Winter Song: A Nessian Solstice Tale
Written for the amazing @leiawritesstories as an ACOTAR Secret Santa gift. Enjoy! This is my first fanfiction ever!! I hope you have a great Holiday and a Happy New Year!!
Warnings: Sweetness overload xD. A Fluff tale.
Cassian grimaced as he strode across the field on the outskirts of Velaris.
“Come on Ladies!!! Offense!”
This was Cassian’s first year coaching Illyrian Footy, and this was their first scrimmage against Azriel’s team of Illyrian warriors. The snow had not fallen yet in Velaris, a blessing in disguise. Cassian’s team of little Valkyries have been training for months and were prepared to play under any condition. He had a bet going with Azriel, confident that his girls could beat them. So far they were tied, and this play could change the outcome of the game.
His daughter Eden had been practicing diligently all summer and was prepared for any challenge. She ran down the field kicking the ball as she practiced some of her footwork. She glanced back at her father briefly and smiled, dribbling towards her number one rival, her cousin Nyx. Dribbling the ball for Eden was like a dance, as she utilized her surroundings to her advantage. Behind Nyx, her best friend Leah was ready to receive the ball and was a short distance away from the goal. Charging Nyx, she shifted her feet, and kicked the ball towards Leah, using the momentum of the wet grass to slide. Leah grinned and took the ball, heading towards the goal.
From the distance, Azriel shouted,. “Nyx! Get the--” and without warning, Leah kicked with all of her strength, and the ball shot into the far left of the goal, hitting the back of the net. The crowd erupted in cheers from across the field as some parents showed their support while others were groaning in disappointment.
Beaming with pride, Cassian clapped his hands together as he took the field, “Great work ladies! Let’s line up!”
As they lined up, he gave them each a high five, and winked at Eden and his daughter Brenna, who had just joined the team. With Cassian in the back, they walked towards the opposing team, and in a show of sportsmanship gave them all high fives, thanking them for a good game.
When Cass got to Az, he hugged him and chuckled. “If you ever need a guest coach to help with some of those techniques, let me know.”
Az’s eyes narrowed, a glare forming on his brow piercing into Cass’ stare,. “You know, if there were not any little ones with big ears here, I’d have some creative language and gestures for you. I can’t wait to take this out on you in the ring.”
Cassian grinned. “Oh, I bet. I’ll go easy on you, give you a fighting chance.” He ribbed Az with his elbow. “Just add our victory to the tally of drinks you owe me at Rita’s and we’ll call it fair. See you tomorrow at the river house for Winter Solstice, brother!”
Cass waved at Rhys and Feyre as they were picking up Nyx, and turned back to his team to finish his coaching duties from the game. After making sure they had their post-game snacks of apples and sandwiches, he waited until all of the girls were picked up by their parents, until only Brenna and Eden remained.
“Girls, come here,” Cass said, squatting down and opening his arms to hug them both. “ I am so proud of you, great game today. How about we wash up, then we can go shopping in Velaris with Freya and Aria. I need help getting something special for your mother this year for Winter Solstice.”
Brenna and Eden’s eyes lit up with excitement. “That sounds like fun Dad!” Brenna said, grasping his hand tightly as Cassian stood up.
He towers over his girls, but always melts when they ask for anything. As Cass bends down to pick up Eden and put her on his shoulders, she adoringly gazes back at him and asks, “Maybe we can get some hot chocolate once we are done shopping, Daddy?” Her big blue eyes were like saucers as he rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath, “Just like your mother with making bargains. Alright, hot chocolate after we finish shopping.” The girls cheer as Cassian laughs, and takes Eden in his arms.
He glances over at Brenna, “Do you want to practice flying?” Brenna’s eyes widened with anxious excitement.
She bit her nails, contemplating it for a bit, then raised her chin. “Let’s fly.”
Cassian’s heart filled with pride at how determined she was. Gods, the expressions they make are exactly like Nes’. With another on the way, he thought there was no way he could be happier.
Observing Cass as his wings outstretched, Brenna began to stretch her own wings and they both slowly began to rise off of the ground. She was shaky at first, but quickly gained her balance and momentum. Cass held onto Brenna and Eden in his hands and then they flew back to the House of the Wind to meet with the rest of the family.
“Aria. I need you to stand still.” Nesta said patiently as she was desperately trying to braid Aria’s hair into an intricate design. Aria’s constant squirming and struggling was making Nesta’s job very difficult - particularly as tears of pain streamed down over her daughter’s face.The Valkyrie leader sighed and thought to herself, no matter how long she practiced her breathing exercises, nothing was going to prepare her for four girls.
Throwing up her hands in frustration, she spun Aria around and cupped her daughter’s face in her hands. She lovingly gazed into her daughter’s round hazel eyes, and spoke in a firm tone. “My fighter, you are stronger than this. I know the braid is tight, but you will look beautiful. I will try to go lighter, but you need to be strong, ok?”
Aria thought about what her mother said, and pouted her lower lip, further melting the witch’s heart. “Ok, Momma.”
Smiling softly, Nesta leans forward to kiss her forehead. Almost at the same time, Nesta’s eyes widen as she felt a kick in her swollen tummy, blooming with life. “Gods, cauldron boil me. Let’s finish this up, and I will read you and Freya a story, for being so brave. Hot Chocolate included.”
Aria nods enthusiastically and spins herself around at this idea. “Ok!”
Nesta had a big surprise for her mate this year. After visiting Madja yesterday, she was brimming with excitement. They were going to have a boy. She was never great at selecting gifts for Winter Solstice, but Nesta wanted to make this one special. After her appointment with Madja that week, she went to Velaris to his favorite shop, Embers and Ashes. There was a longsword in the window she knew he had been looking at when they took the girls to see Rhys and Feyre last. It was beautiful, the grip was red, matching his siphons. The blade itself was black, with the fuller a deep red as well. The blacksmith gave her an option of engraving words or symbols into the guard. Touched, she had all of their names engraved, with a space for their new addition to the family. The scabbard was the signature black of the night court, with the inner circle names embroidered along the length in a starlight thread, rare in Velaris.
As Nesta finished up Aria’s hair, she pinned her daughter’s braid up into a beautiful crown, and spun her around. The house must have heard their conversation, and three glasses of hot chocolate appeared, with a slice of chocolate cake. Her other daughter, Freya, who was supposed to be taking a nap in her parents’ bed, was building a fort for her stuffed bears instead; giving them commands to attack the invisible forces that were a threat. Cassian always adored Freya when she was in the room. She has her mother’s stormy blue eyes mixed with his raven black hair, not to mention his personality.
As Nesta handed Aria her hot chocolate, she looked over at Freya and grimaced. “Well. Your father will be cleaning this up, so he can see your work, general.” Walking over to the bed, she helped Freya off of the bed, and gestured towards the library.
Nesta turned her head towards Aria, “Please lead your sister to the library, and I will bring the rest of the hot chocolate. I am sure the House can transport the cake.” She stared up with a pleading look. As the girls ran down the hallway, sighed, shaking her head as she walked back to grab the hot chocolate, and waddled toward the library slowly, exhausted from the morning.
She cradled her stomach, and saw her two girls in the middle of the library sitting on the couch, with a book ready for her to read. Nesta sat next to both of her girls and handed Freya her hot chocolate, placing her own cup on the table. She opened up the book smiling, and began to read to them. The house turned on the fireplace to further illuminate the room, the bright warm colors battling the white snow that began to fall outside.
A frigid breeze hit Cassian as he held Eden tighter against his chest to keep her warm. He shot a glanceover at Brenna, who had a large grin on her face, as she flew alongside him. That is when he felt it. A few snowflakes slowly started to hit his face as they approached Velaris, where they saw the House of Wind, their home. Brenna laughed as she raised her hand, and caught some of the snowfall.
Smiling broadly, Cass called out to Brenna and gestured towards their home. “Brenna, we are going to land over there. Remember what I taught you? Keep your legs loose but strong, and be gentle. As we approach, watch me. If you struggle, I will catch you.”
Approaching the main area of the house, he gestures to Brenna to wait as he stretches out his wing, and glides in, landing lightly on his feet. Placing Eden down gently, she begins to jump up and down, clapping and cheering on her sister.
With the mindset of a General, Cassian locks his eyes with Brenna’s.
Brenna’s hazel eyes lit up as she bit her lower lip, intensely focused as she shakily glides in. She hovered over where she wanted to land briefly, but wanted to make her father proud. Slowly, she lands, and smiles, her hands on her hips as she tucks a lock of her light brown hair behind her ear.
Cassian unfolds his arms and lifts her chin with his finger, a smile slowly forming across his face. “Well done, sweetheart. We should practice gliding a little bit more but that was really good.” He then turns to face the house as the girls tuck their hands neatly in each of his as they enter the house.
When they opened the doors, the house was warm. Cass helped his girls and brushed the freshly fallen snow off of their shoulders and took their Illyrian footy shoes off.
“Alright ladies, before we go, you need to freshen up. I am sure the house has started your baths, and will help you. Your mom will come check on you if you need help. Leave your doors open so if you need anything you can call out to us. The sooner you are done, the sooner we can go on our adventure.”
Before he could finish, the girls ran down the hallway.
“Do NOT forget to dress warm!” Sighing, he took off his boots and his jacket, running his hand through his dark hair. He tugged on the bond, and did not find it responsive. Worried, he furrowed his eyebrows together and strode down the hallway to find Nes.
The hallway was illuminated by faerie lights as Cassian started to approach the hallway towards their bedchamber. He stopped abruptly when he saw the doors to the library open. Raising an eyebrow he walked in, noticing the fireplace on. The scene before him warmed his heart. Fifty years ago he would never have thought he would be at this stage of his life. Mated with a fierce, beautiful, independent Valkyrie with fire in her soul, and four, soon to be five, children. Aria was trying to read to Freya, who was engaged in whatever story was being told, and Nesta was asleep, her hand daintily laid on the top of her stomach. He walked into the frame of the door, and tapping lightly, puts his finger to his lips as his girls look up, and gestures towards Nesta.
Aria and Freya run towards him as he scoops them in his arms, giving them each a kiss on the cheek. Speaking low, he whispers, “Go change, we are going to Velaris to shop for your mom for Winter Solstice. Dress warm, when you are ready, go to Brenna’s room.”
They jump up and down as Cassian signals for them to be quiet and they run down the hallway towards their rooms.
Chuckling, he shakes his head walks quietly into the room, and approaches the couch.
He leans in and kisses her lips tenderly, bringing his hand to her stomach. Nesta’s eyes flutter open as she leans into the kiss, cradling his face in her hands. Smiling, she mumbles, “You’re back. I assume you want to take the girls to run errands.”
She yawned and stretched her back, “Aria and Freya are ready, they just need to dress warmly. It’s snowing.” Nesta smiles lazily and gazes up at Cassian, looking over him to make sure he was ok.
He chuckles and folds his arms. “Nes, I am fully capable of handling our daughters. “
Nestas eyes roll and she smirks, “Ah. And what happened last time? Oh yes. The living room was destroyed with paint from you, Feyre, and the girls deciding to have a paint party. The canvases untouched.”
Cassian scoffs, “That happened ONE time. We have serious business to take care of today, and need to go to Velaris.”
Nesta tilts her head curiously. “Oh? What for? Do you need help–”
He raises his hand, anticipating this, “NO. You need to rest. With the Valkyrie training still with Emerie and Gwyn that you are refusing to give up, and watching the girls, you need to relax. Not just for you.” He gestures toward her stomach. “For our new warrior.”
She giggles and lets out a single breath of annoyance. “Alright, Alright… I can take care of myself, you know.” Nesta struggles to stand up as Cassian leans in to help her. She throws her hand up, insistent that she do this and shakily stands up and straightens her amethyst colored dress. Lifting her chin as Cassian curses in frustration and folds his arms against his chest. Amused, she smiles and asks, “How did Illyrian Footy go?”
Cassian’s eyes lit up. “We won. Az needs to add to my tab of drinks he owes me. Brenna did amazing, Eden is still learning. This break will be good for them. All of the girls have been working so hard.” His eyes wander down towards Nesta’s chest, then met her eyes as he crooned. “I think you need to rest and go to bed before I ravage you right here.”
Without warning, Cassian leans in and lifts her, putting his arm under her legs and supporting her back. He walks her out of the room as she squeals, nuzzling his neck. “If I sleep, what is my reward?” She purred.
“You will have to be patient and find out later, Archeron.”
Nesta laughs as Cassian approaches their bedchamber, opening the room to find their bed filled with pillows piled on top of each other. He sighed, “Freya?”
Nesta grinned. “Who else? She wanted you to inspect her fort.”
Rolling his eyes, Cassian says under his breath “ Of course she did.” Placing Nesta down on her feet, he gestures toward their chair and commands, “Sit.”
Raising her chin and narrowing her eyes on Cassian as she sat down, she was annoyed at being given orders. Glancing over at the bed, he put the pillows on the side, some falling to the floor, he lifted the comforter allowing, Nesta to get in easily.
“I know you probably have a lot to do today, but please sleep for me.” Cassian remarked as he glanced over at her with a pleading look in his eyes.
Sighing and yawning, further proving Cassian’s point, she rose from the chair, and crawled into the bed. As her head leaned on to the pillow she groggily retorted, “Fine, I will sleep for a little, but there is a lot to do.”
Cassian leaned in, “There is always a lot to do. We will be back tonight.” He kissed her, nibbling her lower lip as a moan escaped her. Chuckling, he steps back and walks over to the bathroom to wash up and change his clothes. When he came out , he was in a black sweater, dark olive green pants, and thick socks for his boots. He raised an eyebrow when he saw Nesta deeply asleep, wrapped around a pillow. He tied up his hair halfway, and leaned in to kiss her on the cheek one last time, and walked towards the door. Stopping, he turns around to look back at her and softly says, “I love you,” as he closes the door, and walks down the hallway to check on their girls.
He approaches Brenna’s room and knocks lightly, “Are you ladies ready?”
Overhearing chatter behind the door he opens the door tentatively and knocks on the door’s frame. The girls always managed to end up in Brenna’s room together. They were fierce when they fought with each other, but were also very close, which was heartwarming to him. Freya and Aria were jumping on the bed. Brenna and Eden were brushing their hair.
Cassian strides into the room, and grabs one of his leather ties. “Eden, do you need any help?” Eden spots the leather tie and she squeals with excitement. She always loved her hair up with a tie from her father. Cassian walks over and asks for the brush, finishing up her hair. He was not confident in his abilities when working on his girls’ hairstyles, but he had been practicing, and Eden is more than happy to oblige most of the time. He put her hair at the top of her head, and twisted it into a bun.
He put his hands on his hips as Eden jumps around and hugs him “Thank you Dad!”
Cass grins, “Thank YOU Eden for letting me practice.”
Eden then squeals and runs behind him, towards Aria and Freya. Cassian notices that Brenna was ready, and everyone was dressed for the cold weather. He strides over to the center of the room, to gather the girls.
“Alright, let’s go get our coats and gloves. Eden, I need you to remain inside as I take Freya and Aria down, and will come and get you after.” Eden nods as Cassian opens the door, slowly ushering them out. They run down the hallway towards the front door, and grab their coats, hats and gloves, and start to put their boots on. Cassian trails behind them, and puts on his coat, hat and gloves.
“Brenna, I need you to watch your sister’s carefully within the gate at the bottom of the stairs as I get Eden. Ladies! Like we have practiced.”
All of the girls nod and stand in a line. Cassian straightens his back and walks up and down, making sure the girls are bundled up, his eyes light up with amusement and pride. “Alright let’s go.”
Scooping up Freya and Aria in his arms as they clung tight to him, they head outside. Brenna, more confident in her flying abilities, began to stretch her wings and move them up and down, hovering slightly above the ground. She slowly gains momentum and glides down towards the front gate at the bottom of the stairs. Cassian follows while carrying Freya and Aria, and drops them off with Brenna. While heading back to get Freya, he grabs the key to the gate and returns to meet the rest of the girls at the bottom and then proceeds to unlock the gates as they step onto the streets of Velaris.
Some time later, Nesta woke up to warm candlelight and her comforter wrapped around her. She opens her eyes and sits up, stretching her lower back. The house was very quiet, only the sound of the crackling of the fireplace there to keep her company. Realizing this was her perfect opportunity to get some decorating done and gifts wrapped, she hops out of bed, and grabs a warm black shawl that was on the chair in their room. She lifts it to her nose, and smiles. It smells like Cassian. Wanting to be near him, she wraps the shawl around herself and opens the door to step out into the hallway. Her eyes widen, realizing her plan.
Quickening her pace, she heads towards the main hall, calling out to the house, “Alright, I need your help. Do you remember the plan? We need to get to work before Cass and the girls get home.” Putting her hands on her hips, she began working with the house on the surprise for her family.
The streets of Velaris were bustling with life, many fae embracing the Holiday season and shopping for their friends and loved ones. The snow was settling upon the rooftops of the various shops along the Sidhra sparkling against the light from the various lamp posts along the main path. A vendor was selling roasted chestnuts on the corner, the smell wafting towards Cassian and his family.
Freya squeals as she points to the vendor and gazes up at Cassian giving him a pleading look. Cassian sighs and picks her up. “How can I resist that face.” Rubbing his nose against Freya’s who squealed in delight, touching his face with her hands. Laughing, he put his daughter down, and gathered all of his girls together towards the vendor, buying some for his girls.
As they continued to walk down the main street, Cassian pulls out a list from his pocket of the gifts he had planned for Nesta. Both he and Nesta already finished the shopping for the girls, and the House was successful in hiding the gifts from them. They went through the various shops, and found some of the items, including a book recommended by Gwyn and Emerie, some new candles that smell like musk and pine, which made Cassian chuckle to himself. Now every time Nes will read one of her romance novels, she will light a candle that will smell of her mate. The other items Cassian had pre-wrapped. The girls did not need to see the undergarments that he picked out for their mom, especially since they were recommended by Rhys. Cassian was grateful he grabbed his large travel back to store all of these gifts in, since it was going to be a long trip back to the house of Wind. He carefully put the bag over his shoulder, as they arrived at the last shop.
There was a little shop on the corner with music flowing out of its doors and the girls rush inside. Chuckling, Cassian steps into the warmth of the shop, and is immediately surrounded by faerie lighting.
The shop was decorated for the holidays, red poinsettias and garland lined the walls, from the entrance to the exit. Brenna was immediately drawn to the piano in the corner. Little did his daughter know, he ordered that piano months ago, and is having it delivered by Az and Rhys the day of Winter Solstice. Freya sat next to Brenna, and Aria and Eden were coaxing the shop owner Arlo for sweets.
Cassian strutted towards the counter and smiled. “Girls, we are getting hot chocolate later, and we had Chesnuts. Leave poor Arlo al–”
As soon as the words left his mouth, Arlo reaches under the counter, and pulls out a bowl of chocolates. The shop owner shrugs as Cassian let out a groan of frustration, and adjusted his spectacles. “I cannot resist. Your mate always asks for one when she visits me as well, General.”
Rolling his eyes while smirking, Cassian says sarcastically, “How am I not surprised.”
The girls thank Arlo and grab chocolates for themselves, Brenna, and Freya. Cassian glances over at his girls to make sure they were not causing any disturbances, and lock eyes with Freya, giving her a look to behave. Chuckling, he re-focuses his attention towards Arlo. “So, Rhys said you were looking for me, saying the piece was ready?”
Arlo’s eyes light up with joy, remembering what Cassian was referring to. “Yes! Did you bring the Symphonia with you?”
Cassian pulls the Symphonia out of his pocket, and hands it to him. It took an army to distract Nesta so he could borrow it for a few hours. Thank the Mother that he enlisted his girls to help him.
Arlo thanked Cassian and took it to the back. “I will be back in a few moments.” As he nods in acknowledgment, he turns to face his girls who were attempting to learn a song on the piano. Shaking his head, he exhales, his eyes filled with emotion. Nesta and him have come a long way, from fighting constantly, to saving Prythian, and being mated with children. There are some days he does not believe his life is real, and not sure what he did to deserve it.
Arlo walks back in with a leather bound folder, and the Symphonia. “Would you like to listen to it first?”
Cassian nods and calls the girls over to the counter. Arlo moved his hand over the Symphonia to play it, and the girls gasped. The melody was a waltz that was hauntingly beautiful with many dimensions. The tempo would increase in certain movements, then would slow to a romantic melody, as if it were trying to convey a story. As soon as the song ended, Cassian was speechless, silver lining his eyes.
Smiling, Arlo hands him the leather-bound folder, “Here is the sheet music, in case you ever want it performed live.” He smoothly glances briefly at Brenna, then back at Cassian.
Finally getting his voice back, he says hoarsely, “This is beautiful, thank you.”
After Cassian paid, he tucked the symphonia carefully in his pocket and then slipped the sheet music into his bag. “She is going to love this, Arlo, I hope you have a great Winter Solstice.” As they said their goodbyes, the girls each gave Arlo a hug, and they started to walk out.
Calling back to them, Arlo says “Do you want to know the title of the piece?”
The girls eagerly jump up and down and Eden’s eyes light up,”Tell us! “
Arlo grins and says, “The Goddess and her Warrior.”
The girls let out a series of squeals and tug at Cassian’s hand. “ That’s you and Mom, Daddy!” Aria says enthusiastically.
Cassian looks down at her and smiles. “It sure is.”
The cold brisk air hit Cassian as they walked out of Arlo’s Music Emporium, and he felt the snow hit his face. “We should be getting back soon. But first! We had our bargain, Let’s go get hot chocolate! “
The General and his young warriors walk hand in hand as they head to Rita’s to get hot chocolate, before flying back to see their Goddess.
As Cassian flew the rest of the girls up to the House of Wind, he let out a gasp because the house was illuminated with bright blue faerie lights that accented the house. The girls took their coats off and handed them to Cassian to hang on the coat rack. Aromatic smells of gingerbread and chocolate permeated the air as Cassian strode towards the main hall, the girls running ahead of him. He turned the corner and halted in his tracks at the scene before him.
Nesta was dressed in a red velvet dress accentuating every curve, and let her curls fall freely. The tree in the corner was fully decorated, with all of the gifts for the Winter Solstice underneath. On the dining table there were gingerbread cookies, hot chocolate, brownies, chocolate cake, and frosted sugar cookies. Not only was the room adorned with Garland and poinsettias, but there were blue faerie lights dancing around them as the girls ran to grab some of the sweets at the table.
In shock, Cassian walks towards her. “How did you do all of this?”
Nesta shrugs, “It was nothing really. Elain let me borrow Nuala and Cerridwen to help with the baking as the house listened to my instructions. I spend most of my time wrapping and working on minor decorations. I wanted to-”
Before she could finish, he captured her mouth with hers, and the world stopped, until they were the only two in the room. Smiling Cassian presses his forehead to hers. “Happy Solstice, Nes.”
Nesta smiles brightly. “Happy Solstice, Cassian. Why don’t you put your bag down, and I have something for you and the girls.”
Cassian raised an eyebrow. He always loved when his witch commanded him, and he crooned,. “With pleasure.” Slightly adjusting his travel back, he walked over to the tree and knelt, putting all of the gifts for his mate under the tree, as well as a few additional gifts for his girls that he had to pick up. Standing up, he turns around to face his family. All of the girls were on the couch, enjoying their cookies, and Nesta stands up, her arms behind her back.
Smirking, Nesta pulls a box from behind her back, wrapped in dark blue paper. She calls out to the girls, but still keeps her gaze on Cassian. “Girls, please open this with your father.”
The giddy girls run up to Cassian as he grabbed the box from her. He crouched down as they untied the ribbon, and unwrapped the package. Inside were small socks, Illyrian Onesies, and a small blanket, with some small toys. All of them were different shades of blue. The blanket was a dark blue with a rare black thread entwined with Silver starlight. Cassian gasps at the beauty of all of the items, then it hits him. Why was everything blue?
Cass’ eyes widened as he looked up at his fierce wife, his eyes lined with silver. “..Really? A Boy?” Their girls shriek with glee around their parents as Cassian stood up to embrace her, muffling his tears of joy in the crook of her neck.
Nesta laughs shakily, and embraces him. “Happy Solstice, Cass.”
As he looks down at her, she wipes his tears away and he touches her stomach in wonder. “Did you think of any names yet?”
Nesta grins, “I have a few ideas. Either Callan, Evander or Cayden. The girls helped me actually. Maybe you can narrow them down for us.”
Cassian lifts Nes off the ground and immediately rained kisses down her face as she was chuckling. Contemplating the names he had just heard, he looked at the girls and Nes, “How about Cayden?”
Nesta nodded “Cayden it is.” The girls jumped up and down with excitement, and Nesta tried to calm them down.
“Now girls, how about we play a few games, then off to bed. Tomorrow is Winter Solstice and you want your rest so you can have fun with your cousins and enjoy your gifts.” The girls became giddy after the mention of games, and gathered around the table, waiting for their parents to join them.
The rest of the night they played card games, dominos, and Cassian told embarrassing war stories of Uncle Rhys and Uncle Azriel. As the girls started to doze off, Cassian picked them up one by one and tucked them in their rooms, so they are well rested for the Solstice holiday. Grinning from ear to ear, he walked back towards the main hall to spend time with Nes.
She was curled up in a ball, reading one of the novels Emerie let her borrow, with a blanket wrapped around her. As he leaned against the wall, he stared at her, embracing the moment. Reaching down, he felt the symphonia in his pocket. He wanted to wait for tomorrow, but this felt right.
Nesta raising her gaze and realizing Cassian was in the room, she smiled. Cassian strode over to the tree and pulled out the black leather folder, and sat next to her on the couch.
“I wanted to give this to you now, since we have time alone. He rubbed the back of his head nervously as he handed her the folder, and pulled out the symphonia from his pocket. He rubbed his sweaty palms on his pants, and watched as she opened the folder.
Nesta smiled, she knew Cassian was nervous, and worked hard on whatever he was presenting to her. As soon as she opened the folder, she was speechless, as she laid the sheet music in her lap. “The Goddess and her Warrior. Cass..you-.”
As soon as she read the title, Cassian played the symphonia, as a cacophony of notes started to play and rise, filling the room they were sitting in. Her eyes widened as she looked at the Symphonia in wonder. In the corner of her eye, she saw Cassian slowly rise and reach out his hand. Her vision blurred, she wiped away her tears and took his hand. “ How did you do this?” Still in shock, Cassian turned her carefully, and led her into a waltz.
“I went to Arlo’s Music Emporium weeks ago while I was visiting the winter house, and wanted to do something special for you this year. I know you miss dancing, so I wanted to make this year special for you.” Moving her delicately they glided across the room as Nesta was gaining her momentum back. Nesta’s laughter was rare, but when she laughed, it brought him to his knees. He was full of pride knowing that this joy was from him.
As soon as the waltz slowed and came to an end, She cupped his face in her hands. “How do you always manage to surprise me, Cass. I love you.” Leaning up, Ness kissed him and curled herself in his embrace. He looked down at her, his gaze filled with intense emotion as he tucked her hair behind her ear.
“Happy Solstice Nes, and here is to many more.” Cass took her hand and led her to one of the large armchairs. He sat and pulled her onto his lap. Before they got too comfortable, Nesta shimmied out of his embrace and went towards the tree, dragging a large box.
“My turn.” She grinned as she placed it on the table in front of the armchair.
Cassian leaned forward and carefully took the lid off of the box. Exhaling, he trailed his fingers along the sword which sparkled in the warm light. As he took it out of the box in reverence, he placed it on the table, and looked at the intricate designs. The inner circle’s names represented on the scabbard, and the guard with all of his family’s names, including a space for Cayden.
“Beautiful.” He said softly. “What made you think of this?”
Nesta placed her hands on his shoulders as he looked at his gift. “You are always such a warrior, thinking of others. I thought you could have another nice sword for your collection. As a symbol that you always protect your family.”
Cassian stood up and met her gaze. “I will cherish this forever.” He picked up the sword, and walked toward the center of the room, swinging the blade utilizing the eight pointed star exercise he demonstrated to Nesta long ago.
“Well balanced, and the perfect weight. Thank you.” Grinning from ear to ear, he laid it carefully in the box. “I have to show Rhys and Az tomorrow.”
Nesta rolled her eyes and muttered something about the male ego as Cassian chuckled and picked her up as he sat in the armchair again, sitting her on his lap.
They gazed into the embers of the fireplace as Cassian delicately pressed his lips to hers as they shared a kiss. As the kiss deepend, he ran his hands through her hair as she nibbled at his lower lip, eliciting a low growl from him. He trailed his kiss from her mouth towards the back of her ear as she chuckled, leaning into him to get comfortable.
As they both drifted into sleep, they were thrilled for time with their family tomorrow to share the news, but also of what the future has in store for them for many years to come.
