The aged Jarless observed these events with a collected calm, but her expression soured somewhat at the Jarless of Ashfall's blatant request. It was courageous, if foolhardy, for someone so young and thus inexperienced to be so unrepentantly and unmistakably ambitious. Eyildr chewed a narrow sliver of bread, then swallowed. Support for Henrik seemed almost uncontested, and since plain speech was evidently the desired course, it would be best even for her to speak without pretence or consideration of what would be deemed correct in normal circumstances.

[i]"I am not one for impracticality, my Jarls, and so I hope you see my plainly when I speak to you all. The Jarlsmoot is no time for manners, but for the steady hand of the kingdom's affairs. Jarl Henrik, only I surpass you in age here at this table. That much is obvious,"[/i] She offered a smile to the grey, bushy Jarl that was not unkind. [i]"I have enjoyed your presence at this council for many years now, and at mine own table in Firsthold have I gladly broken bread with you and your kin, and will do so again. You are our bulwark against the ostensibly expansionist ideals of the Gothra, and for that we are all grateful for the sacrifices Týr makes to protect our own lands, both in manpower and resource,"[/i] She paused, taking a long drink of wine.

[i]"But you [b]are[/b] old. I hope I don't offend you when I say this, but we must talk of a succession even before an ascension. Who will lead your armies in your stead, when you are too weary to do so? And when you join our late and noble king in Valhalla, how will you ensure in your lifetime that our kingdom does not descend once again into scrabbling chaos? These are questions you must consider duly. Are you truly fit to govern this kingdom newly at such an age? I know you as a good and strong man of great character. Do our people? Do our petty lords and arls, and moreover, does everyone here? I seek not to overburden you with questions, my good friend, merely lay out the due considerations,[/i]