Emancipation

[Corwin]

"And best to keep a professional army on retainer rather than worry with conscripts and what happens to them after," Seira agrees, nodding at Elle.

[Anastasia]

"It is expensive," Amaryl says, "In peacetime, many may object to the cost. The money can be used better, or others wish to line their own pockets."

A shake of Oberuth's head, "We have good people working on this, reliable. We-they do," he corrects himself.

[Corwin]

"The importance of money will shift within a generation," Seira predicts. "It'll have a different weight once it's used for luxuries and curios rather than daily life and sustenance. In fact, upkeep of a professional force might well become popular if a bit of prestige were tied to it. Perhaps some sort of sport or athletic competition that trained soldiers would be best fit to participate in?"

[Anastasia]

"That I don't believe," Oberuth shakes his head, "People will still want luxuries, still want things. Still want more."

Meanwhile, Amaryl clears her throat, "Regardless, it's good progress."

[Corwin]

"Prestige gained from sponsorship and the resultant bragging rights are another luxury," Seira clarifies. Even the gods do it, so it probably is true for a sufficiently uplifted Prime. "Amaryl's right, in any case. It's all great progress and reflects well on your efforts to leave a prosperous nation and world behind."

[Anastasia]

"We'll see in a decade," Oberuth agrees, "They know I'll be watching. You'll be watching, too."

"We all will," Elle says, looking out over at Balmuria. "We all will."

[Corwin]

"Watching and working from behind the scenes," Seira agrees, allowing Oberuth to add more information in case he wishes to share something else.

[Anastasia]

"Everything's set up to prosper." Oberuth finally says, "I've made sure your clerics, Alicia's clerics, Helm's and many more are in place to do as much good as they can. Like how the body can fight off disease."

[Corwin]

Seira nods.

I think we can move on. My next move is that I want to visit a place with Amaryl in Pallanth.

[Anastasia]

One thing first.

Once back you take a few minutes to sort things - nothing dreadfully interesting, simply day to day upkeep. By the time you finish, Elle speaks up, "Seira," she says, "Are you done?"

[Corwin]

"I'm never done! But I have a moment for you, always."

[Anastasia]

"It's about balance," Elle agrees, "I don't think I'll do what Donald did. I have enough and I have a balance with what I have."

[Corwin]

"I'd say it's your loss, but you'll always find a way to prosper, Elle!"

[Anastasia]

At this Elle smiles and offers you her hand, "We will, won't we?"

[Corwin]

Seira takes it with a grin.