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headfulloflettuce · 23 days ago

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The Human Who Fooled All of Prythian

29. To Velaris!

“Because teachers, no matter how kind, no matter how friendly, are sadistic and evil to the core.”

-Heather Brewer, Eight Grade Bites

It was pure luck that she had managed to catch him at the workshop.

“Amelio!” Cosette yelled, lifting up her dress slightly to rush after the fae as he pulled on his fur coat and walked outside, followed by a smaller, white ash haired faerie, “Amelio, wait!”

He had barely showed up the building the past couple weeks, despite all her efforts to get in contact.

“Cosette? Sorry, I am a little bit busy right now, we’ll have to talk later.”

“Wait!”

“Oh, if this is about rent you can just give it to the secretary as always.”

“Take me to Velaris with you!”

“I am sorry?” Amelio stopped in his tracks.

“Solene mentioned that you are currently working out trade routes to Velaris and are traveling there. Take me with you.”

Realizing this was going to be a longer conversation Amelio stepped back inside, dusting off the snow that had managed to cover him already, his assistant, visibly annoyed, following him back in.

“Cosette, why exactly do you need to go to Velaris?”

“I think I’ve figured out why the ‘spirit houses’ aren’t working.” she said, “We’ve been building them wrong. The runes aren’t the problem, it's the way we’ve been building the house itself. The tool needs to be woven to properly work as a conductor and disperse the energy into the snow and soil around it, not just hold it inside.”

Amelio, “I see…I am glad you have figured it out but what does this have to do with Velaris?”

“Velaris has a history of having skilled weavers.” Cosette explained, “I want to go learn their craft from them.”

I don’t actually know if they have a history per say, but I remember Feyre met a skilled weaver lady in Velaris. Even bought a special tapestry woven by her. Certainly there must be others who are experts in the field of weaving magical tools or items.

“We have weavers in Winter Court, why not ask them?”

“I am going to ask them too.” Cosette shrugged, “Well, not me, Theo will be doing that. I simply want to get as good of an understanding as I can of this to make sure that this next test run doesn’t flop.”

Or at least so that we can say that we truly tried our best.

“Smart.” Amelio muttered under this breath, raising his voice as he addressed Cosette properly, “However, how do you know this? Velaris has been a secret city until recently. How would you, a faerie who didn’t even live in Prythian until recently, know about this tradition of theirs?”

His assistant eyed her curiously.

Oh shit. I didn’t think about that.

“Oh um.” Cosette quickly wracked her brain for a lie, “Due to how new Velaris is everyone has been talking about it! I heard it from a sailor who claims to have gone there.”

Amelio hummed, scanning her face intently, “You’re brave, trusting the words of a sailor who claims to have gone there without asking for proof”

Cosette gave him a hopeful smile.

Amelio’s assistant snorted at the act.

What’s your problem?

Amelio’s eyes glanced at the man for a split second before returning to Cosette.

“Very well.”

She beamed.

“You may come with me.”

“Thank you so much!”

“Yeah, sure. It’s not a problem.” he sighed, a strange expression on his face.

“Sir, you cannot be serio-”

“We’re set to leave in three days. I expect you to be at the port at bay 4 at 8 am sharp.” Amelio interrupted his assistant.

“Ay ay captain!”

Amelio chuckled, shaking his head lightly, “I am not the captain. My title officially would be the expedition’s leader, but I appreciate the enthusiasm.”

The assistant shot one last glare at Cosette, before hurrying after his boss out into the snowy street.

No, but serious, what is that boy’s problem?

Cosette smiled.

Eh, didn’t matter. I got what I wanted anyways.

She skipped back upstairs to the workshop.

“What did he say?” Theo immediately rushed over, his eyes gleaming. He had been the one to yell at her in her office that Amelio had arrived.

“He said yes!”

“Yes!” Theo high fived her, a grin spreading across his face, “Wow…I can’t believe you’re going to go to Velaris…”

“Yeah…I can’t believe it either.”

It’s much sooner than I expected.

Cosette smiled.

Maybe, if I am lucky, the inner circle will adore me enough to let me use the trove and leave without any further complications - like in those fan fics on ao3.

Cosette knew of course the chances of actually meeting one of the members of the inner circle wouldn’t be high, but considering how she managed to land herself in Eris’s welcoming arms maybe she had a chance? Maybe?

She was really hoping so.

“And while I am gone-”

“I am going to speak with fellow workshops and their weavers in the area to try and understand their craft.” Theo repeated the plan.

“Perfect.”

Cosette tentatively glanced at the elder who was fiddling with some wood carving tools, making something that looked like a bear.

“Don’t worry.” Theo smiled, giving her a knowing look, “I’ll take care of him.”

“I know you will.” Cosette nodded, “I trust you.”

Cosette stood awkwardly at the port, waiting to be let on the ship. Amelio had told her to meet him here, so she showed up early just in case. She had packed a small suitcase with clothes, and the herbal tea Aquilo had recommended.

Ophelia wasn’t going to let me out of the house without it considering how well it has been working.

Ophelia also did not let Cosette leave without insisting she take a couple samples of perfume to the Night Court. The two had to search for smaller vials to fill with perfumes so that Cosette could give them out to potential future collaborators.

‘Good marketing.’ Ophelia had insisted.

Cosette shifted, feeling out of place in her dress, cloak and hat. The outfit was much more suitable for working in a perfumery or walking the streets of a city, not standing in the middle of a port. Tall faeries, with tails, claws or crystal-like wings passed by, wearing appropriate uniforms.

The smell of the ocean calmed her slightly, as cold waves hit the massive port’s foundation, spraying water everywhere, but not reaching the level Cosette stood on. The whole construction was located near the left side of the Court, settled amongst the cliffs. Looking up, Cosette could see glaciers at the very top of the mountains around them.

Sailors were working on the lower levels of the port to unload cargo from the docked ships. Leaning over the railing, Cosette could see special gear attached to their bodies, preventing the faeries from being swept away by the splashes of strong waves that hit them from time to time, or sprayed across the floor. Quite a few seemed to have large claws on their hands and feet, keeping them on the ground as they worked.

If this is a port in Winter Court, what does a port in Summer Court look like?

The ships themselves stole Cosette’s breath. She had never gone on a tall ship. The only experience on water she had was the miniature ferry their mother insisted they go on when visiting Venice.

By comparison, these ships were large. Like the ones they showed in pirate movies.

Well, guess they had to be large to reach the flattened portions of the cliffs, but still!

“Careful Cosette, lean anymore and you may fall over.”

“Lord Amelio.” she straightened herself out, turning to face the man.

Amelio approached, followed by the same assistant from earlier, “Ready to go?”

“Yes!”

The man chuckled, gesturing for his assistant to take Cosette’s suitcase, and offered Cosette his arm.

She let go of the bag, letting the younger man take it and took Amelio’s arm.

He looks around my age. Maybe.

Cosette was a terrible gauger of faerie ages, relying on Ophelia to tell her how old someone was by human standards.

But, based on how the boy huffed, dragging the suitcase, and his neatly combed hair sticking out in certain places, she assumed he was on the younger end.

Noticing her prolonged gaze Amelio spoke up, “This is Linus, my assistant and student.”

“Hello!” Cosette smiled.

We got off on the wrong foot the last time, but maybe we cou-

“Hello.” Linus grumbled, dragging her suitcase.

Cosette wanted to cry, cringing as the suitcase jumped and smacked the ground as it was dragged along.

She didn’t want to think about the fate of the poor perfume vials stashed deep inside.

Amelio’s smile stiffened, turning his attention back to Cosette.

“Have you ever been on a ship?”

“Not on a proper one.”

“Well, I hope you aren’t prone to sea sickness.”

“I don’t think I should be.”

“Well if you do become ill we have medicine for that on board.”

I would really rather not hurl.

Cosette didn’t think she’d survive that kind of embarrassment before Amelio.

Changing the subject from throwing up, she asked, “Amelio, is there a reason why they put the port here?”

Do not get me wrong the scenery is gorgeous, but cliffs?

Amelio smiled, “Why do you ask?”

“I don’t mean offense with the question.” Cosette quickly backpedaled.

“I know, I merely want to hear what brought forth the question?”

“It’s just…isn’t it dangerous? With all the cliffs…won’t ships crash?”

Amelio’s eyes sparkled, “Indeed, that is a reasonable concern, one that is thankfully rectified by our expert ship builders, navigators and magic.”

He led the duo over to a docking space, but no ship in sight.

“Our ships are quite sturdy, so a minor collision won’t destroy them.” Amelio noted, “Most freighters especially are reinforced with shielding magic which is more likely to cause damage to the thing being run into, whether it’s an iceberg or stone.”

Cosette nodded, intrigued, meanwhile Linus looked bored, tapping his food.

“As for docking, Winter Court's navigators have mapped out the cliffs and most major underwater pitfalls that could harm us.”

“But still, doesn’t it make trading dangerous?”

“This port is used primarily by Winter Court ships. If guests from other courts arrive via sea they can dock at one of the more open ports. Otherwise, they will require a Winter Court faerie to navigate them through this region's dangers.” Amelio explained, “Its location makes this port a safe stronghold in times of crisis.”

“It was built and maintained by Lesser Fae throughout the centuries. You’re right to call out the problems with the location. The port’s construction cost many lives, especially when proper safety gear and regulations hadn’t been created. However, it’s thanks to the bravery of those faeries, and the ones who work daily to maintain this place, that our court has such a lucrative location.”

You sound proud.

The groups looked out at the lower levels of the port, faeries running back and forth, working.

“Husband.” the familiar cold voice drew the group’s attention instantly.

Solene approached them, dressed in a warm fishtail dress, covered in similar furs as Amelio, holding a clipboard, accompanied by a tough looking faerie.

“Solene, are we all good to go?”

“Yes we are. The captain here just notified me that the ship is ready to dock and be loaded. ”

“Perfect. Me and Linus just checked with the docking level and they have all the cargo ready.”

The captain nodded, parting from the group, yelling at a few other faeries who quickly grabbed rope.

Cosette’s eyes widened, as she spun around, running back to the railing, staring at the colossal giant slowly docking amongst its now seemingly smaller counterparts.

She hadn’t realized her mouth was open before a breeze blew some salty water into it.

“Seriously…have you never seen a ship before?” Linus rolled his eyes, approaching the bridge that a few sailors lowered.

Those faeries made sure the structure was secure before permitting them to begin crossing.

Amelio took Solene’s hand, helping her cross the bridge, with one of the other faeries monitoring Cosette to make sure the blonde didn’t go flying off with how much she was looking around.

“What ship did you travel on to get to Prythian?” Amelio asked, helping Cosette hop down onto the main deck, after Solene.

“I don’t know.”

If you know of any ships that travel through space and universes, let me know, Amelio.

“I am not a ship expert, but it was certainly smaller and less grand than this.”

Amelio accepted her answer, “You most likely traveled via a smaller ocean liner.”

Cosette followed the man to the side as they weaved through faeries busy loading the ship.

As the group stood at the ship’s bow, the captain rushed over to Amelio and Solene, plunging them into conversation regarding the ship’s status and loading progress.

“So.” Linus, Amelio’s assistant, spoke up.

“You’re that new perfumer?”

“Oh yes, I am!”

Wow, maybe Ophelia was right about me needing samples. I haven’t even made it to Velaris yet and-

“Right, fragrance water. What’s so hard about making something smell good?”

I take back everything I said.

“Well, considering that the perfumery street smells the way it does, clearly it’s somewhat of a challenge.”

“Right, sure. Of course your product will look good when compared to that which is produced by incompetent buffoons.” Linus laughed, “It’s not a good look comparing yourself to them when you claim to be on a different level. Perhaps if you can outcompete the perfumeries in other courts, then we’ll have something to discuss.”

“I am sorry, what do you even do?” Cosette was astounded by this man’s audacity.

“I am studying the art of business under Amelio.” he narrowed his eyes.

“Ah, so you’re still just a student with no project of your own?”

“Please. No project of my own? Who do you think has been running around making sure stores are still stocked with food?” he leaned in, “Who do you think has been busy maximizing the remaining alliances Winter Court has to ensure this court’s citizens have something to eat.”

Cosette blinked.

He pulled back, satisfied with her silence, “What? Has a spirit caught your tongue?”

“You’ve been making sure trade still happens?”

“Yep, specifically for the Summer and Day Courts.” he wore a proud smile, “So, as a faerie who has been in the business industry way longer than you, I say you should stick to what you’re actually good at.”

“Ha!” Cosette crossed her arms, “Would I be wrong to say that this project of yours is under Amelio’s supervision?”

If it is, how much of it is actually your work?

“Go back to your perfumery.” Linus’s face hardened, not answering her question.

Cosette gaped, “Pardon me?”

“You heard it. Go back.”

“I absolutely will not go back.”

“Right, as you so eloquently begged Amelio to let you come, I am sure it would be awkward to back out now.”

“I did not beg-”

“I must say you’re quite irresponsible for leaving the perfumery without its rightful owner.”

“I didn’t leave it unattended. It will have workers managing it while I am gone.” Cosette took a step toward him, “May I also point out that you left your project without its rightful owner too.”

“Haha, I have an entire team that assists and works with me, and how many employees do you have? Last time I heard it was barely two.”

“What is your problem?!”

“Oh, I have no problem, I am just pointing out the obvious and you’re unhappy with me. You’re the one with the problems, needing to go to Velaris to find out who to weave a house? Basket? What is that thing that Amelio is sponsoring you to even build?”

“Amelio isn’t sponsoring me.”

“Oh wow, so you’re stupid too, great.”

“He isn’t though.”

Does renting out a workspace and offering advice every now and then count as a proper sponsorship? I guess he also permits me to use his land for free…

Wait, no! I am letting him get to me!

Linus smirked, watching Cosette glower at him.

“Well, I see you two are getting along just splendidly.” Amelio’s voice interrupted, his iconic smile beaming at them as the captain left, Solene remaining, watching her husband.

“Yeah…getting acquainted.” Cosette muttered, startling when Linus patted her back in a friendly manner.

“Yup! Just getting acquainted sir. Cosette is just so much fun to talk to.”

“Hm, well I am glad you see things my way Linus.” Amelio turned around, “Come, I want to show Cosette around the ship.”

Cosette tensed as she could feel Linus’s hand ball into a fist behind her back, but it quickly relaxed, with him following after his teacher, still dragging along his suitcase.

All evidence of their conversation was gone from the man’s face as he cheerfully discussed the weather and oceanic routes with Amelio.

Where was this good behavior when you were talking to me?

Cosette tried to not show her displeasure, listening and nodding along as Amelio showed her the room where she would be staying, as well as the various parts of the ship.

“So, the ship relies on wind to travel?”

“Yes, but if there is little to no wind we have some faeries who can manipulate water on board to ensure we keep moving at a reasonable pace. However, I hope we won’t face that problem this time since we have modified the route we are traveling down to avoid any spots with minimal wind.” Amelio clarified, showing them the lower decks of the ship, along with the cargo’s storage space.

“Amelio, I have a question.”

“When do you not?”

“Haha, why are the prices listed on the labels of boxes for products much higher than they are in Winter?”

“Ah, so you noticed. Keen eye Cosette.” Amelio praised, making Cosette blush slightly.

Well shucks, you’ll spoil me if you shower me with compliments.

“The import tax on Velaris is quite high compared to other cities or courts, so I have upped the price to compensate and still earn the same amount of money. ”

“What do you trade with Velaris?” Cosette asked as they began making their way back to the surface of the ship.

“Some manufactured goods, but mostly crops. The restaurants and vendors in Velaris use some of the foods we produce.” he chuckled, “I heard that some faeries have opened up Winter Court restaurants. Me and Solene wish to try them when we’re there.”

“Are you sure you won’t fall ill?” Linus quipped.

“We’re cautiously optimistic.” Amelio said.

Once outside again, Cosette took a deep breath of the fresh, salty air.

It was certainly better out here than deep inside the ship.

“Leaving port!” the captain announced, with a few faeries untying the ropes from the tall ship, removing the walkway and raising the anchor.

The ship’s sails unfurled, and it began moving, with a small faerie instructing the captain carefully where to steer the ship.

Cosette walked over to the edge, leaning against the wood, and looking out across the water.

Soon they left the port, the ship picking up speed.

“Careful, or you’ll get blown away.” Amelio said.

“I don’t think that can happen.” Cosette wrapped her cloak tighter around herself.

“You never know, maybe a wind spirit will want to snatch you away from us.”

“You’re joking.”

Amelio gave her a look.

Please tell me you’re joking!

Cosette took a step away from the edge of the ship, a bit nervous, earning a laugh from Amelio who pulled out a spyglass.

Linus walked over, joining them as well.

“Cosette, want to take a look?” Amelio offered her the spyglass which she took, looking out across the ocean to see some foggy mountains in the distance.

“That,” Amelio leaned in, pointing to where she was looking, “Is Hybern, and over here”, he adjusted her perspective, “Is where we are headed.”

She nodded, fascinated, “It’s very pretty, albeit hard to see.”

“If you think it’s pretty now, wait until you reach the City of Starlight. It will certainly exceed your expectations.”

Cosette expected Amelio to offer his student to take a look through the spyglass as well but he didn’t, putting it away instead. Linus’s eyes narrowed, as he tried to maintain an unbothered expression.

“What do you even plan on doing in Velaris?” Linus muttered to Cosette.

“As we discussed already, it’s a business trip.”

“For weaving baskets?” Linus sounded incredulous.

“Yes!”

Was I speaking another language? Why was this so hard to believe?

“Hmm, it would be nice to get to visit some of the iconic landmarks.” Amelio mused, ignoring their squabbling.

“You visited several last time, right teacher?” Linus turned his back to Cosette.

“Yes, me and Solene visited the shrine of the Spirit of the Night Court, as well as the Rainbow of Velaris.”

“I think I want to visit some museums while there.”

Eventually Cosette grew chilly, and bored, having nothing to add to the conversation. So, she escaped to Solene, who was sitting in a sectioned off space next to some heated faerie lights, sipping tea.

“May I join you?”

Solene nodded.

“It’s really cold out there.”

“That’s Winter Court’s wind for you.”

“Indeed!” Cosette shivered, quickly drinking some of the tea that Solene poured for her, “How have you been?”

“Well.”

“How is life in the capital? Is everything going well in business?”

“Everything has been alright.”

“What about rest?”

“I have been resting fine.”

Cosette quieted, taking another sip of her tea.

Solene’s eyes weren’t focused on the woman before her, watching Amelio and Linus instead.

I mean I know you’ve always been cold, but did I do something to upset you?

Cosette wracked her brain trying to think of anything that could have offended the High Fae, coming up blank.

I must just be overthinking things.

Cosette shuddered when Solene finally made eye contact with her.

Please let me just be overthinking things.

Cosette tried not to drool over the spread of food before her.

I usually eat hunched over a desk. This is beautiful. Art in fact.

If Cosete had a phone she would be taking as many photos as she could to post on social media.

She waited patiently for Amelio to cut into his food first, as it was tradition to eat after the head of the house at the very least sat down at the table. Solene bit in at the same time as her husband and Linus followed after them.

Cosette quickly cut apart the meat and dug in, savoring its taste.

The group was having dinner in one of the rooms in the living quarters on a lower deck. A miniature fireplace was at the end of the cramped room, with some shortbread cookies and seashells placed on its mantle.

Noticing her stare, Amelio smiled, “Cozy, right?”

“Yes, quite. The cookies are for the Spirit of Winter, right?” she asked.

“They are an offering to request his guidance and protection during this journey.

“Strange, after living in Winter Court for a while now I would have thought you’d be aware of such things.” Linus pointed out.

“I am aware that offerings are made to the Spirit of Winter in the form of shortbread cookies, I just would have thought that you would offer something to the Spirit of Summer instead as that spirit’s domain is water.”

“Ah, that’s what the seashells are for.” Amelio said, “We offer to both spirits as not to offend.”

“I see.”

Reasonable.

“What about your home? Do you give offerings to your spirits in a similar way?” Amelio questioned.

“Yes…it’s similar, albeit more specialized.” Cosette answered vaguely, just as the book she had read said.

Amelio hummed, but didn’t push for a more detailed response, with Linus stabbing at his meat, eyeing Cosette.

“I had an interesting debate with a few of my business partners over dinner recently.” Amelio said.

Linus immediately looked away from Cosette.

“Someone posed the question: ‘assume you go to a casino in the Winter Court, and the game you play has a 70% chance of victory of 50000 gold coins, and a 30% chance of loss of 30000 gold coins. Do you partake in the game?’”

Absolutely not, you think I have that kind of cash to spare?

“Well, 70% is a pretty good chance of victory. I would take it after assessing the current financial state of my household, income and savings.” Linus responded.

Amelio smiled, nodding, “What about you Cosette?”

“I don’t gamble, so I wouldn’t play.”

“Really? You aren’t a player?”

“No.”

My mother always said my poker face is terrible, that I got it from my father.

“In business you need to take risks.” Linus pipped in, looking at the blonde, “You should take it.”

“No.” Cosette frowned, “I’d rather not.”

“But you could win.”

“Or I could lose.”

“You won’t win if you refuse to take risks. You’ll merely stay in one place without progressing.”

Ha, says the faerie.

“Yes, but if I said I don’t play, then I don’t play. I would rather stick to my principles.”

“You’d rather ‘stick to your principles’, then earn a life changing amount of money?”

Cosette was now feeling annoyed, and therefore, ready to be a bit clever to shut Linus up.

“Well, if I really wanted to profit off of this situation I would do so in a way that would guarantee my victory.”

“But you can’t. You have to choose between not playing and possible victory.” the boy retorted.

“No, instead I’ll report the underground casino to Kallias.” Cosette said, “Gambling was outlawed in Winter Court several years ago and any reports of pop-up casinos receive compensation for assisting the state.”

Linus’s eyes widened, “That wasn’t the ques-”

“But that’s the reality of it no?” Cosette tilted her head.

Linus quieted, thinking about what she just said, while Amelio smiled.

“You really are a clever thing aren’t you?”

Not a thing, but thank you.

Cosette breathed in the cool air of the sea. Behind them she could see the cliffs and snowy shores of the Winter Court, jagged rocks concealed under the waves, ready to end any sailors who dared to come too close without permission. Looking forward, far away in the distance, she could make out other mountains.

“What are you doing out here?” Linus’s voice ruined her serenity.

“I could ask you the same thing.” she smiled, trying to keep the peace.

Why do you have it out for me so badly?!

“I always come out for some fresh air before bed, the lower decks get rather stuffy.”

“Well, at least we agree there.” Cosette muttered.

“Unfortunately.” Linus immediately added on, “I highly doubt that we would agree on anything else.”

“I am sorry, have I done something to offend you?” Cosette spun around to face this man, “You have been getting on my case about literally nothing since we have met!”

“Me? You’re blaming me?” Linus was indignant, “You’re the one walking around all smiles and bubbles about Mother knows what.”

“I do not act like that!”

“Oh you do! I have only known you for two days and already find the act dull.”

“You’ve known me for less than two days!”

“Spirits, you are such a know-it-all.” he growled.

Cosette felt like she was going crazy.

“Amelio is constantly going on about how great you are and I honestly cannot see it.”

She paused.

Oh. Oh! You’re jealous!

Now Cosette was even more stumped.

Was he jealous because Amelio was giving me attention?

But that’s stupid. Really stupid. He is literally his student. He’s clearly competent in the world of business, why would he feel jealous??

For a moment, no one said anything.

“I am going to be honest.” Linus spoke, his voice bitter but calmer, “I really hate you.”

“Okay.”

“Okay?”

“Okay.”

“By the Mother you’re infuriating!”

She gave him a look of confusion and helplessness.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I don’t understand what you want from me?”

“Eh? How are you the confused one in this situation?”

“Because you’re acting weird!”

“I just told you that I hate you and you barely reacted!”

“Yeah, because I don’t care what you think of me.”

“Ehh??”

“I don’t care if you hate me, I merely want to be able to exist without having to hear your annoying voice getting on me about random, meaningless, and unrelated topics.”

“My voice isn’t annoying…” Linus grumbled.

“And by the way, I am not a know-it-all.” she stated, “In fact the reason I am going to Velaris is because my project didn’t work out how I expected. If I was a stuck up egoist I wouldn’t have been so willing to go seek help elsewhere.”

Cosette turned around, disappearing into the lower decks, the main character moment she had wanted to have ruined by Linus.

“Stupid Linus…ruining my time in the evening air…” Cosette grumbled to herself, walking down the hallway of the living quarters. She wasn’t certain if she did the right thing telling Linus of her failure.

With people like him such a confession can go one of two ways, either his ego would get fed and he becomes more obnoxious than before, or he realizes he was just being insecure and takes a chill pill.

Cosette was really hopeful that he would take the peaceful route.

“Speaking of Cosette, don’t take out your frustrations with me, onto her.”

“I am not.”

Walking through the living space of the ship Cosette paused before the door to Amelio’s and Solene’s room.

“Then will you pit them against each other?”

“I will do whatever is necessary to hone their talents, Solene.”

She listened carefully, tip-toeing closer to the door.

“What if you break them both?”

“Then they weren’t fit for this game.”

A creak of floorboards nearly made her jump. Cosette turned around, seeing no one, but deciding not to risk it she quietly slipped away back to her room.

Considering how easily Eris sniffed me out back in Autumn when I tried to hide after his confrontation with his father, I don’t really feel like testing the sensitivity of Solene’s or Amelio’s nostrils.

Cosette relaxed once she shut the door to her assigned room, exhaling deeply.

Everything will be fine once we get to Velaris.

Note: I am trying out quotes as summaries. I might go back and add some to the past chapters, so be on the lookout for that.

Also, I swear Linus will not be elder 2.0.

Next: Chapter 30 - Quiet, the Adults Are Talking

Back: Chapter 28 - A Father's Lessons

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leezlelatch · 1 year ago

Text

Alyssum

A Primo Story

No plot, no drama, no sad. Just fluff. Can be slightly suggestive. Fem reader.

Tiny rocks scrape and crunch beneath your boots as you walk the pebbled path toward the Ministry greenhouse. Wisteria hangs from the lattice framed above the door, interlaced with ivy which blankets the facade and reaches with eager fingers across the roof. Potted plants litter the ground of various shapes and sizes, the stone patio wet from a recent watering.

“Did you have a nice drink?” You question the plants, smiling softly as you continue through the greenhouse door which hangs slightly ajar as if expecting your arrival. The smell of soil and freshly cut flowers greets you upon your entrance, and you take a moment to breathe in the space. Primo’s space.

Primo prefers to do his gardening outside, the greenhouse used mostly as a workshop and a place for his little experiments. You step around a few stray gardening tools, following your nose to the beautiful bouquet expertly potted on a little table fit with a lace cloth. You lean forward to take in the honey-like fragrance, your smile growing. Each day, a new flower. A new meaning. Primo always says each flower tells a story. And these stories are for you.

“Alyssum,” Primo’s warmly accented voice sends a butterfly fluttering about your stomach, and you turn to watch as he takes off his soil-stained gloves, laying them casually to the side. “Worth beyond beauty. And you, my petal, are worth far more than any flower I have ever grown.” His lips twitch with a smile. “Sì, you are beautiful as well. Perhaps tomorrow will be purple heather.”

You turn and delicately pick one of the blooms from the bouquet, approaching Primo with a blushing smile. He chuckles softly, his well-used hands reaching out to settle upon your hips the moment you are close enough. You hold out the flower, “And for my Papa? Whose green thumb, clever mind, and sweet nature are invaluable. And very much loved.”

Primo hums, his hands sliding higher, fingers squeezing and massaging your sides. He lets go of one to take the bloom and bring it to his hooked nose, inhaling deeply with a gentle sigh. A slow smirk crosses his thin lips, and he bops you on the head with the flower. “Sweet, my petal? You know more than anyone how passionate my true nature can be.” Primo’s words end on a soft growl and he pulls you closer, his head dipping into the crook of your neck. You squirm and giggle against him as he bites playfully at your soft skin, soothing it with his tongue. Your hands come to settle on his shoulders and you relax in his grip, sighing gently. Your eyes flutter shut as Primo drags a wet line to the shell of your ear. “Ti amo.”

A tiny squeak of happiness erupts from your throat, and your cheeks flush with embarrassment. Primo grins, dropping another kiss to your neck. “Hmm, my petal?” He murmurs softly. “Does that make you happy?”

“Very happy, Primo,” you say, your voice dreamy. You place a hand on his wrinkled cheek, feeling how soft the sagging skin is under your fingertips. “Oh! And…anc…anche…io?”

“Anche io, sì,” Primo encourages, smoothing a few flyaway hairs back from your forehead. “Very good! Learning more every day, amore. I am very proud.”

“It’s just a few words,” you say a little sheepishly, glancing to the side.

Primo catches your chin with a thumb and forefinger, drawing your gaze back to his. “A few words that make my heart sing. It’s how you are willing to learn that makes me proud, not how quickly or how well.” He tickles your side and you can’t help but laugh, the sound of your happiness warming even an old man’s cheeks. “Do not worry, tesoro. You will be able to eavesdrop on my brothers’ conversations soon enough.” Primo’s eyes twinkle as you gasp, and he swallows your rebuttal with a kiss. He tastes of rosehips.

“Did I interrupt tea time?” You ask softly when you part, your lips brushing against his as you speak, neither of you willing to part fully.

“Interrupt? Non essere sciocca! Do not be silly. You improve it,” Primo takes your hands, his thumbs brushing over your knuckles. “Rosehips for the arthritis, il mio amore for the soul.” He brings your hands to his lips and you beam, turning your hands in his to rub gently at his aching joints. Primo smiles sweetly at you for the gesture, his grip tightening as he pulls you toward his little parlor set up in a corner of the greenhouse.

You delicately step over pots, and watch out for his propagating babies, ducking under drying herbs, and avoiding bubbling beakers on bunsen burners. Primo walks amongst it all, well-practiced and unworried, depositing you with a kiss into your favorite high backed chair: pink, and patched, and plush. You sit contentedly as he sets about preparing fresh tea things, humming some old Italian love song as he takes out a tin of loose tea. “Il mio amore’s favorite,” he mumbles to himself with a small nod, shaking the tin as if to accentuate his point.

“Four sugars, please!” You say, leaning back in your chair with a broad smile. Primo glances at you with a raised brow, placing the kettle on the hot plate. “Or maybe five, I’ll have to taste it first,” you continue.

“How about we make it two,” Primo chuckles, approaching your chair. He makes a gesture with both of his hands to rise, and you stand. Primo takes your seat and then slowly pulls you down onto his lap, adjusting you here and there so you’re both comfortable. “Don’t give me that pout.” His finger taps your bottom lip. “I won’t have you diluting the flavor.”

You sigh, and in favor of replying, you nuzzle your nose into his cheek. You drape an arm loosely over his shoulders while your other hand becomes occupied greebling his ear. You press little kisses on his face, and Primo practically coos. His hands can’t decide where they want to touch, his fingers traveling up your spine, over your thighs, across your stomach. They eventually settle on cradling your face. Primo looks at you with unfettered adoration, his eyelids hooded and mouth drawn into a lovesick smile.

“I do not know what I did,” he whispers. “To deserve you. But I will pray to Lucifer every day to keep you.”

You close your eyes and focus on the feeling of his gnarled hands on your cheeks. Your fingertips explore the wrinkled and rough skin of his face, the wiry white hairs which are barely hanging on atop his head, the divots across his forehead, and the sagging skin of his neck. Alyssum. Worth beyond beauty. Primo earned every line of his face from hard work, dedication, and a life as well-lived as any of us could wish for. And a love like his? Completely worth it.

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