springcourthighlady

[springcourthighlady]

[[Still looking for a Tamlin!! DM me!]]

[springcourthighlady]

My wanderlust kicking in when me and Tamlin finally restored Spring to its former glory. (Because I helped Tam realize his worth again)

[springcourthighlady]

✨Just a girl in love with the High Lord who once growled at me for getting too close to a thorn bush.✨

He also draws me a warm bubble bath after training, wraps my injuries with those ridiculously large but gentle hands, and pretends not to be terrified when I climb trees to prove I can. (Spoiler: he is terrified. but he lets me do it anyway.)

He makes me smile easily and often.

Mating bonds are wild, huh? What’s something oddly sweet your partner does for you?

[springcourthighlady]

Briar pauses at the edge of the duck pond, her steps faltering when she spots Tamlin sprawled on the grass, his arms tucked behind his head. Sunlight filters through the trees, dappling his relaxed figure with shifting patterns of light and shadow. He looks so at ease, his expression softened in a way she rarely sees. For a moment, she considers turning back, leaving him to his quiet. But her feet have a mind of their own, carrying her forward despite her hesitation.

"I did. Caedin is settling in. He has a full belly. More livliness. Being a normal toddler." She swallows, lowering her voice. "I was worried when I didn't see you come home or around at all."

She sinks to the ground beside him without another word, her movements careful, as if not to disturb the fragile peace hanging in the air.

Lying back, she stares up at the sky, the quiet hum of nature wrapping around them like a comforting blanket. The distant quacks of ducks, the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze, and the occasional splash of water fill the space between them.

The silence between them isn’t heavy or strained—it simply exists, companionable in its simplicity. She closes her eyes, letting herself sink into the sounds of the pond and the warmth of the sun.

After a moment, she turns her gaze to him through the blades of grass, watching his features. "I'm glad you made it back okay, too."

They lie there until the sun dips below the horizon, casting the pond into soft shadows. The air grows cooler, the warmth of the day fading into the crisp edge of evening. Briar feels the chill settle over her skin, a sharp contrast to the lingering heat of the ground beneath her.

She shifts slightly, onto her side, fully facing Tamlin. He hasn’t moved, his gaze still fixed on the darkening sky. The silence between them stretches, but it’s no longer accompanied by the lazy hum of daytime. Now, the world feels quieter, the sounds of nature subdued, as if holding its breath for night to fully take hold.

Briar hugs her arms to herself, the chill seeping through her clothes. She debates breaking the silence, suggesting they head back, but something about the stillness between them feels sacred, untouchable. This time with him where she isn't somehow messing everything up seems precious. The stars begin to prick the sky, faint at first but growing bolder as darkness deepens, twinkling above the pond.

silver lights that intertwine (safe hands) | @springcourthighlady

Tamlin spent the next seven days in The Human Lands, as himself, working to continue establish trust and trade between their two species. Things were still tense. He barely had a moment to think about the past week, Briar, Caiden, or his own anxieties during the day. Only at night when he returned to the inn did his worries begin to seep through his guard and torture his tired mind.

Did they get back safe? He wondered. Of course. I sent two of the best sentries to accompany them.

Cool logic was his coping skill to help silence the constant rush of responsibility for everyone who lived in his lands. Despite all his power, he was still only one man, with two hands. He had limits on how much he could bear.

Tamlin rolled over on the bed. It felt too big, even for his tall frame. He pressed his thumbs against his eyes and memories of being tangled around Briar on the floor nearby briefly flashed into his mind. His face flushed and he flipped the cool pillow over his face, burying a groan of frustration deep into the feathers.

“Am I a fool?” He whispered, into the dark, uncovering his face.

It said nothing back.

His journey back was simple. On his own, he could ride quickly and imbue his steed with some of his own power. By nightfall, he’d reached the edge of Spring and a winnow home brought him back to his bed.

There, the High Lord collapsed into a deep sleep, and did not rise until afternoon the next day.

Word quickly came that Lucien and his mate had birthed a healthy, happy female faeling during his absence. Tamlin’s first task was to visit them and meet their daughter. The same evening, he left their home; his heart burning with the glow of happiness and the ache of disappointment. They’d always predicted that it would be Tamlin to marry first and sire an heir.

That was proving far from true.

Tamlin placed his hands into his pockets with a sigh and walked down the dirt path, into the dusk, with heavy heart, and hanging head. He wasn’t truly sad, as much as he was deep in thought. He summoned a small orb of light to follow him home and began walking the part of the manor’s garden which was open to the public. Eventually, he took off his shoes and chose a quiet spot by a nearby pond to continue his contemplations. A few ducks bobbed for food in the distance as he watched the sun set.

What is wrong with me? He wondered. I feel so…raw. I can’t hide — even from me. It’s not working.

He was tempted to drink, but for the first time in a while, dumbing the discomfort seemed unappealing. Instead, he listened to the nature around him and lay back in the grass, letting her song soothe some of the ache in his chest.

It couldn’t disguise the sound of bare feet on the grass. Tamlin’s ears twitched and he slowly opened his eyes in the semi darkness. Standing above him was the tiny thorn digging past his every shield.

“Lady Briar.” He nodded, brows furrowed, heart conflicted. “I am pleased to see you made it home.”

[springcourthighlady]

Briar gazes into Tamlin's eyes as he helps her into the carriage and bids her farewell. Her hands still tungle with warmth from when he had clasped them between his own.

Gods, his hands were so warm. I wish this didn't have to end. But he needs a break. From me...

Smiling sadly, she places the bouquet of flowers onto the seat to her right. Then she tucks Caedin into her left side, on the innermost portion of the carriage--already instinctively protective him.

"Thank you, Tamlin. Again. And please be careful." She flashes him a soft smile.

Her eyes flick down at her hand and blushes, lightly tracing the ring with her finger before slowly slipping it off, chest tightening.

"I-I believe this belongs to you," she says softly, placing it in his palm. "It has been an honor, husband." She smirks softly.

"But, I am equally as honored to call you friend."

She smiles and squeezes his fingers before withdrawing her hand, kissing Caedin's curls.

"Off we go, then!" She tickles him lightly, and the boy giggles loudly.

This Life is Sweeter Than Fiction (ft. @springcourthighlady)

Daylight folded through the narrow window in the room of the inn and warmed Tamlin’s face, urging him to wake. He wasn’t a morning person. Given his proclivity to stay up late into the night, waking up was not exactly his favorite thing. He was used to waking up to a cold bed and sore body, pained from a night of thrashing through his nightmares alone. Instead, this morning, he woke to the gentle breath of a female on his neck.

Still sleepy, his dreams had a hold on him, and he remembered the early days before the mountain — before all hell rained upon his court, before he’d lost his faith in himself, and in love. Yet, he woke further and the body next his own did not line up with memory, only emotion.

The way he’d danced around the lines with Briar last night was not far from Tamlin’s mind as he woke. Mornings? Those, he didn’t like. Morning affection? Oh, how sweet it was to taste.

Still, the High Lord pushed a reminder of his boundaries into his view, forcing away the rose tinted glasses.

Sleeping together was different than sleeping together.

He carefully climbed from the bed and pulled the blankets back up to Briar’s shoulder. A shower would do him some good, but they did not need more temptation. Still, she tended to panic when he disappeared. Tamlin pursed his lips and entered the bathing room, locking it twice, magically and manually.

The cold water dripped down from the pipes and once again settled him back into a stern sense of reality. They had a purpose here. This wasn’t a vacation…nor a honeymoon. It was a rescue. At least one of them needed to keep their head on straight.

He pulled his clothes on and wrapped a towel around his long hair, leaving the bathroom with a toothbrush. Sure — he could use magic to power through these tasks; but apparently he needed to get better at being human. That meant brushing his teeth with a small, infernal, tickly device.

By the time he turned around the privacy screen and into the room, Briar was awake.

Well. She said she wanted him to practice being human.

He furrowed his brows, with a teasing smile. “Hush. High Lords have dental hygiene too.”

[springcourthighlady]

I don't think I look as great in green as my mate does @thehighlordofspring 👀💚

[springcourthighlady]

Infinite Love

We shall,

through space and time,

be one heart.

Your blonde hair,

an angelic extremity

of your light-filled soul

as I share with you

my world,

infinitely.

For my love, Tamlin 🫶🏻

[springcourthighlady]

Ch 10 of acomaf... she calls him out. "What about what YOU did to me UTM?" He gets PISSED, then halts his rising storm (which would've exploded like tamlin) only bc Mor knocks at the door. And he growls "we'll discuss this later." They don't. He plays victim later during his nightmare inetead. And makes her comfort him.

But also...he ordered the shadow wraiths to paint her body UTM. They work for and report to Azriel. Nobody knew they were UTM bc they were literal shadows.... There aint no way they didn't report back to Az. But also another plothole bc Az could've been there himself as a shadow...I doubt the weak ward Rhys threw over Velaris would've kept him concealed as a shadow. Not if it didn't to the wraiths.

you know my brain has gone once more to ACOTAR and my Rhysand bashing.

There’s no way the IC knows the extent of what happened UTM right? I can’t believe Rhys would ever admit to grabbing his mates broken arm and twisting until she gives into him.

I really wonder about the premise of a story where Feyre gets swapped out with the version of her UTM. Like she’s with say Mor/Azriel/Cassian and with a spell suddenly she’s human and not only does she look human she looks almost childlike. Becoming Fae sculpted her features made her look as ageless as the rest of them and her sisters were older. They’d forgotten what a nineteen year old looks like. She’s also dirty and bruised and oh god a bone is sticking out of her arm and she sees Azriel and just screams. They now have to comfort this scared human girl and try and figure out why she is so instinctually afraid of Az/Cass and she basically says because they look like Rhys. They have to get Lucien there because he’s the only person she’ll trust and he tells them matter of factly about what Rhysand did. He thought they all knew. The spell wares off and Feyre comes back and her and Rhys and Nyx are all as happy as ever but something shifted in the air.

[springcourthighlady]

Briar lay in Tamlin's arms, the soft warmth of the blankets surrounding them as they rested on the bed. His strong arm was wrapped around her, holding her close, his fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on her back.

She nuzzled closer, pressing her cheek against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. It was a comforting sound, grounding her in the moment, but something lingered in the air between them.

She could feel the tension in his muscles, the way his breath occasionally hitched, as if his mind was far from the comfort of their shared space. Her thoughts wandered to Hybern--everything they had endured. She wanted to talk about it, to unburden some of the weight she knew he was carrying, but the way his fingers tensed against her skin told her he wasn’t ready.

"Tamlin," she whispered, her voice soft but probing.

He hummed in response, a low sound that vibrated through his chest. But when she shifted to look up at him, his green eyes were distant, avoiding hers, sleepy.

She sighed, her heart tightening. "We don’t have to talk about it," she said gently, though the words felt heavy on her tongue. "Not if you don’t want to."

The silence that followed only confirmed what she already knew--Hybern was a wound he wasn't ready to reopen, not here, not now.

Briar settled back into his embrace, tightening her arms around him. She wouldn’t push, not tonight. All she could offer was her presence, her warmth, hoping it was enough to soothe the storm she knew he carried inside.

"You're welcome. As I said, it's important to have something to remind you of her. I understand."

She turns her head and looks into his tired eyes, stroking his jaw. "We should get some sleep, hm?"

Cuddling closer, she pecks his lips. "Sleep well, Tam."

Tied Together With A Smile | Tamlin & Briar

@thehighlordofspring

Hours pass, and Briar gets to play with Caedin for a while among signing paperwork. Once one of the friendly workers takes him away for bedtime, her heart aches but she promises him she will be back.

Tamlin had never returned, and a sick feeling churns in her gut. She knew he needed air, that maybe the ruse was also making him hurt but for different reasons.

Making her exit and a bland excuse that her husband was probably overhelmed, she exits the orpahange and makes her way back to the inn. It always made her uneasy to walk home in the dark, even when she worked here. But now...

I am fae. I am much stronger. Much faster. Much more dangerous than any human here could be. I am the predator. I have no reason to be afraid anymore.

Because despite her slight fear, what she was really afraid of was how Tamlin was doing--where he was. In the mortal lands, panicked and overwhelmed. Yes, she knew he could handle himself. But it made her extremely uneasy regardless. She hopes that she didn't push the ruse too hard, that he wasn't sick from having to pretend with her.

Tamlin...where the hell did you go?

She lets out and breath, and looks down alleys as she passes, worry twisting her insides into a pretzel.

[springcourthighlady]

"Oh.." Briar says softly, scooping up the crying child and cuddling him close. "Shhh shh Caedin, we're right here. He's right here, lovey. Heyy," she coos, gently peppering him in kisses to calm him.

"We've got you," she whispers soothingly, beginning to sing to him softly, quietly, as she pets his hair. Her cheeks pinken with embarrassment as she does so, but she is extremely good at it.

She looks at Tamlin shyly as she calms the babe, her eyes still soft and understanding as he blinks in panic. She reaches over and squeezes his forearm, continuing to sing but sending him a look that seems to say, "It will be okay. Children cry on occasion. He hasn't been held in a long time, likely."

If You Were Me | Tamlin & Briar

@thehighlordofspring

Briar wakes slowly, feeling the slight plush of the bed beneath her, and her mind catches up with her surroundings.

The Inn. The mortal lands....he moved me back into the bed again. Dammit.

Eyes fluttering open, she looks around the room for the stubborn male, ready to give him a piece of her mind about how she didn't need the bed just because she's some fragile female.

When she realizes the room is empty, she sighs, sitting up slowly and rubbing her face.

I wonder if he dislikes my company that much or if he left for something important. He better not be getting into any trouble here...that's all we need.

Worry gnaws at her, taking over her slight irritation as she slips from the bed. She grabs a clean dress from her bag and moves into the adjoining bathroom, glad to have a proper shower again after days in the forest. She would have done so last night, but she was exhausted.

Stripping down, she steps into the enveloping warmth and lets the water run over her sore muscles as she tips her head back, letting out a soft contented noise.

[springcourthighlady]

Big spoon, little spoon

I was inspired and wanted to share 💚

Tamlin likes to hold you at night, it gives him a sense of peace and security. At the beginning, his protectiveness was an important factor in it. Whenever he would wake from one of his insidious nightmares about losing you - his mate - having you already wrapped up in his arms, sleeping safely and soundly, would be the biggest relief his wounded heart needed. Tamlin took comfort in the fact you were well, and lived a comfortable and happy life with what he provided for you, took comfort that you slept peacefully at night even when he couldn't somedays - most days, more than he would care to count.

However, like all winters, time passes. And after countless springs together, he still would hold you in the same way, no longer out of protectiveness only, but also merely for his joy. He slept well these days, the nightmares only rare occurances he did not dwell on, the quietness you brought to his life undeniable. Tamlin also didn't try to deny he was a cuddler that would sleep all night embracing you no matter how many years into your marriage, feeling your skin and scent all around him. He was a big spoon, he could say that, but there were still days he just need to be held in the same way.

He would not admit it, nor would he ask for it, with words at least - glimpses of proud High Lord still, you loved this stubborn male - but every now and then, when the day had been too rough, when past traumas got too near the surface of his healed but still scarred heart, he would quietly lay down next to you, and talk about his day. After, he would turn around - his back facing you, pleading invitation - and wait. He does not say it aloud, nor does he needed it, you know him better than your own reflex at the mirror.

This is the moment you quietly put your book down... arms around him, nose buried in his neck, hand stroking his soft hair, the same ritual of many seasons.

In those nights, Tamlin always fall asleep fast and deeply, and his last thoughts always revolves around how torturous the path he took before meeting you was, but how he would gladly take it again if it was the only way to you, contently embracing the tragedy before the final home of his heart - you.

In those nights Tamlin always dreams, and upon his awake, he remembers once again that even the deepest sorrow can be a distant memory. Especially in the arms of the greatest gift Mother has ever given him.

[springcourthighlady]

Elucien, Brilin, Jassa are the Spring IC. Calling it now.

I just realized something.

Feyre described the Inner Circle as her found family in Acomaf.

Nesta described Gwyn and Emerie as her chosen family

IT'S TIME FOR ELAIN to find her people, wherever they might be.

My wild guesses are:

Lucien/Spring/Band of Exiles AND

What about the wraiths? I don't think so, since they've already been spending time together. Unless they decide to travel with her and quit their job. They're friends, but it's not that deep connection we're looking for.

I'm secretly hoping for Helion and his entourage. Elain glowed with health.... just like them. 🌞 Helion has probably the hottest and greatest fae as his close friends/chosen family.

[springcourthighlady]

Briar wakes slowly about an hour later, stretching her limbs and groaning softly. Her eyes flutter open, and she squints slightly at the new blanket draped over her, a small smile coming to her lips.

She turns on the small lamp next to the bed and looks around the room, her eyes falling on a sleeping Tamlin, slumped against the far wall, a sword across his lap.

Slipping out of bed, she moves closer to him silently and allows her mind to clear, reaching for that well of magic inside of her and imagining Tamlin being the one cozy in bed. When she opens her eyes, she can hardly help her grin of victory, seeing him no longer on the floor, but on the bed with the blanket over him the way he had done for her, his sword propped against the wall.

One of the takeaway boxes is empty, so she grabs the other quietly, sitting on the floor, and beginning to eat. She peers over at Tamlin every so often, making sure he’s okay. She prays that he isn’t plagued by nightmares again, her chest squeezing at how frantic he was the last time.

“He deserves to be happy and free of those demons, not still plagued by them. He needs to face them...”

Once she finished eating, she ditches the container and runs to the restroom quietly before slipping back into the room. She grabs the thinner blanket and sits on the ground again, pulling it over her shoulders for the last half of the night. Her mind wanders to Caedin and Emma, wishing she could have held them in her arms for the night.

At least I’ll get to see them very soon. I will get to hold Lilly’s little boy very soon. My sweet nephew. My ward. Gods, how will I ever be able to be a mother? How am I even qualified? What if I’m not good enough?

She slips her arms out of the blanket and plays with some of her magic within her palms, the blue light swirling between them as she watches absently, soothing her own anxiety.

Figure You Out | Tamlin & Briar

Tamlin was exhausted and the rescue hadn’t even begun, yet he was thankful that lunch and a spot of vulnerability for his love for ducks had brought back Briar’s smile. He had never meant to seem judgmental — his guard over his heart was deeply instinctive. People trying to love him or disagree with him tended to make it rear up like a wild horse. Wild as a horse, shut tightly as a clam, sometimes Tamlin genuinely just wished he could be free to quack like a duck. Their lives were so…peaceful.

They approached the border as the sun was setting and Tamlin dismounted, remembering to help Briar off her horse. He could be firm and friendly. He didn’t have to feel the amount of emotions to show her kindness and respect. My mother wouldn’t be very happy with how I’d treated her before. She made me promise to not grow into my father.

To not be cold. To not be cruel.

He wasn’t cruel. Tamlin knew that; but cold? He was cold as ice. Warmth felt dangerous. Dangerous, yet inviting.

“I’ve made reservations at an inn nearby.” Tamlin placed his hands over his ears to glamor them into a human shape, before doing the same for her. He shifted his eyes from green to blue, shortened his height from a towering 6’6 to a more ordinary 6’2, and his away his intimidating physique. It had been built over centuries. It wasn’t something attainable to human beings. They were here and then they were gone.

His shoulders stiffened and he battled himself as he reached into his pocket and withdrew three rings. It would have been easy to conjur them, but he took marriage seriously — even fake ones. These were family jewels. They weren’t the most precious of stones, but they still carried his family name engraved in the smooth silver. Hawthorne-Sinclair.

He reached for her hand. “May I?”

[springcourthighlady]

THIIIIIIIIIISSSSSDD WTF ARE PEOPLE FUCKING ON!?!?!

its amazing how some people think of the hike as a cute little nature retreat where cassian took nesta out into the woods to clear her head and get away from everything. bro literally snatched her off the streets and forced her to hike till she collapsed from exhaustion and had a mental breakdown. cassian did not ''instinctively'' know it was what nesta needed because he is her mate, he wanted to punish her for disobeying rhysand. please stop trying to make it seem like he had her best interests in mind when he was straight up abusing her.

[springcourthighlady]

“Only those who care about you can hear you when you are quiet.”

— Kushandawizdom

[springcourthighlady]

Intimacy is not just experienced through sex. It's crying together. It's whispering late at night. It's talking about growing up and what used to scare you. It's going places that remind you of your childhood. It's feeling each other without touching. It's exchanging energy.

[springcourthighlady]

Saaame ^^^

i’m so fucking happy for you and your northern lights no i’m being serious congratulations man that’s awesome you really (clenching my fist so hard my bones creak) deserve it