Far away at the Isotta Castle, there was a conference between several nobles going. Lady Jezelle Lucita Maria of House Fulsitta was meeting with certain close friends and allies. As they talked over some basic pleasantries while enjoying a light meal together, She found herself looking around herself in contemplation rather than listening to her fellow nobles. It was sad to think of the state of the Empire in this day and age. It seems so glorious and powerful at first glance. In a way, one could argue that to be the truth. They have the best magics in the known world. They have an unstoppable naval power. Their economy is thriving in from the oceanic trade they had managed to singularly control. All of this was true, but that was only if you didn't look close enough. They had the most advanced magic currently, but reports were coming in from spies in the south who had found hidden secrets. Secrets that had threatened the empire. The barbarian races dealt with different kinds of magic and it had come to the attention of certain noble circles that these magics have dangerous connotations.
The next major issue is again linked to the south. The war is starting to slow and the Orcs are beginning to turn the tide. Naval power meant nothing if your opponent doesn't need the the sea and you don't have the ground troops to beat theirs. True, the Empire has the initiative and better positioning not to mention the weaponry they brought, The problem is that the Orcs have proven to be tenacious as well as barbaric. Their warring kingdoms stopped their conflicts just to unite against the invaders. Worse is the sheer numbers of soldiers they had. A green flood had washed over the Empire's forces and pushed them back to the shores where a stalemate began. The artillery support of the ships can keep them at bay for now. Regardless, the Empire needs more than to just hold. They needed to break the enemy to get a strong foothold. Attempts are still being made in the ruins to the orc city they destroyed at the beginning. The problem is that it is taking a lot of time and effort to keep the settlement intact. Plans are already being drafted to convert it into a fortress with permanent fixed defenses.
Worse, the war is starting to turn a loss. The Empire's economy can hold for now, but the latest estimates shared with the nobility states that the current rate and trends will lead to a deficit withing a few years and the best strategy the empire has at its disposal could take decades. They need to change tactics and come up with a better strategy and soon. The issue is the Empress has refused to change. She is holding the course.
Jezelle frowned at this thought. ~That bitch! Valuable lives and resources are being wasted and she wants to stay the course just to spite me!~ The fact of the matter was that Jezelle was the one who had pushed for this conflict. She had managed to create the momentum to force or break the Empire. She had thrown everything into it for the betterment of humanity as a whole! Humanity needed to spread its people across the world. They needed to leave this retched continent of encroaching death. The Vampire Lands were growing. The continent is doomed and they need to get a foothold to establish a new seat of power for a greater humanity. It hurt her to know that even now, their brother nation to the East is doomed. They would be sacrificed as they valiantly fought their war against the the tide of undeath. It's true that the war had ended for a short time, but that was only because the undead are willing to humor the empress. What are a few decades of peace to an immortal? Just a brief break to grow stronger and enjoy even more bloody conflict with a recovered enemy. They didn't want to win. Victory is assured for them. The vampires only thirst for blood and violence. Their intellect is only used to increase and prolong their joys.
The fact of the matter is that they need to leave to the south and the Orc and Goblin lands would be perfect for creating a new home for humanity to grow and gain the strength it truly needed. Just look at the strength the orcs brought up in defiance of humanity's superior weapons. If Humanity had the time and lands to grow to such an extent, they could someday sail back and reclaim everything from those bloodsuckers.
The day Jezelle would have to leave Isotta behind would wound her heart deeply. She loved the beautiful castle the stood over the Birthing Divide. From the mountains to the north runs a great and mighty river, The Mother. Once it reaches a certain point, it splits into the Three Daughters that flow to the ocean while creating a network of streams and tributaries that form more rivers. It was built to protect and control the Rivers of Aelunia. Even in its diminished glory today, the city is a thriving tourist attraction for those who wish to see to floating castle that spans the width of the mighty Mother. In truth it should be recognized as the greatest palace of the Empire for its sheer size from spanning the twelve kilometer wide river, but it is only ever called a castle due to most of the mass of it is dedicated to harbors and canals as well as the city housed within the main walls. She always wondered at the last bit when she was younger until her mother explained to her why. The Fulsitta House exists to protect its people. For this reason they designed Isotta to protect the homes and livelihood of its people. There are walled districts beyond, but they were commercial districts, the guild houses, and more. The only city greater the Isotta is the capital. The thought of abandoning such a jewel wounded her very heart, but Jezelle is a Fulsitta. As such, she will protect her people. The people of the Empire. Humanity!
"So, Lady Jezelle," spoke one of her allies to grab her attention as they finished the meal and the pleasantries," What is the purpose of this meeting?"
"Yes, I do wonder what you have up your sleeve now that our BELOVED Empress has chosen to snub you," Added another woman. The others in the room averted their eyes from her and some gave a short nod at this. None of them were happy with the Empress's decision.
Jezelle was scowling at this as she replied," I have several possible options laid out ladies. The problem is that there's no way to know if some of them will bare fruit. Currently, I believe the best one is to put project Winfield into motion."
"You can not be serious!" one of the women cried out," You seriously believe our best hope lies in defeating the VALKYRIE QUEEN!?"
There was a clear sense of trepidation spreading throughout the nobles. Some began to fidget as others paled at the thought. Jezelle only sighed at this," Honoria may have been mighty on the field of battle once upon a time, but she has grown soft. Look at what she has done. She actually hopes to hold onto peace with the vampires that claimed her arm! She even favors the lesser races over humanity! She would rather waste the lives and resources of our people just to try and have peace! She refuses to accept that war is the only path left for humanity to survive. If we do not take set things into motion we'll become the next Whollumph! Especially since her daughter will someday take the throne and last week should have told you all you need to know on how bad that is! It is time for another house to take the reigns as the Winfield's once did for the betterment of our people!"
The room had grown silent at this. Some of the women looked intrigued and hopeful. Others seemed to be brimming with excitement. Others still seemed worried. One had a different reaction," What use is there in that then? All we need to do is let the Empress have her way and prepare for when the princess fails to absolve herself."
"No, that will not come to pass," Jezelle spoke out," That girl is not to be underestimated. She is a Winfield. A House tied closely to the Goddess. Any number of things could happen."
"If so, then this plan is still doomed!"
"No, Minerva has to see that humanity has come to a crossroad. She has always valued wisdom and leadership. She is the goddess of wisdom and war! There is no way she would act against us if we are truly in the right. May her blessings be upon us as I speak for I swear to her with all of you as my witness! I WILL SAVE OUR PEOPLE!" The was a deafening silence that followed. With her vow finished, Jezelle had to do one more thing to finish the oath. She needed to draw blood and burn it over a fire. No one is permitted a weapon for such meetings. Their safety was in the guards beyond the door and stationed such to best insure evacuation. As such, she bit her thumb and drained it over the fire burning in the fireplace at one side of the room. When then blood touched the flames, they burned white and the room was filled with the scents of Laurel Daphne and Iris. The others were shaken as the smell permeated the room. Soon they applauded and cheered as it sunk in what had happened. The vow had been a gamble due to it rarely ever working. It is said to only work in times of great need when for the invoker that the goddess agrees to. Even more, she knew something else. The goddess has decided to grant no more blessings for the coming storm. It was odd to not receive more support than a promise of not interfering and a successful ritual. Then again, The goddess is wise and knows her aid is unneeded for what is to come. Jezelle was certain that humanity would survive! Glory be!