Brad
The "Before" years
Scion of Hidden Knowledge[M:0]
Scion of Hidden Knowledge
Posts: 139
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Post by Brad on Jan 21, 2007 22:14:21 GMT -6
Brad ran as quickly as he could around the city, it seemed to be a place full of normal humans, except they all had stones with them, Dray'Gon was the only one to have wings.
He ran to a playground type place and sat down to rest when he heard a very familiar voice. "Fa know you, you Fa's friend" the little girl shrieked. "Are you Fa?" Brad asked puzzled "Yes, I Fa" The little girl said happily. "Where did Fa's friend go last time? That not important, Fa show you her other friends like Phia and Igraine and Louise, Phia and Louise are bigger than me and they very pretty" Fa said tugging on the older boy's hand.
"All right Fa, I'll go meet your friends, but can you answer me to questions" "Ok Fa like questions" The young dragon replied "Do you know Dray'Gon?" Brad asked "Yes Fa know him, he was nice but he ran away and people say nasty things about him, but not Fa or Fa's friends" "Also, do you know Vhailene?" "Yes Fa doesn't like him. He's mean to Fa and say that he just looking out for Fa, but I don't need him to look out for me, the elders and Pent and Hawkeye and Louise and Phia do" "Thank you Fa"
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Brad
The "Before" years
Scion of Hidden Knowledge[M:0]
Scion of Hidden Knowledge
Posts: 139
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Post by Brad on Jan 22, 2007 22:25:55 GMT -6
"Oops, Fa remembers now, you can't meet Fa's friends, Phia went away and Pent and Louise went home. Igraine is sick" Fa started crying "It's ok Fa" Brad tryed reassuring her
"Human, you are under arrest for aiding and assissting a deserter, entering the city without permission and kidnapping a dragon" A gruff voice from behind Brad said, he turned around and he saw a large man about six foot four, full of muscles. "What?" Brad said shocked as the man put him into cuffs, Fa started to cry again as the large man transformed into dragon form, picked him up and flew off towards a tall building.
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Dray'Gon
The "Before" years
Devoted Dragonfang[M:-100]
"May my ancestors bring me strength!"
Posts: 141
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Post by Dray'Gon on Jan 23, 2007 8:27:31 GMT -6
Dray'Gon was brought before the council. Moment's later, Brad was also brought in. Dray'Gon frowned as it seemed there was little hope of them escaping their fate. Dray'Gon turned to face forwards as the council entered the chamber.
"Dray'Gon," started the lead council member. "It's been a while, hasn't it. I had hoped you would have given up your fool's mission."
"It's not a fool's..."
Another council member inturrupted. "Silience! You should know better than to speak until you've been told." Dray'Gon softly growled. He knew the council could be harsh, but he wondered if he would truly be given the chance to defend himself.
The first council member continued. "You have been brought here under the charges of deserting, spreading secrets to the outside world, and bringing in an outsider that planned to upset the peaceful balance in Arcadia. How do you plead?"
"I never told anyone..."
The first council member inturrupted, saying, "Answer the question!"
"...Not guilty. If you'd give me a chance to explain..."
The first council member inturrupted once more. "Let the records show that Dray'Gon refuses to believe that he has done any wrong. Now, human... You have been charged with aiding the deserter, Dray'Gon, entering Arcadia without the permission of the council, and even attempted to kidnap a dragon. How do you plead?"
Dray'Gon turned to face Brad. He hoped the last accusation was a simple misunderstanding, but Dray'Gon couldn't help but feel worried that he may have been wrong about the human. No... Brad couldn't be like that, could he? I refuse to believe he played me for a fool. I'm sure Vhailene's words are behind those accusations. Dray'Gon waited for Brad's answer, and hoped he might have a better chance at getting through to the council.
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Brad
The "Before" years
Scion of Hidden Knowledge[M:0]
Scion of Hidden Knowledge
Posts: 139
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Post by Brad on Jan 23, 2007 17:08:48 GMT -6
"Not Guilty, I never kidnapped Fa and the whole reason I came here was so I could learn, all I wanted to do was study, I'm a scholar"
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Dray'Gon
The "Before" years
Devoted Dragonfang[M:-100]
"May my ancestors bring me strength!"
Posts: 141
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Post by Dray'Gon on Jan 23, 2007 23:14:40 GMT -6
The council members seemed to be intrigued by the human's boldness and thus let him finish. "So... why would you seek Fa?"
Before Brad was able to respond, the head councilman continued. "How could you have even known about Fa, if it were not for the deserter, Dray'Gon. It's become obvious that Dray'Gon has openly opposed the council in the past, and still does so even now. The very fact he even gave out such knowledge is proof of that, not to mention that he brought you, an outsider, here. The only course I can figure is so that you might kidnap her, and use her as a bargaining tool on Dray'Gon's behalf to allow our peaceful town to be visited by many other outsiders, some of which still have a hatred towards us."
The council leader then stood, and added, "Take them away! The council will discuss this matter, and come to a conclusion as to what will be done."
The guards then began to escort the two to holding cells. Dray'Gon turned to Brad, and said, "I'm sorry. It seems my pressing upon the council to allow me to seek outside help has caused more harm than good. I had hoped to return alone, so as not to involve anyone else." Turning to look forwards again, Dray'Gon added, "How could I be a fool to think they'd have changed..."
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Brad
The "Before" years
Scion of Hidden Knowledge[M:0]
Scion of Hidden Knowledge
Posts: 139
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Post by Brad on Jan 23, 2007 23:28:30 GMT -6
"I've been here before by myself" Brad screamed as the gaurds were taking him away.
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Dray'Gon
The "Before" years
Devoted Dragonfang[M:-100]
"May my ancestors bring me strength!"
Posts: 141
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Post by Dray'Gon on Jan 25, 2007 23:20:29 GMT -6
(OOC: Oh... I forgot you did post. >.< Sorry. Starting up again.)
Dray'Gon and Brad were carried off to seperate cells. Dray'Gon almost protested, but he didn't want to risk making matters worse. When he was locked away, Dray'Gon began to think over the situation. There's got to be some way to get through to the council, dispite what's happened in the past. I only left in order to help them. Why can't they see that?
Vhailene soon came to speak with Dray'Gon. "Well, well, well... so prideful, even now that you have no pride to defend?"
"What do you want?" Dray'Gon snapped, "Come to gloat?"
"On the contrary... I have a proposal for you, and it would help to retain your honor."
"I doubt you'd be willing to help me without some ulterior motive. What would be in it for you?"
"Let's just say that we'll 'all' benefit from returning Arcadia to it's peaceful state."
"How do you propose that, with the bandits knocking on our doorstep?"
"We can handle the bandits, and have been while you've been off on your fairytale adventure, or haven't you noticed that we still are living peacefully... well, up until you brought that human."
"That human does not intend any harm to us. He is curious about us, and wants to learn about us."
"Dray'Gon... don't you ever look at the big picture? First he learns about us, learns how to come to Arcadia through the protective storms... after all, you brought him here the first time. He could just have easily learned of the route right then and there." Vhailene paused as he walked a bit down the front of the cell. "Next thing you know, he'll tell his friends, and word will spread. Before long, we'll have an army of humans marching on us to try and finish the job they started!"
Dray'Gon couldn't reply to what Vhailene had said. He hadn't really thought about what could happen, but he didn't want to believe that would happen with Brad. Still, he didn't know for certain. He'd only recently met with Brad, and strangely enough, he already felt close to him.
Vhailene continued. "Just as I thought... Here's what I propose..." Vhailene slowly paced back and forth as he said the following, stopping to face Dray'Gon face to face when he said the last word. "I'll encourage the council to give you one last chance at redemption. When you are brought before the council, and they ask you, 'We'll give you one last chance to redeem yourself... Will you give up your fanciful quest to seek outside help, and remain in the Nabata region for the remainder of your days?' answer yes. You will be asked to prove that you will change, by killing the human outsider. Only then will you be redeemed."
Dray'Gon's eyes widened and he stood up and glared at Vhailene. "Kill the human!? Whatever for!?"
"Because... he is a threat to our way of life. He has seen our home, and he has seen us. If he were to ever leave Arcadia, our very safety is at risk."
Not wanting to even think about killing Brad in cold blood, Dray'Gon tried to find other answers. "Why not keep him confined here in Arcadia? If he never sees the outside world again, he will be unable to tell them about us."
"He is still a threat. While our prison system is supurb, there is still a risk he might escape. Did you really think you were the only human sympathizer? Someone..." said Vhailene with a glare at Dray'Gon, "...might try to break him out as they may feel he should not be imprisoned. Our prisons prevent people from escaping by themselves, but it's not neccessarily able to protect from our own kind setting them free. That is a risk I'd rather not take, and I'm sure the council wouldn't either."
"That's because you feed the council with these outragious ideas!", Dray'Gon spat out with anger.
"I would hold your temper... otherwise, worse things might happen." After a short pause, Vhailene continued as he began to walk away. "Just think about my proposal. I'd suggest you take it as I can't be responsible for what will happen to you, and your 'friend' should you refuse..."
Dray'Gon stood at the bars as his face of anger soon changed to sadness. He had to choose between the human and his own personal pride, or his own kind, and freedom.
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Brad
The "Before" years
Scion of Hidden Knowledge[M:0]
Scion of Hidden Knowledge
Posts: 139
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Post by Brad on Jan 25, 2007 23:50:07 GMT -6
"I just wanted to learn" Brad said to himself as he sat in the gaol cell. "I should have never left Ryerde" Brad began to cry, for the first time in 10 years, he was crying.
"Why Fa's friends cry?" a voice that was all too familiar to me said "Fa, they said I wanted to hurt to the dragons and that I kidnapped you, I just came here to learn" Brad told the young dragon. "Fa believe you" the little girl smiled and transformed into a chicken like dragon and breathed a sort of light onto the gaol cell, silently destroying it, she changed back into human form.
"Come with Fa" Fa extended her hand, Brad took it and ran off with his little friend.
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Dray'Gon
The "Before" years
Devoted Dragonfang[M:-100]
"May my ancestors bring me strength!"
Posts: 141
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Post by Dray'Gon on Jan 26, 2007 7:59:18 GMT -6
Dray'Gon sat alone in his cell contemplating Vhailene's words when Vhailene returned. "Well, Dray'Gon... What I had said came true. It seems the human has escaped." Dray'Gon looked up in suprise. "Looks like I'll need your answer now. Will you accept my proposal, and help to take out the human?"
Dray'Gon thought a moment, before saying, "I'll help you find him."
Vhailene eyed Dray'Gon suspiciously, and added, "Do I have your word, as a Manakete, that should you find him, you WILL kill him?"
Dray'Gon paused for several seconds. He didn't want to kill Brad, but he didn't want to lose honor, either by saying no, or by breaking his word.
"I'll take your refusal to respond as your true feelings towards the human. Very well..." He then turned towards the guards. "Guards! Dray'Gon needs to be brought forth before the council for his crimes, and for the escape of the human he brought here!"
Dray'Gon's eyes widened as the guards came to take him back to the council. He hoped he might have a second chance to defend himself, but he held little hope so long as Vhailene had their ear.
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Brad
The "Before" years
Scion of Hidden Knowledge[M:0]
Scion of Hidden Knowledge
Posts: 139
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Post by Brad on Jan 26, 2007 16:12:58 GMT -6
"Hurry, if you come with Fa, you'll be safe" "Where are we going?" Brad asked the little girl "To see Fa's friends!"
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Dray'Gon
The "Before" years
Devoted Dragonfang[M:-100]
"May my ancestors bring me strength!"
Posts: 141
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Post by Dray'Gon on Jan 27, 2007 21:28:17 GMT -6
Dray'Gon was brought before the council again, and already, he coudl tell they were not pleased. Waiting for his turn to speak, the eldest of the council stepped forwords and spoke. "Dray'Gon, it has come to our attention that the human that came with you has escaped. According to a source it is said that you somehow managed to aid in his escape."
Dray'Gon's eyes widened as he heard the false accusation. Unable to wait any longer and have his honor be decimated further, Dray'Gon inturrupted fiercely, saying, "How the heck would I be able to do such a thing!? I was in prison myself as well! Don't you think that if I could have helped the human to escape, that I would have escaped as well!? Your 'source' has likely given you false information! I'm fairly certain whom it is as well... Vhailene!"
After a pause when Dray'Gon finished with hsi outburst, the council member continued. "The source is of no concern to you. We have no reason to doubt what they have said. As for how you managed to allow the human to escape, I can only surmise that you had inside knowledge concernign the cells, and passed it upon the human. As for why you did not escape, it would cause your story to seem more plausable that it was some outside force that assisted in the escape. I know of no other citizen, Manakete or otherwise, that would have any reason to assist the outsider human, other than you. Therefore, it is only reasonable to assume that you somehow helped him to escape. It is only a matter of time before we find the exact proof."
Dray'Gon just shook his head, trying to think of what wrong he had committed to deserve this disgrace. He wondered if he should never have left Arcadia, never have challenged the council, never have even thought about the possibility that the humans would be needed for helping to defeat the bandits whose very presense threatened Arcadia. Thinking over these things again, however, showed that he had no choice. While it seemed the others of his kind were turning a blind eye to what was going on, he had to make the choice to either join them, and doom Arcadia, or set out as he did.
After the eldest council member finished, DrayGon stood up straight and tall. He looked directly into the eyes of the high council, and said in a low voice, that gradually rose as he continued on, "You say I have deserted Arcadia, that I have somehow undermined the peace we have. You say that I now conspire against the council for simply stating my opinion, and being rejected. I left Arcadia to find help, because the council could not see the real threat of the bandits around us. I left because I was the only one brave enough to go out and seek the humans for help. You all have become too secure in your peace that you were afraid of the chance that the humans might upset it. You should know, due to the fact I have more dragon blood in me than most Manaketes (OOC: in an attempt to explain why I have wings in human form), that I would never try to bring any harm to our kind, and the dragons that survived the war with the humans. Not all humans wish to continue the war, as you all seem to believe. I know because I have ventured out into it, and seen humans that genuinely seemed to care about my well being. Now, because of the word of one person, whom has dispised me since the very first time I even mentioned the attempt to contact the humans, you all have turned against me! Have my past accomplishments within Arcadia, and Nabata have been forgotten so easily!?"
"ENOUGH!" shouted the council elder, tired of the tirade. "It is true that you have been gifted with more dragon blood than most of those whom live here, and that you have done many good deeds in the past, but that does not excuse you for your recent actions. Your outbursts have proven that you have no respect for the council."
Dray'Gon began again, saying, "And you would have me stay silent, suffer these outragous accusations without proof, and never being given a proper chance to defend myself!? You're decision has clearly already been made! You are afraid of change, and so instead of seeking justice, you seek to silence anyone that opposes what you believe! I'm tired of remaining silent! If I am to be condemned for something I did not do, then I might as well have a voice so that others know the truth about me! I am a warrior of Arcadia, A loyal citizen, and a valiant crusuader(sp?) in it's defense! Everything I have ever done was in the best interest of this city, and those that inhabit it! Though you may strike me down, I will not be put to shame for my actions!"
The council member grew increasingly angry, and motioned for the guard to silence Dray'Gon. He then spoke, "Dray'Gon, I herby sentence you to permanent confinement within Arcadia as a mere human since you seem to care so much for them. You will be removed of your wings, and you will not be allowed to be given a dragonstone of any kind. You will not be permitted to leave the city for whatever reason. You will be forced to work within the city in any task we deem neccessary. You will not be allowed to speak of the outside world to anyone. If you are caught doing so, you will have your toungue removed."
"You might as well kill me, as there would no longer be any more reason for me to live."
"Death would be too easy for you. Perhaps if you behave well enough, you may be granted your wish. It pains me to pass such a judgement, but you have given us no other choice." The council then left the chamber, and Dray'Gon was escorted to the area where his wings were to be removed.
(OOC: If I'm being a bit harsh, let me know. I wanted to make things interesting, not to mention, the chance of a timely rescue... which I'm hoping will occur very soon.)
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Brad
The "Before" years
Scion of Hidden Knowledge[M:0]
Scion of Hidden Knowledge
Posts: 139
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Post by Brad on Jan 27, 2007 23:22:32 GMT -6
Brad and Fa ran through the gaol cell, and finally made out into the light, Fa transformed into dragon form and started tugging Brad along, it was quicker and less suspicious this way. They made their way to an even larger building than the court room and went straight into the main room, Fa reverted to human form.
Brad stood in the room, and looked around he could see a young girl Fa's age, a burly warrior with a stern face and a large axe, another young girl, older than Fa with long purple hair that flowed to the ground and an elderly gentleman with long whispy white hair.
"Everybody this Fa's friend" Fa said happily "This Phia" Fa said as she pointed to the young woman with flowing purple hair "She half human half mamkute!" Fa exclaimed "We go by Manakete now Fa, I'm Sophia" the girl said shyly. "This is Igraine she a human like you!" Fa pointed to the little girl, the girl hugged Brad, despite the fact he was a stranger, very friendly. "This Hawkeye, he Igraine's daddy and he a human too!" Fa gestured towards the large gentleman, Brad extended his hand and Hawkeye reluctantlly shook it. "And this Athos" Fa finally said, gesturing towards the elderly man.
"Archsage Athos!" Brad exclaimed, and bowed immediatly "Yes son of Roland" Athos replied "How did you-?" Brad was cut off "I know lots of things Jason, you are not one of Elimine's children" Athos said "I prefer Brad" Brad replied
"Off course, now we have to hurry to the courtroom immediatly if we wish to save Dray'Gon" "Is he in trouble?" Brad asked "Yes very much so, hurry now Fa. Sophia, Igraine, Hawkeye do you wish to come?" Athos turned his attention to the others "I will wait here for Pent and Louise to arrive" Hawkeye replied gruffly "I'll stay with Hawkeye, I don't want to slow you down" Sophia replied "I'll wait here with Daddy" Igraine replied.
"Then we are off" Athos said kindly, with that Brad, Fa and the archsage Athos left to save the dragon Dray'Gon
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Dray'Gon
The "Before" years
Devoted Dragonfang[M:-100]
"May my ancestors bring me strength!"
Posts: 141
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Post by Dray'Gon on Jan 28, 2007 7:08:25 GMT -6
Dray'Gon spoke with the guards as he was being escorted. "Do you really believe the same as the council?" The guard refused to answer. Dray'Gon continued, saying, "What you're doing is wrong! The council's been mislead."
Finaly the guard spoke, "Whether I agree with the council or not matters not. It is my duty to carry out their orders. Please remain silent, as I will not have you slander the council."
Dray'Gon tried another approach, "I am not against the council. They can only go by what information they have been given. I am merely stating that the one they are getting their information from is not being truthful."
"The council trusts him, so it is not my place to say otherwise." After stepping through a doorway, the guard adds, "We're here."
Dray'Gon looked around the room, and saw a familiar face. Dray'Gon's face turned to a scowl as he said, "Vhailene..."
"I gave you a chance, Dray'Gon. You refused. Now you must pay the consequences for your choice."
"Vhailene, I could not go through with your 'offer' as it would be no better than the humans whom fought the dragons so long ago. You're hatred against the humans, while with a reason, are unfounded. Those that had fought against the dragons long ago have either died, or are lost to history. Not all humans feel that the dragons should be completely eradicated." - Vhailene said, after Dray'Gon had finished, "The humans have always been afraid of us, and for good reason. We are much stronger than they are. They had to resort to powerful artifacts to win the war long ago. Until those weapons are destroyed, the humans are still a dangerous threat. You forget that they started the war. We had been in peace long before that. It may be true that some humans have changed, but I'm not about to take that risk until those weapons are no more."
Dray'Gon pleaded with Vhailene, "Then why do you hate me so much that you lie to the council about my actions?"
"Dray'Gon, I did not wish for all this to happen to you. I truly hoped you would have taken my offer. Since you had ventured out into the outside world, you would be the best candidate for finding those weapons, and ridding the world of them. The offer was merely a test to see where your loyalties lie, and they showed you no longer are loyal to Arcadia. It is because of that, why I'm going to take great pleasure in this."
During this time, Dray'Gon was strapped down, in preperation for his wings being removed. Just as Vhailene was about to proceed, someone burst through the door. Dray'Gon was unable to see whom it was, but he hoped it was someone who was coming to save him.
(OOC: I have no idea of the personalities of the NPCs, so I'll have to leave those to you Brad. On a side note, you can have a battle against Vhailene, but I plan for him to escape as I have further plans for him later on.)
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Brad
The "Before" years
Scion of Hidden Knowledge[M:0]
Scion of Hidden Knowledge
Posts: 139
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Post by Brad on Jan 28, 2007 16:56:40 GMT -6
(OoC: Athos was the one that protected Arcadia from outsiders)
"Release him at once" The archsage Athos said "Yes Archsage" the guard bowed and released Dray'Gon "Vhailene, your hatred for humans is unfounded, most of Arcadia consists of humans, a human Hawkeye is the one that protects this very city and I a human am the one that put up the protective sandstorms" Athos boomed "But Archsage" Vhailene began to argue.
"No arguments, you know I was one of the 8 who defeated the dragons back in the scouring, but perhaps you are too young to remember that those weren't the good hearted dragons we hav here in Arcadia they were they evil dragons that kidnapped a divine dragon in order to slay the humans. The humans did us both a favour" Athos said
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Dray'Gon
The "Before" years
Devoted Dragonfang[M:-100]
"May my ancestors bring me strength!"
Posts: 141
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Post by Dray'Gon on Jan 28, 2007 23:40:40 GMT -6
(OOC: This is what happens when I don't know the full story. >.< I think I can still fix it...)
Vhailene was suprised, and stepped away from Dray'Gon, and Athos. "Athos... I meant no disrespect for you, or the other humans that reside here. You have proven your intentions for us. I..." Vhailene struggled to find words to defend what he was doing, but for once they seemed to fail to come. He looked at Dray'Gon and said in a low voice that only Dray'Gon was likely to hear, "This isn't over..." With that, Vhailene fled the scene.
Dray'Gon just watched as he ran off, and then turned to Brad and the others. "Thanks. I'm glad you came back for me... but how did you escape in the first place?" Before Brad could answer, Dray'Gon suddenly thought about the council. "I need your help once more. It seems Vhailene's have poisoned the council, and turned them against me. I do not wish to be at ends with the council. Will you help show them the truth?"
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