Melanie
John De Burgh
The Council Forum

 John expected nothing less than the conflict that had unfolded before him. He wondered if Geigor had seen a part of himself in Levi, or if it had not dawned on him that Levi is undergoing the same changes he experienced after meeting John all those years ago. Despite their differences, they were united in a ruthless pragmatism that pleased their Lord. To intervene in this clash of personalities would do their relationship a disservice, for how else could their relationship develop if not tumultuously. 

 Raising an eyebrow as Levi went for his bag, it was to John's surprise that it was not Geigor who was the first to attempt to discuss the motions of the rearguard. Amused, he angled his head to the table, giving the Marshall a smart glance before turning his attention to Levi. "The Westbrooks' host is small, numbering only a couple thousand." John said shortly, pointing to the mountains of Asairde where their family was housed. "Placing them in command of the rearguard is a test of their loyalty, and their competence. The Lord Westbrook is far too useful of a man to waste his days freezing atop the mountains, and the overwhelming sum of the men under his command will be my own." He lifted his finger, moving the area of focus North. "The Athmore faithful in Vivayn's territory are keeping him busy enough. If he were to be foolish enough to move south, he and his entire band of deplorables would find themselves surrounded on every front." John then looked to Geigor, silently requesting his input.
Ronald
```Geigor 'Ironhand' | The Council Forum```

The Marshall scrathced his old and pale scars again. Softly this time.

"I still believe there is nothing to lose by pushing the barbarian remnants into Vivayn's lands. Those that haven't joined Cortezial, that is," He glanced at Levi, then turned his head back to John. "It could help the Westbrook troops remain combat ready. If nothing else, it will be a show of force."
Carol
Levi Cortez
Northwind

"Problem with that idea is, you won't be able to force the Wolfmen to do anything. They are without their Alpha, their leader, and without that person they won't follow any orders. Only problem with finding a new alpha is, that person has to practically take on every single warrior within their ranks who wants a shot at becoming the new alpha. Tharn was so strong no one dared touch him, out of respect or fear. Possibly both." Levi said, before turning to John. 

"However, if you happened to find someone with potential to become the new leader, it wouldn't take much convincing to get them to claim the title. After all, it's just waiting on someone with the will to survive." Levi said, studying where John had pointed. 

"Have you visited the Westbrooks? Are their men even soldiers, or just farmers given swords and expected to fight?" Levi asked, folding up the map again and placing it back into the leather bag, before hooking the small pouch back onto his side.