POV: Arati Caesonia Lucassen

Location: Meeting Room

NA/06/01

[https://i.imgur.com/DADVvBU.jpg]

Looking up from her papers at the sound of a map being unfurled, Arati saw Lord Rameckers unfurling a map of Firrosia. Looking over the map she found the area of uncertainty that represented where a hero was thought to be summoned. A slight frown appeared on Arati's face upon seeing the larger than expected area of uncertainty.

Why is it so large? I can see the original estimate but it is much larger than it should be; it even covers two island paths.

Going back to her papers Arati quickly flipped through them seeing if they provided any clarification on this issue. After searching through both the original stack and the new one which had appeared while she was distracted she had some new information but not what she wanted.

So they didn't give me information on the biggest issue. This is a test. Everything's a test, Dammit they want me to start off. The conversation it's probably that damn butler's idea.

Stealing herself. She decided to get it out of the way and start off the conversation.

Why is the area of uncertainty so large compared with the original estimate?

I.R: After comparing data from all sources, it was determined that the summoning was unstable thus increasing the area of uncertainty by a good margin. This has been confirmed by Lord Ratnam and Lord Shelomit.

She's smiling good, I must be doing something right. What next? They're probably expecting me to take a partial lead to show my capability. What should I talk about? Wait The next major concern is locating the potential hero. No wait. There was a report in documents about the search. What else could I talk about?

Arati was suddenly pulled from her constipation by her mentor taking over the conversation.

H.R.K: Given that our defenses have already been breached, should we reinforce them or to prepare for battle.

P.S.M: I believe we could do both. We already have plans here to reinforce our defenses and while one of us focuses their efforts on that, the others can prepare for the potential invasion.

I.R: I agree dividing the workload as such could provide great benefit.

Quickly searching through the provided papers Arati finds the proposed plan and looks to her mentor for permission. A slight nod from Ratnam signals her permission.

Since the plan was suggested by Lord Ratnam I believe it would be best if we handle reinforcing our defenses.

I.R: I agree that Lord Ratnan is the best choice for reinforcing our defenses however, we have yet to discuss how to handle you and your fellow sub lord Mr. Fevronia if the treaty is truly broken.

How is the treaty not already broken? They are summoning heroes within our territory.

P.S.M: This is due to a weakness in the enemy's means of travel. summoning a hero takes a lot of energy and is not 100% guaranteed to reach their intended destination in truth, only about 93% of summonings result in a hero reaching their intended destination assuming no defenses against summoning are in place. Furthermore, we are at the border and thus the possibility exists that all these incursions are merely a sign of increased travel. Either way we need to plan for the future. This involves ensuring our defenses are adequate and your future.

I.R: I believe that brings us to our next topic of discussion. What to do if the treaty is broken?

H.R.K: Aside from holding the line, I believe it is best we send our apprentices elsewhere.

P.S.M: Why send them away when they can aid in our defense.

H.R.K: Their inexperience in War will not aid us in holding the line and might become an issue, especially since they will be pressured to take aggressive action when unnecessary. I think it would be best if they were sent to a secure location.

They're sending me away just because I'm inexperienced!

I.R: I agree, but sending them to safety behind our lines may not be the best for their development. That aggression could be used to great effect.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

P.S.M: Are you suggesting having them take offensive action against the enemy?

I.R: Yes, I believe it would be the best thing for them.

Why do you believe it would be best for me to attack the enemy while you hold the line?

I.R: Our options for dealing with the proposed issue are either to have you retreat past our line of defense so you can grow and strength to one day aid us, or let you and in our defense by drawing the enemy's Attention away from our strongholds. When considering your safety, having you retreat behind our lines is the safest option. However, this does not account for political and territorial issues. If you were to retreat you would face pressures that would force you into subservience and prevent you from developing your own territory. If you were to take the fight to the enemy you would have the opportunity to expand your territory on your own, while gaining experience in a conflict of this scale. Also The Accord heavily supports this practice you will likely be left to secure territory gained by not only yourself but other Lords as well. This will give you a favorable position when negotiating with other Lords not to mention the potential favors gained from such a position.

P.S.M: Also you should remember one of us will be accompanying you in either scenario, unless you have your own castle.

H.R.K: All right, I think that is enough lecturing from you too. I'll go over why this is important with her. Later for now, let's get back to the topic of what we should do with our apprentices if the treaty is broken. I think we should send them to safety while we hold the front.

P.S.M: I think it would be better for them to get some actual experience instead of being sidelined.

H.R.K: So we use them as cannon fodder instead.

P.S.M: No they would be my backup while we take the fight to the enemy.

I.R: No fighting in my castle.. Now I think it would be best if we start the war with a counter attack. This will put us in an advantageous position, since the bulk of The Alliance's forces are too far from the front to prevent the first line from collapsing.

P.S.M: So we're counter attacking.

I.R: Yes and I agree that you should lead the attack. I have no doubt you already have contingencies for this scenario.

P.S.M: I do and I have the resources necessary to facilitate my charges escape.

H.R.K: Does this escape plan ensure their safety?

P.S.M: Not entirely but if they tread lightly it gives them the best possible chance.

H.R.K: Fine.. who will be in charge of your territory while you're taking the fight to the enemy.

P.S.M: You will my dear after all, after all you are geographically the closest.

I.R: And who will be your liaison.

P.S.M: Suzanne Bolette and her second is Heimir Sigihard…

they're looking at me like they want something. What do they want me to do? I missed something.. oh wait they were talking about their liaisons wait I should have a liaison to handle my territory while I'm away.. Farruh Is too brash, Gevorg? no he's too indecisive. Perhaps

H.R.K: It's okay if you don't have a representative ready but I will need that information by the end of the week.

Thank you, I will have my representatives ready before the end of the week.

I.R: Great! Now does anyone have any grievances with planning some joint training exercises, next month.

P.S.M: No

H.R.K: No

No

I.R: Okay so next month we will have a joint training exercise. Does anyone have anything else to discuss before we get back to work…

After looking around the room to see if anyone was going to respond, lord Rameckers nodded and proceeded to leave the meeting room. Before Sub Lord Caesonia could leave Lord Shelomit signaled that he wished to speak to her.

P.S.M: We need to discuss your training.

What about my training?

P.S.M: where it will continue of course, given the situation, you and most of your troops will need to move into my castle.

But I have to maintain my territory. How will I do that from your castle?

P.S.M: Why through your representatives. This is an excellent opportunity to ensure they are up to snuff. While ensuring you are at hand in case of any issues. Also, it will be essential for our armed forces to have experience working together.

Okay, how long do I have to prepare?

P.S.M: You have until we leave, Lord Rothman's domain.

You're giving me only a day and a half to prepare!

P.S.M: Yes, after all if you are prepared for everything then you are never surprised.

And with that Lord Shelomt quickly left the room while suppressing a smirk.