Juli nodded at Lorenso’s comment, smiling slightly—he had a certain charisma about him that often helped her feel more at ease. Although with Blood Ravens present, “more at ease” just meant slightly less tense.<br/><br/>Lenally’s consternation over her dress was as endearing as it was adamant. The Aserit probably did not even realize that so far, the unruly daughter of the family was their best diplomatic asset—she was the only one who did not seem over-harsh in temperament from the Theiri perspective. These talks would likely go nowhere if each side felt nothing but apathy for the other. “I definitely would not recommend wearing a dress to fencing practice,” Juli agreed. “Hopefully, after dinner there will be time for arrows, training swords, and general horseplay,” she said reassuringly. “As long as your parents are fine with it—I wouldn’t want two diplomatic incidents in one day.”<br/><br/>As Henrik spoke, Juli found the opaqueness of his emotional state off-putting. She did not know if he had always been this way, if he was just unusually secretive, or if war had disconnected him from those around him. But she responded politely. “Yes, I was in the military, but recently retired.” Juli let his comment about the Theiri military pass. Among the Ghosts seniority and a soldier’s sex were irrelevant next to skills sets, strength of character, and results. But what Henrik had said was true enough with regard to most other units.<br/><br/>At the suggestion that this Leofwine join them, Juli nodded. “By all means.” She smiled slightly at the added suggestion that she and the prince have a duel. “I would enjoy a little friendly competition, Prince Henrik. Though I hope I don’t disappoint too badly—I’ve been told my swordsmanship is ‘competent, but uninspired.’” To be sure, Juli was quite skilled with a sword compared to an average soldier in this war, but she did not hold a candle to Lord Florencia, and she doubted she would pose much challenge to the prince either.