High above in the mountains of Stormheim, a great storm raged. Lightning lit up the sky, illuminating the ground below with a white light equal to that of the sun, thunder crashed and boomed in a manner that would send ripples through even the most stalwart of warriors. Amidst the raging storm two dragons circled about darting forward as fast as their wings could take them as if they were locked in a race.
Aurora spoke as she was neck and neck with her friend Cyclone. "Having trouble keeping up?"
He chuckled with a confident grin and sped up as they began to reach their home on the mountain peak. "You haven't gotten the best of me yet, Aurora, I've saved the best for last." He said as he braced himself while the storm crackled.
She braced herself as well as soon as the storm swelled up with tremendous energy. As soon as the largest bolts of lightning struck the two storm dragons rode the lightning beam downward as the lightning prepared to strike the mountain. Their wings were at their side and they spiraled downward to get better momentum until at last they outstretched their wings and landed on their feet with a booming thud. Though their landing was so on point is was difficult to tell who the victor was.
Aurora lifted her head after her landing to look at him. "You are good Cyclone. I was thinking to myself that all that time you spent on the council may have taken a beat or two off those wings of yours.
He lifted his head back to look at her as well. "Hah. I think not, my friend. In my spare time i enjoy keeping my body in shape as well as my mind even though the latter is most necessary for this job."
She nodded back to him respectfully and the two dragons started to walk side by side back to their clans location.
Cyclone turned to face her even as they walked. "Though i hope you're ready for the big day today. The council is ready to deliberate on whether we're ready for you to join us on the High Dragon Council."
"As if I could forget." She huffed. "I haven't been this nervous in quite some time to be quite honest. This has been my dream since I was a little girl."
He smiled as he feeling proud of her. "You know, I really am proud that you would aspire to such a position like this. I know for sure the council is going to vote for you given how hard you've worked. Though to be quite honest, the council could definitely use more female dragons like yourself. We only have the one so far."
"Councilwoman Eclipse?" Said Aurora.
"Yes indeed." Replied Cyclone. "We have five male councilors and only one female. It's a shame because most females are more concerned with living a life of luxury, starting a family, and working in the nursery. It's very rare to see a woman like you have such high aspirations and a desire to contribute to the world with more than just your body. We've known each other since we were children and never once have I doubted that you were anything short of a prodigy waiting for greatness."
She smiled, fluttering her wings with excitement as she had never heard someone give her such appreciation for her head work. "Thank you Cyclone. I needed to hear that. Do you really mean it, or are you just trying to butter me up so I'll vote with you on the council?" She inquired.
"Can't it be both?" He said with a huff and smile as he joked about.
She give him a swift punch to the shoulder and they both laughed.
"I'm kidding! kidding!" He said chuckling. "You know I hold honor above all else. I would never dishonor myself by trying to pander for votes."
"I know, Cyclone. You're a good man." Aurora insisted. People like you are the reason I seek to join the council, so I can hand out justice in an honorable way. Though the only thing I'm nervous about is the vote to swear me in."
"Are you kidding?" Said Cyclone as her prodded her with the tip of his wing. "Come on, the council loves you! Even the High Dragon, Tempest, admires you. You need not worry, Aurora, I've only been on the council for only a year and I can tell you that as long as you stay true to yourself, you'll do great."
"Well lets get to it then shall we?" She inquired with much enthusiasm.
"I thought you'd never ask. The council awaits us." He said as both dragons picked up their speed.
Once the two storm dragons reached the camp, Cyclone separated with her to go join the council for their pre-meeting deliberations.
Aurora waited her judgment as she sat in front of the High Throne of the Council of Dragons. The councilors were just starting to take their seats. Already Aurora's heart was beating through her chest. This was either going to be the best day of her life or the worst.
The High Dragon, Tempest, spoke up with his deep booming voice as he addressed the clan. "Shall we begin?" He said as he looked as his fellow councilors and then back to Aurora. "Aurora, you have worked day and night, trying to prove yourself to this council. We have noticed your efforts and are prepared to deliver a verdict on whether or not we shall except you onto the council to govern, protect, and guide the race of storm dragons to a brighter future. We shall begin starting from left to right. Councilor Typhoon, how do you vote?"
"Yes." Said Councilor Typhoon as he nodded to Aurora respectfully.
"Councilwoman Eclipse, how do you vote?" Said Tempest.
"I vote yes." She said with another bow of respect."
"Councilman Twister" Said Tempest.
"I vote yes as well." Said Twister.
By now the excitement that was building up in Aurora's heart felt like it was about to burst as she had never experienced anything like this before.
Tempest spoke once more. "Councilman Monsoon, How do you vote."
"It's a yes for me as well." Said Monsoon.
"Councilman Storm, how do you vote?" Boomed Tempest.
"A yes for me." Said Storm.
Tempest spoke once more. "And lastly, councilman Cyclone, how do you vote?"
For a moment both Aurora and Cyclone looked eyes as he smiled greatly at her, thinking of how much they both have grown and bettered themselves as dragons. Without a moments hesitation he spoke up with his characteristic calm and soothing voice.
"A yes for me." Said Cyclone.
"Very well." Boomed High Dragon Tempest. "The council has voted to swear you in to our rank. I shall read you the rules and once you swear the oath you shall join us."
By this time Aurora was so happy tears of joy were starting to form in her eyes but she held them back quite masterfully as she did not want to make a fool out of herself during the meeting.
"Rule number one." Said Tempest. "Never tell a falsehood while under oath. As a councilwoman your duty is to speak the truth at all times and deliver a verdict that is fair. Do you comply?"
"Yes, High Dragon." Spoke Aurora.
"Rule number two." Said the High Dragon. "The safety of your people comes before the safety of yourself. As a member of this council, your duty is to protect the clan from any who would do us harm, even at the cost of your own life. Would you give your life to defend the clan?"
"I would, High Dragon." Said Aurora once again.
"Rule number three." Spoke Tempest. "You are to never take a bribe from anyone. Being a member of this council requires a dedication to the truth, rather than gain. We are to be freed from corruption. Do you comply?"
"I do." Said Aurora.
"The fourth and final rule." Said Tempest. "You are forbidden from being romantically involved with anyone on the council. As a council, we have sworn an oath to always be neutral. Being involved romantically with another councilor can influence your vote. Do you comply with this rule?"
Aurora nodded. "I do."
"Very well. The council has deemed you worthy of joining the High Throne of the Council of Dragons. You have surpassed all expectations set forth by your higher ups and we are ready to consider you no longer a subject, but rather a peer and an equal. Welcome, Councilwoman Aurora."
After the High Dragon spoke all of the council including Cyclone bowed to her with respect.
Very slowly Aurora took one step after another, walking up the stairs to take her seat on the council. She looked to the sky and closed her eyes as she took it all in at once. For now, everything she had always dreamed of was now a reality.
To be continued in chapter two...