Once he was able to breathe properly, Alfie quickly explained that they were in fact not sent by their enemy, the Lightbringer, and were instead other humans that were fighting against him. How much that difference mattered the Matriarch was unclear, as her expression was stoic and wooden in both meanings of the word.
With proper, non-choking introductions fully out of the way, Alfie cleared his throat nervously. This wasn't exactly how they planned on doing this, but plans changed and he simply had to adapt.
"My Lord wishes to negotiate an alliance with you, to fight against our common enemy."
The Matriarch's face finally shifted, her eyes narrowing and brows furrowing in irritation. Yet there was also a small hint of admiration, although that slightly confused Alfie.
"Your Lord wishes to negotiate... Yet I see only you. Am I to assume you are negotiating in his place? Am I to assume you have the power to negotiate in his absence?"