[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/GioCx6y.png[/img][/center][hr][indent][b]//Rhinecliff Estate[/b]
[sub][@Estylwen][/sub][/indent]
[b]“Curious news indeed, Lady Skybound. Rare is it that a lion’s heart dwells within a thief’s chest!”[/b] The Duke chuckled at the thought. Perhaps 25 years ago, back when war drove warriors out to the edges of provinces, thieves would mix in with assassins to challenge the estates of nobility, but now, in the peace begun by Ludwig and continued by Evelyn? It was folly to do so. Folly, even if founded in the power of a Seed. And if the Wizard-Queen had it her way, she'd empty out his coffers far more efficiently than a thief would.

He smiled nonetheless, taking a sip of the tea.

[b]“But thank you nonetheless, for coming here to deliver such news. Though I imagine you would like to return to Hathforth to safeguard the interests of your own House, might I invite you to the courtyard for a meal and an opportunity to stretch your legs before then?”[/b] Laurent folded his hands upon his lap. [b]"Ah, and has your brother come along? I've thought the two of you as inseparable, but perhaps even twins have sibling spats on occasion."[/b]