What they're here for. To do the right thing. To protect the realm. [ Stannis does not sound as though he's scoffing those ideals, not really, but he doubts their conviction. Everything to fall into place. That he does dismiss with another pull of elfroot out of the ground. ]

Do you know what it takes to be part of a war? [ When the mages started their rebellion, he wonders if they knew what it took. Gold and bodies. Cogs in the machine, he once more says to himself. Those fully believing in their place rather than in the future, because those here -- he lifts his eyes up to scan the peaceful scenery -- will not always live to see it. ]