vulpusaurum

[vulpusaurum]

@rhysie

It wasn't often that Lucien found himself in the presence of the Lord of the Night Court absent his better half. In fact, this may just be the first time, it occurs to him, since he entered Rhysand's employ. He tried not to let it show how stiff he still was around the Inner Court, but there was no hiding it here.

Centuries of conflict and lies, however well-meaning they might be, tinted any and all interactions they had, and likely would for a long while. It wasn't that Lucien sought to hold a grudge or try to work it to his benefit. It was just a shock that what he thought he had known for centuries was all some master illusion crafted by a male who was, by all accounts, kinder than the emissary had ever known. And he always had to remind himself that, even though Feyre had vouched for him and that likely played a large part in his decision, Rhysand had offered him a job, paid him well and was, at the least, civil with him.

Perhaps it was time to try burying the hatchet.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of your company all by your lonesome, My Lord?"

[vulpusaurum]

It takes him a long time to find words, to find his voice. His throat is suddenly as arid as Summer's dunes. There was so much between them, a rift as vast as any gulf, and yet the bridges that crossed it were secure, stable. As if neither side had ever truly given up on those connections, strained as they may be. And maybe, just maybe, he could let himself believe that this was the first step toward closing that rift.

He could hope.

Hope was all that really carried him anymore. Living in a land so hostile to his kind, working for a court so hostile to him. If he didn't have hope that somehow, some way, things would be better, he would have lost his mind an age ago. Hope was the only hold in the turbulence and whitewaters of the river upon which his life was swept.

He felt her hand in his, and yet he didn't. It was foreign, it felt like something someone else was experiencing. As if the pressure and warmth was simultaneously right there and a world away. For all that he'd hoped, he would never have expected that Feyre would be here. Forgiving him, at least somewhat, for his role in how everything played out.

"But I do."

The words surprised him, but the conviction behind them even moreso. He chuckled humorlessly as his free hand finally came up to clear his face of the saltwater stream. "I could never ask anyone to shoulder the things I feel, the horrors I've been party to, whether on the receiving end, or the ones I was too weak to stop. Those are the shames and scars that are mine to bear, and to shield those I love from."

Feyre stood there, her breath shallow, her arms wrapped around herself as if that alone could steady the storm raging inside her. She didn’t know what to say. She’d never seen Lucien cry before. Never seen him lay himself bare like this, the weight of centuries pressing down on his shoulders, his voice thick with emotion. He had always been the quick-witted one, the flirt, the charmer who deflected before things could ever get too real. But he had stolen a painting, by her no less. Because somewhere in the tangled mess of their history, she'd seen him.

Yet here he was, looking at her like she held a knife to his chest, as if he was bracing himself for the killing blow. Her throat ached as she swallowed. "Lucien," she murmured, taking a step forward, hesitant. "I never—" She stopped, exhaling sharply before trying again. "I never wanted you to think I hated you."

Because she didn't.

She had once. Or at least, she'd thought she had. In those first few months after everything fell apart, after Tamlin’s betrayal and Hybern’s cruelty, after she'd shattered herself just to put the pieces of her family back together… she’d been angry. Angry at the Spring Court, angry at him for standing by Tamlin’s side, for not seeing what she’d gone through until it was far too late. But time had softened that rage into something else. Something quieter. Something infinitely sadder.

She looked at the painting again, at the depth of pain and understanding captured there. It stole the breath from her lungs.

"Ruined?"

Feyre’s hand trembled slightly as she reached out, her fingers brushing against his wrist, the warmth of his skin grounding her. She didn’t hesitate this time—she couldn't. Lucien’s pain, his regret, his words had all carved a space in her heart she hadn’t expected. Slowly, carefully, she guided his hand into her own, her grip firm but gentle, a silent offering. The moment her palm met his, something shifted in her chest, a soft release, as if the weight of the years and the silence between them had begun to ease. She didn’t have all the answers, and she couldn’t fix the past, but in that simple, fragile touch, she knew she could stand beside him. "You don’t have to carry this alone," she whispered, her voice barely a breath as she held him there.

[vulpusaurum]

Would you help me find a way out?

The light streaks through the leaves, shimmering and shifting like the surface of a lake as the boughs sway in the warm breeze. The ground, covered in the yellow and orange and red of fallen Autumn foliage, seems brighter, warmer. Beneath the soles of his boots, Lucien hears the crunching of the fallen leaves, and he looks to her, his love, and smiles. But before he can say of course I'll smuggle you out of here, a voice in the distance- the third son.

You see, father? Traipsing about with a common, lesser Fae whore! And I brought you to them, just like you wanted, so you can punish them!

"Would you help me find a way out?"

The question confuses him, momentarily. He offers a bright, cheery grin even as tears roll, unbidden, down his cheek. Though from his tone and smile, you'd be forgiven for thinking he hadn't been crying at all. He certainly didn't feel the tears.

"Of course I'll get you away from my father, Jes."

Jesminda. She was gone. He remained. Only he.

He seemed to snap to reality, the clouded haze leaving his eye. Clarity ran him through, a cold, sharp blade plunged to the hilt in his chest. Jesminda was gone, and yet he remained. He'd struggled with it for decades, centuries. Why did he still live when his love was gone?

To help, as she always urged him to.

He would help, he had to. To be stronger than he was, to be better than the male who fled in terror even before his lover's body was cold. He offered his hand to Nesta, fully aware of how powerful she was and how she could winnow, but he needed her to see he was serious. And even as he could feel the heat of his tears tearing through his soul, he didn't bother to fight them

"Come, Nesta. Let's find our way out."

He knows that look on her face- the Archeron Special, he affectionately calls it. The way their features narrow whenever they've dug in their heels and stand firm. Normally, he would find it admirable. But he's more than aware of the tensions that have risen between the eldest of the sisters and the High Lord lately. While he would normally not involve himself in matters of other courts, and he did still consider the Court of Night another court-

He'd somehow come to like this female and her fiery spirit.

"I do not seek to protect you as some faeling child caught with their hand in the pudding." He keeps his tone light, and his face doesn't show an ounce of concern. His features whimsical, angled with the intent to give an air of carefree joy. The only sign of his intent was the way his false eye swiveled in the socket to quickly scan behind them. Nothing.

He instead closes the distance between them and offers her another brief glimpse of the male beneath the bravado. His eye sparkles with warmth as he takes hold of one side of the frame and helps her position it. Afterward, he motions toward the door. Perhaps they could both escape this, leave a mystery behind for the rest of the Inner Court. Mischief twinkled in his eye at the thought.

"I merely wish to help a friend, Nesta."

[vulpusaurum]

He blinked, genuine surprise playing across his features. And then, much like the fire in their veins , anger burns through, rising to the surface. He tries to control his voice, he tries to hold his temper, but in his ears, he hears not his heart. He heard the sickening squelch as the blade but through Jesminda and her head hit the ground. "You... You would think, even for a moment, that I would want to leave Autumn in his hands? To leave our mother as his mercy?!"

He wanted to grab his brother by those stupid, pointy, dumb Eris ears and crack his skull open with his forehead for even daring to question that. "He's a monster, and I knew that long before he took my love from me! He's been a monster my entire life, and especially so to me! I've been on the receiving end of every cruelty he could visit upon me short of filicide! He sent our brothers after me, Eris! Forced me to wet my steel with their blood, to watch the light leave their eyes, all in some sick, fucked up competition to win not even his love, but his indifference, because that is the best any of us could hope for! So yes! I support you in your bid! And if you have need of my blade when the time comes, you have it. But never, not even for a moment, think that any of you want Beron Vanserra dead more than I do."

High King in Prythian, how did his brother survive adolescence with an ego that threatened to eclipse even Rhysand's? His expression was thoroughly unimpressed as his brother spoke of shadows and scars. Lucien had known his brother to be scheming in the background, but he didn't think his wanting the only brother why didn't hate him to not die would cause this much friction.

But still, he didn't bother giving Eris even the simple act of pushing off the wall to stand straight. If he wanted to puff out his chest and play eldest brother and the perfect little soldier, Lucien was just fine with letting him. "I know you know that, and I know you're not an idiot, Eris. Believe it or not, but I really would rather not see you die. But I also know that shadows can talk as well as they can hide, and those who sing from there are not particularly fond of you. All it would take is one whispered secret, that you're working alongside Rhysand, and our siblings will come after you together."

And I won't be there to help you, Lucien leaves unsaid.

[vulpusaurum]

High King in Prythian, how did his brother survive adolescence with an ego that threatened to eclipse even Rhysand's? His expression was thoroughly unimpressed as his brother spoke of shadows and scars. Lucien had known his brother to be scheming in the background, but he didn't think his wanting the only brother why didn't hate him to not die would cause this much friction.

But still, he didn't bother giving Eris even the simple act of pushing off the wall to stand straight. If he wanted to puff out his chest and play eldest brother and the perfect little soldier, Lucien was just fine with letting him. "I know you know that, and I know you're not an idiot, Eris. Believe it or not, but I really would rather not see you die. But I also know that shadows can talk as well as they can hide, and those who sing from there are not particularly fond of you. All it would take is one whispered secret, that you're working alongside Rhysand, and our siblings will come after you together."

And I won't be there to help you, Lucien leaves unsaid.

He laughs, shaking his head at his brother's retort. "If anything, that stupidity and brashness only serves to prove that we are cut from the same cloth, but no. That is not why I came." There's a look in his eye, clouded with emotions as he looks his brother over. "What I'm saying is that our father may be a bastard, and our brothers may thank you for setting them free of him, but do not think they would not do the same to you if it is to their advantage. Be careful, Eris. Of all the males still considered Vanserra, you are the least deplorable."

[vulpusaurum]

He laughs, shaking his head at his brother's retort. "If anything, that stupidity and brashness only serves to prove that we are cut from the same cloth, but no. That is not why I came." There's a look in his eye, clouded with emotions as he looks his brother over. "What I'm saying is that our father may be a bastard, and our brothers may thank you for setting them free of him, but do not think they would not do the same to you if it is to their advantage. Be careful, Eris. Of all the males still considered Vanserra, you are the least deplorable."

"Philosophers speak because the brutes would rather drown in viscera than have a polite conversation." He cocks an eyebrow, folding one arm over another as he leans his shoulder against a wall. Disbelief shines in his russet eye whilst gold rolls in mockery. "I would ask you to point out which battles I've allowed others to fight for me, because I'm certain pacifism was what cost my left eye, brother."

[vulpusaurum]

Made my guy in a*vowed

[vulpusaurum]

"Philosophers speak because the brutes would rather drown in viscera than have a polite conversation." He cocks an eyebrow, folding one arm over another as he leans his shoulder against a wall. Disbelief shines in his russet eye whilst gold rolls in mockery. "I would ask you to point out which battles I've allowed others to fight for me, because I'm certain pacifism was what cost my left eye, brother."

@vulpusaurum Lucien says: "Violence prolongs hate, hate prolongs violence."

“ ah  –  the  philospher  speaks!  tell  me  brother,  how's  all  that  virtue  working  out  for  you? ”  eris'  focus  shifts  to  the  dirt  beneath  his  nails,  treating  lucien's  words  as  merely  background  noise,  “ your  pacifism  hasn't  stopped  the  whole  world  from  bleeding  .  .  .  at  least  my  violence,  as  you  put  it,  is  honest  about  what  it  is.  not  wrapped  in  pretty  words  only  so  you  can  sleep  at  night  while  others  fight  your  battles. ”

[vulpusaurum]

Mobile ATM but hit me up in messages to plot stuff out. I'd love to interact with y'all!

[vulpusaurum]

Ⓐ FEYRE xoxo

"Now you especially have to promise no harm."

Attractiveness:

repulsive || hideous || ugly || not attractive || unappealing || not unattractive || meh || no preference || ok || mildly attractive || nice looking || cute || adorable || attractive || pleasant on the eyes || good looking || hot || sexy || beautiful || gorgeous || hot damn || would tap that || perfect || godlike || holy fuck there are no words

Personality:

grating || irritating || frustrating || boring || confusing at best || awkward || unreasonable || psychotic || disturbing || interesting || engaging || affectionate || aggressive || ambitious || anxious || artistic || bad tempered || bossy || charismatic || appealing || unappealing || creative || courageous || dependable || unreliable || unpredictable || predictable || devious || dim || extroverted || introverted ||  egotistical || gregarious || fabulous || impulsive || intelligent || sympathetic || talkative || up beat || peaceful || calming || badass || flexible

How likely they would have sex with them:

not if they were the last person on earth and the world was ending || fuck no! || never || no way || not likely || not sure || indifferent || I’m asexual || maybe || probably || it depends || fairly likely || likely || yeah sure || yes || would tap that || hell yes || fuck yes! || wishing that could happen right now || as many times as possible || we are already having sex

Level of Friendship:

never in a million years || worst of enemies || enemies || rivals || indifferent || neutral || acquaintance || friendly toward each other || casual friends || friends || good friends || best friends || fuck buddies || bosom buddies || practically the same person || would die for them || true friends || my only friend ||

First impression of them:

I hate them so much || I don’t like them || I don’t trust them || they annoy me || they’re weird || I’m indifferent || meh || they seem alright || they’re growing on me || truce || I think I like them || I like them || I’m not sure if I trust them || I trust them || they’re cool || they’re genuine || I think we’re going to get along || I really like them || I think I’m in love || oh fuck they’re hot || I love them

Current impression of them:

I hate them so much || I don’t like them || I don’t trust them || they annoy me || they’re weird || I’m indifferent || meh || they seem alright || they’re growing on me || truce || I think I like them || I like them || I’m not sure if I trust them || I trust them || they’re cool || they’re genuine || I think we’re going to get along || I really like them || I think I’m in love || oh fuck they’re hot || I love them

How good of a kisser:

worst kisser ever || terrible || bad || awkward || just okay || alright || pretty good || good || makes me moan || excellent || exciting || oh god they’re good || I dream about it || fucking amazing || absolute perfection || we haven’t kissed

[vulpusaurum]

Ⓐ

"You asked for this, Nes. No lighting me on fire, now."

Attractiveness:

repulsive || hideous || ugly || not attractive || unappealing || not unattractive || meh || no preference || ok || mildly attractive || nice looking || cute || adorable || attractive || pleasant on the eyes || good looking || hot || sexy || beautiful || gorgeous || hot damn || would tap that || perfect || godlike || holy fuck there are no words

Personality:

grating || irritating || frustrating || boring || confusing at best || awkward || unreasonable || psychotic || disturbing || interesting || engaging || affectionate || aggressive || ambitious || anxious || artistic || bad tempered || bossy || charismatic || appealing || unappealing || creative || courageous || dependable || unreliable || unpredictable || predictable || devious || dim || extroverted || introverted ||  egotistical || gregarious || fabulous || impulsive || intelligent || sympathetic || talkative || up beat || peaceful || calming || badass || flexible

How likely they would have sex with them:

not if they were the last person on earth and the world was ending || fuck no! || never || no way || not likely || not sure || indifferent || I’m asexual || maybe || probably || it depends || fairly likely || likely || yeah sure || yes || would tap that || hell yes || fuck yes! || wishing that could happen right now || as many times as possible || we are already having sex

Level of Friendship:

never in a million years || worst of enemies || enemies || rivals || indifferent || neutral || acquaintance || friendly toward each other || casual friends || friends || good friends || best friends || fuck buddies || bosom buddies || practically the same person || would die for them || true friends || my only friend ||

First impression of them:

I hate them so much || I don’t like them || I don’t trust them || they annoy me || they’re weird || I’m indifferent || meh || they seem alright || they’re growing on me || truce || I think I like them || I like them || I’m not sure if I trust them || I trust them || they’re cool || they’re genuine || I think we’re going to get along || I really like them || I think I’m in love || oh fuck they’re hot || I love them

Current impression of them:

I hate them so much || I don’t like them || I don’t trust them || they annoy me || they’re weird || I’m indifferent || meh || they seem alright || they’re growing on me || truce || I think I like them || I like them || I’m not sure if I trust them || I trust them || they’re cool || they’re genuine || I think we’re going to get along || I really like them || I think I’m in love || oh fuck they’re hot || I love them

How good of a kisser:

worst kisser ever || terrible || bad || awkward || just okay || alright || pretty good || good || makes me moan || excellent || exciting || oh god they’re good || I dream about it || fucking amazing || absolute perfection || we haven’t kissed, which is a shame

[vulpusaurum]

Ⓐ for both muses~

DANIKA

Attractiveness:

repulsive || hideous || ugly || not attractive || unappealing || not unattractive || meh || no preference || ok || mildly attractive || nice looking || cute || adorable || attractive || pleasant on the eyes || good looking || hot || sexy || beautiful || gorgeous || hot damn || would tap that || perfect || godlike || holy fuck there are no words

Personality:

grating || irritating || frustrating || boring || confusing at best || awkward || unreasonable || psychotic || disturbing || interesting || engaging || affectionate || aggressive || ambitious || anxious || artistic || bad tempered || bossy || charismatic || appealing || unappealing || creative || courageous || dependable || unreliable || unpredictable || predictable || devious || dim || extroverted || introverted ||  egotistical || gregarious || fabulous || impulsive || intelligent || sympathetic || talkative || up beat || peaceful || calming || badass || flexible

How likely they would have sex with them:

not if they were the last person on earth and the world was ending || fuck no! || never || no way || not likely || not sure || indifferent || I’m asexual || maybe || probably || it depends || fairly likely || likely || yeah sure || yes || would tap that || hell yes || fuck yes! || wishing that could happen right now || as many times as possible || we are already having sex

Level of Friendship:

never in a million years || worst of enemies || enemies || rivals || indifferent || neutral || acquaintance || friendly toward each other || casual friends || friends || good friends || best friends || fuck buddies || bosom buddies || practically the same person || would die for them || true friends || my only friend ||

First impression of them:

I hate them so much || I don’t like them || I don’t trust them || they annoy me || they’re weird || I’m indifferent || meh || they seem alright || they’re growing on me || truce || I think I like them || I like them || I’m not sure if I trust them || I trust them || they’re cool || they’re genuine || I think we’re going to get along || I really like them || I think I’m in love || oh fuck they’re hot || I love them

Current impression of them:

I hate them so much || I don’t like them || I don’t trust them || they annoy me || they’re weird || I’m indifferent || meh || they seem alright || they’re growing on me || truce || I think I like them || I like them || I’m not sure if I trust them || I trust them || they’re cool || they’re genuine || I think we’re going to get along || I really like them || I think I’m in love || oh fuck they’re hot || I love them

How good of a kisser:

worst kisser ever || terrible || bad || awkward || just okay || alright || pretty good || good || makes me moan || excellent || exciting || oh god they’re good || I dream about it || fucking amazing || absolute perfection || we haven’t kissed

LIDIA

Attractiveness:

repulsive || hideous || ugly || not attractive || unappealing || not unattractive || meh || no preference || ok || mildly attractive || nice looking || cute || adorable || attractive || pleasant on the eyes || good looking || hot || sexy || beautiful || gorgeous || hot damn || would tap that || perfect || godlike || holy fuck there are no words

Personality:

grating || irritating || frustrating || boring || confusing at best || awkward || unreasonable || psychotic || disturbing || interesting || engaging || affectionate || aggressive || ambitious || anxious || artistic || bad tempered || bossy || charismatic || appealing || unappealing || creative || courageous || dependable || unreliable || unpredictable || predictable || devious || dim || extroverted || introverted ||  egotistical || gregarious || fabulous || impulsive || intelligent || sympathetic || talkative || up beat || peaceful || calming || badass || flexible

How likely they would have sex with them:

not if they were the last person on earth and the world was ending || fuck no! || never || no way || not likely || not sure || indifferent || I’m asexual || maybe || probably || it depends || fairly likely || likely || yeah sure || yes || would tap that || hell yes || fuck yes! || wishing that could happen right now || as many times as possible || we are already having sex

Level of Friendship:

never in a million years || worst of enemies || enemies || rivals || indifferent || neutral || acquaintance || friendly toward each other || casual friends || friends || good friends || best friends || fuck buddies || bosom buddies || practically the same person || would die for them || true friends || my only friend ||

First impression of them:

I hate them so much || I don’t like them || I don’t trust them || they annoy me || they’re weird || I’m indifferent || meh || they seem alright || they’re growing on me || truce || I think I like them || I like them || I’m not sure if I trust them || I trust them || they’re cool || they’re genuine || I think we’re going to get along || I really like them || I think I’m in love || oh fuck they’re hot || I love them

Current impression of them:

I hate them so much || I don’t like them || I don’t trust them || they annoy me || they’re weird || I’m indifferent || meh || they seem alright || they’re growing on me || truce || I think I like them || I like them || I’m not sure if I trust them || I trust them || they’re cool || they’re genuine || I think we’re going to get along || I really like them || I think I’m in love || oh fuck they’re hot || I love them

How good of a kisser:

worst kisser ever || terrible || bad || awkward || just okay || alright || pretty good || good || makes me moan || excellent || exciting || oh god they’re good || I dream about it || fucking amazing || absolute perfection || we haven’t kissed

[vulpusaurum]

𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐂  𝐑𝐏  𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒  .  .  .  (  pt  1.  the  art  of  touch  )   Set  the  stage  for  longing  glances,  lingering  touches,  and  the  quiet  tension  of  unspoken  words.   ✧  ˚₊  Themes:  soft,  slow  burn  &  a  touch  of  angst 

✧     ›    SOFT   &   FLUFFY   .

My  muse  tucks  a  loose  strand  of  hair  behind  your  muse’s  ear,  their  fingers  lingering  for  a  second  longer  than  necessary.

My  muse  falls  asleep  on  your  muse’s  shoulder  during  a  long  ride.

My  muse  surprises  your  muse  with  breakfast  in  bed,  complete  with  a  handwritten  note.

My  muse  pulls  your  muse  under  their  umbrella  during  a  sudden  downpour.

My  muse  gently  wipes  away  a  tear  from  your  muse’s  cheek,  their  touch  tender  and  careful.

My  muse  laces  their  fingers  with  your  muse’s  absentmindedly,  only  realizing  it  after  a  few  seconds.

 ✧     ›    TENSION   &   SLOW  BURN   .

My  muse  fixes  your  muse’s  tie/dress/jacket,  their  hands  brushing  against  their  skin  for  just  a  moment.

My  muse  leans  in  as  if  to  whisper  something,  their  lips  dangerously  close  to  your  muse’s  ear.

My  muse  catches  your  muse’s  wrist  before  they  can  leave,  their  grip  tightening  just  slightly.

My  muse  watches  your  muse  from  across  the  room,  their  gaze  lingering  even  when  caught.

My  muse  challenges  your  muse  to  a  bet,  knowing  exactly  what  they’ll  ask  for  if  they  win.

My  muse  absentmindedly  plays  with  your  muse’s  fingers  while  they  talk,  not  even  realizing  they’re  doing  it.

✧     ›    ANGST   &   EMOTIONAL   .

My  muse  pulls  your  muse  into  a  tight  hug,  as  if  afraid  to  let  go.

My  muse  wipes  away  the  blood  from  your  muse’s  face,  their  hands  trembling.

My  muse  shows  up  at  your  muse’s  doorstep  in  the  rain,  eyes  filled  with  something  unspoken.

My  muse  gently  cups  your  muse’s  face,  whispering,  “Why  do  you  always  have  to  make  things  so  difficult?”

My  muse  kisses  your  muse  like  it’s  the  last  time  they’ll  ever  get  the  chance.

My  muse  lets  your  muse  go,  even  though  it’s  the  last  thing  they  want  to  do.

 ✧     ›    TEASING   .

My  muse  corners  your  muse  against  a  wall,  a  smirk  playing  on  their  lips.

My  muse  whispers  something  in  your  muse’s  ear  that  makes  them  blush.

My  muse  pulls  your  muse  onto  their  lap  with  zero  warning.

My  muse  playfully  steals  a  bite  of  your  muse’s  food,  then  grins  as  they  lock  eyes.

My  muse  deliberately  leans  in  closer  just  to  see  your  muse’s  reaction.

My  muse  drags  their  fingers  slowly  down  your  muse’s  arm,  pretending  it  was  unintentional.

[vulpusaurum]

A while back I kept seeing rants and memes about how Elain does nothing, she's never done anything, she has no impact on the story blah blah blah.... but like, I can think of at least one huge impactful thing she did that helped turn the tides of war and saved the lives of Cassian and Nesta.

Support a girl that can take down the big bad guy by surprise, come on.

[vulpusaurum]

what flavor is your soul?

rosemary

ah, the old soul, nice to meet again. the time of ages is etched into your bones, you see clearly. you've watched the heartache in this realm and sworn to solve it. but kindness without limits is self destruction. oh little leaf, strong and wise, you seek to bring peace with your presence. I'd be wrong to say you fail at this effort, but you mustn't set yourself on fire to keep others warm. you wish to please everyone, to protect them all. but if you shield the saplings from the sunlight they will never grow, and you one day will wither. protect yourself too. you know there are no happy heroes, so don't be one. be a friend. your loved ones will not forsake you for not being perseus slaying all their demons. you have your own monsters, why not meet them first before you conquer anyone else's nightmares. oh true-hearted paladin you are brave, and you are good enough. you know that right? be true to yourself, one cannot do anything saintly if they did not tend to their own wounds first.

[vulpusaurum]

“Rest now. I’ll be here when you wake.”

It was still so strange to him, the ease with which she was able to do things like this. The way her hands cradled his head as he lay down. The way he'd been so flustered when she crept into his room with a basin and cloths. The tender way she ensured he'd been cleaned from head to toe, no awkwardness, no hesitation.

"Elain..."

He wanted so badly to take her hand once more, like he had when he'd met her in the library the other day and the flirtation came so easy to him. To kiss her again like that night where she pulled him down to her. To initiate that kind of intimacy himself. But it was not to be this day, not from his sick bed.

"Thank you. I think I'll finally be able to sleep with something to look forward to when I wake. A dream coming true."

So maybe the flirtation wasn't fully gone with his illness.

[vulpusaurum]

"If  they  want  you,  they’ll  have  to  go  through  me  first.”

Muscle ticked in his jaw, a spike of irritation running him through as he heard her words. He knew that this came from a place of care, even if she'd never admit such. That it was concern for him that fueled her words, but he couldn't help himself.

"I'm no little youngling, swaddled in my birthing cloth still, Nesta. I appreciate you rising to my defense, but I am not without my own capability. It seems that everyone in this court, so focused on the night and the stars, forgets that I burn with the light of the million fires that came before me."

He stood and squared his shoulders, and gone was the easygoing emissary who was a bridge between Fae and Human. In his place stood a man who was, by some quirk of fate, the son of two different High Lords, every inch the heir of their stations. Authority laced his voice as flame crept up his flesh, rippling and boiling as the surface of the sun as it traced his veins over his skin.

"If the High Lord of Autumn wishes there to be a Blood Duel between he and I, he'll find that I am no less fearsome than Rhysand's general when steel is drawn, and Autumn will find itself in the hands of a more capable leader when I'm through with him."

He would kill Beron where he stood for all the pain he'd put his mother and brothers through, and he would return to Rhysand with his head and his heart as proof.