Disclaimer: All chapters bare the following disclaimer, all characters and places recognized belong to Tamora Pierce. The songs used for this story all belong to the band Muse.

It had now been six months since the death of King Maggur. A peace party of Tortallans had been invited into the newly built Scanran capital. The government was the most stable it had been since the early days of Maggur's rule, before he went mad.

Progress had begun to be made towards building up the ruined country. Women, for the first time had an important role, some of them even holding roles in the new government. While it would take time for the full rise of this new Scanra, the effects were starting to show.

Women were becoming pregnant again, new marriage laws were created in hopes of boosting the population, and there were incentives for having children. While a harvest would take more months to sustain the country, progress had been made to turn the wasted land more fertile. Overall, everything was becoming more and more promising.

Part of the final stages for this new government was to reach out to other countries. While they were weak, they needed not only help, but they also needed treaties of peace to help them rebuild their population without fear of invasion by a neighbor.

Having graciously accepted the invitation, King Jonathan had deliberated long and hard on which of his people and advisors he would send, this was too much of an important opportunity to choose too rashly. After much consideration, a party of ten delegates was sent along with a mixed company made of army, Own, and Riders. Those among the party including his son, the new captain of third company , the Own's knight commander in training and other valuable new generation knights along with a few seasoned advisors, after all, it was his son's generation who would reap the rewards from this treaty.

In an isolated system entropy

Can only increase

-Random radio and T.V. transmissions broadcast on 3/29/12 between 6:48-7:10-

Delegation had been raging for days between the new Scanran government, Tortall, Galla, and Tusaine, all on the best and safest course of action. While several of the countries would agree with the others, there was at least one who stood apposed. Even within the delegation parties there were arguments.

"I don't see how we can even consider giving them 1/10th of our crops and…"

Kel quickly snapped at the well rounded conservative across from her, "I'm sure it may seem like much to you, but there is more than enough to spare in our country, while I know not everyone can hope to eat a feast every day, they can at least eat well."

Before she could continue, Dom placed his hand on her knee, calming her down, "Besides, it's only for two years. By then they will be on their feet."

"But if we give them food, they will only become strong enough to fight us again. That's all this barbaric country is good at, war." The conservative sneered.

"Any country may turn on its ally," Roald quietly spoke up, "But we have to take that chance. One day we may need to ask for their help. They can't rebuild on their own, they need this. "

The conservative bowed his head, finally seeming content, "If this is what your highness believes, I can possibly think of a way it may be feasible." Kel scowled towards the man, sending quiet mutters of distaste his way causing Dom to bite his lip to stop from laughing.

He leaned into her ear; "Even I know that he will never willingly go scr…" he quickly stopped talking at the hard kick to his leg. He sighed, "You know you could always go rest sweets, Neal did tell you not to stress."

"I'm fine Domitan; you will do well to remember that." Kel huffed, crossing her arms trying to calm herself down.

Dom sighed; never had he thought that they would be in this particular situation. A month after that nasty battle that had him and Kel fighting for their lives Raoul had approached him and offered him the position of being captain of third. He had willingly accepted the offer. When he had gone to tell Kel, he found she had also been approached and offered a spot as knight commander in training. It had taken another three months for him to gain word that an amendment had been made to the law and within a fortnight he was calling Kel his wife.

Now, before the talks, they had received even more new from his Meatheaded cousin who sat on Kel's other side, they were already expecting their first child.

"Good, it's settled then." Roald's voice broke Dom out of his thoughts, "We will offer to help them with 1/10th of the crops and a small number of herd animals for two years. In exchange, we will expect trade of leather and other goods."

As the members stood, having made their final decision, he sent a crooked smile towards Kel. "This is going by faster than I thought; we might have some time to ourselves tonight."

As they walked out into the main chamber, they found the other delegates ready.

In an isolated system, entropy

Can only increase

In an isolated system (entropy)

Isolated system

(Entropy can only increase)

Isolated system

Isolated

Isolated (system)

Isolated

Isolated (system)

Isolated (entropy)

Isolated

Isolated

Isolated

Even with that one task resolved, it had taken a month for all countries to come to agreements and sign the peace treaty, Scanra had finally done what King Maggur had failed to do. With the help of its neighbors, she had found glory and riches that would help to better the people.

AN: Thank you for reading this story, I found some parts difficult to write due to the complexity of the songs. I hope you have enjoyed this story :D