Beleth nods along with Ellana, and turns to face her, clicking her tongue. "That is just the way the world works, I'm afraid, Ellana. There will always be outrageous rumors of no substance, seeking to undo the reputations of respectable people." She shakes her head, as if it's beyond comprehension that such a thing could exist in this world.

Then she turns back to the Marquise, all sweet smiles and sympathy. "Luckily, true people of substance like ourselves are not foolish, nor uninformed, and thus, we know better than to rely on what we've heard." There's a flicker in Beleth's eyes, for just a moment. A sharpness in them that warns of what thoughts may be hiding behind that smile. "Whether it be about nobles or elves. Rumors of cruel nature are created by those with a cruel nature."

But then, the look is gone, and Beleth laughs gently, turning to Ellana and resting her hand fondly on the other woman's arm. "But such dire talk! I will tell you what's not a rumor, and that is the food that's been laid out. I counted at least three different kinds of cake."