water or towards the shoreline. Pensive, watchful, resolute. "Eerily quiet," she murmurs to Volya and Fatima, hands gripping the railing.

As Titus stands aboard the Desert Queen, his presence is both commanding and enigmatic. Clad in ashen robes that mimic serpent scales, Titus's crimson eyes scan the horizon with an intensity that speaks of readiness and caution. High above, the dark shape of Comedenti casts an ominous shadow, a silent guardian watching over the voyage. The seas are unsettlingly quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos left behind. The Warmonger moves among the crew, his presence reassuring yet vigilant. He checks their readiness, ensuring that no one is caught off guard in these unpredictable waters. There is a palpable sense of anticipation and resolve. For some, they are heading home across a path long deemed impossible and for some, like Titus, they are making a sacrifice for a world they deem worth protecting with all its beauty and faults.

It's eeriely smooth sailing, though it doesn't last. About midway through what would have been the darkwater deeps, as they begin to get tantalizingly close to Eurus, they spot some of Azazel's legion. Not many compared to the mainland, but enough to worry. A darkened sky of flying demons. Thousands at least. But fortunately small, possibly imps. And they do spot the flotilla with screeches filling the air. They have some time to prepare for battle, not as much as they might like, but some.

((One round before they arrive. This is not nearly as difficult as the domain battles. Will be 3 rounds, and 50 is a total victory. Can do leadership, war, sailing or social checks to try to increase their naval forces before they arrive.))

Katarina checks command and leadership at normal. Botch! Katarina fails badly.

Fatima checks command and leadership at normal. Fatima is successful.

Titus checks command and war at normal. Titus marginally fails.

Ahriman checks command and war at normal. Ahriman is successful.

Imi checks command and leadership at normal. Botch! Imi fails badly.

Volya checks command and leadership at normal. Volya is successful.

Faye checks command and intimidation at normal. Faye is successful.

Nebulosa checks command and leadership at normal. Nebulosa fails.

Samira checks command and manipulation at normal. Samira is successful.

Juliana checks composure and leadership at normal. Juliana is successful.

Admittedly, Fatima probably joined Imi and Faye in trying to talk to the spiders in Nox'alfar, but her duties have drawn her away from the fun as she sets her sights on the eastern horizon. She nods to Samira's comment, and looks to Katarina to see if her fellow Eurusi heir is faring well. "We should speak," she says, to those gathered in the flagship, glancing around. "And plan what we will do when we reach Eurus. Though, the situation may be very different, or not what we expect. Honestly, I don't really know what to expect. Will we be greeted with swords? Or will they be willing to negotiate? I think we should be prepared for either. I understand we may not all have the same agenda," she adds, glancing at Imi and Ahriman curiously. New additions to the crew, unfamiliar faces, but welcomed all the same, "but I recommend we try to stay together, if possible. Eurus is a dangerous land, and wandering off on your own could get you killed. From what I understand, even just some of the plants are poisonous in Mangaldissi, or there are plagues in Petrioch, and other dangers aside from hostile forces and Magisters who may want to kill us. Just... be on your guard," she says, with a glance again to the horizon. "I originally had planned to sail straight for Petrioch, but there seem to be some who think we should strike directly for Pyre. I think that would be a mistake, however, if the might of the armies of the Dune Emperor... sorry, Alaric III... are gathered there...."

[MAGIC - CANTRIP - Voice of Command] It's about then that she trails off, and turns her attention to the dark shapes in the sky on the horizon, her eyes focusing on them. "Run up the red flag!" she shouts without hesitation. Suddenly, she seems to radiate with dark majesty, a calm authority settling about her like a mantle as she shouts orders, and her voice... carries. Very loudly. It's possible every ship in the large fleet can hear her. "Furl the sails! The last thing we need is those creatures ripping them to shreds! To arms!" Orders are barked with cool efficiency, the Princess's demeanor composed and regal. Orders are barked, red flags are raised and spread all along the fleet, and Fatima unsheaths a dagger at her waist. A bell starts ringing to warn the other ships as well, in case some of the crews aren't paying attention.

"There is no turning back at this point." Volya agrees with Fatima, and might've been willing to saying something more. That is, until his eye picks something kind of black dots out in the distance. "What?" he utters aloud, leaning forward to look a bit more intensely. And once realization hits his mind, his eyes go wide. "Looks like the peace wasn't going to fucking last." Pushing himself away from the. "Sound the alarm!" he yells out to the crewman near the bell at the helm of the ship. "We expected this!" he starts to give orders to the contingent of soldiers on Desert Queen. "We knew this was going to come. There is no going home, there is only forward. For the sake of everyone in Arvum and those waiting in Eurus, we cannot let this falter now! Ready yourself, because we are the damned tip of the spear and we're not going to stop till we see it done. No sleep till Eurus!"

Fatima wields an elegant diamond plate stiletto with duskstone pommel.

Nebulosa wields a wicked diamondplate cutlass with snakeskin hilt.

It does help. It's a mixed bag of extremely inspiring and some maybe a little confusing, but it does help, even if some confused sailors are currently debating what the plural for 'imps' is inside Eurusi. But the ships are prepared for battle as the horde of little flying imps come in. One imp, by itself, is not the most terrifying foe. A grown man is significantly stronger, but the little things have razor sharp claws and fangs, and are happy to descend upon sailors in packs to devour them.

((Round 1: Everyone can check any combat or leadership skills at normal, if you use magic, do note it for the roll. The 3 cast limit will not apply to any further battles after this, as there will be a break to rest in between.))

Nebulosa isn't much of a rallying sort, and so when she looks around to see if the others are getting ready, her "uh, so, you're all getting yours swords out, right?" isn't the most helpful. In fact, it's really not helpful /at all/. But at least other people are on top of things!

Ahriman takes his small portion of the fleet that is dominated by Grayson sailors and a mix of other Houses where he has associations. There are a few mercenaries to fill in the ranks as well, "Ah, well, look to the skies and there the dark wind blows. Away with the sails, volleys, and then fishing spears at the ready." The elder admiral commands of his ships. Signal flags go up with distinct tactical symbols. A symbol of arrows. A symbol of a defensive formation with sails stowed away for similar attacks planned and coordinated with his associated captains. A symbol of long barbed spears goes third. The admiral looks to the waters and makes mental strategic notes. He spots the red flag and preps his responsibilities ahead of their approaching threat. He is sharp of tone. Quick of tongue. And very fierce in his commands and regiment. The first mate takes his orders. The orders are then filtered to the crew and other ships. It's a process.

For years, Katarina has dreamed of this moment -- returning to Eurus. She's rehearsed in her head thousands of times just what she'd do, what she'd say, what she'd wear... and now, as Fatima speaks, she finds herself just nodding dumbly. The moment is actually /here/, and it's so much to process that it's overwhelming. When the horde comes into view, Katarina is slow to react. A moment too slow, really. She signals to the Eventide Flotilla, but really, she should have done so already. From there, she can only draw one of her blades and hope that she's ready. For everything.

Katarina wields tempest sapphire seas gleaming silvery blade.

Imi checks dexterity and huge wpn at normal. Imi is successful.

Katarina checks command and leadership at normal. Katarina is successful.

As danger approaches, Faye turns her attention to the crew and troops that man the Of Course I Still Love You. Her ability to project her voice and send all the sailors scampering is quite effective, despite having virtually no sailing skills herself. She even tries commanding the spiders to scurry faster (alas, she does not know Nox), though as far as she can tell, they take no notice of her. Watching the demons approach, she readies her crossbow.

Nebulosa checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Botch! Nebulosa fails badly.

Faye wields Now We Try It My Way, a crossbow.

Ahriman checks command and sailing at normal. Ahriman is successful.

Volya wields Tenacity -An alaricite blade.

Imi wields Defiance, a diamondplate greatsword.

Volya checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Volya is successful.

Titus checks mana and occult at normal. Titus marginally fails.

Fatima checks command and leadership at normal. Fatima is successful.

Faye checks dexterity and archery at normal. Faye is successful.

Titus wields The Bloodsong.

[MAGIC - Tether] Imi spies the figures flying through the air and immediately turns to the crew of her ship, sailing near the Desert Queen but separated enough to not cause problems. "This is it. We knew we'd be tested. Now's the time to --" The paladin's words trail off as a wave rises out of the sea and hits her with the force of a hammer, sending her ass over teakettle in a backwards roll that has her just barely caught for safety by the deck railing. She stands up, sputtering, her face full of seawater and her steelsilk clinging to her wetly.

Drawing her sword, Imi lights it up with a pale, silvery glow that might almost be missed in the daylight. She takes a run to the mainmast and begins to run up its length like gravity worked differently for her. Tethered at the top she begins swiping at every imp that comes by, sending small demonic corpses down into the water or thudding against the deck.

Samira checks perception and occult at normal. Samira is successful.

"Clip their wings," Katarina calls as she attempts to avoid being mogged by imps. "Then chuck the things overboard and pray that they can't swim!" Katarina is in the fray, slashing with her blade, but she's more focused on moving around the field of battle to signal to other ships and move people into position on the Desert Queen. And if her scuttling around happens to draw easily-arrowed imps, well, the more's the better.

Ahriman preps his men and then works on the position of the fleet and ships. Ahriman does not just isolate to his fleet he sends signals and commands off to the others. To the command ships his signal flags denote his positioning and intent and preparations. As the imps attack his men fight. They volley and when the creatures descend, they used the barbed spears to hook, catch, and bring them down where they are stabbed. The spears protect the archers and it's very organized and planned. Ahriman from the partial shelter of his command position barks out orders to his first mate. They continue to work their flags and signal and feed intelligence to the fleet amid the violence.

Nebulosa is /also/ apparently not someone who can fight while on a ship. As she steps away from Volya to pull her sword loose, she lurches and fumbles, falling hard against the shiprail and leaving herself a bit disoriented as her blade clatters at her feet.

Alarms sound, Fatima's voice booms across the water. Juliana closes her eyes for a moment, a heart beat, then opens them again. She changed, right then.. right in that moment the healer trying to make sure nothing is forgotten is gone. She is the daughter of Pravus, there is steel in her blood. Blue eyes flash hard as saphires as she reaches down to unhook and loosen the dagger she carries before turning. "Okay, you all know your jobs and what to do or you wouldn't be here. We knew this wouldn't last, so keep your mind on what is expected." This part has never scared her. It's the before and the after... this is just getting from one minute to the next.

[Magic: Rend of the Beast/1] As the swarm of flying imps approach the ship, Titus hears their menacing cackles and his expression hardens with resolve. Unsheathing the Bloodsong, he extends his hand, palm outward towards imps that are coming down and begins to focus and chant in a low resonant tone. The air around him crackles with energy as he calls upon something within himself. As the spell takes shape, a spectral serpent's maw materializes, emerging from a swirling vortex of blood and ash. The maw snakes its way in the sky and snaps its jaws at the imps, aiming to strike them down with its lethal bite. However, the spell does not go as planned. The maw, though fearsome in appearance, is less stable than Titus intended. It lashes out, its strikes less precise, causing only superficial wounds to some of the imps while missing others entirely. He grits his teeth as the maw dissipates into the air, leaving behind a trail of blood and ash.

Juliana checks composure and leadership at normal. Juliana is successful.

At the moment, Fatima is not using any other magic that anyone can see. All anyone can really see is that she seems especially majestic at the moment, shouting orders in an uncannily loud voice that is heard across the fleet. She's keeping her magic in reserve. This is just her normal face now, majestic, seductively beautiful and enrapturously beguiling, exposed, the veil she normally keeps over it lifted. "Archers!" she shouts. "Shoot them down!" She bats at one that flies toward her, as if it were a fly, smacking it back with the flat of her blade. "Try not to use fire on them. We don't want to send the whole bloody fleet up in flames!" She's in her element at the moment, in command of the largest fleet ever assembled outside one of the Great Houses. The sails are furled, and the ships slow a little to meet the enemy.

The fire at the imps is highly effective, but there's just so MANY of them. At least a dozen of the screaming little beasties are surrounding Nebulosa clawing at her, and sailors and soldiers on the ships have their hands full with the scores upon scores that attack every ship. The things aren't very durable, which is a small mercy as dozens drops into the sea, the waters around the vessels turning black with their ichor leaking into the waves.

((OOC: Victory Points 36. Apologies in advance if I don't wait super long for poses, since I am trying to keep things moving at a pretty good clip. Will do luck rolls, the difficulty tier for this is lower than the other battles.))

Apostate has called for a check of luck at easy.
Critical Success! Samira is spectacularly successful.
TIE: The White Singer is successful. Imi is successful.
TIE: Fatima is successful. Volya is successful.
Nebulosa is successful.
Kalakh is successful.
TIE: Katarina is successful. Juliana is successful. Faye is successful. Ahriman is successful.
Titus is successful.

The swarm, even now, is looking winnowed, thankfully.

((OOC: Round 2, Victory Points 36, can check whenever. Since no one failed luck, was kind of a skipped enemy turn.))

Volya checks luck at easy. Volya is successful.

Imi checks dexterity and huge wpn at normal. Imi is successful.

Katarina checks command and leadership at normal. Katarina is successful.

Nebulosa checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Nebulosa is successful.

Juliana checks composure and leadership at normal. Juliana is successful.

Fatima checks dexterity and small wpn at normal. Fatima is successful.

Volya checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Volya is successful.

Ahriman checks command and war at normal. Ahriman is successful.

Titus checks mana and occult at normal. Titus fails.

Faye checks perception and occult at normal. Faye is successful.

Samira checks perception and occult at normal. Samira marginally fails.

[MAGIC - Blade of the Righteous] Having climbed the mast, Imi balances at the top and continues to slash away. The huge greatsword carves through imp after imp, leaving the knight looking like a cross between a martial arts balancing montage and a baseball batter at practice with a ball machine. The imps wind up; Imi swings. She looks down to make sure Faye's not being swarmed too badly before running down one of the lines, getting closer to the deck, and then jumping off to land on better footing and continue to be a death machine among the winged demons. The glowing silver blade suddenly bursts into golden-white light, shining nearly as bright as the sun, and streaks through the air each time it's swung, frying the demons.

[MAGIC] Faye's crossbow takes out a few nasty, little imps here or there, but it isn't nearly as effective as she wants it to be. Especially when Imi gets wiped out by an oncoming wave. There's a brief thought of her wondering if the spiders are having a tougher time in these rough seas, but then she decides that maybe speed isn't their biggest concern. Letting her crossbow swing back on its shoulder strap to her back, she pushes up her sleeves and then reaches out like she's going to take hold of an oncoming wave. With a seeming gesture of her hand, she nudges the wave over to wash out a knot of the little flying monsters nearing the ship, sending them into the sea.

[Magic - Rend of the Beast/2] Again, Titus moves across the deck to where imps might be at and with an outstretched hand, he tries to call something. But nothing happens. No, that's not entirely true. Once more a terrifying serpent of ash and blood appears but it doesn't attack the imps, it turns to try and bite the one that summoned it.

Titus checks 'unconsciousness save' at easy. Titus is successful.

Titus remains capable of fighting.

Seeing Nebulosa is in trouble, Fatima turns, and starts slashing at the imps that are harassing the swordswoman with her stiletto, stabbing them and then flinging them over the side of the ship. The Princess is glad in all shadowmeld, alaricite and star iron, and seems to fight with reckless abandon. At one point, she grabs one of the imps and stares it in the eyes, because really, she's never seen an Imp up close before, and she's curious. Then she jabs her stiletto's sharp point into it, and tosses it toward more of the little fuckers, trying to bowl with it. These things are starting to annoy her! "Try to take out as many as you can at once!" she shouts. "Stun 'em, and sweep!" She does just that, floating gracefully between them, stabbing and slaughtering them, knocking them into each other or into the rails of the ship. The sticky ichor coats the deck, and continues to pool into the water, likely feeding the great Maw of the Sea far below. She's happily feeding them into the water, one might guess, after a time. One after another, she tosses them overboard. "Here you go, Leviathan! A little snack!" she shouts.

After a moment of pure ;what the eff' confusion as she reclaimed her blade from the deck, Nebulosa appears to pull her act together! She slices her blade through the air, cutting into imps fiercely.

Katarina provides leadership and guidance the old-fashioned way: by leaping into the fray and swinging her knife around. She has a group of sailors she's corralled, and they're working in concert to direct imps toward one another for the skewering. Katarina, being the Oathlander that she is, DOES take a moment to look over at Fatima when she jests about Leviathan. "Really, now," she says, sounding vaguely disappointed, before going back to stabbing imps.

"Do not give them an inch!, bring them down out of the godsbedamned air!" Volya shouts, giving a slice to one of the imps, bringing it down down, cleaving it's wing off and watching it spiral out to splash into the ocean below. Panting, he looks at the black blood on his alaricite blade before moving back to Nebulosa. "Hey, you alright? C'mon, I need you on your feet, Nebbie." And for that moment, he will put his back to Nebulosa, an armed figure between her and any thing that might try to harm on her.

Ahriman watches the battle unfold and the torrential downpour of ichor and claws. Ahriman witnesses some of his men fall but their training and experience hold and they spear, shoot, and they close ranks and fill holes when they open with the wounded and dead. The ex-admiral orders his ships to shift and to change formation to better suit the fight. They all pull together and combine hull to hull in a flotilla of death. All the crews of his section working together. One first mate on one ship goes down. Next man up. All a process.

[MAGIC] Samira's attention narrows in on the approaching horde of demons, her hand instinctively straying toward her blade. "We know what we came for and what we mean to accomplish. We see what stands in our way, but we are ready! Remember what you fight for," she calls out to those around her, attempting to be convincing enough to inspire. Instead of fighting, however, she allows her hand drops from her weapon and fall to her side. She stands motionless, wind whipping through her hair, her gaze fixed intently upon the approaching enemy. Curiously, some of the swarm begin to turn against each other, fighting each other rather than the Eurusi fleet.

[MAGIC] Samira's attention narrows in on the approaching horde of demons, her hand instinctively straying toward her blade. "We know what we came for and what we mean to accomplish. We see what stands in our way, but we are ready! Remember what you fight for," she calls out to those around her, attempting to be convincing enough to inspire. Instead of fighting, however, she allows her hand drops from her weapon and fall to her side. She stands motionless, wind whipping through her hair, her gaze fixed intently upon the approaching enemy. Curiously, some of the swarm begin to turn against each other, fighting each other rather than the Eurusi fleet.

Nebulosa shoots an appreciative look toward Fatima, and then reassures Volya, "Yeah," she gasps. She's /not/ alright, some of those imps had REALLY sharp claws! She favors one side, but stands as straight as she can, thankful for Volya's move to protect her.

Juliana's voice is perhaps not as loud but it cuts too where it's needed. Healers and those meant to protect them scurry, wounded being pulled in and stablized as fast as can be. Decking will become slick with blood but it doesn't matter. As wounded are pulled in, Jules grabs a bag and heads towards the heart of the matter. If somce of the wounded can't get to her, she will find them.

Fatima glances at Katarina, and rolls a shoulder in a little 'sorry not sorry' shrug. She gives a salute to her fellow Princess with her ichor-stained diamond plate stiletto, and then she's back to killing imps. She stays in front of anyone who's looking injured, ready to defend her crew and guests aboard the Desert Queen as if they all had guest right, and they really kinda do. That doesn't just end after you leave Arvum.

And just like that, the imps break with 'SKREEEEEEE's of fear. They savage Titus first and many others, but enough of them killed has the swarm breaking and fleeing in every direction. Cheers go up across the different ships, and while there's a number of brutally mauled dead, it's not nearly as bad as it could have been. And with the imps cleared, they encounter no more demons or signs of Azazel's horde before they cross into Eurusi waters, and the faint outline of land on the horizon.

It's the smoke they see first.

Little by little, they sail closer to Petrioch, and they cross scores of the remains of destroyed Eurusi vessels, and even some corpses in the waters. There was a naval battle fought. As they come closer and closer to Petrioch, they see smoke coming from the proud city. Closer yet, and they see banners of the Dune Emperor drifting fallen in the bay, along with more corpses. The great docks of Petrioch are ablaze, so there's no landing there, and there's signs of corpses scattered throughout the beaches.

Clearly, Petrioch is in the midst of war, but aside from the fallen banners, it's unclear just who is fighting.

((Round of poses, if anyone has magical perception, they can try spells at hard to try to figure out what's up))

Faye checks perception and occult at hard. Faye is successful.

Katarina's nice blue and white outfit is splattered with imp guts, but she doesn't have time to be upset about that. Instead, she can only gaze in horror at the carnage -- not just the corpses, but the fire as well. "By the Gods," she murmurs, and dips her head to say a quiet, brief prayer to the Sentinel.

Ahriman is glued with his officers stretched on the other ships to the scene beyond. Crew clean and free the deck of corpses while their own dead are stowed below. The imps are left to the Salt. Positions vacated are filled and the reserves still have members leftover. A fortunate turn. Ahriman is dead silent in his indifferent stare towards the scene before him. His sharp eyes looking for anything of importance as they sail.

Samira checks perception and occult at hard. Samira is successful.

Then this one time at Eurus, a cloud of imps chewed on me. Titus isn't sure that'll be a story anyone will want to hear but soon enough, the imps are all dead and he takes a moment to compose himself. The scene at the Petrioch harbour is a sight to see, blazing fires and a great deal of corpses.

Volya wasn't expecting the battle to suddenly end. Just like that, with the imps breaking off. And he hadn't realized just how close they were to Eurus. "Those spiders must be moving us a lot faster than I thought. I was always told it took us weeks to get to Eurus." It doesn't make him look down at the millions of spiders carrying them across the sea, but he's also not going to question King Tyrval either. With black imp blood on his armor, it's only once they retreat does he look over Nebulosa. "We'll get you looked at, just stay with me." he urges her. He pauses then looking at the desolation of Petrioch. "We missed the party. I think whatever battle we just had, we just dealt with the leftovers."

Along the way, after the Imps, Imi says what prayers she can over the dead crew before they're buried in the ocean. The Sea Goddess has them now, and it's up to the living to continue on. She helps clean up the ship, lends muscle where it's needed, and mostly just tries to stay busy. When they get near Petrioch, Imi can only stand at the railing and gaze upon her first foreign city, watching the flames and smoke rise from it.

[MAGIC] Faye is relieved when they finally clear the imps, and she'll even help toss imp body parts into the ocean to feed the fishes or whatever else is down there. Once they begin crossing into what is surely a battlefield, though, she stands at the front rail, trying to scan for answers to what happened here. She she reaches out with more than just regular sight, checking for anyone living, or looking for the sort of impressions that powerful magic leaves on a place. Who fought here, what happened, and who won?

Nebulosa leans against Volya once it is safe to do so, wincing in paind and also wincing at the signs of carnage on the waters and beach. "Oh. This looks awful."

Fatima checks perception and occult at daunting. Fatima marginally fails.

Jules can hear the muttering, but she sorta is a bit busy. Standing from one sailor, who she waves to those near to carry back out of the way, a blood stained hand lifting to push away the hair that falls from her braid and pauses at the sight of the harbour in flames. For a moment, she just stand like everyone else and stares but then. "Titus.. let me look at that.." heading toward the armored imp chew toy.

Once the imps have broken and fled, Fatima pulls a rag out of her belt and wipes the ichor off the blade in her hand. Then she tosses the rag overboard too. She sheathes the weapon, and glances around, and looks to Juliana. "Sister of my heart, would you see to the wounded?" she asks, still breathing hard from the little exercise in demon-slaying. "And the dead should be given proper sailor's rites." She turns then, and shouts to the fleet, voice still raised. "Good job, everyone!" Then, the lookout in the highest of the crow's nests aboard the flagship shouts, '"Land ho!" And there's another cheer from the fleet. But then the cheers die away, as the smoke is noted on the horizon, the destroyed Eurusi vessels, the signs of battle. Fatima turns to gaze toward the shores of the land of her father, her expression now somber. She lifts a hand, shielding her gaze from the bright sun overhead, and tries to discern what is actually happening.

Faye knows when Imi is nearby, even without looking. "Looks like more of the slave rebellion. The Dune Emperor is using his forces trying to get the city under control, but guess who doesn't want to go back to being slaves." Her expression is grim, as she gazes at the docks and the parts of the city on fire. "The battle is still being fought here. No one controls the city yet."

Fatima squints, and then shakes her head to Volya. "No," she says. "This is a different battle. There are warring ambitions... freedom, and control." She shakes her head again. "It is too far away for me to sense more just yet." She nods to Faye. "Then we must help them," she says, resting a hand on the hilt of her now-sheathed dagger. "We will need to find a place to land, however," she says, her eyes searching the shoreline, to get a strategic feel for where the fleet could safely land. "With luck, they are not expecting us, and do not know we are here yet."

Juliana checks 'recovery treatment' at easy. Juliana is successful.

It's grim, but they have different options. They could land directly, despite the flames, though if forces are nearby their landing could be contested. Or they could sail down, land on the shore, and march to the gates of the city.

Juliana checks 'recovery treatment' at normal. Botch! Juliana fails badly.

Titus gets some excellent assistance and care from Juliana, there's a bit of time that's taken up with the bandages but soon he's back to...well, fighting shape as ever. As Fatima explains what is happening, he looks to her to make the decision. "Free them so they might use their choices how they really want, rather than simply fighting against a tyrant and survival."

A bit of medical attention (that may have not helped at all), sees Nebulosa seething from the astringent goop used to clean and pack her wound. Gross. She stays close to Volya, not voicing an opinion on the landing situation - she's here to follow Fatima. Whatever the boss-lady says!

"Your Highness." Volya gives one more look to Nebula before standing. "I would advise weighing anchor away from the docks. If that's any guess," and he points out at the floating bodies and otherwise destroyed harbor. "We need to keep our method of escape safe if things go poorly for us. May have to march on the city, but I'd rather do that than having our escape route cut off if it comes to that." It's odd, as the man hasn't led soldiers in a long damn time, but it's a role he falls into fairly well.

Katarina finishes her prayer and turns toward Fatima. "This is your Kingdom," she says. "We follow your lead." She looks over at Volya and nods, to at least cast her support toward his idea, but ultimately it's Fatima's call.

Fatima nods to Titus and Volya, and turns to confer with the others. "My preference," she says, "would be to sail further down and drop anchor just off shore, have our men-at-arms row to the shore. Have the siege weapons brought ashore as well, and march to the city like a proper army. With luck, we may be able to flank the enemy from behind." She glances around. "Unless anyone has a better idea?" The non-military crew, in the meantime, are working on saying the proper rites over the dead from the imp attack, and sliding the bodies gently into the sea.

"I could probably Tether myself to one of those buildings and cross over," Imi muses to Faye. "I'm not sure that'd help though. As long as we do not pass up this opportunity to defy the evil and oppression. That would pain me deeply." She leans over the railing, trying to hear Fatima better from the other ship.

[MAGIC] When the imps break away and flee, Samira releases a breath she didn't realize she had been holding. She turns to peer intently at the horizon, the signs of battle. "Slave revolt," she agrees, echoing Faye. "And since no one has claimed the city yet, perhaps that can be to our advantage." Better, certainly, than the Dune Emperor already having laid claim. She leaves the tactical decisions to Fatima, Katarina, and those with a better understanding of warfare than she possesses.

Faye hasn't taken her gaze from the city. "Might be impressive to use magic to put the fires out on the docks and walk in that way. A lot more dangerous, though." She shrugs. "Not my ships or my command." A nod to Imi. "I'm sure we'll be helping the city one way or another."

Juliana has opinions sure but right now, she is trying to put people back together. Though after a lttle while the woman pauses not far from the discussion, gaze shifting to the city as the conversation circles. "Straight on has never really seemed like a good idea. Though that might be my ancestors speaking." pauses glancing towards Fatima with a small smile. "This is going to have to be your decision, sister. We are following you."

Fatima nods. "Let's do it, then," Fatima says.

Despite the obvious war, despite the visible death, despite the battles that lie ahead, there's a sense of anticipation among the ships as they move to set anchor. For many of the Eurusi aboard, this is their homecoming, and if they can strike against the slavers that saw them driven from their homeland, all the better. Fatima gives the order and they sail down the bay, miles downshore where a soft cove provides a natural harbor. There's a fishing village here. Or was. It was certainly burned to the ground, and there's standards of the Dune Emperor here amidst corpses.

After the land and the march towards Petrioch, they cross more and more signs of battle. A mile outside the city, there's rows upon rows of heads on pikes, decaying and some skeletal. Slavers, it looks like, the revolt must have happened the moment the writs broke with the death of the Horned God.

Closer yet to the city, and they see remains of a significant force of the Dune Emperor's troops. Banners from Glor'ruus, a reserve force that was cut down. Mixed among them are some other bodies, some with the livery of Petrioch, others none at all. A few corpses look Arvani, oddly, with the livery of bright sands and a rose.

Closer to the gates, they can hear the sound of battle. The gates have been battered and destroyed and lay open, and they see forces in open battle. A phalanx bearing the banner of Petrioch with a broken shackle are being pressed down the street by soldiers with the banner of Glor'ruus, while others are raining fire down upon them. Another group is skirmishing trying to help the Petriochians, with a banner of sands and a rose.

((OOC: Since Fatima has a minute, will let people decide who they are helpin' while she gets back))

After leading the ships down, Volya follows Fatima's instructions, eventually deciding to take the lead in leading the troops off the ships and forming a number of regiments from those who have off-loaded from the ships. As they march, the thought finally occurs to the former Shaivahn. "I'm on another continent..." he mumbles to himself, trying to let that revelation sink into his mind. Spent his entire life in one country but is now in another. Where he can start his life over. Pending he survives this. These thoughts are dashed the moments he starts seeing the heads, giving a signal to slow their forces advance.

"Gods. Whatever happened here, it was bloody. Put the Gyre War into perspective." The movement is slow, but cautious, giving orders to be aware, and be ready for battle once they get within the city. And upon the sounds and sighs of an ongoing battle, he the man doesn't wholly recognize the banners being shown between the two sides fighting. He looks to those who might know better than him who they should be fighting. Or perhaps they should simply fight both.

As they make their way through the carnage, Titus doesn't seem perturbed. Not even the heads on pikes although every once in awhile, he'll look at a face and study it. It's when they get through the gates where there's various groups fighting that he narrows the crimson eyes to look. "Duke Leo?" he says in a rough whisper, gesturing a pale finger towards the banner of the sands and a rose who are trying it seems to help the Petriochians. "The Adept of the Rose is an ally you want, they fight against the Dune Emperor. They aren't your enemy. I say, help them and pincer the forces of Glor'ruus."

Faye's expression is grim as they pass the dead bodies and heads displayed on pikes. The smell is terrible, but it smells like war anywhere, doesn't it? When they enter the city, it's clearly a mess, and it's hard to know how they can help without making more of a mess. But then she gets a good look at the banner of the rose and the sands. "Look at that, it's the Awakened Sands. The Awakened Sands, they're here and still fighting!" The excitement... it's almost like she's fangirling.

Katarina looks at the heads on pikes as they pass. "When I was a girl," she says, telling her story perhaps to no one in particular, "I remember a great banquet my father hosted. There was so much food, and I was allowed wine for the first time. The occasion was the execution of slaves who had rebelled. We ate and laughed and the afternoon's entertainment was men being beheaded." Katarina sounds glum as she recalls this -- perhaps reminding herself why she's doing what she's doing.

As they draw nearer to the skirmish, Katarina speaks up after Titus. "Lord Titus is correct, Your Majesty. We should join with the Awakened Sands and bolster their efforts. You may be able to gain valuable insight for your aid."

"Aren't the rose folk on our..." Nebulosa starts to as, quieting when Titus speaks. She nods. "I think I heard their leader is originally a Lycene." Rumors fly like imps (apparently) in the Lyceum. She looks from Titus to Volya, stretching carefully before resting her hand on the pommel of her blade.

"The Gyre War was it's own nightmare." Jules says quietly, perhaps not even loud enough for Volya to hear but that was because her gaze was moving over the bloodly landscape. But Katarina's story calls her back and Juliana touches the Princess

Ahriman is flanked with his retinue of Grayson naval veterans. He marches down towards the scene before them and at the sight of the battle. He waits in reserve and in the back. In fact, his forces were mostly left back with the ships. In order to secure their naval presence, he left two ships fully crewed and set an array of signal flags that could be seen from person to person staged between the ships and where they are now so they can all have intelligence about their fleet. He was a commander and mover of war troops not a frontline soldier. And so, the man stood in the back under guard and he moved in a determined nature despite his use of his cane to set up this landing properly and supply a potential conflict with reserves and relief as needed.

"The Gyre War was it's own nightmare." Jules says quietly, perhaps not even loud enough for Volya to hear but that was because her gaze was moving over the bloodly landscape. But Katarina's story calls her back and Juliana touches the Princess' arm lightly before dropping her hands again and just turning her attention towards the road, battle ahead. "Well whatever we are doing, lets just do it." (repose because of issues)

Samira has little time to consider that she has just stepped onto Eurusi soil, far too distracted by signs of battle, death and decay, heads on spikes. The story Katarina recounts brings a faint shudder, but she's quick to voice her agreement with her Eurusi friend and those who recognize the banner of sands and a rose. "I agree. The Awakened Sands would be a good choice to throw our support behind."

She's heard about this place. She's seen it in her dreams. She's been told so many stories about it, from the refugees, from those who mentored her. From her mother. She looks to Juliana, and then to Katarina. There are emotions hidden beneath the surface of her sea green eyes. Fatima, once she has given the orders, and they have begun to be obeyed, at last sets foot on the shores of the homeland she has only ever heard stories about. Her shadowmeld boot sinks into the sand, and she bends to a knee, digging her fingers into the dirt. "Home," she murmurs. "It doesn't feel like home, yet." She looks up, and then stands again, brushing the sand from her fingertips as the fleet comes ashore. She listens to the advice, and takes in the perceptions of the others, and she gazes toward the banners, and the fighting. "Yes," she says. "We will join the Awakened Sands, and we will learn just what it is we are really facing." She doesn't make promises she can't keep. She keeps focused, for now, on what lies before her. She gazes toward the city, and draws a breath. "Let's get the troops ready. And then we march to join the Warrior of the Dawn, and the Adept of the Rose."

A hooded figure watches the chaos from a balcony, dressed entirely in black. From a certain angle, all that can be seen beneath the hood is white hair, which provides a striking contrast. They turn their head to watch the newcomers and seems entirely /fascinated/ by this. In the midst of all of this carnage - /that/ is what draws her attention. She retreats into the building and appears in no more than a few seconds behind Samira. "Daughter." She greets with a soothing voice.

Samira knows that voice, recognition dawning the moment it reaches her ears. Turning to face the hooded figure who appears behind her, she locks her gaze upon the other woman, the corners of her lips twitching. "Mother. I had hoped we might reunite here. Have you come to join us?"

Despite the heat and dust and sand of the place, hearing someone come up behind the group and say "daughter" makes the hair stand up on the back of Faye's neck. She turns and stares, and though she's never seen or heard that woman before, she makes a pretty good guess who it is, having studied the tales about her for years. "Mirrorborn betray. Always. It's what they do." But then she hears another voice, a whisper in the sand and blowing wind, and she's not even sure if anyone else hears it. To the rest of the group, she says, "My father knows we're here. That means the Dune Emperor might too. The Awakened Sands needs us." And not even watching to see who follows, Faye readies her crossbow and heads towards the banner of sand and rose.

Away from Arx, Volya takes his order from Fatima, the potential Queen. And hearing her order being given out, he turns to make sure that happens, noting to the officers under his command that they are ally with the banner of the Awakened Sands, after which giving the order to be ready to attack on Fatima's command to do so." Drawing his sword again, he steps up to his own commander. "Your Highness, our forces are prepared to move at your command. Ready to join the fray when you give the word to do so."

As Fatima makes her fateful decision, Titus draws a long blade out and begins to run along her side.

"The Dune Emperor sent a general from Glor'ruus to... take care of the city for him." Seleni says to her daughter with warm smile, though her icy gaze scans her companions. It lingers on Katarina for a little longer than the others and the smile flickers for a bit before her attention returns to Samira. "The Rose man has been leading a rebel force against the Alaric's forces." She doesn't even bother calling him by his Eurusi name. "I was here to assist the General of course but he seems to have had a little accident and now his forces are in complete disarray. A shame." She raises a brow at Faye. "Have we met?"

The gates are open, at least, as the fighting continues. And their arrival comes at a moment when the fighting is reaching a decisive peak- it could really go either way for the control of the city, and if they attack now they could take the forces of the Dune Emperor in the rear while they are fighting the Awakened Sands.

((OOC: If you're fighting against the Dune Emperor's forces, which I thiiiink from Fatima's last pose you will be, it'll be a victory point 70 goal over 4 rounds max, and the checks will be at normal difficulty due to their strategic advantage. If they intend to also kill the Awakened Sands, and just take the city from everyone, uh let me know and I'll adjust))

Katarina doesn't make eye contact with Seleni. She just does her best to ignore her. For now.

As the troops ready themselves, Fatima is gazing toward the city, her lips slightly parted, and draws in a deep breath, as if breathing in some scent. The scent of home, perhaps? Or something else. Yet, she waits. Though she is impatient to get moving, the troops, and all the Eurusi who came with her, must be readied. It takes time to assemble thousands of men at arms. Time to organize them into ranks. Time to ensure each legion knows what they are doing. Yes, legions. Fatima is in command of thousands of men, and it takes time.

She is about to step toward a boulder to stand upon, preparing to address the assembling troops. But then she hesitates, turning as she hears that voice. She looks at the hooded figure, and her eyes narrow slightly. To Volya, she gives a little gesture. "I will address them first, in a moment," she says quietly. She is watching the hooded figure carefully. Her hands are nowhere near her weapons. She glances to Faye as she speaks, and gives a nod of acknowledgment. She turns her attention back to the hooded figure then. "No one act rashly," she says quietly. "We have a powerful figure within our midst." Her gaze remains locked on the hooded figure. She listens to what is said, and her features betray little of her thoughts beyond wariness. "Lady," she says politely, "are you here to stop us, or aid us?"

Ahriman checks command and war at normal. Ahriman is successful.

At Fatima's command, Volya nods curtly, then giving the signal for their forces to hold, but be ready to unleash hell upon his next hand gesture, relaying that order throughout the ranks of those around him. His alaricite sword is ready. The depression, the anger, the sorrow, the alcoholism, and crawling out of that has led him to this point. Losing his name, his family, his house, his very identity, has culminated to this very moment. He can wait just a moment more. There is an overwhelming desire to give the order, but he holds back. For the moment. Though he hadn't really noticed the figure that Fatima had been talking to up until this moment, and he blinks quizzically, unsure of when she appeared.

Ahriman handles the logistics for the moment. Arrows and lines of movement established and are being fed from the fleet. Civilians with healing experience that were brought along; moved in the rear with very light guard moving wounded back to makeshift and setting up tents for treatment. From the small forces of reserves he will use them to plug casualty gaps or visible gaps when needed in short order but for now gets them to help ready for land battle. For now, he preps the forces, handles the movement of things, and sticks in the back to help strategically achieve a better outcome. Ahriman does the work without the glory but with every bit the crucial elements for success even while the violence has yet to jump off.

Katarina checks command and leadership at normal. Katarina marginally fails.

Faye checks perception and archery at normal. Faye is successful.

Volya checks command and leadership at normal. Volya is marginally successful.

Nebulosa checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Nebulosa is successful.

Fatima checks command and leadership at normal. Fatima is successful.

Juliana checks composure and leadership at normal. Juliana is successful.

Katarina is distracted -- both by steadfastly ignoring Seleni, and also by... it seems like she's looking for someone, amongst the crowd of the Awakened Sands. Now really isn't the time to go asking around after someone, but the way Katarina keeps stealing glances around in between sending footmen this way or that, it really seems like part of her focus is somewhere else.

Samira glances to Faye, considering her words for a moment. "Perhaps they do," she concedes with a shrug. "And it might be just the right time for a certain kind of betrayal." Her mother's words bring just the whisper of a wry smile as she answers dryly, "Ah, such a shame." Her tone of voice suggests she thinks quite the opposite, in fact. "I remembered the plans you spoke of last time we met and thought it might be good timing."

Samira checks dexterity and small wpn at normal. Samira marginally fails.

[MAGIC] Faye pauses and spares a single moment to stare at Seleni. "Faye, scion of House Ruger, come to put a boot to the old king's face. Now, we've met." Sorry Fatima, Faye is not so good at not acting rashly. But she'll let the others deal with the mirrorborn, she'll turn her crossbow and magic on the forces of the Dune Emperor, sending crossbow bolts off with shocking quickness and accuracy.

The Healers will not be entering, they would be no good dead before they can help the wounded. Orders are given, Juliana makes sure all is ready and those few that will be pulling the wounded are prepared. That said, Juliana has no intention of leaving her sister's side. So with case across her shoulders and dagger in hand, she stands silently watching as Fatima addresses the Lady, and troops. The stranger, what Jules does or does not know is kept silent behind the watchful gaze.

To the question of whether she's hear to aid them or stop them, Seleni tilts her head. "I have already aided you." She says, as though it is obvious. Close inspection (if anyone is brave enough to do so) may show a couple of blood splatters against her reflective mask. "I would do more but I'm incredibly stuffed from a heavy meal." She brushes a gloved hand against Samira's hair. "I have to return to Alaric's side now. He -needs- me." A wry smile is directed at Faye briefly. "More than you do right now. But you will be okay, my sweet daughter. You're finally strong." And with a warm hug, she parts and disappears from the battlefield.

Katarina exhales.

Titus checks mana and occult at normal. Titus marginally fails.

Nebulosa is ready to head through the gates, but her feet stop when she sees Fatima and Samira looking toward a strange (unfamiliar, not... you get it) figure. Mother? The duelist looks puzzled. But! There's a battlefield. Which the mother person is going to. So! Sword drawn, Nebula goes to the aid of the Awakened Sands.

[Magic - Defensive - Mantle of Dark Majesty] The Heir to the Throne of Petrioch nods to Seleni, then turns to stare at Faye as she starts marching toward the enemy ranks without even waiting for the call to battle. "Fool," she mutters under her breath. Then she leaps up onto that bolder, and faces her troops. "We've all known this day would come!" she cries, that mantle of dark majesty settling about her once again, her voice commanding. "Free Eurusi, rising up against Tyranny! The shackles have been broken, and now it is time to fight for our homeland!" She unsheathes her stiletto and raises it high. "Let us join with the Awakened Sands! For a free Eurus!" She expands the aura of dark majesty around her then, and outward, feeling the hunger of her army and drinking it in, their hunger for this long-awaited moment, the hungers of her people, the hungers of the Awakened Sands. It becomes a tangible thing around her, a radiant shield with a nimbus of dark energy that expands outward to envelop her, and them, and even Faye as she runs ahead. It begins.

[MAGIC - Rend of the Beast/1] As the battlefield unfolds before him, Titus surveys the chaos with a steely crimson gaze. The forces of Glor'Ruus, a throng of battle-hardened warriors attacking the Petriochans, stand in the way of his path to join the Awakened Sand. Determined to break through their ranks, he grips the hilt of his sword Bloodsong and channels his blood magic, focusing on the essence of his power. With a powerful incantation, he summons the fearsome visage of a spectral serpent's maw of ash and blood that wells up from the dead nearby. The maw, vast and terrifying, opens wide, aiming to engulf and rend the enemy with its ethereal fangs. However, as the spell nears its target, it becomes apparent that the execution is not as flawless as intended. The maw, though imposing, falters in its ferocity as the serpent slams into a wall to explode in gore and ash, missing the intended targets. He lifts his sword up high, those wounds that were bandaged beginning to bleed.

Volya points his sword forward after Fatima's decree, giving the signal. "UNLEASH THE HELLS"

At the command, their forces advance and they had the advantage of surprise. Their front lines take a large group of the Dune Emperor's forces in the rear, pinning them between the phalanx of free slaves ahead, and Awakened Sands to the side. An older man with a tabard of a rose waves the Awakened Sands forward, yelling in badly accented Eurusi, "Now! The Arvani have come, and they are open, attack!" And the Awakened Sands follow the older man's lead.

But still, disorganized and harried as they are, they have the weight of numbers. Many of the Dune Emperor's soldiers are spilling out of houses, joining the fight, and arrows are raining down.

((OOC: 23 Victory Points in first round, luck rolls inc.))

Apostate has called for a check of luck at easy.
Critical Success! Faye is spectacularly successful.
Volya is successful.
TIE: Katarina is successful. Samira is successful.
Juliana is successful.
Nebulosa is successful.
Titus is successful.
Ahriman is successful.
Botch! The White Singer fails badly.
TIE: Botch! Kalakh fails badly. Botch! Fatima fails badly.

Volya checks luck at easy. Volya is successful.

Ahriman checks command and war at normal. Ahriman marginally fails.

The Dune Emperor's forces are certainly shocked at their arrival. Indignant even, while some of the eurusi rebels are cheering, though it's a brief break in the battle as the fighting intensifies in the streets of Petrioch.

((Round 2, 23 VP, still checks at normal))

Katarina checks dexterity and small wpn at normal. Katarina is successful.

Nebulosa checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Nebulosa marginally fails.

Titus checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Titus is successful.

Volya checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Volya is successful.

Juliana checks composure and leadership at normal. Juliana marginally fails.

Faye checks perception and archery at normal. Faye is successful.

Fatima checks command and war at normal. Critical Success! Fatima is spectacularly successful.

Ahriman feeds formations with the reserves to keep the ranks strong. But he keeps the archers he commands in reserve too long to the detriment of others as soldiers that could otherwise be pin cushioned emerge in greater numbers from better planning.

Samira checks perception and occult at normal. Samira marginally fails.

[MAGIC] Agent of betrayal or no, she is Samira's mother. And so, Samira returns that hug and murmurs a quiet thanks. Whether she is thanking Seleni for her part in helping here or for her parting words is unclear - perhaps both. Once her mother has departed, the artist tears her gaze from that disappearing figure and reaches for her weapon by habit. Despite her usual dexterity with a blade, she is not particularly effective in her first attempts to fight the enemy, possibly still distracted by the surprise reunion. She abandons the blade, hastily sheathing it and attempting other means instead - focusing intently upon the enemy with the intent to sow confusion and discord among them - but this doesn't appear particularly successful either.

Old injuries start to gnaw at Katarina. In the past few years she's fought through odds that got harder and harder to beat each time -- and more often than not, a little bit of herself was left on those battlefields, usually in the form of blood. The tug and the pain reminds her that she could very well be run through with a spear or trampled by a horse, but it also pushes her onward, drives her to make this one life of hers count. She joins the fray, slashing with one of the blades forged for her by Ida Ferron, leading by example.

In the chaotic fray, Titus, clad in ashen steelsilk, lunges forward with Bloodsong in hand, embodying the ferocity of a true Warmonger. His blade arcs through the air, each slash a lethal dance of destruction, carving a path through the Glor'Ruus warriors. His eyes blaze with a predatory intensity as he cuts down enemy after enemy, his movements both ruthless and precise. In this maelstrom of metal, warm sand and blood, Titus fights with unyielding aggression but also paves the way for any allies to follow and widen the cut he's making in the enemy.

[MAGIC] Faye finds a spot with some cover to stand and pick off the enemy with her magically-enhanced crossbow. As the power flows like wind through the streets, it's like she can spot the most dangerous enemy soldiers and pick them off, letting them drop at the feet of the Awakened Sands rebels they were attacking. She tries where she can to protect their own soldiers and their allies, at least as long as she can.

Apparently, Nebulosa doesn't know how to fight on sand, either. What kind of Lycene is she? Ugh. Her sword swing goes wide, but she does manage to lose her balance /into/ the enemy. Maybe that's not a good thing.

[[Magic - Offensive - Starvation]] Fatima is not just majestic in appearance. She is majesty incarnate at the moment. Her troops are with her. The free Eurusi who have finally come home are with her. She runs forward into the melee with them, leading the charge as they clash with the forces of the Dune Emperor. "Rise up, people of Petrioch!" she shouts, using her Voice of Command, which is now amplified further by that aura of Dark Majesty. Her voice booms across the battlefield and the city. It's a weird sort of feedback loop that happens. The stronger that aura becomes, the more devoted they become. The more devotion she receives, the stronger her majestic presence. Queen Fatima has come to claim her throne, and the people of Petrioch must surely, surely be with her. And she definitely is attacking people with her weapon, but something weird happens when she does. Any she touch seem to wither and fall at her feet, dried up husks that look like they starved to death in a matter of seconds. There is a hunger in the air, a hunger for the blood of her enemies, and it's an almost tangible thing. "Drive them into the sea!" she shouts. "I made a bargain I intend to keep!"

Fatima says in Eurusi, "Rise up, people of Petrioch! Drive them into the sea! I made a bargain I intend to keep!"

The clash of Arvum forces roar down the hill like a flood, thousands upon thousands of Arvum soldiers and Eurusi refugees come to retake their homeland. And Volya is one of them, one of many. And when their forces clash, it is climatic, a clash of metal and blood, fire and magic. The blade in his hand slashes and streaks, drawing blood. It takes him back to the the breakwaters in Stormwall during the Gyre War. Only here and now, his feet are covered in sand as oposed to ankle high water. If Fatima is to be their Queen then he will make sure that she sees her way to the throne room. There is no today and there is no tomorrow, he burns with a fury that hasn't felt in years. For the first time in a long time, he feels as if he has a purpose again.

The large group of Dune Emperor soldiers caught between their forces wither underneath Fatima's magic and the combined assault. The pocket is surrounded, and the rebelling slave soldiers do not seem to be in the mood to be offering quarter as they fall on them, and there's cheers coming from more and more Petriochians who are joining the fight. The Awakened Sands are doing their push, with an old duke at their lead, laying into them.

The front pocket of the Dune Emperor's soldiers are cut down, though resistance remains, disorganized and scattered as it is. A large group of archers and crowsbow men unleash volleys into their forces, even as the Sands turn to run them down.

((OOC 59 Victory Points, luck rolls inc.))

Apostate has called for a check of luck at easy.
Volya is successful.
Kalakh is successful.
TIE: Katarina is successful. Juliana is successful.
TIE: The White Singer is successful. Faye is successful.
Titus is successful.
Samira is successful.
Ahriman is successful.
TIE: Fatima is successful. Nebulosa is successful.

The volleys fortunately do little, many of the shots going wide from appears to be magical barriers. The Dune Emperor's forces appear to be near routing, though haven't been put to flight yet.

((Round 3, 59 VP, can do checks.))

Ahriman checks command and war at normal. Ahriman is successful.

Volya checks luck at easy. Volya is successful.

Juliana checks composure and leadership at normal. Juliana is successful.

Volya checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Volya is successful.

Fatima checks command and war at normal. Fatima is successful.

Nebulosa checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Nebulosa is successful.

Titus checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Critical Success! Titus is spectacularly successful.

The Grayson prince among them finally moves in with the archers as things look to be nearing a breaking point for the forces they fight against. Ahriman orders volleys of arrows from his archers while sending in the rest of his reserves. He watches from an elevated vantage point and keeps an eye on the lines.

Faye checks perception and archery at normal. Faye is successful.

Katarina checks command and leadership at normal. Katarina is successful.

Samira checks perception and occult at normal. Samira marginally fails.

Jules calls out orders to her people as they rush towards the fallen.. for a moment she turns to look at Fatima.. pride. But that then it is back to work. Blood and sand.. it is always an odd mixture. Forcing herself to keep up with Fatima the best she can, but there are wounde that need helped and more than once she looses sight of the Princess, to be Queen as she leads the way.

"They're routed!" Fatima shouts. "Let's finish them off." She shouts her orders in Eurusi. Someone's going to have to translate to the Arvani at this point. She has embraced her heritage. She continues to fight alongside her troops, her presence a tangible thing as she keeps the spirits of the men and women who fight with her uplifted in glory. The shadowmeld-clad Princess is a demon on the battlefield, the Dune Emperor's men withering and falling at her feet dead. They fight, all the way through the city gates, and systematically go through the city, street by street, dispatching the Dune Emperor's forces, and rallying more and more of the people. The clash of weapons, the shouts of battle, the roar of human voices rises to a crescendo. Fatima will lead them all the way to the Palace if no one stops them.

With a concerted effort to recover, Nebulosa straightens and breathes, setting her mind to ensuring that this isn't dragged on any longer than necessary. She sweeps her blade out and fells the foe in front of her, turning to see who - or what - next.

The tide is turning. Katarina can feel it. She calls out command in Eurusi, and is shocked at how natural it feels. Again, her childhood flashes back behind her eyes, lessons in how to lead armies from the days when she was barely capable of lacing her own sandals. This isn't her army, isn't her city, isn't her fight within the greater war -- but it feels as easy as the language that rolls off of her tongue.

[MAGIC] Faye focuses on the cleanup of this street battle, making sure that threats that might come back and attack them again are taken care of for good. Her awareness flows through the knots of chaos and action, picking out which allies most need help, and following it up with a crossbolt shot that's scary-accurate. Protect those who most need it, down to allies and civilians.

Amidst the chaos of battle, Titus, the ashen knight, wields Bloodsong with the might and grace of a hero forged in the crucible of war. Surrounded by the enemy, he moves like a storm to fight to join finally with the Rose, each swing of his blade a thunderous decree of defiance. Heads roll and hearts are torn from chests as he carves a path through the Glor'Ruus forces, his actions a symphony of violence and valour. Amidst the carnage, he bellows in that decayed voice of his over the din of battle, "There will be no more offerings to the Tyrant today, for freedom roars like a mighty ocean wave!" His words resonate with the power of a warcry, perhaps inspiring his allies and striking fear in the hearts of foes.

"Do not stop! They are falling apart. DO NOT GIVE A SINGLE INCH TO THEM!" Volya roars amidst the sound of chaos of clashing weapons, of the smell of blood and sound of soldiers dying around him on both sides. Even if one side is getting absolutely decimated on one said. "Fight for your Queen! Fight for your home! A free home!. Do not give a SINGLE INCH." The former Shaivahn cuts through Dune Emperor's guard, at one the side guarding Fatima, and at the other time, having Nebulosa's back. He will not fail again. Not again. There will not be another House Shaivahn. He will redeem himself.

[MAGIC] Hearing Fatima's and Katarina's bolstering calls in the Eurusi tongue, seeing the enemy forces beginning to flag, Samira wears a look of purpose and pride. She lifts her hands, focusing once more upon the enemies in front of her, attempting to channel all her attention and purpose upon them. Little happens... they might waver for a bit, casting each other suspicious sidelong glances, but then they return to battle unaffected. Samira grits her teeth, a fierce, wordless roar rising from her lips adding to the din of battle.

Fatima also puts the [MAGIC - offensive - starvation] in front of hers because she forgot. She's still doing that.

Fatima yells in victory and for a moment a swelling of pride rises in Juliana for her elder sister. Then the healer is turning and yelling orders back into the ranks. Wounded will need cared for as will the dead. The clean up of the last shreds of battle will be up to the others. Juliana will be yelling herself horse in both Arvani and Eurusi, not the best but not the worst, thank you Tima, as she tries to save the lives she can.

And they break. The forces of the Dune Kingdom rout, running their lives in a full retreat. Most are run down by the rebels, but all too many are killed by normal Petriochians who are happy to take advantage of the moment. The rebels are cheering at the victory, though the Awakened Sands look mostly exhausted after the long fight. The leader approaches them, recognition in his eyes. "Duke Leo Fidante." He introduces himself as he moves to them, "We were hoping you'd come, though the situation is a bit chaotic here. The Awakened Sands are trying to rally forces to fight the Emperor marching on Pyre, and come to the aid of the Nox, but it's been uneven. Here, the rebels had a council they voted in, before the Dune Emperor tried to crush them with one of his generals. They are still surviving, and might help, but we haven't spoken at length yet." He turns to Katarina, giving her a nod, "The Princess Dawn Grayson was in Suj'abbat. The rebellion there was successful, with most nobility fleeing during the slave revolt. They haven't agreed to join us yet though."

Katarina blurts out to Duke Leo: "My brother," she says. "Prince Edain..." Golden eyes so, so, so hopeful.

Fatima checks charm and seduction at daunting. Fatima is successful.

Upon the Dune Emperor's forces being routed, Volya takes a moment to steady himself before checking on both Nebulosa and Fatima, only then eventually sheathing his blade for the moment being. To his suboridinates he gives orders to send out scouting parties to eliminate any stragglers that might've escaped or been hanging. No loyaltists to the Dune Emperor must survive to report back to their leader. Only eventually does he find find Leo and walking up, he tils his head. "Duke Fidante? Most assume you're dead. Princess Dawn Grayson is also alive?" he glances back to Fatima. "The shit you learn in a day."

As the battle is won, he takes his sword by the blade and lifts it up high like a certain constellation of a sword pointing down. "Honour unyielding!" he says before finally wiping the gore off the sword and sheathing it. He makes his way through the dead, checking a few to see if they might have something that could help. Maps? Letters? Those that are struggling to hold on to life, he gives a quick coup de grace to send them off to the Queen. Making his way back to the group of leaders, he stands slightly back to listen in. But he sees Leo. There's a certain satisfied small smile on his scarred face. He knew it!

So doeth and sayeth Titus.

For Ahriman his fight and anger was with the Dune Emperor. These politics were less his concern save for what future he could carve out for his family for allying with the 'queen' in these lands. The admiral takes to the fleet and the ships under his control. He sets out quicker and smaller vessels at distances to screen for threats. The rest of his ships are sent to patrol the wreckages, search for survivors (plunder) among the damaged vessels, and to be on guard. The Grayson Prince in his callous manner gets his people to work. He is back about business. Barking orders, ensuring the safety of the fleet, and looking to the seas as is his manner.

Duke Leo Fidante bows his head towards Katarina, "Your highness. Prince Edain Valardin is currently leading the combined forces of the Free Kingdoms of Gildorian, Mangaldissi, Lagodrus, Vel'ichalah, Lim'Al'Ruus, and the Silent City. Waiting to see if we can rally the others before we combine our forces with Calithex. Edain's been calling the forces now the Free Sands." Leo comments after a moment, "Bit redundant with the Awakened Sands, if you ask me. It's a good name." A bit defensive there. He then bows to Titus in acknowledgement at his words and then turns towards Volya, "Very much alive. Dawn and Edain and I have been fighting the Dune Emperor for some time. And the final battle is coming now."

As Leo Fidante introduces himself, Princess Fatima offers him one of her most charming smiles, and inclines her head with all due respect. "Duke Leo Fidante," she says, still somewhat breathless after their run through the streets. Her dagger is bloody, and she's kind of a mess, but somehow she still manages to look radiant. Maybe because of what she just accomplished, she looks radiant. Her features are radiant with the recent victory. "Some of us have heard much about you, back in Arvum. Apologies for the long delay in reaching you. There was a little matter of a Horned God we had to deal with first, and that pesky Darkwater that kept us away. I am so glad to finally meet you. Word of your deeds, and those of the Warrior of the Dawn, in aiding the people of Eurus in their efforts against the armies of the Dune Emperor are legend to some back home." She glances to Volya, and her smile brightens as she looks back to the Duke. "We march for Pyre, to join with the Seraph of Death. Time is precious. We will help liberate any Dune Kingdoms that we can along the way. Will you join us?" she asks, with a glance to Katarina, and then Fatima is meeting the Duke's gaze steadily.

Faye listens to the words of Duke Leo, buoyed by emotion despite the post-battle exhaustion. "I'm so glad you and Princess Dawn are safe and have accomplished so much. We sent supplies, ages ago, back before all travel was cut off. I hope they made it to you." But she isn't just glad to see the heads of the rebellion, she will pass among the fighters as well, shaking hands and thanking them in Eurusi.

Katarina checks composure at daunting. Katarina fails.

Katarina is so elated to hear that Edain is alive that she hugs Leo. Sure, they both probably have blood all over them, and Fatima is using her feminine wiles... and Katarina is doing the opposite, ugly-crying with joy. "Oh, forgive me, please," she says, pulling herself off of Leo but still crying. "Battle, ah, excites my emotions..." It's a lame lie and she knows it.

This is where Juliana shines, she could be a general in her own right. Ordering whoever is near to grab, move, hold whatever she needs. This is where lives are saved and she doesn't really care who you are, if you have a free hand. At some point however, the healeer moves towards those in command that are gathered. Her sharp gaze moving from one to the other to ensure that there is no one stubbornly bleeding out because they have more important things to do. "Excause me.. all are good here?" breaking in, then looking to Leo with a slight arch to her brow and nod. "If you have need of healers, we have them. " Then touches Fatima's arm lightly before turning back to her work.

"I was right," Nebulosa murmurs about the whole Lycene-leader-of-the-Awaked-Sands thing. A soft 'huh' of surprise and agreement comes from her when Volya talks about learning something new. She sets about cleaning off her blade and sheathing it before finding a spot to sit (those imps REALLY hurt, okay? she hasn't really recovered! Ugh). Mostly, the lady just tries to stay out of the way of the important people.

"We would have died if not for that, Faye. We owe you a debt. Your father..." There's a pause from Leo as he looks at Faye, "He's helped as well. He's very proud." It's short, the duke looking like he would say more, but constraining himself to that as his voice has just a tinge of relief at Fatima's words, "It was what I was hoping to hear. Ah'jon and Glor'ruus are still nominally within the control of the Dune Emperor and Prophet of the Sands. Rebellions started there, but their rebels were pushed out of the city. Most of them found their way to the Awakened Sands. Truthfully, I don't know if Petrioch will fight with us. They lost badly, and if you wish to speak with their council...?" He is offering to take Fatima to that meeting, when he is hugged by Katarina. The duke is startled, but then hugs Katarina back. He just holds her for a moment. "You owe me two truths, princess, if I know your city."

"Stories about you filled my childhood, Duke. No offense to make you feel old." Volya remarks with a small grin, wiping the sweat and blood away from his face. " Lord Volya Malespero, formerly of House Shaivahn, impromptu general to Her Highness." he introduces himself, unable to stifle a chuckle to Fatima. "It's good to see you alive you and well. His Highness Valardian and Her Highness Grayson as well." He glances at Fatima a moment longer, then back to Leo. "How can we assist in the liberation of Eurus? Azazel's hordes march on Arx as we speak. Holding Eurus I believe will also make sure that Arx doesn't fall either. If we both succeed, then both are saved." He sounds uncertain at that part as the more magical aspects he's not too sure about, looking to Fatima for confirmation.

Katarina is taking a moment to get control of herself and stop crying. Even if it's joyful crying, it's still unbecoming of a Princess.

Fatima smiles to Juliana, and Katarina receives a curve of the lips as well as she embraces the Duke. It's almost a happy ending, except it isn't an ending. The troops are waiting to hear what their orders are. Fatima turns her attention back to Leo as he speaks of meeting the Council. "I would very much like to meet them," she says with an inclination, "if you deem there is enough time before we march? I think we should take a little time to ensure the city is fully secured, and that the people of Petrioch can stand on their own here, before we all march away." She'll turn to Volya and Titus, and nods to Volya. "Yes," she says, looking back to Leo. "I am told that our fight here is just as important as those who fight against Azazel. And we may need to come to the aid of some others, who have gone to Pyre with a much smaller group. I fear they may be overwhelmed before we reach Pyre." She turns to Volya then and says, "Can you get the troops in order, and set them about securing the rest of the city? We do not want to be caught unawares, should the Dune Emperor send more of his army to retake the city." She looks back to Leo.

"Of course, Your Highness."

Titus was simply standing by silently. He nods though to Fatima's words. "I'm the world's worst diplomat, I'm afraid. All I can say is freedom is never given, it's bought with blood and sheer effort and they've paid dearly for the chains being cast off. Be kind to them. And we still need to march to Pyre to join the forces there, to set new seals to prevent the awakening, if it's possible."

Faye gives a grateful smile and nod to Duke Leo. "We would have come in person if we could have, even back then. It just took us a while to get here." She purses her lips briefly at the mention of her father and nods. "I'm glad my father was able to help you too. For most of these last few years, we all thought he was dead, or no longer himself." She touches Katarina's shoulder supportively, well knowing the feeling.

Luis finalizes a few commands with his seconds, sending them off to continue their orders with their various divisions before he returns their salutes and heads towards the other commanders and leaders in the city. His diamondplate glistens, even through the various delterious and viscera that still clings in various places. The long rapier along his back wrapped in its dark silks, a caring placement after the lengthy battle. Spotting Juliana in the midst of the group, he forgoes any introductions and steps up to her quickly, wrapping his arms around her waist and lifting her up for a quick swing and a kiss, battlefield etiquette be damned. "Ah, it is good to see you, and healthy, all the better," a pause as he looks around, "I'm late to this area, did I miss anything?" he asks of her, looking towards the larger gathered knot of nobility.

"I'm not offended. I am old, Lord Volya." Leo sighs, but he says it with a smile. And then it's back to business, the duke folding his hands behind himself in the notoriously misnamed stance of parade rest. "We need to come to Calithex's aid. It's his plan, mind you. Bring the Dune Kingdom's liberated forces to the rear of the Dune Emperor, envelop them while they attack Pyre, and destroy them. Removing the risk to P... Aldwin and others. But time is short. If we don't win the support of the Petriochians now, we have to march without them, or let the Nox try to hold alone. They are counting on us." Absently, the duke's hand drift to his sword when speaking of Calithex for some reason, with a frown. An old affectation. He nods at Fatima, "I'll escort you to them. If they are intransient, it can't be helped. You could stay with them and try to sway them, but we'd have to march. So if you'll follow me, your highness?"

And then the duke is leading them and their leadership through the battle damaged city. Signs of battle are everywhere, and the dead are not yet fetched. They pass a palace which had been used as a headquarters for the forces of the Dune Emperor, and Petriochians outside are whispering that the general had been found desiccated, drained of all blood by an unknown savior. A good person, surely.

Further yet, and they approach the blood arena, where slaves were oft executed. The council opted to make their meeting room there, the offices above where judgments were passed over slaves. It's rather pointed, and inside the council rooms, there's a dozen hard faced former slaves. A majority were very clearly enforced slave soldiers, and not a one of them has a reason to love the nobility. Still, Duke Leo introduces them, and eyes turn towards them. Leo speaks to them in Arvani, so the council won't follow. "Make your best arguments. If they join us, it'll be a boon. But for the love of Gloria, please don't offend them. I don't want to tell Dawn I was forced to fight my way out of our potential allies."

((Challenging diplomatic rolls here. For anyone trying to sway them to join, it's a daunting check, though magic reduces this to hard. However, if a magic check botches, they will definitely be offended enough to become hostile, while a botched non-magical will just have them politely kick out the single offender.))

Katarina checks charm and manipulation at daunting. Katarina fails.

Fatima checks charm and seduction at hard. Fatima is successful.

Volya checks charm and leadership at daunting. Critical Success! Volya is spectacularly successful.

Juliana checks charm and diplomacy at daunting. Juliana is successful.

[Magic - Defensive - Mantle of Dark Majesty] Fatima's magic works in a very subtle way. She can be overtly majestic, or she can pull it back a little. She pulls it back a little now, as she comes face to face with these hard-eyed former slaves. She does not want to appear overbearing. Instead, she reaches tenative tendrils of magic out, seeking their hunger. She steps forward as Leo guides them into the council hall, and she glances between the council members. "Greetings," she says in Eurusi. "I am Princess Fatima Masah'Malak, daughter of Crown Prince Asad Masah'Malak." She glances at them, letting out a soft breath, her features taking on a much more gentle expression. "I understand you have little trust for nobility, and that makes a great deal of sense to me. You and the people of Petrioch have lived through generations of bloodshed, casual violence, and lack of respect for your dignity as human beings." She meets each of their gazes steadily. "I've read history," she continues quietly. "I know what happens to those who rule with arrogance, with tyranny in their hearts. Eventually, they fall." Her gaze hardens. "And those who lived as slaves will rise up and take their place. Generations will pass, and the cycle will repeat." She gestures toward the direction of Pyre. "The Prophet of the Sands was once a slave. Now he is a puppeteer. Even the Dune Emperor dances on his strings." She meets their gazes steadily, gently. "I ask you... join us. We will put an end to it. And the Sleeper will continue to sleep. We will stand by your side to the end. Until all of Eurus is free." She waits then, to see how they take her words.

Katarina steps forward to introduce herself. Here's the thing. It's an established tradition of Suj'abbati royalty to be introduced with a litany of grandiose titles that are generally invented on the spot. "I am Princess Katarina al'Muraq-Sabbat, rightful heir of the Dune Kingdom of Suj'abbat, the City of Lies, Thirteenth Guardian of the Ethereal Harmony of the Spheres, Mistress of the Moonlit Gardens, the Jewel of the Seri River Delta, the Whisperer of Wonders, the Bearer of the Silver Scepter, Dame Commander of the Knightly Order of the Purple Rose, the Elegant Enchantress, the Luminary Beacon of Hope, Friend and Confidant of the Elders of the Gihai Mountains, Chosen of the Tapestry of Yau, Daughter of..."

And it just goes on like this. By the time Katarina has finished, the elders of Petrioch will be thoroughly reminded of why every Kingdom hates hosting Suj'abbati diplomats.

Duke Leo Fidante coughs and makes a subtle hand rolling motion.

Katarina looks vaguely offended.

Luis looks appreciatively towards the Duke.

Did he vanish? You might think so, Titus is being so silent and still some might think him a statue or dead. This isn't his specific battle.

"Of course, Your Highness." Volya replies with a sharp nod. "It will be done." Turning back to the officers under his command, he gives out a series of orders, marching orders, establishing a camp perimeter, breaking groups of scouts to secure buildings for any potential lingering forces hiding in wait, and taking a force to secure the palace in Petrioch before Fatima ever sets foot into it. When the turns back after giving said orders, he listens to Leo's descriptions of what's to come. And when the few walk to speak with Petriochans, he follows along suit. He lets Fatima and Katarina speak first. And when they're done, he looks around at those assembled.

"Hey." he initially greets. "My name is Volya. Once upon a time I was known as Volya Shaivahn. And while I don't know what it's like to suffer the cruelties of Eurusi chains, I know what it's like to lose everything you are. Your sense of self. You sense of identity. But what I understand is knowing what it's like to lose everything you are, everything that made you felt like you belong somewhere, to someone. I lost my name, my sense of self, my home, my everything. I was cast aside, looked upon as less than a person, I was a child to Oathbreakers."

"I had no purpose. I have no reason to keep going. I had nothing. I lived on charity and I killed for coin. Why am I telling you this?" he gestures loosely. "Because I know what it's like to toil under someone else's heel, their boot. And I know how angry you are. I know how enraged you are. For vengeance. For retibutiuon. And if I didn't beleive in what Fatima here is doing, I wouldn't be here with her. I wouldn't be standing next to her, as someone who helps leader her forces. What I want, more than anything else, is to bring every single slaver to heel. To free Eurus. To allow every man and woman to be free, to make their own choices to allow them the right to do what has been denied to them their entire lives. That you are more than that. That we are all more than that." He looks down at his hands. "Everything that I ever cared about was taken from me. Like it was for you. Like it was for so many other. The reason I'm here, is to make sure it never happens to another again. That all the chains are broken. Forever and always. And that when we are done, we will melt all those chain down as a monument that it should never and shall never happen again." He breaths, trying to not lose control of his own emotions. "My name is Volya Shaivhan, and I wish to stand with you. If you would stand with us."

Jules is picked up, swung around and kissed but an armored, sweaty, bloody man... it's not the first time. First she is just happy to see him alive, then is wiggling to be put down as they follow the others in.. "Hush, we are meeting people." following her sister. When it is her turn to speak, she tries unsuccessfully to smooth her skirts. in Eurusi. "Juliana Igniseri, ne Pravus." Its not totally unusual for Jules to leave off her own title.. and does so now. "I am sister of Her Highness Fatima, a sister I knew naught until we were both grown women. So it is not from the eyes of a child that worships their elder sibling that I will tell you of her wisdom and compassion. I followed her here to these sands because of my beleif in her. You can believe hin her."

Nebulosa stands back, watching Volya with love and pride. She's quiet, she doesn't crowd, and most of all she tries really hard not to draw attention to herself. But Volya? She's all heart-eyes over that guy, the one who she believed in enough to follow him across the ocean for.

The appeal works. The council takes time to discuss matters, dismissing them to talk amongst themselves after dismissing their guests so they can debate, but it's not a long discussion. They are clearly moved. They call them back in and then all say as one, "Death to Alaric!" It begins to be a chant, one that makes Leo vaguely uncomfortable, but he certainly is going to ruin a potential alliance by telling them why some Arvani would find this particular chant uncomfortable.

It's an overwhelming vote. The Petriochians want a lasting freedom. They never again want to be in chains, and they believe the Arvani about this being the path to do it. "DEATH TO ALARIC! DOWN WITH THE DUNE EMPEROR!" And the chant spreads through the city, much to Leo's dismay, as all of Petrioch is chanting, "DEATH TO ALARIC!" And starting to rally. In faster time than the Awakened Sands could have hoped, the Petriochians are gathering and marching to war, moving with Fatima's forces to link up with Edain and Dawn, bringing the Suj'abbati.

They are going to war, marching towards Pyre, to save the world.

If the Nox are still alive and have kept Pyrite out of the Baalphrigor's Cultists by the time they arrive, of course.

As Volya speaks to the council members, Fatima's devoted handmaiden and closest friend Zaina steps forward, and translates for the Arvani lord. And it works. Fatima's mantle brightens again, and she does not discourage them from this chant.