(The General-Kings (SIDE), Okeluiso, the capital of On’hino)

“[color=ed1c24]What reason do we have to pick apart rumors?[/color]” Thibault leaned back in his chair, rapping his fingers against the table’s surface. “[color=ed1c24]Do we have anything to support these claims? For all we know, it’s the ravings of a madman.[/color]”

“[color=00aeef]Our spies have confirmed that one of the Praelian villages was destroyed[/color],” Galedrith replied, “[color=00aeef]furthermore, it was indeed scorched to the ground.[/color]” He stood up, and walked behind Thibault’s seat; knowing full well that the Minister of Foreign campaigns despised it. “[color=00aeef]While I’m waiting for further information, think of what we could accomplish if we were to mount an assault from the Western front.[/color]” 

“[color=ed1c24]A big enough headache,[/color]” Thibault grumbled, “[color=ed1c24]since you know full well that the Praelian forces are no pushovers.[/color]”

“[color=00aeef]Of course, of course.[/color]” Galedrith approached a window; overlooking the Shining City from the peak that their council room resided in. “[color=00aeef]But, they’re the weakest they could have been. Still war-torn; encroached upon by Benaduza from the south; and then the On’hinian Royal Army, charging in from the West.[/color]”

“[color=fff200]A sound plan, but suppose we take Paelium by surprise.[/color]” Val slid a blue chip over the nation on the map spread on the table. “[color=fff200]How long would we hold it? Would their people submit to our authority? And who is to say they would not retaliate?[/color]”

Thibault folded his arms over his chest, and closed his eyes. “[color=ed1c24]I’ve done countless campaigns. My grandfather purged this land of the elves, my father purged it of barbarians, and I’ve purged it of invaders.[/color]” Opening his eyes, he stared at the blue chip. He was all too familiar with it. “[color=ed1c24]If we move forward with this, the rest of Erelith will see this as a true sign of aggression. Those  who side against us will boycott our goods, if not use them against us.[/color]” He stood up, and looked to Galedrith. “[color=ed1c24]What can we do with Carver?[/color]”

“[color=00aeef]The war hero.[/color]” Galedrith smirked.[color=00aeef] “A story we know all too well. I don’t suppose pinning a murder on him would be enough.[/color]” He approached Thibault, looking the General in the eyes. “[color=00aeef]If we find a way to break their leadership, what are they to do?[/color]”

“[color=fff200]And how do you think we would get close to him?[/color]” Val asked.

“[color=ed1c24]Either we side with Benaduza,[/color]” Thibault suggested, “[color=ed1c24]and step on his windpipe together, or we offer to help secure their southern border; a ‘token of initiative in the  dawn of a new alliance.[/color]’”

Galedrith raised a brow. “[color=00aeef]You almost sound like me, Thibault.[/color]” With a chuckle, he turned his gaze to Val. “[color=00aeef]Go to the Nobles. Have them send a diplomat to a ship. Thibault will have a small detatchment join for protection. Set sail for Benaduza.[/color]”

“[color=ed1c24]A small detatchment?[/color]” Thibault echoed.

“[color=00aeef]Don’t worry,[/color]” Galedrith assured him. “[color=00aeef]I’ll make sure it’s all you need.[/color]”

“[color=fff200]What of the Alnharte?[/color]” Val asked.

“[color=00aeef]When the spies find him, we’ll plan accordingly.[/color]” Galedrith moved towards the door. “[color=00aeef]Get to work.[/color]”

Thibault sighed, and lifted the blue chip off of the table; flipping it to reveal a metallic side. “[color=ed1c24]Faith by cloth; Honor by steel.[/color]”

(In the capital of On’hino, the General-Kings react to the information passed to them by their spies, that Praelium was attacked by an unnamed source; possibly barbarians. Speculating that such a weak force had the strength to make a dent in the renowned military nation, they begin to execute a careful plan to subjugate Praelium.)