#the vanserra family dynamics intrigue me

[clockwork-ashes]

Daylight

The smallest of stones, the greatest of ripples.

Summary: Eris learns that Lucien is not Beron's son (one-shot).

Eris paced the small room, his steps soundless. Barefoot, ready for bed, cold rough stone to warm soft carpet. Over and over, again and again, a comfort. 

The smell of copper, sharp like night blooming flowers, hung in the air. Eris noticed that he had bitten through the inside of his cheek. He traced the wound with his tongue, the salt and metal of his blood enough to ground him, to clear his mind.  

Eris took a deep breath. He knew all the flames of this world, it was his birthright. Centuries he had lived, had witnessed much, gained enough wisdom. 

Eyes like gold, glowing unlike any fire made of Autumn, Eris had seen only a glimpse of it and had known. Magic was ancient, but simple, responding like a trained hound to those who had taken the time to learn its secrets. Stoked to life in the court he had been raised in, Eris would have recognised the flames as his own. 

Daylight. 

Sunbright, lovely, Lucien’s eyes had been twin stars in the darkness. 

It had taken every ounce of self control Eris possessed not to rear back at the sight, a death sentence. 

An oath taken, a promise made in blood, Eris had nearly forgotten. His mother’s hands, claws as she had gripped his arm, begged her eldest son to grant her strange request. Everything had been made clear as Eris had silently watched the Lady of Autumn gently stroke Lucien’s curls from his face, eyes half-lidded and gold only like sunlight could be. 

Small for his age and precious as all fae children were, Lucien was coddled by everyone in the Forest House.  

Half a decade, nothing in the grand scheme of things, and yet enough to change everything. The smallest of stones, the greatest of ripples. 

The flames in the fireplace flared, Eris tugged at the short strands of blood red hair at the nape of his neck. He felt like he was drowning, his head already below the water’s surface, Eris choked on his own fear. 

“Eris, please.” His mother’s voice was quiet, a tremor in her words as she took to begging him once more. For what, Eris did not know, and in the moment he could not be bothered to care. 

Eris whirled around to face her, smaller than he remembered, the Lady of Autumn looked up at her son. His fear was reflected in her eyes, the weight of knowing that an executioner’s axe hung just above Lucien’s head. 

“How could you?��� Eris snarled, the words biting, accusatory. Never had he spoken to his mother in such a way, the softest of tones always reserved for her. 

She shook her head, loose strands falling from her braid and framing her thin face. Defeated, her shoulders curved as she curled in on herself. Eris hoped she felt guilty. “You wouldn’t understand,” she murmured, dismissive and soft.

A strangled laugh, short and unamused, was dragged from deep within Eris. His mother took a careful step towards him, and Eris took a measured step back. Closer in age than half his brothers, Eris had always understood the Lady of Autumn. “Six sons were not enough?” Eris snapped harshly.

“All children are a blessing,” she did not look at Eris as she said it, more to herself than to him anyway. 

Eris wondered if those were the words his mother had told herself when she had first married the High Lord. A half truth quietly whispered when she had been alone, but not entirely convincing despite how often it was said.   

“A fate worse than death awaits him,” Eris argued, sure that flames had come to life in his amber eyes, voice louder. “You’re lucky father is in Spring, or Lucien would be dead already.”

“You don’t know that,” hands clenched into fists at her side, the Lady of Autumn raised her own voice to match.

Eris felt as the temperature in the room changed, uncomfortably hot, the flames in the fireplace and in the torches along the wall responding to the raging emotions of them both. “It’s cruel,” he hissed, “it’s wrong.” 

A child born of an affair, Lucien was well and truly doomed, and who else was Eris to blame but the Lady of the Autumn Court.

“And you know much about cruelty,” the condemnation was clear in the tone his mother used. 

If Eris had taken a moment to think, to consider how worried and frightened she was, perhaps he would have known to stop their argument. Instead, Eris pointed a shaking finger, angry, at the female that had raised him as best she knew how. “And whose fault is that?” The question was bitter, all poison, meant to hurt. 

“You can be so much like your father.” 

The last word a growl, the statement hung between them. Eris would have rather she had taken a knife to his chest. 

Almost as though the Lady of Autumn had struck him, Eris flinched back. 

With a startled gasp, eyes wide in shock and lips parted, his mother put out her hand. Regret, clear as river water, flashed on her sharp features. But the words had been said. “Eris,” she took a step towards him, “I didn’t–” 

The door opened suddenly, the ancient hinges screaming in protest, cutting her sentence short. Eris was glad for it, wished he had not come home, would have preferred the war camps to this. 

Eris had assumed the door was locked, panic coursed through his veins as he wondered who might have heard. Relief, like rain during a drought, came over Eris as Lucien walked into the room. Only the crackling of the fire could be heard, Eris and his mother silent. 

Eyes half shut with sleep, russet once more, Lucien dragged his bare feet along with a small blanket behind him. Eris watched as he rubbed at his eyes with one hand, as he broke into a little yawn.

“Ris?” He mumbled, voice heavy. “I thought I heard your voice.” 

Eris watched as his mother moved towards her youngest son, expecting him to go to her. Instead, Lucien made his way to Eris, nearly tripping on the blanket he had brought with him. 

“Why aren’t you asleep?” Eris barely recognised his own voice. 

With a half-hearted shrug, Lucien knocked into Eris’s legs. “I heard you talking in the hall,” another yawn before he continued, “You didn’t come say goodnight.” Completely trusting and entirely unaware of all that had happened moments before he had entered the room, Lucien clung to Eris. 

The Lady of Autumn watched with wary eyes as Eris lifted Lucien into his arms gently. “Let’s get you back to bed.” He murmured. 

Lucien merely hummed his response, tired. Resting his head on Eris’s shoulder, his breaths slowing once more. 

Eris could see the pleading on his mother’s face, but he did not look at her long. He turned his attention to the arched window, watching the first rays of the sun inching over the horizon.  

Daylight.

[erisweekofficial]

To close out the workweek, we have the AMAZING @a-court-of-mischief-and-madness!

Check out Midnight Revelations, an Eris x Reader series! (You won't regret it!)

Read on below to learn more about what drew them to Eris, their favorite fan theories and more! 🔥

What drew you to Eris Vanserra as a character?

I was drawn to Eris Vanserra because I relate deeply to his complex background and troubled past, which SJM only skims over in the narrative. I’m fascinated by how his difficult experiences and family dynamics have influenced his behavior and decisions. His character resonates with me on a personal level because I’ve encountered many individuals who, like Eris, have difficulty expressing their emotions. This struggle to show vulnerability and the resulting layers of hidden depth intrigue me. I find myself compelled by characters who, despite their emotional challenges, navigate their world in ways that reveal their true selves slowly, making them all the more captivating and relatable.

You have the opportunity to add three songs to Eris's daily spotify playlist. What songs would you choose and why?

For Eris Vanserra, these songs deeply resonate with different facets of his character: "Play with Fire" by Sam Tinnesz: This song perfectly captures Eris’s striking and intense personality as the heir of the Autumn Court. The lyrics and mood of the song reflect the dangerous allure and fierce presence he embodies, making it an ideal match for his complex and formidable nature. "I Wanna Be Yours" by Arctic Monkeys: Beneath Eris’s cold exterior, this song highlights his profound loneliness and longing for genuine connection. It speaks to his deep emotional scars and the void left by his stripped childhood, portraying his desire for a significant other who can understand and connect with him on a deeper level. "Daddy Issues" by The Neighbourhood: This track resonates strongly with Eris’s experiences of childhood trauma and the immense pressure from his father. The song’s exploration of fatherly expectations and emotional strain mirrors the intense challenges Eris faced growing up, providing insight into the burdens that shaped his character. These songs not only reflect Eris’s inner struggles and emotional depth but also enhance your understanding of his multifaceted personality.

When writing your fics, how do you choose which scenes or moments to focus on?

When writing my fics, I invest a lot of time in finding inspiration and exploring the uncharted aspects of Eris Vanserra’s love life. I’m particularly focused on crafting scenes where the female main character makes a genuine effort to understand him. I love delving into moments where she attempts to lift the heavy burdens he carries and uncover the cracks in his emotional armor. I often reflect on how Eris’s childhood might have reinforced the belief that "crying makes you weak," and I use this theme to add depth to his character. This belief, instilled by his past, has contributed to his emotional restraint and the mask he wears. Through my writing, I aim to show his struggle with these vulnerabilities and his deep-seated desire to be loved for who he truly is. My goal is to portray Eris not just as a complex figure, but as a human being yearning for genuine connection and acceptance.

What are some of your favorite fan theories about Eris

One of my favorite fan theories is the idea that Eris and Nesta could form a more powerful couple compared to Cassian and Nesta. As I delve deeper into this theory, I find it increasingly compelling, especially when considering their character traits and backgrounds. Eris’s intense and commanding personality, shaped by his experiences and the high expectations placed upon him as the heir of the Autumn Court, aligns intriguingly with Nesta’s fierce independence and strength. Both characters have endured significant emotional hardships and have developed strong defenses to protect themselves. This shared experience of struggle and emotional restraint could create a powerful dynamic between them. Eris’s ability to navigate his complex family dynamics and his hidden vulnerabilities might resonate deeply with Nesta, who also grapples with her own trauma and emotional walls. Their interactions could offer a unique blend of intensity and understanding, as each recognizes and relates to the other's hidden pain and strength. In contrast, while Cassian and Nesta share a strong bond, their relationship is characterized by more open confrontation and emotional rawness. Eris and Nesta’s potential pairing could introduce a different kind of depth, where their personal struggles and strengths complement each other in a more nuanced way. This dynamic could highlight a different kind of power and connection, making their relationship feel uniquely potent and compelling.

[lady-of-tearshed]

I agree with all of your points! The longing and pining these two share is what drives the passion! It's that potential that exists between them that I am always intrigued by them. Both Lucien and Elain have gone through so much, to see them both have a HEA that they deserve would be wonderful! Thank you for sharing that with me! My favorite pairing? Ohh, I think all time favorite is Elucien. They're so different from all the other mated pairs we've seen, they have so much potential and their avoidance only makes me ship them harder! I also like Hunt and Bryce, I think I just liked their dynamic as well. I'm really growing towards Satharion as well! Tharion is one of my favorite CC characters! I think if I had to go crackship, if Lucien wasn't a character in ACOTAR, or if Elain wasn't already his mate, I'd probably be hard shipping Elain and Eris! I think her sunshine personality with his grumpy one would be adorable! She could bring out a softness to him that no one sees. That would be a fun ship! Ok my little precious, another question for you! What is one of your favorite HC for this couple? =D

Santa, Santa, Santa...

The more you talk, the more I'm having trouble to figure out who you might be...

Anyway, HIIII SANTA!

How are you? What's new? Hope everything is going okay for you!

I absolutely adored Hunt and Bryce in CC1 and CC2. CC3 just wasn't it for me, I didn't even finish this book, ik, shame on me. I'll come back to this book later.

Ooooh Eris, mhhh. I have so much things I could discuss about this man... He's just the perfect morally grey character, and I'm her for it. Elain indeed could bring out his softer side! Although, I will always wonder how did Nesta not fall into that male's bed- ARMS!! I meant arms, of course, ahem. I mean, I would've been swooned away by his words in that dance scene in ACOSAF. I think everyone in the Vanserra family (some of them in their own twisted way) have some kind of biteable energy that I crave.

Now, now, an Elucien HC... Again, I would go with something simple and talk about Lucien's jacket. Yes, I'm obsessed with this detail and I want to know what the hell Elain canonically did with it. But in my HC, she kept it; it just comforts her on her healing journey. Also, I think Elain and Lucien would not immediatly accept the mating bond. They would go through a real slow dating and discovering eachother journey at first. They would travel the world, talk, touch eachother (I think Elain would constantly be at Lucien's arm, and the self-control that male has to maintain... eeeek!) and I think they would cook A LOT together. Cooking would remain their number one activity to do with each other as a mated couple. Just imagine their house always having a little bit of flour or oats here and there, always smelling like freshly baked bread... Mhhh, yum.

Now, I think it's only fair that I ask a question too... to feed my curiosity of course. Is this your first time participating in the ACOTAR gift exchange?

Thank you for reaching out Santa! Take care! Muah!

[crazy-ache]

11 & 19 for the ask game 🫶🏻

11) Favourite court?/ Which one would you most like to live in?

Favorite is Autumn because I am so thirsty for the Vanserras. It is honestly the most intriguing family/court dynamics in the entire book, I love fall and all of the lore associated with it, I love the way the Forest House is described, I love the politics....give me MORE.

But I would live in Spring because I need it to be warm but not too warm. A light jacket. Then I am HAPPY.

19) If you wrote an acotar book what would you call it?

Oh great question anon.

My guess for the book is A Court of Golden Visions.

My own book would be something like A Court of Forged Revival. It would be Elucien obviously hehe.