"What would it say to the other nations we've fought against as the right of passage for our kids? You think they'll take the news with a warm heart? With a laugh to commend our actions? Don't be silly."
"The aggressive Tidecallers letting outsiders go unpunished will only send a single message. We're weak."
His eyes roved around his fellow elders, taking in their expressions. They could see what he was talking about. He was slowly swaying them to his side.
"We've waged wars against these nations, Shai. And if we show even a hint of weakness here, they'll exploit it. They'll come in their numbers, hoping to wipe us out all at once."
"This isn't a fairytale, my fellow elders. It's a nightmare. And I hope you treat it as such or it would spell the doom of our civilization."
Silence filled the room as he finished his speech. The elders were processing his words, and he watched with inner glee as the hesitation in the room grew.
