I believe Mor is a character that gets treated like a joke by the narrative as a wine lesbian pick me whose only personality trait is being virtually an alcoholic, and that she suffers from immense internalized misogyny and homophobia that makes her toxic and very difficult for me to enjoy her character, as well as overall poor writing that keeps her from growing as a character
I also believe that Nesta, Emerie, or Gwyn (hell, all three) should kiss her. They could fix her, I believe in them
7) finding a somewhat private area at a fancy party to fuck (coat closet, empty office, secluded corner on the big balcony, hedge maze if we wanna get dramatic, etc)
Mor drabble
"Where are we going?" You whisper as Mor leads you to a balcony in the House of Winds, wine in hand, the sky lit up with starlight as they streak across the blank canvas of the night.
Mor holds your free hand, stopping beside you, sighing at the open sky, "I just wanted some quiet with my favourite girl."
The teasing glint in her eyes is very evident, especially as she steps closer lips pressing on your pulse point, "Mor..." You gasp, instantly lacing your hand in her thick hair, holding her close.
Mor's hands grab your waist, groaning, "I want you... I couldn't really have you down there..." She smiles, handing you her glass, pulling her dress up slightly to kneel on the floor beneath you. "Don't spill my wine."
You giggle as she looks up at you, a drunken blush on your cheeks as you sip her wine. Mor seprates the high slit on your dress to expose your lace to the open air, smirking she leanes in, brushing her nose against your core, feeling the heat pooling behind the fabric.
"Mor–" You groan as she pulls down the lingerie, hips pressing on the railing of the balcony as you tilt your head back, sighing at the view of Starfall above.
You feel her tongue before her hands, licking at your inner thigh as she brings up her hands to part your legs, her nose brushes against your core as she inhales your scent, tongue poking out to lick at your slit.
She laughs, face nuzzling into your cunt, bringing up two fingers to part your folds. She begins to lick, nose rubbing on your clit for extra stimulation as her tongue tracing your cunt. "Mmm... Just what I needed..."
You moan softly as you sip at the wine, admiring the starlit sky as your mate pleasures you, your fingers lace in her hair, holding her to your core as she found her pleasure in her tongue stroking the walls of your cunt.
"Damn Mor..." You gasp, legs trembling in your heels as she eats you out, the slurping noises of your wetness and her saliva mixing drowning in the life of the party downstairs.
She hums, licking and sucking at your wet cunt, drinking you in fully. Her fingers trace your slit, circling around your entrance before pushing in. Your core tightens around your fingers as you clench around the intrusion, the fingers easily thrusting in and out with how wet you are.
Mor hooks her fingers inside you, curling them to make you moan in pleasure, she wraps her lips around your clit, sucking on the sensitive bug to bring you closer to the peak of your release.
"Shit..." You whine, knees shaking from the pressure to keep straight, hand tightening on the stem of your glass. Breathing heavily, your head tilts back, admiring the sky as your pleasure reaches a high ready to snap.
You snap around her fingers, release coating the digits as her tongue licks at your clit, soothing you through the climax, "Mmm... So delicious." She smiles up at you, eyes blown widem lips smeared in your release as she sucks her fingers clean, "Just what I needed."
Playfully rolling your eyes you hand her the wine glass, "Here, I didn't spill one bit." You snort softly, adjusting your dress as she stands up, "We should clean up before your brother comes lookin'..."
Summary: You weren’t trying to kill your neighbor, honestly, you were just defending yourself. But that crazy fae and her antics land you in a holding cell. Luckily for you, getting arrested turns out to be much more fun than you ever anticipated.
Part 2
<3
My face was set into a hard line as I sat on the curb outside of Rita’s. The sound of the bar closing early was clearly audible from the spot the lawman had told me to sit and not move. Patrons exited with grumbling and angry faces, some glared as they passed and I could only offer apologetic smiles. I was already uncomfortable enough without the condescending stares and occasional curses.
The cool air pushed my hair around and with my hands magically bound behind my back I was repeatedly spitting strands out of my mouth. My thin dress provided no solace against the cold stone under my ass and the unrelentingly wind was only making it worse. I was beyond uncomfortable but the civil servants didn’t seem to care.
This wasn’t fair; it’s not like I started the fight, I just finished it.
I’ve never been a fighter per se, but I’ve also never let someone walk all over me and at this point I’d had enough. The crazy bitch to my left was currently raging against the other two patrols, thrashing around and spitting on their uniform. I scoffed as she screamed obscenities and pushed the female off of her with a hard kick to the chest.
“See!” I exclaimed at the patrol that was half watching me and half watching his colleges struggle to detain the crazed fae. “She’s fucking crazy! Obviously I’m the victim here.”
His eyes moved to mine and I widened them for emphasis, he responded with a scoff of his own. “It took all three of us to drag you off of her,” he crossed his arms over his chest, “not to mention multiple witnesses are willing to testify that most of the property damage was your fault.” His eyes narrowed as he dared me to challenge the statement.
I just leaned back and kicked my legs out with a huff. A couple of chairs, tables, some glasses, some bottles, a few bystanders, and an already weak wall wasn’t enough. I should’ve thrown her into or hit her with something else. Even now, watching her childish display had me itching to go put her in her place all over again.
“Listen, I’m a cool fae. Calm and collected, I don’t start problems. Her,” I jerked my elbow into the direction of the female that wasn’t slowing down, “on the other hand, does. None of this would’ve happened if she hadn’t come up to me. She was pulling my hair and scratching at my eyes! What would you have done?”
I leaned forward expectantly, I knew he agreed. Instead of confirming he just shook his head and looked away. Back-up had finally arrived and three of the four officers assisted in detaining the wild one. One of them used whatever magic they possessed to temporarily knock her out for transport. The remaining lawman approached where I was sitting and looked me up and down.
“I take it you’re the one who fought her?” I looked over at the unconscious female that was being slung over a shoulder and just nodded with a light shrug. “Can’t say I blame ya,” he responded in a much more relaxed tone than the first officer.
“Thank you!” I exclaimed as he helped me onto two feet. I threw the first patrol a look that said everything I was thinking which he only responded with another shake of his head. I didn’t miss the light smile he had and in that moment I felt like I had this in the bag. I assumed I would get a warning, maybe a slap on the wrist and be sent on my way. I hoped that they would lock her up in some far off dungeon and throw away the key.
The new officer grabbed my elbow lightly before winnowing us to the station. I suppressed my groan as I took in the depressing scene. Gray walls, gray floors, gray bars that lined different holding cells on the back wall. The room was packed with multiple desks where about 15 officers sat, some with either with victims or perpetrators in front of them. Every desk though had stacks of papers that threatened to spill to the floor.
I followed diligently behind the officer as he led me farther and farther to the back. I prayed that he would stop at any of the empty desks but he didn’t stop until he reached the cells. He opened up the metal door and looked at me expectantly.
“Wait, I have to go in there?” My voice was slightly shrill and I couldn’t contain the breaths that were coming out rapidly. The cop just raised his eyebrows and nodded like it was the most obvious thing in the world, “For how long? I have to work in the morning. I can’t be here all night!”
The officer just chuckled and shrugged, “Well I’ve got about a hundred other things on my to do list. I guess you should’ve thought about that before destroying thousands of marks worth of property and assaulting someone.”
My hands shook behind my back and I suddenly understood what made that female rage against the law. I wanted to do anything, everything to keep me out of that cell. Screaming, crying, fighting, biting… whatever it would take to keep me out of there. I knew though that none of it would work, it would just make my situation worse. Begrudgingly I forced my heavy feet to carry me into the cell, all the way to the bench on the back wall. I sat with a plop and depression marred my face as I watched the cop lock the door.
I hit my head against the wall with a groan as I thought about what led me here, my stupid crazy neighbor. But seemingly my luck didn’t run out, it was still finding ways to make the situation worse. My neighbor didn’t just live next to me, her limp body was also parked in the cell next to mine. I cursed the wall for not being solid, instead it was just a row of metal bars keeping us apart.
Eventually her body began to stir as she woke up and I mentally prepared myself. Not only for her grating voice but for the verbal abuse that would accompany it.
“Let’s go! Let’s go!” Morrigan called out to her slow moving family, “We’re burning nighttime!”
Feyre laughed as she hauled Rhys off the couch and hollered one more time for Nesta and Cassian. Azriel was ready, standing dutifully by Mor as he waited with her for the rest of their family. He only took off his leathers at the persistent pestering of Mor. Donning black pants and a black muscle tank, his dark shadows concealed most of him and he looked more like a black mass on two legs. Mor wore her famous color in a tight dress that flowed beautifully over her legs accompanied by a slit that ran to her hips. Feyre’s dress complimented Mor’s but in a deep blue that resembled the night sky, Rhys wore his usual tailored garb that matched the silver detailing on Feyre’s dress.
The couple approached the door and Rhys had a far off look in his eyes before speaking, “Looks like it’s just us… Nes and Cass are,” he cleared his throat before flashing a coy grin, “busy.”
“Eww,” Mor muttered Turing around and opening the door for everyone. “Whatever we’ll have fun on our own!” Mor screamed into the house and only the sound of something falling over upstairs answered her. She rolled her eyes before closing the door behind her.
The pairs made their way through cobble stone roads aiming for their favorite bar. At least once a week Mor would drag them out demanding a good time and she always got her wish. Her and Feyre linked arms as they skipped and the boys walked in a comfortable silence behind them.
“Gonna pick up any ladies tonight?” Rhys nudged his brothers shoulder as he teased, “I know Mor will. Wouldn’t want you to have to spend the night listening to everyone else enjoy themselves.” Rhys chuckled as he pondered all the different ways to get Feyre out of that form fitting dress. Azriel shook his head, already knowing where his brothers mind had gone.
A small smirk snuck its way onto his lips, “I suppose I could indulge.”
“Ooo hoo hoo!” Rhys jested, “My brother, the fox.” A low chuckle left Az’s lips as he just shook his head again. The light air that surrounded themselves dropped when the girls stopped skipping to take in the scene in front of them.
All of the lights in Rita’s was on and crowds of people were formed outside. There were multiple patrols going in and out of the bar and some of them were taking statements from the bystanders. Some of the individuals were with medics, either being bandaged or given ice to sooth wounds. Azriel switched gears in the blink of an eye, going from easing going brother to spymaster as he detached to scope the scene.
“What the hell!” Mor practically screeched as she pushed through the crowded street, heading into the pub. Rhys and Feyre shared a glance that conveyed their confusion and worry before following Mor inside.
The place was a wreck. Multiple tables were broken and shards of chairs were strewn about. Wherever there wasn’t wood chips there was broken glass and the stench of the alcohol that covered the floor attacked their senses upon arrival. The wall that separated the entry way to the hall looked like it had been chopped up with an ax and Rita was behind the bar surveying the scene with distress.
“What happened?” Mor asked after rounding the bar and taking a defeated looking Rita into her arms.
“Bar fight.” She said simply, “I’m going to have to shut down for the rest of the week. Some of my best bottles are now in puddles on the floor, and that alone’ll take a month to get a new shipment in.”
Mor looked pissed and Rhys’ expression wasn’t far behind. To see his families favorite oasis in disarray and people of his court injured had redness creeping up his neck and threatening his face.
An officer strolled in and bowed to his high lord and lady before addressing Rita, “We’ve taken multiple statements and taped off the scene. There’s not much more we can do at the moment but we’ll be back to collect damage report.” Rita nodded understandingly but Mor wasn’t having it.
“Not much more to do?!” Her voice was loud as she screamed, “Look around! Look at this place! This… this is a crime!” She was irrational at the moment, she obviously didn’t expect the officers to clean up the scene but she wanted- needed- something to be done.
“Yes…” the cop blinked before straightening and clearing his throat, “it is. We are taking this very seriously. The suspects are already in custody so there isn’t really anything else we can do.” He seemed nervous as he remembered who he was talking to. His eyes darted between a flabbergasted Mor and his high lord, Rhys just nodded and that seemed to calm him down before he practically ran away.
“I am going to kill whoever did this,” Mor seethed, her hands shaking. Rita was her friend and this was her favorite spot in the city, she felt as though the crime was done specifically to her. “I mean- what? What are we going to do?”
Rita just shook her head but Rhys’ attention was redirected when Azriel materialized next to him.
“Bar fight, between two females. Subject A attacked subject B and B used her powers to fight off A. 3 bystanders were injured and by the looks of it,” Azriel keen eyes raked over the room before turning back to Rhys, “thousands in damage.”
Rhys let out a heavy sigh before placing a hand on his brother’s shoulder, “Let’s go. I want to deal with these females myself.” Azriel nodded at his brothers words and there movements were halted.
“Do you want me to come?” Feyre asked, stepping over broken chairs and around puddles to reach them.
Rhys’ eyes softened as he took in his worried mate, her wide eyes scanning the scene for the hundredth time. “No, stay here. Do what you can to help and try to comfort Mor… and Rita.” His eyes danced over to Morrigan who was walking around the hall waving her hands and still screaming, she looked more distressed than Rita did. Feyre nodded and placed a chaste kiss on his cheek, offering Az a supportive smile before making her way to Mor. With that the men shared a determined look before exiting the hall and making their way to the station.
At this point I was hitting my head against the cold wall repeatedly, not hard enough to hurt myself but enough to drown out the nagging from the cell next to mine.
The crazed female, Gala, had woken up and immediately began screeching. She pulled and tugged on the cage door and verbally assaulted any officer who passed. Her attention eventually shifted and she was now honed in on me.
“You selfish bitch! You couldn’t just let me have one night. One peaceful night without your presence! You had to show up and ruin everything! And now, I’m locked in a cage like some wild animal because you can’t control yourself!”
I didn’t want to, but I snapped, “You are a wild animal! I’m the one who doesn’t deserve to be locked up! You might be too dense to remember but you attacked me, I didn’t even know you were there!”
Gala began screeching again claiming that I was put here to ruin her life and I can’t help but indulged in her childish behavior. Something about this female irked me to my core and soon I was partaking in the screaming match through the bars.
The officer was who was unlucky enough to have his desk placed closest to the holding cells stood up so quick his chair fell over. He whipped around and glared with bloodshot eyes, “Shut up! Both of you! Or I’m adding disorderly conduct to your already long lists.”
Gala scoffed at that and I mimicked the sound, “Once again,” I said exasperated, “she started it!” The officer didn’t say anything else but a pointed finger came through the bars. His finger shook with his barely contained rage before he looked to Gala who was mumbling about police incompetence and gave her a finger as well. He turned around and quietly picked up his chair before going back to the gargantuan stack of papers on his desk.
After sitting back down I hit my head against the wall one last time shaking my head. All of the other ways the night could’ve ended mocked me as I closed my eyes.
“Don’t look so forlorn, not when it’s your fault,” Gala was determined to keep the argument going as she harshly whispered into my cell. She had her face squished between bars as she glared at me and continued her verbal lashing.
I counted my deep breaths as I tried to control the urge to reach through the bars and wring her neck. Images of me slamming her face into the bars repeatedly was my only solace as I tuned out her low shrieking. Even when she whispers she’s still incredibly annoying.
The venom kept spewing from her mouth until the same officer that brought me in came and unlocked my cell, I shot up and prayed for freedom. He unlocked Gala’s cell too and had the mind to hold her arm, “There’s someone here to see you two,” his tone was borderline teasing and he led us away from all the desks. “He says he wants to handle this himself.”
I followed quietly behind as nerves overtook my body, was it the police chief? Was someone in Rita’s family a judge who wanted to dish out the worst punishment they could? Cold sweat threatened my brow as we made our way into a private office.
Gala was shoved into a leather chair and I stumbled into my own. The magical binds on my wrists made it hard to sit comfortably and I shifted around while the leather squeaked. The officer closed the door with a smile and at that Gala turned in her chair, glaring.
“Can you stop? Even your shifting is annoying me.”
“I’m annoying you?” I felt blood rush back to my face for the umpteenth time, “Well imagine how I felt when you grabbed my hair and started scratching my face!” Your voices were low but the venom was still there.
“Don’t act like you didn’t have it coming. You go out of your way to ruin my life any chance you get, showing up at Rita’s tonight… I know what you’re trying to do.”
My eyes widened and realization hit me, “Your crazy. You’re just fucking crazy.” That was the only answer. Gala was out of her fucking mind, that’s why even when I breathe she cries abuse.
The word crazy seemed to spark something and the screaming match started up again, this time in a lower tone. Something about the formidable air in the office kept us from getting too loud; but you can still scream a whisper.
I couldn’t even hear what she was saying over my own words but I knew it was bullshit so I continued to say all of the nasty things that popped into my head.
Our voices were haulted when a cool black mist came over the room, obstructing everything. I couldn’t see an inch in front of me as darkness encompassed the room and my entire body. It wasn’t mist, it was shadow, and it clung to me like a second skin. The anger was replaced by fear as I tried to determine what was happening, what had stolen my sight and dropped the rooms degree.
Eventually the shadow cleared and suddenly someone was on the other side of the desk, two someone’s.
The High Lord of the Night Court and his Spymaster. A shiver ran down my spine as I felt the power rolling off them in waves, pushing me further into the chair. They were the last people I expected to see, and the last people I wanted to deal with. There stoney expressions conveyed the anger that was rippling through them.
Rhysand sat poised in the large chair, narrowed eyes studying me and Gala while Azriel stood behind him, arms crossed over his chest with an emotionless face.
Normally I would drool at the sight. Two of the three most handsome men in Velaris, staring me down. Rhys’ perfectly carved face set to impose intimidation and Azriel… I’d seen the spymaster a few times in passing, but seeing him up close was a different story.
His high cheekbones that contoured into a perfect jaw, his Nubian nose that sat perfectly straight above plump lips, hazel eyes that shone through shadows, and a low taper fade that danced across his forehead lovingly. He was the embodiment of beauty, perfection in fae form, awe personified. I knew I should be scared, shaking where I sat, but something in the hazel warmed me, soothed me. I forced myself to look at Rhysand so I could have the right mind of being scared, and it worked.
He stared at us for a few minutes and the tension in the air grew, Gala was crazy but no crazy enough to lash out in front of her high lord, not yet at least. We both sat uncomfortably in the silence and now it was her leather chairs turn to squeak.
“So,” Rhys began, picking up the paper that was laid in front of him and looking it over, “Disturbing the peace, public intoxication, assault, aggravated assault, battery, criminal mischief, theft, resisting arrest, evading arrest, assault of an officer, intentional infliction of emotional distress, reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct, obstruction of justice, trespassing, vandalism, and last but not least hate crimes.” He laid down the paper and I couldn’t help but gape at the list he rattled off, there is no way I was being charged with all of that. Especially not the assaulting an officer or evading arrest, I know that was Gala but hate crimes? They can’t possibly believe I fought her because she is a lesser fae.
“This is quite the list you’ve racked up,” he spoke again his eyes zeroing in on me. I just looked down, ashamed. I wished my power was to reverse time. I would’ve never stepped foot into Rita’s if I knew it would land me here, a meeting with my high lord who seemed determined to dish out terrible punishment. “Do you have anything to say for yourselves.”
I just shook my head, finding my glittery heels very interesting.
“I do,” Gala spoke up, my head snapped to her and I saw a disgusting determination on her face. “I shouldn’t be here! I should be getting medical attention, therapy, a protection detail! I am clearly the victim here!”
I knew it didn’t help my case but I couldn’t help my eye roll. By the looks of it, I was the one in the wrong. I had a couple marks on my face that probably wouldn’t bruise as well as minor scratches around my eyes. Gala on the other hand, had bruises and cuts all over her exposed lilac skin. Her silver eyes were bloodshot and one was swollen with green and dark blue hues, a cut lip, and a nose that suffered a gnarly break.
This was bad.
“Alright…” Rhys started slowly before glancing at the paper once more, “Gala is it?” She nodded fervently, “Since you’re the only one with something to say… tell me what happened. And don’t lie to me.”
Gala took a shaky breath and I almost groaned at her theatrics, “I have been so stressed, you know, I work really hard, with children, not easy work. But I decided to go to Rita’s, grab a drink. I’m a grown woman, you know, I wanted to let off some steam. Then she,” she pointed a crooked finger in my direction as she had some how shimmed her bound hand in front of her. As I looked I wondered if it was always like that or if it was crooked because I broke it. “She followed me there. She’s obsessed with me, you know, always doing whatever she can to make my life hard. She’s my neighbor, you know. always pestering me and my pets and plants. She’s unrelenting.”
I made a noise somewhere between a scoff and a gasp, if anyone was unrelenting it was her. Rhys sent me a harsh glare and the shadowsinger stepped forward, a warning.
I slunk back into my chair and I’ve never seen Gala look so happy.
“Well she followed me to Rita’s, and I didn’t feel safe. I mean she’s always sneaking around doing things she’s not supposed to, you know. As a matter of fact she has- well had- a baby hippogriff. Poor thing didn’t survive, she probably killed it. But those creatures are illegal in this court, you know,” Rhys nodded and hummed along, I just threw my head back on the chair and stared at the ceiling. I’m going to rot in jail.
“Anyways so she was being unruly and loud and that dress, I swear this girl would do anything for some attention. Well I went over there to ask her to quiet down, I wasn’t the only one getting annoyed with her, you know. But when I touched her shoulder she turned around and started screaming, I put my hands up because I didn’t want her to hurt me or anything, you know. She just lost it, screaming, hitting, it was absolutely insane.
She picked up a chair and whacked me. She threw some glass at me and tackled me into the shards. She threw me through a wall! This woman is a danger to our city! A danger to the night court- hel- a danger to all of Prythian! This woman belongs in a cell with no way out!”
By the end of Gala’s tale I couldn’t help but stare, my mouth was practically on the floor. He explicitly told her not to lie and yet she had the gall to do it anyway. If I wasn’t facing persecution from the most powerful man alive I would’ve gave her another black eye.
Rhys hummed, processing the story, his violet eyes turned to me. They were swimming with contempt and I wanted a hole to open up and swallow me. I forced tears to the back of my eyes knowing tears would only egg Gala on. “Still having nothing to say?” His voice was deathly calm.
“Yes- no!” I cursed the nerves that had my brain scrambled, I needed to calm down before I made things worse for myself. I took a deep breath before looking up again, my eyes caught Azriel and for a brief second something flashed across his face. His eyes got a far off look that matched the high lords. The conversation that happened between them was brief and when the high lord zeroed in on me I felt like the decision was made before I could even speak. I was guilty.
“I did hurt her- bad. But, I didn’t start it. I swear I was at Rita’s first, I didn’t even know she was there. I was drinking with my friends and this guy was looking at me, and I was looking at him, and then well we were looking at each other so I didn’t even notice when she came up to me, not until she tapped me on the shoulder. She was yelling about my dress, calling me horrible names. At that point the dude had walked away so I was already pissed when I told her ‘I’m not doin this with you tonight’ and when I turned around she grabbed my hair. Yanked me down to her level and bop bop!” I jerked my shoulder to try and insinuate a punch, “she was doing my head in and so I grabbed her wrist and tried to remove her from my hair and when I turned she started scratching at my eyes-“
“Liar!” Gala stood up and screamed at me.
“No! It’s true and you fucking know it,” I hissed at her. She opened her mouth to yell again but words didn’t come out when Rhys let out a low growl, accompanied by an unmistakable look. She was receiving the same the same warning I got earlier.
Rhys nodded at me and I continued, “she scratched my eyes and I shoved her off of me, that was when she fell into the table. My powers are… interesting so the table broke when I pushed her into it. She got up pretty quick after that, she grabbed a chair and started running towards me with it so I grabbed it before it hit me and I hit her with it. Mind you I had a couple shots in me so I was ready, I turned the chair on her and broke it over her. I thought that would be enough but she grabbed a glass from the table and threw it at me. I know those glasses hit some other people but I think when she missed me it upset her because she was screamed and ran at me-
“You threw the glass at me! I was screaming running away!”
It was my turn to growl at Gala, she only sneered before shutting up again. “She ran at me and I dodged her and she ran into another table, that’s how the second table broke. So I grabbed a bottle off the bar and when she came at me again I broke it, on her face. I really thought she would stop after that but she grabbed a tray off the bar that was full of glasses and threw that at me, some of it hit me and so I threw another chair at her. She was under the chair and tackled me to the floor, scratching at my face again. I hit her and it knocked her off of me, she grabbed the broken bottle and she looked like she would kill me so… well I picked her up and threw her. That’s what put the whole in the wall, and really, that’s when I thought she was done for real.
So I turn around and go to grab my things because I’m trying to leave but she grabbes one of those big bottles from behind the bar and threw it.”
“Bitch!” Gala was up again this time moving for my face, “You stupid whore! You know-“ her voice was cut off when the ground beneath her feet began to shake, the whole office was shaking.
Rhysand braced his hands on the desk and glared at Gala, “We heard your story, now I want to hear hers. If you interrupted a fourth time… you will regret it.” Galas eyes were wide and she was smart enough to look afraid. She just nodded dumbly before sitting down, her silver eyes darting between the angry high lord and the unyielding spymaster. I waited for Rhys to nod again before continuing.
“It hit my head and at that point, it wasn’t about defending myself, I just wanted to to beat her ass. So yes I did run at her and slammed her into a table, kinda roughly so that’s how the third table and those chairs broke. Anyway so yea, I get to her and that’s when I just started hitting her, some guy tried to pull me off but I think I hit him. I really do feel bad about that, I’ll pay for whatever medical treatment he receives. Anyways that’s when the cops dragged me off of her, three of them I think, they detained me and when they went to try and detain her she freaked. Started fighting the officers, she threw another bottle at the short one and they dragged both of us out. She fought them the whole time, kicking and screaming at the cops.”
When I finished the high lord just stared face still blank, I felt like I needed to explain more, pleade my case further. But he spoke before I could, “So you guys are neighbors?”
“Yes!” Me and Gala both said at the same time, the dirty look we gave each other also happened at the same time.
“Yes,” I repeated, “She has hated me ever since I moved in. Actually I’m pretty sure she’s the one who killed my hippogriff.”
Gala snorted, “I wouldn’t go near that thing with a ten foot pole! They’re dangerous creatures and they’re illegal here you know!”
“Yes, I know,” I mocked her and the fire that was in her eyes in, Rita’s returned.
Gala jumped up to scream, “You insolent bitch! You think you’re above everyone but you ruin lives for fun!”
“How did I ruin your life?!” I was standing now too, “I never did anything to you!”
“Lies!” She screeched, “you know exactly what you did! Sneaking around my garden when I’m not home!”
I, once again, gaped at her. “Seriously? That’s what this is about!? Because I watered you plants when you were out of town?!”
“Trespassing!” If my hands were able to I would’ve covered my ears, her tone was dangerously high. “You trespassed on my property! Not to mention you tried to steal my cat, probably to feed it to you hippogriff!”
“What?!” The whole situation was utterly insane to me, “I was trying to be a good neighbor! And your cat followed me home. Probably to get away from you.”
Gala was seething, “You don’t talk about my cat! You stole him after you broke in! Broke into my garden and ruined my work!”
A dark chuckle fell from my lips, “I ruined your work by keeping your plants alive? You’re fucking crazy,” I turned to the high lord to try and find some support, “You hear this? She’s fucking crazy!”
“I’m going to fucking kill you!” Gala screamed as she shook from rage.
“Come on bitch. I’ll beat your ass- again!” She ran at me only to hit an invisible wall and falling onto her behind with no way to brace herself.
“Enough!” Rhys voice was commanding now and the primal part of me coward at the sound. He was visibly angry. “This all started over a garden?” His voice held an incredulous tone and I couldn’t blame him, the story was ridiculous.
“It started before the garden, she’s had something against me since ever I moved in.” My voice was calm as I spoke, I didn’t want to anger him more.
Gala on the other hand didn’t seem to care much, she rose from the floor before continuing her rampage, “She moved into my quiet neighborhood, and my life has been hel ever since! Always singing loudly in the morning. Having friends over at night. Prancing around in skimpy dresses. Growing plants that I haven’t been able to grow just to rub it in my face! You should see it, she’s always flicking her perfect hair and smiling at everyone who looks at her. I can’t stand it! All the males coming to her doorstep trying to be with her, females flocking to gain a friendship with her. In all my years no one has ever tried to befriend me! I hate how everyone loves her! I hate it! And I hate her!”
I just blinked at Galas out burst and suddenly everything clicked. She was jealous of me. I stepped back and slumped into the chair at my knees. I just shook my head, all of this over some petty insecurities.
“Nell!” Rhys called and the officer that escorted us poked his head in, “Can you escort Y/n here back to her holding cell? I’d like to speak with Gala in private.” Nell just nodded, he moved towards me but I stood up and met him half way. All the anger was lost to me as I followed him all the way to the back of the station.
I sat down in my cell and my eyes were trained on the floor, the tears I was holding back finally found there way out. Nell locked the door and when I didn’t hear him walk away I looked up. “I heard everything, and off the record,” he leaned in, “I think she’s crazy too.”
I offered him a sad smile before looking back down. She was crazy but she was hurting, I knew her jealousy wasn’t my fault but I couldn’t help but feel guilty. I was trying to be helpful, living my life as happily as possible but for some twisted reason I was hurting her. Tears continued to fall until a small whisper of a shadow nuzzled my face and wiped them away.
The entire scene that played out in front of the brothers was no less than absurd. Almost comical, Rhys might have laughed if he wasn’t playing the role of the dutiful high lord. But the most interesting part was what Azriel had whispered in his mind. The girl, the main perpetrator, was his mate.
The second your voice hit his ears, Azriel almost fell to his knees. Your voice was melodic, soft and sweet, reminiscent of a summer breeze. The only thing he could do was petrify himself, to keep from falling in front of you, kissing your minor injuries, and tearing the throat out of the female who spoke ill of you.
He saw the tears threatening your eyes as you stood up to move out of the room. Every part of his body screamed at him to comfort you, hold you, inform you that you aren’t responsible for another fae’s bitterness.
When you left Rhys interrogated Gala further, listening to her wild tales of all the times you did something terrible. It truly sounded like you were just living your life and for some reason she hated that. She called you names, names that threatened Azriels resolution. He wanted to rip the spiteful bitch to shreds and finish what you started. He couldn’t lie, he felt some sick pride while listening to your side of the story. He knew if he was there things would’ve ended much worse for her.
Rhysand listened diligently, nodding and humming as Gala went on. Azriel slightly resented his brother for not striking her down where she sat. Rhys eventually cleared his throat, indicating that he was ready to speak. “So Gala, do you remember the first thing I said to you?” She nodded dutifully, “When I told you not to lie to me?” She nodded again, more unsure this time. Rhys just gave her a saccharine grin, “You wouldn’t mind if I checked, would you?”
“I- well-“ she shifted under the intensity of the stares, “It’s just my thoughts are my own, you know… I would like to keep it that way.” Her confidence wavered and suddenly she was unable to make eye contact.
Rhys chuckled lowly, “Look Gala, I just want to help. That- that wretch has made you suffer enough. Let me in; and I’ll take care of all of it.”
A deep growl came from Azriel his tight grip on his shadows loosened, causing them to swirl around him menacingly. Rhys knew the reaction was for him, he would react the same to hear his brother speak such words about Feyre. Galas eyes widened, taking the scene as a threat to her. She nodded lamely and with permission Rhys slipped into her mind.
Azriel tried to reign in his shadows, struggling against their will, it wasn’t until they relayed your voice he relaxed. They carried soft whispers to his ear and a deep breath pushed from his mouth at the sound.
I sat in the cell watching the lone shadow dance around for me, it seemed it was attempting to cheer me up. I chuckled lightly at its antics. An officer walked past the cell and it darted into my hair, hiding. This naughty shadow wasn’t meant to be here, I wonder if my power is what called it or if it came on its own free will. I decided to channel my power, hone it in on the male who the shadow belonged to. After a few seconds of concentration, I was connected.
“Hi,” I whispered and it circled my head, running across my face before landing on my knee.
Hello, hello, it whispered back. Beautiful, so so beautiful.
I laughed airily, “Thank you, so are you.” The shadow whirled around at the compliment, happy to hear praises. “Listen, I’m innocent. You have to believe me, I didn’t start this. I didn’t do anything to her.”
Innocent, innocent, it chanted and I let out a breath. The shadow believed me, I wondered if it was a reflection of its master or if it had its own will.
“Can you tell your master?” I questioned, leaning down, “Can you convince him?”
He’s here, it whispered back and I snapped my neck up to find none other than Azriel. He was leaning against the bars giving me a devilish smirk. He looked beautiful, his tan arms crossed showing off rippling muscles as his eyes glanced over me lazily. I pushed my thighs together, feeling hot under his gaze.
He wants you too, the naughty little shadow whispered, causing a blush to creep up my cheeks as I looked away.
He chuckled lowly as he turned to face me completely, his forearm met the bar above his head as he leaned in. The ravishing sight had me licking my lips, something his smirk told me he caught.
“Cool power,” he mused, his eyes shone with mischief as he held my gaze.
Busted, the shadow whispered and I rolled my eyes at it.
“Very cool, and very useful.” My voice was confident despite the shaking under my skin.
He huffed a laugh before leaning back and crossing his arm over his chest once more. He doesn’t know what he’s doing.
He does, the shadow outed him and it was my turn to laugh.
“I’m guessing that’s where you got the strength from, you channeled someone else’s power to throw that poor female into a wall.”
“Oh please,” it was my turn to lean back. I crossed my legs slowly and I bit my lip as his eyes tracked the movement. “That bitch had it coming.”
“Ooo,” he purred and the warmth between my legs spread to the rest of my body, “Naughty little girl, don’t you know? Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.” His head cocked to the side and I mimicked his movement, a smirk of my own forming. “Bad girls need punished.”
I slowly uncrossed my legs and pushed myself up, moving towards him. I was hot, burning under his gaze. Everything tingled as gave into some intrinsic need that command I be closer to him. I pushed my chest against the bars and my low cut dress showed off my cleavage. His eyes lowered to exactly where I knew they would. The shadow danced excitedly through my hair as if it too loved our proximity.
“And will you be personally handing out my punishment?” I made my voice sickly sweet, conveying an inappropriate innocence. I looked up at him through my eyelashes and batted them sweetly.
A low rumble left his chest and I hummed at the sound. He knows exactly what he’s doing.
Leaning in he whispered, “I don’t think anyone else would do it properly.” His eyes raked the entirety of my body and I thanked the mother for putting on my most flattering dress. The double entendre coupled with his hazy eyes had me ready to tear apart the steel and pounce.
“Promise?”
His scared had gripped the bar so tight his knuckles turned white. Looks like I’m not the only one ready to tear through steal.
Suddenly he leaned back and crossed his arms again, smirk still evident. A second later Rhysand and officer Nell were at the cell door, and Rhys was looking at me with a pleased look that only garnered confusion.
“Where’s Gala?” I looked around but she wasn’t in the station and I didn’t see her exit the office.
“Gala’s not going to be a problem for you anymore,” the simplicity in his words was slightly troubling. I didn’t want anything bad to happen to Gala, not anymore at least. I tilted my head and raised an eyebrow waiting for an answer. Rhys noted my concern, “Nothing bad. But I looked through some of her memories and- what she felt for you, it was completely irrational. She needs help so we’re going to get her some. Very far away.”
I let out a breath which was followed by an airy chuckle. I leaned my head against the bar and my chuckle turned into a full belly laugh. “Thank gods, she was fucking crazy.”
Rhys smiled as he waved his hand and my magical bonds fell. My hands wrapped around my own wrists soothingly and I stepped out of the now open door. “There’s still the issue of all the damage Rita’s suffered,” Rhys cocked his brow, interested in what I might say to that.
“Whatever it is, I’ll pay it,” I made hands that conveyed that of a promise.
“The damage reports come to around 4,090 gold marks,” officer Nell responded, his coy smile ever prevalent. I made an O shape with my mouth and rocked on my heels back and forth. That’s about 6 paychecks, without factoring the need to pay rent or buy food.
“I’ll pay it,” Azriel said simply. I whipped my head around to look at him, on the cusp of disagreeing. “Well you’ll pay it, it’ll come out of your check; when you come work for us.”
My shock was evident on my face and my mouth opened and closed lamely before I mustered up a “What?”
“Your powers,” he clicked his tongue as he stepped next to me, close enough for our arms to brush. “They could come in handy, far more handy for us than they do at some desk job.”
I shook my head as I processed everything. How did Azriel know where I worked? I suppose that’s dumb, he’s a spymaster and I told the police earlier. But was he really able to offer me a job, on Rhysands court?
I looked to my high lord for confirmation and he just smiled, “Way more handy than having you behind a desk,” he shoved his hands in his pocket with a shrug, “plus we already know you can fight.”
I laughed at that and my hand met my head as I mulled it over, I would be stupid not to accept. I knew my powers were unique and I always wanted to do more, I just never knew where to start. “Sure, I never liked my job anyway.” I tried to play it off cool but my soul was bouncing on the inside. The sneaky shadow seemed happy too as it whirled around my head and down through my fingers.
“Sounds good,” Rhys clapped and turned to walk with Nell, “Oh,” he looked over his shoulder, “Be sure to apologize to Rita.”
I brought my hand to my forehead offering a salute, “Yes sir!” He smiled before placing a gentle hand on Nell’s shoulder and walking away.
A giggle stole from my mouth as I clapped my hands over my heart and turned to Azriel, he had a pleased look on his face. I decided in that moment I would do anything to keep it there. “Well, that all worked out nicely.”
“Lucky you,” he purred, before tilting his head down and whispering, “Not lucky enough to escape your punishment though.”
The darkness returned to his eyes and my whole body lurched, begging to be punished right here, in front of the whole station.
I hummed as I wrapped my hands around his strong forearm, pushing onto my tiptoes and leaning into his ear. “Don’t hold out on me shadowsinger.” I giggled as I pulled back and bounced towards the door. On my way out I felt some more shadows, sneaking up and brushing against my thighs before coming up to whisper to me.
Bad, bad girl, they said. I just smirked as I pushed out of the door into daybreak. Who knew getting arrested could be so exciting.
A/N: I didn’t plan on writing this but I got the idea and since it’s my day off I went for it :p
If you guys like it I would be sooo down to do a part 2??? Maybe I’ll be brave enough to make a smutty 2 :D
Anywhooo my requests are always open so don’t be shy ;)
As always, if you made it this far… I LOVE YOU<3<3
I've seen a lot of takes saying that Azriel is over Mor because of how he looks at Elain and wanted to taste her and fuck her. A lot of them quote saying because Az and Elain have had multiple glances between each other.
I truly do not believe that Az is over Mor, not in that healthy, I can walk away and wish her well kind of way, nor even in the "I'm sincerely in love with someone else, and do not think of Mor" kind of way.
Not only does Rhys challenge this by asking "what of Mor", but Azriel tells us all we need to know, by not answering. If he was well and truly over her, he would have told Rhys right then and there. But honestly? I don't think SJM is going to end 500 years of pining and longing off page where we don't even get to see both of them grow and accept this.
"But he wanted to beg on his knees for a taste of Elain!"
And? Even while Azriel was deeply pining for Mor, even while he had been in love with her, he had no shortage of lovers during those 500 years. Neither of them did, but Az certainly had his fun. Elain would be no different from any one of those previous lovers.
"He questioned his religion for Elain!"
He believed Mor was his mate, something he wanted dearly (because in this setting having a mate is the greatest gift of all) and for someone like Az, being gifted a mate would mean the world to him, especially after all he had been through. So imagine when the girl you've wanted for 500 years sleeps with everyone but you and avoids you. He even looked at Mor with heat and Yearning in his eyes so intense Feyre had to look away and Elain was right there.
Mor wasn't giving him the validation he longed for from her, but along comes Elain who gives him charged looks and brief hand brushes and suddenly Az is just over his 500 year long crush? I think it's far more likely that Azriel was just happy to have someone who seemed to want him, and as a bonus her sisters are mated to his closest friends, his brothers.
In that regard Az is saying why wasn't she given to him? The girl who seems to give him any kind of attention vs. Mor who avoided him. Why was she given to Lucien, when his brothers got her two sisters? Rhys called out out perfectly, he felt he deserved her being his mate.
Azriel in this moment isn't in love with Elain, he didn't bother to truly know her (I'm sorry sitting in a garden or listening to her talk while having little to no interest isn't knowing her), he doesn't show any kind of support in her abilities, (Scrying for the trove is a darkness she should not be exposed to), hell he even drew straws with Cassian to baby sit her so he could go to Hewn City. Other than naming her powers, Azriel doesn't really know Elain. He could not admit to Rhys that he was over Mor because he simply isn't.
Meanwhile when it came to Gwyn, we see how he approaches her is vastly different to his toxic thoughts of "the third was given to another". I'm not saying he fell in love with Gwyn in that moment, but SJM shows us how Azriel's interaction with her are very different.
From the way he was settled, their light banter, and the training lessons he gives her, it's like you can see easily that he was objectifying Elain while Gwyn's company is light and easy. It really does say something when he got the necklace for Elain but gave it to gwyn, and only with Gwyn did he think about her teal eyes lighting up upon receiving it. Thinking about her getting that gift made him smile to the point he had to force himself to erase the smile and shove that image down in his chest. Not once did he think about how Elain would smile and light up getting his gift, the only time he thinks about her face is when he's jerking it... how romantic.
And to those who say he didn't care at all about Gwyn when she was thrown into the BR, his siphons flared and his shadows deepened. Knowing his shadows are a part of him and react to him, and his siphons reacting to him as well, I think there's plenty to say. Even then he believed in her, just like he did in the ring when she cut the ribbon.
As much as I believe that Gwynriel is endgame, I think Az is going to have to really and truly deal with his feelings on Mor. I think Gwyn takes him in a good direction, but this man has some not so savory traits that he has to deal with and come face to face with before he's ready to step into a healthy direction. So when Rhys asks him again, "what of Mor?" He can proudly answer that question without hesitation.
Summary: Elain buys a gift for her sisters. Diana reminds her ladies in waiting why she does what she does and what they need for their future. Tamlin is forced to have fun with his sentries and not be a grouch. The archeron sisters have a sibling moment only for Rhysand to ruin it with Cassian's help. Lucien and Tamlin meet again.
Author's note: I wanted to show that Elain is subtly manipulative yet quiet. Also Albanarthan is albarn arthan, which is Welsh winter solstice.
This is my longest chapter and I barely edited it. I'm tired!
The aching feeling in Elain's heart did not disappear as time went on, rather she grew accustomed to it as one grew accustomed to a healed wound. The first week since the bond broke she tried to catch Lucien off guard awaiting days to see him but she never crossed paths with him and that made the ache felt worst. After awhile she would walk the walls like a ghost eavesdropping on everyone there and tried to wait for Lucien outside of Rhysand's office or the hall but it was useless. As the days became colder and her garden becoming more wilted, it became clear that Lucien was either using glamour to hid himself or short distance winnowing to avoid Elain. At least that's what she believes, for all she knew he didn't actually come to Velaris and chose to send letters to inform Rhysand now.
Somewhere between watching the last flowers of her garden wilt and the first drop of snow, Elain realised that the ache had dampened. She felt the loneliness of it still and wondered if Lucien felt the same or if he had learnt to live with it after losing his mate once.
She wondered if he missed her too. If he missed her own heart beat as well or if he had adjusted to having only feeling his heart beat once more.
It felt weird to her, just feeling her only her own heart again like she was human but that was an ungrateful thought. If the others knew she felt even the slightest ire of being fae they'd find a way to make her change her mind.
"Elain? You've been starring at those for awhile now." Mor called pulling the fawn from her thoughts.
Elain blinked in surprise, she remembered she was supposed to be shopping with the others for winter solstice gifts and was at the Velaris market. There were children playing around, stalls selling merchandise and winter music playing in the distance. Elain in particular was standing in front of a small stall selling bronze bracelets that look like flower vines braided together. She recognised some of the flowers, she had planted them back in her old life.
"Was just thinking of the right gift." Elain lied flawlessly as she touched one of the bracelets.
"For Feyre? I don't think these suit her. As Rhysand's mate and high lady she has to appear in the finest jewelry." Mor replied in a lower tone so the seller couldn't hear.
Elain was silent as she traced her finger on the iris flower bracelet gently, "for Nesta as well. I think they'd like it. Our mom said hydrangeas are the same colours as Nesta's and Feyre's eyes."
Mor's lips turned into a thin line hearing Elain's response, "I don't think you were given enough money to buy that for her. Remember you should use the money to buy for important members of your family first."
Elain looked perplexed as she looked to Mor, "what are you talking about? These bracelet only cost a little and Feyre gave me more than enough."
The golden haired beauty exhaled shakily, "after what happened...I just don't think it's a good idea to gift her anything for winter solstice. She hasn't apologised to Feyre for hurting her after all."
"Oh... i see." Elain didn't argue and placed the bracelet back. She looked at them for a moment and then to the seller who clearly needed the money. "These are beautiful, I wish I could buy them. Who knows... maybe I'll return." Elain said softly her voice like a siren to the seller before she and Mor walk away. The fawn's eyes lingered on the seller and bracelet as long as she could before they disappeared from view.
They spent hours at the market buying presents for everyone in the family except for Nesta. The eldest Archeron wasn't invited on the girl's outing since Mor said that they shouldn't bother her and everyone stayed silent. Just as the day darkened and the streets becoming more filled Elain had slipped away heading back to the stall she had seen but the bracelets she wanted weren't in sight. She frowned and was about to leave until she saw a shadowy vines extending the bracelets to her.
"Thought you might want to buy this. Kept them just in case." The seller said with a tired smile.
"Yes...yes I did." Elain said and grabbed the bracelets gently before pulling out several coins from her bag to place them on the table stall, "Thank you. Use the money wisely." She spoke gently and left quickly before the seller could refuse.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
The cave systems to the west of Velaris were occupied by citizen's of the court of nightmares as Rhysand calls it. There were of course a few villages or small settlements in the western part of the court filled with fae that weren't suited for combat but were common workers like farmers, lumberers and anything close to that sort. They were being overwork to keep the court from completely starving and they were also the ones usually used to trade for Hewn city goods since the weren't trapped. They weren't Faeries who chased after gold or power, most only cared for their territories since they preferred the darkness or were weakened by the light which made them perfect to be the middle person in trade deals. They were naturally protective of the land so they wouldn't leave but this meant the rising prices has started to leave them weakened and malnourished, they begged helped from ther high lord but as usual they were ignored.
They were always ignored and change always came too late.
In Hewn city, the faes in Thanatos'es mansion only received word from rumours and news papers. Lady Diana was the mistress of the mansion and all the workers were loyal to her not out of fear but kindness.
"The lower levels are in chaos, my lady. This would be the tenth noble they killed and consumed." An oread maid whispered to Diana as she placed some tea in the study room for her and the five lady in waiting.
"Can't we help them?" Miltia asked seating in her simple dark dress with a book in her hand.
"Not without endangering ourselves. Please Miltia, you cannot try to escape like last time." A rusty red haired maiden with dark brown eyes and pale skin spoke softly. She wore a simple black dress but she wore golden bracelets with red gems embedded.
"I just wanted to see what's left of my father's soldiers...They were his friends, Pyrha." Miltia blathered weakly.
A dark blue eyed high fae with light brown skin and long black hair braided into a bun wearing a simple dark dress scoffed, "the faster you forget your old life the better it is for all of us."
"That's enough Saphira." A brown skinned high fae with short curly black hair and soft green eyes snapped. The green gems on her dressed glimerring for a moment.
"Tell me why then, Fluora." Saphira challenged.
"That's enough. All four of you." Lady Diana commanded her voice loud and clear as an aura of darkness washed over all five of her lady in waiting. The five felt intense pressure forcing them into their seats before it faded.
"It's not fair to you, lady Diana. You've been beaten five times this year because of her." Saphira states while looking at Miltia who was looking down.
"And how many times have I taken beating for you and the others?" Diana countered as she walked closer to her ladies poised perfectly as always.
Everyone was silent as they expected Saphira to answer but finally the quietest and smallest of them all, a high fae with light brown hair, redish brown eyes and fair skin wearing a simple dark dress spoke up barely a whisper. "Countless."
"Thank you, Carnelia." Diana replied and looked to Saphira who looked away from her, "I am glad that my lessons of loyalty and taking care of one another bears fruit but you cannot fight amongst each other. You must stay close and work with one another even after all five of you leave this place once you are married. If you fight amongst yourself then the change we seek will never become a reality. Am I clear?"
The five nodded silently but Pyrha grabbed the bracelet on her hands. "I don't want to leave..." She confessed.
"I promise you, I did my research and asked the workers in his manor. Lord Atreus is a good male, he won't harm you." Diana comforted placing a hand on the younger female's hands.
"But what about you? If I leave.... you'll still be here." Phyra reminded tightening her hands around her lady.
"You'll still be beaten regardless if we do something bad or not. You'll still have... him as a father. The only reason you take our beatings for us is so we remained untouched and scarless, because a scar means we are broken good and are worthless. This isn't fair to you, Lady Diana. You find us the best males to be our husbands yet you stay here." Saphira continued her fist tightening.
"And we can't fight back. You tell us to change from the inside, that we can raise a better generation but it takes too long. If we stay we'll be tortured... and if we fight we'll be killed." Miltia uttered tiredly.
Darkness washed over the room before green light shined through, "that's enough out of all of you! Lady Diana does not need a constant reminder of the horrible reality we live. Be thankful she's our lady , be grateful we aren't thrown to the lower levels or the mines." Fluora warned standing as shadows curled around her.
"Why are we learning about the beauty standards, dresses and cultures of the seasonal courts?" Carnelia asked changing the subject as she placed a hand on Fluora's shoulder to urged her back to her seat.
Diana took a deep breath, she felt overwhelmed for a moment and almost let her focus on her powers slip. "My father told us to learn thus... apparently many seasonal court nobles will be arriving soon." She explained but her hands glowed black as she glamoured the sound in the room, "truthfully however, that doesn't make sense. I know something is happening that will lead us to meet other courts but we need to stay on guard."
"Are we going to be visited by seasonal court emisarries or nobles?" Miltia asked concerned yet hopeful.
"I don't know. I just want all of you to be safe. Learn the politics of those courts but also learn how to avoid offending them. Now lets get back to our class." Diana ordered and ended the glamour to continue her lessons.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
The spring court manor was quiet as night time arrived, every room was dark with the halls being dimly illuminated by fae lights. Sprites and brownies slept in the potted plants hanging or attached to the walls while the animated furniture would occasional make rounds around the manor keeping guard. Every room was dark except for one which was the study where Tamlin was busy writing paper after paper but checking older fails in between. A small brownie fae walked in and teleported on his desk to give him some warm tea while jiggling his head as a greeting before teleporting back to the floor.
"Yer up late, princey." Archie pointed up as he walked in, his wooden leg supports squeaking slightly like usual. "Go to bed now, tinkles." The older high fae ordered the brownie as he walked out while his Bell jingles along the way.
"I'm glad you remembered his name, most of the fae working here can't even tell the brownies apart," Tamlin expressed as he looked up from the papers. "You're wearing a kilt, going back to traditions?"
"I'm trying. Houyi would be on meh arse if aye can't tell the difference. Sides, kilts won't tear when i turn into a wulver." Archie replied as he walked closer and tapped his finger on the chair in front of the table, "ye know. He's been on yer arse as well. Bout the violin. Bout the no show in parties. The lads are celebrating and planning how to prank those stuck up autumn soldiers soon."
The high lord frowned, "I... I'm busy. The winter solstice is close and so is the meeting with... him... do you agree with this. With Shel's plan to enact the tithe so soon?" He questioned unsure.
Archie rolled his eyes, "ye forgot that young lass is smarter than she looks. Did ye forgot that unlike last time she ensured only those who are able to pay must do it. We aren't sucking the people dry unlike ye. Yer depriving your friends of yer presence. Ye haven't partied with us for 3 years now."
"I'm...b-busy." Tamlin stuttered confused. He tried to stand but stumbled over almost falling but braced himself on the table. "What...what did you do?!" Tamlin asked in a panic as he looked at Archie who stood there calmly.
"Taking out the, Prince." the older fae replied casually.
Tamlin's vision was blurry, everything was moving and in one moment he was completely engulfed in pink smoke. He felt warm and was confused until the pink smoke disappeared and he noticed the table had suddenly become large. "Wha..." he squeak and looked at himself who was still clothed then back to the room that had become larger than ever then to Archie who had become a giant. No. Archie wasn't a giant. He was, "YOU SHRUNK ME!" The high lord squeak loudly while stomping his beastly.
Archie shrugged, "you didn't want to go to the party. So we're taking the party to you." He said and before the high lord could react the older high fae grabbed him. "I CAUGHT HIM! GET THE BARREL READY!" He shouted as he ran with a mini struggling Tamlin.
A group of sentries rushed into the manor running with Archie until they reached the dining hall. They slammed down a barrel filled with hard fae cider and opened it before throwing Tamlin into the make shift pool for the now miniature fae.
Tamlin swam up and gasped for air, "what the hell are you doing?!" He shouted.
The sentries looked among each other before taking out small vials filled with red liquid. They chugged it and we're engulfed by pink smoke like Tamlin was before.
"Make space, Tam!" Bron shouted from the table as the majority of them had turned small. The sentries used the dining hall table as a jumping board before they jumped in.
"Canonball!" Hart shouted as he splashed hard cider on the high lord.
Tamlin growled as he was pushed to the barrel by the waves made from the sentries jumping in. "I'm getting out." He huffed and struggled to make himself some wings.
"We asked Shel to use ashwood poisonwith yours, we aren't letting you out so quickly," Houyi explained as he swam closer.
"You did what?!" Tamlin finally let his anger lose as more of himself became a beast. "Do you know how dangerous that is! If we were attacked now how many of our people would die! Have you forgotten your vows!" He scolded causing waves to push the other sentries away from him.
The sentries stopped splashing one another and just looked at the high lord before looking down with guilt. "We just...wanted you to have fun for once." A satyr spoke up from the back but quickly covered his mouth when Tamlin growled at him.
"That was before. We are preparing for war now. Did any of you even prepare if we're attacked now?" Tamlin interrogated only to splashed by a large wave of hard cider.
"Yes...we did ye oversized basket faced, no shoes wearing, gutter breath, rage mucking, trash making, Jessie oaf-making scooner, snivelling, narrow minded, weedy eyed fucker, fur shedding, yeast infested, bird nesting, mud tracking, filthy furred mutt!" Archie insulted for a minute straight silencing the high lord.
"Yeesh... how come he can say that to Tamlin?" One of the sentries asked.
"Cause aye fucking raised that damn weed whacker!" Archie turned his back to shout at the sentry then back to Tamlin, "aye for damn sure know he isn't supposed to be acting this way. Do you still trust us, Princey? Keep the people safe?"
Tamlin looked to the eyes of the sentries, he had doubts but at the moment he didn't feel any towards them. "Yes... intrust you all."
"Then stop acting like a wee baybeh! Drink up and have fun!" Archie ordered and swam towards the other putting an arm around his shoulder.
"What if we're attacked? Or if someone needs my help?" Tamlin asked worried.
"Then aye unshrink ye." A sun-kissed brown haired female answered holding up a vial outside of the barrel. She was still normal size and sat close by.
"Fiona? Why aren't you down here? Who even made all this potions?" The high lord inquired.
"I'm knocked up. The hubs been messing with me too much and now I've got a bun in the oven. Surprised there's only one in there to be honest. As for the potions, ye really gotta get more guards for the manor's garden. It's so easy to make potions with all those magical plants." Fiona answered.
"Told ya!" Houyi shouted before wrestling with a few of the sentries in the barrel using wooden cups and plates as boards to stay afloat.
"You're pregnant? Congratulations!" Tamlin shouted from the barrel before he was pushed down into the hard cider by Archie.
"Can't believe you're going to be a mother, lass. Who knew the she wolf is going to be mother wolf soon!" Archie shouted before Tamlin grabbed his shoulder pulling the older fae down. The two wrestled before other joined in getting drunk and being idiots while they were shrunk.
"Aye aye. One of the wulver had to. You weren't going to be married anytime soon, Archibald!" Fiona jested and leaned back watching as the sentries play around. When they began to drink too much or doze off she'd fish them out and place them into a flower bed to let them rest.
This was a peaceful time, why not enjoy it for a bit. Mother knows when they'll have some time for peace again.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
Winter solstice was nearing as everyday the temperature drop little by little until frost could form on the window panes. In the evenings like this everyone would be doing different things when they could, not that Nesta was ever invited anymore since she dared challenge Feyre in her own studio. The eldest Archeron was rarely at the house of wind or the river house anymore, not that the other paid any mind to her unless they wanted something. Only Azriel knew she would be at the house of wind on some days or would be resting at the library or at one of the rooms Emerie prepared for her.
Cassian let her be, both of them were talking but it was clear there was a rift between them. Cassian was too focused trying to become general again that he barely noticed the silver flamed fae.
"You made all this?" Elain's gentle voice pulled Nesta out of her thoughts. The eldest Archeron stopped the sewing machine and turned around to see her sister at the door wearing a soft blue dress. In the room Nesta was in was boxes after boxes of clothes she had made to gift to the Valkyries, even on the sewing machine was a dress specially made for Emerie.
"Not all but I adjusted most of them." Nesta answered curtly and stepped on the sewing machine's paddle to start it up again.
"Why not ask the help of the seamstres? I doubt you could finish all this in a few days." Elain pointed walking into the room without permission like always.
"That takes money and unfortunately, Cassian doesn't give me enough since he's worried I'd spend it all at a bar or some in. As if I'd been drinking. Thankfully mother dearest prepared us to be wives of lords." Nesta answered roughly and slammed her hand on the table, "I'm busy, unless you intend to snitch like a baby to Rhysand that I'm being a good dog I suggest you leave."
"I'm not... I didn't come here because someone told me to."
"Then why?"
Elain was silent for a moment gripping her skirt tightly wore looking away, "I need help." She spoke barely louder than a whisper.
"As if I'd help you. Ask Feyre for help, she's the one who's giving you all this." Nesta replied and stood up gesturing to everywhere.
Elain thought for a moment, Nesta was still angry at her or maybe at the fact that her own mate didn't give her enough to buy gifts for the people who actually matter to her. Elain guessed Mor likely had something to do with it.
"I...I need advice...I messed up, badly." Elain confessed her voice brittle while she made her eyes teary. A trick she learned to garner sympathy, useless amongst human men but also her sisters.
Nesta sighed deeply, it would be easy to just tell her to fuck off but the oldest Archeron always had a soft spot for Elain. "What did you do? Rhysand got mad you aren't following orders anymore?"
"I think...I broke the mating bond... the one I had with Lucien."
".... what?"
"I said I broke the mating bond with Luci-"
"No no I heard you..." Nesta replied and looked shocked as she staggered back into a chair before taking a seat. "I...I heard it was possible but you actually did it?"
"I didn't mean to..." Elain mumbled looking guilty.
"You need to tell Feyre. She'd know what to do. She's the only one who's actually happy with her mate." Nesta urged getting up taking Elain's hand to lead her deeper into the house to see their youngest sister.
"What about you? You have Cassian." Elain pointed out but the eldest stayed quiet. The house of wind was quiet since everyone was away but Nesta knew her baby sister would be in the house, she always was. When they reached the master bedroom where Nesta once stayed in, she knocked gently and waited for Feyre to invite them in before entering.
"Nesta? Elain?" Feyre asked in shocked seating on the bed in a night dress watching Nyx who was on the floor wrestling with a huge bat plushie on the floor.
The baby bat saw his aunties and immediately babbled making grabby hands at them.
It had been awhile since the sisters talked let alone were in the same room together. It was awkward and deafeningly silent as the tree starred at each other, Nesta wasn't sure what she could say to Feyre who she accused of having a part in turning her into fae and Feyre didn't have any words for her older sister, she herself forgot to buy gifts for her.
Elain couldn't take the silence so like back in the cottage she blurted out something to change their focus, "I broke the bond between Lucien and I." She confessed and immediately covered her mouth.
"You did what?" Feyre squeaked in surprise.
Nesta stepped aside letting Elain step through, "I know I know... I just...it happened so quick. I didn't even know it happened until it happened." Elain ranted while fidgeting with her fingers.
"Why not tell us from the start?" Nesta reasoned.
"Wait... I need something for this." Feyre said and summoned three chalices for each of the sister before a bottle of fae wine appeared pouring itself into their chalices.
It felt surreal for the sister to have something mundane as just time to themselves. Elain retold the story of what had happened that day, her visions with Lucien and basically blurt out everything she had been keeping inside for the past 3 years. It felt freeing to do so but more than that it felt nice being here with just her sisters. They rarely get along nor do ever spend time together since they all became fae but this mundane moment felt precious to her. She can't even remember the last time the sisters simply talked not about politics, world ending threats or fae bullshit. They were just talking about something any human woman will have problem with. Love.
"You knew about what happened? Why didn't you tell me?" Elain asked insulted as she looked at Feyre.
"It wasn't my story to tell, besides how was I supposed to know you were going to break the bond." Feyre defended with a slight smile almost spilling the wine in her chalice as she waved her hands around.
"Still... what happened to him. That must have been horrible." Nesta noted as she brushed Nyx's wings.
The young baby giggled "auntie Nest tickles." He laughed and kept flapping his winds while she smiled at him fondly.
"We have to help you fix this bond." Feyre suggested as she finished another chalice.
"Wait a minute," Nesta halted. "Does he even want this? Elain do you even want this? Can't you just let it be?"
"Nesta it's a mating bond. If we do nothing Lucien might go insane sometime in the future or worst he might call a blood duel." Feyre argued.
"It's her choice. I'm sure there's a way to stop fae males going insane." Nesta countered as she held Nyx close.
"Umm... I...I want this, I want the bond." Elain uttered weakly as she looked down.
"Are you sure?" Nesta asked for clarification.
"I think so...I don't know. It's confusing. I just... we're meant for each other aren't we? Like you and cassian, feyre and Rhysand. I guess I want it too. I don't think he's ready for it...and I'm not ready for it too but...we don't have time do we?" She asked her sisters.
The mood shifted, they were given a reminder that a powerful threat was foretold that would end their lives. "It'll be fine. I know we'll manage, we always do." Feyre comforted weakly placing a hand on both of her sisters.
"Let's just focus on this now, like what you can do?" Nesta suggested to take their minds off something else.
Nyx turned his head and his wings began to flap, "dad!" He shouted as he got up walking towards the door as Rhysand walked in. He smiled as he picked up his son while the sisters looked to him in shock.
"Don't fret Feyre darling, I know what Elain needs to do." Rhysand spoke to them as he nuzzled his son's cheeks.
"Were you listening to us, Rhys?" Feyre asked not realising how tensed both of her older sister became. Nesta reached for Elain's hand reflexively worried something might happen.
"We're mates, our thoughts and senses are one. There are no secrets between us," Rhysand answered as he walked closer, "I heard everything, Elain didn't I tell you can't break the bond with Lucien." He reminded coldly.
"Leave her alon-" Nesta interrupted until a strong arm pulled her back grabbing the chalice out of her hand. She was so focused on Elain she didn't realise Cassian was there shadowing Rhys.
"Why are you drinking, you know you shouldn't be!" Cassian scolded as he used his body to block her view of Elain and Feyre. "Don't you care! You were holding Nyx for mother's sake!
"That's enough, I'm not-" "don't you care?! We've been trying to help. Don't you realise this is why we treat you the way we do!" He raised his voice at her. Nesta would bite back but she was tired and she couldn't hurt Cassian not when he's still like this.
The two argued to the side as Rhysand put a finger under Elain's chin, "don't worry now. You want to be useful to your family don't you? Lucien is currently getting us that meeting, if you break that bond now everything will be for nothing." He urged.
"I-i.." Elain stuttered as she felt his claws dig into her mind. Usually they would falter due to her visions overloading their with information but her visions were gone. She was no seer, no sister, just a tool. She tried to fight it and looked to Feyre who only mouthed words to her. 'Trust him.'
"Don't worry. We'll get you, your mate back and we can end this. Moriggan will help." Rhysand's words echoed into her mind making her pliant. She agreed but she didn't want this.
She wanted genuine connection without being forced but her choices doesn't matter. Only Rhysand's and her sister would support him blindly no matter what, because Rhysand was the smartest, strongest and cunning high lord. She believed those words despite the disgust it brought her. She'll fix the bond with Lucien because that's what he told her to do.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
On winter solstice's eve or as spring court calls it Albanarthan, the citizens were preparing. Parents who bought gifts for their children and friends were still awake either still wrapping gifts or busy decorating their homes. The spring court manor was no different, as flower sprites and brownies worked together to cover the outside in white flowers weaved together into the shape of snowflakes or baking cookies to be given away tomorrow during celebration. Times like this, the high lord would usually be at the manor helping prepare or doing a final round of checks before enacting the tithe the day after tomorrow but he wasn't.
At the border where the wall once stood, Tamlin walked out of the overgrown brambles that kept humans out and Faeries inside. The plants moved without question recognising their creator as they let him pass.
On the opposite just outside the wards was a cloaked figure, most wouldn't be able to figure out who he was but moonlight was reflected on his golden prosthetic eye.
"I have to say, when you said you'd help Vassa's kingdom I didn't expect given her a small army of spriggans and using glamour at her borders to scare away enemies. You've grown bolder." Lucien teased with a smirk.
Tamlin walked closer and stopped just inches away from the invisible ward separating them, "I only accepted to see you because of Shel. Do not waste my time." He replied curtly as he raised his hands and closed them into fist as gold and green magic shined from it. The sound of the forest immediately died down as both sound and vision was glamoured by the high lord.
Lucien's smile immediately dropped, it was hard to not tesse or joke with someone you know for over 300 hundred years. Their fights no matter big or small would always end up being forgotten or silently forgiven in days or weeks. "Right... then I believe you know why I'm here." The fox turned serious ready for a hunt to capture its prey, a beneficial deal.
Tamlin pulled out a letter with spring court's emblem pressed into the red wax seal, "this is an official invitation to the rulers of night court for negotiations. A no-harm pact will be implemented, remind them of that. I know you want to end this conflict but we both know the outcome won't change."
"Maybe...I may not agree with what you're doing but I know you."
"You don't. Not anymore."
"I do." Lucien replied confidently. The two just starred at each other for a moment, "I don't agree with what you're doing with Beron and the other courts but I know you won't hurt anyone who's innocent. You're not a murderer or a conquerer. I know you're already planning something to stop Beron and Rhysand. I know you won't kill them." He stated his eye reflecting his iron will.
"I will only give you this letter for a deal. When war comes even if you have to do it by force you'll take Elain and possibly Nesta away. Save anyone you can but you need to get out of that court when armies arrive to Velaris, go to day court and take refuge there. Do you accept this offer?" Tamlin ignored the others words and offered. He wanted to get this over with.
Lucien sighed and placed his hands at his hips, "I can't..."
Anger boiled within Tamlin's guts threatening to spill, "for cauldron's sake why?! Your success as emissary and your ability to befriend anyone makes you a valuable asset to any court or kingdom. Regardless of your current reputation."
Lucien grit his teeth, "because I am not sired by Beron. I am bastard."
Tamlin became silent as he processed the words, "what?"
"You knew... I can cleave that I can use a bit of light magic. That's how I made a hole at the wall and how I broke the binds the king of hybern placed on us. You assumed it was because one of my grandparents might have been a noble from day court but it's not... I am a bastard." Lucien explained looking away as if he was confessing a shameful secret.
Tamlin thought for a moment, "and if you go there. If you are claimed by one of day court's nobles your mother's life would be endangered. Beron would have her head for her betrayal."
"I can't go there, Tam. I'll do what it takes to keep Elain and the others safe but I can't go to day court." He pleaded.
Tamlin took a breath with his eyes closed then starred at the male in front of him, he owed Lucien a debt for what had happened to him with Ianthe. He needed to pay. "I understand... do you... know who your sire is? A relative of the previous high lord of day i presume or maybe..." he wondered but the idea was too scandalous. Helion wouldn't dare to sleep with a married female. When would they even have the time? Tamlin pushed those thoughts aside.
"Get Elain and Nesta out when the armies march towards the night court." Tamlin reminded and floated the letter through the wards towards Lucien which he gladly caught.
"You know I could cleave and burn these wards away right?" Lucien joked and pulled a small wrapped gift out of his cloak before placing it on the ground. "Happy Albanarthan, Tamlin. Have a good one."
Lucien turned around to walk away not realising the high lord had grabbed his gift and unwrapped it. A book of folk songs from the fae realms, Lucien knew he'd like it but he also knew something was wrong with Tamlin. He heard many rumours but one thing stuck out, he hadn't heard Tamlin play his fiddle for years now even after he turnt back.
The tree bristled around him before a branch slowly lowered itself holding out a rapier towards Lucien with a tag tied to a ribbon around its handle.
'Happy winter solstice, Lu. Take care of yourself.'
Lucien smiled as he grabbed the sword. He could feel the magic inside of it reacting to his almost immediately. A fine blade with a golden guard embedded with red and green gems filled with autumn fire magic as well as spring wind magic respectively. The male gave it an experimental thrust and accidentally sent out a concentrated burst of wind that broke a large branch causing it to fall with a loud thud.
"Thank you." He spoke looking back but he didn't saw his former friend anymore. Just a high wall of flowery brambles.
End note:Presenting the jewels/lady in waiting of Lady Diana.
Some facts about lady Diana. She's been married thrice and her marriages lasted almost a century each but she was divorced each time due to always miscarrying. Her first marriage was to Mor's brother while her second and third marriage was to a general. After her third divorce she was considered broken goods and stayed at Thanatos'es mansion. When she was around 400+ she started taking an interest in reading and took ladies in waiting to train them.
Thanatos is the second most powerful house because of connections which he believes is his ability not realising its his daughter's work for always keeping contact with the consort of the lords in Hewn city.
She has a motherly relationship with all her ladies in waiting. Typically she's very popular and has always hosted balls for the lords which she uses to get new ladies. All her previous lady in waiting married well and even had love matches.
I named all 5 of her lady in waiting after gems cause they're precious to her. She'd rather sacrifice herself and take their beating then let them be hurt hence why her ladies are so protective of her.
Miltia is the oldest at 75, saphira is a year younger. Both pyrha and fluora are in their early 70s and both are already engaged. Pyrha is matched wit a merchant lord while fluora has found a love match with a general (Diana is worried for her since her previous husbands were cruel generals). Carnelia is the youngest being in her late 50s
All her previous ladies got married before they were 80. Diana is also a well known mid wife and healer, to avoid magical out burst she practiced healing and many visit her for heals, she's very busy.
