Dawn finally arrived and Lord Dayton's servant came outside to invite Oromis to breakfast. Oromis accepted and joined Dayton inside at the lavishly set dinning table.

"I begin to feel like I am imposing, Lord Dayton." Oromis said casually, watching the other man.

"Nonsense. If you couldn't tell, I live alone apart from my servants. Nevertheless, I have been very selfish in keeping you detained while I pondered." He paused to sip some of his juice. "And I appreciate your patience in the matter. Since the offer is to keep my lands and the potential to access more trade than before, I accept the offer. You shouldn't have too much trouble with the other lords and ladies of Uru'baen once you mention I have already joined in support."

"Lady Aerin indicated as much."

Dayton laughed. "Of course she would, she was always the one who really knew what went on in that court."

"You aren't upset?"

"Not at all, I have great respect for Lady Aerin. However, you might not want to mention her to anyone else. I am certain they merely thought of her as a glorified lady of the night, to put it politely."

Oromis nodded in understanding as they finished eating. "Thank you for your support and hospitality, Lord Dayton."

"It has been my pleasure, Argetlam."

Oromis joined Glaedr outside and climbed on. "That feels almost too easy."

You think he may change his mind?

"I am not certain. Let's go make our report."

Glaedr took to the sky and flew back to Uru'baen. He landed in the main courtyard with a roar to announce their return.

"Welcome back, Oromis-elda." Nasuada smiled. "We were beginning to worry a little."

"Negotiating can take time. I got the feeling Dayton was seeing if I showed any impatience, which of course I didn't. He said he would join us, though I am not certain for how long."

"Any alliance is better than nothing. Do you wish to take a break?"

"Yes, Glaedr wishes to hunt and there are some things I will attend to while he does that."

Nasuada nodded. "Of course. I will let the other leaders know."

"They're still here?"

"No, though they asked that I write and keep them informed."

"I see. If you will excuse me, Queen Nasuada."

"Of course. Let me know when you are ready for your next mission."

Oromis inclined himself slightly to her in respect as Glaedr bowed his head before flying off to hunt.

Oromis walked down the halls till he found Aliana training with a sword. He watched her quietly until she was finished before he approached her. "Aliana."

"Oromis, you're back."

He hugged her. "Yes, for now. The meeting with Lord Dayton went well. I do not know if he will stay allied to us."

"Dayton might surprise you. He doesn't always show everything, being extremely cautious."

"He certainly has a lot of respect for you and Lady Aerin."

"The feeling is mutual. You look tired."

"I will rest soon. Aliana, there is something I wish to discuss with you."

"Of course." She put away the sword she had been using. "Would you like to go for a walk?"

He nodded. "Lead the way."

She took his hand and started walking to her favorite spot in the gardens. "So what's going on?"

"I know we have not known each other long in reality, though it feels as though we have to me. What are your thoughts?"

"Quite honestly I have been interested in you since shortly after meeting you." She felt her cheeks color a bit at the admission. "And it really does feel like we have known each other for much longer."

"Glaedr has been teasing me about my interest in you." He chuckled softly. "And I promised I would speak to you. I am hoping we can spend more time together to see how things go."

"I would like that." She smiled. "Especially since Glaedr approves."

"That is very important. I am certain he will wish for my input should he ever find someone he wishes to mate with."

"From earlier conversations, that sounds like it can take a while."

"It varies. Some dragons aren't in a hurry and others are fueled by hormones when they hit puberty and pair off."

"When does puberty hit for dragons?"

"Usually around six months to a year, sometimes longer. Dragons mature quite quickly compared to the rest of us, which is why during the war with them their numbers greatly exceeded ours."

"It's good peaceful solutions were found."

"Indeed, though the price was great."

She nodded. "I can only imagine. You hungry?"

"I had a meal with Lord Dayton, but I would be happy to keep you company if you need something."

"Just a little snack." She took him to the kitchen and grabbed some fruit. "Glaedr off hunting?"

"Yes, how did you guess?"

"He's not here to tease us."

Oromis smiled and kissed her gently.

"Woah, I clearly am interrupting."

"Hi, Murtagh."

"Don't mind me, I will make myself scarce." He grinned at Aliana's blush and grabbed a plate full of food. "Though you may want to move to a less public place."

"Says the guy who I caught in rather compromising positions in public several times."

"That was the past, this is the more mature Murtagh you're speaking to."

"What a relief you finally got passed your awkward phase."

"Yeah well you never had that because you're the smart one."

She chuckled softly. "Sometimes wisdom comes before age, but mostly it arrives after."

"Always later in my case. See you guys around." He waved and walked off.

"He does seem more mellow now. It is interesting to see how people change."

"That's a part of him he didn't show very often. Eragon defeating Galbatorix opened a whole new life for all of us."

Oromis nodded, an arm sliding around her. "I am glad of that. Would you like to go somewhere more private?"

"Yes, I think that would be a good idea." She led him to her room.