The summer sun beats down over a rocky villa overlooking the Reshal Sea. A single Halfling reclines on a wicker deck chair overlooking a rural estate with a stunning view of the tiered city of Ratha to its south. One attendant approaches him, attempting to hand him a parchment container. The Halfling glances at the attendant, gesturing with a glass of brandy that sloshes around a large ice cube. "My hands are full. Leave it on the table." The attendant dutifully leaves it to the side of the Halfling and begins departing. "Oh! And I could use another bottle!"

Taking the time to glance over the parchment, the Halfling opens the container, revealing two rolled manuscripts. He peruses each, before laying them aside.

"The mainlanders are ready to do real business. And are eyeing ours. This is going to be interesting."

The Halfling shouts after the attendant, "I think I'm going to need two!"