Elena Valeeria
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After Elena's speech, she allowed her mind to drift back to the strategy meeting. Although she didn't acknowledge Rei or Tacitus at the time, she had heard and pondered both of their suggestions. Both were solid plans of action and she saw no reason why both couldn't be implemented. They would simply have to set aside a team of Rei's design for capturing her desired targets. Elena was still running over these things when Tacitus and Oberon began lightly praising her speech. She turned to Tacitus first.
"Of course, Tacitus. I'll provide a spark and you can help fan the flames," she said with a smile. Still smiling she looked to Oberon. "Thank you, Oberon. Your support is always appreciated." She shifted back towards the dispersing soldiers and swept her gaze across the camp. As much as they had grown in such a short period of time, they still needed to be infinitely larger in order to accomplish their goals. Her eyes swept upward towards the star-sprinkled night sky and the waning crescent moon hung towards the west. She felt oddly calm despite their impending first battle. Perhaps the reality of the situation had failed to sink in yet, or perhaps it was the rapidly growing confidence in the officers she had chosen to aid in this quest. Tacitus once again broke her out of her musings with a comment on not only the soldiers future freedom but hers as well. Before she could comment, Oberon interjected with comment on how it had been too late since we began recruiting stealing the words out of her mouth.
"Indeed. Couldn't have said it better." Footholds... with each victory, the climb will become that much more treacherous. The Zankor Empire had managed to overrun so many countries for a reason. One misstep could lead to the destruction of us all. There was no such thing as being overly cautious in this war. All our resources were few and limited. Each extremely valuable. There was no room for waste. She suddenly remembered the plans from the prior meeting and looked up at Tacitus' towering form.
"Before it slips my mind once more, I think both Rei's and your suggestion should be implemented. The troops should most definitely be placed where the forest is thickest and two fronts would cause the Zankorites to panic. However, if Rei believes some valuable information can be gathered from capturing the leader and his squire, then it should be done. A team should be arranged strictly for the purpose of slipping in during the chaos, acquiring the targets, then retreating as quickly as possible. This should be relayed before dawn." She knew Tacitus would see this done. Elena had never really seen such a high level of competence before. He always made sure everything was done and then some. A true asset through and through.
Oberon, excitement lacing his voice, asked if we were ready to start whipping some Zankor posterior. With a smirk on her face she said,
"Of course. As soon as these arrangements are put into place and Rei is finished dealing with the turncoat, we march."
Elena turned away from the two and began walking towards her own quarters. She was too anxious to try to rest, so her only other option was training. She paused and without turning said softly,
"I'm off to train for awhile since sleep isn't an option. Care to join Obi?" She continued walking not bothering to check whether he actually followed. She glanced off towards the forest and thought of the rebel Zankor soldier camped outside their procession. When she had first heard news of a turncoat willingly providing information, Elena had eagerly wanted to meet with him, but was swiftly denied by Rei and Tacitus for what they deemed a "safety hazard". Above all else, she was curious as to his reasons for desertion. Most of the Zankor soldiers were quite loyal and resolute in their service. To see one not only turn their back on the Empire, but also supply the rebellion with critical intelligence was surprising. The others had suggested it was simply a ploy to gain our trust, but Elena wasn't so sure. Too much risk was involved for something like that.
Elena finally reached the small clearing in front of her personal tent and began to stretch. No sense worrying over it now.