(Life can be that way. I don't mind since it's something important taking up your attention.))

"I know not of the customs you're used to, but yawning isn't considered rude around here. For us, it's a sign that the body is healthy and unfrozen," Deniigi said, chuckling at Goldenscale's actions, "If you don't mind me asking, what exactly do you mean by Ahnah being one of your Enforcers?"

(I guess...  I would much rather be roleplaying, but I'd also rather not be yelled at my parents for not doing my work.)

Goldenscale nodded, feeling slightly better for her action.  She considered it rude to yawn after talking to someone because she thought it suggested she wasn't paying attention or the conversation made her bored.  "Well, being an Enforcer is much like being a part of the police or military, as human call them.  They take care of any disturbances caused by citizens and they protect them from harm if it's needed.  They are also used to protect the Council members.  Each council member is allowed 9 enforcers I think to protect them.  I'm by far the youngest council member, most being well into their adulthood while I'm just inside the border of it I think.  But Ahnah is brave and thinks of others before herself, which is something I practice myself.  She was also one of the first three Enforcers I picked since she and the other two showed the most potential." she explained, remembering the day well.

(I understand the feeling. I remember worrying about the same thing.)

"I see. Wherever you traveled from must be quite different kind of community than this palce. If I hadn't come to be clan leader, I'd  like to visit it some time, but fate has had different plans. Maybe one day," Deniigi said, nodding to the pile of firewood when Kaden came in, "Sounds to me like the place is quite developed."

(I guess everyone has those moments...)

Goldenscale listened to Deniigi as he spoke, gicing a single nod at first, then shrugging.  "Home is different than this place, not only in weather.  I'm sure they would be honored to have you visit." she said.  "Well, it is developed, yes, but it was under the rule of the oldest counciler.  He acted much like Alignak until he was taken out of office.  Things should be better now though." she said with a smile.

"It would seem that you would be a herald of change. At least things change for the better it would seem," Deniigi chuckled, pulling a few of the logs Kaden had brought into the fire, "Maybe once we've done some catching up there'll be some time I could use to visit. For now, our focus will be to increase our quality of life to be in line our neighbor clans. We want to mend comunication with those close to us first before reaching out beyond the tundra.While I feel we should still stick with traadition, I also feel that that doesn't mean we can't advance ourselves and create new ones."

"I can't say I know much about the politics of dragons, but it would seem that it's all too easy to fall into monotony with traditions and rules. I guess it comes from having one of the longest life expectancies among mortal beings. I mean no offence in saying this though, it's just something I've noticed," Kaden, examining the runes Deniigi had finished.

"None taken friend. It is something we're all vulnerable to if we're not careful and aware of our actions. I myself will have to take care not to fall into the same pitfalls Alignak did," Deniigi said, starting to work on the last stone, "Well, if you're going to get any rest before Ahnah's ritual, i would suggest doing so now. There's only a few hours left before daybreak."

Goldenscale gave a soft laugh.  "That's what everyone calls me.  Some have also called me a miracle, like my adoptive parents." she said happily.  Goldenscale then nodded in agreement.  "That would be a smart idea.  Maybe I could convince the members back home to do the same.  I have connections to other clan leaders near our home, so I think it would be beneficial if we all became connected at some point, especially when it came to trading certain biome-specific supplies." she said with a nod.  She then sighed when Kaden spoke, his words true from what she had seen.  "Well, not a lot of dragons are like that.  Back in the community where Ahnah and I reside, it was more the elder council members that fell into that monotonous routine.  But then again, I have only observed dragons for a few months." she said, concealing yet another yawn in her wings.  Her eyes drooped a little bit, but they flicked open when Deniigi spoke again.  Goldenscale shook her head vigorously.  "I don't wanna sleep though..." she said with a frown.

"It was only a suggestion. You're just as welcome to stay up. You are your own person, and there's nothing I can do to change that. As for falling into a routine, it usualy happens to older members of our kind. As we get older, it becomes easier for us to fall back on tradition and routine," Deniigi said, giving Goldenscale a nod, "Alignak was an exception to that being that he was raised to rely on tradition by our father. Since I had chosen to become a shaman, our father thought it would be good to teach him in such a way."

Finishing the last stone, Deniigi set it aside before grabbinga pot and filling it with ice. Placing the pot over the fire, he took a seat once more. "Well, if you're going to be staying awake, can I interest you in some tea," he asked, preparing a mug, "At the least, it'll ward off any tired feelings you might have for a little while."

When steam began to seep around the lid of the pot, Deniigi removed it from the fire. Pouring the contents into a pair of mugs woth assorted tea leaves inside, he scraped more ice into the pot before placing it back over the fire. Handing one mug to Goldenscale, he smiled. "The first step to fixing a problem is recognizing it. We have a long way to go before we catch up with the other clans though since we've only just began to took to the future rather than the past," he said, "Who knows, we might have a stroke of luck and manage to build ourselves up by the time your jouney is done."

"It's a real possibility. We've only just started along the path, and there's a long road ahead of us. A lot can happen in a year's time," Kaden stated, resting his chin on his paws, "It'll be interesting to see how much this place has changed when we do eventually come back this way."

"Maybe you can tell the village about your adventures during your next visit. Icewarden knows that they'll be wanting to know more about the world around us by then. As we sit now, all we know is tradition and our own experience. We've been cut off from our neighbors for far too long, and those wishing to adventure out are too few at this time," Deniigi said, sipping onhis own tea, "The next time you come around, the village will be much more social than it is now. It may take some time for everyone to adjust, but we can't afford to live cut off form the other clans for much longer."

Giving a yawn, Corazon shifted around for a moment before sitting up. Blinking as she looked around the room, she smiled. "It's good to see everyone is safe and awake," she said, stretching briefly, "I'm guessing the ritual is almst ready.Judging by the stones, you need only to wait for the right time to start setting up."

"That would be correct. I trust you had a good night's rest," Deniigi said, giving a nod to Corazon. "Speaking of time, would you please seek out and retieve Ahnah Goldenscale," he asked, looking back over to her, "I figure that the time will be right by the time you two get back."

Sitting beside the fire with Aipaloovik, Ahnah could be seentending to a bundle of materials both preciouse and common. Looking up form her work  at the sound of the door, she smiled. "Oh, hello Goldenscale. I'm guessing Deniigi sent you to get me," she asked, fastening a clasp the bound the materials, "I need only a few moments. I'd hate to leave a mess behind for Aipaloovik or Deniigi to clean up."

"Don't worry about the mess, you have more important business to attend to. I can handle this like I have for years now," Aipaloovik stated, nudging Ahnah to go, "I'm sure there's not any time to spare."

"It's fine, I can handle this by myself. You don't need to stay behind to help me Goldenscale. Beides, Ahnah was hoping you'd be present to the ceremony," Aipaloovik said, starting to gather up the unused materials, "You two should be off before Deniigi begins to worry."

"Yes, everything went well. While I know Moonlight doesn't need such a generous offering, I'd rather not appear as though I put no effort into this," Ahnah said, using the silver coin Alignak had given her to fasten the binding before standing up, "Aipaloovik is right though. I did want you to be there."