Deciding that the less than formal tone was an invitation to discuss business in a likewise manner, Tehr sat and waited to take his opening move on the chess board.  "Please, call me Tehr.  I've always been slightly uncomfortable with titles."<br/><br/>Rolling his eyes slightly, but clearly should they be watching for such a thing, "Thank my father for that.  My father pulled our house from the political scene several decades ago, and raised us to be humble and respect the common man.  He was very down to earth.  My mother however, a strong woman,"  Tehr took his second move as Jesanie made her opening move.  "My mother however was a noble woman from Italia.  She schooled my siblings and myself on courtly ways."<br/><br/>He sighed, hoping that he was keeping the conversation light enough to begin to edge into the meat of his purpose here.  "Now, your house along with two others have submitted a proposal for mining my family land.  The mithril deposits beneath our western hills are quite valuable according to the dwarven scouting teams.  But I also know that your house is quite powerful in the shipping of our land, but that you've in the past been stymied by House Dale.  I may have the ability to bend the queen's ear and give you a chance to take the contracts for shipping lanes out of the city away from Dale.  A very lucrative proposition for your house if I am not mistaken, yes?"