(Carver Pentaghast (Main), House of Decus in the capital of Great Praelium)

[color=00a651]"This could mean war, Lord Tyrannus!"[/color] A Dec slammed his fist at his desk. [color=00a651]"We've lost an entire village and we haven't got a clue from whom!"[/color]

Carver's brow furrowed, frustrated with the Dec's aggressive tone. It seemed that the man only wanted to talk about sending scouts to all over the continent, searching for a reason to go to war. The last thing Carver wanted was to mobilize his forces against any of the other countries. To attack one would mean to open up a weak side to another. The On'hinians were warmongers, and although Praelium had no provoked them, he wouldn't be surprised if they were to launch an attack whilst they were weak. Benaduza was one riot short from a shattered nation, and it wouldn't be long before someone would try to make Praelium their home if they were weak. And last but not least, the warring tribes to the north. Their defense against them was constant, and were the tribes given one tiny advantage, Praelium would surely lose too many good soldiers.

[color=00aeef]"We'll look into it, but there is no reason to snoop around other empires."[/color] Carver said with a stern look to the outspoken Dec. [color=00aeef]"To send scouts to other countries would only cause us to look worse in the eyes of other nations. And that's the last thing we need right now."[/color]

[color=00a651]"We already look bad, Lord Tyrannus,"[/color] The Dec said smugly. [color=00a651]"Having our people burned to the ground by seemingly absolutely nothing? We look weak!"[/color]

[color=0054a6]"Then that's their mistake for thinking that!"[/color] Claudius almost seemed to roar at the Dec, causing the season veteran to flinch. [color=0054a6]"If they come to our land, that's their loss for fighting our people. They underestimate the power of Praelium if they set foot in our territory."[/color]

Carver nodded. [color=00aeef]"Claudius is correct. If they come here, we will end them. Until then, we play the defense. I want to at least have to sides of our country not under constant threat of attack before we leave ourselves defenseless."[/color]

[color=00a651]"You doubt our might!"[/color]The outspoken Dec laughed. [color=00a651]"We could easily win a war while maintaining a defense on our borders. Benaduza is only a potential threat! It isn't even real!"[/color]

[color=00aeef]"I value our people, Dec,"[/color] Carver's fist clenched and teeth gritted. [color=00aeef]"We could win the war without a doubt, but at what cost? Half our army? For our nation to survive, our people need to survive. Do you care not for our people?"[/color]

The Dec's laughter stopped. [color=00a651]"That is not what I meant sir," [/color]He looked towards the ground, sheepishly. [color=00a651]"I was merely trying to-"[/color]

[color=00aeef]"Make us lose an entire generation of Praelium citizens."[/color] Carver waved his hand at the Dec, dismissing any further statements he had to make. [color=00aeef]"We keep our investigation local and tighten up forces around borders. Allow former citizens under the age of thirty to rejoin our forces to boost numbers. Opposed?"[/color]

The House of Decus responded with silence, and Carver nodded his head.

[color=00aeef]"Council dismissed. The forces that burned our village down will be stopped, but without enticing a war against all the other countries. We all know it would take a simple gust of wind to send them into chaos."[/color]

The House chuckled and all left for their separate ways. Carver sat down in his chair at the head of the House, rubbing his temples. Claudius made his way to the troubled Tyrannus.

[color=0054a6]"Excellent decision, sir." [/color] Claudius patted Carver on the back. [color=0054a6]"It would look bad if we sent scouts out to countries we are trying to make alliances with."[/color]

Carver looked up to his right hand man and cracked a weak smile.

[color=00aeef]"Ah, if only politics was as easy as slaying a bear right?"[/color] Carver chuckled, but he turned his head and began to stare out into nothing. [color=00aeef]"Dominus wanted to talk to me..."[/color]

Claudius a little, surprised at what Carver had just said. The House of Dominus had never spoken to the Tyrannus before, except to usurp them. But that was usually right before their body was burned with a spell of fire.

[color=0054a6]"Dominus? What do they want?"[/color]

[color=00aeef]"Private Tryannus buisness!"[/color] Carver voice tried to be light and his faint grin returned for a moment. However, it ultimately failed and he could not hide the weariness in this voice. His eyes were still locked into nothingness. 
[color=00aeef]"All they told me was that it was urgent and it involved business from the past."[/color]

[color=0054a6]"I'm sure it will all be fine, Carver."[/color] The dragonborn tried to reassure him, but even he knew that it was bad news when Dominus was intervened for anything.

[color=00aeef]"I'll drop you off at the palace, and then I'm off to Dominus,"[/color] Carver said, slowly standing up and making his way towards his coach. He stopped in the archway and turned around to Claudius. He cracked a smile. [color=00aeef]"And you're right. It will be fine. What's the worse that could happen? They tell use a giant, flaming rock will fall from the sky, crushing all of Praelium?"[/color]