The fate of a Knight

[Nandon]

The knight nodded in agreement with what all she had said. Both in what she had said about a relationship. And what she had said about the possibility of him meeting someone on the road.

He then had to think for a time, gaining a thoughtful look on his face as he wondered where to look for her.

"The last place I saw her was in draw Leona shortly after the city was captured. When I was getting the headaches..." William added the last part quietly. He was ashamed looking back that he had allowed himself to have his mind take over.

He turned and leaned against the frame of the window turning to face nasuada. "I would greatly appreciate any help you may be able to provide."

[Quetzal]

Nasuada heard the comment about headaches and assumed William was referring to the early stages of his being taken over by whatever had possessed him via that sword. That gave her a rough estimate of the time as well as the place. Dras Leona was a big city. It was easy to get lost in big cities. If Naomi had meant to not be found, she would not have much difficulty. People in big cities passed so many people each day that so long as she kept her head down, no one would even remember seeing her. Once people knew to look for her it would be harder. People might recognise her from posters and be enticed by any reward. No harm was intended towards the woman, of course, and perhaps something too public and obvious had too high a risk of people getting carried away and hurting her.

In the time that had elapsed since William's last sighting of her, his sister may have wandered across half of Alagaesia. She could be anywhere. If she had found herself a place in the middle of nowhere, some wildland, finding her would be a challenge. "I have to protect my people, don't I? And you're a friend, I can't refuse to help a friend when I have the means to help easily available. I think perhaps it is important too to have the guards doing a bit more than intimidating - they should help citizens out all over. Finding missing people should be one of those things." She was thinking aloud, but a guard system that acted more to help the general population as well as enforce the law wasn't a bad idea.

"I can ask around for any word of her. Where do you think she would go? Does she prefer towns, people, solitude, quiet villages? Does she move around often or does she like to settle down and get to know people?" she asked. All things that would help narrow the search down a bit by focusing on the most probable circumstance.

[Nandon]

"She likes people..." William muttered, He turned his head away for a moment, It wouldn't be proper for the queen, And his own Liege lady to see him overcome with emotion. He tactfully pretended to sneeze, and then cover said sneeze with his sleeve. He then used said sleeve to wipe at his eyes and clear them of the moisture that had appeared.

When he turned back his face was a bit more guarded. but it was still very plain how happy he was in the moment.

As he thought back to what she had stated about the guard system she planned to implement. "You will have to be careful. Not everyone is as Righteous as you my lady." He said with a soft smile. "Others are easily persuaded by coin. And with good reason if that is the only way they could support themselves or their family."

[Quetzal]

"Bless you," Nasuada said when William pretended to sneeze, though she had spent enough of her life reading people to see through it. Lords and generals were forever trying to hide things. One of the key games in politics was to notice things and pretend you hadn't so you could use it to your advantage whenever the moment was right. While she didn't plan on using anything William did against him, there was no way of turning off her constant watching people.

The knight raised a good point. "You are right, and bribery will be more persuasive with the guards than with the Empire ones under their oaths to Galbatorix. I shall have to regulate it somehow, while still allowing them to be happy with their jobs and able to support their families. You know soldiers better than I. Do you have any suggestions?" She asked. Everything would have to be discussed with others, of course, but it couldn't hurt to hear as many ideas as possible.

[Nandon]

William had a simple answer to that question. "Pay them well, equip them well, and why will they have a need to accept bribes?" He turned and leaned against the wall. "Pay them well so they can support themselves or their families without extra money on the side, equip them well so they have less worry about dying for what is right." He then thought more about it.

"The cities will require new guards. How about instead of dismissing most of the army. Perhaps convert them over to a guard force...those that are willing mind you."

"But of course some people are just greedy... So perhaps a bit monthly inspection of the guards, one that is kept a secret...after all if they know the bad guards will be on their best behavior."

[Quetzal]

Nasuada listened to his advice. Paying and equipping the guards well was something she intended to do anyway. Her main concern was that they might be happy with a little extra money on the side in addition to that to have some more spending money. People always wanted more money, however much they had. Some were good and stuck to their loyalty, others were more easily persuaded. Paying them well would still help. They would at least not need bribes to get by.

"That sounds like a good idea. The Varden's armies have been loyal and worked hard, I owe it to them to not abandon them now I have what I wanted. I shall offer them all whatever employment they desire, in whatever area they are most skilled in or most enjoy, provided their new bosses approve of them. They can work in their hometowns if they wish to return to them. I wouldn't dream of forcing them to do anything, that was why we got rid of Galbatorix. A secret inspection will surely help too, thank you," she said. William knew his stuff. He might make a good Captain of the Guard if that weren't so risky with the elves deeming him an evil man. If he had power, how would the elves respond? Besides, he had personal matters to attend to.

((Should we wrap this up soon? I can't think of much more to have happen))

[Nandon]

Yeah....guess so :/ I've enjoyed this thread...oh well, let's just wrap it up in the next few posts)

William nodded his head slightly as she thanked him. "Not a problem at all my lady..." He was then silent, hoping she may ask him something else, he was enjoying the conversation. But also her company.

When she didn't ask him anything else he sighed slightly. "I suppose I should be going then...I should start looking for my sister..." He remained in his place for a moment, once again not wanting to leave. But he had to, so he moved and took a couple of steps away, pausing briefly as a thought crossed his mind. He then muttered something and turned, retracing the steps he had just taken to face nasuada.

Then he gave her a big hug.

Perhaps not the most courtly thing to do, but oh well.

"Thank you my lady...for everything..."

[Quetzal]

"Yes, I suppose you should..." Nasuada didn't know what else to say. She couldn't offer any more advice and she had already offered what aid she had at her disposal to provide. The political situation regarding William did not allow her to offer him significant positions, but in time she hoped he proved himself enough for the elves to not disagree if she considered him for a post in future. Perhaps once he found his sister. She had to get back to her own duties before long anyway.

The hug took her completely by surprise. Nearly everyone she interacted with was not much of a hugger. Diplomats, political figures, nobles, scholars and people in power were too serious and professional for hugs. Warriors were too tough. Her friends were all these sorts of people. After a moment of shock, she smiled and hugged back. It was nice to enjoy embracing a friend, especially since it might be a while before they saw each other again. "Thank you too, William. Your efforts in the war are hugely appreciated. You gave a lot to the Varden and to Alagaesia. You've passed on your knowledge to a lot of our soldiers, even bringing the girl Isyrida to the level she was suitable as a Rider. You'll always be welcome with us. Goodbye, and good luck. I hope we can see each other again before too long." Nasauda said sincerely.