As I look back upon what we did, I can't help but shake my head and wonder how we avoided being killed upon sight. A near full council had been gathered to discuss a separate issue, what exactly, I still don't know. Thank Io that it wasn't a closed council session, or I would have been killed just for entering. Its one of those little things that usually gets you. It was an impressive effect though. Lord Sutton and I standing together, me a respectful step behind his right shoulder. Thankfully I had thought ahead and brought along the silver and blue standard of Clan Cloudkill to bear with me, so I didn't look entirely out of place. Id rather go to the abyss then stand before that gathering in rags.

     Mykell herself bowed to Lord Sutton, wings going parallel to the ground and her long neck touching the stone floor before her in a formal bow. The Council itself was deathly quiet as all eyes were upon us and the Council Custodian. If she denied him the petition then we were done for. The others would surely charge him with the continuation of the trial against him, regarding his contact with Humans. We were flanked by dragons on all sides, and the occasional Kindred. It was, quite possibly, the longest moment of my life as Mykell considered the Code of the Council carefully. All in the chamber waited for her decision, for her word, during Council, is law.

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     Jean bowed, feeling almost naked standing before the Council in this small elven form. Laureine bowed at the same time, echoing his movements as was tradition within the Council chambers. Then the entire council waited for the Council Custodians decision upon Jean Sutton's petition before them. Finally, Mykell spoke, the amethyst dragons voice carrying clearly, as the old wyrm declared her decision based upon the code.

     "Lord Sutton of Clan Cloudkill, your petition is duly accepted. You may petition the Council for the removal of the patrols on Cloudkill land. A vote will then be held. At the conclusion of which you will have to answer to any other charges this Council brings against you."

     The reaction was immediate, an eruption of noise and roars across the length of the Platform of Dominates. The Platform of Wyrms was much more silent, the dozen or so Wyrms who were present watching Jean with calculating eyes. It took only a single word from Mykell to silence the younger dragons. They each knew that if they pushed her, she would simply have them removed from the Council chambers. None of them wanted that as they prepared to sit in on this new interesting debate.

     Jean took the opportunity of such to revert to his natural state. Wings blossomed from his back, his neck lengthening as silver scales covered his skin. Where a moment ago a silver haired elf had once stood, a mature silver dragon dominated the space. A wicked scar carved across his right eye, which was missing, just as it had in his elven form. Laureine, a quick flash of pride in her look, resumed her spot, her back straight as she bore the standard of Cloudkill in pride.

     Once the Council chambers had quieted again Mykell recognized the first of the Grand Councilors who wished to speak. Lord Darkheat, head of clan Magma was a great wyrm, and his shrewd eyes studied the much younger head of Clan Cloudkill as he spoke.

     "I suggest that the supposed head of Clan Cloudkill has no clan to lead. I move that he must present us with proof of his clan's continued existence before this petition continues." Even as Laureine's mind whirled with the ramifications of that Mykell was agreeing with the Grand Councilor.

    "Lord Sutton, you have two days, as prescribed in the Council Laws, to provide proof of your clan's existence. If you have not by the setting of the sun in two days, your petition as a head of a clan is denied and you will answer to any other charges brought against you by the Council or her members." So saying the Council was adjourned, leaving a stunned Jean and Laureine to stand there. If they showed proof they would no doubt lead clan Magma, or another, to the remnants of Clan Cloudkill's vassals. Nor would Jean wish to bring his children, who were anathema to most of the council, or his mate, who was an elf. It seemed, that they had come here only to fall into a political trap.