Aye, village is large but not that large that we would not know one another. Erin would had got business with all traders, either purchase and sell for them the goods or bring in goods (so he could replenish supplies in Alehouse and so know Simonette or even flirted with her despite danger of her mother flagging him with a barrel or mug). He could have played secret admirer for Mella (provide a exotic green feather as gift as secret admirer to her performance).<br/><br/>Erin is overall kind and good natured man so even if he is braggart and likes flirt he haven't truly 'engaged' on anyone (so far as anyone can know). Nephie's case Erin could have 'love/hate' relationship as Nephie may had stolen few goods from him but at times Nephie had warned him about bandit ambushes so his caravan was well prepared to receive ambush before it happens (or outright avoid it). Also Nephie is few people in village who may know Erin speaks goblin....but nobody in village, not even Nephie, had taught him speak goblin (and know goblin customs). So source of lessons and knowledge came elsewhere. His knowledge for goblin customs came upon when he determined facts from goblin warband just from way they were dressed or behaved according Nephie's report.<br/><br/>But besides above Erin spends very little time in village, around one season in a year at most plus key holidays as he travels a lot as a trader (so he spends few days resupplying and unloading cargo before heading out again). For his travels can have played key factor why he may not be engaged yet with anyone in village (despite either father or mother's attempts hook him up with someone so he settles down sooner).