Garaile sat back against the chair, his helm on the table before him. He rubbed his fingers against his nose, pinching right between his eyes. It's been a stressful night, and only a few things left to do before morning arrived. He shook his head to clear it before he let himself move forward. His armor flowed black, then through the hue of colors, not resting as he let all his emotions flood him while in his chair.

He had invited the woman, and she arrived, regardless of whether her messenger arrived before her or not. All was fair, and hospitality, though it wasn't his strong suit, must follow through.

He clasped his hands, placed them gently on the table, and stared at the door, and waited.

”Whatcha staring at?

The quiet voice would sound in his ear; he would be surprised to see Aria standing behind him; with her head tilted to the side staring as intently as he was at the closed door. If he looked around he would find that a large cabinet door which likely was closed when he entered his office was now ajar; indicating Aria had probably planned this whole moment and had waited for exactly the right time to emerge and walk up behind the distracted individual. A lesson to be learned; never leave a Bog Burglar especially not their leader alone...

She turned her head and gave him a smile while fully being prepared to defend herself if need be; she was also keeping a close eye on this one’s shiny suit. Seemed to be a reliable way to read the otherwise stern faced leader.

Not wanting to be surprised by the Bog Burglar Queen herself, he coughed as she whispered into his ear. His armor betrayed his surprise briefly, until he controlled his emotions once again. It went to a shade of white, and he motioned to a seat.

"You would remember that hiding in the hall of the Murderous Tribe is a grand way to be accidentally poisoned, if we had visitors more often. But then, we like our privacy, so, that probably slipped in the translation. Please, sit. Let's get this meeting underway. My daughter should be here soon, she is to be the next Chief, should I die."


His eyes glinted with merriment as he mentioned his own death, his armor taking on a shade of violet. He composed himself rather quickly, as the armor turned black.

Nilda walks in, seeing Aria standing over her father. Her hand reaches for a weapon. Her eyes narrow, and for a second, she looks downright homicidal before realizing Aria lacked ill intent.

Standing upright, she asks, “Are we here to talk about the Thief Queen bringing Doomfang to the island then?” Perhaps she should have thought more of it when Aria mentioned running into the dragon in the past. Those three terrible terrors were definitely an ill omen of the Bog Burglar visit.

Taking a seat, her eyes stay on Aria. She worried about the safety of the island with Aria about.

There was a quirk of her lip at the brief change in the color of his armor. She arched an eyebrow at the murderous tribe leader; but she supposed that they did not know her well enough that this sort of thing was a very common occurrence with her. The look transitioned to ‘dafuc kind family is this’ when she noted the joyful color his armor took when he mentioned his death. Her eyes looked up when Nilda entered and gave her a wonderful murderous look. She smiled and waved a hello. Aria walked around the desk; absent mindedly taking a look around the room.

”I did not bring Doomy to the island; he answers to no one or well perhaps maybe his brother and the one who knows all.”

There was a small smile on her face at the thought; she idly picked up the chiefs helmet and inspected it…shortly after, stuck it on her head and was amused to see it turned a bright emerald green. A large grin spreading across her face. She did take it off and put it back where she found it before turning towards Nilda once more.

”Doomfang had his sights set on this island before I arrived; he’s tracking another scent and not mine; however the meeting is to discuss another matter that affects all the tribes.”

Garaile sat back in his chair, placing his arms on each arm rest. He looked at Nilda when she entered and commented, he almost spoke, but Aria beat him to it.

"She is right, Nilda. I sent the invite, she just happens to have a horrible time sending reply messages. However, Doomfang is not our current discussion."

Garaile shifted his gaze to Aria, and started for a brief moment before continuing again.

"We need peace, Doomfang only brings that more to bear. We must unite all the clans if we are to survive the coming dangers. Tell me what you know of the other islands troubles. Fill my daughter in on what's going on, as she would benefit from a refresher."

Nilda looks unnerved for a few seconds before falling into a neutral expression. She seems to ignore Aria’s presence, speaking only to her father. “I am simply pointing out that Doomfang has never shown up before. Then someone who has had negative encounters with the dragon in the past shows up, and it does as well. Yes, it claimed to be tracking someone. That we smell of that person. Now, I wonder why the scent trail led the dragon here… Because the Bog Burglars are the first visitors that we have had in a long time. I do not want to see the island continually harassed by the monster because something led it here.” The thief queen was dangerous to keep around. The circumstances surrounding Doomfang’s appearance seemed to suggest Aria being to blame.

She crosses her arms before looking back at Aria. “However, if that is not the topic of discussion, what is this more pressing matter?”

”Negative, positive; depends on your chosen perspective. I survived all the encounters...and I am more than sure he’s being around this island more than once Probably not in your life time but Doomfang is very very old; dragons just don’t grow to that size overnight ya know.”

As she went on to blame the scent to be of her origins she shrugged, apparently they didn’t quite think hard on who the dragon was implicating.

”Are you implying I brought the scent of a god with me? …Now really if that was true I wouldn’t go blaming stuff on me. Although then that could be just Doomfang’s excuse to come visit me for old time sake so perhaps it is my fault. At least he didn’t eat anyone and he did save our butts did he not? I really don’t see how this was a negative experience. ”

Aria had half the mind once this meeting was over just to roll around the island and get her scent everywhere…..just to spite the little princess. A dopey grin spread across her face as she got lost in thought. However the clan chief brought back her attention to the matter of hand.

”I will start at the beginning then; for those that have traveled about to other islands you will notice much of our little sets of islands here do not have the land that supports large crops. Yes we have our set of livestock and fishing; which we do find with when it comes to the colder months. However many of the clans support communities that are beyond clan members in which the clans have to provide for….I believe the Murderous clan does not suffer the same way as many of the other islands do due to your small numbers. But I believe your clan as well relies on trades for grains and such from outlying islands am I right?”

She took her place leaning on an empty wall; her hands crossed over her chest. She was unaware with how much outside of the island that the young chieflett knew.

”The Peacefull County has been an ongoing source of fresh produce and livestock for all of the clans; especially during the winter months when rations run low. Seeing how most of the islands just don’t have the land to be able to haul in crops large enough….which brings us to the issue at hand”

She turned her attention back to the chief.

”Peacefull County has been having a large increase in dragon activity; and its not just the local nests….Dragons are traveling from all corners; and they are coming in swarms that are large enough to be marked as an oddity. I received a notice from the County that they will not be able to supply our island this winter if things continue as they are…and I’m more then sure that the notice will be sent out to other clans as well. Peacefull County isn’t the only ones seeing an increase in Dragon activity as well; other clans have reported having issues as well.”

Garaile listened to Aria, while watching to ensure Nilda was catching every word. Her mask, however, was too good and he was unable to read what she was thinking. He let it go, and turned his full attention to Aria and the dragon hordes.

"It would seem that the problem of Peaceful County and the problem of Doomfang may, in fact, be the same problem. If Doomfang is hunting for a specific person, it is safe to assume other dragons may also be hunting for him. And if others are hunting for him, it would explain the hordes that travel to the East. I can offer my clan's assistance in hunting the creatures, but I cannot say we can be any impact if they are all hunting this man. The solution, instead, would be to hunt out this man ourselves and get the explanation out of him as to what is really going on. Perhaps this is our best option, especially in the face of Doomfang. Who knows if there are other monsters that size, or even demons of his intelligence and power. If there are others, it is also safer to assume they, too, will be hunting this person."

He scratched at his chin, briefly, then nodded.

"Yes. I do believe this is a manhunt, and not a dragon hunt."

“When a sentient talking dragon flies by the island, I consider that a negative experience,” Nilda states, confused why it would be anything else. “The creature is dangerous, and the last thing anyone needs is it searching and sniffing about. I assume that search will involve destroying homes and perhaps killing a few of our clanmates. I understand that this isn’t you home, but imagine, if it was seeking something on your island.” The fact that Aria took it so lightly boggled the mind really. Either she was indifferent because she could go home to another island or she really was just that silly.

She frowns at the news of Peaceful County and the current attacks. “What are the nature of these attacks? Are they simply attacking the residents or are they taking things? And if so, what kinds of things? It might explain what the dragon hordes are after.”

She shrugs at theory that Doomfang was behind the attacks, “To my knowledge, most dragons are not nearly as intelligent as Doomfang. I doubt they would even understand what Doomfang seeks. It would probably know that having a bunch of brainless animals would slow it down, and perhaps draw unwanted attention if it is really searching for a God.”

She rubs the back of her head, looking down, “If Peaceful County is having as many issues as it seems, shouldn’t we keep most of our people? Harvest season rapidly approaching. If we can’t harvest enough food on our own and this problem cannot be solved quickly, then we will starve. It is the tail end of summer, and there are so many young children… However, I suppose many will want to take on the challenge for Zepon’s Betrayal.”

”He’s been on my islands more than once…and is likely heading there as we speak. ….and yes casualties fallow where he goes. But seeing how I have more experience with him I will tell you this he dislikes pumpkins, bright lights, and loud noises.”

Aria turned her attention back to the chief as he spoke; he still didn’t seem to understand whom Doomy was referring to….Aria turned back to Nilda as she asked a question.

”The attacks are for food only; at least for the most part. They are attacking the food stores as well…so really there main goal is food. Which makes me wonder what has them flying from their normal hunting grounds. Dragons are more intelligent then you both seem to give them credit for. Yes Doomfang is a highly intelligent dragon with the ability to speak. There are only one or two other species known to have the ability to copy human speech. Hogflys for example can use our tongue ….but those are extremely dim witted dragons…”

Aria thought for a bit and nodded when the Doomfang subject came up again.

”I agree with Nilda on that one; I don’t know if dragons believe in the same gods as us…interesting thought though….kinda creepy to think that they do because that would mean they are smarter than you would first guess. But I doubt the entire dragon race is pillaging for one person….what would be the point of it?”

Aria raised an eyebrow at the mention of a challenge.

”I thought you just sacrificed random animals to ol’ Zeppy there. What other challenge do you have? But yes you are right about keeping your numbers on the island. I don’t think a large amount of man power would be needed until we discover the source of the problem. What needs to be done is some information gathering; and since your clan is closest to a large active nest I was hoping to request if you could collect some data. Observe what they’re bringing in for their hunts, ect. I am sailing to other clans as well to request there cooperation as well. We can’t solve the problem until we know what exactly it is.”

Yes Aria did give the god of death a nick name; one which she used frequently. Unlike many of her island she wasn’t very superstitious and frankly had no issue giving pet names to the gods. Every time she used a god’s name lightly her men would wince; they blame half of Arias bad luck on this awful habit.

Garaile shook his head.

"I had no intention of taking a large number of warriors from my island. I also do not agree that more information is really the solution in this case. If we stand by and try to gather information while the dragons continue to raid and plunder Peaceful County, it is only a matter of time before the other tribes come here looking for whatever we have. I cannot stand the idea of having to risk my tribes lives for the sake of keeping what we have, and as we are a small clan anyway, it would bode ill if we had to take arms against the Eastern clans. A death here and there, that's doable, it's even necessary. But having to kill many people simply because they are hungry..."

He looked at Nilda, his eyes hard and steady.

"No. Action must be taken to prevent the dragons from continuing to raid Peaceful County. I suggest a meeting of the Tribal Heads. All of us. Here on my island, if absolutely necessary, but I'd prefer anywhere else. Better to keep them from knowing our numbers, and our stores."

Nilda closes her eyes and thinks for a bit before saying, “So if there main goal is food, that suggests that there normal hunting grounds have gone barren. Have other places reported losses in food not related to the dragons? Things like fish and game? Also, dragons and intelligence are strange to put in the same sentence. Are we speaking about the same dim-witted creatures that exist in the stables? Trust me, they aren’t anymore complex than a dog. Any speaking ability isn’t any different from some birds that can also mimic speech.”

She looks at Aria as she asks about Zepon’s Betrayal. Unfolding her hands, she explains, “I meant you could expect a bunch of people to take up the call for a hunt on a Doomfang. Spilling Doomfang’s entrails would be an amazing sacrifice, don’t you think? Besides, the hide would a great gift to present to a would-be spouse, so you can get married on Ai’s Gift.”

Nilda nods as Garaile dissents against information gathering. “In addition, the nest here is quite large. Leading a group close to it would be very dangerous with just how many dragon inhabit the damn thing. As silent as we are, the chances are that a good number of us would get hurt or die in the process. We would pay a large burden for something that we aren’t even as affected by as the other clans. I support the idea of a meeting.” However, she wasn’t sure how she felt about the idea of leaving Murderous Island. She should probably stay behind while her father went anyways.

”Exactly how do you propose finding a solution to the Dragons attacking for food, without first finding out the root of a cause? You don’t simply throw buckets of water into a suddenly barren stream without first finding out where the dam is… “

But she did have to concede on the idea of protecting ones people; though at least he had less members then the Bog Burglars massive three island base.

”I do however agree with the thought of a meeting be established; however I believe we should attempt to reach out to the Beserker clan and see if we can use their lands for it….they are after all the only neutral clan; it would make sense to meet on those grounds. I plan to go there personally shortly after my stay here…..which if you agree to it I can write up a temporary treaty for all clans until this crisis is over…but that would mean putting aside blood feuds…”

Aria nodded as Nilda continued to focus on thinking of a cause to the dragons activity.

”I believe you are right; something is likely affecting the dragons food stores…which is what I’d like to investigate. I have sent some of my ferrets out to see if they can gather any information that may help….I have not received much word other then they have just seen a large increase in dragon attacks when it comes to the produce that is usually sent to the other islands. Peaceful county isn’t a large fishing village, Berk usually supplies things on that end….and I haven’t kept in touch with any one on Berk for a long while, so I do not know if they are also suffering an increase in Dragon attacks”

Aria laughed when the idea of dragons be more intelligent beings seemed like an odd concept.

”Let’s take that mood dragon for example; he was having a full conversation with Doomfang in his own language….That much could be deduced since Doomfang answered a question that none of us had asked….and since he answered what nest he hailed from then that’s a sign that Dragons recognize other colonies as we recognize clans….It’s just some food for thought”

Aria burst out laughing at the thought of them hunting Doomfang for a holiday meant for Zepon. The idea alone made her tear at the eyes in amusement.

”Tell him what it’s for and I bet ol’ Doomfang will gut himself for you just for amusements sake!”

However she did calm herself; shaking her head slightly.

”I don’t worry about marriage; it’s pointless for me anyhow. Ai’s day is just a wonderfully day to create awkward situations for would be couples for me…and apparently dressing in Ais image is discouraged…however that only happened after a bit to much to drink”

Aria frowned when the idea of searching the nest was put down…it was dangerous after all.

”Do I have permission to go myself then? Stealth is my specialty after all”

Garaile sighed, leaning back in his chair. This has been one long night.

"I wasn't putting down the idea of an expedition to the nest, I was putting out there that to go after information, while knowing why they are changing patterns may prove the key factor, stopping them from destroying Peaceful County while we try to get their problem fixed as well. As for buckets and streams... if you stream has gone dry, then it would be obvious that something has happened to cause it, you go out looking to fix the problem, not discover why the dam was put up. Going out and finding the reason behind the dragons sudden change in feeding patterns isn't preventing them from destroying Peaceful County's food stores, and, therefore, the trading that we all need to survive. It may help prevent an increase, but won't stop the already occuring assaults. If we want the Archipelago to survive the winter, we need to hit both fronts. We need a large group to confront the dragons in Peaceful County, and we need an expedition to investigate why they changed their patterns in the first place. See if the Berzerkers will host, it would be safest, and if you have a draft ready for such a treaty, then by all means, have it ready before you leave my island so that I may show a good hand at agreeance to fixing this problem."

He placed his hands, palms down, on the table and leaned forward.

"If you want to go to the nest, I will take you there. But it would probably be best if your guards stayed here. The nest isn't hard to get to, but the numbers of visitors that go there rarely exceed two. They can follow, if you feel the necessity and won't take my word on keeping you safe, not that you need protection, but they must follow at a distance far enough behind so as to not draw attention to a larger group. And Nilda, I'm sure you'll think it entertaining, so if you follow as well, remember the distance, and stay out of trouble."