#actar

[contac]

[acourtofemma]

This is a masterpiece! Change my mind🦇❤️

[forg-tfuljoon]

I need to say this, but I still love Tamlin I think he deserves a redemption arc and to find his mate and be happy. He has done some horrible things but I think all the characters in the story have, but he is painted more as a villain than the others, which is bs.

[tintinnabulary]

Archeron Ambrosia

Chapter Four

AN: And now the long awaited fourth chapter. Sorry for the delay. Unfortunately, I had a family emergency that really threw my life through a loop for a bit, so I wrote this chapter, then realized I didn’t like parts of it, then forgot about it, then remembered it, then put it off, then today decided I HAD to finally get this shit out there. Hopefully you all enjoy it. As usual, leave comments and messages and such and let me know if you want to be tagged in future chapters!

I do not own the characters, or the songs "Dream" by Priscilla Ahn, or "Mara's Song" by Mandy Harvey!

Masterlist

Nesta struggled to put her key into the front door of her store in the dim, early morning light. Cursing and fumbling with keys and her hot coffee, Nesta near screamed at the sudden unexpected burst of light. Nesta straightened quickly, squared her shoulders, then squinted against the light to see who held it.

“Look all you want, sweetheart, but eventually you’ll have to buy it.” Fury laced her veins as she recognized the voice.

“I’m just trying to locate the tiny man with a big ego addressing me.” Laughter licked at her skin, coursing through her veins and lacing with the fury, giving Nesta a new and unfamiliar sensation. God, why did he have to sound like that?

“Oh, sweetheart, there is nothing tiny about me.” She scoffed and another torrent of laughter broke out. She reached out to the light source, lowering it to get a better view at the man behind it.

Cassian stood in front of Nesta, his hair pulled up into a bun, pieces falling and cascading down around his sweat-soaked face. Black basketball shorts hung low on his hips, with black running shoes on his feet. His shirt through--that was nowhere to be found. Defined muscles covered every visible inch of body, with swirling black tattoos covering his chest, arms, abs, and over that was an attractive sheen of sweat. A bead trickled down the defined abs, trailing along one of the more defined black lines of his ink, and Nesta fought the urge to lick her lips and think about where that drop was heading.

Instead, she pushed his light towards the keyhole of her store and went back to her task of opening the shop.

“Why are you even here?” Nesta asked, trying to get her mind off the nakedness of the confident, smug male at her side.

“To be your knight in shining armor, of course.” Nesta looked up and glared at him. He laughed again (why does he have so much carefree joy?) and said “Okay. I like to rise early. Get in a run and a workout before I start my appointments for the day. And I like to have plenty of time to make breakfast.” That answer was so...adult. So unexpected. “What about you?”

“I got an order in yesterday for a huge wedding dessert tower. It’s for next week on Friday, so I needed to get started on some of the tart shells, cakes, pies. Things like that. Mini desserts take more time. So, I wanted to get a jump start on them.” Nesta finally unlocked the door and stepped into the shop, flipping on the lights and beginning to walk to the back. Cassian started to follow her, and Nesta reached out at him with a halting hand. A blush spread lightly over her cheeks as his hard, sweaty chest made contact with her hand.

“What?” he asked, cocky confusion blooming on his face.

“You’re gross,” she said, pulling her hand away. “I mean, sweaty and near naked. You can’t be in here. That’s a health code violation.”

“Well, say I go run next door and shower. Would you let me hang out with you then? Help you bake, and then maybe make us breakfast?” Cassian seemed nervous, shifting his weight from foot to foot.

Nesta looked at him, calculating and debating. “Okay. Get clean, and be prepared to do everything I say.”

He broke into a giant grin and gave a sharp salute. “Aye, aye captain. I’ll be back in thirty.” He spun quickly on his heel and bolted out the door.

Nesta took a deep, calming breath, drank a long chug from her coffee cup, then made her way to the back. Nesta pulled out her phone and placed it on a music docking station on a counter in the kitchen. She pulled up her baking playlist, (complete with  Yiruma, Sleeping At Last, Bon Iver, He Is We, and Mandy Harvey) and as the first notes from Mandy Harvey’s “Try” began, Nesta began moving her way around the kitchen. She preheated the ovens, and began pulling out ingredients. Butter, flour, brown sugar, vanilla--all the needed ingredients,  and her measuring cups and bowls, all soon sat across her work station. She began humming along to songs, losing herself in the familiarity of baking, and soon finding herself singing along--forgetting entirely about her guest for the morning.

~*~*~*~*~

Cassian showered as quickly as possible, not wanting to give Nesta a chance to change her mind about letting him join her. His mind raced with what he could cook for her, wanting to impress her with his cooking skills as much as she did him with her baking.

When he climbed out of the shower, he quickly grabbed jeans and a plain red t-shirt. He placed his hair back up in a bun, hoping it would stay out of the way while he worked beside her. He ran down the back stairwell from the tattoo shop (they put in a shower after a few too many drunk people stumbled from the bowling alley and into their shop, and unloaded themselves on the floors and the artists), and moved quickly through locking back up the shop and into the bakery. The bells were still tied to the side, so nothing announced his arrival. He was about to do just that when he was surprised by a gentle, confident voice singing from the back.

I asked God who I’m supposed to be

The stars smiled down at me

God answered in silent reverie

I said a prayer and I fell asleep

I had a dream

That I could fly from the highest tree

I had a dream

Cassian walked closer to the kitchen, hiding a bit beside the door to see if it was truly Nesta singing. He saw her, moving with grace and ease around her kitchen space, slowly pouring flour into a wet batter mixture, and her hair lightly slipping out of her intricate braided updo. Flour marked her right cheek, and it was already scattered across her half apron. She lightly blew at the hair in her face as she continued folding in her flour into the mixture. Then, her mouth opened  and Cassian heard her soft and alluring voice begin again.

Now I’m old and feeling grey

I don’t know what’s left to say

About this life I’m willing to leave

I lived it full and I lived it well

There’s many tales I’ve lived to tell

I’m ready now, I’m ready now

I’m ready now

To fly from the highest wing

I had a dream

“So, you bake and you sing?” Nesta jumped in surprise at his voice, knocking some of the batter out of the bowl with her spatula.

She cleared her voice, trying to regain some composure. “Only when I’m alone. Usually when I’m baking.”

“I don’t know why you don’t sing anywhere else. You’re really good.” Cassian casually placed his hands inside his pockets and leaned against the door frame.

“Well, thanks for intruding upon a private moment, not properly announcing your presence, and then causing me to waste batter.” Her eyes met Cassian’s, and there was a calculated annoyance lighting them. “The least you can do is make yourself useful and make this breakfast you mentioned. I got most of the stuff I trust you with done already.”

“You couldn’t wait for me?”

“The wedding is next Friday. I wait for no one when I need something done.”

Cassian pushed himself off the wall and moved to the stove. Nesta had already set out two pans, so he set them to the correct temperature and moved to the fridge, gathering his needed ingredients. He set himself to work, moving via muscle memory, and racing his brain on what to talk about.

There was something about Nesta that unnerved him. He didn’t mean to offend her by listening to her sing, but he couldn’t resist. She had a quiet, strong confidence that he was sure could quickly turn into a fiery rage if he didn’t watch himself. But maybe that was what he wanted. She was too together. Too closed off. Too in her head. Maybe if he pushed at her buttons, she’d unravel enough to have fun. To relax.

“Don’t think so hard, or your face will get stuck like that.” Cassian turned to Nesta after realizing his face was hyper focused on the egg dish in front of him. She was staring at him from across her baking counter, cup of coffee being raised to her lips and eyebrow raised.

“Eggs are obviously the most complicated dish.”

“I’m sure your brain isn’t used to working quite this hard.”

“Sometimes it’s the simplest things that take the most focus.”

“Only simple people find simple things complex.”

“Maybe you just overcomplicate things because you can’t let yourself be simple.”

“Maybe I’m just too advanced for you to handle.” Cassian removed his pan from the heat, and leaned against the island Nesta worked on.

“Oh, Nesta, you’re not as complex as you think.” he flashed her a smile, then reached across the way, wiping at the flour on Nesta’s cheek. A light blush dusted across her nose, and Cassian couldn’t help but think about ways to make that blush deepen.

“Finish cooking.” she grabbed an ice cream scoop and pulled a tray from under the counter. “Once these go in the oven, I’ll have twenty minutes to eat. Let’s hope your simplified dish is enough for my overcomplicated tastes.” And with that, her eyes looked away, and Cassian sensed his temporary dismissal. He grinned at her, then turned back to the stove. Suddenly, his brain clicked on what she said.

“You said the wedding is next Friday?” Nesta looked up from her mixing bowl and nodded. “It wouldn’t happen to be a beachside ceremony with the reception at the Velaris Winery, would it?”

She blinked twice before asking, “How did you know?”

A grin split Cassian’s face. “Because I’m going to it. The bride, Amren, she’s like a sister to me. My brothers and I have known her for years. All of us are going.”

“Well, my sisters and I will be there, delivering the desserts and making sure nothing goes wrong with the desserts or with their personal cake.”

“Well it saves me from finding a date for the occasion.”

Nesta coughed in shock. “Why would my working the wedding mean you don’t have to find a date?”

He smiled at her over his shoulder. “Because I’m obviously going to have to ask the most beautiful girl their to dance. And if you’re there, then any date I find will be instantly jealous.”

Nesta said nothing, and Cassian glaced casually at her. When he noticed  she was trying to hide a blush, he figured just this once he would be a gentleman and not call it out.

A quiet content settled in, and they both finished at their tasks. When it came time for plating, Nesta walked to a cabinet, opened the door for plates, and went to grab her tray and move it into the oven. The synchronicity they moved in seemed like a dance, a gentle caress of long friends who were in a comfortability that came with time--only hours after meeting, Cassian noted. He plated the bacon, tomato, and cheese omelettes he made, and walked to the work table on the side where Nesta was putting forks and paper towels. She went to the sink and washed her hands as Cassian sat, grabbing at the salt and pepper and dusting his own food. Nesta’s humming as she washed made Cassian pay closer attention to the song playing.

Come walk my friend with me

To a place that we always dreamed

You will know how it feels

To be right where you’re supposed to be

“Sing it, Nes.”

“Don’t call me Nes.” she quickly responded, quite matter of factly. “And you already caught me once. You’ll have to do something pretty special to earn it a second time.”

“Challenge accepted.” Nesta sat down at the table, and picked up her fork and knife. She raised her eyes at him, and he responded with a smile. “You can’t get rid of me that quickly.”

“Maybe food poisoning will get me before I have to see you try.”

Cassian threw his head back and laughed. “At least try it before you kick me to the curb.”

Nesta tentatively took a bite, then couldn’t help the light moan that escaped her. Cassian held onto that sound and tucked it safely into a corner of his mind.

“What did you do to this?”

“It’s a secret.”

“Tell me.”

“No way,” his smile grew. “If I tell you, there will be no reason to keep me around.”

“It’s the only reason to keep you around.”

“I’m also a looker.”

“Only when you’re shirtless.”

“I can always be shirtless, if that’s what you want.”

“I think that’s what you would want.”

“I would love to see you shirtless all the time, Nes.”

“Don’t call me Nes.” She glared up at him, and silence settled in once again. Lyrics again floated into Cassian’s mind.

Day by day we journey on

Through the storm and through the calm

Day by day we’ll find a way

Together

“I’ll get there, Nesta. Don’t worry. You won’t be rid of me any time soon.”

Cause all I see is you holding me, forever

“You’re a little too sure of yourself for my liking, but we’ll see where this goes.” Nesta settled back into her food, allowing the silence, but this time it was charged. Cassian let a smile rest on his face, then went to eating his own food. He couldn’t help but think that he was in trouble with this one.

All I see is you holding me, forever

Tag List: @tragically-broken, @bluephoenix222, @alicethelonerabbit, @court-of-fandoms-and-art, @casuallyonearth, @dumbdumbbubblegumdingdongbat, @reallyangryrn, @my-fan-side, 

[betterbooksandthings]

Books like Sarah J Maas

Sarah J Maas is known for her breathtaking fantasy series that are equal parts thrilling, romantic, and imaginative. Both of her series feature dynamic fae and exceptional royalty. You cannot mistake the similarities in her worlds for a simplicity in her storylines. On the contrary, both series contain distinct characters, magic, and worlds that shift from book to book as the plot demands. I often find myself in Maas withdrawals after her book releases, so here are some books that may pique your interest.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo: Much like Maas, Bardugo has a dynamic crew who team up and defeat a more economically and magically endowed group. In this high fantasy world, there is only one misfit crew who can pull off the heist of a lifetime saving themselves and their world in the process. It’s impossible not to love this unexpected novel.

Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson: One princess runs away from her arranged marriage and her claim to the throne. Little does she know, she walks into her destiny after having acquired the skills and support she needed to rule. Her path is surprisingly similar to one queen’s hidden background in Throne of Glass and another’s refusal to accept a bargain in ACTAR. The heartwrenching knowledge the reader makes for a compelling read.  

Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire: Now this book is not YA, nor is it high fantasy, but if you love Maas’s quippy, steamy, or fighty scenes then I promise you will not be disappointed. The series follows three siblings in a family of cryptozoologists. In other words, they are the group of humans advocating for the study and understanding of the hidden world of monsters. This urban fantasy has a great crew of characters, incredible fight scenes, and interesting world building fit for a lover of Maas.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer: Another book series that began as a cinderella retelling and ended in far more fight scenes, romantic parings, and royalty disputes. Here, one Cyborg mechanic finds her place in the lunar lineage after a chance encounter with the prince. Of course, both books branched out from their beginnings and became wonderfully rich series that can make anyone swoon. 

Graceling by Kristin Cashore: This book is a classic high fantasy series for a reason. The book asks what would you do if you had a talent or grace for killing? If you love underestimated assassins, out of place rulers, and interesting relationship dynamics, you will love watching three separate heroines move through the same world in a unified attempt to better the people they serve. 

Obviously, none of these authors can completely fill the hole in your heart left by Sarah J. Maas’s book withdrawal. If you do end up reading one of these books, I guarantee you will feel just a tiny bit better. Happy Reading!

[emma-blackthorn]

Tbh if I died right now I'd come back for the last TOG, ACTAR, & TMI books

[acourtofemma]

I've just realized there's so much toxicity in Tumblr towards elriel shippers. Seriously tho what's the matter with y'all?! Why so much elriel hate because some can't stand Elain?but clearly they want Az with Gwyn ony for that reason.(??). Let me say my thoughts and whoever doesn't agree -I don't care!- They lack chemistry, they don't have scenes together and obviously they don't have a history built up. The only thing they say is about Azriel's shadows and how they disappear when elain is around. BUT THAT'S THE POINT PEOPLE!(just like they disappeared when Mor was around when he was still in love with her) Obviously you haven't read any of the other books before(food for thought). And most importantly gwynriel is based over a necklace that was meant for another woman. Represents another woman(elain=the rose). And let me remind you that Az admits even himself that they are not even friends(!!). Personal opinion, but I think love comes after being friends and close to someone. (guess what, elriel has that) Gwyn and AZ, they're not even close! Do me a favor and read the books again cause I think you've lost some big details over there. And not y'all saying about Az's chapter that he sees elain as an object and saying that elain should be mated with him instead is a bad thing. AZRIEL WAS HURTING INSIDE. THAT WAS PURE SADNESS WE GOT TO SEE BECAUSE HE CAN'T BE WITH THE WOMAN HE LOVES. Let me make clear that I have nothing against gwyn, I love her very much and I think she's a very strong character with good potential. What I can't stand is the hate elriel is given to. And I'm writing all this because a post of mine (saying "I think elriel is endgame") got so much hate I had to delete it.

[mon-nid]

At a time environmental awareness is becoming increasingly important, the post-disaster and DIY-oriented philosophy of Ishinomaki Laboratory reflects the changing paradigms in furniture design today. Ishinomaki Laboratory was born in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Initiated by the architect Keiji Ashizawa, it was originally thought as a community workshop intended to assist residents affected by the disaster rebuilding furniture from the materials at hand. (...)