"Why, Lady Faritha..."<br/><br/>Ileosa's voice was a low, husky lilt, as she turned her attention to the documents before her...Favoring the lovely Elven noblewoman with a rare smile, at her declaration of loyalty!<br/><br/>"-your Queen is<em>most</em>pleased. I foresee great things in store for you...Once this conflict is concluded, of course."<br/><br/>This would be the making of her, certainly - Ileosa's perfect lips curving in a thoughtful pout, her midnight hair framing her lovely features as she contemplated maps and documents. "The forests, you say? Places of power indeed."<br/><br/>No wonder the Elves clung to them...She could feel her pulse quicken, as the first thrill of anticipation coursed through her. She'd have to be careful<em>not</em>to damage them, if all possible - Something told the raven-haired monarch that she could put them to<em>very</em>good use, indeed. Once the Elves were...properly motivated...to share their secrets.<br/><br/>"I believe Morrigan will be most interested in your knowledge of Elven magic," she mused aloud. "Drawing them out of the forest, however...A tempting prospect. But one that requires the right<em>bait</em>..."<br/><br/>This campaign might be more difficult than she expected. Both sides had yet to come to blows, but unless she was<em>very</em>careful, her forces might suffer a great defeat. The leaders of the Coalition were skittish, at best; At the first significant loss, they might have second thoughts about their contributions.<br/><br/><em>Which makes it all the more important for the first clash to be a victory</em>, she thought, her violet eyes narrowing.<br/><br/>She had to lure them<em>out</em>of the forests, get them to commit their forces in main - where they'd be<em>much</em>easier to deal with. Her Champion would soon be returning, and (if all went well) he'd have Harpies to match their griffin-riders...But that was only one part of the equation!<br/><br/>"Mmmm..." With a sensuous sigh - that rather belied her seriousness - Ileosa eased herself to her feet...Gesturing for one of her concubines to dress her, in her gown of diaphanous silks. "You have given Us much to think about, Lady Faritha; Please, enjoy the pleasures of the harem as Our guest. We must consult our generals, on the conflict to come."<br/><br/>A trap. A lure. Hubris was their flaw...She'd capitalize on it for all it was worth-!<br/><br/>The Queen weighed one of the scrolls in her hand, her expression thoughtful - the question was, what would be the bait...And<em>would</em>they take it?