As Latari commander of the towers Sern Genslyn, “The Vigilant Twins,” Marshal Cennan Valareth's sworn duty is to keep watch against the evils that threaten to seep into the Aymhelin through Blackthorn Grove. Valareth has been the subject of controversy in the Aymhelin due to his practice of encouraging mingling between the elves under his command and the humans of southern Terrinoth. The denizens of Blackthorn Grove are more likely to trade with, socialize with, and even marry people from across the northern border, particularly the Free City of Dawnsmoor, than their own kind. Those in Lithelin see this as scandalous and disquieting.
Wise and farsighted enough to understand that supplies, companionship, and military aid are all far closer to the north than the south, Valareth will happily work with the Humans to care for his soldiers. However, there is an even more important and hidden purpose behind the cross-cultural mingling: it allows an elite group of spies to collect rumors and information that drift south from the Human lands. Spymasters operating out of Riverwatch hold that this is overseen by Aenara, a merchant who runs a startlingly impressive trading emporium in the village of Brightvale. These Elven spies glean everything from unfounded rumors to verified intelligence and shuttle that information back to the capital via go-betweens, messengers, and encrypted notes carried by ravens.
References
- Realms of Terrinoth