[quote=@Gcold]


They reach maturity around the same age that humans do, as shown by Barenziah and Ayrenn. However, I imagine some elven societies may take advantage of their longer lifespan and stay in school for an extended period of time.
[/quote]

This is pretty much why it's going to be next to impossible to stop the Thalmor, those sons-of-bitches have the luxury of plotting centuries in advance. Hawkish Emperor going to be a problem? Outlive him and wait for a weak heir to take the throne. Install a puppet to a throne that you can control and they can play into your hand for decades, etc.