Plot: In a time when the draconic parliament holds the fragile peace of the realm together, tensions flare as an anonymous message is delivered, accusing one among the noble ranks of being an imposter—claiming a false lineage. The message arrives in a delicate, enchanted scroll sealed with an unknown sigil, and its contents ripple through the dragon nobility like wildfire.

Aeloria and Wyetta, both eldest heirs to their families’ noble seats in parliament, find themselves thrust into the heart of the chaos. As the noble dragons gather for an urgent council, suspicions and accusations begin to fly, turning allies into adversaries. Each dragon clings to their status, with centuries-old families now eyeing one another with distrust, fearing the unraveling of their lineage or reputation.

Aeloria, known for her grace and light, struggles to maintain her belief in harmony, while Wyetta, more pragmatic and sharp, quickly navigates the political storm. Together, they are caught between loyalty to their houses and the unsettling realization that someone among their ranks may not be who they claim. As the investigation deepens, the two dragons form an unlikely bond—fueled by their desire to protect their families’ legacies and uncover the truth.

WIP

Aeloria

Age

51

Gender

Female

Class

Light

House

Luminara

{The House of Celestial Light}

House Luminara, though not as ancient as some of the other noble houses, is deeply respected for its connection to the stars and celestial forces, tracing its lineage to dragons born under rare celestial events. Known for their mastery of light magic and their role as spiritual guides, they have long served as mediators and healers within the dragon parliament, offering comfort and wisdom during times of unrest. While their dedication to peace, diplomacy, and the pursuit of knowledge has earned them admiration, it has also led to their perceived obsolescence in an era where power and militaristic strength dominate. In recent years, their influence has waned as political tensions have escalated, and their reluctance to engage in aggressive tactics has made them vulnerable to the rising cynicism of other houses.

Appearance

Aeloria is a radiant vision of ethereal beauty, an embodiment of light and grace that transcends the ordinary. Her physique is unmistakably feminine, designed to emphasize her elegance and agility. Her body is slender and lithe, sculpted like a creature born from the heavens, more akin to a graceful dancer than the robust, formidable dragons that roam the skies. Her form is delicate and refined, with a curvature that speaks of both fluidity and strength. Unlike her larger, more muscular counterparts, Aeloria’s body flows with a natural grace that makes her seem almost weightless. She stands at a graceful height, her frame slender and long, and her every movement is a testament to the beauty of natural finesse over raw power.

Her scales are like the finest pearls, predominantly white, and they catch the light in ways that are both mesmerizing and otherworldly. Each scale, meticulously layered across her body, glimmers softly, creating an aura of luminous radiance. Her scales are more than mere protection—they are a beacon of celestial energy, shimmering with the hues of dawn. As she moves, they seem to shift in color, reflecting the ever-changing light of the world around her. Soft pinks and pale blues interlace between the pearlescent white, giving the illusion that Aeloria was born from the soft clouds that drift across the morning sky. The colors swirl gently across her form, tracing lines along her sides and wings like wisps of morning mist. This subtle blend of colors evokes the image of a dragon that was created by the first rays of the sun, glowing with the soft luminescence of stardust.

Her wings, perhaps her most striking feature, serve as both tools for flight and symbols of her celestial nature. The membranes between the bones are thin and delicate, almost gossamer in texture, but their ethereal beauty belies their strength. The wings themselves are long and expansive, yet not heavy—designed for grace rather than power. When spread wide, they give the impression of translucent wings of light, shimmering from base to tip in a stunning gradient of white to pale pinks and blues. These hues mirror the soft colors of the sky just before the sun rises, giving her an almost heavenly, dreamlike presence as she soars through the clouds. When she takes flight, her wings leave behind a faint, glowing trail of golden stardust, a celestial path that seems to fade like a fleeting star across the daylight. The light left behind is gentle, ethereal, and impossible to ignore, as if the very cosmos is bending to her will.

Aeloria’s eyes are entrancing—large and almond-shaped, they hold the depth of the universe within them. Her icy blue irises shimmer with an inner light, almost glowing with quiet wisdom. These eyes are both calming and mesmerizing, holding the knowledge of the stars, the secrets of the universe, and the soft, radiant light of the cosmos within their depths. The golden flecks in her irises seem to dance and shift, reflecting the light of the sun and stars, giving her a mystical, almost divine presence. When Aeloria speaks, her voice is as smooth as a gentle breeze, soft and melodic, carrying the weight of millennia of wisdom and understanding. Her words are carefully chosen, like the stars themselves—each one holding meaning far beyond the surface, inviting others to pause and listen to her quiet, ethereal grace.

Her neck is long and slender, tapering down into a delicate, elegant curve that highlights her graceful form. This feature is accentuated by the fine golden accessories that drape around her neck like chain-like ornaments. Each ornament is engraved with ancient runes that glow faintly in the presence of magic, casting tiny, soft beams of light as she harnesses her power. These runes, along with the accessories, create a sense of regal majesty, an acknowledgment of her importance among the celestial dragons. Her body is further adorned with small cuffs around her legs and a collar at her throat, each piece etched with intricate symbols that speak of ancient wisdom and power. The glow from these runes is faint but constant, lending her a celestial, divine appearance that seems to transcend the mortal realm.

Her claws, while sharp, are elegant and delicate, tapering into fine points that mirror the precision of her movements. They are a soft golden hue, matching the intricate golden accents that embellish her form. These claws, though capable of tearing through the hardest of materials, possess an almost delicate beauty, as though they could gently touch a rose petal without damaging it. The soft gold of her claws matches the gold that adorns her body, adding to the refined, celestial nature she radiates.

Her tail is long, slender, and graceful, like a ribbon of light flowing behind her. It mirrors the elegance of her entire being, moving with a fluid, sweeping motion that suggests the smoothness of a river or a gentle breeze. The tip of her tail is adorned with a golden spade-like extension, gleaming faintly in the light. This extension is polished to a soft sheen, with golden veins running through it like streaks of sunlight. The tail’s movements are precise, measured, and graceful, giving her the balance and poise she needs to maneuver effortlessly through the skies. The golden veins running through her tail and wing tips shimmer like threads of light, creating an ethereal glow, as if light itself is coursing through her form.

At the top of her head, delicate, curled golden horns sweep backward in a gentle spiral. These horns are slender, fragile in appearance, yet possess the power of celestial magic. They are adorned with ancient, mystical runes that glow faintly when she channels her power. These horns reflect the sunlight, casting golden glimmers across her features, further enhancing her ethereal beauty. Their golden hue adds to the celestial majesty that Aeloria exudes, accentuating the connection between her and the heavens.

Overall, Aeloria is a vision of ethereal beauty and feminine grace, her entire form a perfect blend of elegance, power, and celestial radiance. Every inch of her body, from the tips of her wings to the edges of her tail, is designed not just for strength but for the grace and fluidity that define her essence. Her smaller, more feminine build only adds to the perception of her ethereal grace. She moves with an effortless beauty, as if the very air bends to her will. Aeloria is not just a dragon; she is a celestial being born of light, a creature destined to dance through the skies, carrying the light of the stars and the wisdom of the cosmos with her wherever she goes.

Personality

Aeloria, eldest heir to her family’s noble seat, enters the growing storm in the draconic parliament with the same quiet grace and deep sense of hope that defines her. While the accusations of false lineage stir distrust among the noble houses, Aeloria holds fast to her belief that light and truth will prevail. Her youth and innocence set her apart from the more hardened dragons, and she maintains an idealistic faith in harmony, even as the political landscape begins to unravel.

Despite the mounting tensions, Aeloria’s approach is calm and gentle. She believes in seeing the best in others, and even in this time of betrayal, she trusts that the truth will come to light without needing to resort to the ruthless tactics of her peers. This perspective, though admirable, can make her appear sheltered or naive to those around her, who are growing more cynical and suspicious. Others, like Wyetta, take a more pragmatic view, but Aeloria is stubbornly committed to her ideals, often clashing with those who suggest more aggressive or deceptive means of discovering the imposter.

Her stubbornness is a key part of her personality—once she believes in something, she holds on to it fiercely, even when others try to convince her otherwise. This can create tension, as Aeloria is unwilling to compromise her sense of right and wrong, particularly when it comes to maintaining peace and unity within the parliament. Her reluctance to embrace more aggressive strategies sometimes leaves her isolated, as others view her approach as impractical in such dire times.

Beneath her serene exterior, Aeloria wrestles with doubts about her role in the investigation and in the parliament. She knows she lacks the experience of the older, more seasoned dragons, and at times, she feels unsure whether she is capable of carrying the weight of her family’s legacy. Despite these doubts, she is determined to prove her worth and remain a beacon of hope, even as the situation grows darker.

Aeloria’s empathy and compassion shine through in how she interacts with others, especially those who feel the weight of suspicion and mistrust. She offers quiet comfort in small ways, listening patiently to the fears of others and providing solace when needed. Though she may seem distant at times, her heart is deeply compassionate, and she often seeks to ease the burden for those around her.

Her playful side, though rare in such tense times, still flickers beneath the surface. In moments of quiet, she retreats into her love of the stars and the simple beauty of life. Whether it’s a soft chortle in private or a gentle teasing remark to lighten the mood, Aeloria finds small joys to keep herself grounded. It is these moments of lightheartedness that reveal her true spirit, reminding those around her—and herself—that beauty and light still exist, even in the darkest of times.

Though she feels the weight of isolation as one of the younger heirs, Aeloria’s resolve is unwavering. She may be naive and idealistic, but she is also strong and determined to see the truth revealed. Her loyalty to her family and her belief in restoring unity make her a steadfast, if sometimes underestimated, force in the political turmoil of the parliament. She may not fully understand the depths of betrayal around her, but Aeloria remains committed to being a light in the growing darkness, even when the path ahead is uncertain.

Abilities

1. Celestial Radiance

Aeloria can summon an intense, radiant light that emanates from her body, illuminating the darkest of places. This light is not just for visibility; it possesses a soothing and hypnotic quality that can disorient enemies, blinding them temporarily and creating openings for attacks. On the battlefield, her Celestial Radiance can disrupt enemy formations or allow her and her allies to escape. In peaceful moments, this gentle light calms those around her, lifting their spirits and providing a sense of comfort. Its warmth also invigorates her allies, helping them overcome fear or fatigue in dire situations.

2. Lunar Healing

Harnessing the soft glow of the moon, Aeloria can heal wounds by channeling silvery light through her touch. This energy soothes pain and accelerates recovery, capable of healing moderate injuries or restoring stamina to those on the brink of exhaustion. While she is not a healer of deep, life-threatening wounds, her ability can sustain allies in prolonged battles or after skirmishes, allowing them to recover enough strength to continue fighting. Additionally, her healing light has a cleansing effect, purging toxins or dark magic from the bodies of those she tends to.

3. Stellar Pulse

Aeloria can release a surge of starlight from her body in a radiant shockwave known as the Stellar Pulse. This wave of celestial energy expands outward, damaging and disorienting enemies caught within its radius. Particularly effective against shadow creatures or dark magic, the Stellar Pulse weakens or disperses dark enchantments, forcing enemies to retreat or lose their magical control. In combat, this ability can break through enemy lines, offering both offensive and defensive advantages by pushing foes away or disrupting spells cast against her and her allies.

4. Astral Flight

Aeloria’s wings are not only majestic but imbued with the power of the stars, allowing her to fly with remarkable speed and precision. Under the night sky, she can blend with the stars themselves, becoming nearly invisible and undetectable to most eyes. This makes her highly evasive in aerial combat, allowing her to strike with agility or escape when necessary. Her Astral Flight also enables her to cover vast distances quickly, making her an ideal scout or messenger for the resistance. At times, she uses her flight to dive in and out of combat, harrying enemies before vanishing into the sky.

5. Lightweaver

With a mastery over light, Aeloria can shape and manipulate beams of energy into tangible constructs. This ability, known as Lightweaving, allows her to craft barriers of solid light to defend her allies or to create sharp, energy-based weapons to attack enemies. Additionally, Aeloria can form illusions, bending light to project decoys or false images of herself and others, confusing her opponents and leading them astray. Whether defending her comrades with radiant shields or tricking enemies with mirages, Lightweaving gives her a versatile and creative edge in combat.

Strengths

Aeloria’s agility and grace make her a natural at navigating the delicate and treacherous political landscape of the draconic parliament. Her ability to read the room and move through tense situations with precision gives her an edge when tensions are high. Like a swift flyer through the skies, she is able to maneuver through heated discussions and intense debates, outpacing those who are slower to react or more rigid in their approach. Her quick thinking and adaptability allow her to avoid traps laid by her more cunning peers, gracefully sidestepping political pitfalls and navigating complex conversations with ease.

Her connection to light magic plays a crucial role in her ability to reveal the truth in murky situations. She has a way of shedding light on hidden motives, gently guiding conversations toward clarity and helping others see through the confusion. Whether by illuminating an overlooked fact or casting doubt on a deceptive argument, her insight into the subtleties of perception helps her shape the narrative in ways that others might miss. When accusations of false lineage cast long shadows over the parliament, Aeloria’s ability to bring moments of clarity is invaluable, even when others are caught up in suspicion and paranoia.

In moments of high tension, Aeloria’s calming presence has a disarming effect. Her ability to soothe others mirrors her light-based healing, offering emotional support to those who are overwhelmed by the growing distrust. She provides comfort not just through words, but through her empathetic understanding of the pain and anxiety that grip her fellow nobles. This quiet strength makes her a pillar of support in times of crisis, offering solace to dragons who are caught between loyalty to their houses and the fear of betrayal.

Her observational skills are particularly valuable during council meetings. Aeloria’s sharp attention to detail allows her to notice the smallest shifts in tone, body language, or energy among the other noble dragons. She can pick up on subtle signs of deception or hesitation, giving her an intuitive edge when accusations fly. Her ability to read the unspoken thoughts of others helps her anticipate their next moves, whether in a debate or behind-the-scenes discussions, allowing her to act with precision when others are still reacting.

Compassion and empathy are at the core of her interactions. Aeloria’s understanding of the deep emotional struggles faced by the noble dragons as they try to protect their legacies makes her a unifying figure. Rather than leveraging mistrust or fear for personal gain, she extends kindness and emotional support to those who are struggling. Even as tensions rise, her ability to connect with others on a personal level helps keep the fraying bonds of the parliament from breaking entirely. She embodies the light of hope in dark times, offering warmth and understanding in a world increasingly filled with doubt and betrayal.

When the situation demands a more subtle approach, her ethereal presence stands out. In the chaos of shifting alliances and whispered accusations, Aeloria has a way of moving through the shadows with near-invisible grace, much like her astral flight in the skies. She can bypass barriers, both literal and figurative, slipping through tense situations unnoticed when needed, gathering vital information without drawing attention to herself. This ability to observe without being seen grants her a significant advantage in uncovering truths that others might miss, as she blends into the background, watching from the periphery while the others are focused on the center of the storm.

Weaknesses

Aeloria’s idealism, while a source of strength, can also be her greatest weakness in the volatile atmosphere of the draconic parliament. As suspicion grows and accusations of false lineage spread, Aeloria’s unwavering belief in the possibility of harmony and truth can make her seem out of touch with the reality of the situation. She struggles to accept that not every dragon operates with the same sense of integrity that she does, and this can leave her vulnerable to manipulation by those with more self-serving motives. In a time when alliances shift and deceit runs rampant, her faith in the inherent goodness of others often blinds her to the more treacherous undercurrents at play.

Her youth and inexperience also weigh heavily on her in this political environment. Though she is quick to act and adaptable in some situations, Aeloria lacks the battle-hardened wisdom that many of her peers possess. In council meetings and debates, she sometimes feels out of place among dragons who have navigated centuries of power struggles and intrigue. This can leave her feeling unsure of herself, particularly when the stakes grow higher, and the accusations of an imposter threaten to tear apart the noble houses. She often second-guesses her place in these discussions, unsure of her capacity to be a voice of reason amidst such chaos.

Aeloria’s reluctance to engage in more aggressive or underhanded tactics also sets her apart from her more pragmatic counterparts. While others may be willing to bend the rules to uncover the truth or protect their legacies, Aeloria struggles with the idea of deceit or manipulation. This hesitance can be a liability when time is of the essence, as others are quick to act and her more thoughtful approach may come across as indecision. In a parliament filled with dragons who value power and reputation above all else, her refusal to compromise on her ideals can create tension and alienate her from those who see the world in a more cynical light.

Her compassionate nature, which makes her such a strong emotional support for others, can also leave her open to being overwhelmed by the needs of those around her. In a time of political strife, many dragons are grappling with fear, grief, and uncertainty, and Aeloria’s tendency to focus on helping others can cause her to neglect her own emotional well-being. When confronted with the weight of so many conflicting emotions, she often finds herself drained, both mentally and emotionally. This can make her vulnerable to burnout or self-doubt, especially when the situation grows more intense and she feels as though she cannot offer the comfort and support that her peers need.

Lastly, Aeloria’s deep sense of isolation in the council adds to her sense of being an outsider. While her grace and compassion are invaluable, they also create a barrier between her and the more seasoned dragons who have lived through centuries of political turbulence. As one of the youngest heirs, she feels like she doesn’t truly belong in these high-stakes conversations. This sense of isolation can make her hesitant to take decisive action, as she fears being judged or dismissed by those who are more experienced. In moments of doubt, she may retreat inward, losing confidence in her ability to contribute meaningfully to the resolution of the crisis.

Crush

N/A

Mate

N/A

Kin

Valorian {Father} - The current head of House Luminara, Valorian is a commanding figure with a strong, steadfast presence. Known for his mastery in defensive light magic, Valorian has been a careful and pragmatic leader, focused on protecting the family’s legacy through diplomacy and strategy. Though he supports Aeloria’s ideals, he believes in taking a more measured approach, often urging her to be cautious in these uncertain times.

Serelith {Mother} - Serelith is a serene and wise figure, whose gentle spirit and connection to celestial magic have always been at the core of House Luminara’s values. Though not as active in the political scene as her husband, Serelith is a trusted advisor to Valorian and often offers counsel in times of emotional or spiritual turmoil. She is deeply protective of Aeloria, though she remains conflicted about the path her daughter must take.

Affiliations

N/A

Name: Wyetta

Age: 65

Gender: Female

Title: Heiress

Family: Titanshade

The Titanshade family has served the Parliament for over a millennium and is highly esteemed amongst other dragons. Wyetta’s family has one of the strongest voices in the parliament and can easily sway the opinions of other dragons amongst the parliament as well as in the public eye. The Titanshade family is known for their fortuitousness and strong leadership. They carry themselves with regality and grace, and they are recognized for their thorough battle planning.

Appearance:

Wyetta carries herself with a certain air of arrogance, often holding her head higher to make herself appear more important. Her scales are deep purple with softer areas. Her underbelly and throat are protected by thick, plated scales of a soft beige color. Atop her head are two large curved horns, angled backwards. She has a thick, luscious feathered mane extending from her forehead down along her topline almost all the way down her tail in two shades of green that seems to perfectly compliment her purple scales. She also has this feathering along the back of her legs as well as at the tip of her tail shaped into a diamond. She also has a total of six feathered tassels, two double sets in her main, and one set from the base of her tail. These tassels seem to defy gravity, floating gently around her slender form. Wyetta also sports shining gold jewelry, mostly in the form of gold bands on her front legs and her tail. She also has two gold bands on her left horn that are connected by a gold chain.

NOTE: The gold bands are on the wrong horn in this photo...I drew this and then flipped it and forgot to move the bands, but she only has gold bands/chain on her LEFT horn. Also, this is my art.

Personality:

Many would describe Wyetta as arrogant. She holds herself above everyone else, knowing the power her family holds. It can seem like she has an impenetrable shell, but if you do manage to wiggle your way beneath her hard exterior, she can become fiercely loyal and protective and even sweet. She also holds a strong value to honesty and family. Wyetta does tend to mess with people, using her power to influence them to do her bidding before leaving them in the dust once she grows bored. Wyetta has been labeled by some as a heartbreaker.

Abilities:

Wyetta has the ability to charm and influence other dragons to a certain degree. It is easier for her to charm weaker dragons, and her charm can last for hours to days, depending on the weakness of her target. Her charm works a lot better on dragons that already have an attraction to her.

Wyetta can fly just as well as any winged dragon. She can control her own gravity, which is also how she allows her feather tassels to seemingly float. She doesn't fly often as she has a fear of heights, but she will never admit that.

Wyetta has the ability to sense if someone is telling the truth. Whether this ability is due to her extreme observation of dragons and their body language and facial expressions or due to a more divine sense, Wyetta can immediately tell if a dragon is lying. Dragons that are extremely poised and skilled liars might be able to trick her. Telling partial truths is also a loophole with this ability.

While Wyetta is not often one to be found on the battlefield, she is a skilled fighter and can summon a sword made of magic and essence that can cut through virtually any material. She is very skilled with this ability and has been known to be quite fearless the few times she has found herself facing the enemy head on.

Wyetta also has the ability to cloak herself or others in a thin veil of magic that provides protections from both magical and physical attacks to a small degree. While this protection is not a Fail-Safe, it can serve to help prevent severe, life-threatening wounds to herself or others.

Strengths:

Indepence. Agility. Battle prowess. Strategic planning.

Weaknesses:

Strong-headedness. Arrogance. Self-righteousness. Lack of empathy.

Family:

Eclipse:

Wyetta’s younger sister. Eclipse has no interest in politics and instead prefers to study astrology and magic. She studies under a well-renowned dragon sorcerer, staying with him to learn from him. She is several days of travel from home, so she is out of touch on the happenings of Parliament. Her and Wyetta don't always see things eye to eye, but they still share a familial bond and would protect each other at all costs when the need arises.

Kaenas (KAY-nis):

Wyetta’s father. Kaenas is a very large and muscular dragon with a deep, booming voice. He believes strongly in the parliament and its necessity to hold the peace. He tends to lead with an iron fist, always trying to strike down the enemy before they have a chance to do any damage. He is riddled with scars from his years on the battlefield and is renowned for his tactical skills and planning. Kaenas is exalted as one of the best battle leaders dragon kind has ever seen. His name is well known, and his stories are shared far and wide. Despite his hardened resolve, Kaenas is fiercely loyal to those close to him and will show them a rare gentility and kindness.

Nephele (Nef-EL-ay):

Wyetta’s mother, an outspoken and fierce dragon. While she doesn't hold a position among the parliament, she is very active in the political scene and will often host meetings with the mates of the parliament members as a way for them to stay informed in politics. She is fiercely devoted to Kaenas and her daughters but is often troubled by Wyetta’s disregard for empathy. She holds many of the same ideals as her mate, but she also believes there is a time for gentility and kindness.

The grand halls of the Parliament meeting chamber almost felt like a second home to Wyetta as she passed through the massive arches, keeping in step with her father as they made their way through the shimmering quartz halls and archways leading to the Parliament Chambers. Wyetta had been attending meetings with her father ever since she was a hatchling. Back then, she had cared less about politics and the role her family held in keeping the peace amongst dragon kind. But now, Wyetta knew her place and her role and knew that one day she would sit where her father now sat.

As Wyetta followed Kaenas into the Parliament Chambers, there was an air of calmness and ease in the room as the dragon nobles filed in, offering each other quiet greetings and chatting softly among themselves. Wyetta offered her own polite greetings, tipping her head to nobles that caught her eye as she passed by. She made her way to the head of the table, taking her seat to the right of her father. Her tassels floated gently around her, almost as if they were suspended in water. She took her seat, curling her tail around herself.

Kaenas continued to let the dragons talk quietly amongst themselves for a few more minutes before finally calling the meeting to order with his deep, booming voice. Almost immediately, the room settled into silence and turned their attention to the head of the table. Wyetta had always hoped that she would command the attention her father did during meetings. She listened attentively as Kaenas quickly moved through the agenda for their meeting. It was a relatively simple meeting with the usual discussions of upcoming celebrations and trading. To some, the meeting might have seemed boring or unnecessary, but Wyetta eagerly listened to her father’s words.

Just as they finished their meeting, Wyetta’s attention was drawn to the door as a servant entered. She felt a certain level of dread as she easily read his nervousness, but also there was a touch of intrigue in Wyetta’s chest as the servant relayed his message with trembling claws. And as she heard the rumor of a false noble, a spark of curiosity and intrigue ignited within her. Before the servant had even scurried out of the room, Wyetta’s gaze swept over the gathered nobles, scanning each dragon for any hint of guilt or anxiousness in their eyes.

The calm air was now disrupted like the uneasy sky before a storm. Tension grew within the gathered Parliament. Wyetta’s father straightened himself, placing his front claws on the table and standing taller in order to attempt to gain control of the room. But his words of warning seemed to fall on deaf ears as the nobles continued to glance distrustfully amongst each other. Nervous whisperings started to grow into anxious murmurs until soon dragons were throwing accusations and loudly demanding answers. Kaenas tried again to gain control of the situation as Wyetta listened fervently to what the nobles were saying.

“An impostor?” “How is that possible?” “Would it really matter if one among us is not of noble descent?” “We should study every family tree and cast out the traitor.” “I bet it’s the Alpin House. They rarely talk at meetings.” “It could be the Carphira House. They are the youngest house, and I heard that they don't even keep servants.”

Suddenly, a deep bellowing roar broke the room. All heads turned to Kaenas, his jaw tight and his claws braced against the table. He let out a harsh huff, eyes narrowed with resolve as his gaze swept across the gathered nobles. “Casting wild accusations and spreading more rumors will not help the situation. As of right now, this is no more than a rumor. Unless anyone sitting here has concrete proof that adds credence to this rumor, it will do us no good to feed into this fear and distrust. If we fall apart, so too do the kingdoms. While this is troubling information, if it is true, we cannot let it affect the Parliament. We will reconvene during the New Moon to hold a civil discussion about this. If, at that time, we have evidence, we will decide what to do then. But let us not find our teeth in each other’s throats just yet.”

The other dragons cast uneasy glances between each other, but none of them could deny the truth behind Kaenas’ words. Slowly, the nobles began to file out of the room. Kaenas stayed at the table, claws still tensed against the table. Wyetta watched the nobles leaving, again watching them carefully for signs of guilt or nervousness. All she saw among them was distrust as they kept their distance from one another now. Wyetta turned to look at her father, who had always been a very stoic and steadfast figure. But she saw now the hardness in his jaw and the tension in his shoulders. This revelation troubled him, which caused more dread to settle in Wyetta’s chest.

“Wyetta, I know you have a craving for gossip and rumors. But do not go poking your nose in places it shouldn't be. If you anger the wrong noble trying to get to the bottom of this, the Parliament will crumble on the weakened foundation. Keep well out of this. Do you understand?”

Wyetta nodded slightly, lowering her gaze to look down at the table. “I understand, Father. But if there is a liar amongst the Parliament, we should be trying to get to the bottom of it.”

“Right now, all we have is a rumor with no evidence. If the evidence presents itself, then we will take action.”

Kaenas stood, giving a long exhale out his nose. He gave himself a good shake in an attempt to shake the tension out of his shoulders. Wyetta watched him, troubled by how much this rumor seemed to be affecting her father.

“There’s no chance that we are the ones with false lineage…right?” She asked hesitantly. Kaenas glanced at her out of the corner of his eye before shaking his head.

“Our family has served as the head of Parliament for over a thousand years. And our family records date back to the creation of the Parliament. We served under a different house back then, but we are not impostors.”

Wyetta relaxed slightly, content with his answer. Kaenas made his way toward the massive Chamber doors, Wyetta sliding gracefully out of her seat to follow him with her head held high.