[b][i]The Republic of Erimir[/i][/b] [hider=Nation Status] [b]Current Leader/Government:[/b] Grand Sheriff Beryl Moss (Elective Republic) [b]Settlements Owned:[/b] 3 [b]Provinces Owned:[/b] 1 [b]Population:[/b] 180,000 [b]Standing Army:[/b] [indent] - /<750>/ - /<250>// - /<1000>//<85%>[/indent] [b]Population Happiness: 90%[/b] [b]Imports:[/b] Lumber [b]Exports:[/b] Cattle, Gunpowder [b]Wealth:[/b] Average [b]Alliances:[/b] [b]Trade Pacts:[/b] Kingdom of Asax [b]Cease Fires:[/b] [/hider] [center][b][u]Negotiations with Asax[/b][/u][/center] Dealing with the human kingdoms north of Erimir was proving a little harder than Armand had anticipated. The old halfling carefully picked up his signet ring, turning it over in his hand as he gave the letter he had drafted one last inspection, in case he was missing any details. There was little to be said, but it was always best to make certain it was all recorded properly. [indent][i]Sheriff Moss, The negotiations have been successful, though I cannot say I am pleased with them. Asax is willing to trade with Erimir and allow halfling merchants to pass on through to Scharweilt, but they have also placed substantial tariffs on any of our goods moving through the nation and require any merchants traveling to Scharweilt use sanctioned merchant ships loyal to the Asax crown. If I had more time to haggle with their leaders, I would have done so, but they were very firm on making a deal immediately or making no deal at all. I acquiesced. Their timber will be very useful, and our milk, beef, and livestock should fetch a good price in this port town. Ultimately, this trade deal should benefit both parties, but we will need to secure trade with Scharweilt if we are to make our concessions worthwhile. I have not been able to learn much of their state of affairs, but the captain of the vessel taking me there tomorrow assured me there was no trouble to be expected. I hope he is right. The journey is short, so the sailing should be safe. I will send another letter upon arriving in Scharweilt's port, and another upon closing a deal with them. With any luck, we should be drinking fine Scharweilten wine and dining upon salty fish within a fortnight. Your friend, Armand Clovers[/i][/indent] Satisfied, the old halfling dripped hot burgundy wax onto the envelope and pressed his signet into it. With that, he tucked it a pocket in his cloak and started for the door. [center][b][u]Traveling to Belmorn[/b][/u][/center] Kipp understood the gravity of his mission, and he worried that maybe he was taking it a [i]bit[/i] too seriously, but he was more concerned that he was not cut out for the task. Oh, on the surface, his skillset was perfectly tailored to what the mission demanded. As a member of the Erimir's small standing army, he was trained in the use of the sling, the short sword, the shield, and the dagger. He had been taught the Underfoot Technique, making the best of one's short height when fighting powerful opponents, and was versed in basic battlefield tactics. He also happened to be a terrific woodsman, having been an herbalist's apprentice before he joined the Infantry, was a natural at finding good hiding places, and had sharper ears than most. So, truth be told, Kipp should have felt prepared. But [i]the elves[/i] could probably do all of that and more, and better! And what if they attacked? What if they didn't want any halflings marching through their woods? The scenery would have been enjoyable on any other occasion, really. The trees were tall and green, the scent of pollen rose from the vibrant purple and blue flowers in bloom, the wind was gentle and mild, the sky was clear, and his belly was full from a snack of succulent sausage. Despite all that, though, Kipp found himself wanting to pop the sausages right back out of his mouth so he'd be lighter on his feet. "Don't worry yourself," came a gravelly voice next to him. "The elves en't but people like us. They're just taller an' skinnier, 'at's wot." Kipp looked over at the old straw-haired soldier behind him. "I don't think so," he muttered, though he [i]did[/i] feel more at ease with that. "I just wish we had a bit bigger of a company. I mean... three guards and one ambassador? We're not very, um... stately." They weren't, really. The ambassador rode astride a pony and wore a simple blue cloak with a blue-and-white striped shirt and pantaloons and a simple brown leather jerkin for a vest. Kipp and the other soldiers, Gammel and Flynn, had green shirts with leather armor and sturdy caps of the same material, and of course they had belt pouches full of snacks. "I mean, aren't ambassadors and their entourages supposed to, uh-- make an impression?" Kipp's voice got weak toward the end. "We [i]are[/i] making an impression," said the ambassador, brushing at his red sideburns. "Halflings have always had a reputation for being simple and down-to-earth, and it's served us well enough in the past. People expect us to be easy to dupe and catch off-guard. Letting them think that is important, and making a stately impression might just cause them to reconsider what they know about us. Don't worry," said the red-haired man, tugging his blue hood over his head. "Everything will be fine." Kipp nodded, then started paying attention to the trees. "We've reached the border of Erimir and Belmorn," he said once they reached a part of the woods he was unfamiliar with. "Well," said old Gammel, "bes' put on 'r bes' smiles 'en. Dun' want the Glade Watchers t'think we ain't friendly."