A Prompt Anthology

Shattered

Most would take delight in moonlight. The mysterious yet romantic silver light that illuminates the lurking shadows just enough to feel safe. I prefer the warmth of the golden sunlight. What I would have given for us to have skipped the night and gone straight into the daylight. We had been invited to a presentation that evening and we were running late. Though I understood much of science and technology I wasn't interested in the newest finds as much as my partner was. I can remember that, in answer to my uneasy nature that night, the moon once again illuminated the road the clouds finally parting overhead.
"That's a stroke of luck, don't you think?" I looked at my overly optimistic companion. His light brunette curls were pinned away from his eyes with a glowing green hair pin. It stood out compared to his plain, dark green suit with black collar and white shirt.
"I don't feel lucky." Flyx shot me a very common look, one that told me he was wholly unimpressed with my attitude. The rest of the ride was fairly quiet as he continued to silently judge my demeanour and I desperately attempted to enjoy the scenery without focusing on what was awaiting us at our destination.

For most of the trip I was successful. Watching the city's lights give way to the empty sands of The Burned Savannah brought me peace. At least until I caught Flyx becoming unsettled the way an excited animal does when it finds the right owner. Leaning out of the window I saw what he had. Where the desert sands begin to shift into the Savannah's Neutral Zone an incredible sight looms on the horizon. Hazelcrest Castle, a twisted structure built to float above the Savannah in defiance of the natural laws. Keeping it in place are elaborate mechanisms that, even in the most technological of cities, no one else has been able to replicate. Silver and blue twisted pillars decorate the outside of Hazelcrest, balconies surround the uppermost tiers with smaller ones scattered on the levels below. The metallic structure wasn't as smooth and uniform as I would have expected with jagged edges that seemed at odds with the overall design. As we passed over the bridge of white and silver metal bathed in the yellow streetlight from the floating lanterns above us I couldn't help but be impressed by the scale of this architecture. Perhaps I may be able to take something away from this.

Flyx's hovering carriage, our transportation for the evening, hummed quietly across the bridge, its passengers silent and taking in the extravagant image before them.
"This... is Hazelcrest?" Flyx whispered when we finally reached the gates. They were shaped into the image of a large bird whose wings served as the main body of each gate.
"It matches the photographs we were sent with our invitations though clearly they did not do it justice."
"This is an impressive feat of technology! Do you think I'll be allowed to study it while we're here?"
"No." Flyx's face dropped, a truly shattered heart showing through the sadness of his eyes. "What I was implying, Flyx is that no one has been allowed to inspect this particular marvel." Though he wasn't impressed with this fact, his excitement did return though perhaps lessened than before. Despite being in awe myself, once those wings open and the bird split in two, my apprehension returned.

Ominous, automatic locks on the gates filled the quiet night of Hazelcrest's courtyard as they locked behind us. From the open doors at the top of the main steps light streamed out to flood the landing. Flyx didn't hesitate, confidently focused on entering the castle. I on the other hand was more comfortable taking my time.
"Ah! You're finally here! Welcome!" As if from thin air a figure appeared at the top of the stairs. Her long dress was a deep purple that flowed out as only a royal gown was able. Shadows covered her face as she patiently waited for me to catch up to my companion. He was bowing low when I reached him.
"We are honoured to have been-"
"Yes, yes not now. You're both very late and luckily so. I would like to hire your services." I ascended the stairs quickly, catching the look of concern and curiosity on Flyx's face as I passed him.
"Of course, Tempestborn Rostruna. It would be our honour to be of service to you. What is it you need of us?"
"Follow me, we shall speak inside."