Lady Whistledown’s VELARIS PAPERS

Issue 389, article 4

Dearest Citizens,

Dedicated readers will know that, on occasion, your beloved author is lucky enough to receive news from beyond the borders of the Night Court. Such correspondence was cut off for fifty years, but no longer! And for one of our first dispatches from the outside world, I suggest you brace yourselves, because I have quite the story.

The High Lord and Feyre Cursebreaker made a visit to the Prison. Yes, that Prison. Inhospitable, dark, dangerous… Visitation rights to that remote, barren island have been a mess for centuries—just ask any otherworldly millennia-old creature, and they’ll tell you it is impossible to visit their relatives without becoming a prisoner themselves!

But the wind and stone have their own language, and lucky for you, dear reader, this author speaks it. It’s amazing what secrets the incarcerated might spill when they haven’t had a conversation in centuries.

I will cease patting myself on the back to share what I’ve learned, which is the reason why Rhysand and Feyre went to the Prison: they visited the creepy, enigmatic Bone Carver. However, not even I, who loves to divulge a good secret, will tell you exactly what they spoke of. Your author has tempted the ire of the High Lord and his court for centuries, but spilling dangerous information may be a step too far. Although the conversation topic is off-limit, I think you will be pleased to learn that the Lady and the High Lord seemed much closer upon their return.

We cannot help but wonder, what is Feyre Cursebreaker’s role in the Night Court? What does the High Lord expect from her? So many questions…you can rest assured that all will be revealed in time.

On a less dramatic note, this past week has certainly been a blessing for all the romance fans out here, since the infamous Sellyn Drake released their first novel in fifty years, The High Lord Who Loved Me! I will keep this article free of spoilers, but I can’t wait to share my thoughts with all of you, especially about the rumours claiming that the main love interest is inspired by a certain dark-haired and starry-eyed High Lord.

Ever yours,

Lady Whistledown’s VELARIS PAPERS

Issue 389, article 3                                                                                                                    

Dearest Citizens,

The last few days have certainly been a delight for this author as a few dedicated readers placed bets regarding my identity. Could I be the talented twin spies, Nuala and Cerridwen? Or maybe our High Lord, arrogant enough to write about himself? I shall neither confirm nor deny. Keep the guesses coming!

While these speculations are highly entertaining, a major piece of news is stealing the spotlight this week. Indeed, this author can finally say that the rumors are true: Feyre Cursebreaker is residing in Velaris for the time being, in the High Lord’s home, no less! In fact, the two have been spotted outside the Palace of Thread and Jewels, and my sources confirm Rhysand was looking quite thrilled to show the Bride of Spring around!

Most interpret Lady Feyre’s arrival as a sign of hope, of peace, but others wonder about the nature of her relationship with our esteemed High Lord—especially when a bargain tattoo has been spotted on her forearm. Rumour also has it that Feyre’s departure from the Spring Court was not just any exit, but a daring escape orchestrated by none other than the titillating Lady Morrigan! 

I certainly would have been shaking in my boots if I were one of those flowery Spring guards.

What exactly occurred between the two when they were both held captive and made the ultimate sacrifice for Prythian? Does this bargain tattoo have anything to do with our High Lord? And why now has Feyre chosen to move to the Night Court full time? Will she work directly with our High Lord? Is there something deeper going on? 

The answers, dear readers, sadly remain a mystery. I know we will all be keeping a close eye on their whereabouts and goings-on, but this author cannot help but ask the final, and possibly most important question:

How will the High Lord of Spring react?

Ever yours,

Lady Whistledown

Lady Whistledown has been publishing the latest gossip on the Night Court’s High Lord and his Inner Circle. Who is sharing all this information about Rhysand, Feyre, Amren, Morrigan, Cassian, and Azriel? 


Share your theories here!

Lady Whistledown’s VELARIS PAPERS

Issue 389, article 2

Dearest Citizens,

As the crisp, brutal winter season is settling in our lands, this author has noticed that our High Lord has spent a noticeable amount of time away these past weeks. After a fifty year absence, what matter of urgency requiring him to depart must he possibly be dealing with?

Rest assured, beloved citizens, no threat is heading our way. Indeed, this author’s sources are confident that Rhysand’s absence can be explained by the presence of a mysterious guest at his sumptuous Hewn City residence. Bets are open regarding the identity of the newcomer. I know who my money is on, especially since a certain highly anticipated Spring Court wedding was crashed by none other than our dear High Lord Rhysand!

Scandalous.

My foreign correspondent tells me that no less than six gowns, three tunics, and one pair of trousers were casualties of whatever ruckus occurred. That, plus a section of Tamlin’s precious gardens and about thirty chairs. High Lord, care to comment?

Meanwhile, General Cassian and our resident Shadowsinger Azriel were spotted wrestling on the southernmost bridge over the Sidra.

Again.

Please remember, boys, that we only just repaired it last year after a—ah, training exercise, nearly obliterated the several thousand-year old stone masonry. Perhaps hot tempers should be taken to the cooler climates of the Illyrian Steppes, if not for your High Lord’s peace of mind, then for that of the city’s stone masons and architectural preservation committee?

Or, if you’re hell-bent on fighting in the square, you could at least do us all a favour and take your shirts off first. Just a suggestion for our handsome Illyrians.

Ever yours,

Lady Whistledown

Lady Whistledown’s VELARIS PAPERS

Issue 389, article 1

Dearest Citizens,

At last! It is time to celebrate and rejoice, for our beloved High Lord has returned!

This author believes she can speak for every citizen of Velaris in wishing a hearty and warm welcome home to High Lord Rhysand, whose sacrifice and strength has kept us safe from harm these long and painful forty-nine years. He has been sorely missed.

However, a little bird has chirped in my ear that his return is not without its own interesting details.

Upon winnowing to his residence, rumour has it the High Lord was incredibly shaken. When he first arrived, he crumbled in his cousin, Lady Mor’s, arms. This author   was unable to   glean what words were exchanged between the two, but it was enough that even the Morrigan looked troubled.

The intrigue! Why was our High Lord in such a tizzy when he came back? What could have happened to make the long-anticipated return of our beloved Rhysand a much less joyous affair?

Thank you, High Lord, for bringing us this exciting development, since the most interesting event that has happened in the past month has been General Cassian’s dalliance with an anonymous faerie in a dark alleyway outside of his favourite party spot. Tsk tsk, General. We don’t want Rita to find cracks in her walls!

 The General's tryst is hardly newsworthy compared to the High Lord's return. Rest assured, dear reader, this author will endeavour to discover what made Rhysand so unsettled.

Ever yours, Lady Whistledown

Lady Whistledown’s VELARIS PAPERS

Issue 1, Article 1

Dearest Citizens,

As you all know, our beloved City of Starlight is a hidden jewel amidst the world. Within our walls, peace and prosperity are thriving like nowhere else, and it cannot be considered vain to crown Velaris as the best place to live in all of Prythian, and arguably the entire world. All manner of Fae are delighted to spend the entirety of their immortal life here... which inevitably amounts to a lot of shared, complicated history.

Our High Lord and his Court have successfully led this wonderful city for centuries. While we admire their kindness and devotion, outsiders have learned to fear the ruthlessness of the most powerful High Lord in history, of his nearly as powerful cousin, of a millenia-old being coming straight out of nightmares, and of the two deadliest Illyrian warriors ever born. Citizens, this author is aware of your desire to learn more about our respected yet intriguing, unusual rulers, and hope this paper shall satisfy your curiosity. Together, we will dive into the High Lord's confounding love affairs, the tangled triangle linking Lady Morrigan, Lord Cassian and Lord Azriel, and the secret passions of Lady Amren. No one has infiltrated this tight-knit circle for five centuries, but who knows what the future holds? The highs and lows of Rhysand’s Inner Circle are yours to discover.

Is this author afraid of getting caught, you might ask yourself? What you need to remember, dear reader, is that I know all of you, but nobody knows me. 

Ever yours,

Lady Whistledown