Is time to continue

 that triggered due to occurred were the situation of several children abandoning Dawn, running to Levengard, bacause of stupid adult actions. Or even the Neries who founded their church in Levengard, because 'Dawn' failed them.

So now, Aldrah using his 'powers' as Dawn's Paladin, called a meeting to decide Dawn's future. To decide the course and what actions they should take. For he was tired of waiting.

With those who attended, Aldrah could start the meeting. In a serious and authoritative voice, he began to speak, "Thanks for the presence of everyone here today at this meeting, which I would say to be of the utmost importance and very necessary.

Many here must know the reason why I called this meeting. But for those who have not yet understood, it is for deciding solutions to problems that need to be take care of.

Because if we do not take actions now, Dawn will sooner or later succumb." As he spoke, his gaze passed everyone there, a serious and somewhat determined look.

Actions were needed to be taken, Dawn's future depended on it, Aldrah's future depended on it. Because if Dawn falls, the necromancer would have nowhere to go. Where so, he would die without being able to complete much of his plans.

He took a deep breath and began, "Well.. I decided to start with a subject in relation to our children. Everyone here must have noticed the large number of children left their homes, left Dawn, going to Levengard.

This is due to the actions of both adults and children, this kids who have not received the proper education and act the way they want. Adults who do not care about anything and then threaten to kill such children for reasons that are often foolish.

This causes two things in my view.. The lose of the strength of Dawn's warriors and also the increase pf the strength of our enemies. Where to solve this, we must think of some solutions, before it's too late." He stopped, taking a breath. He had already spoken a lot and yet it was not even all that had to be said.

The problem of children could be solved with a more appropriate school, rules to avoid problems such as people threatening them and also the encouragement for them to start new things, after all, Dawns was supposed to be the city of the future. Aldrah was a father, whereby he knew that children were the future, where losing a large number of them was not good and so it was necessary to solve this as soon as possible.

"Now the second issue, it's about the Neries who also fled to Levengard and founded their church there. Seeking a new life, saying that 'Dawn failed them'.

I honestly believe that this could be solved by basically talking to the 'leaders' of the church to find a solution. Something simple and fast." He continued to wander his gaze over the faces of those present. His hands were at his back as he spoke.

Dreamer and Azrael was something that was inseparable, as Dan had said, where the Gray Church abandoning Dawn, was not a good thing and so it should be resolved as soon as possible.

"Now the subject I left for the last and which I believe is the biggest problem we face at the moment.. Which I think all here should already know what I'm going to talk about.

This being Dawn being at war with basically the entire continent. Gehenna, Levengard, Huang and now such that group, 'Briar', I think is how they are called.

Everyone should know that this is not good, we are losing every fight we face. Levengard's recent attack was an example of this!

So I'm suggesting one option.. This being a ceasefire with Gehenna, who knows even a possible alliance with them. I know that many in Dawn do not have good relationships with them, but at that point, it's one of the best actions to take.

Where that idea of alliance was something I was thinking about, where Dan talked to me and he said he was also looking to make such an alliance.

Through this we will be able to eliminate the 'Briars', giving us more time to regain our strength and then we march against Levengard and Huang, putting an end to them once for all." Finally, he had finished most of the things he had to say!

Probably now everyone would comment and give their opinions, where that was why Aldrah had called them there.

The idea of ??an alliance with Gehenna was one of the best option at the moment, this would guarantee less an enemy to Dawn and a new ally, to eliminate Briar and give Dawn time to regain their strength in order to fight Levengard and Huang.

This meeting was not just about Dawn's future.. But about Aldrah's survival as well.
(Aldrah Leverd)

Dogslayer nods along as Aldrah talks. Two parts in particular catch his attention; the part about the Neries and the part about Gehenna. He stands up and starts talking.

"I'm certain that we can handle this Neries problem very, very easily. I have contacts in Levengard that are sympathetic to our cause, important contacts. All I need to do is write a letter pointing out that the Dreamer and Azrael are, for all intents and purposes, practically the same. Within a matter of weeks, I'm certain that all Neries in Levengard will have been deported back to Dawn. It's a big problem with a fairly easy solution. Of course, if I can convince them that they should deport them, it raises the question of what we'll do to them once they arrive. It's troubling."

He clears his throat.

"Regarding the proposed alliance with Gehenna, I am in staunch agreement. Prior to this meeting, Commander Artaghh and I havebeen working on securing a better relationship with our neighbors to the south. Assuming that the Commander and I have a meeting with two of the chieftans, and it goes well, we'll have essentially trapped the Thornberries in what was once Crafthold. After that, it'd be a matter of two or three years before we can pick them off and eventually levy a sizeable invasion."

"That said, this plan is not without an issue. Assuming we do ally ourselves with Gehenna and strike back at the Thorns, and assuming that we win and bring them to justice, it raises yet another question. Who would gain ownership of their territory? This question can be answered at a much later date, but I propose joint ownership of the nyeshk mines with Dawn controlling the territory. Another possibility is the creation of a new buffer state between Dawn and Gehenna to preserve an alliance after the Thorns are killed."

"That's all I have to say."

He sits back down.
(Dan Dogslayer)

She was seemingly on board until a ceasefire with Gehenna was mentioned. Her native home. All of the blood spilled, all of the food wasted. It had Ixchel's mana raging. Hungry.

"You must not understand the culture of my native land Aldrah. They despise Undead, and by extension all of us and Azrael.

The only way they'd agree was if it was for their own survival. They've used us before, they will do it again."

She was the Gehennan here after all, and word of her endeavors from Ixchel may have spread by now also with Iral gone.
(Jessi Ultovex)

Freya listened, and a scowl drew upon her face. She had tried to get people's attention on Levengard before, and she was ignored. Now? It took someone else who shared her ideas for people to listen.

With a sigh, she replied,

"I can respect the strength of Gehenna, and while I do not think I have the most amicable positions with their Warchief, I believe we might share the same opinion on the Briars."

She shifted in her chair, finding a bit of a more comfortable position.

"As for Levengard? I said earlier we should simply interview the kids as they left. Make sure they stay loyal while they attend classes there. We're limited on our options because we didn't act before the problem arose."

"We need to also speak with the Neries. Chronelius and Knossos will listen to me, and I'm willing to meet with the both of them."
(Freya Vishkar)

The Sarradian shakes his head gently as the meeting's introduction comes to an end a faint scowl on his pale lips. "I have only ever liked one Neries and he is dead so I think the Church is better off as Levengard's problem than our own."

His dark-rimmed gaze shifts across the room slowly as he takes in the various faces of importance gathered in council. It was a good feeling to see the stage set for some ideas of his own.

"I disagree heartily with your assertion that Dawn's priority should be on an alliance, Paladin Aldrah." His rich baritone seemed to cling to the walls as he spoke, dark eyes returning to the man who had started it.

"Although the broad notions are there I have had ideas for reform of my own." He glances over to the Commander and nods, "Enforced squads by utility and function for instance, Commander. More strict policy on patrol behavior for those below the rank of Knight and perhaps creating a new rank to fill this gap in the hole of officers."

He pauses for a moment and brushes his hand down those pristine white robes, "Common sense is at a premium among some of the younger generation and so it seems enforcement is necessary until the privilege to make decisions is earn. It is the military after all."

Then his gaze wanders toward his liege Sors Ultovex, "Beyond that more organization and centralization. The research department creating tasks for the military and manufacturing their gear and potions for expedition. Funded eventually by these goals they will create, but initially it will require start-up capital."

His hand falls into a sweeping motion taking in all those who are gathered in its vague indication, "Then.. Well, then we will have rewards for promotions that keep our soldiers incentivized as well as in peak condition. Right now the current scrabble for each to acquire gear is disorderly and inefficient."
(Sirocco Vishkar)

Ser Artaghh would quietly hum as his remaining eye trailed across the faces of the gathering steadily, to Freya, Sors, Jessi, Dan, Aldrah, and Sirocco in turn as he steadily puffed upon his corn cob pipe, mulling over the necromancer's words as he left the podium to Leverd for the time being. Arms crossed against the black plate of the knight commander's cuirass, the mithril paladin would contemplate what was said with a sense of grim acknowledgement.

"Much from wha' I can tell, the Huangzhou as we recall it is long dead. It died wit' Zeriel an' Tenevan in the war. Wha' remains are an empty husk an' puppet string orchestrated by Levengard. 'Henna an' Briar standin' 'side them is odd, bu' more than like the sort'a loose assembly of mutual hatred towards us. Briar wants our blood fer Kamui, bu' they've taken Chaaca an' Sienna in turn."

The knight commander would chew upon the tip of his pipe idly as he thought upon his next words, puffing away steadily as if to keep his mind on track throughout the discussion. There had been much in ways of trouble to deal with, but the knight of the Green Hill always had faith in the possibility of Dawn's survival.

"I doub' any sort'a alliance wit' Gehenna is possible, bot' from decades'a bloodshed an' mutual enmities 'tween Lord Rowan an' their stock. Bu' Dan an' I coul' bring us the nex' bes' thing. A non-aggression pact, even tha' much'd remove one'a the thorns stuck in our arse."

Ser Artaghh would pause before continuing, gritting his teeth with a shake of his head in disgust as he contemplated another, far less pleasant option.

"As fer Briar, our conflict wit'm needs'ta end one way or ano'er. So much goddamn blood shed o'er meaningless pride...good men an' women gone for it. Either Ashalle needs'ta die, or we need'ta bring'm ta' the table. Dawn'll ne'er recover if it's 'fraid'ta walk outside it's front door wit'ou' gettin' a knife in its neck."



(Artaghh)

The Adjudicator sits on the throne, grey and gold staring into the center of the room in silence. His arms cross as the rattling of chains can be heard in the air. Always lax, he waited until the rest had all finished talking before speaking himself.

"I find it ironic tha' ya are tha' first one ta suggest an alliance wit' 'Henna, Aldrah. Tha' one 'Hennan ya snatched ain't gon foster tha' best relations wit' 'em. An' Arthurs not fond o' 'em himself, so he mite take a shot. But if tha's wha' ya'll want ta try, ya may."

He dismissively waves. "Dan. Begin tha' objective wit' Levengard. Convince 'em, if ya can. Show ma how far tha' goes. Ya start ta split some kids from tha' pack an' even mor'll start ta come 'way. Solves two problems. An' mor' then tha', people flock ta new thangs. Once tha' novelty starts ta wear off on 'em, they'll head ta other areas."

His clawed left hand formed a fist and he leaned on the knuckle. "Relationships 'tween 'Henna an' Briar gon b harder ta turn then ya'll mite think. I've already looked inta tha' situation wit' a couple o' types tha' I can. Levengard, 'henna, Briar, Huangy, they're doin' a job keepin tensions down. It's 'nnoyin'. But go on, ya'll. If ya'll want ta play tha' part o' diplomat wit' 'henna, s'long as ya'll ain't do somethang stupid, o' they ain't got stupid demands, tha's fine 'nough.

Allow 'em ta focus on an enemy. But Jessi's rite. They detest us an' don't turn ya back on 'em."

The Adjudicator leaned back to make himself more comfortable. His right hand moved, a blackened thing with corruption to stroke the top of the Void Dragon's head.

"I'm in line wit' Sirocco's line o' thinkin'. If somethangs a hassle, let our foes hav' 'em. But plants sees ta split 'em inside our foes. Allow tha' alliance ta b formed, but make our own squads our top priority. We already hav' a research department. An' we should put 'em ta mor' use. I've been kidnappin' Huangies an' plan ta use their unique talents fer tha' purpose. But findin' a way ta collect funds gon b a trouble all itself.

I, maself, hav' many thangs tha' I intend ta work on in tha' scientific field. This claw is jus' another foray inta tha' But I'll b needin' mor' materials fer various plans.

Huangzhou bein' empty mostly, makes it tha' perfect place fer such snatches an' recrutions.

But Briar is our most imdient enemy. an' we need ta see how bes' ta take 'em out."
(Sors Ultovex)

She taps her chin idly for a moment, she'd had ideas of her own, just no true way to implement them. The mention of the claw made her smile softly, her work on it seems to have been worth the trouble.

Her amber-hues lock on each person for a moment as she speaks,

"Well. The lighthouse should be a priority. On the near top of the list.. I have ideas for a weapon of our own.. but I lack nearly everything I think I would need for it.

That's just one idea.

We shouldn't completely rely on others to aid us, even if it is mostly necessary. We should use them the same way they will definitely attempt to use us."
(Jessi Ultovex)

--

[23:22] Sirocco Vishkar says, "Mh, I can agree with it being a priority Lady Ultovex."
[23:23] Dan Dogslayer says, "Yes, that's a top priority."
[23:23] Sirocco Vishkar says, "My main concern is getting our own structure fixed before we look outward."
[23:23] Sirocco Vishkar says, "The lighthouse, Gehennan Alliance, dispatching the Briars through peace or sword.."
[23:23] Sirocco Vishkar asks, "They can only be handled as well as our body allows and right now?"
[23:23] Sors Ultovex says, "I hav' an idea reguardin' tha' lighthouse. One tha's real simple."
[23:23] Sirocco Vishkar asks, "What is that, my lord?"
[23:23] Sors Ultovex asks, "Lemme ask ya, wha's tha' main problem o' tha' lighthouse?"
[23:23] Sirocco Vishkar says, "That it negatively affects our Necromancers."
[23:24] Sirocco Vishkar says, "And consequently, their bonded."
[23:24] Jessi Ultovex says, "The location, the fact it dosen't need anything but stars, it weakens our Undead, Necromancy, and Vampires."
[23:24] Sirocco Vishkar says, "Well.. Perhaps vice versa, but. Depends on if you are a necromancer or undead."
[23:24] Sirocco clears his throat and glances at Freya.
(Sirocco Vishkar)

--

[23:24] Sors Ultovex asks, "It allows an undead ta split from their master, an' fer tha' livin' ta b unable ta b necromanced, ya?"
[23:24] Jessi Ultovex says, "It seems so."
[23:24] Sirocco Vishkar says, "Correct, my lord."
[23:25] Sors Ultovex says, "So we jus' build a star above Dawn tha' catches souls o' anyone in tha' city."
[23:25] Freya Vishkar says, "Along with Loretta's idea of a shield around Dawn."
[23:25] Artaghh says, "Aye, end'a the day, we can only rely on our own ingenuity. More expeditions for resources an' treasure, fer souls"
[23:25] Sirocco Vishkar says, "A.. Dreamcatcher for souls."
[23:25] Artaghh says, "The sort'a stuff we need'ta build tha' star."
[23:25] Artaghh says, "Dawn's star..."
[23:25] Jessi Ultovex says, "Well you see.. if they are tethered to a star already, that is where their soul would go."
[23:26] Sors Ultovex says, "See, tha's the 'dea."
[23:26] Jessi Ultovex says, "Unless the one made somehow hijacked the bond."
[23:26] Sors Ultovex says, "We make a star far closer tha' if they're too close"
[23:26] Sirocco Vishkar says, "A brilliant plan."
[23:26] Sors Ultovex says, "is too strong fer 'em ta resist."
[23:26] Sors Ultovex says, "No matta wha' tha' tether."
[23:27] Jessi Ultovex asks, "Hm. Wouldn't that happen in the heavens if that were the case..? Wouldn't a cosmic magi bond to the closest stars only..?"
[23:27] Sors Ultovex says, "Not if tha' star is miles 'way."
[23:27] Sors Ultovex says, "Cut out tha' middle."
[23:27] Sors Ultovex says, "We've also been thinkin' too small."
[23:28] Jessi Ultovex says, "Mm. Seems a bit flawed to me. It would require something I extra I think."
[23:28] Sors Ultovex says, "We think, a body without a soul is useless."
[23:28] Sors Ultovex says, "So we find other uses fer bodies."
[23:29] Sors Ultovex asks, "Merta, here, grows when we feed it bodies. Wha' if it grew so much it split inta two void dragons?"
[23:29] Mertaisyl says, "..."
[23:29] Sirocco Vishkar says, "Hm.."
[23:29] Sors Ultovex says, "Tha's a use fer bodies."

--

Aldrah leaned at the table, still his gaze roaming the faces of those present. As expected, many opinions were shared where it was now time to start the discussions.

Many ideas that also came out of those present.. But there was still a lot to talk about.

Holding himself in a straight posture, Aldrah would speak again, "Yes, I know that Gehenna detests us, where much blood has been spilled between the two sides for years.

But after much thought and reflection, I think a ceasefire would be interesting. You know, in my opinion, the only reason that Levengard has not turned on Gehenna yet is because we, Dawn, are still standing.

Anyone can analyze deeply the culture of Gehenna, to see what they support.. That you will know that are many things that Levengard disapproves.

Where an option is to cease fire, for us to take the time to strengthen ourselves, to put plans and ideas into practice, so we can come back in fullforce and destroy them."Aldrah shook his head from side to side as he spoke.

He fixed his gaze on Freya, going to answer what she had said, "Freya, a lot of my kids are in Levengard.. Where with that, I got information about something they're doing.

They are spreading an anti-Dawn propaganda. Zethra informed me of this yesterday. Where they are trying to militarize all the children to fight for them."He took a deep breath, too much to speak .. This meeting was going to be far.
(Aldrah Leverd)

--

Some random white text..

--

Aldrah clears his throat, a lot was being discussed, many different topics..

"Okay, any other subject you'd like to raise to talk about? Seize the chance of this meeting, it's not often we have the free time to talk." Aldrah nodded.

He stood now, his gaze wandering between the faces of those present, waiting for an answer.
(Aldrah Leverd)

--

[23:52] Sirocco Vishkar says, "The last thing I can think to mention Paladin Aldrah.. It is directed at Adjudicator Ultovex. Perhaps the Research head should be more concerned with organizing supply raids with the Legion."
[23:53] Sirocco Vishkar says, "Gathering Nyeshk or other ingredients necessary for our essentials."
[23:53] Sirocco Vishkar says, "Or designate a second-in-command to handle the task specifically."
[23:54] Sors Ultovex says, "It'd b mor' tha' Relic hunters they'd want ta organize tha' wit'. But ya."
[23:55] Sirocco Vishkar says, "I thought the Relic Hunters were dysfunctional since.."
[23:56] Sirocco Vishkar says, "Well, you know."
[23:56] Artaghh says, "Righ', tha's ano'er fair matter."
[23:57] Artaghh says, "Need'ta appoin' a proper head'a the Relic Hunters, someone real adventurous an' foolhardy."
[23:57] Sors Ultovex says, "Marceline has express interest in takin' it ov'r."
[23:57] Sirocco Vishkar says, "You are already the Commander, Artaghh."
[23:57] Artaghh says, "Hmm."
[23:57] Artaghh says, "A fae, tha's a good idea actually."
[23:57] Artaghh says, "They're whimsical."
[23:58] Sors Ultovex says, "I told her ta produce a result. She agreed an' asked if a spire shard was 'nough."
[23:58] Sors Ultovex says, "I said I'd think 'bout it."
[23:58] Sirocco Vishkar says, "I am inclined to agree. Especially if she delivers."
[23:58] Artaghh says, "I approve'a givin' Marceline a shot. Shoul' she prove worthy, damned useful."
[23:58] Sirocco Vishkar says, "So the Legion gather for the Relic Hunters, the Relic Hunters support the Researchers, the Researchers keep the Legion well-maintained."
[23:58] Sirocco Vishkar says, "A full circle."
[23:59] Artaghh says, "Aye, the unbreakable chain."
[00:00] Artaghh says, "Least, it was in theory. Niklaus seemed more focused on acquirin' dragon eggs."

--

[00:00] Sors Ultovex says, "Tha's the downside o' tha' Relic hunters. Organizations get used by tha' leader."
[00:01] Sors Ultovex says, "Sometimes it's ta furhter their own selfish gains."
[00:01] Sors Ultovex says, "Fine if it's tha' benefit o' all."
[00:01] Sors Ultovex says, "Not if ya' intend ta betray ya nation."
[00:01] Sirocco Vishkar says, "Then a list of directives will help keep them on task until they prove themselves."
[00:02] Sirocco Vishkar says, "Once they have proven their capability leeway can be earned."
[00:02] Sirocco Vishkar says, "If they cannot deliver on simple quotas.. Well, I would have doubts on greater projects. Or where their loyalties lie."
[00:04] Sors Ultovex says, "Directives mite b good. Send ma a rought draft."
[00:04] Artaghh says, "Seems reasonable ta me."
[00:04] Sors Ultovex says, "Aldrah. Write up a final report o' tha' meetin' an' submit it ta ma so I can make sur' everythangs in it."
[00:04] Sirocco Vishkar says, "As you bid, Lord Ultovex. I shall have it prepared soon."
[00:04] Aldrah Leverd says, "Alright."
[00:04] Sors Ultovex says, "Artaghh, ya arrange tha' meetin'."
[00:04] Sors Ultovex asks, "Anythang else?"
[00:04] Artaghh says, "Aye aye, I'll reach ou'. "
[00:04] Freya Vishkar says, "Nothing from me. "
[00:04] Freya Vishkar says, "I'm going to the mountains after this,Artagh."
[00:10] Sirocco Vishkar says, "I can think of nothing else that needs to be addressed. I shall come up with an order for the Relic Hunters."
[00:10] Artaghh says, "Good on ye'. Oughta head there ma'self, god's willin'. Figure I'm in need'a some good meditation."
[00:10] Sirocco Vishkar says, "Then it will be up to the Research Head to see those materials turned into equipment."

A smile appeared on Aldrah's face. With that meeting that he called, decisions were made and apparently no one killed him for suggesting a ceasefire with Gehenna.

He took a deep breath and said, "Again, thank you all who attended here today. This meeting was of the utmost importance, where we managed to uncover some interesting topics and put our plans and ideas for everyone here to see.

I'll do the report when I get home and then after I finish it, I will show you.

I hope that everything we plan will go as expected, that we can do everything right. For Dawn's future is in our hands.

Long live to Dawn, glory to Azrael!" He shouted, at the end of his last words.

The plans were being put into practice, the time Dawn stood still had to stop.. It was time to continue walking to the future.
(Aldrah Leverd)

--

After this the report for the paladins that did not come for the meeting:

Aldrah Leverd called a meeting between the Dawn leaders. At this meeting many topics, ideas and plans were dealt with, where the main ones will be quoted below.

One of the main topics and possibly the most important, was the question of a ceasefire between Gehenna and Dawn. Artaghh, Dan, and perhaps Sirocco, will go to a meeting with the leaders of Gehenna to talk about it.

Another subject is relevant to the children who left Dawn and went to Levengard. Some ideas have come up and will be put into practice in the future. Something that has also been revealed is that Levengard is making an anti-Dawn propaganda, aimed at militarizing the children who study there, so they can use them against Dawn.

The third topic is in relation to Neries. The church's leaders will be summoned to a conversation. Dan demonstrate to have some ideas that will put into practice.

Lord Ultovex and Sirocco intend to put some ideas about the Legion in the future.

We intend to build a warehouse for armament stock for the Legion members. Such weapons and armors will be given to those who stand out and show their usefulness.

With this, most topics were treated. The people who attended the meeting were Lord Aldrah Leverd, Lord Sors Ultovex, Commander Artaghh, Lady Jessi Ultovex, Lord Sirocco, Lady Freya Vishkar and Paladin Dan Dogslayer.

Long live to Dawn, glory to Azrael!