Canalis listened to Adelaida tell them her opinion. He couldn't help but smile through the entire speech, but not out of malevolent thougths. He wanted to know how others would react to the situation, and who would be the first to try and establish a dominant position first. It seems like they had a winner in the form of this young lass. Canalis caressed his beard once Adelaida finsihed talking, contemplating how to react to her proposal. It is indeed true that he had extensive military knowledge, but in matters so similar to what Saqquar has had to deal with in the future, it is entirely feasible that he would be more useful when searching for diplomatic options. But overall, such segregation could only lead to less useful ideas. He shook his head and then spoke up.

[color=fff200]"Great Emperor, and esteemed advisors of the realm, I wish not to sound rude but splitting up would be quite the opposite of our purpose here. We are supposed to put our knowledge together, as I'm sure I could've sent military plans for the Emperor all the way back from Saqquar. Thought it is undoubtedly for the better that we all focus on our own areas of expertise and not speak out of turn, great diplomats could have excellent strategies, and generals are often snake tounged."[/color] He looked around the room, to see the reactions of others, in particular those of Tirgana and Oldavan. They were the ones he had to impress, and not necessarely the others. [color=fff200]"I would not be here had I no idea about diplomacy. I donn't consider myself a particularly talented individual in this area, but I have read a lot of history books. And I believe that these books have the answer we seek."[/color]

Canalis turned towards the emperor, bowing ever so slightly. [color=fff200]"Your Majesty, I don't doubt your knowledge of the grand provinces, but hope that I'm not wrong in assuming that you've only briefly heard the name of Imam the Benevolent."[/color] He stopped for a second, letting everyone colelct their thoughts on the subject. [color=fff200]"It was after hundreds of years of warfrare that the first of the Imam line united our nation. When he was crowned, he had problems very similar to yours my lord. He too was young, and many refused to follow his commands. Instead of warfare however, he stayed true to the Halconics and solved the issue with diplomacy. He landed princes and lords in return of royal service. But I think that we will not require to give away land. The Empire stands strong, and many nobles will be reminded of their loyalty to your bloodline by simple acts of "gratitude" for their long service, if you give them some titles. Nothing that needs to be too important, but they will surely think of it as a great honor to serve the new emperor, even if in reality their influence hasn't changed. This will undoubtedly quell the need of some lords but not all."[/color]

He turned towards Oldavan, looking into his eyes for a few seconds before continuing his speech. [color=fff200]"Thought what I said may be disputed in our case, since we know not of their needs, I am sure about one thing: no lord would be happy to raise their levies and march against their own kin, especially not so early into your reign. You must act strong my emperor, but I feel that a military intervention will cause nothing but more harm to your name and the empire. If possible we should solve these with gifts and kind words, instead of cold steel."[/color] With his speech finished, Canalis sat down, and glanced over at Inwint, whose opinion he was very itnerested in.