Tetsuo Alastar
Smiling a trained smile, Tetsuo nodded as she gave her name, returning his own in kind. “As you wish Milady. My name is Tetsuo, first born of the Alastar Family line. I am humbled by your presence.” Following her as she lead the way to a pair of seats aside from the dance floor, Tetsuo calmly took his own spot adjacent from her. She seemed accommodating to him at the least, and it was somewhat comforting that his talent for talking was good enough to satisfy one of her stature. Not that he had any doubt in himself in the first place. Not wanting to seem too forward or presumptuous, Tetsuo waited a moment to allow her room to engage the conversation, though as she fiddled with her necklace, he wondered if perhaps he’d unsettled her with his boldness. It wasn’t often a commoner would deign to introduce himself as he had. Of course, there was also the alternative theory that they shared a connection, but only time would tell for that.
“You hail from Althuum, correct?...” The princess began with some simple small talk, though the fact she was already so aware of his origin left a number of questions in Tetsuo’s mind. Had she already been informed of him for a purpose? Or by giving the Alastar name, had she simply made the connection of her own accord? Part of him begrudged having made such a mistake so early in the game, but it would have been improper not to give his own introduction after her open acknowledgement. Some things couldn’t be avoided, and so long as he played correctly, the match would still be his. Carefully eying over her expression and character, Tetsuo was amused by how easily her face betrayed her feelings regarding his home nation and the new royal family. Perhaps she felt no need to hide it in front of a commoner? Or was she so strong willed that such an opinion would surface no matter who she was speaking to?
Putting these questions into the back of his mind, he focussed on the task at hand and decided to respond to her queries, as well as return with one of his own in due time. Quid pro quo, after all. “You are as well informed as you are enchanting Princess Soliana. The Alastar families have dealings in each of the kingdoms, but if you would allow me to be so bold…” Leaning forward somewhat, Tetsuo smiled a more playful smirk. “That’s not what you were interested in, was it? I’m a man who prefers not to waste time on the trivial matters, so allow me to provide my own perspective.”
Sitting back once more, Tetsuo laced his hands together. “I trust you understand that given our positions, burning one’s bridges - especially the one leading to home - is a foolhardy move.” Glancing over to see how many were listening to their conversation, Tetsuo found them to be observing, but not necessarily in earshot. Maintaining the façade of a polite conversation should be enough to dissuade them from listening too closely. “However, I see no fault in simply speaking of facts. Many of which I feel you’d already be aware. The border skirmishes between your nation and Althuum are a travesty, and are impacting on trading and travel alike. Lord and Lady Lingquis are of the opinion that – and I trust you understand that I’m not of the same mind – Gheresh is responsible for these altercations, and are attempting to create a conflict over our land and resources.” Pausing briefly to let that settle in, Tetsuo continued.
“Given the political upheaval and rapid change our nation has undergone, most of the populace - though experiencing hardship through taxation and harsh working conditions to promote the military rule – trust in the leadership to be making the appropriate decisions and are attempting to endure this until the situation with your nation is under control. Regardless of what opinion you may have of them, the Lingquis family is held in high esteem thanks to their military accomplishments, and most of the common people were backing the revolution. That said they were under the impression it would lead to change and a more prosperous kingdom. I am blessed with a position as a trader and as such, though the taxes are hard, my family is not as severely hit as the farmers. If we were spurned too hard, we would withdraw our services and retreat to another nation, and as such, trade is still high, particularly in the area of weapons, but I’m afraid it is beyond my standing to go into any specifics around such dealings.” Stopping again as he retrieved a drink from a nearby server, Tetsuo let the princess respond to his open conversation regarding the matter. Perhaps it was more information than he should have shared, but her reaction and response would tell him more than enough about what sort of person Princess Soliana was. Once she had finished her piece, he decided to interject with his own query, hoping that his gracious answer would be returned in kind.
“But do tell me Princess Soliana, were military and trade secrets the only reason I was invited this evening? I confess, I would feel blessed if that was the only price to pay for your company, but I feel there is more to the arrangements this evening than simple banter and maintaining face.” Taking another swig from the wine glass, Tetsuo was loathe to admit that he didn’t mind talking about such higher level topics.
Haruna Lingquis
And just like that, Haruna was abandoned, her saviour and protector stepping to the side and with naught but some faint words of ‘encouragement’. Left standing before the behemoth of a man, as the kind of person who tended to keep her eyes low, it was even more of an effort for Haruna to crane her neck upward. Swallowing again in nervous apprehension, the Cahleethe knew it was her duty as princess to be strong in this situation. It was either this man or the Mithii, and even though she could only see a few external differences between the two, it would be to her benefit to make some conversation and see if she could determine which she preferred.
Taking a few steps backward, it almost seemed like she was trying to escape again, but soon enough, she turned back to face Korose, hands behind her back to hide their fidgeting. “Yes, this is much better.” Making a smile as she cocked her head slightly, Haruna’s distance now made it easy for the two to see each other's face without an uncomfortable amount of strain - even if it was perhaps a little far for polite conversation. Still, with the exception of Nina, there was no one else here, so it was a practical solution. Leaning back again and taking another deep breath, Haruna steeled herself, this time taking a few more seconds as she shut her eyes, exhaling before opening her eyes to meet his gaze. ”My name is Haruna Lingquis, crown princess of Althuum. I apologise on behalf of myself and Princess Nina here. It was not my intention to offend you, and I believe Nina’s… ‘open’ talk is a form of respectful familiarity.” Bowing slightly in her request for forgiveness, Haruna sat back up.
“I hope you can accept my heartfelt apology…”