Hours later, the Kirins reconvened with Zacharias, Cid, and Eve in a side chamber of the Cathedral where the Grovemaster had already been planning the defense. Rudolf had been here no small amount of time ago, and now they were all gathered around a table bearing a tactical map of Brightlam. 

[b]"Let's begin, then."[/b] Zacharias laid out a series of figures across the map, pointing to each in turn as he spoke. [b]"In the interest of time, I will keep the parts less relevant to your duties brief. Suffice to say, Brightlam will be conducting a defense in depth from the treetops all the way back towards the cathedral. The outermost canopies will be only lightly manned in order to discourage bombardment, and the canopies below will slow the invaders as they attempt to land. Our first wave of defense will be upon the boughs, and from there, we will fall back to lower branches as needed until we reach our final defensive bulwark: Brightlam Cathedral itself."[/b]

[b]"In the interest of drawing Valheim's attention, Zacharias and I will be on the front lines. Of course, we will require Ramuh and Leviathan's aid. Apologies, Esben, but the Levinfather will not be able to come to your assistance during this battle."[/b] Cid took this moment to interject. [b]"Eve will also be embedded within the defenses."[/b]

[color=#736AFF][b]"Ah."[/b][/color] Izayoi made a noise of realization. [color=#736AFF][b]"The defense is a feint, then. You mean to have us be the thrust of the counterattack."[/b][/color]

[b]"Your...experience serves you well."[/b] Zacharias looked as if he'd bit into a lemon, seemingly resisting from insulting Izayoi with great restraint. [b]"Indeed. Leviathan will surge up from the rivers surrounding the city and ferry you into the midst of the fleet atop her back. You will find the leadership of this attack and cut the head off the snake while the Lady of the Whorl throws their airships into chaos. Objections? Suggestions? Name them now, we've little time otherwise."[/b]

[color=#736AFF][b]"The plan is sound."[/b][/color] Izayoi said, her only response to Zacharias's near slip being a slight tightening of her eyes. [color=#736AFF][b]"Lest any of the others have a last-minute addition, I would suggest we prepare to deploy as soon as possible. How much time do we have until the Valheimr are in range?"[/b][/color]

[b]"One hour."[/b]