shattered-mirror-fanfic - Tumblr blog

shattered-mirror-fanfic · 2 years ago

Text

Chapter 1 - A Fly Caught in a Spider’s Web

As Occluso stepped through the large wooden doors, he felt a weight drop in his chest. He didn’t understand why, he never got nervous. He made his way down the dark carpet and kneeled down once he reached the golden throne.

“Your highness.” He spoke. The queen smiled down at him from her throne and with a flick of her wrist, Luso’s position had changed to a proper stance.

“Good morning Luso, I didn’t expect you to be here.” She said softly.

“You didn’t expect me here ma’am? But you know I’m always ready for duty at six am sharp.” Helia frowned. She took a deep breath and stood up.

“I had sent you a message, I requested you pack your things and meet me at nine instead.” She explained. Luso’s eyes widened in fear. What could he have done wrong? How did he mess up so bad he needed to pack his things? Was he being kicked out of the kingdom?

“Well, since you’re here now I guess explaining why wouldn’t be so terrible. I made the decision to let you go as my student. Since my son turned eighteen recently I decided to begin teaching him so he can be prepared for when I step down.” As Helia explained, Luso felt his body tense up. “Of course, I had to put you in a proper position, and since your training is completed, you will now work as the royal advisor for Oak. I’m sure you remember him from a few meetings.” It took a moment to connect the name to the face but he remembered him.

King Oak Albero, the young king of Natrion. He was very well known for his laid back attitude and friendly demeanor. Luso slightly cringed at the thought of working for him, assuming he’d be left to do the actual work stuff while Albero just laid back and enjoyed the free labor.

“I’ve arranged that you will be staying with him during your employment, you will be provided your own room, all essential meals, and you will be paid. I know you may be a bit put off, but I assure you, you will be in good hands.”

“Yes ma’am.” Luso let out with a sigh. Helia walked over and put a hand on her pupil’s shoulder.

“Luso, I know you’ll do great, you never cease to amaze me with how brilliant you are. I understand the impression Oak usually makes, but he’s a sweet guy and I just know you two will get along great.” She reassured him. Luso smiled up at the queen and gave her a hug. “Well, I think you should go home and get your things ready. I have a lift for you and your things set for ten and you should arrive in time for lunch there.”

“Thank you ma’am, that’s very generous of you. I’ll be on my way so I’m prepared and ready.” Heila gave Luso a kiss on the cheek before he left.

It was nearly eight when Luso heard a door open as he was packing away his things. Out of her room came Kai, Luso’s roommate and best friend. She took notice of Luso taking some of his books from the shelf and raised an eyebrow.

“Hey Lu, what ‘cha up to? Thought you’d be at work?” She said.

“Well, I have a new job so I need to pack to leave.” Luso explained.

“That’s great! I think? Is this a good thing?”

“I’m being moved from being Queen Sunmeit’s student and apprentice to King Albero’s right hand man. I know it’s a good thing at heart but…I don’t think I’m exactly ready.” Luso explained. Kai squealed a bit.

“You’re going to the Natrion?! Man, I’m so happy for you! It always has the best food and everyone is so nice. Oh! And since you’ll be working in the palace you’ll be loaded!” She ranted. Luso just smiled at his friend and he sealed up the box. He had almost everything ready, he packed all his clothes, his books were now packed, and additional things he needed he made sure were packed. All that was left was making sure his new room would be suitable to his taste and his old room would be covered.

“You really don’t mind me leaving? Do you secretly hate me and want me gone?” Luso said sarcastically.

“Obviously not! This is a big opportunity you shouldn’t pass up. Don’t worry, no matter how long you’re gone, I’ll keep your room in shape in case you come to visit.” Kai explained. The brunette smiled at his friend and went over to give her a hug. “Hey bud, I’m gonna miss you too. Sorry I wouldn’t be able to come with you.”

“It’s ok, you need to keep going with college. I’ll miss you too.” Luso spoke. “Say, do you have a class today? Maybe we can go out to breakfast before I leave?”

“Yeah, that sounds good, can we go to the cafe with the nice apple lemonade?” Kai asked excitedly.

“Sure, just go change and I’ll change as well.”

“Great! I’ll pay!”

Luso nodded and went into his room. He changed out of the polo he was wearing before and put on a light gray dress shirt, a blue waistcoat, a blue tie and his favorite crescent moon pin. He smoothed out his tan pants before bringing the remainder of his things out of his room. After a few minutes of waiting, Kai came out with her hair neatened and changed into a dress and boots.

“Ready to go?” She said as she adjusted the top of her dress a bit.

“Yeah, when we get back is about the time I need to leave and I have everything ready.” Luso responded.

“Great! Let’s not waste any time then!” Kai excitedly said, grabbing Luso by the wrist and pulling him out the door. He just barely managed to grab his bag in time before they left, nearly getting the strap caught in the door.

The palace was gorgeous. It was covered in flowers and all sorts of plants and foliage. But standing outside its front doors made it more intimidating, like standing outside an ancient ruin of the gods.

When Luso originally was picked up, he assumed he would have been alone with his things during the trip, but when he stepped inside the carriage after putting his boxes in the trunk, he was greeted by a man waiting inside. He had introduced himself as Sanatus Dak, sent to ensure Luso traveled safely. The two exchanged greetings and made small talk during the journey, Luso easily got to know the basics of his new job and everything he needed to be prepared for.

But now, he was standing outside the palace. He felt a bit intimidated by how large it was, but shoved the fear down. He had a job to do, he can’t show fear. Stepping through the doors, he made his way through the large halls and navigated to where he was told the throne room would be. Once he found it stepped in and walked down the carpet, gazing at the surroundings, looking at all the decorations. It was a smaller throne room than he expected, it was well kept with plants scattered about. At the end of the room, was a throne shaped from a large tree.

As he took notice of the throne, he felt something grab his wrists and he was violently pulled from his spot toward the throne and forced to his knees in front of it. He looked down and saw his wrists, ankles and waist were tightly gripped by thick, dark green vines that had small leaves poking out of them.

“So, you must be Occluso Lunaris. Helia told me you would be coming.” A deep voice chimed from above him. Luso looked up to see the king, perched atop the throne.

“Yes, I-I’m Occluso. Do you mind possibly untying me now?” The king took a moment to consider but shook his head.

“Sorry Lulu, I’m going to need some proof, can’t just have a random stranger waltzing in here.” He said. The absolute nerve of this man! Luso thought. The gall to ask for me to provide proof of my identity after calling me a demeaning nickname!

“Well your majesty, I’m sure you can understand that your guards wouldn’t have let anyone else in, right?” Oak just rolled his eyes. “At least you could do me a favor and let my arms loose so I can grab my ID?” There was a moment of silence before the grip on Luso’s wrists loosened. He reached into his bag and retrieved his ID, the second he pulled it out it was snatched up by a vine that had previously held him down. “Hey! I could’ve handed it to you!”

“Well Lucy, like I said, can’t be too safe.” The older man spoke. He examined it thoroughly before smiling and standing up. With a flick of the wrist all the vines sank back into the ground, letting Luso go. He then walked over and picked up the smaller man, putting the ID back in his bag before setting him down again.

“Next time just hand it to me sire.” Luso growled as he turned away to hide his blush of embarrassment.

“Sorry, Lucy. Now that I know it’s you, why don’t I give you a tour of the palace? Or would you rather get settled into your new room first?” Oak beamed. Luso thought for a moment before coming to a decision.

“I think I would like to unpack first. Maybe after lunch we could do the tour.” The king nodded in agreement before walking out of the throne room, the other man following close behind. Eventually, the two made their way to a hall with a few doors, one was decorated with flowers all around the edge and next to it was a plain door on it.

Luso got a closer look and noticed that both doors had gold plates on them. The flower door’s plate read ‘Oak Albero’, the other was labeled 'Occluso Lunaris’. Oh for moon’s sake… He thought. Of course he put our rooms right next to each other.

“I hope you don’t mind how plain it is, I just felt like you’d want to decorate yourself. Though I did make sure there were a few things you’d like.” Luso just rolled his eyes and opened the door. Inside was a room with dark wooden floors, gray walls with wood paneling and a dark blue ceiling with small white specs dotting it. “Thought you’d like a starry night sky every night.”

“Technically every night is starry, but I appreciate the sentiment." Luso responded. He looked around and saw a bed with light blue sheets, a wooden desk, an empty bookshelf, a wardrobe as well as some plants for decor.

"Hope you like it.” Oak smiled. “I’ll bring your stuff up for you, and once you’re done meet me in the dining hall.”

“Thank you sire. But before you go, remind me of where it is?” Luso asked. Oak reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper, handing it over to the other man.

“Here’s a map. I know it’s a bit odd, but we all have those days where we lose our sense of direction.” Luso nodded and thanked him before he left down the hall. Once the king was out of sight, the brunette closed the door to his room and sat on the bed.

“Well, this seems to be going well. I just need to organize my room, then go meet the king again. I’m sure with us meeting in the dining hall and the time, it’ll be around lunch.” Luso unfolded the map and began to analyze it. He noticed how there were notes in the margins and small doodles, some of Oak giving helpful advice, others that were just obscure plants, flowers, moons and stars. “Yeah, no way he just had this on hand.”

There was a knock at the door as Luso set the map on the desk. When he opened it, his belongings were outside, only evidence of someone having dropped it off was that marks on the ground and fallen leaves that indicated vines sourced from magic were there. He rolled his eyes and used his magic to lift the boxes and bring them in.

It was about half an hour later, everything was unpacked and organized. Luso had even made a list of additional things he would need for the room. But, overall, he was satisfied. He put the list in his pocket and walked out of the room. Opening the map, he scanned over it and analyzed his route to the dining hall. He wandered down the corridors, taking in the gorgeous scenery.

Once he arrived in the dining hall, the brunette found himself dumbfounded at the decor of it. Everything was detailed and had noticeable effort and care put into it. Luso just admired it before he noticed Oak. The man was sitting on the ground, a bit aways from the main table, playing with some flowers.

“Hello sire, I’m finished with my room.” He said. Oak looked up and smiled at him.

“Great! There’s some lunch ready so we can go ahead and eat.” He said as he took the flowers and put them in his hair. “Here, we don’t need to hang around here for the two of us.” Oak took Luso’s hand and brought him over to a side room, it appeared to be a small version of the dining hall, with a large window looking out onto the palace garden. “Much better to eat here, much more cosey.”

“Well, it does sound more appropriate.” Oak pulled out a seat for the other and Luso tensed up a bit. “You ok?”

“Yes…but you really didn’t need to do that.” The younger man spoke.

“Well, Helia mentioned how formal you are so I thought it’d be polite. Afterall, You’re the new one here.” Oak said with a smile. Luso nodded and sat down. Oak followed suit, pulling out his own chair and sitting down. “How do you feel about some lunch?”

“I wouldn’t mind.” Luso answered.

“Great! Why don’t I grab it for us then.” The older man exclaimed.

“You don’t have to do that sire.”

“Well, I am, and as your king you can’t stop me.” Oak sat up from his seat and walked through a door Luso had overlooked earlier. After a minute, he came back, carrying some trays of food in his arms and with the help of some vines. The food was gently placed on the table and the King sat back down, the vines disappearing into the floor.

“This meal looks wonderful, your highness, thank you.” Luso smiled.

“It’s no problem! I really hope you like it here.” Oak said in a bubbly tone.

The two sat for an hour and ate, making light conversation about their lives and Luso’s new job. When they finished their meal, Oak took him on a tour through the castle, showing him every room and even the large palace garden. As the sun set, they returned to the dining hall for dinner. After dinner, they parted ways for the night, Oak going to his office and Luso going back to his bedroom.

Luso stretched his arms as he sat at the desk and pulled out a pen and paper and began writing.

Dear log,

Today is my first day beginning this log, as well as my first day working for King Albero. I should introduce myself to you as you will be my confidant during my work here. I am Occluso Lunaris, I am 5’5”, have short brown hair, blue eyes and silver glasses. I am a moon evol, last of my kind. I feel no need to detail more than that about myself.

As stated before, I am working under King Oak Albero here in Natrion. I am serving as his royal advisor. I am admittedly nervous, I have been training in the royal court, but never for this specific role. I however am grateful I wasn’t made king, while it does sound like a once in a lifetime opportunity, I would crack under the pressure and inevitably have some form of breakdown.

On the other hand, I am quite excited for what this job will bring me. I can only imagine the materials here would be great for practicing magic. The texts in the library as well as the easy to access herbs will make it quite helpful for my further studies of magic. I only have limited knowledge on plant magic as well so working here may be able to improve my skills.

Now, my impressions of the king are mixed. He is better than what my expectations were, I believe I set the bar too low. He seems to at least be trying to be nice, which I do respect. He made sure to tour me around the palace and even prepared a nice meal for our lunch (which I thought tasted delightful).He also appears to treat his staff very well, which I find to be key in being a good royal, treating staff like family. Although I cannot shrug the feeling he’s covering up what he’s really like, somehow he just rubs me the wrong way.

Finally, I come to my thoughts on my plans for you. I hope to document my thoughts here and be able to record my experiences. I will eventually have to get a cover for you though as this will be the first of many pages. I took a workshop class back in college about hand making books. I’m sure I can find some good leather covers and straps for you. But, I can always go to a bookshop and pay for you to be put together, so that is a safe backup.

I should sign off for now, a big day tomorrow and I need my rest. I will update you tomorrow night with how my proper work is doing. If I don’t write to you tomorrow then work must be keeping me busy.

Signed,

Occluso Lunaris.

As Luso set down the pen, he yawned and stretched his arms. Satisfied with his writing, he put the log entry and pen away. He walked over to the wardrobe and opened the doors, retrieving some night clothes to wear. After selecting what he wanted to wear, he removed the pin from his tie and set it on the nightstand closest to him before undressing out of the clothes he wore that day. Then, he dresses in his new clothes selection before folding up the other clothes and setting them gently in the clothes hamper next to the wardrobe.

After stretching his arms, the evol climbed into his bed. He made a mental note to himself to work on getting some softer sheets before flicking his wrist and the lights went out. Then, one from a nightstand came on. With a gentle wave, he brought a book over to him and opened to the first page. He enjoyed some nightly reading whenever he didn’t feel like sleeping, tonight just felt like one of those nights.

4 notes · View notes