Ashli
**
Taedra Westbrook
Barrmount Manor
**
Taedra stayed a respectable distance back, with Thierou a footfall behind her to her left as they moved through the home into the room that had been prepared for their arrival. "We haven't had the opportunity to see much of it, but so far it's been pleasant enough." She told her truthfully. A maid was waiting in the room when they arrived, and the brief interaction between the Lady and servant made Taedra curious if it was normal behavior or put on for their sake. 

The Barrmount's weren't particularly well known in their part of the world, or at least they hadn't been on the radars of the heirs. Thierou's knowledge had been the most extensive, and even that didn't provide them with much information without reaching out to their father to fill in the blanks. Taedra was, as always, more focused on internal affairs. With the war going on, she thought it best to be _very_ aware of what was happening in their own backyard. 

But the letters from other Houses couldn't be ignored, and Taedra was all too aware of her fathers belief that the gods had plans for her outside of their own mountain keep. She didn't necessarily disbelieve that, but she felt it was the wrong time to branch out. Thierou had insisted on her sending a response, and to try her hand at diplomacy. 

"Nothing heavy, Lady Barrmount." Taedra insisted, when asked about the nature of the visit. "It's not a bad idea to get to know your neighbors, right?"
Angel
Lady Anna Barrmount
Barrmount Manor

Anna let out a slight sigh of relief. They seemed to be friendly enough. Her body relaxed as she took a sip. The taste of wine didn't often flood her tongue, just at formal events with her sister. She kept repeating in her head the instructions and advise her sister gave her. They needed allies, at all costs, no matter how huge or small. And given the information they knew at the manor about the Westbrooks, this opportunity couldn't be missed. 

"Indeed." She did a pause as she put the globet down, back on the table. She opened her mouth, ready to begin with the diplomatic talk, but something else crossed her mind: Sybil did it her way, and it worked, no doubt, but maybe Anna's way could also work. They seemed to be friendly after all, and Taedra said they're just visiting to meet them.

"I'm... May the frozen gods have my back, but I... I-I've honestly been so afraid of this meeting..." She always thought that being sincere was always the right thing to do, and it was time to prove it "I never take care of the political issues, I'm not as good at it as my sister..." She faced the both of them, with her head high and determination in her eyes "... But it will be my pleasure to show you our beautiful lands, answer any questions, and make your stay as perfect as I can"

She formally formally held her own hands, pressing them while hoping she didn't ruin everything. She gulped.
Ashli
**
Taedra Westbrook
Barrmount Manor
**
Thierou and Taedra's heads both slowly angled to the side when Anna admitted she was afraid of the meeting. They moved in baffled unison that she would openly admit to any fears like that, and Thierou laughed, pinching the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger.

"Well, a word of advise: don't ever admit that to anyone else again." He told her, and Taedra gave him a stern look. "You're going to have conversations and meetings that pertain to the future of your House. Without a patriarch, others will assume you're going to be easy to take advantage of, and admitting to your fears or weaknesses in diplomacy is only going to make them actually do it." Thierou warned. 

"What my brother means to say is that it's not wise to speak on those insecurities. Especially around, well," She gestured to herself and Thierou. "Practical strangers." Taedra gave a small smile though, and reached for one of the goblets to fill it with water. She brought it to her lips, but paused a moment, giving a small laugh to cover the fact she inhaled deeply to smell for contaminations to the clear liquid before taking a sip. 

"I don't mean to offend, but it would be an awful shame to hear you've found yourself in a sticky situation later on down the line, Lady Barrmount."
Angel
Lady Anna Barrmount
Barrmount Manor

Thierou's laugh took her by surprise, drawing a much confused expression on her face. As he spoke, she relaxed and smiled.

"Oh dear, if I had a coin everytime I've been told about that I... I would be the richest woman that has ever existed" She said, along with a small chuckle.
Anna looked at Taedra as she spoke, smiling to her.

"I'm aware it usually isn't a wise decision to be sincere in this situation, but... Well, you seemed to be nice and... Not like you would invade us right now... And, it worked?" She wasn't so sure of those last words "Please don't tell Sybil I did this. But I hope I didn't affect negatively your opinion on house Barrmount, we would be honoured to forge a friendship with house Westbrook. As you see, you will have absolute transparency on my part."

Her smile wouldn't vanish from her face as she spoke to them sincerely, with her usual soft voice, the anxious feel completely dissipated.