The Clan Charter (Clan Adeptica) (Story)

=== The Chronicles of Clan Adeptica ===
==== Chapter 8: The Clan Charter ====
August 23, 2015
Once all three of the Lia sisters had mates and there were hatchlings growing up within their clan, with more on the horizon, Adeptica and Devon decided it was time for there to be a written clan charter. All the adult dragons in the clan got together to discuss what would be in it.
The charter spelled out the details of such practical matters as how work would be divided and how the discussion and resolution of disagreements within the clan was to proceed, but it also described what the clan collectively valued, what they wanted out of their lives together, and to what principles the clan should be dedicated. One of those principles was that Clan Adeptica would be a place where dragons of all breeds and from all flights would be able to learn from each other, living cooperatively and in harmony. Another principle everyone agreed on was an emphasis on learning and the study of magic, and particularly of the crystals in their cave.
This conversation led to a discussion of what the clan's motto should be. Jareth immediately suggested that the clan should adopt as its motto the key line of a poem that was used to teach young Mirrors the way things were done in all-Mirror clans: "For the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack." He said that he loved Clan Adeptica and felt at home there, even though he was the only Mirror, because the actions of the clan's members exemplified this ideal of mutual support and encouragement. Talia and Devon beamed at his words
Then, Shadowspell said that he had another suggestion. He brought out a torn scrap of parchment that he had found on his travels, with writing on it in an ancient language that he had been taught to read before coming to the clan. It read, Nulla Ignorantiae, Sed Scientia. He explained that it was believed to be a fragment of a longer text, the rest of which had been lost to history, and that it meant "There is no ignorance, but only knowledge." Adeptica and Devon agreed that that made a wonderful motto, too, and the clan took a vote, as specified in the practical portion of the charter. Jareth's suggestion lost, to his mild disappointment. The parchment scrap was framed and hung on the wall of the cave next to the charter, when it was completed. Nonetheless, Jareth taught the Mirror poem to many of the clan's new hatchlings, especially the ones who were natural carnivores, and it became common knowledge within the clan.
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