#miles asteri

[aliferousdreamer]

here's a screencap dump of (some of) my favourite traitors uk season 2 moments to celebrate tonight's finale

[fuckyeahbananafreak]

miles was playing such a good game, he shouldn’t have volunteered to poison diane

[talesfromtheasterism]

Ghost Trains

Well… if in the spirit of tradition, it would be an honour to give back to Earthly custom. An Asteri ghost story, then. Barring matters of the Void, which feels lke cheating.

Consider the shuttletrains: autonomous constructs of crystal, borne of the Skyloom to ferry its dwelling humans across the dangers of its construction. Always, effortlessly, they know the destinations of all who board, and chart a perfect route between each. Sometimes I wonder if they are living things, in a sense. Maybe then they enjoy aiding fellow Lucidae? Or do they view themselves enslaved, unable to refuse?

Many of the Weave's settlements are at altitude, with views of the star-oceans. In moments of serenity, I sit and watch them coast across on their self-spun tracks of light. As I have for years. For decades. They move perfectly, as clockwork. They never falter.

Except once.

Once, I was the solitary witness to a shuttletrain, miles from my perch, bring itself to an end. Its rail-spinners switched off, and it plummeted into the aethereal matter of the seas. Were there discoveries waiting below the surface, I of any would know. So accept my authority that all awaiting it was death, and dissolution. They do not leave their stations without passengers. Men had died before me. And if the trains indeed hold thoughts and desires, it too.

Some track the trains' movements for sport. I hurried to their ears, with scrawled date and time and position, and they assured me no such path could have been taken. I took seconod opinions, and third. It was a brief obsession. Were there missing persons? No incidents appeared in appeals or obituaries. Where had it set off from? It fell at a crossroads of routes, untraceable. I questioned my senses, whether I had seen anything at all. But I was younger then. My eyes were true and trustworthy.

Years passed. The fallen shuttletrain had all but departed my memory. And then, I happened upon a new, disturbing puzzle piece.

It was night at a station hewn of the Ancient Arm, as I collected and organised my stock beneath the canopy and the platform's lanterns. A train sat dormant. Its lights seemed dimmed. Almost did its shimmering form sigh with resignation. But along came a passenger: a slight and devastated man, whose meagre steps were of an extinguished flame. He stood before a closed door, head bowed, until it slid slowly open to bid him passage. And as he boarded, slowly too was he sealed within.

I approached a nearby door at my end of the station, and it did not open. It was featureless, its reflectance diminished. It had taken the passenger it so wished, and glacially did it accelerate into the dark and quiet of the forest. Headed for the star-seas. Armed with a companion to their personal termini.

The shuttletrains take you where you wish to be. But what if it's nowhere?

⁂

Editor's Note: Happy Halloween.

[gccdstories]

She needed distance, she needed something of her own. How had her siblings become stronger through war?

How did they not feel raw and ripped apart?

She felt exposed, volatile and cut apart. She stared at the prince she'd bed, the one she'd convinced to take her to his bed.

Sweet, too kind for his own good.

If he'd been king she would have patiently watch him choke on her poisons.

But that was the Fae of doing things. Underhanded and invisible.

She was not one of them, she wasn't Asteri, Valg or something else.

She was her own chimeric thing, remade by war and violence.

Death clung to her.

And she wanted a seat at the damn table.

Her siblings had other things lined up, had thrones and power handed to them. They mated into families dripping with it.

She saw Devlon holding his hand out to her, or Haldnunen staring after her with wreckage.

They made her skin crawl, they wanted to own her, cage her.

No, she wanted to be the one caging another, holding them.

------

Her blade slid through the air, the King's head rolled, his mate lunged for her, but her blade sank through her chest. She kicked the body back down the steps of the dias.

She stared at their son, his eyes wide, his entire body pale.

They were the same age but he was too sheltered, too soft.

"Do you bend the knee or do you die with your parents?"

She'd studied the people, the kingdoms - the Valg made the most sense. They didn't want to love her, they didn't want to respect her - they'd kneel for fear alone.

She didn't want to be known, she didn't want to be loved.

She had none of that softness left. She didn't need to, Sarai and Sebastian were taken care of now. Temeluchus and Ctimene had their own lives now.

They all could be safe far from her black soul.

Her taint wouldn't touch them.

But these people?

She didn't care what she made of this kingdom.

They'd be hers or they'd die.

The male slowly sank to his knees, bending his head.

Silba strode toward him, her blade dripping with his parents blood.

"Would you kill me if I bent to you?"

He glanced up at her, there was no rage there. No anger, only a grim nod. He slid his eyes over her body.

"Or I'd keep you to warm my bed. Degrade you to nothing so you never think to rise again."

She smiled, discarding her sword and gripping his chin. Her teeth sharp as she smiled.

"Do you understand what you've become boy?"

To his credit he didn't become a pathetic winging thing. He didn't look away from her eyes and simply nodded.

"Better that than to die with them."

She let him go, taking her sword from a trembling maid. She mentally sneered - that would need to end.

"Then come, let my people hear how good you make your Queen feel."

@siderealxmelody

Laela stood at the cliffs, looking at the waters that rushed out for miles. As if she could see across the expanse of sea, to the kingdoms on the other side. The wind pulled at her dark hair, the black of her clothes whipping around her just as intensely, just as angry, as the boiling blood in her veins.

Like her look alone might be able to pierce the distance, to bring her to the kingdoms on the other side of that water. To bring her to those shores, to those walls, to those halls that she could remember from years ago--

The reports had come too late, and her brother was furious. Half of one of the smaller villages had been sacrificed to sate his thirst, his temper, after hearing of what had transpired across the sea. Of hearing that they had not been called, that the kingdoms had so completely fallen to outsiders in far, far too quick an attack.

That the rumors now, that was little information managed to drift out of the shadows and make its way across the seas to them on the other side, only increased his anger, his rage.

It even made Laela want to rip every stone down, to destroy a village of her own, as her sharp nails curled against her palm, as her pale skin shone in the moonlight, the wind only growing stronger in its frenzy.

❝ They said that you have been here for hours. ❞

Laela didn't even turn away from her vigil, didn't acknowledge Ava as she stepped from the shadows of the trees to join her at the edges of the cliffs. Fire sat deep in Ava's blood, but the darkness coiled around her just as easily. Perhaps that was why she'd found an affinity with Laela, and why Laela found it easiest not to hide anything from the witch, either.

❝ You've heard it all, so I'm not gonna repeat the trite 'there's nothing that you could've done' bullshit, Laela. ❞ The vampire princess scoffed, darkness coiling deep inside of her, ready to strike, to lash out--to tear down the enemy across the seas--

❝ I will make her pay for it. ❞

It was a vow. A vow Laela would see fulfilled, no matter what.

She would see the blood of her enemies, the blood of the villain who'd taken him from her--run through that kingdom's streets until the seas themselves ran red with it.

Until they ran so red that the blue never, ever returned.

~

It was months later that found Laela and Ava walking the streets of that far-off kingdom. Hoods pulled low, slipping down shadowed alleyways, avoiding outright notice (as much as possible). This city wasn't the same as it'd been all those many, many years ago, when Laela had been but a small girl.

She was sure it had changed a great deal in just the months since the monster had taken him from her, Laela's dark eyes burning with hatred as they immediately sought the palace's gates up ahead. Like her stare alone would be enough to tear each brick, each stone, down into dust.

Her brother did not know she'd come here. No one (other than Ava) knew of her plans, her desires, of the rage of vengeance that had bled inside of Laela since the night the news had first arrived on their shores, all those months ago.

Just as it was only Ava that Laela trusted to be at her side right now, as they both made their way closer to the secret entrance to the palace...

[lovelylostminds]

Asteria Cosmos Diamandis OC-Muse DCEU-Based.

Born out of a fallen star and seawater, Asteria is Poseidon's and Parthenope's(a Siren) last daughter before he perishes, defeating his nephew Aries alongside the Old Gods. With his last breath, Poseidon ordered his Hippocampus to take Asteria to safety- which eventually brought her to the Themyscira, where she grew up amongst the Amazonians and Diana.

Like the Amazonians, Asteria trained amongst them, learned about their ways, and grew to protect her family and the Themyscira. Asteria is adventurous, funny, and outgoing. Asteria enjoys being out in the sea, exploring the corals near Themyscira, and when it was her turn to leave Themyscira, Asteria became an Ocean biologist and ocean explorer. Asteria inherited some of her father’s powers and her mother’s due to being a hybrid; her abilities consist of the following:

Superhuman Strength: Possess strength drastically beyond what is naturally possible. 

Superhuman Durability: The muscle tissue, skin, and bones are incredibly resistant, allowing her to withstand potent attacks. 

Regenerative Healing Factor: Asteria can heal wounds at considerable superhuman rates. Unlike healing, regeneration is a process that happens unconsciously without the need for activation, in a constant state of optimal health. 

Superhuman Agility: Asteria can dodge projectiles that move several times faster than light due to physical abilities such as balance, motor coordination, reflexes, and speed.

Superhuman Stamina: Asteria can sustain herself without tiring to a high superhuman level. 

Superhuman Senses: Asteria can see thousands of miles away with immense resolution and see/track things too fast for the natural eye, hear through dense walls perfectly and listen to the most minor vibrations and noises from exceptionally far away places; she can smell anything over vast distances, taste the most minor details to the extend of distinguishing at a molecular level. 

Mind Control: Asteria can control others via her Siren voice. When she sings, she lures others to become submission and allows her to control them.

Enhanced Vision: Asteris can see in the darker environment of the sea; her eyes reflect all available light, giving them a distinct sheen in the darkness.

Aquatic Respiration: Due to being Poseidon’s daughter, Asteria can breathe both on land and underwater, allowing her to talk clearly underwater with others as if she was above water.

Hydrokinesis: Asteria can control and manipulate water by creating large water tides, draining water from others, and changing the water's temperature.

Hard-Water Constructs: Asteria can solidify water, creating spikes capable of piercing others.

Immortality: Asteria has lived for millennia without visibly aging, with her being roughly 5,000 years old or so. 

Asteria owns her father’s Hippocampus, which she befriended and used to travel the sea with. Asteria does not hold a Trident, unlike her father, since it now belongs to Aquaman. 

[tragcdysewn]

the entire time he'd been in lunathion, it had been on his mind, what would have happened if he'd been stationed there while danika still lived. obviously, he knows that, had danika lived, the chain of events that ended with him stationed in lunathion would never have occurred, but that's never stopped him from wondering. in his fondest fantasies, they managed to carve out something, still secret, but peaceful, and they were happy, but in his worst, he loses her anyways, their bond discovered by the wrong person, scented on him by fucking pollux or the like, and him being sent as far away from her as humanly possible. "she still would've tried to make my life a living hell, it just would've been sanctioned by you rather than her doing it on her own." he's sure that much is true, he probably would have bonded with hunt over the terror that their mates managed to ensue in them, both alone and together. "guess i can't." he mutters, once again the loss of the tattoo, that last gift she'd left him, bites at him, though it's a far less painful than it would have been had it not been her who'd said it. eventually, he'd have to get it reinked, both for sentiment and because, well, she was right. if it ever happened again, having something that specific to her would give him pause before he could do any harm to her or their group. "good." because if he loses them again, he's not going to recover, not with how much getting her back has felt like coming back into the sun after a hundred years locked underground. he can't lose that again. his grip on her tightens at the thought, resting his chin against the top of her head and holding her as close to him as humanly possible. "i know, i know, but when i heard what fucking happened..." hearing that danika and the entire pack had been reduced to shreds of flesh, hearing the security audio of her screaming for it all to stop, and having to keep a straight face through every second of it, never being allowed to mourn them for even a second in public, not being able to even so much as flinch as he listened to his mate scream in agony... it had taken a toll, and he'd been in a dark place in the months after her death. he'd only kept it together by focusing on the goals they'd left behind for him, working to tear down the asteri like she'd wanted to. "he probably would've, i definitely didn't have access to a godslayer, but that doesn't mean i don't fantasize about ripping his throat out with my teeth nightly." bax mutters. he would've lost that fight, micah would've eviscerated him the moment his shifted and opened his jaws. but it was a nice thought. "who do you think? fucking pollux. i don't think any of us came out with more than five percent of the skin we went in with. the bastard got a kick out of having me, hunt and the prince all right there for him to play with whenever he wanted." he let out a brief huff himself, pulling away just slightly to look at her. "remember ten seconds ago, when you said you wouldn't have wanted to me to go after micah? do you think i want you within twenty miles of fucking pollux, dani?"

she wasn't going to push for information, especially not with this. bax would explain when he was ready, and knowing how he worked, and just what the asteri were capable of.. she wasn't going to make him say it if he wasn't ready. honestly, danika wasn't entirely sure she wanted to know the full extent of what he endured. the retroactive guilt of not being able to save him, that she had been taken out long before he was ever in that position. "the universe just really knows how to throw a middle finger at me at every chance." she laughed without humor, that he had been reassigned after the fact.. though, had she been alive, there was always a chance that their bond would have become public, that the rest of his triarii would have known about them... that baxian's true allegiance would've become public knowledge long before either of them were ready for the fallout. it didn't matter now, none of it mattered here, but gods, it was hard to think that he was just a few short years away from being in lunathion with her. "just wish i had been the one to introduce you to bryce, i'm sure she would've been slightly more warm if i had.." though, she was sure bax would've still gotten the third degree from their friend, that they themself would have gotten it even worse but.. all the things they had missed because of micah continued to add them. "it's not for my ego, it's practical. can't deny having a tattoo in my handwriting if memories get all fucked up. gods, you're no fun." at least some humor was in her voice again, feeling slightly more at ease as they joked. "trust me, it's not in my grand plan." they added, having no desire to be put in that position again, to feel that pain.. once was enough. for once, danika is silent as their arms wrap around baxian, as she takes in his presence, and finally feels like she can breathe. emotions like this were not something they felt often, more times than not, they were happy to just laugh it off with a joke, to be completely unserious in the face of real seriousness.. but right now? burning solas, they couldn't stop the fucking tears from falling. "there's nothing you could have done. nothing any of us could have done.. i got too close-- i put all of us in danger." that guilt would never leave, she knew that. that because of her, the entire pack had died, that it wasn't just her that was put in danger because of her questioning. "don't hold onto that guilt, getting involved after the fact would've just put you in danger, he could've killed you." if micah had hurt bax in any way, if they saw his ass in the fucking afterlife, they would've killed him again herself. she nearly killed bryce, despite being proud as hel, for killing micah. the i love you's are not something danika says often, and in a way, she's almost glad for the distraction of the tattoo, to take away from the heaviness of those phrases. "the-- who the fuck tortured you." her nostrils flared, as anger grew in her tone, wanting to find a way back to midgard just to kick the shit out of anyone who laid a hand on baxian. "i should've fucking been there-- i should've stopped them.. if they ever show up here i'll kill them myself."

[luxmaeastra]

They shut the ring box the obsidian darker than it naturally should be. It wouldn't call any attention and fit with what he already wore - exactly as intended.

It slipped through the cracks in the wall and to the rooftop of Hewn staring up at the glowworm ceiling. It didn't turn feeling them from miles away. Of course, Hewn shook with his rage far before he'd deigned to appear.

"Hello Nyktos."

"You know that little stunt was futile right?"

He twirled the crude talisman in the shape of a eye eating its tail, an eye carved in the middle. A symbol Attes had made to bind it here and keep it here.

Its form shivered holding off from being called to it. It wanted to unform to become part of that lock and key again. It slowly looked to him, its lips pulled back revealing a yawning void.

"Naturally. Will you make me kneel for you?"

Nyktos stepped toward them hissing as the blade pressed into his throat. The Daimon had come just as they always would when it called for them.

Kertayan pushed him back snatching the tailsmen from his hand. Nyktos glared at him not budging, but not reaching for his blades.

"Someone will pay the price for its actions Vizier."

"Yes. I will."

Kertayan lowered his blade and dropped it. It turned away letting the other Daimons whisk it away. Nyktos stared down at Kertayan, the anger blazed harder than anything else in him. He'd liked Kertayan, had even respected and looked up to him once.

Perhaps it was power that broken that veneer. Perhaps it was how he'd let Kheto disappear. Nyktos leaned toward him gripping his collar.

"Your too good to be suffering for it."

Kertayan's lips twitched and he shrugged.

"I'd say my suffering would hurt it more than its own - but we both know that is a lie. Punish me Nyktos, get that anger out of you."

Nyktos closed his eyes winnowing them to Attes workshop. The older Asteri took his monocles off looking between them in silent question.

"For your study Attes."

Attes dragged his eyes to Kertayan.

"You could just give me Reshaye and -"

"No. Punish me, break me open but you will never have the Jeweled One."

--------

Viren leaned his head against the wall and pointed lazily at the small box on Keir's desk.

"Thank the gods you're back. I was growing bored drinking by myself. What's the box on your desk Keiri?"

--------

Reshaye looked to Umberlee and the charge at her side. They titled their head at the young thing. They felt Umberlee bow to it and slip out the room.

"Sarai. I am told I should meet you. Why?"

"A gift." Keir responded as he scribbled his notes upon the parchment before him, keeping track of how things were forming and changing. His gaze lifted from the page to to brother, an eyebrow rose.

"Is there a reason you are here? Let me guess, has Sarai ran off with someone and finally come to her senses?" He teased him.

--------

"Kertayan." The news had rippled through the court, Nyktos may have thought his actions were just and swift but they did nothing more than provoke. She may be his son's mate, but that did not she would overlook the treatment of those who were dear to her, friends who were in a way a family she had never known she had needed.

Sarai turned, the skirts of her dress moving with her as she moved and chewed at her nail. "I almost stormed that hacks domain, I wanted to tear them all a part. We can't leave him there, I know what he did to you. I have seen what has done to others. I'd rather slip in blood and let this continue."

[theladyofbloodshed]

Hey anon! I'm going to put this under a read more as it is enormous.

So the Asteri are in charge of Midgard essentially. They are super powerful and inhabit bodies, for example Rigelus inhabits a teenage boy's body. Their power comes from firstlight and secondlight which is the magic of others. When people make the Drop, the Asteri feed off that (firstlight) then when the souls pass through the gate to nothing, the Asteri feed off that (secondlight).

There are theories that the Blood Rite is tied to the passing of the secondlight too as it has "holy stars" above it during the Rite - could these be previous Asteri.

Bryce discovers in CC2 that the Asteri came from another world. They have travelled the universe going from world to world devouring all the "energy" there. They've kept records e.g. if the planet was too inhospitable. They also once travelled to Hel but the demons there fought against the Asteri and they had to flee. One demon, the Star-Eater, did kill one of the Asteri, Sirius. Some of the princes of Hel have been in contact with Bryce to warn them and say they'll fight alongside Midgardians.

There's a theory that Hunt's father is one of the princes (I'm going with Apollion, the Star-Eater) as he is in tune with demons and at the end of CC they talk about his father and his real name being Orion. However, lots of the Asteri have names relating to stars, Orion is a star, as well as Asteri being star in Greek, so who knows! Ironic to name your son after a star if your own nickname is Star-Eater. But, the Asteri that he killed was Sirius, a female, so I do wonder if she is actually Hunt's mother and he's an Asteri/Demon hybrid hence why he's so powerful.

Further, his father could be Rigelus as the brightest stars in the Orion constellation are Rigel and Betelgeuse.

Equally, Aidas speaks to Jesiba about Hunt's father in the past tense which makes me think he is dead.

I think Athalar's father would have been proud. [...] Feel free to disagree of course, you knew the male best.

It is believed that the Asteri are actually the Daglan mentioned by Rhys in ACOSF, just with a different name. The Daglan were expulsed by the first high king, Fionn using Gwydion. He was later killed/betrayed by his wife and general.

It's getting complicated now.

During a crossing between worlds through the Northern Rift, Queen Theia came to Midgard. I can't remember if it's explained why they travel there unless they kill Fionn and are like "okay, gotta go!" or if the Asteri lured them there. I believe these fae were also from the mystery Dusk Court. It is believed that Theia was Fionn's wife. She is the one with starborn power.

If it's any interest to you, your Starborn bloodline specifically hailed from a small isle a few miles from the mainland. And while the mainland had all manner of climes, the isle existed in beautiful, near-perfect twilight. Rigelus to Bryce in CC2.

It is also thought the Prison is the remnant of the Dusk Court as it has the eight-pointed star (where Nesta found the Harp) and that is the starborn symbol. She saw people trapped there, and it might have happened during the crossing when the Horn was used.

Further, it is mentioned that some of the Asteri's siblings were trapped near access gates. Who are super powerful beings in Prythian? Stryga, Koschei and the Bone Carver. All three of them were essentially trapped in their areas.

Her daughter, Helena, married Pelias, her mother's general. IIRC, he forced her into marriage so he could be a prince and r*pes her to bear children.

There is another unnamed daughter (who I believe is the clever fae female the Bone Carver talks of and says a trace of her line exists in mortals, aka the Archerons) who remained/returned to Prythian. Others think she returned to Prythian and that's where starborn powers come from. It would also make sense that, if Rhys is one of her descendants, that is why his blood can open the Prison - because it was Queen Theia's territory before.

Anyway

Pelias then fights for the Asteri (can't remember why he switches side unless it's to gain more) and wielded the Horn as a weapon during a fight against demons and it was forged in "the old world" which is likely Prythian and one of the Dread Trove items - which was why Nesta couldn't see it in her vision. At some point, Pelias kills Theia in Midgard - I can't remember if it's ever explained why. Apollion kills Pelias but just before he dies, Pelias uses the Horn a final time to banish the demons and seal the worlds.

Aidas, the Prince of Hel who resides on the fifth level and takes the form of a cat, may also be the cat-like presence that exists on the fifth level of the library that Nesta and Gwyn feel. However, something might have happened with Aidas and Theia in CC; he tells Jesiba

I shall never forget the exact shine and hue of Theia's light. It is still a song in my blood.

So often, SJM uses language relating to music and song for mates - it could be Theia was mates with Prince Aidas. That's why he's irate Pelias killed her and stole her sword. He says Ruhn has Pelias' craven blood in his body. I honestly don't put it past SJM to do something weird/gross and make him and Nesta a thing if she's one of Theia's descendants.

I'm going off on a tangent.

Okay, so the Asteri dabbled in creating things. All of the vanir in Midgard are actually descendants of fae - all of the shifters etc (I'm presuming also the vampires). They created the Illyrians, Seraphim, and Peregyns (all winged beings) in Prythian then the Malakim in Lunathon. Whilst the others have feathered wings, Illyrians have black, leathery wings which are synonymous with demons from religious texts, so there is a theory the Illyrians were created from demons and fae.

Our people, who built fearsome warriors in that world to be their army. All of them prototypes for the angels in this one. -CC2

However, the Illyrians worked with the Prythian fae to drive the Daglan out of Prythian so were left in Prythian. Enalius was alive then and prevented them reaching the top of Ramiel.

Our forces were battered and outnumbered, and for some reason, the enemy was desperate to reach the stone at the top of Ramiel. We were never taught the reason why; I think it's been forgotten. But a young Illyrian warrior named Enalius held the line against the enemy. - Emery in ACOSF

There are also ties to Throne of Glass - for example, the Valg and Wrydstones/Wrydkeys. If all vanir came from Prythian, perhaps the same happened in ToG.

Danika Fendyr, a wolf shifter, sounds similar to Fenrys who also shifts into a wolf. Fenrys can also winnow and I think he's the only one who can in that world. Lorcan's powers are Hellas blessed and he has dark shadows. Dorian has raw magic which the Asteri would love to eat up.

I would also suggest looking at @yazthebookish hosab spoilers/theories

I hope you understood all that rambling - but it would probably be easier if you did do a re-read of CC1 then onto CC2. This is how I felt writing all of that.

[yazthebookish]

I'm wondering what's the ACOTAR or TOG equivalent of Thunderbirds.

Hunt's main element is lightning but Thunderbirds don't only can electrocute their enemies, they absorb firstlights and harness them.

Firstlights and secondlights are basically the same in a way and they're raw unfiltered magic in the form of undiluted pure light.

But as they did, a mighty white light soared beneath the surface. It wrapped its long arms around the nearest Omega.

Energy of any type was hers to command, to suck into herself. Her kind had been hunted to extinction by the Asteri centuries ago because of that mighty, unconquerable gift—or so it had seemed.

Closer now, the light swept beneath the surface for the third boat, and even with the distance, Pippa could see the core of long, bright white tendrils streaming from it—like wings.

But the white light slammed into the Omega, miles’ worth of firstlight sending the final ship spiraling into a watery abyss.

The Asteri fed on firstlight. The Asteri … needed firstlight. She looked at her feet, where light flowed in veins through the crystal before funneling into the pipes. The quartz.

All the Drops people made, the secondlight the dead handed over … All the power of the people of Midgard, the power the people gave them … it was gobbled up by the Asteri and used against its citizens. To control them.

Danika was very intrigued by Sofie and her powers. But Sofie, you see, had a theory, too. About energy. What her thunderbird gifts sensed while using firstlight.

If we think in terms of characters from all the series, the only character we know of that has raw magic is Dorian Havilliard. But Dorian's magic can harness different elemental magic, I'm not sure if he can absorb firstlights/secondlight like Sofie.

It's almost as if Thunderbirds are the most powerful beings and the biggest threat to the Asteri. I'm pretty sure there is more we will learn about them in future books because there are some mysteries surrounding their origins and powers.

[moon--mama]

I think you’re right about Bryce’s line coming from the Prison island. Evidence is spread across both series.

When I first read the quote below in CC2, I assumed they meant that Bryce’s line was from an island of Midgard. But I think the island they’re referring to is actually in Prythian, not the Avallen island.

CC2:

“Not your kind of Fae, of course—your breed dwelled in a lovely, verdant land, rich with magic. If it’s of any interest to you, your Starborn bloodline specifically hailed from a small isle a few miles from the mainland. And while the mainland had all manner of climes, the isle existed in beautiful, near-permanent twilight. But only a select few in the entirety of your world could shift from their humanoid forms to animal ones.”

Yes, the prison island is miles from the mainland.

ACOMAF:

“On an island in the heart of the Western Isles,” Rhysand said, staring up at the mammoth mountain.”

This makes me think that they are definitely talking about the night court. There is a dawn court, day court, and night court, so it would make sense that dusk’s court is nearby. The only argument I have against the existence of a dusk court is that it would unbalance the 7 kingdoms. Seven seems to be a “holy” number—unless that was brainwashed into common memory by the Asteri.

ACOTAR:

“Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Dawn, Day, and Night,” it mused, as if I hadn’t even answered. “The seven Courts of Prythian, each ruled by a High Lord, all of them deadly in their own way. They are not merely powerful—they are Power.”

The select few that can shapeshift in Prythian are the High Lords…the Fae Plus, if you will.

ACOTAR:

“What sort of powers do you have? Can you shape-shift like Tamlin?”

He sighed, looking skyward before he studied me warily, that metal eye narrowing with unnerving focus. “Trying to figure out my weaknesses so you can—” I glowered at him. “Fine. No, I can’t shape-shift. Only Tam can.”

ACOWAR:

“The face … it was those creatures that had been carved into the rock of the Court of Nightmares. That made up his throne. The throne not only a representation of his power … but of what lurked within. And with the wings …

Hybern soldiers began fleeing.

Helion beheld what happened and ran, too—but toward Rhys.

Shifting as well.

If Rhys was a flying terror crafted from shadows and cold moonlight, Helion was his daytime equivalent.

Gold feathers and shredding claws and feathered wings—

Together, my mate and the High Lord of Day unleashed themselves upon Hybern.”

One more loose end:

“According to legend, the pegasuses had come from the island the Prison sat upon—had once fed in fair meadows that had long given way to moss and mist. Perhaps that was part of the decline: their homeland had vanished, and whatever had sustained them there was no longer.”

If Helion’s Pegasus are going to survive as a species, they need their homeland back. Think of the cycle of the solar calendar: night-dawn-day-dusk. Without the dusk court, Helion is the broken link in the cycle. It makes sense that his Pegasuses are unable to breed or sustain themselves. Plus…

“The seven pegasus pairs that remained”

That number seven appears again. Referring to the seven asteri, or the “holy” number? Maybe it’s meant to indicate that the Pegasus herd is fated to die out. But maybe it’s there to make us look closer and realize that this herd isn’t just some fluff filling the pages.

And…

“This one is a unicorn-pegasus.” She stroked the lilac mane. “Jelly Jubilee.”

We cannot forget that Bryce has an obsession with Pegasus. There’s no mention of real Pegasus in Midgard, but they definitely exist in Prythian. Hopefully Bryce will meet a real life Jelly Jubilee in CC3! Our girl deserves some joy and healing.

Bryce Quinlan's true home: A compilation of all the evidence.

[ACOTAR, CC and slight TOG spoilers!]

It seems that the consensus among fans is that Bryce will return back to Midgard at the end of CC3, and that most of the story will be wrapped up. On the contrary, I think it's just getting started, and instead believe that:

Bryce Quinlan's true home is Prythian. She will be the Starborn Queen, and ruler of the Dusk Court.

And not just Bryce. I think Hunt, Ruhn and everyone else will be joining her too... because (to put it bluntly).. Midgard is fucked.

Allow me to go through the evidence.

Bryce is repeatedly connected to dusk.

One of the first thing Hunt notices about Bryce is that her scent is of the "first stars at nightfall." Nightfall is another word for dusk. SJM often uses scent to foreshadow a character's home (ie. Rowan of TOG smelling like Terrasen, and Rhys smelling like Velaris).

Bryce has been obsessed with Pegasus dolls since book 1. It's then no coincidence that the Pegasus's in Prythian came from the Prison Island... where the Dusk Court (most likely) used to be. (And... think about that Pegasus doll that SJM included in the CC3 reveal video...)

Bryce often has her nails painted in "twilight" colours (another word for dusk), and even her damn nipples are described as "dusk pink" (lmfao).

"Dusk's Truth" seems to be of great importance, and I'm willing to bet that everything Danika did - from giving Bryce the Horn, to even her own death - was so that Bryce could escape Midgard and reach Prythian and the Dusk Court. Recall Baxian's words; that Danika was searching for a way into a new world - one without the Asteri.

The home of the Starborn fae isn't Midgard, it's Prythian - the Dusk Court. Bryce Quinlan is heir to the Starborn fae. She is Queen Theia's descendant.

Bryce is also connected to Prythian.

The star on Bryce's chest is a "beacon" for Prythian, and glows for people who also originate from the ACOTAR world (I don't think people understand how big a deal this is...). If Bryce returns to Midgard permanently, then she'll forever wear a star on her chest that glows for another world.

Bryce is the Horn. If you subscribe to the theory that the Horn is the 4th Dread Trove item, with the other 3 being in Prythian, then she is obviously needed there - especially when ACOSF hinted that all 4 items joined together allows for something big to happen...

The prophecy about the knife and the sword suggests that the ACOTAR and CC fae are going to be reunited. Bryce owns this prophetic sword - she has a big part to play (one that surely can't be fulfilled if Bryce just pops into Prythian for a quick visit, and then leaves again... and really, what would be the point of that?)

Foreshadowing that Bryce will be a queen.

It is repeatedly stated that Bryce bears the exact light of the Starborn Queen.

Bryce's name in Hunt's phone is 'Bryce Is a Queen.'

Hunt himself often remarks on Bryce's queenly demeanour:

And in CC2, Hunt again thinks to himself that the 'princess' title isn't enough for Bryce... that she is something more...

Then in the final CC2 chapters, we see Ruhn pleading with Bryce to become Queen:

To which Cormac agrees, and then says that the future of their people moving forward, all depends upon Bryce...

And most importantly, Ruhn's last words to Bryce: "Long live the Queen."

And now that I'm thinking about it, it is repeatedly stated that Hel's armies strike at Bryce's command. The entirety of Hel... await Bryce's orders. As if she too is their Queen. (It won't surprise me if the Dusk Court is strongly intertwined with Hel, there's SO much evidence... but that's for another post).

Other characters and their connection to Prythian.

Bryce isn't the only one with ties to Prythian. We also have:

Ruhn and Rhys looking identical.

The Asteri originating from Prythian, and making clear that their true goal is to go back there to get revenge (so the plot is likely to follow in this direction...)

The Princes of Hel are connected to Prythian: the Illyrian's and Hel's armies have the same wings, we have a "Lord Thanatos" in the Hewn City, the 7 layers of the library, that "cat presence" watching...

When Bryce is taken to the town house in Prythian, she remarks that the interior decorating is the same as Jesiba's and the Autumn King's - they are both likely from Prythian.

The Bone Carver drew three interlocking circles in the sand, which is the exact symbol of Parthos (and the symbol of Bryce's Archesian amulet). The Bone Carver's brother is Koschei (the upcoming ACOTAR antagonist) - he is also likely connected to Parthos.

The Under-King is described exactly like The Suriel (they're likely the same species). Bryce's star even glows for the Under-King, which tells us he is from Prythian.

Bryce's star also glows for Cormac and the Avallen fae; they're likely from Prythian also (and the Dusk Court). In fact, one of the first thing Bryce notices when she lands in Prythian, is that everyone is wearing the same clothes as the Avallen fae.

The Thunderbirds (and likely Hunt) were connected to "Dusk's Truth." (So, Bryce ending up in Prythian isn't just about the Bryce x Azriel theory...).

And this leads me to my most controversial opinion of all: although unbeknownst to readers, Crescent City is an ACOTAR spin-off series. That's not to say it can't stand on it's own, or that is has lesser value - but rather that almost all characters have ties back to the ACOTAR world - and this is surely not a coincidence.

I truly believe that SJM is planning a full multiverse crossover series between all 3 of her worlds, and CC was the series needed to bridge ACOTAR and TOG together. But, more on this later...

We don't want the characters staying in Midgard. They need to get out.

Midgard is entirely different to the ACOTAR and TOG worlds. The Asteri entered Midgard, absolutely obliterated everyone and everything, and then built their own world from the ground up. Every building, road, every inch of this world - was created and orchestrated by the Asteri. Their power and influence is absolute. Bryce realises this too:

We see the death camps in Kavalla... but I would argue that the whole of Midgard is one giant death camp. Any sense of freedom... is an illusion.

And because the Asteri control everything, they see everything, and know everything. I can't see how any of the CC characters will overthrow the Asteri in Midgard (I mean, they get close to Rigelus at the end of CC2, and Bryce has to world jump to escape, and Hunt and Ruhn are facing slavery, or worse. And yet we're to believe that SIX Asteri will be defeated in one book...?)

However, if this is all part of a larger scheme, where a multiverse book series in the works, and ACOTAR, TOG, and CC characters will rally together to defeat the Asteri (TOG Spoilers - as well as Orcus and Mantyx... they're still out there, don't forget), then maybe there's a chance.

And, let's not also forget that Bryce bargained away her resting place to the Under-King. If Bryce dies in Midgard... she's screwed. She has no chance of reincarnation, or eternal peace, or... whatever happens after death. But, if she dies in Prythian, it's a different story...

Midgard is doomed.

Following the final chapters of CC2, it is clear that Midgard is heading towards imminent destruction.

We know that Bryce has been thrown into another world. Ruhn is in the Asteri dungeons, his future uncertain. Cormac was killed. Do we really think the two fae kings; the Autumn King, and The Avallen King, are just going to sit back and accept this? Let the Asteri murder and torture their children?

We also know that the leader of the human rebels, Pippa Spetsos, was killed. I can't think of anything that would enrage the rebels more (and their mech suits, the synth - everything they've been brewing, feels like it's reaching its climax...)

Then we have Apollion mentioning that the 'Northern Rift' is groaning, and that he senses war approaching. (And for what it's worth, I'm not sure I trust Apollion...)

Lastly, we are still yet to see the consequences of Tharion's actions, and the River Queen's wrath. It is stated multiple times that the River Queen has the power to flood Lunathion if she wished, and I can't help but feel that is relevant.

The flooding of Midgard.

When reading CC1 and CC2, did you happen to notice the sheer amount of times it is raining?

SJM even makes a point to tell readers that there is record rainfall... (and thank you to @/highladyfeyre on TT for her theory on this!)

Then, in Throne of Glass, Aelin falls through the worlds, and sees the ACOTAR world and the Crescent City world. However, she also sees a world entirely covered in water.

Linking to this, in ACOSF, Merrill explains that all of the worlds are stacked on top of each other, even sharing the same space - but what separates them is TIME. Again going back to TOG where Aelin falls through the worlds, it says this; "She was falling. Falling and being thrown. The Wyrdgate sealed behind her, and yet she was not home. As it closed, ALL WORLDS OVERLAPPED. And she now fell through them."

If the worlds are separated by time, then it can be argued that Aelin wasn't looking at separate planets - she was looking at the same world, throughout differing time periods (more evidence for this here). Meaning, the world covered in water... is still yet to happen.

And following CC3, what is the final Crescent City book to be called...?

House of Many Waters.

The Multiverse series.

You might be thinking - what the hell is the point of Midgard flooding?

Well, the 'flooding of Midgard' is a key event in Norse Mythology, and signals the arrival of Ragnarok (a huge war across all of the worlds, that resulted in the end of life as they know it).

Another term for Ragnarok, is "Twilight of the Gods."

The same name as Sarah's WIP book series... one that she appeared to draft at the same time as Crescent City...

Twilight is another word for DUSK. It all just fits too perfectly to be a coincidence.

Thus, I wholeheartedly believe that CC3 and CC4, as well as the final ACOTAR books, are the precursors to SJM's endgame series - Twilight of the Gods. Where the ACOTAR, CC and TOG characters will unite for a universal war, in order to stop the end of the world.

"But SJM said ACOTAR and CC will be standalone!"

Firstly, with all due respect to SJM, her word in interviews is not always gospel. She is known to deceive fans in interviews; for example, in 2020, SJM said a multiverse crossover would never happen, and in her most recent interview, she revealed that she has actually been planning the crossover for years. I'm not suggesting SJM has malicious intent, if anything, it's the opposite - she does not want to spoil the books for us.

Secondly, SJM never confirmed that ACOTAR and CC are both entirely standalone reads (if they were, she'd never go forth with the crossover). Instead, she said that you don't need to read ACOTAR to understand CC3. That makes sense, and to me just means that she is going to include extra contextual information to help out those fans who are indeed standalone readers (which won't be hard, because Bryce will be learning everything about Prythian for the first time too).

But the most important point is this - the multiverse crossover changes everything, and 100% changes the ACOTAR world as well.

As proof of this, consider Rhys. He has been studying the universe intently for years now. He even built his own orrery - his own map of the universe. As of CC2, he has just met a girl from another world. This girl will almost certainly be telling him about the Asteri, and that their true goal is to go back to Prythian - Rhys's home - and exact revenge.

So, do you really think that Rhys will learn about the existence of other worlds, the existence of the Asteri (who actively want to hurt his loved ones), and then just.. forget about it in future books? Send Bryce back to Midgard alone, simply wishing her well, and then going back to his ordinary life? No.

Elain's book.

As even further proof of this, consider that Elain's story will be the centre of the next ACOTAR book.

In ACOSF, we are told that there are three prominent mountains in Prythian, known as the "three sister peaks." The mountain where 'Under the Mountain' took place (and where Amarantha held people captive), Ramiel, and the mountain of the Prison Island.

Feyre conquered the first mountain; when she defeated Amarantha.

Nesta conquered Ramiel.

Which leaves the third mountain, the Prison Island mountain, to the third sister... Elain.

And what is the Prison Island most likely to be....? The Dusk Court.

I'm willing to bet that Elain's story intertwines heavily with Crescent City also.

That all of this... is so much bigger than we can imagine.

[balladofbells]

Sjm teleportation/Winnowing talk

(Major House of Sky and Breath Spoilers/ + Readers who have completed/gotten through certain aspects in Hosab will understand)

•

In the Crescent City books, Teleportation in CC is only an ability among the Starborn.

“It was once a gift of the Starborn. It was the reason I became so … focused on attaining the Starsword. I thought my ability to teleport meant that the bloodline had resurfaced in me, as I’ve never met anyone else who can do it.”

House of Sky and Breath, Cormac

Various characters in Prythian (Acotar), can teleport, also known as winnowing in their world. E.g of known Acotar characters that have the ability:

Rhys

Eris Vanserra

Morrigan

Feyre Archeron (only short distances)

Lucien Vanserra

The High Lords (all high lords can winnow)

The Mortal queens (ability granted to them by the Fae after the signing of the Treaty, it only works in the presence of several of them)

Rhys’s Father

Dagdan

+ If any Acotar readers are confused, Azriel is also able to teleport to different areas, however, this is because of his abilities as a shadowsinger rather than the ability to winnow.

So, Characters from all seven courts in Prythain can winnow, it isn’t tied to one court.

It’s unconfirmed @ the near end of Hosab that The Starborn and perhaps cc fae’s home world is Prythian but it’s with a certainty that they’re home world actually is Prythian from the description Rigelus, one of the Asteri gave to Bryce.

“Not your kind of Fae, of course—your breed dwelled in a lovely, verdant land, rich with magic. If it’s of any interest to you, your Starborn bloodline specifically hailed from a small isle a few miles from the mainland. And while the mainland had all manner of climes, the isle existed in beautiful, near-permanent twilight.”

House of Sky and Breath, Rigelus

If that’s true, the Starborn, Bryce’s bloodline, hailed from Prythian. Some (you’ll get this later in the post) Animal shifters/unconfirmed homeworld Angels aren’t from Prythian. They cannot teleport/winnow, as far as I know like Cormac, a Non-shifter fae prince, and Bryce + Ruhn. (Ruhn does not teleport in any of the cc novels)

Now cc animal shifter information:

“Rigelus chuckled again. “We shall get to that in a moment.” He went on, “Danika realized that the shifters are Fae.”

“But only a select few in the entirety of your world could shift from their humanoid forms to animal ones. The Midgard shifters were Fae from a different planet. All the Fae in that world shared their form with an animal. The mer descended from them, too. Perhaps they once shared a world with your breed of Fae, but they had been alone on their planet for long enough to develop their own gifts.”

More of what Rigelus informed Bryce of @ the near end of Hosab

A rare amount of known characters or also known as shape shifting magic users can shift into some sort of animal form in Prythian.

E.g

Tamlin, takes form of some sort of beast

Rhys, same as Tamlin, a sort of beast

Andres, wolf form

+ Certain that the entirety of the high lords have an animal form

So maybe a rarity who shift can teleport in Midguard or maybe it’s only a non-shifting fae thing as It’s not said in any of the cc books.

But the whole point of this post was that winnowing/Teleportation hailed from beings in Prythian (acotar)

[anonymous-20-16]

Bryce fights with her father bcos he changed her name

------

A ripple of fire, of pure power, shuddered through the building. Silence flowed in its wake, the usual background noise halting.

had barely hung up when the Autumn King walked in.

“Trash gets dumped in the back,” she said without looking up.

“I see your irreverence has not been altered by your new immortality.”

Bryce lifted her head. This wasn’t how she wanted to start her day. She’d already spent her walk to work with Ruhn, needing him to explain to her twice about the plan to have Queen Hypaxia escorted by Ithan and the dragon in exchange for the witch-queen contacting Connor’s spirit on the equinox. She’d been slightly nauseated at that, but had grunted her approval before she left him on the street, telling him to give Hypaxia her number in case she needed anything. A few minutes later, Ruhn had forwarded the queen’s contact information.

Her father sniffed her. “Would you like to explain to me why you have mated with Athalar, when you are betrothed to a Fae Prince?”

“Because he’s my mate?”

“I didn’t know half-breeds could have such things.”

She bared her teeth. “Real classy.”

Fire filled his eyes. “Did you not consider that I arranged for your union with Cormac out of your best interests? The interests of your offspring?”

“You mean your best interests. As if I’d ever let you within a hundred miles of any child of mine.”

“Cormac is powerful, his household strong. I want you in Avallen because it is a safehold. Even the Asteri cannot pierce its mists without permission, so old is the magic that guards it.”

Bryce stilled. “You’re full of shit.”

“Am I? Did you not kill an Archangel this spring? Are you not now at the mercy of the Asteri? Are demons not once more creeping through the Northern Rift—in greater numbers than ever before?”

“Like you give a single fuck about my safety.”

Flame rippled around him, then vanished. “I am your father, whether you like it or not.”

“You didn’t seem to care about that until I surpassed you in power.”

“Things change. I found watching Micah harm you to be … unsavory.”

“Must have really bothered you, since you’ve seemed to have no issue with harming others yourself.”

“Explain.”

“Oh, come on. Don’t give me that blank fucking look. The last Starborn Prince. You killed him because he was special and not you, and everyone knows it.”

Her father threw back his head and laughed. “Is that what you think? That I killed my rival for spite?”

She said nothing.

“Is that what prompted you to hide your gift all these years? Concern that I’d do the same to you?”

“No.” It was partly true. Her mother had been the one who’d thought that.

The Autumn King shook his head slowly and sat in the chair opposite her desk. “Ember fed you too many lies born of her irrational fears.”

“And what about the scar on her face? Was that a lie, too? Or an irrational fear?”

“I have already told you that I regret that more than you know. And that I loved Ember deeply.”

“I don’t think you know what that word means.”

Smoke curled from his shoulders. “At least I understand what it means to use my household name.”

“What?”

“Princess Bryce Danaan. That was the name you gave the Governor, as well as the director of the Crescent City Ballet, isn’t it? And what your lawyer—Marc, is it?—called you in his letter to the Astronomer, justifying the fact that you and your brother had commandeered four of his slaves.”

“So?”

Her father smiled faintly. “You purchased influence with my name. The royal name. You bought it, and there are no returns, I’m afraid.”

Her blood went cold.

“The legal paperwork for your official name change is already filed.”

“You fucking change my name and I will kill you.” Starlight flared at her chest.

“Threatening your king is punishable by death.”

“You will never be my king.”

“Oh, I am. You declared fealty by using my name, your title. It is done.” Rage surged through her, rendering her mute. He went on, enjoying every second of it, “I wonder how your mother shall react.”

Bryce shot out of her chair, slamming her hands on the desk. Light shimmered at her fingertips.

Her father didn’t so much as flinch. He looked at her hands, then her face, and said blandly, “You are now officially a Princess of the Fae. I expect you to act as such.”

Her fingers curled on the desk, her long nails gouging the wood. “You have no right.”

“I have every right. And you had the right not to use your royal privileges, but you chose otherwise.”

“I didn’t know.” He couldn’t get away with this. She’d call Marc immediately. See if he and his team could find some way out of it.

hosab 144

“Ignorance is no excuse,” her father said, cold amusement frosting his face. “You are now Bryce Adelaide Danaan.”

Bile burned her throat. She’d never heard anything more hateful. She was Bryce Adelaide Quinlan. She’d never stop being a Quinlan. Her mother’s daughter.

Her father continued, “You will maintain appearances with Cormac for as long as I command you to.” He rose, glancing again at her hands—the lines she’d gouged in the desk thanks to that new Vanir strength. His eyes narrowed. “What is that number there?”

She flipped over the piece of paper on which she’d written the sequence of numbers and letters on Sofie’s body. But despite her rage and disgust, she managed to ask, “You know it?”

He scanned her face. “I will admit to turning a blind eye to the recklessness of your brother, but I would think you, Princess, would be more careful. The Asteri won’t come to kill me first. Or even Athalar. They’ll go right to Nidaros.”

Her stomach twisted. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” What did the sequence from Sofie’s arm have to do with this? Had he known Sofie? She didn’t dare ask. Her father stalked for her office door, graceful as a leopard.

But he paused on the threshold, attention going to the star on her chest. “I know what it is you’re searching for. I’ve been seeking it for a long, long time.”

“Oh?” she sneered. “And what is that?”

The Autumn King stepped into the dimness of the stacks. “The truth.”

hosab 145

[unfried-mouth-wheat]

I do love how Hades game looked at the story of Theseus and the Minotaur and decided to make them partners, but also went the extra mile of having Theseus be in SO much pouty distress when Asterious expresses any sort of interest in anything other than him.

[earthtolinds]

Okay okay. Finally finished HOSAB and here are some theories I’m 98% sure aren’t just theories. SPOILERS!

First, I’m fairly certain Prythian’s planet is Iphraxia. I’m not sure if the timeline matches up perfectly, but I’m fairly certain in ACOTAR they talk about pushing out the Fae who enslaved both the humans and Fae of Prythian. Amren was in the Prison for 15,000 years and the Asteri have been in Midgard for 15,000 years, that’s not a coincidence so the Asteri were pushed out more than 15,000 years BECAUSE

The Dusk Court used to be where the Prison is. Rigelus told Bryce that her species of Fae dwelled on an island a couple miles off the mainland. I would bet that the Fae used the Dead Trove to shove out the Asteri and that their base had been in the Dusk Court and the Harp didn’t make the difference between innocents and guilty, pushing everyone in the region out. So, because the Prison was already the Prison 15,000 years ago, the Asteri had to be pushed out before hand. (Thus timelines match up.) And thus, Bryce and Rhun are Dusk Court High Faes - I would suspect that Ruhn may even become High Lord of the Dusk Court with Lidia as High Lady (THEY’RE BOTH GOING TO SURVIVE AND HAVE A HAPPY ENDING OKAY???) with the Oracle’s prophecy about ending A royal bloodline, not his. And Bryce and Hunt become Autumn Queen and King (or president whatever they want to be called if SJM decimates the hierarchy) because she loves Lunathion too much to leave it.

Now, from Rigelus saying “Our people, who built fearsome warriors in that world to be their army. All of them prototypes for the angels in this one.” I think he’s talking about the Illyrians, Dawn’s Peregryns AND Prince Drakon’s species of winged Fae. I think maybe Drakon’s kind and the Peregryns were already in Prythian or the Asteri started to created the Peregryns but wanted them stronger and made the Illyrians. It’s always mentioned how unknown the killing magic of the Illyrians is and how they need siphons to control it. I’ve seen the theory that Thurr and Enalius are the same person, but I don’t think so. I think Thurr will end up being part of Hunt’s lineage but I think Enalius was holding the pass against the Asteri’s horde to allow people to escape, knowing that Ramiel’s peak had magic to winnow people.

I literally CANNOT wait for CC3. I really hope SJM has a safe pregnancy and gets the time she needs to recover and be with her baby, but I’m gonna be impatient with the rest of us!!

[highladyofprythian]

Tell me about your theories! Please!

thank you for indulging me nonnie.

OK so there has to be something said for the half half thing going on with hunt. he's got one gold eye and one black, one pointed ear and one rounded. i'm not sure what to make of this exactly but we know hunt's backstory never really got into aside from his mother being killed and him joining the rebellion. so going off that i think there's something about his father maybe being fae (hence the ear). i've always held the theory that either bryce or hunt is the missing asteri sibling.

based off the HoEB ending i'm thinking more and more it's bryce (star power and king of autumn etc etc) BUT i can't discredit the way hunt's past is an enigma.

his arms! one coated in lightening (umbra mortis my love) and the other isn't but holding a snake. why is this the 'fae' side of him?? i don't know but also is he running from something? cursed by something? what is it about this side of him exactly? to me his gaze is set off to the side, unlike the HoEB cover where byrce is looking directly front-ward. could just be artist interpretation but also i doubt it, why would hunt not look to the front like bryce? is he looking at her perhaps? looking into his past? I MUST KNOW. (i take it back my version was just severely low quality)

and onto his chest. we can see in the HoEB cover bryce has a lock in the middle of her chest, and hunt doesn't. instead, he has an almost key looking thing and of course i have eyes and i've maintained that they're mates from the start but this is giving me 'hunt is bryce's missing piece' vibes. and obviously their attempt at being platonic is absolute bullshit.

suffice it to say, i'm very excited about the release of HoSB and i apologize for how slap-and-dash this has all come out but my mind is racing about a mile a minute! and regardless of what i think, CC is turning out to be the prettiest series i own

[petri808]

Phoenix Skies Reborn

Written for a class this semester.  This takes place several years after my original story Phoenix Skies (a NaLu story).  Now Natsu and Lucy's daughter is all grown up. Nashi Dragneel and her best friend Arashi are about to learn discover the hidden truth between them...

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

“Whoa is that your dad!” the young boy whispers to his friend.  “He totally looks like he’s on fire!”

“Isn’t my daddy just the coolest!” The little girl responds with a giggle, “I wanna be just like him when I grow up!”  A few moments later, they see a woman walking towards her father, “Lookie, it’s my mommy!”

           The two friends, 7-year-old Arashi and 6-year-old Nashi peek out from the bush they had been hiding under, watching her parents on the hill crest.  To the children, the whole scene was like some magical fairytale come to life of the dragon and his princess, for atop that hill, stood Nashi’s father in full Salamander glory.  Unlike her half status, he was a full-blooded fire class Draco with much larger, reptilian wings measuring about ten feet from tip to tip, and two curled, beige horns sprouting from his head.  Humanoid in many aspect’s but instead of bare skin, his back, chest, and extremities were all covered in scales.                    

Even Arashi was spellbound, for compared to his sinewy father, this man’s very presence could cause one to shudder.  The Draco towered over his mate, Nashi’s mother, by over a foot, with such a muscular physique the small boy couldn’t help but think of him as some God like figure. Truth be told, her father was the strongest of his kind but had the most jester-ish of qualities, often joking around and yet sweet in nature, the man genuinely had a heart of gold.  And as he held his wife against a sunset to end all sunsets, the children could only watch in breathtaking wonderment.                                

“Yeah… your dad really is the coolest…”        

The young man had been searching everywhere for the Salamander, but she wasn’t at her cottage or her friend Chieko’s home, the usual hang outs she’d often frequent or even the local watering hole where she would often frolic on a summery day such as this one.  And it was a gorgeous one, by far the best day they’d had this August with cloudless powder blue skies that stretched for miles and miles unimpeded. Breezes, abundant in nature to cool you down from the sun’s blinding ray’s, forceful enough to stir the air and lift your tresses, but not whip them around like in a gale.

Fall was just around the corner and the trees were starting to make their debuts with the lightest hints of color change.  Arashi sighed, it was another beautiful time and season that made one appreciate their world and understand the cycles of Samsara.  How nature was the ultimate goddess who gave birth, lived, changed, and then died only to be reborn anew year after year after year in an endless cycle. Reflections of the heart.  

Alas, he was losing focus, the Salamander, where was Nashi?  If only he’d had the Draco’s sense of smell, chuckling in his head, that girl could sniff him out anywhere in town, but he needed to rely on good old-fashioned detective work.  The wisteria grotto?  Nope.  Crocus river?  Not there either.  Maybe she actually went to see her parents for once without prompting, so he heads over and finds the girl’s mother at home.  

“Hi!”  Hugging the young Sprite, “what bring you here?”

“Aunt Lucy, do you know where Nashi might be?”  

But the female Fae only shakes her head, “I’m sorry Arashi…”

“Please call me Storm, aunty, I like my nickname better.”

“You do realize Arashi means storm, right?”

He crosses his arms, “I know, but Storm sounds tougher.”

Lucy chuckles, “you are so much like your father.  I swear, do all Snow Sprites have such a severe demeanor?”  

“Uncle Lyon is the only other one I’ve met and,” taping his chin, “come to think of it he and dad are a lot alike.  Any ways, I guess I’ll just keep looking, she’s gotta be around here somewhere.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be more helpful,” she chuckles, “but you should know by now they are like their element, always burning for action!  Excuse the pun.”  With a sigh, “even though Nashi is only half Salamander, that girl has taken after her father side.”

“Aye, she does idolize him,” the young man smiles in a teasing manner, “but at least she has your looks and your smarts going for her.”

“Oof!” Lucy slaps his arm lightly in jest.  “Trying to work your charms on me too young man, you really are just like your father!”

“I’m just pointing out the obvious.”

“Well good luck dear,” she shoos him on his way, “when you find that wayward daughter of mine, tell her to check in sometimes cause we worry about her.”

“I will, thank you Aunty.”

By late afternoon, Arashi was ready to give up and go home.  He had hoped to set out early in the morning on a new commission but unless he could find his partner and confirm it with her, well, the Snow Sprite just wasn’t up for going it alone.  Why would he when it was always more fun when they were together for an adventure.

But where could Nashi be hiding?  She had promised never to run off on her own again after the last tongue-lashing he’d given her.  Sometimes that girl was too adventurous and reckless for her own good and even her father who’d seen his fair share of mischievous younger years would get on her case about it.  No, Arashi stilled the growing anxiety rising in his mind, Nashi’s never gone back on a promise before, for that he was certain of in his heart.  So, there was only one last option he could think of, it was a stretch since it was a place that she would only visit with her mother during certain celestial events or solstices, but since the young Draco tended to go for the familiar, it was worth a shot.

It was one of the best locales for sky gazing around their village, a hilly meadow with no trees to block the open view above, rolling fields of envious green and swaying wildflowers dancing to an unsung tune only the gods could hear. But if you closed your eyes… and slowed your pace…. those melodies just might reward your passage into another realm, transport your consciousness to where the pixies prance and flutter about or the stars may wink and grant your wishes.  Asteri Hills was their nickname for this magical milieu, Nashi’s sanctum to commune with the spirits, and one she’d shared with her best friend some 13 years ago.

And as he crested the final hurdle, there she was atop the highest vestige this place had to offer.  Her back towards him, head tilted towards the heavens and eyes no doubt closed.  With leathery crimson wings tucked neatly against her lithe frame while her long, snake-like tail twitched of its own volition near her feet.  Nashi’s salmon-colored hair shifted in the winds that wafted past, funneling her smoky scent down the hill into his company.  He couldn’t help but let a smile creep along his face or a blush run along his cheeks for she truly was like an idol amongst the divinity of this realm, like her father.  Bathed in hints of royal purples, fiery crimson blending into tangerine orange, and melting honey she was…  Exquisite…  The kaleidoscope of colors unifying into an overwhelming aura to encircle her, so powerful and virile, it sends a golden arrow to pierce the chosen.

Arashi shields from the burning fronting his vision, it was if she was on fire, just like the mythological Phoenix rising from the ashes, but it didn’t sting his eyes, this image was blazing a different path through his soul, awakening an arcane desire as old as time itself that had lain dormant but now ready to soar into the azures.  N-Nashi…  His mind flashes back to that long-ago scene, except this time...    

Without warning, an attack launches itself within his body.  His blood rushes through his veins, deafening against his ear drums.  Arashi clutches to his chest and drops to his knees, what the hell is happening to me! It felt like his thumping heartbeat could break through his diaphragm, lungs screamed from a loss of air he was still taking in and yet, why couldn’t he fill them? Heat swells inside his frame, convening and churning like a caged creature ready to pounce at its vessel. Arashi looks up to the sky as the swirling sensation begins to move, radiating outward, filling every pore, every cell, with a strange buoyancy feeling the man of ice and snow had never experienced before.

Soon, his mind is spinning out of control and the vision of Nashi blurs…

“Storm?” a hand takes hold, fingers curling beneath his chin to lift his face.  “Storm are you okay?”  He blinks and sees his best friend kneeling, smiling like she normally looks in front of him.  Did he imagine the whole thing?  The Snow Sprite looks past her and sees the raging skyline still evident in all its glory while slowly the blood-orange sun disappeared below a distant horizon. Nashi laughs, “Storm, what has gotten into you?  You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“N-Nashi?” raising a hand towards her cheek if only to make sure he wasn’t still in some dream.

“Wow, you’re burning up,” her gentle caress upon his brow causes hers to furrow, “that’s totally not normal for you, are you not feeling well?”

“Yes…” shaking his head, his hands dropping to their sides, “I mean no, I think I’m fine.”

“Then what happened?”

“I’m not sure,” burning images of his best friend flashing through his mind once more, “I saw you… a—and…” a renewed passion of all those febrile emotions rush back but this time they center in a new location, winding into a tight coil in his gut, before dashing below the waist.  Arashi’s eyes flare with intensity as the realization hits him.  Oh, crap that’s what it all meant!

A huskier tone snaps his mind into the present.  “Arashi…”  and as his Aegean hues fall under her scrutiny, growing wider if at all possible when he notices the matched lust of the Salamander dancing behind her icy blue gaze. “…your scent has changed.”

Oh crap, she can smell the arousal!  All the pent-up emotions he had long buried and tucked away to be forever unrequited threaten to take control.  He falls onto his ass and tries to scoot away.  “Nashi, I-I didn’t mean to…. I mean I couldn’t help it that I….  y-you’re my friend and it’s wrong of me to think of you in that way!”

“Stop being an idiot Storm,” her tail grabs hold of his foot to stop his back-peddling, “how do you know I haven’t felt the same way about you?”  Crawling over and forcing him into a supine position until she is practically nose-to-nose with the man, “hmm?”

“We’re elemental opposites.”

She lets the weight of her body settle onto his, propping herself with a grin, “And yet best friends,” bopping his nose, “you keep me cool in the summer and I keep you warm in the winter, pretty sweet deal don’t cha think?”

“Oh, geez…. is that all I’m good to you for?”

Nashi’s eyes half-lidden, “As much as I should smack you for that comment,” and her face lowers ever closer… “how bout I just show,you instead.”  The Snow Sprite is given no chance for a rebuttal when between blinks her lips have claimed his in such a covetous manner as to shock every cell in his body. She giggles at this startled expression, her tail flicking in amusement, “do you believe me now?”

“Hmm, I don’t know…” his face turns to the side, though his eyes monitor her reactions through their periphery, “you could’a just done that to tease me.”

“Oof!” slapping his chest and rolling off into a sitting position, “I don’t go around just kissing guys!” The pouty, child-like expression sends Arashi into a minor hysteric. “I’ve never even kissed anyone before…”

While still chuckling quietly, he sits up and pulls Nashi back onto his stretched-out legs until she’s straddling him.  “You know I’m just teasing you,” smoothing his thumb against her cheek, “and I’m glad these lips,” grazing them with his own, “were saved for me.”

           Left in the wake of a setting sun, nary another spoken word, did the world spin for the second time that day as a torrid desire swirled and enveloped the budding couple into its bosom.  Arashi seizes upon Nashi’s lips, so flushed with heat and engorged with life-giving essence, worrying the supple pink flesh until her simpering becomes music to his ears.  She fists at his knit top through each deepened entreaty.  His hands caress her lower back before travelling and fingers tangle into her salmon-colored locks, coveting them like they were made of the finest silk.  

           Her mewls to his groans adding to loves melody as their tongues frolic amongst a moist and temperate climate.  A few clicking of teeth or grazes of her canines on such sensitive flesh, but eventually a seasoned rhythm finds them locked in a rumba all their own.  Nashi’s hands drift upwards, cradling his crown, slightly tugging on his hair each time his hands have wandered to a southern locale.  Not that she minded it so much.  The feeling of his fingers ghosting against any bare skin sent delectable little shivers along her spine to fuel her vocal pleas.                                  

           Neither realized just how much they had longed for the other’s touch, but as they gave into those desires, it felt as normal as the changing seasons, transitioning their relationship from platonic to amorous. A deep rumble of contentment shattering the cozy still of the early evening darkness.  Instincts soon take over as Nashi’s tail and wings encircle the couple in a protective shield.  But they are oblivious, so wrapped up in the moment to bat an eye until a need for air makes itself painfully known.

After a couple more sweeps against her lips, Arashi leans his forehead against hers.  “Last chance to walk away,” he muses.

But Nashi simply smiles, “Oh Storm,” and pats his cheek, “you’re stuck with me now.”  

~~

A few yards away at the edge of the clearing, Nashi’s parents hide amongst the brush spying on the two young adults.  Lucy clasps a hand over her mouth to muffle her giggling, “they are so adorable!”

“It brings back memories doesn’t it?” Natsu pulls his mate closer, kissing her temple, “that was once us.”

Lucy sighs and leans against his shoulder suggestively, “they grow up too fast…. Maybe we should have another one…”