Like any admirable father should. [Richard could understand this. Their presence in this physical realm was only a brief one, barely a heartbeat in the eyes of time. What mattered was the legacy they would leave behind and how would their stories to be passed. That was, after all, one way to enter to eternity.

He smiles politely and moves to grab the glass, holding it up in another raising it in a toast.]

To loyalty. Although for my brother that is too late. A mysterious illness took him grave far too early. Now my services lie with his young sons. [Then he brings the glass back to his lips, sipping the warm liquid now with more ease. It's strange. He could feel the effects of it in his body, flushing his cheeks and making his arms feel heavy, but at the same time the bitter kick of the alcohol helped him to keep him awake and mind focused on the topic at the hand, dullying the calls of the forest for now.

The mention of him making a move earns a light chuckle from him.] You have already seen the resolve of my soul marked on my flesh. [The burnt tissue on his left arm. Yet another trick he had used to deceive the eyes of the God.]

With the absence of power structure that would appear the way to start. Aside from the council your biggest opponent lies in the mind of the people. Once you have their support the power will come to you.