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waywardsummoner46 · 3 years ago

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Character List~

Finally! It is here. Hopefully this helps you all with any confusion or just in general.

What I’ll write:

Polyamorous relationships (character x reader x character)

Plain old character x reader

sibling!character or parent!character x reader

Absolutely any AU at all, I’ll list a few ideas down the list

Any version of a character (yandere, dark, etc.)

Literally anything I guess, if it bothers me I’ll let you know!

For certain characters the requests will be strictly platonic however I’m still willing to write dark stuff for them too.

There’s also definitely some I’ve missed so if you don’t see a character or fandom you’re interested in, don’t be afraid to ask!

I’ll put a star next to the characters I’m most interested in writing just in case your struggling to choose!

So here’s the list itself (it’s a bit messy I’m afraid oops):

Supernatural

· Dean Winchester (most versions of) *

· Sam Winchester (most versions of) *

· Castiel (most versions of) *

· Gabriel *

· Charlie Bradbury

· Jack Kline (platonic)

· Bobby Singer (platonic)

· Rowena Macleod

· Crowley

Grishaverse

· Kaz Brekker

· Inej Ghafa

· Nina Zenik

· Matthias Helvar

· Jesper Fahey

· Wylan van Eck

· Aleksander Morozova *

· Nikolai Lantsov *

· Alina Starkov

· Zoya Nazyalenski

· Genya Safin

MCU

· Peter Parker (all versions) *

· Loki *

· Doctor Strange *

· Natasha Romanoff

· Yelena Belova

· Steve Rogers

· Druig *

· Milo/Lucien

X-Men

· Charles Xavier

· Peter Maximoff

· Jean Grey

· Logan

Guardians of the Galaxy

· Gamora

· Nebula

Defenders

· Matt Murdock

· Jessica Jones

· Kilgrave

· Billy Russo*

Sherlock

· Benedict Cumberbatch *

· Henry Cavill

DC~

· Joker (Barry Keoghan or Heath Ledger)

· The Riddler (Paul Dano)

· Superman

· Poison Ivy

· Harley Quinn

· Dick Grayson (any version of) *

· Jason Todd (any version of)

· Tim Drake

· Damian Wayne (platonic unless aged-up)

· Wonder Woman

· John Constantine (Keanu Reeves)

· Anarky

Gotham

· Jerome Valeska

· Jeremiah Valeska *

· Edward Nygma

The Witcher

· Geralt of Rivia

· Jaskier

Dune

· Paul Atreides *

· Channi

Twilight~

· Jasper Hale - Major Whitlock (the fan concept of a different, more dominant personality for him interests me a lot so...) *

· Alice Cullen

· Aro

Doctor Who

· Ten

· Eleven

The Boys

· Soldier Boy

Divergent

· Tobias Eaton

· Tris Prior

Harry Potter

· Tom Riddle *

· Marauders Era!Remus Lupin *

· Marauders Era!Sirius Black

· Newt Scamander

Scream

· Billy Loomis

· Stu Macher

The Maze Runner

· Thomas

· Newt - Crank!Newt

Once Upon A Time

· Peter Pan *

Star Wars

· Kylo Ren

· Anakin Skywalker

· Luke Skywalker

· Leia Organa

Star Trek

· Khan Noonien Singh

Throne of Glass (please for the love of god request for this!!!! If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it!)

· Rowan Whitethorn *

· Aelin Galathynius *

· Aedion Ashryver

· Dorian Havilliard (with or without collar) *

· Manon Blackbeak *

· Ansel of Briarcliff

· Asterin Blackbeak

· Elide Lochan

· Lorcan Salvaterre

· Fenrys Moonbeam

· Lysandra

· Nesryn Faliq

· Sam Cortland

The Cruel Prince

· Cardan Greenbriar *

· Jude Duarte

Percy Jackson and Related

· Piper McLean

· Hazel Levesque

· Nico di Angelo

· Leo Valdez *

The Mortal Instruments

· Jace Herondale

American Horror Story

· James Patrick March *

· Tate Langdon

· Kai Anderson

Teen Wolf

· Stiles Stilinski - Nogitsune *

Caraval

· Legend *

· Jacks, The Prince of Hearts *

· Donatella Dragna

· Scarlett Dragna

Walker

· Cordell Walker

My Bloody Valentine

· Tom Hanniger

Cry Wolf 2005

· Tommy Jordan

Peaky Blinders

· Tommy Shelby

Gilmore Girls

· Dean Forester

Good Omens

· Crowley (Nanny Ashtoreth)*

· Aziraphale*

Little Women

· Theodore “Laurie” Laurence

The Matrix

· Neo *

· Trinity

Brooklyn Nine Nine

· Rosa Diaz

· Jake Peralta

· Gina Linetti

Kingdom of the Wicked

· Emilia di Carlo

· Wrath

· Lust

A Court of Thorns and Roses (still reading, will add more characters as I go on)

· Rhysand

· Feyre

· Lucien

· Nesta

· Mor

· Azriel

· Cassian

· Amren

House of the Dragon

· Daemon Targaryen

· Rhaenyra Targaryen

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longsightmyth · 2 years ago

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Hello! I've been very confused about Aelin's family tree and who isn't and is related, like who the parents and siblings are. If it's not too much to ask, could you explain it to me?

Hi! If you mean Canon Celaena, she has no siblings. On her mother's side she has plenty of relations though, some of whom have their blood relationship spelled out in text (Mab is textually Celaena's great-grandmother) and some of whom do not (is Galan Celaena's first or second cousin?)

We know that Aedion's unnamed mother is Evalin Ashryver's first cousin, because Aedion has Mab's eyes and Evalin and his mother are stated to be cousins. Since Mab is Celaena's great-grandmother, the only blood relation Aedion could be is her second cousin via his mother, who has to be Evalin's first cousin. Whether Evalin and Glaston (Galan's father) are first cousins or siblings depends entirely on whether the previous monarch of Wendlyn was a woman or man: if it was a woman, they could be siblings because Celaena's inheritance of Faerie Queen of the West has to come to her unbroken through the female line. If it was a man, Evalin and Glaston have to be first cousins for the same reason.

Rowan is descended from Mab's sister Mora a ton of unspecified generations back.

On Celaena's father Rhoe's side, we have his uncle Orlon and Orlon's partner Weylan. There is a deceased sibling for Orlon in there somewhere, obviously.

Further we have a descent from Brannon Galathynius and Mala the fire goddess, who had Elena Galathynius and presumably other children, since Elena was never queen of Terrasen. She married Gavin Havilliard, who ruled Adarlan via a land grant from Brannon Galathynius, apparently not to his daughter but to his daughter's husband. Celaena and Dorian et al are related on that side of things, but also later on a havilliard had to marry back into the galathyniuses at some point in order for Elena to be Celaena's ancestor as stated by the text.

That probably didn't clear up a lot, but hopefully some. I know too much about throne of glass.

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leiawritesstories · 3 years ago

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As I Am Character List

Given that this story does, in fact, include characters from multiple series, it’s probably a good idea to include a sort of cast list, if you will (this is the only term I know, thanks to being a stage manager) to hopefully maybe keep some idea of which character holds which title etc. etc. I made up a bunch of last names for characters who didn’t have one in canon and because I am 2000% nerd, yes, each last name has a meaning related to that character, i.e. the name I gave Azriel roughly translates to “shadow” (it’s Luxembourgish, again, I repeat that I am a massive nerd).

Characters have been broken into categories for hopefully easier understanding of who’s who.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AS I AM CHARACTER LIST

CENTRAL/FOCAL CHARACTERS

- Family Galathynius: Viscount Rhoe Galathynius & Viscountess Evalin Ashryver. Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, debutante. Aedion Ashryver, Evalin’s deceased sister’s son, lives with them. Third cousin Lady Elide Lochan staying with them for the season.

- Family Archeron: Baron Cal Archeron, wife deceased. Three daughters: Nesta, Elain, & Feyre Archeron, all debuting this season.

- Family Selvari: Dowager Countess Esther Selvari, husband deceased. Rhysand Selvari, heir. Elisa Selvari, debutante. Two adopted sons: Cassian Ilnair and Azriel Schied, both served in the war alongside Rhysand.

- House Doranelle: His Grace Rowan Whitethorn, Duke of Doranelle. Second cousins Lords Fenrys and Connall Strahl currently reside at Doranelle. All three served in the war.

OTHER IMPORTANT CHARACTERS

- Earl Tamlin Fréijoer and sister Ianthe. Cousin Lord Lucien Vanserra.

- Her Majesty Queen Charlotte

- His Royal Highness Prince Dorian Havilliard

- Captain Gavriel Aldot and Captain Lorcan Salvaterre, staying at Doranelle with their army compatriots

- Chaol Westfall, Captain of the Royal Guard, and his wife Yrene, midwife and apothecary

- Miss Lysandra Ennar, modiste

- Duchess Ansel of Briarcliff (aka this AU’s version of Lady Danbury 😏)

VARIOUS SIDE CHARACTERS

- Mrs. Alis Treave, Archerons’ housekeeper

- Mrs. Maeve Ond, Selvaris’ housekeeper

- Misses Vassa and Essar, operatic sopranos

- Duke Cal and Duchess Marion Lochan of Perranth, Elide’s parents

Other characters from SJM will appear, as well as characters from other books. I will credit the authors when I use their people and if you’re unfamiliar with who these random people are, go read their books. :)

TAGS (as always, let me know if you want to be tagged for this fic!)

@crazybookworm

@charlizeed

@loudphantomdragon

@ingrid1234

@themoonthestarsthesuriel

@heirofflowers

@story-scribbler

@nicolivesinbooks

@valkyrie3strong

@sv0430

@sayosdreams

@flora-shadowshine

@wesupremeginger

@mackenzieclutt

@stardelia

@maeclin

@swankii-art-teacher

@tomtenadia

@pen-paper-and-ink

@nerdperson524

@claralady

@fireheartwhitethorn4ever

@rowanaelinn

@julialovebooks

@julemmaes

@nesgoddessofdeath

@simpingfornestaarcheron

@cretaceous-therapod

@gracie-rosee

@morganofthewildfire

#as i am #character list #my writing

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imaginedhaven · 4 years ago

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Rules of Engagement: Chapter Fourteen

Link to Masterpost

Another day, another chapter! These words have been fighting to get onto the page for so long they’re just flying by now that it’s their time. I hope you enjoy.

~*~*~

“So, let me get this straight,” Aedion drawled as he watched Whitethorn pace around the room.

He had to fight a grin as the warrior growled. “What could possibly be so difficult for you to comprehend?”

“Well, let’s start with the fact that you visited my cousin in the night, knowing full well she had already promised herself to someone else.” He knew, of course, that Aelin had ended things with Dorian weeks ago, but watching the color leave Whitethorn’s face was well worth the lie of omission. Before the warrior could say anything in his defense, Aedion carried on. “You have some sort of interaction with her you won’t discuss further. You leave in a hurry, but return to her room later, and she and her belongings have mysteriously vanished.”

“Yes,” Whitethorn snarled.

Aedion bit back a laugh as he watched Whitethorn resume his pacing. “And what, precisely, do you intend for me to do about it? Sounds to me like you’ve created this situation yourself.”

“You’re being too hard on him,” Lysandra called from the next room.

“Am I? He’s admitted to having some sort of late night encounter with my dear cousin, and botching it to the point that she runs away. I don’t think I’m being too hard at all.”

Whitethorn growled at him, exposing elongated canines before opening his mouth to speak, but Aedion simply lifted a hand to demand his silence. “Luckily for you,” he continued, “I have information that you don’t.”

He finally laughed as he watched the warrior freeze. “What information?”

“It doesn’t feel nearly as good to be the one without all the details, does it?” Aedion grinned.

“Play nicely!” called Lysandra.

Aedion sighed and shook his head. “First of all,” he revealed, “I know that Aelin ended things with Dorian almost three weeks ago now. The prince is due to make it public today.”

Whitethorn’s eyes widened. “She did?”

“She did. I’m not certain why she didn’t see fit to tell you, other than the fact that she’s been complaining to my mate about you avoiding her.” A pointed accusation to be sure, but Aedion had to admit he wasn’t feeling especially generous. They had bonded to an extent, certainly, but the male in front of him had just admitted to hurting his beloved cousin. He wasn’t going to make it easy for him to win back her affections.

The guilt that crossed Whitethorn’s face brought him some satisfaction in that regard. “I had orders, though that isn’t much of an excuse.”

“The second thing I know,” Aedion said instead of directly addressing the remark, “is that Aelin never intended to marry Dorian in the first place, nor he her.”

That particular fact wasn’t especially relevant to the current situation, but Aedion had to admit he was reveling in seeing such shock on Whitethorn’s face. It wasn’t every day that someone got to surprise a centuries-old blood-sworn fighter of Queen Maeve’s, after all.

Whitethorn’s shock faded to a contemplative frown, and Aedion knew the warrior would be piecing together any evidence he happened to have witnessed. Before he could get too far, though, Aedion had one final piece of information to reveal. “The final piece of information I have and you don’t is Aelin’s current location.”

Green eyes turned to him in a fierce glare. “You’ve known where she was this entire time,” he growled.

“Yes,” he admitted. “And my task was to stall you long enough that you couldn’t stop her, which I’ve done splendidly.”

“Stop her from what, exactly?” A part of Aedion noted Whitethorn’s obvious anger with a thrill of fear; the male was a highly capable warrior, after all, and with his magic as well Aedion wasn’t confident he could actually win a serious fight between them.

That being said, another part of him was delighted that he currently held power in the form of information, and that he had the ability to rile someone so famed for his foul but consistent disposition. With that in mind, Aedion launched one final barb. “I’m certain you could figure it out, if you took your time. Unless, of course, there’s more than one thing you know she could do that you would feel… compelled… to stop her from doing.”

The word was a hint that was far from subtle, and Rowan Whitethorn was no fool. As Aedion watched, he sat down hard in a nearby chair, eyes wide. “She’s going to Maeve.”

It wasn’t a question, but he responded regardless. “She is. Lysandra is to go back to Orynth in her place, disguising herself as Aelin until she reaches the border. I’ve sent letters ahead of us to Terrasen, to let the regent know of Aelin’s side trip. I am to follow behind her, now that it won’t raise suspicion and now that we’re unlikely to catch her before she reaches Doranelle.”

“And you let her?” Whitethorn demanded, incredulous. “Are you insane? Nothing good can come of the two of them meeting.”

“Yes to your first question, the second is debatable. And Aelin seems to think something good can come of it.” Aedion finally relented, letting his own expression soften. “But she can’t do it alone. I’m to follow her on the next ship to Wendlyn. Are you coming with me?”

“Of course I’m coming with you,” Whitethorn replied, no hesitation in his voice. “But before we do this, there’s something you should know. I don’t want your surprise to be a hindrance should a certain situation arise.”

“What is it that you think I should know?”

Aedion frowned as he caught a glimmer of regret in Whitethorn’s eyes. “I know who your father is, and we may come across him on our way to Maeve.”

Aedion’s world came to a grinding halt.

~*~*~

Aelin slipped off of the ship and into Wendlyn with a sigh of relief. She hadn’t been overly seasick on the journey, which she supposed was a relief, but she had kept to her cabin regardless out of a desire to remain as anonymous as possible. After all, Aelin Galathynius, Crown Princess of Terrasen, would attract undue attention.

Celaena Sardothien, the eccentric assassin, however, was someone from whom everyone kept their distance.

It was just as well, really. Aelin didn’t particularly want to talk to anyone on the voyage anyway. She had to maintain her focus on her plan. Instead, she had focused on the physical fitness drills Aedion had taught her so long ago and on sharpening the knives she had brought. If the other passengers thought her distant and cold, well, that was so much the better. The wildfire running through her veins was not intended for them.

Varese was several days’ travel from the port at which she’d landed, but some quick negotiations bought her a horse and food enough for the journey. She kept the hood of her cloak up for the entirety of the trip, both to maintain relative anonymity and to keep the hot rays of the sun away from her face.

She had heard that this land, the land of her mother’s family, was far warmer than the mountains to which she was accustomed. She had presumed it would be roughly equivalent to the summer days of Rifthold, if she gave the matter any thought at all. She had been terribly mistaken; the heat and humidity threatened to overwhelm her at the height of each day, forcing her to veer away from the road and seek shade and water for herself and for her mount.

It might have been easier to simply turn south and ride for Doranelle directly. It certainly would have taken less time. However, she had a favor to ask and a message to ensure the royal family of Wendlyn received, and so to Varese she went.

As she neared the city walls, she took a deep breath to steel her nerves. My name is Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, she reminded herself, and I will not be afraid.

She reminded herself of this again as guards surrounded her at the city gate.

For all her nerves, though, the Ashryver line was well-loved in their own capital city. One look at her face and at her eyes, the turquoise-and-gold shared across most of her maternal line, and she was quickly ushered into a side room. “You’ve been expected,” a guard told her as she was left in a room with wine and some sort of flatbread.

Several minutes later, the door opened, and Aelin turned her attention to the room’s newest entrant.

But for their eyes, it would have been nearly impossible to tell that Galan Ashryver was of any relation to her. His dark hair and olive skin were far better suited to the climate of his homeland, whereas her pale complexion and golden hair fit her mountain home. But the Ashryver line produced turquoise eyes ringed with gold in most of its heirs, and when her gaze met his she saw the shared heritage.

Aelin stood and bowed slightly, wishing she had thought to bring finer clothes than her riding leathers. “Cousin, it is a great pleasure to meet at long last.”

Rather than stand on formalities, Galan pulled her into an embrace. “Well met, cousin, though I wish you had better news to bring me.”

Aelin smiled thinly. “There is hope yet,” she said. “I bring the proof I mentioned, along with confirmation that the Havilliards stand behind my actions thus far as well as those yet to come. I did not have time to hear from the Queen of the Wastes or the royal family of Eyllwe before my journey to you began, though I am certain that if you were to converse with Prince Dorian Havilliard he will have confirmation soon.”

As she watched, Galan skimmed through the papers she produced, brow furrowed in thought. “This certainly does seem compelling,” he murmured. “Though it concerns me that this was forgotten so long ago, if it is indeed true.”

“My greatest wish is that I am proven incorrect about the worst of my suspicions, though there is certainly much that needs to be answered regardless. I ride south to speak to our dear aunt, as quickly as possible.”

“You plan to ask her directly?”

“I do. If she can answer to my satisfaction, there need not be further action. And if our worst fears are realized…” She called one of her flames to appear in her hand, twining around her wrist like a bracelet before disappearing. She grinned up at her cousin. “I can take care of myself.”

Galan’s eyes widened. “So the reports of you inheriting Brannon’s power are true,” he remarked, “though your control is far better than reported.”

“I’ve spent a great deal of the past months improving my control,” she replied. “I’ve ignored my heritage for far too long, it would seem.”

Her cousin sighed and set the papers aside. “As you certainly know, I cannot give you the full approval of the crown of Wendlyn. That honor resides with my father still.”

Aelin nodded; she had suspected as much.

“However,” he continued, “I have full command of Wendlyn’s armies. I hope they will not be needed in this situation, but if the need arises I will aid you however I can.”

She smiled and stood. “Then you have my thanks, my dear cousin.”

“Will you need rooms here, to rest before carrying on with your journey?”

“You’re too kind,” she replied. “But no, I’m afraid I cannot delay. One of her blood-sworn warriors follows me, and I have already lingered too long.”

“The one you mentioned in your letter? I believed you to be friendly, from the way you spoke of him.”

“A blood oath does not recognize friendship beyond that of the sworn to his keeper. If she commands him to prevent me from arriving, he will be unable to do anything but comply. I wish to avoid placing him into such a situation if at all possible.”

“I understand,” Galan replied. “Do you wish me to attempt to detain him?”

“You will not be able to, though I appreciate your offer. No, it is best if Wendlyn remain neutral until it is absolutely necessary. Though with all luck, we may yet be able to avoid an incident we would all come to regret.”

“I certainly hope so. Go, then, cousin. Go with our blessing, and with our hopes for as peaceful an end as may be achieved.”

Aelin smiled and embraced him once more before they went their separate ways, him to report to his parents and her to continue her journey.

~*~*~

Aelin rode for Doranelle as quickly as she could, and soon she was once more within a forest. It was both hotter and more humid than those she called home, but it was still at least somewhat familiar.

Slightly less familiar and more unnerving was the continuous sensation that she was being watched. Obstacles she had spied along the path seemed to clear themselves before she could reach them, and occasionally she could swear she saw eyes peeking out from behind branches.

It wasn’t until the night before she reached her aunt’s borders that she finally faced some of the creatures that had been watching her, and she wasn’t certain whether to find it relieving or unnerving to discover that it had been the Little Folk watching her all along.

She had encountered their kindred in Terrasen, living quietly in the Oakwald Forest and preferring to remain largely unseen. If she lingered in the forest they had a tendency to leave small gifts along her path, little trinkets or particularly beautiful flowers.

These faeries had done more than leave an individual flower, though, for as she watched several of them placed a crown of beautiful red blossoms on a stone before her.

She could not name the flowers they had chosen. They appeared to be similar to the kingsflame that graced Terrasen during times of peace, but the blossoms were slightly larger and a different shade. Still, it was a crown that was all too appropriate for the Heir of Fire, and it both warmed her heart and made her nervous to realize that these faeries recognized her heritage just as readily as those who lived in the land she called home.

Deciding that politeness was the best way to proceed, she lifted the crown with a smile. “You have my thanks,” she murmured to the few who lingered. “This is a beautiful gift indeed, and I will treasure it as long as it lasts.”

The remaining Little Folk fled; either because of some noise in the forest she had not heard, or because she had called attention to them, she couldn’t be certain. She placed the crown of flowers atop her head regardless; it would be rude to thank them for their gift and then proceed to cast it aside.

The sun finally rose enough for her to see the path once more, and Aelin continued onward, wishing for the hundredth time that her secondary form was something more useful than a human shape. If she had been a bird like Rowan, she could have already completed her journey.

Aelin frowned. Perhaps it was best not to think of Rowan. Not now, when she was so close to her aunt’s territory and she needed to keep her wits about her. It was difficult to avoid thinking of him, however. How much had Aedion revealed to him by now? Had he followed at all? If he had, was it to fulfill his blood oath to her aunt and stop her, or was he going to attempt to help her however he could?

With a sigh, she realized that she had far too little information to speculate on his future actions. The only thing she could be reasonably certain of was that he would not directly harm her unless he was specifically ordered by Maeve to do so.

Depending on when exactly he caught up to her, the likelihood of her giving such an order was relatively high. Her aunt was known for many things, but her kindness and forgiving nature were not among them.

Perhaps it was for the best if he didn’t follow. She would have to alter significant portions of her plan, but he would be kept safe. Even as she thought it, though, she knew he would never be content to remain safe while others endangered themselves. No, he would come, to whatever end. All she could do was hope that she could make that a happier end than it would’ve otherwise become.

Resolve strengthened, she carried on along her path, and soon she was met by the calling of wolves.

These wolves, she knew, would be no ordinary creatures. No, these were sentinels for Maeve herself, loyal only to her. If her aunt wished it, these wolves would turn her away. If she pressed onward regardless, they would tear her apart if Maeve gave the order. No one outside of Doranelle was certain of the exact means of her control over these creatures, or even if they truly were wolves. Aelin supposed it didn’t truly matter. All that mattered was that they allow her to pass.

As two of the wolves approached her, she dismounted from her horse and walked out to meet them. It wouldn’t do to spook her mount unnecessarily, and it seemed wise to be as respectful as she could manage. “Greetings,” she called, and the wolves inclined their heads toward her.

She allowed some of her fire to manifest in the palm of her hand, twisting it around her fingers and wrist as she had done for Galan several days prior. “I am Aelin Ashryver Galathynius,” she said, “Princess of Terrasen. Heir of Brannon and of Mala Fire-bringer. You may know me as Aelin Fireheart, or perhaps Aelin of the Wildfire. I have come to meet with my aunt, Queen Maeve of the Fae of Doranelle.”

As the wolves looked on, she allowed her eyes to glow with the wildfire of her determination. She would not be stopped. She would see her aunt, and make her answer for all Aelin had learned.

Finally, the wolves moved to either side of the path, bowing their heads. Aelin simply walked back to her horse and swung herself into the saddle once more. She would be allowed to pass, and the wolves knew it.

Aelin smirked as she rode on, knowing the wolves were following her every movement now that she was truly within Maeve’s territory. It wouldn’t be long now. She would have her answers, and Rowan’s freedom, and perhaps even her own happiness.

All she had to do was fight for it with every ounce of strength she had within her.

~*~*~

“We’re less than a day behind her,” Rowan relayed to Aedion after meeting with the wolves that guarded the edge of Maeve’s territory.

The other warrior only nodded in reply. He had been remarkably quiet throughout the journey, and Rowan wasn’t certain whether it was the absence of his mate or the revelation of his heritage that had given him so much to think about. Perhaps it was both.

The male was taking it remarkably well, all things considered. He had occasionally asked quiet questions about what Gavriel was like, and Rowan had volunteered stories of his mentor and friend well into the night. He had been avoiding one question in particular, though, and it was this question that came forward as they began to move again. “Does he even know I exist?”

Rowan sighed. “I’m not certain. If he knows, he hasn’t told any of us. And that is certainly the correct decision if he does know; none of us would have been able to hide your existence if asked.”

“Because of the blood oath you all swore.”

It wasn’t a question, but Rowan nodded regardless. “She would use you against him at the slightest opportunity, as she uses anyone and everyone one of her blood-sworn holds dear.”

He had known, of course, what manner of female Maeve had been when he had sworn himself into her service. He’d known that she could be cruel, and merciless, and vindictive. He hadn’t cared, then; he’d welcomed it, even. Some part of him, the part that cried out for a mate that was no longer there, had relished it. It was, after all, no worse than what he deserved.

Doubt had begun to enter his mind when she had recruited Connall and then Fenrys, the Black Wolf and White Wolf. The way she had gone about it, and the way Fenrys in particular struggled against the oath constantly thereafter, were further indications of Maeve’s unique cruelty for anyone who cared to look. Rowan hadn’t, then, still convinced it was what he deserved. They had made their choice as much as he had; perhaps they’d had their reasons as well.

His doubts hadn’t truly manifested until he had explained his story to Aelin, and felt nothing but relief as she accepted all of him. He still believed that he deserved his fate; however, she deserved far better than to be entangled with such a dark court. If all had gone according to Maeve’s plan, he would have reported everything to her and Aelin would never have been safe again.

Rowan shook his head. It was pointless to think about; if there was a way to break a blood oath that didn’t result in death, he wasn’t aware of it. This was to be his fate, and he only hoped that Aelin could win her freedom from this life.

If she managed to free him as well, somehow, he would savor every moment of it and follow her to whatever end.

A ray of warm sunlight pierced through the clouds and he felt a strange sense of comfort, as though the goddess that had so blessed Aelin with her gift of fire had heard his thoughts and deigned to answer. Almost involuntarily, his eyes slid closed as he enjoyed the moment of warmth and peace. Too soon, however, the ray of sunlight passed on, and Rowan was left with only his divided thoughts once more.

Aedion was evidently only too happy to add to those doubts. “Did you know, when you swore to her, that she was like this? Did he?”

“We all did,” he said wearily. “We all had our own reasons for swearing the oath. What Gavriel’s were, I do not know. But we were under no illusions, if that’s what you ask. Every one of us knows what Maeve is capable of doing to those who cross her, as well as the rewards she bestows on those she grants her favor.” Both, of course, were twisted in their own way, but he wasn’t attempting to draw this conversation out any longer than he had to. If Aedion wanted answers to the questions he was actually asking, he would need to confront his father. “We should keep moving,” he said to cut off yet another question. “We don’t have long, if Aelin’s plan is truly for us to catch up to her as Maeve welcomes her.”

The journey into Doranelle was thankfully swift and free of obstacles, and soon they stood before the stone walls of the city that he called home but that felt like a cage. A tugging sensation near his heart, one that had been present since he had learned of Aelin’s departure, strengthened as they passed through the gates. It seemed that, though she had given no further explicit instructions, the blood oath demanded that Rowan act regardless.

Perhaps it had been a mistake to come.

It was too late to turn back now, though, and so instead he quietly led Aedion through the streets of the city, drawing ever closer to a palace made of stone at the center of the city built on the rivers. With each step, he thought another silent plea to whatever god or goddess may have cared to listen. For Aelin. For himself. For the warrior beside him. For the father who had never known his son. For the twins who had ensnared each other in Maeve’s grasp. If he was going to entertain desperate prayers that were unlikely to be realized, he might as well include Vaughan and Lorcan as well, though if Lorcan was somehow set free he was as likely to curse his liberator as he was to thank them.

He slipped them through a side door into the palace, down familiar halls and up familiar staircases. All the while, he was trying to mentally prepare himself for what they would face when they reached the room Maeve preferred for audiences. He realized quickly that it was futile, however; he couldn’t predict what Aelin would do, or how Maeve would react to an unknown force.

He especially couldn’t predict the words that froze him where he stood as they reached the door to Maeve’s audience chamber.

“So tell me,” Aelin was drawling, “how long have you known that you held the mate of the future Queen of Terrasen in a blood oath?”

~*~*~

Tagging:

@ireallyshouldsleeprn @queen-of-glass @fangirlprincess09 @sassys-world @morganofthewildfire @superspiritfestival @perseusannabeth @sis-it-dont-add-up @jlinez @julemmaes @emilyoftheshadows @thegoddessofyou

#haven writes #rules of engagement #rowaelin

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acourtofquestions · 6 months ago

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The true villain of Heir of Fire MISSCOMMUNICATION

because for the love of wyrd CHAOL CELAENA DORIAN just sit in a room together and talk and please especially the latter SOMEONE FILL DORIAN IN🤦‍♀️😅😂

#TOG #Throne of Glass #Throne of Glass series #Heir of Fire #HoF #Maasverse #Sarah J. Maas #Chaol Westfall #Dorian Havilliard #Celaena Sardothien #Aelin Ashryver Galathynius #Elentiya #why is it always you three #poor Dorian #Celaena and Chaol and Dorian #Aelin and Chaol #Dorian and Celaena #if they would all just talk to each other #like I get it #trust issues #but also #misscommunication #and it’s doing nothing for them even with the mind reading concern #lol Dorian looking at Aedion like OMG UR RELATED #Chaol’s love language being let me send you to another continent #Celaena deciding three days in she is going to get drunk off her ass and fate can come find her or else because girl needs therapy #ITS JUST SUCH A MESS #why can’t we all be friends #and have group therapy #and then idk come up with a plan to save the world using the super powerful magic prince and secret fire queen and guard with the info

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brandyovereager · 4 years ago

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The Phoenix Effect - pt. 5

It’s finally finished! Hope you all love it!

On ao3:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22195906/chapters/59090404

Summary: Rowan is in Rifthold with Dorian when a strange phenomenon sweeps the land. Those once dead are popping up alive. Everyday, more and more are Reborn. One day Rowan encounters a Reborn young man who refuses to give his name, only asking to know the whereabouts of Celaena Sardothien.

Rowan stared at the doors to the Assassin’s Keep, watching with a soldier’s eye for any sign of trouble. Nearly half an hour in, and he had not heard a single sound. The Keep was still, betraying no signs of motion inside, leaving the Fae to wonder if anyone was even in there. This was certainly not what he had expected.

The door to the Keep opened, and out walked the young Reborn. There was no sign of struggle or stealth to his exit, which piqued Rowan’s interest. He was walking unabashedly out the front door in full view. What had happened inside the Keep?

Rowan might have asked the young man as much if he hadn’t approach the male and immediately doled out instruction.

“Can you get me an audience with the King of Adarlan?” Well, that just exponentially increased the number of questions Rowan had.

This kid was deep in some weird shit.

————

Sam was still reeling from what Tern had told him.

Celaena had not died in Endovier, she got out. The Crown Prince at the time (now the King) had freed her and brought her back to work for his father. He couldn’t believe the odds. Nobody lasted as long as she had in the mines, let alone left there alive.

They had tried to smother the great Celaena Sardothien, but she had emerged unbroken. She was magnificent.

Sam could tell that Tern was still playing mind games when he’d told him about Celaena, but Sam didn’t care enough to waste time forcing it all out of him. Tern had given him information enough to do what he needed, Dorian Havilliard could fill in any holes.

It made sense, what Tern had told him. In all the seedy taverns Sam had sat in listening for word of Celaena, there was not even a whisper of the assassin’s name. It had puzzled and concerned Sam, but now knowing she was covertly employed by the King, it fit that she would not be able to identify herself as Adarlan’s Assassin. The King couldn’t very well let it get out that he was employing a supposedly imprisoned criminal to do his dirty work.

Was the new king just like his father? In the time since his rebirth, Sam had seen a good portion of Rifthold and heard much about King Dorian. The country was still rebuilding from the war, but otherwise the people seemed more prosperous and happy than they’d been before his death. King Dorian had ended many of his father’s evil practices, and from what Sam could tell, had significantly improved international relations. What would a king like that do with Celaena?

Sam had been reluctant to take on help with his search at first, but now it seemed like a miracle that he had the King of Terrasen on his side. Before, in order to see Dorian Havilliard he would’ve had to infiltrate the most secure structure in Rifthold, and somehow manage to get the most guarded man inside at his mercy. With Rowan, they could just walk into the castle and have the Fae pull his friend aside for a chat.

At least, the Kings of Adarlan and Terrasen seemed to be friends. Terrasen’s Queen had sent her Fae husband to help the King, so they must have been at least cordial. Sam wondered how much of Dorian Havilliard’s business Rowan was privy too. Maybe the male helping him had known the entire time where Celaena was?

Did he dare ask? If the Fae did know, he might be able to take him to Celaena without having to see the King. However, if he didn’t, Sam could expose Celaena even more. Rowan had proven himself trustworthy and discreet so far, but the Fae’s past was still a mystery, and one Sam was exceptionally curious about.

“You were trained by Arobynn Hammel?” Sam was shocked, partly by Rowan breaking their silence, but more so by the words he spoke. The male knew, he knew far more than what Sam had revealed to him. A royal from Terrasen should not have such knowledge of Arobynn Hammel. The mystery of Rowan’s past was becoming increasingly concerning.

Sam stopped walking and turned to face Rowan, making sure to look him dead in the eye as he spoke.

“That sounded less like a question and more like an observation.” Rowan was unshaken, persisting with the topic.

“You move like an assassin and, considering we were just at the Assassin’s Keep, it didn’t seem like a stretch to assume you worked there.” It was understandable that a warrior male could identify him as an assassin, but the fact that this Fae recognized the doors to the Keep was unusual.

“You’re familiar with the Keep and its inhabitants?” Not only had he recognized the Keep, but he knew who had led it.

“I think you’ll find I know quite a bit more about the Assassin’s Guild than most.” There was no reason the King should, and it was unsettling.

“What business would a Terrasen royal have with assassins in Rifthold?” Even if he had travelled to Adarlan before, why would he have been at the Keep?

“My mate has some bad history with Hammel. We actually visited the Keep just before he was killed. It was the first and only time I set foot in that place.” Arobynn had known Aelin Galathynius?

“You saw him just before he died?” Sam’s voice was beyond incredulous. The absurdity of the situation was not lost on him. “Arobynn Hammel met with the King and Queen of Terrasen hours before his murder?” Rowan let out a sound that might have been a chuckle.

“It does sound somewhat unbelievable, doesn’t it?” That was an understatement, and not as amusing to Sam as it seemed to be to the Fae. “I was not King at the time, though, simply a devoted member of her court. I was there for the selfish purpose of glowering at the self-appointed King of Assassins whenever he upset my Queen.” His smile as he spoke grew wicked.

“Do you know who killed him? Did something happen when you were there?” It was difficult to believe they had left mere hours before Arobynn’s death and didn’t know anything about the circumstances surrounding it. While his main goal was to find Celaena, there was a sick satisfaction in learning more about the death of Arobynn Hammel.

“His murderess is a member of my Queen’s court. They came up with the plan together. Aelin wanted to face him one last time before her lady took a knife to his skin.” Perhaps choosing the King of Terrasen to assist him was a smart move. He and his Queen seemed to have no great love for Arobynn Hammel. They could be good allies to have.

“Of all the people who wanted Arobynn Hammel dead, I did not expect Aelin Galathynius to have been involved.” Arobynn had a long list of enemies who wished him dead, one of which was likely Celaena herself.

“Aelin had a life before she finally took back her throne. There was a reason it took her so many years to do so, and Arobynn Hammel was a great part of that.” It would seem not only the King of Terrasen had an interesting past, but his Queen as well. What a curious pair of royals.

“I suppose you may have been right then, you do know quite a bit more about the Assassin’s Guild than most.”

The rest of their walk to the castle was silent.

————

This young man had worked for Arobynn Hammel. The Guild was likely who he had been hiding from, probably who had killed him. He was so young, just on the cusp from boy to man, but Rowan knew Hammel had ruined the lives of far younger.

He was looking for someone, a woman he wanted to protect. Some part of Rowan that remembered the young man’s question about Endovier twisted with the thought that he might know who that woman is.

They turned down the hallway to Dorian’s chambers and found Chaol standing outside talking to another man whose face was obscured from Rowan’s view.

“Rowan, we were just about to send for you.” At Chaol’s words the man he’d been speaking to turned around.

“Aedion,” the aforementioned male met Rowan in an embrace, “what are you doing in Adarlan?” When they first met, Rowan and Aedion had harbored some animosity for each other. Now, however, just the sight of the Demi-Fae made him happy in a way he never would have imagined. Rowan missed Terrasen, but he missed his family most of all, and Aedion was a part of that. Not to mention that Aedion bore such a resemblance to Aelin that just looking at him made Rowan feel closer to her.

“Aelin sent me to fetch you, she wants her mate back. It’s time for you to come home.” He’d been waiting for this news to come. His work in Rifthold was mostly complete and he would be needed back in Terrasen. If he could, he’d start the journey back right this second, but his work with the assassin boy was not complete.

“How soon must we leave? I need to finish up some things before I can go.” Chaol seemed a bit puzzled at that, but Aedion accepted it with ease.

“We can depart at your discretion, I’m more than happy to abuse Dorian’s hospitality.” With the smirk now gracing his face, Rowan didn’t doubt Aedion one bit. He was sure Aedion would be making the most of whatever time they spent here.

The young man Rowan had been assisting stepped forward and made himself known to the group. Chaol and Aedion seemed quite surprised when they finally took note of the man Rowan had entered with.

“Excuse me, who are you?” The hulking Demi-Fae towered over the young assassin, but he questioned the men with confidence and a sense of entitlement Rowan often saw in his Queen.

“I could ask you the same question, boy.” Aedion’s posture had shifted, he was now on his guard against the unknown young man.

“I’m a reborn, King Rowan is helping me locate a loved one from before my death.” Rowan had been helping the boy all day and still had not been told even a first name, Aedion wasn’t going to get a straight answer.

“That’s what you’re doing here, but it’s not a name.” The young man did not open his mouth.

“Well, I am Aedion Ashryver, and I don’t appreciate anonymous strangers hanging around members of my court.” The Ashryver male seemed very peeved with the young man. Perhaps some better conversation skills would’ve extended his life.

“The Wolf of the North? You’re from Terrasen?” The young man looked very puzzled, as if the information didn’t fit his expectations.

“Smart kid.” The Ashryver attitude was activated, but the kid didn’t seem fazed, Rowan respected him more for it.

“Do you have family here?” What in hell? Rowan had not anticipated a line of questioning for his cousin.

“The only blood I have left is in Terrasen. What’s it to you?” Yes, please explain what you are thinking here, kid.

“You just,” the young man examined Aedion closer, “you look like,” he trailed off again, lost in thought. Finally, the words that he settled on were, “do you have a sister?”

Chaol, Aedion, and Rowan all froze where they stood. The question’s answer was a definitive no, but it was not entirely unfounded. It could not be ignored that Aedion and Aelin shared so many similar features that they were often assumed to be siblings.

If this young man recalled a female resembling Aedion, it was likely that he had met Aelin—especially given his connection to Arobynn Hammel. That nagging part of Rowan’s mind made itself known again.

Aedion narrowed his eyes at the young man.

“You have met a female who looks like me?” Things were starting to fall into place, and they might have a long time ago if Rowan had bothered to entertain his nagging thoughts.

“Is that possible? You say you come from Terrasen, I spent my life in Adarlan. The woman I knew lived in Rifthold since she was a girl.” It was more possible than he knew.

“The woman you’re looking for, is she Celaena Sardothien?” The young man hadn’t been expecting Rowan’s question, but he now seemed aware that there was something more going on than he knew.

“Yes. You all know her?” The three males nodded. Rowan met the young man’s eyes and spoke evenly.

“I think the time has come to share our secrets, amongst us, they are safe.” Hidden information would only hinder them now. The young man seemed to agree.

“Alright. I will tell mine, and you will tell me yours?” The three nodded again.

“You knew Celaena Sardothien?” a nod “and that would make you…?” Rowan let the question trail off.

“Sam Cortland.”

The nagging part of his brain sat back smugly, as if to say I told you so.

@rowaelinforeverworld @flowersinvegas @aelin-queen-of-terrasen @camixd93 @lord-douglas-the-third @montse121296 @dank-queen7 @slytheringalathynius

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creampuffqueen · 5 years ago

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Deep in the Heart of Texas - One

a/n: So, because I have zero self control, I went and wrote the first chapter of the ToG southern AU I was talking about. I did this instead of doing online school, so I’d appreciate some feedback! I’ll probably continue this, but you know, support is nice. I think it’s also important to note that Aelin would absolutely rock a southern accent. So would Aedion. It would be so hot. Just... imagine it.

Summary: Aelin Galathynius is ready for the best summer of her life. She’s home from college for the summer, and so are all of her friends. Even her cousin is on a break from the military. Everything is set up to be perfect. Until... her mother decides to let the son of an old family friend stay with them while he grieves the loss of a loved one. And Aelin is not going to let a party pooper ruin her summer.

Rowan Whitethorn has just suffered the biggest loss of his life: the death of his long-time girlfriend, Lyria. His family is sick of him moping around his tiny New York apartment, so they ship him down south for the summer. The last thing Rowan wants is to spend his vacation in Nowhereville, Texas, but he has little choice. Not to mention, the only people his age seem to hate him. How on earth is he going to survive 3 months of this?

Aelin Ashryver Galathynius is living the high life. She’s sitting in a chair outside in her backyard, beer in one hand, barbeque in the other. Her dog, Fleetfoot, is perched at her feet, just waiting for some scraps.

“So, little cuz,” Aedion says, sitting beside her. He reaches over to grab one of the ribs from her plate, but Aelin quickly slaps him away. “How was your junior year at A&M?”

“Pretty good.” Aelin concedes. She finishes off the rib she was eating and passes the bone to Fleetfoot, who immediately jumps to gnaw on it.

“How about you two?” Aedion addresses Aelin’s best friends and roommates, Lysandra and Elide.

“At least you two only have one more year.” Lysandra groans. “Next year I have to focus on getting into vet school.”

“You’ll make it, Lys.” Aelin assures her. “You’re the smartest person I know.”

“I still have to get into medical school.” Yrene sighs from her own seat. “And Nehemia, you’ve got to get into law school.” Their other friend nods and rolls her eyes.

“And this is why I’m just getting a business degree.” Aelin chuckles. “Four years and I’m out.”

It’s so good to see her friends again. They’ve known each other since high school, but only Lys and Elide stayed back home in Texas for school. Nehemia got accepted into Harvard, which they all saw coming. Yrene managed to get herself all the way up to Washington State. As for Ansel and Nesryn, they moved out too, scholarships taking them far, far away.

Aelin missed her friends. It’s so good to have them back. And Aedion, too. By some miracle or another, he’s managed to have a break over the summer. His next deployment isn’t until September.

When Aelin pulls herself from her thoughts, her plate of ribs is noticeably smaller. And her cousin has the tell-tale stain of barbeque sauce on his chin.

“You prick.” Aelin sighs.

“You weren’t eating them!” Aedion laughs. “I’m not letting good barbeque go to waste.”

Aelin, being the mature adult she is, just sticks her tongue out at her cousin until he laughs so hard he chokes. She stands up and takes her plate, smacking him on the back as she does. Aedion just glares.

“I need more food. Any of y’all coming with?” Nehemia and Yrene take their plates and follow Aelin up to the long table where the food is being served.

Aelin’s parents are sitting in camp chairs nearby, laughing. Evalin has a margarita in hand, while Rhoe’s got a beer. When they approach, suddenly all three girls find themselves pulled into a conversation.

“Are y’all having fun?” Evalin asks, smiling.

“Definitely.” Nehemia laughs, ever the polite one. “Thank you so much for inviting us, Mrs. Galathynius.”

“Oh, of course.” Evalin gushes. “I couldn’t just throw a welcome home party for my daughter without inviting all her friends, now could I?”

Aelin attempts to shrug off her mother, but it’s no use. Evalin Galathynius has perfected her Southern charm, and of course Nehemia and Yrene are defenseless against it.

So her friends and mother chat, about life, college, relationships. Evalin even gets Yrene to confess she’s been keeping a long-distance boyfriend, and Aelin is pissed that her friend didn’t tell her first.

But she gets more food; barbeque, mostly, but she heaps some beans and a roll on as well.

“Save some room for banana pudding!” Her mother warns.

“Mom, I will always have room for banana pudding.” Aelin grins. Finally realizing that they don’t have any food on their plate, Nehemia and Yrene pull themselves away and pile their plates high.

By the time they get back to their group of chairs, Aedion has managed to down two whole beers. Ansel and Lysandra are arguing, (or flirting, Aelin can never tell), and Elide is scratching Fleetfoot’s ears as the dog chews on another rib bone.

“Mom’s bringing out the desserts soon.” Aelin alerts her friends. Lys perks up at her words, glancing back towards the house, where all the food is.

“Please tell me she made banana pudding.” Elide groans. “I haven’t eaten it in like, years. Your mom always made the best.”

“Okay, but your mom makes really good butter cake.” Aelin laughs. “I mean, it’s got enough fat to give you diabetes with one slice, but that’s a problem for another day.”

“Mom didn’t make any for the party, though.” Elide pouts.

Before Aelin can respond, three kids crash into their circle, laughing wildly. It’s Evangeline, Lysandra’s little sister, along with Hollin and Terrin, the younger brothers of Dorian and Chaol. Who, for the record, Aelin didn’t know were invited.

“Sorry!” Evie chirps. She stands up again and runs off, the younger boys chasing after her. Fleetfoot, done with her bone, jumps up and dashes after them with a bark.

Lys just rolls her eyes. “Kids.”

Beside her, Nesryn nods in agreement. “Kids.” Aelin spots Nesryn’s older sister, Delara, with the rest of her very large family. Delara has a baby on her hip, while the other three helions run circles around their mother’s feet. Nesryn’s younger cousins soon join in, creating a whirlwind of small children. Aelin has to look away; they’re making her dizzy.

This time Nehemia joins in, a huff of laughter on her lips. “Kids.” She points to her two little brothers, antagonizing Rhoe Galathynius by the house, likely begging for dessert to come out sooner.

“Well, as nice as this is, I don’t have any siblings, so I cannot relate. Sorry to burst your bubble.” Aelin’s comment gets a laugh from all around their circle, and soon everyone is back to eating food.

“Look! The pudding’s out!” Aedion shouts, and all the college-aged kids drop everything and sprint to the house, shoving each other out of the way. Nobody is getting between Aelin and her banana pudding.

“Hey! Slow your roll!” Evalin scolds. “There’s enough pudding for everyone. As long as you only take a small scoop. Aedion, I’m talking to you.” She fixes her nephew with a stare, and Aedion winces.

“Yes ma’am.” They all chorus. Satisfied with their manners, Evalin serves them all dessert.

She’s in the middle of scooping out Aelin’s portion when Rhoe appears, holding her phone. “Honey, someone’s calling.”

“I know how to use a phone, Rhoe.” Evalin sighs. She scoops Aelin a little bit more pudding and then takes her phone, letting her husband go on dessert-serving duty.

Aelin links arms with Elide, the two of them grinning madly before plopping down right there, next to the dessert, digging in with their spoons.

The rest of their friends are soon to follow, and Aelin doesn’t miss how Lysandra chooses to sit a little bit closer to Aedion than is probably socially acceptable.

She chooses to ignore it, however, and instead focuses on interrogating Yrene.

“How long have you had a secret boyfriend for?” She demands.

“When I came home for Christmas.” Yrene laughs. “We went to the Havilliards’ party and I met him there.

The Havilliards, some of the most prominent people in their little cluster of small towns, have a reputation to battle even the Galathyniuses. And the Ytgers, for that matter. Their parties attract attention from all over, which was how Aelin’s friend group met each other.

Aelin and Elide had grown up practically as sisters, though Elide lived one school district over, in the neighboring town of Perranth. Orynth was the largest city in their area of South Texas, holding a whopping 10,000 people.

That was whopping to Aelin, at least. Elide’s town, Perranth, had around 8,000, with Rifthold nearby being 9,000. All the other towns that their friends lived in had even less than that, the smallest being Caraverre, Lysandra’s town, with barely 1,000 people.

The Havilliards, being the socialites of tiny Rifthold, have parties all the damn time. They even let their eldest son, Dorian, host wild gatherings of drunken teenagers.

Aelin and Elide, barely seventeen, had managed to sneak into one of these elusive parties. They’d met Lys, Nesryn, Ansel, Nehemia, and Yrene, although the last girl was only there because her friends dragged her there and then abandoned her. Some friends, they were.

“Okay, that doesn’t give us any clue as to who he is.” Lys points out, pointing her spoon at Yrene. “Everyone and their cousin goes to the Havilliards’ parties.”

“Chaol Westfall.” Yrene giggles. Aelin nearly spits out her banana pudding.

“Him?!” She yelps. Yrene’s laughter turns hysterical.

“Yes! Chaol Westfall is my boyfriend.”

“He’s here, though.” Ansel adds. “Why aren’t you over there with him?”

“Because I missed y’all.” Yrene says. “I haven’t seen y’all since summer last year. None of you came home for Christmas.”

“Too busy.” Aelin, Elide, and Lysandra say in unison. Yrene rolls her eyes.

Other people come for dessert, and Aelin scoots away as one of Nesryn’s nieces tries to peek over her shoulder. Delara scolds her and drags her away, and the whole group bursts into laughter.

Aelin looks up, seeing her father still serving. That’s strange, where is Evalin?

She sees her mother, standing on the porch of the house, hand over her mouth. Something’s wrong. Evalin’s porcelain face is ashen, the color drained from her cheeks. Aelin thinks she can see tears.

Before anyone can ask what she’s looking at, Aelin’s jumping up and rushing to her mother, bounding up the steps two at a time. She nearly crashes into her uncle’s rocking chair, but stops at the last second. Evalin hardly looks up.

“Of course. Of course he can stay here. For as long as he needs. Yes, please, send him my love. I’m so sorry.” Aelin catches Evalin’s eye, who holds up a finger, gesturing for her to wait.

When she finally hangs up, she just lets out a long sigh, putting the phone on the porch railing.

“Do you remember the Whitethorns, Aelin?”

The question catches her off guard, but Aelin nods, anyway. “I do. Sellene and Enda, mostly. And… there was another one, right?”

Evalin just hangs her head. “Yes. Rowan, that’s the other one. Poor boy, his girlfriend just died in a car accident.”

Now it’s Aelin’s turn to put her hands to her mouth. “Oh Lord.” She hardly remembers the Whitethorns, just that she met them a few times when she was young. She remembers that Enda and Sellene were nice and would play with her, while Rowan hung back, always saying mean things to her. She remembers Aedion beating him up one time, too.

Still, just because he was rude to five-year-old Aelin doesn’t mean he deserved this tragedy.

“If you call Mrs. Whitethorn again, please tell her I’m so sorry for their loss.” Poor Rowan.

“Well, here’s the thing, Aelin.” At Evalin’s tone of voice, Aelin knows she’s about to say something she won’t like. “Mrs. Whitethorn is very worried for him. They’re so busy up there, you know, they don’t always have time to check in on him. So… she asked if we would let Rowan stay down here for a bit.”

“Mama!” Aelin sighs. “I feel bad for the guy, but that doesn’t mean he has to come and live with us! All of my friends are down here! I don’t want him ruining my summer vacation.”

“Don’t you start sassin’ me, young lady.” Evalin snaps, her accent coming out in full force. “How can you be so heartless? Rowan is grieving.”

Aelin feels like a kid again, getting sent to her room for giving her mother attitude. So she relents before she gets embarrassed in front of the entire town of Orynth. And then some.

But she’s in a pissy mood, now. Of course she feels bad for him, but not that bad. Not bad enough to let him stay in her house over the summer. For all she knows, Aedion could be deployed all next summer. Lysandra might not be able to come home, being to busy getting ready for vet school. This could very well be their last summer together.

And Aelin Galathynius will not let Rowan Whitethorn ruin her summer.

~~~~

Rowan Whitethorn steps out of the Uber, taking in the sight of the small town. He’s flown into Houston, Texas from Doranelle, New York, and it’s cost him a stupid amount of money to get a car to take him all the way down here. They don’t even have taxis in this god-forsaken state.

Though, to be fair, it’s partially his own fault. His flight had gotten moved up, and he’d forgotten to text Evalin Galathynius the new time after she insisted she’d pick him up from the airport.

As the Uber pulls away, Rowan takes a long minute to glance around. He’d seen the sign as they’d driven in, had nearly felt his eyes bulge out of his head when he saw ‘Population: 10,000’.

He fingers the strap of his backpack, taking in the scenery. He’s in what must be a public park, but why anyone is outside is beyond him. It is so fucking hot outside.

However, the park is full. A pair of mothers with strollers, chatting as they walk along the park trail. Kids play on a playground in the distance. And a couple, seated at one of the picnic tables, have their hands clasped.

Rowan looks away at that.

There wasn’t any place he could go, or that his parents could ship him off to, where he could just forget about Lyria. She’d been the love of his life. When he had a bit more money saved up he was going to ask her to marry him. He wanted to start a family with her.

And it seems like she haunts him, because no matter where he looks there is something that reminds him of her.

Rowan sighs deeply, starting to walk. He needs to be away from this place, with so many… people. And he needs to get inside somewhere, away from the oppressive heat. How anybody manages to live in this weather is beyond him, being born and raised in New York.

He observes the town as he walks, taking in the architecture, the style. It looks fairly modern, save for the houses. The houses all look like miniature versions of that house from Gone with the Wind. The movie, of course. He didn’t bother to pick up the book.

This tiny town seems as if it’s been permanently frozen in time… in the Civil War era.

Rowan goes back to walking, searching for a store or something where he can step inside for a minute, pull out his phone, and turn on Google Maps. However, as he approaches the little chain of shops, he’s stopped by a slightly older woman.

“Are you visiting someone, dear?” She asks, smiling broadly.

“Uh, yeah.” He replies awkwardly. Why is she talking to him? Back in New York, it’s pretty much every man for himself. You find your own way or you don’t. Nobody ever offers help.

“Where are you headed?” She’s still smiling, and that puts Rowan on edge.

“Um, I’m looking for… Evalin Galathynius? Do you know her?”

The woman’s face lights up. “Oh, yes, I know her. You’re gonna want to walk down that street right there, then take a left at the blue house, keep going until you reach the small park, then-”

Rowan doesn’t know what to say. Her instructions drone on, and he just can’t pay attention that long. He’ll just take out his phone when the lady leaves.

“You got all that, sweetie?” Rowan jolts back to the present.

“Yeah, thanks.” She smiles, and keeps walking. Rowan lets out a sigh, and pulls out his phone, plugging in the address to Google Maps.

Fifteen minutes of walking. Rowan looks up, at the sun beating down on him. This is going to suck, isn’t it?

~~~~

Rowan holds a scowl as he finally makes it to the Galathynius house. Carrying both a backpack and dragging along a suitcase in the sweltering Texas heat is not doing good things for him.

He’d also gotten lost multiple times, even with the help of Google Maps, meaning he’d nearly doubled his walking time. All he wants to do now is to go inside somewhere they have some goddamn air conditioning.

Rowan drags his suitcase up the porch steps, nearly panting. He’d sweated through his shirt, which had only added to the awful heat.

There isn’t a doorbell; or not one he can see, anyway, so he knocks on the front door, hard.

He hears a muffled “I’ll get it!” before the door swings open to reveal a young woman, golden hair tied up in a messy bun.

Her expression turns suddenly sour as she takes him in, her turquoise eyes glaring. “Are you Rowan?”

“Yeah.” He says. “Sorry I didn’t let you know, but my flight got pushed up.”

“That’s what I thought. You weren't supposed to get here until this evening.” She sighs and opens the door. “Come inside.”

Rowan does so gladly, smiling as the cool air kissed his sticky skin. “Is your mom home? You look too young to be Mrs. Galathynius.”

“My name is Aelin.” She says. She doesn’t offer her hand to shake, just keeps walking further inside. “Do you want me to show you your room?”

“Sure.” Rowan follows Aelin through the house, marvelling at how… large it is. And, he’d noticed as he’d approached, it was on a massive piece of land, as well.

Aelin walks quickly through the house, pointing out a few things like the kitchen, dining room, living room. They come upon a large staircase, and she bounds up them. Rowan sighs and goes to dragging his suitcase upstairs.

Aelin even has the audacity to look annoyed at him for being so slow. Rowan resists the urge to snap at her. He’s exhausted, and just wants to lay down somewhere and sleep.

Aelin leads him down a long hallway, and points to one of the doors. “That’s your room. And the bathroom’s right there.” She gestures to another door across the hall. “All the other rooms are occupied right now, so no snooping.”

Rowan doesn’t answer, just nods. Stepping inside the room, he can’t help but notice how big it is. Just like this entire house, it’s giant. He’s got a four-poster bed, plush carpet on the floor, a dresser, and a closet. It’s more luxurious than anything he’s ever had.

He doesn’t bother to unload his stuff. Sleep is pulling at him, making his eyes heavy. So he quickly pulls off his sweaty shirt and collapses on the bed, sinking into the mattress.

He’s gone quickly, but right before he falls asleep, one last thought materializes in his head.

Lyria would have loved it here.

#throne of glass #tog #sarah j maas #rowaelin #rowan whitethorn #aelin galathynius #aedion ashryver #lysandra ennar #elide lochan #yrene towers #nehemia ytger #ansel of briarcliff #nesryn faliq #galathynius family #chaol westfall #dorian havilliard #tog southern au

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