#early lucien is SO SIMILAR to the other two | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

sunshinebingo · 1 year

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Follow Gwyn, Azriel and their twins as they get ready for the day.

Word Count: 1.8k

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7.10 am

Gwyn is pulled from her sleep by the bouncing movement of the mattress. She does not have to look to know that this is caused by two little ones jumping on her bed. She cracks open an eye to see Azriel already looking at her with sleep in his eyes and a smile. Considering their lack of sleep for the past three years, both of them deserves at least several weeks of rest. But that will probably have to wait until their twins are fully grown adults.

‘’Daddy wake up,’’ Catrin shouts in Azriel face when he closes his eyes again. As always, their twins decide to divide and conquer. Catrin starts tapping on Azriel’s face with her tiny hands while Eli grabs one of Gwyn’s arms. ‘’Mommy we have to gooo,’’ he complains as he pulls with all his force.

Like all Saturdays, all the kids of the Inner Circle spend the day together. Sometimes it is at Feyre’s painting studio, sometimes they come to Azriel and Gwyn’s Beach House, other times it is at the House of Wind. Today, they will all go to Elain and Lucien’s private house in the Day Court where Elain, Nesta and Gwyn will be babysitting while the rest of the Inner Circle are busy with their respective duties. Catrin and Eliot have been so excited about this trip that it was the only reason that has led them to go to bed early last night.

When Catrin starts poking her finger in her father’s eyes, Azriel grabs her and pulls her in his arms. Their winged daughter giggles when Azriel places kisses all over her face and belly. Seeing all the fun they are having, Eli releases Gwyn’s arms to throw himself on Azriel. Gwyn beams at the sight of her mate being attacked by their children. Unable to resist, Gwyn grabs her son and joins them in their battle of cuddles.

7.30 am

Azriel opens his mouth to take the strawberry that Eli is handing him with sticky fingers. On the opposite side of the table, Gwyn scoops yogurt off of Catrin’s pyjamas after the little girl has insisted that she can eat on her own.

‘’I want to see the pegasi,’’ Cat says, brushing her hair out of her face and spreading yogurt in it in the process.

‘’What about you,’’ Azriel asks his son as he lifts him up to place him on his lap. Once Eli gets comfortable, he goes back to digging his favourite fruits out of the bowl and feeding the rest to his father. And so breakfast is spent with Cat and Eli talking about what they will do once they are in the Day court.

7.55 am

Azriel takes his shower while Gwyn helps Eli and Cat pick an outfit for the day. If he did not have to leave for a mission, Azriel would have already started to tidy up the house. With two active children, their house often looks like a storm has come and knocked everything out of place. They had planned to clean up a little last night after their kids had gone to bed. But their late night cleaning up has instead turned into other late night activities. Ones that has led to more mess but in their own bedroom. Thank the mother and the cauldron that they have dressed up again after since they have forgotten to lock the door. On the mornings when Catrin and Eli would come to their parent’s room and find that it’s locked, they would knock and call for them on the other side of the door until someone eventually lets them in. Neither of their parents complain about it though.

In the children’s shared room, Eli settles for a black t-shirt and pair of light grey shorts. The only thing he has gotten from his mother is Gwyn’s red hair and his lack of wings. Apart from those, Eli is the portrait of his dad. They even have similar preferences in clothes. Cat, the more bubbly twin, goes for a green floral dress.

‘’I want gween because Lulu likes gween,’’ Catrin says in that funny way of hers. She has always had a soft spot for Lucien, or Lulu as Cat and Eli likes to call him.

‘’Okay then,’’ she looks at her twins after laying the clothes on their beds, ‘’Who will go first?’’

8.10 am

After Azriel is ready, Gwyn hands him Eliot while she takes care of Catrin in the bathroom. Azriel takes the opportunity to reduce as much of the mess around the house as possible. Azriel picks up all the books and toys lying around to put them back where they belong. Eli starts to help by carrying some of the toys but ends up being more interested in playing with the toys than putting them away.

8.25 am

When Gwyn comes out of the bathroom with Catrin engulfed in a fluffy brown dressing gown with bear ears, she finds her son and her mate sitting on the rug and in the process of building a block tower. As soon as she puts her daughter down, Catrin runs to them and knocks the tower down.

‘’Hey,’’ Eli shouts and pushes his sister away.

‘’Catrin,’’ Gwyn scolded her.

Azriel grabs the boy before he could throw a block at his sister. Before a fight erupts between the two, Gwyn walks to them and takes Eli from his father.

‘’Get her ready or we’ll be late,’’ she tells Azriel as she carries Eli to the bath.

8.35 am

After Catrin is dressed, Azriel sets to combing her hair. Unlike her twin, Catrin has her father’s dark hair. Though she resembles Gwyn the most with her paler skin and her teal eyes. Their family always like to tease that both Gwyn and Azriel have been gifted with a little copy of themselves, both in looks and personality.

8.40 am

Azriel adjusts the last bow in Catrin’s hair just in time for Eli to come running in the room giggling and completely naked.

“Got you,” Gwyn laughs when she finally reaches him. She wraps a towel around his little form and lifts him in the air. Gwyn hands their son to her mate before she rushes back to the bathroom so she can also get ready. Azriel immediately sets to get their little redhead dressed while his sister twirls around the room in her floral dress, dancing with one of her teddy bears as if it is her dance partner.

9.00 am

Gwyn gets out of her and Azriel’s private bathroom with a towel barely covering her body. She startles when she finds her mate looking for something on the nightstand.

“What are you looking for?” she asks as she starts to look for the proper clothes to wear. When she turns around, Azriel is staring at her with a look that she knows too well. Their bond thrums when Azriel’s lips pull up into a smirk.

Gwyn walks to him and pulls him down for a kiss. He pulls on her towel and lets it fall to the ground. A second later, Gwyn pushes Azriel out of door and closes it in his face. Azriel chuckles and walks back to his babies.

9.03 am

“Daddy look I’m flying,” Catrin tries to capture her father’s attention while he looks for Eliot’s shoe under the bed. When he looks up, Catrin is jumping on the bed and flapping her wings.

“Baby stop or you will hurt yourself,” Azriel groans as he starts to crawl under Eli’s bed. What he finds first is not the missing shoe but the little boy himself.

“Hi daddy,” Eliot beamed at his dad. Azriel can barely fit half of his body there. But Eli was so small that he has been able to completely slip under the bed.

“What are you doing here buddy?” Azriel asks incredulously.

“My shoe,” Eli says, waving the white shoe in Azriel’s face. They both get out from under the bed and Azriel finally puts Eli’s shoe on.

9.10 am

Gwyn enters the kitchen to find Azriel trying to console a crying Catrin. The reason for the tears is that Azriel has said no to Cat bringing the jar of peanut butter in her backpack.

“You can have peanut butter when we get home later love,” Azriel says, wiping the tears off of her face.

Gwyn walks to Eli who is trying to pack his bag by himself. She kisses him on the cheek and removes everything from the bag to put them back in a better order.

“Plus I’m sure you will have far better things to eat there than peanut butter,” Azriel tells Catrin as he places her on the table next to Eli.

Seeing that his twin is crying, Eli places a hand on hers to comfort her. Catrin turns her palm upwards and laces her fingers with her brother’s. Soon after, the crying turns into sniffing until it finally stops.

9.20 am

Gwyn shuffles through the kids wardrobe to find a new shirt for Eli after he has spilled apple juice on it. Eli, who is completely unbothered by all this, sits on his bed, licking the wet spot on his shirt. When Gwyn walks to him, her son refuses to lift his arm up for her to put the new shirt on him.

“I don’t want this one,” Eli shakes his head.

“Come on baby,” Gwyn almost pleads, “We are going to be late.”

“I want to look like daddy,” Eli pouts.

Gwyn rolls her eyes but smiles as she walks back to the wardrobe to swap the white shirt for one that will make Eliot look more like his father.

9.25 am

“Mommy,” Catrin shouts and jumps into her mother’s arms as if she has not been gone for only 5 minutes.

“Is everyone ready to go?” Azriel asks after he finishes adjusting Eli’s backpack.

Cat and Eli jump around in excitement. After a final check that everyone has all that they need, Eli and Cat rush for the door.

“Don’t run,” Gwyn warns, walking behind them.

“Let’s go,” Cat says excitedly once she is outside.

Azriel locks the door and checks the ward around the house just to be safe. When he goes to winnow everyone to Day, Azriel finds Gwyn and Eli walking towards the front door.

“Eli wants to pee,” Gwyn shrugs before unlocking the door and walking back inside.

Azriel picks his son’s backpack from where he has left it on the porch and joins Catrin.

9.30 am

“Are we all ready,” Azriel asks again and waits for everyone's nods.

Gwyn picks Eli up and Azriel carries Catrin.

“Sure?” Azriel asks one last time.

“Let’s go,” Cat replies eagerly.

Gwyn laughs at her daughter’s enthusiasm. “Let’s go before something else happens.”

Gwyn places a hand on her mate’s shoulder before he finally winnows them all to the Day Court.

Thank you for reading!! 😘

P.S... There's also An Afternoon at the Berdara Household

#Gwynriel #Fluff and more fluff #gwyneth berdara #azriel shadowsinger #azriel #Gwynriel babies #I wrote this instead of studying #There might be mistakes #But I don't care #As long as it got me distracted #also disclaimer #... I don't know much about kids

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theladyofbloodshed · 2 years

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@nerisweek Day 5 - Modern AU

When Nesta has to attend her sister's engagement party, she dreads seeing her ex-boyfriend there. Thankfully, a knight in shining armour saves the day.

‘Please, Nesta. Say you will.’

Nesta sucked in a long breath. Her younger sister sat opposite her, golden-brown hair plaited into two braids. She wore a top printed with sunflowers beneath her dungarees, every inch the happy flower she’d always been. Nesta could never say no to her big brown eyes.

‘I don’t know Lucien’s family.’

Elain shook her head dismissively. ‘So, you can get to know them! Lucien isn’t even close with them but his father insisted on throwing us this engagement party. I’m a little nervous to be honest.’

She wrapped the end of her braid round her finger to emphasise that fact. Nesta knew Lucien’s father was an old bastard to put it simply - that was how Lucien has described him on one of their first meetings where Nesta had interrogated him with intense scrutiny about every detail of his life. His brothers were equally as awful according to him. When Nesta had enquired how he had ended up to be a nice man, Elain had said he was a mother’s boy and stroked his cheek.

‘They will be there.’

It was more of a statement than a question. An impending sense of doom followed it. When Nesta had first moved to the city, the only person she had known was her sister, Feyre. She’d gotten swept up in her friendship group despite knowing they were not people she would ever have chosen. She had burnt that bridge, refused to even look at it and acknowledge that she had once been a part of it.

‘Yes. But Feyre is bringing Nyx!’

The only reason Nesta met her sister any more was to see her nephew. She didn’t get on with Feyre’s husband, nor his clingy cousin or any one of their other friends. They moved as a pack. Where one went, the others followed. And within that pack was Cassian. An ex-boyfriend that she was forced to endure the company of from time to time. He had a habit of showing up on her scheduled visits with her nephew. He made it his personal mission to rattle her to the point of fury.

‘Fantastic.’

***

It was an outdoor occasion in early June which meant Nesta had taken double the recommended dose of anti-histamines, clogged her eyes with drops and her handbag was stuffed with tissues and a nose spray. She’d chosen a lilac floaty dress which she already felt self-conscious in. It was a halter neck that left her back completely exposed. She tended to alternate between sweats or business attire, never a dress so pretty. She reminded herself that it was Elain’s engagement party and all eyes would be on her sister - except for when it was her turn to make a speech. At least Nesta had been forewarned for that portion of the day. Elain had practically begged her to speak.

On the drive there, her stomach bubbled with nerves. The last time she had seen Cassian, they’d had a blazing row. He’d called her a stuck-up bitch and she’d returned the favour by calling him an impossible man-child then slammed Feyre’s door in his face. It is Elain’s day, she reminded herself again, no arguments.

The estate was enormous. A huge white mansion sprawled out at the end of a long drive that was lined with rows and rows of nearly cut conifers. She was directed to the parking lot where a few other guests had already arrived. Already the high pollen count had her throat itching on the walk to the massive grounds. The wedding would be at a beach and Nesta couldn’t decide what she hated more: pollen or sand.

Flowers were everywhere, in every bed on every bush. More had been arranged for the occasion - likely by Elain herself - and they hung in garlands and wreaths. She spotted Lucien’s father, stern faced as always, speaking with other men of a similar age likely about business near one of the large marquees that had been erected.

Finally, she found Elain and gave a sigh of relief as her sister swept her into an embrace. ‘I’m so glad you came!’

‘How the hell have you afforded this place? You do know you have a wedding to pay for as well?’

Nesta was contributing to the wedding since their parents were both dead. Elain worked as a florist. It wasn’t lucrative but she enjoyed it, so Nesta was happy to funnel her finances towards her sister. It was unlikely that she was marrying anytime soon. Their father used to joke that whatever man was mad enough to take her on deserved a medal.

Elain blushed and glanced over her shoulder at Lucien’s father.

‘Lucien’s family is quite wealthy. This is one of their homes.’

Any words that Nesta had buried themselves in her throat. This was their home. This enormous palace with its grounds stretching on as far as the eyes could see was their home. One of their homes.

‘I need a drink.’

‘Wine? Gin?’

Nesta shook her head. ‘Still not drinking. And I’m driving. The phrase serves its purpose though. I’ll take anything cold.’

They walked together to the bar - all paid for, of course, by the Vanserra family. It had been a few years since Nesta drank. She leaned heavily on it during difficult times and Feyre and her friends were inclined to drink wine for every occasion. It was better for Nesta if she avoided it entirely though she found she didn’t miss it.

More guests arrived and Elain was led away in their greetings. A few made polite conversation with Nesta when they saw her standing alone. She’d been told more than once - including by Cassian - that she had a resting bitch face so people tended to avoid her.

She was inspecting a rose bush when she heard the familiar boom of Cassian’s laughter. Of course, he had an arm slung around Mor. Strictly platonic, Nesta thought with irritation. His scraggly dark hair was drawn back into a messy bun and he was decidedly more dressed down than any other guest. Feyre was struggling with Nyx who thrashed in her arms wanting to walk. He was a sickly child after a difficult pregnancy and they coddled him beyond belief. The poor boy only had sugar when auntie Nesta gave it to him. Everything had to be organic. He had a regimented day which only ended up stressing Feyre because he wouldn't nap at the regulated times. Her husband was conversing with Azriel, both males dressed head to toe in black, more suited for a funeral than an engagement party. Lucien strode over to greet them, red hair shining in the sunlight.

Nesta inhaled slowly, watching as the group took in the beautiful surroundings. Then Cassian’s eyes snapped to hers. He was moving. She was moving. Moving quicker towards a gate in between the rose bushes not caring where it was going.

She slammed it shut and kept her legs moving. He called her name. Then came barking.

A glance to her left revealed the sight of a pack of dogs, all barking, all pounding towards her. She’d been good at track though not in heels. Nesta sprinted across the lawn, only just making it to the small house at the other end of the garden as she slid open the door and took refuge.

‘Fuck me,’ she breathed, over the roar of dogs.

Her heart pounded as she leant against the glass. Out of the dogs and Cassian, she’d take being chased by dogs.

‘What’s the fuss? Shush.’

A man’s voice came from somewhere in the house. The dogs were still at the door, barking and leaping against it.

‘We’ll all get told off if you keep up that racket.’

Lucien’s brother, clearly, from the short auburn hair and brown eyes. He didn’t seem too alarmed by the sight of Nesta in his house.

‘Can I help you?’

‘The dogs chased me,’ she panted. ‘Just needed somewhere safe.’

The corner of his mouth quirked into a handsome smile. ‘That’s what they’re trained to do when a stranger enters their property. You must have run very fast. I’m impressed.’

‘Ex-boyfriend at the party,’ she said, swallowing against her dry throat. ‘I’d have run a marathon in these heels to avoid him.’

He gave a laugh, tipping his head back. Then he filled a glass from the tap and held it to Nesta. She gratefully downed it. Her heart still fluttered uneasily and she was glad for the amount of deodorant she’d sprayed on that morning.

‘I am making an assumption that you are Nesta since you look like Elain but aren’t covered in tattoos or have a child with you.’

‘You would be correct. And you are one of Lucien’s brothers but I don’t know any of your names.’

‘Eris. First born. Vanserra family name atop my shoulders. No pressure.’

‘You live here, not the big house?’

He shrugged and looked around the neatly furnished home. ‘Gives me space. I’m an architect so my office is here. Nobody bothers me. Plus all the dogs can only put hair on my belongings.’

‘All your dogs?’

She could count at least seven that were still on the porch. The barking had ceased and their tails wagged happily. The glass was smeared with nose prints and muddy pawprints.

‘Proud dad of twelve,’ he replied with a smirk. ‘Give me a moment to change then I’ll escort you to the party so you don’t need to break the Olympic sprint record on your way back.’

It really did only take him a few moments to emerge from his bedroom in the bungalow in smart black trousers and a white shirt, rolled up to the elbows. He ruffled his auburn hair casually though the crispness of his clothes suggested designer, very expensive designer.

‘So, this ex-boyfriend, how did he wind up at your sister’s engagement party?’ Eris knelt down to lace up his shoes.

‘He is in my youngest sister's friendship group so I think Lucien knows them from Friday evening drinks.’

Eris gave a nod. ‘Azriel?’

‘You know them?’

‘I dated Mor briefly. A long time ago. Dated being a loose sense of the word. Both dates, her friend showed up and started giving me shit that I didn’t deserve her.’ He loosed a dismissive laugh and rose.

‘Was that friend a big bruiser called Cassian?’

Eris grimaced. ‘That’s the one. Oh no. That’s not your one?’

‘Bingo. In my defence, I hadn’t been in the city long and I wasn’t in a good place when we met.’

‘I’ll let you off,’ he said, ‘for your poor tastes. We all make mistakes.’

At the slide of the door, the dogs tried to push their way past Eris to Nesta, more eager with curiosity now rather than out for blood. She shielded herself with his body, making him laugh again. The sound was deep and warmed a part of her.

‘They’re very friendly,’ he insisted, holding out his palm for one to sniff. ‘They’re just not accustomed to beautiful women stampeding through their garden.’

‘Desperate times call for desperate measures.’

Hesitantly, Nesta held out her hand. One dog pressed his wet nose to her palm then another nudged that one out of the way to get to her. They were all different breeds, some mixed, some with three legs or one eye. They were all the sorts of dogs that got dumped at a shelter when vet bills became too high.

Eris extended his arm for her to take. ‘If you need assistance today, feel free to use me. I know how they can be - but they can’t stand me. None of them will come near me so I don’t mind if you need to hide by me.’

Nesta slipped her arm into his as they walked across the lawn. ‘You’d be signing yourself up to a whole evening of my company. I won't leave your side.’

The smile he gave her was warm but there was a challenge in his eyes. ‘You say it like it’s a bad thing. Allow me to be your date for today.’

‘You’d pretend to be my boyfriend?’

‘I’ll pretend to be anything you want if it pisses them off.’

***

Eris was a knight in shining armour, sweeping Nesta away whenever they steered too close to the other group. He introduced her to a number for the Vanserra family friends - all of whom seemed to be rich and powerful enough for Nesta to wonder if Elain knew what she was getting herself into. He kept up a lie that they were dating. Both liked yoga, both were early morning people, neither drank, both preferred the autumn. It was easy to pretend when they were so similar. He blessed every pollen laced sneeze, guided her into the marquee when her allergies became too much and genuinely seemed to listen when she spoke.

‘What is the difference between a fun accountant and a regular one then?’

Nesta sipped at her pink lemonade through a straw, keenly aware that Eris watched the movement of her lips. ‘A regular one is boring. I am a fun accountant because companies employ me to audit their accounts. I get to discover which CEO is wiring money to an offshore account in the Cayman Islands or who is skimming off the top for their retirement fund and blow the whistle thereby ruining their fun. There’s a lot of travel involved, but the money is good and I don’t have anybody waiting for me at home.’

‘Do you enjoy it?’

‘It’s not particularly thrilling but numbers are easy.’ She shrugged, ‘I spend a lot of time in hotels or on flights so I get to read and there’s little washing up to do.’

Thankfully at the buffet table, Elain had included a number of vegetarian dishes that Nesta could eat. For once it wasn’t a giant mushroom stuck between a bun.

‘Oh, my father will have a field day if he finds out you're vegetarian,’ Eris snickered. ‘Although the large man at the other end of the marquee is staring at you as if you are dessert.’

Nesta didn’t even need to glance over her shoulder to know that Cassian was haunting her steps. She edged a few inches closer to Eris and then his arm slipped around her waist.

‘Is this okay?’

‘Perfect,’ she murmured, nuzzling against him.

They shared a plate, with Eris opting against any meat options for Nesta’s benefit and sat on a stone bench, hidden away from most of the party. Eris spoke of his work – and his father’s disappointment that he’d chosen architecture rather than law. He said that being paid to argue should have been his dream career making Nesta laugh then.

‘Thank you for saving me at the buffet.’

Eris smiled then pressed a hand over his heart. ‘A hardship I’m happy to undertake. A bad break up?’

‘Awful. Several attempts at breaking up. None of them registering with him. Lots of screaming matches. Lots of “quit your job, it’s emasculating me because you earn so much and I still live with my buddies and wake up hungover every weekend!”.’

‘It doesn’t sound like he’s changed since I knew them. And Morrigan?’

Nesta scrunched up her nose. ‘Oh, you mean, “babe, she’s like my sister! That’s why she sleeps in my bed and doesn’t like other girls talking to me” that Morrigan? The “we slept together once years ago, you’re being paranoid” Morrigan?’

The memories made Nesta shiver. She wasn’t asking to be put on a pedestal. What she wanted was to be considered ahead of Mor from time to time. Or for Mor not to be invited along for every occasion. Especially not to a weekend away on the coast. She’d shown up for Cassian’s birthday and the pair of them had shared the double bed in the hotel while Nesta slept on the couch. That had been the straw that broke the camel’s back.

‘Feyre is younger than Elain, isn’t she? And she’s already married to Rhys?’

Urgh. That also made Nesta’s skin crawl. Rhysand was fourteen years older than Feyre. She’d had one high school boyfriend then met him. Within a year, her twenty-one year old sister was married and pregnant. Feyre claimed she was happy as a stay-at-home mom with painting occupying her free time but Nesta saw her more as Rhysand’s trophy wife. That was an argument they’d had before and Rhys had demanded she leave his house. With pleasure, she’d snarled back.

‘Yes, I am the designated spinster of the family.’ Nesta swept her head into a bow. She picked up a small pastry filled with cheese and onion. ‘Cassian used to call this rabbit food. Told me to eat real food. Would always try to kiss me after he’d eaten a steak to piss me off.’

‘He’s a dick. There’s no other way to say it.’

A band had started up or at least, Nesta had thought it was. On closer inspection, five musicians were upon the stage playing light classical music, all in finely tailored clothing. A far more sophisticated affair than Elain and Lucien might have planned. It was definitely not their sort of thing so she wondered how much Lucien’s father had dominated the affair. Certainly the average age of the party was more suited to him than Lucien or Elain – and they were likely his own guests, business associates, clients, or potential clients.

‘Shall we dance?’

Nesta raised her eyebrows in surprise. A man who actually wanted to dance? ‘You’re suggesting this to give me a grope, I suppose?’

Eris tipped back his head with another easy laugh. ‘Is that on the cards? I wouldn’t refuse that. No, I like to dance. I thought you might too. Plus, Cassian and Mor are staring daggers at us so I thought we could have them frothing at the mouth before the evening is done.’

That was all the incentive she needed. Eris pulled her close, hand slipping into her own while another glided around her waist. His body was long and lean, capable of making her feel small without dwarfing her.

After two songs of easy dancing, the tone changed to a slower one. Nesta wasn’t aware of who else was dancing or even who else was in the main marquee. When Eris drew her close enough for their bodies to be flush, all she cared about was her head that rested on his shoulder, the nose brushing against his neck as they danced, his broad hand on her bare back.

To onlookers, it would be cosy, romantic even. Eris allowed her to use him, she reminded herself as her arms enclosed around him. He made a murmur of contentment then his lips brushed against her brow. It shouldn’t have given her butterflies.

‘It’s no wonder Cassian cannot stop staring at you. You are the most beautiful woman in the room.’

She glanced up at Eris but there was nothing playful on his face. Nesta felt dizzy when she looked at him; the clean-shaven face, the hard set of his jaw and golden light in his eyes. He certainly was handsome. And her type. And happy for her to use him however she wanted that evening.

‘He didn’t deserve a moment of your time.’

They danced a little while longer until she hobbled to a table, the balls of her feet aching from her high heels. Warm hands undid the straps around them then Eris was putting his own shoes onto her bare feet, insisting he didn’t care if he wore socks.

‘I’m the eldest,’ he explained, ‘Whatever I do is wrong. Who cares if I wear socks to a party at my own house? What matters more is that you aren’t in pain. I have crocs in the house if you’d prefer those.’

‘Only if they match my dress.’

His arm stayed around her shoulders as they observed the others dancing when the sun began setting. It was pretend, Nesta knew, but part of her enjoyed his touch. She liked when he murmured something in her ear, the timbre of his tone making her knees weak. She liked being able to burrow against him, so his warmth chased away the goosebumps on her skin.

‘Eris, you said you weren’t bringing a plus one.’ A beautiful woman in a sweeping green dress joined their table. Definitely Lucien’s mother from the russet eyes - which made her Eris’ mother too. ‘You’ve hidden her away rather than introducing us.’

Nesta was about to peel herself away from him and declare they were simply pretending to avoid their exes, but Eris tightened his grip around her shoulders. His thumb brushed against her skin.

‘Nesta is Elain’s older sister. We met a few weeks ago through work. I didn’t need a plus one when she was already attending.’ The lie rolled off his tongue so smoothly that Nesta almost believed it herself. ‘There hasn’t been time to introduce her properly plus we didn’t want to detract from Lucien and Elain’s party.’

Satisfied, his mother gave one sharp nod. ‘It’s so lovely to meet you. I’m Olivia.’ Her auburn hair was drawn into a loose bun and there were freckles across the bridge of her nose. She watched the dancers, eyes tracing over her youngest and Elain. Then, she said with a smile, ‘Perhaps we’ll celebrate your engagement next.’

Nesta nearly choked on her drink, but Eris handled it. ‘When we marry, we are eloping in Vegas. Less fuss.’

He stroked his hand across Nesta’s face, the motion so delicate and caring she almost wanted to run off to a chapel with him.

They ended up at the same table for dinner. She was introduced to more Vanserra brothers - each one either brown or red haired with dark eyes. They spoke crassly of women who were in attendance in a manner Nesta was used to from her work though Eris chided them and apologised. They’d all likely end up as CEOs of companies through their father’s contacts rather than merit.

When it came to the speeches, Nesta’s hands began trembling. Public speaking had never bothered her. She could speak to anybody and never cared for their opinion. But this was somehow different. This was talking about her sister - her favourite person in the world - in front of a bunch of strangers. This would reflect on Elain. She barely listened to Beron speak or Lucien then suddenly all eyes were on her. Somebody had introduced her as the next speaker. Eris gave her a nudge.

‘For those of you who haven’t had the displeasure of coming across me, I am Nesta - Elain’s oldest sister.’ A murmur of laughter from Rhys and Feyre. ‘When our mother died, I kept Elain close. I became fiercely protective of her which poor Lucien found out early on. She came home from work to tell me about a lovely man who bought a bunch of flowers every day from her, who always asked her opinion on the colour scheme and arrangement, and how lucky his girlfriend must be to have a considerate man like him. I had my suspicions. No man buys flowers every day unless he’s constantly in trouble or he wanted an excuse to speak to the beautiful florist.’

Elain and Lucien beamed at each other, both utterly enamoured.

‘We lost our father young and our mother even younger, but I am so proud of who you have become – the way you have grown – despite it all, Elain. You and Lucien are perfect for each other. Your love has been a joy to watch bloom. And I know that Lucien will make you happy. Lucien, just so you know, you will need to find another florist to buy flowers from when you are in trouble.’

There was a ripple of laughter around the room and Lucien gave a sheepish smile to Elain.

‘Any man that can withstand my interrogations without crumbling is worthy of my little sister. To Elain and Lucien.’

A flood of adrenaline washed through Nesta once the speech was done and a toast had been made. Eris squeezed her hand beneath the table. ‘Beautiful speech. Well done.’

***

The alcohol had set in for many, once night had taken hold. A band had arrived, replacing the musicians, playing more upbeat music and current songs. She danced again with Eris; the man insisted on remaining in his socks even as the cotton stuck to the sticky dance floor. He was an easy partner, twirling her, keeping her steady or drawing her in so their bodies brushed against each other. How much of it was faking, she wasn’t sure of because they were both grinning no matter who watched them.

A child cried repeatedly. It became harder and harder to ignore that cry. It was her nephew, tired and miserable, up far past his bed time. Feyre’s cheeks were dotted with colour as she struggled with Nyx. He arched his back, throwing his head back. Rhys took over with no luck.

‘Would you be mad if I swapped you for my nephew?’

‘Have us both,’ Eris said simply, taking her hand and leading her towards the group.

Before any of them could pass a comment on her date for the evening, Nesta extended her arms to Nyx. ‘Come on.’

Those teary blue eyes recognised her and he held out his arms to be taken from Rhys. Feyre sagged with relief.

‘Would you mind? Just for a little while. He’s cutting his back teeth. He won’t settle.’

‘It’s fine,’ Nesta said, avoiding Cassian’s gaze as he tried to get her attention. ‘Enjoy yourself. Has he eaten?’

‘He won’t eat anything,’ Feyre complained.

‘All he’s done is cry,’ Mor muttered.

Eris snorted. ‘I can’t blame him with this company. Shall we go, Nesta?’

A hand was on the small of her back, guiding them away before a swift rebuttal could come. Nyx still grizzled in her arms, tugging at a lock of her hair that he’d pulled out of her coronet even as they weaved their way out.

‘Why is he dressed like somebody’s uncle?’ Eris murmured as they exited the marquee.

Nyx had been stuffed into a tweed suit complete with a waistcoat and bowtie. The night air was cool, but his cheeks were red from teething and crying. Why hadn’t they hired a babysitter and kept him at home – or taken him home early?

Nesta sat on a bench – the same one they’d eaten together on – and began stripping him off. Eris folded each item she handed to him until Nyx was only in a vest and diaper. The relief was instant. He stopped grumbling and flopped his head against Nesta’s breasts. He was the only male allowed to do such a thing. She swept his sweaty black hair out of his face.

Eris lifted Nyx’s foot, inspecting his wiggling toes for a moment then blew on them. The sensation must have tickled him because he tried to jerk away from Eris’ touch. It only spurred him on and soon Nyx was giggling in her lap and kicking his legs away from Eris.

‘First born. Lots of practise,’ he explained.

Nesta knew the feeling. Their father worked non-stop leaving Nesta in charge the majority of the time. He’d never once learned how to do their hair, leaving that to Nesta too. She was the one who pinned up the weekly plan on the fridge detailing when each child had which club after school though as soon as she got her license, Nesta was the one doing pick ups and drop offs. Her life hadn’t much changed after her father’s death. She was already self-sufficient, working and studying. Financially, Nesta did her best to support Elain and Feyre too, but their father’s money quickly ran out when they realised how many gambling debts that he’d racked up on his business trips. Feyre wouldn’t hear a bad word about him – and Nesta had to wonder if that’s why she married a wealthy older man so quickly.

‘I have the perfect remedy for a teething baby.’

Eris gestured for her to follow him. He weaved through the crowds easily, reaching his hand behind him to guide them all the way to his annexe. Every now and then he’d check over his shoulder and pause to pull them both a little closer.

In his freezer, Eris pulled out homemade ice lollies made of puréed fruit.

‘You make these?’

He blushed slightly. ‘I try to be healthy but I have a major sweet tooth. Can he have one?’

Nyx was already reaching out his hand for it. Nesta had cemented her position as his favourite adult by being the fun one who gave him sugar, so an ice lolly before bed wouldn’t hurt.

‘Berries or apple and kiwi?’ Eris asked. Nyx reached for the green one. ‘Would you like one?’

‘No, you can have it.’

Eris’ face lit up and he dragged his tongue up the length of it.

They sat outside of his house where a couple of the dogs had come to greet them. Nyx watched them with curiosity as he dribbled cold juice down his chin. Eris didn’t hesitate to retrieve a tissue from Nesta’s handbag to clean him. Her heart almost exploded from her chest at the sight of it. A man who liked children and had a good job and was handsome and single. It didn’t seem possible. He was too good to be true.

He snapped a few pictures of Nesta and her nephew on his phone, smiling at them as he swiped through.

‘We don’t have to pretend here.’

‘Maybe I like pretending with you,’ he admitted. ‘Can I show him the dogs?’

Nyx went to him readily. Eris squatted down, balancing the baby on his knee as a hobbling chocolate Labrador with a grey muzzle greeted them. A small hand reached out.

‘Gently,’ Nesta encouraged.

Eris held onto Nyx’s hand, guiding him as he stroked the various dogs that came over for a fuss. One with a face like it had ran into a wall kept licking Nesta’s bare calf until she was giggling and tugging her legs up out of the way.

They stayed that way for a while, neither talking much as Nyx’s eyelids grew heavy. The sound of the band was faint, carrying to Eris’ garden on the breeze. The Vanserras were wealthy beyond belief but Lucien was a nice man - and Eris seemed to be the same way.

‘Why are you single?’ She blurted out.

Eris cocked his head to the side. A light wind blew strands of his auburn hair. Nyx had his cheek pressed to Eris’ chest, blinking heavily at Nesta. A small hand wrapped around Eris’ index finger.

‘Several reasons. One – I tend not to go out as many women are interested in my surname or my family’s wealth. Two – I’m a bit of a workaholic. Three – A woman has to like all twelve of my dogs. Four – my father is an absolute bastard and I don’t want any woman exposed to that. Do you need any more?’

‘Five – your bone structure will make any woman envious,’ Nesta said, brushing her thumb against his chiselled cheek bone.

She considered what Eris had said. Her mind had leapt to Elain and what she was letting herself in for with a father-in-law who cared little for the damage left in his wake as long as he profited. Elain could be sensitive, taking comments to heart. She had to hope that Lucien would step between them if anything occurred. Nesta glanced sidelong at Eris. Twelve dogs wasn’t a dealbreaker. She was a workaholic. She also didn’t like meeting men or one-night stands. No, it was silly to think that way. Silly to consider what Eris had said. They were only pretending so that Cassian would leave her alone.

‘He’s asleep,’ Nesta whispered, smoothing Nyx’s black hair from his forehead.

Eris had him cradled against his chest, so that a chubby arm dangled down. His mouth was open, deep in slumber. The sugar had the opposite effect, but at least her nephew was content now.

‘Do you want children?’

Eris raised his chin, grinning slightly. ‘Are you offering? It might take a few tries but the practise is most of the fun.’

Her cheeks scorched and Nesta could not look him in the eye. What could she reply to that? Nothing. Her tongue was in a knot. Eris nudged her with his elbow, grinning again.

‘You’re even more beautiful when you blush.’

‘Stop pretending.’

‘You think I’d lie? You wound me.’ His hand stroked the back of Nyx’s head softly, smoothing down the curling ends of it.

Nesta shuffled closer to Eris then he draped his arm around her waist. She couldn’t say how long they stayed there for simply enjoying the quiet of a summer night.

‘We can pretend again at the wedding if you like.’

‘I would like that,’ she confirmed. The thought of being a bridesmaid in a yellow dress on a hot beach and ensuring everything went smoothly for Elain’s day was already stressing Nesta – but if Cassian was leering at her or trying to cause an argument, her temper might go into overdrive.

‘I’d be happy to be your shield again.’

‘More than a shield, you’ve been my hero today.’ She stretched out her legs, making the too big shoes on her feet wobble. Eris had been wonderful. ‘Sprinting across your lawn chased by a pack of dogs and breaking into your house has got to be one of the best decisions I’ve made this year.’

‘In fairness to you, the door was unlocked.’ Eris leaned towards her and kissed her cheek. ‘You know that if you catch the bouquet at the wedding, my mother will ensure we get married.’

Nesta winked. ‘I’ll do my best to catch it then.’

#neris #nesta archeron #eris vanserra #fake dating au

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saphirered · 1 year

Note

It is incredibly late (or early?) Where i live so excuse me if this is rambely.

I got an idea for a Lucien/Mollymauk/Kingsley request. And im Hoping once i have it out in the open I'll be able to sleep.

Basically Lucien and the reader were partners when his soul was scattered the same happened to the reader. They both woke up being buried with no recollection of who they were. Once they meet each other in the Mighty Nein they start getting closer a relationship forms they both feel a sort of pull towards one another. When Molly dies the reader doesn't and Lucien remembers the reader but they don't remember him but they feel the same sort of pull they felt for Mollymauk. Once Lucien is actually dead the reader dies of Wounds sustained but again wake up in a grave with no recollection. They meet Kingsley and again there is this sort of pull.

(basically to really quickly explain my idea, the reader's soul got shattered as did Luciens but their souls are forever linked they are meant to be with each other which is why through every revival they feel a pull towards each other)

Again i am so so sorry if this is weird but it's late and i felt the need to get this out and you were the first person i thought of because I've been reading your Mollymauk oneshots for the past few hours.

Good Morning, good day, good night! I love this concept and hope I did it justice and lived up to expectation. Enjoy 😘

He remembers it well. Your first meeting. Or supposed first meeting. Specifically it was your first meeting in this life. He remembers your whispers to the goblin and the ragged wizard when the fated group later becoming known as the Mighty Nein would first meet too. He was his charming self with his angel at his side ready to pull more patrons to the carnival. The carnival had been his home ever since he first looked up at the sky and saw the stars and moons. The moment he set foot in that tavern, something felt so eerily similar to that emptiness. That something was you. He should have run, Molly should have run while he still had the chance but he couldn’t, or wouldn’t. He’s a stubborn one after all and not even his own instincts could tell him what to do. Sure, who knows? You might be dangerous but you’re not dangerous to him. You’re just… lovely. He’d never even said a word to you. How about he changed that?

“And you? We’d be honoured to have your esteemed presence, my dear. The cards say I should show you your fate, are you willing to see it?” Despite his typical grin and charm you didn’t fall for his ways so quickly. You simply huddle within yourself crossing your arms and making yourself small to take off attention. You’re so used to moving through the shadows you’ve forgotten what it’s like to live in the light.

“I’m not that big a believer in fate I’m afraid, but thank you.” That voice sent shivers up his spine. Like a beautiful song that could bring him to tears. Something within himself, he doesn’t know why but it speaks to relief and comfort.

“You should, you should, you should. Look at the reading I got!” The blue tiefling Jester bounces up and down and you curve a smile. Hesitation. He can work with that.

“For you, love, I’ll even do it for free. Whether you believe or not, I think you can appreciate the irony in holding your fate in your own hand by card, no?” He winks. You cover a snort.

“Fine. I’ll draw a card.” You hold up your hands in surrender and cringe when Jester squeals interposing between the two of you excitedly. He could kiss that tiefling for unknowingly being his wingwoman in that very moment. Molly fans out his cards holding them in one hand and with a dramatic bow offers them to you face down letting you pick on. Your fingers brush over the surface until you settle on one and pull it from the deck. He rises fully and equally dramatic. You roll your eyes but fight a smile turning the card towards him.

“The Moon and the Mirror! The first card that ever called to me. One could say our fates are intertwined.” He winks and that smile breaks through when you shake your head in disbelief.

“I think you say that to everyone.” You retort. You’re unsure whether you mean it or not. Something from the moment the literal and figurative peacock set foot in this tavern there has been something that just changed. Something fell in place. If the world was wrong before, it was right now. It doesn’t make any sense and yet it does but you can’t explain it. It just is. Part of you is frightened. Another part, so deeply rooted wants to indulge. It’s as if this tiefling has the answers to the questions you didn’t even know you had.

“Only to beautiful stories.”

“Beautiful stories?”

“That’s what the Moon means. The moon represents beautiful stories. Even when the clouds cover, the moon’s still there. Whether people see it or not, that’s a different thing. Your story is yours, even if you hide it, wrap it in layers and disguise, doesn’t mean it’s not there.” You take in a noticeable breath. That’s what he was looking out for. He’s spot on. You’re carrying a glamour of your own to cover this past of yours and that’s okay. He’s not telling everyone his life story. Okay maybe he is but none of them are true. Even if it were, nobody would be able to tell the difference.

“And the Mirror then?” You raise an eyebrow attempting to deflect. He’ll play along.

“So you are interested in your fate after all.”

“Well you do make it sound so alluring.” You lean onto your elbows. Oh he likes you. Molly is done for. He likes you a lot. He could get used to your company.

“You are far too kind. The Mirror faces us with the truth, as bitter as it may be sometimes. Even the shadows reflect in the mirror. A reveal awaits on your horizon. It’s up to you if you’re ready to face it.” You take in his words. Something has changed. You just don’t know what or why but this tiefling may just have something to do with it. Is this fate after all? No. Just life, or so you tell yourself.

————

You loved him. He was torn away from you far too soon. You loved him and when he left, with him he took your heart. Your world is bleaker without him. When you visit the places of your memories together, they replay in your head. When you’re in your room and the door opens, you wait for that lavender tiefling to walk in boasting about his latest sham or in various stages of undress, showering you in affection until you tell him you’ll vomit from his ridiculousness. Even the times you were at odds. You’d give the world for just another day with him. Molly died. You’d held his body as he grew cold. You stared into those ruby eyes but nevermore saw the life in them. You closed them and so your world dulled and never fully recovered. They say it gets easier with time and it does. Life moves on and it’s easier to go along with the motions as time passes but there’s not a day you don’t miss him. Not a day goes by where you don’t think of him. Sometimes at night when you wake you look at the sky, look at the moon and talk to him. He might not be there but you like to pretend he’s watching sometimes.

It turned out you both had similar stories. You’d never even gotten the chance to fully tell him yours. The two of you had lived focussing on the lives you had now as opposed the earth you crawled out of and that haunted loneliness you awoke with. You can’t help but wonder that feeling, that emptiness is as close a feeling you got these days. You continued with the Nein while he lay buried. Or used to. Molly died but someone else returned in his stead; the one who ended up in the grave he crawled out of in the first place. Molly is dead and now with that face walks a man who can never be him. You’ve seen him-Lucien in flashes of visions before, faded memories that make you frightened of the past you never lived. It’s not your past after all. Someone else lived it in the body you now call yours. The person before is dead and gone. Same as Lucien should have been. It frightens you because what little you know, you know not what your predecessor was to Lucien, or who they were in general. What if he wants that version back? What if that version comes back? What if you cease to exist and this other person takes over?

But then you met the devil himself. Lucien, what a curse to know him. He shares the same face as your Mollymauk but he is not the same. They share some traits, some little habits you recognise. Each and every one is a dagger to your heart. You think he noticed too. He called you by that name, the one that was never yours. It must have just slipped because the horror in your eyes had given you away. He quickly corrected himself. He didn’t call you by that name again but you swore you could hear it like a whisper upon the cold breeze of Eiselcross sometimes. Like molly Lucien is charming but everything about him is with a darker undertone. When he is charming it feels like a predator coaxing a prey right between their teeth. When he smiles it’s belittling or a calm before the storm, something laced in a fury you cannot begin to comprehend. Despite all of this, that same pull remains. That same pull that brought you to Molly, it calls you to Lucien. You don’t want to get close. Fire burns after all and you have a feeling Lucien is an inferno in disguise.

Lucien can’t help himself though. You once meant the world to him. Well not you-you of course. The version of you he lost in his own demise. When he drew his first breath yet again, and you weren’t there. He’d have pulled you from the soil himself, dragged you right out of hell. You weren’t there. Someone else had taken your place. Someone new. A new you. The similarities are uncanny. The way you talk and move, it’s like a warped mirror and every time he gets a spark of hope that you might still be in there, he’s proven wrong. You’re not the person he knew. You’ll just have to be another means to an end at best. Another nuisance at worst. That doesn’t make it any easier. He’s not felt alive in his time beyond the veil but now you’re here so close yet so far away, he feels alive like never before, not since he got separated from you. You’re a candle and he’s the moth. He refuses to get burned.

Then it comes down to it. A fight. He gave you a chance. You picked your side. You joined the Mighty Nein and abandoned him. You made your choice. He’ll deal with the ashes. He takes no pleasure in ending you but no matter what version; you’re a stubborn one and incredibly loyal. You had no loyalties to him, not anymore. Why should he hang onto his loyalties to a ghost? He let it all go even though that sounds easier than it was. It burned him to hurt you. With each injury he inflicted, he felt every single strain, each scream and cry of pain shattered his very soul into fragments. It’s alright or so he kept telling himself. He’d bring you back once this is over; the real you, the true you and the one he held so dearly. He’ll have you back. Not this fragment.

Something within him shattered when he delivered that killing blow. You fell to your knees. You looked at him and he just saw sadness. You looked at your friends but he couldn’t care less about them. He took a good few hits in his distraction as that damned fragment you had grown attached to gained a little more control than he allowed. He watched the light drain from your eyes, your friends tried to rush towards you as you fell to your knees. You couldn’t breathe anymore. Lucien could feel something crack when you hit the ground and remained unmoving. He tried to move on and deal with your companions. In the end it would mean his own demise. They were too late to get you. When he fell, he met your eyes; never shut. Lucien would be dead.

————

The Mighty Nein tried to resurrect you. It didn’t work. Not twice would they be so lucky. They took your body, had a funeral in true Mighty Nein fashion, and laid you at rest in the Blooming Grove to be watched over by Caduceus. They grieved you but their lives continued. Kingsley didn’t understand who you were. They tried to explain, explain who you were to Mollymauk. He got it. For some bloody reason he completely understood. When he first saw you you were dead and something within him felt missing, despite being surrounded by love in his resurrection, a piece of a puzzle he could not comprehend never truly fit together. When he saw you, he knew the missing piece had to do with you but the dead don’t just rise and the ritual had failed. You were truly gone. No one saw but for some reason tears did fall when the firbolg performed the burial rites. He didn’t even know you so why was he crying over you like he lost someone so near and dear to his heart? Like he lost a piece of himself.

One night on the ship far off on the ocean with his captain and trickster partner in crime; the life he’d grown quite used to, something changed. Something in the very air he breathes. The world got a push in the right direction. He didn’t know why or how but somehow it made sense. Some tether pulled him back to that graveyard, told him to go there. Not long after, Jester was freaking out and the wizard was summoned; they had to get back to the mainland fast. They had to get to the Blooming Grove. No one had told him and despite this being the perfect opportunity to commandeer the ship he had longed to captain for himself, he couldn’t just let them go without him. He had to come along. He did.

From the moment Kingsley stepped into that forest temple, where he saw a shellshocked individual seated on a stool staring into the abyss covered in dirt and a blanket, whatever piece of him he missed from the moment of his resurrection, returned and fell into place. That void within suddenly wasn’t so empty anymore. You hadn’t been responsive until his entrance, or so Clay had told them all. Kingsley approached you. You stared at him with such wonder and a recognition he must have held too in his first moments of life. You felt it too. Everything just made sense. You reached for him, just a finger, trembling and hesitant. The pad of that finger pressed against his cheek. There wasn’t much force behind it but were he standing instead of on his knees already, he might have fallen then and there.

“M-Mo… Moon… Moon.” It took you some time to get the word out.

“Moon?” Kingsley asked you though he did not expect a response. It took him while too to truly get to his senses and given the hour and your current state, you must have freshly crawled out of your grave. He feels sorry for you.

“Moon.” You affirm and place your palm flat over his heart. You tap it. “Moon.” He looked towards the Mighty Nein for some explanation. The one he got, that might as well have broken his heart a little. And should you return to your senses, whoever you might be, he’ll be happy to hold it over your heart your first word implied you found him beautiful.

This might just be the beginning of something beautiful. One thing is for sure. This’ll be a fresh start. You get to decide who you want to be. Like him you’ll be loved no matter what. He’ll make sure of it.

#mollymauk x reader #lucien x reader #kingsley x reader #mighty nein x reader #critical role x reader #mollymauk tealeaf #lucien nonagon #kingsley tealeaf #critical role mollymauk #critical role #mighty nein #critical role fanfiction #critical role fanfic

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fieldofdaisiies · 1 year

Text

Sunny one so true, I love you

first chapter of an Elucien story for the ACOTAR writing circle ship: Elucien word count: 2k words warnings: none, just a little suggestive thank you so much @azrielshadowssing for organising this writing circle, it was sooo lovely writing this and I am very happy to take part if it💛 this is now the first part of a story of an Elucien AU, the other parts you will find on the masterlist, they will be written by two other authors.

An amused smile on his lips, Lucien leans his shoulder against the doorframe, giving Elain, who has not yet noticed him, a once over. He pulls his lower lip between his teeth, watching the Archeron sister’s concentrated expression, her beautiful fawn eyes trained on the tablet in front of her, a cup of coffee tipped to her full and rosy lips. God, she is so gorgeous, Lucien thinks, but can also be such a feisty little thing.

The early morning sunlight casts the room and Elain in a beautiful glow. Her skin looks so soft, Lucien thinks. Her hair shines like golden threads have been spun into it. He loves when Elain has her hair open, she looks like a princess, like a faery–a forest faery. Lucien’s eyes trail a little lower, to the stupid green dress she is wearing. It is not stupid actually. It is just so…distracting.

On the radio soft music is playing, something from the 70s, 80s?

Sunny, yesterday my life was filled with rain

Sunny, you smiled at me and really eased the pain

It fits, Lucien thinks and when finally being done with regarding her silently, he pushes off the wall, making himself known.

“Morning.” Drawling, Lucien stretches out the word, his low and raspy morning voice brushing over Elain’s skin like a cat’s tail—a fox’s tail. Choking on her coffee, she spits half of the sip she has just taken back into the cup, knuckles turning white from how tightly she holds the mug. Elain brings a hand up and brushes her thumb over the corner of her lips, the movement not going unnoticed by Lucien.

And talking about Lucien…It is amazing living with him, brilliant, Elain thinks. So brilliant. It has been such a brilliant idea that her best friend Vassa has had.

Elain had been offered the last empty room in the shared flat of Vassa, Lucien and Jurian after her not so wonderful relationship with the economy student Graysen went downhill and ended in an over-dramatic break up (from Graysen’s side).

Vassa still thinks this to be perfect — she could finally live together with her best friend, her other best friend and her boyfriend.

Elain likes living with her best friend as well, there is no doubt about that. And also Jurian is a nice companion, but one person is a problem.

Lucien. Lucien Vanserra. Even his name on her lips does things to her. Things she does not like. Similar things to what his voice does to her and her toes that are still curled in her socks.

“Morning,” she grumbles, lips still placed on the edge of the coffee mug, eyes still focused on the IPad in front of her where she is reading through the newest article on winter blooming plants, trying to figure out which ones she could keep on the balcony and which ones would have to move into her room. She does not want to look at him yet. She knows he will look gorgeous with is ruffled morning hair, sleep written over his face, he is most definitely shirtless as usual and wears his idiotic grey sweatpants.

“Why so grumpy, sunshine?” Lucien chuckles, strolling past her. His arm softly brushes her when he passes her and Elain is fully convinced that this was not on accident.

He loves to tease her. Great gods, it seems sometimes that it is Lucien’s only purpose in life to tease and taunt her any chance he gets to do so.

And god, his scent. It still lingers in the air from when he passed her. Spicy, rich, lush and sweet at once—delicious.

“Breakfast?”

A crease appears on her forehead, her brow raising when she reluctantly lifts her gaze and then her mug, waving it in front of Lucien’s vision. “I am having breakfast right here, right now, Lucien.”

She loves pronouncing his name wrong, teasing him, and a grin appears on her lips.

“It is Lucien, sweetheart.” He wants to add that she should remember it for when she has to moan it in the bedroom, but keeps his mouth shut as it seems out of place somehow.

Elain continues grinning, eyes glowing brightly with mischief. “And yes, sunny, you are having a coffee. I was talking about proper breakfast. What do you want?”

You to leave me alone, Elain thinks, already feeling warmth creep into her cheeks. Not only warmth. She is sure there is a deep red staining to her skin at his words. He offered her breakfast? Lucien offered her breakfast!

And actually….he should not leave her alone. She wants him to stay. But he needs to stop teasing her, it makes her blush and feel hot and she knows that Lucien enjoys this a little too much. Oh, and there it is–this silly smile that breaks out every time he does something like that. It is different to the grin. There is this smile that somehow seems to be reserved for Lucien, this smile that is much more honest.

Sunny, thank you for the smile upon your face

Sunny, thank you for the gleam that shows its grace

This silly smile that Elain always tries to avoid from spreading over her face by either biting the insides of her cheeks or her lower lip. But this time she fails and is now sitting here, smiling at the male with the fiery red her and gods!

It is the first time she truly allows her to take in his figure this morning. And damn her — Elain has been right about everything she thought earlier.

Lucien he—The breath gets knocked from her lungs, her lips parting when her eyes slowly start exploring. Trailing over the gentle features of his face, his lean nose, the high cheek bones, the sharp jawline, she finds herself glancing lower. Her eyes trail over his strong muscles, his pecs that…did he just flex them?

Lucien chuckles low in his throat, his chest rumbling, the sound so raw and whole-hearted, it has Elain’s toes curling once again. She knows her cheeks are a beetroot red when she finally snatches her eyes back up to meet his gaze. Only for a split second has she allowed herself to move her gaze even lower. To the solid muscles of his torso, the V disappearing behind those lose sweatpants that really leave nothing to imagination.

He is stunning, alright?

Elain accepts her defeat, her gaze still locked with Lucien’s. The early morning sunlight falls perfectly into the room. It is early autumn, the faint orange light making Lucien’s skin glow. Elain inhales a breath, her dreamy eyes trying hard to stay focused on Lucien’s face. How dare he be so handsome? It should be forbidden. It should also be forbidden to go without shirt most of the time? What would he say if she did that?

Something like mischief is etched into his features, his eyes of russet aglow, sparkling with all sorts of emotions when Lucien tilts his head to the side. His lips curl in a feline, almost cruel way when he crosses his arms over his chest, his biceps flexing. “When you are done checking me out, sunshine, do you mind answering my question?” “Stop calling me sunshine!” Elain protests and once again avoids his question. Lucien’s lips form a dramatic pout and he pushes of the counter, strolling towards the table Elain sits at. “You are a sunshine,” he argues, his hands coming down on the table, bracing them on there which makes the muscles in his arms ripple.

Elain rolls her eyes, snorting. Her heart beats in her throat, her cleavage prickling and definitely turning a shade darker, also her neck and her already red cheeks. “Am not.” “You totally are. Look at you, lighting up every room you walk into with just your smile. And the flowers you grow on our balcony? You must have some sunshine inside of you otherwise this would not be possible,” Lucien hums, the genuine and kind side of him reaching the surface, making an incredibly beautiful smile appear on his face.

You are a sunshine, Elain thinks and cocks her head, laughing softly. She regards him silently for a moment, their gazes meeting. Lucien is smiling, his heartbeat increasing, a faster but steady beat in his chest,

Tapping two fingers on the table, Lucien straightens up and lets his gaze trail over Elain once. Yeah, she is stunning and what he has said about her being a sunshine that could light up every room she walked it no, has been 100% the truth. She truly is like the sun. Bright, stunning, warm, incredibly. Lighting up his life with just living in this flat. But she is definitely too good for him, so…

Elain smiles, a little sheepishly, when the butterflies break loose in her belly.

“That’s it!” Lucien expresses and points at her. “Sunshine smile. See, I am sure the room just got brighter.” He wiggles his brows, watching Elain shake her head, chuckling softly at his foolishness.

“I am getting impatient now. So?” Lucien once again stretches out the word, lips curling, his eyes glowing so very brightly when they fully focus on Elain. “Breakfast?”

Elain wiggles her foot on the floor and parts her lips— “Did I hear breakfast, brother?” With that, and with Vassa in tow Jurian marches into the kitchen, drawing an almost annoyed growl from Lucien. Oh, has he wished to be alone with Elain just a little longer. But no, obviously those two idiots have to destroy their moment once again. Well, Lucien is incredibly happy that Vassa even brought Elain here so he cannot really be mad at her, but still, she interrupted their moment.

Back then when Elain was first here in this flat, she still was with the idiot Grayson and he always had to watch her from afar. But now she is here and he can talk to her, tease and taunt her and watch her blush so very much. He loves it. Loves seeing her blush, seeing her grin, hearing her laugh. Her laugh–the most beautiful sound in the entire world, to his mind.

“Yes, breaky!” Jassa cheers, plopping down on the chair next to Elain and places her hand on the Archeron sister’s.

The girl with the fiery red hair wiggles her brows, a viscous grin plastering her face. “Or were you just enjoying some alone time?”

In unison and quick like a shot, both Elain and Lucien say, “No!”

Vassa roars a whole-hearted laugh, tipping her head back. “So cute you two. Now, what do we get for breakfast?”

Actually, Lucien has planned to make Elain her favourite breakfast – waffles, pancakes, fruits–things she loves. Things she eats on weekends because during the week she has not enough time, as Lucien has noticed. Now he has wanted to make her those things, so she does not have to waste her time but still gets her favourite things also on a weekday. But well…

“Whatever you want,” Lucien mumbles, hand reaching for the pan, flipping it into the air and catching it with an ease that is beyond Elain. A soft, silent gasp leaves her, eyes going wide. A calm cackle slips through Vassa’s lips and she squeezes her best friend’s hand. “Wondering if he is also as skilled at other things as he is at flipping pans?”

Elain turns her hand and pinches her best friend, rolling her eyes. Nevertheless a dark shade of red fills her burning cheeks, her skin prickling just once again because she is no pondering about what Vassa has suggested.

“Then I want–“ Lucien points the pan at Jurian and squints his eyes. “Not you.” He grins, turning on his heel, now the pan pointed at Elain. “I need to rephrase it. Whatever you want, sunny.”

Her breathing stops for a split second, her eyes widening when Elain glances back up at Lucien. His grin reaches from one ear to the other.

“Pancakes? And a fruit salad to round everything up?”

The Archeron sister’s lips part but no words leave her mouth. “Perfect. That’s it, Jurian, get up, help chop the fruits.”

~~~~~~~~

tags: @rippahwrites @shadowhunter2003 @my-inner-crisis @ladyelain @acourtofthought @itwasalwaysaboutthetea @multifictional @moonlightazriel @aayo-whatt @brekkershadowsinger

#elucien #elain x lucien #acotarwritingcircle

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draguta · 11 months

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.a court of fate and fortune | thirteen.

pairing: lucien vanserra x fem!reader

summary: | book two | lovers separated, powers that won't be controlled, a doomed wedding. with the threat of war looming over prythian, lucien, Y/N, tamlin, and rhysand's inner circle must scramble to find allies and prepare themselves for what is to come. but Y/N only has one aim; to find her way back to lucien, and protect him at all costs.

chapter warnings: domestic violence, ptsd

chapter word count: 3368

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Explosions

Your eyes flitted across the snow-blanketed mountains that surrounded the Illyrian camp. Windhave was large - much larger than you had expected it to be - but it was nothing in comparison to the sheer enormity of those mountain ranges. They made everything around them seem so inconsequential. Including you. Early Spring seemed to have barely touched this place, perhaps besides the ever-green leaves of the woodland at the foot of the rocky slope below, and you could only assume that the crisp bite to the breeze that rustled through those leaves was a near-constant here. A sweet scent clung to that air up there, by the cabin and away from the camp, fresh and clear, a promise of another fall of snow later that evening if you weren’t mistaken. The stream that ran down the foot of the slope rippled as the breeze brushed its way across the surface, kissing the rocks that encased it, the very mountains that towered around you, before slithering its way across your skin, leaving goosebumps in its wake. It washed over you, calming the sweet sweat that seeped from your pores; an aftereffect of the bottle of wine that Cassian had practically forced you into drinking that night.

You had snuck out there onto the porch as the other sat around the fire sharing bottle after bottle. Life in the Night Court always seemed so busy - especially now that Rhys had shared with you the news of the upcoming threat - but there on the mountainside it was quiet and peaceful, a moment of serenity that you could bask in.

“I heard you winnowed today.” You started, slipping slightly on the snow that blanketed the porch as you turned to find Azriel hovering in the now open doorway, a soft smile painted on his lips.

“I don’t know if that’s exactly what it was,” you countered with a small shrug. “It didn’t look like the way Rhys winnows.”

“Cassian said it was your powers that transported you,” Azriel nodded, leaning against the railing beside you, looking at you from the corners of his eyes. “Perhaps it was closer to the way I transport, rather than winnowing.”

You narrowed your eyes. “You mean what you do isn’t winnowing?”

“No, it’s similar though,” he shrugged. “I move through the shadows. It’s like I tell the shadows where I want to go, and they take me there. It’s not me doing the transporting, but rather the shadows, and they’re just taking me along for the ride.”

You glanced down at your hands, spreading your fingers, and then clenching them again - the very tips of your fingers were white with the cold. “Do you think that’s what my powers did?”

He scratched at the back of his neck. “It’s possible. I guess that’s something we’ll have to figure out together.” He cocked his head and shot me a small smile, one that you couldn’t help but reciprocate. “Now, let’s get you inside before you freeze to death and before Cassian and Mor drink every damn bottle of wine here.”

You chuckled softly and allowed Azriel to lead you back inside the cabin. The warmth from the fire hit you almost immediately, and as you took your place on the couch and curled up, snagging the bottle from Mor, you felt rather content with your place in this little group. As if you somehow…belonged.

The house seemed to shake from the very foundations. The walls shuddered, and the objects that Lucien had lined along his mantle wobbled to the edge and dropped to the rug below. The all-but lurched from his bed, his knees knocking against the floor as he reached for the one thing on that mantle that he actually cared about; that one crystal, the one Y/N had given him.

He gripped it tight in his hand and scrambled to his feet, pulling on a pair of breeches. Something was happening - the house had shaken. It must be Tamlin, letting out his power, letting out his rage, somewhere on the first floor. He had to get there in time before he hurt Y/N.

No. Not Y/N. Feyre.

This wasn’t Tamlin locking Y/N in her room and wrapping that faebane collar around her neck.

‘This isn’t her. This isn’t her. This isn’t her.’

Feyre.

He reached for the first shirt he could find - the one that he had taken off the night before and carelessly tossed over the back of his chair - and rushed from the door. He practically flew down the stairs two at a time, his bare feet hitting against the tiles enough to echo through the quiet house. He paused when he reached the final step, breath heavy and heaving as he listened carefully. Voices - study.

“I’ll try.” That was Tamlin - Lucien knew it had been Tamlin, whatever it was. There was no threat here, not tonight, besides the owner of the manor himself. He moved as quickly as he could. “I’ll try to be better. I don’t…I can’t control it sometimes. The rage. Today was just…Today was bad. With the Tithe, with all of it. Today - Let’s forget it, let’s just move past it. Please.”

His feet slid against the floor as he came to a halt at the study door. There was Tamlin, on his knees before Feyre, sobbing into her chest, and she was soothing him, caring for him. It would have been quite a lovely scene, perhaps the type that would have made Lucien jealous, if it hadn’t been for the utter destruction that surrounded them. The entire study had been destroyed. Tables splintered. Books ripped from their cases and strewn about the floor. Paint splattered against the wall, as red as blood…the blood that had drained from his face when she had taken his eye…

“I couldn’t save you before. I couldn’t protect you from them,” Tamlin whimpered. “And when you said that, about…about me drawing you. Am I any better than they were?”

Lucien’s heart cracked seeing his friend so fragmented, as splintered as the furniture around them that he had destroyed. “I’ll try to be better,” Tamlin continued as Feyre’s trembling hands stroked at his hair. “Please, give me more time. Let me…Let me get through this. Please.”

Feyre’s eyes trailed to the wall, to the paint splattered there, and then after a moment they fell on Lucien, who’s breath caught in his throat. She looked unharmed - there were no signs of injury that he could see. She was just shaken, just…terrified. And that fear, he had seen it from her before, but never because of Tamlin.

After a moment Lucien took a step into the room. “Feyre,” he said quietly, reaching a hand out toward her. She pulled back from Tamlin, ghosting her palm over his cheek before rising to shaking legs and taking Lucien’s hand. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and turned back to Tamlin.

“Go to bed, Tamlin,” he said. “I’ll be right there.”

Tamlin simply nodded.

“Are you okay?” Lucien asked when they reached the top landing of the stairs and turned toward Feyre’s room. “Did he hurt you?”

“No,” she said, but her voice was quiet and faraway, almost tentative. “He didn’t hurt me.”

They paused at her bedroom door and he looked her up and down, double checking - still no signs of injury. “If he ever hurt you, Feyre,” he said slowly, catching her blue-grey eyes, “you do not hesitate to come to me. Remember what I told you? I’m on your side.”

She nodded silently, looking up at him once. He hated this; he hated seeing her like this. “What can I do?” He asked, his hand ghosting over her shoulder in silent consolidation.

“Nothing,” she whispered. “There’s nothing you can do, Lucien.” Then she slipped into her room, and closed the door behind her.

Tamlin’s own room was dark, but Lucien was able to make out the figure of Tamlin’s form under the covers of the bed, and could hear his soft whimpers and sobs. Lucien didn’t say a word - he didn’t need to. Tamlin already knew what he had done and was clearly suffering for it. He would speak to him about it tomorrow, Lucien decided. So, he merely took a seat in that same armchair that he always did, and picked up the book of poetry that he had left on the side table.

And he gripped at that crystal in his palm, willing it to give him strength.

You squashed down further into the cushions of the couch; the faerie wine was making you sleepy. Mor and Azriel had long-since gone to bed, leaving only you and Cassian to finish the last bottle before you too retired for the night.

Cassian cocked his head and shot you a large grin from his perch on the floor, leaning against the couch that you were sitting on, wings tucked in tight. You couldn’t help but reciprocate it as you handed him the bottle. He looked at it for a moment, drawing in a breath, and glancing up to look at the fire that roared in the hearth.

“Do you think you’ll go back?” He asked quietly, and you pinched your brows in confusion. “To the Spring Court, I mean. I just figured, now that Feyre is back there…”

He trailed off, and you offered him a small smile, patting his shoulder as he shrugged, seemingly pushing off the question, and took a large drink of wine. You knew he was drunk - with the amount that you had all drank that night it would be impossible not to be drunk, even with Cassian’s high tolerance for alcohol - but the question seemed genuine, not just the wine speaking.

“I don’t know,” you replied, and he turned to look up at you with wide hazel eyes. “Like you said, Feyre is there, and Lucien is there too. I would go back to them, but right now? There’s so much more at stake than where I reside.”

“You know, when Rhys first told us you’d be coming to Velaris, we were all a little on edge,” he explained. “We’re a close group, like a family, and we had never met you, and we had no reason to trust you beyond what Rhys had told you.”

“I’m sure he only told you the good things for that reason,” you commented. None of them had ever mentioned your past - about how you were once mortal, or about the time you spent Under the Mountain and what you’d had to do in order to survive - and you wondered, not for the first time, if they even knew. You would be grateful if Rhys had kept it to himself. It wasn’t his to share, and you weren’t sure you wanted your new friends to see you like that - as the whore that Amarantha had made you.

“We were excited to meet you, of course,” Cassian continued. “But not just to see if you would be a friend, also-”

“To assess if I was a threat,” you finished for him. His lips thinned as he nodded, almost guiltily, and handed you the bottle as if the wine might take away the sting of the words. “Did I pass your test?”

He smirked. “You’re easy to get along with, and you fit in well. It would seem your presence in Velaris has been invaluable to Rhys,” he said slowly. “I know you don’t think of Velaris as your home, and I understand that you have a reason to go back to the Spring Court. But if you ever did decide to stay, there would always be room for you.”

You turned back to him, opening your mouth to reply, but found that he was already pushing himself to his feet, the bottle of wine discarded on the coffee table. He turned to you with a small smile when he reached the bottom step of the stairs. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Cass.”

The cabin was silent, so silent that it almost unnerved you. Mor had already risen when you awoke, leaving you to change into your new Illyrian leathers in peace. But something felt wrong that morning, as if there was a weight in the air, although the cause you couldn’t quite place. You slipped from your room - the door to Cassian and Azriel’s room was cracked open, and you could see that even their room was already empty. Yet, the sun had only just risen into the sky, and there were no early morning training plans that you were aware of that day.

It wasn’t until you reached the top of the stairs that you heard the voices drifting up from below; Cassian, Azriel, Mor, and…Rhysand. Rhysand was here? But the way that they were speaking, their voices were raised, their tones laced with frustration. You paused three steps down, and listened.

“I don’t know that I like this idea,” Cassian said gruffly. “It seems like too much of a risk.”

“Well, I don’t know what else to do,” Rhysand replied, his words close to a biting snap. “We’re running out of time, and I need to know his strategy.”

“She’s not going to like this either, Rhys.” That was Azriel, his voice sounding almost strained when he spoke. I dared another step down, peering around the bannister. The four of them were in the sitting room, Cassian leaning against the fireplace, Azriel in the shadows in the corner of the room, arms crossed over his chest, Mor perched carefully in the armchair. And there was Rhys, leant against the back of the couch, looking as if he were fighting some kind of internal battle. “I don’t like this. You didn’t see her that day I went to check on her. He destroyed her, Rhys.”

“Well then what would you have me do?” Rhys snapped. “This is bigger than all of us, Azriel. I won’t force her, but I don’t have a choice but to ask.”

You took the final step down and cleared your throat. All eyes snapped to you immediately, although Cassian’s and Mor’s seemed to fall away just as fast. Azriel’s burned with a heat of fury, and Rhys looked…remorseful.

“What’s going on?” You asked slowly, looking between Azriel and Rhysand. There was a beat of silence, both you and Azriel looking at Rhysand expectantly. Azriel scoffed when no answer was given, and turned away to face his shadows. Rhysand looked up at you, his brows slightly pinched, and you knew then, you could see it written all over his face. He didn’t have to say the words for you to know why he was there. You turned away from him, laughing slightly because you could only assume it was a joke. “You can’t be serious. You told me I wouldn’t have to.”

“I know,” Rhys said, running a hand across his face. “I know, okay?”

“I mean, I know I agreed, but…but you knew I didn’t want to go back there,” you snapped. Your heart was beating ten times faster than you were sure it should have been, your hands were clammy where you clenched them at your sides, and you were fighting back an onslaught of tears. “Your exact words were, ‘I won’t force you to go back there’.”

“I won’t force you to do anything,” he said, just as the first few tears spilled over and down your cheeks, your hands beginning to shake at your sides. “If you tell me you won’t go, then you won’t go. If you get there and want to come back, then Mor will be there in a second to bring you home.”

Home. You scoffed at the word. At the sound, Azriel turned to look at you, his eyes widening slightly when he saw your tears, saw the worry etched into your face. He crossed the room in three strides, planting his hands on your shoulders and dipping your head so that he was eye-level with you. His face was soft, questioning if I was okay.

“I need you to understand,” Rhys continued. “We need that spell book. It’s the only thing I can think of that might give us the upper hand.”

“So send someone else!” You shouted, catching Rhysand’s violet eyes around Azriel’s shoulder. You pushed your way around him, although his hands remained on your shoulders. “Send Azriel - he’s your damn spy! Or send Amren - she could destroy that entire court in the blink of an eye!”

Rhysand was rounding the couch in a second, clasping your hands in his larger, warmer ones. He looked down at you from under a low brow, and you could see the apology written on his face, could hear it before he even said it.

“I’m sorry, I truly am,” he said quietly. “You know no one else can go into that court and do what needs to be done without being detected. And besides, there’s…something else.”

Your breath hitched in your throat, Azriel’s hands squeezing softly at your shoulders, and when you caught Rhys’ eye another laugh spluttered from your lips. It bubbled and bubbled from the very pit of your stomach, your shoulders shaking under Azriel’s grip with each bout. Rhysand frowned, drawing back from you.

“What’s so funny?” He asked, cocking his head to the side, eyebrow twitching upward slightly.

“You want me to be a spy,” you laughed again, leaning back slightly and throwing your head back as the laughter continued. You glanced at Cassian from the corner of your eye; he at least had the sense to look annoyed on your behalf. “Here I was thinking I was invaluable,” - Cassian tensed - “yet you’re sending me back there, for what? For politics? For your own gain?”

“To stop a war,” Rhysand snapped, turning away and running a hand through his hair as he let out a deep sigh. “Tamlin and his lands are the only thing standing between Hybern and that Wall, and if he breaks the Wall then everyone, on this side and the other side, will lose.”

“I thought the spell book was the only option,” you argued.

“It’s the only thing that I can think of that might stop Hybern before he even begins,” Rhysand explained. “But if that doesn’t work, then it’s the Spring Court standing in his way. If he takes Spring, we’re done for. Don’t you see? Everything is at stake. We all have to make sacrifices.”

“So you’re sending me into the beast’s lair,” you snapped in return, taking a step closer to Rhysand and out of Azriel’s comforting hold. You missed his hands keeping you grounded already. “What sacrifices are you making, Rhysand?”

“You’ll be perfectly safe,” he countered. “We’ll all be at your beck and call, anytime you need us. Mor can winnow you out in a second, and all you have to do is write to me using that quill I gave you. Plus, you’ll be with Lucien. Surely that’s what you want?”

He was right about that. You would be back with Lucien. You would finally see him after so long apart. Even just the thought of seeing him, of smelling him, of feeling him in your arms again, was almost enough to get you to agree on the spot. You could feel that bond inside of you begging to say yes, pleading with you to go to him.

But to do that would also mean to go back to Tamlin, and whilst you’d hoped that Feyre could handle him - no, you knew that Feyre could handle him, especially with Lucien there to help her - the thought of being trapped in that room again…that collar on your throat…

The thought made you shudder, made every logical part of your brain scream against that bond to reject the idea. They fought, battled inside you, collided and clashed in an attempt to each come out victorious. You shook your head, shook away that battle.

“It doesn’t sound like you’re giving me much of a choice,” you muttered.

“I’m not telling you,” Rhysand said quietly. “I’m asking you.”

You swallowed. That mating bond - that golden thread that connected you to your mate - won. “Fine.”

“Fine?”

“Fine. I will be your spy.”

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wintered-debtz · 3 months

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CT ocs!!! idk their names yet other than kenni's. more info about my fan story/ocs under the cut (warning: its super long!!)

I have a fan AU in my head. The premise of my AU takes place in the Cramp Twins universe, about 6-7 years into the future. The protagonist is Kenny, who is based a lot on myself. In my AU, Soap City has a scandal regarding the soap factory, and people are moving out En Masse. Property value has gone down, people are losing their jobs. So my fan AU is gonna be focusing a lot on the hardships that come with this.

Kenny is based a lot on me, and he is the main character of the story. He is Beady's son, and his father is a Swamp person, but as a child, he lived with his Mother beady

That girl on the way right of my drawing? Thats the bully from the girl gang! (Shes the one in the middle). She is Kenny's best friend.

She and Kenny are long time friends. Kenny was once part of the girl gang and thats why they are so tight-knit. How was he a part of the girl gang, you may ask? Kenny is trans masc. He came out much later. Kenny is in his early 20s. Im thinking about naming her Trix or something similar in honor of an old OC of mine.

The girl in the middle is Trix's girlfriend. I don't know her name yet. Shes the girl from School Disco (the one with orange hair!!)

Many fans suspect Mari Phelps is adopted. So this girl, I think is Maris biological sister. Mari was taken away as an infant/toddler, so Mari does not remember much, but her older sister deeply is hurt and feels wounded by losing Mari. Sometimes only one child is sent away to live with another guardian in certain cases. I feel bad introducing such a dark element into a fan AU. I won't delve much into it. Point is, she really hopes she can meet her younger sister again one day. Im thinking of naming her beatrice but idk.

There is of course, already a huge plot hole in my AU... if this is Mari's sister, then dang, Wayne has an older doppelganger who looks exactly like him... ughhhh -_-

this loophole literally made me want to scrap the story and work on something new ugh. bc even though the main characters of the cramp twins arent the main focus, they ARE present in my story. So this "wayne" is very contradictory if I use the girl from school disco as a character and have her be maris older sister, fff. (I kind of HC that mari is based off her, who agrees? mostly bc the orange hair and her "edge" attitude, for lack of better word)... bc wayne and all the others are present in the story, but they are younger than the main characters.

Again, this story takes place 6-7 yrs in the future, . heres a preview of some designs im making for the already existing characters/ them when they are in high-school

this is Wendy Winkle's new design. in the story, she has a lot going on. with the soap factory shutting down, her family loses a lot of money. her parents are going through a messy divorce. i know this seems out of character, but sometimes hard circumstances will change a person- wendy is still popular at school but she is very depressed and as a result, more reserved and quiet in high-school. she has a lot of regrets on her mind but idk if i wanna say it. shes a sad prep kid basically. i think her father will have main custody, but the money comes from her mother... the soap factory shutting down causes a lot of issues for walter winkle and he has to live in the swamp. wendy may potentially be living with tony for some period of time in this AU. it forces her to uh. sadly face a lot of things her parents never prepared her for.

then this is Wayne and lucien. both of them grow their hair out. (Fun fact: I am digitizing this doodle!! its not done tho)

anyway, Wayne is kind of grungy, he often is wearing overalls bc he works a lot at the junkyard. Lucien kinda loosens up and becomes uh. a "hippie" for lack of better word??? i notice many ppl think he would be preppy, ive seen two fanarts depict him as a prep kid when he gets older. but after i thought about it, its so possible lucien wants to rebel that life style and focus on what matters to him - peace and justice!!! thus the hippie attire :] (im projecting bc i was that way in highschool and i relate to lucien a lot lolol)

theres so much more i can type about my fan AU but basically the premise is... soap city is falling apart, families are falling apart. everything is hard, but maybe things can get better...

tony goes to school in this AU bc his family is worried tony might not have a future. there is a possibility the swamp may be destroyed due to pollution (the Soap factory scandal has to do with a leak into the swamp, hurting much wild life and even civilians). mari realizes she is a lesbian and fights with her conservative mormon parents a lot...

all 5 of the main kids work together at a grocery store, for varying reasons. and Kenny is a long-time employee there, thats how he meets them. Its all connected in some way. Kenny lives with Trix, the girlfriend of Mari's older sister. so thats why one day, they will get to meet, for example.

i have too much going on in this AU, dont i? :P typing this all out has been very exciting tho. i never typed it all out like this before. my ideas for my AU usually just float around in my head as i work or listen to music

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nikethestatue · 2 years

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So the whole song/music thing is not actually proof of anything.

If you have read other books written by SJM, you start to notice her style of writing. Something that all her confirmed mated couples have in common is that the author uses musical and light references to describe their bond. Yes, perhaps the musical references mostly appear when the couple is intimate but similar references have been used when the couples are not. For example, in ToG, “Rowan made her magic sing. And maybe that was the carrangam bond between them but… her magic wanted to dance with his” and “… Aelin panted, speaking above the glorious roar of magic through her, the unbreakable song of her and Rowan…” It’s not a stretch if people wondered if Gwyn and Azriel could be mates after reading similar references to those of SJM’s mated couples (regardless if they were not having sex).

I am certain that if those words and references were used with Elain instead of Gwyn, we wouldn’t be divided on love interests. We would be able to reason with the possibility of Azriel and Elain being mates by comparing and making connections with mated couples that we’ve read about. Can you image though, the suspense and number of theories we’d have if Azriel thought he heard music around Elain or felt a spark in his chest because of Elain, yet she is mated to Lucien? We would have wondered if Azriel was right in questioning if the Cauldron was wrong.

On another note, I hope you don’t think all Gwynriels believe that Gwyn and Azriel are disgustingly in love at the end of the bonus chapter or at the end of ACOSF. I promise you that is not the case. Maybe you’ve had the bad luck of interacting with those trollish shippers, but the majority of Gwynriel shippers that I’ve interacted with believe that if Gwyn and Az are meant to be endgame, we will see their story develop in the future. As of right now, we are learning about Gwyn and seeing how the two interact with each other.

I've read all of her books, and, as a writer myself, i also know about repetition in writing--like using the same words and sentences and expressions. That's how WE as readers, recognise a writer's 'style'. The thing is, if you say, well, when Az heard the music, it's something romantic, but at the same time, Nesta heard exactly the same thing--and the wording was very similar. Something like, Nesta could've sworn she heard faint singing (early on, after she'd met Gwyn and they were in the library), then that's not romantic.

SJM wants us to pay attention to the music and singing that seems to emanate from Gwyn. It's repeated again and again, throughout the book. For example, Emerie doesn't have any such distinguishing characteristics, so nothing about her is repeated consistently. The singing is very specific to Gwyn. Her power rumbling in response to Nesta's is also very specific to Gwyn.

Going back to Azriel hearing Gwyn's song--in all instances of mates, the music between the souls is always mutual. Feyre did not hear the music and did not glow outside of Rhys, same with Nesta and Cassian, same with Bryce and Hunt. Aelin and Rowan were revealed as carranam before their love bond, and theirs was a special bond, because it's a bond of power and a bond of love. So they responded to each other in both instances. We knew early on that Rowan's magic and power aligned with and complimented Aelin's.

With Azriel, his own power, for example, did not respond to Gwyn's. There was no mutual pull, no mutual connection. In fact, we know that Gwyn specifically turned away to cut the ribbon, 'sizing it like an opponent' and did not look back at Az when he was leaving. So we know that she felt nothing at that moment.

However, between Azriel and Elain, we already know there is some type of connection and exchange of energies and powers, because he chose to give HER Truth-Teller, a Made weapon of great significance, that no one even touched before, let alone used it. Yet, he was like, here, flower girl, have it! No one thinks that's strange or significant? Furthermore, somehow, Elain 'stepped out of the shadows' when she killed the King.

You guys talk incessantly about this singing thing, where all he did was hear a song, yet, somehow, totally disregard one of the most pivotal moments in the trilogy, where Azriel gives his most prized and mysterious possession to Elain of all people, and she manages to kill the King with it. I don't know, that seems a lot more significant than him hearing a song in a bonus chapter. Again, if all of this was that important, why wasn't it in the book itself?

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thesistersarcheron · 2 years

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Pairings: Elriel Ratings: E Summary: In another world, Elain serves Azriel at Solstice dinner, a bond between them snaps, and they are sent into the mating frenzy as chaos ensues around them when the Inner Circle's holiday celebration is turned into an impromptu mating ceremony. --- Catch up on my masterlist or read more on AO3!

Feyre had just rounded the corner into the kitchen, spurred into movement by Cassian’s growling belly to go check on dinner, when Rhys’s voice rang out from the wide entry of the townhouse. “We’ll be back soon, Feyre darling!”

And, there. Elain’s head popped up from behind the long counter in the center of the kitchen.

“Where are they going?”

“Anyone who isn’t too buzzed to winnow is going to pick up the rest of the family. Mor’s already left to get Amren,” Feyre told her, rounding the counter. She held out a hand to Elain, who was on her knees in front of the oven, looking frazzled. “Is everything coming together down there?”

“Oh, yes. I was just—” Elain took Feyre’s hand, pulling herself up off the floor, and waved the other toward the oven. She smiled self-consciously. “Fretting.”

Feyre bent at the waist, peering in through the small window at the crusty loaf inside. “It looks good to me.”

Perfect, actually, as all of Elain’s baking had been for the past several months, with a golden crust embellished with little holly leaves and a decorative wreath made out of flour.

“Maybe. It needs a few minutes.” Elain said. She’d picked up a corner of her apron to dust some flour from her hands, twisting it nervously between her fingers, and Feyre shot a curious look at her. “I just want everything to be perfect… Who else is coming to dinner?”

“Amren and,” Feyre grimaced when Elain’s hands froze. “Nesta.”

But Elain merely hummed, her eyes flitting away, no doubt reliving her horrible visit to Nesta earlier in the week. Feyre knew she had been the first to track their sister down and invite her to the full week of Solstice celebrations, and she also knew that Nesta’s response had been less than gracious.

“Is that all?”

“Lucien, too.”

That had been Feyre’s first last-minute invitation to the dinner, sent early in the afternoon when Rhys returned with word about the state of the Spring Court—and of Tamlin's temper. Pity, friendship, and the foggy memory of Spring’s dreadfully boring Solstice rituals moved her to pen the note inviting Lucien to come a few nights early for the holiday, and she had forgotten to consider the awkwardness he and Elain hadn’t yet resolved between themselves until the millisecond after the enchanted notecard disappeared from her desk.

When word hadn’t arrived back by dusk, Rhys insisted on sending a similar note to Nesta letting her know to expect Azriel at the same time he planned to spirit Lucien away from the Spring Court, hoping that the two difficult situations might somehow cancel one another out.

“Or blackmail everyone into behaving so they don’t become the target of everyone’s pointing and laughing,” Rhys had said when Feyre rolled her eyes and called him a prick, spreading his arms wide. “It’s an extended family dinner, darling. That’s how these things work.”

Feyre watched for Elain’s response, to see if she felt anything at all about her mate coming to dinner, but her sister swanned away to the other side of the kitchen, picking up a sprig of fresh rosemary and plucking the leaves from the stem. Her eyes were distant as she counted each one in her palm—Feyre didn’t cook, but she was fairly certain that was an unnecessary step—and only revealed the perturbed look on her face when she looked up and said,

“Nesta’s coming?”

“I… Yes. If Azriel can find her.”

Elain nodded, her spine stiff, and sprinkled the rosemary over the top of a piping hot dish of potatoes. “He will.”

“Did you see that?” Feyre asked curiously. No one had known what to do about Elain’s visions after the war, whether it was something they could train without waking the Cauldron again, so they decided to let Elain take the lead on developing her gifts.

And, thus far, Elain taking the lead on developing her gifts looked more like Elain ignoring them entirely and spouting vague, cryptic warnings only when she couldn’t avoid them any longer.

The moment before a silver, wind-up timer began to ring out, shrill and piercing, Elain threw her a glance and pointed at the oven. “That’s the bread.”

Feyre leaned over the counter to silence the timer when it did ring, snatched up a thick dishcloth, and bent to open the oven, waving away the steam that billowed out and pulling the heavy cast-iron pot full of bread from the oven.

“There are only so many places Nesta can be,” Elain told her as she did so. “Now tip the loaf out, turn it over, and knock on the bottom. If it sounds hollow, it’s finished.”

Feyre followed her instructions—the loaf was perfect—and, as if on cue, heard the door to the vestibule in the entryway opening again. The merry tinkling of the festive bells hung from it couldn’t drown out Nesta’s snapping voice in response to Azriel’s quiet offer to take her cloak.

Elain speared her with a look that said, I told you so.

Feyre set aside the knife she had picked up to cut the bread with a sigh and resigned herself to a stress-induced headache. “I’ll go make sure everyone’s sitting down.”

“You ought to make sure they’re all unarmed,” Elain murmured as she left.

Elain took a breath, smoothed back her hair, and picked up the potatoes.

She had nearly vibrated out of her skin at Feyre’s reminder that Azriel would be in attendance. He had been present at fewer and fewer dinners since the weather turned and she closed down her garden for the season, and without Azriel passing the afternoons with her in companionable silence in the sunshine, she no longer had an opportunity to wheedle him into staying.

So the moment her sister left the kitchen, she had whipped off her apron and wiped the flour from her face, swatting a patch from the hem of her dress that Nuala appeared from her shadows to point out to her with a small smile curling up her dark lips.

Rhys and Lucien had entered through the back door, strolling through the kitchen. Lucien’s eyes had widened when he saw her primping and studying her reflection in the glass front of the china cabinet, and Rhys had paused over the green beans, pretending to be deeply involved in sneaking a taste until Nuala scolded him.

Elain used every ounce of her self-control not to cringe away from Lucien, the thread-turned-razor-wire attached to her rib tugging painfully, and breathed a sigh of relief when Cerridwen was the next to appear and hustle him out of the kitchen.

And, well, it had also taken a lot of inner strength not to turn around and throw the heavy casserole dish at Rhys’s head.

“Go sit, High Lord, and you can eat at the dinner table like a civilized male,” Nuala was busy telling Rhys anyway, lifting the green beans up and away and disappearing back into her shadows.

Rhys winked into the china cabinet, brushing a bit of snow from his jacket as he turned on a heel. “See you up there, Elain.”

Elain had no choice but to steel herself and follow with the final dish.

Between Lucien and Nesta, she just knew the dining room would be a warzone, and she was tempted to leave the potatoes on the small console table in the hallway and retreat to her room. She could hear everyone inside the dining room, chattering amongst themselves, and her feet froze when Lucien’s laugh filled the hall.

It seemed Cassian was just as nervous as she, because Feyre ushered him into the hallway from the front parlor at the same moment Elain paused in front of the doors to the dining room. He gave her a tight, empathetic smile and kissed her cheek as he passed, whispering, “Don’t wait too long, Lainey, smells good,” at her.

Elain was still gathering her courage—and the potatoes were beginning to burn her fingers through the cloth she was using to carry them—when a dear, midnight-cool voice inside the dining room said, “Wait.”

Cassian’s incredulous response echoed down the hall. “For what, gravy?”

“Wait until everyone is seated before eating,” Azriel said, and Elain’s heart tripped even as her nerves calmed.

And when she took another breath and entered the dining room, he was all she could see.

She blinked at the sight of him.

His fine jacket, so different from the brutal, serviceable leathers she was used to, was sharp on his broad shoulders and made of velvet so black he seemed to blend into shadow even—though his own ripples of darkness had disappeared. His short, dark hair was freshly cut, the waves neatly combed over his forehead. His brown skin glowed where the golden faelight didn’t shy away from it, as it was prone to doing with the shadowsinger.

Even the talons at the tip of his wings seemed to shine brighter than they had the last time she saw him.

And Azriel’s scarred hand was locked around Cassian’s wrist, keeping him from ruining the delicate garnish of sugar whorls and candied orange peels atop her cranberry sauce.

Then, his entire body shifted toward her as she stepped into the dining room, and he let go of Cassian to stand slightly in acknowledgement of her, offering a polite nod as she approached the table. “Hello, Elain.”

The scrape of a chair broke the silence as Rhys helped Feyre into her seat.

“Hello,” was all she said to him, feeling foolish and on display, as she approached the table and set the hot dish she was carrying with a ginger wince in the only empty spot remaining.

So many things she could say, prodding little jokes she wanted to make, but she couldn’t with everyone’s hungry attention on her. With Lucien’s russet and gold eyes staring, narrowed, at her hands, the thread around her rib tugging so hard she thought the bone might snap.

Instead, she folded the cloth and waved at the dish, lifting one shoulder that hopefully conveyed all she wanted to say to Azriel.

“Enjoy.”

“Thank you.” Azriel’s lips turned up at the corners in a small, secretive smile only for her, and her heart fluttered again when he waited until she seated herself in the last empty chair at the head of the table—as far from Lucien as possible, thank the Mother for small blessings, though Nesta and her lethal scowl were situated directly to her right—before returning to his own seat.

“Please don’t wait on my account,” she told the table, spooning some greens onto her plate.

Still, it didn’t escape her notice that everyone waited, small warning shadows lengthening around the luxurious white tablecloth, until she finished serving herself to spring back into motion.

Conversation, teasing and tentative, started up again, but with Amren and Nesta on either side of her, Elain resigned herself to a quiet meal.

“Having trouble, Amren?” Mor asked, a sly grin on her red lips.

“Doing this three times a day is excessive,” Amren huffed, pushing the food on her plate around with her fork—all selected in strange quantities and combinations, Elain noticed.

And at the other end of the table, she heard Rhys.

“...you think the humans can be ready for another summit by spring?”

“Rhys, no business at the dinner table,” Feyre complained, cutting him a look before returning her gaze to Lucien. “Tell me about Vassa. How is she?”

Elain frowned at her meal. She wasn’t sure how Feyre figured that Queen Vassa and Lucien’s business in the human realm were separate, but the mention of her made her rib tug again. She kept one hand over her side as she began eating, trying to relieve some pressure before it could destroy her appetite entirely. She massaged the bone, trying to draw out the sharp ache, and then…

Then it was gone.

Nesta’s icy eyes flickered over to her.

“Elain?”

Lucien went stiff.

Elain gasped. “Oh, it’s… It’s…”

But she couldn’t catch her breath long enough to explain. Her hand shifted, from her rib to her sternum, where pleasurable warmth blossomed in the absence of that pain, so sweet and so heart-achingly tender that she feared for a moment she might melt into it…

As that feeling began to… to solidify, a cascade of images flooded her mind, as if a dam had burst somewhere within her. Glimpses of the future gushed past on the current: a sunny spring morning curled up and sipping tea against a tattooed chest, two figures creeping through shadow together in a dark forest, a baby’s yawn as tiny wings stretched wide on the embroidered coverlet atop Elain’s bed upstairs…

“Azriel,” she breathed, daring a glance across the table to examine his carefully blank face—and across time, to a warm summer day in the garden, where a male smiled down at her so widely that lovely hazel eyes crinkled at the corners, scarred hands adjusting the wide brim of her sunhat so the shadows fell just so around her shoulders...

At the Solstice dinner in the present, Azriel’s eyes slid shut as his fork dropped to his plate with a quiet clatter.

Elain sat, entranced, as she watched his lips stop moving, his throat working, as he swallowed whatever he was eating. Her stomach was tight and heavy all at once, and she was suddenly grateful that she was already seated as her legs trembled, a heated pulse of arousal gathering between them…

A sudden, explosive blast of fire lit up the end of the table, and Rhys swore violently as he dove toward Feyre.

And Nesta, of all people, was the first to react.

She seemed to realize what was happening and launched herself from her chair, disappearing and then reappearing directly in front of Lucien, her own icy flames rising to suffocate his. She bashed and pushed at his chest with unpracticed fists, using the element of sheer surprise to force him several steps backward as he tried to get to Elain; Cassian, Siphons flaring, joined the fray with a furious growl when Lucien captured Nesta’s wrists in his flaming hands.

Azriel was a mass of shadow at the center of the table until the shadows consumed him. A gentle, curious feeling pulled at Elain’s heart as he stepped through the darkness and then materialized again on his knees beside her, his eyes soft and disbelieving.

“Elain,” he rasped, his voice awed, reverent, praying her name like a benediction. “Elain.”

But Rhys anticipated him, even as he spirited Feyre away from Lucien and Nesta in a short burst of winnowing. The High Lord and Lady of Night reappeared on either side of Elain, Feyre’s arms locking around her waist and pulling her from her chair as Rhys bound Azriel in chains formed of nightmares and dragged him back around the table.

Elain snarled, a sound so unfamiliar and strange she barely recognized her own voice. It hurt her throat.

In a blinding rush of movement across the room, Cassian had Lucien off of Nesta, his arms secured behind his back and a red haze of magic from his Siphons coating every inch of him. Beneath it, light and fire blazed on, even as Cassian hauled him toward the door.

“Calm down! Calm down!” He was roaring as Lucien thrashed, kicking and snarling.

Mor, wide-eyed and still clutching her forgotten glass of wine, placed a hand on the small of Nesta’s back as they stared after Cassian, Nesta still breathing hard. A brief look passed between them, and both females followed them from the room.

“Azriel!” Rhys’s voice was hard as a whip, reverberating off the windows and shaking the glass hard enough to crack a few panes. Shadows were crawling up Rhys's legs, threatening to drag him somewhere, and he was pushing Azriel back even as the chains melted away with a single burst of blue light shot through with shadow. “Fucking stop!”

Azriel’s face was blank, his jaw clenched and wings flaring wide as he stood in one smooth movement, his shadows writhing, dark enough to match the waves of night rippling off of Rhys. At his side, one scarred hand twitched over Truth-Teller’s hilt.

Elain and Feyre both froze, staring between both males as the silent, enraged stand-off dragged on, Azriel growling in response to whatever Rhys spoke into his mind.

Elain’s overheated pulse stuttered as a shade of the passion in Azriel’s voice swept through her, starting at the tender spot surrounding her heart and drawing forth another hot pull of wetness between her legs, amplifying the knee-weakening arousal she felt…

Rhys’s violet eyes stared back at her, the High Lord ignoring another warning snarl from his brother.

Fear.

That was fear in Rhys’s eyes.

“Azriel—” Rhys raised his hands, palms outward and cautious, but he was still crouched, joints loose and ready for another bout, as his eyes returned to his opponent.

“She’s my mate.”

A sense of rightness Elain hadn’t felt the first time she heard those words washed over her.

Azriel lifted one hand to his chest, pressing hard against the spot where his third Siphon would be if he were in his leathers. He turned to her, his shadows tracking Rhys’s every breath, and said with heart-wrenching tenderness, “You’re my mate, Elain.”

Rhys made a doubtful noise low in his throat. “We don’t know what happened. Lucien is still—”

“I know what happened.”

Azriel’s eyes turned icy again as they looked away from her, glazed with fury that Rhys dared to interrupt—or dared to say Lucien’s name, Elain didn’t know despite the feelings that weren’t entirely hers flowing between them. They softened again when they returned to her. All she could do was watch as he disregarded Rhys and then bent at the waist over the table, Feyre’s arm still tight around her own and holding her back, until his hands were flat on the tablecloth, as close as he could get without rounding the massive piece of furniture, the fine linen cloth pulling.

Rhys bared his teeth, and he slashed a hand through the air between them. “Even so, she’s under duress, she cannot—”

“She can tell me herself.”

Azriel’s voice was vicious, his wings and shadows flaring again as he sent a disdainful glare at Rhys.

“Azriel, please,” Elain heard herself say, and Azriel’s attention, sharp and focused and so, so tender, locked on her once more.

“Elain. Do you want…” He cleared his throat, his wings shifting again, stretching. “Do you want this?”

Elain’s legs finally gave out, and she nearly dragged Feyre to the ground with her before a shadow whisked a chair beneath her, catching her.

“I don’t even know what this is,” she said eventually. Azriel’s eyes slid shut for the briefest second, a flash of agony etched onto his face before it was hidden away, but Elain felt it anyway, shredding through her entire body.

It was nothing like the singular sharp sensation of the bond with Lucien against her rib.

Feyre rounded the table to stand beside Rhys, who angled himself between his mate and Azriel. Her knuckles turned white where she dug her hand into the crook of Rhys’s elbow, pulling him toward the door. Her eyes were wide, glancing between Azriel, Elain, and her own mate. “Rhys, go.”

Elain felt the phantom fingers of Feyre’s consciousness against her own, that funny, unnerving feeling, and in an instant she received a flash of an image: Cassian, battered, after Feyre’s own bond was accepted and Rhys beat him bloody. She covered her mouth with both hands.

“No!” Rhys’s violet eyes flashed, and Azriel tensed. “Elain, you don’t have to—”

“Go!” One tattooed hand pointed at the door, the other shoving at Rhys. Feyre’s voice was firm, furious. A High Lady’s voice, laden with power. “Out, or I will throw you out!”

“Go, Rhysand,” Amren’s cool voice spoke up, unphased. She was still seated, watching them all with narrowed eyes. “I will make sure they handle this properly.”

“Please,” Elain said when he hesitated again. Every move from him sent another wave of discomfited, guilty rage coursing through her from Azriel's direction.

In an instant, Rhys was gone, winnowing away as if he couldn’t bear to linger.

And then Feyre was the one on her knees before Elain, clasping both of her sister’s hands between her own. Azriel clenched his eyes shut; a vibration in Elain’s throat told her he was swallowing back another growl.

They call it the mating frenzy, Feyre’s frantic voice spoke into her mind. Nothing will happen if you refuse him. Neither of you will be harmed. From what I understand, the mating bond was cemented between you when he ate what you served him, the- the potatoes, I believe, but now there is a biological impulse to…

Her little sister paused, pulling back from Elain’s mind with hesitation clear on her face, and Elain reached for those phantom fingers at the edges of her thoughts.

You do not need to mince your words with me, Feyre. I’m not a wilting daisy.

Even as she said it, she was steeling her spine, preparing herself; she was no maiden, but she had far less experience in such matters than Feyre, and just overhearing her sister and her brother-in-law flirting was still enough to make her blush like mad sometimes. If this was what she thought, though, what she'd read about in the few romance novels she'd found in the townhouses' bookshelves, she would need to get over herself quickly.

Feyre nodded decisively, though it was jerky, awkward.

—Consummate, then. Azriel, and you, to some extent, will be driven to consummate the bond physically, but it affects the males more strongly. It can last for up to a week, Elain. Tell me here, now, if you don’t want that, and I will winnow us away until he calms down.

It doesn’t feel like it did with Lucien, was all Elain said in return. She thought of the flimsy, biting tug of a razor-wire tied around one rib, sending the feeling to Feyre, who flinched away from it. Then she did the same for the solid, golden connection cradling her heart, where the blackness of Azriel’s pain still threatened to drown her.

But awe lit up Feyre’s face like the dawn, but Elain could tell her sister was trying not to smile, not to influence her decision, as her mental voice breathlessly said, Yes. Yes, that’s the mating bond.

Elain glanced at Azriel, I don’t think he’d force me.

Never, Feyre’s mental voice was firm, confident.

Then… Then I don’t want to go, Elain said, pulling up her memories of the past and future. Her curious affection for the quiet faerie male Feyre brought home, his solid presence in the House of Wind, taking her to the garden, the rescue from Hybern, Truth-Teller, the sunhat, the baby. Feyre inhaled sharply, and Elain told her, I want this.

As if he felt her make the decision—and he probably did, she realized, testing that golden bond with a stroke and watching him shudder—Azriel’s breath left him in a ragged gasp, and elbows trembled where they were holding him upright over the table, his head bowing.

Her little sister lifted their joint hands to her cheek, her eyes shining as tears welled up in them to match the relieved stinging making itself known in the corners of Elain's eyes.

Okay.

With that, Feyre stood, sending an elated grin behind herself at Azriel before glancing over her shoulder at Amren and jerking her head at the door.

“Joyous mating.” Amren tipped her glass at both of them as she left the room.

Feyre followed, sliding the dining room door shut behind herself, and then Elain heard her giggle and call out behind herself as the bells on the front door tinkled, delighted.

“Happy Solstice, you two.”

And then it was the two of them, alone, separated only by the long dining table with the scattered remains of their holiday dinner.

#elriel #elain archeron #azriel #azriel shadowsinger #elain x azriel #acotar fic #acofas fic #a court of thorns and roses #a court of frost and starlight #my fics #fanfiction #the elriel fic set to 'lover' by taylor swift #it's winter solstice in july!

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acourtofthought · 1 year

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SUPER LONG POST ON ELAIN'S BUILD UP AND JOURNEY IN A COURT OF SILVER FLAMES

29:50 - "because this is where I wanted it go it allowed me to plant things for her journey and even Elain's journey early on"

30:48 - "I always try to keep one eye on the horizon when I'm writing just to make sure in the book I'm working on, I can set up for things later on. So there's lot of little secrets in SF that set up for later.” (from SJMs Live Talks LA with Eva Chen)

I think it's impressive how SJM can tell a story inside a story. So many people note Elain's absence in SF, how she barely has any setup for a book. But if you're paying attention, all the hints for her future book including the growth she's already had and that which she still needs to overcome has been spelled out for us:

True hell, because that was Elain lying on the stone floor with the red-haired, one-eyed Fae male hovering over her

The very first page of SF features both Elain and Lucien and Nesta struggling with the memory of it. They are the very first characters mentioned in Nesta's book. It sets up that a large part of Nesta's story is learning to make a life for herself outside of being Elain's protector and learning to let go of Elain so they both have the space to grow as individuals.

Elain, too, had revealed no indication of her seer’s abilities since then.

Powers having gone dormant or unexplored, definitely something to explore in Elain's book.

Even their gods-damned father had a portrait on the wall along one side of the grand staircase: him and Elain, smiling and happy, as they’d been before the world went to shit. Sitting on a stone bench amid bushes bursting with pink and blue hydrangea. The formal gardens of their first home, that lovely manor near the sea.

Not really plot related but were we ever told their old manor house in the human lands was near the sea? I just find it interesting that Elain's portrait led to Nesta remembering how happy Elain had been with her father in the formal gardens of their old home by the sea and that's very similar to what Lucien said in ACOWAR, “Take her to the sea. Take her to some garden. But get her out of this house for an hour or two.” it's almost like he was able to glimpse a time when Elain was happy prior to being made.

she had only what she’d taken from the Cauldron, rather than letting it deign to gift her with power, as it had with Elain.

I imagine SJM will further explore exactly why Elain was chosen to be gifted with powers.

Where the hell was Elain?

A common refrain in SF. Elain isn't around as much as the other characters but SJM is sure to draw our attention to that fact. She wants you to note her absence.

Elain had walked in halfway through. She’d been toiling in the estate gardens since dawn, and had been solemn as Rhys filled her in. Feyre had been unable to say a word. But Elain’s gaze remained steady as she listened to Rhys.

Two things. One, dawn is pretty early and there are a few mentions of Elain alongside dawn and dusk (setting sun). It may be nothing but when SJM tagged Elain under Blodeuwedd, the picture featured a Barred Owl, which are Crepuscular. A term used to describe animals that are active at dawn and dusk which would be a point in favor of the theory that Elain is an owl shifter. And two, we have our first mention of Elain remaining calm where characters might usually expect her to break down.

Feyre had simply said that the human world would be more than enough of a prison for someone like Nesta. Someone like Feyre, too. And Elain. The human world was behind them. They could never return. Even though all three of them were war heroes, each in their own right, the humans wouldn’t care.

SJM made sure to note that none of the sisters would be welcome in the human lands, regardless of the parts they played in the war.

Elain, who would not eat, or speak, or do anything at all. Elain, who had somehow become the adjusted one.

She had nowhere to go. Elain, mourn as she might for the life she would have had with Graysen, had found a place, a role here. Tending to the gardens of Feyre’s veritable palace on the river, helping other residents of Velaris restore their own destroyed gardens—she had purpose, and joy, and friends: those two half-wraiths who worked in Rhysand’s household. But those things had always come easily to her sister. Had always made Elain special. Had made Nesta fight like hell to keep Elain safe at all costs.

I think the above lines are important because a lot of E/riels hold fast to them as proof of Elain being happy in the Night Court. But just because Elain has made a life for herself, it's what we'd expect from her. Nesta notes that sort of thing had always come easily to Elain so it doesn't matter where she currently is, she'd always make the best of it that she could. But we'll see later that it's not as simple as all that, not to mention that "mourn as she might for the life she would have had with Graysen" is very in life with Azriel still having a few longing glances at Mor. They might be getting over their past but they're not completely there yet meaning they can't truly be in love.

Thesan, Nesta recalled, was a master of healing—Feyre bore his power in her veins. Had offered to use it to heal Elain from her stupor after being turned High Fae.

This line stood out to me because we're told Thesan was willing to try and heal Elain but he never did. Why? If they were so worried about Elain not eating or drinking, why didn't they bring him in? It might be nothing but it does make me wonder if it's an additional hint that Elain has healing powers which I've previously done a theory on and that she was able to heal herself (especially once her Mate came around which is when she began showing major improvements. Lucien's presence seems to have kickstarted the powers she has. Another hint at her having healing powers is the possibility that she was the one who helped heal Cassian after his confrontation with the King. Feyre wonders if Nesta healed him which we know wasn't the case but Elain was the one who rushed to his side immediately after stabbing Hybern.

She’d found a smutty novel she’d already read and loved in one of the trunks Elain had packed.

Not a hint so much as a reminder of how Elain pays attention to her loved ones, remembering to pack one of Nesta's favorite books. A book Nesta would have read during the time she sat by Elain's bedside. Elain may have been withdrawn but she seemed to still observe.

Elain was in the private library. Her sister’s delicate scent of jasmine and honey lingered in the red-stoned hall like a promise of spring, a sparkling river that she followed to the open doors of the chamber.

A promise of Spring. The first hint of Elain ending up in the Spring Court. Also honey is associated with Spring and while Jasmine is found in the NC, it was also found in the Spring Court and is associated with the Goddess Aphrodite (the Goddess of Love and Beauty).

Elain stood at the wall of windows, clad in a lilac gown whose close-fitting bodice showed how well her sister had filled out since those initial days in the Night Court. Her sister turned toward her, glowing with health.

Reference to Elain being bright, light, etc.

Elain’s smile was as bright as the setting sun beyond the windows.

Another reference to Elain's brightness. She also came to visit Nesta at "dusk" (see above).

Elain had been the ghost then, too thin, with her thoughts turned inward. Elain had only needed time to adjust.

Again, Nesta is still under the impression that Elain is fine, completely healed.

When human, Elain had easily been the prettiest of the three of them, and when she’d been turned High Fae, that beauty had been amplified. Nesta couldn’t put her finger on what changes had been wrought beyond the pointed ears, but Elain had gone from lovely to devastatingly beautiful. Elain never seemed to realize it. It was always that way between them: Elain, sweet and oblivious, and Nesta, the snarling wolf at her side, poised to shred anyone who threatened her. Elain is pleasant to look at, her mother had once mused but she has no ambition. She does not dream beyond her garden and pretty clothes. She will be an asset on the marriage market for us one day, if that beauty holds

This is truly how a lot of the characters view Elain, basically a beautiful but dumb Barbie. With no ambition, no awareness. Her mother proclaimed as much when Elain was only 11 years old. Nesta ended up defying what her mother wanted for her and I imagine Elain will prove her wrong as well.

Elain, surprisingly, held her ground.

More growth for Elain, she's beginning to stand up for herself and doesn't back down when things get difficult.

Elain squared her shoulders again, just as Nesta added, “It’s not like you and Graysen didn’t act on your feelings.” It was a low blow, but Nesta didn’t care. She knew Elain had given her maidenhead to Graysen a month before they’d been turned Fae. Elain had been glowing the next morning. Elain cocked her head. Didn’t dissolve into the crying mess she usually became when Graysen came up.

“I still wanted to come,” Elain went on with that focused calm, the quiet steel building in her voice. “I wanted to see you, to explain.”

Silver lined Elain’s eyes, but her voice remained steady, sure. “There was nothing that could have been done to save him, Nesta.”

More growth and proof that she's begun moving on from Graysen. That she no longer pines for him. It also shows how mature and aware Elain actually is. She's able to reason through the pain of losing her father and place the blame where it's deserved.

Elain stiffened, but refused to balk from whatever she beheld in Nesta’s gaze. “You think I’m to blame for his death?” Challenge filled each word. Challenge—from Elain, of all people.

Even more growth. And this continues throughout SF, everyone expressing surprise over Elain standing up for herself.

“What happened.” When Rhys spoke like that, it was more of a command than a question. Elain waved a hand in dismissal before flinging open the veranda doors and striding into the open air.

Even Nesta struggled to not bow to Rhys's command so there's a chance that if he really used his "dominance" here, Elain easily ignored it which is saying something.

Elain spoke from the doorway, having appeared so silently that they all twisted toward her, “Using me.” Nesta shot to her feet. “No. Elain remained in the doorway, her face pale but her expression harder than Nesta had ever seen it. “You do not decide what I can and cannot do, Nesta.”

Elain said, “Then I will find it. I might require some time to … reacquaint myself with my powers, but I could start today.” “Absolutely not,” Nesta spat, fingers curling at her sides. “Absolutely not.” “Why?” Elain demanded. “Shall I tend to my little garden forever?” When Nesta flinched, Elain said, “You can’t have it both ways. You cannot resent my decision to lead a small, quiet life while also refusing to let me do anything greater.”

Elain cut in sharply, “I am not a child to be fought over.”

“I do,” Elain said coldly. “And I remember Feyre rescuing me.”

Elain’s eyes brightened with pain. Something imploded in Nesta’s chest at that expression. She opened her mouth, as if it could somehow be undone. But Elain said, “I went into the Cauldron, too, you know. And it captured me. And yet somehow all you think of is what my trauma did to you.”

But Elain turned on her heel. “Find me when you wish to begin.” The doors shut behind her.

Not only is Elain volunteering to do something that even Nesta is afraid of but she refused to back down when Nesta argued against it. Seriously, what more does she need to do to prove she's ready for her own book? Nesta started at rock bottom for hers so why are readers expecting Elain to be further along in her journey to be FMC material?

Nesta said to Feyre, “Did you tell Elain?” Before Feyre could reply, Azriel said, “What about Mor?”

Of course, Elain's journey will involve a love interest and E/riels believe it will be Az. But where they claim love, SF proves Az is still hung up on Mor no matter what obsession he's got with Elain.

“Elain was the only one who guessed. She caught me vomiting two mornings in a row.” She nodded toward Azriel. “I think she’s got you beat for secret-keeping.”

I do not think this hint indicates she's up to anything shady or suspicious. I think it has more to do with the possibility of her being a shifter but whichever theory you prefer, the line obviously creates intrigue.

"Elain showed some teeth.". "I wasn't expecting that." Or what she's said about her lingering trauma. How many times had I focused solely on my terror during Elain's suffering?

More shock over Elain being bold and proof that Elain, no matter how it appears, is still processing her own traumas.

While I might never run to Elain first with problems or for advice, we had a peaceful, amicable understanding. I found her to be a pleasant companion. I wondered if she'd resent that judgment. I certainly would.

Evidence that Elain doesn't really belong with the IC or the NC. Her sisters care for her but she's somewhat of an afterthought in terms of having a close relationship.

I wonder if everyone has spent so long assuming Elain is sweet and innocent that she felt she had to be that way or else she'd disappoint you all."" With time and safety perhaps we'll see a different side of her emerge ".

"You think Elain is boring?" "I think she's kind, and I'll take kindness over nastiness any day. But I also think we haven't seen all she has to offer"

Pretty obvious, but again, even more build up that Elain is about to really grow into herself, that she's not as two dimensional as they thought.

"Elain had come into the house, her right palm bleeding from several gashes thanks to a stubborn rosebush that had pierced her gloves. I didn't dare mention that if she had been wearing the enchanted gloves Lucien had gotten her last Solstice, nothing would have pierced them at all. "

It's been quite a while since Feyre made that comment about Az and Elain being mates. In that time, her focus has entirely shifted to Elain and Lucien getting to know one another and it's kind of a big deal that Feyre addressed Elain and her Mate in her bonus chapter. Of course there's no romantic buildup for Elucien in SF but where was the romantic buildup for Nessian in ACOFAS? SJM has kept Elain and Lucien apart so when it's time for their book, they can grow together and that time is overdue.

"Let's focus on helping one sister before we start on the other"

It's not a stretch to say that now that Nesta's book is done, Elain is ready for hers.

But Elain had confirmed it for everyone: both sisters still possessed their Cauldron-gifted powers. Whether they were as powerful as before, he had no idea.

We were given the majority of Nesta's powers in her book but Elain's still need to be explored in hers.

And though he understood that Elain had spoken true, claiming the trauma of that memory,

Cassian acknowledging that Elain is entitled to her trauma which others have not always remembered and yet another reminder that Elain is still dealing with everything that happened to her. Just because she's out and about doesn't mean she's completely healed.

Elain would faint to hear such thoughts. And to hear that Nesta had already had two males in her bed not once but twice, and had enjoyed every second of it.

The entire narrative surrounding Elain is her sisters not fully understanding her. There's a good chance that even though Elain isn't an over-sharer when it comes to her sexuality or others, she may be extremely open minded when it comes to experiences with her partner and the above is another one of the examples where Elain will most likely prove her sisters assessment of her as incorrect. My guess is she'll perform in Springs Great Rite which is fairly voyeuristic.

Elain had always wanted to visit the continent to study the tulips and other famed flowers, but her imagination had stretched no further. Feyre had talked once about the glorious art in the continent’s museums and private estates. But that was all the western edge of it. Beyond that, the continent was vast. And to the south, another continent sprawled. Would she have gone?

Who is possibly located to the South? Koschei. A place where SJM made sure to remind us (through Cassian) that Lucien has been to.

Elain had already departed with Feyre, claiming she had to be up with the dawn to tend to an elderly faerie’s garden. Cassian didn’t exactly know why he suspected this wasn’t true. There had been some tightness in Elain’s face as she’d said it.

Remember those other mentions of Elain being up at dawn? Or another possibility is she left the dinner table when Feyre did because Az was at that particular one. In the bonus chapter, we find out she knows he's been avoiding the dinners because of her so she may have not wanted to feel uncomfortable.

Azriel stiffened, an outright sign of temper from him as he said quietly, “There is an innate darkness to the Dread Trove that Elain should not be exposed to.”

Big red flag for E/riel. After all the growth Elain has shown so far, what do readers honestly think she'd have to say about Azriel’s comment?

“Including Elain, who is more than capable of defending herself against the darkness of the Trove, if she chooses to. Don’t underestimate her.”

Amren, a 15,000 year old creature, is telling us that Elain IS ready to handle something dangerous.

Elain could make her own choices. And had chosen to thoroughly shut the door on Nesta. Even as she fully embraced Feyre and her world. Nesta’s chest tightened, but she refused to think of it, acknowledge it. Elain was like a dog, loyal to whatever master kept her fed and in comfort.

The above excerpt is important because we know for a fact that Nesta's perception of Elain is skewed by the emotions Nesta is feeling about herself. Anti Elain's like to focus on the "Elain was like a dog, loyal to whoever kept her in comfort" but not only is that wrong (which Cassian acknowledges) but I think the "even as she fully embraced Feyre and her world" is wrong too. Elain is trying to fit into the NC and Feyre's world, she's trying to make the best of her situation, but all the little hints in SF add up to the fact that Elain doesn't really belong there, that she hadn't "fully embraced" anything about the NC so much as she's trying to be fine with it.

What would Elain think, to see Nesta here with a friend? The thought bubbled up from nowhere. As if in opening her mind, it had rushed toward her. Would Elain be pleased, or would she feel the need to warn Gwyn about Nesta’s true self?

Nesta did so, focusing on the breaths and not Elain. I acknowledge this thought about my sister, and I am letting it go.

She was on her seventh breath when her sister appeared again. And yet somehow all you think of is what my trauma did to you. Had Elain been right? Feyre had admitted she was guilty of it, too, but—Feyre hadn’t known Elain as Nesta did. Or, it hadn’t been that way before. Before Elain had chosen Feyre.

This entire scene is about Nesta struggling with her history with Elain, beginning the process of letting go so she can live a life as something other than Elain's protector. Which is a big deal for both sisters.

And do not forget that Nesta herself—and Elain, with whatever powers she has. All three sisters blessed by fate and gifted with powers to match your own.

Not just her "seer" powers which they know about but "whatever powers she has, meaning she could have something more. And powers to match Rhys? That's a pretty big statement for a simple Seer.

Elain would love this place.

But Elain … The Spring Court had been made for someone like her. Too bad her sister refused to see her. Nesta would have told Elain to visit this place. And too bad the lord who ruled these lands was a piece of shit.

We have repeatedly heard how important the Spring Court is because of its location and how a weakened court could lead to some major concerns. We also know Tamlin isn't getting better. So the many mentions of Elain and Spring are pretty heavy (possible) foreshadowing for what's to come.

Azriel offered her a small smile that Elain quickly looked away from. Cassian tucked away his puzzlement.

This part makes me curious because why would Elain look away from Az? In the bonus chapter he said they shared looks but her looking away from him is the opposite of that.

“Another young heiress was at the ball, and she positively hated me. She was several years older, and I’d never done anything to provoke her hatred, but I think …” “She was jealous of your beauty,” Amren said, an amused smile on her red lips. Elain blushed. “Perhaps.”It was definitely that. Even though Elain would have been barely thirteen at the time.

Nesta was wrong, Cassian realized, to think Elain as loyal and loving as a dog. Elain saw every single thing Nesta had done, and understood why.

Elain nodded, folding her hands in her lap. “So I’m very pleased to hear of this Valkyrie business. I’m happy that Nesta finds interest in something again.

Not so much hinting at anything but it does add to the picture of who Elain is. She's not obsessed with her own looks and Nesta was wrong in thinking Elain was loyal like a dog, the she's actually very observant and sees the heart of who someone is. It also shows that Elain is happy that Nesta has found something that might make her happy.

"so you and Elain are the only options.” “Elain doesn’t go near him,” Feyre said.

Further evidence that the characters in the NC make decisions for Elain without her being around to voice her opposition.

“Not enough,” Nesta said, setting the bear back onto the stone mantel. She was going to vomit. She plucked another figurine from the mantel: a rose carved from a dark sort of wood. She held it in her palm, its solid weight surprising, and traced a finger over one of the petals. “He made this one for Elain.

She pocketed the carved rose

She clenched the wooden rose in her pocket.

Her gaze shifted to the carved wooden rose she’d placed upon the mantel, half-hidden in the shadows beside a figurine of a supple-bodied female, her upraised arms clasping a full moon between them. Some sort of primal goddess—perhaps even the Mother herself. Nesta hadn’t let herself dwell on why she’d felt the need to set the rose there. Why she hadn’t just thrown it in a drawer.

To me, there is so much symbolism going on in the above. Nesta could have taken any of the figures her father made but took the one that represented Elain. Not to mention the figure itself had a "surprising weight" which makes me think of Elain herself. They had thought she was a bit shallow for so long yet she keeps surprising them. Later, she takes the carving and, without knowing why, places it next to a Goddess figure. I also think the phrase "half hidden in the shadows" is important because I think as long as she engages in something with Az, she'll never fully step into who she's meant to be.

Both sisters wore black. Both walked behind Rhys and Feyre, a silent indicator that they were a part of the royal family. Elain in black was ridiculous. Yes, she was beautiful, but the color of her long-sleeved, modest gown leeched the brightness from her face. It wore her, rather than the other way around. And he knew the cruelty of the Hewn City troubled her. But she hadn’t hesitated to come. When Feyre had offered to let her remain home, Elain had squared her shoulders and declared that she was a part of this court—and would do whatever was needed. So Elain had let her golden-brown hair down tonight, and pinned it back with twin combs of pearl. He’d never once in the two years he’d known her found Elain to be plain, but wearing black, no matter how much she claimed to be part of this court … It sucked the life from her. Nesta in Night Court black threatened to bring him to his knees.

Elain is trying. She's trying to prove that she wants to help, that she can do what Nesta can do, that she can be part of the court like her sisters are. Because that is who Elain is, she tries to grow where she's planted. But it's extremely evident that no matter what she's telling herself and others, she's not thriving. There is something not clicking and that's going to be the point of her story. Breaking free of what she feels she needs to do and discovering where she's meant to be, who she's meant to be.

“You came,” Elain said behind her, and Nesta started, not having heard her sister approach. She scanned Elain from head to toe, wondering if she’d been taking lessons in stealth either from Azriel or the two half-wraiths she called friends. Gone was the ill-suited black dress from the ball, replaced by a gown of amethyst velvet, her hair half-up and curling down to her waist. She glowed with good health. Except …

It's very obvious when you see this and the last scene back to back. Away from a place that embodies half of what the NC represents, Elain is again glowing. And no, that doesn't mean she can just avoid the Hewn City and still belong to the IC, the IC members have certain traits that do match with what you'd find in the Hewn City. They can be cruel and vicious when they need to be but that's not how Elain has been written. Not to mention, in SF Elain is always wearing a shade of purple and I don't think that's coincidental. Purple is considered a color of royalty (which could end up being for one of a few reasons: there are hints of Elain becoming High Lady of Spring, she is mated to Lucien who is showing the markers of becoming a High Lord or there is evidence to support him being High King and, lavender which is a shade of purple is the color of Silba (Goddess of Healing and Gentle Deaths).

And Nesta wondering if she's been taking lessons in stealth does not mean she's actually taking lessons in stealth. It's an SJM sleight of hand, letting us know this is something to pay attention to but she's not giving us the full story (my money is still on her being an owl shifter as owls fly silently which is know as the stealthy hunting hypothesis).

“Oh, fuck you,” Nesta snapped, and then choked. Elain blinked. Nesta blinked back, horror lurching through her. And then Elain burst out laughing. Howling, half-sobbing laughs that sent her bending over at the waist, gasping for breath. Nesta just stared, torn between questions and wanting to throw herself into the icy Sidra. “I— I’m so sorry—” Elain held up a hand, wiping her eyes with the other. “You’ve never said such a thing to me!” She laughed again. “I think that’s a good sign, isn’t it?”

This is a huge moment between Elain and Nesta. It shows that Elain has never wanted to be coddled and Nesta can move forward with treating Elain like the grown woman she is.

Nesta met the shadowsinger’s stare and he gave her a nod. Then his gaze shifted to Elain, and though it was utterly neutral, something charged went through it. Between them. Elain’s breath caught slightly, and she gave him a shallow nod of greeting before brushing past, leading Nesta into the room.

Elain, the wretch, had taken the seat between Feyre and Varian, about as far from Lucien as she could get.

Nesta is aware of Azriel having some kind of feelings for Elain but note how she doesn't indicate her feelings on it. However she does think that Elain is a "wretch" for sitting far away from her Mate. This is huge for the future of Elain's journey because Nesta has had some major issues with Lucien (not for any good reason, just because she felt she should have a say who who was allowed near Elain). And Elain has always seemed very aware of that. With Nesta finally backing down and almost accepting him, it clears the way for Elain to deal with Lucien without her sisters watching her every move.

Cassian’s heart strained at the pain etching deep into Lucien’s face as he tried to hide his disappointment and longing. Elain only shrank further into herself, no trace of that newfound boldness to be seen.

E/riels love using this as proof that Elucien won't happen but I disagree. There has been so much in SF that while Elain is growing, she still hasn't found the place where she'll thrive. And as long as she's running from that fact, she'll continue running from a Mate who sees more than she's comfortable with anyone seeing right now. To me, beginning to find her place in the world comes first and getting to know Lucien will follow.

I'm not really getting into the whole Az POV Chapter because it's been done a million times over. Az and Elain want to kiss but I don't feel their interest is healthy or for the right reasons. I think the rose necklace is representative of Elain, that it looks ordinary (the characters think Elain is 2 dimensional) until held to the light (when she finally makes her way to Spring or Day and opens herself up to her Mate who is basically the Sun personified) it's true depth will become visible (Elain will finally show everyone who she is and what she's capable of). Rhys is completely anti E/riel and coming from a best friend, that should tell you something. Not to mention Elain returns Az's gift which shows growth from when she refused to return Graysens after his rejection.

She had a vague sense of Cassian and Mor and Azriel nearby, of Feyre and Rhys and Lucien, of Elain and Varian and Helion.

Elain standing near her mate's (unknown) father is definitely one of those things that make you go hmmmm.

Nesta held love in her own heart as she pulled the small, carved rose from her pocket and set it upon the gravestone. A permanent marker of the beauty and good he’d tried to bring into the world.

She found Feyre and Elain waiting halfway down the hill, Nyx now dozing peacefully in Elain’s arms. Her sisters beamed, beckoning her to join. And Nesta smiled back, her steps light as she hurried down the hill to meet them.

The above is on the last page of the book.

Elain was mentioned on the first page of SF and the last page. Not to mention that rose carving makes an appearance once again.

The rose carving made for Elain, a character who is often linked to roses (a rose bloom in a mud field, a rose necklace, roses on her dresser drawer), was brought back from the Human Lands, placed on Nesta's mantle next to a figure of a Goddess then in the final scene, Nesta parts with the carving claiming it's a marker of the beauty and good her father brought into the world.

I get that fans of Gwyn and Az are hoping or feel they will have the next book. And maybe they will, it's really a 50/50 shot because SJM put a lot in SF for their characters as well.

But the argument that Elain wasn't in SF or she's not ready for her own book drives me a bit crazy.

Elain didn't even need to be on page because every character in the IC found it necessary to bring Elain into their thoughts and conversations. She's shown growth in standing up for herself and asking not to be treated like a child, she's showing that she's ready to take on something that is considered dangerous, and she chose herself over Azriel when returning his gift rather than pining as she did Graysen. We've already got possible plotlines including specific locations and possible powers outside of her being a Seer. We've also got reasons for her to finally want to distance herself from the IC, what with Azriel’s rejection (definitely a reason she might want to move out of Rhys and Feyre's considering they conduct court business there) and everyone deciding what she can or can't do.

The girl is ready for her book and she had a MASSIVE amount of hints and buildup placed throughout Nesta's (her sister's) story. If that's not enough to convince people Elain is ready to be a FMC, then I have no idea how they think she'll have more page time in a Gwynriel book. Because the sisters journeys, while also including their love interest and found family's, are greatly driven by their relationships with one another and how after their growth, they'll come together in a less broken way. Not to mention we don't need another book full of people wondering where Elain is, that she doesn't quite belong in the NC and being surprised that she's standing up for herself. I honestly think SJM got the point across in SF.

We saw a lot of healing between Nesta and Feyre but until Elain has her book, the three sisters cannot fully embrace the new relationships they've formed with one another.

#pro elain archeron #elain archeron #elain acosf #pro elucien #elucien

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chibi-sunrise · 1 year

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Asobistore is accepting preorders for Tales of Festival 2023 merch from March 31, 2023 to April 9, 2023 (JST) Orders will be shipped in late May 2023! There’s a huge selection of merch from 24 Tales of Series titles, and this is Toto’s first official merch too!

Check out the readmore for how to buy, links to Luminaria’s merch, and some notes about the merch currently offered.

Buyee works with Asobistore no problem, and I’ve also received confirmation that Zenmarket also works! I was also advised that Zenmarket is cheaper and faster to use, so I’ll be trying it out for the first time. If Buyee and Zenmarket both work, then I’m sure other proxies won’t run into issues other.

Links to Luminaria’s currently offered merch, so you don’t have to scroll through everything just to find them:

TOF2023 Official T-Shirt with the names of all 24 titles printed on the back. If anyone still wants to argue that Luminaria “isn’t a Tales game,” then this official merch tells them they’re wrong. Comes in sizes S-XL

TOF2023 Official Tales of Luminaria bracelet. It has a charm that almost resembles an Embleo?

TOF2023 Official Tales of Luminaria Medal Plate. Looking at the measurements, I think it’s like a pressed penny?

TOF2023 Official Tales of Luminaria Scarf. The coloring is Luminaria’s official hexcode used for official merch, so it looks very similar to Phantasia, Hearts R, and Xillia’s scarves

TOF2023 Official Mascot Toto T-Shirt. Comes in sizes S-L.

TOF2023 Official Toto Acrylic Stick. According to the item description, you can take pictures with the lil Toto on top of this stick without worrying about your hand appearing in the photo.

TOF2023 Official Mascot Masking Tape Type A. This type includes Toto along with other Tales of Series mascots.

TOF2023 Official Toto Acrylic Clip.

And that’s everything Luminaria-related...for now!

If you scroll down to the bottom the of the page, you’ll find a notice about the merch that’s currently offered. In addition to the general event merch like penlights, booklets, bags, etc., there’s a large variety of character merch available.

The character merch that’s currently available is based on the voice actors who were invited to participate in the event. Currently there were two waves of voice actors announced to participate in the event, and we have yet to see the third wave of voice actors announced to participate in the event. There’s also a chance that “secret guests” may be invited to the event.

When more voice actors are invited to the event, there is a possibility that more character merch will be added to the lineup in the future. Phanatsia, Destiny, Eternia, Xillia, Zestiria, Luminaria, and other titles have not had voice actors announced for them yet, so we may see some character merch for those games later!

Because the characters wear a T-shirt of their game’s mascot in the merch illustration, a lot of JP fans are speculating that Yelsy’s voice actor might be invited to the event. I’m unsure about this since the mascot for Berseria is Bienfu, and Magilou or Eleanor would be the closest associated character with Bienfu, but neither of their voice actors have been invited to attend (...yet?)

I also think it’s too early to assume that all main protagonists will have their voice actors invited. And just because Leo and Hugo are the characters you’d normally associate with Tales of Luminaria’s “main” characters, I don’t think that necessarily means their voice actors have a higher chance than anyone else. I’d say Celia has the same odds as anyone else too.

If anything is consistent, it’s that Bamco will invite voice actors for popular characters whose merch is bound to sell, so I think Ed or Lucien actually have better odds of getting those merch slots. Bamco also seems to invite voice actors who are good at presentation and bounce well off other voice actors, like Zelos’ voice actor, so that’s another thing I’d consider. But it’s anyone’s guess!

Oh yeah, and I’d be careful about the inventory that’s displayed!

I’ve found multiple JP fans who’ve already ordered Luminaria merch, and I’ve also already ordered Luminaria merch myself, but the current stock of merch has remained unchanged since the sale started. The website says that they have 20 of everything stocked, but I think it’s more likely that they have less than that based on what I’ve observed and what I’ve bought myself...

I think they might cancel your order in the event that they run out of their limited stock? That’s probably what happened to me the last time I ordered Luminaria merch...and it might happen to me again if I was slow enough this time too? Honestly, if Luminaria merch sells that well, then I won’t have any hard feelings about it!

And if you aren’t able to make a pre-order for the item you want within this period, it’s not the end of the world! They’ll be selling this merch during the actual event’s sales period, and some merch may be resold at Asobistore or other stores in the future!

#tales of #tales series #tales of series #tales of luminaria #luminaria #even more official luminaria merch in the year 2023?!?#anyway tldr #first official toto merch!#lots of general lumi merch #we're still waiting on a third wave of voice actors to be invited to the event #if lumi voice actors get invited then we MIGHT get lumi character merch #there will be sales during the actual event #so don't be sad if you can't make a preorder #and they might resell this stuff in the future too #have fun

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hanatsuki-esperanza · 2 years

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I actually agree with you about Imogen. I just don't mesh with her and I think it's because she carries herself like a main character and D&D shouldn't have a main character over the other PC. Unfortunately, I think much like how C2 BBEG was tied heavily to Molly/Lucien from the start, C3 plot/BBEG is going to be heavily tied to Imogen which means her story will be center of everything. Which, for me, kind of makes it more of a campaign issue than just a character issue at this point. I don't care about the story because I don't care about the character leading it. Hopefully I'm wrong and Laudna or Ashton will have more pull in the plot because those two and their deals are more compelling.

The thing about D&D is there is no one main character; it is a group game and Chapter 1 of the PHB (page 15, section 6. Come Together) says as much. Characters who have "main character syndrome" naturally do not mesh in a game where each character is part of a unique group, because they see themselves as more important than everyone else. At that point, it's not D&D, it's an anime or similar show, where the main character has their own adventure while everyone else is along for the ride.

Tying a character's backstory to an arc boss is perfectly fine, it encourages a player to develop a fun backstory and encourages the dungeon master to integrate backstories. However, when a dungeon master allows one character's backstory to become more important than others', then it becomes a problem. Without the central character who is tied to the BBEG, it falls flat. It forces the dungeon master to give them plot armor to keep the BBEG relevant.

Vecna being the BBEG in C1 worked because no one character could claim him. It was built up slowly but couldn't stop, much like an avalanche. When Molly died, Matt was probably thrown for how to bring the party back to the Lucien and the Tombtakers.

So Imogen being made into the main character with the moon being the BBEG isn't necessarily Laura's fault. Instead, it falls on Matt to balance things out. Which given how things happened in C2, there's precedence for a repeat performance of C2, but it's too early to say either way.

That being said, Imogen isn't wholly innocent. It's one thing to be pulled into the main character spotlight, but it's another to carry yourself as a main character and disregard the others. There are tons of horror stories on r/rpghorrorstories, YouTube, and similar sites about characters who think themselves the main character and make it a problem for everyone at the table. High-profile games such as Critical Role are not exempt from this.

I would have to agree that Laudna (Delilah) and Ashton (Hexum) have more interesting backstories than Imogen, with the potential to shape C3 and the boss fights. Also, given the FCG Lore Bombdrop in Episode 26, there’s potential as well. That being said, given the precedence of C2, I doubt Matt will make them anything more than arc villains. I would love to be proven wrong, but...

If Matt takes one of the backstory enemies and makes them a throwaway, afterthought boss like he did with Trent Ikithon at the end of C2, then that’s going to be a problem. And yes, I am still incredibly disappointed by that. The Mighty Nein could have gone to Level 20 and then taken on Ickything, but no, Matt had him show up like an afterthought after the Lucien fight, because otherwise he would have been a loose thread at the campaign end. Matt could have even had a oneshot devoted to the Mighty Nein vs Trent, similar to the Search for Grog, but nooo, the Ikithon fight came out of left field the moment they took their amulets off...

#critical role #unpopular opinion #the imogen show #main character syndrome #d&d #critical role campaign 3 #critical role campaign 2 #d&d is a group game #critical role salt #a certain unnamed cr character #hot take on imogen temult #temult #ikithon #tealeaf #salt #askbox #askbox answered #hanatsuki esperanza

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skyrim-se-best-tree-mod-vi · 2 years

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What’s the best skill tree mod to use? - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

💾 ►►► DOWNLOAD FILE 🔥🔥🔥 It also provided Bethesda with the perfect excuse to try and sell us the game once again. This time as Skyrim Anniversary Edition. And for free I might add. Before we begin, we just want to mention that this list will be primarily focused on mods that add new content or improve upon the existing content. So no graphical mods, bug fixes, or anything like that will be included. Enchanting is both one of the most overpowered and one of the most boring skills in Skyrim, especially in the late game. This mod tries to fix both those things by making improvements to vanilla enchantments while also adding plenty of new ones. And I do mean plenty. Summerset introduces a grand total of new enchantments and integrates them seamlessly into the game. An important thing to note here is that the new enchantments are not exclusive to the player. Enemies can and will use them against you. Whether due to time constraints, inability to properly integrate the content in the game or any number of other reasons. The Cutting Room Floor mod adds a bunch of official content that never made it into the game for one reason or another. This one is pretty self-explanatory. Under normal circumstances, playing Skyrim with mods prevents you from earning any achievements. Achievements Mods Enabler works with modded saves so no need to worry about having to start a new playthrough after you install it. The mod works with all versions of the game, including Skyrim Anniversary Edtion. Well, now you can. Wintersun adds a worshipping mechanic that lets you pray to the Nine Divines, Daedric Princes, and many other deities in an attempt to gain their favor. If you do, the gods will reward you with powerful boons and blessings. Just be careful because the gods are a finicky bunch and you can lose their favor just as quickly as you can gain it. Wintersun is one of the top Skyrim mods for players who value immersion and role-playing. Moonpath to Elsweyr is among the oldest Skyrim quest mods ever created. As you may have already guessed based on its name, Moonpath to Elsweyr takes you on a journey across the Khajiit homeland. These two companions are miles better than anything you can find in the vanilla game, its DLCs, or most other mods. Both companions have professional voice acting with thousands of unique lines of dialogue. Inigo is a blue-faced Khajjit that levels up alongside the Dragonborn, provides banter relevant to the situation at hand, and interacts with the environment and NPCs, including other companions. Meanwhile, Lucien is an Imperial that arrives in Skyrim as a cowardly scholar and becomes gradually more confident and competent in combat the more he accompanies the Dragonborn on their adventures. Both companions are simply amazing, so make sure to get them both! Ars Metallica is a smithing overhaul that allows you to craft many more items than vanilla Skyrim. Including arrows, lockpicks, guild-specific gear, and more. Meanwhile, CACO does the same thing but for alchemy and cooking, letting you create many new types of potions along with bombs, salves, and poultices. Among other things, it added leveled loot and enemies that scale with the player. Not only did this make the game easier than previous entries in the series, it also made exploration more boring. Just as its name indicates, the mod gives Skyrim a loot system similar to the one found in Morrowind. Most pieces of quality gear are now hand-placed in high-level dungeons and can be acquired early on if you know where to look. Certain types of loot appear more often in relevant locations or on relevant enemies. Orcs tend to carry Orchish equipment, Dwarven equipment tends to be found in Dwarven ruins, etc. The first one we would recommend is Cloaks of Skyrim, a mod that adds almost new cloaks and capes of all shapes and sizes. Including unique cloaks with very powerful enchantments. If you want even more cloaks, you can also grab the Winter is Coming mod. Just as its name suggests, the mod features cloaks inspired by Game of Thrones. There are fewer models to choose from here but all of them look amazing. Armor and Clothing Extension is a must-have mod for anybody who appreciates immersion and diversity. The mod adds tons of new clothing options for the player while also giving NPCs more appropriate outfits to wear. Jarls, priests and mages, in particular, now stand out in a big way. Every school of magic gets its own special robes with unique textures, allowing you to easily recognize magic trainers a mile away just by their clothing. Thunderchild attempts to fix that by adding close to 30 new Shouts that can be unlocked by meditating to Kyne and completing her tests of faith. All the new Shouts are tied to the vanilla ones but provide much more interesting, and often devastating, effects. Primarily because most Standing Stone powers are forgettable, so why even bother with them? Andromeda gives each Standing Stone not one but two new abilities, most of which are significantly more interesting than the vanilla ones. Upon discovering all Standing Stones, you will unlock a third power for each of them, giving you the opportunity to design entire builds around them. To top it all off, Standing Stones also get beautiful new visuals upon installing this mod. True Storms is a complete weather overhaul mod for Skyrim. The mod not only adds realistic storms but also snow, heavy fog, dust storms, rain, and more. Appropriate new sound effects have been included as well, which can be heard both while indoors and while wandering around the open world. Despite adding tons of new visual and particle effects, True Storms has minimal impact on performance. We tried a bunch of the best Skyrim mods that overhaul combat before we decided to recommend this one. So what does Wildcat do? Well, this combat overhaul mod is configurable so that largely depends on you. But primarily, the mod makes combat more fast-paced, more dangerous, and ultimately more enjoyable. The AI is a lot more aggressive in combat and will try to flank you or land attacks of opportunity. The mod also adds injuries, staggering, timed blocking, and more. This is a fairly sizeable quest mod comparable to a medium-sized DLC that should be of particular interest to fans of Morrowind, the Dunmer, and the Dwemer. There are plenty of quests to look forward to here as well as over 20 fully voiced NPCs and more than a few interesting pieces of gear. The second of which is primarily inhabited by friendly, yet somewhat mischievous Goblins. Just like their previous mod, Carved Brink is more about quality than quantity. Expect a lot of depth, interesting, fully-voiced characters, and beautiful music. Weapons, armor and all sorts of other collectibles can be found here as well but are not the main focus of the mod. The mod expands the College by adding a number of new rooms and rearranging elements in existing rooms to make them a bit nicer. The mod adds improvements to more than 50 artifacts, including but not limited to all the Daedric ones. In addition to changes to stats and abilities, the mod also gives a bunch of artifacts new textures and alternate versions, all of which are optional to install. Playing as a Werewolf or Vampire in Skyrim is pretty fun. For about 20 minutes or so. Transforming into a creature of the night gets boring pretty quickly in vanilla but you can use these two mods to remedy that. Moonlight Tales is a mod that completely overhauls how werewolves play by adding new perks, abilities, skins, and even werebear forms. Meanwhile, Sacrosanct does something similar but for vampires and vampire lords. Some of the main highlights here include racial vampire abilities, overhauled feeding system, and hemomancy spells, to name just a few. Secondly, they all have pretty much the same attack patterns. Oh wait, it does, thanks to this mod. Diverse Dragons Collection adds no less than 28 new types of dragons, each with its own unique model and textures. The mod is fully customizable so feel free to pick and choose the dragons you want to see in-game. Imperious is easily among the best Skyrim mods when it comes to role-playing and immersion. Skyrim has a lot of interesting races but they play pretty much the same aside from some very minor abilities. Imperious changes that and makes all the races unique by giving them not one but three passive abilities. Each race also gets a unique active ability that must be unlocked via a quest. In addition, the mod tweaks starting stats like health, Magicka, and carry weight to make the races more lore-friendly. Ever wanted to play as a Vigilant of Stendarr and rid the land of Daedric corruption? Now you can, thanks to this mod. Vigilant is a very impressive quest mod unfolding across four chapters that will take you on an epic journey full of intrigue and mystery. Falskaar is one of the best Skyrim mods for fans of new lands and exploration. This DLC-sized mod adds a new landmass full of interesting locations to explore, NPCs to meet, and quests to complete. Falkskaar is a 20—hour adventure but you can easily spend more time than that if you decide to explore every nook and cranny of this mod. There are more than 30 quests to look forward to and a few new items to collect. Beyond Skyrim — Bruma is an extremely ambitious mod that introduces a brand-new region to the game. The region is absolutely massive, surpassing the likes of Solstheim from the Dragonborn DLC in terms of size, and is just as densely packed with new content. However, this mod will, and in a spectacular fashion to boot. Interesting NPCs adds over fully-voiced non-playable characters along with more than 50 new quests. Many of the NPCs can become followers and a few of them are even potential candidates for marriage. But what truly stands out about this mod is not the quantity but the quality. Just as its name suggests, the NPCs are truly interesting and more memorable than anything you can find in the vanilla game. And a lot better looking, too! Ever wanted to play a soulslike game set in the world of Skyrim? Prepare accordingly because this one is going to be challenging. Not quite as challenging as Dark Souls, of course, but definitely more challenging than most other Skyrim mods. Darkend takes place on Pharos, a new island that can be accessed by visiting a shipwreck found in the far north of Skyrim. The boss encounters even have fog gates! Many of the best Skyrim mods add entirely new locations to explore. This one takes an iconic existing location and gives it a fresh coat of pain. Helgen Reborn is a mod that allows you to completely rebuild the first town you come across at the start of the game; the town destroyed by Alduin. Helgen Reborn takes you on a fantastic journey filled with quests to complete, dungeons to explore, mysteries to uncover, and shiny new loot to collect. By the end of it all, Helgen will become a bustling town capable of rivaling even some of the nine holds. And it will be your town to run as you see fit. Magic in Skyrim is pretty basic compared to previous games in the series. Luckily, you can easily change that with these two mods. The first, Apocalypse, is one of the best Skyrim mods for magic users as it adds new lore-friendly spells along with scrolls and staves. If you want to take things one step further, you can also install Arcanum, which gives you access to more than additional spells, with even more to come in the future. The spells are integrated seamlessly into the game and can be obtained from vendors, dungeons, and quests. This is perhaps one of the most obscure but also one of the best Skyrim mods for magic users. Spell Research does pretty much exactly what it says on the tin and allows you to study the arcane arts in an immersive and realistic manner. You start off with simple spells and get to improve your casting abilities and magic knowledge the more you practice while also discovering brand new spells along the way. The new magic crafting systems added by Spell Research are very complex and touch upon disciplines like alchemy, enchanting, scroll writing, magic artifacts, and more. Spell Research comes complete with its own set of spells while also supporting all the popular spell mods out there. If you want to avoid getting completely overwhelmed, we recommend using only Spell Research and maybe just one other spell mod to start off with. Spell Research is a very complex mod and it will take you a while to wrap your head around all its intricacies. Wyrmstooth is another great quest mod that has been around forever. This one takes you to the titular island of Wyrmstooth, located to the north of Solitude, to slay a dragon, explore a massive dungeon, and claim an imperial fort as your own. You can expect tons of content here, from over a dozen fully-voiced quests to new spells, creatures, weapons, and more. Some Skyrim mods are so good that they become standalone games. Enderal is probably the most famous example but earlier this year we got another great one in the form of The Forgotten City. While the standalone game is overall better, the Skyrim mod it was based on is still very solid as well. Skyrim lacks diversity in many areas. But especially when it comes to armors, weapons, and creatures. And the best part is that all the new additions are lore-friendly. Just like their name suggests, these mods are indeed immersive. There are other mods that allow you to simply skip it, but Alternate Start gives you the option to play the game in a completely different way. With this mod installed you can choose to start your adventures in a new location and role-play as a specific class or character archetype from the get-go. There is a lot of possible scenarios to choose from and you can access even more by also installing the New Beginnings extension. The main selling point of this mod is that it allows you to play many builds that are simply not viable in vanilla. Thanks to Ordinator, you can create builds around things like Speech, Pickpocket, Block, or other skills that most players never bothered to improve before. Legacy of the Dragonborn is a massive mod that was initially designed for collectors but has since become much more than that. First off, the mod adds a huge museum that contains displays for basically every item in Skyrim, as well as dozens of other mods. In addition, Legacy of the Dragonborn also lets you create and manage your own guild and experience dozens of new quests. You can easily spend hundreds of hours playing the content introduced by this mod while barely touching the base game. All the mods featured on this list, along with many others, can be found over at NexusMods. I'm a classic jack-of-all-trades author who loves to write about most topics, though gaming has always been my strong suit. Or robots. Or space-traveling superhero robots disguised as Stephen King. Menu Search Search for: Search. Summermyst — Enchantments of Skyrim Enchanting is both one of the most overpowered and one of the most boring skills in Skyrim, especially in the late game. Achievements Mods Enabler This one is pretty self-explanatory. Moonpath to Elsweyr Moonpath to Elsweyr is among the oldest Skyrim quest mods ever created. Armor and Clothing Extension Armor and Clothing Extension is a must-have mod for anybody who appreciates immersion and diversity. True Storms True Storms is a complete weather overhaul mod for Skyrim. Wildcat — Combat of Skyrim We tried a bunch of the best Skyrim mods that overhaul combat before we decided to recommend this one. Imperious — Races of Skyrim Imperious is easily among the best Skyrim mods when it comes to role-playing and immersion. Vigilant Ever wanted to play as a Vigilant of Stendarr and rid the land of Daedric corruption? Falskaar Falskaar is one of the best Skyrim mods for fans of new lands and exploration. Beyond Skyrim — Bruma Beyond Skyrim — Bruma is an extremely ambitious mod that introduces a brand-new region to the game. Darkend Ever wanted to play a soulslike game set in the world of Skyrim? Helgen Reborn Many of the best Skyrim mods add entirely new locations to explore. Apocalypse — Magic of Skyrim Magic in Skyrim is pretty basic compared to previous games in the series. Spell Research This is perhaps one of the most obscure but also one of the best Skyrim mods for magic users. Wyrmstooth Wyrmstooth is another great quest mod that has been around forever. The Forgotten City Some Skyrim mods are so good that they become standalone games. Planning to mod other games? Check out the lists below for some ideas.

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