There was a playful smile on Emily's lips at the kiss that Tehr laid upon her hand.<strong>"I have missed your company, but yes duty is what duty is."</strong>Emily nodded her head slightly in agreement, though humming slightly as he sat down to speak. She stayed quiet at this point, as did the rest of the ladies, though Christina looked immediately focused and interested, and Rosalyn seemed curious as well, while Heidi moved to set the cup of tea down near him but not trying to push it right in front of him in case he did not wish it, seemingly still awkward about pouring before asking.<br/><br/>Alex moved to join in before Tehr continued his explanation, pulling a seat near 'his' master while listening, and nodding slightly at the mention and gesture towards him there. Rosalyn nodded her head slightly at the mention of the non humans, seeming a bit more sad and sober at that for a moment, while Emily nod in understanding as well, though looking more tired for a short moment before he carried on. Both returned to a smile though with the words about the changes that had been taking place, seeming to nod in agreement, while Alex in turn brushed his chin and smirked slightly at the time.<strong>"I for one am grateful for our current ruler and the way things are turning for the better."</strong>Alex remarked briefly, but meeting an approving nod from the others, Christina and Heidi included, while they smiled looking at Tehr then at the time, seeming quite curious on his tale.<br/><br/>What came next, on the matter of the venture that lay ahead and the mention of a multi house company there were more than a couple of surprised faces, but also thoughtful ones. Rosalyn seemed to fall into though while Emily hummed and crossed her arms beneath her bosom while tilting her head slightly and seeming to fall into thought for a moment. Alex, however, seemed to be a bit uncertain what to say for a moment, though he was still the first one to speak up.<strong>"I do stand at your side in this matter as well as others, but I worry what House Hesfal could offer that other partners in such a venture would find of use."</strong>As he finished, Rosalyn spoke up in a melodic tone, though a touch more formal.<strong>"Ironwood. Our people have held onto the secrets of Ironwood for a long time. While I cannot teach the secrets to another the Duke and I hold enough territory of our own and know the people that could help provide some Ironwood for the shipwrighting. Not enough for whole ships, but hopefully enough to reinforce at least certain sections, and perhaps provide a measure of protection for those ships."</strong>She seemed a touch nervous at speaking of this, but at the same time seeming resolved to join along in the venture.<br/><br/><strong>"There aren't too many halflings going out on the waves. That being said, that doesn't mean there aren't some. We also have a good connection to the nature in many places, even when teachings of the old ways fell to the wayside for a while we maintained our contacts with the druids. Pleasant weathers and good harvests have been credited to the connection, as have the patience that wild beasts have shown to some of our more arrogant folk heading off to the woods alone only to find themselves facing beasts. There are some, whom I believe, would be quite willing to take up place as wind-singers for ships, though I do not even know to guess what they would ask. They are not exactly members of my House, but they are allies. Beyond that, I figure there could be some that would be happy to work aboard a ship, and halflings take up a tad less space in already crowded environment."</strong>She leaned back slightly while mostly quiet after this much said.<br/><br/><strong>"I'll help, and I'm sure mom would too. We should let her know though, with something this big. As for the Saari, I think they'd stand to gain a lot in this, and they're already crossing the waters so they should be able to see the benefits of something like this."</strong>She paused briefly, before clearing her throat.<strong>"What about the Mithril? If we think of the more rare resources we could bring as rather exclusive parts to a deal, I think a rare metal like that which would stand for the rougher travels might make quite a difference. Along with ironwood, it might even make for a ship that was practically unsinkable."</strong>Christina seemed a bit excited about the prospect before Alex winced.<br/><br/><strong>"The amounts of ironwood and mithril would make that very, very costly endeavour, and such a ship, if possible to build, would also be the price target of any pirate worth their salt to try and capture intact. My apologies, but I wanted to point that out."</strong>He looked genuinely sorry to shoot Christina's idea down, casting a look at Tehr.