#smokehounds

[secret-third-thing]

For Day 5 of @erisweekofficial: War | Adventure

Art by @vetyr (Insta: vetyyr) Commissioned by @secret-third-thing

do not repost

Don't cross Eris or it may come back to bite you! I hope that we get to see more of Eris and the Autumn Court in the next book. Seeing him in his element, especially as we gear up towards another war, is going to be so interesting.

[harperbrynne]

Azriel trying to figure out what Eris named his dogs and Eris trying to figure out what Azriel named his shadows

[psychiatry-and-poetry]

Sleepy Affection

AO3 | Nesta Week 2025 Masterpost |

@nestaarcheronweek

Prompt: Day Five - Mother (Not only does Nesta have a bond with the Mother, but she's also mommy Mother. How do you see this word applying to her?)

A/N: I wanted to capture a more domestic side of Nesta, one where she’s relaxed instead of constantly having to act or sound a certain way, and I hope I did that here!

Word Count: 1492

Nesta groaned as a distinct, wet tongue brushed over her cheek, Instinctively turning over and pulling the covers over head, she mumbled, “Down, Roxy.” At the hound’s refusal to comply, Nesta groaned again. “Down, girl. I’ll get you breakfast soon. Just let me-”

She broke off, yawning. “Let me sleep for a few more minutes.”

Today, however, it seemed that Roxy wasn’t having it. A whine escaped the dog’s lips, and Nesta could tell, even from her under the covers, that she was pouting. 

Eris’ favoured hound and usually the most well-trained, she tended to keep the other hounds in line when they misbehaved. They were all forbidden from climbing up onto the bed, but it seemed that particular restriction wasn’t about to stop Roxy this morning. 

Nesta was just about to call Eris to get his hound off of her when she realised he was away. A slight chill enveloped her at the reminder, and it was enough to push herself out of bed.

Her husband was currently away on the continent for a meeting about trade routes between Autumn and Rask. He’d been making renewed efforts after the War to attempt to make trade global and more streamlined, claiming it took ridiculously large amounts of time for the smallest things to travel on inter-continental trade routes. Currently though, the Dukes of Rask continued to be stubborn, somehow even more orthodox and traditional than some of Prythian’s High Lords. They prided themselves on traditionality, and simply couldn’t seem to grasp the gem of a deal that Eris was offering them.

Indeed, Nesta had gone over the deal and paperwork so many times with her husband she wouldn’t be surprised if she would now be able to recite the contracts orally without hesitation. They had debated these things long into the night; how they were planning to integrate not only trade, but migration, too. 

It had been one of Eris’ many well-crafted and well-documented plans once he ascended. Some had come into effect immediately upon his coronation, while others had taken longer to implement. There were others still that were awaiting approval or negotiations, but Nesta could not bring herself to dislike it. How could she, when she’d been trained for Court life from birth? If anything, she found it intriguing.

But none of this was going through Nesta’s mind at the moment. Right now, she was intent on satiating Roxy’s hunger, if only so that she could go back to bed. It wasn’t likely that she’d fall asleep again, but it was a Sunday morning, and her duties could wait. There was a particularly thrilling erotica series she wanted to finish by the end of this week. The smut isn’t going to read itself. Gwyn’s light, airy voice entered her mind, and she couldn’t suppress the grin at her friend’s comment at their book club earlier this month. 

Though the females lived in different courts and had busy schedules, they’d found a way to meet at least once a month despite it all. Emerie and Gwyn were Nesta’s oldest friends since she’d been Made, and she’d be damned if she lost contact with them because of something so trivial as distance when winnowing was commonplace.

Once she’d flung the covers off and began making her way to the main room, Roxy followed diligently behind her, looking up at her mistress with wide, imploring eyes that said I’m hungry. Feed me.

Scrounging the cupboards near the fireplace, she found a neatly packaged collection of both treats and entire meals for the hounds. 

As soon as Nesta got the packet out, Roxy’s entire demeanor changed. From wagging tail and lolling tongue, she immediately sat down, sitting so still Nesta would have thought something would have happened had she not been used to this behaviour. 

“Good girl.” The hound’s ears perked up when Nesta complimented her, and perked up even further as Nesta poured the food into a bowl which had Roxy written on it in a fancy scrawl. 

By now, the other hounds had sensed the commotion and woken up too. Clambering up to Nesta, they surrounded her, and she pet them all. “Oh, are my other babies hungry too?” She cooed, scratching them behind the ears and under their chins as they nuzzled into her touch. 

They greedily slurped up their breakfast as she poured a bowl for each of them, and the sounds of twelve dogs munching delighted Nesta to no end.

Eris had helped her get over her initial fear of dogs by assuring her that they were hounds, not stray dogs, and wouldn’t attack unless provoked. She’d retorted that they were still animals, and would attack whenever they felt like it. It had taken a long time for her to warm up to them, but now she was just as, if not more dedicated to taking care of the hounds than Eris was. 

He’d caught her on multiple occasions chatting with Roxy as if she could understand her, and Nesta’s only excuse had been that they did. One simply had to be patient with them, and treat them with the love and care she knew all animals deserved. 

“My baby,” she’d murmured to Apollo one particularly cold and rainy night as she planted a light kiss to his forehead. He was one of Eris’ youngest; one he’d adopted after nursing it back to health on one of his journeys to the more secluded pockets of the Court. 

They still didn’t know where he came from, but it didn’t matter. Nesta hadn’t hesitated for a moment when Eris had brought the bleeding hound in, and he’d slowly become theirs.

Day by day, they’d coaxed the hound into the healthy, well-fed dog that now sat heeling at Nesta’s feet. “Are you bored, sweet boy?” As his eyes widened, Nesta let out a chuckle. “We’ll go out on a walk after everyone finishes breakfast, yeah?” She punctuated her words with a slight ruffle of his fur.

One of Eris’ first rules when it came to his hounds was that no one, absolutely no one was to feed them except either him or Nesta. Claiming that true loyalty only came when owner and pet spent quality time together, he made sure to take time out of his bustling schedule to take care of his dogs. He also insisted on all the food that came in for his cherished hounds to be checked and re-checked for any signs of poison. 

As always, Eris’ immaculate and air-tight plans had Nesta marveling at that mind of his. However did he manage to think of so much in such a short amount of time?

A soft bark dragged her back to the present, as Nova, another fierce, if not just as sweet, hound tilted up her head so that her caramel eyes met Nesta’s steel-grey ones. “You want to go out too? Come on, then.”

Hastily changing into a dress and stockings that she deemed appropriate should someone approach her, she grabbed the leashes and sat about fastening one on each dog’s collar. She tugged a coat and shoes on, grabbing a pair of leather gloves to put on later, and ushered the dogs out of her chambers.

✦ ✦ ✦

Nesta spent the better part of the morning playing with the hounds; asking them to play fetch with a ball that she’d summoned, or having them chase around the courtyard as they yipped playfully at a ribbon of silver fire that she’d conjured. They pawed at jumped at it, attempting to catch the string and figure out, once and for all, what it was, but Nesta’s control on her magic never slipped. She managed to keep it just out of their grasp as she twirled her fingers idly, crafting silver stars with her other hand. 

She came back upstairs around half-past noon, cheeks tinged red from the cold and a grin on her face. The hounds had bits of frost on their paws, and Nesta only shook her head as they sullied Eris’ rug. He wouldn’t mind, of course. In fact, he’d bought a rug so that it would be easy to clean. Dog fur and some perpetual state of frost always seemed to coat it after he’d taken them out on a walk or into the courtyard, but it tended to be cleaned by the afternoon or late evening at most. 

The servants, too, had gotten used to Eris’ hounds, and catered to them on his command. It was routine for them to offer the hounds the best care that was available in the Forest House.

A fleeting thought of reviewing budgets and other documents crossed her mind, but right now, Nesta couldn’t bring herself to care. Work and endless duties were always going to be there. Right now, she was content simply sitting by the fireplace, lavish armchair and plump couches forgotten, cuddling with her hounds, a beam of true contentment on her face.

A/N: Even though not much happened and this submission wasn’t plot heavy, I wanted to write something short and fluffy!

[my-acotar-thoughts]

Smokehounds…

What sort of breed do you think they resemble? At first I imagined greyhounds but I feel like they’re something with a bit more bite to them but still very fast. I also imagine they’re big dogs that have slick grey-black fur and an ethereal smoke quality around them like they are made of smoke themselves at times. Kinda similar to Hellhounds but less demonic looking. They’re just as vicious though and will tear their prey apart if commanded.

Update:

I’ve been informed about Borzois! This is now how I see smokehounds but blending into wisps of smoke making them ethereal

[climbthemountain2020]

Azris Week Day 2: Familiars

I just KNOW the smokehounds and the shadows would play together.

@azrisweek

[mika-no-sekai-blog]

Double trouble

Word count: 1900+

Warnings: brawling doggos → mentions of blood and wounds

For @erisweekofficial, Day 4: Tradition/Hounds

Dividers by @tsunami-of-tears

It was quite warm autumn day and Eris headed to the secret pathway that led from garden straight to a long forgotten ruins of temple hidden among the trees on the hill behind the Forest House. He loved that place ever since he found it as a child and he often played between the half collapsed walls. Under the ruins dwelled source of ancient powerful magic that pulsed through the ground and called to him, filling his veins with fire, connecting him with essence of Autumn on a primal level. It didn't give him a real power though, only recharged him and his tired soul, but the experience was so magnificent that his body asked for it every now and then.

Eris was in a good mood, his steps light. His amber eyes shone happily as he imagined all the things he could do today. With Beron on a business trip and all paperwork done, he had an entire day to do whatever he wanted. Of course he was going to spend it with his hounds. There was nothing that could bring him more joy than the twelve four legged furry creatures.

He used to keep them in a stable, but ever since he took them to the ruins, they didn't want to return back to the estate. Maybe they also felt the power breathing under their paws or they just liked that place; he didn't know. It was the first and only time the whole pack disobeyed him. Thus he warded the ruins to keep them safe and turned it into their home.

When autumn heir was sure that nobody would hear him, he started to whistle melody that nonstop played in his head for weeks now. As he got closer to the ruins, the quiet forest filled with a sound of barking that was quickly getting closer. His smokehounds heard him coming and decided to go to welcome their master.

The first hound that reached him, was naturally Lightening, the fastest of them. He came running in a full speed and without slowing down jumped at Eris. Even though he expected it, the impact threw him off his legs and he landed on his back sprawled on the soft forest ground. In a blink of eye, he was surrounded by the whole pack.

The hounds barked happily, wagging their tails, jumping around him and on him. Most of them was just trying to lick his face affectionately, some wanted to be scratched between ears or have their bellies rubbed.

Eris laughed from the bottom of his heart. "Enough. I love you too, guys. It tickles." But they ignored his attempts to at least sit up and merrily continued in the game. It was rare to get their master's face within the reach.

However, two of them, namely Badger and Scotches, didn't seem to be interested in their master. They sniffed all his pockets, trying to get their snouts in. No matter how much they tried, they couldn't get inside, so they tried to tear the fabric with teeth and paws. Eris pushed them away, but they returned aiming to get some treats.

As much as Eris loved to snuggle and play with his loves, he couldn't tolerate such behaviour. He whistled shortly and hounds immediately lined up, waiting patiently.

Eris stood up, brushing the leaves and dirt from his clothes while eyeing the two miscreants. They both hung their head guilty, avoiding his eyes.

"You have to deserve them," he raised a brow at them and the rest of pack gave them judging looks, grumbling. If it wasn't for these two, they could still play with master.

Eris whistled again and hounds straightened up, their attention trained on him. As usual, Eris went through the simple commands, closely watching whether all hounds accomplished them properly. After completing command every hound was rewarded with Eris's special dog crackers that he prepared himself according to his personal secret recipe. It took him years to find the perfect balance of nutrients and good taste.

Ten hounds performed perfectly, only Badger and Scotches were sluggish and apparently didn't want to cooperate. Eris narrowed eyes at them. They ignored him though. In result, they didn't get crackers, not even once. They watched enviously as everyone around them crunched the treat between teeth, happily wagging the tails. By the time the training was over, they were frowning at Eris and angrily growling at their comrades.

Eris decided to treat his hounds with one extra portion of crackers and that was when those two snapped. Eris was giving cracker to the hound standing between them, when they launched at it almost biting into Eris's fingers in the process. He managed to yank his hand back in time before the sharp canines snapped together. Greystone that stood between them, closing eyes jerked his head back to avoid the collision.

Scotches, a bit faster one, almost got the cracker, but Badger slammed into him from the side. The treat fell to the ground and the two started to fight over it. The rest of the hounds backed up from them creating a circle around. Two brawlers growled at each other, trying to kill the opponent.

Eris took out a silver whistle that he used only rarely as Scotches was the one who usually stopped every fight between hounds. It didn't work. Completely ignoring every command, they fought rolling on the ground. When the first few drops of blood sprinkled the grass, Kama, the softest and kindest of them all, launched forward. She fearlessly jumped between them, snapping her canines at the one and then the other, but engrossed in the fight they ignored her until Kama cried out in pain. Everything including Eris's heart froze in that moment.

Badger's teeth were closed around Kama's paw, blood dripping from his muzzle. Scotches whined and backed up with ears down, cringing. Badger slowly let go of the paw and cringing and whining started to lick the injury he caused.

Eris was in a blink of eye on his knees in front of Kama, gently holding her paw to examine it. The wound was quite deep, but fortunately nothing seemed to be broken. However, it needed stitches. Immediately.

Eris quickly sent the rest of hounds back to the ruins while ordering the two culprits to sit where they were until he returned. They were injured too, but thankfully it wasn't anything serious and all wounds would heal within an hour or so on its own. On purpose, he left the cracker as it was, on the ground in front of them, so the punishment was even more severe.

He scooped Kama into his arms and winnowed with her to the closest veterinarian who usually checked the hounds and knew them well. In the end, Kama ended up needing ten stitches. The veterinarian assured him that she should be fine and heal until the next day, but Eris was worried anyway.

Despite having big plans for his day off and especially looking forward the hunt, Eris couldn't stand the idea of letting Kama alone somewhere. Instead of returning back to ruins, he headed to the Forest House. Beron was very clear when he banned bringing hounds into rooms and specifically bedrooms, so Eris had to sneak through the hallways, looking around every corner to make sure that nobody was there. His father had spies everywhere and nothing could make them happier than to report on young heir and his breaking of rules.

"Good girl," he whispered to Kama who licked his face with gratitude. "Just stay silent, okay? If they catch us we will be in a huge trouble."

When they reached his chambers' door he waved his hand to undo the ward and quickly slipped in, immediately closing the door behind. Wards fell on its place and Eris breathed out in relief. It was hard to believe they managed to get in without being caught. Real miracle.

Eris looked around, hesitating where to put his wounded hound down. She deserved the best for her bravery. He was deciding between armchair and sofa, both soft and very comfortable, when his eyes landed on a big pillow. It was decided. He tossed it on the ground in front of hearth and gently placed Kama down on it. Flicking his wrist he lit up the fire. He reached into the pocket between the worlds, taking out two bowls. He set the bowls with water and food within Kama's reach and sat down on the floor beside her, gently scratching her between ears.

"I'm so sorry for what has happened to you," he sighed and hound looked up at him as if telling him to not worry about that. She rolled on her back, letting him rub her belly. She grunted contentedly.

"I wonder why those two vagabonds were so off today. Especially Scotches. He usually doesn't fight with others like that. Did you have some misunderstandings? Hm? Would you tell me?" He leaned down, nuzzling to her soft fur. Kama just snorted like a tired mother whose children were always in some kind of trouble.

"You need a bath, do you know it?" he teased her grinning and she gave him angry look. "I think that as soon as you get well, I'll take all of you to the river and we will have a wash day. What do you think?"

Kama whined and dramatically plopped her head down on the pillow, pouting.

"Oh, c'mon. It won't be so bad. We'll have a lot of fun." She rolled her eyes, sighing through snout deeply as if saying that he would be the only one to enjoy it.

Eris spent the rest of the day taking care of his small patient. He didn't want to leave her side even for a moment and ended up sleeping on the floor with her. Thankfully, smokehounds were magical creatures and could heal pretty fast just like Fae. Next morning Kama was healthy and again stood on all four paws. At sunrise she jumped at him, licking his face until he reluctantly opened one amber eye.

"Is this repay for the bath you'll get today?" he grunted, but he was happy that she was already healed. After eating breakfast together, he successfully sneaked her out.

They walked through the forest side by side, enjoying the early morning's cool air and bird's chirping, but before they got to the ruins, they were greeted by two hounds soundly sleeping in the grass. Badger and Scotches were exactly where Eris had left them, they didn't dare to move a single inch. Even the cracker was on the same place, now half soaked with morning drew. Eris stopped, folding hands on his chest and nodded at Kama. It was her turn to get angry with them. She nodded back and quietly stalked to the sleeping brawlers. She sat down in front of them and barked.

They both jolted, immediately sitting up with ears down. They didn't dare to look at their master nor Kama, heads hanging down. Kama narrowed her eyes at them, growling lowly and gave them a proper scold. When she was done with them, she simple walked with her nose high to the ruins where the rest of hounds was waiting, watching them curiously. The rest of comrades warmly welcomed her, nuzzling to her sides and sniffing around now healed paw.

Eris stepped to the two and crouched down. "Was it necessary?" he eyed them strictly while they uncomfortably shifted from one paw to other, still too ashamed to meet his eyes.

"Today is the wash day," he announced aloud so all hounds heard him. "You two will be sitting in the water until others get washed. All the time. No exceptions. And you, Badger, will be the last to get washed. Now come. It's time for breakfast."

Both hounds stood up and followed after Eris with tails between legs, as tame as sheep.

[fourteentrout]

"You Ain't Nothing But A—"

Eris Week Day 4: Hounds

Pairing: Azriel/Eris Vanserra

Rating: Mature

Length: 7,487 words

My longest contribution to @erisweekofficial, this is a 5 +1 fic about Eris (casually) treating Azriel like one of his smokehounds!

Read here on AO3

Very short preview below the cut! barrier design by @tsunami-of-tears

The breeze that wended its way through the Autumn woods tickled Azriel's hair and made the fiery half-dead leaves rustle pleasantly. They flicked and whirled, some tumbling to the ground in lazy little arcs and twists, glimmers of the finest ruby and auburn and gold. Azriel could almost fool himself into thinking that the forest didn't belong to some of the cruelest scum in all of Prythian. 

It was dusk, a good time of day for his shadows. The shade of the trees grew long and deep, so dark that it almost seemed like something one could trip and fall into. Fortunately for Azriel, he could. He moved through the forest fluidly from shadow to shadow, his tendrils of darkness reaching out to every corner of the forest, searching for the remaining Vanserra. Finding Ronin and Enoch and relieving them of their memories had been quick and uncomplicated work, but Azriel was no fool. Eris was the trickiest fox of their litter, and he was not going to make it easy for the spymaster. 

As much was proven when a blazing ring of fire shot up around Azriel right as he emerged from the shadow of a skinnier, less fortunate tree. He cursed as the heat pressed in on him, the flames licking well above his head. Not burning, one of his shadows sang frantically, taking cover underneath his wings. The assurance didn't matter. Azriel's panic had spiked, his heart rate along with it, and he couldn't see through the brightness, couldn't breathe through the smoke, couldn't even figure out what to do.

Not burning, the shadow insisted weakly. Just as Azriel's stomach turned in a fashion far too dramatic for his liking, a split appeared in the flames. The wall of fire parted like stage show curtains, and before Azriel appeared none other than Eris Vanserra, in all his infuriating splendor.

[nocasdatsgay]

The Price You Pay for Power Ch. 7

Pairing: Neris | Rating: T| Word count: 2312

Masterlist | Previous Chapter | Read Chapter on AO3

Warnings: None

Summary: Nesta and Eris arrive at the cabin

A/N: hi… long time no see. I promised to update this before new year and I did it. I also promise I will try to be better and not let time blindness get in the way. Thank you for sticking with me.

Tagging: @hieragalbatorixdottir @mybestfriendmademe @thisblogisaboutabook @acourtofladydeath @pit-and-the-pen @ninthcircleofprythian @daycourtofficial @secret-third-thing @ysmtttty if i tagged you by accident let me know

Nesta inhaled sharply, the world turning in on itself as she and Eris winnowed from the steps of the Forest House. Before them was… nothing. Or so it seemed. She could feel the glamor and wards in front of her, making it seem like a continuation of the yellow, orange, and red forest. When she blinked, she could see something large and brown before her eyes quickly adjusted. The wards themselves felt familiar. Even as Eris led her forward and the cabin materialized before them her mind focused on the wards. 

“Who warded this cabin?” She glanced at Eris. 

He didn’t regard her- staring forward at the cabin. She wondered if he would be truthful. 

“A friend of my mother made these wards.” He said with a scowl. “After my aunts were murdered during the first war, my mother needed time to herself.”

Nesta bit back her remark. Instead she studied Eris as the leaves crunched under their feet while they walked. Despite his stoic demeanor, she felt he knew more than what he said aloud. It seemed the Autumn Court way was to harbor secrets: your own and others. She looked back to the cabin. It was a lot nicer than the shack she lived in as a human. Larger for certain. Still, Nesta felt a familiar weight in her chest- a tightness as visions fluttered in her mind of the past. 

“Is something wrong?” 

She hadn’t realized she stopped. Eris seemed annoyed, the way he was looking her over. 

“I’m fine,” she grumbled. She stomped forward past him, shoving down the memory and feeling. 

He did not respond to her. When she reached the door, she waited for him to join her. She looked everywhere but at him. 

“It isn’t locked,” Eris said with an air of arrogance. 

She finally cut her gaze to him. He had a lazy smile, hands behind his back as he walked slowly towards her. She took a step back and let him open the door. Her nose crinkled. The smell of him and the smells from the cabin hit her hard. She smelled roasted chestnuts and the smell of a fire despite one not being lit. And something foreign, not of Autumn. A masculine smell she was acquainted with. 

“When was this cabin last used?” 

Stepping into a nice little foyer, the decorations were warm and inviting. A rust colored runner under her feet and a garland of autumn leaves on the wall. No dust covered the walls or the floor despite the smell. 

“A long time ago. Why?” He narrowed his gaze at her after stopping at the entryway. 

“It smells,” was all she replied. 

If Eris knew what she meant, he didn’t show it. A wave of his hand and the air shifted. Magic covering the scents. 

“I forget your senses are more sensitive. Is that to your liking?” 

“Yes.” 

There was an unspoken understanding that passed between them. He nodded. 

“Good.” 

He went forward and she followed, the door shutting behind her. It really was a nice cabin. Much nicer than anything they had as humans. The sitting area was spacious with a couch and arm chairs. Despite the lack of use, there wasn’t dust on any surface she could see. She would consider it homey if there was more than just the generic painting on the wall and almost new couches. 

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Eris move- like he was reaching for something. Out of air he pulled a bag- her bag. One she saw the maids pack when she was getting ready. He handed it to her effortlessly. 

“You’ll take the room on the right through that hall.” He nodded forward. 

A short hallway with three doors laid behind where she stood. She turned back to him. 

“And you? Are we to share a bed?” 

“You keep asking as if you want to share my bed. That can be arranged if you’re so inclined.” 

She frowned at the glint in his gaze and smirk on his lips. “Do not flirt with me.”

“It is a pity you think this is flirting. Did the beast not court you properly?” 

“Keep his name out of your mouth.” She nearly snarled. 

“So you agree he is a beast.” 

“Fuck you.” 

She turned and stomped off while Eris laughed behind her. The room he instructed her to go to was small, the made bed taking up most of it. She sat down her bag and tried to calm herself. He was antagonizing her on purpose. Her mind went to Cassian and immediately she frowned. The hurt of him agreeing to this was still fresh. As were the words Az spoke to her when she asked if he’d been sent by Cassian. 

He told me not to come. 

She inhaled sharply and blinked repeatedly. She would not cry. 

Nesta instead busied herself undoing the bag and looking inside. She began to pull out dresses. After the second one, she realized the bag was deeper than it appeared. She ended up pulling out a week of dresses, undergarments, and three scandalous night gowns that she shoved back into the bag. She’d already forgotten she was supposed to be on her honeymoon. 

For a small fraction of a second, her heart yearned for Cassian again. For him to come save her despite her having agreed to this. As soon as she felt it, she shoved it down. He didn’t come the nights before, he would not come now. Az confirmed as much. The sooner she could help Eris, the sooner she could go home. 

There were books packed, ones she brought from the House of Wind and new ones. She flipped one of the new ones around, Autumn Court Traditions. Another under it looked to be about court etiquette. A piece of paper stuck out at the side of it. 

These will be helpful for your stay. 

Despite no name on the note, she could smell the roasted chestnuts. Eris’ mother snuck these in for her. She held the book tight, letting herself feel the gratitude she had for this female that didn’t know her but wanted to help. She placed them on the bedside table for later. Nesta hung up her dresses in the small closet and placed the bag on the floor. With nothing left to do she resigned herself to facing Eris again. 

She straightened out the skirts of her dress and walked back into the hall and sitting room. Eris was not there. A silent fire was going in the fireplace, making the room pleasantly warm. On the other side of the room, a glass door led outside. It caught her eye as it opened. Eris stepped inside and a creature followed him. 

Nesta’s back stiffened, gaze narrowed on the beast before her. To call it a dog seemed too disingenuous. It was larger than any dog she’d seen but didn’t have the fur or face to be a wolf. Sleek fur of smoke gray, wisps of haze surrounded it. It’s yellow eyes stared back at her as Eris came into view. The head of the beast reached his hips. It’s demeanor softened in the presence of Eris. He reached down to scratch behind a floppy ear. 

“This is Jora, she’s staying with us for the week,” he said, shutting the door. 

“What is it?” 

“She is my best hound.” Eris glared at her. 

“Rather large for just a hound,” Nesta crossed her arms against her chest, as if doing so would protect her. 

“She’s a smoke hound. She will not harm you.” 

As if to prove a point, the beast approached her, panting and tail wagging like a whip. She stopped in front of Nesta and whined. 

She cut her eyes to Eris. “You promise it won’t bite.” 

“She will not bite. Do not call her an it.” Eris said, anger lacing his tone. 

Nesta narrowed her gaze. “A truce. You stop calling Cassian a beast. I will not call your hound an it.” 

She swore his lip twitched. “Agreed.” 

Hesitantly, she uncrossed an arm and reached down. Her fingertips met soft fur- softer than she expected. Jora’s tail wagged harder as she scratched right behind the same ear Eris did. Nesta had to admit up close it was cute.  

“Now that you’re acquainted, we need to discuss your training. Have a seat.” He clicked his tongue and Jora returned to him. 

Nesta chose the sofa, away from the chair Eris sat in closer to the door. Jora laid down at his feet on the rug and he crossed ankle over his knee. Nesta sat on the edge of the sofa cushion- it was soft and she knew she’d sink back in an unladylike fashion even for her. 

“Tell me what you know about your powers and be truthful this time.” Eris said. 

“They come from the cauldron.”

He gave her a withered look. “Tell me something that isn’t obvious.” 

“Sometimes it feels like it’s clawing inside me. Demanding to be let out.” 

Nesta wasn’t sure why she felt compelled to tell him the truth. He regarded her for a moment. Not in a scrutinizing way. She swore it was pity which made her cringe internally. 

“That’s because you haven’t been using it. The more powerful you are, the more magic you have to expel from your body in order to maintain a balance. They never once mentioned this?” His tone grew harsh quickly, he uncrossed his leg and leaned forward, studying her. 

“I wouldn’t have listened if they had.” She snapped in return. 

His gaze was as harsh as his tone, eyes flickering down to her hands. “Show me your flames.” 

“I can’t.”

“You showed them to my father.” His eyes narrowed. 

“And it took everything inside of me to control that.” Her stomach rolled thinking about it. “I don’t even know how I managed it. If he knew what my powers could truly do.” Nesta took a breath. “I was afraid. Afraid he’d lock me away.” 

“I will not allow that.” Eris replied quickly. 

“You would stop him?” Nesta leaned back in her chair and scoffed. “You wouldn’t need me here if you could stop him yourself.” 

“I made a bargain with your high lord. I intend to keep it.” 

With a flick of his hand an apple appeared on the table in front of the sofa. 

“Use your powers on that apple. Your real powers.” 

She knew by his gaze he would not take no for an answer. She looked at it, holding out her hand, and focused. She chanted in her mind like she did in the throne room. She could feel the power raging in her trying to get out and she tried to control it. To let out just a little. It felt like an eternity passed as she sat and warred with herself and nothing came of it. 

“I can’t,” she sighed, dropping her hand. She felt the magic in her dampen down. “I can’t do it.” 

The apple caught fire, orange fire like the fireplace. She recoiled watching the flames lick the sides of it. Eris stood and walked over. He plucked the apple off the table, flames and all. 

“A fundamental rule is to not be afraid of your own magic,” he said as the flames engulfed his hands. “It’s a part of you whether you like it or not. Conquering your fear is the first step to controlling it.”

“You don’t know what it’s like,” anger bubbled inside her. 

“I don’t.” He put out the flames and held out the apple to her. It was unharmed. “What I do know is you have potential. You just have to want to reach out and take it.” 

She hesitated. When he didn’t budge, she took the apple from him. He lowered his arm and pulled out the knife Rhys had given him. He held out the handle to her. 

“This belongs to you.” 

“Do you not want it?” She raised a brow. 

“I do not take things that aren’t given to me freely.” 

She took the handle and he let go of the blade. She could feel it hum pleasantly. As if it were a pet that had been returned home. 

“We have a week. Take your rest for the day and settle. Tomorrow we start training.” He put his hands behind his back looking down at her. “I’m taking Jora to hunt. I trust the- Illryians taught you how to take care of yourself.”

“Yes.” She put the apple and knife beside her. “I need trousers and a blouse. I unpacked my things and they were all dresses. Unless you have fighting leathers lying about.” 

Eris scoffed. “We do not wear black leathers. I can arrange more clothes to be brought while I’m out. Come Jora.” Jora stood, obediently waiting for another command. “Anything else?” 

“Are you hunting for sport or for dinner?” She didn’t know why her anxiety had spiked in her at the thought. 

“Both. I do not waste what the Mother has given us on this land.” He looked her over. “Is that a problem?” 

“No,” she replied quickly. 

“I don’t know how the humans do it, but I do not expect your help if that is what you’re worried about.” 

“It’s nothing, I was simply asking.” She snapped at him. 

He did not react. He simply nodded, clicking his tongue twice for Jora to follow him. Nesta didn’t physically relax until he went out the glass door. She looked down at the apple and knife beside her. She picked up the apple and looked it over. It was perfect; as if no flames touched it. She hesitantly took a bite out of it. It was the sweetest apple she’d ever tasted. 

She hummed contently and swore the blade beside her did the same. 

[thehouseofvanserra]

[azrielsshadows42]

ok, Acotar fandom, there's a debate that needs to be settled.

[secret-third-thing]

Eris and his Hound

Art by @krem-does-stuff

Commissioned by @secret-third-thing for Day 4 of @erisweek2023

PLEASE DO NOT REPOST

--

The moment the Eris Week community chose Hounds as a theme, I made a beeline to Krem's dms. And she honestly went so above and beyond. I was floored when I first saw this piece, and I hope you are too!! I can just FEEL the love between Eris and his dog. AHH Thank you for blessing us with this, Krem. 🧡🧡🧡

[harperbrynne]

Eris running around late for an important meeting cause one of his dogs took off with his shoes again

[neciebee]

This drabble is only vaguely tangential to the prompt, but that's what prompts are for. Right? Right?

First time posting a drabble. I'm overstimulated again and I punched this out to quell my roiling brain. No idea how long it is, I just made words go after, before, or between other words. Hounds are involved.

The bond between a smokehound and its master is immutable once formed. Fae and beast hunted with one mind, one heart, one soul. They shared their meals, their spaces, their lives. Smokehounds were so rare, many believed them a myth. To have been chosen by one of these ethereal entities was to have been blessed by the Mother.

When Eris first found the tiny wisp of a whelp, he knew his future would be vastly different from what he had previously planned. There was no other sound in the forest; not even the whisper of winds through leaves red as his hair disturbed this poignant moment. It was as though the land of Autumn held its breath for the Heir to accept his Companion. There had not been a smokehound in the Royal Court for millennia. The last was the legendary Cerberus, who - with his High Lord master - oversaw four hundred years of smouldering peace.

Nowadays, all known bonded smokehounds accompanied so-called 'lesser fae' - creatures so in tune with nature that one might think they were avatars of the forests, fields, and fjords. Rarely heard and never seen, the faefolk and their elemental beasts stewarded the most magic-imbued enclaves of the Autumn Realm. Smokehounds were thoroughly Autumn, and they elected their masters as such.

Eris held the tiny creature to his heart, appreciating the enormity of his gift from the Mother. Autumn had chosen him.

~

The second smokehound was no more of a surprise than the first. Though bony and lean, the wild, savage hound took down a puca that Eris and Artaban had been tracking through the forest. At first, the Heir thought the animal a manifestation of illusory puca magic. When the hound laid the carcass at his feet and its intelligent eyes met his, he knew he had been granted an unprecedented second blessing.

The Court was in uproar when he attended the throne room with both hounds in tow. Not even his High Lord father, Beron, could say a word against the holy union between the Autumn Heir and the Autumn Protectors. The Mother will do as she Wills.

~

Five centuries since he laid eyes on his first pup, he was called before the throne. Nine hounds shadowed his steps in refined formation. He approached his father, High Lord of Autumn, and graciously bent to one knee.

"Eris," spoke the High Lord in a high, snide tone. "Eris, Eris, Eris. It seems you are more mutt than prince these days." He surveyed the assemblage coldly, though Eris could taste the undercurrent of jealousy in his words. Autumn had not bestowed its High Lord many favours throughout the centuries, and he was loath to wonder why.

"I assure you, Lord Father, that every last one of my hounds has the purest power of Autumn's Holy Protectors." Each of his nine hunters had come to him as an evocation of Autumn's old magic, chosen as a custodian of the Kingdom of Fall and Flame.

"I would not begrudge you Artaban, nor even Bellamy - though plural bonding is unprecedented. The Mother has deemed you a dog, and a dog must have his pack. But capturing nine mutts is vulgar! You are flaunting your avarice before Nature and the Gods!"

Eris smoothed one hand down Artaban's sleek crown. His first hound was the most devoted, the most protective, the most vicious. "Until I stop encountering Autumn Vitae in need of their true master, I will be taking care of my twelve hounds."

Beron shot from his throne, nearly tumbling down the dais. "HOW DO YOU ALREADY HAVE THREE MORE? WHERE ARE THEY?" His puce visage became mottled with anger... and fear.

The picture in Eris mind coalesced upon the three new additions to his pack. No... four. Wagging tails and wet snouts overcame the gleeful grasping of scarred hands. Eyes of hazel lit up with elation as they beheld the infantile howling of unweaned, furry beans. Fat, stubby paws padded unforgivingly over the sensitive membranes of Illyrian wings. The sounds from the shadowsinger's throat would either end him, or fuel him for countless eons.

Eris raised his hands in a signal to his pack of loyal and lethal hounds. "The pups are with my mate," he said plainly, as nine shadowhounds tore Autumn's Menace apart.

~

@chunkypossum @mistandmemories @the-darkestminds @jules-writes-stories @shadowsandlint @secret-third-thing @pippsmcgee @astro-h0e-4azris @buffy-vanserra @brunetterebel010 @g00seg1rl @born-to-riot @acourtofladydeath @iftheshoef1tz @mudandmire @fieldofdaisiies @murphbees @nus4y @areyoudreaminof @greenvelvetcouture @fourteentrout @packdontendwithblood @aurorasleeps-27 @buffy-vanserra @queercontrarian @amarillis39 @climbthemountain2020 @a-novel-idealist @talibunny30 @ysmtttty @jolenes-library @molcat07 @hnyclover @catboyjamesbond @yanny-77

"you know you are only supposed to have 1 apprentice maybe 2 not 15." said the wizard council member "well until people stop leaving surprisingly powerful orphans at my doorstep I'll be taking care of my 17 apprentices." The council member snapped their wand "WHERE DID YOU GET 3 MORE!"

[mika-no-sekai-blog]

Organized by @erisweekofficial

Day 1: Bonds/Bargains

Until I see you again (Eris x OC)

Day 2: Childhood/Legacy

Big brother (Eris & Lucien Vanserra)

Day 3: Healing/Betrayal

Hold me tight (Eris x OC)

Day 4: Tradition/Hounds

Double trouble (Eris & smokehounds)

Day 5: War/Adventure

Day 6: AU/Retellings

Day 7: Free Day

A/N: I didn't expect to have so many fictions as I had only two prepared. But on Saturday evening certain things happened and I ended up writing another two fictions in the last minute again🙃

[jules-writes-stories]

Eris Week | Day 4 | Hounds & Traditions

Just Enough Light to Cast Shadows

Chapter 23 on AO3

Autumn Court, 518 Years Ago

The Festival of Chance and Chaos

Early in life, Eris Vanserra learned three vital lessons. The first was that magic often masqueraded as the mundane. There was a hidden meaning behind everything. That was next. The third was that he should never let his true heart slip from behind his mask.

The prince was born on Loy Nocce, an Autumn Court feast day celebrating the trickster goddess of High Fae folklore. The Lady named her eldest after the ancient deity— a spirit of chaos, chance, and cunning.

It was a day of games and glamours, brightly colored lanterns, and good-natured pranks. Younglings in costume gorged themselves on sweets, and once in their beds, grown fae would dance around bonfires before wandering off for midnight trysts.

Please read all tags and TW notes before reading the second half of this chapter.

@erisweekofficial @the-darkestminds @fieldofdaisiies @mistandmemories @c-starstuff-man0 @molcat07 @chunkypossum @going-through-shit @talibunny30 @yanny-77 @lilah-asteria @amalhe-kofee @theartofmischief @futurehunt @seihdacalling @honeysuckle-daydreams13 @unanswered-stars