He smiles at the kiss, catching up her hand to kiss her knuckles as she sits back down. But as the topic changes so also does his mien, sobering.

"Little, I fear, for we were much occupied with the defense of Osgiliath, at the time. But I know that he came to great prominence in your uncle's court, although none could say how. I know that they say he cursed your uncle, perhaps was even poisoning him, certainly was the reason for his decline."