"Preposterous, as I expected," Rughoi snorted, reacting to the outrageous compromise Mazdak put forth. "You want to revoke my title? How pretentious can one get?" He walked over to the map he had hanging on the wall, and turned back with a glare that would melt glass. " . . . For what? Protection? Is that how the dracon realms refer now to slavery?" Ardasa went over to whisper her piece where the guest may not hear.

"Ooh, I wouldn't quite approach it that way," she whispered, gazing with fear at the orange dracon standing at the door. He cut an imposing figure, and was a fearsome representation of a dracon soldier. "These people are nobles and lords. They appreciate good diplomacy, and will make concessions our way if we show a bit of respect."

War is not on our agenda, as you would remember," added Kutur, joining in on the conversation.

"Hmm," Rughoi muttered. It was difficult not to spit in the face of a being he hated so much. He looked up at the dracon, then back at his bounded. " . . . Perhaps I have been hasty to reject an offer I had not yet considered. There is no reason both our nations can't get something out of this."

"Don't mind him too much, esteemed guest," Ardasa said, treating Mazdak to one of her brightest smiles. "Rughoi is a good leader, truly. If he comes across as . . . crass, then it is just his love for his people showing through. As he said, both of us can walk away happy. A counter-proposal, if you would listen to it. We create a pact of non-aggression between the two of us, and the Empire of Xigyll will now demand half-tariffs on all merchants flying the flag of Hekaga. Surely a smart negotiator like yourself would know how wealthy you would grow as a result. In that, let us keep the right to call ourselves an empire, headed by emperors. It's just a name, isn't it? A lovely one, coined by Arjun 'the Brave' in his ancient conquests. A culturally-tolerant and all-embracing realm such as the mighty Hekaga would want to preserve such a vibrant and rooted culture. What do you say? Friends?"