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athena-xox · 8 months ago

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Changing the characters featured in each special without doing any research (it’s been like 2 weeks since I’ve proper watched eah).

True hearts day - chefs kiss it’s perfect

Thronecoming - I like the characters with their side plots but specifically for those going into the storybook of legends I would change blondie and cedar. Blondie would be at the game, it makes no sense why she was there (unless she followed them but she would have to be covering the game anyways so??) and cedar because I feel like they either should have focused more on her being able to lie or just cut her. I would replace them with 1 kitty because she could cover both the plot points that blondie n cedar bring (aka finding out where to go and how to get in) because I think definitely smth could be worked out with her going into the in between. And then I’m in between Ginger and Holly for the 8th girl. I feel like Ginger just because she’s important for spring unsprung so it would make sense to meet her earlier, but also then the focus would be less on raven + briars horrible destinies and on gingers. And I think that Hollys destiny makes a lot of sense for a quick little montage but then that brings the question on if it should be poppy instead or if the sbol they go into is a fake or not.

Spring unsprung - for the girls who get outfits from Lizzie I’m not going to switch them for Maddie and Kitty even tho it would make sense for Lizzie to make the outfits for them (but then again I’m pretty sure the og queen of hearts doesn’t even know who the Cheshire Cat + Mad Hatter r) so the only one I’ll switch is Holly. Just because I didn’t commit to her for the thronecoming arc and so I feel like she doesn’t really need to be there. I would switch her for Farrah (ik she didn’t exist yet but do I look like I give a fuck?) because in the diaries her cedar and Lizzie design together. And briar and cerise can stay because they’re featured and they are like main characters. The others in this special make sense tbh

Way Too Wonderland - ok yeah it makes sense for the 6 girls. The 3 wonderlandians who left pre curse that makes sense. Briar who is literally the catalyst for all these events. And the two main characters. If I could add someone I’d add cerise because her parents got married in wonderland, which could create an interesting plotline, and after spring unsprung her character was kinda discarded which is too bad. The others (the charmings + bunny and Alistair can stay too). Mm honestly I’d remove faybelle. It makes sense for her to be there just to establish her character before dragon games + epic winter but she wasn’t needed. Honestly could switch cerise with her.

Dragon Games - now here’s where I start to actually dislike the line up not just in a nitpicky way. Okay so off the top of my head the ones who compete in the dragons games are Melody, Lizzie, Poppy, Darling, Holly, Apple, Ashlynn, Maddie and Raven. I’m sorry what?! No briar?! Or cerise?! Immediately cutting Lizzie and Melody for those two. And I feel like Ashlynn could be replaced by Jillian, Cupid, Ramona or Nina. And then for those who go to the forest originally are Raven, Darling, Maddie, Ashlynn, Poppy, and Holly. Definitely adding Briar because that just makes this so much more interesting / briar’s rebel arc could have happened!! I’d either just add her to the existing group or if cut the O’Hair twins and also add cerise because cerise is close friends with raven and is seen with darling lots.

Epic Winter - so if you know me yk were cutting rosabella. I’m very tempted to just add Lizzie but we will resist the temptation. I’ll definitely be changing this one a lot. So the crew is Briar, Faybelle, Ashlynn, Blondie, Rosabella, Daring and Crystal. Cutting Blondie & Daring and adding Poppy and Duchess. Okay that might not look like a big change but im changing who gets which arc. Those with flowers are now Briar, Rosa, Poppy and Crystal. Ashlynn is just there because she’s friends with Crystal not because of the flower. Faybelle is there for the same reason. Rosabella is just there because of her flower, of course she becomes friends and stuff but the whole ‘I can fix him’ thing is gone. Instead this is poppy and duchess. Whether or not it’s seen as a ship or friendship Duchess is the one who needs redemption not Daring. Also I just found the blondie wanting a real story arc to be stupid

Forest Fest - I forgot this is considered a special? Is it considered a special? Anyways I think it’s fine I found it annoying how raven and dex had to be the ones to save the girls it could literally be anyone else. I found Poppy kinda a random choice for blondie to take, like just for the hair?? Maybe Ginger instead because she also has a show and they could be going together.

Tbh I want to make another post with in depth analysis

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invisibleanonymousmonsters · 2 years ago

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chapter xvii - gust & flame

Eris Vanserra x Reader

Eris Vanserra has been a prisoner in his own home since the day he was born. He has done what he had to in order to survive and protect the few he loves. And he is playing the long game. Waiting, waiting, and waiting for the right time to make his move, to usurp his wicked father and become High Lord of Autumn Court. But things become even more complicated when a human girl drops into his life. Perhaps Eris can wait no longer to take his throne.

Word Count: 3,500+

masterlist

It only took two turns for Y/N to guess that she had already made a mistake and was surely going to get lost in this ginormous house.

But it seemed to take even less time before she heard her name being called and Eris’ quick steps behind her.

Y/N stopped walking, but refused to turn around.

“We both know you have no idea where you are going,” Eris commented darkly from behind her.

She sighed and turned to look at him.

He took that as her silent invitation to let him show her back to her bedchambers. Well…his bedchambers. But she could sleep in his bed for as long as she so pleased – even if he wasn’t in it along with her.

The walk was 20 minutes of silence. And Eris knew better than to try and force her to break it when she was in such a delicate state. Little did he know, his silent presence was starting to comfort her.

“I meant what I said,” Eris finally spoke when they stood outside the door to their bedchambers.

“About what?” She asked for clarity in a soft voice.

“You are not a prisoner here.”

She just stared into his eyes, looking for any hint of lie. But found none.

“This home is your own. Go where you please. Use what you wish. If there’s anything you desire, you need only ask.” Then he nodded towards the door. “There are clothes in the wardrobe for you. I had the seamstresses working all day and they were quite confident they got your sizing correct.”

Y/N blinked. “You…Y-You had them make custom dresses for me, all in one day?”

Eris could not seem to understand why she was confused – and so taken aback.

“Of course,” he answered, as if it were obvious. “You arrived with almost no belongings.” Only his cloak and the weapons he had gifted her.

Then she opened the door in a rush and marched to the wardrobe, leaving the door ajar to silently invite him in.

Y/N opened it to see the most beautiful dresses she’d ever seen. Yes, Rhysand had gifted her clothes while in Night Court. But these dresses…they felt more... her. And there wasn’t just dresses: there was an equal amount of pants and tops, as well.

“Eris,” she whispered. “This is too much. I…I do not deserve such beautiful clothing.”

To her surprise, Eris’ eyes darkened and he stepped closer to her.

Then his stare went up and down her body – not objectifying her, though as if he was trying to find something he couldn’t seem, but she did.

His amber eyes stared and she wanted to look away, but couldn’t.

Eris voice was low as he slowly said, “I would like to know who in this life made you ever believe that you are undeserving of clothing.”

Y/N opened and closed her mouth a couple times.

When he put it so simply, it did make her rethink.

“But it’s not just clothing,” she argued. “It’s far too lovely.”

“So you don’t believe you deserve lovely clothing?”

Y/N glared at him now, seeing the game he was playing.

Eris took another step closer to her. And it made Y/N’s heart beat a little faster. She wondered if his fae senses could hear it.

His eyes flickered from her y/e/c eyes to her lips before he said, “If there is one thing I shall achieve during your stay here, it’s to untrain that mind of yours and stop you from ever thinking you are undeserving of the very best.” His head tilted closer to her. “You should be gifted anything you have ever wanted. You…” He paused. “You should be worshipped, Y/N.”

He lifted his head back, giving her space to linger on what he just said.

Y/N was grateful for it, because she was convinced her knees would give out at any second.

If her heart was speeding up before, now it was threatening to beat out of her chest. Her breathing was heavy, and she was struggling to control it.

No man had ever spoken to her the way Eris just did. And she somehow knew that no one else ever would, either.

Eris took a step backward. “Goodnight, Y/N.”

He bowed his head and left, closing the door gently behind him.

Y/N stood frozen in place for minutes before she could find it in herself to move.

–🍁–🍁–🍁–

The next morning, Lucien was once again guarding her door.

Y/N suspected that Eris assigned at least one of his guards while she slept, before his brother reached his post.

This time, Lucien was standing and reading a book.

“Do I really require a babysitter?” Y/N moaned.

Though, if she were being honest, she’d recognize that she had no idea what she would do with herself in this place alone.

Lucien smiled in that cocky way of his. Then he took in Y/N’s dress carefully. “I see you are making use of your new wardrobe…”

She said nothing and only awkwardly shifted her weight as her face got warm.

“I don’t think I need another tour,” Y/N announced quietly, hoping not to sound rude.

“Good. Because I did not plan on giving one.”

“He must be busy…” Y/N thought aloud as she started following her escort.

Lucien frowned. “It is not easy transitioning to High Lord, especially after this Court has been ruled by Beron for so long.”

“Will the people accept him?”

“It would be best if they did…” he hummed.

Y/N paused and looked at Lucien with fear. “He wouldn’t…Eris would never…he wouldn’t hurt anyone for the disrespect if they did not…w-would he?”

Lucien seemed amused by both her concern and uncertainty. “Doubtful. Eris wishes do abolish Beron’s evil, not renew it. But there are still those who will question his power and if he is fit to rule at all.”

“But the Cauldron chose him!” Y/N argued. "The powers of Autumn Court are with him.”

Lucien shrugged. “Sometimes the courtiers need more than that.”

“Where are we going?” She suddenly asked.

“To the kitchens,” Eris answered. “My brother nearly throttled me when he found out I had taken you on a three-hour tour without feeding you beforehand.”

“Will you stay…now that Eris is High Lord?”

Her waiting gaze was nervous, as if she was scared the question was rude and she was stepping out of line by asking it.

Lucien sighed. “My brother has assured me that one of his first acts as the new High Lord was to rescind my exile. I am welcome once again in Autumn Court.”

“But do you wish to actually return?”

It was obvious these were all questions that had been racing through Lucien’s mind. But it was also obvious that he did not have steadfast answers.

“It is nice having you here…” Y/N admitted quietly, giving him time to consider his answer. But also offering him an out to change the subject, and not answer at all.

Lucien gave her a shy smirk. “The feeling is mutual.” Then he frowned. “But you intend to return to the Mortal Lands as soon as Eris deems it safe.”

Y/N stopped walking and frowned. “You must think me no better than Elain.”

“Well, Elain does not even acknowledge my existence. At least you actually converse with my brother.”

It took Y/N a moment to realize he was teasing her. She looked up to see him smiling mischievously down at her.

Y/N’s brow furrowed. “Perhaps you fae will never understand it…”

“Understand what?”

“The power of choice was taken away from us. We mortals live a short life. A bad decision – or the lack of choice – could greatly change our lifetime. Our lifespan…it’s just a blink of your immortality.”

Lucien understood what Y/N was trying to tell him. And he wondered if this was why Elain pushed him away again and again. He was thrust onto her at her most vulnerable, ruining the life she had imagined for herself.

“So…you are upset that the Cauldron chose for you?”

“Feyre explained that mating bonds do not always imply love…”

Lucien wanted to correct her, to tell her that was not the case for his brother. But he knew it was not his place. Perhaps it was not yet love Eris had for Y/N. But Lucien could see it was quickly nearing. Without the threat of Beron, Eris was free to choose his mate – choose to love and protect her. If only Y/N realized that it was not a situation of the Cauldron forcing them together out of spite.

“This is true,” Lucien couldn’t help but agree. “Throughout history, some mates have despised each other. But you have spent time around Feyre and Rhysand, Nesta and Cassian. Surely you understand the power the bond can mean for others.”

Y/N didn’t respond, just remained lost in her own head.

––

Lucien had snuck them into the kitchens that were bustling with energy and cooks. There was a little nook in the corner, out of everyone’s way. It was just big enough so two could eat together discreetly.

As soon as they were seated, a cook came over with a shy, but warm smile. She appeared to be lesser fae, with almost red skin and bright, golden hair. Her eyes were entirely black though – no irises or pupils to be found.

She bowed her head to both of them, the gesture taking Y/N aback. In both hands were two plates full of breakfast. She gently placed them down.

“I will be back with coffee and tea,” she told them almost apologetically.

“Thank you,” Y/N managed to say before the cook scurried out of sight.

Y/N looked to Lucien with a questioning gaze.

“There are many who wish to meet the legendary witch who rid the court of Beron Vanserra.”

Y/N scoffed. “I hardly even helped. I was more in the way than anything. The winds tell me it was you, Eris, and your mother who truly ended him.”

Lucien’s face turned serious as he said, “If you think my brother could have found the courage to face Beron without you, then you truly do not understand your importance here.”

The cook returned, holding two giant mugs in each hand with impressive finesse. In one set was coffee and in their other appeared to be earl grey tea.

Lucien gave a nod and looked into her eyes as he said, “Thank you, Marwyna.”

Even with her red skin, she seemed to be blushing at such attention.

“Yes, thank you. It looks delicious,” Y/N also urged.

The two of them ate without conversation. If it weren’t for the bustling of the kitchens they sat in, there would’ve been complete silence between the two.

Lucien could tell something had been struck in Y/N’s mind and she had no retreated there, thinking and thinking and thinking.

It wasn’t until both of their plates were nearly clean when she finally spoke.

“I make him weak,” Y/N breathed. “I am just a mortal. I could so easily be used against him. It would be better if I….if I just d-d-disappeared.”

Lucien watched Y/N, reading her face to see that she truly believed the words she spoke.

But it would not be him that could make her realize how wrong she was. He would need to have a long conversation with Eris. Only his brother could make Y/N understand how important she was – to him, to Autumn Court.

So, all Lucien stead was, “There is nothing weak about you, Y/N.”

She blinked in surprise at his declaration.

“Now if we are finished eating and feeling sorry for ourselves, I think a nice walk around the gardens would do us well.”

A whisper of a smirk showed on Y/N’s lips as she nodded.

—🍁—🍁—🍁—

“That is all for today,” Eris announced to his table of advisors as he stood.

He could sense everyone’s mental exhaustion. But mostly he could feel is own.

There was…much to be repaired in Autumn Court. Beron ruled with fear and without any mercy, and it would take a lot to undo such philosophies.

His mother sat to his right and gave him a sympathetic look as the fae bowed their heads and slowly took their leave from the great hall.

However, Leonora stayed behind.

Eris had already grown exhausted with his High Lord duties. Though he had prepared for centuries to have such power, nothing could’ve prepared him for the toll it took on his mind and body.

Leonora waited for them to be left alone before she spoke.

Then she subtly nodded her head to the other end of the hall that led to a balcony that oversaw the courtyard below.

Eris held out his arm for his mother before moving.

She squeezed his arm to comfort him. “You cannot change this Court overnight, Eris.”

“We are moving too slowly,” he argued.

Leonora smiled. “I know you have patience, for you waited centuries to for this opportunity. But you must still practice that same patience to mold Autumn Court for the good of its denizens.”

As they walked onto the balcony, Eris was hit with the fresh, brisk air of autumn. The sun was nearing the horizon as it set for the day.

It was common for mist and fog to linger in this court.

And today’s dusk was no different, leaving a haunting feeling to the courtyard below.

When Eris looked over the edge of the railing, he froze.

Below were his acclaimed smoke hounds.

Everyone in the Forest House feared them. They did not take kindly to anyone that wasn't their master. Because they were feared for good reason: trained to hunt and kill – if ordered. They only tolerated their handlers by command of Eris, since he could not solely take care of them himself – especially now that he was High Lord. Even his mother was careful around them. They’d never attack her, but they were by no means fond of the Lady of Autumn either.

But below him, the pack was surrounding Y/N, who sat on the ground as they all wagged their tails, fighting each other to lick her.

Two pups from the most recent litter were cuddled on Y/N's lap, as she giggled from all the affection the adult hounds gave her.

Then Eris spotted Lucien a few yards away from Y/N, with a look of exasperation. Most of his childhood Lucien spent trying to win over his brother’s smoke hounds. They only grew to tolerate him, never showing him acceptance or affection.

Any time Lucien so much as shifted his weight, the hounds would interpret it as him trying to get closer to Y/N, and they would all let out a warning growl.

It made Lucien roll his eyes. And Eris swore he heard his youngest brother mutter, “Stupid, overprotective mutts. Of course you would like her…”

“Seems like your hounds have brought your mate some joy,” Leonora hummed as she also looked down at the sight with a knowing smile.

Eris couldn’t deny how much it warmed his heart.

Perhaps they remembered Y/N from that dreadful day he found her in the forest. Or perhaps they could also sense that Y/N was their master’s mate.

—

“There is so many of them!” Y/N giggled as the hounds kissed her face, tickling her.

“They will not even let me pet them and look at you!” Lucien called out bitterly.

Then a whistle pierced the air.

The pack of one dozen dogs immediately retreated, forming a straight line, like little soldiers.

Y/N sat straight and twisted to see that they were now facing Eris, who had stepped into the courtyard and stood straight with his hands clasped behind my back.

She also jumped to her feet. For some reason, she felt like she had been caught doing something mischievous. But she still had the two puppies in each hand. Clearly, they were too young to know the same commands as the others.

Eris walked further into the courtyard. “I see you have met my smoke hounds.”

Y/N quickly, but gently, put the two puppies on the ground. But as soon as she let them go, they looked up at her and started whining.

Eris looked at the two handlers, who had been standing watch, and then at his brother.

“Leave us,” he commanded politely, but firmly.

Lucien glared at his eldest brother. But still followed his command, giving Y/N a polite nod before also leaving the courtyard.

Then it was just Y/N, Eris, and his hounds.

Y/N, still thinking like she was caught doing something wrong, immediately stuttered out, “L-Lucien and I were just going for a walk when we came upon your handlers and the dogs. They approached me! I didn’t mean to disrupt them.”

Eris finally smirked at her. “You seem to be under the impression that I plan on scolding you.”

Y/N blinked. “Well…I…yes.”

Eris wondered what he had to do to make his mate realize she could never do anything to upset him so pettily.

He looked at his hounds and said, “Effrenate.”

The hounds relaxed and all went to greet their master with wagging tails.

“Animals seem to have a certain draw to you…” Eris noted as he kneeled to greet his dogs with pets and affection.

“Most witches have a connection to that of nature,” Y/N mumbled, almost as if she were embarrassed by this certain trait.

“So you have bewitched my hounds?” Eris asked with playfulness in his eyes.

“Of course not,” she quickly answered with a huff, as she picked up the two puppies again and walked toward their master.

“Do you have names for them all?” Y/N asked.

“Of course.” His gaze went up to the two in her hand. “That is Aspen and Brutus.”

Both puppies tails wagged even harder at their names being called out. Y/N smiled down at them when she noticed it.

Then he went around and listed off the rest of the names.

“Now that I know they are all so fond of you,” Eris began. “Perhaps I should leave a few of them to guard you during your stay.”

“I wouldn’t mind the company. But is my safety really at such risk here?”

“I should hope not,” Eris answered lowly. “Though it would ease my guilt from leaving you alone for such long periods of time.”

“You are a High Lord. You have more important matters than entertaining me. Though I hope you start to take pity on Lucien and dismiss his duties as my personal jester.”

Eris smiled at her subtle jab toward his brother.

His smiles were rare before. But now there was brightness there that Y/N doubted existed before Beron’s demise.

He was so handsome. Not that it hadn’t been the first thing Y/N noticed when she had met Eris officially in the Night Court. But Y/N would not be surprised if the power of being a High Lord somehow enhanced his looks.

Eris’ amber eyes almost glow with a warmth that only ever seemed to be directed toward her. And his cloak-like jacket fit his body perfectly, showing off his posture and strong presence. He would immediately be noticed in any room he walked into.

“You should never hide your smile,” Y/N blurted out before she could stop herself.

Her eyes widened in embarrassment when she realized what she had just said aloud.

“Excuse me,” she quickly added. “I should not say such things so carelessly.”

But Eris ignored her apology. “Whatever smiles you see are your doing.”

Y/N's face warmed at his implication.

But then something dark suddenly clouded her face. “I should return to my rooms.”

Eris stood up from his dogs. “Will you not join me for dinner?”

Y/N carefully placed the two puppies in Eris’ grasp and only looked at them as she answered, “I would like to eat dinner alone in my rooms, if that is alright.”

“O-Of course,” was all Eris could manage to say back.

What would he do instead? Force her to have dinner with him? Is that not what Tamlin did when Feyre was imprisoned in Spring Court? Or at least, that is what Eris had heard.

Had he said something to upset her?

“Your training,” Eris called out before Y/N could fully escape the courtyard.

She turned to him, brow wrinkled with clear confusion.

“Do you wish to continue your training?” Eris clarified.

Even though it was just the two of them, Y/N still looked around the courtyard as if she would find another person Eris could possibly be talking to.

“I would,” she finally answered slowly.

“I will assign my Weapons Master to train with you tomorrow. He shall meet you here.”

Y/N opened her mouth to protest.

“Before you say some nonsense about not wanting to be a bother,” Eris continued before she could speak. “It would bring me great peace to know you are keeping up with your training.”

She just watched him for a moment.

Eventually she nodded, and said, “Tomorrow then.”

––––––

*for those curious, the breed I used to reference Eris' smoke hounds is a Dogo Argentino. (I know most people imagine a grey hound, but they look like rats to me and I like this breed more. And they seem more badass anyways.)

Please write me a book report, comment, send me a message. They make me happy and keep me writing. Be like @pancakefancake.

Chapter XVIII

#gust & flame #acotar #a court of thorns & roses #eris #eris acotar #eris vanserra #eris x reader #eris vanserra x reader #lucien vanserra #autumn court #lady of autumn #high lord of autumn #forest house

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