Devaguea smirked, his smile showing a couple fangs. "Apologies, but I was told that I was being shuffled in, implying this was both important and that I was interrupting other, equally if not more important matters."<br/><br/>He took a moment to realign his thoughts, before speaking. "I understand you are readying for a second war. The issue is that I am not getting a clear request on what you want or why you think now will work. Please remember that something that is common knowledge to you might not have made the jump across the border yet. I am willing to cut the tariffs to minimal levels and increase what discretionary surplus is sent your way, but to hide that I will also have to offer at least a comparable deal to the rest of Brevoy. If you want us to try and negotiate you leaving Brevoy, I can easily see welcoming your group into the River Kingdom with favorable terms, but I do want some assurances that you won't join and then immediately try to break free from me. I am willing to assist you as I can, but I am not going to act against a trade partner that has not yet done something to deserve it yet."<br/><br/>The dragon turned elf stared at the mayor, quietly begging him to realize the last line was not just at Brevoy as a whole, but also at the Swordlords specifically.