<div class="floatright">(https://i.imgur.com/wvFUstp.jpg)</div><br/><br/>At last, all the pieces were coming together. Korsova hadn't had that much of an armed force before - After all, maintaining a large army also meant incredible expenses. It'd taken long weeks, but finally -<em>at last</em>- they'd raised a force like none other.<br/><br/>It was - after all - only a matter of time now.<br/><br/>--<br/><br/>The Strategium was a place that Queen Ileosa had become increasingly familiar with, over the course of the past few weeks. It was a vast chamber, dominated by a huge map of the known lands - the Queen didn't need it, of course, but it was a useful illustration for her generals and her advisors. She could see the intricately-detailed lands stretching out before her, now with tiny figurines to represent allied and enemy forces...<br/><br/>From here, it looked like even more of a game.<br/><br/>"Three to one odds..." the raven-haired beauty mused, turning an orc-shaped figurine over and over in her slim fingers. She liked the sound of that - Even as her full lips pursed in a thoughtful pout.<br/><br/>"The opportunity for that might soon arise, my General," Ileosa said. "For now, let us focus on the enemy we face."<br/><br/>When the young orc approached, the Queen favored him with her most fetching smile - A husky "Thank you~" purring from her lips, as he bowed and withdrew. As she sipped the coffee, she added-<br/><br/>"See to it that our orc levies have the glory of the first engagements. It is, after all, what they<em>live</em>for...And We are certain the Elves will inflict substantial casualties by the time this conflict is over. Perhaps they shall be more - pliable - once this war has ended."<br/><br/>It wouldn't do to underestimate their enemies, however.<br/><br/>"Yes, the griffins..."<br/><br/>That was the problem, wasn't it? One of many. The Elves - after all - were masters of the forests, and their elite forces were highly manoeuvrable; One way or another,<em>something</em>had to be done about it. Truth be told, Ileosa wasn't sure<em>how</em>you'd ambush flying troops...They could simply disengage. Fly away.<br/><br/>As Ileosa leaned back from the table, she rested her chin on her upturned palm.<br/><br/>"Very well," she said - "Send word to Champion Torain - Let him know his triumphant homecoming might be delayed for a few months. Their aid would be<em>invaluable</em>in this instance..."<br/><br/>At Morrigan's words, her eyes narrowed, thoughtfully...<br/><br/>"-the bait will have to be a substantive one," she said. "Find a likely location for the staging of our war machines - Let it slip to their spies that we intend to raze their forests with our implements of destruction. In fact...Have the Elves hear that We intend to conduct a personal review of our siege equipment, before their rendezvous with the Coalition."<br/><br/>A slim finger settled on the map - "That will be the lure. We shall have our finest archers and ballista lying in wait - Perhaps Korsova's finest minds, or our Orc allies, might have some cunning devices to clip their wings. Make inquiries...But discreetly."<br/><br/>The Sun Queen made a low, thoughtful sound; "I believe I shall speak with Lady Farthia, in case she has any insights. Morrigan - If a magical solution might be possible...I would hear of it, too."<br/><br/>As she straightened, slowly, the charms in Ileosa's long tresses chimed - Lightly, as if for emphasis!<br/><br/>"Remember...The Elves are cunning and ancient - But they know little of our forces. Our first strike must be a<em>terrible</em>one; Surprise is, after all, our first and greatest weapon. To your tasks...We shall meet again, soon, once all is in place."