It sounded like something they'd tell an actor? Celeste shrugged, a delicate raise of her shoulders and she spoke her mind. "Well, politics is acting, I suppose. Playing a role in a public arena, pretending to be what you are not." As for what else was on the list? Celeste looked at Tristan with an amused, but unwavering gaze. "Your Grace, would you ask me to give over all my secrets on this, our first meeting?" Her expression was mischievous as she spoke and she watched him with humour. She had to admit, she liked this man. He was honest and funny and yet, for all that he seemed to present himself in one way, she was fairly sure that he had more sides to him, more depth.
All in all, a good first impression for the Duke of Oakleigh.
When they moved on to the nitty gritty, though, Tristan became serious and they considered what was possible. He liked the idea of a satellite campus over there, but his return of the people of Oakleigh "teaching what they knew" was a little vague for Celeste's taste. "What would that be, specifically?" But livestock and horses for luxury goods, weapons and armour? That very much worked and Celeste said so. Metal later, if he followed through on his plans in the north of Oakleigh. Celeste listened to that and considered it, carefully. "It might be that you could get some help from House Endor, there, your Grace? They are used to mining after all." Then, she added with a slight frown as she considered it. "Of course, you might have your own contacts, but my sister by law is betrothed to a Lord in House Endor. If you don't have contacts, I could maybe make contact on your behalf?" Celeste would be more than happy to facilitate that, if it was what Tristan wanted.
And then, Tristan Venora, Duke of Oakleigh came straight out with the notion of a political alliance. Celeste looked at him and breathed in, considering just how to answer. He was unlike any of the other nobles she had met and so she responded simply the best way she thought. "Well, to give the short answer first, I would be very interested in that," put her cards on the table, say it how it was. An alliance in the Eastern Territories would be of interest to her and Xander for a number of reasons and would potentially fit in to a number of possible plans. However, there were some things to discuss first. "What sort of thing would you be thinking of?" How far did he want to go in this alliance? This was tricky water to navigate and so the young Andaris asked, one small step at a time.
All in all, a good first impression for the Duke of Oakleigh.
When they moved on to the nitty gritty, though, Tristan became serious and they considered what was possible. He liked the idea of a satellite campus over there, but his return of the people of Oakleigh "teaching what they knew" was a little vague for Celeste's taste. "What would that be, specifically?" But livestock and horses for luxury goods, weapons and armour? That very much worked and Celeste said so. Metal later, if he followed through on his plans in the north of Oakleigh. Celeste listened to that and considered it, carefully. "It might be that you could get some help from House Endor, there, your Grace? They are used to mining after all." Then, she added with a slight frown as she considered it. "Of course, you might have your own contacts, but my sister by law is betrothed to a Lord in House Endor. If you don't have contacts, I could maybe make contact on your behalf?" Celeste would be more than happy to facilitate that, if it was what Tristan wanted.
And then, Tristan Venora, Duke of Oakleigh came straight out with the notion of a political alliance. Celeste looked at him and breathed in, considering just how to answer. He was unlike any of the other nobles she had met and so she responded simply the best way she thought. "Well, to give the short answer first, I would be very interested in that," put her cards on the table, say it how it was. An alliance in the Eastern Territories would be of interest to her and Xander for a number of reasons and would potentially fit in to a number of possible plans. However, there were some things to discuss first. "What sort of thing would you be thinking of?" How far did he want to go in this alliance? This was tricky water to navigate and so the young Andaris asked, one small step at a time.
