#Mor and eris debate

[straightasaaro]

my year on Tumblr: a summary

*hears about ACOTAR on tiktok*

Me: wow! Something to quench my thirst! Cool!

*four books and a novella later*

Me: damn that was something. I liked it. All of the characters are complex and layered (except for iathne amarantha and king of hybern hate them) with their own reactions to trauma. I wonder what the fanart and memes look like!

*looks on tumblr*

Me: *proceeds to get all of my opinions of the characters and ships destroyed*

Me: what. is. reality.

[surielstea]

Burning Love

1k celebration request

Pairing: Eris x Fem!Reader (Mor’s sister)

Summary: When Eris isn’t around to keep her protected, the reader is surrounded by predators.

Warnings: Canon-typical violence (not inflicted by Eris) | Cursing | slight angst | fluff at the end :)

2.7k words.

Eris had left begrudgingly this morning for a patrol mission on the edge of the Autumn Court's border. He hadn't wanted to leave my grasp, and he most definitely hated every step closer he took towards the door after looking back to see me peacefully asleep in his bed, nude and desirable beneath his sheets that were screaming his name to come back, while I happily returned to the depths of sleep.

So it had been my surprise when he still hadn't returned home by supper. The fact put me on edge. The continent was still plagued with monsters and beasts from the high queen's reign, her imprint on Prythian was like roots that rot the second they meet the air. I was terrified something had happened to Eris during his travels, it was only supposed to be a simple mission, so why wasn't he back?

Dinner was eaten in silence. I hated the way the Vanserra brothers looked at me when Eris wasn't around. Blatant staring the way a scientist might observe a mutant creature, all of it is utterly dehumanizing.

I fist my skirts beneath the table, staring down at my unfinished plate. It was hard to have an appetite while being watched by foxes, waiting to pounce at any vulnerability I showed. It wasn't until a few of the others left that I felt comfortable with excusing myself. Their chairs creaked under their weight and scraped at the beautiful wooden floors as they stood, lazily bowing to their father before leaving the dining hall.

"Apologies, my lord," I stand as well. "Would it be alright if I retreated to my bedroom, I didn't sleep well last night and I'm quite tired," I explain. The high lord of autumn just looks up at me, his wine glass halfway to his mouth, as if debating on taking a drink or not. He doesn't reply for a long stretch of silence, seems like my question too, needed debating. I mistakenly look to Kyden, one of Eris' crueler brothers and he only smirks up at me. I avert my gaze immediately and look back to Beron.

"I suppose, see to it that you don't grow weary tomorrow night," He drawls and I curtsy in a low, respectful dip, silently gritting my teeth at the action. "Of course my lord, good evening," I give a nod to the Lady of Autumn and she diminutively returns it.

I gather my skirts in my hands and leave the dining hall with a small frown, hoping Eris would return before sleep found me first. I was halfway to my room when I heard my name called in a playful, bloodcurdling voice that I wished I hadn't recognized.

"Lord Kyden," I turn to the second eldest Vanserra, giving him a small bow, not nearly as polite as the one I gave his father.

"Going to bed already?" He paces closer, his hands in his pockets casually as he stares at me with acidic yellow eyes. I simply nod. "Why don't you go help my mother with the dishes instead?" He suggests and my brows crease in confusion.

"Excuse me?" I babble out, the suggestion so outlandish it took me by surprise.

"I think you could learn a thing or two about how a woman should act since you feel so inclined to hide in your bedroom," He surmises and I nearly scoff, who the hel possessed him to say such a thing?

"I'd be welcome to wash my own dishes but— with all due respect, it's not my job to clean up after you—" I start to explain but he puts his hand up, making me clamp my mouth shut.

"Oh gods, don't tell me you're just like your whore of a sister," He rubbed his eyes like the thought was making his head ache. My brows form a straight line, my anger evident in my features.

"Morrigan has nothing to do with this," I say and he reaches forward, grabbing my wrist in his hold before I can swerve. "Get your hands off of me," I attempted to pull from his hold but his grip was iron.

"Oh c'mon doll-face, you know I was just joking don't you?" He smiled down at me, his holding my wrist left our proximity to be much closer, so much so that I could still smell the dinner on his breath. I grimaced at the smell.

"Let me go." I keep my ground, glaring up at him with hardened eyes, the most threatening prey could look to a predator.

"Are your feelings hurt? Is that it?" He hums and I pull at my wrist but his grip doesn't loosen. "Why don't we go to my room and you can let me apologize appropriately, hm?" He smirks at the idea and I scowl up at him, attempting to twist my wrist from his fist.

"I'm betrothed to your brother," I grit out.

"And?" He tilts his head as if he wasn't just degrading Morrigan for sleeping with a male when she was already promised to someone else. "Don't be a prude doll," He said, his voice dropping lower. Was that the scale in his head? If I don't sleep with him I'm a prude, but if I do I'm a whore? What kind of power system was he raised on if Eris turned out the exact opposite? "Let me show you how a real man treats his women." His hand comes up to my cheek and I jerk away from the all too comfortable touch.

"You'll never be half the man Eris is," I retort and the sadistic fuck smiles, like he needed a reason to hate me and he finally got one. His hold on my wrist didn't tighten, but it did begin to, burn.

I hissed at the pain, pulling at my wrist but the pain only doubled over, my skin now being scorched beneath his touch. "Stop it," I seethe, staring at him in pure warning. "Beg me," He demands and I swallow thickly, staring at him for a moment but the searing at my raw skin spikes, and my breath hitched. "Let me go," I spit, writhing my arm from his grip but it was no use. "You heard me, beg." The word made me physically sick.

But the pain was immense and I feared he'd char me down to the bone until I gave in. An abandoning feeling gutted me open as I whispered a soft, "Please?" My request barely reached my own ears.

"Can't quite hear you?" He leans closer, putting his ear towards me, and while he wasn't looking I swung my leg up and thrust the heel of my shoe straight into his groin. He exclaims in pain, releasing my wrist. I didn't have time to watch him buckle to the floor, instead, I spun on my shoe and sprinted as fast as I could back to my room. "Fuckin' bitch," Is all I manage to hear from the male before I hastily turn the corner of the large house. I got a few odd looks from maids walking the halls with concerned expressions on their faces. I cradled my wrist as I sped to a stop in front of Eris' bedroom doors, two of his guards on either side of the archway.

I knew these guards, Eris trusted them, even liked them a little more than the others. They both looked at me with their brows bunched, noticing my wrist was growing increasingly red.

"Can you two—" I pant out, tired from both my lack of sleep and sprinting in heels. "Can you two keep everyone out of this room?" I say through breaths with pleading eyes. They look at each other with unreadable expressions, then back to me. "Of course my lady," The one on the right says while the left one opens the door for me.

"Thank you, gods, thank you," I sigh gratefully but they only nod as I enter the room, and shut the door behind me.

I release a breath of relief. The last of the sunset seeped through the sheer curtains and I debated for a moment on sliding onto the floor and giving into sleep right then and there but my wrist was throbbing like a heartbeat, already blistering with an angry red. I wince when I look down at it, blinking away tears. I didn't want to shed any for Kyden, he wasn't worth it even if the pain was consuming my entire body, feeding up my arm and swelling in my chest.

I groan, pushing off the door and willing my legs to march towards the bathing chamber, shucking my heels off in the process. I leaned against the bathroom counter as I ran the water. I knew how to treat a burn. I've lived in a house full of temperamental fire-wielding males since I was eighteen, this wasn't foreign to me. But the damned pain never got any easier.

I ran the water and forced myself to place my wrist beneath the water. The searing doubled over and a scream beckoned at the back of my teeth but I didn't let it slip. I waited through the agony, waited, and waited for what felt like an eternity until the pain eventually seceded. Tears were forming in the wells of my eyes as I began patting the wound dry after cleaning it.

I opened the cabinets to the right of me in search of gauze or some kind of wrap to loosely protect the blisters from any infections.

The door to the bedroom opened and I froze, stopping my rummaging and silently pressing myself against the bathroom door, barricading it just in case the guards hadn't stayed true to their word and let Kyden enter anyway, he was a lord after all.

A soft knock makes me tear from the door. "Love?" A familiar voice calls. "You in there?" Eris says through the wood of the door and I buckle as the weight of dread slips from my shoulders and suddenly I can't hold in my tears anymore. Unsolicited sobs pass through my throat and I lean onto the counter for support, praying my body doesn't betray me more than it already has, which would result me on the floor.

"I'm coming in, alright?" He says and I can't bring myself to reply as the door slowly creaks open.

I look up at him, cradling my injured wrist. He looks at the wound, then looks to me with an obscene amount of grief bunched between his brows. "Oh, my love," His hands come up to my jaw, his thumbs rubbing at my cheeks and wiping at my tears. The contrast between his touch compared to his brothers made me shiver, I hadn't realized how soft he was with me until now and it only made my tears come faster.

"What happened?" He stepped closer, guiding my head up to look at him but I could only continue crying, unable to voice how grateful I was for his love. "I— I can't," I weep, unable to get my emotions under control as my sobs slowly morph into hyperventilation.

"Hey, hey, you're okay," He guides me back, reaching down ever so slowly and hoisting me up onto the counter. "I'm here, you're safe alright?" He brushes my hair from my face and I sniffle, nodding. I let his words sink in and he stared at me with only devotion in his eyes, patiently waiting as I got my breathing under control.

"You alright?" He whispers and I nod, wiping my tears with the back of my hand in a slightly defeated movement. "Do you think you can tell me what happened? The guards said you were, distressed," He muttered, his voice just above a whisper.

I tell him what happened from the beginning, attempting to add every detail to the best of my capabilities since my heart rate hadn't fully calmed quite yet.

"Can I see?" His hands were slow and gentle as he cupped them over my clutched ones.

"Mhm." I remove my hand from around my wrist and place it in his outstretched hands, my brows furrowing as he examined it with hardened eyes, blood lust oozing off of him.

"Kyden did this?" He asked as if his brother wasn't powerful enough to even come close to emitting a spark. I nod. "I'm going to kill him," He promised lowly and I couldn't help but smile at the declaration, a soft giggle bubbling in my chest and slipping past my lips.

He looks up from my wound to my soft smile. "There's my girl," He whispered like his words were for only him to hear. "Let's get this wrapped up, yeah?" He tilts his head and I nod with another sniffle.

He goes to the cabinet I had been searching in and immediately finds a roll of gauze, then grabs a tub of ointment that would hydrate the affected skin.

We stay silent as he gently tends to my burn, loosely swathing the wrap before clasping it with a metal pin.

As soon as he was done, his touch remained light as he opened my hand and placed a loving kiss on my palm, looking at me with sheer devotion and I swore I fell for him all over again. "Why don't we get ready for bed?" He says casually, acting like my world didn't revolve entirely around him. I unconsciously nod but my feet aren't quite ready to meet the ground and I nearly go down. He chuckled. "I thought your wrist was hurt, not your legs?" He teases and I look up at him with a stubborn pout. "Alright, lean on me, I'll carry you." He opens his arms, welcoming me into them as he lifts me, my legs wrapping around his torso on instinct and my arms rounding the nape of his neck.

He carries me out of the bathing chamber and places me down onto the silk bedsheets, leaving my side for only a moment to change into something more comfortable for himself and grab a nightgown for me.

He returned to my side, undoing the corset of my dress and allowing me to impatiently thrash off my layered skirts until I was left mostly nude, save for my underwear. He slipped my softest nightgown over my head, I fed my arms through it, feeling like a child under his nurturing hand.

"Thank you, Eris," I murmur, looking up at him with only kindness and he matches the expression. "Yeah, whatever, just get in bed," He says with a blush creeping over his cheeks while gesturing me back into the pillows. I smile as I follow his embarrassed request.

He places himself beside me, leaning back against the headboard as I stare up at him. "I'm sorry I wasn't there my sweet," He runs a hand through my hair. "It's okay," I utter and he shakes his head. "It's not, I won't leave you again— you can come with me on my mission next time okay?" He says, a slightly stern tone to his voice.

"Okay." I nod.

"C'mere, come sit in my lap," He runs a hand through my hair once more before I sit up and place myself between his legs, leaning against his chest as he props his head up atop mine. The tears had stopped by now, and the throbbing in my wrist was replaced with the tune of Eris' heartbeat, my ear pressed to his chest, the steady sound comforting me.

"Tell me about your mission," I rasp, hoping he'd drone on about everything he did today, his voice has always guided me into sleep.

And he did just that, his fingers toying with the ends of my hair, his touch remaining delicate until sleep enveloped me with welcome arms, his voice slowly coming to a stop once he realized I had dozed off. He leaned down, placing a gentle kiss on the top of my head. "Goodnight, love."

"Goodnight, 'Ris," I murmur, unable to even form my words around his entire name before sleep stole me.

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[vanseerra]

Some quick thoughts on Elucien and the concept of agency in fated mates following the SJM interview:

Elain is currently grappling for a sense of agency she has lost from being made fae and losing her fiancé as a consequence

To her, the bond is manufactured, irrelevant and manipulative

Lucien, on the other hand, recognises the significance, rarity and power of the bond, having grown up around fae custom and culture

The bond to him is sacred, predestined and a blessing

This point of conflict with be highly relevant to Eluciens story where they grapple and debate with each other about the extent to which they are agents of their own fate and just how far the bond messes with peoples emotions

What if what you feel is fake? How do I know what is created and what is authentic? What if the only reason you are pursuing me is because of the bond? Do you even know?

Lucien is showing Elain currently that she does have agency in their relationship. He is respectful and distant, never pursuing her or forcing her to accept the bond, despite his personal feelings about it’s importance

Elain is tired of being abandoned. Through the series she is left by her fiancé and then treated as a mistake by Azriel. She wants to be chosen. But for the right reasons.

Azriel wants to be Elains mate because it ‘makes sense’. There’s lessons here to be learnt about why fate is unpredictable and how it pushes characters to grow and develop.

Eris and Mor as well as Helion and Lady Autumn will be crucial for Elucien in exploring agency, rejected mates and the limitations of the bond.

There are so many ideas that come up when discussing the concept of fate and destiny in relation to the bond which is what SJM is referring to. I don’t think the mention of rejected mates is a doom sentence for Elucien and instead offers a wide range of questions that are already relevant to their story and is due to be explored in time.

What will be made clear is that Elain does have agency over her decisions. But just as far as she’s able to reject the bond, she could also choose to pursue it. SJM would never put Elain in a situation where she has to accept a relationship without personal agency. And that is the key point.

[acourtofthought]

So, apparently, Elriel has "peak mate behavior" because Azriel displayed rage and wrath in regards to Elain. Such as when he said, " I'm getting her back."

If peak mate behavior was bringing out aggressive emotions in a person, wouldn't Azriel actually be Mor's mate? I mean, he wanted to demand a Blood Duel of Eris after Mor was left on the Autumn border and just look at what he did during the high lord's meeting.

Tamlin should also be mates with Feyre too then, right? I would consider low-key starting an entire war over one woman a pretty rage/wrath fueled decision.

I feel like some Elriels miss the point of a mating bond. It's not just about wanting to avenge the other person. It's also about wanting the very best for them in every situation and putting their own desires above yours no matter the cost to you. Hence, why Rhys was going to let Feyre marry Tamlin, or why Lucien is keeping his distance from Elain.

Azriel has shown aggressive behavior in regards to Elain, yes, but he hasn't necessarily shown concern, at least not as we've seen from mates already, and it's the fact that he's missing that key component that I don't currently think Elriel will be endgame.

"Wanting the best for them in every situation and putting their desires before yours" is so spot on. Az does not care what is best for Elain over what is best for him.

Also, it's not mate behavior when wrath is kind of Az's default setting, when Rhys tells us Az's icy rage has always scared the shit out of him. When that rage comes out for Mor, for Feyre, when it's directed at Jurian, the King, Amarantha, his brothers, etc. I've included the excerpts below, that show Az is typically a full of rage, wrathful kind of character.

How is Az going after Elain any different than Az being ready to disobey Rhys to head into the battle shortly after his return while severely wounded "you'll have to chain me to a tree"? Shouldn't he want to be by Elain's side after her kidnapping? He was willing to sit out for Mor but didn't think to sit out for Elain?

It's not mate behavior when Elain was being violated during the Cauldron scene and Azriel only cared for Mor.

It's not mate behavior when Az had an "unspoken debate" with himself then decided to go after her.

It's not mate behavior when Az drew straws to avoid guarding Elain during the worst of her depression.

It's not mate behavior when Az showed zero interest in visiting Elain during the worst of her depression.

It's not mate behavior to look at another female with heat and yearning while the girl you're supposedly "true mates" with is in the room with you.

It's not mate behavior to regift the necklace you gave your "true mate" to another female.

It's not mate behavior to feel a spark in your chest over another females happiness.

It's not mate behavior to not show admiration for the girl you supposedly want.

It's not mate behavior to give her zero credit for her bravery.

It's not mate behavior to believe she shouldn't be exposed to the darkness of the Trove while thinking her sister can.

It's not mate behavior when Feyre ordered Az to get Elain to safety and he ignored the orders of his High Lady to stay behind to also save Feyre.

It's not mate behavior when Cassian was the first to want Elain armed during the war.

It's not mate behavior when Az didn't even check on Elain after the battle.

It's not mate behavior when he used the exact same voice on Elain that he uses on enemies and to charm allies into getting his information:

"The sixth queen is alive?" Azriel asked, calm and steady, the voice of the High Lord's spymaster, who had broken enemies and charmed allies."

Az treated Elain exactly as he treats others when he collects intel versus Lucien who Feyre notes she'd never heard her friends voice so soft or tentative when talking to Elain.

Mate behavior brings out a side to a character that we don't typically witness from them. Like Lucien's struggle with controlling his anger whenever Graysen is mentioned or when Nesta said "we'll decide what she needs" when he was telling them Elain needed to get outside, Lucien tapping into a brand new power to get to Elain's side, Lucien being at a loss for the right words whenever he's near Elain because she leaves him a bit tongue tied and awkward in his own skin (something that is noteworthy considering he's very good at talking to people).

Mate behavior is instinctual, like Lucien losing his shit when the bond first snapped and he couldn't stop himself from snarling and roaring. Does Lucien typically snarl and roar? Or was he struggling to control his actions because of the mating bond?

Mate behavior is not Az saying to Nesta, "what about Elain?" and NESTA being the one to run in terror to Elain's tent. Mate behavior would have been Az himself running to Elain's tent for fear of what he'd find. Mate behavior is not sitting there watching Nesta and Cassian discuss trying to get Elain back then him only declaring he'd get her back once Nesta said it was impossible. Mate behavior is not staying away from Elain for a year because he couldn't stand her bond even though she could have used the emotional support from someone she considered a maybe friend during that time (mate behavior is Rhys and Lucien staying away from Feyre and Elain because they believed they were happiest without them, Az stayed away due to his own selfish reasons).

All in all, nothing in Az's actions is mate behavior when it comes to Elain. It is canon that Az is often the first to throw himself into danger, that he is competitive to an extreme, that he is typically full of wrath and aggression, and the scars from his mother's past make him act a certain way towards females at times. These are not things special to Elain.

Lucien showing devastation at Elain's depression, sitting in his room thinking of ways to help her, offering condolences for the loss of her father, supporting her vision by heading off on a mission alone that Az claimed was too dangerous for even Rhys at a certain point, a vision Az didn't even think was all that important to follow since Mor was the one arguing for it, leaving his mates side to risk his life when it's clear he was longing for her but knew she wanted Graysen? That's mate behavior.

Az hiding in Feyre's shadows during Elain's rescue while Feyre did the most dangerous part, Az not caring about Elain's trauma or mental health at any point in the series? That is not.

[bookbitchx]

Blog Introduction.

Marhaba, Salut, Hello.

My blog is mostly centered around the Maasverse.

I don't claim to know what it's like or what it takes to write a successful series, let alone multiple, and I never will.

These are my opinions, mostly based on the ACOTAR series, soon enough TOG (a much needed reread before I can give my solid opinion) and CC (whenever I get to actually reading it.)

Heavily centered tags: Anti Rhysand, Anti Feyre, Anti Feysand, Anti IC, Anti Nessian, Anti Cassian, Anti Amren, Anti Mor.

Pro Lucien, Pro Eris, Pro Tamlin, Pro Nesta, Pro Gwyn, Pro Emerie, Pro Tarquin, Pro Helion, Pro Thesan.

Neutral: Azriel, Elain, Vassa, Jurian, Kallias, Viviane, literally anyone else left.

▪︎Anti Rhysand: I can't stand the guy. Plain and simple.

▪︎Anti Feyre: I liked her in the first book, even a few chapters into AF, where that Feyre went, I'll never know.

▪︎Anti Feysand: The most obnoxious rulers in all of Prythian. It would've been fine if they had anything to back it up with, but they don't.

▪︎Anti IC: This one is obvious. They're more like an inbred cult than a found family.

▪︎Anti Nessian: I deluded myself that the bond is Made, and I stand by that.

▪︎Anti Cassian: He's the worst mate ever written by SJM, and that's saying something since she wrote Rhysand.

▪︎Anti Amren: I could tolerate her in AF, but she's completely unnecessary after WAR.

▪︎Anti Mor: Could've been a great character, failed her miserably in whatever it is she is now.

▪︎Pro Lucien: Why wouldn't I be? Easily the best written character in the series.

▪︎Pro Eris: Everything is not as it seems. Maybe I'll eat my words later on, maybe I won't. We'll see.

▪︎Pro Tamlin: This is a tricky one. I don't condone/encourage/find what he did okay pre-petty Feyre revenge. However, he's more than made up and paid for it.

▪︎Pro Nesta: I also don't condone her actions in the first few chapters of TAR, some of SF, but again, she's more than made up for it.

▪︎Pro Gwyn, Emerie, Tarquin, Helion, Thesan: Obvious reasons.

▪︎Azriel: He's there, I guess. I'm disappointed with the way he was written, but yk. Waiting for his book to make up my mind.

▪︎Elain: She's also there. Idk. From what I did see of her in the books, she's alright. Hated her for not standing up for Nesta, but I'm over it.

▪︎Kallias and Viviane: I loved their story, at least the bits that we saw. However, I'll forever judge them for not hounding Rhysand about the 'other' Daemati's name. I'll keep believing he did it until anon Daemati's head is brought and shown.

▪︎Vassa, Jurian: Gave Lucien a place in the band of Exiles. Nothing more needs to be said.

I'm team Elucien all the way.

Iffy about if Gwynriel will happen, but I would love to see them together.

If these are not your things, it's totally your choice. Feel free to leave, or if you want to debate, I'm all for it as long as neither if us try to convince the other of something and try to shove it down the other's throat.

I do post other things, or I'm going to, mostly book reviews based on these genres: Romantasy, Fantasy, Mystery, YA, Dark Romance.

Also, English isn't my first or second language. If I make grammar/vocabulary mistakes, this is my sorry in advance.

Okay, I think that's it.

Byeeee.

[mygreendandelion]

the more you go down the list of who this part might be comparing nesta to, the more disturbing it gets.

to mor? because fuck nesta for being cold when mor endured worse and is (debatably) nice? ignoring the fact she had 500 years to deal with her shit while nesta is fresh out of poverty? not to mention how this book is supposedly about mental health yet sets ridiculous standards for the traumatized and reinforces the idea of there only being one acceptable way to have trauma.

to eris? because they both could have done something? feyre can't cook. so riddle me this, who the fuck was cooking? not feyre. feyre was out hunting all the time. so who did the housework? not feyre. who chops their wood? not. feyre.

to mor's family? because what? being cold equates to literal torture? fuck rhysand, i feel like i don't say that enough. fuck him. needless to say the passage compares feyre and mor to act like rhysand has valid reasons for being just a huge fucking dick. 'where her failings were concerned' shut up. she's not your goddamn mother. she, a child, had no responsibility to parent another child.

acting like he has any right to be angry at anyone on feyre's behalf. like he was not the origin of her sexual trauma, like he didn't assist in amarantha traumatizing her. take a fucking backseat, rhysand, and think about what you did.

[tadpolesonalgae]

“Maybe you just aren’t made for first choice.”

Would have bitch slapped her

At least Eris took her in unlike you MoRrIgAn

I hope Feyre hears what Rhys and Morrigan did, such assholes

Bitches she tried to kill herself

The fuck is you on about trying to harm her more

Poor reader her hands are ruined (please heal them because I had something similar and I am so happy they are pretty again), she tried killing herself, she has no will to live, only Baz is her friend, suspected of conspiring with Eris, her love gets rejected, under surveillance, doesn’t have her powers under controll…. God I would have done the same

I hope she heals away from the IC my poor baby😭

Thank you for writing this amazing story

-🩰

‘Would have bitch slapped her’

You’re so unhinged 🤦 (I think reader might have appreciated the sentiment 🧡💛)

‘At least Eris took her in unlike you MoRrIgAn’

I can hear that pronunciation through my phone screen 😭 I feel like if reader had said that with enough conviction, Mor would have honestly flinched ☹️

‘I hope Feyre hears what Rhys and Morrigan did, such assholes’

Wait I agree about Mor, what did Rhys do? I know reader was freaking out but I was trying to write that scene to be firm but gentle 😭 like Rhys is the High Lord so a member of his family being so close with Eris, then also why Eris have her the ash arrow and the things Eris might have revealed to reader despite her being kept away from court machinations would be worrying, but at the same time he knows reader nearly died?? And having lost his own sister how is he supposed to handle that knowing his mate nearly went through the same pain he and his own family went through?

But yeah, I’m curious what will happen between Mor and Feyre particularly (and Nesta, because, Nesta)

‘Poor reader her hands are ruined (please heal them because I had something similar and I am so happy they are pretty again)’

I’m happy you’re happy with your own hands again :)

Uh, but reader’s hands…they get healed eventually…👀

‘doesn’t have her powers under controll….’

…yet!!!!! I can find a silver lining for you!!! She doesn’t have control of her magic, yet!!!!!

‘I hope she heals away from the IC my poor baby😭’

I’m kind of worried by how many people seem to want reader to just screw the IC and go off by herself 🫣👀

Definitely have my work cut out for me in writing the rest of the story 🤭🧡💛

‘Thank you for writing this amazing story’

Thank you so much for reading it and sticking with it and supporting it and continuously writing in about it!!!! Seriously it is such a huge help to making me want to write more and also keeping me enjoying writing it? I love getting to hear you debating over their actions and just generally talking about it! I honestly can’t express how wonderful it is so thank you! 🫂🫂🫂🫂

[nikethestatue]

I would like to kindly ask where it’s canon, not theories, that Elain had to be uglyfied in order not to attract attention. I’m only wondering because until I see it published by Sara herself I can’t help but take it as offending towards Nesta since that night was about her level of skill and prowess not about Elain

The black, drab dress at the Hewn City Solstice Ball.

Rhys needed Nesta to dance with Eris. Hence the rehearsals, the perp, the learning of the dances with Mor, however, in the end, because Eris would've had the choice of dancing with either sister, they dressed Elain down, so she wouldn't attract his attention, and he in fact comments himself 'you sister is a beauty, but tonight you outshine her'. That means that everyone's natural inclination is towards Elain and her beauty. Elain had to look plain and as basic as possible, so to allow Nesta to take centre stage.

Now, do I personally think that Nesta is a beauty? Yeah. But absolutely everyone noticed Elain. It's SJM's choice.

Logically, the IC could've said 'oh, well, Elain is Lucien's mate. No way Eris is gonna pay attention to her because he'd know that she is off limits." Yet, they went out of their way to make sure that she isn't her usual self.

The black dress has been debated literally TO DEATH. Why is she even wearing a black dress that leeches colour from her and makes her look less attractive than she usually is? That's the reason. She is wearing it to LOOK ugly, not because she can't wear black. If she'd be in some stunning black dress she'd be just as beautiful as her sisters and then some.

[ellievickstar]

Look Pretty (Eris x Reader)

A/N: I was listening to 2016 songs and Sit Still Look Pretty by Daya came one and let me tell you, inspiration is real. Shout out to Eris for choosing wisely. I really want to do an Azriel version. Idk. This follows the song quite closely, hence the lyrics in the dialogue. A lot.

Summary: After finding out your being betrothed to the Lord of Autumn in place of your sister Mor, you begin to visit the woods more often to have time to yourself when a hooded stranger meets you. 

Inspiration: Sit Still Look Pretty by Daya

Requested: Non-existent

Warnings: Beron Vanserra, Arranged Marriage, Mentions of domestic abuse

~*~*~*~*~

“You can’t do that!” You yelled as you stood from the table. Your father, Keir, had just broken the news that you were going to marry the heir to the High Lord of Autumn, Eris. Your father simply pursed his lips as he reprimanded you for your poor manners, you mother began to yell at you for not dutifully accepting that you need to play a part to extend your family power. You shook your head in disbelief as you stormed out of the room, telling them you needed time to think.

You walked down the long halls of the Hewn city as you made your way out of the castle and stormed to the forest on the outskirts of the city. Once you had gotten far out enough, you sat down as you looked at the beautiful night sky. A week. That’s all you had lefty before the High Lord’s son would whisk you away and make you his wife for the rest of eternity. You knew that the females in the Autumn Court suffered way more then the ones in the Night Court, you wouldn’t survive. You would be used as some breeding tool to breed powerful heirs because of your stupid magic.

You wept silently as you wished that things could change, that by some luck you could get away. But, after what happened with Morrigan, they kept tabs on you often and you weren’t allowed past the border in the forest from the Illyrian camps, you couldn’t get back if you tried because everyone would bring you right back and males would know to stay away from you so giving away your virginity was out of the question.

The sound of crushing leaves made your ears perk up as you wiped your face. “Why do you cry, young one?” A voice said, male. You rolled your eyes as you looked to the source of the voice, a hooded male. You debated sharing your woes to this stranger, ill talking your father was probably a bad idea, but you didn’t have anything left to lose.

You broke down as you told the male about the engagement, your powers, your restrictions, how you were forced into everything your whole life, how you had no control. Going to the Autumn Court would only make you more suffocated as people made you prepare and build you become the dutiful wife of the Young Lord of the Autumn Court.

“But, wouldn’t someone so beautiful as you want to be pampered your whole life? By marrying the Lord you would be set for life,” He stated. You only laughed dryly. “How are you so sure that means happiness?” You asked, he only stayed silent. You sighed as you looked back at the sky.

“I spent my whole life under the control of my parents, being spoilt might be what I’m used to, but I want fun. I want to make the wrong choices, I want freedom. And this,” You gestured to your gown and jewellery, “Isn’t it.”

“You don’t like a lavish life style?”

You pursed your lips at the question. “Not exactly,” You frowned s you considered your words carefully, “I love dressing up, but I’m not doing it for myself, I’m doing it for my reputation, for my parents, and marrying Eris…” You trailed off as your eyes darted from the male to the border of the Autumn Court far off.

“It would just be another guildes cage. I could always dress up and pretend, but, on the inside I don’t think I’ll be happy,” “Why? Many females would be happy to dress up in pretty jewels and call it a day, let their husband do all the work,” He questioned. You huffed again, annoyed at this prying and mosey male, but it wouldn’t hurt to explain.

“I could dress up to get love. But, I never will be that female,” You said disdainfully. “I could play dutiful wife and pretend that I need some strong male. But I don’t. Especially not a male who probably abuses his power and will treat me like some plaything, from what I’ve heard,” You corrected. He nodded, encouraging you to continue.

“I mean, I know that sitting around and only worrying about what I’m wearing is probably a dream for a lot of females, but I’m not a puppet, I’m a human and I want to…” You thought for a moment and the male cocked his head, intrigued. “Want to change the world,” You laughed at yourself, but he seemed genuinely interested. “Why?” He asked again. You shrugged. 

“Cause I want to,” You said, “Because that’s where I wanna be, I don’t want to sit still and look pretty,” You scrunched up your face as he laughed, it was genuine laughter, something you hadn’t heard in a while, and it wasn’t at how strange your dreams were, it seemed to be something else, but you couldn’t quite put your finger on it. 

More footsteps approached and you sighed, it was probably the guards that were sent out by your father to make sure you weren’t doing anything wrong. You were about to bid goodbye to your new companion, but he had already left, only a note remained. 

~*~*~*~*~

The note had stated clearly that if you wished, he’s be back there the same time at night. You quickly gobbled down your food and excused yourself, telling your parents that you wanted to go for a walk, when your father had tried to protest, you simply explained that you wished to enjoy your last few days in the Night Court before you go to Autumn with your betrothed. He didn’t say a word after. 

You crept to the same spot that you had gone to the night before, and true enough, he was there. You could see the flash of a grin from under the heavy hood he was wearing and you smiled in return. That’s when he handed you a bottle. You sniffed it and recoiled at the strong scent of alcohol. 

“You seemed like you needed to let loose last night, so I brought alcohol,” He deadpanned. You looked at the awaiting bottle, and looked back at the male before grabbing it and gulping the contents. He chuckled as he reminded you to slow down. 

A few minutes of drinking in silence later, you finally caved to the wait of your struggled. “I don’t want to be a dutiful wife,” “You said that yesterday,” He hummed. You rolled your eyes as you sat down on the ground against a tree, he quickly joined you. 

“I mean, Eris could easily be the type of male that likes to control everything and that would include me, and I would much rather fly solo,” You whistled as you gestured a bird flying with your hands drunkenly. He smiled at you, and you giggled at your own actions. “There’s a children story,” He started, and you turned your head to look at him, “It’s called Snow White and there were technically seven men to do the chores for her,” He stated. You clapped as you agreed replied, “Because that isn’t what a lady is for,” You cheered. 

He chortled at you childish acts and you punched him lightly in the shoulder. 

“Even if he is nice, the only thing his father is going to give me would be captivity,” You mumbled, suddenly saddened at the thought. The atmosphere seemed to shift as he turned his body and rubbed circles on you back as you cried drunken tears. “You’ll be alright,” He promised and you sniffled while wiping your face. “How do you know,” You asked, he stayed silent before saying, “I just know you will change the world, Little flame,” And with that, he left. 

You didn’t see him the next night. 

Or the one after. 

~*~*~*~*~

The day you dreaded finally arrived as you dragged yourself out of bed that morning. You tried to look out the window to see if you could spot that familiar hooded male with the deep and enchanting voice. Nothing. You sighed as the handmaiden came to call you to the meeting room, it was time to meet your betrothed and then leave for the Autumn Court. 

You slowly entered the sitting room as you straightened your skirts, your eyes flitted from your father to the two red-headed males. Your father, introduced you smoothly and you bowed your head slightly, lips tightly pressed together. 

“She is rather young, isn’t she?” Beron mused as flames shot out, you were startled as a shield of starlight blocked the blow and created a shield of night around you on instinct. Dark starlight glowed in your hands as you raised you arms. You winced at the impact and he chuckled darkly, Eris remained seated as he kept a neutral expression. 

“Eighteen is old enough to have power, my lord,” You breathed as you lowered your shield and straightened your skirts again, the posture of ever-loving elegance and grace. He hummed in agreement as he motioned for your father to step out of the room for a moment. 

You sighed as you approached the seat allocated for you and turned your hands over as starlight glowed. Your eyes flitted to Eris and you were intrigued when you saw amusement glow in his eyes. 

“Quite the show there, little flame,” 

~*~*~*~*~ A/N: I AM FINALLY DONE WITH THIS :D There will be part 2 cause why not. BYE LOVES <3333 (Idk I’m very high on sugar today)

taglist: tag list: @moonfawnx @bankerfrog @younxii @starlit-terror @hideing@flightlesslittlebirdie @menagerofmischief @famousbasementpainter@owllover123 @cityofidek @gigisssz 

[vidalinav]

I think my new fun fic series I’m going to do is just one-shots with Nesta and the IC. Cassian, Gwyn, Emerie, Feyre, and Elain may make appearances, but it will be purely based on Azriel, Rhys, Mor, and Nesta’s pov (and sometimes Lucien). And it’s not even going to be serious. It’s going to be Nesta in various situations that the others end up witnessing where they’re surprised by her behavior and honestly get to know her the way others see her and maybe more of an expanse of things we saw in acosf and other books, her characteristics. 

So it’s like Nesta getting hounds for Cassian’s birthday, and them seeing her interacting with Eris and her being conniving but also enticing. Or Nesta getting hit on when Cassian leaves for just a second at like a dinner or night out, in which Azriel debates whether he should go protective brother in law and Rhys is like nah I want to see her a punch a person. Or her being at the Illyrian camp and her getting in constant fights with Devlon and Devlon almost seeming both perturbed and irritated but also maybe too soft, because the bat boys know they’d have gotten their asses kicked with that behavior. It’s Rhys trying to find the things Nesta likes because he can’t seem to get gifting right for her, and his love language is gifts and he’s got Amren in the bag, but Nesta is harder to please, so Nesta just starts manipulating him in a way and she’ll be like as a gift, give me your silence, I’m tired of listening to you. Things like that. 

Again, it wouldn’t be super serious, but it would be this strange middle transitions they find themselves in where they’re family by association, but they don’t really know each other well. The theme of it will definitely be like the titles they have for each other. Like when someone asks Nesta who are these people to you, she doesn’t know what to say, so she’s like these are my mate’s friends/family, which they don’t really like because it’s a very disconnected way of who they are to each other even if it’s true, and they’re like... well I thought we’ve turned a new leaf here, we’re practically family, but it’s not that simple or that easy. So in some ways it’s trying to integrate Nesta into their circle but also getting their relationship with her beyond Cassian and them being mated, while Nesta’s really just doing her own thing. 

It would be called the In-laws. 

[theladyofbloodshed]

A Court of Tangled Flames - Chapter 26

Home. How could one little word mean so much? Each time that Nesta’s heart beat, it was a call to home. To the man she loved. To the place she’d chosen. Home.

She wanted to go home.

Rovena had seen her to a narrow room with walnut wood panelling it. The room was cosy with a bed warmer already tucked into the sheets despite the early hour of the day. A small chest of drawers was nestled into a corner and within it were several items of clean and neatly folded clothing. There were dresses, leggings, night gowns, new socks and gloves. This was a room for a new arrival who likely had nothing. But that wasn’t Nesta. She had everything waiting for her.

She curled onto the bed then tucked the blankets around her head like when Eris had first spirited her away to the Autumn Court and she’d struggled to get out of bed.

Rovena padded into the room softly then Nesta heard her set down another mug. A hand brushed against the mound that was her body beneath the quilt, but Azriel’s mother didn’t try to peel it away. Nesta was thankful for that.

For a long while, Nesta debated winnowing, but she knew it was foolish. Her winnowing was always done with the safety net of Eris following in case anything went wrong. She knew her limits and knew that she might only get as far as the Dawn Court if she was lucky – and would need to rest. The last thing Nesta wanted was to end up in a foreign place alone and weak, or even in the Middle again. Compared to Cassian as her mate, she’d take a kelpie drowning her though.

The thought of being near Eris and putting him in danger made her want to sob anew. Cassian wouldn’t accept her refusal. He’d continue to claim that Nesta was bewitched by Eris or held in the Autumn Court against her will. If he called the Blood Duel, there could be no happy ending. If Cassian died, the Night Court might declare war or at the very least, Nesta would never be permitted to see her sisters again. The other outcome didn’t bear thinking about. There could be no future without Eris.

Worse than Cassian, was Beron. A Blood Duel made her sick to her stomach but Beron finding out about that wretched bond added a new layer of horror to it.

Every inhale felt fluttery with the fear that was running rampant through her mind.

If anybody other than Nesta told Eris about the bond snapping, he’d be bereft. The thought of Cassian being the one to do it – to throw it at him in a rage to try and hurt him – made her sick to her stomach. She needed to see him.

With every passing year, Nesta had built her fortress a little higher, brick by brick. Many had tried to knock it down and force their way in. Eris had simply knocked on the door and waited. Or, that one time at Orla’s, he had climbed through the window, she supposed.

She just wanted to be home. She wanted her husband.

***

‘You cannot keep me from my mate.’

Varian sported a bloodied lip and Mor’s cheeks were blotted with colour when Rhys arrived. He was thankful that his mate was safe elsewhere in the city. His first reaction had been to get Feyre to the House of Wind out of reach of Cassian. He didn’t truly believe his brother would hurt Feyre, but they were two males on the edge and Rhys wasn’t about to roll the dice and expect luck not to curse them.

‘I can and I will.’

‘This is bullshit,’ Cassian spat.

He was all hot temper, usually, easily cooled with the right sort of leverage. Azriel had always been the more dangerous of the two. As quickly as Cassian’s storms came, they passed.

Mating bonds were complicated. There was no other way to describe them. Rhys had sorted through his own feelings alone, in private, and it was hell. Letting Feyre go to Tamlin felt like carving his own heart out – but he believed it was what she wanted, so he did it. He let her go to him.  

If only Cassian could see that Nesta wanted Eris. There was too much bad blood there, too much history with Nesta to let her slip away. It would ruin him. But he would ruin her.

Rhys stood firm, blocking the door. One small mercy was that Cassian couldn’t winnow. His only exit was through flight.  

‘This needs to stop.’

‘Fucking hell, Cass,’ Mor breathed, pushing back her tangled blonde hair. ‘I don’t even like Nesta and I know you’re only going to push her away if you chase her.’

Cassian’s chest rose and fell as he sucked in breaths. It was a testament to Varian’s skill that he still lived against a frenzied general of Illyria. Or maybe there was some sense still clinging onto Cassian’s mind.

Mor rested against the wall. She appeared exhausted from whatever magic she’d exerted keeping him there. She forced out a breath through pursed lips. ‘Just because there’s a bond now, it doesn’t change anything.’

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ He snarled.

At his tone, Mor flinched. Rhys took a step closer to his cousin, ready to shield her if need be. ‘I think what Mor means is that Nesta is married to Eris. The bond snapping into place doesn’t alter her marriage vows – or her heart, Cass.’

A fist hit the wall and Rhys heard the crunch of Cassian’s knuckles.

‘Eris doesn’t care about her. He only wanted her to get back at us.’

‘You would be better hitting your stone skull at the wall than your knuckle,’ said Amren. Her eyes narrowed as she took in the dent in the wall where his fist had met it. ‘Maybe you’d knock some sense into yourself.’

‘Or knock yourself out,’ Mor muttered.

‘She’s my mate,’ said Cassian, his voice cracking on the last word.

‘And what does that mean?’ Rhys demanded, tired of this. He wanted to be at Feyre’s side. Wanted to feel his son moving against her skin. Not here. Not butting heads with his stubborn brother. ‘What does it mean to be Nesta Archeron’s mate?’

Cassian swallowed. For a while he couldn’t find words then, ‘She should be here with me.’

Shaking his head, Rhys crossed his arms over his chest. ‘I was prepared to let my mate marry my enemy because I thought that would bring her happiness. I loved her enough to let her go.’

‘It’s Eris. You know what he’s like.’ His hazel eyes turned to Mor. ‘You know what he could be doing to her.’

Soft footsteps entered the room. Elain stayed near the doorway, her delicate hands wringing together. ‘Is there a way you could show them something in my mind?’

In response, Rhys gave a slow nod. This could be a catastrophe.

Elain had no mental shields really. It was like slicing through butter on a hot day. Where her elder sister’s mind had been a stronghold made of wrought iron, Elain’s mind was a meadow on a spring day full of wildflowers – open and unguarded. A memory pushed to the surface which Rhys pressed into the minds of everybody gathered.

Nesta sat in a chair with a large dog wedged in with her. A plate was held aloft to keep it from the dog and her other hand fussed the beast. Perched on the arm of the chair was Eris, with an arm scooped around Nesta. He leaned forwards to kiss her temple then pressed a cup to her lips so she could take a drink. It was the day that Azriel had took Elain to meet the healer of the Autumn Court, Rhys realised. Nesta appeared more relaxed than he’d ever seen her before as she leant closer to Eris. In five hundred years, he had never seen the heir to the Autumn Court so gentle. Eris always touched Nesta as though he couldn’t stop himself from stroking against her hair or resting a hand on her shoulder. And Nesta burrowed into every soft touch.

They were pulled out of the memory.

Elain’s face betrayed her fear, but she held firm. ‘I am sorry, Cassian. Nesta is not under an enchantment. I don’t think there could be any enchantment that would sway her feelings. Eris has only ever been good to her. He ensures her friends can visit. He’s found a way to save Feyre. He managed to arrange a meeting with me and her at the Winter Court celebration. He trains her magic. He hired a tutor to teach her about Prythian. She’s learning to ride a horse. She visits the army with him.’ Elain let out a breath. ‘I wish my sister remained close by, but we have to accept her happiness lies elsewhere.’

***

‘One night. One night. That’s what you said. It’s only one night. The longest night of the year and look what has happened,’ Eris ranted in Orla’s kitchen.

Niamh rolled her eyes. She’d been pulled back from Windhaven. ‘In fairness, it seems to have happened during breakfast so the night wasn’t the issue.’

Do not kill her, a voice in Eris’ mind said.

Orla shook her head. ‘That was not helpful, Niamh.’

‘Helpful? Fine. Tell them that unless the bond is broken, the high lady can die.’

Orla’s eyes went wide at her sister’s suggestion. Where one was soft and encouraged growth, the other preferred to stamp on it. ‘What a horrid thing to say, Niamh.’

‘I am horrid,’ she muttered, crossing her legs on the foot rest.  

‘We need contingency plans for every possible outcome.’ Eris hadn’t been able to sit down since he returned to the Autumn Court. He’d set fire to Orla’s lawn when he winnowed in. He was not in the habit of taking orders from Rhysand, but the high lord had told him to wait at the healer’s house and when he tracked down Nesta, she would be returned.

Niamh was ruthless. Orla was sensible. They’d dragged Ashur back from the Illyrian foothills too to help with planning. Although he’d been an excellent double over the years, Eris didn’t want to sacrifice Asher and place him in Cassian’s path either. His military strategy was useful to their planning.

For hours, they planned for every possible outcome of the next few weeks. Through it all, Niamh scoffed and scoffed at whatever she could find in the kitchen, but Eris could not eat a bite. He couldn’t sit, could barely breathe without his chest constricting with worry over Nesta. Where had their damn shadow singer taken her?

A Blood Duel seemed likely if the bastard was as frenzied as his high lord claimed. He didn’t want to fight. Either outcome caused harm to Nesta. Eris’ only hope with that avenue was that his father wouldn’t allow it because Cassian wasn’t high fae and didn’t have the same status in the Autumn Court.

‘What if you shared Nesta?’

‘Niamh,’ Orla warned.

Every single visit to the Night Court would be overshadowed by Cassian’s presence. What could Eris do? Ban her from visiting her family in case the bond became too difficult to refuse? Or send her there willingly with the knowledge that Cassian would always desire her?

‘It won’t come to war. The high lord won’t waste our blood against Illyrians.’ A crease had formed between Ashur’s brow. ‘Not for love. Maybe a showcase of Nesta’s powers again to your father is necessary, to remind him of her value.’

Eris’ jaw tensed. He knew Ashur spoke the truth. His father equated power with value – but he couldn’t trot Nesta out like a show pony to gain favour.

‘I’d rather she killed him and made me high lord,’ he muttered. Such words were treason, but he was amongst good company.

‘How are you so certain Nesta doesn’t want to be his mate?’

She wouldn’t. Eris knew his wife. She deserved so much more than a male who’d never put her first, who’d chose her sister over her. Again, a voice told him not to kill Niamh.

Orla had been quiet through most of it as she prepared different ointments using herbs from her garden. ‘I can mask the bond for Nesta. I’ve done it before for females who want it numbed so they cannot feel it.’

‘Why is nobody listening to me?’ Niamh asked with a mouthful of food.

‘Because you have terrible ideas,’ sniped Ashur.

‘We don’t know where Nesta is. What if she is contemplating accepting the bond – then what do we do? We need to consider that too because maybe then your father really will go to war to get Nesta back. I’m not dying on Illyrian soil.’

Ashur snorted. ‘Females aren’t permitted to fight so that’s unlikely to happen.’

In response, Niamh clicked her tongue. ‘Excuse me? Our lord and saviour, Eris Vanserra has already proposed in a council meeting that females should join the ranks of guards and soldiers because we are automatically cutting our potential by half, I will have you know.’

‘Enough of this.’ Eris stormed from the room with the weight of the world pressing on his shoulders. He continued out of the house, needing to feel the cold evening air on his skin before he erupted. His temper had never been an issue. Years with Beron had taught him to keep it leashed. But Eris had never had anything he cared so much about before. 

The smoke hounds had bolted out with him and proceeded to race around the garden, chasing after moths.

He took steadying breaths to ground himself back to his home.

The door opened, allowing a crack of light to seep out, as Orla came to stand by his side.

Without a word, she pulled her arms around him. Eris sank into her soft embrace. ‘I can’t imagine how this is for you.’

‘I need to know she’s safe.’

‘I know,’ she murmured. A long beat of silence followed, then she said, ‘Your father would have been better chopping out Niamh’s tongue rather than a finger.’

Mist soaked over the grass like a wave then the smoke hounds returned to Eris, their ears pricked up and hackles raised. He pulled an arm around Orla, to tuck her behind him.

Two winged figures appeared.

Behind one was his wife.

 Nesta.

She surged forwards and he raced to meet her. When their skin met, Eris lifted Nesta into his arms, cradling her to his body.

A rattled sob broke out of her chest.

‘Eris. Eris, I need to tell you something.’ She took in a shuddering breath. ‘Cassian is. He’s my-’

‘I know. I know. I already know.’

She let out a keening cry against his skin as Eris carried her back towards the house. The two males followed behind, but he didn’t care. All that mattered was that Nesta was home. And he’d be damned if he was ever letting her step foot in the Night Court again without him.

‘Eris,’ came Rhysand’s voice.

He turned on the spot, cradling Nesta’s head with his hand.

‘You should go to your safe place. I’ve tried to talk sense into him, but I don’t know how long it will last.’

‘Get out of my court.’

Eris ushered Orla inside with him and the dogs remained on their heels. He didn’t care to wait to ensure Azriel and Rhysand had departed. In his mood, he might try to strike them with his magic.

A silence fell between Ashur and Niamh upon their entry to the lounge. Nesta was unable to peel her tear-stained face away from Eris – and if he was honest, he didn’t want her to. He needed her closeness.

‘Do you go to the cottage?’ Niamh asked.

Batten down the hatches and wait for the storm to blow over.

‘No. We go to the Forest House.’

A small gasp passed through Nesta’s lips. ‘If Cassian goes there-’

‘And we are not there, it will be far worse for us – and maybe him. My father is predictable. He cares only for power. I’d rather bet on him than an unstable Illyrian general.’ Eris pulled his coat from the hook and put it on his wife. ‘Better the devil we know than the devil we don’t.’ 

***

The moment they entered their rooms, Nesta tried to peel off her clothes and Eris’ but he wouldn’t have it. He kept his hands on her shoulders, holding her still.

‘You don’t need to do this.’

‘But I love you,’ she sniffed. ‘Please.’

Again, her fingers reached for him to try and open the buttons of his shirt, but Eris stopped her.

‘You don’t need to prove you love me by giving me your body, Nesta.’

She swallowed against the lump in her throat.

A feather-light kiss was pressed to her forehead. ‘Despite everything, how was the celebration?’

‘Fine. I spent most of the evening with Lucien.’

That brought a slight smile to his face then Eris laced his fingers with hers. It was odd to try and carve some normality after a day that was anything but normal. ‘I know you don’t celebrate, but I do have a Solstice gift for you.’

Eris led her through their bedroom and out onto the small balcony overlooking a thundering river wending through the forest.

He bent down towards a small, wooden cage then scooped up a ball of brown fur into his arms.

‘Astor caught the mother then was raiding the warren. I stopped him before he could eat this one.’ A small rabbit was tucked into the crook of Eris’ elbow. ‘I couldn’t shake the image of you as a child with a pet rabbit. He’s little so I’m not sure how long he will last, but it’s surely better to be in our care than to leave it to fend for itself in the woods.’

Nesta ran a finger along the soft fur between the rabbit’s eyes. ‘Won’t the dogs eat it?’

‘They can be trained not to touch him in the rooms. Would you like to hold him?’

Suddenly, Nesta was a little girl again sat on a wooden chair as a servant tucked an old blanket onto her lap then placed Snowdrop on top. One hand held the rabbit still, feeling its rapid heartbeat as it grew used to contact. The other hand moved in soothing strokes down his body.

‘A snow themed name for this brown rabbit?’

Nesta swallowed. ‘How can you be so calm? So normal?’

Eris crouched down in front of her. His arms went around Safera as the dog leaned forwards to sniff the rabbit. She didn’t try anything. Just watched the rabbit with her big, black eyes.

‘I loved you yesterday. I love you today. Nothing has changed.’

‘Everything has changed.’

‘Do you still love me?’

‘Yes,’ she breathed.

‘Then nothing has changed.’

'The bond.'

Eris brushed his thumb down her cheek. 'We don't need to talk about it today.'

The knock at the door had Nesta clutching the rabbit against her chest. Eris’ brow furrowed as he rose to his feet. It was surely a messenger alerting them that Cassian had kicked down the door to the Forest House and demanded a Blood Duel. Her heart felt like it was giving up.

She couldn’t hear the words that were exchanged. Nesta kept her eyes trained on Eris’ back, searching for any slight hints of tension or alteration to his posture. None came.

‘We are expected to join my father for dinner.’

At the first signs of her distress, Eris had gone to his knees before her. His expression was calm. ‘It’s alright,’ he said softly. ‘Everything will be alright. He enjoys a monthly dinner to instil a little fear.’ A long finger stroked the rabbit. It made her think of the little boy from his mother’s memory, clutching a dog to his chest, unwilling to see it hurt. ‘Snowflake or snowball or snowdrift. What have you decided?’

A quiet smile curved Nesta’s lips. ‘Cotton-tail.’

For a while longer, she sat with her frightened rabbit. The dogs kept casting furtive looks at it, but a strong note of disapproval from Eris had them flopping to the ground to sleep. While she continued stroking the bunny, Eris prepared her clothes for the evening. They played it safe in scorched umber and gold. Eris had even pinned up her hair while she remained rhythmically stroking Cotton-tail, too adrift to think of anything else.

Females were meant to be submissive in this court – and for once Nesta was thankful of that fact. It meant she could follow Eris a step behind. She wasn’t meant to speak unless somebody directly spoke to her. She could focus all of her efforts on keeping her face neutral rather than let the sinking horror settle.

Breakfast played over and over in her mind. How had it only been one day? When Azriel had returned for her, he’d brought the news that they had to make a stop at the Hewn City to meet Rhys because he’d return her to the Autumn Court. Nesta had refused. There was not a bone in her body that trusted her sister’s mate. The compromise had been that both would take her to Orla’s.

She stood when expected. Ate her tiny morsels of food like the dainty female she was. Kept her eyes trained in her lap rather than following the conversation.

Beron’s comments couldn’t hurt her. The worst had already happened that morning. When he spoke of Eris’ failures, her anger prickled. But her husband did not react. He played the doting son, desperate to win his father’s approval, never calling his criticisms harsh or unfair. Eris knew how to play the long game.

Once he had finished inspecting all of Eris’ imperfections, he moved onto each son in turn. It was excruciating. If this was how Beron treated his sons, she dreaded to think what he might have done if he had a daughter.

Not only were the Vanserras present for tonight’s torture, but many of Beron’s long-standing council members were. Despite the number gathered, conversation was dictated by Beron as if even they were afraid to speak freely in the presence of their high lord. These were the males who Eris did battle against every meeting with his words. These were the males who would stand in his way of ruling if a peaceful death did not meet the high lord.

When the talk shifted into politics, Eris rose. ‘It’s loathsome enough to listen to Lord Vode in a council meeting. To do so in my leisure time would be akin to masochism.’

The remark was met with a tittering of laughter from the males assembled. As Eris tucked his chair beneath the wooden table, Nesta knew to follow suit rather than expect a signal from him with so many eyes upon them.

‘With such a pretty wife, you’d be a fool to choose Lord Vode’s company.’

Another lord added, ‘If she were my wife, I’d be enjoying her company already.’

Eris gave a vicious smile, but kept his tone even. ‘And if your wife was mine, I’d make myself a widower, Lord Oswold.’

The silence that fell around the room reminded them all that Eris Vanserra was the first-born son of Beron. One day, he would be their high lord. His tongue was just as sharp as his father’s.

It was remarkable really that he wasn’t worse, Nesta thought. He could have been more vicious, more ruthless.

Despite her storms battering him, Eris had only ever been steady. He could dig his heels in and hold firm no matter what life threw at him. Centuries as Beron’s son had hardened him against every cruel word, every wound that had cut him had scarred, and Eris had become steady. He’d never needed to shout or rage. He had only ever been Nesta’s anchor.

A warm hand pressed against the small of her back to guide her from the dining room.

They had survived another meal because Eris had been her shield. His calm presence despite the upheaval that swarmed them had kept Nesta rooted.

‘If you haven’t managed to breed her yet, I’ll give her a turn, brother.’

Before Nesta had even registered what had happened, Phelan had fallen from his chair. He was on his knees, screaming in agony. Blood spurted from the jagged stump where his hand had been.

She hadn’t even seen the knife. Eris had moved so quickly. He’d been next to her one moment then looming over Phelan the next as his brother bled across the floor.

Raising her head in shock, Nesta risked a glance to Beron. His wife was pale, her lips pressed together until they’d turned white, but Beron had a fierce look of pride upon his expression.

‘I warned you that I would cut off your hands if you dared touch my wife. Your words are foul enough. Be thankful I leave you with one hand.’

Phelan wept on the ground, clutching the stump of his arm to his chest before the council of the Autumn Court. Nesta had to turn her face away before she was sick from the sight.

She felt Eris’ hand again on her back, giving a gentle push to encourage her feet to move.

‘Finally, my son begins to act like a high lord,’ came Beron’s voice as they began to exit the room.

A short whistle came then one of his dogs moved towards Phelan.

‘Close your eyes,’ came Eris’ urgent whisper as they walked.

It would have been better if Nesta had clamped her hands over her ears. Over Phelan’s sobs, Nesta could make out the crunch and slopping of the smoke hound eating the severed hand. She pressed her hand over her mouth as her stomach rolled. If it wasn’t for Eris’ firm hand pushing against her spine, Nesta might have stopped. But Eris had always ensured she kept going.

In a numb disbelief, Nesta was led to their rooms.

‘Don’t look at me until I’m clean,’ Eris murmured, voice hollow.

She couldn’t help herself. Her eyes were drawn to him the moment he had forbade it. Streaks of blood marred his face. His shirt was soaked crimson. Nesta didn’t miss the emptiness in his expression. She wanted to wrap her arms around him, but it wasn’t right. Eris wouldn’t want her near him with blood on his body.

In silence, she waited on the couch with Safera resting a head in her lap. For a long while, Eris remained in the bathroom without any taps sounding. He needed space. From her. From what he’d done to Phelan. From the court that forced him to be that person. She didn’t know. All she knew was that a pit had opened in her chest and threatened to devour her.  

He had cut off his brother’s hand. It was violent. But his court had to learn that his threats weren’t empty. Nesta didn’t feel differently towards Eris because of it. He did what he had to.  

The steadiness had all been an act for Nesta’s benefit. Her husband’s feelings were as tumultuous as her own but he hid it better. Eris was a riptide ready to drown any who came too close – as Phelan had discovered. A desperation to seek Eliška out surged inside of Nesta. His mother had to know that Eris only did it to protect Nesta; her son wasn’t lost. But it was too dangerous to move within the Forest House alone that night.

When Eris emerged from the bathroom, he gave a lack-lustre stroke to the dogs who flocked to him. Red rimmed his eyes.

She went to him at once.

His forehead pressed to hers as his hands cradled her face. She heard his wearied exhale.

‘I don’t want you to go,’ he choked.

‘I’m not going,’ she protested. ‘I’m never leaving here. Never leaving you.’

‘I’m not a good male, Nesta.’

Nesta forced Eris to look at her. His amber eyes were flecked with darker spots, but they were the same eyes she’d seen that day, staring back at his father with defiance.

‘You are the love of my life. Not even the Mother can prise us apart.’

@owllover123 @rarephloxes @fanboy7794 @sugardoll22 @kitkat-writes-stuff @this-is-rochelle @sv0430 @embersofwildfire

[rainbowdolphinrealm]

Last But Not Least Part 4

A/N:  Thank you for all the likes and kudos on the first three parts of this story.  I promise you can leave comments. I don’t bite, and it gives me an idea of what you all like reading and what you’re more meh about.  I know, I know, I’m supposed to write for me, but still.

Final question: Do you all want a spicy final chapter where Lucien and Elain consummate the bond or is that unnecessary?

************************************************************************

Lucien winnowed to the front steps of the River House and practically winnowed on top of Elain.

“Oh!” she exclaimed, clearly startled.

Lucien laughed as he dodged to miss her.  “I wasn’t expecting anyone to be waiting out front.”

Elain blushed a little.  “I’ve been a little anxious for your return,” she confessed.

“Please tell me you let yourself sleep,” he replied as he took her hand, pulled her closer and kissed her cheek.

“A little.”  She was wearing a flowing, Marigold dress with short, flowing sleeves to match the skirt’s movement.  She looked like a perfect transition from summer to fall.  Or maybe she was going for the golden sunshine of the Day Court.  Either way, she looked beautiful and her hair swept gently up on one side, pinned with a lapis lazuli comb, matched by her earrings and necklace made the whole look complete.  She turned and led him back into the house by the hand. “Are you hungry?”

Lucien smiled at how eager and comfortable she seemed with him now. “I saved my appetite to have breakfast with you.”

Elain looked back over her shoulder and smiled at him.  “Feyre, Rhys, Nyx, and Mor are eating too.  It won’t be a private breakfast.”

“That’s alright,” Lucien agreed with a shrug.  “Does Mor usually come for breakfast?”  He wasn’t entirely sure if she lived in the River House or maintained the old townhouse as her residence.

“Usually,” Elain replied.  “And sometimes Azriel comes for breakfast, but he usually eats with Cassian and Nesta at the House of Winds.”

“Hmm. . .” Lucien mused on that bit of information.

Elain quirked an eyebrow at him.  “What?”

Lucien shrugged again.  “Just wondering if Azriel will be breakfasting with Eris in Autumn now that Beron’s gone.”

Elain stopped short as they entered the dining room.  “Oh.  I suppose that might change things.”

“I’m still not sure if I’m going to need a new Spymaster,” Rhys said from the table, bouncing Nyx on one knee.

“I’m sure Az will find a way to serve both courts,” Feyre said confidently as she ate a piece of crispy bacon.

Lucien wasn’t so sure of that.  He knew from personal experience that it was hard to serve two masters.  Tamlin had made it easy to choose, though.  For the longest time Lucien thought Tamlin was like a true brother.  Time away, however, opened Lucien’s eyes and he was able to see how Tamlin was just as bad as his more contentious brothers had been, his abuse was just more subtle. He conditioned Lucien to think it was normal and acceptable to be treated with that level of disrespect. Lucien wondered if Tamiln would have treated him similarly if he’d known Lucien was Helion’s sole offspring instead of a mere seventh son.

“So you two are off to Day this morning?” Rhys asked as Lucien and Elain took their seats.

Lucien nodded.  “Mother would want me to deliver the news of her passing in person,” he said, the ache of her loss weighing on him.

“Are you going to tell him what he is to you?” Rhys continued.  “Or save that for another visit.”

Lucien sighed as he selected a pastry from the tray Elain passed him.  “I keep going back and forth on that,” he admitted.  “On one hand, I think I’d want to know if I had a son-”

“Agreed,” Rhys interjected, shifting Nyx a little bit on his lap..

“-but is that too much information all at once?” Lucien finished. He’d been having this debate with himself all night.  To be honest, he was a little afraid of telling Helion he was the male’s son.  What if Helion was disappointed that Lucien wasn’t a more impressive male - like Tamlin or Rhys or Tarquin.  Lucien didn’t think he exactly screamed heir of a High Lord.

“He’d want to know everything,” Mor said confidently before taking a swig from her juice glass.  “Trust me.”

Lucien knew that Helion and Mor were reasonably close - close enough that Mor probably knew what she was talking about.

“I think Mor’s right,” Elain said slowly, an unusual lilt to her voice.

Feyre raised an eyebrow.  “Have you seen something about it?” she asked.

Elain shook her head.  “No . . .but it’s a feeling.  A strong feeling.”

“Seeing isn’t always a vision,” Mor put in.  “Sometimes it’s just special knowledge or unexplainable intuition.”

Lucien looked at his mate and gave her a hopeful expression.  “You’re still willing to go with me?”

Elain smiled and leaned over to kiss him on the cheek.  “Yes,” she said simply.  “You’re mine and I’m yours.  We share our trials from here on out.  I’m happy to go to the Day Court with you.”

“Does this mean you ate the roast chicken last night?” Rhys asked Lucien slowly, an eyebrow raised in query.

Lucien grinned at Elain before turning back to Rhys and nodded.  “It was fantastic.”

Feyre’s grin was luminous.  “Oh I’m so happy for you!” she exclaimed.  “For both of you!”  Nyx squealed happily, echoing his mother’s enthusiasm.

“Are you excited to get an Uncle Lucien?” Rhys asked him, bouncing the baby a little more emphatically.

Lucien was caught off guard by that for a moment.  It was true.  Feyre was Elain’s sister.  Elain was already an aunt.  That meant he would be Nyx’s uncle when they got married.  He wondered if they could take the little guy out on occasion, let Lucien practice a bit before diving into parenthood himself.  He was so nervous about the prospect that it made his stomach twist into anxious knots.

“I don’t know if Uncle Lucien is ready,” Mor observed, gently chiding him with a grin.

Lucien chuckled at himself.  “Hey, uncles get to be playmates, right?  I think I can handle that.”

Elain beamed at him.  Apparently that had been an acceptable answer.

Rhys used the rest of breakfast to get an update on the Hewn City from Mor.  Lucien was grateful he didn’t need to go to that city as part of the Night Court.  Even though he knew now that the inner court’s nightmarish reputation was a facad, he still didn’t particularly like witnessing it.  It was too reminiscent of Amarantha’s court.  

He managed to supress his nerves about the Day Court enough to eat a couple of pastries, some fruit, and a hard-boiled egg.  

As they all began to adjourn for their days, Feyre hurried around the table and gave Lucien a tight hug. “I really am excited for you,” she said and then pulled Elain in for a tight embrace as well.  She turned back to Lucien.  “Do you want to keep your apartment in the city?  There’s plenty of space in the residential wing for you to have a room here.”

Lucien wasn’t entirely sure.  On one hand he was accustomed to living in the High Lord’s residence.  Living with his High Lord and High Lady seemed natural.  It would also let him be close to Elain.  On the other hand, maybe Elain wasn’t ready for that level of closeness yet.  She was excited about this level of courtship, but sleeping a few yards away from each other might be a little much.  “Let me consider it?” he asked his friend.

“Of course,” she promised with an affectionate smile.  “Take your time.”

“Feyre, I have a meeting with the palace governors,” Rhys said, bringing Nyx over to her.  “Do you have him?”

Feyre took Nyx slowly from Rhys, lookingstartled as if she just realized something. “I’m teaching a class this morning,” she said slowly as she turned to Elain.

“Oh dear,” Elain replied.  “I’m sorry, Feyre, I didn’t think.”

Feyre shook her head confidently.  “It’s fine,” she assured them all.  “I’ll put him in a sling and take him with me.  He likes to splash in the finger paints anyway.”

“Are you sure?” Elain asked, looking a little nervous, shifting her gaze from Feyre to Lucien.  “Maybe we could go this afternoon?” she suggested hopefully.

Lucien nodded.  “If that would make things easier,” he agreed.

“What would be easier is if my darling mate would let us get a caregiver for Nyx for occasions like this,” Rhys said as he made to leave the dining room.

“We’ve had this argument,” Feyre countered with a scowl.  “I’m not handing my baby off to a nanny.”

Rhys sauntered through the doorway with a parting shot.  “And we’ll keep having this debate until you give in or Nyx is old enough to look after himself.”

Elain grimaced a bit as Feyre stared daggers at the back of Rhys’s retreating head.  He laughed, clearly amused by whatever she’d said down their bond.  Lucien felt as awkward as Elain looked.

Mor strode forward and took Nyx out of Feyre’s arms.  “Don’t worry, Elain.  I’m free this morning.  I’ll watch him while Feyre goes to teach.”  She gently tossed him in the air, just above her head and he shrieked with laughter, his little wings flapping wildly, clearly trying to keep himself aloft.

“Is he ready to fly already?” Lucien asked in surprise.

“No,” Feyre replied with a grin at her son.  “Thank The Cauldron.  But Rhys says it’s instinctual for him to try if he’s free-falling like that.”

Lucien silently thanked The Mother than he and Elain might have to worry about their children winnowing all over Prythian, but they would never be toddlers learning to fly as well as learning to walk.  Elain gave him an expression that suggested she might be having a similar sentiment.

“Are you ready to go, then?” Lucien asked, holding out a hand to Elain.

Elain smiled and nodded, placing her hand in his.  “I’ve never been to the Day Court.  This will be exciting!”

Lucien chuckled.  “It’s certainly a beautiful court,” he assured her.

“Good luck you two,” Feyre said as they all made their way to the foyer.  “Should we expect you for dinner?”

Lucien had no idea how long the visit with Helion would take.  It could feasibly run overnight depending on how Helion took the news.  He exchanged a glance with Elain and then shook his head.  “Probably not,” he said.  “If we get back in time for dinner, I’ll take her out somewhere in the city.”

Feyre nodded as she pulled on a sweater at the front door.  “At the very least we’ll see you in Autumn for the celebration of your mother.”

“Yes,” Lucien agreed tightly.  The joy he felt at having Elain accept their bond was generally serving to override the crushing sorrow of losing his mother.  Every time it came up, though, it was like the wound was fresh and new again.

Elain squeezed his hand, and he also felt her extend herself down the mating bond to him.  It was like being hugged from the inside.

Feyre nodded and smiled sympathetically at him before turning her attention to Nyx, squirming in Mor’s arms.  “Be good for Auntie Mor,” she crooned to him with a smile and a wave.

Mor made Nyx wave back before Lucien, Elain, and Feyre headed out onto the front steps.

“Thanks for breakfast, Feyre,” Lucien said, thinking it was only polite since he’d sort of crashed their usual routine.

She laughed.  “Don’t think twice about it.  You’re family, Lucien.  Always have been.  You’re welcome to breakfast anytime.”

With that she gave them a wave and then winnowed away, presumably to her shop where she taught art classes a couple of times a week.

Elain smiled up at him.  “You ready?”

He nodded.  “Here we go.”  He took a deep breath and winnowed them both through the world to the outside of Helion’s palace in the Day Court.

As soon as they stepped onto the grounds, one of the Day Court guards came hustling towards them.  “Lord Lucien,” he said.  “We were not expecting you.”

Lucien nodded.  “I apologize for the surprise visit, but something’s happened Helion should know about as soon as possible.”

“Of course,” the guard agreed with a nod.  “I’ll send word ahead that you and . . .”

“Elain Archeron,” Lucien supplied.

The name was, of course, familiar to the guard, but he clearly didn’t have a face to put to the name.  His eyes widened a bit in awe and surprise.  “That you are both here,” he finished.

“Thank you,” Lucien said with a nod of thanks to the guard.  With that, he offered Elain his arm and he began to lead her up the front stairs into Helion’s palace.

“This is much more a palace, than I’ve seen in Prythian,” Elain whispered as they climbed the 100 or so steps to the main entrance of the palace.

Lucien smiled.  “Just like the Moonstone Palace gives amazing views of the night sky in the Night Court, the Day Court palace is built high above the surrounding area to provide unhinedered views all day long.

Elain smiled.  “How far can you see from one of those balconies?” she asked, nodding towards one of the balconies that overcooked the approach to the palace.

“Several miles,” Lucien explained.  “Especially on a clear day.”

Elain frowned.  “If this is the Day Court then are all days clear and perfect?”

Lucien smiled.  “You would think so,” he admitted, “but no.  They still need rain on occasion for their crops to grow.  Otherwise it would be a desert.  But on days when it does rain, it’s brief, and the day shines almost brighter after it’s through.”

“I’d like to see that,” Elain said wistfully.

“Lucien!  Elain! What brings you here so early?” Helion’s voice boomed down to them from the top of the steps.  Lucien knew Helion well enough to hear the tinge of worry in the High Lord’s voice.  Afterall, it wasn’t normal for Lucien to pay a diplomatic visit so early or without sending word ahead of his visit.  Helion was clad in his usual Day Court attire, trimmed with gold fabric, but he seemed to have forgone the High Lord’s crown.

“Good morning, Helion,” Lucien said as they reached the top.  “I come with sad news.”

Helion’s expression turned dark.  “Sad?  What has happened?”

Lucien took a nervous breath in.  “Maybe we should discuss this in private,” and his eyes flicked to the guards on either side of the palace entrance.

Helion clearly understood Lucien’s meaning and nodded.  “Come,” he encouraged, and motioned for them to follow.  “We’ll go to my living quarters.”

“Are you doing anything special for the Equinox?” Lucien asked casually as they made their way to the back of the palace where Helion’s private residence was located.  Lucien had dined in the informal dining room with Helion on occasion while serving as an Emissary for Tamlin and knew the more intimate setting was a better place to break the news about his mother to Helion.

“We’ll have a feast,” Helion replied and then turned to Elain.  “It may be Autumn’s special holiday, but we have the better gourds to serve.”

Lucien chuckled.  “It’s true,” he admitted to Elain behind him.  “You need a good summer to grow the best gourds and Autumn just doesn’t have that.”

Elain smiled.  “We had gourds south of the wall sometimes,” she recalled.  “But I’m sure they are so much better here.”

Helion smiled appreciatviely at her as he opened a set of double doors and led them into a large sitting room.  Lucien strode to the center of the seating area, gripping Elain firmly.  He realized it might have been too tight and released her just a little.  She squeezed his hand, though, reassuring him that she was there for him.  He had no idea how he would have done things without her.

“What’s the trouble, Lucien,” Helion asked in his more natural, less theatric tone. He strode to a small wetbar near the room’s big picture window and held up a container of what was probably bourbon.

Lucien considered the offer.  “Not . . .not at the moment,” he stuttered a little.

Helion put the glass container back down and frowned at Lucien.  “I’ve never seen you so . . .unhinged.  Tell me what’s happened.”

Lucien looked down at Elain for reassurance again.  She gave him a soft smile and nodded.  He took a deep breath and turned back to his father.  “My mother,” he said slowly.  “Beron killed her yesterday.”

Rage filled Helion’s eyes.  “He what?”  His voice was deathly calm, but Lucien had no doubt his blood was boiling and his power straining to be let loose.

“He finally beat her so bad it couldn’t be healed,” Lucien explained, trying in vain to will his voice to be steady.  “My brothers and I avenged her yesterday afternoon.  Eris is now the High Lord.”

Elain clasped her other hand around Lucien’s as well.

Helion was silent for a long moment.  “Why did you feel the need to come and tell me?” he finally asked.

“Because . . .” Lucien started and then shut his eyes in a frustrated grimmace.  “Because of what my mother told me before she died.”

Helion raised a single eyebrow in query.

Lucien sighed and continued.  “She said that you and her were in love, that’d you’d been able to see each other occasionally while she was married to Beron.”

“That’s true,” Helion replied slowly with an equally slow nod.

“She wanted me to know because she wanted me to tell you that she loved you and that . . .”  He stole another glance at Elain.  Her steadfast strength was keeping him going.  “That she bore you a son.  She couldn’t tell you out of fear, but she couldn’t take the secret with her to the next life.”

Helion blinked once then stared intensely at Lucien.  Then he blinked several times rapidly as if realization was dawning on him.  “You . . .”

Lucien nodded.  “I am your offspring,” he confirmed and for the first time, Lucien took a good look at Helion compared to himself.  It was true that Lucien had always been darker than his brothers in skintone and now that he had something to compare it to, he realized he was of Helion’s coloring.  There were definitely similarities in their faces as well.

“I . . .” Helion started, but he seemed to be just as lost for words as Lucien had been the previous day.  He stepped to one of the couches and collapsed.  “I beg your patience, Lucien,” he said.  “But in the last 30 seconds you’ve told me that the woman I’ve loved for five centuries was killed by a male I’ve been tempted to have assissinated more times than I can count and that I am a father.  That I am your father.”

“Take all the time you need,” Lucien assured him, taking a seat on the sofa opposite him.

“Would you like me to pour you a drink?” Elain offered.

Helion looked up at her and smiled gratefully.  “You are the kindest . . yes, please.”

“Lucien?” she asked as she made her way over to the wet bar.

Lucien took a deep breath and nodded.  “Maybe I’d better.”  He realized that aside from their wine at dinner the night before, he’d gone through all these revelations without a single drink to dull the shock.

She nodded and started pouring them both a measure into high-ball glasses.  She brought them over and handed one to each of them.

“Thank you, my love,” Lucien said automatically as he took it from her.  He didn’t even think if she was okay with the affectionate reference.  He didn’t stop to think how that might have broken Helion’s heart even further.

Elain smiled at him and nodded before resuming her seat next to him.

Helion seemed to be staring off into space, looking between the two of them instead of at either of them.  After a long while he finally spoke.  “I take it you two have accepted the mating bond?” he asked.

Lucien took Elain’s hand, squeezed it, and nodded to Helion.  “She made me a roast chicken last night.”

“Roast chicken?” Helion asked with surprise in his voice.  “Deceptively simple.”

“Well Feyre gave Rhys soup,” Elain said, blushing a little.  “I didn’t want to do something similar like stew, and Feyre did tell me that Lucien always ate hearty when roast chicken was on the menu.”

Helion smiled at that and let silence fall again.

Lucien took a slow swig of his drink, nervous about what Helion might say next.  Should they leave and let him grieve in peace?

“Will there be a Celebration of her life?” Helion finally asked.

“Yes,” Lucien replied.  “I’m sure that as a High Lord you would be justified in attending.  Eris certainly won’t mind.”

“The two of you are getting along better these days?”

Lucien chuckled.  “Yes.  He actually helped me get to Spring all those years ago.  Without putting himself or our mother in additional danger, he did right by me.  I support him as High Lord of Autumn.”

Helion nodded slowly.  “So will you be returning to the Autumn Court as one of your brother’s advisors?”

Lucien resisted the urge to frown in disappointment.  Until that moment, he hadn’t realized he was hoping for an invitation to call the Day Court home.  He wasn’t sure what Helion was thinking, though, and he didn’t want to give away too much of his own feelings, so he put on his emissary mask before answering. “No,” he said.  “That honestly hadn’t occurred to me. Eris has Azriel and Gerod and other loyal advisors.  He doesn’t need me in his court.”

“Prefer to stay in the Night Court?” Helion guessed.  “Especially with your mate the sister of the High Lady . . .”

“As the High Lady, and a new mother, my sister’s time is generally spoken for,” Elain said before Lucien could answer.  “She, Nesta, and I are all off onto the next chapters of our individual lives, wherever that might take us.  My life will be wherever Lucien’s is.”

Helion smirked at her.  “You’ve got yourself a savvy mate, Lucien.  Of course you make a great match.”

Lucien used every ounce of training and control not to look surprised or confused.  “She is something,” he agreed vaguely and amicably.

Helion laughed.  “Stop worrying,” he said.  “You, of course, are welcome to make the Day Court your home.  In fact, I would be honored to acknowledge you as my son and heir as soon as you’re ready.”

“You would?” Lucien asked, unable to hide his surprise any longer.

Helion put his drink down as he got up from his couch and strode over to them.  He offered a hand out to Lucien.  Lucien handed his drink to Elain and then took Helion’s hand.  The male pulled him up and enveloped Lucien in a tight embrace.  “Of course I would,” he asserted.  “You’re smart, battle-tested, a courtier’s courtier, kind and compassionate  . . .” Helion looked around Lucien to Elain.  “Have I missed anything?”

Lucien turned to see Elain smiling as she got to her feet.  “I think you hit the high points,” she agreed.

“My only regret, Lucien, is that I’ve found out you’re my son now, when you’re a grown adult, without much need for a father.  I take that back, I have another regret, that you were so mistreated by Beron as a boy and a young male.  You deserved better than that.”  Helion’s frown was deep and sincere.

Lucien had never been wanted by Beron, but Helion, who’d only known Lucien was his son for a handful of minutes not only wanted him, was upset that he missed Lucien’s youth, and was ready to make him his heir.  This sudden change of circumstance threw Lucien for a loop.  “I . . .I don’t know what to say,” he finally stammered, dropping the mask since it was clearly not needed.

Helion shook his head.  “Don’t say anything right this second.  Stay here for a few days.  See the Day Court through different eyes, not as an emissary, but as one who stands to inherit what you see.  Show Elain around,” and he turned to her directly.  “I hear you are a connoisseur of gardens?  You will love the garden in the back of the palace, I guarantee it.”

Elain grinned and gave Lucien an encouraging nod.

“We didn’t bring any change . . .” Lucien started.

“Not to worry,” Helion assured him.  “The nice thing about Day Court fashion is that is almost once size fits all for the men.  I’m sure we can get you some lovely things very quickly,” he added to Elain.

Lucien looked from his mate to his father and back again.  “If it’s really alright, I think I would like to stay for a little while,” he admitted.

Helion pulled him into another hug.  “Son, you’re home as far as I’m concerned.  Tomorrow we’ll go to the Autumn Court and we’ll grieve your mother together, but tonight we should celebrate this new family we’ve become! Your mother would haved wanted that.”

Lucien, despite himself, felt himself breaking into relieved laughter.  “I agree.”

So Helion began calling in servants, a valet for Lucien and a maid for Elain.  He ordered that rooms be prepared for them and that their every wish satisfied.  In the meantime, Helion would call his advisors together to tell them the good news.  They could stop trying to push him into a marriage just to produce an heir because he already had one.

As Lucien watched Elain’s maid herd her into her bedroom to be measured for clothes, he could see that she was smiling just as widely as he was.  Maybe this was going to be perfect for both of them.  After all, here she wasn’t Feyre’s sister.  She could be a woman of influence in her own right.  Yes, he had to agree with his father, he was tempted to say that he was finally home.

[acourtofthought]

4 Books of Buildup is not something E/riels and E/riels alone get to claim.

Yes, there have been moments in ACOMAF through SF that put the idea of E/riel into your head. Feyre thinking on how "handsome" they'd be together (literally the most shallow reason in existence for someone pairing two people but I digress), Az helping Feyre rescue Elain in ACOWAR, him offering Elain TT, Az sitting with Elain and listening to her talk about her seeds in ACOFAS, their "charged" look in SF and depending on the day and argument about whether the BC counts, their near kiss.

Yet between every single one of those moments, there is another love for Elain or Az or both. Elain was in love with Graysen in ACOMAF through ACOFAS. Az was still hung up on Mor, even in SF. He was happy not to stay and guard Elain, later helped rescue Elain then went on to look at Mor with heat and yearning on Solstice. He gave Elain TT but only because Mor begged him to sit out of battle. He was relieved that he was not expected to get Elain a gift that first year.

In all of those 4 books though, Elain and Lucien are confirmed mates. Confirmed by the King, by Feyre, by Rhys, by Az, by Mor, by Elain, by Graysen, by Lucien, by Eris.

It is CANON that they are mates. The "4 books of E/riel moments" are canon too however it being love is heavily debated because neither Elain or Az have confirmed it to be that. There is NOTHING in canon that unequivocally states she wants a relationship with him, that she wishes he were her mate, that he is completely over Mor, that he would take Elain without a mating bond.

In comparison, there is CANON showing Elain and Lucien are mates. Lucien calls her his mate, Az confirms their bond can be scented, she makes sure Graysen knows Lucien's name when Graysen is referring to her mate, Lucien acknowledges the real thread between them and Elain confirms she felt it too.

Could SJM decide to pull a fast one over on us in the next book and reveal the mating bond as fake? Sure, because she can do whatever she wants as the author however at this point in time, Elucien being mates is more canon than E/riel actually being in love. And to those who claim Elucien's bond will turn out to be fake, that the 4 books of proof of an Elucien mating bond can easily be undone in the next ACOTAR, then can't we say the exact same of E/riel? That the 4 books of "open to interpretation" interactions of E/riel could also easily be undone (I think they kind of already were in the BC but that's another discussion).

If a storyline which was confirmed (once again) by Feyre, Rhys, Az, Cassian, Mor, the KoH, Eris, and the author herself in interviews can be magicked away after 4 books of Elain and Lucien's arcs being built around that narrative, that it could suddenly be proven as fake, then how is anyone arguing against how the unconfirmed love between E/riel (of which no characters are even aware of considering Nesta called Az Gwyn's new ribbon and Rhys told him to find a hooker instead) can be even more easily deconstructed?

If it's that easy to undo a confirmed mating bond then anything hinting at Elain and Az is a house of cards in comparison.

[darling-archeron]

Why the Court of Nightmares Should be Disbanded

My current reread of ACOMAF has given me lots of thoughts on the Night Court’s culture outside of Velaris. I’m not the biggest fan of how SJM wrote the setup of the Night Court, and I think there are a lot of issues with it. For the record, I adore ACOTAR and Rhysand, but this is going to be an SJM critical post, so if that’s not your thing, feel free to keep scrolling.

The story we’re told in ACOMAF is that Rhysand’s ancestors, and now Rhys, created Velaris to be a place of goodness, while still allowing the Court of Nightmares to exist as a façade to protect Velaris. There’s a similar story to be told with the Illyrians – they’re cruel and backward, but they’re the Night Court’s main army, and unless Rhys wants to deal with a full-on uprising and uproot tradition, he can’t override all of their old ways.

Outside of these three locations – Velaris, Hewn City, and the Illyrian villages, we never visit any other major settlements in the Night Court, so it’s difficult to say which way they skew in terms of progressiveness. However, based on what we’ve been shown, it doesn’t seem like anywhere outside Velaris is a particularly wonderful place to live.

I could write paragraphs on everything happening with Illyria, but for this post, I’ll be focusing on the Court of Nightmares. In my opinion, the Court of Nightmares should be disbanded going forward. I would argue that it would not only be a good thing to do, but should be Rhysand’s (and now Feyre’s) duty as leaders.

The main purpose of the CoN is to serve as a cruel and intimidating façade for the rest of the Night Court. However, now that Velaris is known to the world, they have less and less of a purpose in this regard. After Rhys died for Prythian and Velaris became known, I’m assuming it became more general knowledge that the Night Court isn’t quite as terrible as everyone has been led to believe. (Or, at least, that parts of it aren’t.)

Feyre points out in ACOWAR that they aren’t going to win many allies by being the terrible manipulators everyone expects, and she’s right. Rhys takes a risk at the meeting with the High Lords, shows more of his hand and his wings, and it pays off. While this strategy won’t work on everyone, the Inner Circle is strong enough power-wise to back up their threats without the added dramatics of the Court of Nightmares. You take away their personas, and Azriel is still a spy and torturer, Cassian is still a commander of armies, Amren drinks blood, etc.

The need for a formal meeting place that isn’t in Velaris makes sense. The IC uses Hewn City as a meeting place with Eris during ACOWAR-ACOSF. However, I don’t think the two extremes should have to be a place of untarnished goodness and a hellish, misogynistic nightmare court. I think it’s perfectly reasonable to have a formal court outside of Velaris, but have them be considerably less terrible.  

Another big reason for keeping the CoN around is the need for the Darkbringer legion. I know nothing about military strategizing so I don’t have a good answer for this one. All I can say is that, generally, people should be worth more than their army (This should also apply to the Illyrians).

In addition to the CoN’s growing lack of purpose, letting them continue is…kind of senselessly cruel. I’m not here to debate the morals of a fantasy series, but there is a definite line. Everyone there is born into a horrible cycle of abuse. Of course, at some point, individuals become responsible for their actions and complicit, if not actively participating, but most people there don’t have a way out as Mor did. It’s reasonable to assume that there are other young girls there in her shoes.

Rhys also isn’t doing much to stop perpetuating this culture, because he benefitted from projecting this version of the Night Court to the rest of the world. Yes, he breaks Keir’s arm for calling Feyre a whore. Yes, he has told Mor that she can get rid of Keir any time she likes. These are both examples of incidents involving his family. But what would he have done if these things were happening to someone random? I’d like to assume that he or Mor steps in when things get too out of hand, as I can’t imagine either of them wanting to perpetuate things like forced marriage, but this isn’t something the reader is shown. It's also a given, in my book, that there are assault and abuse survivors there. Are any of them given the chance to rehabilitate in the House of Wind’s library?

Lastly, disbanding the Court of Nightmares could inject some much-needed plot into the series. There currently isn’t much going on with them conflict-wise, aside from Keir generally being a terrible person and wanting into Velaris.

One of the biggest reasons I don’t want to see Rhys becoming High King (another whole post I could write) is because they have enough to deal with fixing the Night Court’s problems. They don’t have room for all of Prythian.

Disbanding the CoN could provide some interesting dilemmas. For example; what to do with everyone. Some people just need to be *ahem* taken care of, but there are probably others like Mor who deserve the chance to be free. Others have probably done some bad things but could deserve a second chance.

This could also provide an opportunity to tie into Mor’s story and help her overcome her trauma. After all, she’s technically in charge of Hewn City, but it’s pretty obvious that she’s still afraid of her father and that he barely respects her. It also doesn’t seem like she’s there that much - not that I blame her. Rhys making a deal with Keir to let the CoN into Velaris is another example of him working with them when it suits his purposes.

Hewn City may be full of terrible people, but it feels bizarre to keep them around, continuing to perpetuate these terrible cycles when there are other solutions. Despite how this post might make it sound, I do like Rhys as a character, but when you look at his behavior outside of Feyre’s PoV, it changes things.

Rhys is the most powerful High Lord in Prythian’s history, and according to ACOSF, Feyre doubles his strength. The things that happen in the Night Court are their responsibility. If the Court of Nightmares is representative of the mask we see Rhysand wear for so long, I hope, like his mask, we finally get to see it come down.  ACOWAR told us that change is coming to Prythian, and it would be wonderful to see more of it in future books.

[moviestowriteabout]

I need Sarah Maas to write ACOTAR BOOK 6. Please🥹

Let’s debate who it’s gonna be about👀👀

PERSONALLY I’m in love with Lucien, so naturally I’d like it to be Lucien-centered.

I’d also like Elain to be redeemed!! Not necessarily shipping her with Lucien or anything, could take or leave it as long as she gets a badass storyline. What’s she like? I feel in silver flames you start to see her sisters regard her more than cute cottage core chick but like what’s in her head? How is she doing? How are you Elain?

Mor x Emerie, yes

More of the Valkyries, yes

I’m over here lowkey shipping Azriel x Lucien x Elain or something resembling that lost threesome from silver flames but we shall see

Folks online have been chatting about an Eris redemption arc and while I do see it coming I don’t necessarily require it or whatever, though I do want answers. What the fuck happened that day in the woods with Mor, Eris??