#marion babbles

[asolitaryrose]

guess who just downloaded da: inquisition for the first time and is considering maaaybe playing it

[yesstaffnurse1]

Girl’s Best Friend

Edgar looked over with a mixture of fear, resentment and self pity at Marion and her pet dog, Charlie. The nurse grinned at the tied up and gagged burglar cheerfully. “I know this must be a bit embarrassing for you, my friend,” the young woman smiled, “but the police said they would be here in the next hour or so.” Edgar had been shocked when he heard the front door of the house he had broken into, open and a weary female voice downstairs talking to herself. But the fact the house owner was female buoyed him and he soon clattered down the stairs to confront her. What he hadn’t bargained for was Charlie! The black labrador growled gamely at the intruder as Marion shrieked in alarm. Luckily, Edgar had an absolute phobia about dogs. “Keep that thing away from me!” he babbled in panic. “Charlie?” answered the nurse, frowning, “He wouldn’t hurt a….I mean, yes, he is a real guard dog, trained to protect me at all times. You had better give up, pal!” The pale faced Edgar simply nodded continuously. “Yes, yes, I surrender, ma’am,” he babbled, “only don’t let that thing bite me!” Marion made a great play of telling Charlie to “sit!” and then put the terrified burglar into an armlock and walked him back up the stairs to her bedroom where she kept a washing line she hadn’t put up yet. She sat the miserable Edgar on the bed, tied his hands behind his back, bound his ankles and gagged him with a strip of duct tape. After calling the police, the young nurse rejoined her captive with Charlie in tow. “He really wouldn’t hurt a fly,” she told the doubtful looking Edgar, “but he really is a girl’s best friend!”

Sources: retrorope and Nurses Uniforms and Ladies Workwear on Flickr

[fizzyxcustard]

If I could choose any of them I'd choose my beloved Much or maybe Marion (shh I'm ignoring her giving poor Guy false hope) Guy is definitely the prettiest though

I just want to wrap Much up in a protective blanket and love him eternally poor dude

I'm sorry for how much I'm talking about Robin Hood, if it's any consolation my mother my bestie and my workplace has had to listen to me babbling too, I'll shush now 🤣

One more thing then I'll shush lol but my mother had the audacity to say bbc merlin was better than robin hood!

Honestly, don’t say sorry for talking about it. I’m enjoying reading your thoughts.

Much is so lovely, and I think he’s taken for granted a lot in the show. Poor man.

Ummm. Please don’t hate me, but I like Merlin as well. 😬😬

[paige-fierce]

Ello ello

Oh how the TIMES have CHANGED. Let's go through a quickie review of my ever-evolving storyline since we last chatted...which was August 2023?

July-August 2023

Existential crisis is just forming, like a small acorn, dropped from a giant oak tree last autum, cozily nestled under just the right amount of earth...and try as I might to fight the feeling or burgeoning nihilistic turmoil and crippling self-doubt, nature finds a way *out bursts the first sprouting of a tree*

My deepest fear, that I wouldn't know shit about fuck at my new job has come true! I am surrounded by brilliant, kind, wonderful people who are so intimidating in their relevant-to-the-field accomplishments that I barely ask any questions for fear of revealing how much of a fool not only I am, but they have been for hiring me. My personality is all I have now...and that's starting to suffer as a result of basically everything else I post from now til December

My best friend (not drunk girl definition of best friend, but the proper definition of best friend akin to what is described in Aristotle's Nichomachean Ethics) goes off the handle in a way that is only worth diving into if I create a spin-off blog dedicated solely to that Game of Thrones-level plot twist that was without a doubt a significant effect modifier in my emotional and mental fissuring this side of 2023. Agnes and Tangerine by Glass Animals are played on repeat.

I cry almost every day on the train, sometimes going to Rotterdam, mostly on my way home after expertly compartmentalizing my like a bento box of emotions that I sample from throughout the day. After 5 pm is when the soy sauce (my salty tears) flows.

I attempt dating at the encouragement of my roommate, only to find it is fertilizer for the inner unrest eating away at the fibers of my morality.

I do, however, manage to make some friends along the way, in spite of my downward spiral

September 2023

I start Dutch classes as an attempt to quell my inner demons that are pressuring me to assimilate HARDER, better, FASTER, stronger (important note: no one is putting any pressure on me, just myself, per usual) ((now I am curious what the ratio of my accomplishments/successes/moments of overcoming adversity are results of high-functioning anxiety)) (((at the risk of my inner peace and sleep, I PERFORM)))

Work is very much a deep stressor of my life, though I have gotten better about vocating my need for clarity, which releases enough pressure on the valve attached to my sad/scared mind so that I do not explode.

I'm very sad about aforementioned best friend, but coping...we've stopped speaking but it's what I need in order to not be a puddle of weird leftovers from the craft store mixed with beer.

I'm finding it hard to talk to people in a way that's natural. I don't feel like myself. In fact I can't remember the last time I felt this unlike myself. I am so thin and sad...it's pathetic, and almost funny. She used to be mine by Sara Barielles plays on repeat.

I started going to therapy and she's amazing. Can I just become this woman? Is that part of her treatment? She is the stabalizing force I desperately need. Like a kindly-meant slap to the face for a poor sap babbling about nonsense, Marion brings me back to reality.

October 2023

Dutch is coming along fine...Ik denk?? Maar het is heel mogelijk to learn a new language while also learning a new job that essentially has its own language components (and if you count when I randomly use R, that is a language SO)

A reset in the progress with grief-fueled by BFF breakup. Fuck I'm sad.

Mom and godmother come to visit...mixed emotions. I'm not at my best therefore I treat my mom poorly. We have a very important but hard conversation surrounding that. All for the best. Getting old is weird, giving my mom advice is strange ?

I turn 29. Just fast forward me to 30, I'm over being in my 20s. I suddenly understand Jenna Rink's desire to fast forward from 13 to 30 based on the fictional magazine Poise's promotion of being 30, flirty, and thriving.

29, saltier than brine, and crying :,)

Everyone at work thinks I'm 22. I suppose I should be flattered, but it just encourages my suspicion/paranoia that they think I'm a simpleton and personality hire.

November 2023

Jesus this weather sucks. It's cold, it's rainy, and I should be writing melancholic poems or pulitzer winning prose in this kind of weather. Instead I'm NOT working out, I'm sleeping with an absolute fruitcake who brags his intimidation tactics at work and plans to get crown moulding put into his apartment (are you there god, it's me Paige)

I'm making friends with colleagues and other people! I suspect it's because I'm feeling like myself again...She's been lurking, coming out at random moments and surprising those around me. "who is this exotic creature, so odd yet fun, so nice yet blunt, she's attracti--wait what the fuck did she just do with her face?"

Have I mentioned I have a crush on a colleague? His face looks like it was carved by Michaelangelo, he dresses like someone with a good relationship with his parents, and is very serious but always cracks a smile at my jokes. Consequently, I am spinning out over my lust.

December 2023

Halfway through this ragged, damp, brisk month and I'm back in the US...

Somehow what sticks out to me most in the highlights of this month is the fun AF office Christmas party??? All the office personnel who I (very likely, incorrectly) perceived as having sticks up their billen (Dutch, look it up) let the walls comes down and the singing and dancing come out. Karaoke is the great unifier baybeeee

Annnnnnnnnd Florida for 2 weeks...that was nice, but why do I feel an inarticulable sense of dread? I am happy and a bit excited to go back to NL but but but something about seeing both my siblings families and their general stability is not sitting well with me.

[onbeinganangel]

hi! just here to tell you I adore your tarot drabble series so so much! every single one is magical✨ you tell beautiful stories with so few words 💌 I don’t know much about tarot so I was wondering (only if you’d like, of course!) if you could talk about your process in connection to the cards? I would love to know more about how their meanings inspire your writing!!

omg hi 🌳🌳🌳🌳!!!

you are so kind! I have been dragging this series around like my wee dog does his blanket (which is to say, I love it and want to see my task through but also jesus fucking christ why is it under my feet I can’t stop tripping oh fuck ouch bloody! stupid! blanket! aaaaggghh) and it just means the world to me that you are enjoying my teensy little drabbles!

(before I talk out of my arse, I want to say that I know tarot is a very loved, powerful, and special tool and practice for a lot of people. I am by no means a savant and I do it very informally, the way I was taught by my aunties and then later by a group of friends. my practice may not match your practice. such is the way of the world.)

I grew up around a remarkable group of wonderful women that taught me a lot of things, from how to make bread to getting stains out of fabric to — you guessed it — how to read cards. but then I was a teenager for a dreadful little time so I lost that for a while, and for a few years now I have been trying to reconnect to that. my practice is rusty but I love how the cards still feel right, like I know them.

so, back in like march (?) or so, in an attempt to practice and study two things I was feeling very weak at but love dearly, I decided to get back into writing by pulling a card and trying to make something out of it. a lot of tarot has to do with intuition and reading of imagery so whenever I’d start on a new drabble, I would pull out the physical card and let it speak to me. in fact, for the most recent ones, I have been pulling the same cards from two or three different decks and looking at them for guidance (sometimes a different illustration will put more emphasis on something so while I know the meanings of the cards by heart, the deck you use can also influence your reading)

all cards are easier to read when applied to a question/problem/situation (and also you usually pull a few in a reading and they are much easier to understand when together rather than just a lone card), so there is a lot of freedom when writing because I am not necessarily going in with any of that in mind. sometimes I go in with just a pairing and look at the card and see if anything comes to mind, sometimes I throw in an extra prompt or ask myself do I want fluff? angst? smut? or do I want this to be an AU, etc.

for a lot of the cards, I have used them really liberally. so, while the meaning of the card always comes to play — sometimes very obviously, sometimes very subtly — I have been trying to really put the card against the pairing and/or genre, and then let it lead me.

as a quick example (I’ll shut up soon I promise), I wrote this open ending drarry one for The Hermit card, which is traditionally a card that means introspection and isolation but it is also about seeking wisdom and knowledge, despite not quite knowing the way — which is sort of where I got the open ending from! visually, most depictions of The Hermit have him holding a lantern and I actually used this motif very literally for this drabble: as the bright light that sets everything off. the drabble starts with Draco’s magic (“hot and bright”) and ends with Harry’s (bursting into “pure brightness”), so while the meaning of the card is also there, it’s obvious I also took a lot of visual inspiration for it. 

and that’s basically how I go about most of the drabbles! I will pick an element (a lot of the cards have sooooooo much you can take from them, all the little details in the illustrations matter) and come up with a situation and it all snowballs from there. sometimes it’s very hard to keep it at the 100 words. but yeah, that’s it : ) I am not taking myself or the series very seriously, and I lost steam along the way a lot, but it’s been a fun excuse to practice short form, to try out new pairings and study my tarot all at the same time!

thank you for this question and I AM SO SORRY FOR RAMBLING I don’t know how to shut up sometimes oooopsies. anyway thank you thank you, you are really very kind for asking! I hope at least a third of what I just wrote makes sense x

[jaxyscreams]

I want to do a cosplay thing or one of those October makeup things & ofc I am indecisive

like,, Ruby of The Sea?? Jester?? Taako?? Akko?? Lydia?? Six test?? Do a fae look for facetober??

[teaandinanity]

Every time an indie otome dev gives me a canonically demi/aspec/enby character it’s like that ‘you are safe now my sweet child’ meme because it really DOES give me life.

[multimask]

oh shit giving marion one of the amulets...

[bandtrees]

not to toot my own horn or anything but im rereading unpersoned and man... it slaps if I do say so myself

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22057036 simon fans come get y’all juice this fic is my pride and joy of the outlast fandom

[lightofherces]

“It’s a love potion! What could possibly go wrong?” - Fred for George or Marion

Witchy Starters|Accepting!

@demagia

“Everything!” George and Marion said at the same time, eyes wide as they stared at him.

“Fred Weasley, I swear to the gods if you make that I’ll sock you!”

[asolitaryrose]

not me barely waking up on my side of the world just in time for the Witcher 4 trailer reveal

we're getting Ciri as a protagonist??!? Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon, the Lady of Time and Space, whom I made a witcher at the end of tw3?????!!!!??

[decaflondonfog]

passing hope along after being reminded it’s absolutely true no matter how dark some days may get: whit's fur ye'll no go past ye.

[anhed-nia]

BLOGTOBER 10/6/2021: MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE (1932)

When I set up Blogtober, I usually try to be mindful of variety. It's as good for me as it is for readers if I choose movies from across time and space, rather than mindlessly gorging on, say, foam rubber monsterpieces from the American '80s. In the first week of 2021, I've found myself sticking pretty close to pre-code (or nearly so) Hollywood horror, which is a complete accident; sometimes life just dictates that you MUST pick a movie that's scarcely an hour long, and genre fare from the 1930s is an easy place to find that stuff. I guess I'm just making sure people understand that I'm not a specialist in that area, and things will change quickly as the Nightstream festival begins! But in the meantime, I cannot say that I regret any of my selections, least of all MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE.

Please note that this review is all spoiled up, because I found that I couldn't stop myself from rotely describing almost everything that happens in it. It is indulgently sardonic, perverted, sadistic, and sometimes, just gross. No analysis of my own can beat the impact of just saying what goes on in this picture, so I just let myself lazily repeat it all to you! Do yourself a favor and just watch the movie.

MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE is so depraved I'm surprised Stuart Gordon never took a stab at it. I'll just have to imagine what that movie could have been like, and Robert Florey's 1932 effort makes that easy to do. For this iteration of the often-adapted Poe story, the carnie-cum-mad scientist Dr. Mirakle was introduced to create space for Bela Lugosi, fresh from Dracula, and finer choices are rarely made. Mirakle arrives in Paris to exhibit Erik, a hyperintelligent gorilla to whom the doctor speaks in a freaky babbling ape language. His thrill-seeking audience quickly turns against him when he launches into a heretical defense of evolution, and mysteriously vows that "Erik's blood shall be mixed with the blood of man!" Things go further awry when Erik snatches the bonnet of the beautiful young Camille (Sidney Fox) and attempts to maul her fiancé Pierre (Leon Ames who, for my money, is much prettier than his costar). The crowd disperses in disgust, never guessing that this is only the beginning of Paris' troubles.

It's amusing that the audience so pious about Mirakle's support of evolution, when their enjoyment of the carnival is so debauched. RUE MORGUE is a blithely misanthropic movie that lets you know what you're in for right away. The opening performance by "the adorable Arab Angels" prompts a volley of dirty remarks from our protagonists, med students Pierre and Paul (Burt Roach), and their consorts Camille and Mignette (Edna Marion):

"We must continue our studies of anatomy!" - "Yeah, much nicer than visiting the morgue!"

"Do they bite?" - "Oh yes, but you have to pay extra for that!"

"Look how brown they are! ...Do you suppose they have painted themselves?" - "Shall I find out for you?"

It's hard for me to resist transcribing huge swaths of this movie's delightfully filthy conversation, which is partially attributable to a young John Huston, credited with "additional dialog" for this fine screenplay by Dale Van Every and Tom Reed. The saucy cynicism of a movie like WISE BLOOD seems apparent in RUE MORGUE; for the little bimbo Camille, Paris is a city of whimsy and pleasure, and she smiles vacantly at Pierre as he rattles off a list of grim conclusions to which a person can come, with which he is familiar from his hours in the morgue.

Pierre is found at the morgue almost all the time once a series of gruesome serial murders begins to fascinate him. The viewer knows that the river is being supplied with female corpses by Mirakle, who plucks prostitutes off the street to inject them with Erik's blood, in a bizarre attempt to validate the theory of evolution. According to Mirakle, his experiments fail due to the impure blood of his sinful patients, so naturally he becomes obsessed with acquiring the virginal Camille. He sends Erik to abscond with her, and in the process, the crazed ape beats the girl's mother to death. Thereafter it's up to Pierre to prove his innocence, and lead the law to Mirakle's lair before it's too late.

Lugosi praying at the feet of a murdered prostitute like a true psycho.

The scene of Camille's neighbors listening to her mother's violent demise, paralyzed with fright, is as horrifying as anything else in this enduringly horrific movie. RUE MORGUE would simply drown in its own darkness (not that I'd complain!), if it weren't for the crackling energy of the production. Karl Freund's typically kinetic camerawork seems to bring every object to life, and when married with the expressionistic set design by Herman Rosse (also from DRACULA and FRANKENSTEIN), the results are magical. I tend to think that this is my favorite performance from Lugosi, who puts forth an electrifying, stylized mania, but part of me remained aware that Freund's lens could have brought to life even the most wooden performer.

RUE MORGUE's only failing, if you want to call it that, is that it isn't exactly deep. There is none of the sweeping romance, plummeting tragedy, or soulful angst that Universal introduced with DRACULA shortly before the present film, and further developed with FRANKENSTEIN, in production at the time. There is only a collection of degenerate delights, and a bizarre quirk at the end that I don't know what to do with. Half way through the movie, I started to imagine how funny it would be if Mirakle's absurd operation actually worked on Camille, which would have to mean she's actually an ape, which would explain why she's such a dingbat, leaving Pierre to deal with the shame of bestiality, and Camille to run off with Erik. That would be pretty funny if it weren't that...Mirakle's experiment DOES work on Camille! I don't know what this is supposed to mean. On the one hand, it seems to confirm that the film does accept the reality of evolution, despite its association with the mad doctor. On the other hand, it maybe confirms Mirakle's belief that the blood of whores really is contaminated by their sins, which is...something. I don't really know what to say about it. But at least it's interesting!

Whether or not we know what MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE is ultimately trying to say, we can be sure that it is out to entertain us, even at the risk of obscenity. If you've never seen it, watch it this Halloween! Watch THE RAVEN and THE BLACK CAT to complete the trilogy! Watch it with someone who thinks they don't like "old movies" and watch it blow their tiny minds! Watch it just to freak yourself out, which is just as worthy a pursuit as the so-called fine arts. To further convince you, I will leave you with this absolutely bonkers ode to evolution from Dr. Mirakle, because...well, I just don't know what else to say:

"In the slime of chaos, there were seeds which rose and grew into the tree of life. Life was motion. Fins changed into wings. Wings into ears. Crawling reptiles grew legs. Eons of ages passed. There came a time when a four-legged thing walked upright! Behold, the first man!"

[hmslusitania]

I posted 3,534 times in 2022

599 posts created (17%)

2,935 posts reblogged (83%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@hmslusitania

@octobertulip

@letmetellyouaboutmyfeels

@fraddit

@ellelans

I tagged 3,478 of my posts in 2022

Only 2% of my posts had no tags

#bond. queue - 1,971 posts

#9-1-1 - 1,107 posts

#buddie - 344 posts

#stranger things - 224 posts

#eddie diaz - 210 posts

#911 spoilers - 188 posts

#the ghost ship answers questions - 174 posts

#our flag means death - 160 posts

#the fluffs - 159 posts

#the ghost ship babbles to herself in the night - 127 posts

Longest Tag: 136 characters

#these tags are a great compilation of how much effort they put into trying to put love into their relationship but not being as intimate

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Unified theory of Indiana Jones and The Mummy? My interest has been piqued 🍿 👀

Okay so I think it goes without saying that these movies clearly take place in the same universe, just off the bat.

That said, we also know that several of the (unseen) previous generation of characters had careers that would've taken them to similar geographic areas -- notably Howard Carnahan and Abner Ravenwood, who were Egyptologists of roughly a similar age.

So, it would make complete sense to me if, at some point, they were contracted to work on the same project. Whether or not they got along, whether or not they worked well together, is immaterial. The important part is that they both brought their daughters. Now, according to the wikis for the respective franchises, Evelyn (Carnahan) O'Connell was born in 1903, and Marion Ravenwood was born in 1909, and young girls, as Marion would've been, tend to heavily imprint on older girls especially when they're stuck together in a camping situation. And I think Evy, a perpetual baby sister, would've jumped at the chance to get to be the cool older sister type friend.

They would've corresponded after that.

In 1925, Marion writes to Evy about her father's dashing new student who she's fallen hopelessly in love with (and an equally passionate disavowal of the man only a few months later).

In 1926, Evy writes back to tell Marion that she's been part of an expedition to help recover the site of Hamunaptra (leaving out the magic, because that would be just a shade too far; adding the fact she may not have found much treasure but she did find a husband in the post script -- prompting many more questions from Marion).

They write each other about Evy's journey to respectability as an archaeologist and Egyptologist, and her impassioned arguments with another young archaeologist out of the University of Chicago, who Evy pointedly refused to name in any of her letters out of disrespect (the nature of their academic disagreements is simple -- Evy's seen magic with her own eyes and brings a layer of credulity to her interpretation of sites that Indy just cannot fathom. Well. Not yet, anyway).

They write when Alex was born, when Marion moves to Nepal.

In 1933, Evy writes her about the Oasis at Ahm Shere, but she leaves out the part where she died and was resurrected, and the part where the entire oasis was sucked into the afterlife afterwards.

(In 1935, Indy sees Magic in India, and he thinks briefly of his continuing journal publication feud with the British-Egyptian Egyptologist E. O'Connell, and then he locks this information away in a part of his brain he does not touch lest he go mad.)

In 1936, Marion writes her about the search for the Ark, about her father's old student -- a professor now himself -- coming back into her life. She mentions the pit of snakes, being entombed, and the deaths of the Nazi bastards. She doesn't mention the magic, the actual Ark of the Covenant saving their asses. It would sound crazy, after all.

In 1937, they see each other in person for the first time in over a decade by chance at the Cairo Museum. This is before the events of the Last Crusade, so for the moment, Marion and Indy are more-or-less together and more-or-less happy about it. Rick and Evy are there for their standard work reasons, delivering some recently excavated artefacts.

At first, everything goes fine. Evy and Marion recognise each other, and as nearly life-long penpals tend to do, take a moment to remember how to speak to each other in person, but then they're thrilled for the opportunity to do so. The four of them agree to get dinner together and it's at dinner while they're talking about their work that Indy makes the connection between E. O'Connell, academic rival, and Evelyn O'Connell, and Evy makes the connection that Marion's "Indy" is actually that very same Henry Jones Jr who Evy's wanted nothing more than to knock senseless with the Book of Life for over a decade.

In the ensuing loud argument that nearly gets them thrown from the restaurant and during which Rick and Marion decide they're best friends now, both Evy and Indy accidentally reveal their hands as regards magic, archaeology, and the realities therein. They part dinner as wary allies.

The academic detente lasts just until Marion writes Evy about the dissolution of her relationship with Indy and concurrent birth of their son, and then the rivalry's back on.

Frankly, all of them prefer it this way.

(As an additional aside, while he was serving in WWI, Jonathan Carnahan met and befriended {""befriended""} an Australian nurse, who had the mixed fortune to lose all of her father's titled cousins during the war and returned home as the Honourable Miss Phryne Fisher)

1,486 notes - Posted July 8, 2022

#4

I’m assuming that the only reason Christopher Eccleston hasn’t posted anything on Instagram yet is because he’s currently torn between leading a rousing pub cheer of celebration and also being rightly furious about the impending worsening economic problems

1,849 notes - Posted September 8, 2022

#3

I love when you’re plotting a story and you’re like “hm but how does this work out and why is it like this” and you mentally put it down for a second and then without warning the entire Lore of a whole story and world just drops into your head

2,861 notes - Posted April 27, 2022

#2

The contrast between the Byers siblings and the Wheeler siblings will never not be entertaining.

Because like, Jonathan’s all “I would totally give up the girl of my dreams to spend my time looking after my little brother who I love” and Nancy’s like “I would hunt Mike for sport unless someone else was trying to do it, and then I would kill them”

3,266 notes - Posted August 7, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

In other news Washington continues to be Washington

18,455 notes - Posted August 31, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[whimsicallyreading]

Part Four~

(Part Three)

Aelin loved Elide. She did. The tiny brunette was like a little sister to her.

But if she said Lorcan Salvaterre’s name one more time she was going to throttle her.

Aelin smiled through her annoyance, as Elide filled her in on her new boyfriend. They organized shelves, set up displays, cleaned couches, as she gushed on and on.

If it was anyone besides that walking, talking, ass, she would be thrilled for Elide. She didn’t go on dates often. After the car wreck when she’d lost her left leg, Elide became shy and timid with people she was unfamiliar with.

Aelin wanted to fill her in on what happened the night before. Tell her that exactly how her new boyfriend treated women when she wasn’t around, and the crowd he hung out with. She just- Aelin frowns and rubs the space between her eyebrows. She didn’t want to damper Elide’s happiness.

“He took me to this little restaurant on the Avery River last weekend. It was adorable,” Elide babbled as she rearranged the new releases. “He didn’t even blink when I told him I don’t drink and ordered a Shirley Temple.”

Aelin laughs. “Your ordered a Shirley Temple on a date?”

Elide blushes, “they look fancier than a soda.”

That was a lie. Elide just loved everything cherry flavored.

“Enough about me,” Aelin startled as the tiny girl turned on her. “Tell me how your night went!” Elide beamed. “You went to the rodeo with Aedion, right?”

She gasps as the realization strikes her. “Did you see Lorcan ride? I haven’t even seen him compete, yet! I’m so jealous.”

“Yeah, I saw him.” Aelin answers vaguely, hoping Elide would take the vague answer and carry on.

“He told me he came in second last night.” Elide frowns. “He was really unhappy about it, and I told him that second was great. I don’t think he believed me. Lorcan is such a perfectionist.”

Yeah. So perfect he does drugs with his crappy, friends in a dimly lit bar. Aelin shoves a book onto the shelf a little too aggressively.

“I wish he wasn’t so hard on himself. It’s such a competitive sport, though. His buddies ride as well, and I think that makes it worse. He wants to impress them.”

Aelin looks back, realizing she’d stacked over half the shelf by herself, and sees Elide sitting on the floor behind her. She had a far off look on her face, and her chin was rested on one knee while her prosthetic leg was stretched in front of her.

Taking a deep breath, she tries to swallow back the annoyance creeping up on her. “Elide.”

“It’s just, a lot of peer pressure you know?” Elide continues talking as if she hasn’t heard her. “Despite all of that and the drama, he still makes time for me. It’s honestly really sweet and-“

“Elide,” Aelin tries to catch her attention gently.

“I still haven’t met his friends yet. I’m not sure if it’s just too soon for that, but his best friend Rowan is coming over tomorrow and-“

“Elide,” Aelin bites our sharply, cutting the girl off mid sentence. “I’m glad to hear you are happy, and that your boyfriend gives a shit but can you please help me do the shelving like I pay you to do?”

Guilt. Instantaneous guilt as the younger girl wilts like a flower under a gale-force wind. “Sorry, Lin.” Elide whispers and scurries away, her cheeks reddening.

Shit. Aelin taps her head against the shelf in front of her. She felt like a piece of shit.

Aelin has been dealing with her issues for years, going to therapist after therapist, but she was still prone to bouts of anger and depression. She had it mostly under control, but sometimes it slipped from her. Being tired and skipping lunch hadn’t helped.

As Yrene always told her- “The first step in better mental health is taking care of your body” Something Aelin had never been good about.

Elide hadn’t deserved her ire, she would have to figure out a way to make it up to her. Aelin sighs in resignation, already knowing what she’d have to do.

Aelin finishes the shelves first, figuring Elide would need a minute to compose herself. Her phone dings with the reply to her text message.

Lysandra- Tonight at 6:00

“Elide?” she searches around the shop for her and finds her sitting behind the computer at the front desk.

“Yeah?” Elide replies, her voice is a little gravely and she refuses to meet Aelin’s eyes.

Aelin slinks behind the desk and wraps an arm around Elide’s shoulders. “I’m sorry I wasn’t kind.” She wouldn’t lie, she felt a bit like a toddler having to apologize for her short temper. A little embarrassment was better than an unhappy friend.

“It’s fine, Lin. I know I’m a little much to handle,” Elide still doesn’t look at her.

“No, it’s not okay, but I’m going to make it up to you,” Aelin smiles even if inside she’s cringing.

“Yeah?” Elide finally looks her in the eye, curiosity sparkling there.

“I texted Lys about the party she’s having tonight,” Aelin starts and Elide’s grow wide. “Would you want to go with me?”

“To a party? You hate parties,” she questions but Elide is already thrumming with excitement.

Aelin grabs Elide’s hand and squeezes. She doesn’t hate parties. Contrary, Aelin loves night out a little too much. That was her downfall. Now she was wary of them, but it didn’t mean she hated them.

“Really? You will go?” Elide smiles and stands up. “I’m so excited. Wow. Okay. I’ll go do with you.”

“Great, we can walk over together at five-thirty?” They lived the in the same apartment complex, it was easy for them to meet up and go places after work.

Elide is grinning ear to ear now as she hustles to finish up her chores for the day. “Sounds great. I’m so excited!”

Aelin is feeling a little upbeat herself. Even if parties weren’t really her scene anymore, attending would be fun. Elide being there would keep her from getting into any trouble, so what’s the harm?

She should know that’s the question that always goes before the fall.

~~~

Aeljn was feeling good.

She pulled on her slinky, green-velvet dress, and braided her hair into a crown like Aunt Marion used to do for her. Dressing up felt like armor to Aelin and she was a warrior who would turn heads tonight.

Elide has also done a great job dressing up. Billowing black pants and a silver singlet. She didn’t enjoy dressing up as much as Aelin, being the center of attention made her anxious, but she didn’t give herself enough credit. Elide was beautiful and Aelin would make sure her friend new that this evening.

Lysandra lived in a loft in downtown Rifthold. She was old money and Aelin was a frequent of her outrageous parties in highschool. Some of her most iconic teenage memories happened in Lysandra’s family home.

Not her proudest, but memorable for sure.

It was already in full swing when they arrived. Music played over Bluetooth speakers, various concoctions were passed around in red cups and people mingles and moved against one another in every open space.

Elide looked a little overwhelmed, but Aelin smiled at her reassuringly.

“Lin!” Lysandra appears from the crowd like a leopard from a jungle. She filings her arms around Aelin’s neck and kisses her cheek. “I’m so glad you are here!”

“It’s been too long since I’ve been to one of your get together,” Aelin wrapped her arms tightly around Lysandra.

“This is my friend Elide,” she gestures to the girl standing stiffly behind her. “Elide this is one of my oldest friends Lysandra. Possibly my soon to be sister-in-law.”

Aelin throws and wink at Lys who immediately retaliates with a pinch to her arm. “I love you and Aedion but I’m too young for that,” she scolds.

“Sure you are,” Aelin teases sliding back to Elide’s side and wrapping a comforting arm around her waist. “Those two are stupid in love don’t let her fool you,” she wiggles her fingers and Elide laughs.

“Stay right here, I’ll go get us some drinks.” Lysandra smiles and disappears into the crowd.

Almost as soon as she’s gone, there’s a tap on her shoulder. Turning around, absolute dread fills her gut. “I swear you all are stalking me,” Aelin moans.

Rowan Whitethorn is standing behind them, drink in hand and a scowl on his face. “What do you mean? This is the first time I’ve seen you since you ran out on me.” There’s an edge in his voice and Aelin knows he’s there for trouble. “I just thought I’d say hello and ask what the hell is wrong with you?”

“What the hell is wrong with me?” Aelin is indignant. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

“Um,” Elide stammers. “Should I give you two space?”

“I really liked you, and you stormed out on me.” Rowan growls lowly. “I don’t know what I did wrong? You humiliated me in front of my friends.”

Aelin throws her head back and laughs. A sense of satisfaction brews in her chest when she sees the forest fire beginning in his eyes. “I embarrassed you? Your friends treated me like shit.” She hisses between her teeth.

Rowan’s frown deepens into a near snarl, “I’m not responsible for what those idiots say.”

“You-“ she jabs a finger into his chest. “Stood bye and let them say it, that makes you implicit. If you respected me in the slightest my comfort and dignity would have mattered to you.”

Aelin makes to jab him again but his hand catches her wrist and she can’t control the flinch.

His eyes widen, but a body appears in between them. Elide Lochan stands like a solider in front of the man who is twice her size. “You don’t touch her.”

Rowan backed off a step, his voice raising. “She was prodding me-“ he stops himself and takes a breath, a crease forming in his forehead. “I’m sorry. I’ll back off.”

“What’s going on over here?” Lysandra’s voice cuts through the noise of the party. She doesn’t look happy.

“He put his hands on her,” Elide hisses and Rowan’s eyes go from anger to shock.

He holds up his hands and looks to Lysandra. “I didn’t. I swear.”

Lysandra stands next to Elide forming a wall between him and Aelin. As one of the few people who knew about Aelin’s drama of the last couple of years, the look of this situation boiled her blood.

“Lys, he didn’t-“ Aelin tries to douse the scene they were about to create.

Lysandra gives her a look that makes Aelin quiet. “I love you Lin, but I don’t trust your excuses.”

That hurt. Her heart feels like it was wrung in her chest. Aelin crosses her arms in front of her, suddenly feeling withdrawn from the situation.

Elide hasn’t broken her stare from Rowan. “You should probably leave.”

“What?” He flounders looking equal parts shocked and horrified. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare her. We know each other.”

“I agree,” Lysandra tilts her chin to the door. “You aren’t welcome here any longer.”

Rowan looks at her for help, and she feels bad for him. Aelin knows she touched him first, but Lysandra’s comment was like a cold knife in her side and she was still bleeding. She didn’t know what to do or say.

“Rowan? What’s going on?” Lorcan appears behind Rowan, placing a hand on his shoulder. Aelin knows the moment he sees Elide standing in front of her, because his face deflated.

“You know him?” Elide’s voice is cold.

Lorcan, a beast of a male, cowers in front of little Elide. His mouth gapes like a fish. He can’t deny her question, but affirming it seemed worse. “Ellie,” her name comes out strangled.

“These are your friends, Lorcan? The people you seem to be keeping me from?” Elide darkens further as she looks at Rowan. “I guess I understand why.”

“Both of you can leave, then.” Lysandra smiles maliciously.

“I’m sorry, Aelin.” Rowan rubs both of his hands across his face then through his hair. “Damn it, I didn’t mean for this to go like it did. I wanted to apologize.” He says mostly to himself.

“Elide. He’s my friend. I don’t know what’s going on-“ Lorcan scrambles to cover his ass, but Elide isn’t having it.

“This is Lysandra’s house.” Elide says so calmly it would have been kinder if she yelled. “She asked you to leave.”

Lorcan looks at her, absolutely fuming and Aelin knows he’s beyond pissed. “I don’t know what this lying bitch-“

A slap broke like thunder between them.

Lorcan holds his cheek as Aelin gapes at Elide in shock. There are no tears to be seen in the younger girls expression. Her shoulders are trembling, not with fear but anger.

“Let’s go.” Rowan chokes out. He grabs Lorcan’s shoulder and pulls him away from the trio of women.

Lysandra watches them like a predator until they clear her front door. Her tense shoulders only relax when they leave. She releases a breath and looks at Elide.

“You are hella cool, Ellie. You deserve something better than that piss-poor beer I brought.” She nods to the solo cups that had been abandoned on the table. “I’ve got better shit in my room. Let’s go.”

Elide looks follows Lysandra with an elated look on her face. Aelin smiles dimly, she could see them becoming fast friends. Elide would be a good addition to the group.

They pushed through the crowd, and up the stairs. Aelin wasn’t in the partying mood anymore, which was disappointing. She’d been looking forward to it, and so had Elide.

Shaking her head, Aelin decides she will take a small reprieve in Lysandra’s room then suggest they go back downstairs. Elide was only comfortable coming to a party because she was going to be with her. Now not only was her night ruined, but she was on the outs with Lorcan because of her.

The very least she could do was make sure the night ended on a good note for Elide. Lysandra would be totally willing to help Aelin get her to let loose.

When they reach the bedroom Lysandra stops the outside the door. “You can go in, Ellie. I need to talk to Aelin for just a second.”

Elide nods happily and shuffles inside.

“Lys,” Aelin starts before Lysandra can. “I’m fine. I promise.”

“You promised me before,” her voice is hard but not unloving. “Who was that Aelin?”

She doesn’t miss the use of her full name. “Just some guy I went out for drinks with one time. I honestly don’t even know him.” Aelin assures.

“Has he been bothering you? If he is I will castrate him and feed his own-“ Aelin covers her ears.

“No, no. We just bumped into each other, it was a misunderstanding,” Aelin swears. “Honestly, you didn’t need to kick him out.”

“Yes,” Lysandra hisses. “I did. You aren’t going through that again, Aelin. Not over my dead body.”

“I appreciate that you love me so much,” Aelin whispers, not wanting Elide to pick up on their conversation. “But I can take care of myself. I’m not broken, Lys. Just hurt.”

Lysandra groans sadly, her dark lashes fan against her cheeks as if she’s fighting tears back. Suddenly Lys is hugging her again, and Aelin sinks into her embrace like always.

“I know you aren’t broken. I’m sorry that I’m so fussy.” Aelin let’s her tuck itself into Lys shoulder, aware that she was a safe person to be open with.

After a moment they pull apart. “Please. Just be careful,” Lysandra pleads.

“Of course,” Aelin promises. “Thank you for always having my back.”

“Never again,” Lysandra reiterates, reaching out to grab her hand.

“Never again.” Aeljn squeezes it.

“Lysandra! Your cat is so cute!” Elide coos from behind the door. The tension is broken and the two of them look at the other and laugh.

“Let’s go.” Aelin says, and Lysandra holds the door for the both of them.

Never again would Aelin submit to a cruel man’s will.

Not even for a man like Rowan Whitethorn.

Part Two of the birthday mass update! Thank you guys so much for reading 💚

(Tag list- let me know if you would like to be added or removed? :D)

@charincharge

@westofmoon

@jorjy-jo

@classyclodranchparty

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@ashleymariegriffin

@wordsxstars

@sjmships

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@live-the-fangirl-life

[sassyhobbits]

everything i wanted (ONS oneshot)

here it is! the promised celebratory One Night Standards oneshot! I hope you all enjoy this. I know I had a fun time writing it! thank you all for the love and support for this story, also with your patience since i havent been able to get out as much writing as i would like like recently! <3

masterlist

~~~

Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius had never known that joy could come in the form of a person until she welcomed her daughter into the world.

Eliora was a new bright light in both Aelin and Rowan’s life, who brought them new levels of happiness with each passing day. Aelin couldn’t have been more blessed with her daughter. Eliora was a jubilant child, with wide, curious eyes that matched her mother’s and a sweet, gummy smile she flashed from time to time that made both of her parents positively melt.

Most importantly, Eliora was healthy. Although Aelin’s pregnancy had been rather easy, the birth was less so. It was something Aelin had prepared herself for, knowing her own mother had a difficult time giving birth as well. So, when Eliora was born perfectly healthy and Aelin healed from the tumultuous birthing process, both she and Rowan knew that some of the gods had been looking out for them.

That had been four months ago. Four months of raising their daughter, of getting used to being parents, no matter how exhausting it could be. Aelin wouldn’t change it for the world.

Aelin smiled down at her daughter as she wiggled on the bed below her, sticking a tiny fist into her mouth. She was getting her changed into a pale-blue dress that Lysandra had found and insisted it would look wonderful on Eliora. Aelin wasn’t even surprised that her friend had taken to styling her baby as well as the princess.

“Don’t you look so beautiful?” Aelin cooed, pinching Eliora’s little feet, making her flash a wide, toothless smile. Aelin laughed before grabbing a bow that matched her daughter’s dress, slipping in over her silvery-blonde hair that was getting thicker by the day. She looked positively adorable, perfect for the day.

The day of Lorcan and Elide’s wedding.

Aelin was so incredibly happy for Elide, that she had found love. Although Aelin and Lorcan had gotten off to a bit of a rocky start, once Aelin realized how much he truly cared for Elide, things had gotten easier between them.

And now they would be married.

Aelin had already prepared herself for the day, wearing a silky, pale-pink midi-dress that Lysandra had sent her way and a pair of sensible, strappy heels. She didn’t bother to do much with her hair, knowing the Eliora often managed to grab handfuls of it whenever it was in reach. Any efforts would have been quickly undone.

“Are you two nearly ready?” Rowan called from the conjoining sitting room, a good-natured sort of exasperation in his tone.

“Having a hot wife takes time, Rowan,” Aelin hollered back. “I wouldn’t be complaining if I was you.”

Although she couldn’t see him, Aelin could picture him scoffing out a tiny laugh and shaking his head. He wouldn’t want to be amused, but he would be anyway.

She heard footfalls coming her way, and soon enough Rowan walked through the threshold. Instantly, a bright smile lit his face, as it always did when he saw the two of them together.

“You look beautiful, Fireheart,” he said, coming to her side and pressing a quick kiss to her temple, a broad hand resting on the dip of her waist. He looked down at Eliora, and his face softened even further. “You both look beautiful.”

“I can’t get over how perfect she is,” Aelin commented, squeezing her daughter’s chubby thighs. “Every day, it just blows me away.”

“Me too.”

They stood there for a few moments, gazing down at their daughter as she looked wide-eyed up at the two of them. Aelin felt as though she could watch her for hours. But, she didn’t have the time for that today.

“I suppose we should get going,” Rowan sighed. “I think it would be bad form if we were late.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

Rowan leaned down and scooped Eliora into his arms. Aelin always loved the sight of her massive husband holding their tiny daughter. The first time he had held her, she had promptly broken into tears. Even now, seeing her family, always had her on the verge of crying once again.

But, she controlled herself. She didn’t want to ruin her makeup before the wedding.

The ceremony was being held at the palace out in the gardens. It was a perfect day for an outdoor wedding. The mid-spring air was warm and pleasant, the sky a brilliant blue with a few fat clouds floating across lethargically. The air smelled heavily of the sweet flowers blooming from every corner of the palace’s expansive gardens.

The wedding wasn’t a huge affair, kept mostly to friends and family. There were a few rows of white seats lined up before the altar that was situated beneath an arc of white roses. Some of the seats were already filled up. Aelin said hello to Elide’s parents. Her mother, Marion, apparently hadn’t been able to stop crying all day. Elide’s father, Cal, had been doing his best to console her throughout the morning, though Aelin could tell he was getting a little misty-eyed as well.

She and Rowan went towards their seats near the front, finding some of their companions already there. Lysandra’s face lit up in a comically large grin once she laid eyes on Eliora in Rowan’s arms, immediately standing and reaching out to take her. Lysandra’s own baby bump was just beginning to show, nothing more than a tiny swell under her green dress. Lysandra and Aedion had taken to commandeering Eliora from time to time, saying they wanted to give Rowan and Aelin some alone time. Aelin knew her cousin and his wife honestly just wanted some extra practice with babies before their own came.

“How are you, sweet girl?” Lysandra cooed, taking Eliora from Rowan and bouncing her on her hip. “Don’t you look so beautiful in the dress Auntie Lys got you?”

“She is the cutest baby in the world, isn’t she?” Aelin agreed, leaning into Rowan’s side.

“For now, at least.” Aedion shrugged before kissing the top of Eliora’s silver head and placing a hand on Lysandra’s stomach.  “At least until my kid gets her.”

Aelin gaped at her cousin. “Shut your traitorous mouth!”

Fenrys then arrived, clapping Rowan’s shoulder in greeting. He looked as if he were about to strike up a conversation before he laid eyes on Eliora being bounced in Lysandra’s arms. His attention was then instantly diverted. Aelin’s daughter was always quite popular when she was in a crowd.

Rowan’s arm wrapped around her shoulders, tucking her into his side. Aelin’s heart was full as she watched her friends and her daughters, took in their laughs and their smiles. What a wonderful family she had amassed in these years.

“What are you thinking about, Fireheart?” Rowan murmured.

“Just… how lucky we are to have all of this. How much I love them all… and love you.”

He smiled before leaning down and pressing a long, lingering kiss to her lips, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I love you too.”

Aelin would have liked to linger in the moment a bit longer, but they were interrupted by Fenrys’ obnoxiously loud laughter. He had managed to steal Eliora from Lysandra and slip his sunglasses on to her tiny face.

“Check out how cool she looks!” Fenrys announced with a bright laugh.

“Oh, no,” Aelin muttered, shaking her head. She quickly strode towards Fenrys, taking the sunglasses off of Eliora’s head and shoving them back over the lord’s eyes. “Get those tacky things off my daughter’s perfect face!” The princess took Eliora back firmly into her arms, the toddler releasing a stream of nonsense baby-babble, to which Aelin nodded seriously. “You’re right, sweet girl. Those frames are so last season.”

Fenrys gawked in offence, head swiveling towards those around them. “They are not last season! Rowan, tell her they’re not last season!”

Rowan didn’t even bother to respond, looking towards his friend dryly. Once Fenrys realized he wouldn’t be getting any support from the prince, he looked towards Lysandra and Aedion for backup. But, Lysandra could only shrug apologetically.

“Sorry, Fen. They are last season.”

Fenrys continued to sputter in protest while everyone else began to drift to their seats, the beginning of the ceremony nearing.

Aelin took a seat between Rowan and Lysandra, holding Eliora, who was taking in the sights around her, on her lap. The band settled into their position, taking their instruments from their cases. Aelin was more than excited to see Elide. She and Lysandra had helped her pick out her gown, but the effect of seeing her now, with her hair and make-up and veil, was sure to make Aelin cry.

“I can’t believe they’re getting married,” Aelin remarked.

Lysandra snorted softly. “I can’t believe Lorcan is taking Elide’s last name.”

“Hm… Lord Lorcan Lochan. It had a nice ring to it, right?”

They giggled amongst themselves, but their laughter faded once a towering figure appeared on the altar, followed by a heavily robed priestess. Aelin had to admit that Lorcan Salvaterre cleaned up well. His tux was cut to him perfectly, long, black hair shining as it fell down his back. The most striking difference was the lack of the scowl on his face.

“Did I look this nervous on our wedding day?” Rowan murmured into Aelin’s ear.

“Which one?” she asked absentmindedly, straightening the bow on Eliora’s head. “Our first one, worse. I could have sworn you were about to piss yourself.”

“And whose fault was that?”

“Your meddling cousins that didn’t give me time to respond after you decided to confess your love out of the blue on the night before the wedding.”

“Whatever you say, love.”

Eventually, Eliora appeared to grow tired of the view from Aelin’s lap, reaching out towards Rowan. Aelin handed her daughter to Rowan, who was very content to be held up against his chest. She was a true daddy’s girl and had Rowan wrapped around her little finger.

A few more minutes passed before a hush fell over the crowd and the musicians began to play. It was a serene, lilting song, and old Terrasenian lullaby. Aelin’s mother had sung it to her in her youth and now she sang it to her own daughter.

The crowd rose to their feet, looking down the aisle. Aelin already had a too-wide grin on her face, throat clogged up with tears she was trying to keep at bay. Rowan, ever the observant one, noticed and shifted Eliora into his left arm, freeing his other hand to hold Aelin’s tightly. She dared a glance at the altar, finding a surprising amount of emotion displayed on Lorcan’s face. He looked so, so happy, and so very in love. Aelin couldn’t imagine a better person for Elide. She knew Lorcan would love her until his last breath, would use every day in his life to make sure that Elide was happy and content.

Aelin looked back down the aisle just in time to catch the first glimpse of Elide.

She was a breathtaking bride. Elide wore a stunning gown with flowing, gossamer skirts and a bodice covered in delicate, lace flowers. The sleeves were long and gauzy, drooping from her pale shoulders and swaying in the spring breeze. Her hair was twisted up in an elegant coronet, white flowers tangled within her dark locks. Her veil drifted behind her, trailing her by a few feet. The tears sprung from Aelin’s eyes not long after that.

Elide's dark eyes, gleaming with unshed tears, were pinned on Lorcan. Aelin knew the grin she wore was solely for the man waiting for her at the altar.

Elide stepped closer to where Rowan and Aelin stood. The bride took her attention off her future husband for one moment to look towards her princess. Aelin only beamed through her tears, mouthing I love you.

Elide mouthed it back before her gaze caught on Eliora is Rowan’s arms, sending the baby a wide smile. Eliora took a break from sticking her tiny fist in her mouth to send a little smile of her own back.

Elide looked back down the aisle, back towards Lorcan and her future, and she did not falter.

The crowd all lowered themselves into their seats as Elide came to a stop before Lorcan.

Aelin rested her head against Rowan’s shoulder as the priestess began to speak, uttering ancient words that had been tying people together in Terrasen for centuries. She simply couldn’t get over how happy, how deeply in love, Lorcan and Elide were. Aelin was fairly certain the two were barely listening to the priestess, too absorbed in one another to be bothered with the rest of the world at the moment.

The time came for them to read their vows. They reached out, taking one another’s hands firmly. Elide went first. Even from where Aelin sat, she could see her friend swallow hard, no doubt trying to stop herself from crying.

“Lorcan,” Elide began, voice a bit wobbly with emotion. “I’ve never known how happy I could be until I met you. Everyday, you manage to show me new levels of bliss. Marrying you is a blessing I once hadn’t even known I needed. Now, I know I wouldn’t give you up, what we have, for the world. I love you with everything I am, Lorcan Salvaterre.”

Aelin swiped at the tears dribbling down her cheeks, Rowan wrapping his arm over her shoulder and tugging her closer to his body.

It seemed Lorcan needed a few moments to compose himself after Elide’s speech, chin tucked to his chest. He sucked down one more deep breath before facing the woman before him once more, dark brown eyes glimmering.

“Elide Lochan, you’re the love of my life,” he began. Aelin could tell how hard he was working to control his voice. “I truly don’t know what I did to deserve you. You are the brightest light in my life, the most wonderful thing to ever happen to me. I thank whatever god took pity on my miserable ass and let me walk into your life. I promise to do everything in my power to make you the happiest woman on the planet, to love and cherish you for the rest of my life. You… gods, I love you so much Elide.”

Aelin’s heart melted as she listened to Lorcan’s vows, eyes flickering up to Rowan. Even her normally stoic husband had misty eyes.

The priestess looked back and forth from Elide to Lorcan, a serene smile on her wrinkled face. She finished the ceremony, speaking the same words that had bound Rowan and Aelin three years ago.

“I’m honored to announce,” the priestess said grandly, “that under the eyes of the gods and of Terrasen, this man and woman are now wed!”

With that, Lorcan took Elide’s face into his hands and kissed her soundly. The cheers and applause erupted from the crowd, everyone rising to their feet once more for the newly-weds. Lorcan seemed reluctant to stop kissing his new wife, but he eventually pulled back and they faced their audience.

Aelin couldn’t be more excited to see where life would take the both of them.

…

The celebration following was still held in the gardens, no one wanting to put such a beautiful day to waste. They ate and drank and were happy, celebrating all the love that was in everyones’ lives.

As the day wore on, some people left, leaving only the closest of Aelin’s friends and family behind. They were scattered around a few tables, finishing off drinks and snacks as the sun began to set below the horizon.

Aelin was enjoying some girl time, finally finding some time alone with Elide and Lysandra. The boys were all sitting around together, drinking beers and entertaining Eliora.

Lysandra leaned back in her seat, absent-mindedly stroking the swell of her stomach. “I can’t believe we’re all married now.”

“All of us except for Fenrys,” Elide pointed out.

Aelin shrugged. “He’ll be hitched soon enough. He and Ress have been dating for like, four months now. They really like each other.” It was true. Everyone could tell they were already ridiculously in love with one another. Aelin was ecstatic to see two of her friends so happy with one another. They were so cute it was sickening. “I can’t believe we’re going to have another baby around here soon!”

Lysandra hummed and looked fondly at the little life growing inside of her. “It’s going to be hectic, but I’m so excited. I don’t know what all these boys are going to do with two babies to spoil.”

As one, all three of them looked towards where the boys were. Eliora has been passed from Aedion to Lorcan. He held the babe at his eye level, his normally grumpiness nowhere in sight, even as Eliora dragged her sticky hands down his face. He could only smile.

“Oh, gods,” Elide squeaked, face quickly screwing up as she began to cry.

“Elide, honey, what is it?” Lysandra asked, placing a hand on Elide’s thigh. “I know it’s so cute to see the boys with babies, and I certainly cried the first time Aedion held Eliora, but you’ve seen her and Lorcan together plenty of times and have never cried.”

“Oh, it’s just these damned hormones,” Elide sighed.

Aelin blinked, looking at her friend quizzically. She slowly raised a brow. “Hormones?”

Elide’s eyes flickered back and forth between Aelin and Lysandra, nibbling at her bottom lip for a few moments before she conceded. “I’m pregnant.”

“You’re what?!”

“Sh!” Elide hissed, casting a quick glance towards the boys, but none of them had noted the outburst. “I haven’t told anyone yet.”

“How long have you known?”

Elide smiled sheepishly. “Two days.”

“Oh, Ellie, you couldn’t have waited until today to find out?” Aelin asked melodramatically. “Now this was a shotgun wedding!”

The girls burst out in laughter, Elide’s wiping away the tears that had escaped from her eyes. She looked towards Lorcan once more.

“I just don’t know how to tell him!”

“There is no how,” Lysandra said. “Just tell him! Gods, go right now!”

“Really?”

“Yes!” cried Aelin and Lysandra in unison, making Elide laugh some more.

Elide sucked down a deep breath, but on a brave face, and pushed to her feet, eyes locked on her new husband. She gave a firm nod. “Alright. I’m going to tell him.”

Aelin and Lysandra clapped and cheered quietly as Elide strode purposefully over to Lorcan. She placed a soft hand on her husband's arm, muttering something to him that Aelin couldn’t hear from where she was sitting. Lorcan nodded, handing Eliora back over to Rowan, whose head immediately whipped towards Aelin as if to say, What did you two do?

Aelin only held her hands up in defense. Not my fault.

Aelin and Lysandra waited until Elide and led Lorcan a respectful distance away before making their way over to their husbands. They looked towards them in question.

“What’s happening?” Aedion asked.

“Elide’s telling Lorcan she's pregnant.”

“Elide’s pregnant?!” Fenrys gasped. “Shotgun wedding!”

"That's what I said!"

"Shh! You're being too loud!"

They quieted down, watching as Elide and Lorcan conversed. They saw Elide take Lorcan’s hand, giving it a tight squeeze before she rested it over the bodice of her gown, on her stomach. Lorcan blinked once, and Aelin saw him mouth, Pregnant? To which Elide nodded.

Lorcan beamed, sweeping Elide up in his arms and twirling her around. Everyone heard her bright laughter and she threw her arms over Lorcan’s shoulders and kissed him deeply.

Aelin joined with their other friends in clapping and cheering for the couple once again. Lorcan eventually put Elide back down on her feet, the pair looking towards the crowd with too-wide grins on their faces. Instantly, some of them headed over towards where the newlyweds stood to congratulate them properly, but Aelin hung back with Rowan.

“Three babies in the palace at once…” Rowan breathed heavily. “We’ll certainly never be bored.”

“Certainly not,” Aelin agreed, looking at Eliora in her husband’s arms, who released a mighty yawn. It seemed the day had thoroughly worn her out. Aelin stood on her toes, pressing a kiss to Rowan’s lips before doing the same to Eliora’s forehead. Her daughter looked to her with wide, sleepy eyes. “You're going to have so many new friends soon!”

Aelin looked over to her companions, watching as they all laughed and smiled and embraced. There was a warm fondness in her heart as she took in the sight.

Aelin took Eliora into her own arms, holding her against her chest. She kissed her daughter’s cheek again, simply because she could, before smiling. “You’re going to have such a wonderful family, too.”