Lunchtime would come soon enough, and with it the four girls would have to step forward. Fortunately, having been inspired to a cause, all four were eager to get started.
Ihzyhur and Xyithy met up at the girl's room, finding the door open and the room abandoned. It seems even after lunch, the girls had not simply returned to their room, but had gone somewhere else. Aelyiq wandered passed, letting them know he saw the four of them going to the storage area. Ihzyhur and Xyithy went there, searching each aisle for their family member. Instead they found Ehryinae who was perusing the shelves with wonder. "Well, yeah, they were here. They seemed pretty intent on searching for something, checked stuff, and ran off. I hear they've became a sort of expert on this stuff, so maybe they are working on something? Maybe ask Rhyde?" Ehryinae went back to scanning the shelves, everything here was so foreign to her.
"Oh, the four girls? If they are working on something like that, they are probably in the workshop. We've got a smith that has been in wonder of Fortress designs, probably a good opportunity for them." Rhyde was eventually found, and gave them yet another destination. They arrived to find the smith hard at work, but alone. "Oh, the four girls, yeah they were here. Had some really marvelous ideas, honestly. But it seems there might be a lot more work involved, so they went back to plan on it. If they are building a plan, they would have tracked down Yuxzn. He's a fine sort at coming up with a good plan." The smith only set them on another course.
Both of them were getting the same idea. Blink not even for a moment, and the four girls were off on some new grand escapade. It was not a level of ambition they were used to, but they would have to adjust soon enough. Fortunately, this next destination would yield their objective.
"So, we've got this grand idea here we've been building. I started us off by thinking that, after that bandit raid, we need to improve our defenses, get some real armor on the place, maybe even setup some defenses." Qheria was already explaining their idea to Yuxzn, who was still lost as to what was going on. "I'm not talking just metal sheeting and bow platforms, I mean we should make this place out like more of a 'tank'. Put some incredible armor on it, give it some marvel of weapons that would really tear up bandits if they came back." "Oh, yeah, and while Qheria's idea is great, we have to be prepared for more than just bandits. What if 'tanks' hit the place? So yeah, armor is good, but we need 'cannons', serious stuff with armor piercing rounds. I'm talking 'railgun' level designs, a 'mag cannon' with a shell that could pierce a 'tank' no problem. Getting enough explosive force to cause major casualty wouldn't be unforeseen either. I've actually already been working on designs." Qheria's idea was complimented by Lwyn's own design.
"Meanwhile, I've been thinking ahead. Having this place is great and all, but we all know we can't stay here forever. We need another option. More than making this place like a 'tank', why not make something more mobile. Instead of having a 'bunker', we could give it a massive 'engine' and get it moving. That way, we can always be exactly where we need to be. 'Engine' parts are already in storage, we would just need a much bigger design." Thanrie was excited to get things moving, in more than one way. She then motioned to Mhyl, in almost a signal that it was her turn. Mhyl continued her part in Elaethyx. "Thanrie's idea was great, but I figured we need a safer destination. The Marauder's idea of hiding underground was a nice one to put them out of reach of the Bandits, but going down isn't the only option. We can also go up. Rather than making a land-bound mobile base, we should fashion the whole thing into some kind of airborne 'carrier', like an airship. We would need it to hold a hundred people or so, but there is so much around here to give ideas on propulsion, I really don't think it's unfathomable." Mhyl stopped there and stepped back, leaving Yuxzn to try and absorb the magnitude of the idea just thrown at him.
"This really isn't a small idea you're bringing up here. I would have to check this with Rhyde, to get his input on everything. Considering the scale of everything, this will take a long time to produce. It sounds like we might need to acquire some extra supplies too. It might also be more than just our Smith can make. This really is a huge thing." "Exactly, huh? That's why we need to get started sooner rather than later. We're going to need it done as soon as possible, so there is no time like the present, right? Making sure everyone stays safe is going to be really important." Yuxzn couldn't dispute Lwyn's logic there, it's just there were far too many unknowns for him, considering this entire idea went so far into Fortress-styled designs, more than they had ever even conceived.
Ihzyhur and Xyithy looked at each other in thought at this scene. They hadn't considered just how far into the unknown their girls had wandered until this moment. Ideas made of marvels that they couldn't even fully understand, but the principle was obvious. Armor and weapons with inspiration to be better than the Destroyers they faced, the weapons themselves sounding truly terrifying. Then making the whole thing move, also like the Destroyers. They were left to imagine a huge and terrifyingly advanced Destroyer, having not heard the part about flying. That would have blown their minds.
"So, it sounds like the problem here is some short-staffing, and the need for some advanced supplies. Maybe you've forgotten that we've arrived to provide both. Our four groups are filled with some especially skilled individuals. They might not be as familiar with these designs as.. some others here.. but making an operation lead by your smith might provide the most efficient means to produce what is needed. Meanwhile, we've already been undergoing raids of bandits in the past, stepping things up and hitting a place for enemy resources, to provide whatever we would need, that's not unreasonable. In fact, that's pretty close to the intent that was asked of us from the four nations, to explore the depth of our enemy's discoveries and to support the four girl's in their endeavours." Xyithy felt this was the wisest course of action, still feeling guilty for.. a lot of things by now, actually. Being able to support her daughter in her sudden project felt like a good way to start.
Ihzyhur nodded in agreement. "I should go and locate Aelyiq and Ehryinae, get them in on this as well. You might want to locate your commander, as this will involve coordinating a defense and offense split of our forces. Maybe we should meet again in that same meeting room, and discuss the war plan." "Of course. With things moving so suddenly like this, that's probably the only rational next move." Ihzyhur was sort of interested in spending time with his sister, to get to better understand her, but it seems this would be the way of it. Her changes seemed to have included a sudden sense of ambition, which is something her other brothers would probably be glad to hear of as well. It was something that ran in the family, after all. Yuxzn meanwhile was very motivated to bring order to this sudden chaos. They all rushed to prepare an impromptu meeting.
"It's a very interesting idea, at the very least." Rhyde had quickly been brought up to speed with the situation, as everyone had found themselves back into their seats from the previous meeting. "If we can achieve this goal, our defensive position grows immensely. However, getting to that point isn't going to be an easy task. We would need to ensure that we can find what we need to make this happen while also ensuring that this place remains protected. The sort of things needed for this, it won't just be from some normal bandit camp, but instead probably something close to the Fortress or the Lake itself. That area is full of dangers, as some of Khaexyn's best weapons are in that area." Rhyde was reminding the four families of the Colossal they couldn't deal with previously. Getting Khaexyn's direct attention without considerable forces from back home wouldn't be smart at all.
Yuxzn pitched in at this point. "Specifically, by my measurements, you will need to hit upon a place that features not only the needed supplies but also documents on the design plans related to it. I expect you won't find anything exactly like it, otherwise Khaexyn already has everything exactly like that himself. Instead, we will need enough documentation of similar projects to deduce what we would need to put all of the ideas together. The best place for that is, regrettably, either within the Fortress itself, or in the lakeside district. We can't afford a best-case instance, so we would have to locate a suitable alternative, somewhere between the simple bandit camps and the lakeside itself." Yuxzn was deep in thought, still uncertain where this would exactly be.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
"Regarding distribution of forces, considering what we're working with, I have a suggestion." Ehryinae spoke up at this point, to convey her own ideas. "The commander and his strategist should definitely take command over the operations of this facility, having fielded mostly his own staff for its operations. As agreed, each of our four groups should be able to afford delegates for construction efforts, possibly a couple from each. The individuals would have to be gifted enough to bring a worthwhile contribution, and would then work under the authority of the current staff for this project. Otherwise, half of our teams should stay back to defend, in the event of more bandits attacking this otherwise undefended location, and the other half would be set to attack the enemy. With consideration of the unique talents proposed by each group, the Wardens and the Seekers make the best assignment for defense. While the seekers have been ambitious in doing otherwise, they are still comprised of some elite gifted guards, so guarding is still their strongest talent. The wardens are almost undeniably gifted on defense." Ehryinae finished her perspective as Ihzyhur raised up an attempt to counter.
Xyithy gave him no opportunity to counter. "While I do respect the appreciation at being given placed among our offensive forces, I do think that as the most veteran this would also make me... " "Actually, no. All four of our forces will be themselves governed by the four of us, but it would be wisest to have someone more informed on the matters at hand to handle overall control of the situation. The Seekers and the Wardens will report directly to their leader, but those leaders will report directly to the Commander. Meanwhile, the Reavers and the Embers will have their direct leaders, but we will have our own direct report. The four girls still remain the most invested leaders in knowledge of enemy advancements, they would have the clearest idea of what we need, while also having their own degrees of experience. While we could still fit an advisory role, it would be their leader that takes full command of this operation." Xyithy realized where Ehryinae was going with this. It would then be Xyithy's daughter who had the highest authority, even over her mother.
"This actually makes sense. The wardens are also versed in a few other areas, so ensuring everyone is well fed and remains healthy would not be difficult for us. Working under another to achieve this isn't that far unforeseen, though it is fortunate that at least the strategist is himself an elf. That will make things easier for us elves." "Maybe, and even considering that, the Seekers really have their own strong potential in this situation, and I know there is a strong value in making sure my sister has a safe place to return to, but after all the conversation from earlier.. I was left feeling obligated to ensure my sister was at least.. introduced to the ways of her gift that we've thus far kept from her. Spilling the secret and then leaving it hanging has really left me feeling out of place." Aelyiq honestly had some present feelings of wanting to be explicitly with the woman he was charged with supporting, but understood how providing her with a safe recluse would still help her. Ihzyhur though did have a point, no one had even brought up any practicum for the gift so far.
"That's actually going into some of what I had envisioned for our offensive team. The Reavers I mostly picked because their stealth offense would do us remarkably in trying to sneak into enemy lines, but the Embers, other than being the least effective at sustaining a food supply with the practical usage of our ability, I wasn't just considering our offensive capacity. As a disciple of the Arch-Magus, I've education in the training of the gift itself, and my crew are familiar with the process itself of supplying related training. We're the most generally versed in the gift as a whole, and thus could facilitate basic training in the fundamentals of the gift. Once provided an education on the foundation of their own abilities, the four of them could then seek personal guidance on more advanced and specialized matters from those who have more distinct knowledge in the exact qualities of their specific gift." Considering none of the four knew anything about this gift, what they themselves called magic, Ehryinae's idea to start with the basics sounded way better than starting with more advanced studies. The logic behind this was too hard to deny, that even Xyithy didn't argue the point. The basics were probably the most annoying thing to teach about, anyway.
Having settled the matter of roles and distribution of forces so suddenly, Rhyde was left with being rushed back into the topic of location. He had thought he could have given himself more time by discussing the matter, but Ehryinae had covered everything so flawlessly. In need of more time, he had no choice but to admit to it. "I think then we know where we will be starting. The first task will be to settle this distribution in an organized way. The people being tasked with development, please send them my way. Aelyiq, I'll make sure to allocate you a translator for your contribution, I expect you will need it. Yuxzn, please work with Aelyiq and Ihzyhur to develop a defensive layout for going forwards. Meanwhile, I'll be doing some research to locate a decent target for us to start with. Xyithy, as your forces specialize in stealth, I may need your help with scouting, to determine enough details to pick such a place. We will be working together then until it is time for you to depart. Ehryinae, as it has been raised as a point of concern, can you take the opportunity to setup some initial training for the four girls? It may be wisest to start teaching new materials in a safer and less stressful environment. If you plan to extend a practical part of your lessons onto the field, this might still be the smartest way to begin." Rhyde wasn't an expert in either teaching or the gift, not at all, but he was an expert at leading people. He has seen plenty of times that even his best aren't as capable of staying rational under pressure as they could be when calm.
It was a much shorter meeting than their last, but it finally put people into places with their own responsibilities. It also clarified where people would be working specifically. Ehryinae's understanding of the four teams had been efficient at making this happen, even Yuxzn was impressed. He had later learned that she had learned such a thing from the Arch-Magus himself, working under him. Yuxzn would then be left wondering how much of that was passed down to his granddaughter.
Ihzyhur was left disgruntled later to discover that Zyuixqs and Chyurae would both be still traveling with the four girls, as they had been doing frequently. Chyurae would be priceless at gaining quiet entry into enemy facilities, but Ihzyhur didn't see why Zyuixqs would be there at all. Not that he could express any particular reasons why Zyuixqs shouldn't be there either, he just didn't like it.
By dinner, some of the finer details had been arranged. A dozen new faces had shown up to the smith just after dinner, people he was supposed to have working under him. Apparently, they were very promising individuals, but this wasn't easy stuff. He would have to see just how promising they really were. Rhyde had gotten reports that some of their food-stocks was found frozen, which apparently was to allow it to preserve better. Having frozen water was also novel for most of them. The fact that amber-leaf plants had started growing much closer to the facility suddenly was also a very thankful update.
The Reavers had departed soon after dinner, with Xyithy giving her daughter a parting hug before going off to her work. They had a few places that needed more information, so that Rhyde could give them a good starting target. She would be back sometime tomorrow, soon after lunch if conditions were favourable. Meanwhile, she expressed that she expected her daughter to study hard and to do well with her new lessons. Qheria was completely unadjusted to this side of her mother, but it's not like she herself hadn't changed.
Ehryinae meanwhile had admitted that she would need the rest of the night to prepare a lesson plan, so they would be starting first thing in the morning. Thanrie contemplated that this was a return to another day of classes, like the training they had been doing before. Just this time, they had a brand new class. She mumbled to herself in English, in considering the situation. "So.. you're a wizard, Thanrie." Mhyl was the only one who had heard, and giggled at it. School of magic, indeed. However, that also brought up how delinquent they have been with their other 'classes'. Mhyl and Lwyn decided to spend the rest of the day doing language lessons, while Qheria and Thanrie did some more combat training. By the end of the day, Mhyl had successfully handled some really really basic Izhaethyx phrases in a really rough conversation. Thanrie was even more proud of herself, helping Qheria off the ground in one of their bare-handed duels. It was her first victory yet. It seemed that idea she had used against the claw wielder really wasn't that bad after all.
All of them resolved to simply get better, and to be more successful.. and proud of that success.. in the future. They just needed to keep working hard on it, every day.