The summer had restored some vigour to Eyildr, as if it had thawed her joints. Today she wore a sky blue garment, a great twisting robe-like dress that was with embroidered, glimmering sapphires. Her effervescent cane was again leaning against the table, and in the background lingered two of her daughters garbed themselves in unblemished white linen. She listened to the opening pleasantries with a polite disinterest that hinted at the fact that she had been through this many times before, but sat upright to attention at the announcement of the ambassadors.

She smiled softly at the Elven ambassador, and her eyes spoke of a recognition of him. She regarded the Dwarf coolly, but her expression soured somewhat at his offer of gold to the King. After they both departed, she was the first to offer her voice, as always. 

"My Jarls and Jarlesses," Eyildr glanced around. The invigoration the summer had granted her was obvious in her voice and her disposition; she seemed almost much younger. "All of you are aware of the Vale's close proximity to Galadriel, and through this - as it has always been with my family - I have been in almost constant contact with the Elves for half a century,"

"During that time they have always been creatures of their word. Always. No payment went unpaid, no trade went undiscussed. I know this very Therayn who has today spoken unto us and he too is good. There is an inherent goodness in Elves, for that I can vouch, and they have been responsible for the continued prosperity of the Vale and thus have put the food on your tables for decades. They are dependable and they are not creatures who speak lightly nor do they speak empty words. I have worked very hard to forge friendship with them, and a national policy unto this would be only beneficial, that I pledge with my life. Besides - should they double cross us, it will be my lands that are the bulwark," She gives a small, sharp laugh.

"This dwarf has turned up with gold, but that is all the dwarves are. They crave wealth more than anything. They will forsake loyalty and ties and words all for the sake of gold and jewels, and these chests of gold only prove that they expect a greater return. I do not know what they want - but they will ask for it. And when we need their aid, they will disappear beneath their mountain like beetles. Do not trust them. Their baubles and their gold may glint with beauty now, but it will turn to ashes in your hands. I issue this warning strongly,"