“Yes!”  Adam pumps his fist and laughs, pleased that the council has woken up and heard their words of warning.  “Thank you.  Father, Dageron, Travin and Thea, we should have a meeting with the leaders of the military to discuss next steps and battle plans.  I think we ought to use the mirror to update Gandalf and bring him in on the conversation.  We can use the mirror and Zoom, bring him in on the meeting!  We need to coordinate with the other teams so that the Army is used effectively and can deal a crushing blow to them.  After that happens, mom, dad, I would love some time with you too … well … just to talk through everything.  To catch up.  I have so many questions I want to ask you… “. He turns sheepishly to them and smiles.

King Randor reaches a hand up to scratch his chin and looks at Adam long and hard, like the man standing before him is growing a horn out of his head.  He looks at Queen Marlena when his son says 'zoom', their eyes lingering for a moment, and then looks back at Adam.  His smile warms when Adam speaks of spending time.  

"We'll get there.  I promise.  For now...we have a war to fight.  I..."

He looks at General Dageron, at Prince Adam, and the couriers...

"This will be an unpopular decision I know.  But we shall reconvene in the morning.  For now, you're all dismissed, save for our special guests..."

He motions to Adam, Dageron, Thea, and Travin.  

"...and Man at Arms."  

The Council grumbled as the multitude began to disperse and leave the room, leaving only King Randor, Queen Marlena, and the one referred to as Man at Arms, apparently an elite military leader for the Army of Eternia.  He steps forward and kneels before King Randor.  

"Rise, Duncan."  The King says, reaching down to grip the warrior by the shoulders.  "Today has been an excellent day, but I'm afraid that, for you, it isn't over.  We will begin preperations here immediately.  We'll sound the horns and bring in everyone, regular and reserve.  Everyone.  We have competent field commanders.  Your job, specifically, is to get a tactical assessment of the situation.  We need recommendations.  I want to reinforce where we are weakest, and I want to locate, close with, and destroy."  

"At your command, your majesty."  The Man at Arms replied.  

Queen Marlena stood and stepped down from the dais the thrones sat upon, moving past King Randor and Man at Arms to approach Prince Adam.  

"Almost three decades.  Almost three decades to get you back, and now I have to let you go again.  But at least this time I know you're okay.  And I see that you are in capable company.  Duncan is our supreme military leader.  If I know your father...and I know him very well...he'll want Duncan to meet with allied leadership immediately.  Atreyu and Gandalf, I imagine.  We'll begin preparations here.  Get Duncan to your leadership, let him get a visual while we muster the troops.  And then we'll move on the morrow.  Can you do this?  When this is over...I'll look forward to having you finally home."  

She reached up and brushed her fingers through Adam's hair one more time.  

"You three.  You'll take care of my son?  I thought I lost him once already.  I can't do it again."

Travin clears a place on the table as the monarchy request that preparations be made to speak with Gandalf, taking the folding mirror from his cabinet and placing it on the table, Travin gives it a tap and offers for anyone else to attempt to summon their allies.

Travin watches the interaction between Adam and his new found family and is happy for them, but turns his attention away once more, the reminder that his own family is lost to him for now, by his selfish actions is raw, he looks around the room whilst people are planning and plotting, for something to steal.

"I might recommend you review this..." Dageron hands Duncan his book. It is all of my collected knowledge of Vader's force composition, abilities, known strategies and tactics... and potential weaknesses. He has successfully used mass phalanx and heavy cavalry, supported by special troops such as fliers or casters, in virtually every major engagement. Importantly, he uses mixed race forces, allowing his division commanders incredible versatility in attack options. In tactical assaults he deploys very effective teleport attacks directly into enemy command strongholds - such as here. And as mentioned, he is using Subternia to move troops unobserved between the continents. Subterfuge is important to him. Lastly, and of most imminent concern here, he has repeatedly targeted enemy leadership for direct assassination, and leveraged hostages. Your own nobles may prove liabilities in this regard, as their loved ones would make ideal leverage for him. As would 'Adam'... or perhaps the King and Queen against Adam, if that were optimal. I believe Vader can be beaten in combat, and more importantly, he likes to lead from the front on major tactical offensives. If he could be lured into a confrontation he was self-assured to win, only for his own tactics to be deployed against him... Perhaps draw him in via his teleport attack, then hit his forces with an anti-magic field and an overly healthy quantity of surprise explosives..." Dageron would leave it there and give the other man a chance to review. 

Adam nods to his mother, Queen Marlena and says “I will be careful.  Don’t worry.  And I’ll stay with Duncan and listen to his counsel.  My friends will protect me as well, Dageron, Thea and Travin, the heroes of the Dawn Guard.  Don’t worry mother.  I need to help with this for all Eternia, then I will be here with you and father.”  He clasps arms with Duncan, saying “Good to meet you!  I have heard of you before.  Let’s see if we can sort out our next steps …”  He turns his attention to the information from Dageron, nodding as he explains.  He says softly “You remind me a little of Ward….” Then as he finishes, he says “Let’s see if Gandalf has any updates, the tactical situation may have changed.”  

Duncan nods as General Dageron hands him the book.  

"With your permission, General, I'd like my scribes to take this book and begin creating copies."  The Man at Arms says, reaching up to scratch his forehead beneath the rim of his helm.  "We will immediately bolster security around the royal family and assign an arcanist with the capability to get them to safety if necessary.  Where is allied command?  How do we know it is safe?  Did I understand correctly that Gandalf and Atreyu are what is left of allied leadership, with the exception of Eternia?"  

Duncan nods as he listens to Dageron's suggestion.  

"I like it.  I like it.  Let's keep that on the table.  What other assets do we have to think about securing right now?  What are our defensive objectives?  Where can they hit us to cause the most trouble?  We need to shore those assets up immediately and start thinking about a counteroffensive.  We cannot let the enemy decide our momentum."  

The Man at Arms looks at the small mirror as it is laid out on the table.  He looks around, meets the gazes of those gathered near him, then looks into the mirror.  

"Who is there?"  He asks.  

"Gandalf the Gray.  Who who is there?"  The mirror replied.  

"I am Duncan, the Man at Arms of the Army of Eternia."  Duncan says.  He smiles at those around him.  "I am here with Prince Adam and his entourage.  We request a situation update."  

"I take this as a good sign."  Gandalf said, a little mirth in his voice.  "Our situation remains the same, at the moment.  Though, it does look like there's some trouble brewing with the Atlantis mission.  They may need reinforcements soon."  

Thea quietly listens to the tactical talk knowing that there’s little she can do to help. She does wander over to Queen Marlena in a quiet moment and asks her, “Is there anything I can do for you, Your Majesty? I don’t know how long I’ll be teamed up with Adam, but I’ll do whatever I can to keep him safe. You can see how gifted the others are? And he seems to be very clever and brave himself. I believe he’ll be ok.” She gives her an encouraging smile and looks at the others plotting and planning. “But still. You’re his mum. If there’s anything you need. I’ll try to help you too?”

Skot sticks close to Travin, his new found brother in naughtiness and, catching that well known glint in his eye, he whispers, “Whatcha thinking, brother?”

Dageron gives Duncan a measured look, then releases the book fully into his care. "I would caution what must seem obvious. Spies - including amongst your spies and palace trustees. It does us no benefit if what we know - or think we know - gets used against us. However, as they are almost a certainty, perhaps divide up the knowledge we have and the plans we make. Share different pieces to different keyholders and their retinues. Then, as the battle lines unfold, interrogate enemy soldiers and unravel what they know..." He would step back. "I would speak at length, giving no other voice a chance at joining, if given the chance. The book summarizes the most intricate details of my knowledge, as well as the broadest assumptions I make." Dageron pauses a moment. "The location of allied command is a guarded secret, but likely not to our enemies - not for long at least. They assemble at Skyloft." As Duncan turns to the others, and eventually Gandolf, Dageron will standby to add and support. 

(( When a more at length discussion is had, he would share the following: ))

> Misdirect incoming teleports to overly deadly traps for important locations
> Skyloft is the greatest strategic asset currently in the Alliance' favor. Send food, resources, supplies. Then send refugees from the City's to be struck by the Tsunami. Prioritize the young and healthy to train for war - battle attrition is coming for all armies deployed, and only among the elders and infirm those with needed skills and knowledge. 
> Go to castle Greyskull and for the love of all that is good make that stupid witch work with us - secure what is there, relocate it if at all possible (that place cannot be held)
> Vader's forces are stretched unbelievably thin, but are likely using pressed soldiers from conquered lands and otherwise decimating populations so they leave no enemies at their back. Eternia's greatest weapon isn't necessarily their armies, but logistical coordination. Create the means by which a thousand fold communities can fight back, coordinate, and then aim them at Vader's supply lines and resources. Then grind his grand armies down. In this way, Vader's armies must redeploy to fight an attrition war behind their own lines, instead of the conventional war they were designed for. If Eternia wants to prevent Vader from directly assaulting them, whereas he has already almost completely flanked them, then this strategy is the best assurance his armies won't be able to sustain an offensive. So long as Eternia holds, preventing any enemy beachheads, and supporting allied sappers across all theaters, the alliance will gradually win and Vader will gradually lose.
> This will only serve to enrage Vader, and to goad him into attacking personally. Then we hit him with ambush after ambush until we find all his weaknesses.
> This war strategy frees up substantial resources necessary to support the late Childlike Empress' tactical units - the AURYN teams. All of them could use substantial assistance from supplemental small highly specialized units - create commandos and dispatch them in support roles or to take on independent tertiary objectives. Doing so will allow the bulk of Eternia's armies to remain consolidated and ready while massively upgrading the Alliance' tactical capabilities. 
> Develop mixed race units as well. Take what Vader is doing that is extremely effective and mirror it, but also create specially devised unit formations to counter what he has deployed. 
> This is not a game of armies or of wars that can be won by battles, it is a game of tactical resources. We must treat the enemies primary tactical goals as our main concerns - the Alicorn, the Triforces, the rest. 
> Usurp his army. The 'hard races' have long been hunted, or themselves warred and lost against the soft races. At this point in their history they are fading away to the ever expanding Human numbers, bolstered by the Elves and Dwarves who hate the hard races more than they fear the inevitable spread of Humanity. Bring them in to the fold. I can help bridge this gap, but many others will be needed. Doing so will undermine the will of the many hard races currently held in thrall to Vader. 
> Find the last Jedi and reignite their lost ways - it is working far too well for Vader to ignore as a tactical asset
> Lastly - won't somebody please reach out to the oceanic races and get them on our side - or at least ensure they aren't on the enemies?

In summary - fortify Skyloft and Eternia, evacuate and consolidate any places that cannot be held, prepare for the spy and misinformation game, focus on supporting wide-spread guerilla warfare and undermining the enemy's tactical objectives, draw Vader out and assassinate him... if successful, all of this will bring our enemies directly to us at Skyloft and Eternia. The world's fate will be decided there if we can deny the enemy their tactical objectives long enough, and they cannot otherwise break through the lines. Gannondorf and Vader will strike directly, presenting us one clear chance to kill them directly... if we're ready... if we even can. 

Quote from KEAngel7 >>

Skot sticks close to Travin, his new found brother in naughtiness and, catching that well known glint in his eye, he whispers, “Whatcha thinking, brother?”

 "Shiny souvenirs yeh yeh" travin mutters lazily, the long leaf pipe weed seeming to have gotten to the creatures head as he waddles off to an adjoining room with Skot on his back, Travin knows he should likely return shortly.

The talk of battle plans wasn't Travin's thing, he doesn't usually plan anything and likes it that way, he revels in chaotic random happenstance and loves to inspire that interest In others. 

Skot and Travin discover a room full of silver cutlery.  Silver plates rimmed with golden trim.  Bejeweled chalices made of platinum.  Crystal candelabras and chandeliers.  Satan table settings.  Candles rendered from the fat of purple buffalo.  Furniture carved from the trees of the Walking Woods.  Knives with handles carved from the cuttlebone of Krakens. 

One word.  

Lavish...

Queen Marlena looks at Thea and smiles.  

"You are so young."  The Queen says, reaching out to brush hair from the young woman's face.  "You can do something for me, yes.  Take care of Adam.  It's hard to have lost someone, only to find them again, and give them up again immediately.  We've heard rumors, you understand?  Of what's going on in the world, I mean.  The dangers are real.  And now that who he really is has been revealed, there'll be an even greater target on him.  Don't worry about me, young wonder.  Trust in your neverending story, the story Moon Child has set you upon, and save our world."  

Duncan sets the book down and drops the request for transcription for the time being.  He listens intently, and twists his mustache from time to time as he puts ideas together in his head.  

"My opinion is that we should not rely on Eternia for allied command, because it will almost certainly be attacked and can be approached from sea, air, or land quite easily.  Even the bloody underdark would give them access.  Skyloft is more easily defendable, but if someone could convince that quack in the Labyrinth to give us some limited access, we could use it as a stronghold.  It's weird, the Labyrinth, if none of you have been there.  Time is different, and you can't just teleport about inside.  There's no digging in, and coming over the walls is liable to just drop you out on the other side of it than inside.  Other than that, Skyloft is good too...but we'll have to get creative with it's defense.  Just remember; it's good to be back into a corner.  Then all you have to do is swing outward."  

Man at Arms raises up, watches as the Queen speaks with the young woman.  Watches as the Sprite and the Junkperson wonder from the room.  Looks at Prince Adam.  

"If I may, I'd like to move this planning phase to Skyloft, where I can be in direct contact with allied command.  We'll have to set up communications immediately.  I'd like to get the first battalions on the march at sunrise, and there's much to do before that."  

Skot will travel with Travin anywhere. In fact, if he were asked about Thea in his current stupor, his answer would likely be “Thea who?” When they discover this new world of lavish beauty and shiny baubles, he takes off from his throne on Travin’s back and zips around the room like a wild Sprite. Scrooge McDucking his way around, diving through all the loot he can- hugging it, counting it, swimming through it- until he’s at last caught by the reflection of the most handsome Sprite he’s ever seen in a piece of cutlery. Preening himself in front of it shamelessly, he asks Travin- “What’s the plan, brother?”

Meanwhile, sweet Thea- never having experienced the loving touch of a mother- is deeply moved by the gentle kindness of Queen Marlena. Smiling softly, she looks from her to Adam and back again- cheeks slightly flushed at her words. “I’ll do my best, Your Highness. I promise.” With those words, she looks the queen in the eye with determination and a brave nod. “He’ll come home to you, I just know it!” Her forehead shimmers slightly with those words and she gives a little bow and then wanders back to her group, unsure how she can help. Then she notices…where are Skot and Travin?

At Skots excitement travin gives a giggle, his eyes squinting and his smile overextended in his intoxicated state, "Skot can't carry much hmm? Hahaha travin can carry lots of shinies eh? Yeh yehhhhh, Skot helps Travin fills up this chest yeh and thens walks out of here likes nothing happened." Travin opens a chest on his back for Skot to drop things he likes once his pixie pockets are full, then Travin takes a look around the room, his vision becoming as cloudy as his mind normally is and he looks for anything with a higher value.

Skot gives an excited “Whoop!” and just looks for what he can carry and helps fill Travin’s chest with as many goodies as he can find!

"Your best is all I can ask for.  All anyone can ask for."  Queen Marlena says.  She notices the girls expression, and leaves her to her work, and to find her mischievous Sprite.  

Adam says to Man at Arms, “I agree, I think makes the most sense.  Let me gather the crew up and we can move to Skyloft.  Forgive them, they are a little …. unusual.  They have strange ways, but they are very effective.  Can…. Well… Mom and Dad should evacuate to Skyloft as well, right?”  Adam looks over at them, worried about the possibility of imposters or spies that could threaten them.  “That nutcase in the labyrinth - - actually I know him.  I have an idea… the Alicorn, it might be a good place to keep it safe, in the labyrinth.  I could see if Jareth could provide a safe place from which we could plan and coordinate attacks.  But he’s somewhat of a nut, and he has this little dwarf who is his buddy, we don’t get along…. It is worth a try though, what do you think?”

Thea starts to wonder where Skot and Travin have gotten off to but then gets distracted overhearing Adam and Man at Arms. She can’t help but stop and listen…

Once Travin's chest is loaded up with enough silver for him to be moderately satisfied he closes and locks the chest, he takes a particularly fancy fork and bends it around the end of the shaft of his shawm, making a perfect circle with his ridiculous strength, as he twists the tines upward from the ring he makes something akin to a miniature silvered circlet and then places it gently on Skots head. "Come Prince Skot yeh yeh, have takens our payments hmm? Have saveds Eternia yeh! Travin and Skot should joins the otherses before our dissapearings is noticed heh heh!".

The dynamic duo arrive back to the meeting room with Duncan and the monarchy still planning with Adam, Dageron and Thea, the usual noise of Travin's clattering waddle masks the movement of cutlery somewhat as Travin pipes up "AURYN group haves been welcomed hmm? but our friendses are still outside yeh! Travin would invite thems in or be allowed to go checks on them hmmmm? And and collects our weapons yeh!" He looks questioningly to Duncan and the monarchy specifically.

"We'll move them as quickly as the situation allows, my Prince."  Man at Arms says as he continues to pour over the information put in front of him.  "We will confer with the King about this on the morrow.  First we need to ascertain the safety of Skyloft itself and if its the best fit for the regency to occupy.  In the meantime, if you can reach out to your contacts in the Labyrinth, Prince Adam, we can explore that as a secondary position as well.  The Labyrinth would be nearly impossible to invade without a full commitment of Imperial forces, so it's certainly worth exploring, yes."  

Hearing the Junkperson's request for the rest of their party, and taking a moment to think over who else would have possibly been with them, proceeds to one of the doors, and gives one of the guards outside instructions.  Within a few minutes, a groom returns, nervously leading in Birt and Ol' Ironsides.  Birt's tongue hangs out, and his eyes look in two opposite directions, like he's scanning both sides of the room as he walks in and announces himself.  

"Birt Wrenils."  

"I assume the mirror is big enough for all of us to go through?"  The Man at Arms says, gathering his things and preparing himself.  

The group stepped out, back into the Room of Mirrors, where Gandalf continued to monitor the situations unfolding in each of the missions.  

"I see your mission went splendidly."  Gandalf said, barely casting a glance at them as they emerged.  "Better take a moment while you have it, heroes.  I'm afraid your day isn't done yet.  Welcome to Skyloft, Man at Arms.  If you lot would, please introduce Man at Arms to Atreyu.  I shall see you all shortly."

Travin is happy his minor heist went off without immediate consequences and led to no surprising deaths... This time.

"Travin requests counsel withs the decision makers hmmm? At their earliest conveniences yeh yeh!" Travin giddily yells toward Gandalf, a little too loud for normal social interaction. "The story tellers will it" he adds in a celestial tongue as the group steps out of the Room of mirrors to find Atreyu.

Prince Skot rides along merrily on his throne, chuckling to himself. “That Adam isn’t the ONLY Prince in town! Ha! What’s next brother? Have official business to attend to, hmmmmm? Should I stay back?”

Thea smiles and greets Gandalf. “How’s everyone else doing? Cinder? Stasolya? Malenia? Ereni?” She can’t quite hide the concern in her voice as she asks after her team.