Feathers & Fate

[feathersandfateverse]

I don't want it And I don't want to want you But in my dreams I seem to be more honest And I must admit, you've been in quite a few Halley's Comet Comes around more than I do But you're all it takes for me to break a promise Silly me to fall in love with you

moodboard for elain archeron (@promiseofspring) and lucien vanserra (@flamesofday)

[flamesofday]

"It’s a way for you to know me," he says, voice low, almost gruff, as if the words cost him something. "You keep saying you don’t. Keep saying we’re strangers." The journal in her hands feels heavier now. Not just a collection of pages—but pieces of him. "I kept something," Lucien continues, finally lifting his gaze to hers. There’s no accusation in his eyes, only quiet ache. Earlier was obviously weighing heavy on his mind. "Just in case you ever… chose me. Not the bond. Me."

The silence that follows is thick with unsaid things. But he doesn’t try to explain further. He just lets it sit there—between them—as real and raw as their kiss from earlier. "...You don't have to fret. I won't...bring up earlier ever again if that is what you wish..." It wasn't a mistake, in his bones down to his soul he knew that their kiss was not a mistake. But he couldn't force Elain to feel the same emotions, and he'd never try. "I apologize for making my visit here difficult for you" He was going to make himself scarce the next time he needed to deliver a report. Elain had run out here to escape him, and like a lovesick fool he had followed her without a second thought.

[promiseofspring]

Elain's  eyes  fix  on  the  journal  as  she  turns  it  over  in  her  hands,  her  palm  brushing  across  the  worn  leather  cover.  she  chews  on  her  bottom  lip,  feeling  the  weight  of  his  offering,  accepting  his  journal  and  everything  it  represents.  when  he  hesitates  at  the  words  — choose  me  —  she  finally  looks  up.  all  this  time  she's  been  the  one  mourning  the  absence  of  choice,  never  truly  considering  that  he's  been  waiting  just  as  torturously  to  be  chosen.  or discarded. 

she  hadn't  allowed  herself  to  think  of  him  that  way.  doing  so  would  mean  remembering  how  it  felt  to  be  left  behind.  to  offer  your  heart  freely  and  still  not  be  enough.  and  now  Lucien  stands  in  that  same  terrible  place.  her  throat  tightens  from  that  knowing.

word  after  word  falls  from  his  lips;  their  kiss,  his  willingness  to  pretend  it  never  happened  if  that's  what  she  wants,  apologising  for  making  this  harder  than  it  needed  to  be.  before  all  of  this  —  before  the  kiss  —  he  had  stood  beside  her  at  her  father’s  grave  and  asked  for  nothing,  offering  only  his  quiet  presence  and  an  intimate  moment  of  shared  mourning.  and  Elain,  in  that  peace,  had  been  quietly,  achingly  grateful. 

a  snare  of  thorns  seems  to  squeeze  around  her  heart,  leaving  it  bruised  and  bleeding  when  he  turns  to  leave  before  she  can  find  her  voice.  Elain is  left  behind  in  the  silence,  clutching  the  journal that now feels heavy  against  her  chest,  her  heart  aching  from  everything  she  couldn't  say.

THE END.

post credits scene.

[feathersandfateverse]

Arc I of Feathers and Fate has come to a close. What began with uncertainty, slow-burning tension, and stolen glances now stands on the edge of something deeper. Secrets have been revealed. Lines have been crossed. And though the journey is far from over, their fate is no longer featherlight. Thank you for every like, comment, reblog, or quiet read — your support has made this first arc truly magical. Arc II begins soon, and trust me… things only get more intense from here.

[feathersandfateverse]

You're always on my mind, I cannot help it I don't wanna be carryin' the weight on my shoulders Death has come to me, kissed me on the cheek, gave me closure Immortal by design I'll be meetin' you here every time

[feathersandfateverse]

A reimagining of Elain and Lucien’s story, inspired by Swan Lake and shaped through countless hours of headcanon discussions and worldbuilding. This interconnected series of drabbles and replies, written by myself and Jollybean, deviates from canon to craft a unique take on their love story. Each piece builds upon the last, best read in order for full immersion in our carefully woven narrative.

Thank you to everyone who reads, please leave us comments! 

Link

Love, 

Peachie & JollyBean