Fic Promo: Tamlin's revenge Part 2: a Court of Fallen Crowns
Tamlin week 2026 Day 7 : Revenge
Part 2 of Tamlin's revenge:
A Court of Fallen Crowns
Synopsis:
3 years ago his court was fallen and ruined. It took a year but Tamlin has managed to rebuild it and regained the trust of his people. His revenge continues and tensions rise between the courts of Pyrinthia as it seems it is inevitable that war will come.
Dark forces lurk behind the scenes, pulling strings and making deals. To defeat it, the land they love must be cleaned of Tyranny first.
Chapter 1 & Chapter 2 now posted on AO3.
I don't know if I'll post the entire chapter in Tumblr but if you want to be tag when I post updates feel free to message/comment on this post.
For those who haven't read it yet and enjoy slow burn revenge, please read the first part as well.
Part 1 of Tamlin's revenge:
A Court of Withered Roses
Synopsis:
Tamlin had only wanted to grieve his sentries and people who had passed but when Rhysand came to twist the knife he chose revenge. 2 years since Hybern's ambush, Tamlin forced himself out of his beast form to rebuild his court, regain the trust of his people and fix spring court's reputation at the cost ruining night court's. Tamlin wants his enemies to face consequences, especially the enemy who aided in the destruction of his court, Feyre.
He doesn't want forgiveness, he wants to see them fall from grace.
Aside from the still very problematic messaging in regards to bodily autonomy, the excuse that Rhysand made a "mistake" and "is still learning" in regards to the pregnancy plot is additionally ridiculous because SJM wrote another character being BLAMED, PUNISHED (by her own true love perfect mate) and THREATENED TO BE KILLED for exposing this "mistake."
Summary: Varian discover what his cousin and Tamlin has been doing to change the perception of the night court. Elain regrets confronting Lucien on her visions. Rhysand is enraged at the news and confronts Tarquin demanding for it to stop but fails. Shel reminds Tamlin of his effects and why she did what she did.
Author's note: In part 1, I foreshadowed this by hinting that Tamlin was sending satyr and nymph bands out all over the place. In earlier chapters of part 2 tamlin and Tarquin makes a deal for this.
Most of the headlines are Tamlin's idea but a few of them are Tarquin's. The two are rubbing off on each other.
Summer time had passed somewhat peacefully and autumn had arrived once more to Summer court's land, not that it would change much in the court of raging seas and warm winds. Varian had been busy these past season from training the summer court navy, dealing with nobles when Tarquin couldn't, dates with Amren and so much more he didn't realise summer had ended until he saw an increase of people heading to Autumn court to join the fire night.
Walking through the streets of the common folk's territory like usual, Varian took notice that sometimes there were performers usually from spring that would entertain the people for coin.
He hadn't realised it before but those performers would either sing praises of the brave summer folk who gave up their lives to protect others during Hybern's invasion or tell tales of a wicked witch from the north who betrayed her saviour and brought destruction to the land.
It was only when he saw a puppet show of the tale did he realise the witch was Feyre Archeron. He didn't outright ban them but he told the guards to push them out of court faster.
Nothing however could prepare him for what he noticed at the news stand.
News papers were a relatively new, about a few hundred years old and had become wide spread with many news publications using summer court merchants to spread their news all over. Varian had never went to the news stand himself since he had servants to fetch him papers from only certain publishing houses that cater to the interest of nobles but what he saw made his blood run cold.
There were maybe several publications of different news papers slandering the night court. His eyes scanned every front page, these were news papers meant for commoners so he never bothered but with this much hate, he could only assume this was a way to push ideals into the masses.
Modern slavery in night court. Interview with a night court fae. Stop buying from the night court. Night court cause of high food prices? Rhysand's mysterious history of dead lovers. Feyre Archeron the vile human turned fae. The victims speak against the rulers. Dawn and day facing economic troubles. Rhysand and Feyre involved in other kingdom's affairs. Azriel shadowsinger the torturer. Rejoice that lord of bloodshed was flightless.
"I demand you to stop selling these now!" Varian slammed his fist into the news stand frightening the seller as steam puffed from his body.
The lesser fae was almost melting into a puddle but what he held made Varian's eye bulge out. The fae held today's news paper the front page was too scandalous even for peasants.
FUCK-
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"WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS?!" Rhysand shouted his voice shaking the house of wind and causing Nyx to cry.
Feyre tried to calm down her son while her mate paced around in the main hall reading the news paper in front of him, gripping it so tightly until it tore.
"Rhys, what is it?" Feyre asked as she rocked Nyx trying to get him back to sleep. She looked tired maybe even lighter compared to Rhys who was healthy.
"Feyre Archeron, Victim or seductress. Varian was serious saying we should read this." Amren read loudly with a smirk before chugging an entire glass of red liquid.
"There is no denying that the once human girl had lived a hard life but to reach where she is now, one must question was it luck or skill. One could consider her a victim of the cruel high lord who once paraded her around as his whore, an unwilling victim but it appears that victim might be a mask." Mor read and her eyes widened as the papers showed moving pictures of Feyre dancing with Tamlin, seducing Lucien in spring, her public appearance in Hewn city with Rhysand and finally a picture of her with Tarquin. "It appears that the high lady seduced maybe bedded these males to slowly rise the rank. From fiance of a lord to a high lady and even now she's still aiming higher by cuckoldig her mate as she tried to get close to Summer's high lord but it was ruined due to Hybern's attack-" Mor continued to read but stopped when the news paper suddenly combusted into flames.
Feyre's face was red from embarrassment while Rhysand seethed with anger, "Azriel! Get in here now!" He ordered.
In seconds the shadows on the floor before Azriel slowly rose from it already kneeling awaiting orders.
"Find whoever wrote this, kill them, threaten them, break their fingers or whatever I do not care. Stop anymore of these, that's an order!" Rhysand commanded as shadows swirled around him uncontrollably mirroring his rage. His breathing laboured and he turned to Mor.
"Get a fucking meeting set up with me and Tarquin, I won't stand for this insult towards me or my mate," the high lord ordered before walking out. Feyre followed him wanting to calm her mate despite being busy with a fussy baby.
Unknown to Rhysand however these type of news papers had been spreading through out pyrinthia and the fae realms. Had he look closer maybe he'd realise just how much the hate had festered before it became too much.
Back in spring court, the citizens were told the tales of those trapped in the mines who wish to see the night sky, the song of widows from Hewn city and the many news that were passed to them through the news papers from summer court. Slowly their hatred towards the night court slowly morphed into hatred towards the cruel nobles especially the court's rulers, Rhysand and Feyre.
The same happened in Hewn city. Since Beron took over spring's trades with supervision, the cavern cities managed to receive high protein food enough to keep them full but barely gave them enough energy. Strong enough to live but not enough to fight back.
The people of hewn city especially the lower levels had such a low literacy level that many lesser fae could not read. Yet every paper wrapper found its use, as the poor bought wrapped food, the images on the wrapper would move using a glamour spell, to sow bravery in the heart of those who watch it. To yearn more than a life trapped in endless caves but to have freedom. Change was brewing and it began when Tamlin sent out the spring performers outside once more, after all a great performance can inspire even the most silent of fae.
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Quiet. For the first time in years Elain's mind was quiet. Rhysand struggled to read her mind since she awakened her gift, her thoughts passed too quick and too much happened for him to know which were her thoughts or whispers of time. After her latest vision, it seemed everything was quiet. Her gift wasn't gone but any time she tried she would repeat the same thing. Piles of bones as far as the eyes could see and an ominous hum in the air.
She had adapted to the change smoothly for the most part, one could even claim she was glad to be rid of countless possibilities that once flooded her brain.
Lucien has been the only constant in her improvement. The fawn had became quiet since her last vision predicting the end of high lords. The first week she barely ate or left her room, she would gaze at the window until Lucien brought her food from the human lands. Lucien also brought Nesta some dresses and Feyre some paint from the human lands. He would keep close, rarely talking aside from the usual compliments. Elain had started to leave her room more often, gardening again and thankfully wasn't a nuisance to Rhysand. Feyre would talk to her from time to time, getting her to spend time or baby sit Nyx while Nesta kept her distance watching her from afar.
Lucien had heard them whispering amongst themselves of sending her to train like Nesta or maybe forcing her to the library had she been difficult hence why he took action. He couldn't allow her to be hurt that way.
The autumn male wasn't always at the night court, he would be there a day at most before disappearing for days. He was juggling several task ranging from helping Vassa rule, negotiating with the human villages below the wall, meeting up with nobles to keep supply running into the night court and he was the one who applied for Cassian's wing replacement at Dawn to try get Nesta's hopes up. He doubt however that the engineers would build it so quickly.
In his visits, anger would build up in Elain's heart. She wasn't sure when it began, maybe when she kept being pestered by visions of the male with Jesminda or maybe it started when she realised he wasn't hers. Not fuly at least. She spent her days watching the moments of joy between her sister and their mates, she thought she would have it but that moment didn't came. Instead her moments with him while romantic always had a lingering feeling of sadness in them. Elain was confused once but from her visions, she was sure that feeling was reluctance or guilt because Lucien had a mate, one he loved dearly and Elain wasn't her. From summer to autumn that anger continued to rise.
Today was the one that broke the camel's back.
Elain was enjoying her time in the garden, watching the setting sun seating at one of the quartz chairs there. She wasn't useful anymore so she had no worries except staying out of trouble. The peace shattered when she felt a tug close to her lower rib.
Elain had looked to her side and noticed Lucien walking up the steps of the house of wind but rather than walking straight ahead the male took a detour heading towards her. He was charming in every sense of the word, immaculately dressed like always but this time he was carrying a package likely for her.
People usually liked receiving presents and Elain was even thought to not reject them as that would be rude but she had enough.
"Can you stop it." She blurts out more sharper than intended.
Her voice startled the male and stopped him in his tracks, "I...I didn't mean to-"
"To what? Shower me with gifts? Flirt with me?" Elain interrupted before standing up stomping towards him. Months of build up anger spilling out refusing to be kept. "You can stop all this at once! You don't need to keep me company or save me or fight for me when you don't even want me. I know you already have another mate, one you actually love... so just stop it. I'm sure Rhysand can break this bond or something." She raised her voice at the male but became more unsure of herself before stepping back hugging her arms close to her body, making herself seem small.
Anger was ugly. That's what her mother taught her. Don't raise your voice at suitors or you'll end up a spinster. Elain followed those orders but sometimes it's too much. Why couldn't she have happiness even after everything.
"I... I don't have another mate... but if you want me to leave I'll do it." Lucien staggered back when Elain came to close. He was confused for a moment but was resigned that Elain didn't want him.
Anger spark in her stomach again, she look insulted as if Lucien didn't know what she was talking about, "do not take me for a fool! My curse- my my visions showed me your mate, Jesminda. I saw how you both look at each other, I -I I saw the thread... that mating bond you have with her. In fact I'm enraged for her, how dare you do what you're doing as if you do not have a mate! As if she's-"
"Dead. Jesminda is dead." Lucien deadpanned.
Silence washed over the scene as the last of the sun's light faded welcoming the night. A few of the magical flowers started to glow yellow illuminating the garden softly.
Elain and Lucien stood eye to eye, he was resigned but a thousand thoughts ran through Elain's head. Everything began to click in place, the sadness she felt in the bond from Lucien, why Lucien had both of his eyes in her vision, why he looked younger and less scarred. She was seeing the past and she didn't even know.
"What?" She barely mumbled the words.
Lucien looked up the sky and closed his eyes before exhaling as if bracing herself for the worst. "She died... 287 years ago. Beron thought she was a fling but after decades together he couldn't bare his youngest with a fae below his station. He... my brothers tortured her until she passed. I don't even know where she's buried." He confessed his russet eye becoming teary.
Elain wasn't sure what to say. She was still trying to wrap her head around the fact she saw Lucien's past and she had been wrong for months.
Lucien forced a smile, "I know where I'm not wanted... good bye Elain." He muttered weakly feeling as if his heart was being torn open again, "I...thank you. I always wondered if she was my...now I know." He bowed at Elain before turning around and walking away.
Elain could have reached forward. To stop him. To say anything. To do something but she didn't. That's not who she, she was polite, she'd listen then react, never to act first.
As Lucien moved further and further apart Elain felt the bond began to stretch like a thread being pulled. It stung her chest as the bond fought to stay connected, to say it wasn't a mistake. To say they belonged.
"Wait!" Elain raised her hand reaching for Lucien but it was too late. He had winnowed away and the bond broke. She expected to feel freedom before this, to feel like herself but that's not what happened. She wished to be rid of it yet she felt like a piece of herself was gone but Lucien was still alive. She had forgotten what loneliness felt like, what it meant to only have one beating heart instead of two. She couldn't feel him, only the gaping hole she had dugged herself into.
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News of Rhysand and Feyre's visit to the summer court was not well received at all. It would have been wise if both of them had just winnowed but they chose to make a spectacle flying in a black carriage carried by a gargoyle and landing in front of Adriata Palace. They weren't greeted by performers or nobles instead masses behind palace gates screaming at them to leave, the guards had to erect water walls to protect them from trash being thrown at them.
Cressida and Varian welcomed them inside, the princess was indifferent but the Prince was more friendly. A top of the stairs of the main hall was Tarquin who seemed to be wearing his most extravagant clothing and jewelry he had.
The young high fae's white hair was braided into dreads tied together with pearls, opals and gold. He wore a large cloth that appeared like real moving waves that draped over his right shoulder and extended to the rest of his body with a golden belt embedded with blue diamonds keeping it in place. He looked down at them but he was starring daggers at Feyre.
"Why are you wearing that?" Was the first thing Tarquin said instead of greeting the rulers of the night court.
Rhysand wore his usual black attire but adorned with blue gems but Feyre was more different, she was wearing a dark blue dress with a flowy skirt with the edge of the skirt sparkling like star dust. Tarquin however was more focused on Feyre's head wear, she didn't wear night's crown but had wrapped a moldable fabric around her head like most of the summer court nobles would do with the back being a large circle mimicking a halo. It was more extravagant however with blue gems tied with it.
"You seem to forget your manners, Lord Tarquin. You didn't even greet us." Rhysand sneered.
"We wanted to show respect to your culture and court, that's why we're dressed in your colours and wearing this," Feyre explained herself and gestured to the head wear.
Tarquin narrowed his eyes at her while his mouth twisted to one side as he walked down the stairs, "you likely had one of your seamstress make it, instead of hiring a summer fae."
"Is there a problem or do you just want to waste time?" Rhysand questioned stuffing his hands into his pockets.
"Cousin they mean no disrespect-" Varian tried only to be silenced by Tarquin's raised hand. The high lord was angry and Rhysand couldn't figure it out, everyone's mind in that room was silenced or jumbled as if everyone had taken a precaution against his daemati. As if he was someone who couldn't be trusted at all. He felt disrespected by all this.
"That head wear. Take it off." Tarquin ordered coldly as he stood at the edge of the stair case.
"Pardon?" Feyre stepped back hand on her chest as in disgust as if the summer fae had insulted her new born.
"You've lost your marbles. She is high lady and has no need to listen to you, you don't own her." Rhysand snarled as shadows curled around him like hungry beast.
"No but she is a ruler. One that clearly doesn't care for others culture as she claimed, if she actually studied she would know that head wear style is sacred to the spiritual practitioners of this court. The head wear can only be worn by those who had poured centuries of their life learning the secrets of the ocean and caring for it and you Feyre Archeron do not deserve it when you were the one who help spill my peoples blood into the seas." Tarquin scolded and stepped closer his voice carrying authority much older than himself.
"Be nice cousin, surely the high lady has been studying other important topics in her free time and not lazying around painting all day like any common consort of a lord. After all she is high lady and will not jeopardise this meeting." Cressida coaxed with a practiced smile.
Feyre's cheek heated up from embarrassment before she slowly grabbed the head wear and took it off. She couldn't bare to look at the noble summer faes, not when they all looked at her with disappointment. "I'm sorry.." She mumbled.
You have nothing to apologise for. Rhysand's words sneaked into Feyre's mind assuring her despite her mind shields.
"Let's just get this over with." Rhysand snapped and grabbed the head wear making it disappear before wrapping an arm around his mate. He walkes beside Feyre while glaring at Tarquin who was still indifferent.
Later the rulers gathered in a small meeting room with turquoise walls with a glass floor showing the waves beneath them. They sat on chairs of bronze embedded with blue gems with a circular table between Tarquin and the two.
"Since all forms of pleasantries are unnecessary, we demand you stop whoever is publishing this slander." Rhysand began and threw the news papers to the table. Most of it were just the slanders that's been send out since last spring but the one that made the summer lord's lisp turn upward was the Feyre's questioning of being a seductress.
"Eiether you're brave or stupid for marching into here and demanding something of me without offering anything, then again you two aren't known for being politically savvy." Tarquin replied unimpressed. "You two wouldn't even be here if it weren't for my cousin's pleas. Act better." He warned.
"What do you want?" Feyre asked curtly letting Rhys calm himself. They couldn't afford a mistake here.
Tarquin made no effort to hide his annoyance, he instead snapped his fingers and an image of a familiar book was glamoured. "The book of breathing and compensation for the damages as well as lives lost for both spring and summer court," he demanded.
Rhysand didn't need his daemati to see how angered the high lord of summer was but he wasn't sure if it was for his people or because of his cousin's loyalty. He and Feyre shared a look, the book was gone and further they couldn't compensate spring without becoming poor themselves.
"You're asking too much from us. We'll agree on compensating the damages and the lives lost of summer court alone... as for the book. It's no longer in our possession." Rhys bargained trying to meet in the middle. Now that he had time to think he had to make sure the meeting was a success. To stop the war and get summer to ally or betray Tamlin maybe help take down Beron if possible.
"What do you mean it's not within your possession?! You stole a priceless artifact during war and now it's just...gone?!" Tarquin interrogated his voice raised from disbelief.
"It was... it went missing when we tried to use to fix the cauldron. It wasn't our fault." Feyre excused herself.
"Wasn't your fault? All of this is both of your faults!" Tarquin snapped as dark clouds gathered outside.
"Careful how you speak to my high lady." Rhysand snarled wings expanding to make himself look larger.
"Or what? You'll attack me? You'll wage war? Go ahead..." Tarquin goaded unafraid as he leaned back as the waves beneath them raged on. "All this time us high lord's were afraid of going against you. The night court has two armies so large it's force is enough to overwhelm one or maybe two courts alone. Our nobles were deep in your pockets chasing your gems and ores...now we don't. The seasonal courts aren't afraid of you... none of us are." He expressed coldly without breaking eye contact with Rhysand.
"You shpuld be. My sister predicted that if war starts there will be no victors, that koschei the deathless a powerful force from the eastern fae realms will destroy us all." Feyre informed her tone sharp.
Shadows swirled around Rhysand as he glared, "we are trying to save Pyrinthia the world even. This is your chance to make things right. Tamlin will drag your court down but if you join us, you'll be hailed as a hero."
"Oh wow your sister make a prediction? I'm sure it's true expecially coming from the two faced high lady herself." Tarquin mocked in a squeaky voice clearly showing his age before he pointed to Rhysand, "be a saviour? I'm not an idiot. You claimed to be saviours but how many lives were lost because of you both! If this is saving then consider me your enemy. Now get the hell out of my court." He ordered eyes flashing a deep blue as the palace shook from being hit by a large wave.
"You're making a mistake." Rhysand state as he stood up.
"Don't think you're a saviour, hypocrite. If you were serious about saving Pyrinthia you'd accept any and all punishment for the crimes you both committed against the people but you don't. That tells us enough." Tarquin countered as he trailed after them making sure both actually walked out of Adriatta palace.
"Farewell, Tarquin." Rhysand spoke annoyed.
"Try not to steal anything else," he said to them both when they finally stepped out of the palace ground and winnowed away. Tarquin needed a vacation but unknown to him Cressida had sent a letter to spring while Varian was preoccupied in trying to calm the masses who only knew of the meeting because she leaked the info.
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"Steady...steady. Be ready everyone! The lightning must hit the almendro tree if we want to harness it for the spell!" Tamlin informed stand beside a plump tree with arms raised to the sky as dark clouds gathered and lighting crackled above. A few of the researcher were ready as the thunder got louder and louder each time.
"Now!" Tamlin shouted and swung his arms down towards as lighting striked the tree but due to his closeness he was hit as well.
The lighting harvest was a good test run but problems for today didn't seem to end. After being striked Tamlin had returned back to the manor to clean up but took a detour to his study since Shel wanted to meet.
"YOU DID WHAT?!" The high lord roared from the room causing the hanging plants in the manor to swing and some even falling.
Shel stood in the room hands holding themselves as she faced Tamlin, "my lord... I know this is a serious offence... I however cannot focus when you look like that."
"This is a serious matter!" Tamlin countered but most of his shier was burnt off and his braids were undone due to the impact. One thing he learnt today was that static hair causes hair to stand all over hence why he looked like he had replaced his golden hair with a large frizzy yellow ball that occasionally spark electric.
"Why would you even do this... make a deal with Lucien? Especially considering you hold the mirror of everywhere and the lock to atraxia's vault." Tamlin huffed and summoned a comb to try fix his hair. The moment he tried it broke and Shel sniffled a laugh.
Shel took a breath despite not having lungs, "do you ever wonder what would happen if you were killed? You might welcome death with open arms but what about your people?" She asked as she placed a book down filled with known relatives from Tamlin's bloodline. It was filled with pictures, names, where they were, their beliefs and a short description of their personality.
Tamlin seemed confused for a moment before sighing, "the magic will choose who it chooses. We cannot control it and I'm sure it'll choose someone better."
Thorns grew out of Shel's body, "do you even hear yourself?" She replied agitated. "If you were to die tomorrow the land would weep. Your people would feel it in their hearts and would rage, they wouldn't wait, they wouldn't care for the new high lord because they want blood. They will rally anyone and everyone just to go to war with the night court who'll they'll blame. Why? Because they love you!" Shel raised her voiced and slammed her trunk like fist into the table smashing it to pieces.
Shel looked at the damaged she caused while Tamlin looked at the young fae he pushed to her brink. She shouldn't be thinking of this at such a young age.
"If you die tomorrow... our people will go to war because they love you as you love them. The next high lord could be better or they could be worst... so no I won't stop. I am taking precautions because you can't seem to fathom that someone horrible could become the next high lord. Someone who will undo everything good you have done to spring so hate me for it if you must but I will always. Always choose spring court." Shel continued confidently.
"I don't hate you for this... not when I have the full truth," Tamlin responded softly and reached out to hold the hybrid's hand but stopped himself before he could. "You know what Lucien will ask of me, and you know that the rulers of night won't accept it." He reminded.
Shel picked up the book then looked at the high lord, "I know... but if there's even a chance to resolve this without going to war. Something you do not want then I'll take it because I know you won't forgive yourself if any of our poeppe died."
Tamlin sighed, "alright... I agree to it. Just....please take care of yourself. Go on break from time to time, enjoy being a dryad and not just spring's advisor."
"I will...you should do the same as well ,your lord ship. I'll tell the brownies to prepare a bath for you and fix...that." Shel agreed and gestured to the fuzzy yellow ball that was Tamlin's hair.
Tamlin sighed, "Thank you. Please don't remind me my hair beautiful hair is gone." Shel nodded and left the room finally allowing Tamlin to use his magic to fix the table and slouch in his chair to ponder. He didn't want to see Lucien again so soon, he felt bad what happened before and he didn't want his anger to take control again. He couldn't do that to him.
End note: I'm glad someone remember that Shel represents Tamlin's relationship to the land.
Shel isn't bad but yeah maybe I added the bottom part to save her. She's protective of spring.
Tag list: @litteraslegit @reblogandlikes @the-anonymous-unikitty @thefatesofspring @starscreambbymama @alexof90s @darkasylumvolcano @lune-de-miel-au-paradis
its Pride Month let's remember SJM writes insanely lesbophobic and biphobic stereotypes in every single one of her series ESPECIALLY about her queer bipoc characters Helion (ACOTAR), Nasar (Throne of Glass) and Celestina (Crescent City)
she also equates asexuality with soullessness, has Aedion compare his bisexuality to Lysandras sexual slavery, has Mor be extremely male centered and use men to hide her queerness and is hostile towards other women and is racist and has Celestina and Hypaxia get caught having sex in a literal closet by her cishet protagonist and has every single lesbian character have to have sex with men in some capacity and has helion be slutty and have an affair with a married woman
Dunkaerion having all their dunkaerionlings all look like Aerion, and him being very smug about it, Dunk doesn't care at all as long as they're healthy and grow to be kind and just.
Then Dunk dies, too young, barely a creak in his bones, nary a gray in his hair.
And as the children grow to look more and more like Aerion, he can't help but resent them, because he's forgetting what his husband looks like and not one of his children carry Dunk's kind blue eyes, nor his shy smile, nor his reddish blond hair.
Aerion hates it.
He hates that when he looks at his children, he sees himself, maybe his father here, or his brother there, but none looks like his husband, none that looks like Dunk.
Are his children really pieces of his husband? because the way 4 pairs of Targaryen violet looks at him feels like every moment he took his husband for granted, every brag and boast, every smug look and prided smirk.
At some point he hates Dunk. For being a lowborn, for being born in Fleabottom, for not having a House, for not having a family.
maybe Dunk had a family who shared the same kicked-puppy eyes, shared the same laugh, same smile, had Aerion's need for a piece of Dunk been sated, then maybe, he wouldn't have heard Dunk's voice call him from the goblet of wildfire
Summary: Tensions rises in the illyrian camps. Tamlin and his people prepare the western spring court lands. Rhysand and Feyre fail getting Thesan's support and Mor loses a friend. Lucien makes a deal with Shel.
Author's note: Happy pride, introducing our genderfluid half nymph half high fae, recently promoted to lieutenant! Hans!
They have some minor shape-shifting which let's them appear more masc, fem or either. They're also a master of plant magic unlike Archie who's decent and focuses more on his wolfman magic.
(Trigger warning: gruesome death)
The illyrian camps were more active during the warmer months especially summer time since it allowed them to train longer but also do other activities. Usually during this season males would be training nonstop and females would be doing side jobs to help support their families but times have changed. At the training grounds the former General of the night court stood at the front watching as members of the valkyries that consisted of illyrian women and a few priestess trained diligently using wooden daggers or wooden swords.
Cassian had volunteered himself to become the valkyrie's full time trainer since he was finally cleared to move around again but despite how genuine his actions seemed, he only did it to still try to prove to Rhysand he was still useful. That he can still command the illyrian army.
Rhysand had given the illyrian camps time to choose another leader to lead the illyrian army. Cassian earned this right through combat and he should have led them more longer but since he was labelled a disgraced illyrian for losing his wings a tournament would be held at winter where the strongest amongst them would become the new general. Cassian found it laughable because he was sure he could win the tournament and he already sent a request to Dawn to build him a new pair of illyrians wings. In the mean time he used the valkyrie training to build reputation but also train.
Nesta watched the Valkyries with her mate but her mind was elsewhere. Unsure how to tell Cassian to be realistic that he likely wouldn't be able to get his new wings soon but also due to the guilt eating her up. She wanted to help them all, the people who showed her warmth but when she tried to fix their wings with her silver flames it failed.
She remembered the disappointment in their eyes when she tried again and again. Magic was fueled by emotions and despite having the knowledge to do it she still couldn't. Amren said she needed more focus but truthfully Nesta was not sure if she could even heal or if something stopped her.
"I said let her go!" Someone's cry for help pulled Nesta from her downward spiral and she looked around for the source.
At the border of the training ground was an illyrian mother that Nesta recognise as Rina who went with her to spring to heal her wings almost a year ago. She was holding her young daughter and son with some unknown male illyrian. She wondered why Rina was late and quickly walked towards them just as the other members of the valkyries surrounded ready to protect one of their own.
"What's going on here?!" Nesta shouted as she walked past the crowd.
"Stay out of it! You high fae have no business in illyrian matters!" The male high fae raised his voice at Nesta.
"She is oristian, brother and you have no right to stop me!" Rina shouted back holding her children close while the two clinged to her dress afraid.
"Enough!" Cassian stepped forward but unlike Nesta who was given way by the valkyries he walked through them and bumped into them without care, "stopping a female from training is illegal. Do you want to lose your life?" He threatened as he raised his wooden blade at the male.
The brother's gaze switched between Rina and Cassian constantly while Rina's gaze was on her brother. She shakes her head slowly pleading silently for her brother to keep his mouth shut but it was futile.
"My sister...she wants to leave the illyrian camps and claim sanctuary at spring court." The brother confessed hesitantly.
Immediate silence washed over the place. The protective anger from the crowd morphed into worry as they awaited Cassian's reaction. If these was between them it would have resolved amicably but not with someone so close to the high lord.
"What...is that true, soldier?" Cassian asked Rina in a commanding tone.
"I told her she and the kids wouldn't survive the trip. Not when she just had her wings healed." The brother reasoned.
"That is beside the point!" Cassian interjected facing the brother, "she's an illyrian soldier. Apart of the valkyries no less and she intended to abandon her duties but also ask refuge from our enemy. That is treason!"
Rina's face turned pale but quickly pushed her children behind her to protect them and placed a hand on the waist of her dress where she hid illyrian daggers. The brother's face was the same as his sister, he wanted to stop her but he didn't expect her to be charged with treason so harshly. His gazed kept changing between his sister he wanted to protect, the former illyrian General and his sister's children.
"Cas, you can't be serious about this. She hadn't committed a crime yet!" Nesta defended stepping forward.
"Her silence is enough. Before long she'll ask other illyrians to follow and we'll lose numbers when we can't afford it. This is war, Nes. I have to enforce the rules." Cassian argued.
Nesta felt her blood boil, "she's a member of the valkyries, not your soldier. You have no right to charge her!"
The two argued while the brother looked at his sister's frightened expression. The wind whispered to him that he had to set this right. Clotho who sat watching from the side silently made an "oh" sound.
"I'll accept her punishment!" The brother's voice cut through the crowd. The two stopped arguing and Cassian faced the young male with his eyes narrowed. "I accept her punishment, let it be imprisonment or whatever... please. I only wanted to protect my sister." The brother announced.
Rina's eyes widened when the brother mouthed the words, "I'm sorry." She tried to get to him but the valkyries held her back and covered the eyes of her children. This was cruel, she didn't even expect the general to be here. Like some outer power had planned this so her brother would be taken from her. He was stupid and impulsive but he loved her and her children. He didn't deserve this.
"There... you can lock him up. She won't leave." Nesta argued.
"That's not enough. We need to make him an example so others won't try to leave." Cassian replied and without hesitation placed his hands on the brother's head. He then pulled his hands back quickly twisting the neck more than can take as the head now faced his back before the body fell with a thud.
"RAI!" Rina let out a blood curdling scream and a burst of magic exploded from her as she wrestled out of the Valkyrie's grasp and rushed to her brother's corpse. She dropped to her knees and wailed holding his body.
"LISTEN TO ME! THIS IS WAR! we are soldiers of the night, I will not allow this weakness to go unpunished! The next time you even think about abandoning your duty, remember this!" Cassian roared at the crowd and pointed his finger to the sobbing woman holding her dead brother. "Now get back to training!" He ordered ignoring the intense gaze of the illyrian females on him.
Emerie glared at Cassian as he walked back to the front while holding Rina back from attacking with Nesta. Gwyn stood at the side holding her stomach in disbelief as one of her saviours killed an innocent in cold blood. She knew others didn't see them as favourable but this felt too extreme for trying to seek sanctuary.
I heard the winds whispering to them. Clotho's written words floated towards Gwyn but the redhead didn't react, her eyes were still fixed on the scene. She knew what it felt like to lose a sibling, it felt sickening to see the same happen again.
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The western lands of spring court were far less populated when compared to the Eastern lands of the court even after a year since the memorial. It was largely because the citizens were ordered move closer to north east but also because Hybern's ambush spread from the western shores to the east before they were stopped by summer court's forces. The empty land meant it was perfect to be developed for Tamlin's plan to save Hewn city. It was also filled with abandoned farms, roads, mines and empty villages which was a plus.
Every member of his cabinet were busy in different ways to prepare. Houyi was sent out to day and dawn to learn of their justice system so they could focus more on reformation, Archie took over sentry training with focus on briefing them on Autumn's future involvement, Shel was tasked in preparing the funds but also the workers needed while Tamlin was focused on preparing the land. The problem was the task that was supposed to take a few days yet had stretched out into over a week even with help.
Tamlin was kneeling on one foot with his claws digging into the ground as he groaned face red as he spread his magic across the land with his eyes closed to make tall trees with large canopies. Sweat dripped from his head to the grass below bedore he looked around.
He had made a small forest around himself but it wasn't enough, they needed to cover a large area with these tall trees if they wanted to start building but it was taking too long.
"Don't force yourself, Tamlin." An androgynous looking fae wearing loose commoner clothes comforted offering the lord a hand. They looked high fae enough with tanned skin, green eyes and long white hair braided into a ponytail but the patches of leaf like skin near their necks and back made it known they were a hybrid. A mix between high fae and a plant nymph.
"Not so easy making trees ain't it, princey!" Archie shouted from a distance before laughing at himself.
Tamlin rolled his eyes, "Thank you, Hans." The lord spoke and grabbed their hand to lift themselves up. He cupped his hands around his mouth before shouting at Archie, "at least one of us is helping!"
"I told yer! Didnae skip plant magic training but what did ye do! Lazy gobshite!" Archie shouted with a smile as his hands glowed green shaping the branches to stop light from leaking through the canopy.
The three continued for hours occasionally taking a rest so Archie and Tamlin could wrestle in their wolfman forms. It was a productive day but they were behind schedule, Tamlin chose to continue even after Archie and Hans left during the evening.
"Out late again, my lord?" Shel questioned as she trotted towards the half beast lord. She turned her lower horse half back into her usual stumpy legs before walking closer to the male still struggling to make a forest.
"Since when have I ever been early to bed?" Tamlin countered with a smile as he stayed kneeling on the ground continuing to make trees grow.
"Never... you rarely sleep." Shel replied and took a seat beside him, "you could ask for more sentries to help."
"We have to keep this secret, Shel. The less they know the better."
"I know..." She sighed and looked at the dark forest just as the sun began to set. "I know you want to do better. To train your plant magic more but you still struggle connecting with the land. Do you still see them my lord... those who died?"
Tamlin was silent and stopped casting to seat beside the other, "it's nothing...I can still do it."
"If air spells are fueled with yearning, freedom and anger... plant magic is fueled by stubbornness and connection. The deeper the root the more you see as you connect."
"Why is it...that my brothers could do this so easily when I struggle with it?" Tamlin questioned.
"Because they felt the land but did not care for those who live on it. Many of your predecessors were the same, feeling just enough letting the emotions past through so they could continuously cast magic."
Tamlin chuckled, "you mean to tell me my plant magic is weak because I care too much for spring court ?"
Shel turned to look at her high lord, her expression indifferent. "No. You don't care for this land."
"What?" Tamlin squeaked almost offended.
"I believe you do care for this land to an extent and I also believe you don't care for yourself at all. You care so much for everyone not just those in spring but even those outside to the point you gave Beron youth to avoid spring's involvement in his drug empire. You could have killed the dark bringer army or left the illyrian females crippled but you didn't... you care so much for others and take so many risk just because you believe that's the right thing to do. One mistake is all it takes and now we have to look for several. I....I still don't understand how you can value the lives of everyone even potential enemies." Shel ranted with a few of her leaves dropping from stress.
Tamlin looked down before he hugged his legs closer to his chest, "is it so bad... wanting to help? They breathe and think, they dance, sleep and love just like us. They can be allies too."
Shel closed her eyes and felt the gentle breeze for a moment, she hated how much Tamlin cared for others sometimes yet that love he had his for the people is why almost everyone here would march for him.
"I have walked through spring, I've connected to almost every plant and watched their memories. I have lived a hundred lives through them and I saw how past high lords and even ladies only cared for land, for resources and power. Then there's you... you care so much for the people. You're so...different. Not materialistic or self serving but sentimental."
"Is that bad?" Tamlin asked his voice barely above a whisper.
Shel looked down then shaked her head causing her brach like hair to rustle gently. "I...I don't know. I dislike you for it but your people loves you for it."
Tamlin smiled softly before he stood up offering Shel a hand, "I'm glad you stayed as my advisor. I can always depend on you to challenge my views rather than blindly supporting me."
Shel eyes landed on his hand but she didn't take it, instead she got up herself. "Please take care of yourself, my lord." She advised before leaving. Later that night she blew on the lion headed bird carving letting it fly to send a message.
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When dawn court received Lucien's letter asking for an audience with its high lord, everyone moved to prepare. Feyre and Rhysand were greeted warmly by a group of dancing peacock fae at the palace entrance before they were led inside the ever iridescent palace. The mated pair were given a scenic tour where they watched a flight race between the peregrine guards, the advance labs of the palaces and finally to the meeting room filled with beautiful golden birds with long tails that gleamed softly like the rising sun.
"Thank you for such a warm welcome, Lord Thesan. Your court is truly beautiful." Rhysand complimented as he sat in front of the high lord beside his mate. Both wearing night court black with matching crowns of obsidian.
"Your welcome. I hoped you enjoyed the performances, my citizens worked tirelessly for it." Thesan replied his voice soft yet elegant. The high lord wasn't focus on them but more focused on feeding the bird perched on his arm chair with seeds not caring the creature's claw might tear into the long sleeves of his soft pink robes.
"These birds are beautiful, I'm sure you wouldn't mind us taking a few." Feyre joked as she tried to pat one but it flew away leaving a trail of sparkles.
Thesan laughs, "this type of bird wouldn't survive in the night court. They require ample sources of gentle light or else they'll become dim and sickly. Bird of paradise were always fickle creatures but they are beautiful."
Rhysand's eyes widened in interest for a moment, "birds of paradise? Weren't they extinct from when Amarantha hunted them down to create one of her dresses. I'm glad to see a few of them survive." He spoke and looked around at the many birds flying around them, "well more than a few."
"Quite right, Lord Rhysand. What she did... to fauna of this land, to my people were horrendous but these birds were extinct once until Lord Tamlin brought them back using shape-shifting magic on a close relative of the bird. He called it a gift. The peregrine guards themselves were healed by him, many of them including my fiance lost their wings during the tyrant queen's reign yet he healed them with a discounted cost because he understood that we needed help." Thesan spoke and looked behind him where Ryun, his future husband stood on guard. "He understood that everyone was suffering so to answer your question, no I will not side or ally with you if war breaks out between night and the seasonal courts." Thesan announced coldly starring back at the rulers of the night court.
Rhysand was silent wondering what else to say at the moment but Feyre spoke first, "Thesan if war starts they'll go through you first. Do you think you'll be safe?"
Thesan raised an eyebrow unimpressed by Feyre's wild imagination, "you always assume the worst of your enemies to the point you are blind to your own hypocrisy. Pyrinthians call spring the court of saviours, they call the night the court of monsters."
"You're making a mistake, he will attack dawn if given the chance. You cannot stay neutral in this battle, Thesan." Rhys countered but his words held no merit.
"You forget yourself, Lord of night and refer to me as Lord Thesan. We are not friends." Thesan corrected as the room dimmed while the high lord of dawn shined like the rising sun. "Dawn court has survived eons not by being aggressors but healers. The ones the armies can rely to heal them so they could fight another day. If we are forced to join war, I am inclined to believe you had something to do with it since you are known to sow chaos between your own people just so they wouldn't unite against you, Night lord."
"I am giving you a chance, if Tamlin is not stopped greater threats will come that will turn Pyrinthia upside down." Rhysand argued as shadows swirled around him.
The room became normal again as Thesan took a breath and offered his hand for a deal, "I know threats are coming but I do not trust you. So let's make a deal, truth for truth. Had I not accept your offer, would you have cause chaos to force my people to join the war?"
Rhysand grit his teeth while his claws extended, "that's quite enough, My mate deserves more respect after he sacrificed his life to save Pyrinthia." Feyre defended as she wrapped her arms around the male.
"We are leaving." Rhys announced abruptly and stood up with Feyre.
"My guards will escort you out. Have a nice day, Lord Rhysand." Thesan answered annoyed with their antics keeping a watchful eye on them as they walked through the halls and finally left his palace. He noticed the slight eye twitch Rhysand made each time he saw the mind protection charms carved into the peregrine guard's helmet but that was good. It meant he didn't have control of others like before.
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"Let me handle this, me and Viviane have known each other for centuries and if we let her know the truth she'll see reason." Moriggan told Lucien as they finally arrived at the borders of the winter palace. Moriggan wore a red winter court adorned with gems that complimented her figure and golden locks while Lucien wore his usual courtier clothes immaculately dressed as always unbothered by the cold due to his own heat spell.
Viviane welcomed them warmly into the winter palace with Kalias by her side. They wore more casual noble clothes unlike their usual traditional court clothes.
Lucien watched from the sidelines as Viviane and Mor spent the next few hours doing what most court ladies did to bond ranging from eating ice cream, walking through the ice sculpture gardens, touring the library and dancing together in the ballroom while a band played a song for them. Lucien trailed behind and didn't really join in the festivities but he did made some small talk with a few of the palace servants. Most were cordial and friendly but the guards including Kalias were colder to him than usual and he didn't understand why until he heard one of them call him a traitor under their breath.
Lucien just wanted this to be over with and was glad Mor was finally led to a meeting room but just as he tried to follow them the guards at the doors stopped him.
"I am the night court's emissary. It is my duty to represent them officially." Lucien reasoned with the guards.
Kalias walked towards the other with an indifferent expression, "we are thankful for your service as spring's emissary and overseeing our court's negotiations for centuries before but my mate wishes to discuss this privately with her friend and not... you."
Lucien's mouth twitched as he tried to remain composed, " Kalias, please this is a peace talk."
"You aren't wanted, here." Kalias replied curtly and closed the door on Lucien's face. The autumn male was tempted to just explode the door off its hinges but ultimately decided to seat close by while making small talk with the few fae there.
"Today has been wonderful, Viviane. Maybe we should set up a play date for Nyx and your daughter next time? They can become friends like me and you." Moriggan gushed excitedly.
"If peace talks succeed then I'm sure it'll happen." Viviane replied with a practiced smile and stole a glance to her side as Kalias stood by the door like a guard. He trusted her to handle this and to be honest he wanted to see how she'll handle her.
Moriggan smiled back before she clasped her hands together before red magic glimmered around them as she summoned an orb. "Behold the veritas. The tool of truth, a sacred relic owned by the night and only capable of being used by my family with this I can show you the reality. That my relative, Rhysand wishes a world like our home Velaris."Mor explained and the orb shined creating a life like projection around them. It was the streets of Velaris at different times from early mornings to late nights, on celebrations and during times of grief. On paper it looked like a utopia that even Viviane couldn't deny but she noticed the cracks.
"Viviane...Rhysand is working towards peace. He intends to change the world into this... a utopia. Our dreams are now being threatened by a threat called the koschei. If war happens regardless of who wins the battle , everyone loses the war."
"Why does the shops ban those from your birth place ?"
The projection immediately stopped, "why? Viviane you know my birth place. They're all torturers who treat females like objects. Why would we allow them to buy and ruin our beautiful town." Mor argued.
"Because they are your people and you are responsible for all of them not just the citizens of Velaris." Viviane replied and took a breath, "do you ever wonder why I sought you out? Why I wanted to befriend you?"
"Because... I was interesting?" Mor answered unsure.
"Because you came from such a horrible place and you held such progressive views. I remember the fae who spoke about change, who saw how wrong torture was and how cruel her birth place was... I waited for centuries for that girl to push change, to change something but alas... you are a dreamer not a worker." Viviane explained with a melancholic tone.
"They wouldn't change. Hewn city will never change, I've tried but there are no dreamers in that cesspool of darkness," Mor countered.
"You look for dreamers when you should have pushed for change. My court... our courts believe in the philosophy of survival of the fittest. I believe such competition is good for advancement but I do not condemn oppression. Something you and your family seem keen on continuing even now." Viviane continued and stood up with her hands clasped together, "I thought... I thought we were the same. Little girls who saw the worst but wanted to change it. I was wrong... even now your own prejudice and assumptions blinds you."
Warmth spread from her core through Mor's entire body as flickers of red magic surrounded her hands that curled into fist. "My power is truth, Viviane. I see no lies except that you have already made your mind on labelling the night as your court's enemy. I am not blind, I told you that there will be no victors if we went to war and your court will fall because you did not heed my warning."
Frost formed throughout Viviane's dress as their auras clashed, "then show me the truth, Morrigan. Use the veritas and show me who is truly responsible for those two dozen winter children withering away. Show me the daemati who broke their minds."
The veritas disappeared from view while Mor glared at her, "and why would I do that? So you can condemn my high lord for something he denied?" She challenged.
"My people deserve justice, Moriggan. Your veritas can be used as proof so we may hold trial and execute your relative within fae law. We would avoid the war and maybe... just maybe someone better will ascend and they could change the night court for good. Actual change not whatever you're doing now." Viviane reasoned softly.
Mor shakes her head, "I am loyal to my high lord. To Rhysand. To my family. We won't give up just because everyone is against us, everyone always has because they couldn't see beyond the mask."
Viviane closed her eyes and exhaled shakily before placing her hand on the table, "then consider this an end to our friendship and neutrality." She announced and her magic flowed from the icy table to the floor beneath Moriggan's feet.
Mor was confused until she heard a crack and the floor beneath her opened up. She screamed she fell into darkness and landed on her back on some icy slide. Before she could even understand what was going on she began sliding down into the dark tunnel in front of her.
"No no no no. Viviane you bitchhhhhhhh!" Mor's screams travelled as she began sliding down a complicated system of slides under the palace. She went through zig zags, loop de loops, and splitting paths gently illuminated by fae lights of different colours. She would have found it fun if it weren't for the fact she couldn't grasp anything and didn't know where she headed until she saw light at the end of the tunnel.
Mor was promptly shot out of the tunnel and landed in a pile of snow just outside the winter palace's grounds. She dug herself out and screamed while kicking the snow around her in a fit of rage. Lucien was thankfully not ejected but was escorted out with a gift basket of ice creams.
"She sounds angry, was that truly necessary to get her to change?" Kalias asked back at the meeting room as he used his magic to cover up the hole in the floor.
"It sends a message. She might change for the better, see her relative isn't as good as she believes or...she'll resent us. Forever." Viviane sighed rubbing the nose of her bridge, "I need a drink. Maybe a few tubs of ice cream."
"Your requests is my command," Kalias spoke in a teasing tone before walking out of the room.
Viviane lingered for awhile looking at where Moriggan fell, she wondered if the Hewn city girl could change or she was made that way. Regardless there was no point in pondering for long.
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The spring court bordering the humans lands were well guarded with layers of wards and thicks walls of plant to keep humans out and the fair folk in. Not many humans have tried to infiltrate and those who did were simply frightened away with glamours. It meant that the forest at the border simply became a hunting ground for those who were brave enough, not that there were many hunters since Tamlin's aid helped the farms flourish.
At night the place felt like a horror story used to scare children yet a cloaked figure powered through it until he reached the border. The night hid his form but even from afar people could see the glow of his mechanical eye as Lucien waited.
The wall rustled as a green skinned dryad wearing a dress of white flowers phased through it before standing face to face with the autumn male. Only the wards keeping them apart.
"I thought I'd be meeting with Tamlin tonight unless... you called for me?" Lucien inquired as he crossed his arms. "You certainly look different, I'm assuming your tree body is behind the wall."
"Yes I did and yes it is. Not that it matters. The moment you try to claw yourself in you'll be killed by one of the guards." Shel replied coldly.
"Come now, Shel. Do you think I can be defeated that easily?" Lucien teased.
"With preparation anyone can. Enough banter, I am here because you've been trying to get in contact with my high lord for awhile now. Sending letters, using other courtiers and even trying to get in touch with your old net work of spies." She informed.
Lucien's russet eye narrowed, "I'm simply hoping to stop a war. You cannot blame me for that, you intend to stop me too?" He playfully asked.
"No...I'll give you what you want. I am here to offer you a deal, it's up to you if you want to accept it or not."
"I'm willing to hear you out but a part of me wonders if our precious high lord knows his newest advisor is here conducting deals? Where do your loyalties lie, Shel?"
"You mean my high lord. You're nothing to him now," Shel corrected and noticed the slight twitch of his russet eye.
"What's the deal, it must be a lot if you're willing to meet even me." Lucien stated with a slight edge to his voice.
"I've been going through Tamlin's family lineage to search for his relatives regardless how far removed they are from the line. My deal is, I want to know everything about them from where they currently are, their beliefs, how they treat others and anything of relevance. If you can get me that information I'll set up a meeting between you and Tamlin where he has to hear you out." Shel offered.
"Why would you-" the realisation hit Lucien faster than he could form words, "You're preparing for another to become high lord... is Tamlin being threatened? Is he dying? Answer me!" The male demanded and slammed his fist into the wards in a slight panic.
"This is final, I'll come by on the next half moon. I hope you'll have the information ready." Shel bowed and faded into the wall behind her as she ignored Lucien who was slamming the wards demanding answers.
Your time will be spent stacking shelves, researching, and becoming a nun - if you’re lucky, you may even be forced into the Illyrian Blood Rite ⚔️
Who can access the library? Nobody but you and the inner circle!
Whose books are you stacking? The dozens of women sequestered away in this mountain retreat apparently
What can you do in your free time? Research, sing hymns, and become a voyeur to the high lord and lady’s sexual exploits 😉
Did you have a family? Forget about them!
Were you married? Forget about that!
Our library is a collection of females who’ve experienced something traumatic and exist solely in isolation, who never had any sort of life or relationships outside of their traumatic incident which led to their rescue by our brave bats 🦇
Join free today!
You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave 🎶
*N.B. there is an entity at the bottom of our library that terrifies even the more stoic of warriors but it leaves the librarians alone - just don’t go to the lower levels
the true enemy of this entire discourse imo is the “vague, golden-brown-skin, non-racially-specific with no exterior cultural touchstone” romantasy author trend that SJM also repeats and creates this discourse void that gets filled with fans pitting two brown men (wherein one is at least partially white-passing) against each other and trying to one up against the other in ways that have spiralled out into insensitive, racially-based or class-based reasonings all for the affections of one white female character
When I think of an idle person, I think of someone who is sitting... doing nothing. Like, literally... They're not on their phone (which for some is doing nothing, but anyway), they're not reading, Painting, exercising, doing nothing... She's simply standing still. She has no desire and no inclination to do anything.
With that introduction out of the way, I want to talk about Feyre's vicious cycle in the Spring Court; complaining that she's not doing anything, but waiting for SOMEONE (Tamlin) to tell her to do something. I already made a post complaining about Feyre waiting for others to decide what to do with her life, so I want to talk about why this happens. In the first book, Feyre never waited for anyone, she just acted.
The answer is quite simple: depression and discouragement. Or rather, that's what it was supposed to be, if the main topic of the entire ACOMAF wasn't about "Feyre being able to choose with Rhys," because she can never choose anything at Primavera. This means that the blame doesn't lie with her depression because of her was always idle, but with Tamlin because instead of telling her to do things, he left her with an empty "schedule".I'm mentioning this because there are fans who are always complaining about something different involving this.
"Tamlin left her idle", "I understand why she didn't do anything, it's because she was depressed.", "Tamlin made Feyre take care of the wedding preparations even though she was traumatized," "he wouldn't let her do anything.", "He only listened to Ianthe."
I think the biggest example of Feyre's depression is this: not wanting to decide anything.I think this way because when I was REALLY bad with my depression, I always said "Whatever"... The experience is individual for everyone, but I saw a bit of myself in Feyre, using other people so I wouldn't have to think... So I wouldn't have to choose for myself.My identification with Feyre ends when she complains that she has nothing to do, when she herself has all the time in the world to find something to do and doesn't do it, why? Because she's waiting for an somebody.
So here's the situation: A traumatized woman with plenty of free time > lacks the motivation to do anything > waits for someone to tell her what to do > no one tells her what to do, which discourages her from seeking something to do herself > she has a A husband who wants her to rest after literally dying, so he doesn't cause her any trouble.In the end, what do we have? A problem of increased idle time and a lack of choices.She doesn't choose a different dress even when she can, she doesn't choose to wear pants, she doesn't choose to do anything in her free time, she went three months without choosing to relearn to read, she doesn't choose hobbies, etc. (Let's also not forget that Tamlin never says "The choice is yours" or any question that involves her making her feel like she has a choice, whether it's false or not)
Another thing is the fact that in the first book, Feyre spends a good part of her time just walking around or painting. That was UTM that changed her... She herself narrates it. Or it could simply be a response to trauma: being busy means not having time to think and process, so when you do have time, it's painful. You feel empty, and it seems like you have no control over anything. Ultimately, I'm not a psychologist, but considering that Feyre is just a survivor who, due to circumstances, became a warrior/High Lady, it makes sense that Feyre always thinks "I don't want to think about it" and dislike silence (quote from Frozen and Stars). Otherwise, she enters a spiral of internal conflict, as we have seen happen even in nightmares.
I've come to the conclusion that the blame lies somewhat with both Tamlin and Feyre's depression, but a third party is also to blame, Sarah (obviously), who thinks that choice is about waiting for a guy to give you a choice.
Summary: Elain's vision is discussed by the inner circle and Lucien. The vanserra brothers learnt what Tamlin's gift to Beron was and Eris suffers trying to find a solution. Tamlin gives Kalias and Viviane an army but the rulers of winter are smarter than that.
Author's note: I need to start being quicker or else ill be posting updates every Wednesday from now on. Let's see if I can update by the weekend or Monday.
The atmosphere at Rhysand's study was tense since Elain's prophecy. Somehow the vision led to a magical burnt out for the young fae that she had to rest giving the inner circle with Lucien time to discuss what had happened. The autumn male was protective of the fainted Elain, bringing her to a spare room and carefully setting her down on the bed before leaving to join Rhys and the others. Amren found it amusing how he didn't let them get near her as if they'd hurt Elain.
"I don't understand why would you kill a wolf?" Mor asked seating beside the open window to feel the comforting night wind.
Amren sighed, "not a literal wolf likely but a representation of someone. A wolf like person maybe or maybe someone who acts like a wolf or is called a wolf?"
"There's a soldier in Hewn city called night wolf, considering what had happened last spring it might be him." Azriel spoke up for once.
"It might be Nesta. Cassian called her a wolf with fangs once." Mor uttered barely able to hide her hatred towards her but Lucien recognised it.
"It might be Tamlin...his beast form was like a wolf" Rhysand murmured looking at the floor from where he sat hands clasp in front of him. He was deep in thought trying to think of solutions to avoid the fate Elain foresaw. "Azriel... can you kill them?" Rhysand asked.
"May I speak." Lucien insisted rather than questioned before Azriel could accept Rhysand's request. The shadow singer glared at the other and so did Rhysand but the lord gestured him to continue.
"We can't rush straight ahead to just assassinations. Your orders could very well be what causes war in the first place. Lets also think before killing your adopted brother's mate shall we or are you that jealous of her?" Lucien argued but his russet eye sparked at Mor. She rolled her eyes and crossed her hands in response.
"Don't be absurd. You just don't have the guts to kill your former master." Azriel countered his shadows swirling.
The autum male's eye narrowed, "Elain's prophecy didn't say you'd killed a wolf with your own hands just that you'd killed one," Lucien reminded.
"Then what do you propose? To do nothing like your master did ?" Rhysand inquired annoyed. Feyre who was silent beside him gently placed a hand on his to comfort his bubbling rage.
"No murders. No threats. No nothing. Whatever was she saw, it wanted this war. It wants to end all of us and this war is how it'll weaken us and is doing cauldron knows what to cause it. We need to be diplomatic, tell the other courts the truth and unite against this threat." Lucien explained as simply as he could so everyone could understand. Azriel wanted to reject the proposal but Rhysand saw reason enough to end the meeting. That morning he sent out letters to all the courts for a meeting. Behind Lucien's back he had Azriel list but also spy on possible "wolves". The vision wasn't specific, murder might not be on the table but crippling a potential enemy wasn't.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
The Vanserra brothers were on edge as they were summoned to the large dining hall just an hour after Tamlin's departure. All of them tried to gather information of the deal that Beron and Tamlin had made but the baladeer had dampened sound including glamoured the view during the deal. They were going in blind and with Beron that was a mistake they couldn't afford unless they wanted to end up scarred or losing fingers like their brother Phobos. When they arrived there was only one cup bearer present, a young high fae setting up chalices for each of the brothers.
Each of the brothers went to seat in their assigned spot at the table while the cup bearer poured them wine. Beron wasn't one to use such high quality beverages for no reason which meant whatever deal he made was very beneficial to his golden empire.
Most of the brothers didn't pay any attention to the cup bearer. It wasn't uncommon for Beron to hire them since they don't last long but those who do end up being being elected officials in court. Eris would usually pay no attention to him like his brother but the cup bearer felt off. Too familiar.
Hair brown like wilted leaves of maple trees. Pale unblemished skin with a handsome fox face like most autumn males. Slender frame covered in noble clothes made with high quality fabric too costly for any low rank noble.
Who was he? The question rang in Eris'es mind. He was clearly noble yet Eris doesn't know who's son he was.
Eris watched subtly as the cup bearer move, refilling their cups and accommodating them. He had all the common traits Autumn male's had and looked like a paler and softer Lucien. Could he be Beron's bastard? He looked slightly older than Eris by a few centuries.
"Pardon me for asking but who are you and where is our dear High Lord?" Phobos asked but it sounded more like demand.
"It's within a lord's interest to leave a legacy behind yet I believe I will outlive all of you." The cup bearer replied perplexing the brothers with his graceful tone.
No. Please no.
Realisation hit Eris and Phobos but before either could react the cupbearer had snapped his fingers engulfing himself with bright fire as the brothers were blasted away due to its intensity. The brothers had quickly shielded themselves but it didn't stopped them from being pushed back until they reached the end of the dining hall.
The brothers slowly lowered their shields as they recognised Beron's signature spell. A hyper defensive spell, using heat and fire magic to superheat the air around them creating an almost impenetrable barrier of heat that can also be used to blast enemies away. The spell that made killing Beron hard. The cup bearer burnt bright and looked down at the four of them with a satisfied grin before the fire engulfing him simmered as a crown of golden leaves embedded with orange gems formed on his head.
"It appears Tamlin's mastery of shape shifting was beyond what I could imagine." The cup bearer hummed.
It took the other brothers time to understand what had transpired but Eris broke the deafening silence first, "Tamlin made you young again." He stated almost breathless.
"You four need better training if a simple spell could make you this tired." Beron teased and stopped smiling immediately, "I intend to enjoy this body but I will leave all four of you with some task to occupy your time. I expect you all to do it efficiently as always." He commanded and snap his fingers summoning piles of papers to each brother before he walked out of the room but not before taking one last long look on the state of his children who were tired from facing his spell head on.
"How the fuck did none of us sense him... his high lord grace. It was gone." Aldebrand finally spoke after Beron left.
"We can only assume Tamlin taught him." Deiros murmured as he frowned at the contents in his papers.
Phobos turnt quiet and left his brothers after reading the contents of his papers. Eris didn't say more as he skimmed through them frantically. He didn't understand what Beron or Tamlin was planning and had hoped the files could have hinted something but it didn't. Emissary task to promote the age reversal that cost too much, new training regiments specifically for high fae to practice winnowing, builders sent to spring, tarnishing night's reputation to the public. Beron was a master at hiding truths between lies but which of these were real priorities.
Eris snatched Deiros'es papers and skimmed through them before trying to do the same with Aldebrand's only to have his hand grabbed. "Don't..." Aldebrand warned eyes burning.
Eris glared, "I'm trying to figure whatever he's thinking off."
"We'll be the ones being tortured." Deiros countered and pointed his finger at Eris's face as a blue ball of flame formed at the tip of his finger. "I don't care what you're doing but if I end up losing my fingers like my twin I'll burn your face off." The scholar warned and left the two.
Aldebrand releases Eris, "do your own schemes. I'm tired of us being burnt for your failures." The warrior complained and left as well.
Eris watched as the two left and winnowed back to his room. He struggled to think, his heart beating fast but he couldn't waste any time not when anything could happen. He grabbed a pen and paper writing letters to those who could figure out Beron's and Tamlin's plan before he burnt them.
The smoke of the burnt letters travelled from the forest house into the skies and flew towards different courts. To those he could trust.
The smoke reached the house of a winter noble before it reformed back into a letter. It reached the house of a sailor in summer, the healer's office at dawn, A trainer's house in day and finally to an illyrian shop owned by the only female owner in the camps so Nesta Archeron could find it. Eris was no believer of the mother, not when his life has been hell but he still prayed the others could figure out what his father and Tamlin were planning. No matter what, that bad feeling in the pits of his stomach kept growing like. A feeling of impending doom.
Eris sat at his table clutching his chest struggling to breathe as he rested his head on the cold table surface. Breathe. Breathe you fool. There's no danger here. Breathe. He repeated in his head as he shut his eyes tight and tried to focus on the darkness of the room. If he stayed in shadows he won't be seen. He'll be safe. He'll be safe. He's safe. He's safe.
Eris felt like he's losing control. He and his brothers thought Beron would soon die to old age but not now. He couldn't survive this.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
It didn't take long for news of Beron's transformation to reach the public. Those of Autumn were horrified by the news that their high lord was in his prime once more but those in high society even in other courts as well as other kingdoms were envious of him. To be young again was a wish many thought were impossible and now that wish could be granted for such a high price. Spring's popularity increased in high society unlike before but for the wrong reason, many nobles and rich merchants wanted to get into Tamlin's good graces to be blessed with youth once more but as of these past few weeks none have managed to even sway him.
The high lord of spring was glad to be invited to winter court for a discussion but he knew it wasn't friendly yet he appreciated it. He despised entertaining the rich who saw no worth in living creatures except as assets or collateral.
Tamlin arrived on a wooden carriaged pulled by animated tree horses and was greeted by the winter palace's staff bedore being led to a meeting room where Viviane and Kalias sat side by side. Everything in the room was made of ice from the walls to the floors, decorations and even the furniture themselves. Sculptures of ice depicting hunters killing wolves were depicted at the walls of the room but Tamlin swore their spears were pointed at him. The room felt more unwelcoming than before but he forced a smile.
"Thank you for being here on such a short notice, Lord Tamlin." Viviane greeted with a practiced smile.
Kalias nodded, "it seems you've been busy making deals. Especially with the autumn court." He stated coldly.
Tamlin let out a huff, "I understand you two are worried but I assure you, our alliance and your safety aren't jeopardised."
"We are way past worry now, Lord of spring. At first we had hope that you were careful in deal making with the fae who is called the literal devil of autumn but now.... I question if your head still has a brain." Viviane raised her voice as she rose from her chair slowly while the entire room began to snow. "You made Beron young again... too many people pray on his downfall and you... how did you even manage to do it?" She asked in disbelief.
Tamlin's pursed his lisp while he fidgeted with his claws, "certain animals can revert their ages like a certain jellyfish and the fat tailed dwarf lemur... I rejuvenated his body and pealed away the old. I assure you it was for good reason." He tried but it only led to more doubt.
"A good reason?" Viviane uttered exasperated, "for what reason is turning a male we all wish died this second young a good idea? I wish to raise my daughter in times of peace but because of your doings it seems impossible. Do you not care for us? For your people?" She inquired desperately,
Viviane was not an emotional person, she kept it locked like Kalias but would pretend to shape others perspective of her. This was one of the few moments where she didn't have to pretend because she was truly angry and she knew Tamlin wouldn't hurt her. It wasn't in his nature but she watched in real time how any shred of softness he had faded into cruelty the moment she implied he didn't care for his people. That was her mistake.
"I care." Tamlin growled the words between his fangs as the air turnt still suspending the snow as if they were stuck in time.
There was silence as Viviane lost her train of thought for a moment but Kalias was her other half, he'd talk when her tongue was twisted or her head was too full for words. "Yet we doubt it... What was so essential you would debase yourself and make a deal with Beron?" Kalias questioned as he took Viviane's hand to calm her before she sat back down.
Tamlin looked away from the two, "I can't tell you more at the moment but the deal will be beneficial to the seasonal alliance." He spoke and stood up his hand clawed hand reaching as snow continue descending again.
"No need to make a truth deal, you've proven to us you dance around the truth like a trained actor. How do you intend to prove you have our best interest at heart?" Viviane inquired but truthfully she wasn't sure what to think. Before Tamlin was rational now she wasn't sure how deep the beast lord was entangled in Beron's snare of crimes. How much he was willing to give for his revenge of taking down the night court.
"I cannot tell you what I have planned with Beron, I can however tell you that my court has been experimenting with spells to completely nullify daemati and it effects. When testing is done I intend to share it with all of Pyrintia gradually." Tamlin expressed wondering if this was enough to sate their doubt.
Kalias raised his eyebrow in question until he felt his mate's grief. He turnt to her and saw she was still smiling politely but he can see the slight quiver in her smile and her tensed shoulder. He loved her dearly yet he can't take away her pain of watching those children who had their minds broken with daemati. To watch them wither away with their parents praying for a miracle but most of them had died. Kalias still remembers the screams of mothers and fathers begging for their child to wake up.
"Could it...could it restore someone's mind?" Viviane asked hesitantly not wanting to give herself hope.
"How did you even achieve this feat in the fit and how long will it take?" Kalias questioned acting as the less emotional of the two.
"Thanks to Dawn's research on brains we learnt that organic beings like us have weak electrical charges in our bodies that comes from our brain. Daemati magic and mental glamours work the same way by interfering with those charges through a weak eletrical wave. Our research focuses on nullifying it effects before it hits, a perfected mind shield in other words using an electrical based spell to counter the daemati magic." Tamlin explained as plainly as he could.
"Yet it cannot heal a broken mind since the damage has been done. Whatever happened to them... it caused internal damage to the brain leading to what most call as brain dead state. It just protects..." Viviane commented before pursing her lisp.
"I'm sorry for their fates, lady Viviane." Tamlin apologised.
"...I'm fine." Viviane exhaled and fixed her smile once more, "it's fine. Please continue." She lied but forced herself to appear calm.
Kalias eye's softened before he reached for her hand to intertwine their fingers, the lady tightening her grip on his for support immediately.
"We are currently in trial and error. The basis of the spell is completed and we had to harvest lightning for it of course but the problem is finding a daemati powerful enough to test it. Spring is currently testing for daemati and we found that the weakest of those who are capable of using it are mind readers and empaths. Most cannot project thoughts or let alone control another person with it." Tamlin continued to explain.
"It is a rarity for a reason." Kalias commented.
"We'll provide the daemati if you share us the process on how you found them." Viviane was quick to offer mostly to stop another incident like this from happening to her people once more.
"I accept that offer but... I also wish to prove to you that I am still an ally. One you can trust." Tamlin replied and looked to both of them. They were skeptical of course but Viviane accepted so Kalias accepted as well.
Tamlin's request was simple, to be brought to the border of winter court closest to the middle where Amarantha used to reside. Thousands of fae had been tortured and lost their lives there, their blood flowing from the mountains to the trees below. The forest was healthy but empty as if it felt what cruelty had transpired there for decades. As if the animals and bugs ran from the place out of fear.
The forest of pine and spruce were healthy with trees so high it almost blocked the sky with light snow covering most of the surface yet it was eerily quiet.
"What do you intend to do here?" Kalias asked keeping a hand on Viviane's waist to keep her close out of safety.
"Spriggans, what do you know of them?" Tamlin asked as the three walked deeper into the forest walking past trees that seemed to get taller the closer they reached the mountain.
"They're constructs but alive. Living wood shaped into creatures sustained with magic who's only purpose is to serve. The average spring fae can barely make one and I doubt you could make one here." Kalias answered somewhat annoyed.
"We do not need guards or a beast of wood, Tamlin." Viviane protested.
(TW: warning self harm for magic)
"No. What you need is an army." Tamlin replied and stopped walking before he extended his claws. He kneeled down and digged his claws into his forearms and pulled back slowly cutting himself to let blood splatter on the snowy forest floor causing grass to grow much to the horror of the rulers of winter court behind him.
"What are you doing?" Viviane asked eyes wide with worry.
"Blessed be the mother, the mighty creator who paint this land in hues of green. I Tamlin of spring give this prayer to you," Tamlin chanted as he pushed his hand into the ground spreading veins of green and gold throughout the forest. "Shape them as you once shape us. Breathe them life and let them move as you allow us so, let it be." He continued as the glowing veins spreads into the trees and changed their shape. The trees twisted and grew limbs until they turned into tall soldiers of wood.
The half beast stood back up his breathing slightly laboured before turning around to face his allies, he posed with arms stretched out presenting them with his creations. "Your gift, an army. Physically strong like the sentries of springs that do not need to eat nor sleep. About five hundred of them give or take." He announced proudly.
"You're injured." She pointed out unimpressed.
"How could... you're not in spring and there shouldn't be enough magic in the ground for you to make this many. How?" Kalias questioned stepping forward putting himself between the beast lord and his mate.
"Trees do not deny themselves anything. They fed on the blood and corpses from the mountain. I simply supplied them the magic and now your court has an extra line of defense. One that does not weaken in warmer times." Tamlin answered as he crossed his arms.
Viviane narrowed her eyes and frost formed around her fist, "what makes you think we will accept such an egregious gift, Lord Tamlin?"
"I gave Lord Tarquin a legion of Kelp beast and spriggans as well as a sign of our strengthened alliance," the spring lord answered and offered his clawed hand to the two, "this is my proof that I will not willingly endanger your people, that I will always protect the innocent and weak. I lord of Tamlin give you this army of spriggan freely with no strings attach. You can control them as you wish and they will listen to your every will. Do you accept this deal?"
Viviane and Kalias seemed conflicted but Viviane was the one who took a step forward to shake Tamlin's hand before Kalias did the same. Magic glowed between the three as the deal was made.
After Tamlin's departure from court the spriggan army were ordered to be on standby at the borders of winter while the two rulers returned back to their winter palace.
"What now?" Kalias asked as they made their way through the halls of their home.
"He's cunning. He's preparing for war and basically gave each of the seasonal court an army of giants. We can only assume that he's working towards a peaceful option as well but with this level of preparation there's bound to be screw ups. He's ensuring his allies are protected if everything goes wrong." Viviane claimed as she walked beside him.
"Yet there's still a question of what he's doing."
The lady of winter sighed, "yes... we are no closer to getting an answer. I don't doubt Beron is now pushing for war with the night court but we'd lose too much if we fought head on. They're planning something to weaken night and we need to uncover it so we know whether to foil it or support it."
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
Elain was in bed for hours since her latest prediction. The sisters and inner circle watched over her in the guest room while Lucien stayed by the door guarding her like a Knight would do. No one could guess how long she'd be asleep but everyone was worried for her but also for what she saw. They needed answers soon.
When Elain came to Lucien was there to bring her some water and stayed close. She seemed fine but there was a vacant look in her eyes that reminded Lucien of when the sisters survived the cauldron. He wished he could take it away.
Lucien would have nursed her to health no question asked but unfortunately Rhysand needed answers. He winnowed to the room and knocked on the door before entering, "how are you, Elain?"
"Let her rest, Rhysand." Lucien half snarl his eye sparked in warning.
The high lord ignored him and walked closer to her, "Elain... we need you to focus. The future of our home, your sisters future, depends on your ability of foresight." Rhysand coaxed and before Lucien could warn him a hand on his shoulder stopped him as Amren pulled him back. Mor and Azriel stood just outside ready to pull the autumn male away if needed.
Feyre stood by silently arms wrapped around herself, she didn't like this but Rhysand knew what he was doing. This was for their future, she thought.
Elain stayed seated on the bed her gaze on the wall in front of her rather to her side where everyone was standing. Her eyes became white before she spoke, "I see two boys, one like clear skies and the other moonless night. They whisper amongst themselves not knowing they will split like rivers unable to meet."
Lucien tried to hide his confusion but Rhysand seemed to shift when he heard Elain's words.
"Elain... we need you to see more. There has to be a way to stop the koschei." Rhysand urged pushing his annoyance aside.
Elain's eyes became normal before she turned her head slowly to look at Rhysand, "you cannot kill Tamlin just as he cannot kill. You two struck a deal centuries ago. He was genuine, you were cruel. Your fate was sealed when you chose to be cruel again even after he saved your life."
Shadows swirled around him, "you cannot expect me to forgive someone who hurt my mate." He replied through gritted teeth.
"Yet... you forgive yourself for hurting her. Again and again and again," Elain uttered turning back to stare at the wall in a daze.
"He did it to protect me, Elain." Feyre defended and walked closer to her sister grabbing her arm gently, "please...we need your help if we want to defeat the koschei." She pleaded.
Elain looked down at Feyre's hand then back to Rhysand before her eyes glowed white again, "his fate cannot change because he does not change... He denies change to himself, to his family, to his precious Velaris, to Hewn city and Illyrian camps. He will always choose cruelty... He will kill the wolf and start the war because he is his father's so-" Elain spoke coldly before her mouth was forced closed suddenly as if someone had control over her own body.
Rhysand's knuckles turned white with how hard he was squeezing his hands, "that's enough. You clearly do not have the answers we seek. Rest." He dismissed her.
A blade of concentrated white flames appeared under Rhysand's chin and the lord of night looked to his side annoyed. Lucien stood ready to attack without a hint of fear as he held the firey blade close to his neck, "never do that to her again." Lucien warned him as the flames became brighter illuminating the room.
Rhysand narrowed his eyes and stepped back, "Amren, continue teaching her. Make sure she's busy." Rhysand ordered not breaking eye contact with Lucien. Increased hours for Elain would teach where the autumn male stood. It was a simple way to keep Elain far from him, to keep him in line.
Lucien dispersed the flame sword and ignored the satisfied smile Rhysand had on his face from being able to order everyone. He left the room and everyone soon followed but Lucien went back to guarding the door while Elain went back to rest.
End note:
Tamlin made Beron into a twink.
I'm trying to depict an anxiety attack for Eris on how he's afraid of what might happen since Beron's younger and stronger but also because he can't figure out Beron's next move at all. I think the depiction needs more work and I'd appreciate if yall can give some pointers.
Thr original idea was for Kalias to order the spriggan to attack Tamlin which led to him being kicked away like a foot ball and Viviane scolding him. I felt it was too ooc but also it sorta ruined the tension of winter being on guard with Tam compared to Tarquin who's very open to him.
Tag list: @litteraslegit @reblogandlikes @the-anonymous-unikitty @thefatesofspring @starscreambbymama
hot take but calling mythology and folklore fiction and removing the nuances around it is rooted in colonialism. mythology and folklore are a part of cultural practices and religion and should be handled with care in media portrayals. Yes this includes faeries. Yes this includes Greek mythology. SJM cherry picked the fuck out of celtic mythology and managed to include harmful depictions and stereotypes of Ireland because she treated it all like it was just fiction. I will KEEP saying this.
crack theory: lady of autumn becomes the new high lord/lady of autumn
basically the main theory is that Nesta will become the first high lady chosen by the magic in eons, what if it's Lady of Autumn. She's morrigan's age and has been tortured, watched her children die and turned into weapons by Beron. What if she becomes the high lady because the magic decided they don't need a schemer or a cruel Lord, what if they decide the land needs a kind woman who knows pain so she and her court can grow together.
A popular theory in the fandom on why Eris hasn't killed beron yet is because beron forced a bargain on lady of autumn where if he dies she dies but the reverse doesn't happen. A one way death pact essentially.
Imagine during the fight, Lucien is tasked with breaking the pact because he's half day court. He succeeds and is trying to escape with his mother but lady autumn refuses to leave without Eris. She won't abandon another of her children when she already lost two, she can feel something is wrong.
So they go to the court room and find Eris and beron battling it out, Eris is losing and she interferes. She uses her flame magic, the same flames Lucien inherited from her, the same flames that beron twisted into a power for his children to inherit. She uses it to defend. Eris is too weak to stop his mother and lady autumn challenges beron who accepts because the idea of this weak woman fighting him is amusing.
Lucien has to heal Eris wounds and both of them watch in horror as their mother walk forward. The other Vanserra brothers come in and watch, all of them showing different emotions. Worry, fear and the others even beg for beron to stop. Yet the duel continues.
Beron sends a few fire balls and lady autumn is terrified. She blocks them and beron laughs. Continues to insult her, she doesn't falter and keeps walking as she lets her fire burn with everything. Centuries of pain and torture from Beron, the pain of child birth, the pain of losing her sons, the pain of watching them turn into beron's weapons. Her flames that were orange burn so bright like blue sapphires it engulfs her to the point Beron can't even hurt her with his own weaker flames.
Beron charges at her with his sword, she only raises her arms before blazing blue flame hit him like a never ending blast from a dragon. When she's done, Beron is dead and what's left of him is his charred body burned so quickly it crystallizes like obsidian. The brothers quickly rush to her when she's on the floor crying because she's free, her children are free. They all hug and in the few moments they felt peace.
Eris expected for the high lord powers to transfer to him but then lady autumn stills, she looks up and shakes. The boys are worried that something happened to their mum, that maybe the pact wasn't fully broken and that might loose her until her hair burns like fire. She burns bright but gently and they realise that lady autumn has become the high lady of the autumn court. She's not like a raging blaze, she's like a warm fire that warms the hearth.
Eris announces it, everyone is shocked but has to accept it as they see her and feel her. Autumn changes for the better, no longer cutthroat but it feels like a home. Lady autumn gradually changes the court and in a few years child marriage is banned, children are protected and she's happy. She gets to stop others from being hurt like her, she gets to finally be a mother to her children. She's allowed to be free like an autumn leaf riding on a breeze.
Extras:
She and helion don't get together, or at the very least it's a not yet situation. She wants to heal, wants to help her people and wants to connect with her sons. Helion is a sad puppy about it but he continues to flirt with her every chance he gets.
When she does a party and invites the HLs, Tamlin kneels to apologise for killing her sons. She stops him because it's thanks to him Lucien is saved and she was able to see Lucien during court for centuries. Tamlin moves the 2 Vanserra brother graves to autumn and lady autumn gives jesmienda a proper grave. Lucien gets closures and lady autumn helps rebuild the spring court no strings attach cause Tamlin helped her son.
lady autumn is dislike by Rhysand cause she keeps pestering him about hewn city and Illyrian woman. Change takes time excuse doesn't work on her cause she changed autumn in just a few months/years.
She befriends Viviane and helps her through her first pregnancy. She and Viviane talk a lot but she always butt heads with mor due to hewn city. C'mon change can't take that much time.
The high lord meeting is slightly entertaining cause helion tries to flirt with her and derails the meeting so often. They had to deal with feysand and Kalias with Viviane now they have to deal with helion who tries to woo lady of autumn constantly.
Beron's crystallized body is made into public art as a reminder to not be abusive or else they'll be burn
I thought about making her name Hestia due to Eris being given a Greek name. Since Lucien is french and Vanserra is french tied I don't know what to name her.
SJM fucked up so big by making the fae conservatives like please what are we doing???
Do you know how much fun it would’ve been if Feyre were to suffer from extreme culture shock when coming to spring cause everyone’s kinda fucking with everyone and they’re all pansexual and everyone has rights and her meeting the first polycule would’ve been ridiculous HELLO!? I could rant on about this forever but how amazing would it have been for Feyre‘s internalized misogyny (and everything else ms ma‘am has going on) to be confronted head on?? How healing would it have been to not only meet so many confident women (and men) who are so comfortable with their femininity but also have people explicitly express "there is nothing wrong with all these things". It also would’ve made the Archeron sister‘s struggle to adapting a lot more interesting because these girls who were raised in a very sexist, classist and puritan environment are suddenly confronted with these people who are so sexually liberated and have so much freedom and so little shame about these things.
To be completely fair, I think a lot of what SJM promotes is her own worldview and experiences, so she fully thinks a woman will be most happy fighting a (metaphorical) war for men and then settling down with a husband and children, while her entire “found family” degrades her. If SJM wasn’t promoting this, plus the racism and calls to genocide in her book, I would consider feeling sorry for her.
I just don’t think she’s educated or wants to be educated enough to critically think about what she writes, and then gets upset when her fans or critics do just that.
Summary: The aftermath of Houyi's mission is discussed revealing Beron is a larger threat than expected. Shel's loyalty is questioned by Houyi. Helion advises Rhysand. Tamlin and Beron makes a deal to dispose the rulers of the night court while Beron focuses on the future. Elain reveals a terrible fate.
Author's note: I had to rewrite this chapter so many times. Its rushed work but it's honest
Tamlin and Shel were in the study room both busy starring at a large silver mirror construct growing out of the floor. They were analysing a scene of someone running in the forest and fighting shadow wraiths. Both looked tired with Shel's leafy head and dress being droopy while there were eye bags under Tamlin's eyes. They both barely reacted when the doors were opened by Archie in training gear.
"Are those images of what happened to Houyi? Shame he only killed three." Archie asked as he pointed to the mirror.
Shel waved the mirror away turning it into silver liquid that slithered inside of her, "that's none of your concern." She dismissed earning a raised brow from Archie. In the past he'd complain but he had accustomed to being outrank by her.
Tamlin closed his eyes before rubbing his forehead, "yes... what do you need, Archibald, Sentry problem or does your leg support need more adjustments?" Tamlin asked with a yawn.
"Thought ye were being a lazy lamb missing training." Archie replied as he walked in closing the door behind him, "what's gotten yer head in a twist? So what if young blood almost got caught, he's here ain't he?" He inquired.
"It's not that simple," Tamlin sighed and rubbed his forehead further, "the night court were on guard. They were prepared and Beron didn't warn us... he used us to test the waters. Its clear he doesn't need us as much as we think, he might be more dangerous than the night court." Tamlin complained while he leaned back his beastly eyes on the painted ceilings of the study depicting a dancing flying fae in a forest.
"You should ask your strategist to read up on Autumn court military tactics. They might betray us rather then support us." Shel informed.
Archie seemed stunned for a moment, " in other words, we haf to deal with two threats unless we stop one right now.... yer trying to kill two bogges with one spear, lad."
Tamlin's nostrils flared while his horns seemed to sharpen, "you think I don't know that? One wrong move and our people will be..." he trailed off as images of dead spring fae flooded his mind. He was silent for a moment before opening his mouth to speak, " we need their help to weaken our enemy. Failure isn't an option, I have to figure something out. I have to." He uttered desperately.
Archie sighed like a tired father and walked towards him, "Yer not some God, yer not high king... yer just high lord. You can't control everyone or save everyone." He spoke and pats his shoulder for a moment. "Whatever you choose, I know you won't forsake our home." He assured the lord.
Tamlin looked at the older fae and placed a clawed hand on the arm on his shoulder. He raised his other hand wanting to hug but stopped before he could. The half beast lord only looked down for a moment thinking all the ways he could stop this. To save spring and his people. After this he spent the remainder of spring time planning.
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Groups of fae had just walked out of the smaller meeting rooms where Shel had used, just as the door began to close an invisible force stop it for a few seconds before it closed fully. Houyi stopped turning himself invisible and walked around the room lightly touching the tables while Shel was busy cleaning up her piles of papers.
"Do you need anything or are you still angry about courtier training?" Shel questioned with a mocking tone.
Houyi frowned and crossed his arms, "I'm not that childish." He huffed before he breathed in and out to calm himself, " how's the daemati search? Think we'll have enough for a group."
"Daemati are rare but their magical capabilities also varies. Some are empaths, some can only read minds in short distances, a few can barely push emotions or thoughts. I found a candidate and testing others but... you're not here for that are you?" Shel asked her honeyed eyes narrowed.
Houyi smirked but his face turnt serious, "why are you working to stop the war?" He inquired feathers ruffled.
"You speak as if the war is certain when neither side have sent an official proclamation," she answered as she placed the papers back on the table before continuing, "Spring has suffered enough death, are you that eager to lose your life? To send others to their deaths?"
"What I want and what others want is justice on those who lost their lives to the witch of the north. I want our home to never have to worry about a court who believes itself as the rightful ruler to all. The sentries, me included will gladly give our lives to ensure a future where tyrants don't rule." Houyi announced like a seasoned soldier.
"But it's not what Tamlin wants... he's trying to avoid war even now. He's trying to weaken night's military and weaken their rulers peacefully even after what they've done. Do you know why?" Shel questioned as she stepped towards him.
"Because he cares for us," Houyi answered as he challenged Shel's gaze.
"Exactly, he felt our people die. What do you think he'll do if one of us is taken hostage or if civilians were killed? Because I know him... he will always save everyone even if it means harming himself. It only takes one of us." Shel argued glaring back. Houyi eventually left but Shel remained as she held the small wooden bird with a lion's head she stole from Tamlin. Maybe it was time she met the former emissary.
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Spring time had ended and on that night Tarquin had performed the rite of the summer court on the highest peak of his land. The rite of summer was about energy and joy while paying tribute to the moon that moved the oceans as well as the rain. Tarquin danced while his people sang and played instruments as he pulled water from the seas to the peak. When the time was right he evaporated the water and let it rain causing the river then the seas to glow a gentle blue as magic was returned to the land.
On the first summer day, the day court was prepared for high noon when the sun was at it's brightest. The day court's rite was celebrating life and the strength of life. It was a sportsmanship for the lord as he used all his strength to brighten the sun light until the entire court shined like the sun itself. Summer had began, yet problems remained.
Just a day after Day court's rite, Rhysand had arrived on official business. The two were enjoying a bottle of wine and a plate of cheeses in Helion's small meeting room. The high lord of night wore his usual dark clothes with silver decorations but Helion seemed to prefer fine silk that barely covered his entire body with a golden belt while he lounge around on his chair like an adonis acting as a muse. Today's meeting was for one purpose so Rhysand started by telling Helion what had transpired mere days ago.
Helion seemed impressed as he poured himself another cup, "killed three of your spies and gravely injured others. It's a rarity for someone to have an upper hand against dear Azriel... then again shadows are no match for light."
"Very. Which brings the question on how he got the weapon." Rhysand states as he sipped his wine while side eyeing Helion.
"Oh please," Helion dismissed with a wave of a hand before he began to speak, "sun forged weapons even of that grade aren't a rarity. Many investors custom made such things for their gladiators to win, are you implying I'm the enemy when I have no reason to be? I do not oversee every weapon sold outside of the court nor do intend to stop trade." He inquired playfully.
Rhysand placed the cup back on the table, "yet if the seasonal courts attack can I rely on you?" He asked eyes narrowed on the other with distrust.
"You can't. The best I can do is aid. Sending troops would only lead to more disapproval from my own people." Helion answered curtly with a grin.
Rhsyand eyes widened for a second before he focused them back on the day court male, "by law we are allies, if they intend to attack night they'll have to go through day and dawn first. It'll be in your best interest to support us." Rhysand countered.
Helion laughs, "come now Rhysand if you had our best interest in mind you'd leave that golden bastard alone yet... So many rumours..." he sighed as he grabbed the cheese knife and twirl if between his fingers, "I heard a lot about you. Truthfully this wouldn't be happening if you had kept your sadistic nature in check but oh well. You always like twisting your knife in wounds." He emphasised by stabbing the cheese block beside him.
"You may claim to be an ally rhys but in the mountain you gave me no privileges. What Beron said about you old friend was right, you'd kneel to save your own skin you were just lucky he took the fall the first time." Helion teased.
Shadows swirled around the high lord of night, "Careful. I'm not the one who brought Hybern into my lands and currently starving all of Pyrinthia." He warned.
"No but you didn't open your lands to refugees nor did you stop your mate from sabotaging spring court, did you? Whether you like it or not, the narrative has changed. Listen to the words on the streets more often instead of just looking down on those who weren't born like you. Prove to me you can actually be diplomatic and avoid war." Helion challenged with a smile as a halo formed behind his head like a crown of pure light. Rhysand glared daggers at the other before he forced a smile and walked out of the palace unsatisfied.
"Your oldest heir looks tired according to sources he's entangled deeper in night court's web, maybe he'll accept your offer to move here now if you can save his mate from your...closest allies." a tall muscular light brown skin, short curly dark brown hair and sky blue eyes spoke as he stood in the meeting just after Rhysand had left.
"You know he won't, Anteros." Helion replied before he looked up from speed reading piles of books and papers, "out with it. I can hear the judgement."
"Centuries of planning are undone. Befriending nobles of the night court to gain access to Autumn just so you have a chance to be with her again and she rejected you. She's made it clear where she stands. You should focus on your heir alone and break your alliance." Anteros pleaded his case.
Helion closed the book and sat up properly, "if I break alliance now, you can only guess the destruction they'll unleash. Acting neutral is our best options" Helion argued back and walked towards Anteros, "I was young, I made mistakes and now I'm high lord. I see no problem in paying my debt to the female who carried my child. Besides... there are other more pressing matters we should focus on later."
"Later?" Anteros raised an eyebrow but quickly step back before Helion could pull him in by his waist. He narrowed his eyes at the lord, "don't... I am your advisor and friend. Not some male for you to drown your loneliness in." The male snapped and walked out of the room not realising that's what the lord wanted. To avoid discussing more.
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The winter court was more lively in summer time with its slight increased in temperature allowing vegetation to grow and more animals to be active. The winter palace situated at the side of mountain however was lively with discussion as Kalias and Viviane had invited Tarquin for a meeting. Cressida and Varian had come as well but they spent their time outside of the meeting socialising with winter nobles.
"Both its rulers and the land seems to be fairing well as of late. How is your daughter?" Tarquin asked to be polite. Rather than wearing jacket, he wore his usual royal cloth wrapped around his body due to summer fae ability to control moisture temperature in the air.
"Flaterry won't get you everywhere in this. Thou your publication house has made me laugh recently. It was marvelous idea using the news paper to further destroy night's reputation." Kalias countered with crossed arms. He was more casual, wearing his white snowflake patterned parka and grey trousers.
"But our daughter is fine. It's hard to believe she's almost 2 years old now." Viviane gushed with a gentle smile. The three drank tea and ate ice cream pastries, exchanging small talk before Viviane spoke, "I believe it's time we get into it. Regarding the purpose for our invitation. We need to talk about our plans on how to handle Beron, now especially since he and Tamlin have appear to start working together.
"It's... still unbelievable that Tamlin would discuss with him out all fae." Kalias commented looking down deep in thought.
"Tamli intends to use him. He surely has a plan." Tarquin defended.
"We have no doubt he does but Beron is the most cunning fae due to experience alone. I am sure currently forgive my language for this but Beron is currently screwing spring over to further his own goals. There's also the fact that we don't know his plans. War and revenge would be the easiest answer but when presented with the opportunity he denied it. It's clear he intends to resort to an all out war only as the last option. So why? What deals is he making with Beron? His connections maybe but what good would it do?" Viviane questioned as she put her finger under her chin earning a grin from Kalias who watched her from the side. Tarquin thought it was sweet how in love he looked when she was deep in thought. The cold warrior who melts at his love.
"We also have to consider other threats. The night and autumn court may not be the only one on the move. There's also threats from priestess, we knew one of them turned traitor due to Tamlin's reports but what about the others? We need to be cautios." Tarquin states
Kalias frowned, "interrogating them one by one. It would stir panic. There's also the increased prices of food from spring." He reminded.
The three sighed but summoned their own stacks of papers. They continued discussing on how to handle the price change for food, the threats and whatever else. The meeting concluded with a proper alliance between summer and winter but it also led to the idea of stopping Tamlin if Beron's plans proved to be harmful.
When Tarquin with his relatives left the court, Viviane's sister, Eira had walked in. "I talked with Varian. He's... ambitious but not malicious." She informed the rulers.
"And did you sense he covet the title of high lord?" Vivane asked her words cold yet calculated.
"No... I truly believe he sees his cousin as too young to rule. I also believe he loves Amren of night." Eira answered a bit unsure herself.
The two rulers exhanged looks, "Thank you sister. We have to take every precaution against the night. Which means it's almost time to invite Tamlin here." Viviane informed and dismissed her sister.
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Tamlin had arrived in Autumn court's forest house and walked past the Vanserra brothers who all looked to him with disdain. Beron had dismissed them from the meeting room despite a few of them, especially Eris wanting to stay. The brothers could have listened in on them through the walls using magic which is why Tamlin had used his own air magic to dampened the sound. So no one could eavesdrop.
"I'm quite impressed with this spell of yours barely noticeable yet far more effective then glamour magic." Beron commented as he side eyed his surroundings.
"You didn't inform me of the spies or the increased security in Hewn city. I refuse to believe you were uninformed or simply forgot." Tamlin snapped digging his claws into the arms of his wooden chair while the air around them stilled as all outside sound died. If Beron focused he could also hear his own eyes blink. Interesting.
Beron leaned to the side with a hand under his chin while his elbow rested on the arm chair. "Simply testing your court's competence. Your little sparkler really impressed me, shame he's a half breed." He chirped with a smile.
"Do not threaten my people..." Tamlin half snarled as his teeth sharpened into fangs.
Beron's smile drop before he leaned forward arms on the table, "Before we begin, what's the average life expectancy of high fae to those we deem as lesser fae?" He questioned eyes focused.
Tamlin glared but let out a loud sighed, "high fae can live up to ten thousand years or longer depending on their magic mastery. Beast kin tend to live up to two thousand years or less. Elemental fae live a bit longer but small fae barely reach a few centuries." He answered and huffed, "do you intend to use this as a fact that high fae should rule?"
"And on average as of recently how long do high fae live?" Beron inquired.
Tamlin's rage turned to confusion. He didn't know the answer and he usually tried to be up to date on most research.
"Give or take around four thousands years or less. Not due to some unnatural cause not seen but less pure high fae are being born yet older high fae seem to die too early. In all of Pyrynthia, there is roughly two million fae and out of those millions there are only thousands of pure high fae." Beron explained and stood up letting his hand linger on the table as he walked towards Tamlin. Sparks of fire flew from his fingers as it scraped on the table before they floated up transformed into different shapes of various types fae.
"Spare me the high fae supremacy." Tamlin dismissed angering Beron.
"This isn't propaganda like what you're spreading with Tarquin. This is facts." He pointed out and made the high fae flame silhouettes burn brighter with the lesser fae flame silhouettes moved to form a pyramid under it. "We high fae live for eons, see empires rise and fall in a blink of an eye. That is why we have a responsibility to plan for stability for a farther future. Tell me baladeer, what's your plan after that mother forsaken court is crippled?" Beron inquired eyes sparking with fire.
"They won't be a threat anymore. They would be politically isolated with no funds for their armies and weapons." Tamlin answered his own eyes glowing green like the forest.
"For how long?" Beron continued to asked eyes narrowed.
"They aren't a threat." Tamlin repeated.
"For how long?! " Beron pressured as he raised his voice.
"We do not need another war!" Tamlin roared yet outside the sound dampening spell it wasn't heard. To those spying they were just watching a silent argument between the two.
"Think Tamlin think! It might take them mere years maybe decades to rebuild their coffers and armoury yet you still put effort to prevent war when we both know the solution to rid this world of them." Beron argued.
Tamlin let out a deep growl, "we both also know that war is just a waste of resources and time put into labour. You stand to gain the most if night court falls considering you'd have total economic control in Pyrinthia without them and I have no doubt that you'd make deals with the new rulers once the old is disposed." He countered.
Beron sat leaning back in his chair, "did you ever question why I am so focused on gold and coins, Baladeer?"
Tamlin looked indifferent, "why does a king hoard gold and jewels when he has everything? " He countered.
"A greedy fool but I am no fool," Beron answered and waved his hands turning the flame silhouettes into the shape of coin and jewels. "I told you before, I want stability but what does it cost to achieve it? The answer is coin."
Tamlin looked disgusted for a moment, "you speak of stability and coin yet a few of your people live in slums barely able to afford food. How is that fair?"
"Just cogs in a machine." Beron waved his hand dismissively, "My point doesn't change, a crown on your head just puts a target on your back but gold? Gold can be used to fund buildings to improve your life, gold can be used to silence your enemies and earn allies, gold can be used to fund wars to end enemies who oppose you without ever needing to leave your manor. I know gold is just a tool for us to exploit and influence the future. A world without bloodshed where we can live on top. I believe you can see the appeal of that Tamlin." He purred the last part.
"I will not allow my people to live in slums and struggle for food while they suffer addiction." Tamlin snapped.
"Yet... you need me to save the people in Hewn City and Illyrian camps. Let's see how well you fair without my connections and aid," Beron countered smugly and waited for a response from the half beast but there was none. "You know there's no other way to resolve this problem. So here's my offer, Baladeer. I want a war that ensures that half breed and his mate are removed from power entirely, I want you to win. I'll play nice of course, I will allow you to conduct it and I will even give you my entire force but in return I want economic control. To appeass your morals, you won't see me starving or hurting anyone in Pyrinthia... now do we have a deal?" Beron asked as he walked towards Tamlin offering his hand that began to burn.
Tamlin was silent, he had prepared but the idea of this deal was just bad. He knew war was inevitable and he still tried to stop it. If there were other options he was too foolish to think of them. He was making a mistake but he can at least ensure to mitigate the damage somewhat.
The half beast begrudgingly walked up to Beron, his clawed hand glowing gold with traces of green, "I High lord of Spring, offer you to dispose the rulers of the night court and trade in return for all your forces available." The half beast was about to shake Beron's hand but the older pulled away.
"One stipulation since this is an alliance afterall... I want you to swear to not harm nor kill me in any way shape of form, likewise I will do the same to you." Beron added.
"It's a deal." The half beast shook the hand belonging to the lord of lies. Fire and golden light shimmering from their hands.
Beron was confident, almost everything went according to his plan and he was sure Tamlin wouldn't break any deals but when the high lord of spring didn't let go of his hand his confidence faltered. For a moment he thought the other would kill him now.
"I know you intend to reintroduce spring court drugs to the world to fill your coffers. So I offer this to you freely so you may consider monetising it instead." Tamlin offered and golden light with traces of green suddenly enveloped Beron's entirety causing the entire room to be illuminated as if a small sun had appeared in it. No one could expect what Tamlin had done, only many will hate him for it.
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Amren wore a dark dress as she sat opposite of Elain who wore a dark blue dress that seemed to contrast against her natural glow. They were practicing divination magic at a room too close to Rhysand's study.
"There was a tale. Eons ago of a king who received a prophecy from his personal Oracle. The Oracle told the king that he'd die to his son's own hands yet despite the warnings the king still loved his child with all his heart. The child grew into a fine Prince who fair and smart as a pike yet the king did not stop loving him." Amren reminisced as she looked out the window.
"That's... beautiful." Elain commented with a small smile.
"It didn't end there, sweet girl. The Prince learnt of the prophecy. He learnt of what he'd do to his own father that he loved just as fiercely and so he ran. He ran to the lands and sea, the king was desperate to find him. He didn't care for prophecy or fate but he loved his son too much... he died from a broken heart and only by sheer luck was the Prince found. He became a king and his first act was to execute the Oracle who he blamed. Shame, the Oracle was mostly right." Amren hummed before taking a sip from her chalice.
Elain was silent unsure what to say to that story until she heard a door opening and on reflex looked to her side at the room's door that was ajar. She saw Lucien passing through, the autumn male stressed but an image flashed immediately in her mind. It was just like that day with Rhysand. A future uncertain. A future that can be changed, something that wasn't set in stone.
Elain was wearing a wedding dress, her family, friends and the people of Velaris seating on her side as they cheered but on Lucien's side there was only Helion. It was their wedding yet where was Lucien's friends and family?
"You just had a vision didn't you? I knew having him here would improve your magic." Amren stated pulling Elain from her thoughts.
"Maybe... I'm not sure." Elain lied smoothly but Amren trusted her. She didn't want to talk about what she saw, she was annoyed with her visions of Lucien. He wasn't her future, he belonged to Jesminda yet she kept being tormented with it. Why have a mate that loved another?
"I told you that story to explain why divination became rare... after that the king banned divination in his kingdoms and words spread. Soon other kingdoms followed until they simply forgot and only see it as a hoax. A seer's duty is to warn their rulers of tragedy. Not cause it or... well look what happened to that oracle. do you understand Elain, can you give us a warning?" Amren coaxed with a fake smile. Elain understood the threat regardless how subtle.
She didn't understand how to do it fully, she closed her eyes to draw our that power but nothing happened. Fear creeped into her heart wondering what the others might do if she failed but that fear was what pushed her visions violently.
Fear flooded her entire being as she suddenly threw her head back her eyes turning white as a vision flooded her mind, "I see... a crown of stars on a pedestal surrounded by seven spears holding the court flags. The crown bleeds beside a headless wolf... and the spears aimed at the crown.... but..." Elain spoke almost possessed before her faced paled instantly.
"But...Elain what do you see?" Amren asked carefully.
"Corpses....they're everywhere. they're everywhere. they're everywhere. they're everywhere. they'reeverywhere. they'reeverywhere. they'reeverywhere." Elain repeated like a madwoman as she clutched her head before letting out a powerful shout that shattered the glass around her and made Amren covered her ears at the high pitched sound.
Everyone went to see the commotion and saw Elain floating her eyes shining like a mirror reflecting sun light. "War will come when Rhysand kills a wolf... but there will be no victors. The age of high lords end is nigh! The death gods will sing once more!" She spoke with a thousand voices before falling. Lucien had caught her in his arms and looked to Rhysand who was uncomfortably quiet.
End note: Can you guys guess what Tamlin gave Beron freely that might make him hated? As for Elain's visions, I hope I'm building lucien and Elain's romance right.
Also so much foreshadowing this chapter
Tag list: @litteraslegit @reblogandlikes @the-anonymous-unikitty @thefatesofspring @starscreambbymama
