hi! i wanted to request from the fluff prompt list, could i have azriel from acotar with #18? thank you!!
A/N - EEEKKKK I love this for our batboy! Thanks for requesting this, dear friend :)
Here
Summary - Azriel shows you his softer side.
Warnings - Only fluff of course ;)
The back door to your little house opened, the bell over the door ringing to tear your eyes away from your work at your desk to see your best friend Mor poking her head in.
"Mor! What are you doing here?"
"We're due for a dinner together, remember?"
You looked from Mor over to the clock on the wall, noticing she was right as the sun was now long gone and the cool air was coming in. Embarrassed, you sighed and gave her an apologetic look, "I'm sorry, Mor. I got busy and time slipped away from me,"
"Which is why we need to get dinner and a drink at Rita's! Rhysand and Feyre are gonna meet us there, and I brought a straggler along," Mor said to you, you raising an eyebrow at her as she moved to the side and the person behind her appeared. You were a bit shocked to see him there at your house, the Shadowsinger that you only met a handful of times in passing and who had a brooding reputation amongst the locals.
Azriel.
"Good evening," He said to you with a small smile, you waved awkwardly as Mor was just grinning between the pair of you.
"He was helping me with a chore and wanted to come with me to fetch you," Mor explained, Azriel glaring at her as she shrugged and just chuckled, "Plus, I think he's famished since he's a bit grumpy with me,"
"Easy, Mor," He replied as you grinned. You loved their friendship together, always so kind and yet playful together.
"Anyway, we're here to escort you to dinner! Feyre wants to hear all about your travel to Dawn Court and how it went!" Mor explained as you fetched your coat.
"I have plenty to tell her," You explained as the three of you left the house and you locked up. Walking shoulder to shoulder, the three of you made your way down the cobbled path that lead to one of the main walkways that would take you to the center hub of Velaris. Thankfully Rita's was only a 5-minute walk from your house, making your home the ideal place to hang out before going out for the evening.
"You went to Dawn Court?" Azriel asked as you were shivering a bit from the cold, "For what....if you don't mind me asking,"
"You think of her as a spy, Az?" Mor asked him in a teasing tone as Azriel rolled his eyes.
"Not at all, just curious," He replied to her, and then he looked back at you to see you shivering a bit more, "You cold?"
"Sorry," You muttered, "I forgot my jacket since I thought it wasn't going to be that cold out here,"
"Oh, we can head back--" Mor started to say, gesturing to the path that lead to your house behind you three. But Azriel was faster, shrugging off the jacket he was wearing and then placing it over your shoulder. But before he could, he stopped and froze, the jacket slightly hovering over your shoulders as he eyes you with carefulness and a hint of uncertainty.
"Is this okay?" He asked, his voice timid and almost shy. Hearing all the stories about him from not just Mor but others, who he would slay beings with his Truth Teller, how he could bring even the strongest soldiers to his knees, and how he would intimate even the highest rank general or king. But this, this was him simply offering you his coat to wear on the way to dinner. Kind, vulnerable, gentle.
You were shocked, to say the very least. But you were also entranced.
"Yes, thank you," You replied, Azriel slipping his jacket on your shoulders then smoothly like water in a riverbed. You felt instant warmth, the jacket was massive on you and the scent was strong of old oak and a hint of pine. it felt like you were engulfed by him as if he was wrapping his arms around you and pulling you in close to protect you from some kind of force that wished to harm you.
It was only a jacket, but it felt like more.
You walked again, a blush was evident on your cheeks as you were leading the three of you now into the main busy center of town. Mor stayed behind with Azriel for a moment, brushing her shoulder with yours as they were following you in the direction of Rita's.
"Aak her on a date already, Az," Mor reassured him as Azriel was watching you with a hint of fondness, "You've been wanting to for weeks now! It was a slick move to give her your jacket anyways!"
"A kind gesture no doubt, Mor," Azriel reasoned, though Mor chuckled.
"Oh sure, and the blush you have is only from the cold," She teased as Azriel huffed. She placed a hand on Azriel's arm to get his attention as they turned the corner and saw Rita's in front of them, "She likes you, Azriel. Take the risk, for once."
Azriel took her advice to heart, seeing her glide over to you and slip her arm in yours as she waved to Feyre and Rhsyand who were already out on the patio at a massive table. Azriel knew Mor looked out for him and his own happiness, and as he cracked a smile at the sight of you under the patios lights in your jacket, he made his decision.
And 30 years later, the pair of you married and expecting your second child, Azriel was glad he chose to give you his jacket
I've joined a lot of new fandoms since lockdown started, but honestly, the aftg fandom amazes me more than any other. Like, these self-published, weird-ass, mafia/sport/tragedy books ended years ago, yet people still love them so much. It's pretty special y'know?
It geniunely surpirses me that no one made an au of what would have happened if Feyre said i love you to tamlin and effectively breaking the curse. What would have happen when she meets Rhysand again? How would it go down ??
We began with honesty let us end with it too - Rupi Kaur.
Chapter 1, 2, 3, 4 5, 6 7 <- here
The farmers were preparing the harvest in Illyria. Julio was waiting for his daughter to come back from training. As he tended to the new crops he saw a distant figure in the lapping waves. A female.
He rushed over.
“Miss-miss are you-”
The waves retreating from her was scarlet. Blood.
Her face was pale, drained of colour.
“Miss please allow me to take-”
She groaned something,
“What?”
“C-cass-ian.”
A crowd had formed. Julio looked at the village message boy,
“Get the King!”
---------------
Cassian’s face was grave.
He had an unsettling feeling since he woke up. A feeling that tugged deep down in his gut.
He was in a meeting when a young boy had come and said that Julio had found an injured female that called his name.
Azriel had got there before he did.
It was Nesta. He hadn’t seen her in a month.
She wore a sleek black one piece suit that was cut open with jagged wounds spilling blood.
They were now waiting outside the infirmary.
The inner circle had now arrived at the infirmary as well, Morrigan as well. Rhys had filled her in on everything once she had taken a break and came to Velaris.
She was shocked, to say the least.
“The Rask Royal family are coming. The proper one.”
Az announced.
“What?” Amren hissed.
“The ‘proper’ one?” Morrigan queried.
“As is the Queen of Rask and the second in command.”
Feyre’s mouth dropped. Cassian was in the corner, face hard.
The healer came out.
Cassian stood, “What’s wrong?”
“She lost a lot of blood your majesty, she is physically drained she is conscious for the minute but you need a stronger healer if you want to keep her stable.”
Rhys nodded, “I’ll send word to Madja-”
“No need High Lord, Our high priestess is capable enough.”
A female with dominance seeping from her voice stepped through the threshold of the infirmary.
Rhys nodded his head, “Welcome your highness, I’m sorry it’s not under better circumstances.”
She levelled a cold look and nodded. The second in command stepped in.
Elain gasped.
“Nana?” The female’s eyes were now lined with tears, she stepped closer to Elain her hand reaching up to brush her temple.
The healer had left the door open and Nesta’s voice had travelled to them. She groaned inciting the Queen of Rask to break into a run towards her. The second in command tore her eyes away from Elain and towards Nesta. She went inside without a second glance back.
Cassian followed, they all did, but Feyre wished they didn’t.
Nesta’s face was sickly, still stunning but her lustre had died out.
“Nesta-Nes its mama Vera,” The Queen of Rask tried lightly shaking her. “Look Nana is here too.” She turned and hissed, “Annie! Come here! She might respond to you.”
“Who….” Nesta managed to make out.
Annabeth came to her other side. Cassian tried not to look shocked at the similarities between the two females.
“We need to move her.” Vera said.
“With all due respect, your majesty, she can’t be moved unless you want her health to deteriorate even more.” The healer sniped back.
“Do not talk to me like that.” Vera hissed.
Annabeth stepped up, “Vera she’s a healer she’s keeping Nesta’s best interests in mind, Call Safia here.”
Vera hesitated but nodded.
Half an hour later, Clare, Jonah and a hooded female with dark skin stepped through. Jonah went stiff. His face turning pale.
Clare went straight to her, “Hey Nes. How you holding up?”
Nesta smiled groggily at her.
Clare flung her accusatory eyes towards Feyre and Rhysand.
“What did you do?!” she seethed.
Feyre’s words got stuck in her throat. Clare’s mere presence frightened her to extended lengths. Frightened her mate.
Annabeth stood up, “Clare, it’s not her fault.”
Clare spun. “Don’t at least be partial to your granddaughter now Mama Annie.”
“She’s right Clare. The Night court had no involvement in this.” Vera replied.
Clare turned her attention back to Nesta.
“Hey Nes, people are asking about your songs, the kids want to get started on the dance for the recital you know.”
Nesta just moaned, “Is Saf here?”
“Yes Nesta I’m right here” Safia said.
“Can you make it stop hurting?” her voice broke.
“Of course I can love just give me a second,” she gave terse orders to the healer on the types of things she’d need.
“Nanna…” Nesta called, “Have you seen Feyre and Elai…Elain.” She spoke in breathless heaves.
“Yes sweetie.”
“They should know. They all should know.” Vera’s eyes widened at Nesta’s words.
“Darling, there is no need for this to happen now.” She said.
“I agree with Vera Nesta, you can tell them after you heal.”
“Not me. Hill…people of… Not much time. If something happens to me-”
Vera put hand over Nesta’s mouth, “Don’t say that.”
Nesta grabbed the hand and said to Vera with more strength, “They need to know. There isn’t much time.”
She dropped back into the pillows, unconscious again.
Vera and Annie exchanged looks. Vera nodded. Annabeth stood.
“Ask no questions.”
She winnowed them all in one go. Feyre stumbled held up by Rhys.
“If you would like to know how any of Nesta’s new life is possible you will follow me no questions asked.”
Elain walked to her, “Nana-”
She turned cutting her off, “Do you trust me?”
Elain answered her voice cold, “Are you the female I knew since I was a child?”
“Yes.”
“Then yes I do.” Feyre came next to Elain.
“If Elain does then so do i.” Annabeth nodded and led the way.
Cassian exchanged a look with Az at the message Rhys sent to all of them.
“We’re in the human lands.”
They were in the forest Feyre used to hunt.
But they had travelled west. So far that even the waves of the ocean could be heard. They came to small hill like features of the forest.
“I call the people of the hill in a plea of help. I call them to tell a story they know better than the characters.”
The ground started to shake, the flowers and rocks shifting into human like forms. The forms stood, covered in emerald robes and gowns, a male stood in front of them all, greeting Annabeth.
“Daemons.” Rhys breathed.
“What are Daemons?” Mor asked.
“Guiding spirit like creatures, benevolent, they contain the power to predict futures.” Amren answered.
“Correct.” The male smiled warmly, “I expect you are here to hear the story of Nesta Archeron.”
Elain nodded profusely.
“I am Algeron. The leader of the people of the hill. I will tell you her story but I must have your word that you do not breathe your opinions of Nesta’s story to her. She is precious to us, we have accepted her. Do I have your word?”
They all hesitated but agreed, Elain being the first to nod.
A mist took over them, secluding them all. Algeron’s voice towered over them.
“Good now let’s start….
Nesta’s story started before she was born. It started when the wall went up. Trapping Annabeth Donahue on the side of mortals. She was fae. But she didn’t care; she was married to the love of her life who was a human man. Logan Donahue.
But their love was tiring, he had to protect her. They had three girls, he had to protect them. Because they were half fae and he didn’t know how many years they had left till their Settling. The urge to protect drove him mad.
He became a tyrant.
He made his eldest, Adelaide, wear iron. Tons of it on her body to suppress her fae side. His two youngest refused to be suppressed and their mother protected them from their father’s wrath. Adelaide wanted nothing more than to please her father so she did everything he told her.
Until she found her mate. The Crown Prince of Rask, Drian. He had been inspecting a hole in the wall. He’d climbed through and found her. They were madly in love. Christie the youngest, falling in love with Drian’s younger brother who had followed his brother to the love of his life. But they kept it a secret.
But Logan found out.
He was furious. He spewed venom everywhere and in his last attempt to control the situation he got Adelaide betrothed to Randolph Archeron.
Adelaide agreed only when her father made a deal with her.
He’d leave her younger sister Romella alone. He’d let Christie live her own life by marrying Drian’s younger brother and Adelaide would go under Iron cuffs for the rest of her life. He agreed with a few of his own conditions.
She got married, Randolph smitten with her. Putting on an act to be in love with the future prince of merchants was part of the deal Adelaide made.
Adelaide stayed in the continent trying to fulfil her father’s last condition. Her father wanted a male heir.
She gave birth to 3 daughters. Not one son.
Randolph was pleased but her father was furious. Then one day in a cruel twist of fate, Randolph came home early from his trades to see his fae mother-in-law and sister-in-law playing with his daughters. He was mortified.
He took Adelaide away snapping any connection with Adelaide’s family. He claimed he did it to protect his daughters.
Something broke the day they arrived in Prythian, Adelaide Archeron kept the act of love even if there was none.
Adelaide was closest to her oldest daughter, Elain and Feyre sticking to their Father as long as he was at home.
But as much as they kept up the façade of a happy marriage, Randolph was first to snap.
And on a beautiful day when Elain was in the garden watching the gardeners and Feyre was playing in her room, He told his wife that he had fallen in love with another woman. He had slept with her and they had a child. They called her Bella. Adelaide tried to keep the betrayal from consuming here. But she couldn’t, she wasn’t upset because she had fallen in love with him. She was mourning the spent loyalty she had wasted. They had children together.
Randolph promised that Nesta, Elain and Feyre would never face the consequences of his decision. He then left.
Adelaide cried in shattering breaths. This was the first secret a young Nesta watching from the door was burdened with.
Drian had sensed Adelaide’s grief from the bond she no longer used anymore and rushed to the other side of the wall.
When Adelaide spent days grieving in Drian’s arms, she felt better, she felt happier. She still loved him. She was pregnant with Drian’s son.
The second secret Nesta was burdened with.
She confronted her mother and her mother broke down begging Nesta not to think of her as a whore. Nesta, a young girl who believed in love and soul mates wiped her mother’s tears and told her she understood. That she was grateful to this male helping her mother when her father had betrayed her. Adelaide wanted Drian to meet her; therefore Nesta was burdened with another secret.
Drian, on the other hand fell in love with Nesta the first time he laid his eyes on her. How much he was like her mother. The cold demeanour, her softer traits, the dimples that pierced her cheeks when she smiled.
He told her to call him ‘Papa Drian.’
Now Nesta was a girl who was so full of life. But there were things she didn’t know.
When her youngest sister was in her mother’s womb.
The people of the hill had begged Annabeth to keep that child safe. To make sure that child, who was star kissed be raised by wolves. The equality of the two races needed her.
Nesta was told this when she asked her mother why she was so cold to Feyre.
Randolph’s visits home were shorter, trips longer. He was tending to his other child Bella, who was a few months older than Elain. Nesta was impaled by the thought that her father didn’t love her.
Welp. Time got away from me. This summer was pretty busy, between helping at a kids camp, my birthday, and my brother going away to college, but I'm finally gathering my fledgling courage and posting the info about the game.
The Plot:
You play as the Heir to the Kingdom of Artherius, a small, landlocked country hedged by mountains, save a small sea gifted by ancient laws traqnscending the kingdoms that sprawl across the vast continent. Peace ruled your country, up until 6 years ago, when the entrances throught he mountains to your country were blocked off by landslides, cutting off all those who called Artherius home, rom the rest of the world.
Your father called for militaristic action, saying the borders of the land were closed, and all those who tried to enter would be slain. It was a bloody time, where those with family still in Artherius, or were merely visiting, tried to escape, all to meet the their deaths at the hand of a deadly light that would kill those near it, leaving no trace of a body.
Artherius descends into a land of the lawless and fear for the common people. Years pass, and as your 21st birthday rolls around, you realize your father, King only in name, has no intention of handing the throne over to you. It is up to you to discover why your father has descended into such madness, repair your fractured land, and prepare for the darkness that is lurking beyond your borders.
Or, perhaps you intend to join the darkness, and watch your entire world burn around you. It's your choice, really.
TW: Mentions of slavery, crimes, abuse, violence, abandonment issues, war, blood, etc.
The Romances/Companions:
There are 7 romanceable characters (3 male, 2 female, 2 nonbinary), with up to 3 possible poly romances in the works.
Seeren: The Court Mage.
A rather shy elven woman, she has been a close friend and confidant to the MC ever since she was brought the castle to train in magic at the tender age of 10. She quickly grew in skill, overtaking her master's job as court mage when the older man passed. She is accomplished in many types of magic, and dabbles in alchemy. It is her magic and potions that keep the MC healthy and sane.
Eshad: The Djinn in the Bottle.
The MC goes exploring in the cavernous basements of the castle they call home, and discover a rather unusual lamp sitting in a hidden corner of one fo the locked rooms. It is in that moment they meet Eshad, a rather disgruntled Djinn who has been imprisoned there for 2000 years. The MC has only one wish, and would rather not be killed by a poorly worded wish. So Eshad must stay at their side until they make their wish.
Astha: The Captain of the Guard.
Astha is no shy noble woman. A dragonborn, she is descended from the very beasts that once ruled this world, and she bows to no one, no matter who they might be. She is powerful, and she knows it. She has trained for the position of the Captain since before she could walk, all in preparation to take the mantle from the her Aunt. As she will be tasked with keeping watch of the current Heir, she keeps a professional distance, merely observing them. But she knows more than she will ever let on.
Aenon: The Captive Royal.
Aenon was visting from ont of the neighboring countries, acting as ambassador to settle a long standing cold war between the two people, the humans and the mer folk. They were within the castle walls when the borders were closed. They, alongside their entourage, were quickly brought before the king, who informed them they were to act as hostages. Aenon was locked within their quarters where they have remained to this day, waiting for everything to end.
Kida: The Rebel Servant.
A rather bright Naga, he joined the fledgling resistance that former not long after the borders were closed, and the formerly beloved king turned tyrannical. He was tasked to infiltrate the castle to gather information, and to keep a rather close eye on the Heir. The MC will sometimes see him lurking in the corner, simply watching them. If it comes down to it, Kida has orders to slay the Heir to help end the tyrannical royal family's reign.
Kiyoshi: The Spy.
A young kitsune who is a close friend to the MC, is a person of quick wit and even quicker on their feet, acts as a page in the castle, but simply does many jobs. They are fast to deny they are anything more than a simple servant, but with a twinkle in their eye that says there is more to that story than they are saying. The MC may count Kiyoshi as a confidant but the kitsune's allegiance isn't to the king, but to another.
Vanerith: The Bodyguard.
Vanerith was rescued from a roaming slave auction by the Heir, and in the ensuing chaos was bonded to them in a horrible accident. Vanterith, unable to leave the MC's side, has taken on the role of bodyguard, as this is what he feels he does best: protect and shield. He is rather quiet for his kind, tending to wander close to the MC and never wandering, wholly focused on playing his role. As if he is too used to it...
Of course I don’t want any of them to die, but it’s unrealistic to go through war and have no major characters die. The most mourned death was a character who hadn’t been seen for multiple books. The inner circle being so full of sacrifice and already injured, it doesn’t make sense that they’d have made it out alive. And the bringing back to life trick, that same EXACT thing had already been used! Feels like a cop out
Does anyone else wonder if Lord Devlon is Cassian’s father? I mean, it’s been stated that he’s one of the only lords that tolerates him, and that even if Devlon is an ass to females he’s surprisingly ok with bastard illyrians. Plus I just checked and it clearly mentions that Devlon has hazel eyes. There’s no need to put that detail in there but it’s there. And Cassian has hazel eyes. Most other illyrians are described to have ‘dark’ eyes, not necessarily hazel.
There are literally no books about fae in my city, I have found only one in the university's library and it was very, very basic.
(we have a lot about Slavic and Christian beings, though)
In the end, I discovered The Court of Thorns and Roses and thought that if I really want to create this fae universe for my stories, it may be a good piece of inspiration.
I read all the books in less than a week while attending university and moving out from my parents to my own flat.
I didn’t really sleep and if I did, I dreamed about those books. And Rhysand.
Now I am in pain, I should have known I will end up in another fandom