Ragnar had been almost amused by the antics of Jarless Myriane. However the message he had sent her pricked at his interest. He would bite, but later when other ears were not around. During the the verbal jousting between the other Jarless at the table and the Steward Betil, Ragnar continued to refine and rethink his own a opinion, since it was a fool who held only a narrow view and did not adapt to suit the situation. However nobody truly put the killing argument into place. Of course Eyildr supported the elves. She had been suckilng at that teat for as long as he knew and she had, in fairness, been treated fairly and well. The dwarves were still an unknown faction to them. However Eyildr was blinded by her loyalty to the elves. This was no longer about what seemed to be the 'safest' choice for each of the holds but what could put the realm into a position of power. And still the problem of the pirates loomed with only a dedication of ships the precaution taken. The Moth priest had been correct in seeking his skill however he had wanted to wait for the king to ask.
"Jarless Eyildr, you speak of us attempting to curry favour with both realms, and in all honesty that was my first thought. However you are correct that this would only anger both for being used and lead to more trouble than siding with only one. However you are blinded by your loyalty to the elves to see that they are not all peaceful and friendly. You said so yourself that their barbed arrows would fly and that is not a friend you want to make essential. This is why if we must pick, we side with the dwarves. We are not going to swear fealty or make any sort of pact that leaves us open to their assaults and betrayal. And personally I would prefer to be independent from both. But we need to gold these stumps possess. The coffers are only now with gold only because of the gift they have bestowed on our king. You may be reliant on the elves and that is your own business but you are only one fief and cannot be allowed to dictate the entire nation on your own whim of safety. The nation needs gold right now to prepare for war, strengthen our economy and deal with these damn pirates. You are correct to say that gold is worthless in times of war, but during times of peace you need gold to prepare for war. If we were to side with the dwarves and your realm were to be attacked I would wholeheartedly swear my entire navy and army to your defense. You are not alone in this world and to think that by not siding with the elves would mean we would let you burn is a mistake. We must become a superpower again and that means exploiting the most valuable that we can find as well as protecting our own. I now ask that we take a break from our meeting. A certain individual may have let the wine get the better of her and I wish to discuss matters of the pirates in privacy with the council."
Ragnar stood to make his notion known.
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