Upon his King's request for his council, Bertil Reenburg mustered his sobriety for another brazen attack on the Moot. Standing from his chair, this time gracefully and with steadied feet, he clicked his tongue thoughtfully. 

"The Dwarves are an industrial nation. Mines scar their land, from border to border. They are rich in metals, and gemstones - so much so that our Norsian iron or steel will be of little worth to them," he began. "However, from what I know of their country, and from what I am told by my Merchant Council back home in Escgor, they are suffering food shortages. Their love of digging deep for riches has brought neglect on their sparse farmland, and many of the lower folk go without nourishment for days. There is talk of rebellion in some of the outer fringes of the Dwarven holds, and King Goldgrin rightly fears such things. Even now his army scours the population for dissenters, but this is only a short term solution, and he knows it so. 

"Since the freezing of Dwarven-Elven relations, Galadriel has withheld several grain shipments and other food goods from Highathar. Attempts between the two races have been made to rekindle such trade deals, but so far nothing substantial has become of this. Therefore, if we truly wish to earn Dwarven gold, I propose we use our reserves of fish and grain to bolster Highathar's faltering agriculture. King Goldgrin would likely be most willing to lap up this offer, as it would certainly remove the threat of hunger-driven revolts. However, it is only a matter of time before the Dwarves begin to reinvest in their farmland, so I am unsure of how long lasting this agreement would be. Short term however, we stand to benefit.

"Though, Galadriel may see our attempts to supplant them as Highathar's main food exporter. We must tread lightly, though I'm sure that with enough kind words, and perhaps a few superficial deals such as recognising the Elven Kingdom's claim to the waters immediately off their coastline will be enough to keep their frowns at bay."

Bertil bowed to the King. "Before I return to my chair, I would ask Jarless Eyildr's thoughts on the matter. I may be the Steward, and graciously so, but foolish is the merchant to ignore the insight of his peers."