A Visitor and A Spy(ies)
Here you go guys, another beautifully written fic by our darling healer, @lifelillysandmagicwands. It shows more glimpses into our world and it’s members. Enjoy!
Dragons. They weren't kidding when they said the Lightning Court had a lot of them. Kesden had never set foot in this territory before and before he knew it; he was in love. The sweeping valleys, sparkling rivers and pools, the mountains that provided shelter and scenery. They were sights out of fairytales and myths. And the people, cauldron the people were unlike anything he'd ever encountered. Their beauty was vicious and raw, underlined with the power that flowed through their veins. But despite the rumors that told of their cruel and ruthless nature, he had yet to meet one Kimære who was anything like their fearsome tales. The only thing Kesdon found unnerving about them, was their wings. Sure he'd seen plenty of wings in the Night Court, but those in the Lightning Court had the wings of a dragon, magnificent and illustrious. Each person with their own unique coloring, unlike the solid black bat-like wings of the Illyrians. He hated to admit it but he was slightly jealous. Having no wings himself and being someone who very much enjoyed flying, it was a dream of his to fly, even if it was on the back of a dragon. Which was a far easier dream to attain in the Lightning Court then any other. He'd heard whispers of a illegal dragon racing circle in the capital city and decided on a whim to travel there. He planned on returning home in time for Starfall, so he'd only be staying for a month or so.
Currently taking the main trade road to the city of Arach, his journey included hitching rides on the back of dragon pulled carts, staring at the odd plants that grew in the forests, and sleeping in some very pretty trees. But as the days dragged by, Kesdon found the main trail becoming more populated and easier to travel on. Taking this as a sign he was nearing the Capital he eagerly increased his pace. Perhaps after he reached the city he'd find somewhere to have a good meal and a hot bath. Bathing in the streams was lovely, just too cold, and he was beginning to run out of food. What was left would probably last another two days if he was careful.
Lifting his arm to block a branch from hitting his face, Kesdon contemplated removing some of his cloths. The Lightning Court wasn't known to be exceptionally hot, but because they were in the aftermath of a particularly grueling storm, the humidity was getting to him. Deciding to go with his instinct, he quickly pulled his loose yet somehow still too hot shirt over his head, roughly stuffing it back into his pack. Sighing to himself he pulled his hair back into a bun to keep it off his neck as he walked. The road was empty, only Kesdon’s feet making imprints in the soft brown dirt that now coated both his hands and some of his face. The forest however, was anything but quiet. Birds sang, twittering back and forth as small creatures with brightly colored bodies and wings buzzed around, knocking into each other and occasionally, Kesdon.
“They’re fairy dragons, dear” said a passing woman he'd met a day before, cradling a small bundle in her arms and carrying a large bag on her side. Her burgundy and violet wings fluttering slightly as she walked. Kesdon had met dozens of Kimære during his days traveling, all of which had been very kind and welcoming. Reassuring him that he was indeed on the right road and telling him all the best places to visit in the city once he arrived. One man in particular, named Dellphi, who had the most interesting scar on his forearm that resembled an odd flower, told him where to go if he wanted to find out the locations of the dragon racing that month; also encouraging him to be discreet when mentioning dragon racing in the capital, as it was looked down upon by most and after walking a few miles with Kesdon, took a smaller road to his village.
It felt odd being in such a mysterious place so far away from his home and simultaneously feeling like he could stay forever.
Lost in his thoughts, it took Kesdon little over a minute to realize he was no longer alone on the road. Behind him was a group of Kimære, that had suddenly appeared as if they had fallen from the sky. Kesdon mentally smacked himself for being an idiot. Wings- they very well could have fallen from the sky if they could fly.
The group looked no older than him, who was at the ripe age of 22, but then again, knowing the wonkey aging of fae in general, it was likely he was wrong. Wanting to look back again without coming off as creepy, Kesdon turned to pretend to grab something from his bag and snagged a glance at the group. They all wore the same skin tight black body suits, showing off their toned bodies and obvious strength. Two of them were walking, the other three were flying back and forth above them playing some sort of game with a spiky looking rock. Narrowing his eyes and returning them to the road in front of him, he picked up his pace. The last thing he needed was to be hit by whatever that was.
And for a little while he carried on without incident.
Until one of them came sailing over his head with the rock, the other two in hot pursuit. Cheers and yelling erupted from both his front and back. It was safe to say he was more than a little nervous. Sending a quick prayer to the Cauldron, he attempted to shuffle unnoticed into the trees.
“Guys ease up, you're scaring that guy over there!” called out a deep male voice from the group that was walking. Freezing in his tracks and wondering if he should just bolt, Kesdon glanced over to see if he could spot the owner of the voice. To his surprise, one of them was already making his way over to him. He was an average height with a lanky but muscular frame and a confident ease to his walk. He had Grey-Lavender wings, visible and accenting his pale colored skin with stormy grey hair that was long enough to be kept in a bun. But as he approached, Kesdon found himself staring in awe at his eyes, the color of rain and shot through with silver. His heart began to beat quickly. Averting his gaze he tried to figure out another way out of this situation and away from the handsome Kimære.
“Sorry about my friends, they get a little rowdy when they’re off duty” He said with a charming smile “Just be sure to duck if they get too close - SOMEONE doesn't have a good sense of personal space” laughter quickly rose after he spoke.
“Blame Alex, she threw the egg!” yelled a flying female, a wicked grin on her lips. Her midnight black hair swaying around her as she hovered, a long sword strapped to her waist.
“As if, Cahira! Try being a bit more believable next time you lie” quipped who Kesdon assumed was Alex. She was the second person flying, her soft purple wings covered in lines of gold and silver that gave off an otherworldly glow. Her curly hair in a high ponytail that accented her uptilted green eyes. Lowering herself down carefully, she jogged over to where Kesdon and the other male stood.
“I'm Alex and this pale guy is Saers. Sorry about our friends” she said with an apologetic smile. Nodding stiffly Kesdon met her intense gaze.
“So” she continued, her stare unwavering “who are you?”
After hesitating for a moment too long, Saers stepped in, his expression still calm but his jaw clenched.
“Alex, give him a second, would you? He's not from around here”
With a start Kesdon shot an alarmed look at Saers, who grinned in response before speaking.
“You don't have wings and you look like you've never seen a Kepler egg before. It's not difficult to tell you're from a different court, most likely Night, based on your coloring” he finished, the rest of his friend group coming up around them. There were five in total, not too many but enough to make Kesdon wish he too had wings so he could fly in the opposite direction.
Taking a deep breath and standing a bit straighter he opened his mouth. “I'm Kesdon Lyal, pleasure to meet you all” he tried to give them a smile, it looked more like a grimace. Cahira make a noise that sounded somewhere between a laugh and a cough. Kesdon noticed small clouds floating around her, some darker than others but most of them were a soft white as they wound around her fingers and limbs.
“Kesdon...interesting name. I'm Marci, this is Saers” said a short female, her long blonde hair in a braid that hung from her shoulder. She wasn't someone you'd think to fear, but standing so close to her, Kesdon had the strangest urge to back up a little. Strength and control filled the space around her, her grey-blue eyes glinting as they took in his image. There was more to her than what lay in plain sight. “And you've already met Alex and Cahira. The last of our little group is my mate, Caspian” she gestured to the man standing protectively behind her. She hadn't turned to sen him come up but somehow knew he was going to be there. Caspian gave him a curt nod.
“I'm guessing you're heading to Arach?” Alex spoke up “Are you visiting a friend?”
Shaking his head he stuttered out a reply. “I don't have friends- I mean, not here, I do have friends- I - dragons, I came to see the dragon racing” he let out with a flustered sigh.
Saers eyebrows shot up and he had a bemused tilt to his lips. “Dragon racing, you say?”
Caspian and Cahira groaned in exasperation. Marci shook her head with a knowing smile. “Don't get him started, Kesdon. You'll never hear the end of it”
“No no, let the man speak Marci, finally someone I can relate to!” he practically shouted. Caspian let out a growl of warning. Saers turned to him and winked before returning his attention to Kesdon’s still lost expression. Marci started walking again, this time with one more person in her group.
“I take it this will be your first time in the city?” Saers asked eagerly, walking on Kesdon’s right, Alex on his left.
“Yes, I've never actually been in this court before now”
“Well then I think we ought to give you the full Lightning Court experience, Kesdon” he said, leaving the statement open to the others.
“I can show you all the best stores” Alex added, her smile infectious. Kesdon couldn't help but return it.
“And there is the matter of introducing you to everyone” said Cahira, walking a couple metres in front of them. Her sunset ombre wings a splash of color against her black suit.
“If they’re all around that is.” interjected Caspian with a lazy smile “Last time I heard, Riley was in Day and the High Ladies went for the week to visit the High Lord and Lady of Night”
Alex mumbled something to herself that Kesdon didn't catch before she sprinted down the road and took off into the sky. Wanting to ask what that was about, he opened his mouth but Saers beat him to it.
“Ya know Kes, I'm a pretty big deal in the Dragon racing rings. I could take you to the next race if you're up for it”
“That would be great, thank you!”
“What do you want in return, Saers?” Marci inquired with narrowed eyes and a lifted brow. Saers scoffed and swung an arm around Kesdon’s bare shoulders.
“Just one little favor. You don't mind, do you Kes?” Saers looked right into his eyes and suddenly Kesdon forgot how to speak. His heart was thundering so violently he was sure everyone in the group could hear it's stuttering rhythm. Gently pushing Saers’ warm arm off his shoulders he released a breath, knowing his face was bright pink.
“Yea that's fine, I don't mind. I didn't have much of a plan once I got to the city anyway”
Marci stopped on the top of the hill they were climbing and glanced back, flashing a smile and waving them over. “Speaking of the city, welcome to Arach, Kesdon”
Saers shoved him into the front so he could see past all the wings.
“Get a good look Kes, this is our home” but his voice faded as Kesdon’s eyes took in the sights before him.
The city itself was built on an array of buildings, interconnected by bridges and rising on different levels on cliffs surrounded by waters of the most stunning shade of aqua. The city and the palace at its center seemed to float above the rest of the lands and rivers, with some of its architecture lining the river banks. The palace in the center of Arach, built on the tallest cliff of the entire court, was mirrored on all sides, reflecting the sky that loomed above it. Tall, twisting towers scraped the clouds and some completely disappeared into the rolling gray expanse. A soft azure glow illuminated the city in its dusk state and dragons of all sizes could be seen flying over the buildings with riders on their backs.
Taking in a shuddering breath, Kesdon felt an almost forgotten part of himself awaken to the hum of the Lightning. This city, these people, had roused something in him. Something he wanted to know better. And as he walked side by side with Saers and Cahira, Marci, Alex, and Caspian a few feet ahead, their smiles and laughter lifted him into the most content state he'd been in for a long while.
It was obvious to him that he wasn't going to make it back home in time for Starfall.
High Ladies: @mayhemories and @aelin-and-feyre First: @runesandfaes Second: @ilikebigbooks-and-icannotlie Third: @fiery-feyre and her wonderful wife @darlingfireheart Spymaster: @foxboy-lucien Spies: @havilliardandgalathynius @cynical-minds-for-cynical-times @shinywhiteshoe @tarafitz124 @wingsofanillyrian @zacc-efronn Executive Assistant: @queenoffantasy Light Wielder: @destiny14444 Thunder Enforcer: @poisonbooknerd Storm Whisperer: @kazgavejasonthecrowbar Dragon Keeper: @bbyshadowbat Emissary: @cassiancalore Emissary of Mortal Lands: @dreams-of-feysand Ambassador: @thebookishshadowhunter Healers: @rowanismybae and @lifelillysandmagicwands General: @therealmofgoals Chief Strategist: @acomafxtog24-7 Commandress of Bloodshed: @rhysand-and-rowan Cryptographer: @deathbytitanium Captain of the Guard: @highqueenofmagic Assassin: @acourtoffuckmylifeup Lightning Thief: @sugarcoated44 Seer: @aelinxfeyre Priestess: @rowaelinandfeysandfeels Hitwoman: @seldomsmurf Cartographer: @she-was-brave-and-she-was-strong Librarian/Informant: @deezrmuhsheeple Researcher: @starzablaze Historian: @rhysand-vs-rowan Lady in Waiting: @magic-madness-heavensin Weapons Designer: @inejcalmarekaz Painter: @thexscarletxwitchx The Sassy friend who Wanders in when needed: @tntwme Random Anonymous Cat: @insert-username-here712 Court Falconer: @m0ther0fdragons Court Musician: @veinssaxonio Designer: @tog-trash Cat Lady: @smokeydiamondstorm Court Entertainer: @acourtofredqueens Court Witch: @azuremirwae Random Dragon: @searching-the-stars Crazy Old Sage: @justanotherpaperheart Counselor: @whyyoumakemesadstahp Cook: @alexiea1 Gardener: @otaku-trash-sendhelp1000-7 Architect: @couldilienexttoyou Shapeshifter: @highladyofluna Treasurer: @iris-cygnets Story Keeper: @my-ships-will-never-be-sank Art Shop Keeper: @skyl0rd5117 Teacher: @amberissues Mixologist: @ponyjockey Photographer: @autumn03 Astronomer: @court-of-shadows-and-fury Soldiers: @aelin-rattlesthestars @the-girl-of-ticking-clocks (We are open for potential soldiers) Record Keeper: @feyre-herondale03 Black Sheep Of The Family: @aroyalbluedragon