Lord Vorlag Ironclaw, ruler of Draventhall, regarded the emergence of Caeloria with a characteristic blend of gruff practicality and strategic foresight. While the other monarchs grappled with the emotional aftermath of the war and the nuanced political implications, Vorlag's focus remained firmly rooted in the tangible – the security of his borders, the flow of trade, and the strengthening of the Concord's defenses against any future darkness.
The fall of Selene and the rise of Elara and Kaelen were, in Vorlag's eyes, a new set of variables in the ever-shifting equation of power. Sentimentality held little sway in the mountain halls of Draventhall; what mattered was strength, stability, and mutual benefit. Caeloria, though ravaged, represented both a potential vulnerability and a new opportunity.
Vorlag dispatched his own delegation to the Citadel of Dawn, a contingent led by his most astute trade envoy, Master Smith Borin Stonehand, and his most seasoned military strategist, General Greta Ironfist (no relation to Vorlag, but a warrior of formidable reputation). Their instructions were clear: assess Caeloria's immediate needs, evaluate its long-term potential, and identify areas where Draventhall's expertise and resources could be mutually beneficial.
Borin Stonehand, a shrewd negotiator with an eye for opportunity, focused on the economic landscape of the nascent kingdom. He observed the damaged infrastructure, the disrupted trade routes, and the Caelorians' urgent need for raw materials and skilled labor. He saw a potential market for Draventhall's sturdy tools, its expertly crafted building materials, and the unmatched skill of its artisans. He initiated preliminary discussions with Elara and Kaelen's nascent council, proposing trade agreements that would provide Caeloria with essential goods in exchange for future resources and a stable trading partnership.
General Greta Ironfist, a pragmatist in all matters of defense, assessed Caeloria's strategic vulnerabilities. The blighted lands remained a potential conduit for lingering Skarnwraith activity, and the weakened state of Caeloria's military made it reliant on the support of the Concord. Greta offered Draventhall's expertise in fortification and siege weaponry, proposing joint efforts to reinforce Caeloria's borders and establish early warning systems against any resurgence of the undead. She also emphasized the importance of a unified defense strategy within the Concord, advocating for standardized training and communication protocols to prevent the kind of internal treachery they had witnessed.
Vorlag, back in Draventhall, carefully considered the reports from his envoys. He saw the potential for a strong, stable Caeloria to serve as a vital buffer against the blighted south, protecting the other kingdoms. A prosperous Caeloria would also be a reliable trading partner, providing Draventhall with access to resources and markets. His pragmatism dictated that supporting Caeloria's recovery was not merely an act of goodwill, but a sound strategic investment.
He issued decrees within Draventhall, directing his forges to allocate a portion of their production to tools and building materials destined for Caeloria. He authorized the dispatch of skilled miners and stonemasons to aid in rebuilding efforts, viewing it as an opportunity to establish strong ties with the new kingdom. He also ordered General Greta to coordinate with Vaelorin and Ulvaren on joint border patrols and the establishment of defensive fortifications along Caeloria's southern borders.
Vorlag's approach was not without a degree of self-interest. He understood that a weakened Caeloria would be a liability, a potential drain on the Concord's resources. By actively contributing to its recovery, Draventhall would not only strengthen the alliance but also secure its own long-term interests in the region.
He also recognized the unique dynamic between Elara and Kaelen. A Vaelorin ruling alongside an Ulvaren was an unprecedented development, one that could potentially bridge the historical divide between their kingdoms. Vorlag saw the strategic advantage of this alliance, a potential for greater stability in the north and a stronger, more unified Concord overall. He sent a personal message to Elara and Kaelen, offering Draventhall's unwavering support and emphasizing the importance of a strong and unified front against any future threats.
Draventhall's pragmatism extended to the lingering threat of dark magic. While Vorlag remained wary of arcane solutions as primary weapons, he recognized the potential value of Solmorae's wards and Nytheris's celestial insights in bolstering their defenses. He authorized a contingent of Draventhall engineers to work alongside Solmorae mystics, seeking practical applications for their protective enchantments in fortifying key locations within Caeloria. He also allocated resources to support Nytheris's continued research into the weaknesses of the Skarnwraiths, viewing any knowledge that could aid in their permanent eradication as a valuable asset.
In the mountain halls of Draventhall, the emergence of Caeloria was not met with sentimental pronouncements or emotional declarations. Instead, Lord Vorlag Ironclaw and his council focused on practical solutions, strategic partnerships, and the tangible benefits of a stable and secure southern border. Draventhall's pragmatism, though seemingly devoid of overt emotion, was a cornerstone of the Concord's strength, a steady and reliable force focused on building a secure future for all the kingdoms, including the newly risen Caeloria. Their support was not merely an act of charity, but a calculated investment in the long-term stability and prosperity of the region, ensuring that the hard-won victory against the Shadow Queen would not be in vain.