The weather was turning colder outside. As the door to her office slowly shut, the chill breeze weezled its way inside, perhaps to find warmth where there was little. Though the crackling fire had just been restoked by one of the servants of the house, the house of the Pillar seemed to keep its inhabitants fresh. Tingruviel insisted that she should do it herself, but the attempt had been refuted by Sorontar. A lady and an ambassador tending to her own fire? Unheard of, he had said. Tingruviel had nearly threatened to throw one of his precious eggs in there, but decided it would not be wise under these circumstances.
She looked at her table, covered in reports. They just had seemed to keep on coming. Anawiel was sent out on some secret mission in Eregion, a journey that was not at all the easiest of the lot. Nanthon, Yrill and others were still on patrol. Norliriel and Manadhlaer were both busy training the new healers. As it turned out, they had been successful in finding a cure for the poison. It was now of utmost imperative that they were able to teach as many as possible of this new finding, so that the same events could not occur again. Tingruviel knew that lady Danel would be occupied here with all that had to be prepared.
At a Pillar meeting, some time ago, Anglador had suggested a minor trip to the market, as the stores were dwindling. It was apparent that if their preparations were to be successful, someone had to lead an expedition to the Blue Mountains. It would befall on her shoulders to bring a contingent of the house there. Thankfully, Khalis and Elisbeth had been enthusiastic about the journey and agreed to accompany the group as guides and possible guard, if needed. Tingruviel had met the dwarf Vagnur in the Halls of Fire, a gentledwarf from the Iron Hills. She knew she had a lot to learn in this world still, and though some advised against another alliance with dwarves, she saw the potential in a small exchange of wisdom. Perhaps the encounter would benefit them all in the end. After all, master Vagnur was travelling the same way himself, so perhaps he had some insights he was willing to part with.
Tingruviel counted the content of the coffers once more. "So, that is what we have to negotiate with." As she lifted a handful of gold coins from the coffer, the fire made it glimmer and shine. Coins, made of gold. She wondered, would it be enough? Or, would it be too much?
