[E.M.E.] Common Dining Area

It didn't take much time for Masu to be brought to Firgov. When he took a step onto the balcony, he would also speak in an ancient dialect while looking into the sun. When he was done, he moved next to Firgov.

His bird would begin to chirp a song while Masu looked at Firgov, "I smell a hint of Sashle Melon in the air. You seem to have a taste for quality, don't you?" He'd let out a little laugh when he finished.

In through the doorway strode Meryn, who was resplendent in his uniform of office. His traveler's beard was trimmed, his hair combed back under his fez. He noted the men gathered around Firgov: Masu, who he had met earlier and... some giant of a man, fully armored for war. That could only be Arch General Promiethius of The Phoenix State. He crossed the floor just as the general spoke.

"Because, dear General, our plan is about to go into motion."

Meryn took a seat at the table, to Firgov's immediate right. The chair was comfortable, though it was easily stiff enough to lean back without sinking in. Meryn had chosen his spot somewhat strategically, the sun wouldn't be in his eyes today.

"I am a guest, so I will leave any explanations to Firgov, the host. I am High-Lord Meryn Digrazia, representing a certain Imperial Bank."

Following Meryn through the entryway was Mattium, who was introduced afterward.

"Firgov, you have yet to meet with Mattium, so I will take the opportunity to do so now. Mattium is a member of The Imperial Bank of Ivelius's paramilitary branch. I am no military man, so he will be The Bank's chief operating officer on your war council, if you so desire it. Don't let his appearance fool you, Mattium here is an expert on espionage, combat, and sabotage."

"Today, Promiethius, is the day we march in our name. We have fought a good fight for The Phoenix State, but it is time for us to take our future into our hands. We are marching South. All that we cross we will conquer. Through fear or faith, our nation shall rise...

Me and Digrazia know more detail, but these details are for ourselves...

You are going to be the lead, the Arch General, as you already are, Promiethius. Masu, you are the representative for us. I must know before we decide what to do, what has everyone brought to the table?" Firgov spoke to the group, wanting to know what military capacity they looked at.

Promiethius laughed a bit at Masu taking Firgov's pipe, "Well, for starters, i'll bring forward five hundred trained men. They are not veterans, but as every soldiers from TPS, they have been training since they were four years of age. These men are still some of the best we have to offer."

"Gather your forces and we will meet at the main gate to the city as soon as possible. We need to be ready to march and cover ground before nightfall. We must waste no time in beginning. As the wind blows, more armies rise to claim these same goals. We might be first, and we must strong. As we all have goals in this campaign, we must fully cooperate to make this happen.

Promiethius, you will lead the army and Mattium will be your equal. Masu, you will command the sky and scout ahead, while also acting on my behalf as a diplomat.

Digrazia, how soon can you have your forces here? I know you must gather yours. If they come from your land, they can meet us at the border. There is no use of wearing them down crossing the Gate of the Valheecius Desert." Firgov spoke.

A server came out with plates of breakfast style meals. All were the same. A glass of juice and water was also served with this meal.

"Does anyone have any questions before we finish here?" He asked in the midst of diving into his food.

Firgov would raise his drink to the toast, "To victory, brotherhood, and prosperity like none this world has ever seen before!"

Following the toast, he would respond, "Digrazia, our positions shall be as stated, from the shadows. I will give specific orders that I know Promiethius can carry out. You and I will stand as equals, and I have yet to decide what we call our positions. I do not want to be referred to as a 'king or pharaoh', but something that carries the same respect and power.

When the times come, we will serve at the front, but unless necessary, we will stand back. You and I are the linchpins in this operation, so we need to live to ensure our dreams happen. Promiethius and Masu know their positions well, so I know we will be fine.

When reach Solaria, things will be different. I will serve on the front line. This is where it will require all of us on the front. I know that I cannot force you to be on the frontlines, Digrazia, so I would assume you would be wreaking havoc in other ways that wouldn't require you to be up front.

To be honest, I will need to keep myself out of as much combat as possible until necessary. We'll have to continuously be plotting to ensure survival. We have no idea what's ahead of us, so the two sharpest minds need to be giving orders for the big picture, not wasting time on which way for the archers to shoot." Firgov spoke, taking his pipe back and taking a large draw.

"That is my position. War is business, there is a time to act and a time to watch; just need to know which time it is for yourself.

Speaking of time, once we're done eating here, we'll need to get to work. I'll have the supply convoy and medical squadron ready, as well as my soldiers.

When we leave, we'll have to stop in the Black Lion Tribe to have our unified armor made. Which means we will need to have a flag and symbol ready."

"Excellent. If you have no need immediate need for me, I will depart as soon as possible for the Free City. I hear that they are engaged in combat with races of beastmen... I hope to prolong this conflict, and hopefully escalate it into a full blown war."

At the mention of arms and armor, Meryn's ears perked up.

"I may be of assistance there too. I have enough munitions stored in my warehouses to arm several armies: Iveliusian Munitions, the best in the known world. I will have them sent to the front with all haste."

Meryn had finished his meal, so he too would stand to leave.

"As for our banner... I put some thought into that before you sought me out for breakfast, what do you think?"

Meryn produced a scroll from his pocket and tossed it to Firgov. Opening it, Firgov would see an banner drawn with practiced sketches on the paper: a flame rose from the bottom of the banner, wreathing the talons of a bird clutching a key.

"The hand of the Phoenix, grasping for the key, symbolizing destiny and fated dominion. Both are wreathed in holy fires, whose significance should be obvious to all of us. We are lucky our cultures have such shared symbolism. Your thoughts?"

The golden key of the bank glittered as it hung from the chain around Meryn's neck.

Firgov returned with Sinn. He'd take his seat back and grab his pipe off the table. He'd puff once and hand it to Sinn.

"Digrazia, this is Sinn. He has had a little trouble, so don't mind his appearance. It's probably best he traveled in these garbs. I'd like for him to keep his identity hidden."

Sinn had his face hidden behind his helm, and for the safety of Meryn, he would look away. Meryn might see this and take it as weakness, but what he failed to know was that looking into Sinn's eyes could be fatal. He'd chuckle a little at Meryn.

"My loyalties lie where I left them... I am the Grand General Sinn... and I am over the Grand Army. Anything else is for me to know and you to see.." Sinn spoke in briefness, not taking well to being questioned by a foreigner.

"If we're to travel together, we need to go. I'm not interested in sitting here any longer." Sinn spoke to Meryn.