Entar leans against a desk, one hand stroking through his white-streaked beard. He takes his time gathering his thoughts, considering his words.
"Stella, you don't have to tell me what's upsetting you. I've proven time and again to my own family that I don't have the ears for that sort of thing. However..." His hands fall into his lap. "Maybe I can speak, and you can listen. Perhaps in my ramblings you can find something that helps you."
He releases a slow breath. "My grandfather was Grand Duke, and well-loved by the people of the Gate. When he passed, it fell to the other Grand Dukes to choose his successor. Traditionally, it would be another Silvershield, as it has been for the entire history of Baldur's Gate. Unfortunately, my father was a... less-than-ideal candidate. He squandered most of the family fortune, engaged in illicit activities... I was born a byproduct of one of his numerous affairs." He absently runs a hand through his red hair.
He looks around his beloved office. "I grew up cleaning these rooms..."
Entar doesn't look at Stella. "I was twenty when the Grand Dukes chose me to be my grandfather's successor. I wasn't chosen for my own merits, but merely to be a slap in the face to my father." He scoffs. "A 'Silvershield' by blood - barely. Illegitimate by birth. Unschooled. The son of a lowly washerwoman. I was unfamiliar with courtly life, to say the least. But I made the perfect insult to my father."
His lips turn in a small smile. "I was completely lost. Every laugh directed my way was truly aimed at my father, but the shame was mine all the same. Finally, one of the Grand Dukes took pity on me and arranged my marriage to a wealthy merchant's daughter. She was lovely, and kind-hearted. And smart. She taught me to read, how to run my inherited family business. How to support the people in my care." Entar's eyes shine. 'She was my everything. My saving grace. The mother of my children, the love of my life."
He sighs and rubs his eyes with one hand. "I say all of this so that you know I understand what it is to be overwhelmed, to be scared. I know what it feels like to be chosen, to have responsibility thrust upon you, and not be ready for it. I know the importance of surrounding yourself with friends and family that can help you rise above yourself, to become more than you ever thought you could."
The Duke finally moves from his spot by the desk and takes a seat facing Stella. "You have got good friends. I haven't known them long, but I've seen enough. They'd give their lives for you. From what I understand, Dieter has already died once, and Aiwe lives to support you. Whatever mistakes you make in your life, none will be worse than losing these friendships. Regardless of Baldur's Gate, regardless of Aldous, regardless of whatever else you have going on, you won't feel ready for anything or capable of anything until things are right with your friends."
