A Court Of Dreams And Weapons

Chapter 2

Music approached her. She heard beautiful violins and she started running towards the source.
She had never heard something that beautiful. The music ached her soul, urging her to come! The lights of a club shined. She went inside and started dancing to the rhythm of the music, she flew across the room, spinned and turned. She was flying, the music taking over her body. She laughed freely, she was one with the music! It flowed through her body. She twirled and twirled and twirled. She flew off, to a better place, the music bringing her, the violins guiding her.

'ASTERIA!' Steady hands shaked her shoulders. 'Wake UP! We need to leave!' She blinked. What did just happen? She was dancing so freely and now... Her eyes widened in suprise. A wall of water was rushing towards them. Asteria was breathing heavily. Why was there water charging at them? Did the Summer court attack? That couldn't be true, right? She needed to do something nów. She quickly grabbed Cassian's hand and winnowed them away to the first place that came to mind.
They were standing in front of her old house in Autumn court. Oh shit. 'What just happened?', she urged.
'I should be asking you that question.' Cassian replied. 'Why are we in Autumn court?!'
Huh. 'Because we needed to run.' Cassian gave me a weird look. 'No, we did not. I was waking you up for dinner, we're already an hour late! And you just wouldn't wake up. And now, now we're here!' Hadn't he seen the wall of water? She shaked her head. Did she just imagine that? Why? Asteria waterwinnowed them back. Straight into the house of wind. 'What were you guys doing so long?', a wink from my brother. Nope. I gave him an angry look and seated myself. Luckily, I was still wearing my clothes from earlier.
Not that they would mind. Mor was all dressed up, while Azriel was wearing his training suit and Armen was wearing something comfortable. I glanced at Cassian. Woah. He was wearing a beautiful suit. 'Who are you all dressed up for?' Amren sniffed. Cassian blushed lightly. 'No one.' Amren just made a disapproving noise.

After a while Asteria excused herself. She was still overwhelmed by her dream and that water.
Mor saw something on her face, and she convinced Asteria to go to Rita's. 'The place's still open?', I asked surprised. Mor nodded. It was centuries ago when she last visited it. She was about 150 and Rhys 250. Truly an amazing place.
It was also the place where she discovered that she liked men ánd women. Best discovery ever. Well, she didn't tell her family immediately, but it was nice to know more about herself.

They went inside and she gaped. Woah. Rita's changed A LOT.
The music was still a huge vibe though. She grinned. Oh boy, she was excited! They immediately started drinking. And Asteria looked weird at Mor for taking whiskey. 'Since when do you drink such fancy stuff?' she said jokingly. Mor ignored her and they went out to dance. They danced and danced and danced. It freed her. But just as the boys came in, she fainted because she drank too much alcohol.

She woke up, feeling heavy, having a hangover. Could be worse, she thought by herself. So, Asteria went downstairs to eat. She heard voices screaming. She stood still. They were screaming about someone they didn't trust... No, one of them did trust them. She kept listening. It was Rhys and... Azriel? talking about her. About... me? My brother was defending me, but Azriel... She slowly backed down, walking straight into a body. 'Auch!' She looked up. Cassian stared at her. 'What are you...' he noticed the tears in her eyes. 'Are you okay?' he asked with a soft voice. She shaked her head. The voices became silent, and Rhys and Azriel walked out. Asteria quickly ran away, back to her room. Someone knocked. 'Not now, Rhys.' She wanted him to leave, she didn't need company. Azriel didn't say nice things about her, in contrary. Cassian's head appeared. 'It's me, can I come in?' She nodded and he sat down on her bed. 'I'm sorry you had to hear that... Az didn't mean to hurt you.' Sure. Apparently she said that out loud, because Cassian made a face. It stayed quiet for a while, like Cassian didn't know what to say. 'Have you got any plans for today?', she asked with a small voice. She liked his presence, even though she wasn't sure why. He shaked his head, she grinned in response. 'Do you want to come with me? I'm going shopping for the solstice. I know you don't give gifts- but I'd like to.' He nodded. 'Of course I'll come.' She smiled, and smiled back.

Her skirt, that looked like it was made of stars, fluttered in the wind. It was a windy day, but so, so hot. She fanned herself with her hand. 'It's crazy out here!' Cassian chuckled. He thought she didn't notice that he was staring at her the whole time, but she did. Not that she minded though. Cassian was a nice companion. She liked having him around. She gasped and put a hand on his arm. 'Look. At. That. Isn't perfect for Rhys?' She was eyeing pink heels, and Cassian burst out laughing. 'Indeed it is!' She smirked and went inside to buy it. She also bought a pair of shoes for Amren; completely covered in diamonds. 'They'll love it.' Cassian chuckled again. 'Rhys sure will.' She looked up smiling at him, and something in his eyes softened. She must've looked surprised, because he asked about it, but she just shaked her head. They went on with her shopping spree, and she bought stuff for everyone. Everyone except Cassian. She swallowed. 'Can you stay outside?' Luckily he understood, and she went inside to find something for him. What would he like? she wondered. She went for something easy, and got him shampoo, conditioner and body wash. She chuckled. She would say that he needed it.

Once back, she was alone. Perfect for hiding the gifts!

She was getting ready for dinner when the others arrived. They looked worried, upset; they were discussing something. She went downstairs to ask what's wrong. They looked sad at her. She frowned. Why were they upset...?