Discussions and decisions

In the morning, after coaxing Lynn off you, you make your way to breakfast. The only girls still in bed are Sadie, Uzume, and Lynn. Maya grins at you. “Sleeping in today, my Josh?”

You chuckle. “It was an interesting day, and night. Lynn definitely wore me out! Speaking of which, Yura, were you able to get any further information with her help?”

Yura shakes her head. “I can not piece the power there. I can say it is definitely far to the north west, however.”

You nod. “Maya and Kali, do you have plans this afternoon? I want to give a speech, and I’d like you two to be there.”

Kali smiles. “Of course, but why us?”

You chuckle. “I need to both reassure the people, and fire them up for war. You both are well liked, plus you have a reputation for being fierce in battle as well. I would ask you as well, Clarissa, but…”

Clarissa laughs. “I’m not as impressive as the winged ladies.”

Maya giggles. “And you’re short!”

Clarissa, chuckling, sticks her tongue out at Maya, who winks. “You know we love you, you little pervert!”

Clarissa blushes, nodding. “You know if anyone outside the family teased me like you do, I’d cut them off at the knees.”

Samara whispers to Kali, loud enough for everyone to hear, “Only because that’s as high as she can reach!”

Clarissa laughs, dramatically pouting at Samara. “You’re supposed to be quiet and nervous, not snarky!”

Still laughing, you hold up a hand. “Alright girls, you can go settle it in the bedroom later.”

Everyone giggles, and you continue. “The other thing I wanted to say was that when I go to the front, several of you are staying here.”

Rachel smiles. “I assumed as much. Some of us are more useful here anyway.”

You nod. “That’s somewhat true, but I actually plan to leave most of you here.”

Maya bristles. “You want me to stay, don’t you…”

You nod. “I can’t risk you on the battlefield while you’re pregnant, love.”

Maya visibly deflates. “I know…I even agree. But it doesn’t feel good, letting you go into danger without me.”

You nod, taking her hand. “I know. I feel the same. I will be well protected, I promise.”

Maya nods, and you look around. “I want to bring Kali, Samara, Uzume, Clarissa, and Sadie. Obviously, Ruka will be there as well. The rest of you will be here. I will have a communication mirror set up to keep in contact.”

You don’t see any disagreements. You even see excitement that you’re moving towards an endgame against the evil that has plagued the old world for a long time.

You smile as Anna brings you some food. “If you want to see my speech, I’ll be giving it in the same place as my first one. And I have a surprise to announce then, as well.”