'Much has changed since last you visited the Vale, my friend. The War exacted a heavy toll upon us, and many of our bowmen did not return from their journey to Minas Tirith.

'Morlad has borne the greatest loss in the Vale, with many of its sons being slain in the War, and in especial, the Lord's sons: Duilin and Derufin. They were beloved among the people of Morlad, and it is a great sorrow that neither of them will be heir to the Lordship of the Vale. Between the news that King Elessar would not come to the Vale and of the baseless rumours that Lord Duinhir slew an emissary of the Haradrim in Minas Tirith, the people of Morlad believe that the Blackroot Vale has come to be known as a place of disrepute—a place of low-born criminals not worthy of the King's attention. Such a thing cannot be true, of course!

'After all, King Elessar was swift to pardon the Lord when the true culprit was identified, but alas, voices carried through Minas Tirith and out into Gondor. That is another matter, though.

'If you have come on behalf of King Elessar, then let us continue your work. It is true that you are an emissary of King Elessar, but more importantly, you are held in high regard among many people in the Vale. Your presence could do much to ease their misgivings in the aftermath of the War, ${PLAYER}.

'I would ask that you travel to the hamlets of Alagrant, Sardol, and Lancrath to deliver word of King Elessar's gratitude to their people. Oh, and Tingobel. It has been rebuilt since last you were in the Vale, and its people would be pleased to see you again.

'May you find good fortune in this errand, ${PLAYER}. Let us hope that peace is closer than it seems!'

Malthellam can be found outside his home in Morlad, in the Blackroot Vale.

Objectives

• Talk to Malthellam