#thread: rowan + finnian

[gvldntrbl]

Finnian + Rowan (ft. Scarlett & Honor) @theartofruling

Location: Pool, Riverboat Casino

-😈-

"Scar-o, what's up? Are you ready for us to get in the pool?" He asked the toddler, calling her by a playful nickname that Rowan wasn't exactly fond of. Still, Finnian was genuinely excited to see both her and her younger sister's reaction to the water. While it wasn't the beach, in Bear's biased experience, Southland's royal family tended to start early when it came to its members having an affinity to the water. After all, the beach and damned near any other location home to a body of water was where Rowan felt most at home. It was only right, Finnian assumed, that she gave the trait to her girls. "Can I get a high-five?" He asked Scarlett as he leaned down and held out his hand for said gesture. "Yeah, thank you, your highness." Afterwards, he scooped her up into his arms.

Bear turned his attention to Rowan and her second daughter that she held in her arms. While the sight of her holding her own child wasn't exactly new, damn if it didn't strum a feeling of fondness in his heart every time that Bear did witness it. While he liked Scarlett, loved even as she was a bright, kind, and growing girl; it was during Rowan's pregnancy with Honor that he was able to fully repair his relationship with his mate. And a part of Finnian, no matter how illogical, felt another sense of closeness to Honor, infant that she was, as a result. "Hey," Bear drawled out, an open expression on his face as he regarded Rowan, walking over to the pair as he still held Scarlett. "How are two of my favorite girls?" He asked Rowan before giving her a kiss in greeting. "Hey," He murmured with a light smile. "Is it okay for her to join us?" He figured that the most Honor could do was splash her hands and feet in the water. But if so, that was more than enough. "What about floaties? And toys? We have those for Scar, right?"

[gvldntrbl]

-😈-

"At least it's not pterodactyl wings," Bear offered with a well-humored smile as Rowan bit her lip and looked up at him. "If it were, you might've flown away from them by now." He replied in a light, joking tone, unable to fight the growing smile on his mouth. "Incredibly cool? Yeah. Aloof? Sometimes. But always goofy as hell. It's why my teachers hated me." Most of them, anyways. Finnian Ambrose was a disruptive social butterfly with a knack for deliberately distracting others when he was bored, during those days. Which, sadly, was often. As Rowan kissed the back of one his hands, he wrapped the arm of the other behind her back. Purposely making sure to plant his hand firmly, palm down, and cupped the swell of one of Rowan's ass cheeks. "Pretentious as fuck Golden Gate Prep." He reiterated before laughing, remembering the school he didn't attend but grew acquainted with, due to knowing her during that time. Rowan's days as a nerdy Princess who longed for the stage and future accolades in acting.

Bear smirked before he confessed. "I've always had some patience for what I wanted." His chest lowered in quiet laughter as Rowan's comment and focus grew distracted and she clearly thought of other things he was talented in. Ones that more so matched her words than Finnian being talented at art. ...Which he was not. "I'll take you to a garden, next time." He noted, more than ready to make a scene with Rowan. If not for her kissing him, Bear would've shook his head. Not in an effort to avoid her but rather in non-verbal response to her comment about not having an agenda. "Bullshit, Jade.' He murmured against Rowan's lips. "You forget. I can hear your thoughts. Your dirty, filthy thoughts. There was always an agenda." He returned her kiss, one hand still cupping her behind and the other held to the side of Rowan's face, with several of his fingertips brushing against the side of her neck.

"C'mere," He directed, taking Rowan's hand and bringing her to the lone stage in the music room. Atop of said stage sat a piano and several other instruments in their respective corners. Bear sat down on the stage's edge before he sat Rowan on top of him. "Not a chair yet. But it's a seat. Is this okay? Or you want me to find you that chair?"

Rowan wondered when the butterflies would go away. "As long as I've known you, and as long as we've been mates, you still give me butterflies." She bit her lip as she heard his thoughts that added onto what he said. "I still feel like a nerdy princess, and you're just this incredibly cool and aloof spy." She lifted his hand to kiss the back of it, laughing at his recollection of his art teachers. "I never took art. I wish I had but I was on a different track at Golden Gate Prep. I had to beg to take theatre, and believe me, my dad did not want me "wasting my time" back then. You've always had such patience with me, so I can't believe your teachers didn't see it. You've always been so skilled with your hands and fingers. You sure you were bad at art, because I think your strokes are...very precise." Her cheeks heated as she feel herself getting flustered. She couldn't even pass it off as pregnancy hormones because Bear had her body reacting this way by just existing in a space with him. "A perfectly tucked away music room. I mean no sex den required. I'd have had that seat in the garden in front of everyone I wouldn't want to make a scene."

She reached up to caress his cheek, before her lips touched his softly. "Yes, that seat. I didn't have a single agenda, and then I saw you and well now I do. I missed you," she said before kissing him again.

[shyvioletcat]

Could you do a rowaelin angst prompt like thing where aelin dies giving birth to their second or third child and becomes a ghost that follows them around? Idk how to explain it very well at the moment... but it's obviously an angst prompt. Love you AND your writing!

Well, well, well anon… Thank you for making me cry at least three times while writing this. At one point I couldn’t see the screen. *WARNING* Major character death ahead… 

My hand was forced. But I still apologise. This is a long son of a bitch too.

~~~~~

Rowan held his new born daughter in his arms, the world quiet and still. She was so tiny, so perfect. But it did nothing to soothe the expanse of darkness within him that threatened to swallow him whole.

“Rowan.”

It was Yrene. He’d heard her approach but he didn’t look up from the squirming infant in his arms. Because if he did…

“Rowan, I just need to check her over. It will only take me a few minutes then I will bring her right back to you.” Yrene’s voice was so soft and quiet, as if speaking to him in any other manner might shatter him entirely. And it just might.

Rowan drew in a shuddering breath, feeling his will slipping. His daughter cried out her body moving involuntarily. She was minutes old, she knew nothing of the world. He envied her ignorance.

“Only a few moments,” Yrene said again.

Rowan complied, treating the request as a command, like a good soldier.

All of a sudden he wasn’t in Orynth, he was is Mistward in that dingy old room, fire roaring to help Aelin keep warm after her burnout.

I don’t want your pity she had said to him and then told him why.

Like a good soldierRowan had told her. He had meant every one of those words to her.

Rowan looked at his empty hands where his daughter had been. It was then that he saw the small crescent shaped imprints in his palms. They weren’t from his own nails, they were from hers… She had gripped his hands so hard as she made him promise her, as if the drop of healing power within knew what none of them had, she made him promise.

“You save him Rowan. If you have to save one of us, you save him.”

They had been so sure that it was a boy. The dream Rowan had had all those years ago as he searched for his mate had been right for their first two children and they had blissfully assumed he would be right again this time. And then it would be another daughter and then at least one, that would be a true surprise. They had quietly laughed about it over so many nights. Aelin had called him a seer and Rowan had flicked her nose and kissed her which only made her laugh, a wicked and joyous sound. Something he would never hear again.

Rowan turned around to face the bed where she lay, cold and unmoving. Someone had laid one of their blankets over her, just above her shoulders exposed. Rowan understood the sentiment but the blanket was useless, not when Aelin’s raging wildfire had burnt out, never to be kindled again.

Aelin was dead. Rowan’s mate, his wife, his love, was dead.

Rowan stumbled to the edge of the bed, falling to his knees beside it. He brushed Aelin’s hair away from her face, her skin already so cold and her face draining of colour. It was as if she had thrown every last part of her into saving their child. If there was one thing Aelin loved more than him it was their children. She loved them fiercely with every part of her burning heart and soul.

A broken sob cracked from his chest, the sound coming from the shreds of his broken soul, so devoid of anything now that the mating bond had been irrevocably severed. Then he said one word, so mournful and shattered that all those in the room began to weep at the sound.

“Fireheart.”

~~~~~

Fireheart…

Aelin felt warm as she slowly opened her eyes. It felt so strange after being so, so cold. Instinctively her hands went to her stomach and found it to be entirely flat. Panic gripped her and she sat up.

“Fireheart.”

Aelin’s whole body stilled. She had not heard that voice in so long.

“Mother?”

Aelin was enclosed in a warm embrace, so familiar and comforting. She’d never forget the strong arms of her Father and how they felt as they held her and kept her safe from the world.

He let her go and Aelin took in the smiling faces of her parents. They were smiling but Aelin could read the sadness in their faces, the unshed tears in their eyes.

“I’m not supposed to be here,” Aelin whispered.

“I know, Aelin,” her father said, his hand reaching for hers.

It came back to her, in flashes and moments.

Pain pulled her from her sleep, or maybe it had been her essence of healing power telling her something was wrong. Very wrong. Rowan was already awake and she murmured his name as he assessed her. When he pulled back the blankets that’s when she saw the blood.

Using the same portal they had used to bring in the Wolf Tribe in the final battle Rowan brought Yrene to Orynth. They had agreed the portals were only to be used in emergencies. This was most definitely an emergency. Despite the late hour Yrene arrived clear eyed and wholly awake.

“Just so you know, you’ve interrupted our first night alone in months,” Yrene said as she rolled up her sleeves.

Aelin huffed a laugh, grateful for Yrene’s attempt to lift the mood.

“You’re not missing much,” Aelin said, her voice trembling as much as her body.

Yrene snorted at that. “Alright let’s see what is going on here.”

Hours passed and Aelin had been in constant pain, she was feeling herself grow weaker by the minute.

Her fae hearing picked up Yrene’s whispers. “There’s too much blood. I can’t stop it.”

Aelin turned to Rowan, his face was stricken. She could feel his fear as though it was her own. She took his hand, another contraction ripping at her body as she locked eyes with her mate. This was different to the births of her other two children and it scared her.

“You save him Rowan. If it comes down to it you save him.”

Aelin could feel her fingernails biting into Rowan’s palm but he didn’t flinch. He only nodded once.

I understand, his eyes said to her…

“I’m not meant to be here.” They memories blurred and Aelin shook her head. The hand that was not held by her father flew to Aelin’s chest. It felt, hollow, empty. She reached for Rowan, reached for the mating bond, but neither were there. Aelin cried out, a sound of true heartbreak. Again she reached for Rowan, hoping desperately that some thread remained to bring her back. There was nothing. Instead a scene opened before her, Rowan knelt beside their bed, whispering things she could not hear. He knelt besides her lifeless body, tears streaming down his face.

Aelin’s own cheeks were wet with tears as his voice became clearer.

“I kept my promise Aelin, our child is alive. I hope you can hear me from wherever you are because it was a little girl, not a boy like we thought it would be,” Rowan said.

Then Yrene was beside him, handing him a bundle. Instinctively Aelin moved forward, wanting to see what she had not been able to while she was living. The face of her daughter. Rowan cradled her to his chest her perfect face peeking through the blankets, her eyes were open and she saw those Ashryver eyes search her father’s face. Rowan let out a shuddering breath.

“I know I promised to find you, to rip through all the hells until we were together again. But I can’t right now, Fireheart. She needs me, Elsie and Finn. They all need me. Terrasen needs me. If I left themnow you would find me yourself and kick my ass for good measure. So I won’t leave them yet, any of them. But we will be together again. To whatever end.”

Aelin let her heavy tears fall, the pain unbearable. She felt as if she was being torn to pieces. Her children motherless. Her country without a Queen. What had she done to cause this?

“It wasn’t your fault, Fireheart,” Her mother said, reading her thoughts. “You did nothing to cause this and you could do nothing to stop it. Sometimes life is cruel.”

Aelin turned away from her husband to look at her mother and her father. They understood what it was to be taken from a child too early, they knew her pain.

“Will you come, we’ve been waiting for you?” Evalin held her hand out to her daughter, beckoning and hopeful.

Aelin turned back to Rowan weeping unabashedly, tears staining the white blanket that kept they’re newborn daughter warm. Once again Aelin felt torn, even in death she could not rest.

“I can’t,” Aelin said. “Not yet.”

Rhoe nodded. “We understand.”

Aelin’s parents walked away from her, fading away into a white light. She wasn’t sad to see them go, she would see them again. And soon.

~~~~~

It had been weeks and still Rowan hadn’t named their daughter. They had been so sure it was a boy they hadn’t come up with any names for a girl. Rowan had been in a haze since her death, barely functioning. He cared for their children and that was about it. Aelin was flattered that he grieved so deeply but she wanted to smack him on the back of the head for leaving their daughter nameless.

Elide and Aedion were effectively leading the country as Rowan kept to their, now his, private quarters. All of the court visited him, helped him, helped Elspeth and Finnian as they grieved too. Aelin watched, but most of all her new daughter. She was so small, it made Aelin’s heart ache that she couldn’t hold her, feel the smoothness of her cheeks, the softness of her hair. Aelin knew what she would call her. She would call her Alora. It was a name from a book she had read when she was younger. Aelin had loved the name, she didn’t know why, and it fit her daughter somehow. It meant light, and that’s what she was. A light in the darkness.

The babe stirred in her sleep, eyes blinking open. She’d been asleep for only minutes. Her mouth opened and she wailed and Rowan was by her side a moment later. Aelin watched as Rowan picked her up shushing her quietly.

“I have you, my little one. I have you,” Rowan murmured as he rested his daughter on his chest. Rowan paced and bounced, but still she cried. “I know. I know. I miss her too.”

Rowan hummed, a lullaby he sang to all their children. Aelin knew he wasn’t singing the words because he was too overcome with emotions right now. The baby stopped crying, soothed by that ancient melody.

“I’m sorry,” Rowan whispered. “I’m sorry I haven’t given you a name. I’m sorry your mother isn’t here, she would love you with all her heart. I’m sorry I’m not more.”

Aelin’s heart ached. Rowan was still selling himself short, always doubting his worth. If Aelin could she would contradict him, kiss him until he agreed with her. But she couldn’t.

She tried to reach for him, her chest still hollow from that severed bond, but still she tried.

“Alora, Alora, Alora,” Aelin said over and, hoping by some grace Rowan would hear her.

Alora Alora Alora.

Rowan tilted his head as though he was listening for something.

Alora…

He looked down at the baby and Aelin held her breath.

“Alora,” Rowan whispered. “I love you, Alora.”

~~~~~

The years went on and still Aelin watched.

She saw Alora take her first steps walking between Elsie and Finn as Rowan cheered, pure joy on his face.

But he scowled as she said her first word. It was Fen, as in Uncle Fenrys. Aelin had laughed but sobered when she saw tears lining Fenrys’ eyes. By far Fenrys was Alora’s favourite. Aelin loved to watch them play when he was in his wolf form. He would snarl at her and she’d snarl right back, her four teeth bared.

Her older siblings adored her. One of them always seemed to be by her side, holding her hand or carrying her. If it wasn’t one of them it was a member of her court. Initially Aelin had tensed when Lorcan had taken her into his arms after she had wandered away from her sister who was meant to be watching her. But there was a gentleness to him that calmed her anxieties. Alora had grabbed at his long hair and he had let her.

The day her powers manifested Rowan had cried. She had been playing with Lysandra and Elide, they chased her and Alora chased them back. Lysandra had evaded Alora again by she stumbled as her foot caught on the floor. Entirely encased in ice. Everyone had gaped but Alora clapped her hands excitedly, entirely too proud at herself. Rowan looked on from where he sat, a tear rolling down his cheek. Aelin wiped her own away.

Alora grew and grew and Aelin could only watch as she became more beautiful by the day. By some cruel joke, maybe lingering from the damned gods Aelin had banished, Alora was a twin to Aelin. Same hair and eyes, almost identical face. Sometimes Aelin saw the way Rowan’s heart twisted in pain. He didn’t begrudge her or love her any less for it. If anything it was a beautiful reminder of his lost love.

Aelin watched as Alora fell in love and had her heart broken, a few times. Rowan was there for her holding her as she cried, threaten to rip arms off and freeze favoured appendages of the culprits. That made Alora and Aelin laugh. Fussy fae bastard.

Elspeth came of age, and after travelling and taking time for herself she assumed the throne and Rowan stepped down. Alora went travelling as well, visiting cousins in Wendlyn and Doranelle, making friends wherever she went. Such a bright light, people couldn’t keep away. Aelin wept when she found her mate in Doranelle. A brash young boy who would grate on everyone and give Fenrys and Aedion a run for their money. But Alora loved him and he adored her, so Aelin was happy.

Years passed, families were had, friends passed. Each one Aelin would greet and usher on, telling them that she would follow soon. She had someone in particular she was waiting for.

~~~~~

Rowan started to become weary of the world, his long years finally catching up to him. His sole joy were his children and grandchildren but it was almost time. It was Alora who told him to go. She was pregnant with her third child and she was sitting quietly with Rowan in his private room. She closed her book and sighed heavily.

“Papa,” Alora said and Rowan looked at her, “I think it is time for you to go.”

Rowan straightened at her words and went to say something but Alora raised her hand to stop him.

“We are all happy and content. We are safe and you have raised us in love and kindness. But I think it is time you soul was whole again.”

Aelin’s hands were on her chest, over that emptiness that was a constant dull ache.

Rowan nodded. “I will wait for this baby and then I will make plans.”

~~~~~

Rowan kept true to his word. Alora welcomed a healthy baby girl, as Rowan took her into his arms for the first time Alora told him her name.

“Rowenna. For you, Papa,” Alora’s weary voice whispered.

Aelin couldn’t tell who was crying harder, herself or Rowan.

Soon after he packed up his things, put his affairs in order and farewelled his loved ones. He left on a ship, arriving in Wendlyn a while later. Aelin was with him every step of the way as he trekked to the ruin’s of Mala’s temple. Where he had brought her all those years ago, to help her.

Rowan laid down on the broken stones and let out a heavy sigh. “I’m coming, Fireheart.”

Aelin placed her hands on Rowan’s chest even though he could not feel them. His breathing slowed and he placed his hands over his heart where Aelin’s hands were as if he knew. Aelin watched as Rowan breathing stopped, the light going from his features. She waited, prayed. Prayed to the Sun-goddess that she had banished but had left Aelin with a kindness that gave her a life with Rowan. Aelin begged for one last kindness. For her mate to find her once more. Although she could not feel it she knew Rowan’s body had gone cold, but he still wasn’t with her. The tears she had fought to keep at bay fell as Aelin began to despair that this may be her punishment for her wickedness. To be like Elena, always banished from her mate.

Aelin looked at Rowan’s handsome face, the face she had once hated but had come to love so fiercely.

“Find me, Buzzard,” Aelin whispered, her voice wavering. “You must come find me.”

Then Aelin heard a voice, the voice of her husband, her mate, the love who had made her want to live.

“Fireheart.”

Aelin stood and saw him there. Then they were in each other’s arms, lips pressed together in a sweet reunion they had waited life times for.

“I knew you were with me,” Rowan whispered leaning his forehead against hers. “I knew you would always be with me.”

That hollowness in her chest began to fill, the mating bond flowing freely between them once more. Aelin sighed at the feeling, she felt whole again.

“Will you come with me?” Aelin asked as she interlaced their fingers together.

“Where?” Rowan asked back.

Aelin shrugged. “I’m not sure. But I do not fear it as long as you’re with me.”

Rowan smiled and raised her hand to his lips.

“To whatever end, Aelin.”

“To whatever end.”

Then hand in hand they walked until the bright light enveloped them, caressing them like warm summer breeze and welcomed them into the beyond.

~~~~~

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[gvldntrbl]

Rowan + Finnian @theartofruling​

Location: Dark World (During Winter Holiday at Rowan’s Suite, Pre-Ambrose Wedding)

-

Finnian entered the wing wherein Rowan’s suite was held as though he owned it. While it wasn’t his Manor, as the leader of the Dark World, it was still his. Or at the very least, well within his sphere of influence and power inside of the realm. Regardless of whether Southland’s crowned leader was being housed for the time being. Finn nodded to the familiar faces of her guard force. Hell, some of the faeries assigned to protect Rowan were ones that Finnian knew personally. Or at least back in another life. It was that previous existence that brought him there, had the King open the door to the living room area of Rowan’s suite to speak with her.

While it may’ve been bold, Finn knew that the royal guards were aware that of the many opportunities that he’d been given to exploit Rowan, to harm her - he’d never done so. Sure Finnian Ambrose was the Master of Mayhem but he was also the guardian faerie that once fiercely courted Rowan Hartwell. “Jade,” He called out, advancing to the doors of her actual bed suite as he crossed the living room. “Jade, it’s Bear. I know you’re pissed about those invites. But-” He sighed. “But we gotta talk. I need to see you.”

[gvldntrbl]

Rowan + Nik (@theartofruling​)

Official host of inter-court or not, the taverns and pubs of autumn were still as rowdy and boisterous as ever. Hell, even moreso. The influx of people, both fae and human, most of which were eager to prove themselves in some manner or the other, aided to increase the liveliness of the crowds within autumn court’s streets and businesses. Nikolas was pub crawling, essentially. While not off work, with this many new faces and possible threats there was no reason for him to be, the newly minted captain still attempted to sneak in some fun. It would be more suspicious, Finnian knew, if Nikolas Smith acted serious and broody during this time. Aye, while it was expected by captains of any other court. ...Autumn, it seemed was different.

With a roaring growl, Nik slammed down the fist of his opponent with a loud satisfying smack onto the wooden table top. He’d found himself bagging up a healthy share of coin with his winnings in unexpected arm wrestling contests at the latest pub from the bets placed on him. His grumpy opponent cursed under their breath. It made Nik laugh in his face and he replied in kind, swearing at them in Gaelic. Not that they could understand. “C’mon. Who’s next? Beat me and I’ll buy ya next round.” He paused. “And I’ll give ya a share of my purse.” He goaded with a confident grin.

[gvldntrbl]

-😈-

It was with complete surprise that Bear accepted Rowan's offer. In the pair's last interaction, they both shared to missing one another. The truth potions having worked for both of them. At least well enough for Rowan to leave with the idea of wanting to reconnect. While the two hadn't stopped sleeping together intermittently, for years, Finnian also missed his friend. His Jade. In spite of being the one that had broken the trust and friendship between them. Still, he had missed that aspect of their relationship. It was a bitter truth that he accepted, knowing that if not for himself, it was an intimacy that he would've still had. At Rowan's call, for the first time, in a very long while, something akin to hope entered his heart. Faintly, Bear truly hoped that unlike last time, he didn't fuck this up.

"Hey," He greeted Rowan returning her grin with a squinty eyed smile of his own. "You made it." Bear paused, having noticed the nerves in his own voice. "Safe, I mean." But then, he felt Rowan's body pressed to his and her arms around his shoulders in a warm and much welcomed hug. A quiet sigh escaped him as he wrapped his arms around her. He didn't want to let go. For fear of the faerie Queen somehow disappearing when he did. Bear kissed her back, his hands on her squeezing lightly afterwards. As if to remind himself that she was actually there. In the Dark World. With him. ...For him. The thought made his head to lower and for his lips to chase hers, kiss her again. A warmth, one old and familiar settled into his chest at the sight of Rowan blushing. One of Finn's hands took hers into it, their fingers interwoven together. "'Cause it is." He reasoned with a shrug.

"It's been too fuckin' long, Jade. But I'm really glad that you're open for us a re-do." Bear paused and thought over her earlier words, on how she had no idea where to go in his realm for a date. "And just like our first first date, one of us is over dressed." A smirk tugged at the corner of Bear's mouth. "Just happy it's not me this time. We're going to Bastards." His head tilted briefly before he continued. "Brawlin' Bastards. It's a good pub. Great drinks. Better food. Fun games. ...And bar fights break out about every five minutes. Don't worry. No one's gonna fuck with you though, I promise. You wanna fly there, short portal, what?"

Who: Rowan + Bear  @gvldntrbl

Where:The Dark World

To show that she was trusting Bear, she reached out, telling him how much she missed him. She asked him out on a date to reconnect, but she didn’t know of any places there to take him, so the ball was in his court to choose where they went. Being in the realm made her nervous, but she had plenty of guard detail. When she arrived at the palace to see him, she grinned. “Hey. I meant what I said on the phone about missing you. And that I have no clue of a good date place here so that is your choice.” She closed the distance between them to embrace him. She stood on her toes to press a kiss to his lips, one that lingered. Her cheeks heated as she pulled away. “I’m not sure why my cheeks are flushed as if this is my first kiss all over again.”

[gvldntrbl]

Rowan + Nik @theartofruling​

Location: Day Court Beaches

A perk, Nikolas would say, of being such a highly ranked and respected member of Autumn Court’s guard was... well the freedom that it gave him. Sometimes. Such as the ability to journey to his court’s not-so-subtle unofficial friend of Day Court. It was a beautiful place. Nikolas felt that it was in stark contrast to the court he’d called his home for the last century. Hell, if his true self were honest, visiting Day (or even Dawn) was the closest place to his home court that he could visit irregularly without arousing possible suspicion. Nikolas Smith was a proud Warrior aligned, and working faithfully for, Autumn Court. Who was Finnian Ambrose to ruin that? No one, according to Nik.

The large, blond Fae basked in the warmth of the sun, the refreshing waters of its beaches and the attractive company that caught his attention. After the intense bleakness that blanketed  Autumn in response to their servant fae’s death and the resistance declaration of war on all fae, a break was needed. Even if it was a damned lie. If Nikolas Smith was to die, he wanted it to be with memories of enjoyment somewhere in his last days. He was sitting, cool drink in hand and skin slick from the sun when he recognized a literal crown of curls from a woman nearing him.

“Your Grace,” Nik greeted with an easy smile as he stood. Respectfully, he lowered his head in a brief bow. “Forgive me. I didn’t know I was on your side of the beach.” Nikolas replied. “I can go. Return back to the other side, if you wish.” Glancing down at Rowan, he realized something from the angle at which he stood. “Aye. I’m not blocking your sun, am I? I don’t want to hinder the goddess of day from her source of radiance. Not even for a moment.”

[gvldntrbl]

-😈- 

"Well, congrats on the happy accident. You’ve got a lucky kid. Whomever they turn out to be.” Finnian shook his head, poorly trying not to laugh at Rowan’s dismissal of his suggestion. “C’mon! Out of all the shit you’ve made your staff do, this won’t even be the worse. I swear. And some of them have had kids. They’d know about not seeing their feet. They’d sympathize. Then you can give them some vacation time after you have the baby. It’s a win-win.” He offered with a shrug.

“That wasn’t it. In comparison to your duty, I knew what our love was. What it meant. I know I betrayed Southland but I don’t know, maybe deep down, I didn’t think that Southland could take a betrayal from both of us. ...Especially not from you. But you’re right, I don’t know you as well as I thought. ...I do know that it was you who stopped what would’ve been an outright war then. I know that now and I knew that then. I might not know some things but I know that, Jade.” Finnian paused and laid his hand atop of one of Rowan’s. “..Thank you for that, by the way. I mean it.”

He chuckled and shook his head. “I never said I was a genius. I am, and can be, stupid. I know.“

“It took a truth potion for you to believe me, though.” Bear pointed out. “Or at least, not take my words with a gallon of salt. And no, I don’t have that. I do have other things though. Like time. I know you don’t know how to trust me. But I have the time to fix what I broke. If not your heart, then I can repair your trust, at least, Jade. Are you okay with being open to that? Like I said, I have time. I won’t force you. I can wait.” Finnian watched as Rowan shared her truth to him, along with the depths of emotion that tainted her from his betrayal. It hurt to see. Especially when she cried. As she wiped at her face, Finnian reached out and took a napkin from a passing waitstaff member, before he closed the minute of space between then and used the napkin to dry Rowan’s cheeks. Unable to deny himself, Bear leaned down and pressed his forehead to her own. “I really am sorry, Rowan.” He whispered. Moments later, Finnian took her chin and raised Rowan’s face towards him. “I can, yeah.” Bear replied, his head bobbed with a small series of nods as he met her gaze. “Read my mind, go on. I really do wanna fix this. Hell, we can bring a nymph that hates me over here too, if you want. I’m not lying.”

“Sadly no. I’m in a phase in my life where nothing I’ve done as of late has been one of my extensive plans. More of an idea. Except, my baby was more so…a happy accident. So those unpredictable scenarios are definitely unplanned. it’s almost freeing, but terrifying.” Rowan snorted out a laugh. “Never! I don’t want to make anymore work for my staff than necessary. I’m sure my feet are fine. I’m not even sure my shoes match.” She shrugged. In the grand scheme of things, matching shoes were the least of her worries.

Rowan shrugged at his words. She didn’t know why. It simply seemed to fill the silence. “I was dumb enough to think that we could have worked anything out because we loved each other. And you believed my love to be conditional. It just means you don’t know me as well as you think you do. I loved you without bounds, without conditions and without reason. Had you talked to me, we could have fixed it. We could have worked something out. Smoothed over the betrayal. I would have helped with whatever you needed. But you believed that it would have been too much. In fact, it should have been war. Honestly, with the way some still hate you, it should be war now. But it’s not because of me. I call the shots, Perks of being Queen.”

Rowan’s eyes moved down to the floor, buying herself a reprieve from his gaze. Her eyes snapped back up to meet his when he mentioned their first child. The ghost of a timeline and life they would never have together. “You believed we’d have a kid together one day back then? And still threw it all away? Men really are foolish.” Rowan knew that his apology was genuine not only because of the truth serum, because it was the one time she tuned into his mind purposely.

Once again she shrugged for lack of words and to buy her time to think over what he’d asked. “I don’t mean this harshly, but simply as fact. Unless you have a time machine, you’ll always be a traitor. But it shouldn’t have taken truth potion for you to be honest with me. For you to finally seem as though I mattered and I wasn’t the only heartbroken one because of your actions. But I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t know how to trust you again. How do you unbreak a heart? The shattered pieces still love you. Obviously considering how long it’s been. I just don’t know how to look at you and think I trust this man, to not be distant or remind myself to keep up a wall because you hurt me once. You shattered me. You broke who I was, Bear. I’ve grieved my mother, my father, my brother, my uncle, my aunt, my cousin, and you. One person’s heart shouldn’t break so much, but it did. I miss loving you without having to caution myself.” She could feel tears sliding down her cheeks and she wiped them away. “Can you honestly tell me that I can trust you moving forward? That I won’t have to worry about how you will break me next? I think that’s what I need.”

[gvldntrbl]

-😈-

"Yeah, we are!" Bear answered Scarlett with an excited grin. "Are you ready to be a Goldfisch, huh? How fast do you think you can swim? Faster than me?" He asked the toddler in his arms. "And no," He drawled out, dramatic yet engaged as he spoke to Scarlett. "You're no baby. You're a big girl." Bear's grin widened, it seemed, to Honor's reaction at recognizing him. "It's good to see you too, Herzchen! I missed you." It was a name that he'd been trying out for Honor. Sweetheart. Smoothly, without missing a beat, Bear directed his gaze to Scarlett. "I missed you too, Süße." He told her, a large hand lightly tickling the little faerie's side. Sweetie was her nickname from him instead. "I'm happy to see all of you. I know that I've already said it. But I missed you."

He laughed under his breath, pleasantly amused at Rowan's own excitement of them spending time together. Especially with the girls. As a unit. ...A family, somehow, like the younger versions of the couple imagined. "See there, her Bear." Finnian replied with a laugh, smirking before he licked his bottom lip, chasing the taste of Rowan after Scarlett broke up their kisses. "Everyone looks cute in their matching swim suits. Where's mine?" He asked, genuinely. Bear nodded at the sunblock rubdown offer. "Nah, I got 'em. I'll put Scar-o down and help them both with their floaties and baby seat float while you make sure I don't burn too much. It's a plan." Finnian resolved. "So Honor likes the water?" He asked Rowan after sitting down, the hybrid in his arms and the Queen grabbing the sunblock to put on him. "Are we sure that the first Hartwell wasn't part fish or something, back in the day? Does Wren need to have Jakovan talk to the ancestors for you all?" He wondered aloud, moving as he spoke to gently but securely in her seat. "See, Herzchen, that's my girl. She knows we go way back. See how she didn't fight me or nothing?" He boasted with a smirk over his shoulders to Rowan afterwards. "Alright, Süße. What toys do you wanna start with in the pool?" He asked Scarlett after grabbing her attention. "C'mere," He instructed gently. "I wanna make sure your floaties fit you right, okay?"

Rowan felt a sense of elatedness when she caught sight of Bear. The grin on her face turned into a momentary scowl when she heard his name for Scar. Scarlett didn’t care though, because she was excited to see him coming her way. Scarlett eagerly gave him a high five and she squealed in excitement when he picked her up. She hugged him, patting his back. “Mommy said we can swim today! Honor can’t swim. She still a baby, but I’m not a baby.” Rowan grinned at her talkative little princess. They were all wearing three different variations of the same bathing suit. Honor watched her sister’s excitement and her mother’s excitement. She started kicking and saying “ba-ba”, it was as best as she could say Bear at her age. Of course, she said da-da first before mama and other short sounds came out. “Okay, calm down. You’ll get your time with Bear too.” She rubbed her little belly but she still danced in Rowan’s arms from the excitement. “They are very happy to see you,” she told Bear. 

“Hey, Handsome,” she said as she leaned in to kiss him back. “Wait one more,” she said before kissing him again. “We’re good. Seems like Honor is calmer around water, so I have no doubt she’s going to enjoy today even though she can’t do much. “Yeah, it’s fine, she has been at the beach with me since she was a month old. She’s let her little toes touch the water. I practically packed the entire beach kit. Scarlett has her float and toys. I have Honor’s little baby seat float. We’re good for a pool day. Before we hop in do you need sunscreen? I don’t want you burning out here. I’ve already gotten the girls covered.” Honor reached for Bear as if she were getting tired of Rowan not passing her off like she asked without words. “Think you can handle both of them or do you want to switch? I also have snacks and drinks in the cooler. Adult beverages, bottles, and juice boxes. I got your favorites too, baby.” When she went to hand him Honor so she could get the sunscreen, she stole a few more kisses. "No, Mommy. My Bear," Scarlett protested. "I've known him longer. So...you don't get to vote. And neither do you," she said to Honor with a laugh. "Okay sit let me get you ready for the pool."

[gvldntrbl]

-😈-

Bear decided to that while painting was exactly his forte, after breakfast that morning at the Divinity Inn, he'd still return to the Divine Palace's grounds. For what specifically, he wasn't sure. Finnian just knew that it wasn't to attend the hybrid Prince's classes. For both of their sakes. Save he distract the poor soul and disrupt the class with distractions. He knew that there was a secret (to guests, anyways) music room somewhere nearby. Muttering under his breath, Finnian focused as he searched for it while trying his best to appear as if he were simply walking in the familiar hall. Until a stream of thoughts in a recognizable voice entered his mind. ...Jade. A gentle expression touched Bear's face as he smiled in reaction to his first mate. His broad chest rattled with quiet laughter at her dirty thoughts that matched her possibly innocent words.

He took her offered hand into his. "Hey, beautiful. Let's get you that seat, huh?" Bear paused, a smirk on his lips as he continued. "I mean, you're carrying precious cargo and the weight of Southland on your shoulders." Of course, he continued in his mind. Specifically, mentioning a few of her features that he was fond of. "And uh-uh. Painting's not my thing. It's a great talent. But I don't have it. My art teachers always said that I lacked patience." He shared as finally remembered where the secret music room was in the Palace. "I got just the place for you to have that seat." Bear paused in their stroll, eyes scanning around them and over Rowan's head. When the coast appeared to be clear, he lightly tapped his elbow against the wall they'd stopped in front of. The entrance appeared and he opened the door and followed Rowan into the music room. Behind them, the secret entrance returned back to its masked appearance of a simple wall in the Palace halls.

"Not a sex den but it'll do. Now, about this seat for you?"

Who: Rowan +Bear (@gvldntrbl)

Where: The Divine Forest -During the Painting Class 

While Rowan admired Viggo’s artistic ability, she was not talented in that way and decided to skip the lesson. She decided to wander off towards the house. She knew that she and a select few were given access to the palace. She wanted out of the heat and a comfortable place to sit. She spotted a tall, handsome figure. “Excuse me, handsome, I’m looking for a place to sit, you look comfortable.” Of course, the sentence went differently in her thoughts. “Not a painter either, I see?” she said, reaching out for Bear’s hand instinctively.