#rowaelin kids

[tomtenadia]

Detours to you - 19

Hello all,

I am off on holidays to Lisbon tomorrow for a few days to celebrate my bday so I will leave you with a new chapter. It's Maya's bday too (she is a January girl like me).

Hope you will enjoy the fluff

MASTERLIST

A week elapsed and Maya’s birthday had finally arrived. They had waited until the Saturday for the celebrations and Aelin had closed the shop for a day so they could host the party there. They had invited her parents, Lys and Aedion, Elide was coming on her own since Lorcan was on shift, a few kids from the school that Maya liked and Rowan had the day off but was on call. Aelin just hoped nothing would interrupt the day. He needed a day of celebrations. His week had been hellish. She had accompanied him to the funeral of his three firefighters and had seen how broken he had been. Rowan had been grieving and had been so busy with the investigation that she worried about him. 

Now he was at home with Maya while she was at the bookshop getting it ready for the party.

They had gone for a mix theme of hockey and space. Rowan had started teaching her basic astronomy with the telescope he had gifted her and Maya had fallen in love with it.

A knock came at the front door and she saw her parents. Aelin invited them in with a hug “Hi mum, and dad.”

“Hi Aelin, where’s the birthday girl?”

“Rowan will bring her here as soon as I gave him the okay that the shop is ready.”

Evalin walked around the shop and looked at the decorations “This looks lovely.”

Rhoe looked at the space decorations and Aelin walked up to him “Rowan had been teaching her about the stars.”

“I know,” her father added “She is actually teaching me all about it now.”

Aelin laughed “she is teaching me too.”

“I brought a lot of biscuits and a cake too.” Added Evalin, showing her daughter the box she was carrying. 

Aelin grabbed the containers with food and placed them on the table that they had set up..

“Mum she will love your cake, it has the perfect level of chocolate.”

Evalin laughed “I also have a box for Rowan. I know he is not a fan of sweets so I made him the orange oatmeal biscuits that he loves so much.”

Aelin thanked her mother and she knew that she had always had a special place in her heart for Rowan.

Lysandra, Aedion and Elide arrived not long after together with the other few guests. She had texted Rowan that it was time to bring Maya. When later on he texted her that they had parked the car and walking to the shop, the group had switched off the lights and got ready for the surprise.

Rowan walked with his daughter on his hand and at the shop, he used the key Aelin had given him. As soon as they were inside, the darkness got replaced by a starry sky and slowly the people appeared and Aelin walked to her daughter and Rowan was at her side “Happy birthday, Maya.”

Maya hugged them both and then looked at the stars “mama your shop has stars.”

“Yes, baby, do you like it?”

“I love it so much.”

Slowly they turned up the lights and allowed her to see all the guests.

“Nana.” Maya ran to her grandparents.

“Happy birthday, my love, you are a big girl now.”

“Yes, nana I am six.” She proudly lifted her fingers.

Aelin encouraged the kids to gather in the children section where they had created a corner for them. She had also organised a story telling session with cake after the presents. But most of all, she was looking forward to see the present she got from her and Rowan. They had bought her first bike. She knew Maya was going to love it.

Rowan walked to her side “you have done a wonderful job with the bookshop. The starry sky  is perfect.”

Aelin leaned her head against his shoulder “You should see my mum’s hockey themed cake.”

“She will feel like the queen of the world today.” His arms wound around Aelin’s waist and pulled her closer “she is definitely my princess.”

“I found this young lady running around, does anyone know her?” Aedion was carrying Maya potato sack style and the girl giggled at her uncle antics “Dad save me, the dragon has taken me.”

Rowan laughed and followed the two, pretending to fight Aedion while he growled.

One of the mums walked at her side “He is so good to her.”

Aelin nodded while sipping her juice.

“You know that at school he has won the title of DILF, right?”

Aelin knew. The news had reached her and a lot of the mums had a crush on him. It had pissed her off to no end and she had been jealous too. Just as she was jealous of Lyria. The whole relationship between them was still very frail, they had not set on a label but she wanted to be possessive. Rowan was hers.

“I know and I hate it.”

“My husband was their target until Rowan came up. I know how you feel.”

“I hate them and that Remelle woman and her son caused so much grief to Maya.”

The woman gave a nervous laugh “I had my running ins with Remelle. She almost messed up my marriage with her lies.”

“Mama, we are opening presents!” Maya walked to her grabbing her hand to drag her where all the presents were gathered. 

The adults they all sat down and Aelin took Maya where all the gifts were, and started to hand out all the parcels. 

“Ok birthday girl, let’s open up a few present, shall we?”

Maya started jumping up all excited “Yes! Yes! I want the presents!”

They started with the ones from her school friends then it was then time of Elide and Lorcan who had bought her a pass for the observatory and then a limited edition jersey of the Stags. Maya ran to hug Elide. Lorcan could not be present because he was working  “Thank you auntie Elide. I love it.” 

“Mama, can I wear it?”

“Not yet, after cake maybe but not now. We don’t want to ruin it with chocolate.”

“Ok.”

Aelin placed the item of clothing aside and grabbed a present she knew was from Aedion and Lysandra. They had gifted her a super special edition book of Terrasen folktales and then her own hockey stick with the Stags colours.

Maya screamed happily and grabbed her stick swinging as if she was playing “I am playing hockey!”

They all laughed and Maya kept playing happily until Rowan pulled her back to attention for her grandparents presents who had given her a tent for her bedroom that had a space theme and then a projector for her bedroom so she could project the sky in her room.

“Nana and I thought they would be nice for the days you can’t go out in the garden. So you can have the sky in your room.”

Maya ran to her grandparents and hugged them tightly “Thank you.”

“Come on now, you have the last one from us.”

Maya walked back to her parents and Aelin and Rowan sat down beside her and Aelin handed her a small packet. When she struggled Rowan helped her opening it and she looked at her present with a curious face. Rowan lifted the passes “Maya, this is a ticket for a special event the Stag are doing and meeting the fans.”

Maya looked at her dad with big green eyes “Dorian too?”

Rowan caressed her face “yes baby, we are going to meet all the Stags again.”

She threw herself at her dad and Aelin moved closer brushing her back. They remained in silence while they cuddled their daughter then Rowan pulled back “we have one last surprise for you.” He passed Maya to her mum and walked at the back of the shop. When he came back he was pushing a green bicycle and Maya ran to him “Is it for me?”

“Of course,” he grabbed her hand and helped her sit on. The bike still had stabilisers and Rowan showed her how to use the pedals and within minutes Maya was cycling, with a fussy Rowan hovering over her.

“I think you guys topped her presents. Aeds and I tried to give her a cool one.”

“Lys, your presents were great as well.”

Lysandra stared at Rowan with Maya “He is so cute with her.”

Aelin nodded.

“So, are you getting married next?”

She chuckled “Elide asked me the same thing a while ago.”

“Because you both have made some strides and are improving, that is the next logical step.”

Aelin was silent for a moment “As I said to El, we are not there yet. For now, let’s all concentrate on your wedding.”

“Mama look, I am cycling.”

Aelin looked at her daughter on her bike and smiled. Rowan had approached her one day saying that Maya had mentioned about having a bike like the other kids. He said that he wanted to teach her and Aelin had agreed. She loved that Rowan had involved her too after the hockey classes fiasco. Classes that were going to start next week and their daughter was the most excited person ever. 

“You are doing so well, Maya.”

They were all in the middle of having cake when Rowan’s radio became alive. Everyone fell silent and he grabbed it running away to a quiet corner.

Aelin watched him with a tightness in her chest. She knew he was on call and that if an emergency happened he’d have to leave. She just hoped that for one day Orynth would have no drama so he’d be able to celebrate his daughter’s birthday in peace. It was the first one for him and she wanted it to be special for both.

He came back at the front and she knew from his face that it was not good. She had forgotten how easily she could read his expressions “What is it?”

“I need to go. I am sorry.”

Aelin hugged him tightly “Be careful, please.” A soft whisper against his neck, the scent of pine and snow soothing her soul “Come back to me. To us.”

Rowan kissed her on her lips and pulled back, kneeling in front of Maya “I have to go to work and help people.” His heart broke at Maya’s wobbly lip “I will see you later at home, baby.”

Maya threw her arms around him and softly sobbed.

“Happy birthday, my love.”

Rowan then forced himself to stand and take a step towards the door. He cast a last glance at the party and then walked out in a run.

Aelin watched Rowan go.

There was an ache in her chest. An ancient fear rising in her. It was the anguish she had felt when he was on active duty and a regular firefighter. Waiting for him to come home after his shift and knowing he was safe. Aelin had accepted the dangers of his job the day she had confessed him she was in love with him. 

Gods, she loved him. She had to tell him. She let him go to his job without telling that she loved him.

Aelin prayed Mala to bring him back to her.

I will come back to you.

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[theladyofdeath]

Hi! Could you please write a fall prompt where the parents have to take their kids Halloween costume shopping?

Written with @snelbz :) Happy Halloween!

Aelin watched Rowan stare at a rack of costumes in utter distaste. She found it cute, even though his nose was scrunched and his eyes were narrowed, his lips pursed. Their daughter, seventeen years old, grabbed two different costumes off that rack and went into the dressing room to try them on.

“Dad!”

The sound of their son’s voice broke Rowan out of his staring contest with the Wonder Woman costume that had him seeing red. He turned around and gave Devlin his best smile. “What’d you find?”

At nine years old, Devlin was into everything that connected him to video games. “I can’t decide between Mario or Peely.”

Rowan blinked. “Peely?”

Devlin rolled his eyes. “The banana from Fortnite. Gods, dad.”

With that, he walked away, back towards the aisle he’d been getting lost in. Rowan watched him go.

“Better catch up on your gamer lingo,” Aelin chimed, striding towards him with her head cocked to the side.

Rowan looked back at the women’s costumes and shook his head. “At least we only have one trying to show every damn inch of them.” He pulled a nurse costume off the rack and held it up. “Does this even go past their belly buttons? We’re about to toss her into a sea of teenage boys—”

“Iris can look after herself,” Aelin promised, chuckling at the costume. “Besides, she’s a teenager. It’s perfectly normal.”

Rowan’s jaw locked as he slung the costume back onto the rack. “It’s normal for her to want to give me a heart attack? Great. Good to know.”

“If memory serves, the cat costume I wore to our first Halloween party didn’t leave much to the imagination either,” she mused, stepping up to the rack and flipping through them. 

Slutty bunny, slutty cop, slutty pineapple.

“That was different,” Rowan muttered, his eyes darting back to the changing rooms. “You weren’t showing nearly as much skin and your father—”

“Is dead?” She asked, quirking an eyebrow as she picked a costume out of the rack and headed over to the men’s costumes. With a laugh at her husband’s scandalized face, she began searching for a compliment to the one she’d selected for herself. “Besides, it was tight enough that it made up for how much was on display.”

Rowan remembered, gods, he did. He’d always thought cat suits were cheesy, a silly getup. Then he’d seen Aelin in one, her blonde hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail. He remembered how he’d reacted to seeing her in that costume. “If you’re trying to make me feel better, it isn’t working,” he mumbled, just as Devlin ran down the aisle, a green…blob in his hand.

This time, Rowan at least recognized it.

With just a shake of his father’s head, Devil came screeching to a halt. “You were a Creeper last year, pick something else.”

He huffed, letting the costume package fall to the side. “But—”

“But what, Devlin Rian?” Aelin asked, a hand on her hip and an eyebrow raised.

His shaggy blonde hair hid his eyes as he turned around and headed back down the hall, quietly mumbling something that sounded like “Creepers are the best.”

They watched him disappear before Rowan turned back to his wife. “I don’t want to dress up this year.”

“I don’t care what you want to do,” Aelin clarified, turning back to the rack of men’s costumes and flipping through them, one by one. “We’re taking Devy trick-or-treating. You can’t be boring.”

Rowan sighed but accepted his fate as he crossed his arms and stared at the closed dressing room door. “Shit, how long does it take to put on a costume?”

As if she read his mind, the dressing room door opened and his teenage daughter stepped out. She was beaming, dressed in a scandalous Wonder Woman costume.

Rowan couldn’t breathe.

“No. Nope. Hell no.”

Iris’ smile faltered. She had taken her silver hair out of its ponytail and hung it over her shoulders, but even it could not hide the amount of cleavage she was showing. “What?”

“If you’re wearing that, you’ll be wearing a matching sweater,” Rowan said, shaking his head. “You wear more at the beach.”

Iris gaped. “I do not! Mom!”

Ugh, that tone. Since entering her teenage years, Rowan had heard that tone far too often. It only pissed him off more. “Don’t call for mom. You’re not wearing that.”

“I think she looks cute.” 

Rowan shot a glare at his wife who was watching their daughter with a smile, a costume of a knockoff Indiana Jones in her hands.

Rowan’s lips thinned. “I’m not wearing that.”

Iris scoffed. “You’re such a killjoy!”

She slammed the dressing room door shut, locking herself inside.

Aelin turned to her husband. “You really are, you know. Need help getting that stick out of your ass?”

Their voices were hushed, keeping their conversation from their children and the other customers, but anyone who saw the two would know to stay the hell out of the way.

He seethed, “I wouldn’t want you wearing that out in public, much less our teenage daughter.”

“She is seventeen, Ro, not seven.” Infuriating him further, she turned her back to him and kept picking through the costumes. Fine, if he didn’t want to be Indiana Jones, she’d pick a different costume for him. “Iris is nearly a woman now. She has hips and breasts—”

“By the wyrd, I’m aware of that, you don’t need to remind me,” he snapped, dragging a hand down his face.

“She’s almost eighteen, almost an adult, but she’s got a good head on her shoulders.” She faced him again and took his hand. The fact that he didn’t pull it away was a good sign, so she stepped closer and laced her fingers through his. “We raised her, Ro. We know who she is. She’s a smart girl.”

Rowan knew his wife was right, but he also knew how eighteen-year-old boys operated. His voice was guarded as he said, “Even smart girls make the wrong choices.”

Aelin’s eyes softened. They’d been eighteen when she found out she was pregnant with Iris, just a few months into their freshman semester at the University of Terrasen. It hadn’t been wrong choices that had brought the most beautiful baby girl into their life, but it had been stupid ones.

It took eight years, two college degrees, and a disgustingly lavish wedding before they decided the time was right for another. Rowan loved both of them equally, yet at the same time, in a wholly different way. Yes, Devlin was his son, the one who would continue not only his blood, but the Whitethorn name, but Iris was his first born.

His baby girl.

And no matter how smart she was, she was going to a Halloween party full of eighteen-year-old boys.

He sighed, squeezing Aelin’s hand in his. “I’m not suggesting she dress like a nun, though I have seen a couple options in case she—ow!” Rowan laughed as Aelin smacked him, then wrapped her in his arms. “I’m kidding, Ace. I get it, I do, she’s growing up. I just…” He looked over Aelin’s shoulder to a display where the very same costume looked obscene even on a mannequin. “That’s a lot of skin.”

Aelin couldn’t disagree. “Telling her she can’t wear it will only make her want to wear it more.”

“Stubborn like her mother,” Rowan mumbled, before leaning down to kiss her softly, quickly.

“Okay. This is it. I’m tired of looking.”

The two looked over to find Devlin approaching, an exasperated look on his little face. He was carrying a simple ninja costume and a set of nunchucks.

Rowan lifted a brow. “Not going with your gamer theme, buddy?”

“They don’t have any of the ones I was looking for.” He frowned, pure defeat lacing his features. “This is fine.”

Aelin smiled up at her husband before guiding Devlin away. “Come on. Let’s take one last look.”

Once they disappeared, Rowan waited for the dressing room to open once again. Iris liked to take her time in everything that she did and this was no exception. 

Rowan would be patient, though. 

While he waited, he let his eyes drift back to the hun costume on the mannequin across the store. He wondered if Iris would at least try it on.

Before he could think on it further, the dressing room door opened and Iris stepped out.

This time, she wore a scantily pieced together little red riding hood.

At least it had a cloak.

Rowan ground his teeth. “That looks…nice.”

Iris lifted a silver brow. “Nice?”

Rowan gave her a curt nod.

Iris sighed, loudly and dramatically. “I suppose that’s the best compliment I’m going to get out of you.” 

“Just get dressed and lets go,” Rowan said, trying to keep his voice neutral. “It’s getting late.”

Iris frowned and turned around to look in the mirror. “If you hate it that much, dad, I just won’t—“

“No.” Rowan sighed, shaking his head. “No, it’s fine.”

“It’s just a costume,” Iris protested, meeting Rowan’s eye in her reflection. 

“I know,” he said, and hesitated as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Look, I know that I overreact but you can’t blame me. I was seventeen once. Eighteen. At eighteen, I was sitting in a hospital, watching you be born.” Iris played with the hem of her cloak as he spoke. “I know how all this goes. I know your clothes don’t dictate what boys do. I know that you wearing that won’t knock you up, alright? I get that. It just…reminds me that you’re growing up. And I’m not always ready for you to be growing up.”

She winced slightly, as if she didn’t want to be having this conversation either, but then her eyes lit up and, despite getting his coloring, she looked so much like her mother that Rowan paled a bit. “Did mom wear a slutty costume when she was my age, too?”

Rowan turned from the changing rooms and shook his head. “We’re not talking about this.”

Quick footsteps and then she was squeezing his arm as she tugged him back. “She did! What was it? Mom used to be hot, I’m sure she had a great costume.”

“Used to be?” Rowan and Iris turned, finding Aelin approaching, Devlin not far behind. “I’m thirty-five, not fifty. Moms in their thirties can still be hot.”

“Damn right, they can,” Rowan murmured. 

Both Iris and Devlin grimaced, but Aelin looked her daughter up and down. “I like it. The cloak is dramatic.” She turned to Rowan, a sculpted, blonde eyebrow raised. “What do you think, dad?”

Rowan looked at his daughter again, at the young woman she was becoming, who would forge her own path one day. “I think you look beautiful, sweetheart.”

He could have sworn he saw silver lining her turquoise-and-gold eyes before she looked away and headed for the dressing room.

Aelin gave Rowan a smile and a little wink before leading Devlin to the register, a little red riding hood costume in tow. Rowan waited until Iris was dressed and walked with her out of the store, his arm around her shoulder. 

[abruisedmuse]

Yeah, we never got Rowaelin babies. But we got Ace and Brann. Those boys, those attitudes, those personalities. Yeah that's a Rowaelin bloodline 😂 FOR SURE.

[sassyhobbits]

"strongest males in the world" to "house husbands" pipeline

i love the idea that, after the war and some kids, rowan and lorcan start to embrace the peace and allow themselves to relax and be soft for the first times in their lives. i hope everyone enjoys these as much as i do❤️

[azrielsbxtch]

Tabrett Bethell really gives me Celeana vibes…

It’s the way you can see the arrogance in her eyes😂I love it

[lovelysheree]

you’re really telling me i read 8 goddamn books and there’s NO EPILOGUE????

[leiawritesstories]

blood-soaked gown

*clears throat nervously* Welcome to this You're On Your Own, Kid-inspired oneshot! (@house-of-galathynius it's angst monster playtime)

word count: 2.5k

warnings: language, Arobynn, business talk, drunkenness, violence, blood, miscarriage, angst

enjoy (?)

I looked around in a blood-soaked gown

And I saw something they can't take away

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Remind me why exactly we're here again?" Aelin Whitethorn Galathynius whispered into her husband's ear, slipping him a covert little wink.

Rowan's lips twitched with the effort of keeping his polite expression in place. "The usual--workplace expectation, family expectation, you know the drill."

"Ah, the perils of being born into a disgustingly rich family," Aelin murmured, squeezing his arm. "First chance I get, though..."

"I'll be right beside you," her husband promised. "Gods, I might hate these damn parties worse than you."

She chuckled. "That's because you weren't brought up to schmooze, Ro."

"Poor me," he whispered, his voice dropping low. "Having to sip drinks and serve as arm candy for my gorgeous wife all night long."

"You've got a few more uses than that," she teased, winking.

His smirk set fire to the embers pooled low in her belly. "Allow me to show you just that, my love."

"After the dinner, buzzard," she reminded him, giggling softly at his frustrated grumble.

"Fine," he conceded. "But if this thing drags on...we're leaving."

Aelin grinned. "I'll make my excuses." Smoothing one hand down the fine, lustrous silk of her formal gown, the deep pine hue perfectly paired with her husband's eyes, she redirected Rowan over towards the beckoning circle of her parents and a few of their business associates.

"Aelin!" Evalin exclaimed warmly, welcoming her daughter into the cluster of elegantly dressed, fabulously rich business aficionados. "You look stunning, my dear."

"Thank you," Aelin smiled, painting a charming smile across her face despite the faint nausea lingering in the back of her throat and pit of her stomach.

Probably because Arobynn Hamel was there.

A longtime business associate of her parents', Arobynn had long been known to have near-infinite wealth and almost as much affinity for eyeing young women. Aelin had first been introduced to the red-haired man at a gala she'd attended with her parents when she was fifteen. She'd immediately internally recoiled from his oily leer and the way his hand lingered on hers a little too long. And each time she came to a business function, she grew a little more disgusted by the man.

But his apparently endless wealth was well tied into Ashryver-Galathynius Realty, so she gave Arobynn Hamel the same cool, professionally detached treatment she gave to every other business partner and client with whom she met.

"Congratulations, Ms. Galathynius," Arobynn purred, tipping his whiskey glass at her. Aelin's blood froze solid for a moment, until he continued. "Closing that deal with the Cortlands is a remarkable achievement."

Right. The Cortland deal. Aelin inclined her head, smiling modestly. "Well, after enough time, even the Cortlands realized how much of an asset to their business it would be to partner with us."

The Cortlands were an old-money family who'd long been established in the banking business, and they had been Aelin's clients for several months as they looked into purchasing a new property in the sleek new business district in South Orynth. The only catch? They had been trying their very best to swindle one of the company's associates into buying the property for a ridiculously low price, until Aelin stepped in and told Sam Cortland in very few words where he and his dynasty could shove their offer.

Nearly seven months after the Cortlands had approached AG Realty, Aelin had closed a deal on the property, shaking hands with Sam and restraining her triumphant smirk to a pleased smile. That had been a mere week or so ago, so of course the firm and its associates would be hearing about it.

"I'm sure the Cortlands will be a wonderful asset," she added, flicking a knowing glance at her parents.

Rhoe grinned. "My fearsome daughter."

She chuckled. "Hardly, Dad. People are just scared of a woman who knows what she's talking about."

"Quite the threat indeed," Arobynn offered, his gaze a few shades more than could be considered polite.

Aelin restrained herself from stepping on his foot with her stiletto heel as she made her excuses, noticing Elide beckoning her from a short distance away. "Thank you," she murmured to her friend, giving the petite brunette a quick hug.

"Anything to save you from that creep," Elide returned, flicking the blonde a knowing glance. "Having fun, Whitethorn?"

"Shut up," Rowan mumbled, taking a larger-than-necessary swallow of his drink.

Aelin chuckled, sliding her hand back around her husband's arm. "He always has the time of his life at these lovely little parties." She pecked a kiss onto his cheek. "Love, will you get me a drink?"

Thankful to have something to do besides pretend he could tolerate anybody except his wife and the few friends in the room, Rowan strolled over to the bar, pouring Aelin a glass of sparkling cider. Why she preferred to drink something nonalcoholic at these functions, he didn't entirely know.

Though he suspected it may have something to do with how tense she always was around Arobynn Hamel and his disgusting roving eye.

"Here you are, love."

"Thank you." She stole a quick kiss, making Elide flutter her lashes and coo.

"Aww, look at the lovebirds!"

"Quiet," Aelin laughed, "you and that hulking brute of yours are just as bad."

Elide snickered. "It's not my fault Lorcan's a big old softie."

"Bet that's not what you call him in bed," Aelin smirked.

Her friend's face went scarlet. "Aelin!" she whisper-shrieked, smacking the blonde's shoulder. "No!"

"Girls' night never lies," Aelin crooned.

"And what happens at girls' night stays at girls' night," Elide retorted.

"All right, all right." Aelin raised her drink in concession. "I won't say anything else about you and Salvaterre being all sappy." Out of the corner of her eye, she caught yet another senior business partner motioning to her, and sighed. "Once more unto the breach."

"Do you--"

She shook her head, squeezing Rowan's hand. "It's just Darrow and a few of his associates, you can stay here and keep Elide and Lorcan company."

"Thank the gods," Rowan mumbled.

She just chuckled, kissed his cheek, and strolled over to meet Darrow and the few men with him, greeting the man who'd been her business advisor for many years affectionately. "So you need some young ears, hmm?"

"I'm not a fossil yet," Darrow fake-sighed, the lines around his eyes crinkling as he smiled at her. "We just wanted to congratulate you on the Cortland deal."

"Ah, don't make such a fuss about it," she smiled.

The older gentleman shook his head wryly. "Always downplaying your achievements, young one." He patted her shoulder. "Mrs. Whitethorn Galathynius here managed to rope the Cortlands themselves into a deal with AG Realty, can you believe it?"

"Impressive." Dorian Havilliard's dark brows shot up. "And you managed to do this in under two years?"

Aelin laughed quietly. She and the younger Havilliard--a brilliant civil defense attorney--had been friends since they were young. "Seven months, give or take a few days."

Dorian whistled. "Congratulations, then!" He raised his glass to her. "I argued a case for old Cortland several years ago, and let me tell you, the amount of demands that man had almost drove my partners insane."

"Oh, stop flattering me," she laughed, but raised her glass anyway. "Thank you, Dorian."

He winked. "Anything for the future of Orynth's commercial real estate."

She chatted with Dorian, Darrow, and a couple of others for a short while before Evalin came and stole her away to speak with the senior associates of AG Realty. Aelin caught Rowan's eye as she walked with her mother.

Need me? his raised eyebrow asked.

I'll be fine, she returned. Keep Lorcan from drinking too much, yeah?

Will do, Fireheart.

So Aelin sipped on her sparkling cider and chatted with the senior associates and her parents, discussing a few upcoming clients and whether or not they should accept some of the offers that poured in daily. Most notably, Arobynn Hamel was considering buying yet another property in the industrial district.

What that man wanted with so many warehouses, Aelin couldn't even begin to imagine.

"I don't see any reason why we shouldn't move forward with that deal," Rhoe mused. "He's always been a credible buyer, never misses payments or defaults on anything."

"What about the..." Evalin lowered her voice, keeping their conversation private. "What about that article?"

Two weeks ago, the Orynth Journal, which was admittedly a tabloid at best, had published an article that almost instantly went viral. In it, they claimed to have evidence linking Arobynn Hamel and his holdings in the industrial district to an international drug trafficking ring. Of course, since it was tabloid journalism, the reliability of this "evidence" had to be questioned, but still--was there any truth to it?

When privately questioned, Arobynn had--of course--denied all of it, maintaining his sleek professional exterior and, apparently, putting AG Realty enough at ease that they decided to dismiss the rumors as the workings of the tabloids. Aelin still had her suspicions, given that the man was a certified creep, but she deferred to her parents' judgment. She wouldn't raise too many questions, not unless some new information that cast true suspicion onto Arobynn came into light.

"We agreed that was all tabloid nonsense," Darrow reminded Evalin, though there was a hint of concern buried in his keen gaze.

"I know," Evalin sighed. "Very well, then. We can negotiate the deal with him when--"

"FUCK OFF!" The slurred yell completely shattered the elegant mood of the evening.

Horrified, everyone whirled around, finding Arobynn Hamel with a half-empty bottle of Scotch clutched in his hand, a glazed sheen of obvious drunkenness in his eyes and a sneer on his face.

His yell had been directed at Dorian, who held up his hands in a placating gesture. "No, Mr. Hamel, you misunderstand! I am not--I would never accuse you of anything illicit without proof!"

"Fuckin' lyin' lawyers," Arobynn growled, anger flaring in his posture.

Slowly, Dorian backed away from Arobynn, careful not to say anything lest he set off the drunk man's rage. Just as slowly, a few others approached Arobynn, gingerly offering to make him another drink, to get him some water, anything to defuse the situation.

"Don't fucking offer me water, you cock!" Arobynn snarled, whirling sharply about to rage at Darrow, who'd made that offer.

CRASH!

In his clumsy turnaround, Arobynn smashed the bottle of Scotch against the bar top, littering shards of broken glass atop the bar and leaving him with a broken bottle top clutched in his hand.

"Mr. Hamel--"

As if realizing he now held a weapon, Arobynn brandished the broken bottle at Darrow, all semblance of sanity drained out of his wild eyes. "Fuck off, Darrow."

"Arobynn." Aelin broke into the tense standoff, matching the drunk man's crazed look with her steel will. "Put down the bottle, gods dammit!"

"Don't tell me what to do, bitch," Arobynn snarled.

Aelin's glare intensified. "You want your new warehouse, don't you?"

A brief, charged moment of silence.

"Bitch," Arobynn hissed, but he released the bottle.

CRASH. It shattered all over the floor, shards splintering up into the air and clinking in discordant symphony against the polished marble flooring.

Aelin winced as something bumped into her stomach--probably just a stray elbow as everyone around Arobynn collectively rushed backwards, out of range of the glass. Behind her back, she gave the prearranged signal to her parents, clasping her fingers together.

Call security.

The building's security personnel were in the room only minutes later, swiftly and efficiently subduing Arobynn and escorting him out, most likely to spend a night in the loving embrace of the Orynth Police Department.

"Everyone all right?" Aelin asked, brushing her hands against her gown, feeling the oddest sticky-wet sensation. Huh. Probably liquor from the mess.

Nods and murmurs of "yes, I'm okay," rippled through the guests.

Until Dorian gasped sharply, his sapphire gaze trained on Aelin's stomach. "Fuck!"

"What?" She glanced down at her gown, wondering what the hell had gotten into her friend.

And gasping, the color draining from her face.

Apparently, it hadn't been an elbow bumping into her, but a stray shard of broken glass.

Her breath breaking, shuddering, Aelin touched her fingertips to the warmth spreading over her stomach and pulled them away slowly, almost unable to believe the dripping crimson stain. Blood, some faraway part of her brain realized. My blood.

And as her legs quavered and failed beneath her, Aelin Whitethorn Galathynius could only form one thought. Her eyes shot across the room to a lock onto the pine green gaze latched onto her, her heart constricting at the sheer depth of shock and pain etched into her husband's eyes.

“Rowan…”

The only thing she could think, the only thing keeping her rooted to the ground as she splayed one hand over her stomach, over the thick dark pool of blood welling there, the scarlet stain seeping into the fine silk of her evening gown.

“Rowan….I’m pregnant.”

And then everything went black.

~

Aelin blinked awake slowly, like she was rising up from a bath of molasses, her head fuzzy and disoriented. Slowly, the room around her came into focus--an IV coiling out of her arm, the steady beep of machines tracking her heart rate and pulse and oxygen level, the slightly uncomfortable bed, the cotton fabric against her skin, the firm warm pressure of Rowan's hand in hers.

She was in the hospital.

"Rowan," she croaked, her voice a bare rasp, turning her head to meet his broken gaze. "Ro..."

"You're going to be okay, Fireheart," he rasped, not bothering to try and mask the tears choking his face, his voice.

Ignoring the agony that sliced through her whole self, she gripped his hand and swung herself out of the bed, suddenly desperate, flattening her other hand atop her stomach. "Our baby, Rowan," she gasped.

Her husband's veneer of calmness cracked, splitting down the seams, and his shoulders heaved with a choked sob. "They--Aelin, they said you--miscarried." He could barely get the last words out.

"No." She shook her head, dropped his hand, wrapped her arms around her middle reactively, protectively. Her whole body screaming with the effort, with the pain, she took one searing step after another until she reached the mirror over the sink and stared into her pale, shell-shocked reflection.

Familiar heat bloomed at her stomach, her disoriented stumbling having torn her stitches, letting the deathly rose of her blood bloom across her abdomen. The blood seeped through the bandages, through the thin cotton hospital gown, soaking her hands with the heat of her own life.

Words failing her, Aelin stared at herself in the mirror, captivated and horrified by the broken, bleeding woman who stared back, a chasm of unspeakable pain yawning in her eyes.

And as the nurses who'd come rushing when Rowan pressed the call button caught her, murmuring soothing words into her ear, and injected something that slowed her pulse to drugged sleep into her IV drip, Aelin tilted her head back and released a scream that clawed up and out of her throat from the shattered coffin of her womb.

They can't take my child. The last thing she remembered thinking before the pull of the sedative claimed her.

They will never take my child.

~~~

A/N: if you thought bit at the end resembled Rhaenyra in HOTD no it didn't ;))

~~~

TAGS (please lmk if you want to be added/removed!)

@charlizeed

@cretaceous-therapod

@clea-nightingale

@autumnbabylon

@nerdperson524

@fireheartwhitethorn4ever

@morganofthewildfire

@rowanaelinn

@wesupremeginger

@stardelia

@shanias-world

@mybloodrunsblue

@swankii-art-teacher

@wordsafterhours

@cookiemonsterwholovesbooks

@violet-mermaid7

@holdthefrickup

@goddess-aelin

@rowaelinismyotp

@dealfea

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@elentiyawhitethorn

@live-the-fangirl-life

@darling-im-the-queen-of-hell

@chronicchthonic14

@lovely-dove-zee

@sweet-but-stormy

@hanging-from-a-cliff

@jorjy-jo

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@throneofus7

@elizarikaallen

@llyncooljones

@booknerdproblems

@julemmaes

@earthtolinds

[talkfantasytome]

Elf on a Shelf

Rowan and Aelin love the Elf on a Shelf tradition. Because isn't life more fun when you make everything a competition?

Warnings: None | Word Count: 2,485 | Read on AO3 | ToG Masterlist

Happy Yulemas @julemmaes!!! Hope you enjoy! 💕 Your comments on what you like were really helpful! Though, admittedly, I did actually start an entirely different story that, after about 2k+ words written, I realized was not going to hit your asks as much as I wanted to. 🙈 I so rarely write established relationships and stuff with kids, so really hope I did it justice here for you! 💕

Rowan paused to admire the bouncing locks of golden hair. Their soft curl swayed with Aelin's head as she finished cleaning the dishes.

It was the perfect view after the struggle of putting their girls to bed.

He'd literally had to fight Ollie into her pajamas, and Ellie refused to leave the bathtub until the water began to chill. And then came the saga of the prune-fingers. It took the promise of an extra story to keep her from screaming and sobbing about the wrinkles until Aelin came up.

For such an ardent believer of Santa Claus, she sure was skeptical when Rowan promised her fingers would be back to normal in the morning.

But, after two stories and extra bedtime kisses, the twin girls were snuggled in their beds, silver-star night light on, and a bell hung on the shut door to ensure they didn't sneak out again.

That was something they'd started the year before, after one too many nights catching their girls sneaking down stairs to try and catch the elf leaving to report to Santa. It worked most nights, though on Christmas Eve all bets were off. Last year they told the girls that Santa would take back the presents if they caught him - it didn't stop them. Rowan and Aelin still hadn't figured out what they'd try this year to keep them in their room.

Smiling to himself, Rowan tiptoed toward his wife. Ever so carefully, he wrapped his arms around her waist and bent down, resting his chin on her shoulder.

"Surely the dishes are clean enough," he sighed, giving her a quick kiss on the neck.

Aelin chuckled softly leaning back against him. "Blame the man who cooks using a thousand pots and pans."

"You weren't complaining when you helped yourself to seconds of tonight's pasta."

Finishing with the last dish and turning off the sink, Aelin pivoted in his arms and breathed, "Well, it was very good." She grinned widely at him and brought her arms up to his shoulder, linking her hands behind his neck.

Aelin leaned in closer and a tingle traveled down Rowan's spine. "Are you ready?" she whispered into his ear.

Rowan grinned widely at her. "Close your eyes." She gave those bright, turquoise irises a big roll before adhering to the request.

They detached and Rowan went to grab the elf. The silver-haired elf - bought by Aelin specifically for him because it matched his hair - was still laying in a banana suit by the bananas. A masterful placement. It had taken the girls all morning before school to find him. They were actually almost late because of it. But that always seemed to happen when it was Aelin's turn to hide the elf.

No matter what, his wife always thought of the perfect spot to place the elf. Each one harder to find than the last. They'd been timing every morning, and literally each time she hid the elf, the time to find increased. Rowan's, on the other hand, had been decreasing.

Ollie found it in less than five minutes the day before.

He thought he'd been so clever, hiding the elf in plain sight, but not in a typical spot. The glass cabinet where they keep their glassware seemed perfect. It only holds the fancy glasses, and sits over a part of the kitchen counter only used when he's using the mixer. No one spends much time over there. He'd snuggled the elf comfortably into a crystal bowl they had, making him look like he was laying in a tub, and that was that.

Aelin still wasn't letting him live it down.

"I don't know why you bother!" she called from where she stood in the kitchen, a hand over her eyes to keep her from peeking. "You'll never find a better hiding spot than me."

"Yeah, yeah," Rowan mumbled as he made his way toward the tree.

There was a good chance Aelin was right. She was a genius at this, especially considering their main rule: the elf's face - at the least - must be visible without moving or needing to open any items. No hiding him in the refrigerator or the stockings, or underneath the mail. It made the task exceedingly difficult, as every idea Rowan came up with seemed obvious to him.

But not tonight. Tonight he was sure he had the right idea.

Getting on a step stool and reaching up, Rowan adjusted the elf so that it was hugging the star atop their tree from behind, the little head poking out between two of the points. It took him a minute to get the arms and legs just right, but when he stepped back it looked perfect.

The tree was large enough that, even with a stool, only Rowan was tall enough to reach the top. And with the elf having hidden on the tree just a few days before, he was certain the girls wouldn't think to look there again so soon. Plus, the tree was decorated with bright, colorful lights and big, flashy ornaments - a lot of distractions to get past before one's eyes would reach the star.

Ever so carefully, Rowan folded up and put the step stool away. He then tiptoed past the kitchen and began stomping and opening and closing doors loudly on the other side of the house, near one of the powder rooms and his office. Just in case she was listening closely.

Only after he made a proper raucous did Rowan make his way back into the kitchen. "All done."

"You know you don't have to try and trick me. I'm allowed to know where you hid the elf," she teased.

Rowan chuckled softly and leaned his hands on the counter as he threw back, "Alright, tell me where you're going to put it tomorrow night, then."

Her turquoise eyes narrowed at him, marking the shit-eating grin he was wearing. Aelin pursed her lips and crossed her arms like a stubborn child. He only smiled wider, stepping toward her and wrapping his arms around her waist. "I don't know yet."

"I'll make you a deal. You tell me tomorrow night, and I'll tell you the next."

"You're such a child," she sighed. Rowan went to open his mouth, but before he could say anything she added, "And if you say 'takes one to know one', I'm going to eat the rest of the chocolate-hazelnut ice cream and keep you up all night." She held an extended pointer finger toward him to emphasize her point.

Leaning down, Rowan brushed his lips against hers. "That wouldn't be the worst thing."

Slapping her hand lightly against his chest, Aelin groaned, "Then I'll send you straight to bed now. No dessert."

Rowan pushed his lower lip out, but could barely hold the pout, a laugh breaking through as Aelin held her 'stern' face. She was always so adorable when pretending to be mad at him. Actual anger was another story, but this - she reminded him of a kitten. He gave her a quick kiss to the top of her head and then walked to the refrigerator.

"How about we meet in the middle?" he suggested, bending over to open the freezer and pull out the ice cream. "Eat a normal amount of ice cream, and maybe we do some present wrapping. We've got a lot to wrap this year."

"Only because you spoil the girls."

"We spoil them," he argued. "I wasn't the one who bought Ollie that fancy doll house, or that massive track for the toy cars for Ellie."

Aelin shook her head and snagged the ice cream carton from Rowan. "And I didn't buy them each little cars they can actually drive."

"You know as well as I do that I couldn't just get one. Could you imagine the chaos and fighting?"

He watched his wife scoop some ice cream into a bowl as she huffed out a laugh. The corner of her lips curled slightly, a secret agreement. Rowan couldn't help himself. He sidled close to her and stroked her cheek gently. "You gave birth to two little Aelin-clones," he whispered, unable to hide his own smile.

She leaned into the touch, her eyes finding his. As Rowan always did, he dove headfirst into her gaze, into the sparkling waters and golden ring of sand. It warmed his entire body, gazing into Aelin's stare, and by the flush in her cheeks, he knew it was doing the same to her. It was enough to freeze him in place, his mind wandering to all the things he could be doing with and to his wife at that moment. But she'd never forgive him for letting her ice cream go to waste.

"You're right. I would never have let Aedion drive it if we'd been given a car like that as kids," she admitted.

"I know." He gave her cheek one last stroke and then stepped away, putting the carton of ice cream away and grabbing out the whipped cream for her as she grabbed the chocolate syrup from the cabinet. "You know, ice cream can be great without all the toppings."

"Says the man who only ever eats plain vanilla bean. Ice cream is always better as a sundae." She all but dumped the bottle of syrup onto the ice cream, and then topped it with an exuberant whipped cream swirl.

Twelve years together. Nine years married. Aelin still hasn't gotten over Rowan's distaste for most sweets. There was even a moment when they were first dating when Rowan thought it was going to be a deal-breaker…until Aelin told him he was being an idiot and she'd just have to learn how to enjoy all the sweets being for her.

What a sacrifice.

He put the whipped cream back in the fridge and then grabbed the bowl before Aelin could get a bite, eliciting a rather loud protest from Aelin. "In the living room."

Using the ice cream, he led his wife through the house, setting the bowl down on an end table next to their plush sofa. Rowan then got to work, grabbing the wrapping paper and gifts out from the closet under the stairs. They were going to need to find a better hiding spot. Or get a high-security lock for it. Rowan doubted they had more than a year or two before their girls started actively searching for their gifts.

It was slow work, wrapping the gifts. He was never satisfied unless the folds and corners were absolutely perfect. But it was better doing it alone. Aelin's presents always looked like…well, like their daughters had wrapped them. Even when she added a big bow to try and hide the imperfections. Easier to just have him do it, than to end up wasting paper when he'd inevitably re-do the gifts she wrapped.

"What a great way to end the night," Aelin sighed as Rowan cut down a roll of paper. "Ice cream and a view."

"Glad I can entertain."

"Mmmm." Rowan chuckled at Aelin's hum and then looked over his shoulder, his wife's eyes drooping.

By the time he'd finished with the gift, she was fast asleep. A bit of quick cleanup and re-hiding the gifts, and Rowan was holding Aelin close, carrying her up to their room.

He had to wake her up to get her into her pajamas, but within another five minutes she was dressed and in bed, passed out to the world.

Rowan watched her as he brushed his teeth. And when he came back into the bedroom after changing into his own pajama pants, he walked to her side first. Her hair was sprawled out across the pillow, but her features were relaxed. No worry lines or furrowed brows, no noticeable cares in her cheeks, no worries at her lips. He wished he could know what was going on in her head while she slept. It must've been glorious.

He brushed some of her hair out of her face and then walked around the bed to his side. He snuggled in close to her, wrapping his arms around her as he spooned Aelin. She probably couldn't feel him at this point, but that didn't stop him from giving her a quick kiss on her shoulder before resting his head on his pillow and letting sleep take him, too.

Rowan was still heavy with sleep as he made his coffee the next morning.

Half-way through the mug, but it wasn't the caffeine that finally full woke him. It was the pitter patter of little feet running down the stairs.

He smiled to himself, slowly walking to meet his daughters by the stairs. He wanted to watch them frantically search the house. To hear the little complaints about needing to take a break from searching to get ready for school.

It was exciting. And he was getting his lips ready to grin widely at Aelin when-

"Oh my gosh, look how cute!" Ellie called as she stepped off the stairs and into the living room. "The elf is on the star!"

Rowan nearly dropped his mug as his girls crowded around the tree, staring up at the topper and the little elf attached to it. The back of those little blonde heads stared at him, the curls waving as the girls swayed and giggled, waving up at the elf.

He felt delicate arms snake around his waist and a kiss that couldn't hide her smirk against his back.

"How do they do that?" he whispered, still frozen in shock.

Two seconds. It took his daughters two damn seconds to find the elf.

Aelin chuckled against his shirt. "They're clever. Just like their dad."

"Cleverer than that, apparently," he huffed. He glared up at the stupid elf, and he could've sworn it was mocking him. That little smile was just a taunt, reminding him he absolutely sucked at hiding the elf.

Brushing her hands up Rowan's arms, Aelin said, "You'll get them next time."

Rowan shook his head. "Next time they'll probably find it in one second."

Moving around Rowan, Aelin was now in front of him, hands interlocked behind his neck, eyes soft as she looked into his. "Then next year. You have eleven months to plot out your hiding spots."

Rowan huffed out a laugh and leaned his forehead against hers, breathing in her lemon verbena scent like it was his source of life. "Next year. Or the year after that. Or the one after that. I've got all the time in the world to finally beat you at this."

"Our girls are going to grow out of this eventually."

"Then maybe we talk about having another," Rowan suggested softly, only realizing as he said it that it wasn't entirely a joke.

Aelin beamed brightly up at him and pushed herself onto her toes, bringing her lips to his. "Maybe we do."

@danibutterr @boredserpent @thestoriesyoutell @superspiritfestival @lemonade-coolattas @thegreyj @live-the-fangirl-life @morganofthewildfire @backtobl4ck @nesquik-arccheron @sayosdreams @autumnbabylon @charlizeed @rowaelinyulemasswap

[charincharge]

IDWTW snippet? If your have one please and thank you

You've been so much more than patient, so here you go. I feel awful that I haven't been able to write and post etc etc. Here's a snippet from the next chapter of IDWTW for anyone out there who is still interested.

IDWTW, 67 (TEASER)

“I walked in on my dad and one of my dance teachers after the senior ski trip,” she blurted out.

Even in the dark, half-lit stairwell, Aelin could see Lysandra’s cheeks bloom with a deep blush as a wry smile appeared on her face. “Like, walked in walked in?

Aelin groaned. “YES.”

Lysandra choked back a laugh… poorly. It bubbled up in her nose, releasing a half-laugh, half-snort that even Aelin couldn’t help but be amused at, despite the circumstances.

“Oh my GOD.” Lys’s nose crinkled, and she fell to her knees completely as her shoulders shook with laughter.

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up,” Aelin said, but secretly she was pleased to see Lysandra’s face light up with such amusement. She hadn’t seen a smile like that from her friend in longer than she could remember.

“Wait, I’m sorry, I will continue [REDACTED] for you in one second, but you have to give me some details,” Lysandra said, falling from her knees to slink onto the floor. Aelin grumbled but sat across from her friend, knees almost touching as they flanked the sides of the stairwell, smiling at each other.

She told Lysandra the whole story — from her own sex high to walking into her home and crashing her dad’s sexcapades to Petrah’s awkward escape — and Lys laughed wildly at every detail until she was gasping for air, unfiltered joy and delight shaking through her shoulders. 

“I mean, we all knew Rhoe fucked,” Lys cackled, causing Aelin to smack her friend’s knee. 

“EW! That is my dad,” she said, fake heaving.

“He’s a hot, hot firefighter dad, though,” Lys said, her eyebrows wiggling. “Or should I say… daddy.” Lysandra smirked.

“Lysandra Caverre,” Aelin said succinctly. “I swear to god I will vomit straight on you,” she said.

Aelin tried to be serious, but Lysandra’s smile pushed them both over the edge into another fit of giggles. They laughed and laughed, releasing the tension that had been hovering around them like a thick blanket all night, officially removing all traces of formality until tears tracked down the girls’ cheeks.

[myfriendscallmeraba]

HoFaS spoilers

So you’re telling me that in another world

AELINS FREAKING BLOODLINE AND RHYSAND FREAKING BLOODLINE

mated

The two bloodlines that gave the universe two of the most powerful beings run years and years gave us Ruhn and Lidia AND THEYRE MATES

Daaaaaaamn I do not know how to process

Tho I do wanna comment that it fees like al the fanfics and head canons of shipping the feysand and rowaelin kids😂

[spookyseasontime]

Would genuinely sell my soul for SJM to write a little happy Rowaelin novella of them with their kids in the future

*or equally them dealing with their kids being absolutely feral

[tomtenadia]

Detours to You - Masterlist

After five years away from Orynth, Rowan comes back and find out he has a daughter in the most unexpected way. Rowan and Aelin will have to learn to coexist together again for the sake of their daughter.

Prologue / 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18/19/20/21/22/23/24/25/26

[throneofsapphics]

i LOVE your angsty poly!rowaelin x reader fics

can i request more? i will gobble up anything you write not even kidding 💕

some questions are better left alone

Rowaelin x f!Reader

(part two) (part three)

Summary: He shoved a plate of sweets at me. “For both of our sakes,” he said carefully, “I’m going to pretend those words never came out of your mouth. Do you understand?” 

Warnings: Angst, drinking, nightmares, small injury, rowan is mean

Word Count: ~5k 

A/N: You are so sweet! I swear, angst is my love language. Reader is from a foreign court/country, has magic, and is able to mindspeak - I kept it a bit vague!

I scribbled the note, leaving it on my desk in my room. Going out. Not very descriptive, but I was in a rush, I’d forgotten what night it was, and I’d promised a friend I’d meet them - some bard was coming through. 

My mates weren’t opposed to me having friends. They knew I did, I just kept them separated, tried to keep a life separate from the castle. 

Maybe I should’ve left a better note, because a certain Wolf showed up halfway through. I caught a whiff of his scent - fresh too, and I knew he was in the damn tavern. But - I didn’t know if he’d come alone or come after me. 

“I’ll be right back.” I leaned in, whispering to my friend, and keeping my voice low. I slid through the crowd with ease. I spotted him in a shadowy corner, leaning up against the wall. I dropped the glamor after I got within a few feet of him. His eyes glinted, a smirk crossing his face. He had come here after me, and waited for me to track him down. I let out a long breath, but stood next to him. His eyes were constantly scanning the crowd. 

“Why are you here?” I kept my voice low enough that only he could hear me. 

“Enjoying the songs, of course.” His voice was honeyed with false innocence, and I could tell he was messing with me. 

“You missed the one about you.” 

“Shame. Which one?” 

I groaned. “I’m not playing into your ego.” 

“Pity, maybe I should’ve let them see your note.” 

“What’s wrong with my note?” My voice went taut. “And why were you in my rooms?” 

“Two words.” He tutted. 

“I was in a rush.” I hissed, then he handed me the paper. He took it. “You bastard.” I snarled. 

“Calm your tits.” He laughed, “I left a better one - ‘taking Y/N out to have fun for once.’” 

“Thank you.” I said, begrudgingly. He did save me some grief. A lot of grief now that I think about it. 

“I am a bit hurt you left without me. Now, are you going to introduce me to your friends?” A shark-like grin appeared on his face. 

“Are you going to play nice?” I countered, crossing my arms. 

“Me? I’m always nice.” He scoffed. “Besides, I’m your best friend in this world. I have a right to know your other ones.” I rolled my eyes, even though the statement warmed my heart - just a bit. 

“Alright. Best friend.” I teased, “Are you going to scare them off?” 

“Do your mates know about them?” 

“Yes.” I sighed. 

“And who your mates are?” 

“Indeed.” I fought back my annoyance. 

“They’re not scared?” He raised his eyebrows. Any sane person would be intimidated by the Queen and King of Terrasen. 

“I won’t let their majesties anywhere near them.” He chuckled, but I could tell he understood. I wasn’t ashamed of my friends, not by any means, but if either of my mates somehow thought they were a threat … it would make things very difficult. I pushed off the wall, and led him back through the crowd. I reached our booth, about halfway down the wall and with a good view of the stage, and dropped it. Instead of two benches, it was rounded, one long bench around a circular table. Cian, Isla, Effie, and Arran. To their credit, they only gaped for a few seconds, before shuffling around to make room for both of us. I scooched in, and let Fenrys sit next to me. 

I gestured towards each of them, “Effie, Arran, Isla, Cian,” And then towards Fenrys. I was halfway tempted to introduce him as ‘pain in my ass,’ or ‘bastard’, but I went for something that would piss him off more. “Lord Moonbeam.” I bit my lip as he stomped on my foot.

“Please don’t call me that. It’s Fenrys.” 

“Pleased to meet you.” Isla squeaked, her face bright red. The others echoed the sentiment, but thankfully not looking at him like he’s a God. I saw the way he was eyeing her, 

Are you really going to bed my friends? I said in his mind, a bit louder than necessary. 

Why would you deny them a good time? 

I swear to the Gods Fenrys. 

Calm your tits. 

That’s twice you’ve mentioned my tits. Should Aelin be worried? 

Don’t you dare. He growled, but didn’t use that phrase again. 

It shouldn’t have been surprising that he got along well with them. He charmed them easily - none of the bitter bastard I’m used to. He and Isla, to my chagrin, got along very well. I didn’t move to interrupt or interfere, even though I wanted to keep them as far away from each other as possible. They could be cute together, but I had a feeling Fenrys was toying with her - flirting for fun. Maybe she was doing the same. I didn’t know her that well, after all, only meeting her a few weeks ago. 

A few hours later, and after several drinking contests, I was feeling very tipsy. Maybe even drunk. Definitely drunk based on how the room spun. But, with a glamor firmly in place, I’d managed to drink a group of soldiers under the table. Where are they from? I have no idea. But every time one started to eye me in a more-than-friendly way, they seemed to pale, and look away very quickly. It took me a few times to figure out Fenrys was glaring daggers at them. I stomped on his foot. 

“Leave them alone.” I whispered. He gave me an incredulous look. “They don’t deserve you looking like you’ll murder them.” 

“You’re not doing anything.” He countered. 

“I am ignoring them.” I emphasized. “And that works well enough.” 

Effie returned, sliding a goblet across the table towards me. Fenrys snatched it before I could, and took a sip. He nearly spit it out, his face turning red, and shoved it back at me. “What is that?” He coughed. 

“Apparently something too strong for your delicate sensibilities.” I took a large sip, enjoying the warmth it provided as the liquid burned, sliding down my throat. 

He gaped at me - but I kept drinking it anyway. 

“It’s a homemade liquor.” Effie replied instead. He grimaced, staring at my glass like it might jump out and attack him. “It grows on you.” She added, biting back a laugh at his expression. 

I finished it, and stood to bring it back up to the bar, but swayed slightly on my feet. Before I could grip the table, Fenrys’s arm shot out to steady me. 

“We’re going home.” He stood. 

“You don’t get to make my decisions.” 

Effie grabbed the glass from my hands. “It’s almost closing anyways.” 

“Traitor.” I mumbled. The others had left ten minutes ago. 

Effie lived above the bar - how we met in the first place. “Go home.” She ordered instead, giving Fenrys a look. One that said - get her home safe, like I needed a minder. 

He only laughed and looped an arm through mine, half-dragging me out the door. 

“You’re not nearly as drunk as me.” I complained, disentangling my arm once we’d left the building. I watched my feet carefully on the cobblestones. 

“I didn’t beat half of the Bane in a drinking contest.”

“So that’s who they were.” I mumbled, and apparently wasn’t paying attention, because I walked right into a column. 

“Fuck.” I muttered, stumbling backwards and pressing a hand against my face. My cheekbone will be bruised. Fenrys grabbed me under my arms before I could fall, and howled. 

“Asshole.” I muttered, shaking off his grip. He looped his arm through mine, and didn’t let me wiggle out this time. Thankfully, we were almost to the gates and Fenrys quit singing. I tugged my hood up as we got closer to the castle. Nobody needs to know just how drunk I am. 

“They’ll see you stumbling.” He drawled. 

“They’ll know to mind their business.” I snipped back at him. 

“Oooh. Someone’s not looking forward to seeing their mates.” He teased me, his voice a sing-song. I sent a vulgar gesture his way, and he just snorted, dragging me through the halls and depositing me at their door. I waited until he’d walked away before heading to my rooms instead, no sense in waking them up. Besides, on the nights I go out I usually sleep in my own rooms anyways, wanting to wash the alcohol off - and Aelin and Rowan need time alone. They don’t say it, but they were a couple long before me. Maybe I’m assuming things. I’m too drunk to think too much. 

-

Normally Y/N stays in her rooms if she’s gone out, and they won’t argue or try to drag her into their rooms. If she needs space, they’ll let her have it. 

But, tonight, Rowan had a feeling. A feeling he needed to be there. To see her. Like something might be wrong. He slipped out of bed, looking at the clock. Three hours past midnight. She should be back by now. 

“Rowan?” Aelin mumbled sleepily, her eyes opening. 

“I’m going to check on Y/N.” 

Those turquoise eyes opened further. “I’ll come with you.” She yawned. He didn’t fight his wife as she climbed out of bed, grabbing a robe and wrapping it around herself. They moved quickly and silently, through the passage that connects both of their rooms. 

He slowly pushed the door open. Asleep, sprawled out on her side, on the couch. 

Safe - but a giant blue bruise blooming on her cheek. And absolutely reeking of alcohol. Did she get into some sort of brawl? He’d kill Fenrys. Slowly. Aelin placed a hand on his arm, but he could tell she was just as angry. 

-

“Y/N.” A voice murmured, and I felt a hand running down my arm. A mumbled, some intelligible noise. 

“Y/N. Wake up.” The voice, feminine, was more insistent. Aelin. Why was Aelin in here?. 

-

Her eyes opened, glassy, pupils slightly dilated. Drunk. And very drunk. How fucking much did she drink? Y/N could almost drink Aelin under the table. 

“Petal.” His mate's voice was low. “Did you get in a fight?” 

“A what?” She was confused. 

“Did you get in a rutting brawl?” I said from the door, not bothering to keep my voice low. Aelin turned and glared at me. 

“What?” 

My eyes narrowed. “Don’t play dumb.” 

Her hand went up to her cheek, wincing, and she threw her head back in laughter, nearly howling. “I walked into a pillar.” She said in between laughs.” 

Aelin was biting back a laugh, but I was just getting more pissed. Maybe it was a bit funny - but she was drunk enough she got herself hurt. 

“Where was Fenrys?” My sharp tone had Aelin cutting a look at me. Don’t start.  

“Caught me before I could hit the ground.” Her words slurred together. 

“Come on.” Aelin tugged at her arm, pulling her up. “I’m not going to let you choke on your own vomit.” 

She looked offended. “I am not throwing up.” The words came out very insistent. Aelin gave her a bemused smile, but pulled her up anyway, leading her towards her bathroom. “You reek.” She told her.

“That is rude.” Y/N stuck her tongue out. 

I rolled my eyes, but followed them, grabbing a nightgown for Y/N to put on. 

“What do I smell like?” She asked Aelin, stumbling next to her. Aelin’s arm wrapped around her waist holding her closely. 

“Right now? Alcohol.” 

Y/n let out an over dramatic sigh. “No, what’s my scent? You’re jasmine and lemon verbena, and he’s pine and snow.” 

“Nutmeg and honey.” I answered from behind her, and her head turned, giving me a goofy smile. 

“That’s nice.” She mumbled. I fought the smile threatening to form on my face.  

-

Aelin was very sweet, helping me get in the tub, even washing me. I tried to stop her, but she cut me a glare. A nasty one. After that I let her. 

“Who did you go see?” She asked, scrubbing my shoulders. 

“Some Bard came into town.” I said, before sighing. Her touch feels incredible. “You have magic fingers.” I told her. 

Her eyes crinkled, “and you’re drunk.” 

“Maybe a bit. Fenrys told me I beat half of the Bane in a drinking contest.” 

“The Bane?” Rowan’s voice came from the door. Low. And deadly low. 

“That’s what he said.” I confirmed, looking at Aelin instead, who pressed her lips in a tight line. “What’s wrong with the bane?” 

“They have a reputation.” 

“I have a reputation.” I exclaimed. 

“Excuse me?” Her voice grew a bit shrill. 

“I drank half of them under the table.” 

“Right.” She breathed out. 

-

She thought Rowan was going to explode when he heard her say she has a reputation. He relaxed - barely. He needed something to do or he might blow up. 

“Rowan get a towel.” I ordered without looking, and heard him moving around, before the soft fabric was pressed in my hands. “Help her out.” 

“I don’t nee-” I pressed my finger to her lips. It’ll help him. I told her, speaking mind to mind. 

Okay. Her sweet voice floated through my mind. 

Even though anger rolled from him in waves, his hands were gentle as he lifted her out, holding her steady. I wordlessly handed him the towel, and gave him the chance to fuss, slipping a nightgown over her - one he’d already picked out. He went far enough to make her clean her mouth, and dried her hair for her. That brought a smile to my lips. 

“Thank you.” She told him after, and me. 

She tried to wobble off towards her bed, her legs shaky under her. I cut her off before she could reach the door. “You’re coming with us.” 

“But it’s your-” 

“No buts.” But … What was she going to say? Before ‘it’s your-’ 

“It’s our what?” Rowan asked for me. 

She frowned. “Your night. For the two of you.” 

I frowned, looking at Rowan. “We’ll talk about this in the morning.” When she’s more likely to remember it. He added to me. 

“Nothing to talk about.” She mumbled, but let him pick her up, carrying her back to our room. 

-

I groaned as the morning light hit me, streaming through the windows. My head started absolutely pounding. “Gods.” I groaned, pressing my palms into my eyes - like I might shove the headache away. A rough hand tugged one of mine away, pressing a glass vial into it. I peeked the free eye open, squinting to see Rowan. 

“I’m surprised.” I murmured. A pain tonic. “Thank you.” 

“We need to talk.” He grunted. “And I don’t want to deal with your whining.” Several months ago, I might’ve been hurt by the comment, but I was used to it by now, and ignored the second part, swigging the slightly vile liquid down. Fighting back the urge to make a face. 

“One day I’ll figure out how to make those taste better.” I glared at the offending piece of glass. Rowan snatched it out of my hands. 

“Lets go.” He jerked his head. 

“Alright alright.” That’s when I felt the heat on my face. I looked across in the mirror. A large purple bruise bloomed across my feet. “What did I do?” My eyes were wide. 

“You don’t remember?” He snorted, and left the room. 

“Bastard.” I muttered under my breath, low enough he wouldn’t hear, and grabbed a robe before following him. “What did I do last night?” I repeated, walking into the sitting room and digging through my mind for what the hell might’ve happened. 

He didn’t answer, pouring tea instead. “Where’s Aelin?” I tried. 

“Training.” He said curtly. 

“Rowan.” I said quietly. “What happened?” My memories cut off right before leaving the Tavern. 

He shoved the cup in my hands, watching and waiting for me to take a sip. I did, and waited for him to respond. 

“What do you remember?” He questioned, his voice was cold - usually meaning I’m about to be extensively lectured or punished for something. 

“Up until leaving, with Fenrys.” He can almost always tell when I’m lying. 

“You hurt yourself. Walking into a pillar.” 

I sucked my lips in, fighting the urge to laugh. “Of course I did.” I choked out. 

His eyes narrowed. “It’s not funny. What if Fenrys wasn’t with you?” 

“I have other friends.” I countered, crossing my arms. 

“Who we’ve never met.” His words came out flat. Emotionless. 

“Would you like to meet them?” I said, feeling a bit on edge. “Do you not trust me to be a good judge of character?” That wasn’t exactly fair … but I didn’t and don’t need them to approve of my friends. 

“Don’t put words in my mouth.” He growled. “Are you embarrassed by us? Do you not want them to know you’re with us?” 

Cruel. He was playing dirty. “Of course not. They know” I kept my voice calm. 

“Then why?” 

“You never asked.” I countered. It’s true. 

“You never asked to meet our friends, and we introduced you.” 

My breaths got heavier. This wasn’t fair, that’s not the same thing. “When you introduced me, I was just a member of a foreign court, a delegate.” 

He stalked up to me, standing so close that if I took a deep breath, my breasts would brush against him. “Was? Aren’t you still just a member of that court?” His voice was taunting, and cruel. Absolutely cruel. He meant for his words to hurt, and I could feel the slight satisfaction running through him when it did, but it was quickly pushed out by regret. 

“Maybe I am, and maybe it’s time I go home for a bit.” Silver might’ve lined my eyes, but I hit right back. I turned sharply on my heel, walking silently towards my rooms, out the main door. I didn’t look back as I closed it softly, a slight click. 

He didn’t follow, and maybe that’s what hurt the most. 

I collapsed on my bed, my knees pressing into my elbows, my head held in my hands, trying to figure out what about last night set him off. Made him so angry he’d say those things. Not that I acted much better. 

I wanted him to follow me. To tell me not to go - or to yell at me. Something. I paced for the better part of an hour, before deciding to go back. Porting off back home wouldn’t do anything, it would just make things worse. 

I took the direct passage this time, hearing another door creak open at the same time as mine. Rowan looked directly at me. “Aren’t you supposed to be gone?” The same cruel tone as earlier. Maybe I imagined that regret. I couldn’t say anything, or my voice might’ve broken. I took a step back, closing the door. 

I heard Aelin’s voice, “gone where?” But I’d already turned, heading back. “Rowan. What did you do?” 

Is this what the rest of my life will be like? Cruel barbs, hurtful words from both sides. A traitorous thought ran through my mind, why couldn’t it just be Aelin? But I dismissed that immediately. I couldn’t imagine not having both of them, not having two mates. It would be wrong, it wouldn’t feel complete. But for them - they could imagine it, they’ve lived it, and likely were perfectly fine before I came along. The two of them fit. Balanced each other perfectly. 

Am I some kind of wrench thrown in? A piece being forced into a puzzle, one that doesn’t quite fit? I’ve heard of mating bonds being rejected before. Ours is already sealed but … Even thinking about it brings a sharp pain in my chest. Gods they’re already a part of me, dug in so deep it would take something horrible and cataclysmic to drive me away from them. 

I hadn’t told them I loved them. They hadn’t told me. A final barrier that hasn’t been crossed. 

-

I sought out Fenrys around lunch, convincing him to come eat with me in my rooms. He seemed wary, considering this is definitely out-of-character for me.

“What’s on your mind?” He asked, shoving a tart in his mouth. 

“What were Rowan and Aelin like before me?” 

He choked slightly, coughing into his hand, but finishing the food. I watched him intently. I needed to know. Had to know. 

“Fine. They were fine, at least it seemed that way.” He stared back at me. “What are you thinking?” 

“I’m an outsider.” I started. He gave me a look that said, no shit. “I don’t … I don’t know if I belong here.” 

“I was an outsider.” Fenrys leaned back. “You know I’m from Doranelle. It was difficult at first, but I found my place.” He spit out the country’s name, like it was poison. 

“You rejected Doranelle.” 

“I did.” He nodded, his tone cautious, like he knew where I was headed. 

“I don’t reject my home.” 

“You can belong to more than one place.” He argued. 

“But me being here is causing an issue.” 

“Rowan and Aelin fought. Still fight sometimes. Does that mean they don’t belong together?” Fenrys is more perceptive than people give him credit for.

“They’re different.” 

“How?” He sounded a bit exasperated. 

“Because they share bonds together I never will.” That truth finally came out. “And if there was a situation they had to …” My voice broke. 

He shoved a plate of sweets at me. “For both of our sakes,” he said carefully, “I’m going to pretend those words never came out of your mouth. Do you understand?” 

I nodded. A warning - if those questions were brought up … the results that come out might cause irreparable damage. Sometimes those things are better left swallowed. At the same time, I want to know my place with them. We ate in silence for a few minutes before the door breezed open. Aelin, I’d know the jasmine and lemon verbena anywhere. 

“Really?” She sighed, “Choosing that dog over me?” 

“I wasn’t aware there was a choice.” She raised an eyebrow, but sat next to me, grabbing some sweets. 

“You always have the best sweets.” She popped a truffle in her mouth, moaning. 

“And you always raid my collection.” 

“They’re bought on Crown gold.” She winked. Fenrys winced across from me, the action thankfully going unnoticed by Aelin, who had her eyes closed. 

I didn’t reply, but drank some water instead, the chocolates suddenly seemed unappetizing. “I do keep them just for you.” I covered smoothly. She placed a grateful kiss on my cheek, before turning, throwing her legs over my lap and lounging on the couch. I absentmindedly rubbed circles into her calves. 

“I heard you beat half of the Bane in a drinking contest. Aedion is ashamed. I’m quite proud.” She grinned. 

“Are you complimenting someone else's drinking prowess?” Fenrys looked amused, leaning back and crossing an ankle over his knee. 

“I’m giving credit where credit is due.” 

“Very kind of you.” I kept a smile. A forced one, and kept rubbing circles into her legs. Where credit is due. Drinker, bed warmer, what else? Aelin seemed to notice the shift, because she kicked Fenrys out, he left with a tight glance between the two of us, but no complaints. 

“What’s wrong with you?” She nudged my thigh with her toe. 

I flinched slightly. “A bit homesick.” Close enough. 

“Rowan told me about that.” I could see the bored expression on her face from the corner of my eyes. She’s keeping a tight lid on her emotions. 

“I sometimes say things I regret.” Regretting something doesn’t mean it wasn’t true. 

“We all do.” I could hear the same echo, doesn’t mean it wasn’t true.

Ask the damn question Y/N. I chided myself, I can’t put words into her mouth. “Did he mean it?” The words came out quickly. 

“Isn’t that a question you should ask him?” 

She has a point, so I countered with something I should ask her. “How do you feel about it? Both things.” Please don’t make me repeat them. I pleaded to her silently. She took some pity on me. 

“I wouldn’t mind meeting your friends, but I understand we can be … intimidating. But I don’t know if you’re keeping them from us because of that, or if you’re scared we’ll drive one of them off.” I waited for her to continue. There wasn’t technically a question there. “Do you want to be a member of this court? Would that mean you’re choosing?” 

Choosing. Right. Absolute loyalty - something I can’t promise. “I hadn’t thought of it that way.” 

“You’re our mate.” She said softly. “And you have your place here.” 

“Are you telling me to know my place?” Maybe that wasn’t fair. 

“I didn’t say that.” She said sharply. But you didn’t not say it. Gods I wanted to hear all of the things that weren’t said, but I wanted them to soothe me. I don’t want the truth right now. I want sweet things meant to make me feel better. I’d even take little lies over these tiny cracks I’m feeling. The faltering, the hesitation. “Are you having trouble adjusting?” 

“Aelin it’s been nearly two years.” 

“And we’re immortal.” 

“I’ve found a life here.” We’re both skilled at non-answers. I still hadn’t looked at her, couldn’t meet her gaze. Around her, and him, my eyes tend to show everything. A wall I can’t seem to put up. 

“Look at me.” Kind, but unyielding. I do. 

-

Tears are threatening to flood down her face, I can see it. I can’t help but think maybe she’s being a bit oversensitive. I’ve seen her in her own court .. well, the one she doesn’t really claim. Tough love? Or soft? 

“Was it better without me?” 

Oh Gods I did not expect that. I moved fast, tugging her to straddle my lap. “Don’t ever say that.” My voice was harsh, my hand gripping her chin, making sure she looked directly at me. “Did we make you feel that way?” 

She rolled her bottom lip between her teeth, I just noticed it was bloodied and bruised - like she’d been biting on it all day. “I don’t know how much of it is just in my head.” So we did make her feel like that, at least partially. 

“We can’t reassure you or fix ridiculous notions if you don’t tell us.” 

She laughed darkly, pushing my hand away from her face, and turning her head. “That’s part of the problem. They’re ridiculous to you.” I wrenched her head back to face me. 

“Don’t look away from me.” I snarled, holding her even when she flinched. “They are ridiculous, even if you believe them. We weren’t better off without you. You’re a wonderful part of us, part of us we didn’t know was there. Just like we’re a part of you. You belong with us.” I emphasized. “Come to us when you feel this way. Let us fix it.” 

“There isn’t anything to fix.” Her eyes kept steady on mine, although I could see her temptation to look away. 

“Then tell me exactly what’s been running through your head.” She swallowed harshly. “You either know it’s wrong, or you’re scared to bring it up.” Her eyes gave it away. Both. 

“Can we talk about this later?” She pleaded, breaking eye contact, her bottom lip quivering.

“Look at me.” I gritted my teeth, and she did. The vulnerability in her eyes made me sigh. “Promise you’ll actually talk about it.” 

I watched her hesitate, but she did promise. 

-

Falling asleep was uncomfortable. There was a tension drifting between the three of us, but I didn’t feel like talking about it yet, and they respected that. Barely, I could see both of them aching to have the conversation - to get it out of the way, but I needed time to gather my thoughts. A night to sleep on it. 

Eventually we did drift off to sleep. 

“Leave.” Rowan said harshly, his face set in a nasty look. One I’d only seen him give to people who were rude to Aelin or I. What did I do? 

“Leave.” Aelin repeated his words with that same look. It was unnatural, it wasn’t them. 

“But-” 

“Now.” He growled, taking a menacing step towards me. 

Another voice came from behind me. “I lied, they were better without you.” I whirled around. Fenrys. The look, they all had the same one.

“I can be better.” I stuttered through the words. 

“You don’t get it.” Aelin laughed harshly. “We don’t want you.” 

Rowan shoved me through the gates, just a bag in my hands. “Step foot in Terrasen again, and you’re dead.” 

They slammed shut in front of me. 

“No, no, no, no.” I whispered, tears running down my face, my entire body shaking.

“Y/N.” A disembodied voice said, repeatedly. 

“It’s a dream.” My eyes flew open, I felt magic flooding around me. A hand rubbed my back. “Breathe, breathe darling.” Aelin’s voice, but I couldn’t see her. A dream, it was a nightmare. 

I heard Rowan, his voice strained. “Bring your magic back in. Call it back to you.” 

I did, and it came back joyfully, swirling against the shield of wind holding it in, with teasing pokes, before flying back into me, and the room was encased in moonlight. 

“Gods, I’m sorry.” I sighed. “Please, don’t be. I’ve burned several bed sheets before.” Her voice was light, a smile on her face. “Besides, your magic isn’t scary, it’s quite beautiful actually.” I could feel her magic bubbling, wanting out to play, mine reacted in kind. 

“Tomorrow.” Rowan said, and we turned in sync to glare at him. The serious look on his face remained, and Aelin huffed before tugging me into her arms - pointedly leaving him out. 

[goddess-aelin]

Little Falcon

For day 22 of Rowaelin Month: Magic/Shifting lessons with the kids

@rowaelinscourt

Masterlist

Word count: 1k

Warnings: none!

Aelin was going to kill him, she truly was. She usually was a forgiving soul, one of the kindest people he knew despite her penchant for violence and general mischief. But for this, she would kill him.

Because he committed probably the worst act he could have ever committed. Worse than killing a man. Worse than forgetting Aelin’s birthday. Worse than eating his wife’s chocolate hazelnut cake. No, Rowan lost their daughter. Alma was almost four years old, her blonde, shining hair always a beacon and her quiet, yet temperamental disposition a mirror of her mother’s. It seemed that she had also inherited her mother’s ability to sneak around. Because she wasn’t here. She wasn’t anywhere.

He’d been searching the castle for almost an hour, hoping to find the little trickster before Aelin was done with her meeting. He began in Alma’s room, hoping that her golden hair would be sticking out from her covers or her tiny toes from under her bed. No such luck was found. He made his way around the royal family’s wing of the castle with the same circumstances. He quietly asked the staff members if they had seen her, all to a resounding “no” and a look of disapproval that he lost Alma.

He was about to shift into hawk form to do a fly-by of the castle grounds but before he could, he heard footsteps coming up the stairs to their wing. Alma. Relieved, he rounded the corner, shouting her name and about to give the little girl a stern talking to when he stopped in his tracks. Aelin was standing in front of him, one brow raised and a knowing look on her face.

“Why were you calling Alma’s name?”

Rowan let out a nervous chuckle. “Well, you see…” He knew Aelin could probably see the sweat beading on his forehead. “Alma and I, we were….we were playing hide and seek! Yeah. And she’s just so good at hiding that I can’t find her.”

Aelin rolled her eyes. “You’re a terrible liar, Buzzard. Just tell me you lost our daughter so we can go find her.”

He deflated at that. “Fine. I lost our daughter. Happy now?”

“Not particularly, no.” Aelin sighed. “I was gone for less than two hours, Rowan. How did this happen?”

“Errin needed to be changed so I stepped out of her room for a minute. A single minute, Aelin. And the next thing I knew, she was gone.” Panic laced his voice and he knew that he was about five seconds from completely losing his shit. It was a miracle he had kept it together this long, to be quite honest.

“I put Errin in his crib for a nap–don’t worry, one of the nursemaids is in there with him–and I came back and she was just gone. I didn’t even hear her little feet scamper by or anything. I don’t understand it.” Tears were finally forming in his eyes as the realization that he lost their daughter set in.

Slender arms wrapped around his middle, embracing him tightly. “It’s okay, Buzzard. We’ll find her, okay? We’ll look together and we’ll find her.” Even if Aelin was putting on a brave front, he knew she was probably panicking as much as he was. “Besides, she has the bravery of both of her parents so I’m sure she’s totally fine.” Aelin gave him a small smile and pulled him by the hand toward her room.

Gradually, they overturned every cushion, ripped every blanket from her bed, and opened everyy door and drawer but still no Alma. Rowan tugged on his hair, hoping to relieve some of the tension that was building in the pit of his stomach again. Aelin was slowly putting everything back to where it was so he figured he’d go and make another round of their bedroom.

Aelin’s voice halted him about halfway down the hall. “Uh, hey, Buzzard?”

He doesn’t think he ever ran so fast in his life. With panicked eyes, he burst into the room like a tornado. Aelin was standing calmly in the center of the room, looking up at the small curtain rod that hung over Alma’s bed.

“Look there,” she pointed toward the ceiling where a small bird was perched on the curtain rod. A suspiciously golden-looking falcon stared back at him and chirped. The tiny falcon flapped its wings, getting enough air to rise up from its perch and glide down to land on Rowan’s shoulder.

Aelin’s voice was breathless when she spoke, “Is that–”

Rowan nodded. “I think it is.” Rowan brought a single finger up to gently pet the bird’s head, it’s color too close to Alma’s blonde waves for it to be a coincidence.

As his finger stopped its motion, a bright light flashed and then there was a familiar weight in his arms. He was shocked into silence as he beheld Alma sitting in his arms, smiling.

“I was hidin’ Daddy!”

Slowly, so as not to startle her, Rowan brought her into the tightest embrace he could manage without crushing her little bones. “I can see that,” he choked out. When he looked up at Aelin, she had a hand over her mouth, eyes wide. She gave him a look that seemed to say, Well, shit.

“Alma, how long have you been able to do that? Turn into a bird?”

“I not just any bird, Daddy! I’s a falcon! Uncle Fen said so!”

“Uncle Fen knew about this?” Alma nodded enthusiastically.

“Yeah! He said I should sup’rise you.”

Rowan smiled tightly at his daughter. “Consider me surprised, little falcon.”

His daughter put her tiny hands over her mouth and giggled. The sight made his cold heart melt. But quickly, the severity of the situation overtook him.

“You have to let me know when you’re going to shift, okay? I want to teach you how to fly safely so you don’t hurt yourself.”

“Daddy, you’re bein’ a Buzzard. Jus’ like Mommy always says.”

Rowan’s mouth hung open. Aelin’s cackle could be heard throughout the castle as she doubled over in hysterics.

Eventually, Aelin’s laughter died down and she met his eyes through her tears. I’ll get you back for that, Fireheart.

Mmhm, sure. Not before you murder Fenrys though, right?

Rowan gave a curt nod and pulled his giggling little falcon back into his arms. She placed a tiny hand over the tattoo on his face.

“Daddy, I can’t wait to fly with you! It’s gonna be so much fun.” And with that, she snuggled into his arms once more.

Maybe murdering Fenrys could wait a few more minutes.

A/N: I absolutely loved writing this one and I was squealing from cuteness while doing so 🥹

Tagging:

@cretaceous-therapod @morganofthewildfire @tomtenadia @live-the-fangirl-life @charlizeed @violet-mermaid7 @euphoric-melancholyy @kritical24 @rubyriveraqueen @dealfea @wellofnothing @ayaashryver @moonknight-spector @leiawritesstories @whoever-you-choose-to-love @holdthefrickup @heirofflowers @thecrispypotatochip @shanias-world @rowanaelinn @bruiseonthefaceofhumanity @hanging-from-a-cliff @fantacysoup @swankii-art-teacher @thegreyj @fromthelibraryofemilyj @westofmoon @lovely-dove-zee @books4eva04 @cookiemonsterwholovesbooks @backtobl4ck @dreamer-133 @elentiyawhitethorn @writtenonreceipts @shyvioletcat @aelinchocolatelover @captain-of-the-gwynriel-ship @athena127 @tothestarsandwhateverend @highqueenofelfhame

[shyvioletcat]

ROWAELIN MONTH: DAY 19

~ Telling their kids about their tattoos ~

Another bonus addition to canon week. I had a random idea and it became this. @rowaelinscourt

~~~~~

The palace guards let them through to the private wing, Aelin nodding her thanks as they passed. Already she could feel herself calming. Only family and the inner most members of the court were allowed in this part of the palace. Here, they were just Aelin and Rowan, no expectations and no critical eyes on them. 

Approaching their rooms Aelin kept an ear out for what her children might be up to. It was mostly quiet, and then as they approached their door Aelin heard hurried footsteps. The footfalls were heavy and didn’t belong to a child. Meaning they must belong to the royal children’s current minder. Rowan reached out to open the door but it swung open before he got close. Fenrys stood in the doorway, a hesitant smile on his face. 

“What did you do?” Rowan asked, immediately sensing something was afoot.

Fenrys glanced at Aelin, looking for some assistance against Rowan’s potential wrath. “Before you come in I want you to remember creativity is good for children.”

Now Aelin was starting to feel some apprehension. “What did you allow them to do?”

Fenrys moved aside. “It’s quite sweet, really.”

Rowan finally let go of her so that they could fit through the doorway and Aelin eagerly followed behind, wondering what kind of disaster they were walking into. Her children had a penchant for chaos, especially when left with Fenrys. Someone wiser might insist the boisterous male not watch her children, but he adored them so profoundly as they did in return. It was worth everything just to see the smiles they created by being together. 

“Oh no,” Rowan breathed.

With a hand on her very round stomach Aelin stepped aside from behind Rowan’s imposing form so that she could see as well. She had no words, she could only take in the sights before her. 

They had been painting, pages upon pages were scattered over the low table in the middle of their sitting area. And the children had progressed past the paper. Aelin looked at her daughter, Elspeth had dark swirls and lines all the way up her left arm, a very obvious simple imitation of Rowan’s tattoos. That was not the worst of it, that title would belong to what was no doubt the Princess' doing. The young Prince was not longer wearing a shirt and on his back was where Aelin’s tattoos were depicted.

“How?” Aelin asked, turning to Fenrys. 

“I stepped out for a moment to visit the bathing room and Elsie had already started on Finnian’s, and I thought it was best to let her finish,” Fenrys explained. “And then she was complaining that she didn’t have any tattoos so what was I supposed to do?”

“Not let her paint herself or her brother,” Rowan shot back.

Fenrys shrugged. “I’m not one to crush the artistic ambitions of the Princess.”

Rowan gave a long suffering sigh and it was that all too familiar sound when Fenrys was around, and that finally seemed to catch the attention of the two children. Elspeth’s head snapped up from where she was adding finer details to her hand. 

“Da! Mama!” She squealed. The five year old was on her feet in an instant, dropping the paintbrush on the ground and running over. “See what I did?”

Rowan knelt, not a care for any paint that might end up on him as Elspeth got in close with her arm held out. “I see, my little love.”

“It’s just like yours,” she put their matching arms together. “And I did Finnian to be like Mama.”

“It looks wonderful, Elsie,” Aelin said. “Now say goodbye to Uncle Fen, it’s time for him to go before your father maims him.”

“What maim, Mama?” Finnian said, wiping his paint covered hand over his chest, dirtying himself further. 

She gave her son a wink. “I’ll tell you later.”

Both children said goodbye to Fenrys, and he shot an apologetic look at Aelin as he left. “I’ll come and clean this up once he’s cooled down.” They all knew who the he was. 

“You better be, boyo,” Rowan said over his shoulder. 

Fenrys fled after that, making Aelin laugh. The room was in chaos with paper, paint and brushes haphazardly scattered about. There were pictures of simplistic figures of people and trees, and poorly drawn animals that were not made by her children. All in all, the damage wasn’t too bad. None of the furniture would need to be replaced. Rowan was glaring around like he was going to ask her to set fire to it all. 

Aelin put her hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “Come on, it will all be fine. They just need a bath.”

“I’ll do that, you have a lie down,” Rowan said, shooting her a look before she could protest otherwise. “Don’t even try and convince me otherwise, I know you’re tired.”

Aelin hated to admit it but she was. Right now, nothing sounded better than sending off her mate with her children and tucking herself into bed for a while. 

“Come on you, two.” Rowan hefted a child up in each arm. “Time for a bath.”

Rowan didn’t bother to take the children back to their own rooms and just carried them through to the bathing chamber attached to his and Aelin’s bedroom. Aelin followed after, watching as her babies talked to their father and he responded with pure adoration in every response. The way he was with them made her proud to call him her mate. 

When the rest of her family out of sight Aelin prepared herself for bed. She unlaced the front of her dress and pulled it off. Left in her underdress, she considered going to the wardrobe and finding a nightgown of one of Rowan’s shirts to put on. In the end Aelin decided that what she wore was enough, it certainly covered more than her preferred night wear. It was warm enough that she just lay on the top of the bedding, rubbing a hand over her stomach. It wasn’t long before her eyes were falling closed and she drifted off to sleep.

Excited giggles and a low rumbling laugh is what woke her up some time later. Looking towards the door Aelin saw Rowan carrying Finnian in one arm while Elspeth hung onto the other. They always kept spare clothes for the children in their quarters and today their planning had paid off. Her two freshly clean children both climbed onto the bed and hugged their mother, Elspeth going as far as to press a kiss to Aelin’s stomach. Finnian was still determined to pretend the growing sibling did not exist. In about a month he wouldn’t have any other choice. 

“They have some questions for us,” Rowan said, sitting on the end of the bed.

Aelin sunk back into the pillows, trying to get as comfortable as she could with her three children encroaching on her personal space. “Is that so?” 

What had she woken up to? She gave Rowan a look that told him if they were about to ask where babies came from again, he could deal with it. 

“Mama, what do your tattoos mean? Why did you get them?” Elspeth asked. 

Oh, that is a question, Aelin said in a look towards her mate.

Indeed it is, Rowan sent back.

“Well, I think we should hear from Da first. His story will lead into mine,” Aelin said aloud.

Out of the corner of her eye Aelin saw two small heads turn to look at their father. He wore an expression she had not seen in a long time. The grief and shame still lingered for him, it might always, but it was a reminder to them all of how far he had come and how they would not be where they are today without his sacrifices.

“Long before I met your mother, I was mated before,” Rowan began but was interrupted by a shocked gasp.

“Before Mama?” Elspeth sounded betrayed. 

“It was a long, long time ago,” Rowan went on, a small smile appearing at Elspeth’s loyalty. 

“Yes, because remember children your father is very old,” Aelin added. 

Rowan sent a reproachful but playful look. “I believed that this female I had met far away in Doranelle was my mate.”

He went silent for a moment and Aelin knew he was searching for the right words to say. She sent a surge of comfort down the bond.

“Her name was Lyria, and through evil devising and my own arrogance she was lost to me. I felt so much sadness over losing her that I had the story of our time together tattooed on my skin to honour and remember her,” Rowan explained. 

Elspeth left where she was next to Aelin and crawled across the bed to be next to Rowan. Her small fingers traced the patterns on his skin. It was something she had done since she’d developed control of her hands. Aelin loved the gesture, it was sweet and seemed to have a soothing result on both father and daughter. 

“Did you love her?” Elspeth asked in an open, honest way only a child could possess. 

Rowan nodded. “I did.”

“It’s nice that you want to remember her, Da,” Eslpeth said. 

It was such a simple and yet profound statement that Aelin felt a tightness in her throat and when she looked at Rowan she could see that his eyes were misting. These were difficult topics to discuss with a child, but they had such a simple understanding that it made it a little easier.

“It is what Lyria deserves,” Rowan said, dropping a kiss onto Elspeth’s golden hair. 

“When I understood the significance of Da’s tattoos I wanted my own,” Aelin told her children. “I wanted to do as he did. The first tattoos he gave me I lost, but he did them again.”

“Did they hurt?” Finnian asked.

Aelin nodded, “They did for a time, but your father was as gentle as he could be. As he always is when it comes to those he loves.”

For a moment Aelin was taken back to Mistward, to those long hours she had spent grieving and reviving the lost parts of her soul. Rowan had been with her every moment, steady and grounding, the first of her bloodsworn and ready to follow her to whatever end. And then the second time, in those desperate hours in that tent as he tattooed his last efforts to bind them together into her skin. He had succeeded, and now they had this life. 

Aelin couldn’t help the tears that welled, and wiped her cheek as one rolled down her cheek. “My tattoos honour those I have lost and that we’ve told you about before. Your grandparents and great uncle, my friends who helped me, there are lines that affirm my dedication to our land and my people. But there is also the story of your father and I, the story of how we found our way to each other and always will.”

“Lucky for us, huh Mama?” Elspeth said. 

Rowan chuckled, and hugged her. “Very lucky, Elsie.”

“Well,” Aelin said with a sigh, and shrugging off the weight of the conversation. “The baby is hungry and I think it’s time for afternoon tea.”

“Can we invite Uncle Fen?” FInnian asked. 

Aelin laughed at the scowl Rowan wore. “I don’t see why not. Hopefully he’s cleaned up the mess he made by now.”

“That was us, Mama,” Elspeth reminded her. 

“Yes, but he’s responsible for it,” Rowan explained as he helped Elspeth and then Finnian off the bed. “Go and find him. We’ll be along.”

The children ran from the room and it turned out that Fenrys was already there, seeing to the paint and supplies as he had promised.

“You’re going to have to help me up,” Aelin said, shuffling herself to the edge of the bed. “Your child is getting heavy.”

Rowan stood with his hands outstretched, smiling with so much adoration for her that Aelin might just end up crying again. When she was on her feet Rowan wasted no time before kissing her, long and sweet. 

“I’ll get you your robe,” Rowan offered. 

The one he chose was one of Aelin’s prettier ones, it was more like a dress than a robe. It was comfortable, and right now that’s all that truly mattered to her. Rowan held it up and Aelin turned. She was surprised by the caress over her back as Rowan traced the lines of the words he had inked into her skin.

“Do you think they understood?” He asked, sliding the robe onto one arm and then the other. 

Aelin turned to face him and tied the robe closed at the top of her bump. “As much as they could. I’m sure when they’re older they’ll have more questions.”

“And we’ll be there again, to answer them together,” Rowan said. 

“Like we always are,” Aelin said, kissing her mate. “To whatever end.”

~~~~~

This fic might be completely self indulgent by why not? Tags are still being awful

[writtenonreceipts]

Rowaelin Month Day Twenty Two: Magic/Shifting Lessons with the Kids @rowaelinscourt

Month Masterlist

~1k words, another day of poor editing

.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.

Father and Son

The screams were what drew Rowan’s attention first.

He couldn’t scent any blood so he knew it wasn’t terribly urgent.  Nor could he scent any pain either.  But when his children were involved, it was best to put an end to screaming as soon as possible.  The last time he and Aelin had tried to let them scream it out the entire west wing of the palace had nearly been destroyed.

So, Rowan picked up his pace as he rounded the corner down to the practice yard where he knew his two oldest should have been working on their sword formations.  He came face to face with a young soldier instead, likely on his way to find him or Aelin.

“Ah, your highness,” the young fae said.  He bowed shortly, refusing to meet Rowan’s gaze. “The children--”

“Are causing problems again, aren’t they?” Rowan finished.  The soldier’s eyes only widened to a comical size. “I’ll see to them.”

Without saying anything else, he swept past the soldier and out to the yard.  It indeed was chaos.

Two of the practice dummies had been obliterated.  Hay streaked in every direction, barrels overturned, and Meiri stood center of it all.  Her blonde hair was, as always, in disarray, and her tunic mussed up.  She pointed her wooden practice sword at a crate where Rowan could just make out Finlay hiding behind.

Oh good.  They were getting along swimmingly.

“Come out, Finlay!” Meiri shouted. She was sixteen and well on her way to taking over the world. “You can’t hide behind that.”

“You’re cheating.”  Finlay, nearly fifteen, kept his position with his own practice sword clutched in his hands.  

Rowan could at least pride himself on the fact he insisted they not use real weapons on each other unless he, Lorcan, or Aedion were present.

“I’m not cheating!”

“Are too!”

“You can use magic too, if you actually tried!”

Meiri’s words were not meant to be cruel exactly, but she was young and confident and could be rather arrogant in her own abilities.  Exactly like her mother.  And Rowan knew how Finlay would take the words all the same.

He waited until Meiri finally noticed him.

“Da!” she exclaimed. “Would you please tell Fin this isn’t how you fight.  He’s embarrassing himself, really.”

“Stand down, Meir,” Rowan said.  He dipped his chin at his daughter who frowned, but lowered the wooden sword all the same.

Rowan nodded in approval before going to the crate where Fin was still hiding behind.  It wasn’t often that the lad acted like this.  He was indeed proud and hated displaying weakness of any sort.  But he was also still young and barely coming into maturity.  Rowan could only guess what was going on in his son’s head.  So he eased himself onto the ground right beside Fin, crossing his arms over his knees in a relaxed position.

Finlay groaned. “Oh, would you just leave me alone?”

He squeezed his eyes shut and banged his head against the crate.

“I’m the only one equipped to handle the two of you when you get like this,” Rowan reminded his son.

“Meiri’s insane,” Fin hissed.

“I heard that!” Meiri shouted from behind them.

Rowan rolled his eyes. “Not now, Meiri.”

His words were followed by a huff and stomping feet.  Rowan waited a bit longer until he knew Meiri had fully retreated to the weapons room.  He looked at his son.

Finlay was a near replica of Rowan himself.  Silver hair, tan skin, and green eyes.  Though…Rowan would swear Fin’s eyes changed on occasion.  No matter.  It was still a bit disconcerting at times to remember the fact that he, Rowan Whitethorn, had a son.  Even if he’d had over a decade to get used to the fact.  

“What happened?” Rowan asked. “Couldn’t summon ice or couldn’t aim?”

Fin said nothing as she stretched his long legs out before him.

“By the looks of it, you got a bit out of control?” Rowan pressed.

Fin banged his head against the crate again.

“It’s hard to control early on,” Rowan said, he tried to channel the way his own father trained him and not what he had learned trapped in Maeve’s oath. “Even harder when you’re still growing into yourself, maturing--”

“Stop talking da,” Fin said, finally looking at him.  It was more like a glare but Rowan would take it.

He smothered a grin and knocked his shoulder with Fin’s. “It’s alright to struggle with your magic.  But you can’t let your temper control you.”

Fin scowled. “I don’t let it control me.”

“Then why will we need to have the servants make new practice dummies?” Rowan asked.  He didn’t want to embarrass his son or make this situation worse than it could potentially be.  But sometimes you had to press and dig to get the answers you wanted. “Seems like something happened.”

Fin kept his eyes trained forward to an alcove across the practice yard.  It was left in afternoon shadows but was as innocuous a place as any to train your attention when avoiding confrontation.

For a moment, Rowan wondered if he should call Aelin here.  She’d struggled with controlling her magic and it hadn’t been centuries since that happened.  Unlike with Rowan.  He could still remember the vague sense of frustration, but it truly had been an age since he’d struggled so much.

“Finlay,” Rowan began as she stretched his legs out before him.  “Sometimes, getting better at something takes longer than we think it will, but that doesn’t mean we give up on it.”

Fin continued scowling. “Meiri teases me for losing control.  I’m trying, I’m trying really hard, da.”

It was true that Meiri’s magic had always come easily to her, that she didn’t struggle with it, that it was simply a natural extension of her being.  And even though Fin had displayed his magic early on--he’d always had a difficult time reigning it in.

“That’s just Meiri,” Rowan sighed.  “But she is your sister, and you do actually have to talk to her about things.  Or we can have one big family dinner and talk about what it’s like to grow up and change.”

“No!” Fin shouted, grabbing the front of Rowan’s shirt. “That’ll just make it worse.”

Rowan chuckled, unable to help it.  He stood and offered a hand to Fin.

“C’mon then,” he said. “I helped train your mother.  I can help train you too.”

.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.

not ready to try tagging again... but as always, thanks for reading friends