If I offer you the moon on a string

Courtier and emissary

[flamesofday]

FLAMESOFDAY.A private, selective Lucien Vanserra from Sarah J. Maas' ACOTAR. 21+ only please. Written by Kenzi (she/her/hers.) (PST timezone) Established November 2024. Please see rules if you've been unfollowed.

"I've spent my life caught between two worlds, never truly belonging to either," Lucien said quietly, a flicker of old pain crossing his amber eye. "I've been a courtier, a warrior, a friend—and a traitor, depending on who’s telling the story. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that we are more than what the world expects us to be. I am more than my past, more than my scars."

Graphics by @flamesofday Divider/Promo: @floragfx

RULES MEMES

[flourblooms]

@flamesofday Lucien Vanserra says to Elain Archeron, “ Then why ” —soft, taking back a single step, enough to look at her face— “ are you looking at my mouth? ” ⤷ from unprompted ( ty ❤︎⁠ ) !

Flustered, Elain waves a hand, denying him the chance to study her further and turns for her room towards her bed where a handful of her dresses lie scattered. All pinks and purples, some half-spilling out of a bag she hasn’t finished packing. “ Because ─── I was wondering why you're starting to sound a lot like Nesta, ” she answers off-handedly, lifting a long white dress to inspect it. 

Truth be told, she hasn’t heard a word he’s said before. After she stormed out of her and her sisters’ argument about leaving the Night Court, Elain didn’t even notice that Lucien had followed after her until he finally spoke to her. And so like him, to choose to speak to her alone, rather than call her back to the others. It’s something she’s grown fond of in him, in a mate friend; fond enough, apparently, to spend the last several sentences watching his lips instead of hearing a single word that comes out of it.

“ Fine. I wasn’t listening . . . I do not want to hear that Nesta and Feyre are right or that I shouldn’t go. I’ve made up my mind, Lucien ─── and my sisters are wrong. ”

[flamesofday]

The laugh escapes him before he can contain it, humored by the notion that he sounded like Nesta. Perhaps if she was spouting some nonsense from her romance novels, but certainly not in regards to the argument he'd just witnessed. Lucien leaned against the bedpost, watching with mild amusement as Elain inspected each dress with care.

"Elain" He began, a smile playing on his features as she began to ramble on. He'd listen of course, with rapt attention as she always had. The smile on his face widened, reaching forward to simply ease the frantic stuffing of her dresses. "Elain. Do you truly think I'd come in here to persuade you otherwise?" He tsked her as he plucked the white dress from her fingers, moving it aside in favor of a different one he'd place within her palms. "I came to offer to go with you. I have connections there that you might find beneficial." Lucien chuckled softly, his canines flashing at her. " And I agree, I think they are wrong"

[fcntasyadvcnturc]

it didn’t escape her attention that lucien wouldn’t look at her and who could blame him? she had dashed his heart to pieces that day in the garden, but for him to respond so cruelly? it hurt her heart more than she could let on.

“you truly will not talk to me?”

her hand itched at her side, fighting against the urge to take his hand in her own. elain wanted to apologise, to take back everything she’d said. she wanted, too, to tell him the truth. not just the truth of her feelings, but the truth of why she was really there.

“i know i hurt you,” she said quietly, keeping her voice low so only he could hear her, “and i am sorry for that, but please, if you ever cared for me at all, meet me by the flowers tonight and i will tell you everything. if it is honesty you want from me, i will give it to you.”

it would likely dash all of her fathers plans but her heart simply couldn’t take it any longer. she had grown to love the autumn court as a second home and she had grown to love lucien fiercely. chances were, after she told him the truth, he would no longer see her the same way but she had to hope there was something there still. that she hadn’t lost him completely.

stepping away she once again mingled with the crowd, danced with the autumn court prince, and made her excuses to leave early, feigning tiredness. she smiled as the prince kissed the top of her hand and then slipped away, quietly, her feet taking her to the gardens where she now stood, her heart pounding, hoping and praying that lucien would show up.

[flamesofday]

Lucien had never considered fate to be cruel twice, but now? To be in love and not be the one she wanted, to not be an heir that could afford the life she desired? It hurt so deeply that he was sure that once again, his heart had been ripped in two. Lucien lowered his gaze towards her, stiffening as she inched close enough so the words she spoke were just between them.

He was well and sure an idiot to consider her request, but why after all this time would Elain request to meet with him? Privately, no less. As she stepped away, Lucien let the breath in his lungs go. Of course he'd go, he couldn't deny her...Even if it would end in another moment of heartache.

Lucien slipped from the ball, unnoticed and quietly. It was easy enough, who was there to care about the seventh son? No one. Especially not when he seemed the odd sheep of his brothers. The heir of the autumn court was the picture of autumn, everything Elain deserved.

When he arrived at the garden, Lucien felt the anxiety sinking in his stomach. Something nagged at him, that he shouldn't even entertain meeting with her but yet...the moment Elain came into view; Lucien forgot why he he had debated it. Bathed in the pale moonlight, she still...still the most beautiful female he'd ever seen. Approaching, Lucien kept his distance a few feet away.

"Elain...." His voice was soft, shuffling from the hedge without the fox mask on his features. Still dressed from the party, but not in any armor. He felt as vulnerable as he looked.

[flamesofday]

Elucien week is really just out here baiting my muse like

[flamesofday]

🌿 A little update.

Over the next few weeks, I'll be slowly revamping this blog. I've done a bit of a follower cleanup, not out of any ill will, but because I'd really like to cultivate a dash that's a little more intentional going forward. I was feeling burned out, and a little used as Lucien.

Going forward, I'm hoping to focus on long-term plots, meaningful character development, and relationships that are allowed to grow naturally over time. I'm definitely interested in chemistry, worldbuilding, rivalries, friendships, and romance. I just want those connections to feel earned.

Because of that, I'll probably be a bit more selective with new interactions than I have been in the past. It's nothing personal. I just want to invest my time into stories that both of us are genuinely excited to tell.

If we've talked before, or if you think our muses would click, please don't hesitate to reach out. I love plotting, screaming about headcanons, and building something together. Most likely will be full lunching after my vacation in August. So mid-August expect Lucien to be looking for some good plots <3

Here's to a fresh start come fall. 🦊🍂

[flourblooms]

@flamesofday Lucien Vanserra says to Elain Archeron, “ Why does it make you angry when you are looked at? ” ⤷   from 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖘𝖊𝖈𝖗𝖊𝖙 𝖌𝖆𝖗𝖉𝖊𝖓 (1911), frances hodgson burnet

Elain tilts her head so it leans against the wall, with her arms still folded against her chest. A brief raise of her brows, but she does not look away. So this is what they have come to — comfortable enough to ask questions that Lucien no longer bothers with safe ones . . . She considers his question for a moment longer before she decides to answer truthfully. “ Because I’m not a ' thing ' to be looked at, ” She had grown used to being merely looked at before she ever set foot in Prythian. Humans at least has the decency of pretense; the Faes do not bother with human primness. Elain doubts they even understand most of it. But it is not the court she thinks of when she answers his question. “ — why did you not speak to me? That winter — after the war. ”

[flamesofday]

Lucien let his gaze fall the moment she spoke, realizing that it might be particularly rude to continue after that anwer. He was well aware of the stares she suffered, had sat through enough meetings to catch onto that her family often bore into her whenever he was around. His gaze snapped at her question, immediately falling back to the tips of his boots. For a long moment, he said nothing...Trapped in the memories that overwhelmed him. He wasn't entirely sure if he was ready to spill the whole story...but perhaps she'd accept half. "When I look at you..." he murmured, voice rough by something too old to be called fresh pain, "it is because I need to know you're breathing...You once asked if I could hear your heart...and I could not"

His amber eye remained fixed on the floor. "The last woman I ever loved..." His throat bobbed, the words bitter on his tongue "I heard her heart stop when they killed her, saw it as they held me down...I remember it so vividly..The sound of it has never left me, the failure of not protecting her." Lucien shut his eyes, his palm pressing against that familiar spot on his ribs. "And then...." A short, almost soft relieved breath "There was you....and then came the day I first heard your heart beat" Lucien lifted his gaze, studying her with a gentleness. "I did not speak to you because I...every time I heard it, I wanted to tell you but" His shoulders shrugged, "The words never came. I always seem to fumble my way through our conversations, and I've certainly said the wrong thing or two before...I did not know how to tell you that I could hear yours finally or if you'd care...so I stayed away" Lucien ran a hand over his face, knowing color had bloomed on his cheeks. It had felt intimate, to know the sound of her heart.

[flourblooms]

Elain only turns back to Lucien at his offer, and sees that he has already made himself comfortable leaning against the wall. She might have expected nervousness, as is usually the way it is between them, but tonight it seems the festivities have loosened the both of them. Her feet remain, which doesn’t surprise her. Frankly, she is more vulnerable tonight than she’d like to be. But that should be reason enough to leave. And unless she’d like to have a repeat of what had almost happened with Azriel, she should leave now . . . 

But then Elain looks over at him, her eyes tracing the length of his hair without meaning to. She had never considered a man with long hair before, it was rare enough in the human lands. His falls well against his tanned skin; it more than suits him, she thinks, and she’ll blame that thought on the wine. Her gaze moves to his mismatched eyes. Once she might have found them unsettling; but living amongst Illyrians and their wings, the many shapes and forms of the fae, she has forgotten when she’d stopped noticing. The gold suits him too, she decides, it suits him very well. She asks herself – not for the first time – how much of what she notices tonight is her own, and how much else belongs to the bond. Or the wine.

Elain quickly looks away once she finally catches herself staring. “ I do not look like I'm about to cry. ” She counters, quite pathetically. Her hand touches the spot beneath her ribs, as he had done, without thinking. The bond had been unnerving once, but tonight it hums into a gentle melody, one she doesn’t mind hearing. His presence like hearthfire on a winter evening, drawing her closer before she thinks to resist. “ — where is Rhysand’s good whiskey? ” Rhysand’s whiskey, that is all this is.

[flamesofday]

A breath slipped from Lucien, some tension easing from his shoulders as she agreed. The corner of his mouth lifted in a wry smile."Of course you don't, not anymore" he said dryly, though the gleam in his eye suggested he wasn't entirely convinced. At the mention of the whiskey, he huffed a quiet laugh. It was something easy to bridge between them, a few more minutes where he could distract her from whatever was bothering her. "Rhys has glamoured it. But it can't get past this." He pointed up to his eye, "But it is enough to hide it from Cassian"

The smile lingered as he lowered his hand. It did not escape his notice the way her palm had drifted beneath her ribs, mirroring the gesture he'd made moments before. The unconscious touch. The bond between them hummed gently in the silence, warm as embers banked beneath ash. He briefly wondered if that is how it felt for her...warm, something comforting.

"Come on, then." He stepped past her, gesturing for her to follow as he led the way toward the cellars. Despite turning his back, he remained acutely aware of her presence behind him. He'd been tempted to reach for her hand and tug her along after him, but somewhere through the buzz in his brain, he knew Elain would have snatched it back the moment his fingers touched hers again.He was willing to push his luck, but he couldn't forget how it had felt only moments ago, her body loose in his arms, for once accepting whatever comfort or irritation he could give to her. Lucien felt a smile tuck it's way onto his face, lighting the candles in the cellar as he began rifling around to procure the whiskey she had inquired about. "Aha! Here we are, the finest from the Night Court"

[flamesofday]

One of my dogs isn't feeling great so I'll be gone for the rest of the night. Catch me on disco if anything

[flamesofday]

@flourblooms said : “ look at me. “ 🔁 reverse for elain?

He hadn't prepared for her anger when he'd stumbled into the river house, the way the concern had melted from her to be replaced by irritation. True, he had gone dutifully to Rhysand first and given his report, only for Cassian to announce to the house that he'd be injured. Elain had left with a huff, and despite himself...Lucien had followed her out into the hall, and straight into the kitchen where it seemed she was taking it out on the baked goods. He could feel the emotions rolling off of her, and something about them twisted his own heart. "My Lady" Elain was refusing to turn to look at him, and any other day Lucien might have given up...But that night in the hallway had burned in his mind. Her usual indifference to him was insufferable...but when she was angry...He couldn't help himself, not when it was at the moment the only way to get her attention. "Elain" He tried again,

"Look at me" He crooned, tucking his index finger beneath her chin to guide her gaze up towards him. "Look at me" He breathed again, invading just a little bit more of her space. "It's just...a few scratches...a few bruises" He murmured, his gaze flickering between her eyes. He wanted to know what she was feeling, what had made her leave in such a rush. "If you're going to be angry, at least direct it to me....It's the only time I get to see you" His tone is light, teasing in an attempt to lighten the heaviness in the air between them. Lucien's free hand tugged her palm up, pressing against the center of his chest. "My heart is still beating too" He crooned softly, his index finger brushing against her her jaw.

[flamesofday]

@bornofthedawn said "Look at me"

The guilt on his face was tangible, mismatched gaze slowly lifting from the tip of his boots to violet color eyes. "Aurora" His voice was rough, but fire was burning behind his eyes. ". . .This is the first Calanmai that you'll be...the maiden" Lucien felt her finger beneath his chin, pinning her gaze to him. His kept his hands stuffed in his pockets, far too tempted to wrap them around her waist.

"The magic will choose for you...The hunter, the male you'll perform the rite with." Lucien tried to keep the jealousy from his voice, from shaking his entire being. He was her emissary, her friend, and the feelings he developed for her...Lucien could drown them in whiskey and distance. "Spring needs this..."

[rpmemes-galore]

send   “ look at me. “   for my muse’s reaction to yours grabbing mine by the chin and forcing mine to look at them during a tense / highly emotional moment. 

[memepocalypse]

Hidden Injuries

"Wait - you're bleeding."

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"Okay, I have you, I have you -"

"Don't you dare pass out on me."

"You good? You look a little pale."

"Your shirt... is that blood?"

"Oh, my god, are you serious? I think it's broken!"

"Why would you hide this from us?!"

"Okay - okay, breathe. We're going to help you."

"You idiot! You could have died!"

"I'm - I'm calling an ambulance -"

"Why are you breathing so shallowly?"

"You can barely stand."

"Sit down. Right now."

"I'm going to fix you up, but you have to sit still."

"I've had worse."

"It's not that bad, really..."

"I'm just a little... light headed...."

"It's barely bleeding at all."

"Aw, man, I liked this shirt."

"Oh, yeah that's... huh. That's a lot of blood."

"I'm just gonna sit right here... for a minute..."

"My chest really... hurts..."

"I can't really breathe -"

"Ow. It's fine. Ow."

"I can handle it myself."

"Oh, that? Yeah it's just... it's just a little blood..."

"Barely touched me."

"Why are there two of you?"

"I'll be fine. I'm great. I'm - I'm fantastic. Don't worry about me! I'm just gonna go... into this really nice... warm light..."

[lcstinthewoods]

Elain felt lighter than when she had first stepped outside, her worry for the male driving her to follow after him. But more than that, she felt lighter knowing he held no expectations of her. At least, none that were too much for her. She could do friends. Friends felt normal, human. And Elain clung to whatever human traits she could.

"I would, yes." She visibly perked at getting to stroll through the garden, never tiring of walking the same path, no matter how many times she walked it. How could she, when there were new blooms to see each time?

She fell into step with him and hesitated for a moment at his question. "I am, but I find all the socializing a bit much. Nesta has always been far better at it than I." She answered honestly. Both of her sisters had always been better with other people than she, who preferred her solitude and her plants. "They are!" She replies happily, her eyes lighting up at the prospect. Her blooms were a great source of pride to her, and it didn't escape her notice that he was sticking to topics she would enjoy. At the back of her mind, she was reminded of the gloves he had given her, left untouched in a box in her room. Even from before, he had acknowledged her love for gardening. "Do you enjoy being an emissary?" She couldn't help but inquire curiously.

[flamesofday]

"It's does get boring...at least these parties do. Now the common folk.." A breathless laugh escaped him, while yes, Lucien spent much of his time in the Courts he also spent an equal amount of time with lesser fae, in the towns and villages. "Perhaps you simply haven't found the environment you flourish in. We can all survive but, is life about that?"

With a shake of his head, Lucien chuckled at her enthusiasm of her flowers. "I must admit, I have a few seedlings from a few of the other courts for you but I would feel terrible if they didn't do well in Night, so I've refrained from gifting them" His hands tucked behind his back, "If you'd like to give them a try, I'd happily send them over." He was curious though, would Elain accept the challenge of foreign flora?

"...Perhaps a little. For a male with no Court, being an emissary is...making a home where ever I am. Meeting new people, seeing life in...peculiar ways....My time with Jurian and Vassa in the mortal lands have been, well...educational." More or less it was entertaining, although he missed fae food terribly while away. "Prythian is beautiful, but I look forward to the day where I can find somewhere and call it my home"

[flamesofday]

I've had a headache all day and a long weekend ahead (graduation party for my husband's little brother AND my husbands birthday)

I am a tired girly.

[fawnedatarchived]

elain noticed his honey brown eyes gaze at her a little bit too long, she knows she's hopeless. was it written all over her face? I AM FRAGILE!! no, she knows that's not lucien, he was simply concerned she knew that, of course she did. it was written all over his face as soon as she spotted it earlier in the crowd, his brows were pinched and his golden skin was pale. her hand turns slightly, grasping his hand to hers, lacing her tiny digits between his. ❝ oh hush lucien! whatever will i do without you? ❞ with her free hand she pushes at his broad shoulder, at the same time elain melts herself further into him as she listens to his voice that she missed so damn much, more than she would like to admit.

i'm alright darling. her orbs shift slightly, chocolate brown narrow slightly through thick lashes as her lips press together. elain lets go of his hand to shifts slightly, her bum rests in the middle of his thighs, facing him now wanting to give him her full attention even as the morning continues to eat at all her worries. her nose scrunches at him not entirely having the best time she'll get more details later elain makes mental note for later. shoulders immediately rise at him thinking of her in troubling times. ❝ you did!? what is it!? ❞ her voice rises playfully, an never ending list of all the things he possibly could've gotten her runs through her mind — it coming straight to halt. how are you really? she freezes, her mind whirling to this morning. a hand comes to scratch at her neck, a nervous laugh escapes her pretty lips. ❝ oh me? i was thriving, now . . ❞ unavoidable wet eyes look up at him, her lip quivering, her heart races in her chest. ❝ every part of me is screaming at me to run and hide, but i worked so hard, lucien to stop that. you won't let me hide right baby? ❞

@flamesofday

[flamesofday]

"It's in my bag" He had gotten her a small golden locket, tucked away in a shop he had passed every morning on his trip. He'd gotten it on the last day after debating if she'd like it, with the small ivy covered engraving on the front. It was still wrapped, tucked away in the bag that hung in the entryway of her apartment. "I'm not spoiling it" His nose scrunched in amusement, chuckling softly at the way her mood seemed to lighten up. That had been the goal, to give her something to make her smile. Although now if felt more important than ever to get a smile out of her. "No, Elain Archeron doesn't run and hide" He repeated, his palm running up her back in a soothing motion. "We have a plan, and Grayson isn't stupid enough to try it twice....I'm sure there is even enough evidence to catch him now" Lucien didn't put much faith in that Grayson was smart enough to cover his tracks, but Elain knew him better than he did. "Now, how about you run and get your gift?"

[promiseofspring]

Elain finds it a struggle to stop herself from rolling her eyes at his suggestion — never mind whether he’s serious about it or not. Another struggle to not still flinch when he tugs on the thread for emphasis, prompting her to shoot him a look with narrowed brows. 

And then another, even more of a struggle to stop muttering to herself, “ Senseless is certainly the right word for it, ” Paying no heed to whether Lucien even hears her interruption. She's enslaved enough as it is by her own emotions and wants — what business does she have in adding the bond's whims to that?  

Elain moves only once his hold on her loosens. She had chalked up her decision to stay instead of retreating and running as she normally would to exhaustion. Easier to accept that than the alternative: how his smile sends a flutter to her chest she can't quite dismiss, a smile she now cannot stop seeing in her mind's eye. How his presence alone has taken the worst of the evening, and turned it into one she could almost see through. 

“ Well, I did not pull it — if I did, it was not on purpose. ” She turns away slightly, blinking away the sting behind her eyes that has not gone away despite her ignoring it — self conscious that the darkness may not conceal as much as she’d like. “ I am fine . . . it is the wine. I do not wish to worry you further. ”

[flamesofday]

Lucien catches the annoyance in her gaze, and whatever teasing remark lingered on his tongue died there. Her words settle heavily between them, and as she shifts away, his hands slip from her entirely. The loss of her is immediate...a cool emptiness despite the fire crackling in his veins and the drink from earlier warming his cheeks. His fingers curl reflexively at his side and flex outward, lingering on the memory of contact. When is the last time they'd ever touched?Lucien watched her turn away, and for a moment he simply studied her profile. The wine has left a pleasant warmth beneath his skin, loosened the reins he usually kept so tight. He would take her anger over whatever that emotion is on her face anyday. What had happened to cause her this? For her to pull on the bond and not even realize?

"I think," he said softly, "that if it were only the wine, you would not look as though you are trying quite so hard not to cry." The words slip out before he can second-guess them. He prays to the Mother that Elain wouldn't turn and run, that for a few moments they could have an honest conversation. His mouth twists into a small, apologetic smile. "Perhaps that is overstepping." His gaze is soft, almost imploring."You don't have to tell me what is wrong." His voice lowers. "But you also do not have to pretend with me." His palm reaches for the spot beneath his ribs, rubbing as if the ache is still there.

"And if you are worried about burdening me, I should warn you that ship sailed some time ago. I am already worried." The admission is embarrassingly honest. "So sit with me for a moment. Say nothing, if that is what you prefer. But do not tell me you are fine when you so clearly are not...." His shoulder leans against the wall, restraining every emotion he felt from washing up against the bond. "You could even yell at me if that would help, or we could...steal Rhysands good whiskey," Lucien swallowed the lump in his throat. The vulnerability of saying too much, of cracking himself open for her. "....I'd just like to help however I can, Elain"

[griefseason]

genuine  surprise  touches  her  face  –  she's  always  been  easy  to  read  ,  unlike  her  brother  &*  parents.       as  much  as  they  tried  to  train  her  to  their  mysterious  ways  ,  she's  always  been  too  expressive  for  it.        yet  another  reason  to  hide  her  away.      ❛    …    quite  an  eventful  party  this  has  turned  out  to  be.     &*  here  i  thought  i  was  to  be  the  big  surprise  of  the  day.   ❜         amused  laughter  bubbles  up  from  darkened  lips  as  she  shakes  her  head.        ❛    our  alliance  unites  three  courts  then.     assuming  your  brother  is  your  ally  in  this  ,  obviously.   ❜          she's  never  known  where  eris  stood  exactly  –  a  potential  match  of  hers  ,  but  not  one  she's  spent  much  time  with.       

she  slips  one  of  her  hands  up  ,  twisting  a  strand  of  auburn  hair  around  a  tanned  finger.       she  eyes  him  for  a  beat  ,  head  tilting.         ❛    considerable  amount  of  trust  you're  putting  in  me  to  not  use  any  of  this  to  my  advantage.    all  i've  told  you  of  me  can  be  altered  in  your  mind  with  these  powers  of  mine  ,  you  know  ?   ❜         she  arches  a  brow  ,  slim  frame  pressed  forward  to  rest  her  weight  into  him.          ❛   doesn't  that  scare  you  ?   ❜

[flamesofday]

"You are a surprise" While Helion and Eris had a few of their own. . .Lucien hadn't expected to see the daughter of Night, of Stars out and about...let alone looking for suitors. "Yes, it would. Three Courts that famously are....well, civil." At least for the last few hundred years. If they did form a union, it would push the other courts to make similar ones. United fronts, stronger bridges between them all. Lucien surpressess a shiver from her touch, mismatches eyes meeting hers as her weight shifts into him.

"Perhaps I'm hoping I'm charming enough to sweep you off your feet" Even if his original goal hadn't been to step into her list of potential suitors, Selene was intriguing herself...and had looked awfully unhappy before. Something had tugged at his heart, like seeing a caged bird wanting to fly. "You don't scare me" He mumbles softer, his gaze dropping to her face.

"The Mother has a path for us all. I am simply trusting that we are meeting because of it. That you, are apart of that beautiful future of Prythian."