"The uncrowned king, yes." Ruli agreed. When they settled at last, he firmly believed the 'two' Ziads would split, and the one lef by Risa would fail unless she managed to marry, and even then, little would be done to help the city prosper. Whatever was led by Envy would flourish undoubtedly.
Horrified, he wondered for a moment if Envy and Risa would ever condemn one another to wed each other for the sake of the city they each loved, but he shoved that thought aside instantly. 

"We did, yes. One of them wound up in our care for a while some twenty years ago." Ruli answered, remembering her. "She went back home maybe five years ago, I can't remember. We haven't heard from her since." He drained his second cup, waiting patiently for Kire to brew more, approving of how strong she appeared to make it. 
"I've no doubt they can defend themselves. They're related, the Kartaians and her colony. As all the elves are, really, out here."

Ruli rubbed his face again, remembering she wanted to know about all the elves. "Do you still want a history lesson, or were you just making conversation?"