David
Gray Tolbert
Zahrada, Astoria

Gray may have exaggerated on a few parts of his story, but it didn't seem to matter. The duchess only focused on one bit of it, it seemed. "I would appreciate it immensely if you and your council would consider me for the lordship of Stesk. I would not want this journey to be a waste after all that I've had to put behind. Additionally I'm looking forward to refamiliarizing myself with Stesk's population. We were friendly once, I hope to be again."

Gray began to think on his competitors, "If I may know, what is the basis for the claims of the other houses?"
Joseph
Anyanka Durkhan
Zahrada, Astoria

"Their claims come from families that have done what they could to serve and protect the community in the years after the fall." She said simply, moving to take a seat and gesturing for him to take the one on the other side of the table. 

"None have shone through, but it doesn't mean the right candidate for lordship hasn't already reached out." She paused, and glanced up at him, looking over his features. "Or is reaching out now."

"Tell me, Mister Tolbert, of your home and what draws you back to it?"
David
Gray Tolbert
Zahrada, Astoria

"It's a two story estate, my room and those of my immediate family were in the upstairs. The quarters of the servants were on the bottom, along with the kitchen, the dining hall, and the study. We weren't the richest of houses and only had a few servants, and they really just felt like extended members of the family, albeit a bit more responsibilities than the rest of us. I do miss the house, but what draws me back more than anything are the townspeople. Maybe it was only because I was above them but they were always the nicest folks, and I would like to have them be cared for again."
Joseph
Anyanka Durkhan
Zahrada, Astoria

The redhead pressed her lips together, her expression reading of sympathy. Whether or not the man's story was true was yet to be determined. And true, she didn't fault him for the mistakes his parents had made, the promise she'd made to Eric nearly two years ago itched in the back of her mind. 

_No nobles who left after the fall shall regain their old homes or territories._

Did that promise count towards the children of those nobles? Even if their claim was strongest?

"I'll have to bring your case before my council, I make no promises towards the outcome of your claim."
David
Gray Tolbert
Zahrada, Astoria

On the inside, Gray was rather perturbed that this did not go according to his plan. But as a lord, he's adept at bottling up his true feelings inside, and acting on the outside.

Keeping calm, Gray inquires "Thank you, though may I ask how long that will be? I haven't made any sort of plans for housing, and I wouldn't want to go back North or impose upon you."
Joseph
Anyanka Durkhan
Zahrada, Astoria

"By the end of the week, should no other pressing matters come up." She answered, and pushed a hand though her hair, letting out a huff of breath as she glanced towards the door they had opened. 

"For the time being you're welcome to reside here, if that's preferable to an inn somewhere in the city. I can have accommodations set up for you either way."
David
Gray Tolbert
Zahrada, Astoria

"I wouldn't want to be a burden on you or your household. Only if you're sure." He had to keep up his humble facade, and go against his own wishes. In truth Gray would like nothing more to put up in the duchess' keep than some inn in town.