Fic Promo: Tamlin's revenge Part 2: a Court of Fallen Crowns
Tamlin week 2026 Day 7 : Revenge
Part 2 of Tamlin's revenge:
A Court of Fallen Crowns
Synopsis:
3 years ago his court was fallen and ruined. It took a year but Tamlin has managed to rebuild it and regained the trust of his people. His revenge continues and tensions rise between the courts of Pyrinthia as it seems it is inevitable that war will come.
Dark forces lurk behind the scenes, pulling strings and making deals. To defeat it, the land they love must be cleaned of Tyranny first.
Chapter 1 & Chapter 2 now posted on AO3.
I don't know if I'll post the entire chapter in Tumblr but if you want to be tag when I post updates feel free to message/comment on this post.
For those who haven't read it yet and enjoy slow burn revenge, please read the first part as well.
Part 1 of Tamlin's revenge:
A Court of Withered Roses
Synopsis:
Tamlin had only wanted to grieve his sentries and people who had passed but when Rhysand came to twist the knife he chose revenge. 2 years since Hybern's ambush, Tamlin forced himself out of his beast form to rebuild his court, regain the trust of his people and fix spring court's reputation at the cost ruining night court's. Tamlin wants his enemies to face consequences, especially the enemy who aided in the destruction of his court, Feyre.
He doesn't want forgiveness, he wants to see them fall from grace.
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Back when I first read ACOTAR, I excused the sexual assault UTM on the basis that Rhysand was just trying to rile Tamlin up to get him to kill Amarantha.
Looking back, I now realise how silly that was. If I could go back, I'd shoot myself in the head for thinking that.
Tamlin would've killed Amaratha either way, regardless of how Rhysand acted with Feyre. It doesn't even matter whether Tamlin loved Feyre or not. He still would've gotten rid of Amarantha for thousands of different reasons.
Rhysand assaulting Feyre was just unnecessary and uncomfortable. I feel like its only purpose was to push the enemies to lovers trope.
I genuinely like Rhysand's character, and I feel like he could've been so much better if only the author wasn't so into writing problematic themes. He was so much wasted potential, just like this whole story.
Hello! Love your ACOTAR takes and was wondering what you thought about how sexual and physical abuse is used throughout the series? After thinking about it for a while, I feel like it’s mostly there for shock value and attempt at drama cause there doesn’t seem to be lasting consequences from the abuse, especially SA.
It seems pretty odd to me that Feyre is not triggered in the slightest when she’s put into that poor excuse of a dress and publicly touched while being called Rhysand’s whore. It’s also odd how easy it feels for Rhysand to treat the woman he supposedly loves the same way he was treated under Amarantha. And then there’s the whole thing about Nesta being assaulted only to lead up to sex scenes with Cassian like it’s no big deal.
And when it comes to abuse, we hear about it but I don’t feel like we see any real effect from his. Maybe it’s just me, but LoA that I recall in book 1 seemed pretty bold to sneak around to help the woman who kept her son alive. We see Beron protecting his family. The only proof of Beron’s abuse and its effects that I recall is Eris still having his injuries from being tortured.
I know people handle trauma in different ways but I feel the way SJM uses it throughout the story seems like a cheap twisted way to bring her endgames together.
it gave me an ick. after acomaf it is painfully obvious abuse mainly sa is for shock value and to it being used to excuse a certain character’s actual crimes even against his own mate
sjm added it the way she added lgbtq and poc characters, not researched or done with care
and it can be said the same about how she treats a character’s healing arc - same pattern of fighting and physically getting better and being thrown into danger without any backtracking in their healing process
now this will be long and everywhere so messy fyi i have a lot of thoughts😭
now tamlin did traumatise a already traumatise feyre but the most feyre and the narrative focuses on is him locking feyre up bc she wanted to go in danger and him not seeing her as his “equal” and rather a pet -which was feyre & ic thinking tho
feyre gets quickly over seeing morrigan wearing red but with lucien she couldn’t
maybe a bit too much of nitpick from me but we dont see feyre react badly to being in a city which is shielded even tho that is a trigger and that memory is still fresh in her mind. perhaps the city being city is better than a manor ig?
tamlin blowing up in the study and hurting feyre is never brought up. when feyre uses tamlin’s powers for the first time she doesn’t react badly to it even tho tamlin hurt her. the reaction she should have had from that especially around rhysand never happens. especially when they are in CoN and rhysand uses his powers and hurts someone - it should have triggered feyre
the whole of CoN should have triggered feyre - what she was reacting from UtM, how rhysand was acting was back from how he was at UtM, the CoN itself and the life so similar to UtM and how the ppl feared rhysand the way ppl feared amarantha
but none of it happens instead in the end it’s focused on feyre getting horny for rhysand in front of everyone, telling keir they have everything they need when he clearly is saying his ppl want freedom and while she clearly acknowledges CoN is worse than UtM
and after they get out, rhysand feelings about how he acted when he broke keir’s hand, saying he’s not like tamlin, while feyre herself was fine😐 and was more focused on rhysand’s feelings
rhysand himself should have been triggered and refused to play that role again especially to his mate whom he has claimed he loved since UtM🙄 why would he put her through that again? make her remember what he did to her UtM? why would he act like amarantha, the woman who tormented him? and all that for keir?
eris doesnt need to do all that extra stuff to get keir🤷♀️
feyre should have been hesitant about getting into another relationship even if physical so quickly after tamlin, a high lord to another high lord who he claims is the most powerful
then we have feysand getting horny in the library after talking about who its for aka survivors
we also have feyre dismissing from the start of acomaf really about what rhysand did to her UtM and never really is brought up between them and the only time it is she accepts rhysand’s piss poor poor me my feelings story on why he had to do that to her and yeah that’s it
doesn’t she once say she liked rhysand back UtM? um what?😀
what rhysand went through UtM with amarantha is seen as great sacrifice to protect 1 city and all but it’s also used to excuse and ignore the vile things he did -to feyre to everyone in prythian for 50yrs while standing by amarantha side
we’re suppose to ignore all that -the pain, the horror, the suffering and the deaths rhysand caused bc he distracted amarantha here and there
this happens by feyre, by tarquin, by others
sjm doesn’t seem to understand we can acknowledge rhysand was victim and he did do those terrible things and shouldn’t be so easily forgiven
we also have the cauldron as an allegory for sa and yet the lack of care for both elain and nesta by ic is wild. they leave them alone in HoW in a new place surrounded by no one they know, no help or council while feyre is off for months on revenge. we have feyre pushing nesta to relive her trauma in front of other ppl bc feyre and her court’s image is bad and pushing nesta to train and so on
cassian with nesta is a whole lot of issues. his constantly flirting with her, getting into her space despite her clearly saying no and sleeping with her when she was in vulnerable position and the whole of it even tho cassian knew someone had tried to force themselves on nesta, cassian in acowar even says “her body stopped belonging to her” and knew nesta was self destructing
and yet none of it mattered when he would see nesta and think of her body sexually, when nesta gave him what he wanted baldy
between them dont think theres never a talk of all thats happened to her like mentioned or if there was it was very small cause why dont i remember it?
least with feysand, feyre thinks about rhysand pulling back or when she touches him and thinks if it’s ok bc of what he went through with amarantha. think rhysand even asks her permission more than once? they even talk about it? thats something
cassian on the other hand knows what happened to nesta with kelpie and still sleeps with her
and that’s another thing i hate how the kelpie sa nesta was ignored by everyone including feyre and focused on nesta’s connection to the mask😐 like wtf
i know u said physically or sa but i see the hike in physically abuse as well bc it was a physical punishment cassian decided for nesta after she made him angry and he was “secretly happy that the idea of nesta being punished made rhysand happy”
nesta falls down during the hike and hurts herself and isnt talking or doing anything but blinding following cassian and he doesnt try to help her until she breaks and thats what he had been waiting for since they started and obvs she was forced to do it
while it never turns physical we also have a moment where nesta and cassian have argument and his siphons literally blazed. and there are moments where he was close to hurt her and yet neither of them ever think about it
nesta should have reacted or taken a note of it. after everything she has been through, she should have reacted or be uncomfortable around him
we have the bridge scene in acofas where cassian refuses to listen to nesta’s refusal, grabs her arm despite it and stalks her to her apartment and in acosf she apologies for it, for not accepting his gift after he harassed her and he says something like “i already forgave u” but he doesn’t apologise
we also have a group of ppl who either have been physically abused or sa;
barely controlling themselves in front of human nesta for what she didn’t do for feyre
morrigan invading nesta’s space touching the clothes newly made nesta is wearing without her permission, the first time nesta joins them for dinner and mostly ignoring her the entire convo and feyre excusing ic poking fun at nesta to nesta
blaming or seeing nesta as the bad guy for not accepting cassian and his harassment
ignoring cassian getting in nesta space constantly after nesta with words makes it clear she doesn’t like it
locking nesta in a house with the same man
dismissing nesta’s trauma from being made against her will and doing the same to her by using her a tool for their own gain
forcing nesta to join dinner parties when she doesnt want to nor feels unwelcomed
hearing about nesta dancing skills and how she was groomed by their mother which -feyre kind of excuses it? and cassian is busy thinking about prince- and using that to make her do it again with eris
talked of throwing nesta in CoN dungeons to which feyre said “human lands will be enough”
morrigan saying nesta would thrive there which cassian does agree with it btw
morrigan telling nesta she belongs in CoN and touching her stomach basically comparing nesta a traumatised woman with boundaries to the ppl who sell women like cattles and nail and abuse them
the kelpie
forcing nesta to train in illyria where women are treated like shit and would remind nesta of her trauma from war
cassian laughing when nesta falls down the stairs and not calling a healer to make sure shes ok
azriel being amused at the idea of cassian punching nesta bc of her black eye and not calling a healer
rhysand threatening nesta’s life for telling her sister about her body, her life and everyone making her a villain for it
the thing is nesta finding out everyone kept info about feyre’s body from her should have made nesta and feyre think of leaving or something bc it’s not safe. it should have triggered their flight response🤷♀️
worth mentioning;
azriel’s job as a torturer which clearly bothers him when rhysand can break into minds instead for making azriel do it for hours if not days and why? we know what azriel went through and yet and rhysand making pregnant feyre watch it?? wtf
and the whole morrigan still being sacred of keir and yet taking a job where she will have to see him and acts like it doesn’t bother her who is she fooling really? why did rhysand offer her that job anyway?
once again: rhysand acting like amarantha to CoN and feyre as well
then we have the clear ignorance of the abuse 2/3 of night court goes through and inner circle who pats themselves on the back for being women’s rights champions doing nothing for the women
cassian slaughters an entire village for his mother and we are not suppose to think about the innocents
feyre destabilises a court whole for revenge for what tamlin did to her -which she was happy about btw- and gets them killed by hybern after she killed the kings niece and nephew and we are suppose to ignore it
also rhysand not seeing amarantha in feyre for what she did to spring gleefully and instead being proud of her like boy she did what amarantha wanted to do
feyre going in lucien’s mind 2 times and rhysand excusing her actions and also feyre going in tarquin’s mind and manipulating it a bit - neither of which feyre ever apologies for when it’s clearly a violation
we also have rhysand using his high lord command on nesta and on azriel
feyre using tamlin’s trauma against him and pushing him to hurt her again and doing the very thing amarantha wanted to do to spring and then blaming him for all of it
not saying ppl who have been physically or sa cannot be like or act this -like inner circle but sjm can’t do layered characters like that. she makes them black and white in acotar’s narrative even when she wants the narrative to make them a morally grey character
sjm doesn’t know what accountability and consequences are
there’s no acknowledgment of how the “good guys” are not being good if anything what happened to them is used to say “they mean well” and the line sjm loves using with nesta “they understand” “they know what it feels like” but they don’t back it up with their actions and in fact their actions are opposite to it
seeing how the books are written the characters should be triggered, feel uncomfortable, be shown compassion to instead of earning it and so on
the main 2 couples shouldn’t be together bc of the way the men specifically behave to the women who have been through terrible things and there’s barely any talk about it either
doesnt some of these red flag scenes end up turning sexual too? maybe im wrong about that
like i said in the beginning and i agree with u it’s a cheap thing sjm does. she puts in it without a thought and doesn’t bother with showing the lasting effects of it nor wants to change how she writes her couple
as for beron. helion talks about beron abusing LoA and we know beron had jesminda killed in front of lucien and had his sons hunt with the intention of killing lucien. and from how rhysand has talked of LoA in front of lucien in acotar and acomaf there is clear implication of beron hurting her
“book series based on large amounts of irish mythology written by a raging hibernophobe” seems like a comedy skit but horrifyingly it’s real and extremely popular
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For context, roughly around 1-2 weeks ago there was a tik tok going around that said disliking Azriel but liking Lucien was racist. This caused drama in the shipping part of the fandom for awhile.
Ironically this same thing had happened before with Rhysand and Tamlin a few years back I believe.
As a brown man I believe I should start that there's no problem in writing ambiguously brown or dark skin races in fantasy stories. It has happened before and fantasy racism also exists.
The Canon information:
Lucien while white passing is a mixed race character with a white mother and a father who's been confirmed as middle eastern/Persian descent due to illustrator Charlie Bowater. He's depicted as a person of colour, being mixed doesn't strip someone of being a coloured person.
In comparison the bat boys while described as having brown/golden brown skin they haven't been confirmed as any irl race. They're open to interpretation hence why many people fancast white, Latino, black or middle east actors for them since brown can range from having tanned skin to actually being dark brown. (As seen in the fancast above, collected from r/acotarhulu
They suffer fantasy racism for being Illyrian/lesser Fae sure but they aren't depicted as any irl race. The Illyrian culture themselves aren't really explored enough to know which race or culture inspire them.
The problem:
If disliking Azriel but liking Lucien is considered racist, **then who is it racist too?** Azriel may have brown skin but he's not confirmed as either Latino, indian, black or any other brown race. One could argued that it's racist in general towards brown and dark skinned men in general but Azriel is ambiguously brown to the point many people to this day still fancast him with white actors since it's open to interpretation.
In comparison, the same argument could be made for disliking Lucien but liking Azriel cause he's actually confirmed to be middle eastern/Persian descent. He might be white passing and mixed but he's still canonically depicted as a POC unlike the bat boys who could either be brown or just a white man with a tan.
This just shows how shallow the arguments cause while Lucien is actually depicted as POC the bat boys aren't.
Fan arguments:
I have seen many fan arguments online between who's the better one between Lucien and Azriel. Some are valid, some are questionable, some were hypocritical.
Not once have I seen a racist or colourist argument until recently. People argue these characters are better or worst due to their actions, personality or wants. Basically compatibility or morality.
What I don't see is people bashing either character for their race or skin colour. People don't call Lucien or the bat boys slurs. They don't say that having brown, tanned or golden brown skin is ugly (thou there has been arguments of having facial scars as ugly). If there were then it's very very minimal yet it caused quite the drama in the fandom shipping space.
Fae racism as allegory for real world racism:
SJM like many fantasy authors basically have a fantasy version of racism where high Fae tend to discriminate lesser Fae but also humans. This fantasy racism is very important in the story as well since Rhysand suffers from it but also humanity suffered being enslaved by the Fae.
This is not uncommon cause this happens in Twilight with the vampire and wolves. The movie elements with water, fire, cloud and plant/earth.
**That being said, it's a bad depiction of racism.**
The movie elements has this problem where they try to say everyone should be treated the same, the problem water can hurt fire simply by being water and need to be separated for safety but also how fire can't be close plant/earth since they might burn them.
The ACOTAR series suffers this problem due to how the many Fae races.
Aside from how physically each type of Fae are different there's also the nature of these Fae. Which makes it impossible to treat them everyone equally because doing so would cause a community to fall apart or simply hurt others.
High Fae despite being the most human looking believe they are superior to other Fae (the reasoning isn't clear).
There's the lesser Fae races like water wraiths are known to have an uncontrollable appetite. If they aren't regulated they could literally starve a court. Nymphs are seductress that could ruin marriages nd sirens litterally sing people to their deaths. If they aren't controlled they could cause damage to a community. There's literally the bogge and Kelpie who are known to hurt others, they're Fae as well. Pixies and small sprites that are tricksters of course they may appear harmless but even small pranks can hurt.
Fairness isn't possible because treating everyone the same, allowing everyone to do what they want all the time means being unfair to others.
In stories like this, everyone can't be treated equally without harm so a society must strive for equity where every race is allowed to live but with conditions so actual peace can happen.
This is why you can't compare acotar fantasy racism with irl racism. Irl racism is stupid because what differentiates humans is literally skin colour. In acotar the racism is due them litterally being different races that do different things that can cause harm to a party if they aren't controlled or policed.
Example of good/realistic depictions of racism:
I don't see it a lot but one good depiction of Racism is from a Ben 10 Alien force episode.
In an episode an alien race was batling each other simply for being a different colour which were red and blue. They were literally the same race with only colour what makes them different. This caused the conflict to appear as stupid since they're litterally the same aside from colour.
Final thoughts:
Yes in the books illyrians suffer racism for being lesser Fae but it's not comparable to real life racism.
At the end of the day this drama started due to performative activism where irl people use actual real life problems to push their shipping agenda which is disgusting. They're using the suffering of minorities for something that doesn't even help minorities, just using them to win internet arguments.
The ambiguously brown MMC and race can be a problem especially in stories where racism becomes an important plot point.
***If done without proper research or respect the author can literally ruin the lesson they're trying to teach but also fuel stereotypes just like how SJM did with her depiction of the bat boys and the illyrians.***
***The ambiguously brown character is harmful in this instance cause disliking this characters can be weaponised as not liking a certain face when that isn't true. It also shows that the author wants to use racism as a plot tool but doesn't respect it enough to actually show the oppressed race as anything other than the classic outdated belief that brown culture are inherently sexist, brutal and shallow.***
That being said, making ambiguous brown characters is fine in fantasy stories where racism isn't a key plot point. One could even use it to respectfully represent small cultures and races like what Avatar the last air bender it.
My only hope is that future authors, actually put proper care and time to depict characters of colour instead of just making them racist caricatures or following the brown people culture are bad ,violent and sexist formula which I often see.
SJM saying that Rhys is allowed to make mistakes is hilarious to me because nothing he's done in the series regarding Feyre can be categorised as a mistake.
Drugging and SAing her UTM, making her go into the weavers cottage to get a wedding ring, not telling Feyre that they're mates, not telling Feyre that he's going to sacrifice himself, hiding vital information about Feyre's body and pregnancy from her.
All of these are things he has done knowingly while being aware of the risks and damage it causes.
He knew she would be under the influence and still let her get humiliated.
He knew the Weavers cottage could be a life-threatening situation and STILL went through with it.
He knew Feyre wouldn't react well to being his mate and would not react well to him sacrificing himself and STILL kept that from her.
He KNEW Feyre didn't like secrets and decided to keep vital information from her regarding HER body from her and made EVERYONE lie by ommission to keep her in the dark.
None of these by definition are mistakes. And they never have been. He knows what the outcomes will be and still decides to do them.
How many more "mistakes" is he allowed to make in the name of "protecting" those he supposedly loves before he's finally held accountable for the damage he's caused?
Aside from the still very problematic messaging in regards to bodily autonomy, the excuse that Rhysand made a "mistake" and "is still learning" in regards to the pregnancy plot is additionally ridiculous because SJM wrote another character being BLAMED, PUNISHED (by her own true love perfect mate) and THREATENED TO BE KILLED for exposing this "mistake."
Summary: Varian discover what his cousin and Tamlin has been doing to change the perception of the night court. Elain regrets confronting Lucien on her visions. Rhysand is enraged at the news and confronts Tarquin demanding for it to stop but fails. Shel reminds Tamlin of his effects and why she did what she did.
Author's note: In part 1, I foreshadowed this by hinting that Tamlin was sending satyr and nymph bands out all over the place. In earlier chapters of part 2 tamlin and Tarquin makes a deal for this.
Most of the headlines are Tamlin's idea but a few of them are Tarquin's. The two are rubbing off on each other.
Summer time had passed somewhat peacefully and autumn had arrived once more to Summer court's land, not that it would change much in the court of raging seas and warm winds. Varian had been busy these past season from training the summer court navy, dealing with nobles when Tarquin couldn't, dates with Amren and so much more he didn't realise summer had ended until he saw an increase of people heading to Autumn court to join the fire night.
Walking through the streets of the common folk's territory like usual, Varian took notice that sometimes there were performers usually from spring that would entertain the people for coin.
He hadn't realised it before but those performers would either sing praises of the brave summer folk who gave up their lives to protect others during Hybern's invasion or tell tales of a wicked witch from the north who betrayed her saviour and brought destruction to the land.
It was only when he saw a puppet show of the tale did he realise the witch was Feyre Archeron. He didn't outright ban them but he told the guards to push them out of court faster.
Nothing however could prepare him for what he noticed at the news stand.
News papers were a relatively new, about a few hundred years old and had become wide spread with many news publications using summer court merchants to spread their news all over. Varian had never went to the news stand himself since he had servants to fetch him papers from only certain publishing houses that cater to the interest of nobles but what he saw made his blood run cold.
There were maybe several publications of different news papers slandering the night court. His eyes scanned every front page, these were news papers meant for commoners so he never bothered but with this much hate, he could only assume this was a way to push ideals into the masses.
Modern slavery in night court. Interview with a night court fae. Stop buying from the night court. Night court cause of high food prices? Rhysand's mysterious history of dead lovers. Feyre Archeron the vile human turned fae. The victims speak against the rulers. Dawn and day facing economic troubles. Rhysand and Feyre involved in other kingdom's affairs. Azriel shadowsinger the torturer. Rejoice that lord of bloodshed was flightless.
"I demand you to stop selling these now!" Varian slammed his fist into the news stand frightening the seller as steam puffed from his body.
The lesser fae was almost melting into a puddle but what he held made Varian's eye bulge out. The fae held today's news paper the front page was too scandalous even for peasants.
FUCK-
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
"WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS?!" Rhysand shouted his voice shaking the house of wind and causing Nyx to cry.
Feyre tried to calm down her son while her mate paced around in the main hall reading the news paper in front of him, gripping it so tightly until it tore.
"Rhys, what is it?" Feyre asked as she rocked Nyx trying to get him back to sleep. She looked tired maybe even lighter compared to Rhys who was healthy.
"Feyre Archeron, Victim or seductress. Varian was serious saying we should read this." Amren read loudly with a smirk before chugging an entire glass of red liquid.
"There is no denying that the once human girl had lived a hard life but to reach where she is now, one must question was it luck or skill. One could consider her a victim of the cruel high lord who once paraded her around as his whore, an unwilling victim but it appears that victim might be a mask." Mor read and her eyes widened as the papers showed moving pictures of Feyre dancing with Tamlin, seducing Lucien in spring, her public appearance in Hewn city with Rhysand and finally a picture of her with Tarquin. "It appears that the high lady seduced maybe bedded these males to slowly rise the rank. From fiance of a lord to a high lady and even now she's still aiming higher by cuckoldig her mate as she tried to get close to Summer's high lord but it was ruined due to Hybern's attack-" Mor continued to read but stopped when the news paper suddenly combusted into flames.
Feyre's face was red from embarrassment while Rhysand seethed with anger, "Azriel! Get in here now!" He ordered.
In seconds the shadows on the floor before Azriel slowly rose from it already kneeling awaiting orders.
"Find whoever wrote this, kill them, threaten them, break their fingers or whatever I do not care. Stop anymore of these, that's an order!" Rhysand commanded as shadows swirled around him uncontrollably mirroring his rage. His breathing laboured and he turned to Mor.
"Get a fucking meeting set up with me and Tarquin, I won't stand for this insult towards me or my mate," the high lord ordered before walking out. Feyre followed him wanting to calm her mate despite being busy with a fussy baby.
Unknown to Rhysand however these type of news papers had been spreading through out pyrinthia and the fae realms. Had he look closer maybe he'd realise just how much the hate had festered before it became too much.
Back in spring court, the citizens were told the tales of those trapped in the mines who wish to see the night sky, the song of widows from Hewn city and the many news that were passed to them through the news papers from summer court. Slowly their hatred towards the night court slowly morphed into hatred towards the cruel nobles especially the court's rulers, Rhysand and Feyre.
The same happened in Hewn city. Since Beron took over spring's trades with supervision, the cavern cities managed to receive high protein food enough to keep them full but barely gave them enough energy. Strong enough to live but not enough to fight back.
The people of hewn city especially the lower levels had such a low literacy level that many lesser fae could not read. Yet every paper wrapper found its use, as the poor bought wrapped food, the images on the wrapper would move using a glamour spell, to sow bravery in the heart of those who watch it. To yearn more than a life trapped in endless caves but to have freedom. Change was brewing and it began when Tamlin sent out the spring performers outside once more, after all a great performance can inspire even the most silent of fae.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
Quiet. For the first time in years Elain's mind was quiet. Rhysand struggled to read her mind since she awakened her gift, her thoughts passed too quick and too much happened for him to know which were her thoughts or whispers of time. After her latest vision, it seemed everything was quiet. Her gift wasn't gone but any time she tried she would repeat the same thing. Piles of bones as far as the eyes could see and an ominous hum in the air.
She had adapted to the change smoothly for the most part, one could even claim she was glad to be rid of countless possibilities that once flooded her brain.
Lucien has been the only constant in her improvement. The fawn had became quiet since her last vision predicting the end of high lords. The first week she barely ate or left her room, she would gaze at the window until Lucien brought her food from the human lands. Lucien also brought Nesta some dresses and Feyre some paint from the human lands. He would keep close, rarely talking aside from the usual compliments. Elain had started to leave her room more often, gardening again and thankfully wasn't a nuisance to Rhysand. Feyre would talk to her from time to time, getting her to spend time or baby sit Nyx while Nesta kept her distance watching her from afar.
Lucien had heard them whispering amongst themselves of sending her to train like Nesta or maybe forcing her to the library had she been difficult hence why he took action. He couldn't allow her to be hurt that way.
The autumn male wasn't always at the night court, he would be there a day at most before disappearing for days. He was juggling several task ranging from helping Vassa rule, negotiating with the human villages below the wall, meeting up with nobles to keep supply running into the night court and he was the one who applied for Cassian's wing replacement at Dawn to try get Nesta's hopes up. He doubt however that the engineers would build it so quickly.
In his visits, anger would build up in Elain's heart. She wasn't sure when it began, maybe when she kept being pestered by visions of the male with Jesminda or maybe it started when she realised he wasn't hers. Not fuly at least. She spent her days watching the moments of joy between her sister and their mates, she thought she would have it but that moment didn't came. Instead her moments with him while romantic always had a lingering feeling of sadness in them. Elain was confused once but from her visions, she was sure that feeling was reluctance or guilt because Lucien had a mate, one he loved dearly and Elain wasn't her. From summer to autumn that anger continued to rise.
Today was the one that broke the camel's back.
Elain was enjoying her time in the garden, watching the setting sun seating at one of the quartz chairs there. She wasn't useful anymore so she had no worries except staying out of trouble. The peace shattered when she felt a tug close to her lower rib.
Elain had looked to her side and noticed Lucien walking up the steps of the house of wind but rather than walking straight ahead the male took a detour heading towards her. He was charming in every sense of the word, immaculately dressed like always but this time he was carrying a package likely for her.
People usually liked receiving presents and Elain was even thought to not reject them as that would be rude but she had enough.
"Can you stop it." She blurts out more sharper than intended.
Her voice startled the male and stopped him in his tracks, "I...I didn't mean to-"
"To what? Shower me with gifts? Flirt with me?" Elain interrupted before standing up stomping towards him. Months of build up anger spilling out refusing to be kept. "You can stop all this at once! You don't need to keep me company or save me or fight for me when you don't even want me. I know you already have another mate, one you actually love... so just stop it. I'm sure Rhysand can break this bond or something." She raised her voice at the male but became more unsure of herself before stepping back hugging her arms close to her body, making herself seem small.
Anger was ugly. That's what her mother taught her. Don't raise your voice at suitors or you'll end up a spinster. Elain followed those orders but sometimes it's too much. Why couldn't she have happiness even after everything.
"I... I don't have another mate... but if you want me to leave I'll do it." Lucien staggered back when Elain came to close. He was confused for a moment but was resigned that Elain didn't want him.
Anger spark in her stomach again, she look insulted as if Lucien didn't know what she was talking about, "do not take me for a fool! My curse- my my visions showed me your mate, Jesminda. I saw how you both look at each other, I -I I saw the thread... that mating bond you have with her. In fact I'm enraged for her, how dare you do what you're doing as if you do not have a mate! As if she's-"
"Dead. Jesminda is dead." Lucien deadpanned.
Silence washed over the scene as the last of the sun's light faded welcoming the night. A few of the magical flowers started to glow yellow illuminating the garden softly.
Elain and Lucien stood eye to eye, he was resigned but a thousand thoughts ran through Elain's head. Everything began to click in place, the sadness she felt in the bond from Lucien, why Lucien had both of his eyes in her vision, why he looked younger and less scarred. She was seeing the past and she didn't even know.
"What?" She barely mumbled the words.
Lucien looked up the sky and closed his eyes before exhaling as if bracing herself for the worst. "She died... 287 years ago. Beron thought she was a fling but after decades together he couldn't bare his youngest with a fae below his station. He... my brothers tortured her until she passed. I don't even know where she's buried." He confessed his russet eye becoming teary.
Elain wasn't sure what to say. She was still trying to wrap her head around the fact she saw Lucien's past and she had been wrong for months.
Lucien forced a smile, "I know where I'm not wanted... good bye Elain." He muttered weakly feeling as if his heart was being torn open again, "I...thank you. I always wondered if she was my...now I know." He bowed at Elain before turning around and walking away.
Elain could have reached forward. To stop him. To say anything. To do something but she didn't. That's not who she, she was polite, she'd listen then react, never to act first.
As Lucien moved further and further apart Elain felt the bond began to stretch like a thread being pulled. It stung her chest as the bond fought to stay connected, to say it wasn't a mistake. To say they belonged.
"Wait!" Elain raised her hand reaching for Lucien but it was too late. He had winnowed away and the bond broke. She expected to feel freedom before this, to feel like herself but that's not what happened. She wished to be rid of it yet she felt like a piece of herself was gone but Lucien was still alive. She had forgotten what loneliness felt like, what it meant to only have one beating heart instead of two. She couldn't feel him, only the gaping hole she had dugged herself into.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
News of Rhysand and Feyre's visit to the summer court was not well received at all. It would have been wise if both of them had just winnowed but they chose to make a spectacle flying in a black carriage carried by a gargoyle and landing in front of Adriata Palace. They weren't greeted by performers or nobles instead masses behind palace gates screaming at them to leave, the guards had to erect water walls to protect them from trash being thrown at them.
Cressida and Varian welcomed them inside, the princess was indifferent but the Prince was more friendly. A top of the stairs of the main hall was Tarquin who seemed to be wearing his most extravagant clothing and jewelry he had.
The young high fae's white hair was braided into dreads tied together with pearls, opals and gold. He wore a large cloth that appeared like real moving waves that draped over his right shoulder and extended to the rest of his body with a golden belt embedded with blue diamonds keeping it in place. He looked down at them but he was starring daggers at Feyre.
"Why are you wearing that?" Was the first thing Tarquin said instead of greeting the rulers of the night court.
Rhysand wore his usual black attire but adorned with blue gems but Feyre was more different, she was wearing a dark blue dress with a flowy skirt with the edge of the skirt sparkling like star dust. Tarquin however was more focused on Feyre's head wear, she didn't wear night's crown but had wrapped a moldable fabric around her head like most of the summer court nobles would do with the back being a large circle mimicking a halo. It was more extravagant however with blue gems tied with it.
"You seem to forget your manners, Lord Tarquin. You didn't even greet us." Rhysand sneered.
"We wanted to show respect to your culture and court, that's why we're dressed in your colours and wearing this," Feyre explained herself and gestured to the head wear.
Tarquin narrowed his eyes at her while his mouth twisted to one side as he walked down the stairs, "you likely had one of your seamstress make it, instead of hiring a summer fae."
"Is there a problem or do you just want to waste time?" Rhysand questioned stuffing his hands into his pockets.
"Cousin they mean no disrespect-" Varian tried only to be silenced by Tarquin's raised hand. The high lord was angry and Rhysand couldn't figure it out, everyone's mind in that room was silenced or jumbled as if everyone had taken a precaution against his daemati. As if he was someone who couldn't be trusted at all. He felt disrespected by all this.
"That head wear. Take it off." Tarquin ordered coldly as he stood at the edge of the stair case.
"Pardon?" Feyre stepped back hand on her chest as in disgust as if the summer fae had insulted her new born.
"You've lost your marbles. She is high lady and has no need to listen to you, you don't own her." Rhysand snarled as shadows curled around him like hungry beast.
"No but she is a ruler. One that clearly doesn't care for others culture as she claimed, if she actually studied she would know that head wear style is sacred to the spiritual practitioners of this court. The head wear can only be worn by those who had poured centuries of their life learning the secrets of the ocean and caring for it and you Feyre Archeron do not deserve it when you were the one who help spill my peoples blood into the seas." Tarquin scolded and stepped closer his voice carrying authority much older than himself.
"Be nice cousin, surely the high lady has been studying other important topics in her free time and not lazying around painting all day like any common consort of a lord. After all she is high lady and will not jeopardise this meeting." Cressida coaxed with a practiced smile.
Feyre's cheek heated up from embarrassment before she slowly grabbed the head wear and took it off. She couldn't bare to look at the noble summer faes, not when they all looked at her with disappointment. "I'm sorry.." She mumbled.
You have nothing to apologise for. Rhysand's words sneaked into Feyre's mind assuring her despite her mind shields.
"Let's just get this over with." Rhysand snapped and grabbed the head wear making it disappear before wrapping an arm around his mate. He walkes beside Feyre while glaring at Tarquin who was still indifferent.
Later the rulers gathered in a small meeting room with turquoise walls with a glass floor showing the waves beneath them. They sat on chairs of bronze embedded with blue gems with a circular table between Tarquin and the two.
"Since all forms of pleasantries are unnecessary, we demand you stop whoever is publishing this slander." Rhysand began and threw the news papers to the table. Most of it were just the slanders that's been send out since last spring but the one that made the summer lord's lisp turn upward was the Feyre's questioning of being a seductress.
"Eiether you're brave or stupid for marching into here and demanding something of me without offering anything, then again you two aren't known for being politically savvy." Tarquin replied unimpressed. "You two wouldn't even be here if it weren't for my cousin's pleas. Act better." He warned.
"What do you want?" Feyre asked curtly letting Rhys calm himself. They couldn't afford a mistake here.
Tarquin made no effort to hide his annoyance, he instead snapped his fingers and an image of a familiar book was glamoured. "The book of breathing and compensation for the damages as well as lives lost for both spring and summer court," he demanded.
Rhysand didn't need his daemati to see how angered the high lord of summer was but he wasn't sure if it was for his people or because of his cousin's loyalty. He and Feyre shared a look, the book was gone and further they couldn't compensate spring without becoming poor themselves.
"You're asking too much from us. We'll agree on compensating the damages and the lives lost of summer court alone... as for the book. It's no longer in our possession." Rhys bargained trying to meet in the middle. Now that he had time to think he had to make sure the meeting was a success. To stop the war and get summer to ally or betray Tamlin maybe help take down Beron if possible.
"What do you mean it's not within your possession?! You stole a priceless artifact during war and now it's just...gone?!" Tarquin interrogated his voice raised from disbelief.
"It was... it went missing when we tried to use to fix the cauldron. It wasn't our fault." Feyre excused herself.
"Wasn't your fault? All of this is both of your faults!" Tarquin snapped as dark clouds gathered outside.
"Careful how you speak to my high lady." Rhysand snarled wings expanding to make himself look larger.
"Or what? You'll attack me? You'll wage war? Go ahead..." Tarquin goaded unafraid as he leaned back as the waves beneath them raged on. "All this time us high lord's were afraid of going against you. The night court has two armies so large it's force is enough to overwhelm one or maybe two courts alone. Our nobles were deep in your pockets chasing your gems and ores...now we don't. The seasonal courts aren't afraid of you... none of us are." He expressed coldly without breaking eye contact with Rhysand.
"You shpuld be. My sister predicted that if war starts there will be no victors, that koschei the deathless a powerful force from the eastern fae realms will destroy us all." Feyre informed her tone sharp.
Shadows swirled around Rhysand as he glared, "we are trying to save Pyrinthia the world even. This is your chance to make things right. Tamlin will drag your court down but if you join us, you'll be hailed as a hero."
"Oh wow your sister make a prediction? I'm sure it's true expecially coming from the two faced high lady herself." Tarquin mocked in a squeaky voice clearly showing his age before he pointed to Rhysand, "be a saviour? I'm not an idiot. You claimed to be saviours but how many lives were lost because of you both! If this is saving then consider me your enemy. Now get the hell out of my court." He ordered eyes flashing a deep blue as the palace shook from being hit by a large wave.
"You're making a mistake." Rhysand state as he stood up.
"Don't think you're a saviour, hypocrite. If you were serious about saving Pyrinthia you'd accept any and all punishment for the crimes you both committed against the people but you don't. That tells us enough." Tarquin countered as he trailed after them making sure both actually walked out of Adriatta palace.
"Farewell, Tarquin." Rhysand spoke annoyed.
"Try not to steal anything else," he said to them both when they finally stepped out of the palace ground and winnowed away. Tarquin needed a vacation but unknown to him Cressida had sent a letter to spring while Varian was preoccupied in trying to calm the masses who only knew of the meeting because she leaked the info.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
"Steady...steady. Be ready everyone! The lightning must hit the almendro tree if we want to harness it for the spell!" Tamlin informed stand beside a plump tree with arms raised to the sky as dark clouds gathered and lighting crackled above. A few of the researcher were ready as the thunder got louder and louder each time.
"Now!" Tamlin shouted and swung his arms down towards as lighting striked the tree but due to his closeness he was hit as well.
The lighting harvest was a good test run but problems for today didn't seem to end. After being striked Tamlin had returned back to the manor to clean up but took a detour to his study since Shel wanted to meet.
"YOU DID WHAT?!" The high lord roared from the room causing the hanging plants in the manor to swing and some even falling.
Shel stood in the room hands holding themselves as she faced Tamlin, "my lord... I know this is a serious offence... I however cannot focus when you look like that."
"This is a serious matter!" Tamlin countered but most of his shier was burnt off and his braids were undone due to the impact. One thing he learnt today was that static hair causes hair to stand all over hence why he looked like he had replaced his golden hair with a large frizzy yellow ball that occasionally spark electric.
"Why would you even do this... make a deal with Lucien? Especially considering you hold the mirror of everywhere and the lock to atraxia's vault." Tamlin huffed and summoned a comb to try fix his hair. The moment he tried it broke and Shel sniffled a laugh.
Shel took a breath despite not having lungs, "do you ever wonder what would happen if you were killed? You might welcome death with open arms but what about your people?" She asked as she placed a book down filled with known relatives from Tamlin's bloodline. It was filled with pictures, names, where they were, their beliefs and a short description of their personality.
Tamlin seemed confused for a moment before sighing, "the magic will choose who it chooses. We cannot control it and I'm sure it'll choose someone better."
Thorns grew out of Shel's body, "do you even hear yourself?" She replied agitated. "If you were to die tomorrow the land would weep. Your people would feel it in their hearts and would rage, they wouldn't wait, they wouldn't care for the new high lord because they want blood. They will rally anyone and everyone just to go to war with the night court who'll they'll blame. Why? Because they love you!" Shel raised her voiced and slammed her trunk like fist into the table smashing it to pieces.
Shel looked at the damaged she caused while Tamlin looked at the young fae he pushed to her brink. She shouldn't be thinking of this at such a young age.
"If you die tomorrow... our people will go to war because they love you as you love them. The next high lord could be better or they could be worst... so no I won't stop. I am taking precautions because you can't seem to fathom that someone horrible could become the next high lord. Someone who will undo everything good you have done to spring so hate me for it if you must but I will always. Always choose spring court." Shel continued confidently.
"I don't hate you for this... not when I have the full truth," Tamlin responded softly and reached out to hold the hybrid's hand but stopped himself before he could. "You know what Lucien will ask of me, and you know that the rulers of night won't accept it." He reminded.
Shel picked up the book then looked at the high lord, "I know... but if there's even a chance to resolve this without going to war. Something you do not want then I'll take it because I know you won't forgive yourself if any of our poeppe died."
Tamlin sighed, "alright... I agree to it. Just....please take care of yourself. Go on break from time to time, enjoy being a dryad and not just spring's advisor."
"I will...you should do the same as well ,your lord ship. I'll tell the brownies to prepare a bath for you and fix...that." Shel agreed and gestured to the fuzzy yellow ball that was Tamlin's hair.
Tamlin sighed, "Thank you. Please don't remind me my hair beautiful hair is gone." Shel nodded and left the room finally allowing Tamlin to use his magic to fix the table and slouch in his chair to ponder. He didn't want to see Lucien again so soon, he felt bad what happened before and he didn't want his anger to take control again. He couldn't do that to him.
End note: I'm glad someone remember that Shel represents Tamlin's relationship to the land.
Shel isn't bad but yeah maybe I added the bottom part to save her. She's protective of spring.
Tag list: @litteraslegit @reblogandlikes @the-anonymous-unikitty @thefatesofspring @starscreambbymama @alexof90s @darkasylumvolcano @lune-de-miel-au-paradis
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its Pride Month let's remember SJM writes insanely lesbophobic and biphobic stereotypes in every single one of her series ESPECIALLY about her queer bipoc characters Helion (ACOTAR), Nasar (Throne of Glass) and Celestina (Crescent City)
she also equates asexuality with soullessness, has Aedion compare his bisexuality to Lysandras sexual slavery, has Mor be extremely male centered and use men to hide her queerness and is hostile towards other women and is racist and has Celestina and Hypaxia get caught having sex in a literal closet by her cishet protagonist and has every single lesbian character have to have sex with men in some capacity and has helion be slutty and have an affair with a married woman
Dunkaerion having all their dunkaerionlings all look like Aerion, and him being very smug about it, Dunk doesn't care at all as long as they're healthy and grow to be kind and just.
Then Dunk dies, too young, barely a creak in his bones, nary a gray in his hair.
And as the children grow to look more and more like Aerion, he can't help but resent them, because he's forgetting what his husband looks like and not one of his children carry Dunk's kind blue eyes, nor his shy smile, nor his reddish blond hair.
Aerion hates it.
He hates that when he looks at his children, he sees himself, maybe his father here, or his brother there, but none looks like his husband, none that looks like Dunk.
Are his children really pieces of his husband? because the way 4 pairs of Targaryen violet looks at him feels like every moment he took his husband for granted, every brag and boast, every smug look and prided smirk.
At some point he hates Dunk. For being a lowborn, for being born in Fleabottom, for not having a House, for not having a family.
maybe Dunk had a family who shared the same kicked-puppy eyes, shared the same laugh, same smile, had Aerion's need for a piece of Dunk been sated, then maybe, he wouldn't have heard Dunk's voice call him from the goblet of wildfire
Summary: Tensions rises in the illyrian camps. Tamlin and his people prepare the western spring court lands. Rhysand and Feyre fail getting Thesan's support and Mor loses a friend. Lucien makes a deal with Shel.
Author's note: Happy pride, introducing our genderfluid half nymph half high fae, recently promoted to lieutenant! Hans!
They have some minor shape-shifting which let's them appear more masc, fem or either. They're also a master of plant magic unlike Archie who's decent and focuses more on his wolfman magic.
(Trigger warning: gruesome death)
The illyrian camps were more active during the warmer months especially summer time since it allowed them to train longer but also do other activities. Usually during this season males would be training nonstop and females would be doing side jobs to help support their families but times have changed. At the training grounds the former General of the night court stood at the front watching as members of the valkyries that consisted of illyrian women and a few priestess trained diligently using wooden daggers or wooden swords.
Cassian had volunteered himself to become the valkyrie's full time trainer since he was finally cleared to move around again but despite how genuine his actions seemed, he only did it to still try to prove to Rhysand he was still useful. That he can still command the illyrian army.
Rhysand had given the illyrian camps time to choose another leader to lead the illyrian army. Cassian earned this right through combat and he should have led them more longer but since he was labelled a disgraced illyrian for losing his wings a tournament would be held at winter where the strongest amongst them would become the new general. Cassian found it laughable because he was sure he could win the tournament and he already sent a request to Dawn to build him a new pair of illyrians wings. In the mean time he used the valkyrie training to build reputation but also train.
Nesta watched the Valkyries with her mate but her mind was elsewhere. Unsure how to tell Cassian to be realistic that he likely wouldn't be able to get his new wings soon but also due to the guilt eating her up. She wanted to help them all, the people who showed her warmth but when she tried to fix their wings with her silver flames it failed.
She remembered the disappointment in their eyes when she tried again and again. Magic was fueled by emotions and despite having the knowledge to do it she still couldn't. Amren said she needed more focus but truthfully Nesta was not sure if she could even heal or if something stopped her.
"I said let her go!" Someone's cry for help pulled Nesta from her downward spiral and she looked around for the source.
At the border of the training ground was an illyrian mother that Nesta recognise as Rina who went with her to spring to heal her wings almost a year ago. She was holding her young daughter and son with some unknown male illyrian. She wondered why Rina was late and quickly walked towards them just as the other members of the valkyries surrounded ready to protect one of their own.
"What's going on here?!" Nesta shouted as she walked past the crowd.
"Stay out of it! You high fae have no business in illyrian matters!" The male high fae raised his voice at Nesta.
"She is oristian, brother and you have no right to stop me!" Rina shouted back holding her children close while the two clinged to her dress afraid.
"Enough!" Cassian stepped forward but unlike Nesta who was given way by the valkyries he walked through them and bumped into them without care, "stopping a female from training is illegal. Do you want to lose your life?" He threatened as he raised his wooden blade at the male.
The brother's gaze switched between Rina and Cassian constantly while Rina's gaze was on her brother. She shakes her head slowly pleading silently for her brother to keep his mouth shut but it was futile.
"My sister...she wants to leave the illyrian camps and claim sanctuary at spring court." The brother confessed hesitantly.
Immediate silence washed over the place. The protective anger from the crowd morphed into worry as they awaited Cassian's reaction. If these was between them it would have resolved amicably but not with someone so close to the high lord.
"What...is that true, soldier?" Cassian asked Rina in a commanding tone.
"I told her she and the kids wouldn't survive the trip. Not when she just had her wings healed." The brother reasoned.
"That is beside the point!" Cassian interjected facing the brother, "she's an illyrian soldier. Apart of the valkyries no less and she intended to abandon her duties but also ask refuge from our enemy. That is treason!"
Rina's face turned pale but quickly pushed her children behind her to protect them and placed a hand on the waist of her dress where she hid illyrian daggers. The brother's face was the same as his sister, he wanted to stop her but he didn't expect her to be charged with treason so harshly. His gazed kept changing between his sister he wanted to protect, the former illyrian General and his sister's children.
"Cas, you can't be serious about this. She hadn't committed a crime yet!" Nesta defended stepping forward.
"Her silence is enough. Before long she'll ask other illyrians to follow and we'll lose numbers when we can't afford it. This is war, Nes. I have to enforce the rules." Cassian argued.
Nesta felt her blood boil, "she's a member of the valkyries, not your soldier. You have no right to charge her!"
The two argued while the brother looked at his sister's frightened expression. The wind whispered to him that he had to set this right. Clotho who sat watching from the side silently made an "oh" sound.
"I'll accept her punishment!" The brother's voice cut through the crowd. The two stopped arguing and Cassian faced the young male with his eyes narrowed. "I accept her punishment, let it be imprisonment or whatever... please. I only wanted to protect my sister." The brother announced.
Rina's eyes widened when the brother mouthed the words, "I'm sorry." She tried to get to him but the valkyries held her back and covered the eyes of her children. This was cruel, she didn't even expect the general to be here. Like some outer power had planned this so her brother would be taken from her. He was stupid and impulsive but he loved her and her children. He didn't deserve this.
"There... you can lock him up. She won't leave." Nesta argued.
"That's not enough. We need to make him an example so others won't try to leave." Cassian replied and without hesitation placed his hands on the brother's head. He then pulled his hands back quickly twisting the neck more than can take as the head now faced his back before the body fell with a thud.
"RAI!" Rina let out a blood curdling scream and a burst of magic exploded from her as she wrestled out of the Valkyrie's grasp and rushed to her brother's corpse. She dropped to her knees and wailed holding his body.
"LISTEN TO ME! THIS IS WAR! we are soldiers of the night, I will not allow this weakness to go unpunished! The next time you even think about abandoning your duty, remember this!" Cassian roared at the crowd and pointed his finger to the sobbing woman holding her dead brother. "Now get back to training!" He ordered ignoring the intense gaze of the illyrian females on him.
Emerie glared at Cassian as he walked back to the front while holding Rina back from attacking with Nesta. Gwyn stood at the side holding her stomach in disbelief as one of her saviours killed an innocent in cold blood. She knew others didn't see them as favourable but this felt too extreme for trying to seek sanctuary.
I heard the winds whispering to them. Clotho's written words floated towards Gwyn but the redhead didn't react, her eyes were still fixed on the scene. She knew what it felt like to lose a sibling, it felt sickening to see the same happen again.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
The western lands of spring court were far less populated when compared to the Eastern lands of the court even after a year since the memorial. It was largely because the citizens were ordered move closer to north east but also because Hybern's ambush spread from the western shores to the east before they were stopped by summer court's forces. The empty land meant it was perfect to be developed for Tamlin's plan to save Hewn city. It was also filled with abandoned farms, roads, mines and empty villages which was a plus.
Every member of his cabinet were busy in different ways to prepare. Houyi was sent out to day and dawn to learn of their justice system so they could focus more on reformation, Archie took over sentry training with focus on briefing them on Autumn's future involvement, Shel was tasked in preparing the funds but also the workers needed while Tamlin was focused on preparing the land. The problem was the task that was supposed to take a few days yet had stretched out into over a week even with help.
Tamlin was kneeling on one foot with his claws digging into the ground as he groaned face red as he spread his magic across the land with his eyes closed to make tall trees with large canopies. Sweat dripped from his head to the grass below bedore he looked around.
He had made a small forest around himself but it wasn't enough, they needed to cover a large area with these tall trees if they wanted to start building but it was taking too long.
"Don't force yourself, Tamlin." An androgynous looking fae wearing loose commoner clothes comforted offering the lord a hand. They looked high fae enough with tanned skin, green eyes and long white hair braided into a ponytail but the patches of leaf like skin near their necks and back made it known they were a hybrid. A mix between high fae and a plant nymph.
"Not so easy making trees ain't it, princey!" Archie shouted from a distance before laughing at himself.
Tamlin rolled his eyes, "Thank you, Hans." The lord spoke and grabbed their hand to lift themselves up. He cupped his hands around his mouth before shouting at Archie, "at least one of us is helping!"
"I told yer! Didnae skip plant magic training but what did ye do! Lazy gobshite!" Archie shouted with a smile as his hands glowed green shaping the branches to stop light from leaking through the canopy.
The three continued for hours occasionally taking a rest so Archie and Tamlin could wrestle in their wolfman forms. It was a productive day but they were behind schedule, Tamlin chose to continue even after Archie and Hans left during the evening.
"Out late again, my lord?" Shel questioned as she trotted towards the half beast lord. She turned her lower horse half back into her usual stumpy legs before walking closer to the male still struggling to make a forest.
"Since when have I ever been early to bed?" Tamlin countered with a smile as he stayed kneeling on the ground continuing to make trees grow.
"Never... you rarely sleep." Shel replied and took a seat beside him, "you could ask for more sentries to help."
"We have to keep this secret, Shel. The less they know the better."
"I know..." She sighed and looked at the dark forest just as the sun began to set. "I know you want to do better. To train your plant magic more but you still struggle connecting with the land. Do you still see them my lord... those who died?"
Tamlin was silent and stopped casting to seat beside the other, "it's nothing...I can still do it."
"If air spells are fueled with yearning, freedom and anger... plant magic is fueled by stubbornness and connection. The deeper the root the more you see as you connect."
"Why is it...that my brothers could do this so easily when I struggle with it?" Tamlin questioned.
"Because they felt the land but did not care for those who live on it. Many of your predecessors were the same, feeling just enough letting the emotions past through so they could continuously cast magic."
Tamlin chuckled, "you mean to tell me my plant magic is weak because I care too much for spring court ?"
Shel turned to look at her high lord, her expression indifferent. "No. You don't care for this land."
"What?" Tamlin squeaked almost offended.
"I believe you do care for this land to an extent and I also believe you don't care for yourself at all. You care so much for everyone not just those in spring but even those outside to the point you gave Beron youth to avoid spring's involvement in his drug empire. You could have killed the dark bringer army or left the illyrian females crippled but you didn't... you care so much for others and take so many risk just because you believe that's the right thing to do. One mistake is all it takes and now we have to look for several. I....I still don't understand how you can value the lives of everyone even potential enemies." Shel ranted with a few of her leaves dropping from stress.
Tamlin looked down before he hugged his legs closer to his chest, "is it so bad... wanting to help? They breathe and think, they dance, sleep and love just like us. They can be allies too."
Shel closed her eyes and felt the gentle breeze for a moment, she hated how much Tamlin cared for others sometimes yet that love he had his for the people is why almost everyone here would march for him.
"I have walked through spring, I've connected to almost every plant and watched their memories. I have lived a hundred lives through them and I saw how past high lords and even ladies only cared for land, for resources and power. Then there's you... you care so much for the people. You're so...different. Not materialistic or self serving but sentimental."
"Is that bad?" Tamlin asked his voice barely above a whisper.
Shel looked down then shaked her head causing her brach like hair to rustle gently. "I...I don't know. I dislike you for it but your people loves you for it."
Tamlin smiled softly before he stood up offering Shel a hand, "I'm glad you stayed as my advisor. I can always depend on you to challenge my views rather than blindly supporting me."
Shel eyes landed on his hand but she didn't take it, instead she got up herself. "Please take care of yourself, my lord." She advised before leaving. Later that night she blew on the lion headed bird carving letting it fly to send a message.
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When dawn court received Lucien's letter asking for an audience with its high lord, everyone moved to prepare. Feyre and Rhysand were greeted warmly by a group of dancing peacock fae at the palace entrance before they were led inside the ever iridescent palace. The mated pair were given a scenic tour where they watched a flight race between the peregrine guards, the advance labs of the palaces and finally to the meeting room filled with beautiful golden birds with long tails that gleamed softly like the rising sun.
"Thank you for such a warm welcome, Lord Thesan. Your court is truly beautiful." Rhysand complimented as he sat in front of the high lord beside his mate. Both wearing night court black with matching crowns of obsidian.
"Your welcome. I hoped you enjoyed the performances, my citizens worked tirelessly for it." Thesan replied his voice soft yet elegant. The high lord wasn't focus on them but more focused on feeding the bird perched on his arm chair with seeds not caring the creature's claw might tear into the long sleeves of his soft pink robes.
"These birds are beautiful, I'm sure you wouldn't mind us taking a few." Feyre joked as she tried to pat one but it flew away leaving a trail of sparkles.
Thesan laughs, "this type of bird wouldn't survive in the night court. They require ample sources of gentle light or else they'll become dim and sickly. Bird of paradise were always fickle creatures but they are beautiful."
Rhysand's eyes widened in interest for a moment, "birds of paradise? Weren't they extinct from when Amarantha hunted them down to create one of her dresses. I'm glad to see a few of them survive." He spoke and looked around at the many birds flying around them, "well more than a few."
"Quite right, Lord Rhysand. What she did... to fauna of this land, to my people were horrendous but these birds were extinct once until Lord Tamlin brought them back using shape-shifting magic on a close relative of the bird. He called it a gift. The peregrine guards themselves were healed by him, many of them including my fiance lost their wings during the tyrant queen's reign yet he healed them with a discounted cost because he understood that we needed help." Thesan spoke and looked behind him where Ryun, his future husband stood on guard. "He understood that everyone was suffering so to answer your question, no I will not side or ally with you if war breaks out between night and the seasonal courts." Thesan announced coldly starring back at the rulers of the night court.
Rhysand was silent wondering what else to say at the moment but Feyre spoke first, "Thesan if war starts they'll go through you first. Do you think you'll be safe?"
Thesan raised an eyebrow unimpressed by Feyre's wild imagination, "you always assume the worst of your enemies to the point you are blind to your own hypocrisy. Pyrinthians call spring the court of saviours, they call the night the court of monsters."
"You're making a mistake, he will attack dawn if given the chance. You cannot stay neutral in this battle, Thesan." Rhys countered but his words held no merit.
"You forget yourself, Lord of night and refer to me as Lord Thesan. We are not friends." Thesan corrected as the room dimmed while the high lord of dawn shined like the rising sun. "Dawn court has survived eons not by being aggressors but healers. The ones the armies can rely to heal them so they could fight another day. If we are forced to join war, I am inclined to believe you had something to do with it since you are known to sow chaos between your own people just so they wouldn't unite against you, Night lord."
"I am giving you a chance, if Tamlin is not stopped greater threats will come that will turn Pyrinthia upside down." Rhysand argued as shadows swirled around him.
The room became normal again as Thesan took a breath and offered his hand for a deal, "I know threats are coming but I do not trust you. So let's make a deal, truth for truth. Had I not accept your offer, would you have cause chaos to force my people to join the war?"
Rhysand grit his teeth while his claws extended, "that's quite enough, My mate deserves more respect after he sacrificed his life to save Pyrinthia." Feyre defended as she wrapped her arms around the male.
"We are leaving." Rhys announced abruptly and stood up with Feyre.
"My guards will escort you out. Have a nice day, Lord Rhysand." Thesan answered annoyed with their antics keeping a watchful eye on them as they walked through the halls and finally left his palace. He noticed the slight eye twitch Rhysand made each time he saw the mind protection charms carved into the peregrine guard's helmet but that was good. It meant he didn't have control of others like before.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
"Let me handle this, me and Viviane have known each other for centuries and if we let her know the truth she'll see reason." Moriggan told Lucien as they finally arrived at the borders of the winter palace. Moriggan wore a red winter court adorned with gems that complimented her figure and golden locks while Lucien wore his usual courtier clothes immaculately dressed as always unbothered by the cold due to his own heat spell.
Viviane welcomed them warmly into the winter palace with Kalias by her side. They wore more casual noble clothes unlike their usual traditional court clothes.
Lucien watched from the sidelines as Viviane and Mor spent the next few hours doing what most court ladies did to bond ranging from eating ice cream, walking through the ice sculpture gardens, touring the library and dancing together in the ballroom while a band played a song for them. Lucien trailed behind and didn't really join in the festivities but he did made some small talk with a few of the palace servants. Most were cordial and friendly but the guards including Kalias were colder to him than usual and he didn't understand why until he heard one of them call him a traitor under their breath.
Lucien just wanted this to be over with and was glad Mor was finally led to a meeting room but just as he tried to follow them the guards at the doors stopped him.
"I am the night court's emissary. It is my duty to represent them officially." Lucien reasoned with the guards.
Kalias walked towards the other with an indifferent expression, "we are thankful for your service as spring's emissary and overseeing our court's negotiations for centuries before but my mate wishes to discuss this privately with her friend and not... you."
Lucien's mouth twitched as he tried to remain composed, " Kalias, please this is a peace talk."
"You aren't wanted, here." Kalias replied curtly and closed the door on Lucien's face. The autumn male was tempted to just explode the door off its hinges but ultimately decided to seat close by while making small talk with the few fae there.
"Today has been wonderful, Viviane. Maybe we should set up a play date for Nyx and your daughter next time? They can become friends like me and you." Moriggan gushed excitedly.
"If peace talks succeed then I'm sure it'll happen." Viviane replied with a practiced smile and stole a glance to her side as Kalias stood by the door like a guard. He trusted her to handle this and to be honest he wanted to see how she'll handle her.
Moriggan smiled back before she clasped her hands together before red magic glimmered around them as she summoned an orb. "Behold the veritas. The tool of truth, a sacred relic owned by the night and only capable of being used by my family with this I can show you the reality. That my relative, Rhysand wishes a world like our home Velaris."Mor explained and the orb shined creating a life like projection around them. It was the streets of Velaris at different times from early mornings to late nights, on celebrations and during times of grief. On paper it looked like a utopia that even Viviane couldn't deny but she noticed the cracks.
"Viviane...Rhysand is working towards peace. He intends to change the world into this... a utopia. Our dreams are now being threatened by a threat called the koschei. If war happens regardless of who wins the battle , everyone loses the war."
"Why does the shops ban those from your birth place ?"
The projection immediately stopped, "why? Viviane you know my birth place. They're all torturers who treat females like objects. Why would we allow them to buy and ruin our beautiful town." Mor argued.
"Because they are your people and you are responsible for all of them not just the citizens of Velaris." Viviane replied and took a breath, "do you ever wonder why I sought you out? Why I wanted to befriend you?"
"Because... I was interesting?" Mor answered unsure.
"Because you came from such a horrible place and you held such progressive views. I remember the fae who spoke about change, who saw how wrong torture was and how cruel her birth place was... I waited for centuries for that girl to push change, to change something but alas... you are a dreamer not a worker." Viviane explained with a melancholic tone.
"They wouldn't change. Hewn city will never change, I've tried but there are no dreamers in that cesspool of darkness," Mor countered.
"You look for dreamers when you should have pushed for change. My court... our courts believe in the philosophy of survival of the fittest. I believe such competition is good for advancement but I do not condemn oppression. Something you and your family seem keen on continuing even now." Viviane continued and stood up with her hands clasped together, "I thought... I thought we were the same. Little girls who saw the worst but wanted to change it. I was wrong... even now your own prejudice and assumptions blinds you."
Warmth spread from her core through Mor's entire body as flickers of red magic surrounded her hands that curled into fist. "My power is truth, Viviane. I see no lies except that you have already made your mind on labelling the night as your court's enemy. I am not blind, I told you that there will be no victors if we went to war and your court will fall because you did not heed my warning."
Frost formed throughout Viviane's dress as their auras clashed, "then show me the truth, Morrigan. Use the veritas and show me who is truly responsible for those two dozen winter children withering away. Show me the daemati who broke their minds."
The veritas disappeared from view while Mor glared at her, "and why would I do that? So you can condemn my high lord for something he denied?" She challenged.
"My people deserve justice, Moriggan. Your veritas can be used as proof so we may hold trial and execute your relative within fae law. We would avoid the war and maybe... just maybe someone better will ascend and they could change the night court for good. Actual change not whatever you're doing now." Viviane reasoned softly.
Mor shakes her head, "I am loyal to my high lord. To Rhysand. To my family. We won't give up just because everyone is against us, everyone always has because they couldn't see beyond the mask."
Viviane closed her eyes and exhaled shakily before placing her hand on the table, "then consider this an end to our friendship and neutrality." She announced and her magic flowed from the icy table to the floor beneath Moriggan's feet.
Mor was confused until she heard a crack and the floor beneath her opened up. She screamed she fell into darkness and landed on her back on some icy slide. Before she could even understand what was going on she began sliding down into the dark tunnel in front of her.
"No no no no. Viviane you bitchhhhhhhh!" Mor's screams travelled as she began sliding down a complicated system of slides under the palace. She went through zig zags, loop de loops, and splitting paths gently illuminated by fae lights of different colours. She would have found it fun if it weren't for the fact she couldn't grasp anything and didn't know where she headed until she saw light at the end of the tunnel.
Mor was promptly shot out of the tunnel and landed in a pile of snow just outside the winter palace's grounds. She dug herself out and screamed while kicking the snow around her in a fit of rage. Lucien was thankfully not ejected but was escorted out with a gift basket of ice creams.
"She sounds angry, was that truly necessary to get her to change?" Kalias asked back at the meeting room as he used his magic to cover up the hole in the floor.
"It sends a message. She might change for the better, see her relative isn't as good as she believes or...she'll resent us. Forever." Viviane sighed rubbing the nose of her bridge, "I need a drink. Maybe a few tubs of ice cream."
"Your requests is my command," Kalias spoke in a teasing tone before walking out of the room.
Viviane lingered for awhile looking at where Moriggan fell, she wondered if the Hewn city girl could change or she was made that way. Regardless there was no point in pondering for long.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
The spring court bordering the humans lands were well guarded with layers of wards and thicks walls of plant to keep humans out and the fair folk in. Not many humans have tried to infiltrate and those who did were simply frightened away with glamours. It meant that the forest at the border simply became a hunting ground for those who were brave enough, not that there were many hunters since Tamlin's aid helped the farms flourish.
At night the place felt like a horror story used to scare children yet a cloaked figure powered through it until he reached the border. The night hid his form but even from afar people could see the glow of his mechanical eye as Lucien waited.
The wall rustled as a green skinned dryad wearing a dress of white flowers phased through it before standing face to face with the autumn male. Only the wards keeping them apart.
"I thought I'd be meeting with Tamlin tonight unless... you called for me?" Lucien inquired as he crossed his arms. "You certainly look different, I'm assuming your tree body is behind the wall."
"Yes I did and yes it is. Not that it matters. The moment you try to claw yourself in you'll be killed by one of the guards." Shel replied coldly.
"Come now, Shel. Do you think I can be defeated that easily?" Lucien teased.
"With preparation anyone can. Enough banter, I am here because you've been trying to get in contact with my high lord for awhile now. Sending letters, using other courtiers and even trying to get in touch with your old net work of spies." She informed.
Lucien's russet eye narrowed, "I'm simply hoping to stop a war. You cannot blame me for that, you intend to stop me too?" He playfully asked.
"No...I'll give you what you want. I am here to offer you a deal, it's up to you if you want to accept it or not."
"I'm willing to hear you out but a part of me wonders if our precious high lord knows his newest advisor is here conducting deals? Where do your loyalties lie, Shel?"
"You mean my high lord. You're nothing to him now," Shel corrected and noticed the slight twitch of his russet eye.
"What's the deal, it must be a lot if you're willing to meet even me." Lucien stated with a slight edge to his voice.
"I've been going through Tamlin's family lineage to search for his relatives regardless how far removed they are from the line. My deal is, I want to know everything about them from where they currently are, their beliefs, how they treat others and anything of relevance. If you can get me that information I'll set up a meeting between you and Tamlin where he has to hear you out." Shel offered.
"Why would you-" the realisation hit Lucien faster than he could form words, "You're preparing for another to become high lord... is Tamlin being threatened? Is he dying? Answer me!" The male demanded and slammed his fist into the wards in a slight panic.
"This is final, I'll come by on the next half moon. I hope you'll have the information ready." Shel bowed and faded into the wall behind her as she ignored Lucien who was slamming the wards demanding answers.
Your time will be spent stacking shelves, researching, and becoming a nun - if you’re lucky, you may even be forced into the Illyrian Blood Rite ⚔️
Who can access the library? Nobody but you and the inner circle!
Whose books are you stacking? The dozens of women sequestered away in this mountain retreat apparently
What can you do in your free time? Research, sing hymns, and become a voyeur to the high lord and lady’s sexual exploits 😉
Did you have a family? Forget about them!
Were you married? Forget about that!
Our library is a collection of females who’ve experienced something traumatic and exist solely in isolation, who never had any sort of life or relationships outside of their traumatic incident which led to their rescue by our brave bats 🦇
Join free today!
You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave 🎶
*N.B. there is an entity at the bottom of our library that terrifies even the more stoic of warriors but it leaves the librarians alone - just don’t go to the lower levels
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the true enemy of this entire discourse imo is the “vague, golden-brown-skin, non-racially-specific with no exterior cultural touchstone” romantasy author trend that SJM also repeats and creates this discourse void that gets filled with fans pitting two brown men (wherein one is at least partially white-passing) against each other and trying to one up against the other in ways that have spiralled out into insensitive, racially-based or class-based reasonings all for the affections of one white female character
When I think of an idle person, I think of someone who is sitting... doing nothing. Like, literally... They're not on their phone (which for some is doing nothing, but anyway), they're not reading, Painting, exercising, doing nothing... She's simply standing still. She has no desire and no inclination to do anything.
With that introduction out of the way, I want to talk about Feyre's vicious cycle in the Spring Court; complaining that she's not doing anything, but waiting for SOMEONE (Tamlin) to tell her to do something. I already made a post complaining about Feyre waiting for others to decide what to do with her life, so I want to talk about why this happens. In the first book, Feyre never waited for anyone, she just acted.
The answer is quite simple: depression and discouragement. Or rather, that's what it was supposed to be, if the main topic of the entire ACOMAF wasn't about "Feyre being able to choose with Rhys," because she can never choose anything at Primavera. This means that the blame doesn't lie with her depression because of her was always idle, but with Tamlin because instead of telling her to do things, he left her with an empty "schedule".I'm mentioning this because there are fans who are always complaining about something different involving this.
"Tamlin left her idle", "I understand why she didn't do anything, it's because she was depressed.", "Tamlin made Feyre take care of the wedding preparations even though she was traumatized," "he wouldn't let her do anything.", "He only listened to Ianthe."
I think the biggest example of Feyre's depression is this: not wanting to decide anything.I think this way because when I was REALLY bad with my depression, I always said "Whatever"... The experience is individual for everyone, but I saw a bit of myself in Feyre, using other people so I wouldn't have to think... So I wouldn't have to choose for myself.My identification with Feyre ends when she complains that she has nothing to do, when she herself has all the time in the world to find something to do and doesn't do it, why? Because she's waiting for an somebody.
So here's the situation: A traumatized woman with plenty of free time > lacks the motivation to do anything > waits for someone to tell her what to do > no one tells her what to do, which discourages her from seeking something to do herself > she has a A husband who wants her to rest after literally dying, so he doesn't cause her any trouble.In the end, what do we have? A problem of increased idle time and a lack of choices.She doesn't choose a different dress even when she can, she doesn't choose to wear pants, she doesn't choose to do anything in her free time, she went three months without choosing to relearn to read, she doesn't choose hobbies, etc. (Let's also not forget that Tamlin never says "The choice is yours" or any question that involves her making her feel like she has a choice, whether it's false or not)
Another thing is the fact that in the first book, Feyre spends a good part of her time just walking around or painting. That was UTM that changed her... She herself narrates it. Or it could simply be a response to trauma: being busy means not having time to think and process, so when you do have time, it's painful. You feel empty, and it seems like you have no control over anything. Ultimately, I'm not a psychologist, but considering that Feyre is just a survivor who, due to circumstances, became a warrior/High Lady, it makes sense that Feyre always thinks "I don't want to think about it" and dislike silence (quote from Frozen and Stars). Otherwise, she enters a spiral of internal conflict, as we have seen happen even in nightmares.
I've come to the conclusion that the blame lies somewhat with both Tamlin and Feyre's depression, but a third party is also to blame, Sarah (obviously), who thinks that choice is about waiting for a guy to give you a choice.
