“You assume that the dragons are coming from our nest. We are aways from Peaceful County. I am sure there are other nest that might be more likely candidates. Flying all that way instead of just attacking us seems unlikely, wouldn’t you say? I see no reason to send our own people to check out the local nest,” Nilda counters, “Besides, we can solve the problem by determining what is causing this food shortage for dragons. It will likely cause problems for us in the future even if the dragons stopped attacking.”

Nilda looks down and crosses her arms again when her father tells her to stay out of trouble. “Yes. Of course,” she says, sounding dispirited. The idea that she would cause trouble meant her father failed to see her as a true warrior. She was so far off from having what it takes to be a chief. “I still fail to see what you hope to find in the nest besides many, many dragons.”

Aria nodded agreeing with Garaile; the battle should be fought on two fronts. Frankly she had been more preoccupied with gathering information. Sending men to the Peaceful County to protect it would be ideal

”You are right but frankly my clan isn’t known for their muscle; we should seek other clans to provide the arms. But we also have to take into factor like what I think Nilda is saying if the Dragons stop attacking Peaceful County they will likely turn onto other clans in their search. My clan and your clan happen to be the ones best suited for gathering information; your numbers are small enough that risking your men is not an option. Which is why I am asking you to help find the cause of all of this….this problem is not going to be solved by two clans alone. As it does affect all of us. “

Aria shrugged in response to the treaty.

”I do not have one written up, but I do have the supplies to do so if needed. I wasn’t sure if you’d go for it because it would mean creating a temporary alliance with clans that included ones you’re currently in a blood feud with. So I will let you mull it over before you jump to a decision; after all you don’t want to give an order for peace if you know it won’t be fallowed.”

Aria looked back and Nilda and shook her head.

”I am not assuming they are coming from your nest alone. However there is a chance whatever is happening to other dragons nests may be found here as well. Plus your nest happens to be the closest grand nest to my island, hence my first stop.”

A smile appeared on Arias face at the mention of leaving her guards behind.

”When it comes this type of thing smaller numbers are better; my guards would have stayed behind even if I was to go alone. Plus I’m pretty sure I’m one of the few who have made sneaking into dragon nests a personal hobby…and Nilda I hope to observe them. There numbers and the overall health of the nest. We should be looking for an sign of disease or anything else that may seem out of place. Seeing how you and your father have been to the nest more than I have you two will likely spot something out of the ordinary quicker then I would…So Garaile I do hope your daughter will join us; after all her stealth is good enough for my men to take there good old time spotting her earlier when she met us at the docks…you two can pair up and I can fallow behind”

Garaile shrugged.

"I can say this again. If we don't solve the problem of the dragons attacking the major trade fare, it will cause a war across all the archipelago. That, to me, is a thing to avoid even if it means getting along with people I would rather throw into the dragon's nest. At the same, the combined force of a strike squad centered on dealing with dragon attacks in Peaceful County and a squad focused on finding out why the dragons are attacking will at the very least keep the food sources safe and keep a war at bay. To do only one of the two things is to court disaster. And I never said just our two tribes alone should deal with this, unless of course none of the other tribes are willing to stand and protect this land from the dragon invaders."

Nilda grimaces slightly at the idea of a treaty. “I think the Hairy Hooligans and the Meatheads can be negotiated with. The Hairy Hooligans will most likely be more than willing to defend to Peaceful County from its dragon onslaught. The Meatheads can possibly provide additional food to the other clans. Most of their kind are farmers anyways. The Hysterics? No. They are far too volatile and unstable. As for the our current allies, I expect most will accept the treat, except the Outcasts.”

Nilda continues looking down as Aria requests her presence at the nest. “I will follow as our Chief has ordered. Whether that be charge head first or stay back.”

Garaile nodded at Nilda, watching her as she spoke. His armor took on rapid hues of colors, going the full spectrum before settling back down into a deep blue-violet.

"Tell me, daughter. If you were chief, what would you think is best?"

He smiled at her, giving his best 'father-trusts-you' look.

"And don't worry if you offend me; you are a different person and will protect the tribe in your own way. I just want to see your thoughts."

At her father’s request, Nilda looks up and thinks for a moment. What to do. What would be best. Looking back at her father, she says, “It depends… do we think we can reasonably end the dragon attacks in the next few months? If yes, then we should work a temporary truce with the other clans. All except the Hysterics. They are too touched in the head and behave too unpredictably. I do not think that they can be trusted. If no, then we should focus on working our crops here and gathering all resources we can to survive the winter. When spring comes, then we can consider helping the other clans again.”

She nods at Aria, “And it is still unclear what your clan has to offer to help this situation. You seem to be asking for us to lend our strength to a problem that does not affect us much without giving up much in return. Allies or not, I would prefer things to be a bit more equitable.”

“As for the dragon’s nest, the only thing you’ll discover if they are stealing food is that they are hoarding food. The nest here is quite large, so killing all the dragons here would not be worth it. Searching the nest would be high risk with low gain. A better way to spend time would be to search for islands where vegetation or animals are dying in large numbers, then find a way to rectify that problem. I support an expedition, but not sneaking into a single cave that is miles and miles away from the problems in Peaceful County. Lower risk, higher gain.”