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Ianthe's part is my favorite
Chapter 7: Armies for allies
Read it on AO3 here
Previous Chapter / Next Chapter
Summary: Elain's vision is discussed by the inner circle and Lucien. The vanserra brothers learnt what Tamlin's gift to Beron was and Eris suffers trying to find a solution. Tamlin gives Kalias and Viviane an army but the rulers of winter are smarter than that.
Author's note: I need to start being quicker or else ill be posting updates every Wednesday from now on. Let's see if I can update by the weekend or Monday.
The atmosphere at Rhysand's study was tense since Elain's prophecy. Somehow the vision led to a magical burnt out for the young fae that she had to rest giving the inner circle with Lucien time to discuss what had happened. The autumn male was protective of the fainted Elain, bringing her to a spare room and carefully setting her down on the bed before leaving to join Rhys and the others. Amren found it amusing how he didn't let them get near her as if they'd hurt Elain.
"I don't understand why would you kill a wolf?" Mor asked seating beside the open window to feel the comforting night wind.
Amren sighed, "not a literal wolf likely but a representation of someone. A wolf like person maybe or maybe someone who acts like a wolf or is called a wolf?"
"There's a soldier in Hewn city called night wolf, considering what had happened last spring it might be him." Azriel spoke up for once.
"It might be Nesta. Cassian called her a wolf with fangs once." Mor uttered barely able to hide her hatred towards her but Lucien recognised it.
"It might be Tamlin...his beast form was like a wolf" Rhysand murmured looking at the floor from where he sat hands clasp in front of him. He was deep in thought trying to think of solutions to avoid the fate Elain foresaw. "Azriel... can you kill them?" Rhysand asked.
"May I speak." Lucien insisted rather than questioned before Azriel could accept Rhysand's request. The shadow singer glared at the other and so did Rhysand but the lord gestured him to continue.
"We can't rush straight ahead to just assassinations. Your orders could very well be what causes war in the first place. Lets also think before killing your adopted brother's mate shall we or are you that jealous of her?" Lucien argued but his russet eye sparked at Mor. She rolled her eyes and crossed her hands in response.
"Don't be absurd. You just don't have the guts to kill your former master." Azriel countered his shadows swirling.
The autum male's eye narrowed, "Elain's prophecy didn't say you'd killed a wolf with your own hands just that you'd killed one," Lucien reminded.
"Then what do you propose? To do nothing like your master did ?" Rhysand inquired annoyed. Feyre who was silent beside him gently placed a hand on his to comfort his bubbling rage.
"No murders. No threats. No nothing. Whatever was she saw, it wanted this war. It wants to end all of us and this war is how it'll weaken us and is doing cauldron knows what to cause it. We need to be diplomatic, tell the other courts the truth and unite against this threat." Lucien explained as simply as he could so everyone could understand. Azriel wanted to reject the proposal but Rhysand saw reason enough to end the meeting. That morning he sent out letters to all the courts for a meeting. Behind Lucien's back he had Azriel list but also spy on possible "wolves". The vision wasn't specific, murder might not be on the table but crippling a potential enemy wasn't.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
The Vanserra brothers were on edge as they were summoned to the large dining hall just an hour after Tamlin's departure. All of them tried to gather information of the deal that Beron and Tamlin had made but the baladeer had dampened sound including glamoured the view during the deal. They were going in blind and with Beron that was a mistake they couldn't afford unless they wanted to end up scarred or losing fingers like their brother Phobos. When they arrived there was only one cup bearer present, a young high fae setting up chalices for each of the brothers.
Each of the brothers went to seat in their assigned spot at the table while the cup bearer poured them wine. Beron wasn't one to use such high quality beverages for no reason which meant whatever deal he made was very beneficial to his golden empire.
Most of the brothers didn't pay any attention to the cup bearer. It wasn't uncommon for Beron to hire them since they don't last long but those who do end up being being elected officials in court. Eris would usually pay no attention to him like his brother but the cup bearer felt off. Too familiar.
Hair brown like wilted leaves of maple trees. Pale unblemished skin with a handsome fox face like most autumn males. Slender frame covered in noble clothes made with high quality fabric too costly for any low rank noble.
Who was he? The question rang in Eris'es mind. He was clearly noble yet Eris doesn't know who's son he was.
Eris watched subtly as the cup bearer move, refilling their cups and accommodating them. He had all the common traits Autumn male's had and looked like a paler and softer Lucien. Could he be Beron's bastard? He looked slightly older than Eris by a few centuries.
"Pardon me for asking but who are you and where is our dear High Lord?" Phobos asked but it sounded more like demand.
"It's within a lord's interest to leave a legacy behind yet I believe I will outlive all of you." The cup bearer replied perplexing the brothers with his graceful tone.
No. Please no.
Realisation hit Eris and Phobos but before either could react the cupbearer had snapped his fingers engulfing himself with bright fire as the brothers were blasted away due to its intensity. The brothers had quickly shielded themselves but it didn't stopped them from being pushed back until they reached the end of the dining hall.
The brothers slowly lowered their shields as they recognised Beron's signature spell. A hyper defensive spell, using heat and fire magic to superheat the air around them creating an almost impenetrable barrier of heat that can also be used to blast enemies away. The spell that made killing Beron hard. The cup bearer burnt bright and looked down at the four of them with a satisfied grin before the fire engulfing him simmered as a crown of golden leaves embedded with orange gems formed on his head.
"It appears Tamlin's mastery of shape shifting was beyond what I could imagine." The cup bearer hummed.
It took the other brothers time to understand what had transpired but Eris broke the deafening silence first, "Tamlin made you young again." He stated almost breathless.
"You four need better training if a simple spell could make you this tired." Beron teased and stopped smiling immediately, "I intend to enjoy this body but I will leave all four of you with some task to occupy your time. I expect you all to do it efficiently as always." He commanded and snap his fingers summoning piles of papers to each brother before he walked out of the room but not before taking one last long look on the state of his children who were tired from facing his spell head on.
"How the fuck did none of us sense him... his high lord grace. It was gone." Aldebrand finally spoke after Beron left.
"We can only assume Tamlin taught him." Deiros murmured as he frowned at the contents in his papers.
Phobos turnt quiet and left his brothers after reading the contents of his papers. Eris didn't say more as he skimmed through them frantically. He didn't understand what Beron or Tamlin was planning and had hoped the files could have hinted something but it didn't. Emissary task to promote the age reversal that cost too much, new training regiments specifically for high fae to practice winnowing, builders sent to spring, tarnishing night's reputation to the public. Beron was a master at hiding truths between lies but which of these were real priorities.
Eris snatched Deiros'es papers and skimmed through them before trying to do the same with Aldebrand's only to have his hand grabbed. "Don't..." Aldebrand warned eyes burning.
Eris glared, "I'm trying to figure whatever he's thinking off."
"We'll be the ones being tortured." Deiros countered and pointed his finger at Eris's face as a blue ball of flame formed at the tip of his finger. "I don't care what you're doing but if I end up losing my fingers like my twin I'll burn your face off." The scholar warned and left the two.
Aldebrand releases Eris, "do your own schemes. I'm tired of us being burnt for your failures." The warrior complained and left as well.
Eris watched as the two left and winnowed back to his room. He struggled to think, his heart beating fast but he couldn't waste any time not when anything could happen. He grabbed a pen and paper writing letters to those who could figure out Beron's and Tamlin's plan before he burnt them.
The smoke of the burnt letters travelled from the forest house into the skies and flew towards different courts. To those he could trust.
The smoke reached the house of a winter noble before it reformed back into a letter. It reached the house of a sailor in summer, the healer's office at dawn, A trainer's house in day and finally to an illyrian shop owned by the only female owner in the camps so Nesta Archeron could find it. Eris was no believer of the mother, not when his life has been hell but he still prayed the others could figure out what his father and Tamlin were planning. No matter what, that bad feeling in the pits of his stomach kept growing like. A feeling of impending doom.
Eris sat at his table clutching his chest struggling to breathe as he rested his head on the cold table surface. Breathe. Breathe you fool. There's no danger here. Breathe. He repeated in his head as he shut his eyes tight and tried to focus on the darkness of the room. If he stayed in shadows he won't be seen. He'll be safe. He'll be safe. He's safe. He's safe.
Eris felt like he's losing control. He and his brothers thought Beron would soon die to old age but not now. He couldn't survive this.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
It didn't take long for news of Beron's transformation to reach the public. Those of Autumn were horrified by the news that their high lord was in his prime once more but those in high society even in other courts as well as other kingdoms were envious of him. To be young again was a wish many thought were impossible and now that wish could be granted for such a high price. Spring's popularity increased in high society unlike before but for the wrong reason, many nobles and rich merchants wanted to get into Tamlin's good graces to be blessed with youth once more but as of these past few weeks none have managed to even sway him.
The high lord of spring was glad to be invited to winter court for a discussion but he knew it wasn't friendly yet he appreciated it. He despised entertaining the rich who saw no worth in living creatures except as assets or collateral.
Tamlin arrived on a wooden carriaged pulled by animated tree horses and was greeted by the winter palace's staff bedore being led to a meeting room where Viviane and Kalias sat side by side. Everything in the room was made of ice from the walls to the floors, decorations and even the furniture themselves. Sculptures of ice depicting hunters killing wolves were depicted at the walls of the room but Tamlin swore their spears were pointed at him. The room felt more unwelcoming than before but he forced a smile.
"Thank you for being here on such a short notice, Lord Tamlin." Viviane greeted with a practiced smile.
Kalias nodded, "it seems you've been busy making deals. Especially with the autumn court." He stated coldly.
Tamlin let out a huff, "I understand you two are worried but I assure you, our alliance and your safety aren't jeopardised."
"Yet. Our safety isn't jeopardised yet." Kalias corrected.
"We are way past worry now, Lord of spring. At first we had hope that you were careful in deal making with the fae who is called the literal devil of autumn but now.... I question if your head still has a brain." Viviane raised her voice as she rose from her chair slowly while the entire room began to snow. "You made Beron young again... too many people pray on his downfall and you... how did you even manage to do it?" She asked in disbelief.
Tamlin's pursed his lisp while he fidgeted with his claws, "certain animals can revert their ages like a certain jellyfish and the fat tailed dwarf lemur... I rejuvenated his body and pealed away the old. I assure you it was for good reason." He tried but it only led to more doubt.
"A good reason?" Viviane uttered exasperated, "for what reason is turning a male we all wish died this second young a good idea? I wish to raise my daughter in times of peace but because of your doings it seems impossible. Do you not care for us? For your people?" She inquired desperately,
Viviane was not an emotional person, she kept it locked like Kalias but would pretend to shape others perspective of her. This was one of the few moments where she didn't have to pretend because she was truly angry and she knew Tamlin wouldn't hurt her. It wasn't in his nature but she watched in real time how any shred of softness he had faded into cruelty the moment she implied he didn't care for his people. That was her mistake.
"I care." Tamlin growled the words between his fangs as the air turnt still suspending the snow as if they were stuck in time.
There was silence as Viviane lost her train of thought for a moment but Kalias was her other half, he'd talk when her tongue was twisted or her head was too full for words. "Yet we doubt it... What was so essential you would debase yourself and make a deal with Beron?" Kalias questioned as he took Viviane's hand to calm her before she sat back down.
Tamlin looked away from the two, "I can't tell you more at the moment but the deal will be beneficial to the seasonal alliance." He spoke and stood up his hand clawed hand reaching as snow continue descending again.
"No need to make a truth deal, you've proven to us you dance around the truth like a trained actor. How do you intend to prove you have our best interest at heart?" Viviane inquired but truthfully she wasn't sure what to think. Before Tamlin was rational now she wasn't sure how deep the beast lord was entangled in Beron's snare of crimes. How much he was willing to give for his revenge of taking down the night court.
"I cannot tell you what I have planned with Beron, I can however tell you that my court has been experimenting with spells to completely nullify daemati and it effects. When testing is done I intend to share it with all of Pyrintia gradually." Tamlin expressed wondering if this was enough to sate their doubt.
Kalias raised his eyebrow in question until he felt his mate's grief. He turnt to her and saw she was still smiling politely but he can see the slight quiver in her smile and her tensed shoulder. He loved her dearly yet he can't take away her pain of watching those children who had their minds broken with daemati. To watch them wither away with their parents praying for a miracle but most of them had died. Kalias still remembers the screams of mothers and fathers begging for their child to wake up.
"Could it...could it restore someone's mind?" Viviane asked hesitantly not wanting to give herself hope.
"How did you even achieve this feat in the fit and how long will it take?" Kalias questioned acting as the less emotional of the two.
"Thanks to Dawn's research on brains we learnt that organic beings like us have weak electrical charges in our bodies that comes from our brain. Daemati magic and mental glamours work the same way by interfering with those charges through a weak eletrical wave. Our research focuses on nullifying it effects before it hits, a perfected mind shield in other words using an electrical based spell to counter the daemati magic." Tamlin explained as plainly as he could.
"Yet it cannot heal a broken mind since the damage has been done. Whatever happened to them... it caused internal damage to the brain leading to what most call as brain dead state. It just protects..." Viviane commented before pursing her lisp.
"I'm sorry for their fates, lady Viviane." Tamlin apologised.
"...I'm fine." Viviane exhaled and fixed her smile once more, "it's fine. Please continue." She lied but forced herself to appear calm.
Kalias eye's softened before he reached for her hand to intertwine their fingers, the lady tightening her grip on his for support immediately.
"We are currently in trial and error. The basis of the spell is completed and we had to harvest lightning for it of course but the problem is finding a daemati powerful enough to test it. Spring is currently testing for daemati and we found that the weakest of those who are capable of using it are mind readers and empaths. Most cannot project thoughts or let alone control another person with it." Tamlin continued to explain.
"It is a rarity for a reason." Kalias commented.
"We'll provide the daemati if you share us the process on how you found them." Viviane was quick to offer mostly to stop another incident like this from happening to her people once more.
"I accept that offer but... I also wish to prove to you that I am still an ally. One you can trust." Tamlin replied and looked to both of them. They were skeptical of course but Viviane accepted so Kalias accepted as well.
Tamlin's request was simple, to be brought to the border of winter court closest to the middle where Amarantha used to reside. Thousands of fae had been tortured and lost their lives there, their blood flowing from the mountains to the trees below. The forest was healthy but empty as if it felt what cruelty had transpired there for decades. As if the animals and bugs ran from the place out of fear.
The forest of pine and spruce were healthy with trees so high it almost blocked the sky with light snow covering most of the surface yet it was eerily quiet.
"What do you intend to do here?" Kalias asked keeping a hand on Viviane's waist to keep her close out of safety.
"Spriggans, what do you know of them?" Tamlin asked as the three walked deeper into the forest walking past trees that seemed to get taller the closer they reached the mountain.
"They're constructs but alive. Living wood shaped into creatures sustained with magic who's only purpose is to serve. The average spring fae can barely make one and I doubt you could make one here." Kalias answered somewhat annoyed.
"We do not need guards or a beast of wood, Tamlin." Viviane protested.
(TW: warning self harm for magic)
"No. What you need is an army." Tamlin replied and stopped walking before he extended his claws. He kneeled down and digged his claws into his forearms and pulled back slowly cutting himself to let blood splatter on the snowy forest floor causing grass to grow much to the horror of the rulers of winter court behind him.
"What are you doing?" Viviane asked eyes wide with worry.
"Blessed be the mother, the mighty creator who paint this land in hues of green. I Tamlin of spring give this prayer to you," Tamlin chanted as he pushed his hand into the ground spreading veins of green and gold throughout the forest. "Shape them as you once shape us. Breathe them life and let them move as you allow us so, let it be." He continued as the glowing veins spreads into the trees and changed their shape. The trees twisted and grew limbs until they turned into tall soldiers of wood.
The half beast stood back up his breathing slightly laboured before turning around to face his allies, he posed with arms stretched out presenting them with his creations. "Your gift, an army. Physically strong like the sentries of springs that do not need to eat nor sleep. About five hundred of them give or take." He announced proudly.
"You're injured." She pointed out unimpressed.
"How could... you're not in spring and there shouldn't be enough magic in the ground for you to make this many. How?" Kalias questioned stepping forward putting himself between the beast lord and his mate.
"Trees do not deny themselves anything. They fed on the blood and corpses from the mountain. I simply supplied them the magic and now your court has an extra line of defense. One that does not weaken in warmer times." Tamlin answered as he crossed his arms.
Viviane narrowed her eyes and frost formed around her fist, "what makes you think we will accept such an egregious gift, Lord Tamlin?"
"I gave Lord Tarquin a legion of Kelp beast and spriggans as well as a sign of our strengthened alliance," the spring lord answered and offered his clawed hand to the two, "this is my proof that I will not willingly endanger your people, that I will always protect the innocent and weak. I lord of Tamlin give you this army of spriggan freely with no strings attach. You can control them as you wish and they will listen to your every will. Do you accept this deal?"
Viviane and Kalias seemed conflicted but Viviane was the one who took a step forward to shake Tamlin's hand before Kalias did the same. Magic glowed between the three as the deal was made.
After Tamlin's departure from court the spriggan army were ordered to be on standby at the borders of winter while the two rulers returned back to their winter palace.
"What now?" Kalias asked as they made their way through the halls of their home.
"He's cunning. He's preparing for war and basically gave each of the seasonal court an army of giants. We can only assume that he's working towards a peaceful option as well but with this level of preparation there's bound to be screw ups. He's ensuring his allies are protected if everything goes wrong." Viviane claimed as she walked beside him.
"Yet there's still a question of what he's doing."
The lady of winter sighed, "yes... we are no closer to getting an answer. I don't doubt Beron is now pushing for war with the night court but we'd lose too much if we fought head on. They're planning something to weaken night and we need to uncover it so we know whether to foil it or support it."
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
Elain was in bed for hours since her latest prediction. The sisters and inner circle watched over her in the guest room while Lucien stayed by the door guarding her like a Knight would do. No one could guess how long she'd be asleep but everyone was worried for her but also for what she saw. They needed answers soon.
When Elain came to Lucien was there to bring her some water and stayed close. She seemed fine but there was a vacant look in her eyes that reminded Lucien of when the sisters survived the cauldron. He wished he could take it away.
Lucien would have nursed her to health no question asked but unfortunately Rhysand needed answers. He winnowed to the room and knocked on the door before entering, "how are you, Elain?"
"Let her rest, Rhysand." Lucien half snarl his eye sparked in warning.
The high lord ignored him and walked closer to her, "Elain... we need you to focus. The future of our home, your sisters future, depends on your ability of foresight." Rhysand coaxed and before Lucien could warn him a hand on his shoulder stopped him as Amren pulled him back. Mor and Azriel stood just outside ready to pull the autumn male away if needed.
Feyre stood by silently arms wrapped around herself, she didn't like this but Rhysand knew what he was doing. This was for their future, she thought.
Elain stayed seated on the bed her gaze on the wall in front of her rather to her side where everyone was standing. Her eyes became white before she spoke, "I see two boys, one like clear skies and the other moonless night. They whisper amongst themselves not knowing they will split like rivers unable to meet."
Lucien tried to hide his confusion but Rhysand seemed to shift when he heard Elain's words.
"Elain... we need you to see more. There has to be a way to stop the koschei." Rhysand urged pushing his annoyance aside.
Elain's eyes became normal before she turned her head slowly to look at Rhysand, "you cannot kill Tamlin just as he cannot kill. You two struck a deal centuries ago. He was genuine, you were cruel. Your fate was sealed when you chose to be cruel again even after he saved your life."
Shadows swirled around him, "you cannot expect me to forgive someone who hurt my mate." He replied through gritted teeth.
"Yet... you forgive yourself for hurting her. Again and again and again," Elain uttered turning back to stare at the wall in a daze.
"He did it to protect me, Elain." Feyre defended and walked closer to her sister grabbing her arm gently, "please...we need your help if we want to defeat the koschei." She pleaded.
Elain looked down at Feyre's hand then back to Rhysand before her eyes glowed white again, "his fate cannot change because he does not change... He denies change to himself, to his family, to his precious Velaris, to Hewn city and Illyrian camps. He will always choose cruelty... He will kill the wolf and start the war because he is his father's so-" Elain spoke coldly before her mouth was forced closed suddenly as if someone had control over her own body.
Rhysand's knuckles turned white with how hard he was squeezing his hands, "that's enough. You clearly do not have the answers we seek. Rest." He dismissed her.
A blade of concentrated white flames appeared under Rhysand's chin and the lord of night looked to his side annoyed. Lucien stood ready to attack without a hint of fear as he held the firey blade close to his neck, "never do that to her again." Lucien warned him as the flames became brighter illuminating the room.
Rhysand narrowed his eyes and stepped back, "Amren, continue teaching her. Make sure she's busy." Rhysand ordered not breaking eye contact with Lucien. Increased hours for Elain would teach where the autumn male stood. It was a simple way to keep Elain far from him, to keep him in line.
Lucien dispersed the flame sword and ignored the satisfied smile Rhysand had on his face from being able to order everyone. He left the room and everyone soon followed but Lucien went back to guarding the door while Elain went back to rest.
End note:
Tamlin made Beron into a twink.
I'm trying to depict an anxiety attack for Eris on how he's afraid of what might happen since Beron's younger and stronger but also because he can't figure out Beron's next move at all. I think the depiction needs more work and I'd appreciate if yall can give some pointers.
Thr original idea was for Kalias to order the spriggan to attack Tamlin which led to him being kicked away like a foot ball and Viviane scolding him. I felt it was too ooc but also it sorta ruined the tension of winter being on guard with Tam compared to Tarquin who's very open to him.
Tag list: @litteraslegit @reblogandlikes @the-anonymous-unikitty @thefatesofspring @starscreambbymama
Chapter 1: High Lord's meeting
Read it on AO3 here
Read the first part of the fic here
Next chapter
Important: if you want to be tag on here every update feel free to comment or message me about it.
Summary: The high lord's of pyrinthia gather for a meeting but unfortunately rising tensions only lead to arguments. The lords question what happened before the meeting to lead Tamlin to make a public truth pact with Beron
The day court was the shining land of philosophy, divine architecture and sportsmanship. It's streets were filled with earthy coloured marble and the gentleness of spring time had allowed its people to indulge themselves in finer clothing now that winter was over a month ago. Middle spring was a time for the rich to start their business deals and for the farmers to start planting crops. A peaceful time everywhere except for the high lord's golden palace.
8 golden throne like chairs arranged around a circular golden top table with the map of Pyrinthia glowing with gentle light on it. Each of the 8 thrones had gems to represent one of the high lords and only one remained empty, the golden throne adorned with green gems.
"What was it you spoke last time? Ah yes. Why waste time when it could be spent drinking wine and bedding females and males was it?" Beron remarked amused as he finished the chalice of wine in his hand.
"Father." Eris warned his voice quieter. He looked paler than before and Nesta who stood behind her sister seemed concerned for him but she was still furious.
"He'll be here. He's expected to be as high lord." Helion answered but even he looked less confident in his answer as time passed by.
"Does he expect us to wait, we have other things to do." Feyre complained as she placed the empty chalice at her side only for it to be refilled.
"Helion, in your letter you stated this meeting was to discuss matters of agricultural and the worsening food crisis of our lands. You know spring court's importance in this, yet you invite them." Kalias spoke coldly his eyes flashing like blue fire for a moment before he gestured to Rhysand who was busy picking lint out of his dark coat.
Rhysand huffed, "am I to blame if he chooses to have a temper tantrum like a child?"
"Calm yourselves everyone. He has a right to refuse this meeting just as we have the right to send the invites. If he does not attend we need to begin now." Thesan advised just as he sensed rising tensions.
"I have to agree with Lord Thesan." Tarquin spoke up and summoned a few reports," I understand why he is reluctant to appear considering what happened last time. Should we expect your wards to be effective Lord Helion or would you let the shadow singer pass since the night lord is your ally?"
Rhysand's shoulder tensed, "after everything. You still distrust us?" The night lord countered violet eyes gleaming with stars.
"My wards are power by the sun itself, lord Tarquin. I also enchanted it with mind shielding wards," Helion answered with a wink, "you are amongst allies here." He assured playing the flirt.
"Allies?" Tarquin questioned.
"Cousin please, this is not the time. Reign in your anger, remember they are more experienced in this matters. Listen first please," Varian warned and placed a hand on the younger fae's shoulder but his hand was pushed away.
Tarquin's eyes flashed deep blue like raging waters, "I'm young not foolish. Don't pretend that this meeting wasn't called to force a meeting with Tamlin considering he refused to negotiate let alone see the solar court representatives. Our citizens are starving because almost 3 years ago, the court who contributed the in food relatrd goods was attacked by Hybern and someone here aided the enemy." He argued his eyes landing on Feyre.
"We told you before. Hybern was the cause." Feyre answered calmly.
Viviane gazed at Feyre, "We are aware but Tamlin was prepared for them. Someone sabotage his plans and our people paid the price. He remembers their names and carved them on stone to not be forgotten while night court has no names there."
"Viviane you know me. We want peace just like anyone here and dream of a better future." Mor pleaded but she only received a cold shoulder.
Nesta watched from behind Feyre and Rhysand. These fae dressed in extravagant clothes trading blows with snide remarks and insults reminded her of how the rich acted during events at times. Masked hatred with politeness. She came to this meeting with purpose yet she was internally glad the lord who tore her mate's wings wasn't here. She hated him for what he did and if he was here, she might have killed him.
Nesta must have jinxed it in her mind because several steps could be heard from outside the meeting room before it golden doors were pushed open by the guards outside. One of them announced his arrival but Nesta's eyes weren't on the half beast lord or the gigantic tree fae beside him that entered instead on four dimly coloured red syphons embedded into the armour of sentry behind him.
Syphons she knew. Syphons she spent nights tearing off her mate before bedding him. She wanted to stay calm but hatred filled her heart and she saw red.
"HOW DARE YOU?!" Netsa stood up as silver flames erupted from her. Her scream shook the very palace and every high lord was immediately on guard. Rhysand and Kalias covering their mates while Tamlin covered his courtier with his wings and golden aura. The half beast lord growled at her while she took a step towards him.
"Nesta enough! Rhysand get your emissary to stand down!" Helion barked his composure broken as he tried to stop her using the wards that covered her like a blanket of light only to shatter the moment it touched her silver flames. Helion realised she was unmaking them as she stepped forth.
"She doesn't answer to me..." Rhysand breathed out. The flames were overwhelming unmaking all the magic around her. His eyes looked to her but it wasn't fear or shock like the others but annoyance as if she wasn't supposed to be stronger than him.
"First you tore off his wings! Stole my sword! And now.... you use his syphons." Nesta hissed through her teeth as the flames spread towards Tamlin.
Before it could reach, the sentry side step from behind Tamlin and swung his arm sending daggers of light towards her. It seem ineffective as they were unmade the moment they touch her silver flame but Nesta was suddenly pushed back several meters before falling to her knees holding onto her stomach that began to bleed.
The ashwood spear revealed itself as Nesta burnt away the light magic making it invisible and it was immediately unmade when she touched it. Her stomach still bled as her flames became weaker until it was a mere flicker. The others there took notice of what happened but they didn't interfere.
"You knew... you knew illyrian wings are sacred to them yet you... you even healed the women... so why.. why did you tore his off?" Nesta asked through gritted teeth fighting through the pain.
There was silence for a moment. "Your mate attacked me. I knew killing him would invoke war so I punished him instead." Tamlin answered looking at her with concern maybe sympathy. It felt off putting considering Nesta tried to unmake him.
"Bullshit! You goaded him..." Nesta forced herself to stand as her blood dripped on the marble floor. Her flames finally extinguished allowing Feyre to come to her aid.
"Don't move so much." Feyre advised as she put a hand on the wound and tried to heal it only to realise it's ineffectivenes. Ashwood. How could Tamlin be so cruel, she thought as she healed.
Tamlin stepped forward and placed himself between them, "your sister did the same once." He replied coldly.
Nesta took a step forward but was held back by her sister, "that's your excuse?! You had no right to take his wings away or to curse him!" Nesta raised her voice at the half beast lord.
Tamlin's empty green eyes focused on Nesta, changing from fae to beast constantly like a broken image. "No. He attacked me and I broke no rules defending myself. Was i unfair or was it deserved when his hands are stained with the blood of innocents? He's not a saviour but a general." Tamlin argued.
Several walls of light came down pushing them away from each before Helion's voice came, "I like my females and males feisty but even I have my limits." He spoke almost playfully to reduce the tension. "Lady Nesta, while I do appreciate your presence, I must revoke your invitation to this meeting. After all you did try to harm my guest."
"He's not even injured." Feyre expressed offended on behalf of her injured sister.
The sentry's helmet head turned to face Feyre, a glimpse of dark brown eyes that fit more with dawn court citizens than spring court's could be seen. "He attacked my friend first!" The sentry countered raising his hand and pointed towards Feyre angrily.
"This meeting is no place for pointless arguments. Lady Nesta you may rejoin after break but I will not have you harming my guest. Lord Tamlin was within his right to punish your mate as he see fit considering he was attacked in his own court. Be grateful he's alive at all." Helion explained calmly but his tone became sharp at the reminder. Be grateful he's alive, those words felt like an insult to Nesta but she didn't speak another word.
Helion's guards came in and helped Nesta before a healer came to attend to her wounds. The moment the door closed Helion sat down and waved his hands to remake the wards as well as summoned a chalice filled with wine floating on a plate of light for Tamlin. "I hope this would do good as an apology." Helion offered.
Tamlin ignored the floating chalice and sat down on the green jewel covered throne. "I don't drink." Tamlin states as his eyes switched from feline like to fae. He stood out like a sore thumb, he was dressed more like a middle class commoner while everyone was immaculately dressed.
Helion took a sip from his chalice before he spoke, "You're quite active in your court lately rather than delegating task. It's quite the honourable. Your docks have been quite busy as well ... even receiving some boats from Hybern."
"I don't see how that is relevant to you." Tamlin states curtly.
"Maybe not but you are high lord and must answer for your actions to us all." Rhysand spoke earning looks from the rest of the lords.
"Of course you'd ally yourself with Hybern. Once wasn't enough and you intend to blame us for this as well no doubt." Feyre commented but most paid her no mind.
Tamlin raised an eyebrow, he could have let it go but he had found amusement in baiting those who had hurt him or his people. "Bold words from you two, considering all you've done. Then again history always repeat itself doesn't it? First it was human against fae, then it was the lesser fae against high fae, spring court against night court, finally Pyrinthia against Hybern."
"Are you intending to ally yourself with Hybern, Tamlin?" To the shock of everyone it was Viviane who asked seating poised like a queen of ice.
The question seemed to annoyed the half beast, "before I speak more. How many of you had actually spent time in Hybern? Not in their fancy mansions or castles but amongst their people. Have any you actually spoke with the common folk of Hybern or do you only have prejudice against them." He asked starring down at the others.
"I have spoken with them but it was to make business deals with merchants and I never spent time in the... less fortunate districts. I doubt that's what you want to hear." Beron answered paying attention for once.
"Not everyone here befriends enemies." Feyre commented.
"Get on with your point, Tamlin. Some of us actually rule our courts instead of lazying around as a beast." Rhysand laments. It was easy to confuse them when his mate spoke like him as well.
Tamlin narrowed his eyes, "the citizens of Hybern aren't the enemy. They're not the greedy generals or cruel rulers. They are farmers, fisherman, labourers that many of you won't even remember. They aren't the enemy. The enemy has and always will be those in power who don't value the lives of their people but the crown on their heads and the gold in their coffers."
"Is that why you are trading with Hybern? I understand your reasoning but can they even be trusted?" Tarquin enquired.
"With restrictions food cannot be weaponised. It will also do us good to mend the relations with what's left of Hybern." Thesan answered for Tamlin.
"We still have reason to distrust you, Tamlin. You broke the deal your predecessor agreed to by not only wielding ashwood weapons but growing them as well. You mean to tell us that you aren't trading it as well?" Helion interrogated.
"Thank you, lord Thesan. Yes I have restrictions in place. I don't sell my court goods in large amounts to the nobles but prioritise on the common folk." Tamlin explained and snapped his clawed fingers creating an image of an ashwood tree before he continued, "True, ashwood weaponry had been banned since the human and fae war of old but I am not using ashwood. It might share a name but it's not the one in the deal."
There was silence in the meeting room, no one seemed to understand what he just said.
"Don't lie, your sentries and yourself used ashwood weapons. That sentry used ashwood on my sister in law just a few minutes ago or have you become so senile after declaring yourself as Pyrinthia's enemy?" Rhysand snarled half annoyed at the presumed lie.
"Cross breeding." Thesan spoke up and looked to Tamlin for confirmation.
"You mean to tell me you cross bred ashwood to make a new species and bypass the deal?" Helion asked shocked, he expected a lot of things from Tamlin but not this. He was genuine never cunning.
"Fae are tricksters are they not? Besides the night lord himself just lied and proclaimed spring court is everyone's enemy when we know the truth. Spring court is enemies with the night court only." Tamlin expressed almost smugly.
Tarquin and Kalias seemed resigned they are already allied with spring court after all but those of the solar court seemed tense. Beron seemed amused, enjoying a play of arguing high lords.
"Don't pretend what you're doing is for a noble cause, Tamlin." Rhysand glared almost challenging.
"Really?" Tamlin questioned with a Cheshire cat grin and stood up. "Let's make it true then, I high lord of spring, Tamlin offer you this deal. I will speak to all of you with only the truth in return for nothing." He spoke out loud as he got out out of his chair to walk.
Tarquin half extended his hand ready to shake Tamlin's just like Kalias at the moment considering they were allies but when Tamlin offered his hand to Beron the room fell silent. Tamlin was against slavery, tyranny and fought for peace while Beron was the opposite. They had no alliances and had only bad blood. They were the least expected to ever ally with each other yet this happened. It made Beron laughed.
"You're more cunning then you look, baladeer." Beron spoke and a wrinkled hand shook Tamlin's clawed one. "I accept."
For a moment the magic washed over Tamlin, forbidding him from lying. He let go and faced the high lords before speaking, "I speak the truth, that spring court stand against the night court. We seek only to punish those who have harmed and those who wish us harm."
The seasonal court were all allied but at the cost of adding a snake in their garden. Many questioned how did this came to be, the old Tamlin would have killed Beron and vice versa but the two smiled like two beast who worked together to hunt.
"Now then, why not the rulers of night court do the same? After all the truth will let everyone know if that half breed actually cares for the well being of everyone or just himself." Beron taunted.
One thought ran through everyone's mind. This was the worst possible outcome to happen.
Summer and winter were now worried of being used in Beron's schemes while the solar courts were worried of the destruction that's about to come. The only questioned remained is why or how these two dangerous high lords became allies when both hated each other so much.
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(Flash back)
Approximately a month or two before the high lord's meeting led by Helion, the citizens of spring were enjoying their first snow days in half a century. Spring court was seasonally locked and would only change temperature or humidity slightly as the season changes but for once Tamlin had asked snow mages from winter to cover some of the lands in light snow. He thought it was wise to let the court bound fae unable to experience winter to its fullest enjoy this. Which led to him standing at a snowy field beside an annoyed Shel while his general and emissary were having a snow ball fight.
"You should join them, Shel. Enjoy your youth." Tamlin coaxed gently as he stood beside her while making a snow ball.
"She's just mad she keeps losing!" Houyi shouted and stopped using his magic to become invisible before he swung his arm sending a powerful air blast towards a small snow mound.
As the last of the snow dropped, a large snow ball was thrown at the half peacock fae-half high fae hybrid which he narrowly avoided. "Try dodging this!" Archie in his wolf fae form shouted as he jump towards the young fae and slammed a giant snow ball down on him. "Team grandpa wins!" Archie celebrated doing a small victory jig, the wooden leg frames around his legs creaking slightly as he did.
Shel was silent, "you can't expect me to be this calm when the high lords are visiting within a week." Shel huffed and turned on her stump like heel. Each step shaking off the snow that collected on her branches and wooden body
Tamlin stood there watching, he felt guilty at times. He stripped away Shel's chance to live a normal childhood as a dryad. She was wise beyond her years but she was still newly adult. Those thoughts left his mind temporarily as he was pelted with snow balls from every direction.
"Get your head in the game, Tamlin!" One of the many sentries on the snowy field shouted. The lord smirked and used his half beast body to the advantage as he rained snowy doom on his sentries. He needed this and maybe some air magic lessons from Houyi.
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It was the spring equinox, the night representing the beginning of spring and calanmai. Other courts would celebrate fire night on the summer solstice but due to spring's and autumn court's seasonal lock they celebrated it early.
Tamlin was in his room looking at the mirror. His feline eyes scanning at his body that was only covered by the traditional cloth worn by high lord's of calanami. The scar on his chest was a reminder of what had passed, his mistakes, the people he let die and broken trust..
He pushed those thoughts away as he chugged several containers one by one. It was basically a yearly tradition now, to drink aphrodisiac potions, infertility potions and more as preparation even if the liquids burnt his throat.
"Lord Tamlin?" Shel opened the door of his room slightly taking a peaked inside. She could see the self loathing and anger on the male, it was hard to not notice it.
"Oh Shel? Is the calanmai paint ready?" He asked as he masked himself with a smile not wanting his advisor to worry.
Shel felt like it wasn't her place, this duty should fall on someone who cares for Tamlin unconditionally and that wasn't her yet she couldn't stop herself from being curious, "do you hate calanmai?" She asked softly.
There was silence and Shel didn't want to step further. It felt like intrusion enough.
"It's my duty as high lord, Shel. I cannot allow another to take my place." Tamlin's voice echoed from the gap.
Shel cocked her head to the side in confusion, she remembered Lucien performing the rite from the memories of the plants. "My lordship, we can ask another if yo-"
"Don't!" Tamlin cut her off and the door shook as a gust of air came from the room. Tamlin looked at the mirror. He saw the failure, the one who failed to protect his people. The one who couldn't protect his best friend from being used. He was a failure and didn't deserve to rule. He deserved to rot and he will.
"I'll do it. Call me before the ceremony starts." Tamlin ordered and the door shut. Shel left but she didn't let it go, while Tamlin forced himself to perform the rite, Shel had entered the library to look for a solution in the archives.
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Almost a week after Calanmai, several carriages arrived at the front of spring manor before several influential fae walked out of it. Summer high lord, Tarquin, heir of autumn, Eris who looked weakened and the rulers of the winter court, high lord Kalias with his mate Viviane. All well dressed including Tamlin for once.
He greeted Kalias, Viviane and Tarquin with a soft courtly smile but that softness dissipated when Eris stepped forward to greet him with a formal bow.
"Where is your father or did you took his place wintout informing him, Eris?" Tamlin accused bluntly with his feline eyes narrowed on the weakened autumn heir. He looked horrible, no doubt being tortured or experimented by Beron. Lucien was lucky to escape but not his siblings.
Eris narrowed his eyes in return, "he knows. He ordered me to observe in his place and inform him of the situation. He wouldn't appreciate whatever you have in store for him regardless." The heir replied with a bored tone.
"And you would?" Tamlin inquired with a raised eyebrow.
"I assure you, I am not my father. Allying with him will give you nothing." Eris answered standing tall despite everything.
"True true," Tamlin spoke as he walked down the stairs before he leaned his head to whisper into Eris ear, " allying with you is worst. I pity you Vanserra but I remember you trespassing with the king slayer and her mate."
Eris's face hardened as the two had a short stare off as Tamlin stepped back. "You're welcomed to stay as long as you don't cause any trouble. My courtiers will attend to you and we'll see if we can do anything to heal you." Tamlin informed and walked back into the manor.
The rulers were led to Tamlin's meeting hall while Eris was led to the garden pavilion where his courtiers will attend to him. What Tamlin intended to show would either gain him allies or enemies. He can only hope it was enough.
Chapter 8: Preparation
Read it on AO3 here
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Summary: Tensions rises in the illyrian camps. Tamlin and his people prepare the western spring court lands. Rhysand and Feyre fail getting Thesan's support and Mor loses a friend. Lucien makes a deal with Shel.
Author's note: Happy pride, introducing our genderfluid half nymph half high fae, recently promoted to lieutenant! Hans!
They have some minor shape-shifting which let's them appear more masc, fem or either. They're also a master of plant magic unlike Archie who's decent and focuses more on his wolfman magic.
(Trigger warning: gruesome death)
The illyrian camps were more active during the warmer months especially summer time since it allowed them to train longer but also do other activities. Usually during this season males would be training nonstop and females would be doing side jobs to help support their families but times have changed. At the training grounds the former General of the night court stood at the front watching as members of the valkyries that consisted of illyrian women and a few priestess trained diligently using wooden daggers or wooden swords.
Cassian had volunteered himself to become the valkyrie's full time trainer since he was finally cleared to move around again but despite how genuine his actions seemed, he only did it to still try to prove to Rhysand he was still useful. That he can still command the illyrian army.
Rhysand had given the illyrian camps time to choose another leader to lead the illyrian army. Cassian earned this right through combat and he should have led them more longer but since he was labelled a disgraced illyrian for losing his wings a tournament would be held at winter where the strongest amongst them would become the new general. Cassian found it laughable because he was sure he could win the tournament and he already sent a request to Dawn to build him a new pair of illyrians wings. In the mean time he used the valkyrie training to build reputation but also train.
Nesta watched the Valkyries with her mate but her mind was elsewhere. Unsure how to tell Cassian to be realistic that he likely wouldn't be able to get his new wings soon but also due to the guilt eating her up. She wanted to help them all, the people who showed her warmth but when she tried to fix their wings with her silver flames it failed.
She remembered the disappointment in their eyes when she tried again and again. Magic was fueled by emotions and despite having the knowledge to do it she still couldn't. Amren said she needed more focus but truthfully Nesta was not sure if she could even heal or if something stopped her.
"I said let her go!" Someone's cry for help pulled Nesta from her downward spiral and she looked around for the source.
At the border of the training ground was an illyrian mother that Nesta recognise as Rina who went with her to spring to heal her wings almost a year ago. She was holding her young daughter and son with some unknown male illyrian. She wondered why Rina was late and quickly walked towards them just as the other members of the valkyries surrounded ready to protect one of their own.
"What's going on here?!" Nesta shouted as she walked past the crowd.
"Stay out of it! You high fae have no business in illyrian matters!" The male high fae raised his voice at Nesta.
"She is oristian, brother and you have no right to stop me!" Rina shouted back holding her children close while the two clinged to her dress afraid.
"Enough!" Cassian stepped forward but unlike Nesta who was given way by the valkyries he walked through them and bumped into them without care, "stopping a female from training is illegal. Do you want to lose your life?" He threatened as he raised his wooden blade at the male.
The brother's gaze switched between Rina and Cassian constantly while Rina's gaze was on her brother. She shakes her head slowly pleading silently for her brother to keep his mouth shut but it was futile.
"My sister...she wants to leave the illyrian camps and claim sanctuary at spring court." The brother confessed hesitantly.
Immediate silence washed over the place. The protective anger from the crowd morphed into worry as they awaited Cassian's reaction. If these was between them it would have resolved amicably but not with someone so close to the high lord.
"What...is that true, soldier?" Cassian asked Rina in a commanding tone.
"I told her she and the kids wouldn't survive the trip. Not when she just had her wings healed." The brother reasoned.
"That is beside the point!" Cassian interjected facing the brother, "she's an illyrian soldier. Apart of the valkyries no less and she intended to abandon her duties but also ask refuge from our enemy. That is treason!"
Rina's face turned pale but quickly pushed her children behind her to protect them and placed a hand on the waist of her dress where she hid illyrian daggers. The brother's face was the same as his sister, he wanted to stop her but he didn't expect her to be charged with treason so harshly. His gazed kept changing between his sister he wanted to protect, the former illyrian General and his sister's children.
"Cas, you can't be serious about this. She hadn't committed a crime yet!" Nesta defended stepping forward.
"Her silence is enough. Before long she'll ask other illyrians to follow and we'll lose numbers when we can't afford it. This is war, Nes. I have to enforce the rules." Cassian argued.
Nesta felt her blood boil, "she's a member of the valkyries, not your soldier. You have no right to charge her!"
The two argued while the brother looked at his sister's frightened expression. The wind whispered to him that he had to set this right. Clotho who sat watching from the side silently made an "oh" sound.
"I'll accept her punishment!" The brother's voice cut through the crowd. The two stopped arguing and Cassian faced the young male with his eyes narrowed. "I accept her punishment, let it be imprisonment or whatever... please. I only wanted to protect my sister." The brother announced.
Rina's eyes widened when the brother mouthed the words, "I'm sorry." She tried to get to him but the valkyries held her back and covered the eyes of her children. This was cruel, she didn't even expect the general to be here. Like some outer power had planned this so her brother would be taken from her. He was stupid and impulsive but he loved her and her children. He didn't deserve this.
"There... you can lock him up. She won't leave." Nesta argued.
"That's not enough. We need to make him an example so others won't try to leave." Cassian replied and without hesitation placed his hands on the brother's head. He then pulled his hands back quickly twisting the neck more than can take as the head now faced his back before the body fell with a thud.
"RAI!" Rina let out a blood curdling scream and a burst of magic exploded from her as she wrestled out of the Valkyrie's grasp and rushed to her brother's corpse. She dropped to her knees and wailed holding his body.
"LISTEN TO ME! THIS IS WAR! we are soldiers of the night, I will not allow this weakness to go unpunished! The next time you even think about abandoning your duty, remember this!" Cassian roared at the crowd and pointed his finger to the sobbing woman holding her dead brother. "Now get back to training!" He ordered ignoring the intense gaze of the illyrian females on him.
Emerie glared at Cassian as he walked back to the front while holding Rina back from attacking with Nesta. Gwyn stood at the side holding her stomach in disbelief as one of her saviours killed an innocent in cold blood. She knew others didn't see them as favourable but this felt too extreme for trying to seek sanctuary.
I heard the winds whispering to them. Clotho's written words floated towards Gwyn but the redhead didn't react, her eyes were still fixed on the scene. She knew what it felt like to lose a sibling, it felt sickening to see the same happen again.
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The western lands of spring court were far less populated when compared to the Eastern lands of the court even after a year since the memorial. It was largely because the citizens were ordered move closer to north east but also because Hybern's ambush spread from the western shores to the east before they were stopped by summer court's forces. The empty land meant it was perfect to be developed for Tamlin's plan to save Hewn city. It was also filled with abandoned farms, roads, mines and empty villages which was a plus.
Every member of his cabinet were busy in different ways to prepare. Houyi was sent out to day and dawn to learn of their justice system so they could focus more on reformation, Archie took over sentry training with focus on briefing them on Autumn's future involvement, Shel was tasked in preparing the funds but also the workers needed while Tamlin was focused on preparing the land. The problem was the task that was supposed to take a few days yet had stretched out into over a week even with help.
Tamlin was kneeling on one foot with his claws digging into the ground as he groaned face red as he spread his magic across the land with his eyes closed to make tall trees with large canopies. Sweat dripped from his head to the grass below bedore he looked around.
He had made a small forest around himself but it wasn't enough, they needed to cover a large area with these tall trees if they wanted to start building but it was taking too long.
"Don't force yourself, Tamlin." An androgynous looking fae wearing loose commoner clothes comforted offering the lord a hand. They looked high fae enough with tanned skin, green eyes and long white hair braided into a ponytail but the patches of leaf like skin near their necks and back made it known they were a hybrid. A mix between high fae and a plant nymph.
"Not so easy making trees ain't it, princey!" Archie shouted from a distance before laughing at himself.
Tamlin rolled his eyes, "Thank you, Hans." The lord spoke and grabbed their hand to lift themselves up. He cupped his hands around his mouth before shouting at Archie, "at least one of us is helping!"
"I told yer! Didnae skip plant magic training but what did ye do! Lazy gobshite!" Archie shouted with a smile as his hands glowed green shaping the branches to stop light from leaking through the canopy.
The three continued for hours occasionally taking a rest so Archie and Tamlin could wrestle in their wolfman forms. It was a productive day but they were behind schedule, Tamlin chose to continue even after Archie and Hans left during the evening.
"Out late again, my lord?" Shel questioned as she trotted towards the half beast lord. She turned her lower horse half back into her usual stumpy legs before walking closer to the male still struggling to make a forest.
"Since when have I ever been early to bed?" Tamlin countered with a smile as he stayed kneeling on the ground continuing to make trees grow.
"Never... you rarely sleep." Shel replied and took a seat beside him, "you could ask for more sentries to help."
"We have to keep this secret, Shel. The less they know the better."
"I know..." She sighed and looked at the dark forest just as the sun began to set. "I know you want to do better. To train your plant magic more but you still struggle connecting with the land. Do you still see them my lord... those who died?"
Tamlin was silent and stopped casting to seat beside the other, "it's nothing...I can still do it."
"If air spells are fueled with yearning, freedom and anger... plant magic is fueled by stubbornness and connection. The deeper the root the more you see as you connect."
"Why is it...that my brothers could do this so easily when I struggle with it?" Tamlin questioned.
"Because they felt the land but did not care for those who live on it. Many of your predecessors were the same, feeling just enough letting the emotions past through so they could continuously cast magic."
Tamlin chuckled, "you mean to tell me my plant magic is weak because I care too much for spring court ?"
Shel turned to look at her high lord, her expression indifferent. "No. You don't care for this land."
"What?" Tamlin squeaked almost offended.
"I believe you do care for this land to an extent and I also believe you don't care for yourself at all. You care so much for everyone not just those in spring but even those outside to the point you gave Beron youth to avoid spring's involvement in his drug empire. You could have killed the dark bringer army or left the illyrian females crippled but you didn't... you care so much for others and take so many risk just because you believe that's the right thing to do. One mistake is all it takes and now we have to look for several. I....I still don't understand how you can value the lives of everyone even potential enemies." Shel ranted with a few of her leaves dropping from stress.
Tamlin looked down before he hugged his legs closer to his chest, "is it so bad... wanting to help? They breathe and think, they dance, sleep and love just like us. They can be allies too."
Shel closed her eyes and felt the gentle breeze for a moment, she hated how much Tamlin cared for others sometimes yet that love he had his for the people is why almost everyone here would march for him.
"I have walked through spring, I've connected to almost every plant and watched their memories. I have lived a hundred lives through them and I saw how past high lords and even ladies only cared for land, for resources and power. Then there's you... you care so much for the people. You're so...different. Not materialistic or self serving but sentimental."
"Is that bad?" Tamlin asked his voice barely above a whisper.
Shel looked down then shaked her head causing her brach like hair to rustle gently. "I...I don't know. I dislike you for it but your people loves you for it."
Tamlin smiled softly before he stood up offering Shel a hand, "I'm glad you stayed as my advisor. I can always depend on you to challenge my views rather than blindly supporting me."
Shel eyes landed on his hand but she didn't take it, instead she got up herself. "Please take care of yourself, my lord." She advised before leaving. Later that night she blew on the lion headed bird carving letting it fly to send a message.
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When dawn court received Lucien's letter asking for an audience with its high lord, everyone moved to prepare. Feyre and Rhysand were greeted warmly by a group of dancing peacock fae at the palace entrance before they were led inside the ever iridescent palace. The mated pair were given a scenic tour where they watched a flight race between the peregrine guards, the advance labs of the palaces and finally to the meeting room filled with beautiful golden birds with long tails that gleamed softly like the rising sun.
"Thank you for such a warm welcome, Lord Thesan. Your court is truly beautiful." Rhysand complimented as he sat in front of the high lord beside his mate. Both wearing night court black with matching crowns of obsidian.
"Your welcome. I hoped you enjoyed the performances, my citizens worked tirelessly for it." Thesan replied his voice soft yet elegant. The high lord wasn't focus on them but more focused on feeding the bird perched on his arm chair with seeds not caring the creature's claw might tear into the long sleeves of his soft pink robes.
"These birds are beautiful, I'm sure you wouldn't mind us taking a few." Feyre joked as she tried to pat one but it flew away leaving a trail of sparkles.
Thesan laughs, "this type of bird wouldn't survive in the night court. They require ample sources of gentle light or else they'll become dim and sickly. Bird of paradise were always fickle creatures but they are beautiful."
Rhysand's eyes widened in interest for a moment, "birds of paradise? Weren't they extinct from when Amarantha hunted them down to create one of her dresses. I'm glad to see a few of them survive." He spoke and looked around at the many birds flying around them, "well more than a few."
"Quite right, Lord Rhysand. What she did... to fauna of this land, to my people were horrendous but these birds were extinct once until Lord Tamlin brought them back using shape-shifting magic on a close relative of the bird. He called it a gift. The peregrine guards themselves were healed by him, many of them including my fiance lost their wings during the tyrant queen's reign yet he healed them with a discounted cost because he understood that we needed help." Thesan spoke and looked behind him where Ryun, his future husband stood on guard. "He understood that everyone was suffering so to answer your question, no I will not side or ally with you if war breaks out between night and the seasonal courts." Thesan announced coldly starring back at the rulers of the night court.
Rhysand was silent wondering what else to say at the moment but Feyre spoke first, "Thesan if war starts they'll go through you first. Do you think you'll be safe?"
Thesan raised an eyebrow unimpressed by Feyre's wild imagination, "you always assume the worst of your enemies to the point you are blind to your own hypocrisy. Pyrinthians call spring the court of saviours, they call the night the court of monsters."
"You're making a mistake, he will attack dawn if given the chance. You cannot stay neutral in this battle, Thesan." Rhys countered but his words held no merit.
"You forget yourself, Lord of night and refer to me as Lord Thesan. We are not friends." Thesan corrected as the room dimmed while the high lord of dawn shined like the rising sun. "Dawn court has survived eons not by being aggressors but healers. The ones the armies can rely to heal them so they could fight another day. If we are forced to join war, I am inclined to believe you had something to do with it since you are known to sow chaos between your own people just so they wouldn't unite against you, Night lord."
"I am giving you a chance, if Tamlin is not stopped greater threats will come that will turn Pyrinthia upside down." Rhysand argued as shadows swirled around him.
The room became normal again as Thesan took a breath and offered his hand for a deal, "I know threats are coming but I do not trust you. So let's make a deal, truth for truth. Had I not accept your offer, would you have cause chaos to force my people to join the war?"
Rhysand grit his teeth while his claws extended, "that's quite enough, My mate deserves more respect after he sacrificed his life to save Pyrinthia." Feyre defended as she wrapped her arms around the male.
"We are leaving." Rhys announced abruptly and stood up with Feyre.
"My guards will escort you out. Have a nice day, Lord Rhysand." Thesan answered annoyed with their antics keeping a watchful eye on them as they walked through the halls and finally left his palace. He noticed the slight eye twitch Rhysand made each time he saw the mind protection charms carved into the peregrine guard's helmet but that was good. It meant he didn't have control of others like before.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
"Let me handle this, me and Viviane have known each other for centuries and if we let her know the truth she'll see reason." Moriggan told Lucien as they finally arrived at the borders of the winter palace. Moriggan wore a red winter court adorned with gems that complimented her figure and golden locks while Lucien wore his usual courtier clothes immaculately dressed as always unbothered by the cold due to his own heat spell.
Viviane welcomed them warmly into the winter palace with Kalias by her side. They wore more casual noble clothes unlike their usual traditional court clothes.
Lucien watched from the sidelines as Viviane and Mor spent the next few hours doing what most court ladies did to bond ranging from eating ice cream, walking through the ice sculpture gardens, touring the library and dancing together in the ballroom while a band played a song for them. Lucien trailed behind and didn't really join in the festivities but he did made some small talk with a few of the palace servants. Most were cordial and friendly but the guards including Kalias were colder to him than usual and he didn't understand why until he heard one of them call him a traitor under their breath.
Lucien just wanted this to be over with and was glad Mor was finally led to a meeting room but just as he tried to follow them the guards at the doors stopped him.
"I am the night court's emissary. It is my duty to represent them officially." Lucien reasoned with the guards.
Kalias walked towards the other with an indifferent expression, "we are thankful for your service as spring's emissary and overseeing our court's negotiations for centuries before but my mate wishes to discuss this privately with her friend and not... you."
Lucien's mouth twitched as he tried to remain composed, " Kalias, please this is a peace talk."
"You aren't wanted, here." Kalias replied curtly and closed the door on Lucien's face. The autumn male was tempted to just explode the door off its hinges but ultimately decided to seat close by while making small talk with the few fae there.
"Today has been wonderful, Viviane. Maybe we should set up a play date for Nyx and your daughter next time? They can become friends like me and you." Moriggan gushed excitedly.
"If peace talks succeed then I'm sure it'll happen." Viviane replied with a practiced smile and stole a glance to her side as Kalias stood by the door like a guard. He trusted her to handle this and to be honest he wanted to see how she'll handle her.
Moriggan smiled back before she clasped her hands together before red magic glimmered around them as she summoned an orb. "Behold the veritas. The tool of truth, a sacred relic owned by the night and only capable of being used by my family with this I can show you the reality. That my relative, Rhysand wishes a world like our home Velaris."Mor explained and the orb shined creating a life like projection around them. It was the streets of Velaris at different times from early mornings to late nights, on celebrations and during times of grief. On paper it looked like a utopia that even Viviane couldn't deny but she noticed the cracks.
"Viviane...Rhysand is working towards peace. He intends to change the world into this... a utopia. Our dreams are now being threatened by a threat called the koschei. If war happens regardless of who wins the battle , everyone loses the war."
"Why does the shops ban those from your birth place ?"
The projection immediately stopped, "why? Viviane you know my birth place. They're all torturers who treat females like objects. Why would we allow them to buy and ruin our beautiful town." Mor argued.
"Because they are your people and you are responsible for all of them not just the citizens of Velaris." Viviane replied and took a breath, "do you ever wonder why I sought you out? Why I wanted to befriend you?"
"Because... I was interesting?" Mor answered unsure.
"Because you came from such a horrible place and you held such progressive views. I remember the fae who spoke about change, who saw how wrong torture was and how cruel her birth place was... I waited for centuries for that girl to push change, to change something but alas... you are a dreamer not a worker." Viviane explained with a melancholic tone.
"They wouldn't change. Hewn city will never change, I've tried but there are no dreamers in that cesspool of darkness," Mor countered.
"You look for dreamers when you should have pushed for change. My court... our courts believe in the philosophy of survival of the fittest. I believe such competition is good for advancement but I do not condemn oppression. Something you and your family seem keen on continuing even now." Viviane continued and stood up with her hands clasped together, "I thought... I thought we were the same. Little girls who saw the worst but wanted to change it. I was wrong... even now your own prejudice and assumptions blinds you."
Warmth spread from her core through Mor's entire body as flickers of red magic surrounded her hands that curled into fist. "My power is truth, Viviane. I see no lies except that you have already made your mind on labelling the night as your court's enemy. I am not blind, I told you that there will be no victors if we went to war and your court will fall because you did not heed my warning."
Frost formed throughout Viviane's dress as their auras clashed, "then show me the truth, Morrigan. Use the veritas and show me who is truly responsible for those two dozen winter children withering away. Show me the daemati who broke their minds."
The veritas disappeared from view while Mor glared at her, "and why would I do that? So you can condemn my high lord for something he denied?" She challenged.
"My people deserve justice, Moriggan. Your veritas can be used as proof so we may hold trial and execute your relative within fae law. We would avoid the war and maybe... just maybe someone better will ascend and they could change the night court for good. Actual change not whatever you're doing now." Viviane reasoned softly.
Mor shakes her head, "I am loyal to my high lord. To Rhysand. To my family. We won't give up just because everyone is against us, everyone always has because they couldn't see beyond the mask."
Viviane closed her eyes and exhaled shakily before placing her hand on the table, "then consider this an end to our friendship and neutrality." She announced and her magic flowed from the icy table to the floor beneath Moriggan's feet.
Mor was confused until she heard a crack and the floor beneath her opened up. She screamed she fell into darkness and landed on her back on some icy slide. Before she could even understand what was going on she began sliding down into the dark tunnel in front of her.
"No no no no. Viviane you bitchhhhhhhh!" Mor's screams travelled as she began sliding down a complicated system of slides under the palace. She went through zig zags, loop de loops, and splitting paths gently illuminated by fae lights of different colours. She would have found it fun if it weren't for the fact she couldn't grasp anything and didn't know where she headed until she saw light at the end of the tunnel.
Mor was promptly shot out of the tunnel and landed in a pile of snow just outside the winter palace's grounds. She dug herself out and screamed while kicking the snow around her in a fit of rage. Lucien was thankfully not ejected but was escorted out with a gift basket of ice creams.
"She sounds angry, was that truly necessary to get her to change?" Kalias asked back at the meeting room as he used his magic to cover up the hole in the floor.
"It sends a message. She might change for the better, see her relative isn't as good as she believes or...she'll resent us. Forever." Viviane sighed rubbing the nose of her bridge, "I need a drink. Maybe a few tubs of ice cream."
"Your requests is my command," Kalias spoke in a teasing tone before walking out of the room.
Viviane lingered for awhile looking at where Moriggan fell, she wondered if the Hewn city girl could change or she was made that way. Regardless there was no point in pondering for long.
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The spring court bordering the humans lands were well guarded with layers of wards and thicks walls of plant to keep humans out and the fair folk in. Not many humans have tried to infiltrate and those who did were simply frightened away with glamours. It meant that the forest at the border simply became a hunting ground for those who were brave enough, not that there were many hunters since Tamlin's aid helped the farms flourish.
At night the place felt like a horror story used to scare children yet a cloaked figure powered through it until he reached the border. The night hid his form but even from afar people could see the glow of his mechanical eye as Lucien waited.
The wall rustled as a green skinned dryad wearing a dress of white flowers phased through it before standing face to face with the autumn male. Only the wards keeping them apart.
"I thought I'd be meeting with Tamlin tonight unless... you called for me?" Lucien inquired as he crossed his arms. "You certainly look different, I'm assuming your tree body is behind the wall."
"Yes I did and yes it is. Not that it matters. The moment you try to claw yourself in you'll be killed by one of the guards." Shel replied coldly.
"Come now, Shel. Do you think I can be defeated that easily?" Lucien teased.
"With preparation anyone can. Enough banter, I am here because you've been trying to get in contact with my high lord for awhile now. Sending letters, using other courtiers and even trying to get in touch with your old net work of spies." She informed.
Lucien's russet eye narrowed, "I'm simply hoping to stop a war. You cannot blame me for that, you intend to stop me too?" He playfully asked.
"No...I'll give you what you want. I am here to offer you a deal, it's up to you if you want to accept it or not."
"I'm willing to hear you out but a part of me wonders if our precious high lord knows his newest advisor is here conducting deals? Where do your loyalties lie, Shel?"
"You mean my high lord. You're nothing to him now," Shel corrected and noticed the slight twitch of his russet eye.
"What's the deal, it must be a lot if you're willing to meet even me." Lucien stated with a slight edge to his voice.
"I've been going through Tamlin's family lineage to search for his relatives regardless how far removed they are from the line. My deal is, I want to know everything about them from where they currently are, their beliefs, how they treat others and anything of relevance. If you can get me that information I'll set up a meeting between you and Tamlin where he has to hear you out." Shel offered.
"Why would you-" the realisation hit Lucien faster than he could form words, "You're preparing for another to become high lord... is Tamlin being threatened? Is he dying? Answer me!" The male demanded and slammed his fist into the wards in a slight panic.
"This is final, I'll come by on the next half moon. I hope you'll have the information ready." Shel bowed and faded into the wall behind her as she ignored Lucien who was slamming the wards demanding answers.
End note: gotta finish faster ngl.
Taglist: @litteraslegit @reblogandlikes @the-anonymous-unikitty @thefatesofspring @starscreambbymama @alexof90s @lune-de-miel-au-paradis @darkasylumvolcano
Kalias & Viviane using ice magic for torture/strike fear.
So I'm currently plotting for part 2 of my fic, court of withered roses.
For winter court, it has the rule of survival of the fittest. Its cold and calculated but if you can survive there you deserve respect kinda vibes.
That being said, people outside the court are warned not to piss off the locals or get close to them if you do. They'll touch you, freeze your skin and rip it off. Basically freeze skinning.
I kinda wanna put this in the fic but i don't think I'll have many scenes in the winter court.
Chapter 3: Fragility of Peace
Read it on AO3 here
Previous Chapter / Next Chapter
Summary:
Helion gives Rhysand a pep talk, Tamlin reunites with Briar much to his displeasure, the meeting continues leading to more trouble for everyone involved and finally, Beron and Tamlin struck a deal.
Notes:
Thank you Lesbian Pope Siuan Sanche for your words. You helped me with this chapter.
Helion sat at a golden table, in his hand a bronze mirror currently showing him the lady of autumn sat beside her son quietly. She was practically invisible at the meeting but he'd notice her in every crowd and look for her voice in every word. Just as beautiful as the last time he saw her. He touched the bronze mirror, his fingers gently tracing her image longing to touch her once more but when he heard foot steps he made the mirror disappear.
Rhysand entered the room shadows curling around his feet despite the bright light from outside.
"Rhysand, my old friend. Come take a seat." Helion offered using magic to pull up a chair for him.
Rhysand glared at the other as he sat down, "is friend the right word? You barely sided with me during the meeting and to make matters worst you revoke my mate's invitation to it." He sneered.
Helion only raised half an eyebrow in response, "let's not pretend we don't know why your mate was disinvited. What I'm more curious off is why you're acting like this? Surely you still have a brain."
Rhysand's glare continued before he spoke, "Do you stand with spring as well?"
"It's adorable you believe you can control anyone's mind this late in the game." Helion teased before he summoned a book and tossed it to Rhysand, "go ahead and check. What your enemy sent us a few days back."
Rhysand caught the book and scanned every line, "daemati wards and mind shields..." he muttered.
"Your enemy is ten steps ahead of you while you still believe you're untouchable. You still believe your armies and gold is enough. So let me ask you, will you squander your power or finally start using your head again?" Helion urged eyes focused on the night lord.
There was silence and Helion raised his hand before summoning a wine filled chalice, "wise up old friend or you'll finally start facing the consequences of your actions." He advised.
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Tamlin walked into the room reserved for the winter court rulers, Kalias had asked him for a short chat and he could only assumed it was due to his antics at the meeting earlier. "Before you tell me to break any alliance I have with Beron-"
"This isn't about him." Kalias interrupted as Tamlin walked into their room and came face to face with something he didn't expect to see. There in the middle of the room beside the lady of the winter court was a human with fair skin and braided black hair wearing robes meant for priestess.
"Lord Tamlin, tapadh leibh airson mo shàbhaladh. Is mise Briar, aon de chloinn nan Beannaichte no na tha air fhàgail dheth." (Lord Tamlin, thank you for saving me. i am briar one of the children of the blessed or what remains of it.) Briar spoke softly with a bow.
Tamlin was shocked silent for a moment before he spoke, "Tha thu a' bruidhinn seann teanga nan sìthichean, ciamar?" (you speak the old fae tongue, how?)
"Rinn clann nan daoine beannaichte adhradh don àrd-shìth agus don mhàthair. Bidh sinn a’ cleachdadh am faclan agus an ùrnaigh."(the children of the blessed worshipped the high fae and the mother. we practice their words and prayer.) Briar answered with a soft smile. She was far different from when Tamlin last saw her injured and in rags. She stood there with the gentleness of a blooming flower yet Tamlin only felt guilt.
"You shouldn't be worshipping us or her, Briar...after all we've done. After what my family did to you..." Tamlin uttered weakly as he took a stepped back from her.
Briar looked confused, "my lord. I must, thanks to lady Viviane and Lord Kalias I have received the knowledge of the ageless. I learnt of the mother and-"
"Humanity had been enslaved by fae for so long they have forgotten their own gods and culture." Tamlin cut her off and rubbed his up his face settling his clawed hand in golden hair. "Briar you are the descendants of slaves. We have done nothing but hurt you for centuries, my family has done nothing but your kind for centuries." He protested wanting to change her mind.
Briar looked crestfallen and looked down while fidgeting with her hand. Viviane stepped forward placing herself in front of the human female. "That's enough. She only wished to bridge the gap between human and fae. To stop anymore animosity, you cannot expect her to simply forget her culture." Viviane argued the floor beneath her freezing from her rage.
"She worships us. We enslaved her kind." Tamlin snapped.
"I do not believe you enslaved any of my kind, your lordship." Briar spoke up from behind Viviane, "is it true? That you've been helping the human lands beneath the wall. That you are protecting them."
Tamlin wanted to lie but he felt the burn on his tongue too quickly. The deal was still in effect since the meeting isn't concluded. "Yes... but what difference does that make. I've...my family has done you a great harm, Briar." He remarked.
Briar slowly stepped forward, "then harmony is possible, I want the humans to ally themselves with you and the other courts."
Tamlin was silent for a moment, "Briar... I mean no disrespect. I want peace but the courts... tensions are high and I refuse to drag those who are innocent into a war that has nothing to do with them. Peace is possible but not in this era unfortunately." Tamlin explained his words heavy with despair.
Briar looked down her grip on her robes tight, "I understand my lord."
"At the very least allow her to connect with the humans down the wall. She shouldn't be alone in this ordeal." Kalias demanded with his arms crossed.
Tamlin nodded with defeat, "that I can do." He said and walked to the door, "I'm...I'm sorry for your people Briar but I am not your saviour. Had I not invited Hybern into my lands they might have been alive still," with those words he left.
Briar stood silent her hands gripping her robes. "You did nothing wrong, Briar. I shouldn't have asked you to do this." Viviane comforted with a gentle hand on her back.
"Thank you my lady. I just wished... we could have met on better circumstances." Briar uttered weakly. She later returned to the winter court with Viviane's sister leaving the winter court rulers alone in their room. Later Kalias walked to his mate and held onto her arm, gently.
"Your plan would have work Viv. He's just stubborn." Kalias said and kissed her hand.
"It didn't work but it did reveal great things about our ally." Viviane replied as she sat down at the table on the side of the room over looking day court.
"Ally? Even after what he's done. Isn't it better for our safety to be neutral towards him, my love?" Kalias questioned as he sat at the chair opposite her.
Viviane looked out the window as if she was starring into the future, " if he was consumed by vengeance he'd accepted the human allyship to fill his army but he didn't. He is determined to avoid war, to end needless bloodshed. I believe he's truly using Beron the question is for what. What does the notorious autumn snake have that Tamlin would risk it?" She pondered putting a finger under her chin. "What are his plans? If it's not war how does he intend to ensure night court falls?" She wondered on.
Kalias noticed her position and smiled softly, a privilege only Viviane could see. "You look like that marble statue, my love." He teased.
Viviane's focus was interrupted before she laugh, "Kal! I was in the middle of a break through." She complained with a smile before the winter male stepped closer and picked her up spinning her around while she laughs.
"You'll figure it out again. After all, I have the smartest mate in the world!" Kalias cheered and kissed her forehead before the two lock eyes only to share a passionate kiss.
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High fae had a tendency to procrastinate unless pushed, hence why meetings like this can last for weeks or months with multiple meets and breaks that last for a day at minimum. The short recess was an entire day and allowed the emotional beings to return to meeting hall with a level head. Like ereyesterday every high lord and a high lady was beautifully dressed except for Tamlin who dressed like an upper middle class commoner. Everyone came to the either conclusion, that the spring court was struggling financially or Tamlin was insulting the meeting by being dressed like that especially since he seems contempt to stay in his half beast form like a lesser fae.
"To recap, the seasonal courts have reminded the night court of it's transgression and have demanded reparations but also demand justice. We have made no progress regarding the food crisis or price in pyrinthia while Spring court has declared itself the enemy of the night court under a temporary truth pact but its meaning are unclarified." Helion informed.
"We must have it clarified then," Rhysand spoke while he glared at Tamlin, "you are still under the truth pact. You have spent the past year rebuilding your armies, protection and alliances." Rhysand reminded.
"Yes." Tamlin answered curtly. The tree fae and the sentry beside him were on guard.
"Do you intend to wage war on the night court?" Rhysand questioned boldly. The room silent as all eyes fell on either of them.
Tamlin barely gave a reaction before the corners of his mouth turned upward into a sly grin, "scared high lord of night, Shouldn't you be more focused on the revolts in your own lands or are too busy in your manors?" He taunted before he snapped his clawed fingers creating a glamour of the hanging dead bodies of rebel leaders and then a view of the town house in Velaris.
Shadows curled around Rhysand enraged, "how do you have that?" Velaris was his sacred place and somehow this beast had infiltrated the wards.
Tamlin shrugged, "no, I don't intend to wage war." He answered vaguely changing the subject.
Rhysand wanted to question the golden beast further, how he managed to have a perfect image of Velaris when others could barely step in. He couldn't figure out who would betray them, Lucien was the main suspect of course but there were the illyrian females even Nesta.
Helion saw the rage and stood up to regain the attention, "I'm glad we don't have to worry of another memorial so soon then. Now, to discuss the food crisis Pyrinthia is facing."
The rulers were glad to finally start focusing on the main reason the meeting was held until it was derailed by the night court again. Everyone summoned their own papers and facts before Helion made a detailed map of Pyrinthia including the roads taken from each court citizens for trade. Notably many of spring court roads were still closed off due to the ashwood wall.
Thesan stood up just as Helion sat down, "After Spring court's ruin approximately 3 years ago, food trade has went down considerably with many courts having to rely on trading with autumn court for most grain and the fae realms."
"But the fae realms have been busy with their own troubles, food trade has went down further and due to the harsh winter. Many of our people are starving." Helion commented.
"Not to mention sending goods by sea cost more added in with the time. There's also... cases of sea beast attacking. There's a beast of seaweed keeping human boats away from entering summer court oceans." Tarquin spoke and starred at Tamlin who only smiled in reply.
"It's been a shit year all around. There's not enough grain for everyone and who am I to disagree on reaping the rewards." Beron added almost pleased.
"You're currently starving us for gold." Rhysand snapped.
"I don't recall being a daemati or sabotaging defenses. Blame your mate for this. She should have known aiding Hybern in another court's destruction would lead to this. I'm simply reaping the reward of her recklessness." Beron argued a half smile formed on his face. He enjoyed antagonising Rhysand.
"In other words," Thesan cut in before an argument ensued, " If this continues, the price hikes and the food shortages will cause Pyrinthia to face a famine. Our people will suffer and die unless Spring Court, the biggest contributor to agriculture and food product starts trading more." He pleaded.
Tamlin cocked his head to the side similar to how canines size up their pray, "Curious, you all demand so much but did everyone forgot the amount of people we've lost? Spring court lacks workers and mages to supply demand."
"Which is why," Helion snapped his fingers and summoned a scroll letting it float towards Tamlin, "We are offering you a deal. Workers, material and anything you need to help rebuild in exchange for reduced prices and increased trades. It'll help everyone." He offered. The deal was fair all things considered and he had even both Thesan's and Rhysand's agreement.
Tamlin read the scroll before he used air magic to float it back to Helion before he spoke, "I cannot agree to this. I am spring court's high lord not high king of Pyrinthia. It is not my concern if the other courts struggle to pay for food."
There was a moment of silence, "surely you jest?" Helion asked but his courtier smile faltered.
Tamlin's feline eyes turned into slits as he focused on the day court ruler, "3 years ago, you and many here were quick to brand me traitor even after I took your citizens in fifty years. When my court fell only one came to my aid, everyone else repaid my kindness with nothing and I refuse to be taken advantage off again." He growled and stood up to speak, "you claim you care but you're still wearing fine silk and eat like kings. If you cared for your people you'd reduce cost and actually use your wealth to aid them but you'd rather force me to accept a one sided deal just to remain comfortable."
"It was a difficult time for all of us," Thesan argued.
"Difficult? My court suffered hell and you couldn't even offer condolences until the memorial. My court will not suffer once more. We have decided to end all trade with the night court, day court and dawn court will face an up charge on both agricultural goods and shipments. Winter court and Autumn court will have additional charges on shipment and summer court will have reduced prices." Tamlin announced.
"That isn't fair, you don't care if our people starve?" Rhysand questioned standing up.
Tamlin chuckled at the hypocrisy, "you let your own people be treated like slaves."
"And why the increased prices on dawn and day?" Helion asked but he knew the answer already.
"Him." Tamlin answered and pointed a clawed finger to Rhysand. "A warning before I leave, I once warned your predecessors of Amarantha and I'll do the same here. If you ally yourselves with him, that male who stands for nothing, who craves for power... you will find your court surrounded by enemies and your precious crowns fallen." Tamlin warned eyes starring at Rhysand with challenge.
The magic that bound him to truth disappeared when he walked out and left with his courtiers. Kalias left not long after, then Tarquin and finally Beron who thanked them for the show.
The meeting ended with more problems then solutions, worst a few hours before Helion could announce a vague conclusion of the meeting the majority were already reading of it in the news paper. Summer court had given the people the news to announce the return of their newspaper publisher's return but within it was what got everyone talking.
The second page in bold letter writings, "Spring court increases prices of agricultural goods on dawn court and day court due to their allyship with night court."
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"This is aye horrible idea, Princey." Archie spoke barely above a whisper as a brown carriage being pulled by a pair brownish red drakes were seen heading towards the manor.
"We have to try," Tamlin whispered back.
"If he demands for land or compensation I vote we kill him." Houyi whispered as the four of them stood at the front of the manor.
"Murder is not allowed. Cripple is a possibility." Shel suggested but the four silenced themselves when Beron arrived alone.
The greeting was brief with Tamlin welcoming him and the courtiers bowing down to show respect. Mindless chatter and a few comments from Beron to Tamlin about the lack of courtier. It was a tedious dance of politeness which led to Tamlin and Beron to finally discuss their matters in spring court's meeting room. Similar to day and dawn court's it was a circular open room close to the garden with flowers growing around the pillars, a pool of water blooming with aquatic flowers in the middle including seven carved wooden chairs around the pool. Each chair decorated for the court it represents.
"Thank you for finally accepting the invitation Lord Beron, as you know-" Tamlin began talking somewhat awkwardly only to stop by Beron's dismissive wave.
"Can we skip the introduction. We are here because you want revenge against the night court and require my assistance. What is it worth to you?" Beron interjects already slouching in his chair.
Tamlin was silent from surprise but his posture relaxed and his eyes narrowed in on the lord across from him. "Revenge but also getting rid of a century old nuisance. What can you offer?"
Beron stopped slouching and leaned forward finally interested, "thousands of fae in my army, advance weaponry and allies beyond Pyrinthia. What can you offer?" He questioned.
"War is a waste of resources, time and also fae who could be put to work and not to mention the ruination of good land. We both can agree it's unwanted. So what if I offer you night court's ruination?" He countered.
"And how do you plan to do that? Your efforts aren't in vain but that court will last for a few more decades at least." Beron dismissed.
"Reveal my plan? I am no fool." Tamlin retorted and created an illusion of the night court map. "I offer your their weakened military forces, economic instability and political isolation."
Beron narrowed his eyes before tilting his head, "let's make a deal then. If you can do all what you're saying, I will give you everything you need to succeed but... fail and I want you to restart production of enchanted opium plants again."
Tamlin's smile dropped instantly, "I will not be dragged into your crimes, Beron." He hissed.
Beron let out a soft chuckle, "and here I thought the curse breaker had made you lose your morals. Such a shame." He commented before leaning back, "Spring court has historically been apart of the drug trade for millenias. Their production of both regular opium and enchanted plants brought significant wealth to your predecessors. Isn't it worth the risk?" He urged.
"No it's not." Tamlin rejected firmly before he scanned the male up and down, "a good supplier knows to not use their own products. Your own choices led to your deteriorating health and weakened body."
"You're not my healer, Tamlin." Beron spoke annoyed.
"No but I can heal you. I offer you Beron Vanserra, spring's health and in return I want your connection to those with any relation to the night court, from nobles to spies. All of it." Tamlin offered and walked towards the other with his clawed hand extended.
Beron grabbed the lord's hand skeptically but when he was about to pull away Tamlin had placed his other hand on top and didn't let Beron go. Panic rise in Beron's heart until the spring glowed gold and his magic washed over him for a moment. When the glowed dimmed, his veins started to glow golden and he felt his body becoming lighter and stronger by the second until Tamlin let go.
When Beron walked out of the room he seemed slightly different. His hair was shining of health, his movement faster and his skin wasn't as pale. He didn't even acknowledge Tamlin's courtier when he left but everyone was glad he was gone.
The courtiers walked in the meeting room and found an exhausted Tamlin, Shel was the first to speak, "I take it the meeting was a success? Any chance he wants to threaten spring court's peace again?" She questioned.
Tamlin shakes his head, "the meeting was a success and no. He seems more interested in what we can produce. That being said we need to prepare. I need all three of your support for this." He states beasty eyes on them.
"We're with ye, Princey. So long you don't forget who you serve." Archie answered while he crossed his arms.
"Good... first the interview for new courtiers and which noble houses we should accept into our midst again. All three of us will judge and hopefully we can reduce our work load. Secondly... Houyi I believe it's time to start accelerate your emissary training, Archie I believe we need to research more wards." Tamlin ended.
"What about sun forged weapon?" Houyi asked like a nervous child asking their parent for candy they shouldn't get.
"Calm yer self, Young blood. Day court is enemy lands aye dinnae think your brains safe there." Archie commented.
The young fae frowned, "ugh... daemati and more daemati. If only we could just stop their magic from entering our brains rather than just shielding." He expressed frustrated.
Shel looked down for a moment as if she was solving an equation, "daemati has no effect on me since I have no brain. It also seemed less effective on you when you were in your beast form, my lord. There must be a reason for that."
Archie stepped back, while he was a good general who can keep his soldiers in line he didn't have the book smarts of the three fae in front of him.
"You're...right but why is that? Are animal brains that different?" Tamlin questioned.
Houyi thought for a moment, his feathered neck ruffling slightly. "Dawn court medical books probably have the answer to that... but brains are just flesh with weak lightning inside aren't they?" He questioned.
"We have lightning in our brains?" Archie asked confused fitting for his age honestly.
"That sounds made up." Shel interjected making the young fae frown.
"You have no right to speak on this matter. You don't even have a brain or organs for the matter." Houyi countered while light sparked around him,
"That's enough. If we have weak lightning in our brains then maybe lightning is the answer to our question on how to completely nullify daemati. We need a daemati first for experiments and we have to find a way how to harness it." Tamlin informed and stood up shakily. "Shall we?" He asked before they left the meeting room.
Endnote: I made spring court have ties to drug trade cause of the British opium war. Tamlin obviously stopped it when he got into power but it doesn't change that his family is the reason why drugs are a problem all over pyrinthia especially autumn court. It's also a problem in the fae realms
Taglist: @starscreambbymama @thefatesofspring
