#lightening like Rowan

[acourtofquestions]

Earlier this summer, Lysandra had crossed those foothills with her companions-with her queen. Had watched Aelin ascend one, and stride to the carved granite stone jutting from its top. The marker of the border between Adarlan and Terrasen. Her friend had taken a step beyond the stone, and had been home.

Perhaps it made Lysandra a fool, but she had not realized that the next time she'd see the foothills again, wearing the feathers of a bird, it would be in war.

Or as a scout for an army thousands of soldiers strong, marching far behind her. She'd left Aedion to figure out how to explain Aelin's sudden disappearance when she'd departed for this scouting mission.

"Right there," Aedion said, pointing to a small, weather-worn granite boulder carved with whorls and swirls. "Once we pass that rock, we're on Terrasen soil."

Not quite daring to believe she wasn't still asleep, Aelin walked toward that rock, whispering the Song of Thanks to Mala Fire-Bringer for leading her to this place, this moment.

Aelin ran a hand over the rough rock, and the sun-warmed stone tingled as if in greeting.

Then she stepped beyond the stone.

And at long last, Aelin Ashryver Galathynius was home.

[utterlyotterlyx]

A Ballad of Storm and Shadow

Azriel x F!Reader

Part Two

Summary - Rhys had been content in taking the darkest secret of his family to the grave, but when the threat of Hybern increases, he has no choice but to send a message to another world and pray to the Mother that his call is answered.

Warnings - swearing, fluff, a little angst as always, mentions of blood, brother sister fluff 🥺

Part One

This is a crossover series, some aspects will differ from that in the books. Physical attributes are described in this fic, it is essential to the storyline of the character

There was only one singular thing that Rhys wanted more than to be able to spend a moment alone with his long-lost sister, telling tales and swapping stories of what the last 500 years had held for them, and that was to see Tamlin cower at her perfectly painted feet.

Though, Rhys was sure, like the other High Lords, that Tamlin would not be making an appearance, not after what Feyre had done to his court.

Aelin leaned to the side, her eyes not once moving from the reflective pool in the centre of the chamber as she whispered to y/n, causing the raven haired female to grin in response. It was clear that the two other-worldly women were putting the High Lords of Prythian on edge, if not for their damning beauty then because of the suffocating power that waltzed around them, dancing in a phantom wind and casting a faint shimmer over their forms.

Azriel didn't blame either of them for wrapping a shield around themselves, though, he did get the feeling that it wasn't they who had decided it, it seemed to be Rowan's doing. The fae prince's gaze sauntered across the room, not wanting to indulge in the idle chatter of lesser-than beings, he was assessing and probably imagining all the ways in which he could cut them down without even blinking.

The only sounds that filled the room were polite comments and the gossip from Vivane and Mor, catching up after 50 years apart. All Rhys wanted to do was lean over and ask his sister a million and one questions about her life, where she had been and what the other world was like, but, upon gazing upon her monotonous features, he decided against that impulse.

Instead, the High Lord of Night peered across the pool to find Eris Vanserra in complete awe of her, and if she had noticed his lingering gaze then she did well to not let onto it. Y/N had most likely already known that if she was raised in Prythian then it would have been him who would have been given her hand, their father had always wanted a way into the Autumn Court. Rhys was glad that she looked so alike to him, but he couldn't help but notice a certain darkness within her eyes, like a chilled breeze in the midst of winter, unwavering and fatal.

He had so many questions, so many things he needed to know.

A gentle loop of wind coursed through the open arches from the east, sifting through y/n's hair and cascading her scent straight into Azriel's lungs, so blissful that even his shadows swarmed around the speckles of air for a taste. He had been trying to pinpoint the individual aspects of her scent for the last ten minutes, desperate to etch it to memory, but that last fell sweep confirmed it.

Y/N smelt like the calm before the storm, when the earth hazed by swelter was damp and eagerly awaiting the roaring from the skies during its last moments of peace; there was a slight ashen note to it, like lightening kissed trees that were crackling after being torn apart by the storms fury, and then all of that was combined with with the heavenly aroma of fresh petrichor from newly bathed mountain springs.

He tried to tell himself that he was following each of her movements out of the desire to protect his home from a cunningly beautiful stranger, but he was lying to himself, so much so that his shadows swatted against his back sternly at the thought of her being anything remotely evil. Azriel couldn't take his eyes off of her, he noted every tick of her jaw when Beron would open his mouth and every furrow of her brow when someone would say something that intrigued her, and then there was a familiar softness that consumed her violet gaze whenever Rhys would taunt and prod those around him. Her eyes were laced with longing and pride, like she was only then realising everything she had missed from the moment she had been sent away.

Azriel was too keen not to notice the scar peeking from the bodice of her dress, though her hair did an exquisite job of hiding it, Azriel was placed in the perfect position to be able to count every scaled ridge. It extended from the tip of her pointed ear and slithered down her neck and shoulder before disappearing beneath the fabric of her dress, leaving Azriel to wonder two things, where the scar ended and what had happened to cause it. It was clear that they all had stories to tell, and Azriel was eager to know every snippet of hers.

"Forgive me for prying," Helion drawled, leaning forward in his seat and his lethally poised orbs staring directly at y/n, they trailed down her figure, from the ornate crust of jewels encapsulated around her head to the burgundy pumps on her feet, "But what exactly are you?"

The attention of the room shifted, the one thought on their minds having being thrust out into the open, and they all waited eagerly for her response. Y/N sighed and simply glanced to her right with a soft nod, bestowing a silent permission to her companion, Aelin, who grinned, knowing the floor was open for her, "Does the crown not do it for you? She's a queen."

"A queen?" Beron scoffed with a mixture of disbelief and amusement, his brown eyes wicked and untamed, he sneered at the jewels curling above her ears and asked, "Did it fall onto your head? How does a little girl like you get to call herself a queen?"

Rowan's jaw clenched, his top lip curling into a snarl, and he went to say something, to stand up for one of his two queens, but Aelin halted him with a firm hand on his forearm, "I killed my mother, not for the crown, but because-"

"She was an evil bitch?"

Y/N pointed to Aelin with her gaze stuck on Beron, unwavering, lethal, "That." Placing both hands flat against the arms of her chair, y/n rose from the seat, the sky darkening overhead and a violent gust soaring through the chamber, "I have not left my people to aid a continent that finds it acceptable to treat the only thing standing between them and certain death this way. I am over 500 years old, I'm not a little girl. I destroyed my mother and then eviscerated her body for extra measure, and if you think that I won't do the same to you then I would suggest thinking again. I am the daughter of one of the most powerful High Lords in your history, and I am also the daughter of a Valg queen whether I wish it or not. Choose your next words very carefully."

The air had grown heavy, swelteringly so, and the skies continued to darken with splotches of demonic grey; electricity surged through the space, causing the atoms to vibrate with tension. A faint rumble coursed in the distance, and sparks of blue lit up the skies which had once been a backdrop of serenity, even the ocean below could be heard crashing against the cliffside.

Despite his thunderous heartbeat, Beron couldn't allow his mask to shiver in response, no matter how much sweat had built up on his brow or cold had seeped into his bones. Before he could open his mouth and spurt another insult, two thick threads of lightening crashed through the dome of the chamber, landing on either side of him with a crack as they split open the stone under his feet. Thunder chuckled overhead, always thrilled to witness one of her spectacles.

Then, the darkness vanished, giving way to lazy beams of sun as she began her descent below the horizon, the air lightened and birdsong drifted through the room from the open arches. Still standing, y/n arched a brow and adorned a knowing smirk, knowing that a single effortless flash of her abilities had struck fear into every soul surrounding the reflective pool, "Next time, I'll let them devour you. My lightening enjoys the taste of snivelling old cunts."

I like her. Feyre's voice all but purred into Rhys' mind, her face was taut from attempting to hide her grin but it glowered in her eyes.

Hm. I don't think you're the only one. Rhys cocked his head to the side, causing Feyre to crane her neck to see Azriel staring down at her in total awe, though he wasn't even trying to conceal his smile, he let it shine for all to see.

Aelin looked practically giddy by the show, waiting for y/n to sit at her side once more before continuing on as if nothing had happened, "Carrying on," Aelin folded her hands over her stomach and leaned back, propping one of her legs up on the arm of her seat, "Y/N is the Queen of the Fae of Erilea," Aelin glanced to y/n with a level of adoration, "She gave up everything to aid us, there is no one I would rather rule beside than her," Rowan cleared his throat at the words, sending Aelin a deadpan and stern glare, "Oh, and birdboy over here."

"What a touching sentiment," the white haired warrior drawled, his eyes were laced with humour as he rolled them, his body language relaxing tenfold compared to when he had been assessing the males in the room earlier. Apparently he had deduced that none of them were a threat to him and his queens, not after y/n's recent display. "And," he looked to Beron whose orbs were trained on the steaming black cracks etched into the stone floor, "If you thought that was bad, then you should count yourself lucky that Aedion and Lorcan weren't here. Your head would be detached from your shoulders for that level of disrespect."

Aedion and Lorcan.

Rhys made a mental note to ask about them later, and why saying their names aloud made Rowan's smirk turn positively feline.

"Don't forget about Manon," Aelin sang, and Rowan chuckled darkly at the thought, making Azriel think that he never wanted to meet whoever Manon was.

Y/N dragged her fingers through the lengths of her hair and sniffed the air lightly, her ears pricking as though they could hear something approaching from the distance, and just as the doors swung open did her eyes dart to meet them.

Eyes connecting with those of the intruder, Y/N shivered at the tremors of magic that coursed through the room from the High Lords and their entourages throwing their shields up, and she noticed keenly how the shield around the Night Court in particular became reinforced with rage, even if Rhys' face didn't show it.

The male before her eyes was not considered an ally.

Dressed in a green tunic and smiling so broadly that she could see each of his gleaming white teeth, the male sauntered forward into the stilled room with eyes dancing between Rhys and Y/N, picking apart every similarity between them until the realisation swarmed him.

Thesan rose to his feet slowly, his Peregryns ready to put him down if needed, but he really hoped that it wouldn't come to that, "We were not expecting you, Tamlin," he extended a hand to his quivering aids and ordered, "Please bring the High Lord a chair."

Despite his flickering eyes and subdued smile, Tamlin mainly kept his gaze on Feyre, staring directly into her soul, and by the looks of him y/n could tell that he was lethal in his own right. Feyre shuffled under his gaze, a gaze that sought to control and demand her, and y/n would be damned if she allowed such a thing.

"I have to admit that I am surprised you came, Tamlin," Beron drawled, somewhat recovered from the display of anger directed at him only moments before, "Rumour suggests that your allegiance lies elsewhere these days."

Still, Tamlin's gaze did not leave Feyre, it only moved downward to the band circled on her finger and then trailed up to the tattoo flowing and ebbing against her hand, finally ending on the crown lay atop her head. He exhaled through his nose and waited for the aids to place his seat between Beron's sons and Helion's clan; he had come with no generals, no family, no friends, he was completely alone.

The male didn't utter a single word as he sat, the air was tight, but he moved his gaze at long last and rested it upon y/n, narrowing his green eyes at her and tilting his head slightly as if he was trying to place her in his mind. Helion waved his hand, cutting through the ripe tension, "Let's get on with it then."

It made Rhys feel uneasy, the way Tamlin was looking at his sister and the way in which she was staring back, almost taunting him with her orbs of violent delight. He wanted to reach into her mind and tell her to stop, but her walls were strong, almost impenetrable.

Thesan cleared his throat, eager to move the meeting along so that the time spend with Tamlin was as little as possible. No one looked toward the High Lord of Dawn, not even Tamlin as he moved his eye back to Rhys and Feyre, eyes simmering with a hatred that y/n had only ever seen within her mother. He opened his mouth, and Feyre visibly braced herself, "It seems as though congratulations are in order."

Silence.

Only Rhys held his stare, and deep down, y/n could feel his wrath bubbling inside of him like a hot spring, he looked to Thesan and said, "We can talk of this matter later."

"Don't stop on my account."

Rhys' grip tightened around Feyre's knee, "I'm not in the business of discussing our plans with enemies." His gaze floated to his sister who was still staring down Tamlin, hands coiled around the arms of her chair and eyes blazing with a fury he didn't know she too possessed.

"No," Tamlin matched Rhys' tone with a certain level of ease, "You're just in the business of fucking them."

The room stilled with rage, the entire entourage of the Night Court seethed in silence, waiting for a single nod from their High Lord to allow them to tear this nothing-man into pieces.

A single claw slid from his knuckles, and the world became muffled to y/n, she wasn't focusing on anything or anyone other than him, the one making a clear threat toward her brother and his mate, her sister by law. There was nothing more sacred. Then she fell back into the room just as Tamlin smirked and angled his head at Rhys, "When you fuck her, have you ever noticed that little noise she makes right before she climaxes?"

Heat stained Feyre's cheeks at the question, one that sought to discount everything that she was. Beron beamed, and Eris monitored the situation carefully from his seat, but then-

Silence. A gentle kiss of breeze.

Azriel glanced to his right, expecting to see y/n sat there with hate-filled eyes, but she was gone. A wet gurgling pulled his attention, he followed the noise and his eyes widened with delight.

Y/N had winnowed right into Tamlin's lap, her elongated talons piercing the skin of his neck causing blood to trail downward and pool at the collar of his tunic. Her other hand was furled into his hair, tugging his head back roughly so that his eyes met hers. One wrong move and Tamlin was done, and he knew it, the terror clear in his panicked eyes.

"If you ever speak of my sister-in-law, or any female, in such a manner again," she spoke lowly, dangerously, like poison on the tip of a blade, "It will be the last time you speak. Am I clear?" Her talons dug in deeper, the blood staining the rings littering her fingers.

Tamlin nodded shakily, gasping for air, and y/n only smirked down at him before retracting her talons from his flesh and bringing her index finger up to her lips, painting the bottom with his blood and humming, "For a male who acts so mighty, your fear tastes delicious," she ground down on his lap and called to her companions, "I think we have seen enough, don't you?"

Huffing, Rowan rose to his feet followed by Aelin, and the pair rounded the pool, Rowan extending a hand to y/n on the way and not even flinching when her bloodied fingers used him as leverage to slide from Tamlin's thighs. "Pathetic," he spat, bewildered at how their help had been wished for when they couldn't even play nice with one another. They all needed some lessons on how to get things done.

The trio sauntered from the chamber, but stopped in place when Thesan rose to his feet and called out to them, understanding that their aid meant the difference between peace or annihilation, "Please, wait." Thesan took three steps toward the trio whose combined power rippling around them was enough to make them see stars, "Stay the night at least, allow us to prove to you that we are worthy of saving."

Without looking back like Aelin and Rowan had, y/n nodded stiffly and only once before she rounded the doors, disappearing into the palace to presumably be shown to her rooms for the evening.

And, after a fair few snarky comments and displays of power, the meeting concluded, and Rhys was the first one rising from his seat and rounding the opened doors, following that mesmerising mountainous scent all the way through palace until he met a pair of tall golden doors that were littered with engravings of clouds and stars.

The rest of the Inner Circle eventually caught up with him, panting, and Cassian especially cursing the day Rhys was born for making him rush so much. Before Rhys could even raise a fist to the door, to reunite with his sister in the way that he had dreamed of for 500 years, it opened for him, and he found Aelin lazily draped against the frame looking to him with an arched brow; she peered behind him at the rest of his family and smiled, "Come on in."

Aelin stepped aside and ushered the group into the lavish suite they had been gifted, Thesan had really pulled out all of the wonders to make their stay as comfortable as possible. Soft white walls encircled the room that was adorned with pillars of solid gold and intricate artworks that littered the ceilings, wide open arches gave way to skies caressed with oncoming darkness, and in the centre was a seating area that rivalled that of the River House, long deep rooted chairs and frilled pillows, a square glass table at the centre and a fire raging on against the wall.

Upon one of the many seats, the Inner Circle found Rowan, feet propped up on the glass and head craned to meet them, "She'll be out in a minute," he drawled, "She's getting used to how large her bed is."

"I was washing the blood off my hands, thank you very much," y/n waltzed in from the open door on the left, wiping her cleared palms against the deep blue skirt of her dress, "You make me sound like such a princess."

Rowan rolled his eyes and dipped his head backward, pinching the bridge of his nose and sighing, like her testing his patience was a common occurrence, "I would like to remind you that you were one. For 500 years. And I've known you for half of that time."

Y/N straightened and shrugged, "Fair enough," she turned on the balls of her bare feet to face Rhys and angled her head to the side, waving her gaze from his feet to his crown, "Who would have ever thought that we'd end up like this?"

A High Lord and Queen.

Rhys' smile widened as he beheld her, as they all did actually, the dark monster vanquished into a sea of light leaving behind something airy and fresh, "Certainly not me. I didn't think I'd ever see you again."

Her smile faltered, "Me neither," she took a step toward him, "You gave me quite a scare you know, with that message."

Rhys matched her step, "That was never my intention."

"I know," she loosened her shoulders, "We'll help, even if the other High Lords of this land don't know the meaning of decorum."

Adoration flashed in his eyes, "Thank you, for what you did in there for Feyre. It was-"

"Terrifying?" Y/N moved like the wind, approaching her brother and taking his hands in hers, "I'll do anything to protect family."

And the Inner Circle knew that the protection she spoke of also extended to them, to the found family Rhys had formed in her void.

Snapping back into reality, Rhys placed a tender kiss on her brow and then angled his body to allow his family a chance to really see her, "Y/N," he began, tugging her to the jumbled line his circle had formed, "You know Feyre, my High Lady and mate, and this her sister, Nesta," the pair smiled warmly at one another whilst Nesta watched on, unphased, "This is Amren, my second in command. Cassian, the general of my armies. Mor, your cousin," Mor beamed at the sentiment, she was astounded to be related to someone so incredibly powerful and beautiful, "And then this is-"

"Azriel," the Shadowsinger interrupted, taking a single step forward causing y/n to crane her neck to get a better look at him.

Tendrils of darkness poked over his shoulders and combed through her hair, placing delicate kisses against her cheeks whilst she drank him in. Azriel was beautiful, dark hair and brooding hazel orbs, tattoos that crept up his arms and peered out of the collar of his second skin, a perfectly sloped nose and full lips, and a jaw so sharp she felt as though if she reached out to touch it then her fingers would return to her sliced.

"Azriel," the faint whisper sounded like a sonnet to his ears, and her offered a small smile, and she returned it instantly, unable to tear her eyes away from his until Cassian cut through the moment.

"Hate to break up whatever this is," he spoke with a wink in Azriel's direction who contained his growl to silence, "But we have to know everything about you. It's not every day that your best friend forgets to tell you that he has a sister in another world."

Shaking her head with a slight blush creeping up her cheeks, y/n motioned to the seating area, moving from Azriel and leaving his shadows pining after her to find a space in the centre of one of the four plush benches, "Sit. I'll tell you everything you want to know."

Azriel moved first, wasting no time in taking the seat to her left whilst Rhys took the space to her right, the rest of the inner circle filled the other vacancies, Cassian puffing out his chest when he fell beside Rowan, the latter of who just grinned at the action, and Nesta partly cowering away from Aelin who watched her with a raised brow.

"How old are you?" Mor asked with a voice of wonder, she should have been angry at Rhys the moment she found out that she had another cousin that had been hidden from her, but for some reason she wasn't.

Y/N glanced to Rhys, "I'm 508, give or take a couple of years."

"So you were banished when you were a baby?"

"Yes. I hadn't even reached my second year, " y/n smiled sadly, "The Sidra flooded the city when I was born, our father said that an uncontrollable storm raged on for two weeks afterward. It was clear that I had a power that couldn't be tamed here, so I was sent to my mother in Doranelle, and she raised me."

"I remember that storm," Mor spoke faintly, brow furrowed as she recounted the night when the lightening cracked over the Court of Nightmares, causing the entire city to seek refuge indoors for four whole days and nights, "I didn't realise that it was you."

"Yes, well," y/n trailed, "It's not everyday a High Lord fucks a Valg queen but here we are."

Feyre suppressed a chuckle at y/n's tone, one that was light and attempting to find the silver lining of it all.

Rhys lay a sturdy hand on her knee and pulled her attention to him, unspoken words of an eon drifted between them, "If it's any consolation, I think that father sent you away because he knew that you were meant to be more than a High Lord's trophy wife. Males would wage wars to control a power like yours."

Feyre spoke next, asking, "What is it that you can do?"

Laying her palm open toward the ceiling, the room watched intently as blue sparks of lightening coursed over her fingertips and curled around her wrists, "I can mostly control the weather, storms to be exact, and water also answers my call."

"Tell them the truth, y/n," Aelin teased, "Stop trying to lessen your worth," she told y/n sternly, holding her gaze and sighing when she didn't elaborate, "She decimated an entire army with that power to save me, and the entire world. It nearly killed her. Erilea owes her a great debt. That's why she is queen, not because of her birth right, but because she sacrificed herself to make the world a better place."

"So, you control storms, huh?" Cassian cut through the pause, threading his fingers behind his head and leaning back into the seat, his face a mixture of impress and challenge.

Y/N raised a goblet to her lips, causing Azriel to wonder where exactly she had gotten it from, and drank slowly, "There's a reason that storms are named after women."

"Can you fight?" Mor asked, eager to know if she could train with her cousin, wanting to spend as much time with her as possible with the time they had together.

Rowan huffed and then frowned when Aelin dug her elbow into his ribs, but it didn't hurt him, not one bit. "You can thank me for that."

"He trained you?" Cassian asked with disbelief, his shoulders squaring and eyes narrowing at the white haired fae prince.

"I can show you if you'd like?" Y/N smirked through her lashes, eyes swimming with unmatched mischief as Cassian turned to her and grinned, thinking it would be an easy win for him. "If you're up to the challenge?"

"I would be honoured to show you how us Illyrians fight. Maybe you'll learn a thing or two." Cassian wriggled his brows at y/n but he failed to notice the glance she sent to Rowan who was rolling his eyes in her direction, and something told Azriel that Cassian would be eating those words once the morning came to pass.

Author's Note

Part 2 is here my lovelies!

As always let me know what you think!

Taglist

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[fuzzythoughtsblog]

CnC rating:

🕊🕊🕊

I love camping soo much. That is to say I have this fantasy; I want to go camping with bunch of classmates I don't know (in this scenario I go to a all girls school) for some kind of school trip. As it is in the middle of the woods I have no cell reception. So I spend my time getting to know the girls staying with me in my cabian Brooke, Quinn, Rowan and Simone.

Brooke is a very athletic and excels at running hiking and swimming. Quinn is your standard environmentalist she knows every plant and what they could do. Rowan is more of a discord mod kind of girl not the type you'd expect to be out here. Apparently the school forced her to go on the trip to make up her pe credit she ignored. And then theirs is Simone another forced to be here camper. Since some of the activities we do out here count as volunteer work something Simone needs to stay in school to make up her multiple suspension. Your typical rough around the edges type.

While I tried to keep the cabin cordial the infighting happened by the second day. As Brooke thought that Simone was too full of herself and Quinn couldn't stand Rowan's complaining. To lighten the mood I suggested a friendly water balloon fight. Something Rowan claimed to be cracked at. We split up into to teams and although it was an odd number Simone and Brooke agreed that their is no way Rowan was good at this so apparently she counted as a 5th of a "solider".

Eventually the teams were decided. Me, Rowan and Simone vs Brooke and Quinn loser makes dinner. Before we began Simone announced something." I think the one who suggested this should have to wear a white T-shirt. "While I was confused at the request the other girls surprisingly agreed. Even Quinn looked away and said it was only fair. So, I went to change. When I got back the games began. And I quickly realized that Simone and Rowan's strategy was to use me as a human shield. Continuing to flank behind me when the other team threw their balloons. In fact it seemed like the other team was aiming specifically at me. By the time our game was done I was soaked down to my panties and the most embarrassing part is you could see everything through the translucent wet shirt.

As I was the most wet my team was declared the losers despite my teammates being only surprisingly damp. Although my team lost Simone and Rowan didn't make a uproar about the declaration. Instead the simple went to begin cooking. I started to change out of my wet clothes until Brooke stopped me "I think it's only fair that the losers have to stay in their wet clothes. " I try to convince her against this stating that the shirt was basically see through at this point and it's getting cold but Brooke wouldn't budge. I looked at Quinn to ask for some relief but she simple said "Y'know it's better for the environment to change less." Though after saying that she looked at me sympathetically. "Maybe, it would be fair to allow her to not wear the shirt so she doesn't freeze. " at this statement Brooke nods in agreement.

I argue that, that isn't fair but Brooke states that "I walk around in my sports bra all the time, so it's fine. " With a huff I decided to take the little leeway and peel the shirt off of me. Then Me, Rowan and Simone make quesadillas. By the time were done everyone quickly eats before heading off to bed. As I'm also tired I do the same and change into my pj's before laying down.

I only get a few minutes of sleep before I wake up hot and tingly everywhere. I look around and then see Simone creeping towards me. I sit up froze until she sits on my bed. She whispers "Sorry to wake you, I was just thinking about how I can't stand the good girl act. " hand creeping up my already sensitive body over the covers. I let out a soft whimper as a response. "Fuck, I knew it. Good girl's like you are so good for one thing. " she says while climbing on top of me and wrapping her callus hands around my throat. "Cumming your stupid little brains out. " she whispers while inching closer and closer before the lights flicker on and Brooke is standing above us. "You delinquent bitch, you knew I wanted her. " At that statement I look up at her with confusion until Quinn pipes up " Both of you need to back off... " at this statement I let out a sigh of relief "I have already claimed her, after all I put arthroscopics in her food. So her wet cunt should belong to me. "

At this point Im staring up at all three of them mouth agaped. Before Rowan chimes in "Why don't we solve this the gamer way? " the three turn to her confused "Why don't we all get to have her in an all-nighter battle royal, whoever taps out lasts wins her for the rest of camp? " she says while practical drooling. For a moment all of the girls pause before nodding. Simone - "You guys are fucked, you know how often I dick bitches like this down on a daily basis." Brooke - "Big talk you know it's all about stamina." Quinn- "Both of you are going to lose. I have more technique. " Rowan- "Pog".

As they all start to put their hands on me, I ask if I get a say in the matter to which they laugh. Brooke and Simone take turns using my neck as a chew toy and while Rowan sits above my head. "Have you sucked pussy?" Rowan ask with a smirk I answer no before she places her cunt to my lips "learn". I hesitate which makes Simone slap me " She said learn bitch! " I begin to lick as Brooke chids her "No need to be so rough. " "Look bitches like these like it rough, they like to be broken in. " "I disagree. " "Then why ya biting so hard? " Simone say gesturing to the bite mark she left.

"I... " "oh does the jock bitch not know how to hold back? This is gonna be fun! " "She's just so pretty! " "And a virgin it seems like. " Quinn pipes in again while pressing a finger inside of me "So tight. " she says watching her fingers sink in. Rowan - "Lol (yes said like lol and not L. O. L) how have you never had you cunt used? " Simone - "How are you not a virgin too? " "Hey, kittens love what I do to their bodies." At this statement Simone gets up and walks off . "Peppo champ , more for us! " Rowan says while grinding into my face harder. "I'm not done! "She yells while walking back " I just wanted to get my strap. " Brooke -"You just carry that thing with you? " "You never know when you'll need it. " "Dude that's way too big. It'll break her. " Quinn - "No it should be fine with all the aphrodisiacs I gave her she should be nice and loose. "

Simone- "Well if you won't fuck her with it more for me. " she says while strapping in. "Fuck kitten, you panicking on my cunt feels so good. " As I shake my head no I feel as Quinn holds me open for her. "Get ready whore! " Simone says as she sinks in little by little. While Quinn slaps my clit everytime I try and struggle away. Which hurts with a extra sting. Brooke- "Rowan let me get a turn. " "Fuck no her mouth is pogchamp go mog about it or suck her tit I'm not getting off. " Brooke seemingly takes the suggestion as I feel her warm mouth wrap around my nipple.

I begin I move a little as it's all so much. "Yeah that's right fuck back into me slut " Simone says as she slaps my ass and grinds the strap into me. As I start to feel on the edge with all the sensations from Brooke playing with my tits, Rowan riding my face like it's the best ride on the planet and Simone fucking me slow and deep. Then I feel as Quinn wraps her mouth around my clit and I'm sent tumbling over the edge along with Rowan and Simone.

"Fuck that mouth is better than cod. " Quinn - "Let me get a turn. " they then switch spots. Simone begins to pull out before unstraping "She's all yours Brooke. " Simone says before taking Brooke's spot . Rowan adds on "Yeah, sloppy seconds. " when Brooke is finally strapped in she goes straight for sinking into my warmth. She seems to hold back from a second before Quinn wraps her legs around Brooke's hips "Let go! " Brooke does immediately as she just begins to slam into me as hard and fast as she can whispering about how good it is while I scream into Quinn and as the others encourage her. Rowan even begins to nibble on my clit as Simone pinches nipples. Sending me over the edge again as Brooke just keeps pounding into my oversimulated and abused cunt.

Brooke - "Can't we all just shared her. " all of them silently agree. As they all use my body all night long taking turns fucking my mouth and cunt and useing my body like a toy. As I begin to pass out I think about how things are going to change around camp.

[jadewolf22]

Ruby Red Nails

Larissa x Wife!Reader

Warnings: Hurt/Comfort, Anxiety, Angsty undertones, crying, talk of panic attacks, ect…

Summary: You notice that Larissa has started up an old anxious habit.

A/n: It’s finally posted!!! I’m so sorry this took so long to post! I just got the motivation to finish it (of course it had to be at four in the morning, though)

A/n: This was based on a post I commented on a while ago (can’t find the post for the life of me) mentioning that there’s no paint on one of Larissa’s nails during the  fireplace scene in Wednesday. I made a comment saying that it could be due to an anxious habit where Larissa rubs/picks off the paint on her nails and thought it might make a good fic.

Word Count: 1,036

“Riss, I’m home!” you cried, the door clicking shut behind you as you walked into your shared apartment. 

The apartment was quiet, save for the fire crackling in the hearth, basking everything in either shadows or a soft golden glow. Though the place technically belonged to the both of you it smelled of Larissa; faint traces of jasmine and vanilla clinging to every surface. 

“Hi, darling.”

You turned your head as you hung up your jacket and purse, smiling slightly as you caught sight of your wife leaning against the doorframe of the bathroom, her silk, olive green rode hugging her body and long silvery curls brushing against her back. 

“Long day?” you asked as she walked to you, placing a kiss on her jaw. Larissa never took her hair down or put on her robe this early in the evening unless she’d had a stressful day. She nodded, pulling you close and tucking her head into the crook of your neck, “Have you eaten yet? I had a late lunch, but if you want something—”

“I ate.” Larissa mumbled quietly. You could feel her hands trembling as they clutched your shirt, rubbing your hands up and down her sides to try and soothe her, “Can you just… come lie with me for a bit? Please?”

You nodded, kicking off your shoes before allowing her to pull you onto the bed, holding Larissa close as she curled up beside you on the mattress. Something was wrong and you knew it, but you wouldn’t press her about it. You trusted Larissa to tell you in her own time. 

“So… how was your day?” you inquired, stroking Larissa’s back as you looked down at her.

“Eventful.” Larissa groaned out with a huff, the hand grasping your shirt tightening ever so slightly, “I swear Miss. Addams is going to be the death of me.”

“She’s Morticia and Gomez’s, you can’t really expect anything less, can you?” you teased, hoping to lighten her mood even a little bit. 

Larissa gave a low chuckle, looking up at you with a smile. You could tell it was clearly forced, not quite reaching her eyes. She shifted against you, her hand moving to your hip. It was then that you caught sight of her nails, the ruby red paint clearly picked off, the skin around her nails red and raw.

“When did you start doing that again?” you asked, taking Larissa’s hand in your own and looking at her nails a little closer. Several of her nails had been scrapped clean, the skin around them was irritated, and her cuticles were specked with dried blood. “You said you’d quit?”

“It started this past week,” Larissa said meekly, curling her hands into fists and hiding her face in the crook of your neck, “With what happened to Rowan and Miss. Addam’s fanatics…”

“Rissa… why didn’t you say something?” you stroked your thumb over her knuckles as you spoke, kissing her hair.

“Didn’t want to upset you,” Larissa mumbled against your neck, “—Knew you wouldn’t like it…”

“Riss… Honey, I don’t like it when you don’t tell me. I can’t help you if I don’t know something’s wrong.”

“I know. I know. I’m sorry.” you felt Larissa’s frame shake against yours and tears start to stain your shirt, “I-I just… I didn’t want you to worry… I… I thought I could handle it… I’m sorry-I’m so sorry… Don’t-don’t be mad…”

“Honey, I’m not mad.” you assured, “Okay? I’m not mad. I’m just worried about you. I’m always going to be worried about you. That’s my job… We’ve been through this already… You have to tell me when something’s wrong, alright?”

She sniffled, pressing her face into your chest. "I just don’t want to be a burden."

"You're not a burden," you said firmly, “Not to me. Ever. Alright?”

Larissa nodded, breathing began to calm, her body relaxing against yours as she soaked in your words. "I’ll try... I’ll try to be better about telling you. I promise."

You kissed the top of her head, brushing her hair back. "I know you will."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A few days later as you were lounging around in Larissa’s office, waiting for her to finish up with her monthly teacher evaluations so that you two could go get dinner, you found a spare bottle of Larissa’s nail polish hidden away on her bookshelf. You chuckled, grabbing the bottle and turning to her with a smirk plastered over your face.

"Nice try, Larissa," you said with a teasing smile, “I’m not blind, sweetheart.”

Larissa looked up and froze upon seeing the bottle in your hand, her cheeks flushing as she quickly turned away, not meeting your gaze. "I didn’t think you’d notice."

“You’re not getting off the hook that easily.” She sighed, pushing her chair back and rubbing her temple. “Hey. It’s not the nail polish I’m worried about. It’s you not telling me what’s going on. We’ve talked about this, Larissa."

Her eyes softened as she nodded. "I know. I just... I didn’t want to worry you."

"Well, too bad," you replied, giving her a wink. "I worry whether you like it or not. But don’t think you can get away with hiding your habits from me. I’ve got you all figured out, sweetheart."

Larissa let out a soft chuckle, shooing you from her office, claiming that she wouldn’t get anything done with you prowling around. You let out a light laugh, but conceded, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek before heading towards the door. Just as you reached for the handle though, you paused, remembering that Larissa had a backup for everything, and turned back to her.

“I’ll take the other one too.” you stated, walking back over to her and holding out your palm.

Larissa looked up at you from her chair, her face scrunched up in the most adorable pout, and sighed, reaching into her desk drawer and pulling out a second bottle of ruby red nail polish. You gently snatched it out of her hand, laughing to yourself, and gave her a knowing look before turning back around again and walking out the door, silently debating whether or not you should start tracking Larissa’s purchases.

I'm so sorry I haven't been posting for a while!!! between PT and doctors appointments I'm usually too exhausted to write. Hopefully, I'll be able to get back into the swing of things here soon

[rainingriversofyou]

“You don’t bite the women of other males”

-Rowan Whitethorn, Heir Of Fire

Art by redsunflowerpins / @dreadart

“Faster than lightening, his hand shot out and she gagged, jolting as he grabbed her tongue between his fingers...He released her tongue, and she gasped for breath. She swore at him, a filthy, foul name, and spat at his feet. And that's when he bit her. She cried out as those canines pierced the spot between her neck and shoulder, a primal act of aggression--the bite so strong and claiming that she was too stunned to move. He had her pinned against the tree and clamped down harder, his canines digging deep, her blood spilling onto her shirt. Pinned, like some weakling. But that was what she'd become, wasn't it? Useless, pathetic.

She growled, more animal than sentient being. And shoved.

Rowan staggered back a step, teeth ripping her skin and she struck his chest. She didn't feel the pain, didn't care about the blood or flash of light. No, she wanted to rip his throat out--rip it out with the elongated canines she bared at him as she finished shifting and roared.

Rowan grinned. "There you are.”

[throneofsapphics]

angst. that's it. that's the ask. i don't care with who!

thank you 🫶🫶

kiss my knuckles before you punch me in the face

(part two)

Rowaelin x f!Reader

Summary: “My decision is final.” Her eyes were  full of pain, but no regret - only determination. 

Warnings: dark aelin/rowan, angst, mentions of suicidal ideation, implied violence, toxic relationships

Word Count: ~1.3k

A/N: this turned dark yikes please mind the warnings, but thank you for the request!

They never thought she would leave. They always thought it was enough, that they could be enough - despite all of the difficulties in the relationship. Love, everyone always said love was enough. They saw it play out around them, with their friends and family. Everyone made it work. 

Maybe she didn’t … didn’t understand the true strength of a mating bond. How far it would drive them, how much they would do to get her to stay. They thought that if love wasn’t enough, the strength of the bond would be. 

“My decision is final.” Her eyes were  full of pain, but no regret - only determination. 

“Why are you doing this?” Rowan asked. Hurt and anger rolled from him in equal waves. 

“All of those things you … didn’t do, didn’t say, didn’t fix. They have consequences.” 

Consequences. 

“What the hell does that mean?” Aelin raged, consequences - like they’re toddlers in need of a lesson. 

“It means you lost me.” Y/n’s lips set into a tight line. She doesn’t want to say this - Aelin can tell. But, she believes it to be the truth. Her eyes scanned them one last time, standing at the gate. A discreet, side one. Her mare was already saddled, saddle bags packed. 

Y/n took her reins, leading her out of the gate, out into the side path crossing behind the castle - to avoid the city. Aelin watched as she mounted, her heels digging in, and took off. 

She and Rowan stood in shock, watching her. She cast her eyes to the side once, looking at the castle, but not back at them. 

“Do we..?” She swallowed harshly. 

“No.” Rowan answered, and he shifted, soaring overhead. Aelin found Kasida, and took off behind her. A punch in the face, that’s what this felt like. Fixing the issues, resolving the problems, that can come later - after they get her back. She won’t let her mate go, no. Whether or not she understands it, this bond is for life and she won’t live with the agony of never having her. 

-

Her heart shattered with each movement, each bolt of the saddle. Every second felt like agony. All she wanted was to turn back and run into their arms. But, she knows her worth. Mates or not, she won’t let herself suffer. So many times she’d tried, so many damn times to get them to fix their actions. Each hurtful word, unintentional or intentional, struck something inside her she couldn’t rebuild. Not in their presence. 

She kept reminding herself that every step away from the castle was one step closer to reclaiming herself. To being her, not the King and Queen’s mate, but to be completely herself. Find the person she was before, and bring her back to life. 

The tears came and she didn’t fight them. Holding back would only make it worse in the long run. And she’d held onto them long enough already, already asked them to change the way they treat her. Each time, they would lighten up for a few weeks and she would finally start believing things were better, that this could be fixed. But, it was never permanent. Each time, she truly believed in it, and each time her heart shattered when it went back to normal. 

She stood on the balcony, several stories above the garden and contemplated what it would be like - to put herself out of her misery. Would that even work? She caught herself in the spiral of thoughts and turned, closing the door shortly behind her. That thought - of ending everything - that was the last straw. That night, she started planning her departure. Not from this world, but from the castle. 

She spotted a white tailed hawk above her, seconds before hearing the pounding of hooves, quickly she pulled her mare to the side, just as Kasida - Aelin’s beautiful Asterion, passed her and turned. Blocking her path. A flash of light, and Rowan stood beside her. 

What part of her message hadn’t been clear? Anger bubbled inside her chest - anger that they couldn’t respect her decision. They made theirs, she gets to make hers. 

“Leave me alone.” Y/n said through gritted teeth. “Go back.” Aelin slid out of the saddle to stand next to her. She didn’t move quick enough to avoid Rowan tugging her out of hers, bringing her to stand before them, on equal ground. She shoved at his chest, but only took a few steps backward, brushing against her horses side. Y/n quickly grabbed the reins before she could startle. 

Neither moved or said a word. Her frustration grew and grew. “Was I not clear enough?” She hissed. 

“You were perfectly clear.” Rowan answered. Stone, his face was pure stone. Unyielding. 

“You don’t get to run away. You can’t leave this.” Aelin picked up. Her emotions showed a bit more, but the same determination was there. 

-

“I gave you so many gods-damned chances,” Aelin watched as angry tears flooded her face. “You never learned. Things would get better for a few weeks,” she was yelling, her voice rising. “And it would go back to the same. Did you expect me to live like that forever?” 

Rowan was quiet and contemplative beside her, trying to figure out the best response. She was scrambling for words as well, but y/n kept going. 

“Did you know, a week ago, I stood on the balcony and thought about putting myself out of my misery? If nothing else will make you wrap your heads around how miserable I am, maybe that will.” 

Every word was a jagged knife in her chest, slowly cutting a piece of her apart. Aelin suddenly felt like she couldn’t breathe. Her eyes grew wide, filled with fear. A fear she hadn’t felt in years. That she might have truly, permanently, lost her. That she was that close to losing her mate for the rest of her immortal life. 

Y/n turned her back, one foot in the stirrup, but Rowan dragged her back before she could. She yelped, flailing to try and get away from him. 

“No,” he growled. “No.” His arms wrapped tight around her, and Aelin knew nothing could break that hold. 

-

His arms were a cage. A hold I wouldn’t be able to break - not unless he let me go. He spun me around, letting me see the tears dripping down his cheeks. “I will not lose you.” Pure possession laced his tone. 

“I’m not yours to lose,” she screamed. She’s past the point of reason, of speaking calmly about this. He shifted so one arm held her close to him, and pressed on the small bite mark on the left side of her neck. 

“This says you are. Every part of you belongs to us, every part of us belongs to you.” 

His words weren’t any comfort to her, if anything they pissed her off further. “I’m not a possession,” she seethed. Panic began to sit in. Would they drag her back to the castle, kicking and screaming?

“What would it take,” Aelin’s voice was so soft, so gentle, that she couldn’t help turning to look at the female, “to keep … for you to choose to stay.” 

“Nothing. Everything.” She pounded a fist against Rowan’s chest, “let me go.” 

“I can’t.” The mask finally broke, and she could feel every single one of his emotions - the turbulence of losing someone he thought was his mate in the past, of nearly losing Aelin. Everything they’d told her, all about their past. It hurt her, knowing she was activating those memories, bringing those feelings to the front. But, it wasn’t her damn fault, they dug this hole and she’s climbing out of it herself. “I can’t,” he repeated, emphasizing it further. 

“You will.” She forced confidence into her tone, and brought another hand up - intending to try and push away again, but Aelin caught it, bringing her knuckles to her lips. A soft, gentle kiss that threw her off balance. 

“I’m so sorry,” she murmured, and in the next second she was unconscious.

[lifeofkaze]

A Sky Full of Stars

A/N: Look at me, I'm not ever going to write a mirror scene again. Look at me, I'm sticking with my words. Oh well. Last day, last prompt. Stargazing. Thank you to @hphm-ship-week for hosting this event. As always, the original to this mirror can be found here. Special thanks (and curses) to @eternalchaoschocolaterain. Look what you made me do.

Away from the bonfire of the victory party, the temperature dropped immediately. It was a mellow summer night, the air fragrant with the last idea of the wildflowers that lined the side of the path Lizzie and Orion were following along. A cool breeze drifted towards them from the Black Lake, its dark waters shimmering in the silvery light of the moon above. 

Ever since their first impromptu celebration of Hufflepuff winning the Quidditch House Cup - and what a win it had been - Orion had longed to finally be alone with Lizzie, to let the impressions and emotions that had stormed in on him since the end of the match settle. They hadn’t had a chance to speak yet, and even at the big party hoisted in their team’s honour further up the path, he had had no sight of her. 

Now, walking down the winding path by the lakeshore, it was like a heavy weight had lifted off Orion’s shoulders, one he hadn’t even realised had been there. He had been apprehensive of this moment but now that it had arrived, his nerves had dispersed like smoke, leaving behind nothing but a vague memory of the knot that had come undone in him when Lizzie had taken his hand and not let go again.  

They talked as they were walking, those couple of minutes since they had left the party filled with more words, more laughter and ease, than all the days since they had stepped off the Hogwarts Express last September until now combined. Orion had missed this; he had missed her.

At some point, Lizzie had moved closer to him, leaning subtly into his side when he let go of her hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. She fit right into him, her body warm against his, growing increasingly more quiet as the path carried them further into the moonlit landscape surrounding the castle. Not thinking much about it initially, Lizzie’s silence soon stirred a sense of worry in him. An idea which seemed right and sensible in the warmth of a bonfire might look entirely differently once the golden glow was stripped away, leaving only the cold light of the moon to illuminate its consequences. Did Lizzie regret leaving with him? Did he? Was this a trial of their will, or were they headed down a path that wasn’t theirs to walk? Slowing his steps, he studied her but Lizzie didn’t seem to notice. She was looking up ahead, entirely lost in her thoughts.

“What are you thinking?”

Lizzie gave a start, as if she hadn’t heard him at all. “Sorry, what?”

“You’ve gone very quiet. What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing really, don’t worry.”

It had taken her only a moment’s hesitation to reply and yet to Orion, it felt like an eternity that made his stomach drop. Unwrapping his arm from her shoulders he stopped, turning her towards him.

“I’ve always known you to carry your heart on your sleeve, Chaser. Until this year. Now that you and Rowan have made your peace, I had hoped you would go back to not being afraid of your thoughts anymore. You don’t have to hide when you’re with me.”

Lizzie pressed her lips together briefly before pulling them into a weak smile. “I’m just not used to feeling this awkward around you.” 

She meant to lighten the mood, Orion knew that, but he felt like a door was closing inside him. He raised his hand to her face, brushing away a strand of her hair in the same way that had started them on this turbulent journey. 

“We can always go back if you don’t want this.”

Lizzie shook her head almost instantly, the determined look in her eyes as much reassurance as the hand she placed over his. Leaning into his touch, she momentarily cast down her gaze before raising it again to meet his. Even in the moonlight they looked blue, deep and dark and inviting, but there was an openness to them that Orion had rarely seen before, a vulnerability that was almost sacrilegious to witness. Running his thumb across her cheek, seeing how she closed her eyes to his touch, he whispered,

“Did I ever tell you how beautiful you are?” Lizzie’s eyes softened, her lips parting ever so slightly. She tilted her head and stepped closer, and so did Orion, both their eyes closing, just a breath away from…

The sound of nearby laughter cut through the night, making them both start and hastily step away from each other. Another laugh followed, quickly hushed by a subdued voice and a giggle that ebbed in volume as the voices drew nearer. They had yet to see Lizzie and Orion, so he took her by the hand and pulled her off the path and into the shadow of a tree. Concealed from curious eyes, they waited for whoever had disturbed them to appear.  

It didn’t take long. First, the shadows of two people following down the lake path came into view. Soon, the shadows took shape, one tall and broad, the other small and stocky; both of them looked familiar though Orion couldn’t say why. Lizzie, who was peering at the approaching pair with furrowed brow, cocked her head.

“Isn’t that…”

The moonlight hit the couple on the path, revealing their friend and teammate Skye Parkin and - much to their mutual surprise - Erika Rath, Ravenclaw Beater and Skye’s declared mortal enemy. Or so Orion had thought. Lizzie had just leaned in to him to comment on this peculiar sight when her mouth dropped open and her eyes went wide. Over by a bend in the path, beneath the shadow of a tree not unlike theirs, Erika Rath had pushed Skye against the tree trunk, Skye’s arms coming around her neck in a tight embrace as they kissed passionately. A disbelieving giggle bubbled from Lizzie’s chest, quickly growing into laughter barely contained by the hand clapped  in front of her mouth. Her whole frame was shaking from it, so much so that Orion found it hard not to join in.

“Even the most steadfast rivalry can turn into fondness, it seems,” he chuckled, backing away from the tree to get back onto the path unseen. “Maybe we should leave them to it.”

Casting one last, disbelieving look at Skye and Rath, Lizzie followed him, bursting into laughter as soon as they were out of earshot. Her laugh was contagious, skipping over to Orion after all until it was bouncing back and forth between them. It made his belly hurt, and he winced as he tried - in vain - to relax his already aching cheeks. Lizzie was faring no better. She had laughed herself into a state close to hysteria, having reached a point where she was unable to stop. 

“You need to calm down,” Orion told her, fighting the urge to begin laughing again. Lizzie nodded and pressed her lips together but it was to no avail. She began giggling again, so he raised a hand and put a finger against her lips, as lightly as the touch of a feather. “Hush now. Calm down.”

Lizzie took a shallow breath and became still. Her shoulders relaxed and so did her features as she let Orion pull her against him. They stood like this for what felt like forever, neither of them moving, not daring to. A crossroad had opened before them, as plain for Orion to see as the moonlit water of the lake or the shooting star that cut across the sky. One road would continue them on familiar territory, steady and secure, a path they had begun to walk comfortably before it had become unsatisfying, without adventure, without promise. The other, branching off from the broad and well-trodden way, was obscure, winding, with an end they would be unable to see before they’d reached it. It could lead to the most beautiful place imaginable, or end abruptly and drop off into nothingness. Orion didn’t know what lay ahead, but the well-known roads had never much enticed him. He longed to explore this new path together with Lizze. All they needed to do was take a step. 

That and a lot more ran through his mind, thoughts tumbling over each other as he remained frozen, waiting - hoping - for Lizzie to do something. And she did, eventually, but in a way Orion hadn’t expected. 

She suddenly broke free and wordlessly wandered to an upturned tree trunk by the lakeshore. The mixture of relief and frustration at the moment having slipped by dissolved into wonder as Lizzie scrambled onto it and held out her arms to the sides.

“What are you doing?”

She laughed at his question. “Balancing.”

She walked to the middle of the trunk, Orion following her on the ground. The dampness of the night air had made the wood beneath her feet slippery, however, and in an inattentive moment, Lizzie misplaced her foot. She swayed dangerously, Orion’s hand shooting forward to catch her, but there was no need; she had regained her balance by herself and now stood facing him, an amused look crossing her face.

“Do you worry about me falling?”

“One time per day is enough, don’t you think?” Orion replied. Her collision with a Bludger earlier during the match could have ended nastily, even more so than it had anyway. The image of her clinging to that Ravenclaw banner, her broomstick tumbling to the faraway ground below her, had burned itself into his consciousness, making his heart race even now. His smile faltered at the memory, needing Lizzie’s touch to break him from his thoughts. 

“It is,” she smiled, seemingly more unfazed by what had happened than he was. Her hands came to rest on his shoulders, then wandered higher, gently brushing over his hair and along his temple. “But once again, you’re here to catch me.” 

Orion leaned into her touch. “I’ll always be here to catch you.”

Lizzie paused, dropping her hand from his hair to his neck as she pulled him in at the same time he stepped closer. His nerves had ceased to tear at him. All his doubts and worries disappeared as Lizzie bent down and he raised his chin and their lips met calmly, naturally, as if it had meant to be this exact way and no other. It was a sweet kiss, lacking the fire their first one on top of the Astronomy Tower had had, but there was a different kind of warmth to it; a warmth that spread through Orion like the blood in his veins, a warmth that made his heart beat fast and heavy and strong, making him feel focused, present, and alive. His lips pulled into a smile as he lifted Lizzie off the tree trunk by her hips and spun her around to set her to the ground, the sound of her laughter as silvery as the moonlight illuminating the night around them.

When they finally broke apart, Orion rested his forehead against hers, feeling even the last of the weight he’d carried fall from his shoulders.

“I missed you.”

Lizzie’s eyes softened at his whispered admission, gently touching her hand to his cheek. “I missed you, too.”

She kissed him again and rested her head against his chest, sighing deeply. She didn’t say anything for quite a while; so long, in fact, that Orion eventually grew uneasy.

“What’s the matter?” 

Lizzie shook her head against his chest, her voice thick with emotion. “Do you know how good it feels, not having to hide anymore?”

She sounded so relieved, so full of emotions she hadn’t dared to show to the world, that Orion just let her have that moment, running her hand over her hair until the tension had left her body. When he was sure she was in a balanced state of mind again, he gently let go and took her hand.

“Come on,” he said. “There’s a place I wanted to show you.”

He led her to a willow tree right by the water, a little set back from the path. He came here often, both day and night, to meditate or let his thoughts wander. He sometimes brought Murphy along, but never her. Somehow, it was different now. Somehow, he didn’t want this to be only his spot anymore.

“Stars again, huh?” Lizzie said, remaining standing when Orion had already laid back in the grass with his hands crossed behind his head. His eyes wandered from the glinting firmament to Lizzie, lips curving into a smirk.

“You sound surprised.”

“Not really.”

With a sigh, Lizzie settled into his side. Head resting against his shoulder, she looked up at the glittering expanse above them. The sky was crystal clear, its inky vastness dusted with sparkling stars and gleaming planets. A smile formed on Lizzie’s face as she observed them, so peaceful that the stars seemed just a little less bright than a moment ago.

“Care to enlighten me on what’s making you smile?”

Lizzie laughed quietly, nestling her head into the crook of his neck. “I just thought that I can now stop pretending not to know my stars anymore.” 

“You never had to in the first place.”

She didn’t reply, instead placing a hand on Orion’s chest, right above his heart. He covered it with his, still not quite daring to believe that this was truly happening, that this wasn't just a lucid, starlit dream. The idea made his head swim, the surrealness of it all threatening to overwhelm him. Willing his mind to be silent, he did his best to focus on what was right before him - the sky glittering above their heads, the water murmuring a couple of feet away, and the girl he had fallen in love with leaning into his side.

They lay like this for a while, stargazing, talking, sharing the occasional kiss and each other’s company. The universe turned above them, making it feel like they had fallen out of time itself when, eventually, the touch of Lizzie’s hand by his neck made Orion pull his shoulders up.

“You’re icy,” he muttered, capturing her hand between his as Lizzie immediately pulled away. “You should have said something.” 

“I’m fine,” Lizzie said but - as if only now realising herself how cold she was - her teeth had begun to chatter. “I didn’t want this moment to end. I wish it was forever.”

“In some ways, every moment is forever. You just need to hold on to what’s dear to you.” 

Turning one of the woven bracelets he wore around his wrist, Lizzie hummed thoughtfully. “What’s going to happen now?” “Whatever you want to happen,” Orion replied. Even now, there was a slight drop to his stomach as he considered her question. Choosing not to heed it, he rose to his feet, pulling her along with him. “But for now, I suggest we go back and get you near a fire.”

They walked back in silence, each following their own train of thought. Orion had his arm draped around Lizzie’s shoulder once more, hoping to provide her at least with a little of his warmth. She seemed comfortable by his side, albeit silent, but when the sheen of the bonfire appeared ahead of them and she slowed her steps, his doubts were there again all of a sudden, so strongly that, for a moment, Orion was sure he was dreaming  after all and now it was time to wake up. 

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Lizzie mumbled, not looking at him but the firesheen ahead. “Everything just feels so surreal all of a sudden.”

The knot in Orion’s stomach tightened. “Do you want me to let go?”

“No,” Lizzie said hurriedly, reaching for his hand to keep it in place around her shoulder. “This is what I want.”

Her words were like a key unlocking the band that had closed around his chest once and for all. Not that his heart was lying open, free to breathe and grow and fly, he was willing to give it to her wholly.

“That’s fortunate, Chaser,” he smiled, “because no matter what the universe had planned for us, I don’t intend to let you go anytime soon.” 

Lizzie raised her face and breathed a kiss against his lips, pulling him into her embrace. Sooner than Orion would have liked she let go and reached for his hand, walking ahead with a spring in her step, back toward the party, toward the light and life where their friends were waiting for her, for him, for… them.

Where everyone was waiting for them. 

[hphm-jeniferltheman]

"Now that I know my brother is safe, will I finally bring peace to the people of Hogwarts from the curse?"

The End of Something Beautiful

And the Start of Something Terrible

After gathering at the Great Hall, Jeniferl could not stop wondering about many things

One is how she'll start this year without Professor Rakepick.

She still calls her professor despite everything she's done. She just wanted her to know the reason behind her actions and apologize to the people she hurt.

Another is that she still couldn't stop thinking about Jacob.

She may have finally found and save him but he disappear again without making any contact to her the whole summer. But now she knows that he's alive gives her a little bit of peace in mind.

Speaking of someone who didn't make any contact, Ben was also nowhere to be seen despite her and Rowan looking for him the whole summer.

They felt like he's been avoiding them, especially Jeniferl. But Jeni blames herself again cause she though that he has become more scared after what she brought them into. She become worried about how she was bringing him to danger in their relationship.

And after a strange man took her suddenly and swore to secrecy during Bill's celebration last school year, she can only keep this thoughts on to herself. She rather do a lot of helping instead to the people she caused trouble to find her brother and find the last cursed vault as soon as possible to end the curse.

Though Rowan notice how Jeniferl was too worried and thinking more about others without even thinking about herself. She can see that Jeniferl is carrying too many responsibility even though its just their first day of of sixth year. So she wanted her to take a break in her own way, by touring her around Hogwarts.

They are already sixth year and too late for a tour around Hogwarts but Rowan thought that Jeni has been too occupied that she didn't have time to enjoy the beauty of the castle like how she sees it. Rowan tour her around, inform her about the facts and details like she's a Professor touring her first year students. Seeing this makes Jeniferl happy and, for a bit, forget her worries and enjoyed her time with Rowan.

"I can already see now that Rowan will become a wonderful Professor in the future"

Jeniferl thought as she felt a strange shiver when she passes the window...

~~~

phew, would have been better to make a comic of this one but this is already enough for me~ dammit i don't have the time to draw anymore (╥﹏╥) But finishing this lighten the weight of wips that i've been carrying in my head~~

Gotta clear my mind and prepare for board review and exam soon y'know... pray for me...

But i will still draw some scenes especially before year 6, and my ocs from other hogwarts games... So thanks for reaching this far, hope you had fun reading this adorable moment... for now... 0-0

[teine-mallaichte]

For Storm 'Rook' Hawke (my beloved), could I maybe get 21 from the Rook Storytime Prompts? I'd love to hear about his Joining (and maybe his relationship with Aunt Bethany)

Oh Storms joining was chaotic... Very much like Bethany it was an 'emergency joining' rather than a planned event.

He didn't really get close to Bethany until after the joining, but she was there.

Rook Story Time Prompts

Storm's Joining was more of a fever dream than an actual memory.

He vaguely recalled Holly and Rowan hauling him home—hauling, because according to them, he couldn’t walk. Which wasn’t true. He was fine. Mostly. Okay, maybe not fine, considering the pain lancing through his arm and the way his entire body felt like it was on fire. But still, the twins didn’t need to be so theatrical about it.

After that, everything blurred. There was too much light, too many voices—his dad’s frantic tone mixing with the deeper, detached cadence of Justice. They were trying to stop the Blight, weren’t they? It didn’t matter. He was fine. That’s what he kept telling himself, even as the pain spread like wildfire, leaving him gasping for air.

Then, Aunt Bethany’s name came up. He remembered his dad saying something about the Wardens, about the Joining, and then... darkness.

When Storm woke up again, things were marginally clearer. His arm throbbed, his head pounded, and he realized he was lying in a moving wagon. That was strange. Why a wagon? He blinked groggily, trying to sit up, only for the vehicle to jolt to a stop.

“Storm? You awake, son?”

That voice—calm but weary—cut through the haze. His dad. Storm forced himself to move, groaning as he turned his head. His right arm was bandaged tightly, the memory of dark veins flashing in his mind. His gaze shifted to his father, who was already on his feet.

he helped him sit up properly. Storm’s head swam, but he managed a shaky grin. “So, uh... Where are we?"

Anders let out a short, humorless laugh, his gaze darting away for a moment. “Bethany. She’s nearby,” he said softly. Then, after a pause, he added, “There’s no cure for the Blight... but the Wardens—”

Storm stiffened as the realization hit him. Aunt Bethany. The Wardens. The Joining. His grin faltered, “You want me to...?” He didn’t finish the sentence, merely staring at his father.

Anders nodded, “It’s the only way, Storm. I wouldn’t—” His voice broke, but he steadied himself, "I'm not going to force you to do it. It's your decision, but..."

Storm glanced down at his arm, bandaged but still throbbing with an ache that felt like it was eating him from the inside out. For the first time, the enormity of the situation hit him fully. This wasn’t just a scrape or a bad day. This was the Blight, coursing through his veins, promising a slow and agonizing death if he did nothing. “And if it doesn’t work?”

His dad didn’t answer right away. His face, usually so composed, looked like it might break. “If it doesn’t work,” he said, “you’ll have done everything you could. But if we do nothing...” He trailed off again, as if unable of finish that thought.

Storm swallowed hard, his throat dry. He wanted to joke, to say something snarky to lighten the mood, but nothing came. Instead, he nodded slowly, "alright..." He whispered as his dad pulled him to his feet and it if the wagon, "Alright, I'll do it."

As they neared the camp, the first thing Storm noticed was the familiar figure standing near the fire. His breath caught in his throat.

Bethany.

Her dark hair—was it lighter than it used to be? It was certainly longer—was pulled back, her armour worn and weathered, the Grey Warden insignia faint. She looked older, her face more lined, but her sharp, piercing eyes hadn't changed. The moment she saw them, her expression shifted.

Bethany didn’t even look at him when she rushed forward, her gaze locked on his father. It stung more than he expected.

Her voice was clipped, anxious. “How long?”

“Yesterday,” He heard his dad reply.

"I’m right here, you know?" Storm interrupted, the frustration slipping out in a sharp exhale.

Bethany stopped, turning her eyes toward Storm as if she had forgotten he was there for a moment. The briefest flicker of surprise crossed her face, then quickly masked by her usual composure.

“Storm,” she said, her voice softer than he expected, but still edged with concern. “You look…” Her eyes flicked to his bandaged arm, "have you made a decision?"

“I’m not sure I have a choice,” he replied, his voice rough, as he tried to ignore the gnawing ache in his chest.

Bethany’s expression softened for just a moment glancing at her brother-in-law. It was no secret that neither if them exactly relished their Grey Warden status.

"You always have a choice," Bethany said firmly.

The next few hours passed in a fluffy of motion. It was all too much—too fast. No one seemed particularly prepared for the 'emergency Joining' that Storm found himself facing.

An older man, a seasoned Grey Warden, had explained that Storm was 'lucky' that both his father and his aunt were Wardens, that they would even consider an impromptu Joining for him. The word 'lucky' didn’t sit right with him. He didn’t feel lucky. He felt like a lamb being led to slaughter, and no one seemed to be in a hurry to explain why.

Bethany warned him that the liquid he would have to drink was disgusting—she even joked that he’d probably want to vomit, though the look on her face made it clear she wasn’t entirely kidding.

His father, on the other hand, was more direct, but still unsettling in his lack of explanation. “It’s going to hurt,” he'd said, his voice low and serious. “Bethany and I won’t be able to do anything... We are not allowed to intervene.” His eyes flickered with something Storm couldn’t quite place, something fragile and full of regret. Then added, almost as an afterthought, “But we’ll be here when you wake up.”

Waking up. That didn’t exactly comfort Storm. What did that even mean? Would he go to sleep? Pass out? Why was noone telling him anything?

He didn’t have the luxury of dwelling on those thoughts. Before he knew it, he was led outside the camp, alone in a quiet clearing, with only the soft rustling of the trees and the distant murmur of voices from the camp, and an older Grey Warden to keep him company. In his hand was a goblet—small, deceptively fragile in appearance—filled with thick, black liquid.

Blood.

Darkspawn blood.

He stared at it, his stomach turning at the idea of drinking it. He’d expected something more clinical, more controlled. But this? This was a ceremony. Something ancient. Steeped in tradition.

It felt... wrong.

But what other choice did he have? His father had already explained that it was the only way.

No cure.

He raised it to his lips, the smell bitter and acrid, making his stomach lurch. His hands shook as he tried to steady himself, but there was no turning back now. With a deep breath, he tilted the goblet back, the foul taste hitting the back of his throat. It burned, as though it were searing through him, marking him, claiming him.

The moment the liquid hit his stomach, everything seemed to blur. His head spun violently as his body protested, his skin crawling in a way that made him want to tear it off. His breath caught in his throat, a wave of nausea overwhelming him as the world around him seemed to tilt and spiral. He wanted to scream, but his voice was lost in the chaos of his mind. His vision blurred, the ground beneath him feeling less and less real. His fingers clenched around the goblet, his knuckles white as his body trembled uncontrollably.

And then the darkness rushed in.

[eliotquillon]

ask game for house!

send me a fandom and i’ll tell you my:

• blorbo (favourite character, character i think about the most): SEE this is difficult. because my favourite character is by far cameron (i keep it really subtle you might not have noticed /s), but she is not necessarily the character i think about the most—that’s probably house himself, lol, not that my fic ever shows it. but for the purposes of this question and by most people’s definition of the word: yeah it probably is cameron. love her and her messiness and her permanent hair indecisiveness <3

• scrunkly (my “baby”, character that gives me cuteness aggression, character that is So Shaped): you’re all gonna think i’m lying out of my ass because i’ve never mentioned him on here but it IS kutner. i always have the biggest dumbest smile on my face whenever he comes on screen. last night me and my friends were showing each other christmas episodes of shows we like and when it was my turn to pick i specifically chose the s4 christmas episode because i knew kutner would lighten things up and bring some joy. think it was probably best he left the show when he did but MAN did he brighten up s4 and 5

• scrimblo bimblo (underrated/underappreciated fave): okay realistically this is cameron but i can’t just answer her for every question. so first runner up is probably…taub? who i know is quite popular as comedic relief but as an actual serious, dramatic character…man. the first time i saw the scene of him throwing the balloons at his face in larger than life i nearly cried. i really, really like taub and genuinely enjoyed his marriage subplot. he might be my favourite of the new fellows tbh.

• glup shitto (obscure fave, character that can appear in the background for 0.2 seconds and i won’t shut up about it for a week): okay not to cop out but this has a few answers. if we’re talking actual minor characters—then nurse brenda previn. miss you diva. the team’s mortal enemy being the head charge nurse was such a funny concept and deserved to stuck around. if we’re talking characters who had a major role but only for 1-2 episodes—rowan chase for obvious ‘what the fuck is going on THERE’ reasons. if we talking characters who are mentioned but never actually appear—as fond as i am of cameron’s dead husband, this one goes out to julie. obsessed with the woman who broke the streak of wilson cheating on his wives to cheat on HIM and still kicked him out of their house. why does she hate green. what a tangled web she weaves.

• poor little meow meow (“problematic”/unpopular/controversial/otherwise pathetic fave): split between house and chase but leaning towards chase. not because he’s unpopular, but just. Look at the state of him. Most intense backstory/lore of all time. he literally had a character-development signifying haircut. he’s the asskisser of all time. and i do really really like him fyi

• horse plinko (character i would torment for fun, for whatever reason): MASTERS. i actually really like what she brings to the show and as an autism princess myself i highly respect her autism girl swag. but that said i love the way the team (CHASE) winds her up. she’s so funny to poke at. love you masters but i would make you do medical malpractice forever if i could

• eeby deeby (character i would send to superhell): lucas douglas. yes i’m choosing lucas over vogler or tritter. i like vogler as a villain and the tritter arc gave us banger episodes like son of a coma guy. lucas just. Annoys me and is kind of boring to boot. i regularly forget his surname. and that’s a crime nobody can atone for. i cant believe cuddy dated this loser for a year.

[acourtofquestions]

Kingdom of Ash

Chapter 25-31

Annotations/Quotes/Reactions/ w SPOILERS (up to KoA 31)

Chapter 25

“She drifted down again, into a pocket of the dark, where she told herself that story-the story-over and over.”

—There is power in stories

“Once upon a time, in a land long since burned to ash, there lived a young princess who loved her kingdom.”

“Who she was, what she was, what she stood to destroy should she yield to the near- airlessness of the box, to the rising strain.”

“My name is Celaena Sardothien and I will not be afraid.”

“You do not yield.”

“His Fireheart, shut in the dark.”

“And then the healers would return with their sweet-smelling smoke, as they had come these months, these years, however long it had been.”

—Then the sweet smelling smoke choking her in TAB — The gloriella reference in CoM — And then Kaltain who she might’ve been like same story same aches different endings — Then in ToD when everything’s way happier (never over the that’s my wife differences for Chaorene & Rowaelin😭)

And then the big thing that kills me the fact she doesn’t know how long it’s been anymore

And wtf do the “healers” make of this? (Later addressed lol book aging edits)

“But she'd seen beyond them, for an instant.”

Aelin, babe, get the fuck out & RUN!

ROWAN IS RIGHT THERE — THIS IS KILLING ME — AGH!

How dare they disgrace the “Old Language” with Cairn instead of Rowan’s accented pretty words

“His canvas had been wiped bare, ready for him to paint red.”

I wish the dresser was the ACOTAR one with Feyre’s paintings not Cairns evil dungeon of nauseating misery

“Aelin was ready, too.”

—Babe, please tell me you have a plan or are about to do an Endovier rampage or anything that doesn’t give me a heart attack

“For once, sleeping. Grief laid heavy on him, dulling his coat, dimming his bright eyes.”

—He was so tired too… his bright eyes… oh gosh Maas why do you do this to me😭 he just stayed with her all the time watching so she wasn’t alone in the worst punishment possible

“The way merchant might display his finest jewels.”

“The girl wore her scars the way some women wore their finest jewelry.”

—The times that quote comes up and full circle between Yrene, TAB, & KoA

“Aelin couldn't fight the trembling in her mouth at the night sky, at the pinpricks of light shining in it. Stars. Just two, but there were stars overhead. The sky itself ... it was not the heaviness of full night, but rather a murky, graying black. Dawn. Likely an hour or so away, if the stars remained out. Perhaps she would last long enough to see sunlight.”

Sobbing… her and Rowan are looking at the same stars & sky… there’s 2 stars just 2… ITS THEM — babe hang on he’s right there — HOW DID WE GO FROM A GIRL LOOKING AT THE STARS & at worst haunting dreams & finally escaping Endovier in ToG TO THIS😭🖤

Always dawn… or at least it gets me ever since ToD

“Offering a glimpse of fires and lightening darkness beyond. Nothing else.”

Wasn’t Fenrys forbidden to speak? Is he fighting the oath just to warn her with a single growl?😭

“Perhaps you'll burn like the rest of us.”

—Witch trials much Sarah? You’re triggering me for Yrene now.

Also stupid question: Aelin never gets burned externally from her magic but frequently burns off all her clothes yet her hair minus getting singed once stays fine even then… I guess that’s not a question I’m just separately hypothetically confused.

“No.”

Same as TAB a single word that echoed on. The trigger in it for her.

“This wasn't just a breaking of her body. But a breaking of her—of the fire she'd come to love. To destroy the part of her that sang. — Until she feared the flame, until she hated it, as she hated those healers who had come again and again to repair her body, to hide what was real from what had been a dream.”

—That’s the cruelty they keep using. And to take the thing she fought to get back, to no longer be afraid. The music, she loved the song, the thing Rowan heard all those years. To hate anyone who might help her. To break everything. —Including me while reading this… legit the most fucked up thing I’ve ever read… her fire😭😭😭

“Fenrys's snarl rolled on, endless.”

—Nothing.

It keeps coming down to that word.

I’m afraid of which one of them is Cairn talking to…

“She began fraying then, who she was and had been melting away.”

Why is this happening right now when Rowan is so close?!

“Please.”

The thing she never said😭

“And she wouldn't be able to stop it, stop him.”

“The hand she'd been dealt. It was the hand she had been dealt, and she would endure it.”

“You do not yield.”

“You do not yield.”

“You do not yield.”

“"Wait." The word was a rasp.”

—no. It all broke😭🖤 MAAS UR KILLING ME HERE

What is it with Terrasen and endure that’s always the words for the children of it they endure

“One last chance. She'd seen the stars overhead. It was as great a gift as any she'd received, greater than the jewels and gowns and art she'd once coveted and amassed in Rifthold. The last gift she would receive, if she played the hand she'd been dealt. If she played him right.”

—I miss the Throne of Glass days.—I have no annotations for like pages cause legit just cried & read

“Dawn neared, the stars dimming one by one.”

—ROWAN MY FUCKING GODS ITS NOT THE STARS DIMMING ITS YOUR WIFE — GO NOW

Half a camp between him & her … so close … so far

“How many would he know? How many had he trained?”

—these moments with the cadre hurt cause it reminds how many lives they've had before this

“That if they knew him, they'd be wise and stand down.”

—That if they knew him or what's good for them😅😂

“A killing calm had settled over him hours ago. Days ago. Months ago.”

—the moment she was gone. They both have that tendency. It’s giving tAB Celaena — very interesting the parallels she writes in for soulmates and oath bindings.

“Go, a quiet voice urged. Go now. — Essar's sister had advised to wait until dawn. — Go now. That voice, warm and yet insistent, tugged.”

—whatever annoying god is talking here is being helpful for once (& it better not be to kill Aelin later) but YEAH GO NOW

okay she’ll get to him save him from the battle ensuring & or vice-versa just MOVE PEOPLE/FAE

Is this the first time Rowan describes anything as warm without Aelin?

“Now, Prince.”

— not important side note I get so confused by the times he's called Prince and her Princess but I guess technically there's no coronation so she's not Queen & him King?

“He knew that voice, had felt its warmth. And if the Lady of Light herself whispered at his ear…”

— MALA … boom boom Fire-Bringer (Aelin at her most powerful ;-) cause it’s ✨Dawn✨

“…Rowan didn't give himself time to consider, to rage at the goddess who urged him to act but would gladly sacrifice his mate to the Lock.”

THATS WHAT I SAID I WAS ANNOYED ABOUT

“So Rowan steeled himself, willing ice into his veins. Calm. Precise. Deadly. Every swing of his blades, every blast of his power, had to count. Rowan speared his magic toward the camp entrance. The guards grabbed for their throats, feeble shields wobbling around them. Rowan shattered them with half a thought, his magic tearing the air from their lungs, their blood They went down a heartbeat later. Sentries shouted from the trees, orders of "Sound the alarm!" ringing out. But Rowan was already running. And the sentries in the trees, their shouts lingering on the wind as they gasped for breath, were already dead.”

Also he and Zoya Nazyalensky would get along especially with their magic and trauma😅

“The sky slowly bled toward dawn.”

—This better not be forshadowing symbolism

“It was an effort not to peer behind him, though Lorcan could not see her. They'd left Elide a few miles into the forest, hidden in a copse of trees bordering a glen. Should all go poorly, she'd flee deeper into the hilly woods, up into the ancient mountains. Where far more deadly and cunning predators than Fae still prowled.”

—YEAH WE KNOW WE READ HOF😅I DONT NEED SKINWALKERS COMING OUT RIGHT NOW OKAY?!

“She hadn't offered him a parting word, though she'd wished them all luck. Lorcan hadn't been able to find the right words anyway, so he'd left without so much as a look back. But he glanced back now.”

—NOT A GLANCE BACK — UGH MY SHIPPER SOUL😭

“Prayed that if they didn't return, she wouldn't come hunting for them.”

—“Good hunting, Lady.”

—NOT THE TIME ELIDE — we can't have a never ending circle of everyone trying to catch each other

“Death beckoned nearby.”

—that better be Cairns impending doom or… Rowaelin rampages… because if its Aelin or Fenrys I’m going to lose it — I can't handle more chapters like this, so, help me out Emo Lorcan

Chapter 26

“The portrait of uncertain fear”

—what does that mean? Is it false then? I feel like Maas uses that word portrait with Elide when she's lying…

"When you finish breaking me apart for the day, how does it feel to know that you are still nothing?"

—her voice cracking cause its the first time she's spoken😭 —that's a lil piece of my Aelin Fire-hearted girl. — OH COME ON

“She smiled back through the mask. "You were only given the oath for this. For me. Without me, you're nothing. You'll go back to being nothing. Less than nothing, from what I've heard."”

No, she’s a fire breathing bitch queen — how dare you say that derogatorily *later edit wait if Remelle said that and it got around is it like Aelin & the Rowan rumors that nickname caught on? Or did Aelin start it herself… agh I can’t remember… I need to re-read QoS*

“They forget I’m Fae too.”

—yes you are babe😭 claim it! … but also what’s the plan cause Fenrys & I are nervous … cause if she can’t stop it what’s the plan👀😅😭😬🖤🫥

“At least they agree with me on one front. You're spineless. Have to tie up people to hurt them because it makes you feel like a male.”

—“Inadequate.” — *Alexa play dumb & poetic* cause “just cause you act like one doesn’t make you a man”

“Aelin huffed another laugh, haughty and cool, and gazed toward the ceiling, toward the lightening sky. The last she'd see, if she played this right.”

—NO NO NO LIGHTENING THATS ROWAN BABE HES RIGHT THERE NO NO NO!!!! NO LAST SKIES!! NOPE! NONONONONO — also note: the more swagger she has the worse things really are; so re-read TOG with that (anyone who calls her selfish or immature or not caring. No.) No, the more she does that the more it means she’s covering up. It’s her tell a lot of times (I think).

“There had always been another, a spare, to take her place should she fail. That her death would mean Dorian's, would send those hateful gods to demand his life to forge the Lock...”

—I hate everyone that ever made her think her & Dorian are spares & feel like pons

“It was no strange thing, to hate herself for it.”

—THAT LINE IS GOING TO THERAPY

FRANTIC AND RAGING yeah me too

“Despite herself, her plans, she shoved back”

She still fought… she doesn’t want to die. She just doesn’t want this.

“RUN—”

—UH YEAH

“Something in her side snapped and she cried out, the sound small and broken, as she collided with the floor.”

Something forever snapped — not again — as she felt

“Fenrys had seen his twin drive a knife through his heart. Had watched Connall bleed out onto the tiles and die. — He'd sat in a stone room for two months, witness to what they'd done to a young queen's body, her spirit. Had been unable to help her as she'd screamed and screamed. He'd never stop hearing those screams. — But it was the sound that came out of her as Cairn hurled her into the chest of drawers where Fenrys had watched him arranging his tools, the sound she made as she hit the floor, that shattered him entirely.”

—NOW IM SHATTERED TOO—REALLY THIS IS THE FIRST TIME WE GET FENRYS PERPSECTIVE—OH GODS—NO—OW—I MEAN I DIDNT WANT IT EARLIER BUT DONT YOU DARE DIE ON ME LIKE THIS NOT NOW—2 months THATS HOW LONG — he called her the young queen

“A small sound. Quiet. Hopeless. He'd never heard it from her, not once.”

—As if a scream would bring no reprieve

a soul cracking in seconds

Cairn you are not worthy of a broken nose like Asterin the Queen no you deserve worse and less

“Aelin Galathynius stirred, trying to rise”

— “GET UP” — *later* fuck I didn’t mean it like that DAMN YOU CAIRN

“He pointed it at her like a sword. Fenrys strained against his invisible bindings.”

—he’s trying for her😭

I miss the TOG days😭 when stupid Cain was as bad as it got AND HE WAS HORRID

“Aelin glanced at him, toward where he'd sat for the past two days, in that same damned spot by the tent wall.”

—TWO DAYS

“Despair shone in her eyes. True despair, without light or hope. The sort of despair that wished for death. The sort of despair that began to erode strength, to eat away at any resolve to endure.”

—BUT SHES THE QUEEN OF THE ENDURING PEOPLE

“She blinked at him. Four times. I am here, I am with you.”

—those words and now I’m crying again

She doesn’t want him to feel alone without her because they’ve done this together

The language SHE created so he wouldn’t feel alone either the one she made to check on HIM not her and the one he made for her the six blink but the rest those were hers for them but for him too — THEIR FRIENDSHIP MEANS A LOT TO ME OKAY

“Fenrys knew it for what it was. The final message. Not before death, but before the sort of breaking that no one would walk away from.”

After before… before Maeve… Dorian did he’d survived the collar… but not this

“And Fenrys couldn't allow it.”

—Neither can I😭

BREAK THE OATH COME ON

“In his shredded soul, in what was left of him after all he'd been forced to see and do, he couldn't allow it.”

… and their about to be fucking wrong

The fact he says shredded soul because it already was that; while Gavriel and Lorcan describe the path breaking as that; Fenrys already felt it.

“The blood oath kept his limbs planted. A dark chain that ran into his soul.”

—that was the damned order… the cruelest thing… I hate Maeve so fucking much

“He would not allow it. That final breaking. He pushed upward against the bond's dark chain, screaming, though no sound came from his open maw. He pushed and pushed and pushed against those invisible chains, against that blood-sworn order to obey, to stay down, to watch.”

—That damned line was for him they had let him scream for her so he knew he could do nothing…

“He defied it. All that the blood oath was. Pain lanced through him, into his very core.”

Lorcan couldn't imagine doing it how it would happen

“He blocked it out as Cairn pointed the smoldering poker at the young queen with a heart of wildfire. He would not allow it. Snarling, the male inside him thrashing, Fenrys bellowed at the dark chain binding him. He shredded into it, biting and tearing with every scrap of defiance he possessed. Let it kill him, wreck him. He would not serve. Not another heartbeat. He would not obey. He would not obey. And slowly, Fenrys got to his feet.”

—more sobbing

“Stand down.”Fenrys snarled, deep and vicious. And still he struggled to his feet.

— get up

“Cairn pointed the poker at the rug. "Lie down. That is an order from your queen."”

—that’s not his queen anymore (never was)

“Fenrys spasmed, his hackles lifting. But he was standing. Standing. Despite the order, despite the blood oath's commands. Get up. From far away, the words sounded.

— who’s voice? Is that Aelin… Sam… Elena? Connall? Fenrys?

Cairn roared, "Lie down!" Fenrys's head thrashed from side to side, his body bucking against invisible chains. Against an invisible oath. His dark eyes met Cairn's. Blood began running from the wolf's nostril. It'd kill him—to sever the oath. It would break his soul. His body would go soon after that. But Fenrys put one paw forward. His claws dug into the ground. Cairn's face paled at that step. That impossible step. Fenrys's eyes slid toward hers. Neither needed the silent code between them for the word she beheld in his gaze. The order and plea. Run. Cairn read the word, too. And he hissed, "Not with a shattered spine, she can't," —

—NOOOOOOOOOOOOO—

— before he brought the poker slamming down for Aelin's back. With a roar, Fenrys leaped.”

THE WHITE WOLF LADIES AND GENTLEMAN👏👏👏

“And with it, he snapped the blood oath completely.”

—NEW OATH MAKE A NEW OATH AELIN — there has to be a way out of this😭

“Run.” Those words? Whose words? HoF ToG full circle

Chapter 27

“These were his last breaths, his last heartbeats.”

—HOW DARE YOU WITH THAT LINE—there has to be a way to save him — but she needs to run now

Fenrys don't die like this please

Fenrys commanded the queen to run so she did

The final code RUN

The sky again 🥹😭

COME ON RO—FIND HER NOW

“Turning them all to bloodied splinters.”

—Well that’s one way to do it

Chapter 28

“Aelin ran”

—Good listening

“Picked a direction, any direction but the river mists to her left, and ran. The sun was rising, and the army camp .. There was motion behind her. Shouting. She blocked it out and aimed right. Toward the rising sun, as if it were Mala's own welcoming embrace.

— Dear Reader; Pick somewhere and just run,

So many broken things and so much gone but here we are

It’s giving there were still flowers vibes

She is the rising sun

And that embrace is what Rowan had felt too

*hey siri play fresh out the slammer* now pretty baby I’m running back home to you… I’m running

“Still Aelin aimed for the eastern horizon. Toward the trees and mountains, toward the sun cresting over them.”

Mountains and oceans

Okay I hope that noise isn’t Rowan trying to get her attention but also bro best see SHES ALIVE

“And did not falter”

—there’s our queen

“Death sang to Lorcan.”

—Interesting how they always describe the magic as singing

"Someone's making a move this way," Lorcan murmured to Gavriel. "But Whitethorn's still over there.

—It’s HER

“Fenrys. Or Connall, perhaps. Maybe Essar's sister, who he'd never liked. But he wouldn't give a shit about that if she hadn't betrayed them.”

— You don’t know😭

“He pointed north.”

—She goes North (to the stag & home) it’s her TRUE NORTH

“Death glimmered. Whitethorn was nearly at the camp's center. And that force approaching their eastern entrance ...”

—glimmered or glamored?

—it’s just deaths bestie😅😬✌️ ya might call her Lady Death? lol crossover… plus idk I think Cassian & Lorcan would vibe + Elide / Nesryn & honestly all our favs would be besties

“To hell with waiting.”

—AGREED

Wild as fire and Endovier; if I had a nickel for everytime she went on a murder rampage escape

“Death flickered as the rising sun gilded the rolling grasses and set the dew steaming. Nothing. No indication of what, of who. He'd reached the first of the hollows that flowed to the camp edge, the dips narrow and steep, when Aelin Galathynius appeared.”

—flickered… to life? — WHO — Mala time

“Lorcan didn't expect the sob in his throat.”

—me too buddy me to, I forgive you, cause come on he just wants his besties happy & he’s thankful and aw buddy

“As he beheld the blood soaking her skin, the short white shift, her hair, longer than he'd last seen and plastered to her head with gore. His knees stopped working, and even his magic faltered at the sight of her wild, desperate race for the camp's edge.”

—babes rough; the hair note… why longer? how long has it been???

“Lorcan surged into motion, flaring his magic up and wide. Not to her, but to Whitethorn, still charging for the center of the camp.”

—lol he knows she got this Whitethorn needs a hand though

“She's here, she's here, she's here, he signaled.”

—another cadre code … plus more magic senses signaled.

“But Lorcan was too far, the grassy bumps and hollows between them now endless, as ten soldiers converged on Aelin, blocking her path toward the open field.”

Also like guys run she’s running for a reason go run for Fenrys and then from Caryn or kill Karen/Caryn and run from the soldiers FAST before Maeve or soemthing else comes back and

*Also yes I called him Karen cause Cairn is my least favorite Caryn*

“One swung his sword, a strike that would cleave her skull in two.”

—she’s got this COME ON GIRL

“The fool didn't realize who he faced. What he faced. That it wasn't a fire-breathing queen bound in iron who charged at him, but an assassin. Even as he ran for her, Lorcan could only gape at what unfolded.”

—holy fucking shit queen of the assassins & even Lorcan knows it: FIRE BREATHING QUEEN (he skips the derogatory🥹)

Foolish mortal

“She struck before they knew where to turn. Slash, duck, lunge. She got her other hand on one of their daggers. Then it was over.”

Certainly something to see

Very Whitethorn of her… the Whitethorn Galathynius’s have a way with swords

HE ran for HER😭 ok Lorcan u get a ton of points

—THE FACT LORCAN FINDS HER FIRST … *later edit* maybe it helps because she believes it’s real cause that’s too out there to believe & Maeve wouldn’t have known (side side note: how does that power work? cause she can’t read minds & the visions get messed up (hence why the Fenrys trick works) to know it’s real cause she doesn’t know the blinking code & Aelin can hear him whining in distance)

“Aelin didn't falter as they wilted to the ground. She charged past, aiming straight for the field and hills. To where Lorcan ran for her. He signaled again. To me, to me. Whether Aelin recognized it, or him, she still raced his way.”

she didn’t falter or wilt🥹 … did she know they would be here or just run and realize?

“She wouldn't make it, not over that terrain, not drained like that But she did.”

—HELL YEAH SHE FUCKING DID

“To her, to Whitethorn.”

—one in the same … could she hear the power flare? Is it another code or just HI

“Still more fired. Single shots this time, from so many directions he couldn't trace their sources. Trained archers, some of Maeve's best. Aelin had to- She already was. Aelin began zagging, depriving them of an easy target. Left to right, she darted over the hills, slower with each bump she cleared, each step toward Lorcan as he raced to her, a hundred yards remaining between them.”

—she knew, she made it easier with them too; she assisted in her rescue💅

“A wall of glittering gold got there first. From the north, leaping over the hollows, charged Gavriel. Aelin disappeared into a dip in the earth, and when she emerged, the Lion ran at her side, a golden shield around her. Not close to her—but in the air around them.”

—Aedion would be proud & Good cause she needs a little space — Ashryver gold?

—the lion

“Where it touched them, they died.”

“Blood oath or no, they were still his people. His soldiers. He'd prevent their deaths, if he could. Save them from themselves.

— oh Lorcy🥹🥺😭

“Aelin was stumbling now, and Lorcan cleared the last of the hills between them. He opened his mouth, to shout what, he didn't know, but a cry pierced the blue sky. The sob that came out of Aelin at the hawk's bellow of fury cracked Lorcan's chest.”

—mine too😭

“But she kept running for the trees, for their cover. Lorcan and Gavriel fell into step beside her, and when she again stumbled, those too-thin legs giving out, Lorcan gripped her under the arm and hauled her along.”

—a team… seems like HER cadre of you ask me😂😉🤷‍♀️

“Fast as a shooting star, Rowan dove for them. He reached them as they passed the first of the trees, shifting as he landed.”

—A star for his fireheart

Aelin sprawling onto the pine-covered ground.”

—Pine

“Rowan was instantly before her, hands going to the mask on her face, the chains, the blood coating her arms, her torn body—

—THE REUINION😭

Oh the times have changed😭

“Aelin let out another sob, and then moaned, "Fenrys." It took Lorcan a moment to understand. Took her pointing behind them, to the camp, as she said again, as if speech was beyond her, "Fenrys." Her breath was a wet rasp. A plea. A broken, bloody plea.

—her first words were to save him

Rowan turned from his mate. The rage in Rowan's eyes could devour the world. And that rage was about to extract the sort of vengeance only a mated male could command.”

SAVE HIM NOW

—And for her Rowan would to let her cry no more & for his brother

“Rowan’s canines flashed, but his voice was deadly soft as he said to Lorcan, "Take her to the glen." A jerk of his chin to Gavriel. "You're with me."

—a glen sounds nice right about now 😅🥹😭

With a final look toward Aelin, his frozen rage a brewing storm on the wind, the prince and the Lion were gone, charging back toward the chaotic, bloody camp.

—The way she uses ice for him and Dorian is great symbolism

GO GET OUR BOY NOW THAT WE HAVE OUR GIRL

Chapter 29

“That they'd found her. Or she had found them, it seemed.”

—as always they found each other HE FOUND HER

“I will find you.”😭

“And when Rowan had seen her, first from the skies and then beside her, when he smelled the blood, both her own and others', when he beheld the chains and the iron mask clamped over her face, when she was sobbing at the sight of him, terror and despair coating her scent-The rage that roiled through him had no space for mercy. No room for compassion.”

Cairn’s gonna get it finally

“Fenrys was with her. Or had been.”

“I am here. I am with you.”😭

She’s broken that box though... I knew it… while I never wanna see Cairn’s face cause I’d just wanna punch it his expression when she started breaking out must’ve been hilarious… also like does she have super strength then?

THANK THE GODS FENRYS IS ALIVE

Hurry though the path… there’s gotta be a double path… or magic or something😭 ELENA SHOW UP AGAIN PLEASE

“What had happened here, what had been so terrible that the wolf had been able to do the impossible to spare Aelin from enduring it?”

“Her blood sang to him of pain and despair, of utter terror. His Fireheart.”

😭😭😭

Well that metaphor got literal🤢… guess Cairn is rot

They both have that couples who get revenge together stay together thing down😅😅

Chapter 30

“First shivering in the dark, then watching the sky bleed to gray, then at last blue.”

—Good time keeping

Yes I write color words in the color they are it makes my brain happy when I can😂

“Elide didn't know what to do. With her body, her hands. Didn't know what to say as Aelin stumbled over root and rock, the mask and the chains clanking, blood soaking her. Not just blood from her own wounds, but those of others. She was thin, her golden hair so much longer. Too long, even with the time apart. It fell nearly to her navel, most of it dark with caked blood. As if she'd run through a rain of it.”

—cry happy tears is an acceptable option cause me too

& why does everyone keep mentioning the hair? What does it mean?

And yeah she kinda did run through bloody rain (not a midnight girlie I guess)😅😬

“But there was little recognition in Aelin's eyes, shadowed with the mask.”

Real or not real? — she’s giving Annie HG vibes

“As if her body didn’t quite belong to her”

—quote that hit home & will be going to my therapist cause this book represents and speaks to so much… it’s cathartic and utterly destructive

"Take it off."

—noooo this scene😭 not mentally stable enough for this

"Take it off." The queen's guttural words were swallowed by the moss-crusted trees.

"I'm trying," Lorcan said-not gently, though certainly without his usual coldness.

—be nice bruh

But I almost appreciate him being him & treating her normally… like eventually that’s gotta be a relief

And yet he is being nice and not cold not for the bleeding Fireheart in front of him

“Aelin stared at the broken blade, at the shard in the greenery cushioning her bare, bloodied feet, her breaths coming faster and faster.”

—something else broke

“Then she dropped the dagger into the moss. Began clawing at the shackles on her arms, the gauntlets on her hands, the mask on her face. "Take it off," she begged as she scratched and tugged and yanked. "Take it off!" Elide reached a hand for her, to stop her before she ripped the skin clean off her bones, but Aelin dodged away, staggering deeper into the clearing. The queen dropped to her knees, bowing over them, and clawed at the mask. It didn't so much as move.”

“He was frozen, eyes wide as Aelin knelt in the moss, as her breathing became edged with sobs. He had done this. Led them to this.”

—yes that’s what he’s thinking too

The queen's gauntlets drew blood where they scraped into her neck, her jaw, as she heaved against the mask. "Take it off!" The plea turned into a scream. "Take it off!" Over and over, the queen screamed it. "Take it off, take it off, take it off!" She was sobbing amid her screaming, the sounds shattering through the ancient forest. She said no other words.

—the heartache in this chapter made me cry because it’s known, that skin crawling insanity feeling

Pleaded to no gods, no ancestors. Only those words, again and again and again. Take it off, take it off, take it off.

—she’d long since stopped asking them for help

This is going to haunt us all

FENRYS BE OKAY PLEASE

ROWAN HELP HER

“Rowan had barely entered the clearing before he set down the wolf and stalked for Aelin. The prince was covered in blood. From his unhindered steps, Elide knew it wasn't his.”

“Aelin ripped at the immovable mask, either unaware or uncaring of the prince before her. Her consort, husband, and mate. "Aelin." Take it off, take it off, take it off. Her screams were unbearable. Worse than those that day on the beach in Eyllwe.

“golden skin pale as he took in the frantic queen.”

—even he felt it

“Slowly, Rowan knelt before her. "Aelin." She only tipped her head up to the forest canopy and sobbed. Blood ran down her neck from the scratches she'd dug into her skin, mingling with what already coated her. Rowan reached out a trembling hand, the only sign of the agony Elide had little doubt was coursing through him. Gently, he laid his hands on her wrists; gently, he closed his fingers around them. Halting the brutal clawing and digging.”

—officially in the all time list of scenes that destroyed my soul and made me legitimately cry and bring it to therapy cause this is something very real and raw and absolutely heartbreaking but understood

“Aelin sobbed, her body shuddering with the force of it. "Take it off." Rowan's eyes flickered, panic and heartbreak and longing shining there. "I will. But you have to be still, Fireheart. Just for a few moments." "Take it off." The sobs ebbed, tricking into something broken and raw. Rowan ran his thumbs over her wrists, over those iron shackles. As if it were nothing but her skin. Slowly, her shaking eased.”

—only he could get through to his Fireheart😭

“No, not eased, Elide realized as Rowan rose to his feet and stalked behind the queen. But contained, turned inward. Tremors rippled through Aelin's tense body, but she kept still.”

—something worse

“Yet something like shock, then horror and sorrow, flashed over his face, as he surveyed her back.”

His marks gone, her scars gone, all of it gone.

“Unthreatening.”

—they knew

“Fenrys remained out, his white coat soaked with blood.”

—SARAH ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL MY VERY SOUL

“Elide only walked to Aelin and took up the spot where Rowan had been. The queen's eyes were closed, as if it took all her concentration to remain still for another heartbeat, to allow them to look, to not claw at the irons. So Elide said nothing, demanded nothing from her, save for a companion if she needed one.”

I love Elide🥹😭😭😭❤️‍🩹 she’s just kind. And good. She’s also quite good at reading people.

“Aelin began shaking again. Elide put a hand on her knee. Aelin had scraped it raw, mud and grass stuck in her blood-crusted skin. She waited for the queen to shove her hand away, but Aelin didn't move. Kept her eyes shut, her ragged breathing holding steady.”

—how gentle they all are😭😭😭this is why i love them

“They'd sever the iron if they had to.”

—JUST DO IT — DAM U MAEVE WHAT DID YOU DO

NOTHING.—DAMN IT

Also Fenrys😅😅😅😭😭😭😭😭

“They were empty. Wholly drained. A warrior accepting defeat.”

—but Elide didn’t😭🫶 — wise girl🥺🥹

“Two blinks. As if that meant something. — Aelin again blinked twice with that strange intentionality.”

*looks up chart* “No.”

Clever girl noticed it meant more *Then Rowan does too (cause he knows her)*

DONT TALK ABOUT THE SECRET KEY — but yes thankfully they do

"A Wyrdmark," Rowan said softly. "To open."

—He knew. He understood. She's lost. But he isn’t. Not with her.

“Kneeling before her, he extended his bloodied hand. "Show me, Fireheart. Show me again." He tapped her ankle-the shackle there.”

—Without thought he held that for her

“Her eyes lifted to his, like the scent of his blood posed some question. "I am your mate," Rowan whispered, as if it was the answer she sought. And the love in his eyes, in the way his voice broke, his bloodied hand trembling...”

—he knew… sobbing again… they never got that moment😭😭😭 & she knows Cairn’s gone… and it’s him😭

The fae side understanding

“Elide's throat tightened.”

—me too😭😭😭

“Aelin only looked at the blood pooling”

—not that memory please😭🖤

“Her fingers curled, the gauntlet clicking. As if it were another answer, too.”

"She can't do it with the iron," Elide said. "If it's on her hands. It interferes with the magic in the blood."

“A blink from her, in that silent language.”

“Yes.”—And again CLEVER ELIDE

It’s giving good thing hermione pays attention in herbology class

"It's why she put them on you, isn't it," Elide said, her chest straining. "To be sure you couldn't use your own blood with the Wyrdmarks to free yourself." As if all the other iron wasn't already enough.

—Swearing like Lorcan because whyyyy

“Another blink, her face still so hollow and cold. Tired.”

— so tired.😭

“Rowan's jaw clenched. But he just dipped his finger into the blood in his palm and offered his hand to her. "Show me, Fireheart," he said again.”

—Fireheart😭 I’ve missed them❤️‍🩹🥲

“Elide could have sworn he shuddered, and not from fear, as Aelin's metal-crusted hand closed around his.”

the beautiful, horrible gauntlets

“A flare of light, a click of metal, and then it slid free. Her face was pale so pale, all traces of the sun-kissed coloring gone. And empty. Aware, and yet not. Wary.”

"I'll do it," Rowan said, his voice still soft, still full of that love. He moved behind her, and Elide stared at the horrible mask, the suns and flames carved and embossed along its ancient surface.”

—I remember

GAVRIEL BOWED AT THE QUEEN

And she trusted him to go to a blind spot

Even as the flare of power contracted into an aura around the queen, a shimmering second skin.

—safe

“Rowan. Rowan, whose breathing became jagged, his swallow audible. "Aelin?"”

“The name, it seemed, was an unlocking, too. Not of the queen she'd so briefly known, but the power inside her.”

—Aelin Ashryver Galathynius the rightful Heir of Fire and lost Queen of Terrasen

“Elide flinched as flame, golden and blazing, erupted around the queen. The shift burned away into ashes. Aelin knelt there, burning”

“The flames flickered around her, though the moss, the roots, did not burn.”

—its all that magic

“Not a single scar. The ones Elide had marked in those days before Aelin had been taken were gone.”

—what did they do?

“As if someone had wiped them away.”

—they stole every trace

Chapter 31

“They had taken her scars. Maeve had taken them all away.”

—taken everything

“It told Rowan enough about what had been done. When he'd seen her back, the smooth skin where the scars of Endovier and the scars from Cairn's whipping should have been, he'd suspected. But kneeling, burning in nothing but her skin.. There were no scars where there should have been. The almost-necklace of them from Baba Yellowlegs: gone. The shackle marks from Endovier: gone. The scar where she'd been forced by Arobynn Hamel to break her own arm: gone. And on her palms ... It was upon her exposed palms that Aelin now gazed.”

—her oaths her memories her history… gone. Foreign. Forgotten. Even the story on the tattoo

“As if realizing what was missing. The scars across her palms, one from the moment they had become carranam, the other from her oath to Nehemia, had disappeared entirely. Like they had never been. Her flames burned brighter.”

“Healers could remove scars, yes, but the most likely reason for the lack of them on Aelin, on all the places where he'd once traced them with his hands, his mouth ... It was new skin. All of it.”

“Nearly every inch of her was covered in new skin, unvarnished as fresh snow. The blood coating her had burned away to reveal it. New skin, because they'd needed to replace what had been destroyed. To heal her so they could begin again and again.”

The canvas and the cruelty.

A worse scar was left. … Invisible and destructive.

"He doesn't have much longer."

No.

The fact she said “No.” In code

“He'd broken the blood oath. Through sheer will, Fenrys had broken it. And would soon pay the price when his life force bled out entirely.”

“From her hands, her horrifically pristine skin, to the wolf across the clearing.

“She blinked twice.”

—blinking code

“Unaware or uncaring of her nakedness, she took an unsteady step.”

—she doesn’t care… she is lost, somewhere else

“Rowan was instantly there—or as close as the flames would allow. He could push through, shielding himself in ice or simply by cutting off the air that fed her flames. But to cross that line, to shove into her flames when so much, too much, had been stolen from her ... He didn't let himself think about the distant, wary recognition on her face when she'd seen him-seen all of them. As if she wasn't entirely certain to trust them.”

—he gives her time

—let her feel safe

“Aelin managed another step, teetering. He glimpsed her neck as she passed. Even the twin bite marks, his mark of claiming, had vanished.”

—a certain grief

“Sorrow softened her face, even with that quiet distance. Sorrow, and gratitude. Gavriel and Elide remained on Fenrys's other side as she approached. Backed away a step. Not from fear, but to give her space in this moment of farewell. They had to go.”

—but they would give her this

COME ON THIS CANT BE THE END

“Rowan couldn't bring himself to say it. To tell Aelin that it might not be wise to draw out this good-bye the way she needed. They had minutes, at best, to spare before they had to be on the move.”

—don’t say it DO SOMETHING

“He'd make sure they didn't get close enough to disturb her. Gavriel and Lorcan seemed to be having the same thought, their eyes meeting from across the clearing.

—a small kindness

“Aelin knelt beside Fenrys, and her flame enveloped them both. The fire gave way to a reddish-gold aura, a shield that he knew would melt the flesh of anyone who tried to cross. It flowed and rippled around them, a bubble of coppery air.”

—safety. Protection. … maybe some plan😭

Blood bound… no, not to him.

NO SILBA

JOY FOR HER😭

“Aelin spoke again, the sound either contained or swallowed by her shield. No tears. Only that sorrow—and clarity. A queen's face.”

—the woman on fire and the wolf

— YES QUEEN DO IT!

—but she offered it. She wouldn’t make him. But it would be An oath for an oath. … Random nonsense: can only queens give oaths? … she wouldn’t make him live if he didn’t want to…

“Aelin spoke again, and Fenrys blinked once in answer. She deemed that answer enough.”

“YES.”

And thus it begins Aelin & HER cadre *alexa play you should see me in a crown*

"Holy gods," Lorcan breathed as Aelin extended her bleeding forearm to Fenrys's mouth. "Holy rutting gods."

—yep that’s what she is now

“For Fenrys's loyalty, for his sacrifice, there was no greater reward she could offer. To keep him from death, there was no other way to save him. Only this. Only the blood oath.”

—I KNEW IT… answers that question I guess😂

“As he swore a silent vow to their queen, blinking a few more times.”

—secret language comes in handy and saves lives once again!

I am here I am with you (probably… liar would be weird lol) yes also is a possibility

“Severing the blood oath to one queen had snapped his life force, his soul. Swearing the blood oath to another might very well repair that cleaving, the ancient magic binding Fenrys's fading life to Aelin's.”

“Aelin curled on her side next to him, flames encompassing them both.”

“Aelin mouthed a short, curt word. Fenrys did not respond. She spoke again, that queen's face unfaltering. Live. She'd use the blood oath to force him to remain on this side of life. Still Fenrys didn't stir. Across the bubble of flame and heat, Elide put a hand over her mouth, eyes shining bright. She'd read the word on Aelin's lips, too. Aelin spoke a third time, teeth flashing as she gave Fenrys her first order. Live. Rowan didn't breathe as they waited. Long minutes passed. Then Fenrys's eyes cracked open. Aelin held the wolf's gaze, nothing in her face save that grave, unyielding command. Slowly, Fenrys stirred. His paws shifted beneath him, legs straining. And he rose.”

—they do not yield. They get up.

Live.

love laugh

—it’s giving platonic than eat vibes

“But there was Fenrys, standing before their now-kneeling queen. And there was Fenrys, inclining his head, shoulders dipping with him, one paw sweeping before the other. Bowing. A ghost of a smile graced her mouth, gone before it ever took form.”

puppy bow🥹

OH THANK THE GODS

“His gaze met Rowan's, and Rowan smiled, bowing his head.”

—respect bruh

"Welcome to the court, pup,"

—gonna go cry now too😭

Oh poor Aedion😅😅 no one tell him till he gets the oath next😅😬 I MEAN YOU CANT BE MAD AT HER

Raw emotion rippled across that lupine face, and then Fenrys turned back to Aelin. She was staring at nothing. Fenrys nudged her shoulder with his furry head.

—and then she’s lost again😭ow

“Maeve had cleaved into Rowan's own mind to trick his very instincts. What had she done to her? What had she done these months?”

—that is the one that haunts us all

Where is her mind at?

“Fenrys slid dark, baleful eyes to Lorcan. Oh, that fight would come. That vengeance. The wolf gave him a curt nod.”

— *dundundun* (not gonna lie forgot over what though)

"The Little Folk."

—Iltsm—The calm childlike little folk moment🥹 fairy woods… what I expect when reading about faeries… though idk what they look like but the fan art is all over the place adorable

“A miracle-that's what had happened with the queen and the wolf.”

“Rowan's eyes settled on Aelin. "They saved her life once." That night Erawan's assassin had returned for Aelin. "They will do so again now."”

—true. and I still have questions so let’s go… since when r u mr hopeful Rowan?

“Rowan kept a step behind Aelin and Fenrys”

—her shield up

“Aelin had said nothing, done nothing except rise when they told her it was time to go. Rowan had offered her his cloak, and she'd allowed it.”

“A warm cloak in a cold dungeon”

— A cloak & a wolf her only trust

“She only walked on.”

—forward… is she power drilling? Or thinking it’s a dream? Or just lost?

“A vision of old, striding through the trees, the queen and the wolf.”

“So close--only twenty or so miles to the mountain house he'd built. He'd planned to take Aelin there one day, though it was nothing but long-vanished ashes. Just to show her where the house had been, where he'd buried Lyria. She was still up there, his mate-who-had-never-been. And his true mate... She strode unwavering through the trees. No more than a wraith.”

—he’d thought about this😭

“He prayed they had a place to stay for the night. A place where Aelin might sleep, and might remain protected from Maeve's eyes once she realized she'd been tricked.”

—he just wants her to have peace😭

“But Elide and Gavriel walked toward it, unfazed”

—sounds about right lol (trust the logics)

“And behind them, Aelin continued as well. So Rowan followed her, as he would follow her until his last breath, and beyond it.”

—my WYRD these quotes

“Aelin illuminated the space, bathing the black stone walls in a golden glow bright enough to see by.”

“Magic--old, strange magic, those lights. Like they'd been plucked from the night sky.”

—sounds lovely & also night court

“Aelin did not pause as she strode for one of the glittering walls. There was none of her usual caution, no dart of her eyes as she weighed the exits and pitfalls, potential weapons to wield.”

The story she told herself again and again even in this fairytale realm of little folk present

—too tired to care too out of it for sure and the weird habits gone and sadness in seeing it

“A trance--it was almost as if she had slipped into a trance, plunged into some depthless ocean inside herself and drifted so far down that they might as well have been birds soaring over its distant surface.”

—exactly — it’s how she had survived it — secret gardens in her mind

“Aelin's steps were silent on the stone. Fenrys halted nearby, as if to give her privacy. But he lingered in the center of the space as his mate paused before the shining, living wall. There was no expression on her face, no tension in her body. Yet she inclined her head to the Little Folk half-hidden in the branches and boughs before her. Her jaw moved--speaking. Brief, short words.”

“He'd never so much as heard of the Little Folk talking. But there was his queen, his wife, his mate, murmuring with them.”

—the awe he has for her🥹😭

“her wildfire eyes as flat and cold as the lake.”

—still gaining fire

“Safe. The Little Folk must have told her this cave was safe, if she now moved for the fire, her own sphere of it still burning bright.”

—safe.

— trust and pixie little folk dust?😅😂

“But Aelin paid them no heed, paid the world no heed, as she took up a spot between the fire and the cave wall, lay upon the bare stone, and closed her eyes.”

— To rest — his wish answered… how long has it been since she did this?

Well, it wasn’t a QoS reuinion but I can finally rest now too😅😭

[aelinschild]

You'll be Fine - Drabble

A quick little drabble inspired by my afternoon; AKA when I fainted after getting blood drawn for the first time. It was an absolutely ridiculous experience and thoroughly amusing, so I'm using it as content :)

SYNOPSIS: Who knew Aelin's greatest enemy was a scheduled blood test? WORDCOUNT: 1.2K WARNINGS: Very fluffly, Mention of needles but not descriptive whatsoever, fainting

Main Masterlist

A late Tuesday afternoon, after both Rowan and Aelin had finished work. Her boyfriend had been happily waiting in the parking lot of her office, a packet of chips and a sparkling water set on the passenger seat for Aelin. He normally picked her up after they both finished work, but the snacks were an added bonus. 

She had forgotten, obviously, the scheduled blood test Rowan had booked for today. Her boyfriend, ever astute, had noticed her balance had been particularly horrific in the recent weeks. Noting the bruises littering the soft skin of her body when they went to bed. Where his shirts wouldn't cover. 

A quick appointment with their general practitioner had rolled into a referral, which was where the couple would be off to next. 

Skipping along, Aelin made her way to the black sedan Rowan tutted over like a mother hen. Opening the door with a practiced gentleness, she slipped into the warmth of the car and leaned over to kiss her boyfriend.

“Someone's happy,” the rumble of his voice filled her insides with warmth. “What's got you so worked up?” 

“Just happy to be done for the day…” She murmured against his jaw, kissing down his neck. 

“As much as I-” She cut him off with a nip to the sensitive skin between his jaw and throat. “Slow down there, love.” Pushing her away gently, Aelin let out a whine. “Later, I promise. But for now, we have places to be.” 

“What?” Moving away from her exceptionally attractive boyfriend, she went for the chips. Tearing the bag open with a ferocity only achieved by working in an office. 

“The blood test? Your appointment is at six, and traffic is hell at the moment so if we want to-” 

Aelin tuned out the rest of Rowan’s verbal planning, her heart dropping and any previous arousal washing away quicker than blinking. Blood test? What blood test? 

“You with me there, Ae?” Rowan's large hand made its way to her thigh, making soothing movements along the muscle. 

“Ro, what blood test?” 

“For the dizziness, and lightheadedness, and bruises. You remember, don't you? The doctor's appointment…” 

It came back in a flash, and the anxiety that pulsed under Aelin's skin was a beast. Closing her eyes, she avoided counting her pulse. 

“Right…” 

“Hey,” Her boyfriend's tone was a measured gentleness. “It's going to be okay, Ae. It's quick and painless” 

“Mhm.”

“I promise,” His hand moved over to her jaw, pulling her to look into his deep green eyes. “I'll be there if you get scared, but I know you will do great.” She could see the sincerity and love that lightened his irises, but it didn't wash away the rising fear. 

-

Sitting in a cool leather chair with an extendable arm that fell over her lap, Aelin practiced breathing patterns. Deeply in, hold, out. 

Over and over again. 

“You're going to make yourself lightheaded before you ever start,” Rowan commented, trying to lighten the mood. 

Her boyfriend was seated next to her in a similar chair, just without the extra arm, as he would not be getting any blood drawn. This was the moment Aelin cursed her immune system. 

“What if we just hightailed it out of here right now? They can't catch us both.” She heard Rowan snort. When had her eyes closed?

Before he had a chance to respond, a nurse knocked on the door, and it clicked open. The woman looked older, with lines on her face that probably came from the large smile she wore. 

“Hi there Aelin!” Moving over to the little desk to Aelin’s left, she began putting on gloves. “Oh, and company! Who might you be?” 

“Rowan. The boyfriend.” She could hear the smirk. 

The kind nurse chuckled, preparing her tools and checking over Aelin's referral. Aelin just closed her eyes again and leaned her head against the wall. She could feel her blood again and she just wanted this to be over. 

“... Are you alright over there?” The nurse's voice was slightly muffled by the ringing in her ears. 

“Yep!”

“She’s a little afraid,” Rowan said at the same time as her. She peeled open one eye to glare at him. He just gave her a reassuring smile. 

“Oh, don't worry. This can be hard for some people. It's all okay. I'll make it as quick as possible, sweetheart.” 

“Thank you,” Aelin whispered. Rowan’s hand came to rest on her knee. 

“Okay,” the nurse started, swiping some alcohol over the crease in Aelin's elbow. She tensed at the cold feeling. Wrapping a blue elastic band a few centimetres higher than where the needle would go, she tightened it around Aelin's bicep. “It will be quick I promise. Don't look, sweetheart.” 

Taking a deep breath, Aelin nodded and turned away. She heard Rowan murmuring gentle encouragement and ‘I love yous’. Just as his hand tightened on her knee, she felt the prick of the needle. 

It was over before she knew, and she let out a great heaving sigh. The deep breath that escaped her was one of extreme relief. Laughing a little, Aelin opened her eyes to her lover smiling at her. She offered a smile back before turning to the nurse. 

The movement set her off, her head suddenly feeling lighter and slowly she felt herself leaning forward. Her awareness cutting out, before she relaxed onto her arm, the world going dark. 

-

“Aelin, Aelin, Aelin, Aelin…” she heard, repeated over and over again with an undercurrent of concern. The voice was muffled like being underwater. She didn't want to wake up from the deep slumber she felt herself in. 

“Love. Aelin, Aelin.”

She gasped, sitting up abruptly. Her head swam, dizziness surrounding her vision. She felt warm hands guiding her backwards to rest on the wall. 

“... Slow down, yeah, there you go. All right, sweetheart.”

“Did- did I… I faint…” Trying to focus and not let the weird swaying take over her senses again, Aelin moved her eyes slowly to the direction of the voice. 

A low chuckle, and a yeah from her boyfriend. The kind nurse just smiled at her. Aelin groaned. 

“I've never done that before,” moaning out, she closed her eyes again. Why is it so hard to keep my eyes open?

“It's fine. I promise. You had just worked yourself up a little too much beforehand, yeah? Though, you got through the needle part before you fainted.” She laughed lightly. “How are you feeling now?”

“I'm sorry, I can't believe I just fainted.” 

“Ae, it's okay.” Her boyfriend reassured. She let her eyes slowly open to see him standing over her now, looking slightly distressed but amused. 

“Ughhh- god.” And she snorted. In front of the kind nurse and her ruffled boyfriend. She let out a devious giggle, unable to help as the laughter took over her. I can't believe I fainted!

“Well, I guess you're all better now.” The nurse laughed alone with Aelin's ridiculousness. “And, boyfriend, she shouldn't drive or lift anything heavy for at least a day. Just make sure she-” a look at Aelin, “rests. Thoroughly.”

Rowan sighed fondly, “Sounds good, miss. Thank you.” 

Aelin giggled.

Taglist: @backtobl4ck , @goddess-aelin

Thanks for reading!!! :)

[cursedwithwords]

HP Next Gen Headcanons: James

Full Name: James Sirius "Jamie" Potter

House: Gryffindor

Wand: rowan and ashwinder egg

Patronus: stag wolf

Boggart: Caleb

Profession: potioneer

Sexuality: gay

Image(picrew):

Bonus: has more freckles than Lily and Albus combined. A softhearted agent of chaos. Out of his entire family he has the most upbeat personality (his grandmother always used to say he was what would happen if sunshine was a person). Always the one to crack a joke during uncomfortable situations to lighten the atmosphere. He remembers the birthdays of everyone he's ever met. Played as a Chaser on the house team. Rox calls him "Jamjar". The Golden Child of the family and has all the negative effects you would expect because of it. Number one forehead kisser award. Harbors a silent dislike towards Sirius Black but would never admit that to his father. Older people absolutely love him because he's so chatty. Considers Teddy to be his best friend, but Louis is a very close second. The one in the family all the cousins (plus al and lily) are secretly protective of. His first tattoo was a stick and poke crescent moon on his left wrist given to him by Teddy.

Extras:

Wand Wood — Rowan

"Rowan wood has always been much-favoured for wands because it is reputed to be more protective than any other... it is commonly stated that no dark witch or wizard ever owned a rowan wand... rowan is most happily placed with the clear-headed and the pure-hearted..."

I think James is a very protective person in general and outrageously pure-hearted, almost to a fault. His wand is extremely powerful in his hands, and while it will work if used by someone else, it's much less powerful, and spells will often sputter or die out. The only spells the wand will properly cast in someone elses hands are shields and defensive charms. In James' hands, however, it can cast incredibly strong magic.

Wand Core — Ashwinder Egg

"The eggs of an Ashwinder are usually found in the wands of those skilled in Potioneering..."

I just love the idea that James would have an innate talent for potions that his wand could sense the moment he stepped into the shop. I also like to headcanon that his great grandfather Fleamont Potter, an accomplished potioneer, shared the same core in his wand. When Olivander tells him that detail the day they bought his wand, he feels immediate pride and a sense of honor and connection to Fleamont.

Patronus — Stag Wolf

"Stags symbolize heroism, bravery, and new life. Owners of a stag Patronus make extraordinary, influential leaders and honestly care about the well-being of others. You are likely confident in yourself and stand up for your beliefs."

"Wolves are powerful protectors who find strength in numbers as they always travel in a pack. If you have this Patronus, then you should trust your instincts as they are usually spot on."

James' patronus changes after he loses the ability to cast a stag following a traumatic incident (see TBOTS fic for details of this headcanon). It takes years for him to be able to cast a corporeal form again, but when he does it takes the form of a wolf to match Teddy's, because in the end it's memories of Teddy that allow him to cast the charm successfully again. He's the only one of the new gen whose patronus changes, and the only one who loses the ability to cast the charm for any amount of time.

[tomtenadia]

Thicker than Blood - 33

Hello! Here I am with another update. We are very close to the end and now the chapters are basically the story wrapping up. To make up for all the angst you will now have tons of fluff and in this chapter a lot of hurt/comfort. Our Aelin Is still not well but Rowan has her back. Yeah, the fussiness is not over :)

It was in the middle of the night when a deep feeling of terror woke up Rowan. It took him a moment to realise it was not him, but it came from Aelin. He turned in bed and discovered she was not there and panic rose.

“Aelin?”

He paced the house like a desperate man. Did she leave in the middle of the night? His mind started painting the worst scenarios possible.

And then he heard it, the sound of a person moving. He looked under the bed and all other possible hiding places until his eyes landed on their closet. Slowly he opened the door and her she was. Aelin was sitting inside it: her legs pulled up to her chest, head on her knees and hand on her head as in a shield.

“Aelin?”

Her head sprang up and her eyes were wide with terror “I am a monster.”

Those words were pure pain to him. Rowan kneeled in front of her “No, you are not.”

“I killed,” sobs started to wreck her body “All those people. They are all here looking for me. They all hate me. They call me killer.”

“Tell them that if they have problems they can speak with me,” he played along “I am not having anyone calling my wife a killer.”

She looked at him surprised “I am… I killed them.”

Rowan cupped her face “Maeve made you do it. You had no choice. She turned you into a killer.”

“It hurts so much…”

“I know, fireheart.”

Aelin leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Rowan and he slowly stood with Aelin’s body clinging to him.

“It’s snowing again, shall we sit on the balcony?”

A timid nod and he deposited her on the bed for a second and went to grab a few heavy blankets.

Then with Aelin in his arms once more, he walked out and sat down on the comfortable chair pulling his wife on his lap, with her legs across. She leaned against his chest and buried her face in the crook of his neck. Rowan placed the two blankets around them. They did not need them but it created a cozy feeling and that was all she needed now. To make her feel safe and loved and he had every intention to show it to her everyday.

The air smelled fresh and all around them there was silence. They were tucked in a valley and their house was the only sign of civilisation. He had switched off the light in the bedroom and as he lifted his eyes he saw the sky covered in a blanket of stars.

“Look up, fireheart.”

She did and Rowan noticed the moment she realised the beautiful spectacle above them. Her eyes lit up and the ghost of a smile appeared on her lips. Her blue eyes reflected the light and for a brief instant he saw again the woman who stole his heart. In that short moment of peace Aelin was back

“It’s stunning.” Her voice full of wonder, as if after the hell she went through, it was incredible to still find beauty in the world.

Rowan held her closer “when I was younger, my cousin Enda and I would go on crazy camping trips in Wendlyn, we would sleep under the stars and loved to make up the names of the stars.”

She let out a sound that sounded like a chuckle.

“See on the right of the Lord of the North?”

Aelin nodded.

“We used to call that cluster the turtle, then,” he moved his finger to another spot “that was the whale and just below it we have the caterpillar.”

This time he did not miss her attempt at laughing. He knew healing was still a long way, but every smile he could steal from her would be a success. If he could lighten her burden, he was happy to do it.

“Tell me about your family,” her hands stopped on his heart.

“Mum and dad are still alive and live outside Doranelle, they have a huge farm,” he started while caressing her head “Dad stepped down and passed the clan to my cousin Sellene. She is the big boss now. Enda is her second.” A soft kiss on her ear “The Whitethorn clan is huge. I have a crazy amount of cousins.”

“I want to meet your family,” she whispered.

“Get better and we can do that. I am sure my parents will love you.”

Rowan looked at the sky again and saw a shooting star “Look,” and pointed at a few shooting stars.

Aelin gasped in surprise “Make a wish, fireheart.”

She closed her eyes and when she reopened them her stare was fix on him. Her beautiful blue eyes staring deep into his soul.

His eyes fell to her lips and up again.

“Why aren’t you kissing me?”

“I thought you wanted me to ask first.”

A frown on her face “that never stopped you before.”

“I know, but this time I wanted to make sure you wanted me to.” After weeks of being tortured he wanted to know she was okay with it.

“Kiss me, agent.”

Rowan’s hand gently pushed a wild strand of hair from her face and then his lips met hers for a brief loving kiss. Aelin closed her eyes and basked in his presence.

“You smell like lavender.”

He pulled back and frowned “your fault, I used your soap.”

They were silent for a moment then she looked at him once more “I hurt everyone, why are you so nice to me? I was so horrible to you.” Her voice was broken by the tears.

Yes, Rowan had felt heartbroken and lost after the night she sent him away, but he was not mad at her. Never.

“Aelin, do you need space?” He asked, remembering what she had told him that terrible night “if you don’t want to be with me, we can find a solution. I want you to be happy and okay with our situation.”

She hugged him tighter and shook her head frantically “No, Rowan I was scared. I wanted to keep you safe. Please…” her blue eyes locked with his “I want this, be married to you. I was so, so scared.”

A deep sigh of relief left Rowan’s lungs and his lips landed on her head and inhaled her scent deeply “Are you sure?”

A kiss on his chest was her reply.

“You make me want to live, Rowan. Not exist: live.”

Rowan held her tighter. At those words the grip on his heart loosened a bit “Our house is ready, by the way.”

Her face turned to him and a glimpse of a smile broke free. His hand brushed her hair “It’s ready for you to come back.”

“I missed you, Ro…”

*

It was the day of the big political rally and Rhoe had joined Darrow in the venue that had been chosen as location. They were expecting a lot of press and a big turnout of vampires and humans alike. It was an important new step in hopefully, a better world. Once back from the mountains he had announced that Maeve was dead and the attacks from her minions had stopped. Life was slowly going back to normal. Aelin and Rowan were still in the mountains. He had managed a quick visit but she was still unwell and had promised to go back and talk once she was much better. He knew though, that both were going to watch the rally on tv. Rowan had eventually told her all it had happened in town while she was away.

“Rhoe, time to go on stage.”

He stood and followed the assistant. Once outside he saw that Darrow was taking his seat, he went to greet his ally and took his seat. A woman called Borte was going to lead the interview session.

When the curtains opened they saw a sea of people with banners hats, and t-shirts in their support.

“Welcome everyone to tonight’s event in the run up to the next elections. Tonight we will meet Weylan Darrow, the current ad interim human mayor and Rhoe Galathynius who is running for mayor of the vampires.” Borte took the stage and introduced the two men.

“This is an unusual development, could you explain to your voters why you decided to go this way?”

Darrow took the stage “We listened to both sides, and vampires were lamenting a lack of representation. The past laws were made by humans for humans,” he explained scanning the crowd “We want to make sure both species feel safe their can live their lives without being scared.”

“Some of the rules will remain,” added Rhoe “Drinking from humans will still be banned in every form or shape. I am working on a project to make synthetic blood even more accessible,” he continued “I am aware the previous mayor had increased the prices, and some people found it hard to afford it. No more.”

Darrow nodded in assent “The deviation centres are being dismantled and transformed in centres were vampire who are struggling can go and find help.”

“My wife has opened a foundation that will oversee their functioning and we will have a young lady that many of you know to help. Ansel Briarcliff will join her.”

The crowd cheered. The woman had become famous after she lead the riots that deposed Hamel and shut down the deviation centres.

“That sounds very promising,” added Borte “I have a question that comes from the citizens, as you are aware we invited people to submit their questions.”

The two men nodded.

“It’s for Rhoe,” the journalist flipped her paper “How do you respond to the accusations that Maeve had launched on you about hiding that your daughter was a junkie and using your power to cover up her secret.”

Rhoe was expecting that and he was ready to battle for his daughter “I was aware my daughter was a junkie. What people don’t know is that she had been held captive by Maeve and for two years she was used as a lab rat and experimented on,” he explained, calling all the calm he could muster “My daughter was subject of some very deep genetic modifications that made it impossible for her to tolerate synthetic blood.” He paused “The fact that Maeve hated my project was of public knowledge, she used my daughter to try and bring me down.” He sighed deeply “That’s why my wife and I pretended for so long not to approve of Aelin. We tried to protect her from Maeve.” Rage surged in his at the memory of the day the had found her “recently she spent three weeks again as a lab rat in one of Maeve’s hideouts. She is on the mend but my daughter has suffered enough.”

The public was silent and Rhoe had no idea on how to interpret it. He hoped that hadn’t lost him the race to mayor. He had to tell the truth.

Darrow produced a folder “We had her blood samples examined by an external body and they confirmed the same.” He passed the folder to the journalist and she scanned it “My medical knowledge is not great but with high school biology I can understand the gist. Aelin was made a junkie.”

Rhoe stood “I want to tell all the vampires out there that if you are suffering from withdrawals, you can come forward. We have a temporary centre to help,” he looked at all the people gathered “the treatment will be much gentler and shorter. We also have a program to help you enter society once more. No one will judge you.”

Darrow nodded “we really believe in working on a new world. Others parts of Erilea have successfully managed that, we want the same,” he stood too “the centre will also have a section for humans who have addictions too but also who need support after all we went through. This project is for both.”

All of a sudden the audience cheered. It was loud and the two men shared a smile.

“Transition will take time, but Darrow and I have already set things in motion,” continued Rhoe “Orynth has suffered enough and we all need some stability.”

The crowd cheered once more and both men seemed to relax.

The session continued a bit longer and Borte lead the Q&A session and they both answered the doubts and worries from the public.

When they left the stage they felt as if a shift had happened and a new world was at the horizon. They only had to hope that they had convinced enough people to vote for them at the polls. Rhoe had heard the session with their opponents and he had a good feeling about it. He and Darrow had a clear plan.

Now it was down to their people and pave the path to a better world.

TAGS:

@rowaelinismyotp​ @swankii-art-teacher​ @whimsicallyreading @elentiyawhitethorn​ @aelin-bitch-queen @bruiseonthefaceofhumanity  @mis-lil-red @thegreyj​ @sailorsassley​ @leiawritesstories​ @clairec79 @morganofthewildfire​ @sv0430 @heartless--aromantic @autumnbabylon @rowanaelinn @backtobl4ck @susumaus98  @gracie-rosee​ @mybloodrunsblue @tanvee1231 @avenrebekah @whoever-you-choose-to-love  @theywillnotsingforme @universallytreepost @black-daisy-water @goddess-aelin @whispers-in-the-darkest-heart @lovely-dove-zee @athena127​

[brasideios]

WIP Wordsearch Game

I was tagged by @sleeplessincarcosa, thank you my dear!

My words are: help, eye, sit, hair and touch.

This was pretty fun - like a tour of my own WIPs :)

Help

From A Story Set in Sparta [I really must choose a better title for this project!]

It was dark as Adimantos passed out of the village, having slipped through the sleeping streets, the cold wind of early spring sharp on his skin – but he was used to that, used to ignoring it, bearing it stoically, like everything else. His thin cloak, something between a winter and summer garment not sufficient to either season, did little to help. The mountains, his destination, were at a distance as he slipped over fences and through long, empty avenues of olive trees, passing the small houses on individual lots, the kleroi, where the helots who worked the fields eked out an existence. All was quiet, no lights shone; they knew better than to draw attention at night with the ever-present threat of the krypteia – and with something of a start, it occurred to him once again that that was him right now. They feared his passing; it was his footsteps in the night that made the women hold their children a little closer.

Eye

This snippet is from a kind of breakaway piece of Arity - I have no idea where it fits, if at all, though I suspect it will end on the cutting room floor.

I found myself at five in the morning, or thereabouts, in the back seat of Brett’s four-wheel drive. Naturally, Jake has pushed himself in next to me; another guy Rowan, sits on the other side of him; and Brett and Luke are sitting in the front. They’re talking, at length, about breaks in New South Wales. I’ve tuned out, and am looking out at the ocean as the sky starts to lighten, and the water turns a very dark, rich green. I’m distracted when Jake’s hand slips casually along my calf, as he reaches (allegedly) to pick up his water bottle from by our feet. I look into his eyes, and he grins, a mocking kind of smile that says, you are so mine. I feel a shiver across the nape of my neck – it may well be a draft, it’s very cold again this morning – but I take it as an omen. I move my leg away from his hand, and give him a look that says, No matter how hot you may be, no matter how much you might strut around, there's no way I'm giving in to you. But I let myself smile too, because I don’t mean ever.

Sit

From the last scene that I added to Arity before I fell in a hole with it:

The coffee shop he chose was on the foreshore of Langarrin, the bottom floor of a high rise with woven cane chairs and dark wood everywhere. Elaborate ceiling fans whirred slowly, doing less than one would wish to cool the room. We sat in a booth on one side beneath one of them, for all the good it did us. It was busy that morning, with many people coming and going. Jimmy would nod or raise a hand now and then, but no one interrupted us. He ate like he hadn’t seen a meal in three days, and was finished long before I’d picked my way through the pancakes I’d ordered. He took the opportunity, sitting back with his cup of coffee in his hand, to say, ‘You wanted to know about my family.’ I nodded. ‘Only if you’re comfortable talking about it, though.’ He waved that off. ‘I told you my parents were older?’ ‘You did; and that you never knew your grandparents.’ He nodded, looking into his cup. After a long moment, he said quietly, ‘It’s hard to know where to start, actually.’ ‘Wherever feels right,’ I said encouragingly. ‘I’m listening.’

Hair

Another from A Story Set in Sparta:

The grasses shivered as the wind passed through them, the mountain above glimmering in the heat, the horses cropping the grass and flicking at insects with their tails and an occasional shake of the head.  He ran a hand along the flank of the bay colt, still young, still clumsy and all legs, who flinched at his touch but watched him boldly, with one eye.  He closed his own eyes, feeling the breeze blow his long hair away from his face, and stirring his beard.  The colt suddenly nickered and dashed away across the field, and Brasidas opened his eyes in time to see the colt reach his mother, calmly grazing at the crest of the hill.

Touch

From Newcastle 1929:

Fred went out to open up. There was always a bit of a rush from the regulars, the women whose homes lined the streets around them – small workers cottages, from the end of the last century; but that morning, a man came into the store in this first rush of women. They looked up at him sideways – he was head taller than any of them, and had wild blonde hair touched with red. He was obviously down at heel. Fred felt his heart sink even before he spoke. He saw him visibly square his shoulders and swallow his pride, before asking in a broad Scots accent, ‘Can y’ spare my family anything, lad? We’ve gone two days with nought to eat.’ He gestured at the doorway, in which two small girls stood, their eyes wide. ‘I’m sorry,’ Fred said, sighing deeply, and meaning it. ‘We may have something at the end of the day. Come back then.’ The man studied his face a moment, then nodded once. ‘Thank y’. I will.’ When he’d gone back outside, John stuck his head in from the kitchen. ‘You shouldn’t encourage them. You know there won’t be enough for even half who come.’ Fred only shrugged at his father, unrepentant.

~~~

Tagging (and apologies if you've already been tagged!) @ainulindaelynn @aeide @findusinaweek @myriath @woodsman2b @erzsebetrosztoczy @theinkandthesea @merelyafigment

Your words if you choose to accept them (lol) are: Spare, situation, certain, real and question.

[aequitas-if]

👁👻😭💥

👁️ EYE - what colour are their eyes? do people notice their eyes? is there anything special about them (shows emotion easily, literally magical...)?

Alex has dark brown eyes. Her gaze is oddly calming.

Jasper has emerald green eyes. Sometimes when he’s running it almost looks like small flashes of lightening flash through his eyes.

Zoe has blue eyes in her human form and completely luminescent sapphire eyes when she is in her true form. If she is feeling distressed her eyes will sometimes revert back to their true form.

Rowan has deep scarlet eyes. They tend to give his emotions away pretty easily.

Vesper has lavender eyes. They are considered odd looking even in the universe/world that Aequitas takes place.

Leon also has dark brown eyes. They’re kinda plain looking especially when he’s standing next to Vesper or Zoe.

Juni’s eyes are black. They make the bright colors of her hair and clothing stand out more.

Nora has pale grey eyes. They almost appear white under certain lighting.

Sebastian has pale blue eyes. They have been described as striking and otherworldly before.

👻 GHOST - do they believe in ghosts? what are their "ghostly experiences", if any?

Alex doesn’t necessarily believe in ghosts in the traditional sense but she does believe in spirits.

Jasper doesn’t believe in ghosts.

Zoe’s planet/people believe in reincarnation so she doesn’t really believe in ghosts.

Rowan says he doesn’t believe in ghosts but a part of him thinks it would be cool if they existed.

Vesper’s belief is pretty similar to Alex’s. They believe that people leave parts of their spirit behind when they die but doesn’t really believe in the more traditional ideas of ghosts.

Leon doesn’t not believe in ghosts. He isn’t a hardcore believer of them but he wouldn’t be surprised if they exist.

Juni believes in ghosts. She also watches a bunch of those “ghost-hunting” shows and listens to podcasts that talk about the supernatural.

Nora has a pretty similar belief to Leon. She wouldn’t be surprised if ghosts exist but it’s not something she actively believes in.

Sebastian doesn’t believe in ghosts.

😭 CRYING - what makes them cry? do they cry easily?

Alex rarely ever cries but when she does it is always about the lives she failed to protect or save. When she does cry though it’s never in front of others.

Jasper is very similar to Alex in the sense that he doesn’t cry very often but when he does its because he’s reminded of his failures as a hero. He can’t help but choke up at the thought that he could’ve done more throughout his time as a hero.

Zoe cries a lot. She is the type to shed tears whenever she feels a strong emotion. This makes it so that she cries pretty often.

Rowan only ever cries when he thinks about his failures, not only as a hero, but as a person. He doesn’t cry very often but when he does it’s in the privacy of his own home.

Vesper doesn’t cry a lot. In fact, they tend not to cry even when they probably should. When they do cry, however, it’s because of the heavy guilt and fear that stains both their mind and soul.

Leon cries a normal amount for a kid his age. He cries when he worries about his family and friends or as the reality of what this job in heroics actually hits him.

Juni rarely cries. She thinks life is much easier when you don’t think about the bad things. When she does cry it’s over her own insecurities as both an individual and as a hero.

Nora cries fairly often, mainly because of stress. The stress and anxiety that comes with both life and being learning to be a hero can be overwhelming for her at times.

Sebastian rarely cries. When he does though it’s usually over his own insecurities and the feeling of being a disappointment to the people he cares about and admires.

💥 COLLISON - what emotions do they have trouble dealing with?

Alex has trouble dealing with fear. She’s supposed to be the brave one - the one people can look to when things go wrong. So what is she supposed to do when she’s also afraid?

Jasper has trouble dealing with his own insecurities. He worries that he wasn’t a good enough hero or that he failed as a friend or teammate. Instead of acknowledging those insecurities, he just pushes them down.

Zoe has trouble dealing with anger. She tries her hardest to be someone that always sees the bright side of any situation so she tends to shove down any negative emotion or frustration she feels.

Rowan has trouble dealing with guilt. He constantly thinks about all his failures as both a hero and as a person - he hates himself for it. That anger towards himself than gets taken out on other people. It’s an endless cycle of guilt and rage.

Vesper has trouble dealing with their own paranoia. They can’t bring themselves to completely trust anyone or anything, no matter how close they may be with that individual.

Leon struggles with his insecurities. He knows he’s a good person but he’s still young and worries about the mistakes he has made and might make in the future.

Juni struggles with being sad. As I mentioned, she is someone who likes to ignore all the bad parts of the world and she doesn’t know how to handle it when she is forced to acknowledge them.

Nora struggles heavily with anxiety. She feels it deeply and still hasn’t quite figured out how to handle/deal with it when it gets super bad.

Sebastian also struggles with his own insecurities. He hides them behind with an arrogant facade but deep down he’s always worried that he isn’t good enough or as strong as he’s supposed to be.