Hedara An'Yis lets the question hang in the cold air. Waiting for a response from the other members of the council. Individuals capable in their own right, even if doubt had been thrown at the newly appointed guards captain. Whilst he might not have the capabilities of some of his peers, it still seemed like his heart and loyalty lay in the right place. Otherwise, she would have never allowed such a thing in the first place.
"In case this would interfere with your decisions. The one named Gunnir has shown no signs of deterioration of physical or mental health. The leeches also did not pass away during the bloodletting, showing that his blood contains no dangerous amount of poison." Maester Gyraedin speaks hurriedly, hoping to set everything straight for a streamlined discussion as he sits back. His voice as Maester is now unnecessary since the rest of the discussion falls out of his expertise and conscience.
"We should not push the issue too far." Kykarth Kasten laments, trying to assure that all discussed up until now would not be thrown away by unnecessary recklessness. "An amiable offer was extended, we cannot afford to lose it."
"Be that as it may, they have cost us quite a lot. They brought their political issues on our soil, costing us a village, human life, and how much more we will have to pay simply to provide for our army." Talada Jivalidin rebukes the representative of the nobility who seemed too keen to sweep everything under the rug. Something she could not allow as head administrator, it was her duty, her task to at least regain some of the cost. "They must do something to lighten the burden, there has to be a limit. We cannot allow outsiders of any kind to simply walk over us, the coffers and the people will not hold up. Have you listened to the melancholy sound the street carries nowadays? A considerable amount of important taxpayers and merchants are reconsidering their business allocations here. If we do not respond firmly then we will lose them."
"Even more reason to invest in the guard. To create a new regiment capable of inspiring confidence and safety in the people." The young guard's captain protests, bringing up an issue they had in the past. The issue any project has, how much is the end goal worth. During his project, it became more and more difficult to receive any backing from Talade Jivalidin. Something paramount when establishing his new guard. Every time he thinks about it, that same feeling as if robbed returns. Sometimes even making it hard to sit at the same table.
"Well, your proposition lacked execution. Your idea to inspire the landless nobility to take arms with this new guard was admittedly interesting. Whilst the beginning generations are so granted for understandable reasons, their descendants oftentimes live in debt. Taking loans they cannot afford before selling the name to merchants or others willing to pay. My personal opinion on the matter lies that we should scrap the practice entirely, but I understand that nobility is a sought-after goal." Talade Jivalidin replies going off-topic, proving that she does completely understand the young guard's captain's proposal. Making sure that he cannot interject with any needless accusation that will further derail this meeting. "The re-establishment of the historical, "The Titled Legion" has if actually possible its merits. It would allow an occupation to those landless nobles, which would fit "their status." However, I must remind you there is a reason they haven't been around since the united Arazwentia kingdom." Talade Jivalidin finishes her thought on the matter, allowing his opponent the chance to speak. The fact that she was allowed to speak this much already shows that he's not well versed in the art of politics. If one wishes to deconstruct another's point of view then they must do so at every small detail. To dislodge the foundation with doubt, otherwise it will be difficult to find fault that does not simply seem petty.
"Yes…. I know…. I know…. But we should change something. I was trying to better our security." The young guards captain laments in a nearly whimpering tone.
"Aren't you being too harsh, Talade? If you hadn't drastically decreased your funding the idea might have worked, after all." Kykarth intervenes, coming to the aide of the young guard's captain that he helped into the council.
"Of course you would say such a thing."
"Am I wrong? The landless nobles are far better trained and have a simple motivation. Even if the initial attempt has flaws, it should not mean discarding the entire idea." Kykarth responds, forcing Talade to look at the three other uninvolved council members for their opinion. More specifically Brandubh and Hedera, since Gyreadin will most likely no longer interject himself in the conversation.
"There is currently one Sopoir raiding our coastline. Kidnapping fisher families and travelers that strayed too much from the path." Branduhb suddenly announces, the crow nestled on his shoulder cackling softly as if amused by the scenario. The crow beaked mask he wears crucial when he's discussing matters of this importance. It is after all harder to read one when he has no face to read off. "I've personally offered one of the party members to go deal with the issue. He's a skilled enough mage for the matter."
"Will he do it?" Hedara asks.
"Honestly he seems in two minds of the matter. At one hand I've been quite persuasive at the other he seems doubtful if he's capable of doing so. But if we could instead of just one, send his entire party and perhaps some reinforcements."
"Such as "The Titled Legion." Which can use this campaign to entice the idea to the populace and the other nobles." Hedara adds on, realizing why the sly spy master suddenly brought up one of his personal escapades.
"What if we lose?" Talade Jivalidin asks the crucial question. Confused why both Hedara and Brandubh seemed so convinced that victory was inevitable.
"Would you be more at ease if we added some paladins to the mix?" Hedara asks, her own question already determining that the next question in their minds will be "How would we do this?" It was as evident as dawn coming after night. "It seems another party member has history with the central holy empire's paladins. The blond haired one called, Cristal. It's not the first time such a request has reached and considering that their last names are the same. It could prove to be a familial spat, one most likely searching for amends."
"We don't know that."
"We do." Brandubh responds to Talade Jivalidin's last protest as she simply nods. Having no complaints anymore. An assembled force of a capable adventuring party with an apparently high ranking mage, trained soldiers and paladins will more than likely be able to deal with a band of slave raiders. Even more so since it can't be an incredible high amount since the front is still in a stand-off.
"Well then, spymaster. Since you've already proposed it once, you can do it again." Hedara orders as the meeting is nearly done. The only things remaining are things not worth for a spymaster to be part of as he stands up and lets the other council members continue the legislation they so adore.