- Extract from the Book of Kells
Transcribed by Henry of Durfast
When attending a Caelie, certain traditions and customs are held in high regard by the Lords of the Dragon Nation. Being of foreign descent myself, I hope that I can explain clearly what you can, and what you must not do when you travel to one of these great occasions.
“When attending a Caelie. A Dragon will always know their place and their rights within the Hall. To sit closest to ones leader is the highest honour to be gifted, such a place is to be recognised as worthy. When you have been given such a seat you have the right, and are expected to raise the colours of your province or your unit above the seat. So that all within the Hall know the honours you have accrued. The highest seat and thus the highest honour is always reserved upon the right of ones leader. The seat upon their left may serve many functions, often changing at the whim of the Lord in question. Only the Dragon Champion has the right to choose his seat. I know well that the Ard Righ Ash placed much store upon who sat on his left as well as on his right."
"To draw a blade in the Hall is an insult to its Lord, as would it be to refuse food offered to you by the hosting noble. Yet, it is permissible to be loud and boastful about ones deeds. Indeed, it seems that this is the accepted manner in which the Dragons make their point heard. One must gain the recognition of the Hall if one wishes to speak, and also their attention. If one cannot do this by dint of their own voice, or in rare occasions by the weight of their reputation, then one can always try to gain a sponsor, whose voice may be loud enough and weighty enough to command the hall to silence so you may be heard. Why, I remember once when the Lord Magician Arcane was younger, that he silenced the a Gathering War Council simply by a look and a sharp breath."
"When trying to gain the favour of a Dragon Lord, it is oft the way that what one does not say or do can be as effective as what one does say and do. A noble who is over-boastful and proud become tiresome and one who simply shouts to make his point is considered a half-wit and a fool. Even the company one is seen in can dramatically effect the distance one is sat from ones Lord. Aye, only a true imbecile would speak or act, or even be seen in a Dragon court without thinking first."
"And yet, for all this, and the might and hardiness of the Dragon folk. It must be said that the cut and thrust of Politics in Erin and Cymrija seem to be more a case of rivalry amongst brothers and only very, very rarely does it come to anger or beratement. Instead they simply try to outshine each other in their words, deeds and actions. Forever seeking to be held foremost amongst their peers, and yet without angering or harming a single one of them."
"Truly a remarkable people!"
