Seeing her still brushing at her cheeks, but significantly more composed, Alric tugs a handkerchief from his sleeve, offering it to her with a faintly contrite smile. If anything about the arrangements makes a poor impression with him, he certainly shows no sign of it, nodding courteously and taking a seat on his folded-over cloak.

"If you have no objection, Lady Elsa, I'm inclined to approach this in the same manner as a dispute arbitration--that is, to hear first your understanding of events, and discuss their details, before suggesting alternatives."

He pauses a moment, giving her a slightly more pensive smile.

"...and... contrary as it may seem, I would suggest that you say what comes to mind as candidly as you feel able. I cannot address what you do not say... but moreover, what we attempt to hold in unexpressed rarely stays very long contained. When we give voice to a thought--a concern, a frustration, a regret--we lessen its ability to echo in our minds unquestioned."