The Heavenly Court of the Fallen Pillar
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As
Starsinger and
Dreamcrusher flew across the Tangled Wood, they spoke. Not of anything of importance, hardly did they share information, in fact; Starsinger had already told Dreamcrusher everything there was to know about her, and Dreamcrusher had tacitly offered nothing. Starsinger hadn't noticed, of course; she had naturally assumed that what she'd witnessed made up the entire whole of the dragon flying beside her.
Below them, the trees began to thin out in favor of rocky ledges which made way for cliffs. Moving quick as they were, one could imagine the pines drying out and dying in the suddenly-appearing, earthy world.
Starsinger was not watching the pines be drained of their essence. She was staring straight ahead, her flight speed increasing with each flap.
The remains of the World Pillar had come into view.
Then again, how could it not have? For being the "remains," it skewered the dawn sky above as if the stars were dewdrops on a spider's web. Starsinger could just barely make out a few floating, crumbled pieces at the very top.
Dreamcrusher let out a low whistle, which would have scared Starsinger right out of the air if it had been amplified by his usual helmet.
"Well, it looks just fine to me," the skydancer commented. "Perhaps your services aren't needed after all."
Starsinger scoffed. "The cult you dissolved two weeks ago would say otherwise."
Their first destination would be Terraclae; the cave city just at the edge of the territory, formed from an old quarry. Starsinger intrinsically knew that this would be a good beginning, and this feeling was confirmed as they drew closer. It was crowded wall-to-wall with dragons, talking and socializing among one another, even this early in the day. If Dreamcrusher's underground chambers had been stifling, this was
suffocating.
They managed to find a clearing and landed. Even here, in a large crater that was the equivalent of several stories underground, the Pillar was still visible. The very sight made Starsinger's wings shudder.
When Starsinger returned to reality, Dreamcrusher was tying an adorned ribbon through his helmet, so that it hung easily from his wing. Efficient, she decided, and led the way through the crowd.
"Not a lot of Shade around here," Dreamcrusher commented as they slid past a burly snapper.
"It prefers dark, moist crevices," Starsinger replied. "The Earth domain is anything but. I figure the shock of the established territories, upon its return, caused it to retreat to the most suitable region -- that being the Shadow flight. It's been regrouping since, and has begun to expand to the Light." This fact made Starsinger frown even as she shared it.
"Earth and Plague's borders have been very helpful in keeping it contained, but it's grown stronger," she continued. "If it's able to expand across Light outright -- thanks to
you -- it could easily find a way across the ocean to Nature. Lightweaver forbid if it manages to brave the Plague flight; Wind's territory would also prove the perfect environment for it to grow." She shook her head. "We have to act quickly."
Dreamcrusher let out a puff of air, and when Starsinger turned to look, the taller dragon was biting back laughter.
"What?" she demanded.
"Nothing," he replied. "I just found it funny that Plague was keeping it back."
Starsinger found that to be a stupid thing to laugh at. Of course Plague kept it back. Plague kept
everything back. She decided to not entertain the bait he was clearly laying out for her, even if it was an attempt to bond.
As luck would have it, a large building came into their sight. Starsinger's wings fluttered. "That looks like an archive," she told Dreamcrusher. "I bet we can find more information there!" Without waiting for a response, she leapt into the air to glide over the heads of the surrounding dragons. The clink of metal and feathers from behind told her Dreamcrusher had followed.
The Archives were beautiful. Gleaming marble flooring, obviously kept up with diligently by whatever dragons maintained the place. Like the streets, though not to the extent of them, this place was filled with dragons, chatting quietly about their readings. Near the other end of the grand hall, Starsinger could see a huge imperial trying to read a fantasy tome to a gaggle of hatchlings, which were crawling all over him with reckless abandon.
This was the meaning of it all.
This was what Starsinger was working towards. Making sure that every dragon had a future, unthreatened by a force such as the Shade.
As if the Lightweaver were perched on her shoulder, Starsinger quickly understood where to look. She took off across the library, past a Bogsneak that looked a bit disheartened to not get a chance to offer her help to Starsinger. Dreamcrusher offered a quick apology as he darted after her.
"I'm surprised you can read, since you didn't know how many deities there are," Dreamcrusher said as Starsinger precariously balanced a stack of books taller than she was.
"Stop being omniscient," Starsinger replied, not looking up. She selected her first tome, carefully opened it, and began reading against a pile of furs.
Dreamcrusher sniffed derisively and took a small stack, himself, settling down next to her.
They spent the day poring over books regarding Sornieth's history. Here, Starsinger was pleasantly informed of
how the Pillar fell to begin with; the blundering of a then-young deity, the Arcanist. She decided that
he was her
least favorite. What an idiot. Her Brilliance, the majestic Lightweaver, would have never allowed such a thing to happen, much less in her name.
The clarity afforded to her by the company of the Lightweaver in her mind gave Starsinger the ability to read through these easily. It was all new information to her, but she found it easy to understand as if it were her second reading of it. The Lightweaver's loving glow touched all corners of her mind, filling it with knowledge.
As Starsinger was finishing her last book, Dreamcrusher let out a groan. Looking over proved her suspicions that he was, in fact, not even halfway through the first book he had grabbed. Not that it mattered; she hadn't needed his help for this, not when she had the help of someone so much better.
"Are you done?" he asked, barely lifting his head from the now-closed cover.
"Just about," Starsinger agreed. "We'll find some lodging here and go to the nearby market first thing tomorrow morning, for supplies. After that, we'll head to the Court."
That caught his attention, and Dreamcrusher blinked at her in surprise as she began to clean up her storm of finished books and scrolls.
"The Court?" he echoed. "I thought
you were rebuilding it."
"I'm
re-populating it," Starsinger corrected. "The location still exists. I just have to recruit dragons to help us."
Granted, Starsinger knew not much more than the Court's location. That didn't mean Dreamcrusher had to know that.
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The market went smoothly. It was somehow even more crowded than the cave city, but they made their trip quick. Then they were in the air, heading towards their destination.
Their flight path led them towards and beyond the World Pillar. As they passed the structure, Starsinger couldn't help but crane her neck to stare. There was
lettering inscribed along it. She could clearly see which part had housed which deity.
This had been not only a weapon of defense, but a
work of art.
Past the World Pillar was a crevice, wider across than the ocean border separating Earth from Nature. This was where they were heading. The two dragons swooped downwards until they were within the crevice.
The whole of Terraclae could fit here, Starsinger thought.
Then a platform came into view. Like the Archive, this was gleaming marble and beautiful. It stretched across the entire ravine, like a bridge. Only it wasn't at the top of the trench, but closer to the middle, which made it useless for the purposes of a bridge. No, this was truly a platform for dragons visiting.
And, looking over, the platform led right into a tall, ornate opening. It had all the grandeur of a castle, with spiraling architecture and large, glowing, crystal doors. Squinting, Starsinger realized that this marble platform was retractable. That meant...
She and Dreamcrusher perched on the platform. It appeared smooth from a distance, but up close she could see that it was bumpy and perfectly carved to make gripping and landing easier for visiting dragons. She turned towards the castle entrance while Dreamcrusher righted himself, and tried to appear undisturbed.
There were dragons waiting for them in front of the castle. Three, in fact.
One was an obelisk, a pale peach color with baby blue stripes. Her golden mane shimmered against the sun's reflection on the doors. She wore a pastel tailcoat over similar formalwear, and her wings were folded neatly behind her.
Next to her stood a taller, but not necessarily larger, guardian. Her scales were a warm, pinkish brown marked with spiraling cherub loops. Her wings, patterned with ocean waves, were pinker. She wore a brown aviator coat and was clearly armed with a bandolier. She stood protectively next to the obelisk, and Starsinger came to the conclusion that the two were mates.
Most perplexing was the dragon in the center. A young, iridescent, indigo wildclaw. Small, pink, vestigal fireflies floated around him -- a genetic trait, Starsinger assumed. He wore steampunk armor, but most notably, he was looking right at Starsinger.
"Looks like the Court's started without you," Dreamcrusher murmured.
Starsinger tried not to lash her tail. Who were these dragons, and what right did they have to intrude on the Lightweaver's mission? She shook her head, indicating for Dreamcrusher to remain cordial, and led the way forward.
"Visitors," said the obelisk warmly. "It's great to finally meet. We've been expecting you."
Starsinger didn't answer. She was looking at the wildclaw, who was staring right back.
"I don't think these are the right dragons," said the guardian in a low voice to the obelisk.
"Nonsense, dear," said the obelisk. She turned back to the newcomers. "Starsinger and Dreamcrusher, right?"
Starsinger's head snapped to the obelisk. She felt her mane prickle. "Who are you?"
That seemed to appease the obelisk, which infuriated Starsinger. She glanced at Dreamcrusher, who looked very amused, and tried not to stomp on his tail. Then, the obelisk spoke.
"My name is
Angora," she said. She gestured to the guardian, and then the wildclaw. "This is
Cutlass and
Zettai. You're lucky the Lightweaver gave us early notice your presence. The Heavenly Court is a sacred space, and we usually attack trespassers on site."
Angora didn't wait for them to react, she simply turned towards the castle entrance. "Come in, we have quite a bit to discuss with you."
She clapped, a powerful ringing that sounded across the entire chasm. As she did, Starsinger felt the platform under her move, and she and Dreamcrusher quickly flitted to stand in front of the castle entrance beside the other dragons. She watched as the platform slid slowly towards them, until it was neatly tucked underneath.
As soon as it came to a stop, the crystal doors began to rumble inwards, revealing a foyer not unlike the Terraclae Archives. Starsinger followed as the other three dragons led the way inside, and couldn't keep herself from staring at it all.
"This is our home," said Angora. Her tone was warm and inviting, but Starsinger couldn't help but feel an undercurrent of irritation. That was fair, she supposed, if they truly had been here the whole time.
"As far as you need to know," the obelisk continued, "Cutlass and I moved to live here several moons ago. It was a responsibility given to me by my mentor."
"Your mentor?" Starsinger echoed. "Are you followers of the Lightweaver?"
"We're believers in the good of Sornieth," Angora corrected. "I grew up in the Water flight, but the disappearance of the Tidelord left me feeling lost, theistically. I found solace in a dragon who had been passed down stories of the original Heavenly Court, and followed his teachings."
"And you?" Dreamcrusher put in, nodding to Cutlass.
The Guardian bared her teeth. "I'm her partner," she growled. "Of course I'm helping her."
Dreamcrusher looked like he wanted to prod further, but Starsinger quickly spoke over him. "So, you've been living here? For what purpose?" Her tone had changed; now she was curious, rather than challenging. Hearing about Angora's religion had made her feel that there was a shared experience between them.
"To keep it suitable for our future occupants, of course," Angora said. "The Heavenly Court is not a well-known topic. We're also meant to aid in the actual process of it and the Pillar's rebuilding."
Starsinger's chest glowed with satisfaction. She'd been right about her mission! Which meant she would be sounding only a
little like an idiot to these dragons, who knew more than her!
Before she could speak further, Angora turned to her mate. "Cutlass, love, would you show Dreamcrusher to his chamber, and get Zettai settled? I have to speak with Starsinger."
Cutlass nodded, and for once Dreamcrusher didn't argue as he was led away. He did, however, shoot Starsinger an incredulous look.
"I'm sorry for our intrusion," Starsinger began, determined to start things on the right talon.
Angora waved her words away. "No need," she replied. "The three of us have been here, alone, for so long, so we were more prickly than necessary. The Lightweaver only told us of your upcoming arrival a couple days ago. We were under-prepared and irritable. That's part of the reason Cutlass is leading Dreamcrusher to a room instead of allowing him to wander; the rest of them are a mess!"
And then Angora shot Starsinger a mischievous smile, and the pearlcatcher felt that this arrangement would be okay.
"So, what's going on here?" she asked. "That wildclaw -- Zettai? He seems very young."
"He
is very young," Angora agreed. "Like I said, we moved here a few moons ago. We moved here with his egg."
That startled Starsinger. "Oh! Um, congratulations?"
Angora let out a bark of a laugh. "Well, thank you. We did raise him, and consider him our own. His egg was special, though. It was given to us by my mentor -- otherwise, I've no idea where it came from. He is to be the Court's Arcanist."
She blinked. "That's a deity," she corrected. Unless they intended to take the title of a being higher than themselves... which... Well, in for a penny. But she hadn't exactly signed up for blasphemy.
"You'll learn the Court's model as we work together," Angora assured her. "The Arcanist is the Heavenly Court's most important component. He is the one who will actually
do the rebuilding. It's a symbol, sort of; the Arcanist has to be an Arcane magic user, and therefore they 'fix' the wrongdoing of their predecessor."
"I see," said Starsinger. "What else is needed? Rebuilding the World Pillar seems an impossible task." This was her first admission; somehow, Angora felt safe to confide this in.
"It does, doesn't it?" she replied with a rumbling chuckle. "Well, we do need everything a clan needs; scouts for hunting and patrolling, some dragons to take care of gardening and cooking, knights to guard us from dangers and to protect our Arcanist, and then the Court itself -- we already have you, our Oracle, and Zettai, our Arcanist. I assume Dreamcrusher will take the role of your Advisor. After that, we just need a Matriarch and her Heir."
Angora had Starsinger's understanding attention until she started talking about the Court's roles. "I suppose Dreamcrusher
is advising me," she agreed, "but what is a Matriarch and Heir for?"
"Think of the Matriarch as a symbol," Angora explained. "While you do the organizing behind the scenes, the Matriarch will deliver orders and figuratively lead the Court."
Some would become uncomfortable, even bothered, by the idea of giving up the glory of leadership. Not Starsinger, though. The idea of addressing an entire clan every day sounded awful. She didn't mind this arrangement at all.
"You see, the Court -- that is, the castle -- is magic, just like us dragons," Angora said. "As the figurehead of the Court, the Matriarch becomes imbued with the power of the Court's loyalty and belief in the cause. The Arcanist is able to channel this energy. We believe this will restore the Pillar."
"...And the Heir?"
"Well, same as any other Heir!" Angora chirped. "They'll train as the Matriarch's understudy should something happen."
That all made sense. Starsinger nodded, taking a moment to process all of the new information. Angora seemed to pick up on this.
"Here, I'll walk you to your own chamber," Angora offered. "We can go over everything else at a later time."
"Thank you," Starsinger replied, and she meant it. She took Angora's talons in her own. "I'll admit I was a bit upset at first, to find out there were already other dragons here. Being the Lightweaver's chosen made me feel special. But I'm really relieved to have your guidance. You seem really knowledgeable."
"I understand that," Angora replied, squeezing Starsinger's smaller talons. "We were
both a bit prickly at the start. Let's just agree to start off tomorrow on a better path."
Starsinger nodded. The last months' travel had finally begun to take its toll on her, and she felt as though her wings were weighed down by the sky itself. "You're right," she said. "And I'm glad to have a real place to rest."
"Of course," Angora said. She opened a wing and led the way up the stairs, into a warm room. It was a bit dusty, like an old library, but that was exactly how Starsinger liked it, which she realized was a new development.
Starsinger thanked Angora again, and settled into a round bed piled with soft furs. Several rooms over, she could just barely make out the sound of Dreamcrusher doing... something with his helmet on. She assumed he was testing the acoustics of his room, or something.
She rolled over, staring up at the ceiling. They'd made it. Now they just had to recruit the Court's dragons.
Today and tonight, she would rest.
Tomorrow, she'd begin a plan to find their Matriarch.
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Aaaand that's the end of the Creation arc! Thanks to everyone that stuck with it. Let me know what you thought! I wrote a
ton while working on this, and I don't want to get totally burnt out, so I'm going to take a bit of a break before I start on the next arc, which is going to be called "The Coronation!" It'll probably be a little shorter, but oh well.
This was also a bit of an infodump, but if you read this far, you're invested now so I assume it doesn't matter, lol.
Thanks for reading!!
