Listening curiously at the time, the Duke seemed to consider the situation curiously for a moment and a smile rose to his lips slowly at the time as the tale began, and seemed fascinated with the way the noblehouse had risen forth in the tale. The way the house of servants wrapped around into the tale as well seemed to amuse him a great deal, based on the warm chuckling towards the end. Nonetheless, he seemed to have something on his mind for a moment as he nod his head amusedly, eating in a unrushed fashion for a moment. Finally, after a short moment of silence, he spoke up in a very calm tone of voice.<br/><br/>"You have suggested to me something to think about, and told me a tale about your house that makes me believe an understanding could be reached. I would wish to answer your tale with a tale of my own then." Smiling, he looked at Tehr seriously for a moment before setting his glass down, and starting to speak. His tone taking a more formal note, seeming almost like a lecturer before a pupil, something about him gave the impression he had done this before.<br/><br/>”Many summers ago the elves roamed the lands. The great forests covered vast reaches of land, and the courts of the cousins were lively with tales of farwalkers and the sights they had seen. Our ancestors had chosen the hills and woods of a delightful region that treated us with both plentiful rain and rich earth, full of life and promise. Many farwalkers brought news from far and wide of the cousins and their trials with the kingdoms of man. Many maps were brought, as well as tales and secrets of the lands far and wide. Yet summers changed and the far walkers grew less numerous, yet the sanctuary of our woods seemed unspoiled.”<br/><br/>His eyes watched Tehr intently for a while, before continuing in a calm fashion. ”It was from a farwalker from our own community who's return brought us news of the empire that was uniting the lands with spear and shield, marching forth to lay claim on the lands even far away. The soldiers marched to the isles, and sought to tame the people already there. Our people chose to not interfere, till a merry group of people came humbly seeking shelter from those who would unite all on threat of death. They learnt woodcraft and were taught at our side of spirits and the woods. Many of their ancestors also respected nature, and we might not have interfered directly, but we taught them more, and incurred the wrath of the empire.”<br/><br/>Taking a deep breath, he sight heavily at a bad memory as he spoke. ”As people of the isles fought for their own independence, a warship made its way to the shore and fiery bolts rained from the sky to set fire to the great woods, and barrels of alchemist fire were shot forth by the catapults on deck. Our people were forced into a war, and peace was lost to us for a generation. Yet as we had been struck, we stood now without any more reservations to fight with those who called the rest of the isles their home.” Smiling a little, he closed his eyes again, continuing in a respectful tone of voice.<br/><br/>”The Kingdoms of the Isles were soon free, and the people there chose the way they would stand. They still faced battles with those from distant shores, but even as battles were fought the groundwork was already laid, and in one of the largest imperial encampments, Londinium, a great kingdom was born with peace with its neighbors and old oaths of friendship and a promise of aid in times of war.”<br/><br/>Looking at Tehr with a faint smile on his lips, he continued to speak a little less formally, looking a touch relaxed. ”In those wars, a generation was lost to war, but they taught their children and they taught their children that a time might come when a war would break out again. Though the elven court would prefer peace, it is aware and several families stepped forth to volunteer to carry the traditions. I am from one of these families, and took the Oath of Shieldtree, to stand proud for the kingdom and learn of war as well as the means of peace, to pursue peace while preparing for war.”<br/><br/>His eyes watched Tehr as he spoke a few words more in a more conversational, joking tone. ”Rosalyn is a beautiful young woman at home in the courts at times, and she is skilled in leading a discussion, but believe me or not her body is kept in firm shape beneath. She might not work out to build muscle that would rob her poetic form its lithe grace, but there is flexibility and grace in her that would leave a man breathless on the battlefield or at a court dance. Yet such beauty and strength both captivate and draw competition, and while there is a fair set of ways to set things forth in the elven courts, among humans we are still learning how to set affairs in order. We respect a word kept, a promise held sacred. We respect the old ways, and though we have not fought the church openly the few missionaries that have come to our lands have been firmly guided back to the border, never to be welcomed back. I am telling you this because I saw you fight, and fight well. You fight different from the way I and Rosalyn might fight but you stand at a high place, with dignity and humility. Reminding me of some other promising young men in history.” He smiled a hint.<br/><br/>”Which is why I am not too worried about the fact I might have to leave to do business at a gentleman's club later and might have to leave Rosalyn in the care of you and your sister. I believe you a man of honor, and seeing as your sister also respects the old ways, I believe a word given is a word kept here.” There was no accusation, no threats, only a hint of mischief in his smirk.<br/><br/>Lady Rosalyn had chosen to eat quietly during that time, and the fourth to join the meal brought by the halfling maid had been Christina who had made her way in while the talk was going on, quiet and simply listening curiously. As the Duke's tale ended with his reasoning for it to be shared coming soon after, Christina spoke in a friendly, conversational tone. ”There is a lot of loyalty in this house for those who are friends and allies. Angelique is more of a member of the family than a servant, and Tera is quickly becoming the same. We would be glad to share a bit of time chatting with Lady Rosalyn, though I fear I have made some prior arrangements to meet with a young lady Wellington later today. The courts aren't exactly favoring her at the moment but the young lady's reputation is tainted for no good reason I assure you, and if you do not find it unacceptable it would of course be welcome if lady Rosalyn chose to join me and her in a little discussion later?”<br/><br/>At that time, Tera returned ot the house, knocking on the door before pausing behind it waiting to be called in. On opening the door and looking inside, she spoke in a calm tone of voice. ”M'lord, the stablemaster has sent word they are on their way and shall make their way here during tomorrow or the day after.” With that said, she smiled at the duke and lady Rosalyn, bowing her head to them and Tehr, finally stepping back and closing the door again to leave them in peace.