[center][b][h1]The Rise of the Second Kingdom of Osteria[/h1][/b][/center]

[center][b][h2]The Rise of the Snake [/h2][/b][/center]

As James sat hearing the pledges of lord around the room meanwhile refusing to eat the food of Lord Aldywn for fear of tampering and the distrust of open pride that came from the Lord. As the Lords and Lady gave their differing support and ideals James listened intently specifically to that Lord Jerran who had seen the war first hand and they had worked together on the King’s council previously. Eventually Lord Marek and the others decided to question the legitimacy of the himself and Lord Aldywn and why they were most deserving of the Kingship. 

Though James prefered to listen and see the responses as well as hear his opponent's own thought Lord Aldywn was more than willing to give out his plan wholeheartedly.  First declaring that he’d of course avenge our late lord and defeat the orcs of the Blackmouth, and while James did believe the orcs needed to pay he knew the realm wasn’t ready for war and that winter and food shortages would soon be upon them. Those reasons were of course James’ own thoughts when the King demanded a crusade. Furthermore the Duchess Anfel the half-elf brought up the issue of our relations with dwarves and elves. Though she was the most beautiful of anyone he had ever seen, James simply say the elves as a useless species who prefers to remain in the past rather than industrialize of course the dwarves have their faults, without them James would be a poor soul forced to steal, kill or other in order to survive. Lord Aldywn’s response on the matter of course agreed that we’d need the be more open to our neighbors even though James thought he was simply giving hold for support something in the Lord’s eye made it seem honest.

After a few short moments of silence James stood up dressed in his fine clothes of rich material. “[i]While our king did indeed die at the hand of the damned orcs and our own beliefs should of course tell us revenge is the only answer. However, as councilor I was against the action of invasion we were too ill-equipped our own Lord Jerran can testify to that I’m sure. Furthermore, winter is to be upon us soon and I’m sure many lands including my own of the summit will be in dire need of food that there will be barely enough to send supplies to our soldier. As such I’d recommend a time of defense and waiting preparing ourselves rather than outright suicide.[/i]” 

James gave a slyish smile to Lord Aldwyn before turning to Duchess Anfel. “[i]Duchess, much like your own relation with that of the elfs, I too hold a close relation to that of the dwarves within the mountain peaks of the summit. That isn’t to say we hold some uneasy hostilities with them, but for now it’s a prosperous peace and I see no reason in changing that, thus why I’d be tentatively open to increasing our relations but I of course would see no reason to become hostile against either.[/i]” James raised his glass of near empty wine to her giving her a nod before confronting the crowd as a whole.

“[i] My fellow, lords while I acknowledge my background to be somewhat shady, I can assure you all. I only have interest in this kingdom as a whole. My family has been the oldest to serve Osteria, I myself served on the King’s council often stating the truth even if it was against the king’s own words. While I Aldwyn offers revenge I offer strategy, Lord Aldwyn offers diplomacy, I proclaim patience. For too long we have focused on the external threats and duties of the empire. It is time to focus on our internal strifes and uniting the kingdom behind one ideal and one force. Should I of course be passed over, I will be the first to bend my knee to whomever the new King maybe for I am at your mercy.[/i]” James gave a sincere smile to all of them raising his drink before swallowing a gulp and sitting back down ever so humbly.