Commissioned from the talented  almatea! The piece below was another one written by my friend  dovahquill, who wanted to write a few pieces for my pics as practice.

---

With an award ceremony ahead, Arix stood in the vaulting hall of the Galian League’s military capital. Arix had lent his sword when the League’s vaunted strength faltered in the prior day’s climactic battle. The terrible struggle had scarred the white-washed walls which encompassed the city and citadel. The blood-soaked battlements could still be seen from the sunlit windows of the hall. Waiting for the crimson drake, three men of the highest station spoke in hushed if aggravated tones. Two bore diadems differing styles upon their brow, and the third had his back to Arix.
“Welcome, champion Arix,” called the shortest of the men, silencing the whispered conversation. His crown held a small ruby in its center, and he stood with a drawn sword, the tips resting on the floor, “I am King Barghest of Baristan. My people send their gratitude. Our young men would've surely perished on the western flank had you not helped to hold the line."
"It is the duty of a hero to defend those in need," Arix said. Though sounding practiced, the dragon spoke with confidence which earned him a gruff but warm nod from King Barghest.
"Well said," the other two responded in unison. Arix turned to bow respectfully, scrutinizing the two men subtly as he did so. In their eyes he saw ambition and shuddered. The high council of the Galian League had summoned him to bestow particular honors for his part King Barghest had referenced. So, it should've struck him as odd that the human councillors would greet him first, being the newest members of the League Council.
"Those aspirations brought us into the league," King Barghest began, his tone turning conspiratorial, "However, we feel a great injustice is wrought within the League." Arix's shoulder sanks slightly as things clicked into place. "We hoped a hero such as yourself would help us in resolving it."
"What do you mean?" Arix inquired. As he asked, the dragon drew up his shoulders from disappointment to suspicion, tensing. His armor clacked quietly as he shifted, raising his shield to emphasize his separate position.
"We are a shield," Barghest said gravely, "Just as you raise yours now, so we were raised the previous morn. From the sun's rising to its setting, we held the line while the other member species wore down their numbers. We suffered more than any of the other members, but they count us of the lowest estate. You proved yourself a hero by fighting yesterday to defend us. Countless lives were saved."
"What are you asking me to do?" Arix demanded. He tail swayed in agitation as he felt himself being argued into a corner. The logic made sense, but it involved politics. Renow and reputation aside, Arix had managed to avoid politics, outright moving from place to place when necessary.
"When they ask what boon you desire, you could ask that humans have as much say in war-councils as would a dwarf, elf, or any of the elder races," the red dragon sighed at the request. He wouldn't miss another boon of gold or ceremony, but he dreaded such a precedent. Yet, Barghest grew even more passionate, "How many lives would be saved if the elves or heavy dwarven infantry stood alongside our men-at-arms?!"
Arix and Barghest stood with locked gazes. The shorter man stared up at the taller dragon peering down. When the dragon warrior cast his glance toward the other men, he glimpsed a change of intent. Grim affirmation had replaced the ambition which preceded it. He sighed. While not the first time he'd been cornered by those with political interests, even noble ones, he dreaded the unforeseen consequences of any involvement.
"I will make no promises," Arix decided, returning King Barghest's steely gaze with his own. Making no room for further conversation, he stepped around the eyes following him and opened the grand doors before him.