When they had reached the forest, Ares had expected a fight, yet Peros waited for him. Ares stared at the god for a short while before they spoke up.

“Do you have nothing to offer for a drink or food?” Peros asked, his face relaxed.

“Right…” Ares returned and then he narrowed his eyes. “What exactly do you mean by that.”

“Were we not meant to converse over food and drinks in relation to repay whatever you debt you believe that I owe?”

Ares remained silent for a short time but then he slowly nodded. “Alright, give me a moment.” He said before he left Peros there, somewhat confused by the scene. He had gone to Salea, who was helping out with the counting, before being led to the giant pot that they had carried, which had still been fairly warm. Ares lifted it with ease and then he carried it, taking along a few bowls as well.

Ares placed the pot down in front of the god and then handed out the bowls, still a little confused at the situation.

Peros stared at Ares and then reached out with the bowl in their hand. “Would you pour in the food?” Peros asked.

Ares froze, his brows furrowed in confusion. ‘What?’ He couldn’t figure out Peros’ game, just what were they trying to do? Ares poured in the food into the bowl for the god, before the dragonfolk walked over to get their own food.

Peros sipped along the warm soup and then they leaned back against a tree. “So you wish for me to hand over two of my own to your care. You wish for them to serve under you.” The god stated.

“Yes, that’s the plan anyhow.”

“How would you treat them?”

“The same as any that would be under me.” Ares replied back, crossing his arms, tapping his fingers along his bicep.

“It is as one would say.” Peros replied as he continued to sip onto his soup. “I shall hand over two, though only under the condition that you marry them.”

Ares’ brows nearly shot up in surprise, though he kept his face neutral, tensing up his face. ‘…’ Even now he was speechless, his mind was unable to work either.

“Marry the dragonfolk that you take from me. In this way I will know whether or not you stand by what you say.”

Ares tried to keep the flush appearing on his face. “Marrying the dragonfolk? I’m afraid I can’t yet do such things.”

“Why is that? You are a King, are you not? You will need a Queen or two to help you rule.”

“I have Rori to help me rule.”

“Then I shall offer you two of the men.”

Ares sipped on his soup quickly, almost choking on the water. “That’s not the issue. The issue comes that I may wish to save marriage for someone else.”

“Then marry them when that time comes, I don’t see a problem.”

“What?” Ares replied back. “Isn’t it bad to have so many Queens?”

“Why would it be bad to have many Queen?”

“Well, one woman is hard enough to please, never mind two or more.”

“If you can’t do that much, how can you lord over your people?”

“This and that are two separate matters.”

“They are one in the same.” Peros finished his soup swiftly. “This is what I offer to you. I have taken away two of yours for eternity, and I shall offer you two of my own for eternity. In this way, our peoples will be united for eternity.”

“Our people?”

“You are not the only one born to rule. I shall make my way North, to the giants.”

There was a moment of silence before Ares’ voice struck through the air. “No one is born to rule.”

“I suppose again, this is an argument of semantics.”

“Yes, it certainly is.”

“Still. Is it not a good deal? To unite our people together. I shall marry the siblings of those that you take from me, and as such, we shall be united by blood.”

Ares reached up to rub his chin. “I can’t say that it isn’t a bad deal. Why would you do so much though?”

Peros smiled. “Rivee is my closest friend, and if he has enough faith in you to help those that he wishes to protect, then I will give you the same level of faith, even if you mistrust me.”

Ares was taken aback. “A friend of a friend, am I?”

“Yes, just so.”

Ares paused. “Fine. However, I would like to change the agreement somewhat. I will not marry the dragonfolk, or at least, not yet. After some time, if they choose not to marry me, or have chosen another, we will both respect such wishes. However, I will put forth effort to allow them to potentially see me as a good partner. If they wish to marry me, then I will do so, though I ask for some time for that to take effect. Either way… I would like for us to be friends, not because of Rivee, but because of our own relationships with one another. Perhaps one day, some of our children may become close, and then we can unite our families at that point.”

Peros stared at Ares for some time before they then smiled. They extended an arm out and then the pair shook each other’s forearms. “Very well, I accept.”

“If there is any aid you require of me, please do ask. I will do my best to make this relationship last.”

“Indeed. If there is a request you’d like to make of me, then please do ask.”

“Indeed, I will.” Ares chuckled, suddenly the tension in his shoulders loosening. “Would you like to remain here for some time before you head to the North?

“I may take you up on the offer.”

So Ares led Peros back as they conversed about the god’s plans in the North. It seemed as though the entirety of the North was covered with a mountain range that expanded from Dragon’s Spine and then wrapped around, the Dragon’s Tail as it was known. Beyond the mountains were giants that had retreated from this land when Peros had been defeated.

“I heard that a certain type of sword of blade could defeat you, a blade of Medaia I believe?”

“Yes, the same blade that you hold.” Peros admitted.

“What? My sword?” Ares asked, glancing down towards it.

“Indeed, it is so. Medaia and I were once close friends, I was close with him for some time, he and his sister, Madara. They were both ancient smiths and crafters. They retreated from the world before I was banished.”

“I see…” Ares could see the sadness on Peros’ face and so did not press any further. “Ah, do you want the sword then?”

Peros’ eyes darted towards Ares, surprise filling them. “You would offer me such a powerful blade?”

“Well, yeah. Your friend made it, and even though Rivee gave it to me, I think that it probably would be better for you to hold onto it. It was your friend’s, not mine.”

Peros thought for some time. “If you are offering, I would like it… in exchange, I shall gift you another blade, if you are willing.”

“Sure.” Ares offered the sword over to Peros.

“No, I do not have the blade with me.”

“That’s fine. You can have the sword, and then when you get it, you can come by and hand it over to me. Then we can have a talk about what a mess you have made in the North, then I will come to assist you.” Ares laughed.

“Very well. I offer you my sincerest thanks.” Peros took the blade, letting out a gasp before they raised it, inspecting the sword. There was a warmth on their face, and Ares smiled.