#my very first elorcan fic

[sunshinebingo]

@elorcanweekofficial Day 1 - Tropes

✨ @hlizr50 you are the best. Thanks for managing this event ✨

Synopsis: Elide goes to save Lorcan after he has been captured. The rescue mission leads to some confession between them while they fight their way out.

Alternate Synopsis: 3k worth of them arguing while literally fighting.

Word Count: 3.4k

Tropes included: Gentleman in distress, Rescue, Spy/Mafia (whatever you want to call it), Mutual pining, Grumpy/sunshine but the sunshine is a badass woman (is that a trope??)

Warning: Blood and violence

Read on Ao3

She moved the grid at the end of the air vent aside as slowly as possible to avoid any noise. Unfortunately, she knew that this passage would not be an option once she would manage to get Lorcan due to his size. One of the advantages of being petite was that she could infiltrate very small spaces. That was an especially big advantage when one was a on rescue mission like she was. Being the most petite of her gang, it was an unspoken rule for Elide to take on missions where hiding in unconventional places was required. The smallest place she had probably had to hide in was a luggage. Thankfully, years of rigorous training have kept the cramps at bay once she had to get out of it.

Drip. Drip. Drip. The sound of the water leaking was now the only thing she could hear. Good. Watching Lorcan being beaten and listening to his grunts and muffled swearing had been a true test of her patience for the last two hours. Since he had been missing for the last thirty hours, who knows for how long they had been at this. Although he was one of the strongest men she knew, Elide still needed to act before the others could come back and finish what they started.

Putting the grid aside, Elide wiggled her way out of the vent, half of her body dangling awkwardly in the air, until enough of her legs were out for her to gracefully flip herself around and land without injuring herself despite the distance of the floor from the vent. Splash. The landing would have been silent if it was not for the pool of water on the floor that had probably accumulated from the broken pipe somewhere in the room.

A quick look around confirmed that all of Maeve’s pawns have left. If the smell of rot, sweat, humidity and blood that had hit her inside the vent had not yet given away the fact that this was one of Maeve’s torture rooms, Elide would have guessed it from the blood-stained walls, the lack of exit except for the heavy iron door and the discarded instruments of torture on a table at the far end of the room; knives of all sizes and shapes, scissors, pliers and more, all rusted and covered in what she assumed was layers of filth and blood from everyone they had been used on.

And of course, the presence of Lorcan, who was tied to a chair in the middle of the small room with his back to her and his head slumped forward. She noticed the blood dripping down his bound hands and his usually long luscious hair, now looking greasy with more traces of blood.

Elide knew he had heard her entrance when he turned his head around to look at the source of the splashing water. ‘’Come to finish what you started?’’ he drawled clearly despite his battered face. Even after hours of being beaten, Lorcan still remained cocky and overconfident. Knowing that he was still breathing after what he had just gone through, Elide knew that he had reasons to. She let out a sigh of relief knowing that they had not broken him yet.

‘’The door was not a dramatic enough entrance, huh?’’ he added, thinking that she was one of those sent by Maeve.

Elide walked towards him. ‘’What kind of spy would I be if I just used the door?’’ His expression instantly changed at the sound of her voice.

‘’What the fuck are you doing here?’’ he hissed. His voice contained a mixture of fear and anger that she had no time to ponder on. She did not know how long they had before someone came in and saw her snatching their prisoner away.

‘’Saving your ass clearly,’’ she said as she walked around and finally faced him. He only had his black pants on and his bare chest contained several cuts and bruises. His face was in the same state, though she suspected from experience that none of them would ruin his beautiful face forever. But it still pained her to see Lorcan like this.

‘’I don’t need you to save me,’’ he scowled at her.

Elide stood straight, crossed her arms and looked down at him. It was one of the rare times when she did not feel like a little gnome next to the gigantic man before her.

‘’Really?’’ she deadpanned. ‘’So, being tied up while someone beats your face to a pulp is a kink of yours? Will you use that bar for some pole dance after?’’ she tilted her head, indicating the metal bar near the wall on her left.

Lorcan stuck out his tongue and licked the blood that was running into his mouth. ‘’You think you are funny,’’ he said, though she did not know whether it was a question or a statement.

Elide placed both hands on his shoulders, making sure to avoid the areas where he had been harmed, and leaned down. With her face mere inches from his, she could smell the faint remains of his cologne mixed with the blood and sweat on him. ‘’I wasn’t trying to be funny,’’ she replied.

Lorcan eyes travelled from her eyes to her lips and down her neck. He drank in the sight of her breasts which were now close to his face before trailing his eyes lower. He looked intently at her tight black leather suit and the way it hugged her body, as if he could see every weapon concealed underneath.

He looked like he wanted to say something, but Elide spared him the need for what she imagined would be another retort, when she rolled her eyes and moved to stand behind him again. She removed a hair pin from her low bun, moved it inside the handcuffs at his wrist for a few seconds before Click - they opened and Lorcan could finally move his hands again.

‘’Thank fuck,’’ he breathed out. Since she knew it was the only thanks that she would get for risking her life to save him, she greedily snatched the whispered words and locked them where she kept every crumb that she could get from Lorcan.

As soon as he was up, Lorcan grabbed her arm and made her look up at him. ‘’You shouldn’t have come here,’’ he said through gritted teeth.

Elide pulled hard and he released her. ‘’And yet I did,’’ she said firmly. She pushed a little on his chest and regretted it instantly when he winced. Despite his angry frown, she could see the exhaustion in his eyes. She placed her hands gently across his bare chest and started to apologise. Lorcan looked down where her fingers were gently swiping away a drop of blood that was trickling down from a wound. She did not if the softness that suddenly filled his gaze was due to relief, exhaustion or something else. She wanted it to be something else.

Lorcan closed his eyes and Elide felt him breathe deeply before letting out a long exhale. When he opened his eyes again, his expression was hard again as he moved to the table containing the instruments that they had used on him.  ‘’Now how the hell do we get out of here?’’ Lorcan said as he started inspecting the dirty tools. At least he could still walk properly. Elide took out a small gun from her belt along with two knives from her boots and handed them to him.

‘’I could cut you up into small pieces and carry you out through the vent.’’

Lorcan looked like he wanted to ask again if she thought she was funny. But before he could - Bang - someone hit hard on the iron door from the other side. Elide and Lorcan shared one look. He looked at the chair behind her and tilted his head to indicate the door. She understood.

A series of clicks and clacks sounded from the door as someone took their time to unlock it. Lorcan grabbed the handcuffs from the floor and sat back in the rusty chair while Elide positioned herself behind the door. She pulled out her other gun and waited. 

‘’Are you dead yet?’’ the voice of the burly man who entered echoed in the small room. Elide pressed herself closer against the wall as the door opened. She kept her breathing calm and silent, thankful that she was hidden by the still open door and that no one else was coming in. When the man stopped in front of Lorcan, she immediately recognised him as Cairn, Maeve’s favourite pet. She understood then why he was the only one who had come this time. Cairn grabbed Lorcan’s hair and roughly pulled his head back.

‘’You wish,’’ Lorcan said and Elide heard the smirk in his voice.

‘’Good,’’ Cairn surprisingly replied. ‘’Maeve has plans for you. We don’t want her toy to be damaged beyond repair now, do we?’’

Something burned inside Elide at the mention of the woman who was obsessed with Lorcan. Elide knew that he had had to fake an attraction for Maeve when a few months ago, Lorcan had infiltrated Maeve’s city and her close circle pretending that he was back in Doranelle for good. But she had always feared the possibility that spending time on the other side might sway him there. Especially considering that Lorcan had previously worked for Maeve before his friends and him had all settled in Terrasen to work for Aelin instead. She feared that perhaps, Maeve had convinced him that a life with her in Doranelle was better than in Terrasen with his friends, including the one friend who wished they were more than friends.

Lorcan scoffed. ‘’Her majesty doesn’t find you good enough, huh?’’ he teased him more. ‘’Maybe you should learn how to use your dick better.’’

From where she was peaking, Elide noticed the way that Cairn’s body tensed. But Lorcan’s remarks made her tense also. She hated the way he spoke like he had been intimate with that bitch. She hated that he had ever been close enough to touch her. And she hated the thought that perhaps he had.

Cairn pulled on Lorcan’s hair harder, causing him to groan and Elide chose that moment to pounce. She put her gun back in her belt and grabbed a knife instead. With the disgusting image of Maeve’s hands on Lorcan’s body, Elide jumped on Cairn’s back, placed her small hands on his mouth and dug her blade in his neck. Before he could make any noise, Lorcan stood up and punched Cairn in the face. Elide righted herself behind him before he could fall on her. She removed the knife embedded in the side of his neck and sliced it across his throat. Slowly, Elide placed Cairn on the ground while he still choked on his own blood.

When she looked up, she found Lorcan staring at her with wide eyes. ‘’Are you coming?’’ she stared back at him, ‘’Are would you rather wait for Maeve to come play with you?’’

He frowned but said nothing. They moved to the door and found the corridor outside to be empty. From what she had learned in her thorough research of this house before she embarked on this rescue mission, she had a rough idea of where they were and how to get out. It was risky, but the only option they had.

Lorcan followed close behind without question and Elide was again grateful that he could move on his own. She did not think that she would have been able to support his massive body all the way outside while ensuring that no one noticed them. With their guns in hand, both moved along the dark corridor, passing by several iron doors similar to the one where Lorcan was being kept, until they reached the end. They stopped in front of some stairs that Elide knew from the plan of the house would lead them to the outside of the underground basement they were in. Some hushed voices coming from the top of the stairs made them halt.

Lorcan grabbed Elide’s wrist and pulled her flush against his bare chest. ‘’We’re fucked,’’ he muttered. With nowhere else to go but up these stairs, they had to come up with a plan quickly. But before they could think of anything, two people were walking down the stairs towards them. BANG! Elide shot the first one in the chest.  Another bang, and the woman behind him went down before she could even pull her weapon out. 

‘’Great,’’ Lorcan complained behind her, ‘’Now the others will join too.’’

Elide turned to him and frowned. ‘’Did you have a better idea?’’

He shook his head in exasperation while still frowning. Instead of answering, Lorcan interlaced his free hand in hers. But before he could start pulling her up the stairs, Elide stopped him and walked in front of him again.

‘’You are injured. It’s best if I go first.’’ Without losing another second and with their hands still intertwined, they rushed past the two bodies and towards the exit. Just like Lorcan predicted, more voices were heard upstairs, indicating that more were coming here to investigate the sound of gun shots. Lorcan’s grip on her hand tightened.

‘’Fuck,’’ Lorcan groaned. ‘’Do you have another genius plan that might get us killed?’’

‘’I do,’’ Elide replied, unfazed by Lorcan’s harsh tone. ‘’We fight until we get out.’’ She came here to get him out and that was what she was going to do.

A few more steps and they reached the end of the stairs. The room separating them from the exit looked just like a regular basement where one would keep their useless junk. It was filled with shelves filled with boxes and random things that had seemingly been placed carelessly to hide the fact that this place led to a series of torture chambers. Smash! A vase exploded on the shelf right next to Elide’s head followed by a series of bangs from the five figures that have entered the basement.

Lorcan pulled hard on her hand, dragging her with him behind the highest shelf. He released her hand and adjusted the gun in both of his hands. ‘’This would not have happened if you did not come here,’’ he snapped at her before turning around and shooting at Maeve’s men.

Elide did the same and managed to hit someone in the shoulder. ‘’This would not have happened if you did not decide to come visit your psychotic girlfriend.’’

‘’She is not my girlfriend,’’ he raised his voice so that she could hear her over the bangs and smash and clunks of the flying bullets hitting glass and the stone wall and bouncing against the hard metal of the shelves.

‘’Is that how you ended up down there? Because you came here to dump her?’’

Lorcan threw his knife at someone who had managed to come close to their hiding spot. It hit the man right in the head, causing him to instantly drop dead.

Elide finally killed the man she had managed to injure before, reducing their target to three and her bullets to four. Lorcan was not doing much better with only five bullets left.

‘’You really believe that there was something between Maeve and me?’’ Lorcan asked, looking at Elide instead of his target. Bang! A bullet that nearly grazed his head made him pulled back behind their shelf.

The side look that Elide sent him must have given away her doubts. ‘’You know it was all a ruse Elide,’’ he told her.

‘’Was it?’’ Elide turned around and shot again. Bang and the woman went down with a bullet through the chest.

‘’Yes,’’ Lorcan almost shouted. ‘’All of it.’’

Elide looked at him again, her eyes pleading for the truth to a question she did not dare ask. But he seemed to have read it on her face anyway.

‘’I never had feelings for her,’’ his softer tone contrasted with his previous harsh one. ‘’I left Doranelle because it was becoming a shit hole where Maeve wanted everyone to eat out of her hands like a fucking queen. And I never once regretted walking away.’’

Perhaps it was the way in which he said it that convinced her to believe him. Yet she could not stop herself from asking. ‘’Why did you come back here then?’’

‘’They crashed my car and dragged me here for fuck sake,’’ he gritted out after shooting down another man in the knee before ending him with another bullet through the throat while he crouched in pain. That explained why his location was lost on the road. They had probably gotten rid of his damaged car to conceal the proof. ‘’They know the truth about me now so I guess they will track me everywhere until they kill me.’’

His words brought the same panic she had felt when she had learned that Lorcan had been located here. And just like when it happened then, she converted the fear into rage and determination. She pushed on the boxes on the shelf that they were hiding behind, causing the objects at the other edge to fall down. This distracted the last woman who was still shooting at them. Bang! Elide shot and her last bullet went through the woman’s eye and came out on the other side of her head.

Lorcan whispered a curse behind her. Elide grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the door before they could get ambushed again. They left the basement and quickly find a door nearby that led to the outside without encountering any further obstacle. But as soon they crossed the threshold into broad daylight, a loud bang was heard before Elide fell down holding her stomach. Before she understood where the bullet had come from, Lorcan had already used his last two to bring down a man hiding behind a nearby bush.

Lorcan’s expression was filled with fear when he looked down at her and repeated her name over and over again like a plea. But Elide opened her suit to reveal the bullet-proof vest underneath. ‘’You still think I am not qualified enough for this?’’ she asked as she stood again. His shoulders sagged with relief yet his eyes still contained the same fear.

‘’It has nothing to do with being qualified,’’ he retorted as they started running towards the gate and went through a hole in the concrete wall. After confirming that Lorcan was alright, they ran again to where Elide had left her bike, hidden behind a few trees of the forest surrounding the private estate.

‘’Then what does it have to do with?’’ she asked once they reached the bike.

Lorcan took a few steps towards her and looked straight into her eyes as he said, ‘’It has to do with the fact that I don’t want you to fucking die for me.’’  

‘’Am I dead?’’ she crossed her arms. ‘’No. But you would have if I did not volunteer to come for you.’’

Lorcan crossed his arms too but winced slightly from the movement. It seemed that the adrenaline from their escape was wearing down and his injuries were starting to make themselves known.

‘’Why?’’

“Why what?” she snapped.

Lorcan’s arm fell at his sides when he sighed. “Why did you volunteer?” he asked like the reason was obvious to everyone else but him.

“Because,” she began with growing frustration. Is he that clueless? she thought. “Ugh. You idiot,” Elide whispered more to herself. Then, she threw caution to the wind, raised up until she was standing in the tip of her boots, grabbed his bruised and bloody face between her palms and pressed her lips against his. It was gentle enough to not cause him any further pain. And still –

Of all the scenarios she had made in her mind about kissing him, she had never imagined that it would happen in a situation like this. And she never thought that it would feel like this. Lorcan wrapped his hands around her waist to pull her closer and Elide decided then that she would risk her life a thousand times over for him.

The voices coming from the direction of Maeve’s estate brought her back to reality and forced them to pull apart. The climbed on the bike with Elide at the front and Lorcan holding her tightly at the back. As soon as she started the vehicle, Lorcan leaned even closer to her. ‘’Nice suit by the way,’’ he murmured in her ear.

“You fucking idiot,” she muttered with a smile and they finally left.

[highladyjane]

Fave fan fiction atm? ✍️

Gawsh, at the moment?!

When it comes to fan-fics, I'm a multi-chapter, canon-universe kinda gal, and I usually don't start reading until the fic's got a couple of chapters going and updating regularly since I like reading stuff in one go (because so many I'd started on ended up unfinished and that kinda hurt since I get invested 😩), but I'm following quite a bunch at the moment 😅

My favourite fan-fiction to read will always be Elriel (they've kept me thirsty so they're actually the ones that got me started on fanfics), but I also read some Dramione, Elorcan, & random LOTR every now and then.

I'm sure you're already following/read the most easy to find, frequently mentioned, and already established ones, so I'll skip mentioning those.

If I'm going to recommend any of those I'm reading "at the moment" it would be the following that deserve so many more kudos and comments and hits and over-all LOVE and appreciation, imo:

@merakimoonglade's Chiaroscuro series! (Elriel)

I read it all in one go some weekends ago and fell in love with the author's unique, emotive, and beautifully descriptive style of writing. It's also filled with crumbs that are a delight to find here and there throughout. My heart hurt after finishing it, so I'll warn you for that, but that's because there were such lovely and light, but also angst-filled moments. She also has a multi-chapter fic on the works called Shadowlight which is a bit of a continuation to the series, and that's why it's a must include in this "at the moment" list. 😊

@violetasteracademic's Golden Doe in a Valley of Shadows (Elriel)

As I've mentioned, I don't usually start "In Progress" fics until they're well a couple of chapters in, but violetasteracademic is so intelligent and lovely - just like her writing! My favourite kind of people are those who reply to all the comments/messages even though they don't have to, so I automatically loved her! Therefore, my curiosity got the better of me, so I read 1 chapter, obviously got hooked immediately, and she's kept us fed and spoiled with nearly daily updates since then like the absolute ✨Mother✨ she is... So this is already a must-read!

@tealeaves-and-rosepetals's Resilience and Roses (Elriel)

Probably one of my all-time favourite fics because it's probably one of the most believably canon-like, beautifully well-written (I wish SJM wrote like this tbh), mind-blowing and heart-wrenching fics I've ever read, so it's got to be included - and I just cannot fathom why it doesn't have more LOVE. I'm including this in this "at the moment" list because I recently re-read it, and because she does have an on-going multi-chapter fic "Shining Through That Moonless Night", which is a continuation of Resilience; and which I'm honestly still holding out on for the same reasons I mentioned above. But I've read 1 chapter and already know I'm going to love it and probably bawl my eyes out for loving it, so I'm trying to wait patiently (while mentally preparing myself) for a couple of chapters more before I devour it...

As for one-shots, the most recent one I read (last night) was @viridianevergarden's The Comforts of the Night (Elriel)

I think they mentioned it's their first writing in a while, but I thought it was beautifully written and felt very Sleeping Beauty-ish and Az-angsty, so I'm hoping there's a continuation or that we get to see more of their writing in the future!

Now, I don't want any pressure at all to the above-mentioned on their writing journeys, but I really hope for more people to find them and GO and send them some very well-deserved love, so we see more of their writing and thank them for blessing us with their beautiful talent(s), humility, and overall loveliness! ✨️

Thank you for the Ask, btw. I tried not to go overboard with my answer, but here we are 😅😆

[dimalry]

The fandom is so lucky to have you! We appreciate having you here and all that you contribute to it ❤️❤️

1. What brought you into the fandom?

2. What character(s) do you feel the most connected to and why?

3. Out of all of SJM’s books, which one means the most to you and why?

4. Out of all of the SJM couples (fanon, canon, endgame, etc) which one means the most to you and why?

Keep doing you ❤️

Stop it, sweet anon! Don’t make me blush 🤭

1. Well, I guess it‘s acosf, specifically Gwyn that got me in this fandom. I had seen some fanarts of her so I was kind of reading the book for her. Finishing Acosf and the bonus chapters, I went to social media to see what people thought of her and the rest is history…

2. I have many, but I‘ll just give you 3:

Lucien- I relate to him on a personal level (Bad friendship experiences). I also love how he’s still a sweetheart and a gentleman despite the missfortune that keeps happening to him. And I‘m a sucker for angst and angst is Lucien’s middle name.

Chaol- He‘s one of the few Sjm males that I can really understand. I love his flaws, he feels very human and it is are relief to read from his pov compared to other Sjm males. His book is the most beautiful Sjm book.

Nesta- She‘s always been the most interesting and complex female character in the Sjm world to me. I don’t agree with some of her actions, but she isn’t the nasty hag the narrative always claims here to be. I get why she’s angry at times- heck I would’ve been too! I‘m disappointed with how her story went, but her book surely made me angry for her.

3. Tower of dawn. I LOVED Chaol‘s healing arc and his romance with Yrene. I was listening to „love story“ by Indila and i was really in the moment til I got to the end of the book. It was a good time.

I don’t know how to explain it. That book just holds a special place in my heart along with Assassins Blade and Heir of Fire 🥰

4. Gwynriel. I‘m weirdly obsessed with them and their potential is enormous. While I thought the little gwynriel moments in acosf were cute, Az’s bonus chapter sealed the deal for me and provided me endless ideas of how their story could continue. Their moments weren’t romantic at all, yet they open a path to endless possibilities and I. love. it.

However, my weird obsession with Gwynriel didn’t start til I read King of Scars, scrolled through the Zoyalai tag and ate up some Gwynriel headcanons, to which an image of a certain Priestess preparing an exorcism for a certain sinner, possessed by a demon pops up in my mind. The next morning I turned on my laptop to listen to movie reactions and drew this.

Dare I include more? Elucien. They’re my second fav ship. I closed Acosf with a dislike for Elain because of Nesta and while I was content with Lucien, I just didn’t care about them as a ship. Few months later and I decided to check out the Elucien tag. I read some analyses of Elain & Lucien, read some fics ( this, by the beautiful @gingerwritess ,was my first Elucien fic) and I started to see Elain & Lucien in a new light, as a couple and individually. Now Elain is such a lovely, interesting and mysterious character to me and I fricking love Lucien. I got over the whole sister- drama.

And Elorcan. They’re 😘👌

This was fun! Have a lovely weekend, dear anon. 🥰

[writtenonreceipts]

Rowaelin Month Day 16 Mob Au @rowaelinscourt

Here is a moodboard of a fic that will likely never see the light of day. Mob/Mafia inspired fic. Random rambles beneath the cut:

im sharing this because i've been sitting on it for a while and i wanna talk about it even if it's just into the void

so originally, i wanted this to be a lysaedion fic, mostly because there aren't many fics about them out there and I wanted to try my hand at it

it was going to be a little darker with lots of death and murder and essentially about two individuals trying to find answers

Aelin is stuck in the Assassin's Guild, her entire life has been devoted to them and she is only alive and only the person she is because of them.

And then one day a new face shows up in town insisting he be let into the Guild. Now, the gang is very secretive, very careful, and they will look for any excuse to kill an outsider. So naturally the new person (rowan) gets the crap beat out of him

Leading to Aelin taking pity on him and the classic "who are you and why would you do this?" convo takes place. resulting in smirks and lies and call outs and the "im looking for someone" "who?" "ill let you know when i find her"

There's a gang war brewing and no one knows when it'll strike and what the catalyst will be: The Valgs have always been silent with the occasional body splayed out on cathedral footsteps, the Bane lurks on the outskirts of the city, only striking near the full moon (someone is very dramatic over there) and then there's the Cadre that is mostly just a myth because they've been quiet for ages now

and then a body shows up one that Aelin knows and she realizes something strange is afoot so she has to team up with rowan (she'll kill him later) to figure out what is happening and then huh look at that feelings

then comes the big reveal of aelin being the daughter of major crime lord Rhoe Galathyinius who really wants his daughter back and someone was supposed to find her and hey look at that, Rowan is looking reeeeeeal awkward

someone dies (fenrys cuz i've always wanted to kill him off and maybe connall too just because), near death experiences, "who did this to you", one bed, cleaning each other's wounds...

there's elorcan and lysaedion in the background

and yeah, i'll never write it probably

mostly because i've got no time and based on how previous long fics have gone, it would flop

chapter one is hidden deep in my docs and is probably one of my favorite scenes i've written in a while

it's been there for a year now but i just never could push past that first part. but it was fun to write

40s vibes, mayyybee 50s, id do some more research if i were to see her off the drafts stage...

[shadowqueenjude]

My Completed Fics

I tried to organize it all the best I could. There is definitely more, complete and incomplete, that I missed, which can be found either on my ao3 ibelieveinvanserrasupremacy or by searching my tumblr, or they’re already linked in fandom week submissions here.

Read on Ao3:

Star Wars:

Never Underestimate a Pregnant Woman

I saw a post about how Padme was way too calm in ROTS on Mustafar considering how stressful her pregnancy was and the added stress of all the hiding and I thought hey Ima write the Mustafar scene but with Padme’s pregnancy hormones kicking in!

(Anidala, one-shot)

Leia meets her dad

I just think Leia deserved closure with her dad too…

(Anakin-Leia relationship, one-shot)

The Hunger Games Universe:

The Wilds

What if Lucy Gray hadn't run away into the forest?

(Snowbaird)

His First Lady

OC goes back in time to try and prevent the second war by ending the hunger games decades earlier.

(Coriolanus x OC)

Fire and Ice

Lucy Gray returns from the forest a decade after she ran away

(Faerie AU, Snowbaird, one-shot)

Love Mockingjay, Sincerely Jabberjay

Lucy Gray has returned from the forest and she is dying. Given the mayor who still hunted her, she had no choice but to reach out to the very person who had tried to kill her: Coriolanus Snow

(Snowbaird, epistolary)

A Court of Thorns and Roses:

Make the Switch

What if Tamlin had shapeshifted to take Feyre's place in the bargain in ACOMAF?

(Tamsand, some Feycien)

Nesta’s villain origin story

Nesta decides to destroy the Inner Circle…with some help

(Neris, Elucien, Feyre x OC)

Lucien decides to put his Day Court powers to good use

Yep, pretty much the title.

(Highly anti IC, some Elucien and Neris)

Tamlin decides Feyre is not worth the trouble

Vindication for Tamlin 😈

(Tamlin x Tarquin, Elucien)

Tamlin’s Life Story

Basically Tamlin in a Greek tragedy

(Doomed Tamcien and a multitude of other Tamlin ships. TW for abuse, torture, & mild gore)

Lady of Spring

What if Tamlin's mother had left her husband? Exploration of a rejected mating bond.

(Mainly mother-son bonding)

Sister of the Bride

After her terrible experience with mating bonds, Nesta is determined to stop her sister's wedding to her mate, Lucien Vanserra. Unfortunately for her, Lucien's brother Eris is equally determined to ensure the wedding happens.

(Inspired by Kanthony. Elucien and Neris)

Tamlin get tortured but he loves it

Angsty gorey porn with no plot. THIS FIC IS NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED. It traumatized me and I wrote it.

Just a Breath Away

A compilation of Elucien one-shots

The Trials of Beron Vanserra

Beron Vanserra has been killed by his own wife. He has been sent to the afterlife where he will be judged. However, just when he is about to be sent to hell, Beron convinces the judges to give him one chance: survive the Trials, and he can be reborn for another chance at heaven. Should he fail…he goes to hell. And given the main judge is Beron’s own sister who he wronged in life, she is not going to make it easy for him.

Read on Tumblr

The Folk of the Air:

Madoc x Reader 1

Madoc x Reader 2

Throne of Glass:

Elorcan

Lorcan teaches Elide how to read, one-shot

Elorcan

Lorcan teaches Elide how to fight, one-shot

Elorcan

Elide brings home a cat, one-shot

THG universe:

The Snow Family Curse

It seems crimes of passion run in the family…

(Coriolanus and daughter OC, one-shot)

ACOTAR:

Rhysta and the Hat Saga

…no I will not elaborate

(Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3)

Eris makes a deal with Keir

Haven’t you wondered what Eris said to Keir to keep him away from Velaris?

(one-shot)

Azriel sucks at spying

Azriel gets caught spying by Eris

(Azris, one-shot)

That scene at the High Lord’s meeting

But from Azriel’s POV

(Azris, one-shot)

Big Bro Ewis and Baby Bro Lulu

A sneak peak into what their brotherly relationship once was

(one-shot)

[julemmaes]

51 68 and 75 for the asks!

Thank you for sending these, they're such good questions. I'm sorry if you wanted the short, shallow responses, I'm not the type;)

51. Does what you like to write differ from what you like to read?

My first thought was "absolutely yes", because one way or another I always end up reading fluff or some kind of miscommunication-for-humor kind of things, or still, not what I normally write, which is mainly heavy emotional angst. But then I thought about my favourite fics ever (my forever top 1 being Noisy Neighbours, nothing managed to top that yet, you live rent free in my mind @thewraithsofmorhogg), and about the amount of angst and suffering and grief and all those very strong, sad, not-necessarily-bad emotions they contain, so I'm not sure? I also tend to read whatever people tag me in or what my friends reccomend, independently of what the story is about, donc yeah I have no idea.

I for sure like fics and stories in general that are very similar to what I write, but it's not always the case when it comes to the actual reading.

68. Are there any fics that influenced you to write the way you do?

This is so hard god, maybe I should have read the questions before reblogging that post:")

I don't know? Maybe in the beginning when I started writing again, a couple of years ago, there were. I tended to reread my favourite Feysand fics for inspiration, but the dynamics between the characters changed drastically when I went to write the same situations for Nessian (or any tsc pairing at the time), so it was kinda useless and I had to rethink it entirely. Even if it was just them cuddling in bed, eating together at a restaurant, I could try and make them act somewhat similarly, but they didn't seem right in so many ways, so I'd end up changing the story and the writing completely.

Now, it's not really about a specific fic, but more of the people I brainstorm with, that usually are @thewayshedreamed and @simpingfornestaarcheron. Or in general the girls from the gc. I think I get something from each of them every time, very similar to the way you tend to act like someone you're always hanging out with after a while: mimicking manners, using the same words, making the same facial expressions. I like to think that after knowing them for two years, all the things we've written and shared together in this time left me something yk.

Sorry I can't give you fic names, I'm so bad at remembering them.

75. Is there a particular fic that readers gravitated towards that you didn’t expect?

YES! HONEY! I WAS NOT EXPECTING IT TO BLOW UP LIKE THAT. I remember I posted those first 4 chapters in 4 days, updating such long babies in such a short time and my self confidence, as a writer but also as a person, skyrocketed that week. I gained like around 200 new followers and so many people sending me asks, which was something so new, cause it was one of the first times I wrote Elorcan. It was like a warm hug. Then I posted chapter 5 on acosf's release date and it was The Smut Chapter™️ and it was, for obvious reasons, a flop. Then after a few weeks it got the attention it deserved, but I never got to finish their story. From time to time I reopen the planning and chapter 6, which is surprisingly halfway done, but Idk, I don't have the right inspiration right now. Kinda sad:(

[live-the-fangirl-life]

Throne of Glass Masterlist

Main Masterlist | Ao3

I Dig You - Archaeologist AU - Rowaelin

When Dr. Rowan Whitethorn, archaeologist, invites Dr. Aelin Galathynius to consult on his excavation he’ll learn that there is a lot one can learn from a few bones. Upd. 6.10.21

A World Away - World Travelers AU - Rowaelin

Florence, Marrakesh, Reykjavik, Athens…city after city, country after country, Aelin Galathynius and Rowan Whitethorn continue to have chance encounters. Complete

Misplaced Mail - Mini-Series - Rowaelin - NSFW

Aelin accidentally opens a package addressed for Rowan. Not a big issue. Except that he opened a package addressed to her. Issue. Complete.

Parlors and Petals - Tattoo Parlor/Flowershop Mini-Series - Rowaelin & Elorcan

Isn’t it convenient that Elide’s Tattoo Parlor is just down the block from Lorcan’s Botanical Shop? Add in their assistants, Aelin and Rowan, and you’ve got a lively street. Upd. 12.30.22

What Happens in Vegas... - Answered Prompts Mini-series - Elorcan

What happens when you combine alcohol, Elvis, and two idiots in love? A beautiful elopement. Complete

The Court - FRIENDS Fic Series

Follow the lives of Aelin, Rowan, Elide, Lorcan, Lysandra, Aedion, and Fenrys as they navigate life, love, and daily shenanigans. Upd. 3.16.23

Snow One Else But You - Mini-Series - Rowaelin

As disasters outside of Aelin and Rowan’s control threaten to ruin their beautifully elaborate Winter Solstice wedding, they and their friends try to find a way to save the day. Complete

Frosty Flying - Holiday Series - Rowaelin

Rowan Whitethorn, an elf, reluctantly finds himself in league with Aelin Galathynius, a human, when she appears at the North Pole. Because nothing ever goes to plan.

*Organized by date written

Blood and Boos - Elorcan

Lorcan gets roped into doing a Haunted House. Elide tries her best to be supportive but she isn’t a fan of jump-scares. What could go wrong?

It’s the Thought that Counts - Rowaelin

All Rowan wants to do is throw a surprise party for his girlfriend, but that becomes increasingly difficult as every possible thing that could go wrong—goes wrong.

Flirting with Fire - Rowaelin

Purposely setting a fire to meet the hot fireman isn’t crazy, right? Even the second time?

Is This Seat Taken? - Rowaelin

“Is this seat taken?” / “…That’s my lap” / “That doesn’t answer my question.”

Stolen Stamps - Rowaelin

“You took me on a trip just to break up with me so I stole your passport”

Scared Shitless - Rowaelin

“You scared the shit out of me” / “Literally”

Sunshine - Elorcan

Super fluffy domestic Elorcan because I needed some fluffy cuteness

Train Trouble - Rowaelin

“I waited for you at the train station but you never came.” / “I know, I am two years too late, but I am here to stay if you let me.” But make it fun

For the Aesthetic - Rowaelin

“I would love to kiss you right now but my lips are on fire.”

Emergency Contact - Aelin/Lorcan BroTP

Aelin picks up a concussed Lorcan from the hospital.

Drug-Induced Declarations - Rowaelin

After getting her wisdom teeth out, Aelin makes a profound realization.

Computer Screens and Love Scenes - Rowaelin

“You caught me reading hardcore smut during class and you’re wondering how I can read this with a straight face.”

My Library, My Love - Rowaelin

After moving into their new home, Rowan helps Aelin organize her new library and gifts her a very special present.

Objects in Mirror are Closer than they Appear - Rowaelin

Aelin will be the first to admit that parallel parking is not her forte. Rowan tries to help.

An Unintentional Encounter - Rowaelin

A blind date gone wrong…or very right?

The Taste of Your Lips - Rowaelin

Who enjoys kissing Rowan more? Aelin, or Fleetfoot?

A Starlit Swim - Rowaelin

Aelin shows Rowan to a lovely, secluded spot perfect for skinny dipping.

Hit Me With Your Best Shot - Rowaelin

When Rowan is injured, Aelin steps up to be his faithful protector. (Laser Tag)

Monstrous Morning Brews - Rowaelin

Rowan keeps asking himself why he orders the same, overly-sweet, coffee every day when he prefers it black and bitter. Oh, the golden-haired barista—that’s why. (Halloween Lattes)

When a Book Beckons - Rowaelin

When Aelin finds a flyer advertising a strange bookshop, she can’t help but follow its cryptic directions. Why does she feel called to it? And why does the mysterious, silver-haired bookkeeper feel so familiar?

At Leaf You're Cute - Rowaelin

“I was trying to rake leaves in the front yard but your dog just ran through all my piles and I want to be mad but you’re both really cute.”

By the Light of the Moon - Rowaelin

Walking through a graveyard on Halloween, what a cliché. (Ghostly Stroll)

You Better Beleaf It - Elorcan

Elide drags Lorcan out to look at the changing leaves. He’ll deny it if you ask, but he enjoyed himself.

Lost in the Maize - Rowaelin

Getting lost in a corn maze isn’t Aelin’s idea of a good time. Maybe the helpful, silver-haired worker can help her find her way out.

Trick or No Treat - Rowaelin

“We’re out of candy.” / “What do you mean we're all out of candy?!”

Scaredy-Pup - Rowaelin

“Accidentally scared a kid and their adult is angry.” but make it Fleetfoot and Aelin.

Do You Wanna Build a Snowman? - Rowaelin

Building a snowman, winter fluff.

Happy Friendsgiving - Elorcan & Rowaelin

What’s one thing you can count on for Friendsgiving? That no one will bring the appropriate amount of food.

Shivers and Ciders - Rowaelin

“Caramel apples, leaves falling down - what could be better than November?” / “I don’t know, maybe fucking June?”

Villain Origin Story - Rowaelin

Based on a true story by the wonderful @writtenonreceipts, thank you for sharing this with me. (Monocle)

It’s All Relative - Rowaelin

“I really hate you and talk shit about you all the time but now I just found out your dad/mom is my shrink”

How Tree-mendous - Rowaelin

“We live in an apartment.” / “So?” / “Babe, that's a ten-foot tree.” / “...Oh.” (Christmas Tree Shopping)

Keep Me Warm - Rowaelin

“My lips are cold.” / “Is this your way of saying you want a kiss?” Post-skating fluff.

Stuck on You - Rowaelin & Elorcan

Rowan helps Aelin out of a sticky situation. Elide and Lorcan offer moral support in the form of teasing and matchmaking

I'll Ski You Around - Rowaelin

Aelin quickly remembers why she doesn't go skiing—but not quick enough. Rowan is there beside her as she battles her fear of heights.

Lighten Up - Rowaelin

Combine Aelin’s determination and affinity for grand plans with her desire to have the best, most elaborate holiday lights display—what could go wrong?

Spark in the Night - Rowaelin

With only hours left until midnight, Aelin decides to help Rowan complete all his New Year's resolutions before the year is done. Can they do it?

Sweaters, Spite, and Incentives Done Right - Rowaelin

An ugly sweater competition turns spiteful

A Matching Set - Rowaelin

Aelin and Rowan have different approaches to Valentine's Day gift-giving.

Sending My Love - Rowaelin

“I’m not drunk. Could a drunk person do this?” / “You’re not doing anything.” / “But…I sent you my love. Did you…did you not get it?”

Candy Hearts - Elorcan

“A spells out something sexy/lewd in rose petals/candy hearts for B, but B comes home with unexpected guests.”

Fake Fiancé - Rowaelin

Fake proposals at restaurants to get free food.

Booking a Break - Rowaelin

Seeing how tired Rowan is from work, Aelin takes it upon herself to plan a relaxing getaway.

Twist of Fate - Rowaelin

Aelin and Rowan find second chances at love in each other. SongFic based on “Twist of Fate” by Olivia Newton-John.

Incriminating Questions - Rowaelin

Malicious closet doors and broken bones.

Study Specs - Rowaelin

Aelin may have finally found her weakness, not that she would admit to having one in the first place. She was not prepared for what seeing Rowan Whitethorn in a pair of glasses would do to her.

Drive, Just Drive - Rowaelin

When someone runs towards you screaming “Run”, you run. When someone throws themselves in your car and screams “Drive”, you drive.

Divine Intervention - Rowaelin

“The Ouija board says you’re a little shit.” / “Oh, my gods, I think the crystal ball is working. The spirits are telling me you’re a dumbass.”

Costume Count - Rowaelin

“You can’t withhold candy from the little kids just because you think their costume is ugly.”

Tell Me S’more - Elorcan

“The legend said it only goes after virgins…so sucks for you I guess.”

A Haunting Halloween - Rowaelin

“If I die because of your dumb idea, I will haunt you so hard!”

The Best Way to Spread Christmas Cheer… - Rowaelin

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” / “do not go quoting Elf on me.”

Timeless [Immortals] - Rowaelin

Inspired in part by Timeless by Taylor Swift, Immortals by Fall Out Boy, and by my own historical research fixations. Also a tiny bit of Istanbul by They Might be Giants.

Trust Me, it’ll be Fun - Rowaelin

“It’s just a spooky clock chiming at the incorrect time while all the lights are off and strange footsteps are creeping up the stairs, in a house that won’t let us leave.”

[sassyhobbits]

I feel like Merry Christmas motherfuckers is a very Aelin appropriate Christmas prompt. Do with it what you will :)

it is quite an aelin thing to say... so i worked it into an elorcan fic. here’s the first of the xmas fics! as of rn, i have about 2 others planned. enjoy some fluff!!

~~~

Lorcan Salvaterre was a terrible gift-giver.

It wasn’t something he would ever try to deny, nor that he was particularly ashamed of. It was simply a fact. He wasn’t good at giving gifts.

The reason was likely that he didn’t care enough to really put much thought into it. He did cherish his friends, and they knew that. So Lorcan had never seen the reasoning behind getting them fancy gifts anyway.

Not that any of his friends held his terrible skills against him. They accepted the packs of socks, gift cards to coffee places, and variety bags of chips without complaint. Lorcan normally did all his Christmas shopping in one day. Without leaving the drugstore.

No. It wasn’t until last year that Lorcan had actually worried about his gift-giving abilities. Last year had been his first Christmas with his girlfriend, Elide. He already thought she was way too good for him, and she totally was, not that Elide would ever agree with him. Lorcan had wanted to give her something to reflect what an amazing woman she was and how much he had cared about her.

He had thought about what to get her for months, debating between jewelry and clothes and bags, all which he knew Elide did have a fine taste for. But, after much contemplation, he had gotten her tickets to see her favorite band in concert. Elide had loved it, and Lorcan loved the memories he got to make with her that night: seeing that wide smile on her face, watching her dance and sing and jump along to the beat of the drums, how she had kissed him through the night. It was the best gift he had ever given.

Now, this year, the second year he was spending with Elide, he was nervous for a different reason.

He had purchased her gift months ago, had known what he had wanted to get for her for even longer. He had spent the past few months hiding it and rehiding it, paranoid that his extremely smart, terribly observant girlfriend would find it somehow.

But tonight, Lorcan had the gift tucked safely away in his pocket. The little, velvet ring box felt so much heavier than it actually was.

He was going to propose tonight.

Lorcan had been hyping himself all day, pretending that everything was casual as he helped Elide prepare their apartment for the party they were hosting this evening. It was Christmas Eve, and their friends were all heading over for dinner and gift-giving.

Elide was in the kitchen, going around and lighting a few candles. She looked lovely tonight, dark hair loose and gleaming, a thick sweater hanging from her shoulders, nails painted a deep red.

Lorcan twisted the ring box between his fingers, hidden in his pocket. His heart was a pounding drum within his ears, practically drowning out the sounds of the cherry holiday music Elide had playing over the speakers. He knew their guests would be there any minute, but he couldn’t wait any longer.

“Elide, love?” he called as she finished lighting the last candle.

“Yes?” she replied, striding towards him and kissing his cheek. “Is everything alright?”

“Everything’s fine. It’s just… you know how much you mean to me, right?”

Elide’s brows furrowed slightly, but her smile didn’t falter. “Of course, Lor. Just as much as you mean to me.”

Lorcan’s heart clenched in his chest. He truly loved this woman.

“Elide…” he continued softly, reaching out and taking both of her hands within his own. “I love you more than anything I’ve ever loved in my life. You mean the absolute world to me. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”

“Nothing?” Elide said with a playful smile. “And if I asked for all the stars in the sky?”

“Then I would go up there myself and get them for you. As well as the moon, for good measure.”

She laughed. It was a beautiful sound.

“Elide Lochan…” Lorcan whispered, releasing one of her hands and reaching into his pocket. “There’s nothing I’d rather do than spend the rest of my life with you… so, I have to ask-”

The question that rested on the tip of his tongue never got the chance to be uttered. The front door slammed open suddenly, Aelin Galathynius standing in the threshold, a bottle of wine in one hand, a neatly wrapped gift in the other, and an infuriatingly wide smile on her face, completely oblivious as to what she had just interrupted.

“Merry Christmas, motherfuckers!” she shouted, strolling into their apartment. Rowan was right behind her, Aedion, Lysandra, and Fenrys following.

Elide made to turn and greet their guests, but Lorcan held firmly to her hand.

“No,” he said, grinding his jaw and shaking his head. “This isn’t going to wait and you-” he pointed to Aelin, “can shut the fuck up for two minutes.”

In true Aelin fashion, her eyes darkened dangerously and it appeared as if she was going to start arguing. Or cursing. But, Rowan, who knew Lorcan best, placed a steadying hand on her arm. They had one of their stupid no words needed conversations, and Lorcan saw Aelin relent. That was all he needed to see before he grabbed the box in his pocket and dropped to one knee.

He ignored the gasps from their guests, only having eyes for the woman in front of him. Elide’s dark eyes grew wide, hand covering her mouth in surprise. Lorcan had never felt more vulnerable, more nervous, than he had in that moment.

“Elide, I love you. I want to spend every day of the rest of my life with you… if you’ll have me.” He swallowed hard once before sucking down one more bracing breath. “Elide… will you marry me?”

It was then that he saw the tears begin to well in Elide’s eyes. Her hands shook slightly as she lowered them from her face, revealing a wide smile. She nodded wordlessly once before she spoke.

“Yes,” she rasped, voice quivering with emotion. “Yes, of course I’ll marry you, Lorcan.”

She held out her left hand towards him, and Lorcan didn’t hesitate before sliding the ring into place. He rose to his feet, taking Elide’s face between his palms and kissing her soundly. Their friends cheered and congratulated them, and although Lorcan didn’t want to truly stop kissing Elide, he'd rather do it when they didn’t have an audience. So, they eventually parted. Their friends came around them with hugs and congratulations, the girls wanting to see Elide’s ring and the men patting Lorcan on the back.

The rest of the evening was wonderful. They ate and drank and laughed, everyone thoroughly enjoying themselves. They moved to the livingroom to do the Secret Santa exchange, Elide sitting snug at Lorcan’s side. When it was his turn to give his gift, he reached into the drawer by the couch and pulled out the unwrapped stick of Old Spice deodorant, tossing it to Aedion, who actually seemed to enjoy the scent.

Eventually, the evening ended and their guests left with rosy cheeks and sleepy smiles. They all wished each other a merry Christmas one more time before they departed, leaving Elide and Lorcan alone once more. His girlfriend, or rather, fiancé, didn’t wait long before draping her arms over his shoulders and pressing herself firmly against him.

“Do you like your gift?” Lorcan asked, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “It took me months to pick out the ring.”

Elide lifted her finger, examining the diamond. “The ring is beautiful, yes, and I love it but… the ring isn’t the gift. The gift is getting to spend the rest of my life with you. As your wife.”

Lorcan didn’t think it was possible to love her anymore but in that moment, he fell a little deeper. He kissed her again, slowly, sweetly, holding her close. He parted, only to tuck her closer to his chest, pressing his lips against the top of her head before whispering into her hair, “I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

[rhysismydaddy]

The Bodyguard (Elorcan)

MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE SHIP.

I wrote a lot of Elorcan a while ago on my phone and realized I’ve literally been posting Nessian nonstop, so we’ll take a little break. 

I have no idea how many parts this is going to be, but it’s a bit more of a slow burn than my usual fics, so probably 5ish. Not much happens in this part, but it get’s more interesting lol. Let me know if you want to be tagged :)

Part 2 | Part 3

______________________________________________________________

Elide rolled out of bed Monday morning to the sound of a loud, incessant banging on her front door. How someone was managing to put that much aggression and frustration into a simple knock baffled her. 

She swung it open and yelled, “What the hell do you want?”

When she looked up--and up and up and up--to the man standing in front of her, she instantly regretted her choice of tone. 

This was not a man you yelled at. Hell, this was not a man you poked with a very, very long stick. 

The stranger towered above her, making all five feet of her feet insignificant. He had long dark hair pulled back in a bun, tan skin, and eyes that looked almost black. Chiseled cheek bones, a jaw set in a scowl, and head to toe black clothing completed the look. 

Elide didn’t know how to feel about his appearance, actually. 

It was definitely abrasive and intimidating. Or to most it would be. She’d lost her fear of “scary” men a while ago. She knew firsthand the most innocent looking man could be the most sadistic. 

And yet, beneath all the black clothing and deep scowl, the man standing in front of her was also attractive in a dangerous, rough way. 

But what the hell did he want?

“Elide Lochan?” he asked, his voice conveying everything written across his face effortlessly. 

“Um, yes?” How did he know who she was? 

“I’m with The Galathynius Guarship. I’ve been assigned to watch over you.” He seemed satisfied with that explanation, but she sure as hell wasn’t.

“Galathynius? As in Aelin Galathynius?”

If possible, his scowl got deeper. “The one and only. But more specifically, I owe the whipped little bitch who calls himself her husband a favor.”

“Hold on,” she said, putting her hands on her hips. “Rowan sent you?”

This was beyond weird. Aelin was one of her best friends, but she didn’t spend all that much time around her husband. 

The man in front of her sighed, so much aggression in the one simple sound. “I suspect that he was told to cash in the favor in this specific way by a certain fire-breathing bitch queen, but yes, he was the one who called me.”

“Okay, but why?”

His eyes met hers, and she somehow knew what he was going to say before he opened his mouth. It didn’t soften the words in the slightest, though. 

“He found you.”

Fuck.

An involuntary shiver ran over her, but she hid it behind a stretch. “How do they know?”

“Rowan said they’ve been watching your uncle for a while, and that he just bought an apartment in the city. He’s also made inquiries into this complex about you, and a black sedan has been spotted canvassing the building you work in.” 

He said it all in that same cold, almost bored tone, and for some reason, that kept the panic at bay. 

Elide straightened her spine and put on her best smile. “Thank you for telling me. I don’t need a bodyguard, though.”

He shrugged one massive shoulder. “I don’t care.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”

“I owe Whitehorn a favor, and this is what the bastard asked for, so I don’t particularly care if you think you don’t need a bodyguard, although I expect that to be false.” He looked her head to toe as he said that last part, and her blood started to boil. 

She wanted him gone. Now.

Glaring at him, she snatched her phone and dialed Aelin’s number. 

“Hi, Elide. You know it’s like six in the morning, right?”

“Believe me, I’m not happy to be awake at this hour, either. I was woken up by...” she realized she didn’t know the man’s name. “someone pounding on the door. He says he’s my new bodyguard and that you had something to do with it.”

“His name is Lorcan Salvaterre.”

She sighed, continuing to glare at him. “Well, I appreciate the thought, but tell Lorcan Salvaterre to piss off. I’ve been on my own my entire life, and I’m fine.”

“Barely,” Aelin said quietly. 

She paused, ignoring that train of thought, then tried a different tactic. “You know he’s like ten feet tall right?” Lorcan rolled his eyes. “How am I supposed to keep a low profile with him following me?”

Aelin laughed softly. “He’s a tall, insufferable bastard, but he’ll keep you safe. At this point, your uncle’s seen where you live and work, so keeping a low profile doesn’t exactly matter.”

She pinched the bridge of her nose. “But-”

“Listen.” There was a little fire in her best friend’s tone now. “I do not plan on repeating what happened two years ago. Ever. So until we figure out how to throw Vernon in a deep, dark hole no one will ever find him in, Lorcan stays. Just ignore him.”

“Easier said than done,” she muttered back.

She could practically see Aelin’s smile. “Good luck. Stay safe.”

The line clicked dead, and she threw her phone on her couch in defeat. 

“Your powers of persuasion are truly something magnificent,” Lorcan Salvaterre told her in a mocking tone. “I’m tall? Seriously? That’s the best you could come up with?”

“It’s 6 AM and I’m tired,” she defended, suddenly annoyed. “But I’m already up, so I guess I’ll just go to work early.”

She shut the door in his face so she wouldn’t have to even think about inviting him in.

Damn.

Damn damn damn!

This was so frustrating. She felt... helpless and desperate and trapped. Everyone in her life was trying to keep her safe, but she found herself wanting to be alone and independent for once in her life. 

And she was afraid. 

After finally escaping her uncle’s country estate and moving to the city, she’d sworn she’d never let him make her feel like this again. 

And yet, just the mention of him being in the same city as her made her tremble with fear. Fear, and more than a little rage.

Elide stepped under the shower spray, closing her eyes. Images from her lifetime of misery flickered through her mind, and unlike usual, she didn’t even bother blocking them out. 

They played like a montage in her head, showing her all the reasons she had to be afraid of her uncle. 

Her parents funeral. The first time Vernon had asked her to come to his office. The hidden bruises. The ruined ankle from the time he’d refused to let her go to the doctor and get the bone set. The scars on her wrists and ankles from her chains. 

The emotional scars from everything else.

She squeezed her eyes closed, shut off the onslaught of memories, and stepped out of the shower. 

As usual, she put on jeans and a long-sleeve shirt, even though it was almost summer. Even though she’d made peace with her scars, she didn’t want people to see and gawk. She got a few odd looks for being dressed so heavily, but it kept her more comfortable, so Elide didn’t care. 

She straightened her dark hair, swiped on a little makeup, and grabbed her bag. 

When she opened the door again, Lorcan was still standing there, leaning against the wall across from her. He didn’t even seem to notice her very conservative apparel, but his eyes swept over her face, studying her closely. 

“Ready?”

She nodded, a little nervous by how observant he seemed, but followed as he turned and walked towards the stairs. 

Living on the second floor had a few advantages, but the biggest had to be that she didn’t have to wait for the slow ass elevator that almost never worked. Soon, they were out on the street, walking towards her building. 

Feeling like a million eyes were on her now that she was in public, she tugged on her sleeves and ducked her head. 

“They’re probably staring at me, not you,” Lorcan said with a grimace. 

Oh, there was no “probably” about it. 

Everyone--everyone--was looking at the man strolling next to her. Some with blatant fear on their faces, some just in shock. 

She supposed she couldn’t really blame them. He was large and imposing and looked like he could snap anyone in half who dared to cross him. 

The attention still made her uncomfortable. She preferred to go through life unnoticed, and Lorcan was like a magnet to both men and women’s attention. 

Spotting her favorite coffee shop, she almost cried in relief. She tugged on Lorcan’s arm, and he followed her inside, dark eyes scanning everyone there for signs of a threat. 

Considering this was the most hippie, backwater place in the city, it was a short search. 

“Hey, Elide,” the woman behind the counter said with a smile.

Elide smiled back. “Hey, Asterin.” 

Asterin was one of her best friends in the city. They’d met in the hospital’s mandatory group therapy for people who had suffered certain times of “trauma” and had instantly bonded over their shared hate of one of the nurses. 

“Same as usual?”

She nodded, then turned to Lorcan. “Do you want anything?”

“No,” he responded, eyes hovering on Asterin as if she were a threat.

Granted, her friend was in her usual all black, mostly leather attire and had multiple piercings gracing her beautiful face, but this was Asterin for crying out loud. She was more than a little protective of Elide.

“Who’s the mutt?” the object of his attention asked in a too-friendly voice. 

Elide sighed, unsure how to explain. If Asterin knew her uncle was in town, things were bound to get a little haywire. 

“It’s a long story,” she dodged, sliding a bill across the counter. Her friend looked at her like she’d grown two heads. 

“When’s the last time I charged you?”

Never. 

She stuck it in the tip jar, making Asterin roll her eyes. A moment later, she brought back her vanilla latte and said, “I’ll see you Friday, right?”

For a moment, she didn’t know what the hell she was talking about, but it came rushing back a second later. Friday. Concert. Asterin’s band. “Yeah, sure.”

She could feel Lorcan’s eyes narrow, but she pulled him out before he could cause a scene. 

“What’s happening Friday?” he asked as soon as they were outside. 

Taking a deep drink of her coffee, she replied, “Asterin’s band is having a concert at MSK.”

He brooded for a minute over this information. “No. A crowded area is not exactly safe for you right now.”

Elide stopped walking, her eyebrows high on her forehead. “No? No?”

He was fucking crazy if he thought she’d do whatever he wanted just because he’d been assigned to follow her around. 

Lorcan repeated the word, and she saw red.

“You are not going to tell me what I can and cannot do, you stupidly large bastard. I’ve spent my entire life with someone who did that for me, and I won’t put up with it for a second longer.” 

He sighed, and that just pissed her off more. 

“If you’re not confident in your skills to guard me in a crowded area, then maybe you shouldn't be here,” she snapped. 

His dark eyes narrowed. “I’m more than confident in myself, Elide. That doesn’t mean it isn’t stupid to put yourself in unnecessary danger.”

She just rolled her eyes and stormed away, well aware his long legs would catch up to her in a second. “I’m going.”

“Fucking hell. You mean we’re going,” he corrected with a gruff. 

She smirked. “At least you won’t have to buy any new clothes. They’re a pretty goth band.”

Elide didn’t need to look to know his scowl deepened, and the thought brought a bright smile to her face as she walked into her office building. 

“Morning, Elide,” the receptionist, Tom, called. She waved back.

Lorcan did not. 

He just followed her down the hallway to the suit labeled Perranth Wellness Center, through the lobby and staff kitchen, and into her office. When she tried to shut the door behind her, his hand shot out above her head and stopped it. “I’m coming in.”

“You most certainly are not.”

He showed her she was, in fact, incorrect in that statement by pushing her out of the way and strolling in. Her office was exactly what it was supposed to be: calm, relaxed, covered in plants, and home to a comfy black sofa, two chairs, and a desk. 

As a therapist, it was all pretty much standard. 

Lorcan dragged one of the chairs into a corner near her bookcase, then sat down. 

“You can’t stay in here! I have appointments today!”

He gave her a strange look. “I assumed as much. I’m fine here.”

Elide pinched the bridge of her nose to keep from strangling him. “I’m bound by doctor-patient confidentiality. You legally cannot be in here.”

He rolled his eyes. “I’m not leaving you in here with a bunch of crazy people.”

“They aren’t crazy! They just talk about their problems.”

The look on his face said that statement proved his point. “I can assure you I won’t care what they say.”

“I am not losing my license because you have some insane idea that my clients are violent!”

Suddenly he was on his feet, towering over her, looking at her as if she were a naive little girl. “Elide. Has it not occurred to you Vernon could send someone as a fake client to get to you?”

No. 

“I’m safe here,” she lied. She wasn’t safe anywhere.

“If you actually believed that, then why do you have a knife strapped under your desk?”

How the hell had he found that? He hadn’t even searched the place!

She bit her lip, trying to figure out how to diffuse this situation. “I’m getting the idea you’re not up for negotiation on this point.” He shook his head like the stubborn asshat he was. “Fine. You can stay as long as you tell people you’re shadowing to become a therapist yourself.”

His dark eyebrows shot up. “I don’t exactly fit the bill for a therapist.”

“Oh, really? I hadn’t noticed.” The dark attire and permanent scowl were sure to raise some brows, but it was the only option. Elide rolled her eyes and tried to calm down. “Try smiling or something.”

He looked as if she’d suggested he run naked through the city in the dead of winter, but before he could argue, a knock on the door sounded. “Dr. Lochan? Your eight o’clock is here.”

She shoved Lorcan to the chair in the corner, and he plopped down with a sigh. 

“Send him in!”

This would be interesting. 

Twenty minutes later, Elide corrected her statement from interesting to big fat mistake. 

Her client, Wayne Jefferies, kept looking towards the corner Lorcan was situated in, eyes wide. As someone who had a strong fear of practically everything that moved, this situation was less than ideal. 

He tilted his ear toward something she couldn’t see, then whispered, “He’s here to kill me.”

Wayne was also a raging schizophrenic. 

“No one is here to kill you, Wayne. Close your eyes and focus on the sound of my voice.” Once he did, she turned around and shot a glare over her shoulder at the hulking brute. Stop it, she mouthed. 

His brow scrunched. Stop what? 

Scaring him! 

Before he could mouth something back, Wayne’s eyes shot open. “They’re saying I should kill him first.”

Oh, good gracious. 

“Feel free to try,” Lorcan said in a low voice. 

Wayne jumped to his feet, thrusting an accusatory finger towards the corner. “See! He’s after me!”

“If I was after you, you’d be dead,” her very helpful protector reasoned. 

Wayne paused, then opened his mouth to shout something else. Before he could, Elide said gently, “Sit down, Wayne. No one here is going to hurt you. I promise. Shut the voices out and imagine a wall being built around your mind, keeping you safe.”

Her client was silent, so she turned around and glared at Lorcan. He just rolled his eyes, then leaned back and closed them.

This was going to be a long day. 

~

After three other appointments, which had gone a little smoother actually, Elide was exhausted. Hearing about other people’s problems both helped rationalize hers and drained her. 

She walked to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee, Lorcan following behind dutifully. 

“Dr. Lochan! Got a package for you,” Tom said, handing her a thin package. 

Before Lorcan could snatch it up, she grabbed a knife and cut it open, revealing what was inside. 

Yet another mistake. 

A handwritten note in beautiful, recognizable calligraphy, read: I’ll see you soon.

It was a promise, threat, and taunt all in one. How like Vernon.

Knowing he would never send just a little threat, she ignored the dread unfurling in her stomach and flipped the card over.

And stared down at a black and white picture of herself, asleep in bed. 

The covers were thrown back, exposing her bare legs, and her shirt had ridden up while she slept. She looked young and innocent. Vulnerable. 

But that wasn’t the worst part. The worst part was that it had been taken from directly in front of the bed. Inside her room. 

The angle of the camera made that obvious. It also revealed that the person who’d taken the picture had done so with painstaking care, getting just the right angle to make it look as if a lover had taken it. 

Bile rose in her throat as she stared at it, trying desperately to figure out how they’d gotten inside her apartment. 

And why hadn’t they just taken her then and there?

Lorcan snatched the note and picture out of her hands, jaw locking tightly. He studied the photo, the note, everything. “I’ll search the apartment when we get back. They can’t get to you with me there.”

His confidence was unwavering and let her relax a little. “I’m fine. It’s fine.”

But somehow, in the back of her mind, she knew it wasn’t. This was just the beginning for Vernon. 

He’d always enjoyed the thrill of making her as terrified as possible before finally unleashing whatever sick desire he had planned out. The waiting was half the fun for him. 

And he’d just let her know he could get to her whenever, wherever. No matter who was around. 

It was a strong opening move, she had to admit. The obviously-desired fear was there, pushing on her chest, making it difficult to breathe. 

But there was something else, something new. Something that had only developed in the year she’d been free. 

It was rage, sure. But it was a cold, calculated rage that only came with one thing. 

Revenge. 

______________________________________________________________

ooOOooh dramatic ending for the win. 

Part 2

@ladywitchling @perseusannabeth @studyliketate @cursebreaker29 @over300books @justgiu12 @maastrash @a-bit-of-a-cactus @aesthetics-11 @bamchickawowow @b00kworm @sleeping-and-books @musicmaam @savemesoon8 @hizqueen4life

[eyeofthedrgn]

Hello! I have been a lurker on Tumblr for a few months now. I love ACOTAR, and Throne of Glass. I just finished Red, White & Royal Blue (which I am desperately in love with).

I am absolute trash for Nessian and Elorcan. Then I discovered crackships and now I can get enough Rowcan and Chaorian, and there isn't enough of it.

I am not a great writer, but I felt compelled to start my own story after binge reading as many of my ships as I possibly could from so many of you awesome writers and creatives out there.

It is a Rowcan fic set in a modern high school AU. Lorcan lives with his mentally and physically abusive Aunt Maeve and her boyfriend, James Perrington. When they move to Orynth, he meets Rowan and everything Lorcan thought he knew about life gets thrown upside down.

It is full of angst and is full of triggers: language, mental abuse, physical abuse, violence, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, self harm, self-esteem issues, sexual abuse (alluded to briefly in later chapters), just a lot of trauma, and smut, lots of lovely gay smut.

I am not nice. But don't worry, there is fluff! Though, it's usually surrounded by angst, so my bad.

Here is a few paragraphs from chapter 1:

Chapter 1

Lorcan Salvaterre has had a pretty shitty life for only being 17. He's been to so many different schools, he doesn't remember them all. His mother died long ago, he didn't have a father, and he was then forced to live with his despicable Aunt Maeve when he was five. Lorcan didn't remember his mother anymore, all he knew was the cruelty of his aunt and her boyfriend, James Perrington.

Maeve's job required them to move every few months. Which meant his schooling was rather poor and often overlapped from school to school. He was always the loner and easily overlooked, at least until his growth spurt last year that catapulted him to be six and half feet tall.

He'd never had a friend in his life. No one would ever want to be friends with him in the first place. He always had a scowl on his face, wore black, long black hair, head down, his skin was a beautiful deep olive, his eyes dark as onyx. He was rather strange. And since his growth spurt, his hulking frame kept everyone away.

He never smiled, he rarely talked. To anyone. Not that he had much to say. He had no hobbies, no pleasures. All he was allowed to do in this meaningless life were chores, his homework, and lay in his room staring at the ceiling.

The way Lorcan had grown up was brutal. There were beatings for not finishing chores, misbehaving, or most of the time, just existing. He never got three meals a day, on the very rare occasion, he would get a small dinner, but generally, the only meal was usually lunch at school or when they were traveling. Even then, Maeve would order the smallest meal for the boy, gods forbid she had to spend more money on him than necessary or look bad in front of people.

That also meant that if he needed new clothes or something for school, he had to work extra for it. A lot of the time, he felt like a severely more abused Cinderella. His aunt made him do some of the most tedious chores in payment for his necessities.

The chores he could handle, sometimes they were even relaxing. The beatings on the other hand were less than desirable. Especially when most of the abuse wasn't even a result of Lorcan's supposed incompetency. But every beating was recorded in Lorcan's journal and accompanied by self harm.

Lorcan's mental health was far from healthy. He wished he had the courage to slice his wrists deeper, but if he failed to finish the job, he couldn't imagine how Maeve would react and what she would make Perrington do to him. So, he settled for the scars.

His wrists and forearms were covered in scars. Every shirt he had was long sleeved to cover his coping habit. He didn't want questions or people staring, he hated being pitied. Honestly, he hated pretty much everything.

____

Thank you for reading! I'll post the whole chapter soon. Constructive criticism is accepted. I do feel like it gets better as the chapters progress.

[leiawritesstories]

First of all:

have I mentioned the amount of love I have for this fic?? if not, i am SO OBSESSED with WWBWWG, I don't even know how to express it. the layers of identities, the complexity, all the secrets hiding under clothes and hearts and shields just WAITING to be spilled, it's SO SO SO SO INCREDIBLE and it's the biggest honor to read it

a few things:

“I can watch her,” Rowan said, the words leaving his lips before he knew what the hell he was thinking. AAAHHHHHH!! I'm such a sucker for this and it hit me right in the feels and i LOVE IT

Trust was a heavy burden to own and he really wasn’t sure if he deserved it.  how on earth do i put into words what this line made me feel??? the sheer levels of torment and angst and grief and heartache and sheer awe at how a person can arrange words so brilliantly??

Hell, she could even give Lorcan a run for his money with that scowl. *giddy cackles in elorcan*

He should have known they would reach out like this. YOU CAN'T JUST THROW THIS AT ME AND NOT EXPECT ME TO BE SCREAMING AND FORMING CRACK THEORIES because i AM forming crazy crack theories yes i am

The flashback 🥺😥😧😟😖🫠😢😰😢😭 all the emotions (also the reference to Oregon aka my home state had me grinning like a total idiot)

Hammel can burn in hell AND I HOPE HE DOES

*screeches some more* I'm deep deep deep in the emotions tonight and I'm so sorry for the unhinged rambling lol, i just love this fic so very much

anyway y'all please please go read WWBWWG, i promise it's worth every single word 💕

Rowaelin Month Day Eight: Single Parent Au @rowaelinscourt

Rowaelin Month Masterlist Where We've Been Masterlist

Warnings: nothing too major? ~6.5k words

Where We've Been, Where We're Going--Part Six

Aelin awoke with a start the next morning.

Sprawled out on the small couch in the waiting room, she’d forgotten where she was for the briefest of moments.  Her dreams had been filled with running through a small apartment trying to get free from her pursuer.  Constantly looking over her shoulder.  The impending knowledge that she wasn’t safe.  Needless to say, she didn’t sleep well.

As she remembered where she was, that she was safe, she sat up and ran a hand through her hair.  The small window of the waiting room showed off an early morning sky that wasn’t yet dusted with the pinks and golds of a rising sun.

Outside the door were the usual sounds of a hospital: nurses talking quietly, med carts rolling, shoes squeaking on linoleum.  It hadn’t bothered her throughout the night, for which she was grateful.  The hospital was slowly waking up with the usual ins and outs of operation which meant Aelin would soon need to leave.  

She only had a dinner shift at the diner, and she knew Nox wouldn’t be mad if she was late, but considering she was on an hourly wage and needed the tips, getting there on time would be better for her.

Sitting up, she stretched out her sore back.  She’d have to make sure not to wince or waddle when talking to Malakai or she’d never hear the end of her stubborn refusal to go home to a real bed.

She stuffed her hair into a bun, certain it still looked like a rat's nest, and gathered her jacket and phone.  The battery was well on its way to dying so the sooner she got to her car where the spare charger was, the better.

As she headed up to Emrys’ room for a quick check in, she ran into Yrene who was finishing up at a nurses station.

The brunette smiled. “Hey, did you stay here all night?”

“Yeah, I wanted to be close in case anything happened,” Aelin said.

Yrene nodded in understanding.  She reached out and gave Aelin’s arm a squeeze.  “He’s a strong man.  And stubborn as they come.”

“I know.”  She did her best to smile, unwilling to break down in front of Yrene who always appeared so strong and composed all the time. “I just want to swing by the room before I head back to Terrasen.”

“I’ll walk with you.”  

Yrene initialed a patient file before putting it back where it belonged at the nurses station.  Her hair was pulled back in a braid, but there were a few flyaways escaping.  The curls framed her face, emphasizing her dark hazel eyes.

“So, how have you been?” Aelin asked.  She didn’t know Yrene very well, only from the occasional check-ups and some medication prescriptions.  But, Yrene had a quality about her that spoke to kindness and surety that Aelin appreciated.

“Oh, same old,” Yrene laughed.  “A few nurses quit last week so my workload increased a bit.”

She rolled her eyes even as Aelin stared in slight horror.  

“It’s fine,” Yrene insisted, “I get double overtime and everything.  Besides, I’ve gotten really good at sewing up barbed wire injuries.”

“You still deserve a break,” Aelin insisted.

They stepped on the elevator to head up to the recovery wing.  Unlike yesterday, Aelin was able to remain mostly calm.  She kept herself as close to the door as possible still, ready to jump out at the first chance.

“Who needs rest?” Yrene chuckled.

“When was the last time you had a girls night?” Aelin asked. “You should come into Terrasen.  You, Nehemia, me and Marion, we can have a night out of fun.”

That gave Yrene pause.  She fiddled with the pager at her waist as she thought.  Aelin had a feeling she knew exactly what was going through the other woman’s head: new friends, too busy, do I really have time, easier to ignore it.  She knew those thoughts.  As much as Aelin loved new people and having fun, she’d grown warier as of late.  She knew how easily her cover could be blown, sending up a smoke signal to Arobynn telling him where she was.  

It had come close to happening after the debacle with Chaol over a year ago and why she didn’t entirely trust the man anymore.

“If you don’t want to,” Aelin began.

“No,” Yrene said quickly.  “No.  It sounds fun.  I’ll take a look at my schedule and let you know.”

The elevator opened up a floor and had Aelin bouncing out as soon as she could.  Despite the care she took to hide her emotions and her unease, she’d been failing more often in recent weeks.  She used to be good at it--protecting herself from other’s eyes.  For her own sake and the sake of her daughter she needed to get back to that point.

“Great!” Aelin flashed her brightest smile.  She had to be careful around Yrene’s keen eyes.  The woman had seen some of Aelin’s past medical records--the healed broken bones and scars--and would know what they meant.  While Yrene was a professional, and bound by HIPPA, she was still a good person who would look out for someone in a bad situation.  As long as Aelin acted like everything was alright, Yrene wouldn’t comment on it.  

She could hope.

“Marion doesn’t seem like the type to go out,” Yrene commented with light amusement. 

They headed down the hall as dawn slowly began creeping in through the skylights and windows.  It was set to be another beautiful summer day, even with all the turmoil surrounding them.

“Oh, she doesn’t,” Aelin agreed, “she’s always been a little closed off. She bit my head off the first time I invited her out to lunch.  It just takes a little bit for her to feel comfortable around people.”

We all have things we need to keep hidden, she almost said.  She bit her lip and kept those words to herself.

The recovery wing was quiet as they rounded a corner to Emrys’ room.  Malakai was already up and in the hall as the doctor and a nurse did a morning evaluation.

“You look terrible,” Malakai said, giving Aelin an appraising look.

She rolled her eyes. “Oh thanks.”

“I told you that you should have gone home,” he said.

“I’m fine.” The crick in her neck said otherwise, but Aelin ignored that. “How is he?”

“He woke up,” Malakai said, “still groggy and confused, but he did wake up.”

“Good,” Aelin said, “that’s good.”

She glanced to the room where the curtains were drawn.  She wished she could have gotten to see Emrys at least once, but she did need to get going, especially if she wanted to relieve Nehemia from Meiri duty.

“Will you give him my love?” she asked.  “I need to head back to Terrasen.”

“Of course,” Malakai agreed, “go.  I’ll let you know if anything happens.”

Aelin nodded. “I’ll check in with Luca and make sure he’s going to his summer classes.”

“Chaol knows what he’s doing,” Malakai reminded her.  

Aelin kindly ignored him.  She pressed a quick kiss to his cheek before turning to Yrene.

“Text me about your schedule.”

Yrene told her she would and satisfied, Aelin headed back to Terrasen.  

…

Rowan stood at the top of the ladder and stared at the window pane he was trying to install.  This really was a two man job but considering he knew no one in this damned town, he was determined to accomplish this on his own.

Last night he’d made the impossibly stupid decision of staying in Terrasen to help finish the renovations on the Inn.  He wasn’t entirely sure why he did it--other than the fact that he actually liked Malakai and Emrys. 

Maybe it also dipped into the idea that he wanted to make a difference.  For so long he’d been entrenched in pain and war, blood and misery.  For so long he’d done what others had told him to do to the point he never really knew what he wanted.  Until the end.

Until that last raid when he’d made a deadly choice.

But this wouldn’t lead to death.

Unless he slipped off the ladder.

Rowan looked down.  He’d probably survive.  

Good thing heights had never bothered him.

He turned back to the window pane.  With careful leveraging he could manage this on his own.  But for the rest of the windows?  Maybe he would have to enlist some help.  Which would require talking to people.

Hell.

After another twenty minutes, Rowan did manage to finagle the window pane into place and secure it with the necessary equipment.  

Sweat poured down his skin as she finally made it down the ladder.  It was barely one in the afternoon and he was ready to call it a day.  Even after spending years hauling equipment through the Kovac desert and sitting in a sniper's nest--there was something particularly grueling about this today.

He hadn’t been sleeping of course.  Hadn’t been training every day, all day.  His body was trying to adapt to its new circumstances and seemed to be failing miserably.

When his feet hit solid ground, he stripped off his shirt to wipe off the excess sweat that was dripping from his forehead.  As he’d come to learn about this part of the state; it was endlessly sunny.  The blue sky allowed for no relief.  Not that Rowan wanted it.

He stood in the parking lot of the Inn, bare chested and let the sun pour down.  He could taste the remnants of dust on his tongue and hear the quiet hum of cars drive past on the main road.  If he focused, if he closed his eyes and waited--he was back in that desert waiting for orders.

The low growl of a closely approaching car drew his attention and he opened his eyes to the blinding light of the sun as a black SUV pulled into the parking lot.  The engine cut off and a man hopped out of the driver's seat.  He had to be Rowan’s same age if he had to guess.  He was handsome with black hair and a charming smile.  There was something familiar about the easy way he held himself.

“You must be Rowan.” The man proffered a hand to shake.  He wore a suit that had to cost at least as much as the SUV he drove. “I’m Dorian, the city mayor.”

Rowan shook his hand but was otherwise unsure what to say to the man.  He’d met many political types in his time in the army and hadn’t liked any of them.  All he could really do was nod and mop his face with his shirt again.

“Malakai mentioned you might be staying in the front office for the day,” Dorian said, glancing at the ladder and mess of window equipment. “He didn’t mention you’d be working.”

There was such an easy way about him, that Rowan could see how someone could be disarmed by the man.  Since Rowan could now count on one hand the number of people he trusted in his life, it was easy to keep his defenses up.

“I figured I’d try and repay them by helping out,” Rowan said.

He remembered meeting a business man out in Kovac who would essentially loot abandoned villages and look for any opportunity to get his hands on money.  It was one of the things that led to Talbot’s death.  And that final raid.

All because of one man.

Rowan knew why Dorian was familiar.

“Havilliard,” he said slowly. Dorian’s smile froze in play. “Dorian Havilliard.  I’ve met your father.”

“That’s unfortunate,” Dorian said, “the man’s a bastard.”

Rowan eased back a step.  Henry Havilliard had come to Kovac because his business was investing funds in the war and had wanted to see sites where his money was being used.  Which had led to the attack miles outside of base camp.

In reality, Rowan knew he couldn’t blame the sins of the father on the son.  He knew that.  But it would be so easy to.

“You served in Kovac, didn’t you?” Dorian asked. “That’s mostly where my father invested.”

“Three tours,” Rowan said.  Three tours over four and a half years.  And then a year of training stateside before that.  It shouldn’t have happened that way, he should have had more time between tours.  Should have given himself a break, but after Talbot…everything had spiraled out of control.

“My father never understood what it was like to serve,” Dorian said, “never really understood what his work was doing.”  He held Rowan’s gaze for a few moments before looking away. “Even with all the time he spent over there.”

No one understood what it was like.  Not until they were holding a dying kid in their arms and had blood staining their lips.

“Did you need to get into the office?” Rowan asked.  He didn’t need to talk about his military time nor did he need to try and bond with a Havilliard.

“No,” Dorian said, he cast another look over the motel.  “I just thought I’d stop by and introduce myself.” He paused. “Are you planning on finishing the renovations yourself?”

Rowan shrugged. “May as well.  Sartaq is still finishing my truck.”

Though, if the last text was to be believed, the truck would be finished by the end of the day.

Dorian nodded absently. “Malakai was worried about being ready for the county fair.  You know--”

He was cut off by a loud squeal.

“Uncle Dorian!”

The small voice carried across the parking lot and was followed by the emphatic pounding of feet.  When Rowan looked around until he saw running along the sidewalk toward them was Meiri.  Her blonde hair bounced wildly about her face and an infectious smile beamed at him.  As she got closer he noticed she wore a pink tutu skirt paired with a blue Spider-Man shirt.

Behind her trailed Aelin at a quick pace with Meiri’s backpack slung on one arm, coffee in hand.

“Hey kiddo!” Dorian knelt down as Meiri nearly bowled him over.

“You missed pizza night with Mia!” Meiri told him.  She smacked her hands on Dorian’s cheeks and looked him dead in the eye. “You never miss pizza night.”

“I’m sorry,” Dorian said, he genuinely seemed apologetic.  Though Rowan wondered if that was from missing the pizza of missing time with Nehemia. “Next time I’ll be there, I promise.”

Meiri held out one hand, pinky in the air. “Pinky promise!”

Aelin watched the exchange in bemusement that had Rowan wondering how often Meiri sealed deals with pinky promises.

“Pinky promise,” Dorian agreed.  He hooked his pinky with hers.  

Satisfied, Meiri turned to Rowan.  Much like the first few times they’d met, she shied away from him, just a little.  Though, she still eyed him with interest.

“Hi,” she said, “did you get pancakes today?”

“Nope,” Rowan said, “no pancakes.”

“That sucks,” Meiri said.

“Meiri!” Aelin scolded, dropped a hand on her daughter's head. “That’s not a word I want you using.”

“But Luca says it,” Meiri said.  She shook her mother off and patted down her hair aggressively.

“Yeah and he’ll be in trouble too,” Aelin assured her daughter. “It’s not a nice way to talk.”

Meiri immediately became uninterested with the mild chastisement and ran over to the tool box sitting out beside the ladder.  She poked and prodded before she found a measuring tape and got to work measuring out every little thing she could.

“I thought you’d be gone by now,” Aelin said, drawing Rowan’s attention away from Meiri who crouched beside Dorian’s SUV, tape measure extended over the tires. “Sartaq left me a message saying your truck was done.”

Rowan ran a hand through his hair, the sweat helping it stick back out of his face.  He nodded to the pile of window and construction equipment off to the side.

“Decided to help out a bit until Emrys was back on his feet,” he explained.  How long had it been since he last checked his phone?  If he’d known Sartaq had finished he would have gone to pick the truck up.

Aelin’s expression betrayed nothing even as her head cocked to one side.  She didn’t exactly trust him, that much was for sure.  But she didn’t dislike him either.  At least…as far as he could tell.  Though, Rowan was certain that she’d never admit to such a thing.

“You should stick around for the county fair,” Dorian said.  He had an earnest grin on his face that had Aelin scoffing, but Rowan didn’t think the malice was directed at him. “It’s a good time.”

“You’d do anything to keep numbers up,” Aelin said.  She rested her hands on her hips and gave Rowan a look. “The reelection is coming up.”

“I’m just saying, food, music, and fireworks,” shrugging, Dorian looked a little chagrined. “And, there's a sharpshooting competition.  Been around since the fair started.  I’m sure Chaol would like the competition, no one’s beat him in three years.”

The offer was genuine, easily extended.  Rowan, however, had no inclination to pick up a gun again.  Not for a long time.  And not unless he had no other choice.

“Yeah, maybe,” Rowan said.  He ran a hand over his jaw contemplating if he could get out of this conversation by just walking away.  He hadn’t touched a weapon of any sort in months, not since being discharged and the thought of handling something else…

Meiri ran over to Dorian, the measuring tape flailing behind her.

“Uncle Dorian! Your car tires are this big!”  Meiri held up the metal tape that made a distinct whipping sound.

“Thanks kiddo,” Dorian smiled down at Meiri. 

“Momma’s gotta go to work, can I stay with you today?” Meiri asked.  She released the tape measure so it snapped together sharply.  

“Sorry, princess, I’ve got a lot of meetings today.” Dorian cast an apologetic look to Aelin who grimaced.

“I should have texted you beforehand,” she sighed. “I guess I can ask Mrs. Olmstead…”

“No Momma!” Meiri cried. “She never has any cookies and she doesn’t like to dig holes.  Plus she smells funny.”

Dorian had to turn away to keep his laugh hidden and Aelin’s lips were pursed so tightly, Rowan worried she’d bite into them.

“The cookies are the biggest crime,” Dorian said.  He patted Meiri on the head. “I need to head down to my meeting.  Have all the fun with this.”

He nodded to Rowan and gave Aelin a peck on the cheek before returning to his SUV.  The car turned out onto the main road, disappearing around a corner with a honk in farewell.

It was only then that Aelin cleared her throat before plucking the tape measure from Meiri’s hands. “I’m sorry you feel that way, but she is a very nice lady.  We can dig holes tomorrow.”

“Please, Momma?”  Meiri clung to her mother’s leg and tugged insistently.

It was a moment that was amusing and endearing.  Meiri in her tutu and large blue eyes and Aelin’s will crumbling bit by bit.  Rowan could remember a similar situation years ago.

A daughter.  A mother.

Each desperately clinging to the other.

“I can watch her,” Rowan said, the words leaving his lips before he knew what the hell he was thinking.

Aelin blinked, clearly shocked by his offer.  Well, there was no turning back now.

“Do you like to dig holes?” Meiri asked.  Her blue eyes widened expectantly as if it were the most important question in the world.

“Sure,” Rowan said, “I spent my summers burying my school books so my mom wouldn’t find them.”

Meiri pondered for a minute before she nodded once. “Okay.  We can have pancakes too!”

She took the measuring tape back from her mom before running to his tool box and taking the level out.  She held the tool in her hands with obvious care before heading over the window ledge of the front office.

It was easy to see Aelin’s uncertainty on the matter with the way she gripped Meiri’s bag in one hand.

“We can just hang out at the diner if you want,” Rowan offered. “You can keep an eye on her, I’ll color with her or something.”

For as long as he could remember, Rowan had never been a kid person.  He’d never known what to do around them or with them or…anything really.  The last kids he’d been around were his cousins but that had been ages ago, back before the war.  And frankly, Rowan wasn’t sure if he should volunteer for this.  After spending years around Lorcan and Fenrys combined there was no telling what Rowan would let slip.

Plenty and cursing that was certain.

“I,” Aelin began.  She sighed and rested a hand on her hip.  The tank top she wore left her golden arms on display.  She even had a few freckles spotting along her shoulders.  Summer looked good on her. “Alright.  Marion has reading hours sometimes at the library, if you stopped by I’m sure she’d help you out.” 

“Alright,” Rowan said.  That would work out well.  He remembered how much Sellene liked to read and Endymion could spin tales like no other.  “We’ll stop by.”

Aelin slowly pulled a key ring from her pocket and unwound a key.  She held it out between two fingers.

“I’m going to trust you,” she said, “don’t make me regret it.  I’m off at eight, but Nox might let me leave early.  You can go back to my place and watch Barbie movies if she gets too rowdy.”

Rowan accepted the key, tucking it into his fingers.  The metal was cool on his skin and seemed to weigh a little heavier in his grasp.

Trust was a heavy burden to own and he really wasn’t sure if he deserved it.  

Meiri skipped back over to them holding up the level so she could peer through one of the small openings between one of the bubble vials.

“Are we gonna get pancakes?” Meiri asked.

“Better,” Aelin answered, “Rowan’s going to take you to the library.”

Meiri gasped in excitement. “Yes!”

Aelin smiled as she crouched down next to her daughter. “Listen to Rowan, okay? I’ll see you tonight after work.”

“Bye, Momma! I love you!”  Meiri threw her arms around Aelin’s neck, nearly smacking her in the head with the level.

Chuckling, Aelin dodged the near assault.  She gently took the level from her daughter. “Let’s be careful with Rowan’s tools, these aren’t toys.”

Meiri nodded, the picture of innocence.

Aelin stood, drawing this good-bye out as long as she could.  Even Rowan wasn’t completely detached from human emotion to notice.

“I’ll make sure my phone’s charged,” Rowan assured her, “and I’ll get your number from Marion.  If that’s alright.”

“You have a phone?” Aelin asked, brow raised.  For the first time that day she was actually directing her amusement at him and not disdain.

“I haven’t used it in a while,” Rowan admitted. The only reason he new where it was was so Sartaq could keep in contact.

Despite the small bit of humor she’d just displayed, Aelin still looked hesitant.  One hand flexed toward Meiri who now butted her head into Aelin legs.  “Just keep me updated.”

“Updates every fifteen minutes,” Rowan promised.

That got a genuine smile. “Thirty minutes is fine.”

…

“Do you like reading Meiri?” Rowan asked as not more than ten minutes later he and Aelin’s daughter were rounding the steps to the library.

The building was small, tucked right up against the post office.  When they entered the double doors, Rowan got the distinct scent of fresh paper and static cleanliness that could only belong to a post office.  It mingled with the subtle undertones of cedar and book musk.

 “Yeah!” Meiri said.  “My favorite is the story of the princess who has to go find her family in the lost castle.  Do you know that story?” 

“Uh, no.”  The last book Rowan had read was…hell, he couldn’t even remember.

Meiri sighed.  “Do you know the story about the ducks?”

“No.”  Whatever fascination Meiri had once had for him was certainly draining away now.  Quickly.

They entered the main lobby of the library where there was a large display of children’s books set in the summer months and a cutout of a puppy with balloons tied to its collar.  Fly away with reading! Was written out overhead.

“Well what do you know?” Meiri asked.

Rowan thought back to what Sellene would have read at Meiri’s age.  “What about Snow White?” 

“She doesn’t have a sword.”

Well at least Rowan knew Aelin was giving her daughter a well rounded view of the world.  Though, admittedly, a lot of fairy tales could be improved if the princess had a sword.

“I’ll ask Marion for help,” Rowan assured Meiri.

He found a small table where he could plug his phone in and let it charge enough to make sure it would actually turn on, before making sure Meiri was settled in the picture book section.  He made sure not to go too far where Meiri was out of view as he looked for Marion.  Despite how small the library was, he wouldn’t take his chances on Meiri running off.

It didn’t take long before Marion appeared from a back room with a stack of books in her arms.  She paused when she saw Rowan.

“Hi,” she said, “what are you…?”

Rowan jutted a thumb back to where Meiri was picking out books. “I’m helping Aelin out with Meiri.”

“Aelin let you take her daughter out of her sight?” Marion obviously did not believe what Rowan was saying.  She propped the books she held on one hip as she walked to the main counter. “She doesn’t know you.”

“Yeah,” Rowan said.  He shrugged. “I  don’t really know why either.”

Marion set her books down and brushed adjusted the bun her hair was knotted in.  She reached for the small phone sitting next to her computer.  Rowan didn’t even try to argue as she immediately began texting.  

“Her shift just started,” he offered helpfully.

Marion only glared up at him.  For such a small woman, she would have made an excellent army ranger.  He could see her ordering a group of soldiers around without much effort at all.  Hell, she could even give Lorcan a run for his money with that scowl.

“Why would I kidnap a five year old and immediately bring her to a library?” Rowan added after Marion finished her message.

“Because you’re up to something,” Marion said. “Showing up to a small town and offering no information about yourself.  Helping out a family you just met.  Don’t think I haven’t heard about what you’re doing for Emrys and Malakai.”

It had been, maybe, a half hour since speaking with Dorian and already the gossip was circulating.

Determination flashed in Marion’s eyes.  As well as mistrust.  Rowan had spent plenty of time trying to understand people, interrogating them, learning everything he could about them that he knew these subtler human emotions.

“I tell you my secrets if you tell me yours,” he offered.  And then, to make a point he added: “Marion’s not even your real name, is it?”

That got a reaction.  Marion stiffened, just barely, but it was enough to tell Rowan enough.  It was a cruel thing to point out, especially given how protective and cautious she was--but he knew, he knew, there was something different about her.  

“Can I have Aelin’s number?  I told her I would text her with updates.”  Rowan tapped a pad of sticky notes for emphasis.

Marion muttered a curse under her breath but did as requested.  She handed him the note, jaw set with anger.

“Thank-you,” Rowan said.

He went back to where his phone was charging, unlocking it and disregarding the missed messages waiting for him.  Those weren’t important.  There were only three people who had his number and he didn’t want to talk to any of them.  Well, technically a few others but dealing with ghosts never got him anywhere.

He tapped out a quick message to Aelin.

>>This is Rowan.  Meiri is currently well on her way to emptying out the entire library.

He debated sending a picture along with it but decided against it.  He doubted Aelin would want a near stranger having pictures of her daughter on his phone.

Hell.  She must have been desperate to let him take Meiri for the afternoon.

Just as he moved to set the phone back down a new message buzzed through.  He thought it was Aelin already responding until he saw the I.D.  He should have known they would reach out like this.

<<im back stateside

<<we need to talk

<<its important

<<you cant ignore me forever

Rowan frowned.  Well he sure as shit could try.

He locked the phone and went over to the small play area where Meiri was rapidly accumulating a large pile of books.  She sat at a small table with a book propped up before her.  One finger trailed along the words as she slowly mouthed the words out.

“K-k-kwik,” she said, “the dog was quick.”

Rowan didn’t know much about kids, but he had a feeling Meiri was far above the usual reading level.  She glanced up when he approached and waved her book in the air.

“C’mon, you said you’d read with me.”

So, Rowan went over and took a seat in the tiny plastic chair beside her and read about the dog that ran all through a small town wrecking havoc as it went.  Every few books, Meiri would get up and wander around to find another book or two and bring them back for Rowan to read.

She was so entranced by each story, Rowan didn’t have the heart to shirk his duties so he wound up doing voices and accents for the different characters.  He made sure to send Aelin messages along the way--ignoring the ones from his old contacts--and just tried to keep Meiri entertained.  

Eventually Marion came over with a coloring book and giant box of crayons for Meiri to color with.  The girl happily took the items and set to work, choosing to go sit in a corner next to a giant stuffed elephant.

Marion sat in one of the kid chairs across from Rowan, chin propped in one hand.

“You know,” she said, “that kid is one of a kind.  And Aelin loves her more than anything.”

It wasn’t anything Rowan was surprised to hear.  Meiri did seem like a different kid than most.  And Aelin’s love for her was one of the first things Rowan had noticed in the diner that first day in Terrasen.  He eyed Marion wondering what she was getting at.

“When Chaol and Aelin were dating, well, if you could call it that,” Marion shrugged, “he wanted something serious and she was just trying things out.  Anyways.  They were doing whatever and he tried to find her family.  Or…I think he did.  Almost told them exactly where to find her too.  I’ve…I’ve never seen her more upset.”

Marion paused, picking at a hangnail.

“I don’t know exactly what happened in her past,” she finally continued, “but I know enough.  And if…if it was anything of what I went through then she deserves to be happy, to have this time and place for her and her kid.  You should have seen the look on her face when Chaol said he found her cousin.  I swear she was going to leave right then and there, murder him too.  She just wants to raise her daughter.”

The words sunk in slowly, taking their time to nestle into Rowan’s brain.  He could hear what was left unsaid and come to his own conclusions.  It didn’t mean he could trust any of it.  Not that Marion or Aelin would blatantly lie about this sort of thing, but they could certainly leave out bits of truth.

“I’m just here for myself,” Rowan said. “I’ll leave as soon as Emrys is back on his feet.”

Marion smiled. “Didn’t you say the same thing about your car?”

She was, unfortunately, right.

“Rowan?” Meiri said, scrambling up from beside that stuffed animal.  Crayons went flying as she moved. “I’m hungry.”

He smiled at the little girl with her wild hair and mismatched clothes.  Confident and strong just like her mother.

“Alright, let's get something to eat.”

If there was anyone that could keep her child safe from the wiles of the world, Rowan was sure it would be Aelin.  He just hoped that one day, maybe, she’d be able to stop running.

…

The heat of Kovac dissipated only slightly when a storm blew in.  Instead of being a dry and consuming heat it had turned into a melting pot of humidity. Dust and sand kicked up from wind and the few trucks that were still on the move, leaving everything in a hazy glaze.  Adding to that a burst of rain and lightning, the desert felt like a whole new type of misery.

Supposedly, the one thing to come of it all was that there would be no scouting or fighting that day.  Rowan wasn’t sure if he liked that or not.  For a while now, he’d felt on edge.  As if he were always waiting for something to happen--and IED to go off, a sneak attack to occur, something that he couldn’t fix.  

He tried to play it cool, to ignore the way his thoughts would latch on to every negative and dangerous thing.  Tried to pretend he was being logical in his worry, that he was simply preparing for what may come.  It was flimsy at best and a part of him knew it.  Ever since the raid last week and the reality that they'd be getting a new commander…Things were changing and Rowan  didn’t like it.  Lorcan or Gavriel were more than capable leaders and if Maeve wanted to divide the squad, she could just keep Gav in his current position and promote Lorcan.  Or even Vaughan.  Bringing in a new body now seemed like a stupid idea.  Rowan knew better than to argue against Maeve when she had her mind set on something, though.  It wasn’t worth the demerit.

He simply tried to keep his frustration at bay.  His squad mates had only offered the usual glare in Maeve's direction at the announcement.  They each felt the frustration but there was nothing to be done at this point.  Not if they wanted to keep things running smoothly.

Unfortunately, they were set to meet Hammel that day.  He’d arrived sooner than anticipated, which Rowan would choose to see as a good thing, a way to get into a new rhythm and normal before the next planned raid.  In the week since the announcement, Rowan had done his own background check on Hammel.  Perhaps it was an abuse of power to call in the favors he did, but he’d wanted to learn everything about the man he could.

He’d spent the last year and a half in Oregon on a small base up there as a trainer.  Many of the men he’d worked with had gone on to get accommodations, many even being stationed in Kovac as well.  There was a brief incident report of someone breaking into his off base apartment and beating his girlfriend before stealing some cash and the tv.  Something about that didn’t seem right, but it was only one report relating to Hammel.  He was an excellent marksman and scout but his true skills lied in stealth work.

Officially, Hammel was a good soldier.  One of the best.

Unofficially…well.  There was only one comment from a young cadet who had been discharged part way through boot camp after “over escalating” a situation between her and a fellow cadet.

Lieutenant Hammel did not take my comments or safety seriously in this investigation.  I would formally request placement in another unit. The cadet had instead been honorably discharged before vanishing entirely.

It wasn’t a lot to base his opinion on, but Rowan was already coming to his own conclusions.

So when the official call came in for the Cadre, as they were known by, to meet with Hammel--Rowan did his best to let the irritation fade away.

"Gentlemen," Hammel greeted once they were all seated.  

The briefing area was as hot and muggy as ever, settling them all with another level of discomfort.  

Lorcan as usual chose a back corner seat, hardly sitting at attention.  Gavriel maintained his decorum and the twins were as lanky and childish as ever.  Rowan glanced at Talbot who had been whisked into the squad after the last raid and Hernandez transferred him.  Rowan didn't know the reasonings, but he liked the kid so he didn't argue.

Before them now, Hammel stood tall and at ease.  Though, there was no mistaking the cold silver of his gaze and the harsh lines of his face.  His red hair hung to his shoulders and he wore a cold ring on one finger.  He didn't seem the least bit concerned with anything but himself.

“I've heard you're undisciplined and like to cause problems."  Hammel raised a single brow looking as though he couldn't have cared less about the lot of them. "Not under my command.  There have been too many slip ups and unsuccessful raids.  These mess ups will no longer happen or I'll make sure the rest of your weeks here are as miserable as your lives."

It was quite the speech, not that Rowan was truly intimidated by it.  He'd already experienced hell and this man wasn't going to make things worse.

"We'll start with a practice training tomorrow, no matter the weather conditions, you've got to be capable of working through anything.  Sniper!"

Rowan sat up, lifting his chin. 

"Only five confirmed kills," Hammel lifted a lip. "Do better."

"None of my men have died in the last two tours I’ve done," Rowan said, "sir.  I've protected my men."

That sneer only broadened. "When I give you an order, soldier, you accept it.  No arguments."

Rowan only stared at the other man.  He fought the urge to gauge everyone else's reactions.  Hell, he wanted to see Gav most of all.  Gav who’d been their leader for nearly two years now and was being sidelined for someone younger.  

Rowan had known war wouldn’t be easy.  He’d known he would kill, potentially be killed.  He knew his perceptions of life would change and that nothing, nothing, would be the same when he was finished.  But to be told to take more lives?  To add more chaos into the world?

“Yes, sir.”  Rowan didn’t salute.  He didn’t move a muscle until Hammel turned the conversation to the next raid that would take place as soon as the storm passed and this time they would see results.

.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.

Tumblr isn't allowing me to tag blogs properly so any reblogs would be greatly appreciated! <3

[imaginedhaven]

What do you think would rowaelin's kids' names? My version is (from oldest to youngest): Lena (for Elena, 23.5 y.o), Evalin (21 y.o), Rose/Rosette (13 y.o), Sam (9-10 y.o) and Lyri (for Lyria, 0.5~ y.o/Aelin still pregnant)

Rowan so very protective of his kids (as would Aelin), especially of the younger ones, and Aelin, obviously, while she's pregnant

I have this fantasy that Aelin dies giving birth to Evalin and sees her parents. Her mom convinces her to stay there, with her mate and kids. Aelin comes back, and names their daughter after her mom, and Ro is super protective of her in the next few weeks, using her coming back from the dead, again, is a valid excuse. Aelin secretly loves it though. And let's not forget Fenrys and Aedion! Rowan probably wouldn't let them anywhere close to her, but they would still come check up on her and stand guard otside the door at night.

Lorcan's chilling with Elide in their room in Orynth, he's kinda weirded out when he feels the blood oath being severed and then be renewed, because he wasn't invited to the birth and Elide decided to come by later

Also, for some reason, I imagine Evalin being mated to Anita "Ann/Annie" Ashryver, aka lysaedion daughter. They's sorta third cousins, right? So it's okay if they're together? (Evalin and Aedion's mom were cousins)

Btw, it's totally Aelin who guesses the gender of their kids. When Rowan asks her how, she tells him it's because she can comunicate with the baby, and also because a mother just knows. He absolutly melts when she calls herself a mother for the first time

They decided to name their 5th kid Lyri because she got Rhoe's brown hair and also probs because Aelin noticed Rowan was rather surprised to have four daughters and only one son, so she wanted him to have the honor of naming her.

Sorry it's so long! I couldn't help myself! If you want, I could send how I see them and what powers they'd have, it's 2 something am here, and I really value my sleep. Espcially on a Saturday!

Yes, sleep is SO important!!! I hope you’re sleeping now, lol.

I’m going to get into some of how I see post-canon in a future fic or two, so I don’t want to give all of it away JUST yet, but I can go through how I’ve been putting it together.

For names, I’ve been largely trending toward looking at traditional Scottish, Italian, and Greek names. The reason for this is that Terrasen is pretty strongly coded as the Scotland to Adarlan’s British Empire (at least to me!) while Doranelle’s and Wendlyn’s culture reads to me as Greek/Italian (Wendlyn more Greek, Doranelle more Italian, though I waffle on this more than I do on Terrasen). I don’t personally like naming children after family members because it puts a lot of pressure on the kids, at least in my mind, so I’ve sort of eschewed that route in my planning. (This extends to real life as well and has led to more than one debate with the spouse, lol).

I love your idea of Aelin either truly dying in childbirth and being sent back, or at least having a near-death experience! Rowan would freak out SO hard.

I see your Galathynius-Ashryver future match and I do like it, but hear me out: Rowaelin’s daughter falling in love with Elorcan’s son. The drama. The tense family reunions. Lorcan and Aelin grumbling about it together for centuries.

As far as guessing/knowing the genders, I could see it playing out both ways! Aelin would probably be verbal about it either way, but I could also see Rowan just quietly knowing she’s wrong but letting her have her theories. I also think you are spot on with Rowan loving Aelin calling herself a mother, these two are SO soft for each other and I love it.

By all means feel free to share more! I’m holding some of mine back, because SOMEONE asked me to put it in a fic. 😉 But I love hearing people’s ideas of what happens to these characters post canon!

[shyvioletcat]

Could i request an Rowaelin or Elorcan pregnancy/baby fic for my birthday please? Doesn't have to be today. Please

Happy belated Birthday! I hope you like it =)

~~~~~

It felt like it had happened overnight, one day the bump wasn’t there and then the next it was. Elide stepped out of the shower and caught sight of her reflection in the mirror and stopped. Then she smiled, quickly getting dressed and putting on a soft, but figure hugging, tshirt dress. She’d bought three of them, each one a different colour, they had become her outfit of choice these weeks when her body seemed to be going through some rapid changes, sometimes on day to the next.

Like today.

Elide stood in front of the full length mirror on the door of the wardrobe and smoothed her hands over her stomach and smiled. She could hear Lorcan in the kitchen making breakfast so she went out to him.

“Good morning,” Elide said as she sidled up to him, arm wrapping around his waist.

Lorcan did the same, not taking his eyes off the pancake in the pan. “Good morning.”

Lorcan’s hand rested on her hip, but Elide placed her hand over his and guided it to her stomach so he cold feel how it protruded. She watched his brow furrow for a moment before he looked down at her. Elide grinned at him a took a step back, cradling her stomach to accentuate just how round it was.

“You like it?” Elide asked, still smiling.

Lorcan took the pan off the heat and closed the distance between them again, running his large hand over her stomach again.

“Hello there,” Lorcan said, a soft smile on his face. Elide was sure she was the only one to ever see it. “We should celebrate.”

“What?” Elide asked, her voice shaking with laughter.

“We should do something, let’s go shopping,” Lorcan suggested as he took Elide’s hands in his.

Elide huffed another laugh. “Shopping. You’re serious?”

“We both have the day off and you’ve been saying for ages we need to look at cots and everything, so we’ll do it today to celebrate,” Lorcan explained, then he was heading for the hook that the car keys hung on.

“Lor,” Elide said.

“Yes, love?” Lorcan asked as he started to tie his hair back.

Elide pointed to the stove and said simply, “Pancakes first.”

~~~~~

Elide sat in a rocking armchair as she watched Lorcan inspect the cots. They had looked them over together twice before Elide said she needed to sit down. Now Lorcan spoke to an assistant who he towered over, asking her gods knew what. But she smiled, and nodded and explained the answers to whatever he asked. Beside Elide was a basket full of things, clothes, toys, bibs. Elide felt like they had picked one of everything in the entire store. The bigger items were already at the register, ready for them to pay for and pick up. Lorcan was most definitely going overboard, and Elide didn’t mind in the slightest.

She thought it was cute at how excited he was, how he wanted everything just so. So even though she had needed to take a moment to sit down, Elide didn’t mind in the slightest as he kept going. Lorcan had insisted that she find a rocking chair she liked anyway. Lorcan was inspecting the side of a white cot when he looked over and saw her slightly scrunched face.

“You don’t like this one?” He asked.

Elide shook her head resting her hands on her stomach, “I don’t like the white.”

Lorcan didn’t even argue and moved away from it. He went to one that looked as if it was made from a deep brown wood. “This one?”

Elide shook her head again, “It’s laminate.”

Even Lorcan pulled a face at that one. He moved further away from her a pointed so he didn’t raise his voice. Elide shrugged her indifference. He went to another and this time Elide nodded, it was a lighter wood with a more natural finish.

“I like that colour,” Elide called out. “Not sold on the design though.”

Lorcan nodded again then proceeded to look at all the other ones that were a similar colour, talking quietly to the assistant. Then he came over to her and extended his hand to her to help her up.

“I think I found one,” Lorcan said as he steadied her on her feet.

“Oh?”

“Yes,” Lorcan replied.

As they walked Elide said, “You’ve left nothing for the registry you know.”

“I’m sure our friends will find something,” Lorcan assured her. “There’s plenty of useless, in fashion things I don’t even know about. This one here.”

Lorcan stopped them in front of a cot that was the colour that she liked, it was simple design but it looked solid and well made.

“Perfect.” Elide said.

“I thought so too,” Lorcan said. “And it comes with a chest of drawers with a change table on top.”

“So efficient,” Elide concurred.

Lorcan nodded. “Exactly.”

Elide looked up at Lorcan, a crooked little smile on her face. “What’s next?”

“Well, my lovely wife, that would be your rocking chair,” Lorcan said with a smile of his own.

“Ah, now that I am very excited for,” Elide said leading him by the hand.

He followed very willingly. “Whichever you like, I promise.”

~~~~~

If there’s typos etc I apologise. My eyes are tired and I don’t have my glasses

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[inkedstarlight]

Living of Love

Summary: Sirius Black owns a punk rock flower shop. When Remus moves in across the street and opens up a bookstore, the two men meet and discover what it feels like to love once more. A Valentine's Day story. Lots of fluff.

Note: Just reposting a Wolfstar fic I published on AO3 a long time ago! For all who don’t know, I used to write a lot of Harry Potter fanfiction about three years ago. All of my HP fanfiction is posted on Archive of Our Own, and I’ve added it to my Masterlist. Nowadays, I’m writing a shit ton of ACOTAR and TOG fics (more to come very soon)! If you ever have prompts/requests, send them in my ask box! I will write: Nessian, Elriel, Feysand, Elorcan, Wolfstar, Jily, and Linny. Thank you to all those who read my fics, I can’t express how much it means to me!

“James!” Sirius cursed as he opened the door.

His best friend poked his head from behind the corner. “Yes, my lover?”

“Cut the crap. What the bloody hell have you done to my shop?”

“Happy Valentine’s Day!” He exclaimed with a sheepish grin.

Sirius stared wide eyed at his flower shop. Only it wasn’t. It was bedazzled in pink. Paper hearts linked their way across the walls. Red and pink stickers were plastered on the front windows. A jar of heart candies was placed on the counter. Every bouquet had a card with some absurd declaration of love resting in the flowers. Sirius sighed.

“What am I looking at, Prongs?”

“Well, my truly amazing friend, you’re looking at the new and improved Guns ’n Roses!” James raised his arms. “Lily helped me a bit last night. What do you think?”

“I think you’re crazy.”

“It’s a masterpiece.”

“It’s not punk rock at all. I asked you to help prep for the holiday – not to let Cupid come in and throw up on my flowers!”

“Embrace the holiday, Pads. It’s a wonderful thing – love.” James looked off with doe eyes.

Sirius snorted. “Still in your honeymoon phase, I see.”

“You’ll find someone too, you know.”

“Doubtful. The amount of eligible gay men in Hampshire is equivalent to the dignity I have left.” Sirius turned the sign on the front door that stated they were open before shutting it and walking into his shop.

Though it was a minimalist interior, it showcased his best floral arrangements. The black and white framed photographs of old bands rested on the rustic, brick walls. On the left and right walls were white shelves of flowers from peonies, to dahlias, to flower crowns. In the middle sat two maroon loveseats, angled toward each other. There was a round table in between them with Sirius’s favorite flowers in an intricate vase; cosmos atrosanguineus. And towards the back of the store was an L shaped counter with his bouquets of the month placed on it. He walked swiftly behind the counter to the registry, and placed his things on the floor. He surveyed his precious store with another look of disbelief.

“What about that guy you told me about a few weeks ago, the one who recently opened up a bookstore just across the street?” James waggled his eyebrows and followed him around the counter.

Sirius blushed as he remembered the man.

“Are you, Sirius Orion Black, the man who claims to have a ‘heart of steel’, blushing?”

Sirius sacked him in the shoulder in hopes of ending his utter embarrassment. “Sod off, Potter.”

But as James rubbed his shoulder and howled with laughter, Sirius allowed himself to remember the man whom he couldn’t stop thinking about…

Sirius flipped the ‘open’ sign as the first drops of rain began to come down. It was a cloudy day on Belmore Street, but beautiful just the same. The local shops’ lights glowed in the downcast morning. The cobbled road was glistening with the rainfall. The storm was welcoming as it was refreshing.

He looked out his window to see the no longer vacant store directly across the street from his. The sign above the door said, Secondhand Prose. He gave a small smile. There hadn’t been a bookstore here in a long time.

Just as he was about to walk away from the front window, a lean figure in the rain caught his eye. It looked as though the man was trying to carry tons of boxes from a truck into his store. In the rain. With only a t-shirt on. He shook his head incredulously. But he looked upward again at the now downpour. He shifted his gaze back to the struggling man carrying what seemed to be a heavy box. Sirius muttered hateful words to himself as he put up his hood and stepped out into the storm.

He walked quickly across the uneven street. As the man walked out of the store, Sirius approached the truck. The man looked up at him, and Sirius’s steps faltered.

With hair dark with dripping water, a soaked through shirt, and glasses that weren’t helping him at this point, the man was a handsome mess. His warm gaze penetrated Sirius’s.

With the realization that he was staring at the stranger, Sirius cleared his throat, a flush creeping up his neck.

“I couldn’t help but watch your helpless attempt at moving all this shit,” he pointed over his shoulder at the numerous boxes sitting in the back of the truck. “Do you need any help?”

Surprise overcame his face, but looked at his feet and smiled shyly. “That would be great.”

Sirius tore his gaze from him and moved to the truck. It was piled to the brim with cardboard boxes. As leaned over to pick one up, he looked inside to see worn books. He noticed one of his favorites and picked it up.

“The Fountainhead. A brilliant book.” Sirius turned around to see the man standing just a few feet away. His gaze quickly snapped up and his cheeks flushed. Sirius couldn’t help but smirk at the fact that the man had been checking him out.

He gulped. “It’s groundbreaking.”

Sirius was about to agree when another box caught his eye, this one filled to the brim with CD’s. A familiar album cover was at the top of the pile, and he picked it up.

“Emotionalism? This album is incredible. Do you listen to them?”

Remus’s eyes brightened with passion and he grinned. “Track 10.”

They launched into a discussion about the album and the other music they listen to, somehow ending up discussing where they came from and where they longed to go. At some point, Sirius sat on the edge of the truck, Remus joining him, legs swinging back and forth, all the while the rain continuing to beat down on them as they continued to talk for what felt like hours, never once hitting an uncomfortable silence or an awkward topic. A tether seemed to form between the two men as they connected through words.

“We should probably finish up with these boxes,” Sirius nodded to the books behind him, reluctant to end their conversation.

After that, the two men danced around each other as they efficiently moved all the books into the new store. The rain conveniently stopped just as Sirius brought in the last box. He walked back outside where the man was sitting on the rear of the truck, reading a book. Sirius used this moment to look at him. His hair was nearly dry, and had a glorious golden hue in the curls. He was beautiful.

He looked up as Sirius approached and stood up.

“Thank you so much… I really appreciate your help. It would have taken me twice the amount of time to do all of that,” he waved his hand toward his store and chuckled.

“A handsome man in need of a white knight? My pleasure,” he shamelessly flirted.

The stranger blushed all the way down to his toes. “Er…thanks. Have – have a good day.” He abruptly turned his heel and practically ran into his shop.

Sirius swore at himself. He was so damn forward. He groaned and began walking back to Guns ’n Roses, sans a cute guy’s number.

It wasn’t until Sirius was inside his shop that he realized he never got his name.

He came back to the present to find James shaking his head at him.

“What happened to the Sirius Black I knew, the one who went after anything he wanted?”

“You know what happened to him.”

James tsked at him. “You can’t let one man ruin any chance for others. He was a complete asshole who treated you like scum. You’re better than him, mate. You’re better than what your family believes you to be; better than what you see yourself as.”

Sirius spared a glance at James, who was looking down at him with love.

“Is this the part where we hug?”

James scrunched up his nose and shoved Sirius back on the shoulder. They laughed together and Sirius retreated back to the counter. He picked out a peony from the vase and let out a deep breath. James grinned at his unusually nervous friend.

“Now go get some, my man!” James spanked his butt on the way out.

Needless to say, Sirius bruised his shoulder. Again.

*                      *                      *

A bell jingled as Sirius opened the door to the bookstore. Before he opened the door, however, he noticed a few Valentine’s themed books in the front window. Laughter bubbled up at the sight of erotic romances, and he continued into the shop.

Peering inside, a vintage looking shop with what looked like hundreds upon hundreds of bound words resting on wooden shelves stretching across the majority of the room met his eyes. Toward the back, he could make out a few overstuffed armchairs. He stepped inside and inhaled the scent of old paperbacks and freshly brewed coffee. Not having noticed before, he realized the small bar to the right. It was a bookstore café.

He walked in further, finding no one in sight. He bit his lip in anxiousness.

Was he even here?

Sirius strolled past the bookshelves, glancing into each aisle, but the man from a few weeks ago was nowhere to be found.

Finally, he got to the last shelf of classic novels. He looked down the narrow aisle between the books.

There he was.

Standing on a stool librarians often use, he was leafing through a gently used book. His untidy curls stuck up every which way, and his thickly framed glasses were on the verge of falling off his nose. And they weren’t covered with raindrops this time. Angled toward him, Sirius noticed his sweater. It was pink with a few sewn hearts on it for the holiday, he presumed. He was even more adorable than Sirius remembered.

The man shelved the book with satisfaction. He then stepped down to the box beside the stepping stool to pick up another book. As he grabbed the book and straightened, his gaze caught Sirius standing in the middle of the aisle. His eyes widened with surprise.

“Oh, hullo,” he said, self consciously running his hand through his golden hair, making it stick up even more.

“Hi, I don’t know if you remember, but I helped you move in a few days ago. I’m –”

“Sirius.” As soon as the man said it, he blushed furiously. “Er, your friend came in the other day and mentioned you owned the floral shop across the street.” The only coherent thought in Sirius’s head was, James went into a bookstore? Remus continued. “I figured it was you, seeing as you came in and out of the shop when you helped me that day, so I asked for your name. Did I thank you, by the way? It was really kind…” Sirius watched him with intrigue as he stumbled over his words.

When he finished his rambling, he simply stood there with bright eyes and tousled hair.

“I’m Remus Lupin, by the way. A bit of a late introduction, but …er –”

“Better late than never, Remus,” Sirius finished for him, grinning. Remus loved the way his velvet voice wrapped along the two syllables of his name.

They stood there for a few moments, looking at each other with anticipation.

“This is for you,” Sirius blurted out, reaching out and handing him the flower. Remus’s eyes softened and gladly took the peony.

“It’s beautiful, thank you. I, erm… I was actually just going to bring you something once I finished shelving,” he waved his arm at the pile of books behind him.

“You’re in luck. I’m quite a fan of surprises.”

Remus led him down the aisle, past the dozens of bookshelves, and to the café. Sirius followed him like a lost puppy.

Once they reached the café, Remus picked up a lone mug on the countertop. He turned around and held it out to Sirius. He looked at the cappuccino to see a dog paw designed with milk on the top.

“I saw you walking your dog past my store on Saturday, and well, I thought you’d like it.”

Sirius’s heart squeezed.

“I love it, it’s amazing … I actually came over here to ask you out.”

Not believing his ears, Remus tripped over his own feet as he took a clumsy step forward to hand the coffee to Sirius. Although he steadied himself from falling forward, the contents flew out of the mug and onto Sirius. And as if it were happening in slow motion, the hot liquid splattered Sirius’s white shirt, staining it a muddy brown color.

Remus’s eyes widened in horror.

Sirius looked down at his wet shirt, and back up at Remus’s horrified expression.

“Shit on a fucking stick! Bloody hell, I’m such a fucking wanker.” A long list of expletives shot out of Remus’s mouth.

And Sirius began laughing.

To his chagrin, Remus decided it was a good idea to grab a towel and begin dabbing at Sirius’s shirt with it. He began wiping at his stomach, not-so-subtly feeling his impressively hard muscles, then got to his knees and cleaned the coffee off of Sirius’s shoes and the floor.

“As much as I like the sight of you kneeling before me, I don’t think it’s doing much.”

Remus tilted his head up. Sirius was looking down at him with amusement and heat in his eyes.

Sirius bent down and got eye level with Remus. He grabbed his chin gently with two fingers.

“You’re the clumsiest, most adorable man I’ve ever met,” he whispered, leaning in until their lips almost met.

Before Sirius could move an inch further, Remus shot up on his feet.

“Er, we should… I-I have customers.”

Sirius stood up and looked around at the vacant bookstore and to the lone worker at the coffee bar who was on her phone.

“I think you could manage a five minute break.”

And with that, Sirius grabbed Remus’s pale hand in his warm one and led him out the door to the floral shop across the street.

Sirius held open the front door, extending his hand out to let Remus walk in first. “Gentlemen first.”

Remus walked into the store with Sirius behind him, and before Sirius could open his mouth to welcome and give him a tour, a flash of light blinded their eyes.

“What the fuck?”

Sirius blinked a few times to regain his vision, only to find James standing in front of them, camera poised in front his grinning face. Remus was looking at him, confusion written all over his face as he too readjusted his eyes.

“Aw, look at your faces.” He bought down the camera to look at the picture he just shot. He keenly resembled a proud parent on the night of prom. “You guys are such a cute couple.”

Sirius’s mouth hung wide open, disbelief and embarrassment written over his face. He crossed an arm around himself and hid his head in his heads, face palming his forehead very audibly, shaking his head in defeat.

Remus, on the other hand was smiling, amusement in his eyes. He gave James a small wave. “Nice to see you again, James. But, er, we aren’t exactly dating. We’ve really just been properly introduced.”

James waved him off. “Not yet you aren’t,” he winked suggestively.

Sirius lifted his head abruptly. “James,” he seethed, trying to remain pleasant. “Don’t you have to go do that thing?”

He tapped his chin thoughtfully and frowned. “I don’t think so, mate –”

But one look from Sirius had him running to the back.

Sirius was furious. James was a wonderful friend, no doubt. But he knew what Sirius had gone through with his previous relationship – the pain he had experienced after the man he loved cheated on him. Coming home from the jewelers, a newly bought engagement ring in his pocket. Calling out his name, his heart pounding in anticipation. Hearing sounds from their bedroom, and opening the door to see him fucking another man. Screaming and screaming and screaming until his voice was hoarse and his tears were nearly drowning him. Throwing the ring in his face. The betrayal. The heartbreak.

James knew. He witnessed it all – the breaking, the burning, the healing. He knew that Sirius thought he would never let someone in like that again; that he would never know what intimacy and love would feel like.

Three years gone. He had never been in a relationship since – never found a person that he could open himself up to. And now, with Remus, he felt like he could have that chance of happiness and love.

If James didn’t fuck it all up.

He turned around to face Remus, a long winded apology already on the tip of his tongue, but before he could get out a word, Remus took a long stride forward, wrapped Sirius in his arms, and kissed him, his lips soft and plush and fumbling.

Sirius, completely taken aback, had only one thought running through his mind. Remus is gay. I owe James ten bucks.

But that instantly vanished when he realized, Remus is kissing me.

Once his brain properly functioned, his lips curled into a warm smile and he began to properly kiss Remus back. His slightly shaky hand tentatively slid up to wrap around Remus’s neck, deepening the kiss. The other went around the man’s narrow waist, fingers tightening around his soft and oversized jumper, curling around the material to pull Remus closer to him.

They continued to kiss for what felt like hours. With their bodies pressed tight against one another, they were in their own cocoon of blissful heat. When Sirius pulled back slightly, his stormy eyes met Remus’s, whose were bright and warm like melted chocolate. He brought his hand up to cup Remus’s cheek tenderly, drinking in the flushed face, shy smile, and tousled hair.

“Can I just say something?” Sirius asked, breathless. A nod. “I am a fucked up man. I haven’t had a relationship in three years.” He shook his head, laughing a little. “You make me feel, Remus. I don’t know what it is about you. And I know we’ve only just met, and fucking hell this is cliché, but I feel like I’ve known you forever. Maybe it’s your taste in literature or your adorably crooked glasses, or maybe it’s the fact we connect in this way that I’ve never experienced. But I want to take this chance with you and risk being completely destroyed instead of wondering what could have been. So please take that chance with me because you are like no one I have ever met.” He exhaled a breath and quickly added, “It’s also a bonus that you’re incredibly handsome and witty.”

Remus laughed incredulously and merely nodded, whispering, “Yes.”

Sirius held up a finger, and ran over to the display case, picking up a single rose, and rushed back to Remus, holding it out to him.

He smiled, accepting the flower and pulled Sirius into him, kissing the life out of him.

From a passerby’s view in the cobbled streets, they would simply see two men in a tight embrace, their gazes never wavering.

Two lovers on Valentine’s Day.

[rhysand-vs-fenrys]

My Fanfic Library: The Masterlist (As of 03/26/20)

**For the sake of space, only Chapter 1 of long-form fics is linked.**

The Shadows of Night (Ongoing)

A mysterious army appears in the mountains of Night and soon declares war against the High Lords. The conflict will shed light on Night's darkest secrets and reveal the horrible truth behind every Daemati and Shadowsinger in Prythian.

Tumblr: ~1~ || ~2~ || ~3~ || ~4~ || ~5~ || ~6~ || ~7~ || ~8~ || ~9~ || ~10~ || ~11~ || ~12~ || ~13~ || ~14~ || ~15~ || ~16~ || ~17~ || ~18~ || ~19~ || ~20~ || ~21~ || ~22~ || ~23~ || ~24~ || ~25~ || ~26~ || ~27~ || ~28~ || ~29~ || ~30~ || ~31~ || ~32~ || ~33~ || ~34~ ||

AO3 || Fanfiction.net

The Cabin By The Lake

Cassian has been keeping a secret- for the past 300 years he has been building cabins around a lake to house the Inner Circle and any family they might have. Five years after the end of ACOWAR, the cabins are finished and the Inner Circle descends for two weeks in paradise.

**Even-number chapters contain smut scenes.

Chapter 1 || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Velaris

“Protect Velaris. Protect each other. I love you all.” With Rhys’ final words, the shields around Velaris rise, trapping the Inner Circle inside for fifty years. This series follows Mor, Cassian, Azriel, and Amren as they struggle to adapt and fulfill Rhys’ final request.

Chapter 1 || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Velaris: Fury and Ruin

Following a disastrous attack on Hybern, Cassian’s wings are broken, Azriel is critically wounded, and Feyre is dragged to Spring by Tamlin. Rhysand must now earn the forgiveness of his friends, protect his new sisters-in-law, and find a way to protect Prythian from a looming war- all without his mate and best friend by his side. 

**You do not need to read my previous series "Velaris"

Chapter 1 || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

The Feast of Souls

Everyone gathers at the estate in Velaris for the Feast of Souls- and to quietly investigate Feyre’s erratic behavior and strange temperament. Figuring out what is wrong with her is the easy part though- the hard part will be saving her soul before the clock strikes midnight and she is lost forever.

Chapter 1 || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

An Elucien Epilogue

Lucien returns to Velaris after the events of ACOWAR, determined to be a better male than Tamlin and put aside his mating bond if that’s what Elain wants.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Bring Her Home

After forty-nine years in hell, Rhysand has returned to Night. A piece of him will always belong to that human who saved Prythian- the fae female now poised to marry his sworn enemy. As the sun sets on that horrible day a plea goes out across the Courts- “please, save me. Get me out. End this,” and Rhysand is only too happy to oblige.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

The Poison in the Wound

Feyre and Tamlin meet to try and finally clear away some of the bad blood between them.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Strength in Darkness

After she is woken by a particularly horrible nightmare, Elain asks her husband to take her to the only place that might help her make sense of everything that has happened to her: Under the Mountain.

Elucien Edition || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Elriel Edition || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

What Rises from the Ashes

Tamlin confesses that he and Amarantha were incompatible mates- and the role that played in his downfall.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.net || (New) Authorized German Translation

When the Darkness Comes

Lucien recalls the day Amarantha took his eye- and the difficult weeks that followed.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

The World Beyond My Cage

Azriel recalls his childhood, how he ended up in an Illyrian camp far from his cell, and how his world was changed by an arrogant little Lordling with a chamber pot.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

A Peaceful Night (18+)

The holidays are a time for too many parties, too many people, and too much noise. After the festivities are over though, one can take solace in the love of their other half and the light that person brings into their life.

Feysand Edition || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Nessian Edition || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Elucien Edition || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Elriel Edition || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Azuala Edition || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Amrian Edition || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Morridwen Edition || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

A Sweet Treat (Feysand 18+)

On Feyre’s first Feast of Souls in Velaris, she finds a new way to give Rhys his holiday chocolates.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

A Midday Treat (Feysand 18+)

Rhys has been skipping meals again, so Feyre decides to give him an incentive to eat his lunch.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Alone in the Townhouse (Nessian 18+)

When the Court of Nightmares visits Velaris, Nesta and Cassian plot to take advantage of their time alone and finally take things to the next level.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Nessian: The Mating (Nessian 18+)

At long last, Cassian and Nesta's wedding (and mating) day has arrived... along with most of Prythian.

*This is a sequel to "Alone in the Townhouse"*

Extended Re-Post Chapter 1 || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Short Version || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Simply Love (Morridwen 18+)

In a thinly veiled attempt to seduce Cerridwen, Mor takes her lover of three years to day for a date before spending an evening at home. A simple, sweet fic for a simple and sweet love.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Slowly (Nessian 18+)

Cassian returns from a fierce Illyrian civil war weary and on edge. Nesta wants to welcome her lover home after weeks away, but she knows the lust that comes on the heels of bloodshed has been building in Cassian the entire time he’s been gone. Both desperately want to be with one another, but for Nesta’s sake he must shove down the Illyrian and proceed slowly.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

A Bargain Well Struck (Nessian 18+)

Their deal is simple enough- if Nesta trains hard enough, she can claim a massage as her reward. Cassian’s hands never venture beneath the modesty-towels, so Nesta makes sure all the right places are exposed.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Sharing Heaven (Nessian & Azriel 18+)

Nesta and Cassian invite Azriel to join them in bed, and Nesta finally gets what she’s been dreaming of all year.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Alone in the Garden (Elucien 18+)

As the Inner Circle tricks Nesta and Cassian into spending some alone time together, Elain and Lucien find themselves unchaperoned at the House of Wind. **Contains ACOWAR Spoilers** (This is a quasi-sequel to "An Elucien Epilogue" and runs concurrently to "Alone in the Townhouse")

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Cazriel: The Spongebath (Cazriel 18+)

In this AU of my fic "Velaris: Fury and Ruin", Cassian and Azriel explore previously untouched desires each male feels for their friend (written for Court-0f-Dreamers on tumblr in 15 min after too much alcohol).

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.net: NOT AVAILABLE

The Torturer’s Throne (Cazriel 18+)

Cassian helps Azriel push his darkness aside and takes a bit of relief for himself in the process.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Until the Shadows Are Silent (Cazriel 18+)

For eight years the shields around Velaris have kept the Inner Circle trapped. Azriel is drowning under the wrath, rage, and pain of being caged in the city, so he turns to an old lover, one who is very good at bending fae over and not stopping until their minds and bodies are ravaged– Cassian.

*Contains strong BDSM themes, DM if you are concerned about a specific TW*

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanficiton.net

One Year in Heaven (Elucien/Elriel 18+)

Elain and her husband celebrate their first anniversary in style. A romantic dinner, an exchange of gifts, and a new suite of bedroom toys to try out.

Elucien Edition || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Elriel Edition || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Watching (Elucien 18+)

Elain and Lucien head into the foothills of Velaris to attend the opera, but their true destination is an exclusive club hidden deep beneath the theater. They’ll still get a hell of a show- and have a chance to put on one themselves.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.Net

Sharing (A Watching Sequel) (Elucien 18+)

For years Elain and Lucien have been loyal members of (and performers in) the sensual club hidden beneath Velaris’ opera house. Now- after months of discussion- they have decided to test the waters on expanding their display and changing their masks. No audience, no stage- and no longer just the two of them.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.Net

Incense Burner (Ongoing (Elucien 18+))

After a collapse in the Hewn City reveals a long lost Vault of the High Lords, Lucien and Elain accidentally come to possess one of the Lord’s treasures. What appears to be a simple incense burner turns out to be something far, far more. As Elain and Lucien fall under its spell time and again they will be drawn into a world they could only imagine in their wildest dreams…

Chapter 1 || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Chapter 2 || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

A Peaceful Night (18+)

The holidays are a time for too many parties, too many people, and too much noise. After the festivities are over though, one can take solace in the love of their other half and the light that person brings into their life.

Manorian Edition || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Chaorene Edition || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Elorcan Edition || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Rowaelin Edition || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Nesraq Edition || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Lysaedion Edition || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

The Calm After the Storm (Rowaelin 18+)

Erawan and Maeve have been defeated, the armies of Morath are vanquished, and Aelin rightly sits on the throne of Terrasen with Rowan by her side- and Lord Darrow as a constant pain in her ass. Frustrated and in need of a break, Aelin orders Rowan to do his job and consort with his Queen.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

To Spite the Shadow (Rowaelin 18+)

Nearly a year has passed since Aelin and Rowan destroyed the forces of Maeve and Erawan. Terrasen is rebuilding, Aelin is healing, and the world is finally at peace. Rowan conspires with Lysandra to give his mate a rest from her Queenly duties.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

For You (Lysaedion 18+)

Lysandra and Aedion enjoy a peace and freedom they never knew before Erawan and Maeve’s defeat. Still- something isn’t quite right. Aedion is keeping one of his desires secret, and Lysandra is determined to figure out what it is.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

A Familiar Stranger (Lysaedion 18+)

Tanned bronze skin, piercing violet eyes, night black hair- after a nightmare week in Orynth, Aedion goes for a drink and catches the eye of a beautiful- and familiar- fae male. When the male leaves, Aedion follows him to a dark, secluded alley where they can both blow off some steam.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

The Path Ahead (Elorcan 18+)

For Elide, it is the end of her virginity. For Lorcan, it’s the last ‘first time’ he ever wants to have. Both are nervous about the evening to come, but neither would change it for the world.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

A Cure for Nightmares (Manorian 18+)

Mere weeks after the events of “Empire of Storms”, Manon and the Thirteen conspire to give Dorian the break he so desperately needs.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Curing the Fever (Manorian 18+)

Manon is forced to leave a meeting early due to a suspected illness. Luckily for her and Dorian, none of the Thirteen guessed exactly what was wrong.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

One Year in Heaven (Manorian 18+)

Dorian and Manon celebrate the anniversary of their meeting in style- with ropes, chains, and a bit of domination.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Morning in the Jingshi

A new merchant has moved into Caiyi Town, one who deals in sinful wares. Wuxian places an order and decides to model a whole suite of new toys for Wangji. Wei Wuxian has always liked it rough, but he may have been too ambitious this time.

Tumblr || AO3 || Fanfiction.Net (Not Available)

Project: Echo (Part 1)

A long-buried Hydra disaster, a monster in the shadows, a missing child. Eight months after the events of “The Winter Soldier”, Bucky turns himself in to the Avengers on one condition: They must help him find a girl snatched off the streets by Hydra seven years ago. In their quest, the Avengers accidentally unleash a horrifying creature of darkness and shadow, intent on making their quarry its prey.

Prologue || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Project: Echo (Part 2)

A new enemy surfaces with a team of the Avengers’ greatest foes, hand-picked for their destruction. Meanwhile, Inessa’s pre-Hydra past begins to surface, casting doubt on where her loyalties truly lie.

Prologue || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Project: Echo (FINALE)

Seven years after the events of “Part 2”, Avengers Tower explodes, fulfilling Bucky’s vision. All evidence points to Avengers Shadow-Ops leader Inessa Ryker, who is forced to seek out Bucky in hiding. Together they must determine who the traitor is in their ranks and if their friends are still alive- all while trying to survive deadly ambushes orchestrated by Sam Wilson and his hand-picked army.

Prologue || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

Avengers: Valkyrie Wars (Part 1)

When a young woman stumbles across a Valkyrie artifact the Avengers will fight Asgard, Valkyrie, Loki, Hydra, and the last of a monstrous race known as the Norn. Whoever claims the weapon can unleash Hell, but when it vanishes Loki takes the only person capable of finding it again: Steve Roger's lover.

**All cannon through "Winter Soldier" used, NO "Age of Ultron" or "Civil War"**

Tumblr: Not Available || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

To Save Her Soul (Ongoing)

After the events of "Captain America: Civil War", Alice Pierce (the granddaughter of Alexander Pierce), a drug addict, is pulled off the streets and forced through detox by the Avengers so that she might help infiltrate her grandfather's compound to rescue Clint's wife and children.

**Trigger warnings noted above chapters, overall warning for drug use/withdrawal**

Tumblr: Not Available || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

X-Reader Format (Abandoned) || AO3 || Fanfiction.net

The Ridiculous Ground-Up World Building Sheet

Shorter: World Building 101

World Building 102: World Building Tips

The Ridiculous Ground-Up Character Building Sheet

General Writing Tips

Master Plot Types

Things to Ask Yourself

Dialogue

How to Write Smut

Tough-Love Tips for Writers

[thatnerdnextdoor24]

You Have Made My Day

I finished ToG last week and decided that there wasn’t enough Elorcan fics out there. so I made this. (Yes, I’m going through another Dolly Parton phase, okay?)

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

Today sucked. Like, really, really sucked. The flu was going around, so two of Elide's coworkers called in sick. So now Elide is working triple overtime. At a club. That she already works very late in. She was there at opening, and she'll probably be there at closing. Aelin had apologized profusely, but that didn't make up for the fact that Elide had been excited to go home, take a warm bath, and fall asleep in her boyfriend's arms. She had been on her feet all night, and her left ankle was starting to throb. 

If that wasn't enough, she'd been hit on so many times tonight that Fenrys owed her at least twenty bucks. (They played a game, they owed each other a dollar each time one of them got hit on.) Because no one was interested in Fenrys the bartender tonight, nope. It was all about Elide the waitress. Fenrys was now giving her an apologetic smile as he loaded her tray once again. "For your favorite table." Elide sighed, steeling herself before plastering on a smile. "Oh joy." She said.

It took all her self control to keep smiling. To laugh at the tables crude jokes. To say, "Enjoy!" When she really wanted to pour their drinks into their laps. But she didn't. She really couldn't. No matter how much she wanted too. 

So she pushed through, like she always did. Counting down the seconds until she could finally, finally go home. Ten more minutes. She could do this. Another round at table three. Two martinis at table seven. Clean up table five. Bring some water backstage for the dancers. (That one Elide never minded, the thirteen dancers they had were some of her favorite people.) 

Four more minutes. So close. Table eight called her over again. Asked if the pretty lady would like a drink. Asked when she got off. Elide did her best to laugh and say, "I'm always working." 

"Come on, sweetheart, why don't you take a break with us tonight." 

"Oh, no thanks. I'm alright." She glanced around. Looking for security, where was Rowan? The man said something about the fun they could have tonight. His mates jeering in. "Really, It's alright. I'm working tonight." She backed up. Smiled, waved goodbye. Her stomach clenched, knuckles white as she clutched her tray. 

Elide glanced at the watch on her wrist. Done. Relief flooded through her. Done. Done. Done. Thank. The. Gods. Elide skipped behind the counter, high fiving Fenrys on her way into the back. "We did it baby!" He laughed at her excitement. "See you tomorrow." She groaned, "Don't remind me." But she was smiling as she pushed open the door to the backroom. 

"Hey." 

Elide nearly leaped out of her skin at the unexpected voice. "Lorcan!" She hissed, giving her boyfriend's shoulder a playful nudge. "Don't scare me like that." He only laughed. "Sorry, I wanted to surprise you. Pick you up from this long ass shift. Which is bullshit by the way." Lorcan pulled her into a warm hug. One she very much needed. Elide melted into his arms. Gods, she missed his arms today. Missed the way they completely enveloped her. Missed the way her head felt nestled into his chest. 

She sighed against him. "Today sucked." She whispered. Lorcan kissed the top of her head. Elide felt it rush through her. "Tell me about it." He whispered back. So she did. He stroked her hair in a way that made Elide want to kiss him. "I'm sorry." He said, and she knew he meant it. If Lorcan could, if she let him, he'd pay those jerks tenfold for the misery they caused her today. She almost felt inclined to let him. 

"How about dinner?" Lorcan asked, pulling back to look at her. Elides knees threatened to crumble at the idea. "Yes, please. I'm starving." Her stomach grumbled in agreement, her cheeks turning pink. He grinned at that. "How does Chinese sound?" 

"Sounds divine." Elide took his hand and let him lead her out. Once they were seated in the car, Lorcan reaching to start the car. Elide reached over and cupped the back of his neck with her hand. "Lorcan." He turned to look at her, his gaze locking with her and suddenly nothing else mattered. Her exhaustion wiped away. Her ankle now just a dull throb. The horrible customers forgotten. 

A smile drifted to Elide's face. "You have made my day." She kissed him then, and he smiled against her lips before kissing back. His lips answering her call. Sweet and powerful, Lorcan kissed her chin, along her jaw, in that place she liked behind her ear. Elide hummed against him. "I love you." She murmured. Lorcan reached over and pushed a lock of midnight black hair behind her ear. His eyes soft with love and longing. "I love you too, baby." 

Elide sighed, her heart content, and sat back in her seat, letting him start the car and peel out of the parking lot. She watched him drive. Lorcan constantly glancing over at her, and smiling. Until he glanced over and stuck his tongue at her. Elide burst out a laugh. She wished, sometimes, that other people saw this goofy, spontaneous, loving, side to her brooding boyfriend. But other times, like tonight, she was glad it was reserved.

Just for her. 

As if only she could bring this side of him out. Only with her, was he comfortable enough. Only with her did he laugh until his sides ached. Only with her did Lorcan let himself be seen. Only she knew that his favorite color wasn't black. It was green. And he thought she looked beautiful in it.

Only she knew that his favorite movie was Shakespeare in Love. With Titanic being a close second. Only she knew how he liked his coffee, (one sugar. That was all.) Only she knew that he crinkled his nose and stretched when he first woke up. Only she knew that on nights where things got bad, when he felt himself spiraling and he couldn't go back to sleep, he made a bowl of cinnamon toast crunch, poured a glass of apple juice, and watched cartoons.

It reminded him of being a kid. Made him happy, and content. Only she was allowed to see him like that. To make herself a matching bowl of cereal and curl up on the couch with him. To say nothing. Absolutely nothing. Because nothing needed to be said. They understood each other. In their strange way. Lorcan and Elide appeared to the rest of the world, too all their friends, as polar opposites. But Elide always thought they had it wrong. That the two of them were one in the same. Made for one another.

She thought that now. As she marveled at the fact that he could take away all her problems simply by being there. By picking her up from work and taking her to dinner at 11:40 pm. Only he could do this to her soul. Lorcan reached over and turned on the music. Skipping songs until he landed on Elide's favorite. Dolly Partons 9-5.

He always laughed at how she always sat up and sang the lyrics at top volume, dancing in her seat. She did so now. It was an instinct. "When Dolly sings, you just gotta dance, Lor. It's a rule." She had said once. And she held true to it. Elide grasped Lorcan's hand and swung it around as she danced. His laugh loud and infectious, reverberating through the car, warming her chest and causing her to sing louder, to laugh harder. 

Elide loved Lorcan. In a way that people breathed air. It was natural. She did so without thinking and yet it was vital. Without it, her heart would utterly collapse and fall apart. Who knew, that one person, could mean so much to you?