Mordankell hesitated for only a second, then assumed a relaxed posture. Noticing heâ€™d begun to unthinkingly conjure shadow, he dismissed the spell. His initial reflexive reaction gave way to logical, cognitive reasoning, and he immediately realized this being was either abominably foolish, or he meant no harm.<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">"If I was a threat to you I would've killed in your sleep would I have not?"</span></span>the figure inquired, and Mordankell nodded.<br/><br/><br/>Mordankell was beginning the motion of bowing to the figure in greeting, when he sensed a great stirring of energy. His focus was centered, as always, on the energies that surrounded him, rather than his five mundane senses. For the second time that night, Mordankell realized he was the subject of a chance meeting in the woods, under cloak of darknessâ€¦ and was not actually in any danger. Remarkable, in and of itself. What was moreâ€¦ both of these beings were obviously ancient and powerful. Both had approached him willingly, without being asked. Miraculous. Added to this astounding list of facts was his own knowledge that the quest on which he aimed to embark would surely claim his life. He accepted this. In fact, he preferred this course of events rather than the alternative: exposing his friends to danger. These two were perhaps the only two that could possibly stand a chance of changing that outcome.<br/><br/>This course of thoughts passed through the warlockâ€™s mind faster than the period of time that exists between two heartbeats. He watched the dragon approach calmly, genuinely feeling no fear. At the same time, he absorbed the sensation of the dragonâ€™s raw strength and power. Fully aware of the potential danger at saying the wrong thing to either of these beings, he prepared himself to take great care before speaking or acting.<br/><br/>Mordankell experienced a moment of grudging admiration of the manâ€™s reflexes. He was as quick as Mordankell himself was, which was saying something. At the same time that Mordankell recognized the presence of the dragon, the man facing him set off a warning spell meant to dissuade the dragon from attacking.<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline"> "If you wish to be a part of this conversation, then make your presence known to all who are involved."</span></span>the man hissed at the dragon.<br/><br/>After altering his appearance, to Mordankellâ€™s surprise, the dragon spoke in response,<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline"> "If you two desire to fight one another in equal combat until one is defeated, then you may do so, but let each of you shake hands with the other in friendship. There will be no killing while I am here, understood?"</span></span><br/><br/>Mordankell stepped forward, placing himself between the two strangers. Turning to the side, he looked first at the dragon, who was in the form of a man, over his right shoulder, then at the man over his left. Meeting each of their gazes for a long serious moment, he ensured he had their attention before speaking in a slow, clear voice.<br/><br/>â€œThere will be no fighting this night. Both of you had the chance to end my life easily, and neither of you took it. This tells me nothing of your motivations, but it does provide solid evidence that for the moment, I need fear neither of you. I can promise you this, however. Should either of you choose to attack the other, I<span style="font-style: italic">will</span>stop him. It is my belief that both of you had reasons for approaching this particular stretch of forest at this particular time, and I intend to hear those reasons. Until I have, I intend to see that this meeting remains free of violence. Are my terms agreeable?â€