After the words

[Iron Dragoon]

"Well, you'd know for sure, wouldn't you?"

Alyssa stares at him with a small grin.

[Anastasia]

"I preferred to put those who didn't want to lead in other roles, unless I had a choice," Jarem admits, smiling back. "But I had no shortage of leaders and a position to minimize political intrusions into that. There's a lot of smoke and shit said about the best leaders being those who don't seek it, and that's true as far as pure motives go. It's also completely wrong as far as competence goes. A leader who doesn't want to lead usually fails."

[Iron Dragoon]

"I don't think she's had any exposure to it, yet. She dreams of it, but... That's why I want it as a small group with someone who's experienced and knowledgeable enough to see it for what it is. A test. Trying the waters out, so to speak. And someone not stupid enough to undermine it."

[Anastasia]

"Then I'll take care of it," Jarem says, "What about Ianvasah, is she doing better?"

[Iron Dragoon]

"She is. We talked some and she got a better handle on why I did it. She didn't like it, but didn't disagree either.

Jarem, whoever you set Emily up with for this, let's make sure they get recognition for it. And speaking of, I want a list of your people who should get recognized. You and yours have been with us through a few skirmishes now. It's time they get the application they deserve.

Especially your engineers. They're helping design this place. It's not their usual tear down work, and that's exactly why they deserve it. I'm sure they enjoy building for once."

[Anastasia]

"I'll see to it. Some sort of medal would do," Jarem says, "Give it a proper name and make it sound worthwhile."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa back and gets a contemplative look.

"What if I want to make it more?"

[Anastasia]

"That would depend on what more is," Jarem asks right back. "Got a plan going in there, Alyssa?"

[Iron Dragoon]

"... Maybe. I'm building a community here. I want people invested. We have Shaundakul's faithful, but the Red Knights people... Well, they're a loaner group. I'd like to change that. Without stepping on the Red Knight's toes.

Their after life is hers, without a doubt. But what about your people's retirement? What do you think of a buy-in and award system? A plot of land, big enough for a house and small scale farming or workshop. They buy-in or get awarded it. They get the deed, but the kingdom holds it in trust. Until they're ready to settle in, the kingdom uses it as farm land. Whenever they return they're obligated to complete whatever harvest is on the land, then it's theirs outright.

As far as I'm concerned, they can even rent it out to a neighbor and split profits while they're still serving the Red Knight."

[Anastasia]

A consideration before, "A good plan, but not for mine. I don't want anything that complicates their fealty and loyalty to the Red Knight, no matter how well meaning."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa nods. "Fair enough. Medals, celebration, and maybe a small purse if we can find the funds, then. I have an idea for something else, but I'll have to clear it with our hosts first."

[Anastasia]

"Let me know the details." Jarem scratches at his throat before, "Was that book helpful for you? You spend awhile deep in it."

[Iron Dragoon]

"I'm considering allotting a plot for a temple to the Red Knight. But considering this place is a gift from Shaundakul and hosted in the Gates of the Moon... Need to clear it first.

As for the book... Yes. I figured out the process. I'm working on improving my chances, but it's looking very good."

[Anastasia]

"It's a big step: Are you ready for it?" Jarem asks, "It's the biggest step there is, and if you miss it I'm not sure you ever stop falling."

[Iron Dragoon]

"Sure I'll stop. Right when Shar destroys everything. So either I go for it or I wait and die anyway. Unless you've got some hidden middle ground somewhere?"