This one one would throw himself in at the deep end it seemed, Alfen smiled to herself as young Lord Gyre laid out his own plans for the future. An inexperienced young man, suddenly thrust into the place of a duke and already aiming for higher places in the world. Inexperienced certainly but then could anyone ever be ready to be king? Already he'd offered some kind of answer that could satisfy each member of this assembly, although Anfel was skeptical of just how openly he'd offered up the place of [i]spymaster[/i]. Somehow she always imagined such a thing being more unofficial and... cloak and dagger in delivery.

[i]'To be the official chancellor though.'[/i] She thought to herself. That had a nice ring to it. 

In most things his plans for the future seemed the same as Aldwyn who she'd hurriedly cast her support behind if only to try and stanch the swiftly mounting support for House Conrad. Support that had collapsed in moments. [i]'Look at us all, and people trust us to run a country.'[/i] It all seemed quite mad under even a little scrutiny. 

Yet did she also not put some faith in Aldwyn himself? He had proven himself a worthy duke, a skilled governor and if word was to be believed he was something of an amateur detective. 

Yet the only thing they truly did differ on besides was their approach to the southern menace and even then by very little. Both were willing to be swayed by more seasoned generals and Anfel held little doubt that the tactics offered in this meeting would be altered come the next day and even more so when whatever fresh attacks were actually undertaken. 

"Well you've each certainly given us all some difficult choices to make." Anfel said quietly at last. "Lord Alaric, you've given an impassioned argument and shown an apt willingness to make use of the skills of others, an applaudable trait in a leader and in one so fresh to power and command. But for me experience must win out over heart. I apologise, Sir, but my support remains with Duke Gerantis." She finished solemnly. 

"Though My dears, James and Aldwyn," She added with a mischievous smile, lightly tossing her braid back behind her neck. "I would recommend that should either of you ascend to the throne then then you would be better off bringing Lord Gyre here as one of your advisers, unless you would care to earn my ire before the crown is even on your head." She sipped her wine and gave each of the older two men a mock scowl from over the glass' top. 

It wouldn't have done for Anfel to change her vote. It was a close thing between the two dukes that had garnered her favour, a close thing indeed. But she would not have it said that house Allard was a fickle brood, prone to switching their support on a flight of fancy. Or splitting votes wantonly. Still her eyes went wandering and found their way back to Alaric Gyre. There was a lot of potential in that one... however this vote went Anfel didn't doubt she'd be dealing with that one soon after.

(Anfel vote goes to Aldwyn Gerantius)