Tehr knew a conversation like this would be coming, he just hadn't expected it so soon.  He thought maybe a few months into the alliance...  But no, nothing that House Saari did ever seemed to be half measures.  Even when they lept before looking, they did so with gusto and full force.  Not wanting to offend Marie, he considered his words for a moment before speaking.  She mentioned marriage, but did so in a flippant manner, almost as if she were open to the idea, but knew that he would likely be unwilling to commit to house Saari.  Finally he decided on blunt honesty as the safest course of events.<br/><br/>"Marie d'Saari," he began looking her clearly in the eyes, "Please allow me to say that I am flattered that you would even broach this subject with me.  But I fear that there are many complications to an arrangement of this type between us.  Allow me to explain."<br/><br/>Tehr took a deep breath and steeled his will, "First off, I am currently seen as an eligible bachelor.  I've already been approached with offers to engage in exclusive courtship with noble women.  So far I have turned down all of these offers.  Some may say it is due to my rumored involvement with the Queen."  This last sentence was true, that was a rumor, "Some may say that it has a lot to do with the rumors of my voracious sexual appetite that can not be satisfied by one woman."   This also a rumor, but most definitely more true than the other rumor.  "Finally others say that it is rumored that I simply seek the wealthiest and most powerful match for my family."  This one wasn't a rumor floating around, but one that Tehr wished was, it would be the least damning of the three.<br/><br/>"But the truth is that in every rumor there usually exists a kernel of truth buried in a field of lies and speculation.  All three of those things may be true to a small extent, but there is more as well.  I am the last son of house Wynt.  I am honorbound to eventually produce a noble heir who can carry on the family line.  Certainly there is precedent for a woman doing so, just like your house does, and my sister could do so.  But our house has always been a little more traditional, and my mother, who commands our house, has demanded that I pass on the name."<br/><br/>Tehr took a moment and thought he could risk a small venture, his eyes gazed up and down Marie's body then returned to her face, "The rumors about my sexual appetites are largely true.  I very much enjoy the company of a woman in my bed.  They almost always enjoy my company as well, sometimes immensely and repeatedly.  To whit, I would not mind helping you conceive an heir, but as you'd want the child to bear the name Saari, I would not be allowed to officially recognize the child as my own.  Thusly I don't see how that would strengthen our alliance.  Any wife I took would have to bear the name d'Wynt, and would not be able to keep the maiden name of her house.  If the rumors about the daughters of Saari are true, even half true, I can't imagine you or your sisters accepting that."<br/><br/>Tehr paused to gauge her reaction before continuing.  He did have one other thought that he could propose, but would wait to gauge her reactions to what he had just said.<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">ooc</div><div class="spoiler_body">Sense Motive d20+5 = 16<br/>http://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=34916 (http://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=34916)<br/>Ignore the note, I forgot to change it from the last 'chess' match.</div></div>