She tilted her head in an almost animalistic manner as Cyne relayed the proverb his great grandfather had told him about disarming enemies. Her eyebrows had pulled together in a slight furrow across her forehead while Elara considered the possibilities of the saying and nodded silently at Cyne's explanation of how he was beginning to see her realm, her 'savage, bloodthirsty' people differently. Elara's gaze fixed on the human man when he stated that he hoped he could have that effect on her people. Had she not just stated that was her hope for him? Even when he had thought she might kill him or drain him last night upon their arrival in her home?<br/><br/>Crossing her arms across her chest, she leaned her weight on her other hip while she watched Cyne take in the room, before he added in that his people were no better than Elara's former Queen, who she had served faithfully until Ava made a mistake, like most creatures did inevitably. Her smirk evaporated while Cyne's words continued to flow, almost as if admitting he shared blame in what had happened ages, and ages ago, making her start to shake her head just a little. She strode towards the fire mage and placed her hands on his shoulders, gently for her, a firm touch to his senses. "Cyne... you have heard the tale of my realm, how magic became a prevalent thing in both of our worlds. I told you that so that you would understand what most of the people here are trying to find hope for. Not those who are lords in the court or have multiple holdings... the staff who ensure there is food cooked, clothing mended and the like. The young magic users who are learning from Caldwyn, how to support growing things in this scorched earth..."<br/><br/>Elara released Cyne's shoulders and stepped back a little, letting her hands float down to her sides while she still studied him with careful consideration. "If you are in a battle for your survival and you win, you are going to take heavy casualties. When you talk to those who served in the battle on the opposite side, your prisoners of war... do you blame the foot soldier for simply following orders?" She shook her head in answer to her rhetorical question. "You go to his commander, and then the commander above him. You get to the top, where the decisions were made, and you punish the one who made the call." Her blue eyes softened a little as she rubbed the back of her neck and shook her head again. "I am not going to call you murderer or whatever such names they use nowadays to curse and damn those who destroyed our realm... you were not there, and it is not your fault, despite sharing a very diluted bloodline with those old powers." She held up a hand, palm up and beckoned him to follow her. "If you are finished wallowing in guilt that is not yours, we can continue to explore the ruins if you wish."