A Court Of Shackles And Glass

A Court of Shackles and Glass

Chapter Two

Word Count : 5.6k

Warning(s) : Brief mentions of depression

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Lyphon

There's something calming about laying in a field of grass and small flowers, listening to the soft hum of the wind and the occasional gentle melody from..whatever sings here. Everything smells so nice and fresh here. There was nothing but darkness and chains in the prison, so to be able to do this, to be here, outside of the wretched cursed cube, feels like a miracle.

I soak in all the sounds and smells and the feel of anything, wind or grass. It's all so refreshing and..different. There are some places like this back home, but most places are crawling with creatures that could absolutely hunt and kill you. Plenty of the plants aren't all that nice too. So to be somewhere so peaceful and safe feeling, it almost feels like a miracle.

I close my eyes, letting my eyes rest a little. Despite wearing a bandage around my eyes, it can still be a little bright for me. Light and red still bleeds past the bandages. While it may be dim, it's a slow process, getting used to the light again. Lucien, the male who smelled of apples and a burning hearth, had been kind enough to give me a bandage for my eyes. We're both hoping I adjust quickly so I can use something else. Tamlin, the High Lord of the Spring Court, where my prison was place apparently, had been generous enough to give me a guest bedroom in his manor, which doesn't seem to be in the greatest condition based on how much rubble is on the ground and how poor the quality of some of the house feels. I suspect it was much better some time ago, but right now just based of touch, it feels like it's seen much better days.

The grass shifts beside me, like someone stretching out as they sit down. I turn my head slightly. The smell of the rain and earth greet me, followed by a sense of something powerful and great being there.

"Good afternoon, High Lord. What brings you here today?"

High Lord Tamlin sighs a little quietly. He's been asking me a few questions every day, learning more about my home and family, having anyone willing search through any records that could verify anything I've said. I warned him that I'm not sure if Prythian ever kept any records on my family or any trades or alliances or even enemies. My home Court has long been forgotten I'm sure, and we never really tried to reforge any relations with Prythian. Naturally this makes me incredibly suspicious, possibly insane looking. However, appearing in a buried prison that looks like it wouldn't belong anywhere in Prythian sort of helps my case.

"Tell me about this End Court of yours again, everything."

"Very well. It is miles above the Night Court, you likely won't find it on a modern map, perhaps a very ancient one if you like to keep those around. The terrain varies, but it is mostly made of forests, mountains and great rivers or lakes. There is a cliff facing Prythian that my siblings and I would sit on the edge and watch any approaching ships and visitors. The inhabitants also vary, however majority are beasts, and not the kind it's easy to win against. There's even a colossal dragon that towers over the Court when it wishes. Lucky us my sister, ever the beast tamer, befriended him. That being said, there are Fae that live there. Mostly in towns since the forests aren't always the friendliest.

"My family has been the rulers of the Court since the beginning. That being said though, there are at least two other figures in the End Court that hold power in politics. Technically the Court is, or was, divided into three different territories. A third was ruled by a creature known as 'The Emperor'. He's known for his shapeshifting capabilities and immense power. He doesn't even need a spellbook to cast spells or curse someone. Half was ruled by my family or at least the High Sovereign. And the final sixth is ruled by another creature known as 'The Sorcerer'. He too has great power, however he doesn't tend to get involved and most of his territory is fairly empty creature wise. In..not very recent events, The Emperor decided he would allow the High Sovereign to rule his people, so long as they never forgot to respect him and that he rules a third of the Court. And that, High Lord of Spring, is the End Court in it's barest of bones."

The High Lord hums, staying quiet for a few moments. If he really wanted to know everything, I'm sure we'd be here for a few days, going through it all, and I don't even know everything.

"The End Court, do you believe it was created with the rest of the world? By the cauldron?"

It's a question I wasn't fully expecting..and not one I really have an answer too, but I can't give him nothing.

"I...don't know. Probably. It's what most of my family believes, but it's not clearly stated in any records or history books we have. I've asked my Great Grandfather about it and he..was incredibly vague, I didn't really get an answer from him. I do know that once he did mention he suspected that the End Court originally acted as another version of the Prison, the one found in the Night Court. And my family was it's wardens. It would make sense, but I honestly don't have much proof of it."

High Lord Tamlin hums again, taking in the information. I sense he's getting a little annoyed with the less than proven information though, an annoyance steadily building at the more I tell him, the more people come back with nothing to confirm my answers. If I'm not careful, or I can't prove anything, I could very well be endangered.

"So then, what exactly do you have as definitive proof of these claims? No records have been found of anything mentioning or discussing the End Court nor anyone with the last name Mortis, aside from one man, many many millennia ago."

"That, is likely my Great Great Grandfather. Many called him 'The Knight',  but he was far from the virtuous kind you might imagine. The Mother sent him to the End Court. Either as a death sentence, or a way to control him. Either way, he's still alive and perfectly capable of reliving his bloodiest days."

I almost chuckle, he was one incredibly feared man while he was still in Prythian. But I wave a hand in the direction of the trees in front of us, a squirrel, or at least a formally living one, comes running over, eager to be pet and fed and played with. I can hear the disgust in High Lord Tamlin's inhale, the slight increase in his heart rate. The smell of death and rot follows the animated squirrel, who I pet happily. The smell is not pleasant, but it brings me a strange comfort. And it's a relief at the success of this squirrel. I feel as if all skill I had with my powers has really gone down the drain, all the lack of use really coming in to hit me like a charging drake. I've started going through the forest on walks, joining some in hunts, searching for anything dead, anything small. And so far, this is the second successful squirrel. It's depressing to think of how I was able to raise armies, how my siblings could take down legions, and that now we're all likely husks of our past selves, all because our pathetic, moronic cousin imprisoned us just to stand a chance against us. Even if he's dead I won't let him rest for long.

"Anyways, it would be much appreciated if you asked around about my sister and brother. They too were imprisoned, I don't know where, else I would've made a specific request. But they're both my older siblings. Achlys is the oldest, he was a general back home and he was skilled with any metals or earth, by that I mean stone and dirt. He's a bit more on the...lively and zestful side. My sister on the other hand is named Gyn and she's excellent regarding anything with cells. Father focused on teaching her how to rule a Court...which makes sense. Like I think most Courts, the High Sovereign is chosen usually chosen through magic and based off power. She's the most powerful, and we've had one or two High Ladies before her. She's quiet, but smart..although she can really get exhausted just by being around someone. They'll both confirm what I've said and I'm sure they could even take you to our home, they were always stronger, and faster to learn and adapt."

I take a few breaths and clear my throat, I've already spoken more than I normally would and my voice is turning hoarse because of it. I'm little tense at the silence though. I know there's always a pause for when the High Lord of Spring is thinking through everything, absorbing the given information. But I already feel like I'm starting to walk onto a tight rope, what exactly can I give him that will prove everything? I'm hoping Achlys and Gyn have better luck than me, that they're already twice as strong and well trusted by whoever found them.

"Achlys and Gyn?"

"Yes. They're both older than me and...you'd feel the power difference, it's a little hard to ignore..my sister is compared by my family to my Great Grandfather and his Father a lot, power wise. Although, if you're really feeling bold, you could always send a ship, maybe journey there yourself?"

"Not happening."

I hum, it was mostly a joke, but it would be interesting if he actually liked the idea and considered it. Without another word the High Lord stands, walking away.

"Nice chatting with you..." I whisper, in some ways he reminds me of Great Grandpa, in the manner of a cold and pure business attitude, stoicism, and a need for something definitive to prove something..most times. In a way it's almost nostalgic for me, although a bit tiring. Lucien's company is a bit nicer, at least he's good at talking to people and understanding their emotions and motives. It reminds me of my own siblings and how they have different and similar traits of their own. Achlys is great with people, but sometimes cannot read a room for the life of him. Meanwhile Gyn is good at reading people and understanding them, however can be bad at social interaction.

I sigh, silently praying and wishing for their safety, their success, and that they find me.

Gyn

It's incredibly warm in the Summer Court, and bright. Definitely very bright. The Court is beautiful, truly, I have no doubt about that. However..in Adriata I have quickly learned there is a lot of gold, or very bright, reflective surfaces. Mostly water, which is deathly blinding for me on a good day. But there is also a lot of shiny, bright gold and white stone. Looking outside honestly feels like I'm kissing any eyesight I had goodbye. Permanently.

That being said, Tarquin, the High Lord of the Summer Court and the one who'd originally had the prison opened and me freed, has been incredibly kind and considerate, he even gave me a room underwater that stays dark most of the time. And he does his best to shield me from any light he thinks may be too bright while I'm outside my room. In return he's asked for information, which it's only fair I give him. To both of our surprises servants had found very, very old records that had mentions of the End Court and trades done between the two Courts. They'd even found an old map, though it does need a little updating since it's from when Grandfather was a child. But either way, it was a very pleasant surprise for everyone.

I hum quietly as I ascend the stairs towards the dining room. I tend to at least try attend every meal, it was tougher at the beginning of the week, when I was still weaker and needing practice and healing, sometimes servants would actively try to debate with me on not eating in my room. But it's easier now, my eyes are better, almost fully healthy now. Though, back home it was never really this bright, except on the cliff, where all you would see is the vast, sapphire sea and bright sky, if it wasn't too cloudy. Speaking of the sky, I've yet to see even a hint of a cloud anywhere between Adriata and the horizon. I can recall Tarquin laughed when I brought it up, stating bad weather was a rare occurrence for Adriata or the Summer Court in general, which managed to surprise me.

The servants bow their heads a little as I approach, pulling open the lovely doors to the dining room. I smile, thanking them by name. I did my best to learn everyone's names, though some servants had gotten too startled or were completely convinced I was tricking them and didn't give me a name. I still thank them regardless. My humming falls silent as I enter the room, shielding my eyes with my hand and smiling as Tarquin looks up. He grins.

"Good morning, Gyn. Did you sleep well?"

"It's getting a little better each night. Slow progress, but still progress." I take a seat, wings already shifting to get in the most comfortable position possible, despite the chairs not being made for those with them. Tarquin hums, taking a sip of whatever it is he's drinking.

"I had commissioned you a chair, by the way. Everytime you sit down I can't help but notice you look incredibly uncomfortable. It should be finished by the end of the week."

"That's too kind of you. Neither of us know how long I'll actually be here for, and besides, I'm used to this. I've met many who have never even considered getting chairs or stools for those who have wings."

"I'm not sure why you struggle to just say 'thank you' so much. And besides, you promised you'd visit. And for while you're here I don't want any of my guests uncomfortable. So I commissioned you a chair. I don't care if you leave tomorrow. Just say thank you. Don't tell me I've wasted my time and money on you."

I wince. I guess that was a bit rude, wasn't it? Mentally I scold myself. Manners and responsibility were the two things Father focused on the most when I was a child, it seems suddenly I forgot both of those things and needed reminding.

"I'm sorry..yes, thank you. It's very generous of you."

"See? Was that so hard?" He chuckles, stabbing his fork into half of a strawberry.

"...a little."

He laughs at that, going back to enjoying his breakfast. Sighing, I serve myself a few things, nothing too much though. We both eat in silence, either lost in our thoughts or listening to the crashing of waves. Occasionally Tarquin glances at me, clearly curious and wondering something, but it feels more like he's trying to solve a puzzle. He only speaks once we're both done eating.

"So...you've talked to me about your Court and what's it's like living there, yes? What about your family? Would you be willing to tell me about them?"

Slowly I nod. "Yes. I can tell you about them..um, ugh where do I start. Well, I have two brothers, who I believe I've already mentioned. Achlys, my older brother, and Lyphon, my younger brother. Our Father had been the acting High Sovereign until there was an accident and my Great Grandfather took over again. My Father passed away..a while ago, and it was soon after his death my Great Grandfather announced the next High Sovereign would be chosen soon. It was that night that my cousin, Ulysse had drugged us with a very heavy dose of something meant to keep abilities in check. With a small force he had dragged down to where the prisons were, the chains slithered out like snakes and one by one we were dragged into the prisons, sent off to wherever for however long."

Tarquin, leaning forward a little as he listens, a sympathetic look in his eyes. It's a little surprising, but it's nice someone is actually interested in what I'm saying. So I continue.

"Before everything that happened Lyphon had a lover and three children..I'm hoping they're all alright. The kids were fairly young when we were basically kidnapped, so I do hope they don't hate Lyphon when he comes back. I know his spouse was very understanding and loving, so I doubt they'd let them hate him." I hum, almost going deep in thought. "But I'm sure everything is alright, they are all strong and capable. And I'm sure my Great Grandfather will take care of them too."

Tarquin smiles softly, waiting patiently for a moment to see if I'll continue speaking. He speaks once he's sure I'm finished.

"I'm becoming curious about your Great and Great Great Grandfathers. Your Great Grandfather certainly seems to play a large role in your family.."

"..yes. The history of the Court and my family might or might not be necessary, but I'll still tell some of it anyways. My Great Great Grandfather...was..how do I put this. He..was a conqueror, a warlord that excelled in waging war and slaughtering thousands. He was a force all feared, so much so the Mother sent him to the End Court as a means of distracting and trapping him..my Great Great Grandfather is someone even the Emperor fears, and many say he was once meant to die like anyone else, but Death refused his soul, so now he can never die." I almost shudder at the thought. "No one in my family, but my Great Grandfather have seen his actual appearance. I can remember learning how everyone in my family, once they become between 10-15 years old, they're summonded by him. There's a tower he stays in, and my Great Grandfather brings you there. You'll be judged by him and you're either deemed a 'Knight's Child' or not. Very few of us have actually been deemed a 'Knight's Child'."

I'd met my Great Great Grandfather once, in person. The moment has never left me since. Nothing could have prepared me for him, his icy hands and vibrant, crimson eyes that just carve their way to your soul. It felt like the rawest form was suddenly exposed and being examined by the reaper. I'd never frozen so bad in a moment, I'd never felt a fear so carnal before, nor would I later in life. Some might laugh at the rumours, the tales of him, the creature he could become when high off bloodlust. But when come face to face with him, suddenly all courage bleeds out from your body and you're nothing but a pathetic mouse or insect under the eyes of a titan who had every right to kill you on the spot.

"Gyn? Is everything alright?"

Tarquin waves a hand in front of me a few times, making me jump slightly as I snap back to reality.

"Yes, sorry, just got caught up in a few memories, that's all."

"Are you sure? You'd gone rather pale and you..almost looked afraid."

"Yes, I am fine. My Great Great Grandfather was just terrifying to meet. Nothing happened, it was really just his prescense."

He frowns, but relunctantly nods.

"Anyways. My Great Grandfather is really important in the family. He's been basically someone we all look up to, but truly respect. He's on the colder side, but he can be loving in his own way. We have similar or matching abilities, so he was the one to train and teach me since no one else could fill the role. He's been ruling the End Court for some time, and we all trust his judgement, though he can be a bit blunt about it. And...I'll admit he's a lot like his Father, he's powerful, very much so. If he wasn't in the End Court, I'm sure he could or would have followed in his Father's footsteps.."

Tarquin hums, smiling a little.

"It sounds like you admire him."

"Admire, respect, whatever you want to call it. I do love my Great Grandfather, he's done a lot for me and helped me in many ways. I owe him a lot, honestly."

He chuckles at that, leaning back in his chair and taking a sip from a well made goblet with the style of crashing waves and seafoam. I smile, starting to dig into my chosen foods. Everything is always excellently cooked and appears both beautiful and delicious, this morning is no exception.

"I like speaking with you, Gyn, and I do enjoy your company. Would you tell me about your brothers and Father?"

I nod as I swallow a mouthful of a pastry, seriously who makes the food? It's incredible!

"Sure. Achlys is my older brother. He's older by about 12 years and he is quite...he's something else. He reminds me of fire in the way he burns with passion while being warm with love and care. But like fire he can be quite dangerous and chaotic. He makes an incredible general, but he has a bloodlust I've only seen in some of my family members. I respect his capabilities, but I also know he can be hot headed and hold a grudge, especially when family or friends are involved.

"Lyphon, on the other hand, is opposite to that. His attitude towards others is cold and harsh, something like a blizzard or some sort of winter storm. He has his own way of showing his appreciation for those he loves, and no he is not secretly some mushy, lovey dovey softie behind closed doors. He can be judgemental and ruthlessly correct any mistakes, even small ones, however he can understand you if you merely explain to him your motives or cause for purposeful 'mistakes' and everything is done out of love and a need for perfection from fear of something going wrong and someone getting hurt.

"As for my Father...well he was interesting while he was still alive. When I was a child he had me attend lessons preparing me to become the next High Sovereign since I was somewhere between 10 and 12. He would never give me even an inch with anything. He was strict and seemed to love teaching and encouraging responsibility and independance. I could beg for hours just to be able to play with Achlys, demand why he was never in lessons, why he could have anything he wanted and I had to do hours of homework and chores to even get a sliver of what free time he had. It was always the same answer 'you will be High Sovereign one day, your strength bleeds through you into the air like dust. You must be prepared for that day.' But he never answered me whenever I demanded why I had to be taught so young. He merely would mumble something about children being impressionable."

I sigh at the memories. I resented every lesson and night of dreaded, rotten homework made up of false. fictional reports, documents in need of signatures, and emergency events. For a while I envied Achlys, but eventually I gave up, merely looking down and going about everything like nothing mattered anymore. I had given up on the idea of having any sort of free time or fun, my childhood had been ruined and taken from me because my Father deemed it 'neccessary'. But...there were moments where Achlys shined, 'kidnapping' me to go have fun and explore and get me away from the evil paperwork. There were even days where I myself ran away into the woods to spite my Father, to get away. But that was a different time, and many things happened then.

The mood feels as if it's dipped a little, Tarquin watches carefully, almost studying me. I clear my throat.

"Sorry, that was a bit much..and biased. My Father wasn't terrible. But um..do you have anything planned today? I'd hate to keep you from anything important."

At that Tarquin smiles.

"Fine, I'll let you get away with that one. But actually no, today I am completely free. I was thinking I could give you a tour? Since your eyes seem to be better."

I smile, nodding.

"That sounds like a good idea, thank you. Though I'll probably need a wide brimmed hat.."

He chuckles. "That can be arranged."

Achlys

The hearth stays dead, I refuse to let it live. While the warmth of the fire would be nice, comforting almost, I'm ready for that light. Heavy, thick curtains hang from the windows, blocking out all light. Sunlight, moonlight, doesn't matter. Both are too bright. Starlight is..bearable, but the moon isn't usually fully gone from the sky or dark for very long. So the curtains stay shut all day and all night.

I hum softly as I play with the metal that makes my bedframe. Fenix, ever eager to hold things above my head and demand I pay him back with lives, gave me a room with many things made of metal. While most might find this place too cold and uncomfortable, almost insulting, I find it to be a sickening gift. Constant training and practicing has kept me exhausted the past week, but it's good. I'm improving quickly, growing back to my full strength. Soon I'm sure I could even leave on my own, venture out to find my siblings, maybe play hero. Their prisons were also solid metal, ancient and powerful metal, but still metal. And they're all massive too. It would be easy to find them and drag them up and out of wherever they are.

My humming stops as I sigh, a little heavily. That would be nice, wouldn't it? Swooping in and saving my siblings and being seen as their awesome big brother again, be seen as a hero in their eyes. The relief in their eyes when they would see me at the entrance to their cells, happily sputtering how they're relieved I'm okay and how I've found them. Yeah...that would be great.

I can remember many times I would rescue you them from whatever at home. Lyphon would go exploring in the woods alone, brave and strong, but not nearly as familiar with the creatures as me or Gyn. Wouldn't you know he's pissed something off and it's about to try to kill him for it, but I would swoop in last minute, getting him back home and going back to either calm or knock out or kill whatever it was. As for Gyn..well Dad really could be stupid. So focused on raising the perfect High Sovereign, so stupidly blind to how depressed he had made his daughter. I could remember how desperate she was to just have a smidge of the childhood she was supposed to have. So I did what I thought could help, I'd 'kidnap' her and take her to Great Grandpa's for however long and we'd have fun. Great Grandpa understood everything and he would never give us away, he even helped us a few times. Those were fun days, thrilling too. Dad would be livid when we returned, but I always managed to get her out of everything, and myself sometimes. It was always worth it, hearing my sister finally laugh and giggle, see her smile and actually react to everything, to see her look alive again. What I'd do to hear my siblings laugh again.

I close my eyes for a moment, letting the darkness envelope me momentarily. There's a strange peace in the silence of ones bedroom at night. And one that allows me the peace and time to think properly. Ulysse had mentioned Prythian as he laughed at us. Assuming he was laughing that we'd all be stuck here in prisons, that narrows down possibilities. There are only 7 Courts in Prythian. My gut tells me that we're not all in the same Court, that would be too risky for him. So that narrows it down to 6, then 5 if I figure out where one of my siblings is.

Ulysse knew some of our biggest fears based purely on incidents that happened when we were kids and the stories that were told. So, going off me as an example and good starting point. My prison was placed in a cave, a large, deep cave. I've hated caves since I had to fight a wyrm hiding in one, a vicious, massive wyrm that reeked and nearly ate me. So then, Gyn hates deep, dark waters. Twice she was dragged down into the deepest lake and forced to escape before something or someone captured her and kept her at the bottom. There's water everywhere, it surrounds Prythian, but only one Court is really known for its water, and why not put her somewhere she'll be surrounded by it 24/7? She'll have been placed in the waters of the Summer Court. Lyphon..is trickier. He's terrified of being buried alive after the Emperor used him as leverage and buried him in a coffin in the family cemetary. We only got him out because of interference from our Great Great Grandfather. I'm doubting he was placed in the Night Court due to it mostly being mountains. So there's only 4 Courts left. Spring, Day, Dawn, and Winter. I'm really hoping it isn't Winter. But the list has definitely narrowed down.

Huffing I open my eyes, a new determination in them. Sitting up I examine my bed briefly. It's a four poster bed, each corner holding a metal ball the size of my fist. Concentrating on one of them, I restrain the urge to reach for it and touch, that would make this too easy, the metal begins to twist and take a new shape. It stays quiet, much to my satisfaction. It only takes a little while before it stops, now appearing to be a simple, but strong flame. I nod, onto the next one. 

It takes me a total of two hours for me to finish changing all four metal balls into perfect, sharp shapes. One corner fire, another a tree made of flowers, the third a clam with a pearl in the center, but sharp teeth protecting it. The last one a dragon egg hatching with a small dragon peeking out. I'm panting a little, exhausted but definitely happy with the work. They're all perfect, not a single mistake. I grin as my energy slowly returns within a few minutes. My stamina is returning. Soon the earth will tremble with every step I take, I'll be returned to my normal self, and my siblings will have a protector again.

Heaving a sigh I flop back onto the bed, head hitting the pillow and eyes closing. That's when it will be better, once everything is back to normal. Once we're home..and that sewer crawling dustmite pays for his betrayal. Yes, it will feel alright again. But until then..

Pieces of metal fly towards me, smoothly they fall and gently land in my palms. Somehow, these are easier to make than the actual shapes around my bed. The points form sharply enough you could stab someone with it. Perfectly shaped little holes form to make room for gems. They all form to fit our heads without discomfort. Once I'm home, I'll forge proper versions, but for now, once I see them again these will do.

Opening my eyes I check my work, just as I imagined. Three crowns, each unique to their own soon-to-be wearer. Harsh, sharp points join around in a circle for Lyphon, a crown that could be compared to daggers being placed in a circle to create it. Detailed, bone and vertabrae like pieces form elegant but sharp jewel, tear, or leaf shaped arcs around in a tiara form for Gyn. She'd definitely appreciate it and its detail. As for mine...one a true king, a true warrior would wear. A more traditional style, but a mighty one nonetheless.

I hum content as I sit them next to me, shutting me eyes to sleep. Soon. I would find them soon.

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Hello, thank you for reading. I hope you're having a good day/night. Please remember to take care of yourself.

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P.S. This fanfic is available on Quotev and AO3