[Although many of Meridian's shard-bearers were made aware of plans to invade Alenroux only days before the invasion began, it's clear to Liem that preparations for this operation have been going on for some time. Camp locations are well-chosen, fortifications are erected quickly and efficiently, and the soldiers secure everything with well-practised ease. Much preliminary work has already been completed in advance, and it shows in how smoothly the first week of the occupation unfolds.
However, difficulties are inevitable with any plan that involves 48-hour occupation of Alenroux. While for the most part Meridian soldiers have been successful in defending their outposts from nighttime monsters, in the past few nights alone there have been two separate patrols that have been ripped apart by an elusive monster dwelling somewhere in the forest's eastern reaches. Cornering and exterminating the creature has proved impossible thus far — which means it's time to bring in the big guns.
The big guns, in this case, are a seasoned monster-hunter and tracker, and an experienced and alarmingly capable arcanist. They decide to set out while the sun is still in the sky, though it grows red and heavy above the horizon as evening draws near. It will be easiest to track the creature down while it is still lairing for the day, but if its resting place proves too well-hidden to uncover, the fall of night will give Liem and Akua new opportunities to bring their prey to them.
They are getting close, at least. The tracks in the region of forest they've been examining are thick, their ages suggesting the creature has passed through this area multiple times over the past handful of days. Liem regards them thoughtfully as the light of early dusk filters through the trees.]
If we were going to lay a trap for it, this wouldn't be a bad place. It's bound to pass this way again, and sooner rather than later.
for Auka — a-hunting we will go
However, difficulties are inevitable with any plan that involves 48-hour occupation of Alenroux. While for the most part Meridian soldiers have been successful in defending their outposts from nighttime monsters, in the past few nights alone there have been two separate patrols that have been ripped apart by an elusive monster dwelling somewhere in the forest's eastern reaches. Cornering and exterminating the creature has proved impossible thus far — which means it's time to bring in the big guns.
The big guns, in this case, are a seasoned monster-hunter and tracker, and an experienced and alarmingly capable arcanist. They decide to set out while the sun is still in the sky, though it grows red and heavy above the horizon as evening draws near. It will be easiest to track the creature down while it is still lairing for the day, but if its resting place proves too well-hidden to uncover, the fall of night will give Liem and Akua new opportunities to bring their prey to them.
They are getting close, at least. The tracks in the region of forest they've been examining are thick, their ages suggesting the creature has passed through this area multiple times over the past handful of days. Liem regards them thoughtfully as the light of early dusk filters through the trees.]
If we were going to lay a trap for it, this wouldn't be a bad place. It's bound to pass this way again, and sooner rather than later.