No one spoke while Spyro and Cynder re-entered the room. Volteer stood by the door longer, and spoke with Cocytus. What was said exactly I didn't hear, but it was no doubt about her dismissal.

Only when everyone was seated again did Cyril speak. "Since the issue surrounding your profession have been resolved, we can begin the negotiations. As the current Guardians, Terrador, Volteer and I speak for the dragon race. Spyro and Cynder are here at witnesses, and to provide their opinion on how the new world's precedent concerning interspecies relations is set. Can we confirm that you, Dr. Marshall, are here to represent your people, the humans?"

It was wordy, and eloquent, much more than Cyrils usual speech pattern, and I knew why. This was important. We both had to be clear, yet vague enough to allow future leeway during these agreements.

"I am here to represent my people, the humans, and offer a non-hostility agreement. Neither one of our species will attack the other, including allies of the opposing party. If this meeting goes well, I am able to provide an alliance and other benefits for both our peoples." I wonder if they see the true condition I laid down. "My people are under the belief that this non-hostility agreement is already approved, as a show of good faith."

The three Guardians looked towards each other and leant their head together, their hushed tones spreading through the room, only to quieten down quickly. "We find the agreement to be in good faith, and we can unanimously approve of it. I assume there is something that must be signed to make it official?" I nodded and gave them a wax-sealed envelope from my trusty satchel that is always with me.

"There are two documents inside, one for my people, and one for yours. Both already bear my signature, as well as the prime minister of my race. Unfortunately we expected four Guardians, so the forms must be signed by a majority of three, which now stands a unanimous decision. My government will be informed about the untimely death of the Fire Guardian, so that no ill will can befall anyone."

Everyone looked sad, but they nodded their understanding, and the three Guardians signed. Watching them use their tails to write was amazing. The dexterity of such a long and dangerous limb was astounding. Something that looks so unwieldy has no right to move so elegantly, I had no recourse but to think: 'Magic'.

They finished signing both forms, and passed one back to me. It didn't matter which one form, they were both identical. They probably should have read through it first, it is a binding document, that not only bound them, but the entirety of their species.

It was just good practice.

"Now that the imminent safety of both our peoples have been achieved, we can move on to other topics of discussion. We have read this codex of yours, and are satisfied as to our understanding. We are aware that you have no such codex about our people. Do you wish for one to be created and to be given ample time to read it?"

They were being generous. I don't know if the stereotypes about dragons were simply wrong, or if the war affected them more than they let on, but currently it was irrelevant.

"There is no need. I trust that I will not be deceived by you, to do so would tarnish your honour, and any information I require I could gain by simply watching the city. Now, I understand that this war has been harsh on all those who took part. My people have great respect for the dragons, so we wish to extend a helping hand. We can other services in finding lost young dragons and bringing them to the city, or we can help with general herbs and supplies. I can send for a party of scouts, who will arrive in approximately two weeks after the message is sent. If you provide me with a list of herbs and medicines you are low on, or in need of, we can bring them. A list will be sent to me reporting what can be spared or gathered along the way. From there, the scouts can be instructed on likely places for young dragons to be found. I believe this is where Spyro and Cynder might be useful, having previous experience."

They looked shocked at something. Not just the Guardians, but Spyro and Cynder. Maybe they were shocked at the lengths my people would go to for others we didn't know, or perhaps they were surprised at the level of preparedness that was being displayed.

Terrador took the lead on this one. "If my fellows will also agree, I can have the healers create a list of supplies that are in low reserves. You're help would be much appreciated. What can we do in turn?"

I looked at each dragon in turn. Terrador looked hopeful, his face crinkled and his eyes shone bright. Volteer for once was still, it was quite unnerving. Cyril looked exactly the same. He wouldn't let his pretenses drop.

Cynder was looking at me, this admiration in her glowing eyes, but quickly looked away when I turned to look at her. Spyro looked a little lost at what was happening, but I believe he understood the basics of what was happening, even if he didn't know why he was there.

"As you read in my peoples codex, we went into isolation, so if you could preside over peace talks, either in person or through representatives, we would find that to be fair."

"But such a simple thing, for the continuance of our race? Do you value us so little?" Cyril spoke, his voice bitter.

"Do not misunderstand. I can understand why you might believe such things. But it is simply the way my people are. It was covered briefly in the codex. While the help given to you reaches a certain distance, the distance you help us must be equal. It is only fair. Should the scouts find a significant amount of dragons, I certainly don't mind asking for more, if that would calm you down?"

Terrador started to looked surprised, and hurried to speak. "We can see about that in the future. However, this list will take a couple of days to prepare correctly. I find this mentality of your people to be somewhat shocking, I admit, usually, people would tend to try to extract as much as possible. It is refreshing."

"Yes, very refreshing, very fair, taking into account the physical help can be translated into a numerical format, it could be a very fair way of providing assistance to those who are in need."

"Thank you Volteer, but I cannot take credit for the culture of my race. I did not create it. If you would, could you deliver the list of herbs and medicines to my room, so that I can send the letter at a moment's notice?" I received a nod from Terrador. "Thank you."

"Is there any other assistance we can provide? Before you answer, I should make you aware, I do not have explicit control of our armies, that power lies with the prime minister, but I can have certain foodstuffs and equipment sent over to give your mechanics a buffer zone, before they become too backlogged."

Again they conferred. This conference was longer than the last, but once again Spyro and Cynder was left out. "Spyro, Cynder. It would be a good idea, after peace is declared, to take a trip to my village. I would need to deliver the documents in person, and I would like to invite you along, as representatives of your race."

It was Spyro who answered, which was good. Cynder looked too shaken to answer quickly. "But we have no clue how to do that."

"Then it's a good thing there will be nothing for you to do. It's a tittle simply to make your life easier while you're over there. All the important details will be handled before we leave. I can promise you won't be required to do anything. Even if you are, I can help you avoid it."

Cynder looked more nervous and scared than anything now. "You promise one thing, but make plans for breaking that promise? I don't trust it. I don't trust you enough to believe you."

I nodded. It was a fair assumption to make, but it was wrong. "I made a promise, and I stand by that promise. Unfortunately, I cannot control the actions of others, which is why I offer my help incase a situation does arise. I can promise, from the deepest parts of my soul, that you have nothing to fear from me. I do believe it would a good thing for both of you to get away from the city for sometime, clear your heads of all this sound."

The Guardians had finished consulting each other, and were now turning round to face me again, their claws clacking against the stone as they moved back towards their seats.

"I don't need an answer yet, so just think about it." Then I spoke to the Guardians. "Have you reached a consensus?"

Volteer nodded. "We have. We have decided that we are in no need of military equipment, our scales and claws can do much of the work, we also need no assistance with the clearing of the battlefield of the siege weapons. We are unsure about what foodstuffs you can offer. As you can imagine, us dragons can eat a lot, our diet contains a large portion of meat, and to ask this of you would be inconsiderate, as our potential allies."

"I understand your concerns. They are sensible. Let me explain what I mean by foodstuffs. It comes to my attention that you have species other than dragons in this city. I know we cannot help the dragons, you're right when you say it would be near impossible. However we can help those inside the city that are not dragons. The moles, they still occupy the city yes? And can I assume that the Grublins have destroyed many fields and your storehouse of foods?" Again, I receive the affirmative. "Then I propose that we provide food in the form of rice, and vegetables for them so that your burden is eased as much as possible. If you can provide an estimation of your required food, then the scouts will also be informed, and they will handle the logistics. I can inform you of any details that follow as I receive them. That is my offer."

The Guardians were nodding throughout. I suppose a long lived race like theirs enter into many wars, so they understand that I cannot promise a certain amount yet.

"The offer is very kind, but you have not asked for a price for the help."

"Very true. But one does not always help for their own gain. This is a relief effort that I was asked to attempt by my government. We are being kind. Just that. Just kind."

"Then we happily accept. That is all we ask for. But understand that you are also interested in an alliance?" I nod my agreement. "What will the terms be of this alliance?"

"Very simple. We would like open travel for both our peoples, so that we might holiday and live wherever we please. We would like to have a military alliance. Neither will attack the other, but should an attack be made against one party, the other shall respond in accordance to the military wishes of the offended party, and both has a responsibility to defend any outposts, civilian or military they find under assault. Those are the base agreements that must be met for an alliance to exist between our peoples."

Everybody looked shocked at those terms. "We will have to think about those terms. I suggest we adjourn for the day, and reconvene at midday tomorrow to further discuss this issue. Is everyone satisfied?"

We all nodded. Seems like my week just keeps getting busier.

A.N: Back to my usual 2k words. This was a fun one for me to write. Got to remember to set up those future events! Hope you all enjoy this one, and as always favourite and review.