[center]
[color=#736AFF][b][h1]Ranbu no Izayoi[/h1][/b][/color]
[/center]

The Kirins regrouped over dinner, Cid included, Goug having gathered them up as Izayoi finished ladleing out rich bowls of meat and vegetable stew. Once everyone was finished eating, Izayoi set her bowl down, looking around. 

[color=#736AFF][b]"Regardless of how this ends, we infiltrate Brightlam tomorrow. This will be our last chance to finalize our strategy and take in any final deviations before we take the field. If anyone has any suggestions, it would be best to state them now."[/b][/color] She laid a map of Brightlam out along the ground for all to see.

[b]"About that."[/b] Cid rose from where he sat, setting his own bowl down into the emptied cookpot. [b]"I have a suggestion to offer."[/b] When no one seemed to object in the moment, he carried on. 

[b]"I've taken the liberty of handing young Esben a crystal that will beckon me towards the holy ground it illuminates when aether is channeled through it. Most likely, you'll find the council within holy ground: either Brightlam Cathedral or the council chambers themselves. Zacharias, I have history with. I believe I can aid you in swaying him. As for Isolde..."[/b] His expression turned weary, even as he knelt down to mark off the cathedral and the council chambers on the map.

[b]"Hand me over to her. At best, it may buy you enough goodwill to learn of the crystal's location. At worst, it will take her off guard."[/b]

[color=#736AFF][b]"I assume you have no intention of [i]staying[/i] a prisoner in this scenario?"[/b][/color] Izayoi raised an eyebrow.

[b]"Of course not! Eve would be rather cross with me should I leave her to her own devices, after all."[/b] The old man chuckled before his expression turned serious once more. [b]"As for Alambert...his disposition is unknown to me. Your best judgment will more than suffice should you come across him."[/b]

Izayoi nodded before looking back across the group.

[color=#736AFF][b]"Thoughts? Options? We've time enough to hash this out as we did with the prison assault."[/b][/color]