miraculousfaeofold

[miraculousfaeofold]

This series was so good! Loved seeing a doting Eris and how the relationship built up!

Overlooked

Eris Vanserra x Fem!Archeron!Reader

Warnings: smut. feeling left out. mentions of torture. inner circle being idiots.

Summary: For her whole life, Y/N Archeron had always been overlooked by her family. She was the eldest yet her mother only focussed on Nesta and her father was always with Elain. Though Y/N still had her younger sister, Feyre. But when Feyre is taken into the Spring Court, everything changes.

After being turned into High Fae, Y/N struggles to adjust to her new life. But no one ever comes to help her. For the most part, Y/N is alone and left to deal with everything by herself. When the Inner Circle is invited to Eris Vanserra’s coronation, Y/N attends with them and the moment her eyes meet the new High Lord’s, a mating bond snaps into place.

Eris offers Y/N and place to stay and the love and friendship she never had growing up. Together they heal from the hardships they grew up in and Y/N eventually finds her place in the world, with her mate by her side.

Word Count: 23,501

A Court of Thorns and Roses Masterlist

•••

Contents:

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Epilogue

A/N: I decided to make Overlooked its own Masterlist so I could organise my main ACOTAR Masterlist a little better!

[miraculousfaeofold]

This was cute to read! Hopefully things go better for them later and Nyx gets an actual chance to speak with her

Starry Night Orchids | Chapter 1

Nyx x Eris’s Daughter!Reader

A/N: This was so fun to write oh my goodness!

Court politics | Courtship politics | Courtly scheming| A spoiled brat pushes reader’s buttons| A very good boy| Lucien’s the best | Eris is a good dad

Nyx stared at the hound with wide eyes. “Does she bring that thing fucking everywhere?”

Merrick, Tarquin’s son, heir to Summer, and Nyx’s honorary cousin by way of Amren and Varian’s common-law marriage, gulped beside him, “since he was big enough to go with her, yes.”

The terrifying terror of a hunting dog heeled at your feet had been a present from your father several years ago. A hound you could raise yourself for whatever purpose you wished. Many in your court - remnants from the days of the grandfather you never had the misfortune of meeting - had expected you to raise the pup as an adorable furry friend like the foxes you had a habit of feeding. Something they thought befit their opinion of what a High Lord’s daughter should be.

You had raised a furry friend alright, just one more suited for physical and social battles than walks through the woods.

In secret you babied Wolfe, but he was a smart dog. He understood that while you loved him, and behind closed doors would give him all the scritches and kisses he wanted, there were times and places for different kinds of work. This Autumn Equinox ball was one of them.

Your father, Eris, had done a great deal of work in the Autumn Court after the truly unfortunate demise of your grandfather. Not that you were alive to see those immediate changes.

He’d told you that he wanted to make the court a better place for many people. Your grandmother - though she lived in Day now - your Uncle Lucien, your mother, you.

But while Autumn had mostly turned from a court of teeth and fire to one more focused on the glories of your season, there was still a reputation to uphold. Many of the High Lords suspected that Beron’s rule had not ended peacefully. And as much as they may prefer Eris to your late grandfather, they were still just a bit wary of your family.

Your father never wanted you, his heir and beloved daughter, to ever bow or shrink for anyone. So posturing and baring your teeth, as it were, is what you did. Many in Prythian were mildly unnerved by you and Wolfe, and you liked it that way. Their momentary apprehension fueled you, made you feel confident in the power you already had.

Even if, often, you wished someone would see the heart of you. The way your mother had with Eris.

You looked up from your assessment of the room, eyes alighting on Nyx and Merrick watching you from across the crowded hall. You grinned at them scratching behind Wolfe’s ear, relishing in the discomfort in the Summer Court heir.

Nyx however, knew a little more about your family history than Merrick. Your uncle was his mother’s close friend even if the bond with his aunt didn’t pan out. And he knew exactly how your father got the throne, and how different a male Eris was from what he showed most of Prythian.

There was a deadly edge to your smile, but Nyx found himself unbothered by it. He knew the roles his family has played before. He’d come to recognize similar performances in others.

He scrunched his nose up skeptically your way. If you wanted to throw him off kilter, you’d have to work harder than that.

For some unexplainable reason - one that totally, absolutely escaped him - Nyx had taken to watching you at events like this one.

He watched as a tall blond male, dripping with smarm, dressed in a mortifying shade of orange, approached you. He recognized the male and ground his teeth. Complicated history between Autumn and Night aside, there was no one at this party he’d rather you not talk to than Oleander.

“Hi boys,” a female voice purred behind Nyx and Merrick. Nyx had been halfway into marching over to you, when his shoulder was touched - wings blessedly tucked away - drawing his attention behind him.

With one hand each on his and Merrick’s backs, the twin to the male talking to you, was grinning coyly up at them.

Amaryllis and her brother Oleander, the terrible twin heirs to Spring. Tamlin’s simpering and backhanded children.

Nyx pivoted immediately, removing her hand from his back, Merrick a step behind. Amaryllis was wearing a puffy purple dress that was darker than her usual shades, coming across almost as the color of a night dark sky or ocean. Nyx and Merrick shared brief, similar looks of disdain. Merrick’s was gone faster and was far more subtle, however.

One of the Spring twins’ favorite things to do at parties like this was to taunt people not just with their conversational slings and arrows, but in their dress as well. Often, they wore colors specifically to signal one thing or another to whoever their chosen target of the evening was. It never made sense to Nyx but most of what Spring got up to didn’t make sense to him.

Nyx couldn’t keep himself from rolling his eyes, “what do you want?”

Amaryllis’s eyes turned big, pitiful and doe-like and both boys knew every bit of it was fake as could be. “I can’t just want to talk to someone?”

“In my experience, Amaryllis,” Merrick said, voice diplomatic, “you don’t often make-“

“You don’t talk to somebody unless you want something,” Nyx said, not having enough patience with the female in front of him to let Merrick finish. “So what do you want?”

“Would either of you care to offer the lady a dance?”

Nyx snorted. Merrick stayed quiet.

After a beat Nyx said, “you’re serious?”

Amaryllis’s eyes bubbled with crocodile tears. “Yes.”

‘You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,’ Nyx thought in Merrick’s direction.

Merrick sighed, “there are plenty of other males to dance with Amaryllis, why not ask them?”

Amaryllis began to sniffle and blubber.

‘Cauldron, how old is she?’ Nyx quietly said again. Had it been anyone else, Nyx wouldn’t have denied a pretty girl the chance to dance. He loved dancing in settings like this. It was always fun, a little flirtatious, and always entertaining.

It was a shame that the potential partner this time was a female he positively could not stand.

‘She’s going to make a scene if one of us doesn’t do something,’ Merrick thought back. It appeared he didn’t want to dance with her anymore than Nyx did.

Merrick had a massive crush on Kallias and Viviane’s daughter. He wanted to court her properly, he just hadn’t worked up the nerve to ask her yet. The last thing he needed was rumors swirling around about him and the female heir of Spring. The relationship would be over before it even got the chance to start. Amaryllis, conniving little snake that she was, likely knew that. She was banking on Nyx’s hatred of her to spell doom for Merrick’s romantic prospects.

“Fine,” Nyx said, “If I dance with you once will you leave us both alone?”

“Nyx, you don’t,” Merrick began but the terror in purple cut him off.

“Sure, Nyxie.” A feral, satisfied smile, assuring him that she’d gotten exactly what she wanted. Nyx fought the urge to vomit.

Nyx’s usual play was bowing and offering a hand to his prospective dance partner. Once the hand was taken, he’d gaze up at them and softly kiss the back of it. Then he’d smile - a mix of genuine joy and mischievous glee - as he watched the reaction.

Instead, this time, he stiffly held himself in a dancing position, waiting for her to take his hands.

She glommed onto him, wrapping herself around him in a hug, hands brushed his shoulders where his wings would be if they weren’t magically concealed. Firmly, he grabbed her hands and pulled them back where he wanted them.

Merrick sent Nyx the most apologetic look he’d ever seen.

‘Finally ask your girl to dance, and we’re even, okay? Don’t feel sorry for me, I’ll manage.’ Nyx stiffly spun Amaryllis around, out of Merrick’s view. ‘Go now before she sees.’

Then Merrick was gone.

The music swirled around them and the other dancers, and Nyx quickly decided he hated this piece.

“The way people rave about your dancing, I wouldn’t have thought you’d be so stiff, Nyxie,” Amaryllis cooed with a coquettish little laugh.

Nyx really was starting to feel sick, perhaps that last spin had been a mistake.

“My dancing is entirely dependent on the company I do it with,” he said.

“Aww, you don’t mean that!”

Twelve different disarming comments danced on the tip of Nyx’s tongue but he forwent them all in favor of another stiff spin.

Commotion to the side of the ballroom halted all dancing and conversation. Nyx dropped Amaryllis’s hands as his head whipped over to where the sound had come from.

Over in the last place Nyx had seen you, Oleander stood - a raging image of his father. He held his hand aloft, a bit of blood dripping from small puncture wounds. You were gone, the faint sent of smoke wafting over to Nyx. Wolfe, however, stood dropped low in a crouch a pace away from Oleander, growling, with faintly red teeth.

“The fucking thing bit me!”

Amaryllis surged over to her brother, pulling him away from Wolfe like he was the greatest monster known to faekind, all the while fretting over the tiny puncture marks that clearly were a warning nip more than anything else. For Cauldron’s sake, he could tell from where he stood the wounds wouldn’t last the hour.

Nyx walked over, cautiously but firmly approaching Wolfe, who was still faintly growling up at Oleander.

“Someone needs to put that thing down!” Oleander shouted.

Nyx held his hand out for Wolfe, who paused his snarling to look up at the Night Court’s heir. Wolfe sniffed the offered hand, looking at Nyx with indifference.

“He doesn’t seem too bad to me,” Nyx responded, “he was trained to protect his owner, seems to me he was just doing his job.”

Amaryllis dramatically gasped, something a bad actress in one of Velaris’s many theaters would have thought to accurately portray horrific betrayal.

Nyx ignored her, staring down her brother. He received a similar look of contempt from Oleander.

Nyx shrugged, placed one hand in his pocket, carefully scratched Wolfe behind the ear and whispered, “let’s go find your mom, huh?”

Wolfe looked at Oleander one final time before plodding after the smoke smell to the door, Nyx following after, pausing only to open the door and step outside after the dog. He didn’t care that the ballroom remained silent the entire time, he had an Autumn Court princess to find.

“Nyx!” Amaryllis, the brat that she was, whined, “we haven’t finished dancing yet!”

Nyx quickly, without looking back, gestured to the silent ballroom, “Sounds like the song’s over.”

He swore he heard his uncle’s booming laugh just before the door closed.

Outside the Forest House, on the exterior walkways, it was beautiful. Soft golden light flitted out through the windows, partially lighting the darkened balcony. Nyx would give Autumn this, it was gorgeous at night. The reds and oranges of the leaves turned shades of blue and purple in the dark, the only lights being the golden red of a hearth or campfire. Looking up, Nyx noticed that the moon was almost perpetually golden here. An ever harvest moon for the seasonal court built on yields of abundant crops.

“He didn’t hurt you, did he?” He heard a hushed, sweet voice further away, followed by a sigh of relief. He blinked in the dark, glancing in front of him to find you. Hidden away from the light of the windows, visible only where you’d knelt down to inspect your prized pooch.

Nyx, even though he’d suspected some of what he saw now, was surprised to see you like this. Kneeling in front of your beloved furry friend, your hair haloed where the golden light from inside just managed to reach you. There were drying tear tracks on your face, he realized with a start.

You looked small, cracked slightly to his eyes, as you hugged Wolfe to you.

“I’m so sorry, bud,” you said, even through your own discomfort, “I’m sorry I left you there.”

“You really should see the other guy,” Nyx said stepping closer, “I thought Amaryllis was going to faint.”

You looked up, recognizing who stood before you, and stiffened. Where Wolfe had been licking at your tears, he stopped, heeling to sit at your feet as you stood up. He sat regally beside you, watching Nyx with a sharp eye.

“It’s you.”

“It’s me.”

“What do you want?” You wiped as subtly as you could at what evidence of your tears remained on your face, but Nyx had seen it and it appeared you recognized that. Classified the information he now had on you. Nyx found he didn’t like how unsettled you seemed by it.

“I, uhm, I was helping Wolfe find his way back to you. Oleander looked about ready to-“ Nyx realized that what he was about to say would likely be unhelpful, and stopped.

You beat him to the thought though. “If he even thinks of laying a finger on Wolfe, I’ll kill him. I- I don’t care what anyone says.”

Nyx noted the stumble in your words, that little pause that could say so much if he figured out what it was for.

“Well,” you said, still sounding a little shaken, “was there anything else you needed? Anything hospitality wise is inside” The edge hadn’t left your voice, but Nyx decided he’d try his luck tonight.

He leaned his arms on the railing, looking cautiously at you, not unlike approaching a wild animal. “Actually, I wanted to check and see if you were okay.”

“Well, I’m fine, alright, I don’t want your help, and I certainly don’t want your pity,” you bit at him.

Nyx pushed forward, “What did he say to you?”

You said nothing.

“I know he said something, or the ballroom wouldn’t have smelled like a barely contained inferno. What did he say?”

The balcony doors eased open a crack, allowing another figure to step out onto the walkway.

“There you are,” a familiar, smooth voice said as your Uncle Lucien swept over to stand between the two of you. “I’ve been looking everywhere. You are a remarkably difficult female to find, young lady.”

For the first time all evening, Nyx watched a real smile spread across your face. Like starlight in the darkness. It was…

“You’ve been hunting with me before,” you said to Lucien, “you shouldn’t be surprised.”

Lucien smiled rakishly at you, shaking his head fondly. His expression shifted to a more serious one as he asked, “are you alright?”

Nyx expected some bite, some comment to your uncle to mind his own business, but instead, you seemed to melt like candle wax. As if Lucien held the magic words to loosen your tongue.

You looked down to save yourself some amount of embarrassment, but you answered him. “I’ve been better.”

Nyx shifted, remaining quiet. It was like you’d forgotten he was there. The sharp-toothed, sharp-clawed Princess of Autumn was gone. This was Lucien’s niece, and she’d been hurt tonight.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

You looked up at Lucien with a sharp eye, the word ‘no,’ etched into every inch of you.

“Okay,” Lucien said, “answer a question or two for me first, little flame?”

“Fine.”

“Did Oleander approach you, or did you approach him?”

“He came to me.”

“And Wolfe-“

“I didn’t tell him to do anything, I just left. I assumed he’d follow me. Oleander must have done something. He can say whatever lie he wants, but we didn’t do anything to him that he didn’t earn.”

Wolfe, as if to help, barked.

Lucien looked down at the dog and nodded sagely. That got a laugh out of you, and an unbidden soft smile out of Nyx.

“There she is,” Lucien smiled.

The balcony doors opened once again, your father’s broad shadow stretching out to meet you all before the door shut behind him.

Eris frowned at you and shared a brief look with his little brother. He sent one quick side glance at Nyx as well before he said, “I’d like to speak with my daughter. Alone.”

“Where’s-“ Lucien began but he didn’t have to say your mother’s name for any of you to know who he was asking about.

“Inside, handling it,” Eris responded.

Eris’s tone didn’t sound angered, at least not at you, but Nyx watched as you dropped your head, suddenly very interested in your boots and Wolfe’s paws.

“And no,” Eris said, a touch of his customary dry humor leaking in, “she does not need your help, brother. We’ll be inside shortly.”

Lucien nodded, sending a sympathetic smile your way before walking to the door.

“Alone means you too, boy,” Eris said when Nyx didn’t move.

Nyx locked eyes with you, then looked over his shoulder at Lucien, who stood waiting for him by the door.

Not entirely wanting to, Nyx turned and followed Lucien inside.

“Let’s go find Cassian,” Lucien suggested, “the least we can do for the High Lady is ensure he doesn’t aggravate the situation.”

“Is she going to be okay?” Nyx asked. He didn’t have to specify he was talking about you.

Lucien paused, looking down at his friend’s son, at the concern on his face. “She’ll be alright, I’m sure. I don’t know what happened, but if she is every inch her mother and father’s daughter - and she is - she will be just fine. Thank you, Nyx, for checking on her before we could.”

Nyx nodded then with a sour expression, “What makes Oleander and Amaryllis think they can get away with treating people like this?”

Lucien sighed, “Those children are products of their environment. Tam… Their father did not shield them from his worst courtiers and the two of them learned by example.”

“That doesn’t make it right,” Nyx argued.

“No,” Lucien said, patting the younger male’s shoulder, “No it doesn’t. Come on.”

Nyx frowned, sending one last look back over his shoulders, hoping to catch a glimpse of you and Eris through the window.

Outside, Eris studied you momentarily. He waited for you to start, but once he realized you would not, that you would continue staring at the ground, he sighed and tilted your head up to meet his eyes.

“Darling, what’s wrong?”

“Pretty sure the whole ballroom saw.”

Eris tilted his head, waiting.

You grabbed Wolfe and hugged him, resting your chin on his head. The affection had him wagging his tail softly into your side, but he whined for both of you.

“Darling, please,” Eris said, his voice like a breaking heart.

You mumbled your answer into Wolfe’s fur.

“What?”

“I failed you,” you said.

Now Eris’s heart truly did break. He didn’t balk at the dog in between you, pulling the both of you closer, wrapping his arms around the two of you, studying your face.

“Failed me how, fawn?”

You growled your frustration. “Today was mine. Ours. Our equinox. And I let him take it from me, I let him ruin it. I let him win. I let him beat me.”

“And you’ll be ready for him next time, little vixen,” Eris said, comfortingly.

“Is mother-“

“She’s talking to Tamlin now, things will be fine, darling. You did everything right.”

You sighed, rubbing your thumb through Wolfe’s fur.

“I have to ask, however,” he began, dangling the end of his sentence, waiting for your answer.

Oleander’s words echoed in your head, a million back-handed little comments.

Interesting that no one wanted to dance with a vicious little thing like you.

Everyone knows what your father did.

Shut up, you’d said.

What are you going to do, kill me?

Nothing serious, but every tiny jab had been delivered with such a sadistic sneer that they stuck in, penetrated your armor and illuminated everything you feared. All you’d ever wanted was for someone to love you. Oleander highlighted your most devastating what-if. What if no one trusted you enough to try?

“I don’t want to talk about it, I just want to sleep,” you responded.

Eris nodded, “alright.”

He stood and offered his arm to you.

“I can walk there myself, father,” you groaned.

Eris smiled softly, “someone needs to escort the lady home.”

You faintly smiled back, linking your arm with his and fell onto his broad arm. Leaning into your father’s steady support the whole way, your best friend with four paws trailing behind you.

A/N: Ah! Super proud of this one! I had a lot of fun with names in this! Looking forward to the next one! Let me know what you think and if you want to be tagged! Have a good night!

P.S. Did you know orchids are spring and fall blooming flowers?

[miraculousfaeofold]

Amazing work! That last one is the best, they're faces lol. But valid my dude. I too would be highly upset to learn that the supposed abuse I performed in protection that I keep being railed for was then placed on another who is now knocking on my door in seek of asylum. It's a wild thought and a good parallel for them.

@nestaarcheronweek Day 3 - Self Care

Self care is calling your sister's bluff and moving away from the Night Court instead of to the House of Wind.

Listen, I fully believe if Nesta and Tamlin got to compare notes on how the NC treats them they could have bonded. And it would be hilarious.

Bonus twitchy Tamlin reaction picture free to use.

Second one too. I'm generous like that.

[miraculousfaeofold]

Yeah, the poor baby has been through the ringer and needs a bit of love.

I believe Tamlin would get better much faster if given some rest, love and care instead of people coming to his house and lands to yell at him.

Another piece I ran out of time to finish for @tamlinweek

[miraculousfaeofold]

Love this! They're so adorable!

Day 3 of @officialrhysandweek - Loved ones

Rhysand never expected his sister to warm up so quickly to the Spring boy when he invited him to the Night Court for the first time...

[miraculousfaeofold]

This was amazing to read and I enjoyed it so much!

Even High Lords Need a Break:A Neapolitan Bonds Fic

Day Two of @polyacotarweek : Comfort

Summary: Eris is over working himself. You and Azriel decide to make him take the hounds for a walk.

MasterPost | Poly Week MasterPost| AO3 Link|

Pairings: Azriel/Eris/Reader | Rating: T| Word Count: 3629

Warnings: nonsexual nudity, Eris is in his head, POV Azriel and Eris

Tagging: @saltedcoffeescotch @hieragalbatorixdottir @ysmtttty @mybestfriendmademe

Az woke to his shadows hissing in his ear. He tried to ignore them. Then they started physically nudging him. With a groaning sigh he buried his face in his pillow.

Our mate will not listen.

He will not come to bed.

That got his attention.

He lifted his head, blinking as he focused in the darkness. Beside him you were sleeping, facing away from him, his wing draped over you. He glanced further and realized the other side of the bed was indeed empty.

He needs rest.

“I’m going,” he whispered.

He used them to move off the bed silently so you wouldn’t wake. He stood by the bed and rubbed his eyes before following the shadows clearly showing him where to go. A light coming from his study was obvious in the dead of night. When Az came to the door, he watched shadows flurry around Eris. Eris was hunched over papers, waving his hand half heartedly to shoo them.

“They’ll stop if you come to bed,” Az said, his voice rougher from just waking up.

Eris’s head snapped up. His eyes meet Az’s then drop down his body.

“Put some pants on. You’re indecent.”

Az glanced down at himself. He was indeed nude. He forgot he hadn’t put pants on, so focused on getting the shadows to leave him alone.

“It’s the dead of night. If anyone besides us is in these chambers at this hour, they deserve what they get.” He crossed his arms. “It’s late. Come to bed.”

Eris propped his elbow on his desk and rubbed his eye. “I’m almost done reviewing these reports. I’ll come to bed in a few minutes.”

“You said that when you sent us to bed hours ago.” His shadows agreed. Hissing that Eris was a liar. “Whatever it is can wait.”

“No, it can’t,” he snapped. He paused immediately and took a breath. “What I mean is that these reports are important to the trade agreement. I have to make sure I don’t miss anything.”

“You have advisors for that. You have me for that.” Shadows hissed at him again. “My shadows aren’t going to let you stay up. So you can come willingly or I can come over there and force you.”

Eris leaned his elbows on the desk and started rubbing his temples. The shadows told Az to just be done with it and pick him up. His chuckle had Eris sighing loudly.

“Fine. But just so you know, I used to stay up all night doing this and I was fine.”

“You’re not three hundred years old anymore, Eris.”

“Neither are you,” he grumbled.

Az watched him straighten up his desk, tucking away reports while shadows kept a sharp eye on him. Once everything was sorted and he couldn’t stall longer, Eris brushed back his hair and sighed. Az tucked his wings in and stepped back into the corridor as Eris finally came out of the study.

“Don’t trust me to follow you,” he asked Az, a tired smirk gracing his lips.

“You know I don’t.”

When they both snuck back into the bedroom, his shadows allowed him to slip back into bed with ease. They didn’t provide Eris that same courtesy after he shed his own clothes. As soon as the bed moved, Az felt you move.

“Hmm?” Your sleepy hum came out like a whisper.

“It’s just me, love. Go back to sleep,” Eris whispered back.

You didn’t listen. You sat up on your elbows and Az did his best not to laugh.

“Er? What time is it?”

“Time for you to go back to sleep. Come here.”

You mumbled something even Az couldn’t understand but moved over to Eris. Az didn’t complain. That gave him more room to spread out his wings, scooting himself over as well to drape one over you and Eris. With his shadows settled he easily went back to sleep.

Az woke in the morning and Eris was already gone from bed.

Our mate is stubborn, the shadows whispered.

He was but there wasn’t much Az could do about it at that moment. What he could do is scoot closer to you and your end of the bed. A soft grumble escaped your lips when he wrapped his arm around you and draped his leg over yours.

“Morning,” Azriel buried his face in your hair. You groaned back. That made him chuckle. “We should take the puppies for a walk today.”

That woke you up. You inhaled sharply and let out a sigh as you rolled over in his arms.

“What time is it?” You reached up and rubbed one of your eyes.

“Past time to get up,” Az grinned.

You moved out of his grasp and sat up. He tried to not let his mind wander as he watched the blanket fall, your bare chest exposed to the chill air. He focused on how your hair stuck up at odd angles instead.

“Did Eris even come to bed last night?” You frowned.

He laughed. “You don’t remember? He woke you up.”

You scrunched up your face and made a noise. “It’s a free day, is he seriously working?”

You stretched your arms to the sky and Azriel’s gaze fell right back to your breasts. You yawned again, and dropped your arms, slumping forward.

“I can smell you,” you turned your head and sharply glared at him. “Are you ever not horny?”

“With you it’s hard not to be.”

He brushed the back of his fingers against your arm. For a moment you looked as if you’d take the bait, but you sighed again and threw back the covers.

“Let’s get dressed and go drag Eris for a walk,” you said getting off the bed.

His shadows agreed with him and nudged at him to get out of bed as well. Resigned, he rolled out of bed and stretched his wings. You both dressed, Az in his normal leather pants, dark blue top, and his boots; you in flowy brown trousers and deep rust blouse under a gold stay with your own leather boots.

“Where is he?”

Az turned to you, his expression asking the question for him. The shadows knew what you meant. One curled up by his ear and whispered Eris was in the High Lord’s office with the door locked. Azriel frowned.

“Office. We have to winnow in.”

The way sadness washed over you and poured into the bond- he knew you knew the door was locked and what that meant.

“It’s getting bad again, isn’t it?” You whispered. You came up and took his hand. Your fingers rubbed along Az’s own.

“Not like last time. He’s just a little overworked.”

A little was probably an understatement. Eris went through waves; he would balance his work and personal life, and slowly start to unbalance it. Azriel was used to it when it was just him. The first time it happened with you as part of the family, however- Azriel’s free hand twitched at the memory.

It was the only fight the three of you had since you’d been together. It got very ugly. Since then it’s happened three more times but you all managed to work through it. It didn’t stop you from immediately going back to that first one, remembering how bad it was. He and Eris would regret that for the rest of their lives.

“Come on baby, we will get him to go with us. He just needs a break.”

You squeezed his hand and he shadow walked you both into Eris’s office.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Eris felt like his eyes were crossing. He’d poured over this treaty ten times noting every possible loophole and vague wording that could cause misinterpretation. He run his hand through hair, brushing back unruly red locks. He’d been working on this treaty all week and felt no closer to finishing it. His inability to focus wasn’t helped by the cloudy skies. Days like these he wanted nothing more than to say in bed.

He looked over at the stack of reports he poured over until Azriel forced him to bed. He reached over and grabbed them while frustratation welled in him. There could have been something he missed. If Az and his shadows had simply left him alone, he would be done by now. Azriel never understood the pressure he was under.

After all this time, his father’s legacy still haunted him. They were still finding old laws set by Beron, missed during the reviews in the first years of Eris’s reign. He still felt the need to ensure Autumn subjects he was just and fair. And despite both of his mates’ skills, he was not going to burden them with it. As if summoned, the room darkened in front of his desk. It took all his might to not groan in annoyance when you and Azriel appeared in front of him.

“Yes, loves?” He put on an air of indifference and shoved down the other feelings.

You walked around his desk and stopped by his chair.

“We are going for a walk. The three of us.” You put your hands on your hips.

“I’m busy, my love. Go on without me.”

You scowled at him. “No. It’s a free day; the end of the week. We are taking the puppies for a walk and you’re going with us.”

“I don’t have time-“

“You’re making time.”

He cut his eyes to you as his anger burned in his gut because you cut him off but you didn’t falter. He felt the coolness of a shadow wrapped around his wrist, urging him to calm down. He glanced to Az who was stanced as if he was ready to grab you up if Eris lost it. That alone dampened any anger in him. He sighed and ran his hand through his hair again.

“Where exactly are we taking our puppies, my stubborn fire?”

Eris hated how you and Azriel both visibly relaxed. Sometimes he felt like he didn’t deserve you both, especially when you had to weather his anger. But you smiled at him with genuine affection and he shoved those thoughts away.

“The mum field.” You held out your hand. “Let’s go.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The second that the three of you winnowed into the kennels, the puppies started to bark. The other hounds were trained by Eris himself. The puppies were still learning; training with a handler daily. It took one whistle from Eris to get them to silence and sit at attention.

His prized smoke hounds sat behind the fenced wall, their sleek gray fur gleaming under the natural light of the windows. Of course when you approached the door, the new litter began to thump their tails despite not being commanded to be at ease.

“Have you been coming out here on your own?” Eris side-eyed you.

“No.”

Your tone and the way you ducked your head and that told him everything he needed to know. Azriel of course snickered.

What was he going to do with you?

“These dogs are not house pets, Y/N.”

You sighed, unlatching the door. “They’re just puppies, Eris. You come and play with the others all the time.”

Play was a subjective term. He ran exercises with his hounds once a week. He did dote on them; he wasn’t a monster to withhold affection. New litters needed balance in order to retain training in their later years. He couldn’t stay mad, however. Not when you opened the door and he clicked twice for all of them to go at ease. The squeal of laughter you made when the puppies and other hounds ran up to you when you entered the kennel was worth it.

He and Azriel walked in, Az shutting the door behind him, as the hounds gathered around for attention. It was surprising how quickly they took to you and Az; though he was certain they could tell what you were to him. Eris in particular zoned in on Jora, mother to the current litter of pups.

“Hi, sweet girl,” he whispered. He knelt down, scratching her behind her floppy ear as she tried to lick at him. “Do you want to go for a walk with us?”

The hounds heard the word walk and immediately all of them became excited. Eris kissed Jora’s forehead and stood up, snapping his fingers. All silenced their yelping and stood still on all fours, tails still wagging. He ushered his mates out and with another signal, had the hounds follow behind them.

Leaving the kennels and walking along the trail had to be a sight to see. You jogged ahead a little ways, the litter of pups chasing after you and stumbling some on their feet. Azriel laughed each time a pup took a small tumble. Eris suppressed his own. He and Az walked side by side a bit behind you, the hounds in a formal line behind them as they were trained to do. Jora was allowed to walk beside him to keep an eye on her pups.

It was still cloudy when you reached the field.

The next few hours were spent in the meadow. Azriel eventually fell asleep lying on his stomach, wings spread out and warming under the sun once the clouds parted. Eris watched you play with the pups until you tired, shadows taking over and running all the hounds in circles using the shadows in the flowers and grass. Eris propped himself against a tree at the edge of the meadow.

You had come and sat in front of Eris, between his stretched out legs. You rested back against his chest and he wrapped his arms around you. He couldn’t remember the last time he sat with you like this. It was nice, the two of you sitting in silence together.

“Should we wake him?” You nodded your head to Az.

“Probably,” he mused and rested his chin on your shoulder. “He’s quite the baby when his wings get sunburned.”

You hummed, amusement in your tone. “Thank you,” you whispered. You put your hand over where his rested on your waist. “For coming with us.”

“Thank you for making me,” he pressed a kiss to your cheek.

“You know we can help you. We don’t mind.” You turned your head and gave him a smirk. “I was one of the best emissaries before you stole me away.”

“It’s not stealing when you're willing.”

“Thesan disagrees.”

Thesan did in fact hold a slight grudge against Eris after the bond snapped. Not that he didn’t understand. You were damn good at what you did. Also why he offered you a reprieve after the mating ceremony. In that moment, Eris could see how he was being hypocritical. He offered you a break but never took one of his own. He didn’t further examine that thought- lest he ruin the moment the two of you were sharing. Instead he watched the hounds, including the pups, wander over to your area of the field and seek shade under the trees.

“We should wake Azriel.” He said. “Even the pups are tired.”

He looked over and tugged on the bond to Az. Azriel grumbled. You must have tugged as well, as he turned his head away from you both. When he didn’t get up, you shifted in Eris’s lap and gave him a wicked grin.

“What’s the signal for a playful attack?”

Eris grinned back. He let out a long whistle, alerting the hounds. Then he snapped his fingers and pointed at Azriel. Three of the closest hounds: Lo, Thebe, and Klaus, ran over to Azriel and immediately started to lick at his face. You erupted with laughter and Az jolted awake.

“What the fuck,” Az, shooed at the hounds but the were not deterred. “Okay I’m up, call them back.”

Eris whistled again and the hounds came bounding over.

“Good boy,” he scratched at Klaus’s ear, while you gave Lo and Thebe loving pets as well.

Az sat up in the field, and stretched both his arms and wings. He let out a yawn before getting up and walking over to the shade.

“Was that necessary?” He scowled, hands on his hips.

“Yes,” you replied. “You would get burned if you didn’t get up.”

”We both know what a baby you are when that happens,” Eris added.

Az sat down and made a gesture Eris was certain was vulgar in Illyria. Now that he was in the shade, his shadows came out. Two slithered around the sunlight shining through the trees and came around you and Eris. One went to his wrist, the other in your hair and both rested contently. The three of you sat in silence, before Azriel brought up some courtier gossip. You excitedly explained what you had heard on the same topic.

Eris sat there and listened, and anuncomfortable feeling sank into his chest. When was the last time he sat and listened to his mates? Even just to hear idle gossip about a court member he didn’t recognize. His mind kept spiraling. When was the last time he had dinner with the two of you? He had no idea what you both did with your time. Last night was the first time in weeks he’d been in bed and held you. The shadow tightened on his wrist and you turned in his lap, moving back to rest on your knees between his legs.

“Eris?” You and Azriel both were staring at him. “Where did you go?”

If Eris was capable of crying he would have. You and those eyes, searching him to see what past horrors were triggered when the truth was it was he who was the horror.

“No where,” he whispered. “I simply realized what a terrible mate I am.”

Something hit him in the head. He looked down to see an acorn rolling in the grass. He looked up to see Azriel glaring.

“Did you just hit me with an acorn?” Eris was truthfully too dumbfounded to do anything but gap at his mate.

“I’d punch you if Y/N wasn’t in the way.”

At that Eris heard Jora growl but not get up from where she laid with her pups. She recognized the empty threat, the smart hound she was. But she still didn’t like Az smarting off at him.

“Az-“ you tried to interject.

“No.” He jumped to his feet, wings flaring to balance him. “I'm not going to sit and listen to Eris feel sorry for himself.” His gaze turned to Eris. “You need a break. A real one.”

Eris remained silent. You had sat back on the grass, arms around your knees. He could feel sadness in your side of the bond. He locked his side down- he didn’t want to further your discomfort.

“He’s right Ere,” you said so softly he almost didn’t hear it over the breeze. “You’re slipping away from us again.”

That hurt him more than any physical blow he had endured. Now he really could cry. Why was he cursed? He didn’t deserve you or Azriel. And he was doing it again- burying himself in work and ignoring the two of you. He was a terrible husband and mate. He was so lost in his own thoughts, he startled when you moved up to him and put your hand on his cheek.

“We cannot help you if you don’t let us.” You said softly. “I know you’re set in your ways and think you have to do everything alone. But you don’t.”

“Do what you have to do tomorrow.” Az said. He could see him cross his arms, shadows still agitated but not as much. “Then we will spend three days together. Not working.”

“That caldron damned treaty is not going to be done by tomorrow.” Eris grumbled.

“And it won’t be done by the end of next week, either.” You pulled your hand back and missed your touch already. “Your governors still have to sign it before it even goes out to the other courts.”

“I hate when you're right.” He didn’t suppress the small smile forming on his lips. “Fine. I will finish it up tomorrow and we will take three days to ourselves.” You grinned, Azriel stood there smug. “Let me guess, you two have something planned?”

Your grin became wicked. “Maybe.”

That stirred something in him but he suppressed it. He huffed and rose to his feet, dusting off his pants. The hounds watched him, knowing he would signal them to do the same in a moment. You stood as well.

“Let’s go back,” he pointed between you and Azriel. “And you two can explain to me this plan of yours.”

“Deal.” Az smirked.

Eris tried to not roll his eyes at his mate. He gave the alert and all the hounds rose to their feet. Except for the pups. Eris signaled again and two of them whined but didn’t rise.

“Poor babies,” you cooed. You picked one up and placed them on your shoulder. The pup didn’t even wake. “So sleepy.”

“You’re spoiling them.” Eris scowled.

“They’re just babies,” Azriel retorted, picking up another and placing them on his shoulder. “It won’t hurt to carry them.”

Eris realized he wasn’t winning this battle. Azriel grabbed another to put over his other shoulder and with an exaggerated sigh, Eris picked up the last one. He refused to admit it was adorable how the puppy in his arm snuggled against his neck, no doubt loving the warmth he radiated. Jora watched them, head moving between the three of them to make sure her babies were fine. Eris knelt down and scratched her ear.

“It’s okay girl,” he said. He gave another signal for the hounds to follow. “Come on. Let’s go home.”

[miraculousfaeofold]

This is amazing! Love seeing these two together and the regality of them together as well is awe inspiring.

The Lady and Son of Autumn 🍁

[miraculousfaeofold]

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ And I wouldn't marry me, either.

You were Azriel's mate, but it took losing you three times for him to realise.

[this is long. i'm talking 5k words long so i've split it into two parts. anyway, azriel is the best bat boy and no i won't hear anyone out. i'm so excited to write for him and hope you enjoy. it's very angsty but that's what i love. i hope i can write more for him and maybe other characters if you like. it's been a while since i've actually read the series so if any information is wrong, do let me know. also it was my first time using the term y/n and yes, i cringed NOT PROOF READ... enjoy]

warnings: references to sexual assault and references to suicide. nothing explicit but please don't read if this is sensitive to you.

Part 2 soon…

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

The first, was the worst...

You were Rhys's half sister, the bastard daughter of his father. But when your mother had died giving birth to you, Rhysand's mother took you in and raised you with your brother and sister. You were so little and adorable that your sister loved you at once. Rhys did to, at some point of your life, you were sure he actually cared about you.

But when his mother and sister had died, his eyes shifted, he started to look at you with contempt. After all, you were only his half-sister. The worst half. He only kept you around because it's what his mother would have wanted.

And because there was no way Cassian and Azriel would ever let anything happen to you.

Besides, Rhysand knew when to use you.

Although Azriel was his spymaster, you were pretty good at staying swift-footed too. And you were frankly, very terrifying when you wanted to be.

You tread with power through the war camps, all of them looking at you as you went. All of their gazes wrecked with a predatory gaze. They either wanted to have their way with you, or kill you. Or both.

Rhys had said you could handle it, it was only supposed to be a check in. Cassian hadn't liked it, neither had Mor but it was Azriel who had almost- and for the first time- disobeyed his high lord to accompany you. But no, your brother wanted you to do this alone, so alone you would.

Just to show him you could.

'I can come with you,' Azriel had said, standing in your room as you tied your boots up. 'I won't even have to be seen.' At that, his shadows wrapped up your calf.

You smiled at them, as if they were his own pet. 'I'll manage just fine. Besides, i'm sure that's what Rhys wants, me needing a man.'

It had done nothing to calm your friend. The worry was still stuck between his brows, marring his handsome features. You'd held his cheeks, your wings hiding the two of you. His large ones (enough to swallow the both of you) over-lapped yours.

It was the last time you'd feel your wings.

The war camp wasn't as easy as you'd hoped. It was terror and horror in a place. You'd been to the court of nightmares, you'd gone to the slaughter of the spring court after they killed your family. But this, this was hell of another kind.

You had no idea how many days you'd been locked up, wrists bound in chains and hanging from the cell roof above you. Blood rolled down your arms from the force you'd tried to use to get them out. Your eye was swollen shut and your body trembled in pain.

All because they wanted to know your brothers secrets, and you wouldn't budge.

Your check was only supposed to be a day, but you were sure it had been longer. Days of endless pain and torture. Your uniform hung in rags of stripped material, your hair matted with blood and hiding your face.

You'd used the last of your energy to keep your walls up. You weren't anyone's mate, you didn't have anyone on the other end trying to feel what you felt. But should Rhys come looking (though you doubted it) you didn't want him to feel it. You didn't want anyone in your mind.

The gates opened with a sickening clash.

One of the Illyrian's knelt in front of you, his wings hiding those coming in behind you. 'Listen sweetheart. I don't want to make this any harder than it's about to get. All you have to do is tell us your brother's hide outs.'

You grit your teeth, staring down at the ground.

'So loyal, to a man who doesn't care if you live or die.'

Suddenly, your wings twitched as hands grasped them. Brute hands, the sort you wouldn't want touching any part of you.

Fear spiked in you, horror twisting your gut. 'What are you doing?'

'I told you I didn't want to get things messier, darling.'

You whipped your head from side to side, trying and failing to get a look at the assailants behind you. Your wings were being held apart, no matter how hard you tried to bat them away. You knew the sort of people they were, and what they did to girls like you.

That's when the begging started. 'No, no please. Anything. I'll do anything! Beat me, kill me, rape me, not my wings, please!'

'Anything?' the bastard asked, tongue poking out from his lips. 'Then tell me where your lord's hideouts are?'

You should betray him, you thought. He would never lose his wings for you. Perhaps it was stubbornness that kept you from, or maybe you were clinging to the last bit of love you want from him.

The bastard scoffed, 'anything, she says. Your brother has his own bitch wrapped around his finger.'

That's when they started hacking at your wings.

Your screams tore through your throat, blood spitting and dripping down your chin. Tears soon joined when they hacked away at the bone, the membrane, the flesh of it all. The three of them worked through your screams and your tears and your pain, tearing and cutting at it like it was nothing more than paper.

Not your whole life.

Let them hear you. You hoped your brother heard you, you hoped all and every court heard the pain.

Eventually, even you couldn't keep screaming. The only sound was the hacking away at your wings and the drops of blood.

'Now look at these beauties. I've got a perfect spot on my wall for these.'

They left you after that. There wasn't much more damage they could do. It already felt like they'd destroyed your life. You had never really thought about your wings, they were just part of you, as much as your wit or hair was. But they'd took it and now, you felt empty. Never would you fly with Azriel again, or use your wings to smack Cassian over the head.

Rhys, your dear brother, had took that from you.

The days blended in together after that. You were pooled in your own tears and blood, vomiting up anything they forced down your throat. No, they'd made it very clear they didn't want you dead. They just took pride in making it feel like you were.

At some point, you'd stopped reacting to the gate opening. You let them do whatever they wanted with you. Your wrists were still chained, arms still hanging up, your clothes hanging on your thin body in strips of dirt.

'No...' you heard a mumble. 'What have they done to you?'

Suddenly, the chains gave way and you lurched forward, with no strength to catch you. Luckily, you didn't have to, as strong and warm arms pulled you into his chest.

'Hey, wake up, look at me, dammit.'

Azriel.

You'd know the voice in the darkest days, in the pit of your worst nightmare you'd know.

You try to speak but your head's heavy, your lips are stone and your arms can't lift to hold onto him. You're exhausted, you're dying. The only thing you could do use all your strength to try to open your eyes.

'Please, please, look at me. You have to look at me,'

You were trying, you wanted to tell hm, snap at him, but you couldn't.

You felt Azriel shake, or maybe you were. Then, there was wet drops landing on your cheeks- you flinched.

'I'm sorry, i'm sorry. Rhys! Rhys! hurry up, please!' he was screaming. You'd never heard him scream before.

You heard the rush of feet at the cell doors, you knew it was your brother. You knew it from the presence of him, from the shuffling of feet and chocked sob. Your brother didn't cry, least of all for you.

'Her wings, oh mother, her wings,' said Azriel, his voice barley above that of a whisper.

Your wings. You didn't need reminding. They were gone, long and far gone. You were without a part of you, the very part of your soul that loved to be free. Never would you watch the stars up close or fly over everyone. Never race Cassian or make jokes with Az.

No, this would destroy you.

'y/n,' your half-brother called. 'No, y/n. Can you hear me?'

Your lips parted, mumbling. 'Hurts.'

Azriel's grip on you tightened. 'I know, we're gonna get you out of here, just hold on for me.'

You wanted to tell him you would hold on, you'd always need to hold on to him. That, no matter what he asks, you'd do it. To kill, to live, to breathe, to die.

And that's when it clicked. Amongst all the pain and the doubt. In your blood soaked clothes. In the fear you wouldn't make it, there was a tug. Weak and one-sided, but there. You knew you'd be safe with Azriel, knew you would always be with him.

Mate.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

The pain subsided to a dull ache, there and beating but not excruciating. You were warm and covered in a soft material. Nothing like the cell you'd been kept in. Your fingertips sunk into something soft- a bed. Your bed. It was familiar in its lavender scent to you and the silk wrapped around you gave you some semblance of warmth.

Your wings.

Even coming to consciousness was difficult. You were exhausted but light, without the weight of wings holding you down. You'd never realised how much you needed to feel that weight, to feel pulled down in order to be free.

Gone, all gone.

Your hand twitches around something cold, a shadow holding your hand, creeping up your side.

'You're awake, thank the couldron.'

It wasn't Azriel, master of the shadows. It wasn't your mate. Mate. The word replayed like a terrible song in your mind.

How dare the mother do this to Az. How dare he- nothing but loyal and kind- get stuck with a person made in darkness, who bled shadows, who's heart was so full of hate there wasn't room for love. They'd cursed Az, with you.

But luckily it wasn't him, it was Rhysand.

'It really happened,' you whispered, voice hurting from the screams.

He sighed. 'I'm sorry, i'm so sorry. We-we thought you weren't going to make it, you'd lost so much blood.'

In spite of the pain in your shoulders, you made a shift, turning from him as he ranted on about your condition.

'y/n... sister, please,' he said. He'd never called you sister before. He'd always been content to treat you just like you worked for him.

'Leave me alone.' you couldn't bare to look at him, couldn't bare to face him. The shadows at your hand grew heavier, as if more were piling on. You stretched your fingers away from them, trying to get them off you.

'Are you in any pain?' asked Rhys.

'Get out,' you mumbled.

The end of your bed dipped where Rhys settled, hand splayed on the covers, begging for your hand. 'y/n.'

'Get out!' you snapped, body tense and straining. You felt your wounds open up, blood wetting the bandage around you. But you didn't care. You'd happily bleed if you couldn't fly. A part of you, sick part of you wanted to be left there. It would be better than false sympathy.

Be better than your mate being disgusted.

'Get out!' you yelled again, voice tearing through an aching throat.

'I just want to help you! please, let me help you!' said Rhys, standing from your bed and walking around, trying to face you.

'I don't want your help!' you screamed. You reached for the closest thing you could, a jug of water and chucked it toward him. You aim was terrible, marred with pain and exhaustion. 'Get out!'

Though hesitant, Rhysand slowly started walking back to your door. He did it all looking at you, his hands out to show he wasn't gonna hurt you, but you didn't care. You went for the glasses next and chucked them but they landed against the door which he disappeared through.

Before it slid close you caught sight of Cassian , Mor and Azriel. All crowded, all waiting to see you.

You'd be happy if you never let them see you again.

'Can we see her?' you hear Mor ask.

'Give her time,' said Rhys.

The shadows at your hand grew heavier, darker, tighter.

'Go away!' you yelled at them. To anyone else, you probably looked crazy, screaming to darkness. But the shadows understood. They departed, slithering away and under the crack of your door where you could see the shadows of feet.

Tumbling from bed, you stumbled over and locked the door, leaning on it to and catching your breath. Your nightgown was starting to get sticky with blood all over again. When you closed your eyes, you pictured the cell, the rough hands holding you down, the chain keeping you up.

And the pain, it all washed over you. The hacking at your back, the sting of a slap. It hit you like a tone of bricks as you slid to the floor.

There was a knock, rattling the door.

'y/n,' Cassian. 'Please let us in.'

Us. You felt him on the other side. Your mate, his presence lingering. His shadows under the door, wanting to come in but keeping their distance.

He didn't know. It hadn't snapped for him, you could tell. It was one tug on your end, a chord in your heart. At least he couldn't feel what you did. At least you could shoulder it alone.

'Please.' his voice was almost your un-doing. He sounded so sad, so desperate. It hurt you just to think you were hurting him.

Tears streamed down your face as your curled your fingers into a tight fist. You assumed Mor had left with Rhys, leaving you there with the males.

Cass was always like a brother to you. Granted- a brother you had slept with once or twice- but he was your best friend. You'd always been close to him. But you'd always been good, a happy person.

You couldn't be that for them now, perhaps ever again.

It lasted like that for hours. Cassian and Az begging to come in, you curling into a ball with tears down your cheeks and blood down your back.

Eventually, they gave up. You couldn't hear them anymore and the shadows of their boots had disappeared.

Except Azriel's shadows that still lingered under your door. Maybe he'd ordered them to be there while they left you.

Eventually, you managed to find your footing on shaking legs. Your room was large, one of the largest. It was just as much a mess as it was when you'd left for you mission, clothes thrown over the place, books propped open on the pages you'd left them on. Everything was the same but could never be again.

It took you longer than you'd care to admit to get to your windows and throw the curtains close. Candles light at your request, the house looking after you as it had since you were a child.

You caught sight of yourself in the full length mirror. It seemed smaller, everything in the room felt too large and you too small, as if you were being swallowed by the expanse of it.

Your frame was small in the mirror, your hair disarrayed. Your eyes were red and shutting of their own accord from the tears that had drained you. The starving in the cells had made you look weak, made you feel weak.

And your back. There was no more looming black figures there, no more fluttering. There was just nothing. In spite of the ache as you lifted your arm, you felt around your back, feeling the hitch there, the lump from where they'd been torn from you.

You cry. You sob. You scream.

The scars were long and the nightdress was sticking to you by the blood you'd shed. All you could do, was hold yourself up as your body wracked with tears.

A breeze came from your windows, shadows tugging at the curtains.

You felt him before you saw him. You wanted to tell him to leave you but you couldn't talk without chocking. Without feeling like you couldn't breath.

Azriel had you in your arms before your knees could hit the ground. He fell with you, softening your body on the floor. His arms held you into his chest, his legs caging you into his body. His head rested on yours as he held you. He didn't try to talk, he didn't try to help. It was just him, you and his shadows.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

Azriel remembered dozing off with you, his head on yours. His arms holding you into him, as if it was up to him to keep the sadness away and take it for you.

Afterall, you were his best friend. He should have been there for you, and he'd failed terribly by letting you get hurt and your wings stolen from you. He could hate himself every day for it, for letting you down. But it would never amount to what you felt for yourself and that killed him.

He could see it in the way you cried, in the way you were already keeping everyone out. He'd rather die than let you go through all the pain alone.

When his hands had been scarred by his brothers, you'd help heal him, tell him about everything he still was and all the power he still held in his hands. In the worst days, when he didn't let anyone touch him, he let you.

It was always you.

Azriel wasn't sure how long he'd been asleep, or how deep. He was sure he was still with you, still in your bed.

His shadows crept up on him, engulfing him slowly and whispering to him. Your name, just your name on repeat. It was enough to lull him back into sleep, to keep him calm.

Gone. Missing. y'n. Roof.

He shot up and ran fastest than he ever had in his life. It was as if he'd never been asleep but had been fighting a battle with the way he raced over.

He burst through the doors, the cold hight air hitting him.

You stood facing the stars, your bloody back to him. It wasn't as much blood as when he'd found you, but it was still enough to put a lump in his throat.

Immediately his shadows fell to you, cascading down your body and wrapping around your waist. There was a breeze in the air, pushing your hair back and exposing more signs of the pain and torture you must have gone through.

'I'm not gonna jump, if that's what you're thinking,' you said. You didn't even have to turn to him. The shadows probably told you enough.

'Why are you up here?' he asked, walking to you slowly and with careful steps. As if every step closer could you push you away from him.

'I'll never feel the win properly again,' you answered.

Azriel gulped down his own pain. You’d never sounded so small. ‘Can you get away from the ledge?’

'I'm not on the ledge.'

'You're too close for my liking.'

'Leave if you don't like it.'

'Don't do this,' he said.

'Do what?' you asked, folding your arms over your chest. You were cold, out in the hight but you wanted to see the stars. Needed to see them.

'Make me leave. Make everyone leave you. I know that's what you're doing. It's what you do every time,' you could feel him dawning closer. His shadows were all around you, almost drowning you.

‘Every time,’ you scoff, stepping down and turning on him. ‘It’s not every day you lose your wings Azriel! But don’t let me stop you from leaving, flap them and go!’ You yelled, unable to stop yourself, no matter how hard you tried. You didn’t want to hurt him, you just wanted to be alone.

Mate. Mate. Mate.

'You jump and I’ll catch you,' he said. He was a step away, he could just reach out and touch, just a gentle caress. 'I swear it, whatever you do, I’ll follow. I’m not letting you get away.’

He watched your back shudder as he reached out, brushing knuckles against your shoulder blade. He heard your sharp inhale follow.

'Don’t think I won’t follow, y/n.'

Finally, you turned around in his shadows. You couldn’t meet his eyes but at least you could face his chest.

His hands were gentle on your shoulder as he rubbed it gently. 'Can I get Madja to clean you up?' He asked.

You nodded as he led you away. You truly did not deserve your mate.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

Fifty-two years later...

When Amarantha had trapped the high lords of Prythian under the mountain, it hadn't be a conscious choice to follow your half-brother down. How Amarantha had allowed it, you weren't sure, but perhaps she wanted to use you just like her brother, or she thought it would bring more pain for him to see you suffer under there too.

You and Rhysand had barley spoke the last two years.

It had took you almost two months to heal fully enough to leave your room, another few months to face your family again. But even then, everyone knew something had changed in you. You didn't laugh as loud or smile as wide.

Rhysand was careful to ever let you out on a mission. Mor tried to take you out every night. Cassian spent all day every day with you and Azriel- he'd healed you better than any nurse.

Still, you had not told him he was your mate.

Still, you thought he wouldn't want it.

Still, you cared for your brother enough to not want him to go alone.

But being under the mountain, you could avoid your mate. At a painful price.

Until her. Rhys's mate. He hadn't shut up about her since he first met her, much to your dismay as you had to sit around and listen- having absolutely nothing better to do. And it only got worse when she turned up under the mountain. She was declaring her love for Tamlin- again, annoying your brother, and throwing Lucien into danger- which rather angered you. You had nothing against the ginger.

Rhysand had once sent you to find the girl to summon her as part of a bargain he'd made. He didn't want to go, he didn't want to look too forceful. You'd been lucky enough to find the two tangled up in each other against a cold wall, clothes ripped and hips moving together.

'Well, well well,' you'd intterupted.

Tamlin all but growled at you, but feyre was looking over you- evidently confused. She had no idea who you were. You, in your skimpy outfit that Amarantha kept you in (they all dipped low at your back, showing off your scars) and your eyes that were like a night sky.

'Amarantha's looking for her pet and Rhysand is looking for his. Honestly, i'd be a bit more worried if I were you. You know, considering Lucien still has an eye to lose.'

The two parted with your words as you sent Tamlin back to his master, the high lord glaring at you as you went. While Feyre tried to fix herself.

'Rhysand is over there, better not keep him waiting.' That was the first time you met her, having no idea how much trouble she'd be worth. The family that she'd become.

But Rhysand made sure you knew it all. From when the bond snapped in him and he'd stumbled. He ranted and ranted as they climbed out.

If only you were so talkative about Azriel. If only you could talk about him with your brother. But you'd tried not to painfully think about him. Climbing out of the mountain. It was all you could think of.

Maybe he'd have forgotten you? it had been fifty years. He'd probably realised how happy he could be without having to take care of you.

Rhys was allowed out of the mountain, he'd felt the breeze in his hair but you hadn't in fifty long years. You stood there a moment, bathing in the warmth as everyone left, as everyone ran off for their families and courts and the war that was inevitable. Eventually, Rhys offered you his arm. 'Shall we go home?'

He winnowed you there, on the balcony of your home. In a cloud of black smoke, the two of you appeared.

He went first, slipping through the doors slowly- like it could all be taken from them any minute.

You were hesitant, taking a moment to glance at the landscape behind you. It hadn't changed, not at all. The mountains were still there, everyone was still alive. Your home. In the last years it hadn't felt like home, but how could anywhere ever feel so close in your heart.

When you could find your feat again, you managed to slip through the doors. You were suddenly aware of how little clothing you were wearing, just enough to cover your chest and run down your legs. A chill settled down your back, your scars would be on show. What a way to great them all after fifty years.

Mor had her arms around Rhys's shoulders, crying into his shoulder.

Behind them you caught Amren, with something like tears in her eyes. You were just about to tease her before a body barrelled into yours in a blur of red syphons and your feet were lifted from the ground.

'Cassian.'

His arms tightened around you. You shoulder started to dampen with tears, his tears. The last time you'd seen him cry around you was when he'd seen a dog with only three legs. 'I'm keeping you on a leash from now on, stupid idiot.'

Your arms wrap around his shoulders, a smile gracing your lips. 'Is that a promise?'

He held you longer, tighter, not daring to let you go but at least settling you on the ground. He sighed against your head, controlling himself. 'He's missed you, you know,' he said. He was the only one you'd told, about your mate. 'Now that you're back, tell him. He deserves to know.'

Cassian slowly pulled away, holding you at arms length and smiling at you. He kissed your cheeks and then your forehead before parting to Rhysand.

Mor approached you next, slapping you in the arm.

'Ow!'

'Why would you follow him?' she snapped.

You blinked at her before she took you by the arm she'd slapped and embraced you, like a sister would. You dared not looking over her shoulder to find the one who hadn't come to you. Maybe Cass had got it wrong...

Mor pulled away, wiping at her eyes.

Azriel was as beautiful as the day you left him. His hair was the same length, he was the same height. He was just as you left him. It was hard to tell fifty years had passed on him.

And inside of you, tugging in your soul and heart you felt the familiar string of gold throbbing. But you still didn't feel that tug. You'd hoped it would have faded from you after half a year separated. Or at least have snapped for him. But no such relief.

He approached you, slowly. As if he was scared of scaring you away. But you just stood there.

His arms were delicate and soft around you as he brought you into his chest. He still smelled the same, cedar wood and shadows. Shadows that wrapped around you, shielding you from the rest of the room. They caressed you, head to two.

You held onto each other for what could have been another fifty years, but this time, it wasn't so painful.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

Although nobody wanted to part after yours and Rhysand's return, you were exhausted. A trip to Rita's could wait another night or two. The only thing you wanted to do was hide in your room.

Strangely, your room looked lived in. As if somebody had moved in since you'd left. A moment of anger replaced grief. Had they brought someone else and given them your room? but then you smelt it, Az.

Lying in bed that night, exhausted, you couldn't find sleep. You closed your eyes and pictured Amarantha. You'd never been afraid of her, you weren't afraid of anything. But you re-played the horrors. Watching servants beat Feyre, watching Amarantha use your brother and on the occasion, even you. How she flaunted. How the most powerful lords were weak.

Under your door, shadows seeped in, rushing across the room to you. You smiled, watching your hand disappear in their darkness.

'Azriel?' you called.

There was shifting on the other side of the door before he slipped in, clicking it shut behind him.

You sat up in bed, shadows moving with you. 'Couldn't sleep?'

He wondered in, looking around your room. 'Sleeping's been... hard.'

You rolled over, opening the blanket and nodding your head. You couldn't think about the bond, not yet. Not while he looked so.... ruined. Beautiful- the most beautiful person in the world, but sad. As he climbed in next to you, you could see the dark circles under his eyes, his shoulders slumped and his wings too.

His eyes scanned over you. You were in a thin and silk night dress that only brushed your knees, but the way he looked at you, mother you could've been naked. 'Fifty years,' his voice sounded barley controlled. 'Fifty years. You followed your brother down for fifty years? Why would you do that?'

You gulp. 'I would've done it for any of you. Except maybe Amren, she'd probably enjoy the peace for fifty years.'

You go to brush your hair back but Azriel seizes your wrist. He was angry. That's why his voice was rough and his chest rising and falling with barley controlled emotions. Could he feel it? your nerves, your lying?

'You left. You should've stayed, y/n, you know Rhysand didn't want you under there with him,' he said. 'For fifty years I haven't been able to sleep through a night thinking about the pain you must have been going through. After I swore to keep you safe, after I promised to catch you every time!'

'You couldn't have stopped me. You didn't promise, Az.'

His grip grew tighter. 'It went without saying.'

You looked around his eyes, seeing the pain and grief there also. Slowly, you brought your other hand up. He flinched as you took his cheek but eventually settled as your thumb ran over his cheekbone. 'I won't leave again, ok? I promise.'

He gulped, letting go of your wrist and looking down. 'I slept here,' he mumbled, but just loud enough to hear you. 'I couldn't sleep in my room. This was the only place I could rest.'

Your heart stuttered. Your hand dropped from his cheek. This man was your mate. Your mate. Your only love, whether or not the cauldron deemed it.

Azriel took your hesitation. 'I-i'm sorry, you probably didn't want to hear that. I've probably ruined your one place of peace-'

'Stay,' you said, before you could think of what you were asking. 'Sleeping wasn't exactly easy under the mountain either. I just trust I won't have to put a wall of cushions between us.' as if you wanted that. As if you haven't thought about his calloused hands all over you.

Azriel smiled and stayed the night.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

The third time he almost lost you, broke him...

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

[miraculousfaeofold]

This was amazing to read and I loved to see it! Love the growth and building they do together and the mixing of their powers at some points are amazing with the chaos. The wedding was to die for and I loved seeing Lucien pop in for it. The feel good feelings all around were awesome from this amazing work! Honestly I would love to see a honeymoon chapter if you’re up to writing it or want to. I imagine it would be chaotic, a little destructive, and maybe a bit surprising with shapeshifting ability.

Tamlin/Eris Vanserra

Ya'll asked for it, so here it is. The wedding scene for this little one-shot that I wrote for Tamris! Hope you guys like it! @praetorqueenreyna

Six months passed by and they felt like nothing, at the same time, they dragged on forever and ever. Eris stayed the night he and Tamlin finally accepted the bond. When he left the next morning he almost vomited from the separation from his mate. 

It had been agony to leave him in the ruins of Rosehall, but they both knew the next moves for the Court had to be made by Tamlin alone. And they were. 

Finally, things picked up. It took a good while, but Tamlin found old connections from his father’s War Camps, and his brother’s old friends. The ones who hadn’t been in Spring during Amarantha were happy to return with haste. The ones that knew the inner horrors were hesitant. 

Eris had suggested Tamlin organise a hunting trip, just him and his old friends. Just restoring old friendships. It took Eris a bit of mental work to adjust his thinking to what should be done for the Spring Court, since Tamlin governed with such a different hand. He mingled amongst his people and earned their trust by being their friend rather than their ruler. 

It was the complete opposite to what Eris knew, but he worked to understand it. 

After the first three months Tamlin came to Autumn.

It had been a sight to see. 

Eris had been in his office, signing off on paperwork and reading the latest reports from the borders. He may have sent his second-eldest brother on a mission to the border between Spring and Autumn. He told Silas it was because he wanted to know if the security had strengthened over the past few months, but his brother knew him better than that. Silas didn’t say a word, just rolled his eyes and mumbled something about wasting Court resources on his ‘little boyfriend.’

Eris pretended he didn’t hear that. The reports were good, the people living on the borders seemed happy, a group of sentries saw them at the border whilst on their own patrol. 

The High lord of Autumn found himself suppressing a smile at the reports. Things were looking up, finally. 

Then there was a quick rapping against the dark wood of his office door. Without looking up from his papers, Eris called out, “Tell Silas and Brom I won’t be at dinner!” No doubt it was simply a servant reminding him his brothers were impatient. They could dine without him tonight.

“Alright then, you may need to point me in the direction of the dining hall though, I’m unsure of where it is.” A very familiar voice called back. 

Eris was on his feet faster than he could feel his body moving. The reports flew out of his hands to the floor and he quickly crossed the room in fast strides. 

The cold bite of the metal handle was warmed to a new burning temperature by Eris’ fiery hand. His excitement and disbelief causing the control on his powers to slip slightly. When he pulled back the door, Eris nearly stumbled back. 

Tamlin smiled at him from the otherside of the threshold. 

And… Good Mother above and Cauldron on Earth. 

He looked magnificent. 

His skin was brighter, a shade darker from the sun. His eyes had turned a deeper green, like they had flourished with the land. His golden hair had been untangled and fell down his back in golden curls, touching the back of his knees. Flowers and vines were weaved through his hair in tiny braids that fell along his shoulders. There was a smatter of freckles along his face and down his neck, no doubt another consequence of finally getting out in the sunshine. 

Compared to Eris, Tamlin was underdressed, where Eris wore a suit of deep browns, scarlet and gold. Tamlin wore a simply white shirt, green tunic with small gold details, and brown trousers. Though his ears were covered with cuffs and rings. Eris bit down on a smile when he saw the golden jewelry adorning his mates' pointed ears. 

Reaching out a finger, he brushed the tip of a golden stud, “Where did you get these?” “I’ve always had them, just haven't worn them in a while.” Tamlin murmured.

Eris lifted an eyebrow, “The holes didn’t close up?”

Tamlin levelled him with a blank stare, “I am a shapeshifter, Eris.”

The Lord of Autumn clicked his tongue, “Of course.”

Eris looked him up and down again, noting every tiny faded scar, every mark, every detail. Tamlin had thankfully begun to put on some weight, but not nearly enough to make up for what he had lost. That would come with time though, time and patience. 

“I thought I might surprise you.” Tamlin whispered, the tone of his voice made Eris look back to his eyes. He sounded… unsure. Uncertain for what reaction he might get.

Looking into his eyes, Eris saw the rapid blinking, the quickened breathing he was trying to hide, the nervousness in his mate. Nervous for being in a foreign Court so soon after his own fell? Or maybe… 

Nervous for seeing Eris again. 

The Fire Lord licked his lips. It would take time, a lot of time for their relationship to smooth back into what it once was. But he wanted it. He wanted it so, so badly. 

And Tamlin did too, had proved he did. Had promised to continue proving he did. 

It started three months ago, it would continue now. Eris reached out a hand, taking Tamlin’s in his own. He wordlessly led Tamlin further into his office, closing and locking the door behind them. Tamlin eyed it warrily, but he seemed to decide to trust Eris, allowing the Autumn Lord to take him to a lounge. Eris gently pushed him down. 

“Eris?” Tamlin questioned. 

Eris placed his hands on his mate’s shoulders, pushing him into the back of the soft lounge. The High lord of Autumn pressed his forehead against the High lord of Spring. 

“You are still so beautiful, and I don’t understand what I did to have such a perfect mate.” Eris whispered to him. 

Tamlin’s breathing hitched, his face turned a splotchy red. A smile threatened to come out on his lips. Finally the tensions began to ease from his shoulders, he wrapped his arms around Eris’ waist and pulled him down onto the lounge. Tamlin kissed his mate, and Eris kissed him back, tangling his hands into that long, silky blonde hair. 

“I don’t understand how I was ever able to let you go.” Tamlin whispered, “I don’t know how it didn’t kill me to be away from you.”

“I don’t know how it didn’t kill me when I heard you were marrying the Cursebreaker.” Eris told him in between kisses. Their voices turned raspy, gasping in air from the space between their lips. Tamlin bit down on Eris’ bottom lip and his control nearly slipped right through his fingers. 

Eris shoved him down, playfully rough, so Tamlin was lying beneath him. Crawling on top. Tamlin grabbed at his waist, hands moving up and down his back. Eris’ hands ventured over his chest, his lips on any and all exposed skin. Hot lips, hot hands, fire boiled in his veins. Eris pulled on Tamlin’s hair, Tamlin kissed down his neck. Their fingers left bruises in thier wake, but neither cared. Gentle minstrations turned to near violent touching, desperate for more, desperate to remember each part of the other. 

Tamlin’s hands pulled Eris’ shirt out from where it was tucked into his trousers, then his hands went under the fabric. When he felt along the deep scarring, the wounds that would never heal. His touch softened, gently tracing, Eris dropped his head down, breathing hard against the skin of Tamlin’s neck. Overwhemled not just from the touch, but the emotion in the air, the unsaid words, the years of seperation. The bond cried and begged for more, screamed for them to take each other until their bodies wouldn’t let them anymore. But neither Eris or Tamlin satied the need, not as Tamlin felt along the scars that Beron had left behind. A fuck you to Eris, a marking of his that would never leave. Even if everyone else forgot him. Eris never would. 

The High lord of Autumn felt water in his eyes, he gritted his teeth. Nearly snarling. He had been the strongest, the best, the worst in more ways than one. He wouldn’t cry over his past now. Not when everything was going so perfectly. 

“I was a coward.” Tamlin said, “I should’ve torn him to fucking shreds the first day I saw these.”

Eris remembered that day. Remembered it all too well. That sunny afternoon when he and Tamlin had been sparring. Eris had let his guard down, had become far to comfortable. In the sticky heat, when his shirt had clung to his soaked skin, he watched Tamlin throw off his own shirt. In a haze of needing to feel cool air on his too hot skin, sun drunk and laughing, he shucked off his own shirt. 

The Tamlin had looked back over at him and frozen, and Eris had frozen as well. 

“You couldn’t have done anything.” Eris said, whispering against Tamlin’s skin, his voice like a breeze in cool Spring, near unnoticable, barely a sentence. Afriad he would break this spell of niceness. 

Afriad, scared. As if he were some innocent child and not covered in blood like the robes of a Priestess. Like the red that stained him didn’t stop at his hands like gloves, but soaked every inch of his body as if it had rained down on him. 

He had no right to be scared. 

There was a silence, a stillness in the air. It made Eris look back up into his mate’s eyes. 

And oh how they seethed. His lips were still, his eyebrows furrowed ever so slightly. But his eyes, Eris had never seen anything so terrifying in his life. 

So terrifying to anyone else. 

Exciting to him. 

The danger made his heart beat out of his chest; his flames responded to the fire in his mate’s eyes. The smell of too sweet pollen filled the room. A thunder cracked in the air. But Eris was too forgone to hear it as any more than like the clash of a dish in the kitchens far away. 

Eris opened his mouth to ask Tamlin what was wrong, what was happening. He never got to, because Tamlin placed his hands on the backs of Eris’ thighs and picked him up. Eris nearly gasped, but kept the sound locked in his throat. 

Eris wrapped his arms around Tamlin’s neck. They were the same size, maybe Eris was an inch or two taller, but Tamlin had alwasy been stronger, even like this, even with the malnurishment of the past year. The beast that hid under Tamlin’s skin showed. 

“Tamlin what-” Tamlin shut him up with his mouth, kissing Eris like he was a drowning man and his mate’s mouth was air. 

Eris was too preoccupied to notice what his mate was doing until he was pressed against a wall and Tamlin’s mouth was moving down his neck, whispering something, something he couldn’t hear. 

His eyes had fallen shut, but the sound of rain, the tinge of electricity in the air, and the smell of smoke mixing with pollen made Eris force his eyes open. 

If his mate wasn’t holding him Eris may have stumbled. 

The maids were not going to like them. 

The flames from the fireplace had spread through the room, in the haze of emotion and lack of control Eris’ power had latched onto the first source of fire it found. Flames of red and orange danced over the ground, they didn’t burn a thing, Eris had at least that much control. But they raged in the fireplace, turning the wood that had been there to black cinders. 

And plants crawled everywhere. Eris had a small cactus on one of his shelves, a gift from his second youngest brother Albus. It had overgrown. Taking over the room, dancing with the flames. Vines now wrapped around everything they could touch. Ivy covered the walls. Flowers bloomed from nearly every crevice. 

Every flower was red. 

Red like the blood on their hands. 

Red like the fire dancing in the room. 

Red like their own hearts pounding in their chests. 

The day had been clear before. Now a storm thundered outside, wind ripped through the forests. Lightening forked in the sky, lighting up the world with white electricity. Eris gaped at it all. 

Tamlin smiled against his skin. 

Eris’ surprise turned to a smirk. 

“You going to be my destruction, just look at what you cause me to do.” Eris murmured, but the words were laughing. 

“I do love being a bad influence.” Tamlin replied. 

Eris let out a barking laugh before he grabbed Tamlin’s face and kissed him deeply. When he pulled back he saw Tamlin’s eyes, sparking, alive, grinning. 

Eris returned the look. Embers sparked between them. A burning, raging feeling. 

This was a rage unlike anger. This was a deep need for chaos, for something unexpected and undeniably dangerous. 

Tamlin had been trapped in a cage of his own making. After losing too many, he had resolved to keep everything he had left safe, in doing so he put everyone including himself in a box in a futile attempt to keep it all safe and protected. 

Eris had been trapped by his father. Unable to escape the routine of the life he led, the constant eyes watching every movement, the fear of his own father’s wrath. Eris had kept himself trapped in those memories even after his father’s death. Had never let himself move on from them. 

But now… 

Now they had freedom in their hands. 

Eris was a wildfire that Tamlin didn’t need to protect, he burned everything he touched to cinders. Tamlin was a chaos that ripped him away from the never-ending cycle of the Court. 

“We’re going to burn.” Eris said. 

Tamlin grinned, it was wild, it was free, “We’re going to be the fire, Eris.”

The High lord of Spring kissed his neck, biting playfully, “We’ll burn anything that dares to stop us.”

“We’re going to be dangerous.” Eris gasped out as his head tipped back. 

“And how exciting is that?” Tamlin whispered. 

This was dangerous, this was a pairing that had been driven apart for a reason. Once they officially finilased this, they were going to be a fire that never burned out until they collapsed on themselves. 

It was exciting. Eris didn’t want it. He needed it. 

“If anyone’s going to be the death of me, it is going to be you.” Eris moaned. 

“Ditto,” was all Tamlin said as he took Eris down to the floor, to the bed of flames and roses. 

Another three months passed from that day. 

Now the day had come to announce to the world what Tamlin and Eris were. Announce that they had chosen each other. That they weren’t letting go. 

Just for extra precaution and because it made Tamlin laugh, Eris sent an incredibly snappy and sarcastic letter to Rhysand that neither he or his lackeys were allowed anywhere near Spring or Autumn the day of the weddding. If they were seen, they would not leave with their wings intact. 

Now it was here. 

Eris stood in the forest of Autumn, so close to the border. He knew Tamlin was on the otherside, in Spring. 

The border had been prepared. Decorations and lanterns hung from the trees. The world smelled like rain and smoke and pollen. His brothers had done most of the preperations. His mother had been ecstatic. When told of where the wedding would take place she clapped her hands and said ‘A wonderful joining of two courts!’

Eris agreed with her, this was wonderful. 

He himself was dressed in the equisite robes of Autumn. A suit with a floorlength robes made from Autumn leaves and decorated with swirls of gold. Rings covered his fingers and a crown of burnished gold was atop his hair. 

Eris faced the deep forests of Autumn, breathing in the woody scent, the spices in the air. 

“It’s time, brother.” Eris recognised that voice as Brom’s. The eldest Vanserra turned to see his family standing behind him. 

His brothers all looked at him with their heads bowed ever so slightly, all with slight smiles on their face. 

Only one brother missing. 

His mother stood beside them. She was dressed incredibly well, since heading for Day she had taken to their fashion, but today, today she wore Autumn colours. Eris had asked her an uncountable number of times if she was alright, each time she had told him Autumn had always been her home and that she refused to have ever let Beron take that from her. 

Her dress practically floated along the floor as she walked up to him. Taking his hands in hers, Eris looked down at his dear mother. 

Andrea squeezed his hands, “Eris, my darling boy.”

Eris blinked away the tears in his eyes, refusing to cry, refusing. He told Andrea and his brothers, “You all should go take your seats, the cermony is about to begin.”

Andrea looked over her shoulder to her other sons, all who finally grinned. 

She looked back at Eris and murmured with her grin, a grin that matched all her sons, “I was thinking you and I should take a walk.”

***

Tamlin was so nervous, he was shaking uncontrallably. He had woken up shaking and hadn’t stopped jittering all day. He hated it, but perhaps the serveral cups of coffee he had been exclusivly drinking hadn’t helped either.

“How do you feel?” Alis asked gently, Tamlin was sitting in front of a vanity whilst she braided his hair. It now reached his feet, he refused to cut it, letting it grow and grow. It felt nice having it so long. 

“Like I want to smile uncontrollably and vomit at the same time.” Tamlin told her honestly. 

Alis smiled at his reflection, she smoothed her hands over his shoulders, “He loves you, Tamlin. He loves you so much he waited for you for centuries.”

Tamlin cast his eyes down, guilt tearing through the anxiety and excitment, “I know, but I-”

Alis smacked his head with a brush. Tamlin smacked the brush back, “Ow!”

“Don’t even go there, today is your special day. You have been talking about this for the past six months, I will not let you stress or guilt yourself into backing out.”

Tamlin huffed but was silent. 

Alis had been one of the first to come back, he sent her a letter, an apology. He had rewrote it six times but eventually stuck to just saying everything honestly and with no formalities. Alis had always been there for him, whether it was bruises when he was six or broken bones from his brothers when he was sixteen. 

When she came back Tamlin nearly broke down crying. He told her about Eris, she had been the one and only to know about the bond the first time it snapped into place. She knew it all. When she came back Tamlin hugged her so tightly, he felt her tears that had stained his shirt. 

He would never say the words exchanged that day six months ago. He would never tell another soul, it was just between him and Alis. Alis who had been there more than his biological mother. 

“I’ve missed you, Tam.” She had said. 

“I missed you too, mom.” He told her through broken gasps. 

Alis finished placing flowers and vines into the braids in his hair. She had outdone herself, most of his blonde curls were in fluffy braids, but some curls were allowed to be out and wild. A crown of roses of all sorts of colours adored his head, sitting around the antlers he had shifted. Vines fell down along with his braids and curls like ribbons, tiny pink, orange and blue were weaved in with the braids. 

Tamlin stood up, observing himself in the mirror. A white suit with green and gold accents. Flowers and vines that matched the ones in his hair falling down the long cape behind him. 

He never wore such clothing most of the time, activly avoided it. But today, today was special. 

“One more thing,” Alis said. Then she left the room for a moment, when she returned in her hands was a gold locket with a small blue saphire in the centre. Tamlin furrowed his brow at it. 

“This is something my mother handed down to me and her father to her, and his father to her. Every child in my family is given one for each child they have, a new one is made from a lock of hair and a drop of water. My sister has one for each of my nephews. And I was given this when my mother passed on.”

Then Alis held the locket out to Tamlin, “I am now giving this to you.”

“Alis..” Tamlin breathed, “No, I cannot take that, I do not deserve-”

“You and I may not be blood-related, Tam. But you are still as much a son to me as I was a daughter to my mother. I want you to have this.”

Tamlin had tried his hardest all day not to let the tears that kept appearing in his eyes to not fall. Now they did, now they streamed silently down his face. 

Alis smiled at him, Tamlin sat back down in the chair, allowing the smaller female to clasp the necklace around his neck, after a moemnt of adjusting it. Tamlin looked at it in the mirror. His finger delicately running over the top of the saphire. 

Alis looked as though she wanted to say something but it was choked out with sobs that finally fell. Tamlin quickly took her in his arms, allowing her to cry. 

“Oh I’m going to ruin your beautiful suit.” She cried. 

“That’s fine, mom. It’s okay.” He told her. 

“Mother above.” She murmured, looking up at his face, “Look at how you’ve grown.”

Alis smoothed over his shirt once more, then she shooed him towards the door, wiping tears from her eyes, “Thats enough sentiments now. You’re going to be late! Go! Go! Go!”

He laughed, he laughed long and hard as he rushed out of the room. Heading quickly downstairs. The servants conversing and laughing with each other looked up, some eyes went wide, some jaws dropped, others smiled. Watching as the High Lord rushed outside, Alis not far behind him. 

He felt like a little kid. Tamlin rememberd days spent dreaming about his wedding, when he had no other hope, when his brothers and father made him feel like a wretched thing that they were forced to keep around, he dreamt about this day. 

There was a Spring entourage waiting for him outside. Mostly sentries that had seen him grow up. That he had hired after taking the throne. That he had befriended in the War Camps. They all smiled at him. 

One female, a dark-skinned woman with curly wild brown hair put a hand on his shoulder. Her name was Talia, he met her in the War Camps. She had been one of his best friends back then. 

“Ready, Scrawny?” She asked. 

Tamlin rolled his eyes at the nickname. Bron and Hart, who had come back for the wedding, who he had earned back the trust of, snickered nearby, but both smiled brightly. 

The High lord of Spring nodded, “I’m ready. 

“Wait!” Someone shouted. 

Everyone turned and Tamlin’s mouth dropped open. 

Lucien was sprinting for the group. By the time he reached them, he nearly dropped to his knees, gasping in hoarse breaths. He wheezed as he clutched his knees, attemtping to catch his breath. 

“Luc-” Tamlin started. 

“Just let me-” Lucien wheezed again, forcing himself to take in deep breath, “Just let me catch my breath.”

They all waited, there was a slight awkward silence in the air. Tamlin’s heart thundered in his chest. Finally Lucien stood up straight. Sweat was beading on his brow, but his hair was braided, small flowers were in his hair like they were in everyone elses. He wore a suit, not of Autumn or Day or Night, but of Spring. 

“Lucien.” Tamlin breathed.

Lucien swallowed, then said, “Did you really think I was going to let my best friend get married without me?”

Tamlin laughed but tears fell down his eyes. Gods he had cried too much today. 

“Lucien.” Tamlin cried, nearly jumping into his best friend’s arms. Lucien hugged him tightly. Tamlin said though broken breaths, “I’ve missed you so much.”

“I’ve missed you Tam, its been torture.” Lucien cried. 

They stayed there, locked in an embrace, feeling every emotion pilling on top of them. 

Then Bron cleared his throat, “You know, I hate the ruin the moment, but the cermony starts in like two minutes.”

“Shit.” Lucien said, pulling away, “Alright then, we better get moving, um, if I can join-”

“Lucien if you don’t come with us I will cry again and then this day will be ruined.” Tamlin told him. 

“Well then, lets get you married, Tam.” Lucien said with a grin. 

Tamlin stared into his friends eyes, a soft smile on his face. What did he do to ever deserve to see this day. 

“Alright! Enough sappy shit,” Hart said, “Lets go.”

Tamlin laughed, and before he knew, they were winnowing to the Spring and Autumn border. 

They winnowed to spot in the Spring forest where Tamlin couldn’t yet see the full venue, he would stay there until it was time to walk out and see his groom at the altar. Quickly most of his entourage scattered, orders being shouted and people going to their respective places. 

Lucien and Alis stayed beside him. Alis adjusted his collar and the train of flowers behind him, then she kissed his cheek and told him she would be out there watching. 

Tamlin smiled and thanked her, before saying a quick goodbye as she hurried off. 

The High lord of Spring turned to Lucien, laughing from his own anxiety. Lucien hugged him tightly once again, “You’re going to go out there and everything will be okay, Tam.” Lucien told him. 

“I know.” Tamlin whispered, then he pulled away, “You better go find your spot, I have to go out just about now.”

Lucien smiled, the he offered his arm, “I was thinking you and I should take a walk.”

***

A breeze flew through the world, spreading petals of all colours and leaves of Autumn. On the border of Autumn and Spring was an arch. The side sitting on Spring was covered with Autumn foliage, the side sitting on Autumn was covered with Spring flowers. 

Eris smiled as a blindfold of silk was tied around his eyes, only to be taken off when he stood before his to-be-wed. 

He laughed as Silas whispered a joke to ease his anxiety. He bit back tears as his mother took his arm. 

Faeries playing tambourines, drums and fiddles sung around him. Bells rang from the branches of the trees. Singing could be heard from all directions. 

His mother smoothed her hand over his arm. He found himself putting his free hand on her arm, holding onto her tightly, feeling like a small boy again. He felt the bright happy smile on her face when she whispered how much she loved him in his ear. 

He smelled the pollen in the air, and knew they had reached the border. 

He couldn’t wait. 

***

Lucien wrapped the silk blindfold around Tamlin’s eyes. Lucien said something teasing about blindfolds in the bedroom as he did and Tamlin howled with laughter. 

Then Tamlin took Lucien’s arm, and let him led the High lord out to the border. Spring and Autumn faeries alike played songs and sung into the air. Filling the world with their own kind of magic. Turning the world into a sing that played only for Tamlin and Eris. A melody that filled his veins with joy, excitment. 

Tamlin let his head rest on Lucien’s shoulder, “Thank you.”

“You’re my best friend, I love you.” Lucien told him. 

Tamlin was using nearly all his strength to not cry. Lucien would never ever know how much it meant that he was there. That he was the one to walk him down the aisle, when none of his family would have ever done that for him, not even his own mother. 

Tamlin knew they had reached the border when the woody, smokey scent of Autumn blew around his face. 

“Your Prince is here.” Lucien whispered. 

Tamlin chuckled quietly. 

Then Lucien took off the blindfold. 

***

His mother took off the blindfold. 

Eris’ eyes welled with tears. 

Tamlin’s green eyes stared back at him, in just as much awe as his mate. Lucien stood beside him, their arms locked mirroring Eris and Andrea. 

Lucien nodded to Eris, Eris nodded to him. There was something so gentle and kind in his eyes. 

Eris’ mother let go of his arm to hug Tamlin, and Lucien let go of Tamlin to hug Eris. 

Lucien whispered, “If you ever hurt him I will turn you into bubbling, rotting flesh. And if he ever hurts you, I will turn him into bubbling, rotting flesh.”

A laugh was startled from Eris’ throat, he hugged his brother tightly, “Thank you, littlest brother.”

“I love you, Eris.” The words were choked with sobs. 

“I love you, Lucien.” Eris voiced his voice to be quiet so he didn’t choke up with his own tears. He had made it this far without crying, he wasn’t going to start now. 

Lucien and Andrea let go of the two grooms, then quickly hugged the other. Andrea kissed her eldest son’s cheek, “Please the two of you, don’t reduce Prythian to rubble.”

Eris chuckled, “We will try valiently not to.”

***

Andrea’s arms had been warm and kind. Tamlin had nearly cried again, the older female had kissed his cheek and whispered softly, “Do visit Day sometime to see me.”

“Of course.” Tamlin promised his new mother-in-law. 

She had smiled brillantly at him then turned back to his son, and Lucien had hugged him again. 

Then he whispered, “If you hurt him I will turn you into bubbling, rotting flesh. And if he ever hurts you, I will turn him into bubbling, rotting flesh.”

Tamlin laughed into Lucien’s shoulder, “Thank you, Luce.”

Lucien cried silently, “You’re my best friend, Tam.”

“You’re my best friend, Luce.” Tamlin told him. 

The two then pulled away as Andrea and Eris did. Andrea and Lucien gave them one last smile before they moved to the wedding parties on each respective side. Andrea standing beside her other sons, and Lucien beside Alis, Bron and Hart. 

Eris and Tamlin then took each other’s hands. Eris leaned in and whispered, “You look so beautiful.”

Tamlin blushed red, “So do you.”

Eris smirked, but it was quite clear he was holding back tears. 

As the songs began to die out, an Autumn and Spring Priestess each appeared. The Autumn Priestess had green eyes and long brown hair that swept around her feet, she wore red robes. The Spring Priestess had short, super curly hair and brown-doe eyes. They both stood beside each other, a golden book appeared before them both, and their hands shone a golden colour. 

As silence began to take over the world, someone said in a whisper-shout, “Eris! Tamlin! Over here!”

Eris and Tamlin looked over at the sea of people seated. Helion, Vassa and Jurian waved from the crowd. Tamlin and Eris had to stifle the sudden laughs that rose up in their throats, they both discreetly waved.

Then the Priestesses began to speak, their voices loud and clear, ringing through the Faerie world. 

***

Eris didn’t a word the Priestesses said. He was too busy staring at the male that was to be his husband, his mate. 

Tamlin stared back, a loving look in his green eyes. Eris squeezed his hands, Tamlin rubbed his thumbs over the back of Eris’ palms. 

Finally the Autumn Priestess declared, “It is time for the to-be-wed to exchange vows.”

Eris sucked in a breath as Tamlin nodded to them and began, “Eris Vanserra. The day I met you, I thought you were the cockiest, most arrogant male I had ever set eyes upon.”

There was a slight ringing of laughter and Eris rolled his eyes, Tamlin continued, “I didn’t know what to say to you, because what do you say to the General of the Autumn Court armies and the expected Heir of the Court? I thought you would run me into the ground with vocal swords like every other courtier I had met had.”

Tamlin squeezed his hand, “But you didn’t. I don’t know what you saw in me, but you took me outside, you asked to spar. You taught me a trick to get my opponents sword of their hands. And you laughed when I fell into mud, then I kicked your legs and you fell down next to me. You didn’t stop laughing, you just rolled you eyes and flicked dirt on my face.”

Eris remembered that day, had never forgotten it, would never forget it. Tears began to well in his eyes again. No. He blinked them away. 

“What you didn’t know was that was the first time I had smiled in a year, truly smiled. It was the happiest I had felt in what seemed like forever. For a while I…” He paused like wondering if he should say what he was about to, then he did, “For a while I thought I wouldn’t be living in this world much longer, and it was the only thing I looked forward too.”

The world seemed to hold its breath. 

“Then you came along, you with your sarcastic witty retorts. You with your damning smirk and dangerous gaze. You made me feel alive, for the first time in forever, I felt alive next to you. Everything in the world no longer existed, all that mattered was you were there beside me. You never knew it, but Eris you became my reason to keep going, to keep fighting, because I watched as you fought like hell. As you were dealt awful cards but kept playing.”

Tears were in Eris’ eyes, he couldn’t find the will in him to force them away. 

“I loved you the second I laid eyes on you. I would give up all I am to see you smile. I would kill and steal to hold you in my arms. I love you, Eris Vanserra. And I have dreamed of the day I can finally call you mind.”

The Priestess of Spring had tears in her eyes as she looked at Eris, “Now, the High lord of Autumn.”

Eris didn’t look at her, at anyone else besides Tamlin as he said, “I have rewritten these damn vows twenty times because there is not enough time in the world to express how much you mean to me, Tamlin Fairburn.”

Another ring of laughter, tears were falling from the crowds. Eris didn’t hear any of them, he felt like he was just alone with Tamlin, just them. In a void with nothing but each other. That was all he needed. 

“Centuries ago, I remember the day you showed up at my balcony in the Forest House. You appeared on my balcony and knocked on the door. I didn’t hear the tapping, but I nearly jumped out of my skin when I heard you yell out, ‘Hey, its cold out here.’”

Snickering ensued, Tamlin bit his bottom lip to stifle his own laugh. 

“I opened the door and there you were. For some stupid reason you weren’t wearing a jacket, I berated you for it, before berating for you sneaking into my room. Then asked in disbelief how you even got through the wards. You told me it was magic, which I later found out meant you had Lucien smuggle you in.”

From behind Tamlin, Eris saw Lucien roll his eyes as he remembered that day as well. Eris continued, “I found out, Lucien expected that you and him would be doing something mischevious and completely against the rules as you both liked to do. Instead you thanked him for getting you past the wards then winnowed to my balcony, which he complained to me incessently about.”

Tamlin laughed, Lucien mumbled with a grin about still being bitter about being stood up like that. 

Eris then said, “What you didn’t know was I was feeling hopeless that day. The days seemed to be getting longer and harder. I couldn’t bare it. It was begining to lose myself to my own feelings of helplessness and grief.”

“I-” Eris had to cut himself off as a sob was ripped from his throat. Everything finally breaking out. 

Tamlin didn’t waste a second, didn’t care for protocal or the eyes watching them. He pulled Eris into a tight hug, rubbing his back and kissing his hair. 

Eris tried to force himself to get it together, but the tears wouldn’t stop. Tamlin whispered, “You’re allowed to cry, you’re allowed to feel.”

For some reason that soothed him, those kindly spoken words helped the sobs to slow. Tears still continued to spill uncontrollably from his eyes, but Eris was able to look bak into Tamlin’s eyes and finish, “You’re stupid little gesture that night helped me to remember there was still someone out there. That night you convinced me I was worth fighting for. That all was not lost, that the world wasn’t completely wayward.”

“I love you, Tamlin Fairburn. I love you and I have wanted this day since that night, since the night you snuck into my room and told me you loved me.”

Both had tears running down their faces, and it didn’t stop as the Priestess of Autumn asked for the rings to be brought out. Bron and Silas brought the respective rings, handing them to the grooms. 

A pair of matching golden rings, with an emerald and topaz in the centre of each. Engraved on the inside was Tamlin and Eris’ names. 

There was moment of stillness, of silence as Tamlin slid the ring onto Eris’ finger, and Eris’ onto Tamlin’s. 

It was the Spring Priestess who said, “We now prounce you both, Eris and Tamlin Vanserra. You may seal this matrimony in a k-”

Before she could even get the word ‘kiss’ out. Eris grabbed Tamlin and hauled him into a deep kiss. He let out a surprised noise before returning the passion both their eyes falling closed. 

Cheers and applause erupted through the crowds. Flowers were tossed in the air, the Fairies swarmed the grooms and wrapped them in vines, flowers and ribbons. 

“I love you, Eris Vanserra.” Tamlin told him. 

With tears streaming down his face, Eris said, “I love you, Tamlin Vanserra.”

If the consensus agrees I will write a honeymoon chapter for this.

[miraculousfaeofold]

Tamris arranged marriage

post acowar, slotting in between acofas and acosf. I started watching bridgerton very late to the game, so...

Beron, being the ambitious HL that he is, decides that the best way to conquer the Mortal lands is to become strong allies with the Spring Court. What better way to do that, then through an arranged marriage with the High Lord of Spring himself? Tamlin?

Eris, as the heir to Autumn, is his first choice. Once he marries Tamlin and they create heirs, their children will rule BOTH Autumn and Spring. The thought has Beron practically salivating.

Eris shares his father's ambition (or does he?), but of course has his reservations.

Beron studied his goblet. "Do you remember our late Lady Titania of Spring?

He frowned. Yes, he did remember her. Being of an age with Tamlin, he had been old enough to accompany his parents on Solstice celebrations and gatherings, and had often glimpsed the beautiful Lady of Spring there, her sons tailing behind. But what of it?

"The Lady Titania was... not born female, though it is the form that she preferred the most when she was alive. It is from her that the late sons of Spring, and Tamlin inherited their shapeshifting powers. I am sure that when it comes to it, children won't be an issue."

oh.

Arrangements are made and Beron tells Eris to visit Tamlin and propose their proposal, ha.

It does not come across well, and he takes some convincing, but when Eris mentions that the Spring refugees in the Summer Court have expressed a desire to come back to their homes, Tamlin's spark returns. He will do anything and everything in his power to keep his people safe and restore their home, his court.

They come up with a bargain. Once they have married, and an heir is conceived, Beron will send floods of Autumn architects/ builders/ healers etc to restore Spring. But for now, the manor is the only occupied residence in the court.

Tamlin begrudgingly agrees.

"For the Spring Court," he said firmly, extending his hand towards the son of Autumn.

"Of course," Eris replied, the warmth of the High Lord's hand feeling strange in the grasp of one so accustomed to coldness. He withdrew his hand swiftly and nodded, his eyes not once leaving those whorls of emerald as he winnowed away.

At first, they're each convincing themselves that this is all for their personal gain only, no lingering feelings from their childhoods or yearning looks in their own home (spring manor) or miscommunication about how they truly feel. At. All. Nope. They're taking advantage of the awkward lee-way after their marriage, brushing off comments with "oh, just settling in, getting used to married life, yk,"

This goes on for a while, until Beron finally shows up like "Hello? No heir? wtf???" which finally kicks their asses into gear.

They are so desperately trying to convince themselves that they Strongly Dislike the other, and that the only reason that they're doing this is to conceive an heir to kickstart their personal gains.

Eris, watching Tamlin walk away : *internally* GODS i'm horny. For Ambition.

that's all i've got, whatever happens next is entirely up to you!

[miraculousfaeofold]

Absolutely! Feyre and Rhysand on their 5th mansion and Velaris’ economy just inflated again. Let this boy have the basket of fish he asked for in a very fair way 🙄

Sign me up for the tithe in the Spring Court I hear rent prices in Velaris went up again.

[miraculousfaeofold]

Look at this precious glowing baby! But yes the idea that Eris is just babysitting his youngest brother who is just enjoying life and starts to glow is an absolute moment. I love the way you Eris’ reaction!

@erisweek2023 Day 3 - Secrets

Based on @helion-ism 's hilarious post. Made me laugh and thus I had to draw it.

Glowing Lucien pngs under cut since tumblr forces gifs to be relatively small.

[miraculousfaeofold]

OMG!!! Look at this adorable baby! The big green eyes and fluffy tail that has flowers mixed in are so cute! I love it!

My gift for @taymartiart for our ACOTAR Secret Santa! She asked for a baby beast Tamlin and how can I possibly refuse?

[miraculousfaeofold]

This is adorable and gives off the absolute vibes I got from the first book at the beginning. You gotta perk up Tams, and go woo the human girl. Lucy has your back even if you are giving one liners about how clean Feyre’s hair is.

Lucien making sure Tamlin is extra pretty to woo the human!

(This one is for @taymartiart who requested Lucien braiding Tamlin's hair~)

[miraculousfaeofold]

Azriel’s and Cassian’s faces are hilarious in this scene! Love seeing the wholesome look of Rhys and Tamlin in this though. Plus, look at the babies when everyone got along- or at least semi-along lol. They’re very cute and I adore this.

@officialrhysandweek Day 2 - Illyrian Warrior

"I saw what Tamlin went through... I befriended him. Sought him out whenever I was able to get away from the war camps or court. Maybe it was pity, but... I taught him some Illyrian techniques."

"Did anyone know?"

"Cassian and Azriel knew. My family knew. And disapproved." With all the drama between them I like to look back on little pockets of time when everything was good and everyone got along.

[miraculousfaeofold]

Look at these cuties!! This is amazing and I love how they look! Plus it would have been amazing to see all three of them get together when everything went down

@erisweek2023 Day 6 - Arranged Marriage

Somehow combined my desire for Eris to have nice things with my want for Nesta to be away from the Night Court, and for Cassian to follow her somewhere for once.