#Eris x Nuala

[elainemg97]

🖤Eris and Nuala (or Cerridwen) Crackship 🖤

Thanks to @starswhogaze for opening my eyes to this crackship 😍

Hear me out: You see, Eris is wholly focused on looks and appearances. He’s focused on power and politics, and wouldn’t it be ironic that he fell for someone who’s always half-hidden in shadows and is invisible? Someone who’s a lower fae, a handmaiden, who can go invisible during big events. She is someone who bakes and cooks and loves fashion and hair styling, yet she’s been trained as a spy by Azriel, the most powerful Illyrian and spymaster in the history of the Night Court.

I would love for him to be completely enamored with someone who doesn’t stand out, with someone whose skills are so highly superior to his, but she doesn’t flaunt it, doesn’t boast, he just recognizes she is. I want him to be completely besotted with a half-wraith who remains in the shadows, someone who’s not politically advantageous to him in any way, but he yearns for her anyway.

🖤Possible Tropes🖤

~ Boy-Obsessed

~ She’s far superior in every way

~ She knows everything about him for years

~ He’s just now noticed her

~ She’s shrouded in mystery, and he wants to know more

~ Soft girl/ grumpy guy

~ He can’t get her out of his mind

Headcanon

She’s unseen. She’s a half-wraith tasked to spy on the Autumn Court’s heir in his homestead. She’s mere mist and shadow, she remains a distance away. She already knows so much about this lord, who she spent 50 years alongside with Under the Mountain. She’s memorized his firey hair, auburn eyes, and cold demeanor.

Dogs start barking. Smoke hounds, running straight at her. She vanishes into smoke, winnowing a few miles away. Before she can take a step, Eris is right behind her, with a knife on her throat, and says with a low, vicious growl, “You think I don’t know when I’m being watched.” She vanishes away from him.

She now stands a few feet away, where she can clearly see him. She says nothing. Her heart is racing in her chest, yet there is some morbid curiosity as she stares at his face, now red with anger. She almost wants to laugh for some unknown reason.

Eris’s anger multiplies the longer he’s ignored. “I could smell you from a mile away.” His eyes are now molten with rage.

She’s never been detected before. She can hear the echoes of the hounds at a distance, and she knows she should vanish into mists; he wouldn’t be able to stop her, but she’s intrigued. She can’t seem to be able to move away. When Eris lunges toward her with the knife again, she just mists away once more, a few feet away from where she was. They continue this dance for a while, Eris growing increasingly furious by the second.

He suddenly stops to take a good look at her, the female who is so good at evading him. She doesn’t fight back, doesn’t return his fury, and doesn’t even seem bothered at being discovered. He’s enraged at being spied on but intrigued at this female whose skill is unmatched.

They observe each other in silence, him taking in her black leathers, her smokey-dark skin and dark eyes, and that mischievous glint in her eyes, against the red and oranges of the Autumn Court forests. She’s an obsidian blade, in a sea of fire.

Unremarkable to any high fae, but he won’t underestimate her. She finally vanishes as he tries to grab her again, to no avail. Her scent is completely gone now. His hounds, who have now reached him, are barking at where she stood not 10 seconds ago, yet are not running to seek her. She’s vanished for good this time, to report to her master most likely.

Her scent still clings to his mind, however, to his skin. Mist, smoke and Jasmine— and something so familiar yet intoxicating. He winnows away, planning on raising hell upon the Night Court.

[starswhogaze]

"You found me..."

"Always."

🛥💜❤️‍🔥

[enchantmentandshadows]

SJM Crackship Month : Historical AU

SJM Crackship Month - Day 15 - Historical AU

Crackship: Nuala x Eris

The ball was a smashing success, every prominent family for miles was in attendance and Beron Vanserra stood watching the whole thing proudly. His gatherings were always the talk of the season as he spared no expense, each gathering more grand than the last. Perhaps the most satisfying thing, was knowing that those who hated him were as desperate to receive an invitation as those he called friends.

Beron surveyed the ballroom, noting each of his sons entertaining ladies of exceptional breeding and wealth. His name and legacy would live on, he’d made sure of that, and if his sons were as ruthless as he’d taught them to be, they would amass even more power and wealth than he’d managed to do in all his years.

Eris, his eldest, also stood scanning the crowd. As Beron’s heir, he knew he was always being closely watched. As heir, he had to be most discerning of the female company he kept, at least in public. Whispers and gossip made no secret that the Vanserra sons, arrogant and wicked as they could be, were exceptional lovers.

“See anything you like?” Eris’ youngest brother Lucien asked, joining him to look over the crowd.

“Same faces we see at every other ball.” Eris answered, not looking away from the crowd. “Though I suspect that suits you quite well. Have you had your requisite dance with Elain Archeron yet?.”

“Her sister is here, if that’s what you’re asking.” Lucien smirked, not denying that Elain Archeron had captivated him from the very moment they met.

“I’m not.” Eris said tightly. It was true that Nesta Archeron had fascinated him for a time, but her venomous ways had grown tiresome quickly. He had enough misery dealing with his father, he wasn’t looking to marry into more no matter how pretty a package it may come in.

“Right, well if you don’t dance with someone soon, father will have words.” Lucien reminded, clapping him on the back.

“Father can-” The insult died on his tongue as he watched an absolutely breathtaking woman enter the ballroom. Hair shining and black as night, skin a rich umber and the grace of a Queen.

“Can what-Eris!” Lucien laughed, taking the drink Eris shoved at him before descending the grand staircase. He wanted to see what or who had captured his brothers attention, but a certain doe-eyed Archeron was looking quite lonely and in need of a dance partner and he wouldn’t keep her waiting.

Quickly, Eris made his way through the crowd, weaving through guests until he reached the mysterious new beauty in the lilac gown. Against all reason and propriety, he reached out and grabbed her gloved hand. She whirled on him instantly, both of them startled and stunned into silence. She had the most stunning grey eyes he had ever seen.

“I’m sorry.” He said, recovering first and quickly releasing her hand.

“It’s quite alright.” She said with a nod before turning to leave again. Eris' hand quickly found hers again. Slowly, she turned, looking at him apprehensively.

“That wasn’t a dismissal.” He said, a small smile playing at his lips. Did she not know who he was?

“Nor was it a proper introduction.” She said, her tone light even as she scolded him. “Are you always so familiar with women you don’t know?” She asked, brow raised.

“My apologies, lady.” He gave a bow, not mocking, though there was a mischievous gleam in his eye that didn't go unnoticed. “Please, allow me the pleasure of a dance so that I might further apologize for being so forward.”

Eris extended his hand, holding his breath while she appeared to consider his offer.

“I don’t dance with strangers I’m afraid.”

“Eris Vanserra." He offered quickly. "My father is hosting this ball.” He said smoothly. If she wanted to play games, he would be more than happy to oblige her. “And you are?”

“Very pleased to make your acquaintance, Eris Vanserra.” She smiled, placing her hand in his and allowing him to sweep her into a waltz.

“That was only half an introduction, you know.” He reminded her, desperately needing to know her name.

“Perhaps you could guess it.” She smiled up at him, her grey eyes seeming to see straight through to his soul.

“The only name that comes to mind is Aphrodite.” He smiled, her answering laugh like music to his ears but she offered no name to soothe his burning curiosity.

“Who are you here with?”  He asked, approaching from a different angle to solve this mystery.

“Well I’m here with you, my lord.” She smiled, twirling under his arm.

“Are you always so vexing?” He asked, extending his arm to twirl her out before watching her flutter back to him.

“Oh no. It’s never quite this much fun.” She laughed and Eris couldn’t stop himself from smiling.

“I will find out, you know. I have my ways.”

“I don’t doubt that for a second, my Lord.” She admitted, joining the other ladies in the center of the room. Eris watched her graceful turn, searching for any hint that she might know the other ladies but he found none before she rejoined him.

“I could order you to tell me.” He said, having absolutely no intention of doing so.

“But then our little game would be over.” She smiled, knowing he wouldn’t.

“You must give me something.” He insisted, positively charmed by her.

“Rose.” She answered.

“Too common.”

“Peony.”

“Lovely, but I don’t think so." He decided with a shake of his head.

“Mildred.”

“Liar.” He scoffed.

There was that laugh of hers again. He would hear it all night if he could, if she would allow him to jeopardize all her attention this evening. Panic was already beginning to set in as they reached the end of the waltz and he bowed to her again.

“Another dance?” He asked before one of his brothers barreled into him, trailed by a few others. He was clearly drunk and rambling on about challenging someone to a duel over a game of cards, one he’d likely cheated at.

“Aiden, you idiot.” Eris frowned, helping keep his brother on his feet.

“Get him to his room in one piece and make sure he stays there.” He ordered his younger brothers, handing Aiden back into their care. They muttered apologies, taking him away, but when Eris looked back, his Aphrodite had already vanished.

He searched the entire ballroom, even returning back to the top of the stairs but she was nowhere to be found. All night he searched for her, only engaging in conversation to enquire if anyone had seen the beauty in the lilac gown but no one had. It was as if she were a figment of his imagination, a dream he’d been forced to wake from and couldn’t seem to find his way back to.

Eventually, he’d given up and lost all interest in the goings on downstairs, instead electing to retire early. He’d get an earful from his father tomorrow for not entertaining the right ladies, or making the right connections, but he couldn’t be bothered to care. So lost in thought was Eris that he didn’t notice the discarded gown until the lilac fabric was at his feet. He snatched it up, immediately recognizing it as Aphrodite’s gown and frantically began searching for her.

Eris didn’t have to search for long before a figure darted from the shadows of an adjacent hallway, crashing into him with such force he was nearly knocked off his feet.

Stunning grey eyes met his before the lithe beauty shoved away from him and darted off, dressed in black clothes that clung to her like a second skin.

“Aphrodite.” He breathed, tearing off after her, her gown still clutched tightly in his hand.

She was fast, but he was determined, reaching her just as they heard shouts from the corridor ahead. She didn’t resist, not when he grabbed her hand and pulled her in the opposite direction, or when he ducked into a narrow hallway his dark coat shielding them, his hand pressed over her mouth. His wild amber eyes scanned the hallway, his body tensing as the guards rushed by without glancing in their direction. Her eyes, however, remained on him. Quietly memorizing the lines and angles of his handsome face, his dusting of freckles and the subtle hint of a dimple on his cheek.

He was helping her, but why? Surely he would change his mind once he realized why she was there. Slowly, his gaze shifted to meet hers and she realized she’d been clinging to his sides. There were questions burning in those amber eyes of his, but he knew better than to ask them here. They’d been lucky not to have been discovered, she wouldn’t ruin her luck now by arguing with her savior.

“Why are you helping me?” She finally asked as she allowed him to lead her through the manor.

“You know, my father doesn’t like being made a fool of.” He said, ignoring her question. No wonder she hadn’t revealed her identity earlier.

“And you-

“Love making him miserable.” Eris cut in, holding up a beautiful necklace of glittering rubies and diamonds. She patted her neck, where the necklace she’d purloined from Beron’s safe sat only moments ago.

“But this does not belong to you, my lovely little thief.”

She reached out, fast as lightning but he was quicker, tucking the jewels into the pocket of his waistcoat.

“How?” She frowned, now following him of her own free will. "How did you slip that off without me noticing?

“You’re not the first lady I’ve liberated from her apparel.” He answered with a smug smirk she’d have liked to wipe from his face. She had plotted and planned carefully for weeks only for things to go horribly wrong as soon as she’d snatched that necklace.

She opened her mouth to return a venomous barb when they both stopped, the exit blocked by more guards. Eris hissed, grabbing her hand again and leading her deeper into the manor, taking servants hallways and stairways to help remain hidden.

“They won’t cause a scene, not while the ball still goes on. My father would have their heads if they did.” Eris assured her, handing the rumpled ball of lilac fabric back to her.

“Sneaky as you are, a woman in such a state of undress is sure to be noticed. You’ll want to put that back on before you go.”

“But it’s so hard to move around in.” She offered with a dramatic sigh, once again letting him pull her out of the hallway and into a dark room.

“For a gentleman, you really are quite scandalous you know. Taking a lady into a darkened room like this.”

A lantern flickered to life, illuminating his handsome face and part of the room. His hair was like fire, even more so in the flickering lamp light. Quietly, he made his way to another lantern, lighting it as well.

“What an ostentatious room.” She said, nose crinkling as she looked around, her lilac gown carelessly left on the floor. “What preening peacock must rest his head here.” She teased, knowing exactly whose room she was standing in.

“If you’re so put off by it, allow me to help you take a leap from the balcony.” He said sourly, leaning against a chest of drawers, arms crossed as he eyed her carefully.

“Oh, don’t be so offended.” She said, waving a hand in his direction as she slowly made her way around, examining the decor more closely. “Is any of this really to your taste anyway? Looks more like your fathers.”

“There is only my fathers way here.” He answered. “Why are stealing from him?” He asked, shucking off his coat and tossing it onto a nearby chair.

“And you don’t enjoy things here?” She asked, ignoring his question.

“The eldest son of a wealthy Duke.” She observed, picking up baubles and books, carefully examining them before setting them back down.

“A handsome rake with quite a reputation.” She could feel him watching her every move.

“Tell me more." He said. "And do start with how handsome you find me.” He answered, watching as she slowly made her way around to him. Truly he had never met a woman so beautiful, nor one who intrigued and fascinated him so thoroughly.

She laughed and he thought his heart might burst at the sound of it, paired with seeing her this way. Every tempting dip and curve on full display. Her lips parted and he waited for whatever answer she might give. Not a doubt in his mind that it would continue to fan this flame between them. Instead, their flirtation was interrupted by a sharp knock on the door causing both of them to freeze, looking wide eyed at one another.

Before she could utter a word she was tackled onto the bed, a protest on the tip of her tongue when the door flew open.

“Your grace-“

“GET OUT!” Eris ordered, voice full of command. “Can you not see my attentions are quite occupied?

The guard glanced at the discarded dress on the floor and Eris’ coat, haphazardly strewn on the chair.

“Of course your grace, apologies." He stammered. "But there’s been a theft-

“Whatever it is, you won’t find it here.” He said, his tone clipped. “Nothing stolen here but the virtue of this delicious little minx.” Eris all but purred, looking down at the gorgeous female under him.

She couldn’t stifle her laugh, reaching up to run her fingers through Eris’ soft, red hair for effect. He leaned into her touch, for effect or purely out of pleasure, neither was sure.

“Out.” Eris repeated, turning his burning gaze to the guard, the door quickly slamming shut. Neither of them moved, not until the guards footsteps disappeared down the corridor.

Slowly, Eris rose from the bed, offering a hand to the lovely thief. She took it, rising and looking up at him as if he were a mystery that she too was trying to solve.

“Things could be worse,” He said in answer to her earlier question. “But life here certainly has its moments.”

“So you’re not just a poor little lord in a gilded cage?”

He scoffed, tipping her chin up. “Any pity would be wholly wasted on me, Lady.”

Gods, he was so tempted to kiss her, he could swear he saw the same need in her eyes but neither made a move.

“You still haven’t told me why you wanted that necklace.”

“Not me, my handsome Lord. I am but a humble servant to those who pay me.”

“And who paid you for that piece?” He asked, his voice quiet, softer than she’d heard before.

“I think you know, my Lord.” She said, slipping a small envelope from her pocket.

Immediately, Eris recognized the elegant script of his mother. The mother who’d been forbidden from seeing her sons after she fled her abusive husband and married one who loved her instead. The mother he’d only seen a few times in passing, forbidden to even acknowledge her lest he be thrown into the streets, leaving his brothers behind.

“She bade me give you this, though I will require a small payment first as you’ve prevented me from completing my job.”

Eris only raised a brow in answer.

“One kiss, to make up for all the trouble you’ve caused me tonight.” She said, waving the small envelope at him before hiding her hand behind her back.

“Is everything a game to you?” He asked, stepping toward her, one warm hand cradling her cheek, the other reaching for the envelope behind her back.

“I only play games when there’s something worth winning.” She whispered, moving to meet him halfway, pressing her lips to his.

She practically melted against him, letting him pull her closer as he deepened the kiss. He was like fire, wild and unpredictable but warm and comforting at the same time. Everything about him was carefully crafted, a mask and a half truth but not this. This kiss was all Eris, truth and passion and for just one moment, she wasn’t a liar or a thief, she was just a woman. The kiss wasn’t chaste or vulgar, but somewhere in between where passion and yearning intertwined.

She was the first to pull away. He’d have kissed her until he ran out of breath, but he remained, eyes closed as her delicate fingers threaded through his hair and caressed his cheek.

“You should lie down.” She said softly, taking him by the hand. Eris opened his eyes and realized he was swaying on his feet. Still, he was confused by the look of concern on her face as he allowed her to sit him on the edge of the bed.

“I’m afraid I dosed you with a sedative earlier when you grabbed me." She explained, the smallest hint of guilt in her voice. "You didn’t feel a thing, such a big, strong man.” She smiled, guiding him back to lie down even as he reached for her, grabbing her hand.

“You’re going to sleep, Eris.” She explained, her voice soft and soothing as she easily slipped her hand from his weakening grip. “Just long enough so I can slip away without you giving me anymore trouble.”

His brow furrowed, his body betrayed him as he fought to speak, but the words wouldn’t come. Heavy lidded eyes followed her hands as she slipped the sparkling necklace from his waistcoat pocket and replaced it with the letter from his mother.

Eris watched helplessly as the woman of his dreams slipped through his fingers, likely never to be seen again. She gathered the mass of lilac silk and lace, stopping to look over at him one last time, his pleading eyes stopping her in her tracks. Slowly, she made her way back over to him, leaning in and pressing a soft kiss to his lips.

“Nuala.” She whispered to him, noting his subtle smile and the sweetest dimple in his cheek as he let his eyes close at last. “My name is Nuala.”

@sjmcrackshipmonth

[loneliestluvr]

𝑻𝒐 𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝑰 𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝑮𝒐, 𝒊.

i. ii.

Pairing: Eris Vanserra x Archeron OC

Synopsis: Caught up in a world of hollow grief for her people, her life, and her father, Blair Archeron is forced into a life under the light she wants no part of after ghosting through immortality since being Made. But what she finds, is not what she expects.

Warning: depression, worthlessness, cauldron trauma, angst, that’s kinda it for now tbh.

Word Count: 1.9k

taryn thinks: ive been thinking about eris vanserra for a long time and reading lost bonds by @readychilledwine about tamlin kind of gave me some inspo and motivation i haven’t had in a while to write this. also ttpd because ive been down in the dumps and feeling angsty so… enjoy!! 🫶🏼 i apologize if it’s a bit scrambled lol, i just wanted to write it out.

The fabric Nuala and Cerridwen had dressed her in erased any and all traces of the truth. The destitute it had felt her life became since this newfound immortality ripped everything Blair Archeron had ever known away from her, tucked away. Hidden behind the gauzy chiffon.

There had been small pockets of awareness, of feeling like she had control over herself lately. Where she didn’t rot away in bed, or a chaise— alone and wrapped in the quiet of her mind. Staring into open space, ghosting through whatever this life was.

Those times were hard to come by, and even when the war against Hybern was raging it was decided Blair would stay safe in Velaris. Where she had always remained. Where she did not leave, until today.

It was a pointed argument among their small circle that this life was no better than what Feyre had been through with Tamlin, but Blair did not fight it. Simply… existed inside of it.

It wasn’t that nobody tried to help, they did. They asked questions, gave the second eldest sister every chance to open up. To get out, to experience this new world. To talk.

Elain would argue even when she did, it was mere hollows of the person Blair had been who responded. The echoes that remembered how to speak, that walked so smoothly and carelessly that she seemed to float on a hot wind.

Blair was not fearless, she was not cunning, she was not soft, nor was she anything that her sisters were. She was simply… other.

And maybe that was the furthest thing from simple, that there were no words to describe the ethereal beauty of her hollowness. Maybe there never would be.

Blair didn’t seem to mind, and she got away with it.

Content was the feeling that seemed the most appropriate to describe the life she lead now. Moved into her youngest sisters River Home, with a large room at the end of the house overlooking the winding waters. The gardens Elain had crafted and tended when she wasn’t at the townhouse sat below, the large expanse of the land out to the river in full view. The snow capped mountains that danced across the skyline, one’s she sometimes watched Feyre paint in front of from her window day after day, month after month.

She supposed she had it coming when Nesta was forced to the House of Wind. When her older sister by a mere year had pointed out that Blair had amounted to nothing in the time Nesta had been taken hostage inside that House on the side of the mountain. When Nesta had been expected to work and be something, Blair had still remained as useless as before.

“She is adjusting,” Feyre had argued on Blair’s behalf. Blair had been the kindest of their sisters to Feyre when they were in that cabin, poor and broken and nothing. Who had helped with no qualms, who had genuinely cared for them all— even their seemingly worthless father. “—she did not ask for this, the same as you. At least she is not drinking herself to death.” The smartest of them, as Feyre had described to Rhys’ Inner Circle before those meetings in the mortal realm, others would have thought the same if they knew her before.

Before she became this… thing.

“You let her wither away, sitting about in her sadness and grief and her muteness. I would think she had forgotten how to speak if it weren’t for the utterly mundane responses she gives.” Nesta had barked back at their little sister while Blair sat by the window, unmoving. Her face a mask of cool indifference like she wasn’t quite hearing anyway. “How is what she’s doing any different than what I have? Because she isn’t spending your money? Because she hasn’t tainted Rhysand’s precious Court image?”

She didn’t care how they spoke of her, didn’t care to defend herself from Nesta’s forked tongue— it took more energy than she had to argue. Blair could have washed away right into the water that rushed through the river she stared into for all she cared.

Everything had just gone so… wrong from that point. As if Nesta’s breaking point was seeing her first baby sister be so broken and discarded, she had ripped into a secret nobody had even bothered to tell Feyre or Blair— that Feyre’s babe would kill her.

The rest had been a blur like usual after and here they were, dressed and gowned in the finest clothes they had. In the short time since finding out about Feyre’s deadly predicament, everyone seemingly had agreed with Nesta about Blair’s lack of presence in their court… or any at all.

The only people who knew she existed were those that were present when she was forced into the bitterly cold water of the cauldron. When it had felt as though she drowned, that she had died there and something else had filled her body. Felt as though she could only see herself from outside of her body, outside of whatever she had became.

Blair Archeron would be making her debut to the Court of Nightmares in the same fashion Feyre would be revealing her pregnancy. She didn’t know much else, didn’t care for the details or even why Nesta had been training in dances they both knew since childhood. Just what she was to wear and to come when called.

To admit the dress she was now wearing wasn’t utterly beautiful would be a disgrace in itself, and she looked stunning.

Despite her pointed ears being viewable, Blair’s long and heavy gold-brown hair had been curled gorgeously, cascading down her freckled and fair bare back to cover where her dress did not. Kissing and tickling the skin when she moved her head, half of her hair pulled back from her face into loose twirls and braids.

Her face painted in light cosmetics that she didn’t need. It was no secret that her beauty came first out of the four sisters, even before dear Elain’s— skin freckled, dark lashes and brows, cheeks usually tinted pink naturally. But her eyes, her eyes were the rarest of her sisters and what made her so profoundly different.

A base of that gray-blue that grew more vibrant as it met her pupil. But the flecks of nearly golden amber splattered like an artist had flicked their wrist in a rush is what made them so different.

Why the black of her dress fit her so much better than it did poor Elain, her second youngest sister nearly washed out by the bleak darkness she had been presented to wear.

The dress clinging to Blair’s torso was bedecked in gold sparkling beads that formed lines of detail along the bodice and the hem by her feet, the fabric black beneath it. Hugging tight to her figure. Eating and drinking had gotten easier after the war and had allowed her to fill out again.

Her full breasts wrapped tight to her chest where they sat prettily, the dips in her hips and waist outlined by the sheer sleeves that flared well past her hands, capped around her shoulders but left her back utterly bare despite the illusion of the chiffon looking like a cape.

The dress hung from her body as she waited almost carelessly to enter the throne room of Hewn City, and Blair felt a little like she might die.

The air here, anywhere, was so much colder than the sweltering heat of her bedroom where she kept the fire roiling day and night— where she felt like she was at home even if it was just in her head. Sleeping on the floor in front of it most nights, where the crackling of the fire could drown out the sound of her thoughts. Where the warmth could make her feel something other than empty.

Now. Feyre’s voice rang warmly in Blair’s head, echoing outside of the thick walls of forest she’d been taught to put up. Spruce and oak, winding paths lined with red poppy’s and orange geraniums, fogged over meadows to traipse through at will. A maze for anyone else, with no beginning and no end.

The rest of them had gone in a half hour ago it seemed, Blair to be used if they needed to pull a distraction or anything. She would be introduced no matter what, but timing was to be used as an advantage.

The towering doors to the throne room boomed open as Blair turned the corner to the hallway, the curls in her hair bouncing with every step despite the light wind billowing through her flowing sleeves as if she were gliding.

The music continued as she kept her head high and entered the space, hands folded neatly in front of her. A small upward twitch of her pretty red lips, her face calm and still.

Still as the room became when her feet hit the marble across that threshold.

She walked, one foot in front of the other. Head in a full fog before she even entered the throne room— but there was a tug. Something that had almost made her stumble, but she sucked in a tight breath as she focused on the dais ahead.

Pulling, tugging, a line going taut the closer she became and her vision cleared. Someone that had been in deep discussion before Blair entered, someone now turned to face her as everyone else did.

All but the Court of Dreamers gaping at her, at her beauty. So much different than her obvious sisters, a third sister to the High Lady of the Night Court, but so much the same that it was easily distinguishable. Gasps and whispers filling Blair’s now clear ears, but she didn’t look anywhere but the male in front of Rhys and Feyre— as much as she wanted to. As much as she pleaded with herself to look away, she could not.

The bright auburn hair, the pale and freckled skin of his handsome face. All fae were gorgeous, she’d been told and equally come to learn but… just the very look of him made her skin heat.

A look of something similar washed through his amber eyes, the matching amber to the flecks in her own, his throat bobbing.

Something like devastation went through this male and though Blair couldn’t tear her eyes from his as she finally made those last steps to the dais, she could see Rhys’ mask slip ever so slightly from the corner of her eye before it went back up.

There was a part of her, so enamored by whoever this person was— and something about him made her slip back into consciousness. That outside look at herself faded back into her own body and she didn’t realize until she breathed again that her heart had been beating so rapidly.

Or that she hadn’t addressed her High Lord and Lady.

Or that they’d demanded the crowd go back to dancing and drinking and eating.

Or that all she did was face this male, a look of shocked confusion painting her usually dull expression because somehow, someway, she felt like she knew him.

And that the tug she felt, that line, went utterly taut before him.

🏷️: @thehighladywrites and anyone else that wants to be added to a tag list for this or anything else lmk lmfao

[greenleaf777]

Can someone explain to me why gwyn NEEDS a love interest and if azriel is with elain sjm must introduce a new character for gwyn? Lol which according to some people she will not do for some reason 😂

First of all there is no gwynriel in the books and elriel happening will not affect gwyn in any way. Second for the billionth time gwyn is a side character, if she does have a romance it will be a background SIDE romance you will see in passing like Amren x Varian. Do you expect every side character to have a book? I dont see you wondering why SJM hasn’t introduced a new character to be Eris’ love interest or Nuala and Cerridwens LI are or Clotho’s LI is. Wheres Lord Devlon’s love interest? The twins have been there since book 1 but don’t have love interests….

NOT EVERY CHARACTER WILL LEAD A BOOK.

But also going by your own logic Gwyn was just being introduced in the last book as a NEW li character for Azriel so in theory why can’t it be done for Gwyn? Shes only been in one book of 5.

[oristian]

𝙈𝘼𝙎𝙏𝙀𝙍𝙇𝙄𝙎𝙏 .ᐟ

˗ˏˋ ( acotar series masterlist . 「 11 22 24 」 ) ´ˎ˗

C O M M I S S I O N S

Lucien Vanserra

Elain Archeron Week Compilation

Elain Archeron Week — Elucien Family

Elain Archeron Week — Elain Archeron

Elain Archeron Week — Elucien

Elain Archeron Week — Elain Archeron

Elain Archeron Week — Elucien

Party Monster / High For This — Gwynriel

Starfall — Elucien Family

Heir of Day — Lucien Vanserra

Elucien Week — High Society

Nessian Week — Yearning

Nessian Week — Symphony

Nessian Week — Symphony

Nessian Week — AU

Nessian Week — Legends and Destiny

Gwynriel

Nessian Week Compilation

Tarzan!Elucien

Modern Gwynriel

Cowboy!Azriel

Feysand Week — Fated

Valkyrie Week — Nothing Can Break Us

Valkyrie Week — AU

Gwynriel Halloween

Lucien Vanserra Week — Gentleman

Lucien Vanserra Week — Lover

Lucien Vanserra Week — Home

Lucien Vanserra Week — Reputation

Lucien Vanserra Week — AU

Azriel Week — Scarred

Azriel Week — Belonging

Azriel Week — Paid Time Off

Azriel Week — Paid Time Off

Azriel Week — No Need For Poetry

Azriel Week — Song of the Wind

Azriel Week — Free

Rhys Week — Fashion Icon

F A N F I C S

Feysand University Modern AU — Planning

Human Rhysand — Planning

“until tomorrow, fawn” — Elucien

Eris x Koschei — WIP

Elucien Solstice — WIP

Crackships — WIP

“Party Monster / High For This” — Gwynriel

“Burn for Me.” — Eris/Koschei

T H E O R I E S

Elain Archeron and Koschei

Azriel / Enalius + Gwyn / Oleanna

Jurian and Narben

M O O D B O A R D S

ACOTAR Couples

Azriel Shadowsinger

Landscape Architect!Elain

Elucien Fall Aesthetic

Lady of the Autumn Court

Feysand Week — Eternal

Elain’s Halloween Aesthetic

A N A L Y S I S

SJM Endgame Couple Pattern

Archeron Sisters Defending Their Mates

Think Piece on Elain

Lucien Vanserra and Mate Behavior

Collection of Arguments

“Better Suited For [..]”

Mating Bond

Azriel and Koschei

Kingslayer

Rejected Mating Bond

Nessian

Elriel and Chemistry

Vassa Think Piece

Nuala and Cerridwen

Elain and Choice

“Forbidden Romance”

Elain in Black

“Death and His Lovely Fawn”

“Gwyn Lured Azriel”

“Four Books of Build-up”

Gwynriel Anon Ask

H E A D C A N O N S

Gwynriel and Catrin

Slutty Waist Azriel Agenda

Azriel and Chronic Pain

Lucien and Papa Archeron

High Lady Nesta Archeron

Spy Gwyn Berdara

Elain and the Lady of Autumn

Elain and Lucien

Elain and Lucien

[kopfkino-o]

My predictions for the rest of the ACOTAR series go something sorta like this…

ACOTAR 5: Elain x Azriel

Elain conquers her Mountain (the Prison). Spy Elain arc with a friendship with Nuala and Cerridwen. Azriel is her love interest and together they deal with their respective traumas. Elain finally gets to choose, and Azriel is finally chosen. A conversation between Mor and Az clears up the dynamic between them. A subplot involving a friendship between Elain and Lucien that leads them to mutually deciding to reject the bond. Koschei breaks free at the end of the book.

Theme(s): Fate vs Freewill, Self-Autonomy

NOVELLA: Prequel

A prequel novella surrounding the events of Prythian during the reign of the Daglan. Theia, Fionn, and Pelias are major characters. We learn more about what happened and about the dynamic between them. Koschei and the Death God siblings will also have some role, giving us more background on them. This sets up a potential full-fledged crossover series (Twilight of the Gods) or just simply introduces the idea of a multiverse for ACOTAR-only readers. Information learned in this will also set up things for the final ACOTAR book.

Theme(s): Power & Corruption, Hubris (?)

ACOTAR 6: Lucien x Vassa

Lucien goes back to the Spring Court or Humanlands to deal with Koschei. His love interest is Vassa and he has a friendship with Jurian. Eris and Lady of Autumn are also somehow involved. Koschei forces Vassa back to his creepy lake. Vassa’s relationships with the other trapped women is explored. Lucien discovers his heritage and spell-cleaving powers. Helion plays some sort of role in this. Lucien uses these powers to free Vassa and finally defeat Koschei, most likely with the support of the three Archeron sisters and the three bat boys. Vassa and Lucien end up reigning as High King and Queen of both Prythian and the Humans. The story ends with an epilogue that gives us a look into what the rest of the main characters do in the future and where other side characters end up.

Theme: Identity, Family

The End!

[xreaderbooks]

Always

Pair: ACOTAR Azriel x Reader

Word Count: 682

Warnings: Angst

Summary: Based on the scene in little women when Laurie tells Amy not to marry Fred. Maybe a part 2, if anyone wants it.

Also available on Wattpad and AO3

Masterlist - Part 2

Starfall, the spirits were traveling for their yearly migration, giving everyone in Velaris a reason to celebrate. Azriel was beside you as he always was, every year since this started. The same spot at the balcony the rest of the inner circle somewhere nearby.

Your arms were crossed in front of you, supporting your lean on the railings. One particular star's descent floated slower than all the others. You squinted, brows creasing in confusion. You tapped Azriel’s arm several times to catch his attention, calling his name with each tap, though tapping his arm once would have sufficed.

“Az, Look,” You pointed to the star that was once slowing down, now increased its pace.

“I’m looking love,” He chuckled. You glanced his way and did a double-take, he wasn’t looking at the star. He was looking at you. Not just looking, openly staring down at you.

“No, you aren’t.” You frowned up at him.

His mouth twitched upwards, “You’re right, I’m not.”

His amused smile disappeared and a look you couldn’t decipher appeared, you scanned his features and for the life of you, you wanted- needed to know what the look on his face was for. It was an unmasked version of Azriel that seeped into vulnerability but ultimately gave off strength.

“Y/n,” He spoke softly. You waited with little patience for his next words, he was scaring you. “Y/n, Don’t marry him.”

You searched his eyes for a sign of a joke, you weren’t going to find one. “What?”

He repeated himself, “Don’t marry Eris.”

You blinked. “Why?”

“Why?” He took half a step closer, “You know why”

His bright hazel eyes pierced through yours and you were lost, so very lost the feeling overwhelmed you. You didn’t know why this was happening right now. You shook your head in denial, stepping away from him, he tried to step closer. You pressed your hand against his chest to stop him from getting too close, however, there was no point now- you caught a whiff of his scent.

“No, Az-” Tears welled in your eyes, so close to spilling that if you blinked they’d run down your cheeks.

“Yes.”

“No Azriel, this isn’t funny.” You plead with your eyes for him to stop whatever he playing at, you wouldn’t believe him. You trusted Azriel with everything you had in you, in life and death he would honor you but this? This you could not believe. “You were in love with Mor, you were in love with her for centuries, then Elain comes along and you do not- have not left her alone. Matter of fact, I should be grateful you’re even here with me at all.”

He lifted a hand to caress your cheek and you denied him. For the first time in your 535 years of living you had denied him and it killed you to know his meaning and yet it was not fair. You met his gaze once again, suddenly everything clicked in place and you were sure your heart was cracking. Too many emotions bubbled within you, “I can't.” You whispered.

He clutched onto the hand you had on his chest, “Y/n please-”

“No Azriel,” Your voice cracked. The bond pulsed, on stand-by for your next sentence as if asking if you were going to reject it, reject him. “I have been here, while you pined for my sister and Elain, you never wanted me. I will not be the one you settle for because you cannot have her, because a bond tells you to. Not when I’ve spent my entire life loving you.”

The tears flowed freely, ruining the makeup Nuala and Cerridwen worked onto your features earlier this evening. You left the balcony in a rush, ignoring the aching that came from the bond.

You didn’t care to turn back and see if Azriel was following you or if anyone had seen what had gone on in yours and Azriel’s usually peaceful area. You simply rushed to your room packing up only what you needed, fleeing the townhouse.

Fleeing from the townhouse with the one thought that ran through your mind, that Azriel was your mate. 

~~~

Part 2

[readychilledwine]

Elain Archeron Week Masterlist

Happy @elainarcheronweek! I'm so excited to have these all finally ready for their last edit! I'm doing things a little different for this week by avoiding any ships to allow my writing to focus on my favorite Archeron sister, Elain. Elain is for the girls who were told we'd never see ourselves in fantasy novels because we weren't the traditional vision of tough. We were too soft, too much of a homemaker. I wanted my fics this week to focus on that.

Ps - I heavily explored my favorite headcanon of bat boys to Archeron sisters "brother/sister/best friend" relationships.

Day 1 Visions -

Fields of Poppy

After being left at your doorsteps by Rhysand, Elain begins to train her visions in ways she had hardly expected

Elain x reader (platonic friendship)

Day 2 Hope -

To Keep You From Breaking

When darkness feels as though it is approaching, Elain’s hope begins to spread to the Inner Circle through her small acts of kindness

Elain x Inner Circle, Lucien, and Eris (Platonic)

Day 3 Strength -

Femme Not Fragile

Warrior was a title Elain never wanted to earn, but there are times when power can be more than brute muscle

Elain x Rhysand (Platonic)

Day 4 Home -

Hiraeth (Elain's Version)

(If you've been here a while, you may recognize this word from another fic 👀)

Longing for home brings Elain to search for happiness in places she least expects it

Elain x Nuala and Cerridwen (Platonic Friendship)

Day 5 Connections -

When Our Hearts Sync

Nesta. Elain. Feyre. The middle Archeron sisters assumed it would always be the three of them against the world. That is, until she found sisterhood somewhere else.

Elain x Nuala and Cerridwen (found family)

Day 6 Passion -

Blooms and Blossoms

The building was perfect, bones ready for a new owner and beginning. Now Elain just had to convince Rhysand to let her have it.

Elain x Rhysand friendship piece

Day 7 Growth -

What Else Can I Do?

Elain's gentleness may have been her biggest hang up, and one moment of anger may prove to be the turning point in which Sister is the strongest.

Elain x Inner Circle (Platonic)

[fieldofdaisiies]

Lovers At Last (pt. 3)

secret santa gift for @iftheshoef1tz ❤️ @acotargiftexchange ship: Azriel x Eris type: angst (with a hint of fluff) word count: 3,4k words warnings: talks about domestic violence story masterlist | ao3

Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air, are heading home again. Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,  the world offers itself to your imagination,  calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting… (Mary Oliver, Wild Geese)

Eris folds his manuscript, and finally lowers his gaze from where he has been staring out of the window for the past minutes. He shoves the manuscript —something about blood tests to figure certain illnesses— and shoves it into the front pocket of his small bag. There's an ache in his heart and it won't go away. It has been there since the moment Azriel left. Last evening. 

And this evening…Azriel will leave completely. Romania. What will Azriel do there? He doesn't even speak the language. And what if they catch him?

Harsh and Exciting - the only words to describe the journey ahead of Azriel and Eris can't let himself imagine what that will mean. What dangers Azriel will face. He will never see him again. Even if he survives he will never—

"Herr Doktor?" Schwester Nuala asks with a sort of urgency and impatience in her tone. Has she been talking to him for longer? Hasn't he heard her before? Noticed her?

Eris has to admit he doesn't quite care. He turns to look over his shoulder, his neck and shoulders tense from the pressure weighing down on him. 

"A woman is here."

"For me?" Eris raises a brow and nurse Nuala stifles a chuckle. She knows it is not appropriate to laugh at your boss, but he looks like a deer caught in headlight and she wonders what he has been thinking about that has captured him so terrible. 

"Not exactly, but she wants to see the woman called Emerie. Is she allowed to visit her?"

Eris draws in a deep inhale and then nods. He moves his bag to the end of the desk, leaning it against the wall, the manuscript long forgotten.

"Who is she? Someone from the family?"

Nuala shakes her head. "No, she says she is a friend. She is the singer from the theatre. Gwyneth Berdara, the slender woman with the copper hair and the wonderful voice." 

Eris curls his hands around the backrest of the chair, almost like he wants to keep his body from curling inwards. The singer who often performs with Azriel's orchestra. Why out of all people would exactly she be friends with Emerie. 

Eris shakes his head and brings a hand up to brush his hair back. Nuala is still looking at him, waiting. 

"She-she is allowed t-to." Eris clears his throat, and smoothes out his sterile coat. "I am coming with you, I need to check on the girl anyway." 

Eris follows Nuala out of his office, sliding his hands into the pockets of his white sterile coat, fumbling with pieces of fabric - something to keep him occupied and calm his racing thoughts. He can't let him go. He can't let him go alone.

But he has to. He can't come along. Azriel has to stay. 

There is so much going on his mind. It feels like a whirlwind is brewing. The emotions make him feel dizzy, his head heavy. His heart heavily thumps in his chest, aching fiercely. 

The woman here for Emerie is waiting patiently, a smile blooming on her lips when she takes in Eris. 

He swallows and then clears his throat again. "You are—"

"Gwyneth Berdara. If I remember correctly you are a constant visitor of the theatre, am I right?" she asks with a smile on her face. She just wants to be kind, but the mention of the theatre makes the back of Eris' mouth ache. 

He wanted to forget about Azriel so badly. At least during the hours at work. Thinking of Azriel will become inevitable in the evening, the long hours at night, anyway. But at least now…he wanted some peace, but it is not possible. Azriel is always there, his love for him too strong, his touch and scent imprinted on him. Azriel is always with him. HIs heart is with him. Azriel, has given him his heart, and Eris always keeps it safe. 

I carry your heart with me I carry it in my heart

I am never without it 

Anywhere I go you go, my dear (e.e. cummings)

When Azriel first told him he loves him…Since this very moment Eris treasures his heart. But he…he had not even once said it back. Too scared of what it means. Too scared of getting his heart broken. And now he is the one who broke Azriel's heart. The director expected it to be safe with Eris and all he has done with it, is cause it pain.. 

Eris extends a hand. "After you, Frau Berdara." He has to swallow again, his throat burning like he has drunk acid. 

They enter the room where Emerie rests with a few other women and her eyes immediately light up when they land on Gwyn. 

Eris gives the women a bit of space, preparing his utensils - the ones he needs for Emerie. She will receive a bit more of a painkiller through a syringe so sleeping and lying on her back becomes easier. The gastritis has been very strong. 

"Why are you here?" Emerie asks, a lovely smile gracing her lips. She reaches her hand out to Gwyn who immediately takes it and then sits down on the bed. 

"Because you are my best friend, and you are not feeling well. Obviously, I came to see you." Gwyn smiles, her thumb brushing over the back of her best friend's hand. 

"Oh, Gwynny," Emerie hums. "But how do you have time? You are always practicing on Monday mornings?"

Gwyn shakes her head and Eris focuses on her, syringe in his hand somehow forgotten. 

"Singer cancelled the orchestra practice today. And also the show this evening. He said he wasn't feeling well and had to cancel."

Eris' throat constricts. Azriel truly meant it. He is going to leave. Today. 

The doctor's hands start to tremble, almost so much the syringe slips out of them. But he tries to level his breathing, tries to focus. This is his work - he has to concentrate. 

Eris' gaze lifts and he looks at the window, outside. Almost like he can see right to Azriel’s home. Or the place he called home. Azriel will soon leave and he will never—

It is the women's giggle that fetches him back to the moment. Eris turns to them, his fingers curling tighter around the cool tool in his hand. He has to focus now. 

"I will give you another small injection, Emerie. If that is alright?"

Emerie nods, a small smile on her lips. Eris can see the slight hint of nervousness in her eyes - a syringe scares many people, she is definitely not the only one. 

Eris gentle takes her arm into his hand, cleans the skin, searches for a vein and then inserts the injection without Emerie noticing anything. He has very skilled fingers - his patients never feel any kind of pain. 

But still a grimace spreads over her face and she looks up at Eris with big eyes. 

"There you go, Emerie. This will help with the pain and speed up your healing," the doctor reassures her with a warm smile.

Emerie nods weakly, Gwyn holds her other hand, concern etched upon her face.

"Frau Berdara you can stay a while, but Emerie needs a lot of rest at the moment," Eris advises. "I'll leave you two for a bit. Emerie, take it easy. If you need anything call for a nurse."

As he exits the room, the door closes softly behind him, giving the two best friends some privacy. 

Once outside, Eris inhales deeply, his eyes closing. Is this a sign? That Gwyneth Berdara showed up here? Is she here only so she can remind him of Azriel? 

Eris swallows thickly and shakes his head. 

"Guten Abend, Herr Doktor!"

His throat feels so dry when he wants to answer, his voice croaky when he finally brings out a greeting of his own. "Guten Abend, Schwester Cerridwen."

He walks past her, not even deigning her a look. His head feels dizzy, the world around him blurring. It is almost like walls are moving closer, capturing him. He feels like a captive, his throat constricting. He can't breathe anymore, stumbling to his office. His hand comes up and he fidgets with the top button of his shirt, loosening it. 

He is going to lose Azriel. He loves him and now he is going to lose him. He is going to lose the love of his life. 

The doctor staggers into his office, nearly tripping over his own feet. A ragged breath leaves him when he braces his hands on the white desk and throws his head back. The only thing from crying out loud are the thin walls of the hospital. People would hear him and think he has gone mad. And maybe he has.

He definitely has. For letting Azriel go. Alone. 

Azriel has been alone so much. And now he left him alone as well. 

If something happened to Azriel, he would never—

"Not now!" He growls as an answer to the knock on the door. He is not in the right state of mind to talk about medical business right now. 

He has to do something. He can't let him go alone. His life is Azriel. And without Azriel his life is not worth living. He has to—

"Yes, now!" That voice.

Eris only merely lifts his head, but his entire body shudders when his eyes land on Leutnant Proteus. Oberleutnant Keir's second yesterday. 

"Can I help you, Herr Leutnant?" Eris asks, not able to keep the bitterness from his tone.

"I am here to pick up my daughter." His voice is nothing but a bored snarl, and the elder man strokes a hand down his coarse beard. 

"Unfortunately she is not yet ready to leave."

"And who says that?" The Leutnant steps into the room, giving Eris a once-over. 

To that Eris straightens up. He turns off the light on his desk, surrounds it and leans his hip against it. Then he crosses his arms in front of his broad chest. "I say that. And I may ask you now to leave. My office and the hospital. Emerie stays at least another night."

"She won't—"

"She will." Eris tilts his chin. "She needs to recover. Would you like me to call for someone to escort you outside?" 

Eris' demeanour does not waver, despite the worry and whirlwind in his mind, he portrays the image of the confident and cold doctor. 

The Leutnant snarls, and shakes his head. Then he turns to the door and takes two steps toward it. His hand curls around the handle, slowly and he pulls it open. Eris knows there is still something to come and he doesn't have to wait long. 

"Everyone is aware that you like to stray a little bit from who men are supposed to like. Heard you have a thing for dicks."

Eris clicks his tongue, and then a cold chuckle leaves him. Leutnant Proteus is almost out of the door, making sure some people catch up on their conversation. But Eris has none of it.

"Quite bold words for someone who hits his own daughter." His voice is loud, and stern.

The Leutnant swirls around, rage etched upon his features. "You—" he seethes, but Eris cuts him off by lifting his hand.

"If I or one of the nurses and other doctors ever see bruises on her arm again, Leutnant, I will make sure that you will never ever work in this position again. If needed, I will make sure to personally escort you to a prison cell." Eris dips his chin. "If you'll excuse me now, there is something I need to do," Eris says and shrugs out of his coat. He shoves past the Leutnant and then rushes down the corridor. To his nurses and colleagues, he says, "Keep your heads up, and…have a good evening."

You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.

You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves. (Mary Oliver, Wild Geese)

And what he loves — there is only one thing, one person in his life that he truly loves. And this person's name hollows through his mind when he sets out for a sprint, air whooshing in and out of his lungs. 

✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　 . ✦

"Fuck," Azriel groans, his hand brushing some damp strands of hair out of his face. His jacket does not fit into his old, shabby suitcase. Maybe he does not need it anyway? It is summer here in Berlin, hence it is also summer in Romania. He tosses the jacket away and tries to close the suitcase again. 

The tears he shed throughout the night are still visible on his face, now dried streaks on his cheeks. 

He shoves a small leather wallet into the outside pocket of his suitcase and his eyes land on a folded piece of weathered paper. It unfolds with a soft crinkle. His mother's smile, so warm, so familiar, something he hasn't seen in so long. 

These were happy times. Berlin before the war. Before the…

As his fingers trace the edges of the photograph, his gaze lingers, lost in the whirlwind of emotions it evokes. The love, the loss, the ache of separation - they all swirl within him. 

And now he is going to lose another person. He has no idea when or how he is ever going to see his mother again. She is still in Great Britain, and how should he get there?

He is alone. Azriel is once again alone. Like always. He is always alone. And just when he thought he wouldn't be alone, having found Eris, having fallen in love with him, he is losing him again. 

A tear makes its way down his cheek, and Azriel blinks rapidly. He neatly folds the picture and shoves it back into the wallet, packing it away and continuing to pack. 

Azriel rushes around in his flat, collecting bits and bobs, here and there. And as he rushes around, he spots a ring—a special ring. It’s just a simple silver band, no stones or anything on it. Eris gifted it to him a short time ago. Holding it gently, he feels its heaviness, carrying memories of a love that…no longer is. A love that is forbidden and was never meant to last. 

Azriel swallows thickly, fighting the dryness in his throat, the ache at the back of his mouth. With a heavy heart, he places the ring gently in a pocket, letting it rest against his chest, close to his beating heart. The pain is palpable, throbbing in the silence of the room, only interrupted by the noises of cars outside and his own ragged breaths. 

The sun is slowly starting to set which means he has to leave soon. He needs to catch the evening train. 

18:12, Nordbahnhof, Platform 6

He draws in a deep inhale. Then he continues to pack and also clean his flat. It feels like closure. Leaving this place and everything he has had here behind. A new part of his life is going to start. One he hoped would include Eris. But if the man doesn't want to join him…

Azriel just doesn't understand what would keep Eris here. 

Eventually, his suitcase is sealed, the room tidied, and he stands there, in front of his mirror, in the fading light of the outside world. Azriel regards himself for a moment, and knows, even if it means leaving the person he loves most behind, that what he is about to do is the right decision. He can't live here anymore. 

Can't pretend to be someone else every single day of his life. He wants to be somewhere where he can be himself. Somewhere…somewhere else. Not Germany. Not a country that has never accepted him. Not a country that will never accept him. He needs to leave.

Azriel smoothes down his shirt, and inhales deeply. The light in his eyes faded the moment Eris told him he wouldn’t come with him. He knows it will take a long time for the light to return, but he will find happiness. Somewhere. Somehow. 

Azriel reaches for the switch, plunging the room into darkness. For a moment, he lingers, taking in the quiet emptiness that now envelops his life. His heart. There is the void again. This deep, dark and cold void. 

Eris had started to fill it with love and happiness. He made him feel alive and—

Azriel shakes his head. He does not want to think about that now. Or him. 

With a resigned sigh, he turns towards the door, fingers grazing the cool door handle. His scarred fingers curl around it and he…he did not want to think about Eris, but he can't help himself and remembers the first time they met — when Eris tended to his wounds. He fell in love with him in that moment. 

Azriel pulls down the handle and opens the door. His breath catches in his throat. 

Their eyes meet, a collision of emotions

The weight of unspoken words hang heavy in the air, a palpable tension. The silence stretches out, taut like a violin string, almost like the part in a piece of music before the big climax. Until Eris breaks the stillness. 

"I fell in love with you the first moment I laid eyes on you. Right away I was taken by your eyes, your smile, your beauty, your kindness, your charm, but it was your mind, your intelligence, your wit, that won me over. Every time we touch I get a sort of feeling no one else could ever evoke in me." Eris swallows thickly. "You being in my life brought me more happiness than you can ever imagine. I know you love me."

Eris moves in closer. "And I love you. With my whole heart and body. And I should have told you so many times before. I love you, Azriel." He inhales. "And I want to join you. I want us to run away together. Wherever it takes us. I want to be with you. Wherever we go, wherever we end up. Because I love you."

He cradles Azriel's face in his hands, making him meet his gaze. "You are the person I want to spend my life with. The one person I want to grow old with. And if we are not allowed to live here the way we want it, we have to seek life somewhere else." 

Azriel is too baffled to talk. But Eris doesn't need him to talk. Not yet.

"Your mother still lives in Britain, doesn't she?"

Azriel nods, his throat too constricted to talk. "Seems like we try to go from Romania to Great Britain. We are leaving tonight."

“Bu-t you?” Azriel is still speechless, lips parted, his eyes wide open. “You…you don’t want to leave?”

“I want to be with you, Azriel.” Eris strokes his thumbs over his lover’s cheeks. “I don’t want to spend a single day without you. I need you in my life. You are my life. I can’t let you go. I love you.” His thumb catches a single tear, brushing it away. “Wherever you are, I want to be with you. I will find work again and so will you. And we will always have each other.”

Dropping one hand, he slides it into Azriel's. "Let the journey begin. I love you and I can't wait for a future with you."

Stepping outside, they are embraced by the night, hidden in the shadows of the city that is going to sleep. They don't know what awaits them in the future. In Romania. At the train station. They don't know if police is waiting for them. They don't know how dangerous the journey will be. But they will try. Whatever it needs to find true happiness. 

the world offers itself to your imagination,  calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting (Mary Oliver, Wild Geese)

Harsh and exciting - just like the journey ahead of them!

azris tags: @azrielsbabyg @lady-riel @moonlightazriel @aayo-whatt @brekkershadowsinger @ladyelain @banasheefan56 @a-frog-with-a-laptop @ofduskanddreams @acourtofladydeath @secret-third-thing @born-to-riot @honeysuckle-daydreams13

[zenkindoflove]

👻❤️💭💌🎨

Answered 👻

❤️ What is your favorite line you've written in a fic?

I have a few!

This is from I Think I Saw You in My Sleep.

"What did he say?” She trembled, the reality of what this unveiling was doing to this place. The walls began to melt, like wax on a candle.

This is from Our Hearts Still Beat the Same.

She had friendly company in Cerridwen and Nuala, and for a while, she had the promise of a budding romance, one that was organic, simple, and importantly, lacked the tidal wave of naïve first love or the pressure of cosmic, magical soul-stitching. Of course, the problem with those types of crushes is they are fleeting. When something is built on convenience and bruised egos, it trickles out of the fragile enclosure that ensnared it.

And this is from Burn Forever With Me.

As she took in his appearance, Elain thought that this must be what it was like to see the sun up close. Not the bright, blinding orb they could see from the ground, but instead fiery gold that captured her in its gravitational pull that she needed to reach out and touch.

💭 What inspires you and your writing?

My ships of course! Daydreaming about them. Talking head canons. And reading other people's amazing writing also always gets me inspired. I think ultimately what makes me move forward with a story is if there is one compelling scene that I just can't get out of my head. I usually design stories around that scene.

💌 Is there a favorite trope you like to write?

I tend to write a lot of sneaking around tropes. I think I like the idea of keeping a relationship hidden from others adds a bit of spice to the situation.

🎨 If someone were to make fanart of your work, what fic or scene would you hope to see.

Oh man that's so hard. Really if anyone was ever inspired enough to make fanart of my fic I would adore it no matter what. Images or scenes that stick out to me are:

-Lucien's cool, relaxed suspenders outfit in Summer Heat.

-The Elucien hair braiding scene in Our Hearts Still Beat the Same.

-Elain and Lucien at Nesta's mating ceremony in Burn Forever With Me... Especially when they both have flowers in their hair.

-Any attempt at drawing Eris x Alexius (my OC in Summer Heat).

[elainemg97]

✨ACOTAR fun crack theories ✨

(Or fanfiction inspo)

1. Azriel retires from being a Spymaster because he’s tired and just wants to enjoy life (like Hunt). Nuala and Cerridwen are declared the new Spymasters.

2. In a surprising twist of events, Lucien is declared High Lord of the Autumn Court. It turns out that the LoA’s bloodline is more powerful than Beron’s, and her blood, mixed with Helion’s, made Lucien more powerful than Eris. He just hadn’t tapped into his true power potential until he learned the truth about his heritage. His marriage to Vassa will be a step toward the unification between humans and Fae.

3. Eris, now without title, gets into shady business to fill his crushed ego, so the Night Court sends its Spymaster, Nuala (or Cerridwen), to spy on him. He’s wholly intrigued and entranced by her and her powers. Sweet irony: once obsessed with appearances, now he’s feral over a female who is literally part shadow.

4. There’s a possibility that Tamlin’s being kept alive because there’s no heir. What if Gwyn is his daughter and has to take over the Spring Court (a lot of nymphs come from there)? She can then connect with her roots.

5. High Lady Gwyn of Spring and High Lord Tarquin of Summer, who are right next to each other, start communicating, and after seeing how much they have in common, they start courting. She’ll accept her Lightsinger nature and hone her powers, and Tarquin will accept her exactly as she is. She will also discover benevolent uses for her powers.

✨Not so Unhinged✨

6. Jurian is working with Koschei and will bring Vassa back to him when it’s time. Jurian actually wants Vassa’s crown.

[starswhogaze]

🛥 all aboard! ❤️‍🔥

[enchantmentandshadows]

SJM Crackship Month : Forbidden Romance

So my #1 crackship for anyone who doesn't know, is Eris x Nuala. I live and breath for the crackyatch that is Shadowfire.

If you know me, then you know I don't shut up about them and I never will, so this is my contribution for SJM Crackship Month!

SJM Crackship Month - Day 13 - Forbidden Romance

Crackship: Nuala x Eris

@sjmcrackshipmonth

Overdue Kiss

Nuala found herself glancing up again for the third time, her breath catching as amber eyes met her grey. She’d been caught this time, and the quiet chuckle she heard as she looked away confirmed as much. Trouble. She knew he was trouble but she’d long been able to sense there was much more to Eris Vanserra than that, despite how the rest of her friends and family felt about him.

They’d had enough conversations, she’d spent enough time with him to get a sense of him and she wasn’t afraid. Besides, Lucien was nice, why couldn’t Eris be too?

“Nuala?” The school librarian said, giving her a tap on the shoulder and pulling her from her thoughts.

“Sorry.” She said, feeling her cheeks heat at being caught, distracted by Eris Vanserra for the second time in the span of a minute.

“Can you shelve the books on the cart before you go?” She asked, motioning to the cart covered in stacks of books.

“Of course, I’ll get started now.” Nuala said with a nod, anxious to get away and hide. Far from the intense amber eyes that followed her as she disappeared further into the library.

Eris Vanserra sat patiently, pretending to read for all of 30 seconds before getting to his feet and going to find where Nuala had disappeared to. She’d caught his attention long before they ever spoke but he hadn’t dared to approach her. There was no point in trying to make nice with the Archeron’s or anyone in their circle if your last name was Vanserra. Lucien was tolerated only because of his friendship with Elain.

The first time Nuala spoke to him, he waited for the insult or the barbed comments, but they never came. One conversation after another, each a little longer than the last until he finally stopped waiting for things to sour and just let himself enjoy her company. They’d kept things quiet, mostly for their own sanity. There was no love lost between their families, but it didn’t stop him from being drawn to her. Here he was, seeking her out in the middle of the day, at school where anyone might see.

“So embarrassing.” Nuala muttered, pushing the cart around a corner, placing books back in their rightful place one by one. She refused to let her mind wander again, especially to a certain Vanserra. Maybe it would have been easier to get him off her mind if she pretended he was as awful as her family always said. Maybe if she suspected he’d only spoken to her to get a rise out of them, but he’d kept it as quiet as she had. A secret just between the two of them, but it never felt like a dirty secret, something to be ashamed of. It felt special and fragile, like something to be protected and shielded from the outside world.

She hadn’t told him, but Azriel had seen them talking and immediately warned her against him. He wasted no time running down his list of reasons why Eris and his brothers were the scum of the earth and should be avoided at all costs. She’d listened and tucked the information away but in the many times they’d spoken and spent time together, Eris had never shown himself to be anything like Az described.

Yes, he was a smart ass. Snarky and sarcastic, but he was also witty and fun. He was charming and though he might deny it, he could also be very sweet. Nuala wasn’t sure what she’d done to unlock this side of him, but deep down, some part of her knew that this was who he truly was. Being around Eris was just easy and natural and she wasn't going to give that up without good reason.

The one thing Nuala was certain of was that he wasn’t there to see her. He was a student, a Senior with plenty of final exams to study for. Him being there could have absolutely nothing to do with her. True, she’d never seen him study in here before and also true she’d recently let it slip that she worked here during her free period but that wasn’t proof of anything. Eris Vanserra was NOT here to see her.

“Ridiculous.” She sighed, on her tiptoes, struggling to slip a thick volume back onto a high shelf. Her heart raced as a pale hand reached out to help, his skin so warm against hers.

“The book, or you hiding from me?” Eris’ velvety voice teased from behind her. She turned to find those warm amber eyes on her again, and she found that she didn’t mind it. Not his eyes fixed on her, or the dusting of freckles across his nose and cheeks, not his smug smile or the way he leaned against the shelf, towering over her.

“Hiding? From you?” She scoffed. “I didn’t even notice you were here.” She lied with a smirk that drew a matching one from Eris.

Beautiful, she was absolutely beautiful, Eris thought. And though she’d played it shy earlier, she was clearly feeling playful now, and he loved her like this.

“But since you’re here, make yourself useful?” She asked, motioning to the cart of books.

“Since you asked so nicely.” He grinned, following her with the cart, watching her every graceful move. He wasn’t sure how it happened, how he’d let himself fall for someone so out of his reach but he didn’t regret it. She might, for wasting her time on someone like him but he knew he’d never regret her.

“Can I help you find a book?” She asked, daring a glance over her shoulder before replacing a few more books on the shelf.

“Nuala…” She could hear the smile in his voice, and the warning. It made her heart flutter in her chest. He was feeling bold today and it inspired a bit of boldness in her too.

“Vanserra.” She smirked, turning to face him, arms crossed over her chest.

His grin widened, brows raised in surprise as he closed the distance between them. One of them would back down, they always did when there were other people around.

Nuala didn’t turn away, not as his hand threaded through her hair and cradled the back of her head, not as he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. Eris’ heart thundered in his chest as she tipped her chin up and returned the kiss, silencing his fears and doubts as she always did. Worth it. She was worth any obstacles he’d have to deal with to stay in her life.

Nuala didn’t flinch when the books she held thudded to the floor, her hands now steadily moving up Eris’ chest. She didn’t care that anyone could have walked by and seen them. She’d already made up her mind that Eris was worth the risk and if her family found out, she would tell them so and they would deal with it together.

[cateyesinlove]

Who are your top 5 SJM

-Females

-Males

-Ships

-Friendships

-Crackships

-Side Characters

Top five SJM ( I assume it means all the books)

-Female

Bryce

Feyre

Aelin

Elain

Lysandra

-Males

Hunt

Ruhn

Ithan

Cassian

Rhysand

-Ships

Elriel

Brycehunt

Feysand

Rowelin

Nessian

-Friendship

Valkyries

Aelin and Lysandra

Aelin and Dorian

Elain, Nuala and Cerridwen

Mor and Feyre

-Crackships

Erislain

Casslain

Emerie x Gwyn

Lucien x Jurian x Vassa

Tharion x Ithan

-Side Characters

Emerie

Ithan

Gwyn

Fenrys

Eris

[kaelor0409]

I agree with...some of these points.

When twins appear as secondary characters in media they are often treated as interchangeable clones of each other with no recognizable difference in personality. There's usually a few minor differences (one likes [X], the other likes [Y]), but they are mostly used to reinforce the meta joke that they're basically the same person. We see this in ACOFS, where Feyre gets them different colored blankets but we never learn who got which blanket, so the interchangeable nature of the twins is maintained. This is very common, but just because everyone does it doesn't make it okay.

I must disagree with the accusation that they're being "house elfed".

House elves are offensive not because they are happy but because they are happy SLAVES. Nuala and Cerridwan are not slaves. They are employees. They are never compelled, threatened, coerced, or treated with disrespect. They get days off and are presumably well paid. Domestic staff are allowed to like the work they do and the people they work for without being class traitors and Uncle Toms.

It's true we don't know their hobbies, likes, or dislikes, but the same could be said of Alis, Vassa, or even bigger names like Eris and Jurian. Nuala and Cerridwan are ultimately minor characters with minimal impact on the plot, so not going into detail about their lives is to be expected. There's only so much an author can include provide without turning their novel into a rambling mess. As problematic as they are, their gifts in ACOFS prove that Cerridwan and Nuala do have preferences beyond what we see in the text and that Feyre took the time to learn what they like.

More importantly, "servant/handmaiden" is not their real job. It is a side gig and convenient cover for their true profession: spy. When viewed in this lens, much of their characterization becomes justified. They don't talk much and spend most of their time in the background...because they are spies. People aren't supposed to notice them, and when they do they're supposed to dismiss them as mere servants. They are mysterious and we don't know what they do when they are "off camera"...because they are spies. They wouldn't be very good covert operatives if they chattered on about their life stories and secret missions to anyone within earshot. I'd almost be willing to give the twin thing a pass too, since being seen as interchangeable would be very useful for spies and allow one of them to seamlessly cover for the other's absence, but the blanket thing makes it clear that this would be giving the author too much credit.

It's true we don't get to see them act as spies all that often, but this is mostly because of the limited perspective. The viewpoint characters have no reason to know what they are up to at all times, and spies are not known for leaving little notes saying "off to commit espionage against the Dawn Court, be back next week!" If we were seeing things from Azriel's point of view I'd expect to see more of their work as spies, but there is no reason Feyre or Nesta or Cassian would have been aware or focused on these missions when they were the POV characters.

The idea that they are just Elain's glorified babysitters isn't supported by the text in any way. We don't get a lot of detailed interactions between Cerridwan, Nuala, and Elain, but what we do see seems to indicate that they enjoy each other's company. It's true that Nuala and Cerridwan would never openly complain if they didn't enjoy spending time with Elain, but the fact remains that there are no canon indicators that they see her as a burden or just another assignment. They appear to have compatible personalities, some shared interests, and are shown having fun together, so there's no reason to believe they aren't at least friendly.

The POC argument is... complicated. It's true that all the servant characters in ACOTAR have dark skin, which is not a great look. The argument could certainly be applied to Alis: a brown-skinned, maternal woman who works as a servant in the manor of a white-skinned noble while dispensing care and wisdom to an equally white protagonist. It holds up less well when applied to Cerridwan and Nuala: spies pretending to be servants and working for the Inner Court who, with the exception of Mor, are not white. There's a lot more to say on this subject and I am 100% not qualified to say it, but I will at least argue that Nuala and Cerridwan are no more racist than anything else in ACOTAR.

I feel like SJM’s gonna pull a house elf with Nualla and Cerridwen

“No they enjoy working for the ic and being at their Beck and call to fulfill whatever service they need! 😆“

@ofbreathandflame @hrizantemy got me thinking about how SJM literally just made them poc (in fact the first think like “poc” despite being dark due to wraith heritage) servants

They have no characterization beyond the service they perform. We don’t know their hobbies, though I doubt they have any, likes, dislikes, or anything.

They are barely even “friends” with Elain, they just do stuff for her and keep her occupied. They’re literally her glorified babysitters.

And the fact that they’re always together? Makes the issue worse