<div align="center"><strong>Olivia Wilde</strong></div><br/>Olivia's face suddenly lit up as she was told to recount her great knowledge of the Kingdom of Theiri. Eagerly seating herself in a plush, comfortable chair, she crossed her legs and smiled. The chair was incredibly soft and she sank into it slightly, making it difficult to keep her posture straight and elegant although naturally she managed anyway. She remembered the first time she'd been invited in here. She was incredibly nervous when she first stepped in but that feeling was almost completely replaced with shock at what she saw. She had been expecting the room to be rather spartan and bare but it was actually quite luxurious, even meeting her own lofty standards about what a royal bedchamber should look like.<br/><br/>She didn't know where to begin and she knew some of the details might even bore him so she decided to be conscise and straight to the point. First the basic history. "The people of Theiri started off as a bunch of scattered tribes in the forest before a plague struck, decimating the population. Resources became incredibly scarce and they succumbed to infighting." She paused, knowing that the next part would contain details that he'd find enjoyable. "During this time the warrior tradition of Theiri emerged, with lightning raids over resources giving birth to a unique fighting style; fluid, graceful and above all else deadly. The warriors of Theiri have a speed that can catch even the strongest offguard and are masters of unarmed combat." She smiled warmly as she saw his eyes light up, before carrying on with a wry smile. "In the end though it was diplomacy and not the sword that united them. A young tribesman used cunning to bring the tribes together and ever since education and higher learning, particularly in diplomacy has been a requirement of all Theiri rulers. Their culture revolves around it and now the people of Theiri are famed for their science and medicine, as well as the arts although their warrior ways still remain." She made sure to add that last part, lest Haidar consider them too soft and unworthy of an alliance.<br/><br/>She took a slight pause before continuing, this time about more modern politics which she'd made very sure to study weeks before she started hinting to the King that an alliance would be beneficial. "In time you'll meet their king, Garawin Theiri, a wise sage king. I've read some of his works on philosophy. He's a skilled politician and master diplomat so it would pay to keep me close in all your dealings with him," she said, speaking frankly but ensuring her tone conveyed all the proper respect. "There is also his queen, Lyssa. She's a skilled diplomat although I doubt you'll have much need to contact her." She paused hesitantly before adding "Rumour has it she's a skilled behind the scenes manipulator. I'll make sure to keep an eye on her lest she decide to plot against you."<br/><br/>Taking a breath she looked up to see whether or not Haidar was paying interest. His gaze was contemplative and he gestured for her to go on so she continued. "The heir, Gerrard, would be more to your liking. He is a skilled martial artist and rumour has it he enjoys the more.... sensual offerings of the Theiri culture. He shouldn't be much of a threat and you and him should get along well. The other heir, a princess named Julietta, should be of little concern either." She paused for a moment before adding "The girl is illegitimate and only gained acknowledgement for her dedicated military service." Already intricate ideas were forming in her head and she mysteriously added "She may be useful to me."<br/><br/>Olivia pondered for a moment. "Hmm, the Duke and Duchess are children.... Ah! You'll also want to know the First Sword, a warrior by the name of Lorenso Florencia. I hear his tactics are unconventional and always had Aserit on their toes and his graceful fighting style is something to behold. I'm sure you'd enjoy his company." Smiling wryly as she recalled rumours of his love for younger woman she added "And I imagine that he may come to enjoy mine."<br/><br/>Gazing back up to meet the King's gaze she smiled. She loved getting the opportunity to show off her considerable knowledge, although lost in the moment she let slip hints of some of the schemes already brewing inside her head. "Is that all, my lord?"