A Court of Legends and Myths

Chapter 33 - Ancient tales

Azriel's POV

Storm clouds were coming in, people were rushing about, we were just arriving from the museum and it seemed that we missed a lot. Feyre pulled aside a passing female and asked what was going on.

"A storm is coming, people are preparing, stables and aeries are being closed, animals are being brought in to safety, anything that can be destroyed or taken by the storm are being secured. Children and adults alike are getting impatient and excited. When the storm comes so do the stories. Once dinner is finished in the coming hours and the kitchen has been cleaned. The storyteller will be sitting waiting in front of the hearth of the great room. Everyone is welcome to join and hear the tales he has gathered." She said before running off.

"That sounds interesting, but not as nice as dinner. I'm going to eat, anyone who wishes may join me." Helion said before strutting off. We all followed eager to have something to eat.

Emrys' POV

A boom, the sound of thunder reverberated throughout the halls of the castle as he walked towards the great hall. Once dinner had been served he had more help than usual with the clean up, no doubt having to do with the eagerness of most to hear the ancient tales he had to tell. Even Rowan and Aelin had joined him in the kitchen to help, when asked all they said was that no one was above a little hard work, not even Queens and Kings.

People talked in hushed tones as he walked into the great hall. It was filled with all kinds of people, all different species, statuses, genders, ages, so many were gathered. It may have been the most diverse group of people to have ever gathered. The children sat at the very front, the humans sat behind, then the fae and witches. Seating was arranged in a manner of first come first served, with the children always sitting in the front. And the fae and witches in the back allowing everyone to find a spot in which they could both see and hear me clearly. There were no chairs, no tables, just blankets people brought so they could sit on, with the occasional sofa scattered throughout the alcoves. Some sat on the floors, others leaned against the pillars. All the leaders were here, Aelin and Rowan, King Dorian and Queen Manon, Queen Sellene, their courts were also here. As well the visitors from Prythian, he could identify them in the crowd, from their wings, and stances, they stood like they were leaders, like they were people of importance, they stood and held themselves like he had seen Aelin's court hold themselves, but he did not know their names.

He cleared his throat and in a booming voice said: "Welcome all, I am so very pleased to see so many of you have come out today. I am very happy to say welcome back to the familiar faces amongst you, and to welcome those who come from far away for the first time. Before I start I ask that all be respectful during the stories, to please stay silent as I speak, not only out of respect for me but also all those who have gathered. If any have specific stories they wish to hear I'd be delighted to take recommendations."

Aelin's POV

She loved nights like these, they were peaceful even with storms raging outside. It was on nights like these where everyone put aside their differences and came together to listen to Emrys's stories. He started by telling a tale of the dark creatures who lurk in the forests of Wendlyn. It was a short story, a warm up story to get people ready for the upcoming night. Just as he finished his tale a loud boom sound followed by a bright flash of light from a lightning strike, the loud sound startled some of the younger children who screamed as the boom sounded, then many of them burst out laughing. She could see some of the older folks chuckled a bit along with them. She couldn't help but smile herself. Even though her job is extremely hard and feels like a cage at times, she wouldn't change it for the world, not when she sees how happy her people are, not when she hears the laughs of children who do not have to grow up so fast.