Lowering her naked figure to the second tub's deeper embrace with a long pleased sigh as the warm waters surrounded her, Christina looked at Tehr's direction as she relaxed back, closing her eyes, arms over the edges of the tub on her side. Enough space left to sit in it with her if one so chose, she hadn't slipped down to lay further in the water for more than an initial dip that brought the water-level up to her neck briefly, then relaxing so the top of her chest was visible.<br/><br/>"Things have been interesting. There has been some excitement as new goods are being packed to be shipped out from the docks, and newly arrived ships bringing in materials for the city. The docks have been busy, and the warehouses seeing a lot of use. The Queen's Guard eventually got on the move to direct more than regular patrols through the city streets after a rush of theft-attempts, and discovered some warehouses being used by groups of troublemakers, bandits, thugs and the like, as some kind of 'guild halls'. The guards put an end to that, and though I didn't hear of any executions, several people were heavily fined, and the ones obviously committing crimes got branded. There's even talk going on that they began to investigate who the owner of those warehouses were." Her tone a bit amused for a moment, but then getting serious.<br/><br/>"The church is preaching forgiveness and willingness to accept the nature of man as it should be, and simply to strive for learning to do better. Yet there's been some whispers and actual worries that there's a<em>druid</em>in the city these days. From the Highlands, a fellow with a fair reputation already, has drawn some attention. Plus the Queen refusing to allow the church's insistence to deploy soldiers to protect the church in the city here or elsewhere. If anything, the Queen's driving the church elders against the wall with her refusal to allow the men of cloth to field their own soldiers. Though she made it clear people's faith is their choice, she also made it clear the church has no voice in the court. I think that upset some houses rather spectacularily, but also gained her a lot of support from older,<em>traditionalist</em>houses." Her tone casual, thoughtful at that.<br/><br/>"Anne Wellington and I have been talking in the meanwhile. It appears she does indeed have interests in men though the slanderous talk has put her a bit wary of the topic, she still admits having some rather wild fantasies. I would<em>gush</em>about it, but I imagine that would be improper." Her tone taking a bit playful tone to it, her smirk remaining as she continued. "I found myself enjoying her company, and having talked with her a fair bit I am confident she would gladly help me out with things if I chose to ask. She's also expressed interest in meeting you at some point, if you would be so willing." Her lips held tight together at that point, trying to keep a smile from slipping back on her face.<br/><br/>"There's quite a lot of things to talk about, but in the meanwhile I wonder, did you plant any seeds with those halflings? I hear they like being hospitable and the rumors are they have big... appetites... and love working their fields as well as cooking with heat." Her tone trying to sound innocent as she spoke this. "Mother did also mention about something about a mercenary back home, a lady mercenary at that... and I heard something arrived to you, from the elves perhaps? Of course, I would not gossip about such outside of our house, but do thrill your sister with tales of your travels."