[Nerindel]

Korpúlfr confidently strode through the banquet hall to the open courtyard were the reception was to take place, he was pleased to see that Jahr had not only set out his samples, but made sure that various dishes had been prepared so that their potential buyers could sample his goods and see how they might be used to full effect.

Smiling satisfactorily he lifted a goblet from a passing servant. Circling the goblet thoughtfully in his hands, he raised it to his nose and inhaled, the distinct sweet, woody aroma of the cinnamon that complimented the sharp fruity flavour of the aged red wine within, bringing a knowing smile to his thin lips. It had been he that had convinced the local wine merchant that his fathers cinnamon would complement the sharpness of the aged red, though he knew the old man would never admit as much, but it mattered not to him, for as long as the beverage proved popular; which it did, especially at Falasmir's court, he would profit considerably.

Korpúlfr's father had spent the last fifteen years building their family business and establishing them as the finest traders of spices and silk in all of the Southland's. So much so that they had run many smaller traders out of business. Taking a sip of the sharp red he grinned to himself. He couldn't wait to pull Umbar's most profitable trade out from under their very noses! As soon as their people were united and they established their own cities, he intended to do just that.

He positively loathed having to pay Umbar's trade taxes each month, handing his peoples hard earned gold over to the lazy, weak minded fools of Umbar who claimed lordship of the city and the out lying areas and now with the thought that his goods might fall into Falasmir's hands he loathed them more. But he was a disciplined young man and held his thoughts in check, soon he thought, very soon!

As he carefully set down his goblet he glanced around the busy courtyard, every respected Merchant of Umbar was gathered to show off the very best that Umbar had to offer. But the question that now played on his mind was why? He was more than certain that their gracious host was going to seize the Gondorian merchant ship, So why go to so much trouble to impress?

As he pondered that thought his gaze fell on the tall dark haired man he had see in the market, but with him was another man, darker of skin, slim of build, but just as tall. He watched with growing interest as the two men were assailed by various merchants trying to impress with their knowledge and wit.

Like Vultures around fresh meat he mused to himself.

Always let them come to you my son! his father always told him and sure enough it was not long before the darker skinned foreigner approached to examine his wares.

"Saffron" he said, watching as the man examined the threads he had on display.

"Vegetable gold. Look closely, sir. You will see only the red of the female stigmas, no yellow." he boasted proudly, it was that which made this spice the most sought after in all the Southland's.

He smiled, pleased as the Gondorian negotiated a price for several crates of the spice. Korpúlfr quickly became glad that he had began the bartering overly high as it soon became apparent the foreigner was accustom to the skill of barter and would not be easily duped. But Korpúlfr still managed to settle on a price that was profitable to him.

"The names Korpúlfr! It has been a pleasure doing business with you." he grinned warmly extending his hand in a friendly gesture.

"If you seek to lighten your purse further, you and your friend may be interested in seeing our fine selection of hand spun silks, popular with the fine ladies of court." He continued, motioning them to another table filled with various hues and textures of the fine material. As they spoke he kept a curious eye on the older man, the one who had openly asked about his people in the market! Distrust and suspicion growing in his mind.