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Thank you for creating stories that bring Gwyn and Azriel to a different level! Whether you wrote a 20+ chapter series or a single oneshot, we are so grateful that you shared your interpretation of Gwynriel through your writing!
We hope you enjoyed your naughty list gifts from some of the fanficiton writers of our favorite couple, Gwyn and Azriel! We wanted to give to the fandom that has given us so much - so much shared joy, headcanons, theories, art, and of course, smut! Gwyn and Az will always have a special place in all of our hearts. Whether it's their banter. The way they feel safe around each other. Or their potential as mates and equals -- Gwynriel is cherished.
Missed a day of gifts? No worries! Check out the link to our AO3 Collection below and enjoy to your heart's content!
AO3 Dirty Deeds December Collection
Much love from @aldbooks , AnnyRhale, @hlizr50 , @respecttheshoes , @sadiegirl2021 , @shadowsxgwynriel , @sunshinebingo , and @thevalkyriesshadow 💙
Azriel’s first dream of Gwyn isn’t just vivid—it’s scorching, leaving him confused and questioning these new, strange feelings for his dear friend. But when Gwyn shares a confession of her own, he starts to wonder: can dreams actually come true?
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Summary: Gwyn has always been an incredibly capable female — strong, intelligent, determined. But sometimes even the strongest people need space to be vulnerable and unburdened.
It’s all sugar and spice and everything nice for Gwyn and Azriel this December, and Azriel has no idea what his girlfriend has in store for him as his holiday surprise. Maybe it’s a cozy, three-day weekend involving a gifted copy of the Kama Sutra. Maybe that weekend also includes a third party. Maybe that person is none other than Azriel’s old flame, Eris.
Surprise! @shadowsxgwynriel tis I your Secret Santa for the @acotargiftexchange!
Your story awaits for you! As I am a fellow Nessian lover so I was really excited to write this for you! I hope you loved it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Summary: Nesta's reluctance to partaking in Solstice now makes sense to Cassian, but he is going to do everything to make sure her happiness and connection with her human side remain intact.
Content warning: Tooth aching fluff
Divider's by @tsunami-of-tears
Cassian stepped into the library, the priestesses paying him no attention. Clotho glanced up at him and gave him a warm smile, the quill she possessed already writing.
She’s on the third level, General.
Cassian walked over and gripped the female’s hand giving it a tender squeeze, “Thank you, Clotho, please call me, Cassian.”
The scratching of ink to parchment revealed another note:
No, it discredits the hard work you pulled to earn that title. Happy Solstice, General.
She returned his comforting squeeze as he replied, “Same to you, Clotho.” With that he left to go find the eldest Archeron sister.
Feyre had tasked him with convincing Nesta to come to their annual Solstice celebration since the previous year’s attempt was a disaster. By the end of the evening Cassian was left feeling as though he failed his friend, his High Lady. The guilt eroded his core as he felt he failed one other person.
Nesta Archeron.
The General of the Night Court’s armies wanted her to feel welcomed, to feel as though she wasn’t forgotten. That she was wanted. That he had wanted her to be there. Hells, he wanted her. Descending down to the lower levels of the library residing in the House of Wind, Cassian couldn’t shake the longing for the silver eyed, sharp-tongued female. Not paying attention, his body slammed into a cart causing the metal to rattle and a sharp gasp to come from the person on the other end. “Shit.” He muttered recovering quickly, “I’m so-
“Cassian, what are you doing here?” His hazel eyes met the eyes of Nesta, her gaze for once didn’t hold anger, more confusion with a hint of annoyance. In the time of being with the human turned fae, he had picked up on her expressions, being in such close proximity he learned pretty quickly what her moods truly were.
Cassian cleared his throat as he grabbed a few books that fell off her cart, “Can I not come down and see my favorite, Archeron?”
Nesta snorted, “We both know I am not your favorite.” Her soft tone caused Cassian to grind his teeth together. She turned to shelve a book and instinctively Cassian gripped her wrist. The statement grating against something in his chest, he pulled his lips in a tight line when her eyes met his once more. The silver of her eyes was becoming his favorite color, “Cass.” Her tone was not aggressive but there was a warning in her tone.
“Nes,” He retorted as he slid his hand up to grip her fingers with his own. “I enjoy your company. You know that right?”
“Doesn’t mean I’m your favorite.”
Cassian quirked a brow, a smirk emerging on his tanned face, “That sounds like a challenge, Sweetheart.” Nesta rolled her eyes, and he walked around the cart to close the distance between them. “Let me prove it.”
Nesta tilted her head to the side, contemplating the offer, raising a brow of her own she sighed, “What did you have in mind?”
“Come to Solstice and find out.”
Her face shifted into something cold and in turn he felt the temperature plumet as the soft features grew hard, “No.”
“Feyre wants you-
Nesta scowled, “Do you think I care about what Feyre wants?”
Cassian’s playful expression morphed into a wince at the quick shift in mood. Cassian released a heavy breath, “I know you don’t.” He pressed forward, until Nesta’s back was against the bookshelf, “What about me?”
Nesta opened her mouth only to close it her brows furrowed before she whispered, “What about you?”
“Would you care if I wanted you there?” Cassian looked at the female’s sharp features, beautiful when she was human, he couldn’t help but find her even more radiant now. He hadn’t realized he had cupped her face in his hand until he could feel her lean in slightly before realizing they were in the library and moving her face away from him. He dropped his hand back to his side.
“It would matter to me.” She whispered as she turned to face away from him. “Just not enough to make me change my answer.”
“Why?” He whispered. Nesta tried to move away from him, only to realize he had her caged in, “Nesta. Please.”
Nesta leaned her head back against the books, something he learned before the war was a comfort for her. Her love for reading had been a saving grace for her. She looked up above her and Cassian realized she was trying to blink away tears. “I’m sorry.” He said, taking a step back, “I didn’t mean to upset you. I am not entitled to your reasons.” Another step back, “I just wanted you to know, that you are wanted there. That I want you there.”
He turned and was about to leave when delicate, now calloused hands gripped his. Looking at Nesta, he realized he didn’t have a name for this look he gave him, until he reached her eyes and found the one thing, he had seen on the battlefield in the eyes of the enemies he slaughtered.
Fear.
“You don’t understand.” She whispered, letting go of his hand. He simply took it once more and placed it in the crook of his arm to lead her up to take her home and she gave little protest.
“Then help me understand,” Cassian curved his wing around her to keep away the chill. “Let me in.”
She tucked her lip once more between her teeth and remained silent until they reached the stairs where there were no one to listening before she said, “I can’t.”
“Can’t?” Cassian parroted. Nesta pinched the bridge of her nose with her free hand and the General noticed that her lip was quivering, and he placed his hand over hers on his arm giving it a comforting squeeze. “You can talk to me, Nes.”
“Solstice is a fae holiday.” She murmured.
Cassian nodded, “Yes. To my understanding the humans celebrated Solstice too.”
Nesta lowered her hand from his face, her sharp cheekbones highlighting her freckles in the low fae light. “We- They do.”
Nesta’s phrasing wasn’t lost on the General and in a matter of seconds it dawns on him. “Oh, I see” Cassian’s brows furrowed his mind moving at a rapid speed on all the times Nesta had distanced herself from everyone especially him. The realization that it was around fae centered events and holidays. So Cassian led her to her favorite place in the entire world; the place she felt most at peace in the House of Wind.
The library.
He sat her on the sofa and walked over to the fireplace where he extinguished the flame to her surprise. He turned and winked at her, “Come now, Nes, I’m not just a pretty face. I pay attention.” Cassian watched as he crossed her arms but that did not deter Cassian from taking the seat next to her, his wing curved around the eldest Archeron to keep her from getting cold. She inched closer to him as the library began to cool off the fire being out.
“How did you-
“It doesn’t matter.” Cassian whispered draping his arm around her shoulder. “All I needed to know was that it made you uncomfortable.”
Nesta looked up at Cassian gaze to which he saw nothing but gratitude in her silver eyes. “Thank you.”
“Of course.” The pair fell into a comfortable silence for a moment before curiosity got the best of him. “Tell me.”
He knew that he didn’t need to elaborate that the quick witted, sharp tongued Archeron could infer what information he was seeking. She smoothed the gray skirts of her dress as if her hands needed something to do as a form of distraction. Her eyes fluttered shut as the words poured out of her, “I have been trying to salvage what little humanity I have left. Embracing your culture, your family…” She peaked his way, though he schooled his features to show nothing allowing her to continue, “you, makes me feel as though I’m permanently parting ways with the human woman I once was.” She pressed her palm against her laced clad collar bone and rubbed at her chest, “I’m terrified of this new life, Cassian.”
Cassian placed his palm on top of the hand that was aggressively rubbing her chest, “Hey. Look at me.” Nesta refused, the general was not known to back down from a challenge “Sweetheart, look at me.” His tone held firm and Nesta couldn’t help but glance into his warm Hazel eyes. “You don’t have to go through this alone.”
Nesta scoffed, as she sat up but keeping herself close to the Illyrian male. “I am, Cassian, my sisters are perfectly content to move on from life as a human as if what we went through didn’t matter. That our traditions can be thrown out.”
Cassian pressed the pad of his thumb along her cheek picking up the stray tears she allowed to fall and trickle down her face. “They matter to me.”
Nesta blinked, as he met her gaze once more, “What?”
“Your traditions, your humanity. They matter to me. You matter to me.” He gripped her hand and pressed it to his chest, “Sweetheart, all I ask is you let me in. Tell me about them. Give me a chance to make Solstice special for you.”
To Cassian’s surprise, she did. She told him all about her favorite memories from a child and her favorite traditions. The General smiled as Nesta babbled on making sure he noted anytime her voice squeaked from excitement. This was the most animated he had ever seen the Archeron sister. By the time she finished she yawned, she gave him a rare smile showing her perfect teeth. “Thank you for listening. I’m off to bed.” She leaned up and kissed his cheek, Cassian sucked in his breath as her lips pressed against his skin. “Good night, General.” She rose and exited the library before he could respond.
The Illyrian wasted no time and wandered the house until he reached the dark oak doors of Azriel’s room. Before he could knock on the door opened, his brother’s curls disheveled as though he ran his hands through his hair. “What?” Az grumbled.
“I need your help.” Az rolled his eyes that matched the color of the General’s as he continued, “For Nesta.” Cassian knew his brother had a soft spot for Nesta and wasn’t above using it to his advantage.
Azriel opened the door to let him in, “Where do we begin?”
Nesta awoke to a delightful smell wafting into her room. She slowly slipped out of her bed to get dressed, she opted for a pair of trousers and a red tunic that kept her chest covered, still not used to the culture of dress in the Night Court. Making her way to the source of the smell led her to the kitchen where she had expected to find Elain baking but instead found Cassian wings tucked tightly to his back, a black apron around his waist. Nesta watched for a moment admiring the flour across the Illyrian’s tanned nose and the focus he had on mixing whatever was in the bowl. Once he was satisfied, he poured the batter into a sheet with ease and placed it into the oven.
He turned to his piercing hazel eyes to her and Nesta straightened. A grin emerged on Cassian’s face and Nesta wasn’t sure if she was able to keep herself upright at the sight, “Good Morning, Happy Solstice, Sweetheart.”
Nesta gave him a small smile as she stepped deeper into the kitchen, “Happy Solstice. Are you bringing this to Rhysand’s big party?” Her tone held no ire despite her deep dislike of her brother-in-law.
“We’re not going.” Cassian’s words caused Nesta to whip her head toward to his once more.
“You mean I’m not going.” Nesta gripped a hand on the counter with the cool bite of the marble grounding her.
Cassian moved his face closer to hers, the scent of Leather and sandalwood infiltrating her nose consuming her. “No, Nes. We’re not going. You and I are going to be here.”
The eldest Archeron pressed a hand to her chest and rubbed as if to quiet the hum that tugged at her chest. “Really?”
“He means it, Nesta. Has a whole day planned out for you.” Azriel chirped in as he walked in pecking her cheek and clamping a hand down on his brother’s shoulder.
Nesta worried her lip before blurting, “What about you?”
Az tilted his head to the side. “I am going to be town. I promised everyone I would be there.” Nesta frowned disappointed that he wouldn’t be here, but Az proceeded to say, “I am planning on coming back though, Cassian asked me to join for Bread of Ginger making?” Azriel looked confused for a moment before waving and winnowing into his shadows.
Nesta’s face lit up and looked back at Cassian a grin pulling at her cheeks, “Gingerbread houses?” The General nodded. “You remembered?”
Cassian chuckled, “Of course I did.” He proceeded to stack the cool cookies that Nesta now understood looked like the foundations of the house with excitement in her chest to see that icing of different colors and sweets of all kinds were placed into bowls. “Cass?”
“Hm?” He didn’t look up as he took the hot pan out of the oven and set it down to cool.
“These are sweets from the human lands?” Cassian nodded his confirmation, “Where did you get these?”
“You can thank Lucien for tonight’s meal and the ingredients needed for our activities.” He winked in her direction, “He sends his regards by the way.”
Nesta snorted, “Only to get my blessing for Elain.”
Cassian sighed, “Not everyone has an angle, Sweetheart.” He grazes his hand by her arm, “Some people fae or otherwise are just kind.”
Nesta crossed her arms, “Not that I’ve experienced,” Cassian winced and Nesta instantly regretted the words as she said them, “Cass-
He raised his hand, “Don’t apologize Nesta,” He cupped her face his thumb stroking her cheek, “I know you haven’t seen the best of both humans and fae. You are valid in your opinion.” He pressed his lips to her cheek, and she stilled as though a doe in the woods heard a branch snapping. Once he pulled away, as he spun her around and gently pushed her out, “Go get changed into something warmer, I’m taking you to the mountains today.” Nesta turned her head in protest, “Not for training, Wear layers.”
Nesta clung to Cassian as they landed on the top of a hillside where a board, big enough to fit two people, with metal rails on the bottom seat. Nesta gasped, gripping Cassian’s arms, “A Sled.” She whispered, adjusting her red hat with a little fuzzy ball on the top to cover her ears.
“You deserve to have some fun, Nes.” Cassian whispered in her ear, his wing blocking out the winter wind. Cassian adjusted his own silver hat with matching ball to keep his ears from the frigid mountain air. He watched as Nesta admired the sled and placed herself at the front of the sled adjusting. Her Illyrian fleece lined leathers hugging her curves, her boots with fur coating the top, and the red that covered her nose and cheeks as the cold air met her cheeks. Cassian smiled.
She was radiant.
Nesta met his stare and quirked a brow, “Don’t tell me you have cold wings now, General.”
Cassian smirked at her, “Nice try, Archeron.”
Nesta adjusted as Cassian placed himself behind her the wood creaking under his weight, he reached around her to grip the rope at the front of the sled. She gripped his thighs as they caged around her, “Ready, Nes.” His voice caused a shiver to run down her spine.
“Yes.” She whispered and she tucked herself closer to Cassian as the Illyrian used his force to slip the sled down the hill. As they descended the hill Nesta closed her eyes enjoying the bite of the mountain air on her skin. The rush of the sled dropping at a rapid speed exhilarated the eldest Archeron. She Opened her eyes as they were coming up a ramp, “Cassian?”
“I got you.” Cassian said taking on the hand of the rope to slide around her waist as they went up the snowbank and went air born. Nesta looked on to see the snow-capped trees and creatures in the forest running enjoying the winter. A call from a bird caused her to look up to the heavens, a snow-white hawk with markings on the side of it ascended into the sky, its cry felt like one of joy and not sadness. Below she saw a stag and a streak of blonde hair as the bird descended to her the other creature. In a blink they were gone but Nesta took it as a sign. As the sled began to let gravity take hold Nesta released her grip on his thighs and threw her arms in the air. A squeal of delight erupted from her mouth, and she couldn’t bring herself to care.
Arms wrap around her waist as Cassian pulls them off the sled before it crashes into the soft snow and by not using his wings, he flings them into a snowbank. Nesta couldn’t contain her laughter as she laid her back on the snow Cassian joining her. Nesta sat with the feeling of joy for a moment before she began to spread her legs and arms and moved them in an upward motion and back down.
“What are you doing?” Cassian asked.
“Making a snow angel.” Nesta replied with a grin on her face before she rose to look at her masterpiece, “Look.”
Cassian rose and looked down, to see the figure that resembled wings. “Its beautiful, Nes.”
Nesta looked back at the sled and looked over to Cassian, lacing her fingers through his, “What do you say, Cassian? Go again?”
Cassian smiled as Nesta and Azriel sat at the table working together on the gingerbread house. Azriel strategically picking out pieces that would make the structure stable for movement should there need be as Nesta held the bag of icing to keep the pieces together. After a full day of sledding the duo spent some time in the library sipping on Hot cocoa and reading in the parlor until the house had dinner ready.
The two then shared a meal of fun stories and laughter until Azriel appeared. Here they were the Archeron sister and Cassian’s best friend were working together to make…Cassian furrowed his brows, “Are you two making the House?”
Nesta and Az smiled at each other, “Yes.” Nesta said curtly before going back to what they were doing. During their time training her friendship with Azriel was something that surprised Cassian. The two just worked well, Azriel’s complex relationship and issues met Nesta’s and together they found solace in each other’s darkness. They both need the other’s friendship and for that alone Cassian thanked the mother for giving them the connection they both desperately yearned for. Nesta looked up once more and smiled at Cassian, she was giving those freely to him and Cassian was greedy for more. “Want to help?”
Cassian shook his head, “you two go ahead, I’ll go grab the presents.”
Nesta paused her teeth tucking her lower lip, “I didn’t get you anything.”
Azriel waved her off, “We wanted to do something nice for you, Nes. We don’t need anything. Your company is the best gift.”
Nesta nodded and went back to icing their sculpture of the House of Wind, while Cassian went to provide the Solstice gifts.
When he returned Nesta and Azriel had put the finishing touches of the house, Nesta held her hands out to show off to Cassian, “Tah dah.” She sang.
Cassian was blown away by the craftmanship the duo pulled to make the gingerbread he made earlier that morning into their home. They even included a balcony that had…two people one with seven red candies and one with a grey frosting dress. Then on the other balcony was one that had seven blue candies where Az siphons would go. “We’re in there.” Cassian said, swallowing the lump in his throat.
“Had to have my favorite people in it.” Nesta murmured enough for Cassian and Azriel to pause. Nesta looked at both and rolled her eyes, “Don’t make this into a bigger deal.”
Cassian smiled as he placed the presents down, “I wouldn’t dream of it, Sweetheart.”
He handed a blue wrapped box to Nesta, “This is from, Az.”
Nesta grabbed it from him and gently took the paper off the box. Nesta lifted the mechanism and Azriel stepped up, “It’s a reading light.” He tapped the mechanism and a small fae light illuminated her face. “So, when you stay up too late reading…again.” Nesta laughed and tapped to turn the light on and off.
“Thank you.” Nesta reached up and kissed his cheek. “For everything.”
Azriel gripped her hand and gave it a squeeze. “Of course, Nes.” He released her hand and stretched his wings, “I’m off to bed, you two have a good night.”
Cassian waved to his friend as he left. Leaving him with Nesta. “So, I got you three gifts. One was from last year I was never able to give you.” He handed her the tiny box in green wrapping paper. He watched with bated breath as she opened it to reveal the first book in the history of the fae in her palm. “That was the first book of our kind to be created. Only one of its kind.” Nesta’s mouth dropped.
“I don’t know what to say.” She whispered. Pressing the small book to her chest, Cassian slid a bigger wrapped package to her. She gently placed the book down to open the second present. She tore open the paper and gasped once more, “How did you-
“Elain is a good snoop.” Nesta flipped through the pages of her favorite novel from the human author. A smile on her face as though she couldn’t wait to explore the world of this novel once more. She placed the book down after a few moments and stared at the final gift. Not wrapped simply in a box. “This one I’m pretty proud of.” Cassian opened the box to reveal a Symphonia and when he tapped the top music from her favorite bars began to play. Cassian looked at Nesta as tears streamed down her cheeks. He placed the object down, letting the music play and he held out his hand. “May I have this dance?”
Nesta took his hand, and Cassian led her into a dance. Letting the music take over they spun around the dining hall. Nesta found herself laughing again and Cassian joined her, the two sharing a bout of laughter as the song morphed into a slower melody. Cassian slowed their movements pressing his hand against Nesta’s lower back to bring her closer to him, Pressing the hand with hers to his chest. He pressed his forehead to hers, “Happy Solstice, Nesta.”
Nesta’s eyes fluttered shut, “Happy Solstice, Cassian.” They let the music carry them before she spoke up once more, “Thank you for today. This was the best solstice I’ve had in a long time.”
“You’re very welcome, Nesta.” Cassian swayed and spun her around. “Your humanity?”
Nesta smiled brightly it made his chest tightened, “Intact. Thank you for that too.” She sighed, “Though, I feel bad I didn’t get you a present.”
Cassian smiled and kissed her nose, “You haven’t figured it out yet?” He asked, pulling his face away from hers to meet her eyes. Nesta shook her head, and he smiled, “All I want is you, Nes.”
Nesta smiled, and for once she allowed herself to embrace the pulling in her chest. “I’m Yours,” She reached up to his ear and whispered, “My Mate.”
Cassian blinked as she lowered herself down, “Nes-”
She pressed her lips to his to silence him and Cassian was quick to pull her as close to him as he could. He felt her hand against his cheek as she pulled away from him to look into his Hazel eyes. “Mine?” He asked.
“Yours.” She whispered, Cassian grinned and kissed her once more.
His Lady Death.
His Valkyrie.
His Best Friend.
His Mate.
General Tags: @milswrites @lady-of-tearshed @tsunami-of-tears @readychilledwine @ceoofyearning
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Hello hello @velarisbynight! I'm your secret Santa 🎅 I'm so glad to have you as a new friend thanks to @acotargiftexchange. Interacting with you was so fun. I loved rummaging through your wonderful responses to learn more about you and also to create this gift for you.
It was great to combine Gwynlain with the "fluff, magic and happy endings" that you and I like so much. I really hope that you like your gift. Merry Christmas dear 🎁 and also to anyone who stumble across this fic ♥️
Synopsis: Winter Solstice is a magical time that is best celebrated with loved ones. It is a time of hope and renewal; often also of surprises. These are particularly true for Elain and Gwyn who, for three consecutive years, will experience how special Solstice can be.
Word count: 2.6k
Read on Ao3 or below the cut
Twas the night of Solstice, when Gwyneth Berdara stepped foot inside the River House for the very first time. Gifts for everyone that she had been told by Nesta would be present were piled up in her arms up to her nose. Each of them were wrapped in colourful, patterned papers and ribbons that she thought matched their recipients quite well. She didn’t know all of them personally and had had to dig for a few information about them and their tastes. She wanted to thank them for their gracious invitation into their found family. Hence why she had taken it as a challenge to offer them something they would hopefully appreciate.
She still found it hard to believe that she had been given a second chance in this life at feeling like she was part of a family. First, Nesta and Emerie, her sisters in everything but blood. Then Cassian and Azriel who had become like brothers to her, even if they sometimes scolded her like the father she never had for apparently having too little consideration for her own safety and well-being. Even Rhysand and Feyre were turning out to be her close friends after all the times she had sat with them at the House of Wind, everyone present eating and talking about everything and nothing.
Gwyn was so grateful to them that the excitement was slightly overtaking the fear of meeting the rest of the inner circle. Just slightly.
There was a fluttering inside her, similar to the first few times she had ventured out of the library. Like butterflies coming out of their slumber. She only hoped that they would stay inside and not crawl up her throat and cause her to embarrass herself by stealing away her voice. Or worse, that they led her to choke and pass out.
She followed Nesta, Cassian and Azriel through the foyer, her steps much slower as she admired the sheer size and beauty of every corner she could glimpse of the house. It was like the High Lord’s and Lady’s home had been plucked right out of a Winter Solstice tale. White walls lined with paintings and a few wreaths similar to the one on the front door filling the empty spaces; green garlands strung to the handrails of the big staircase; strings of faelight glowing a soft yellow here and there. A few of the lights flickered at Gwyn’s focus on them, her magic attuned to any source of light and heat which sometimes caused a little reaction even without her conscious doing.
Gwyn followed the others as they walked through a door past which she could already see a massive table that had been set with ivory plates, crystal glasses and a green and red centrepiece made of pine leaves, holly and a few candles that hadn’t yet been lit.
She looked up as she walked, admiring a small bunch of mistletoe that delicately hung above the door, a bright red ribbon tied in the most beautiful bow around it, and with a tiny gold bell in the centre. It was such a little detail in this massive house yet her eyes lingered on this tiniest bouquet the longest, her thoughts drifting towards the tradition that accompanied it. Was there anyone in Prythian who would wish to stand under it with her? Would there ever be someone who she would wish to –
“Oof,” Gwyn let out at the same time as she heard someone loudly gasp.
She abruptly fell backwards, her gift boxes flying, before she landed hard on her behind which was fortunately cushioned by the thick white sweater dress she wore. The gift boxes fell on the floor with loud thuds, along with some children’s toys that she hadn’t been carrying.
“I’m so, so sorry,” said the one who had also taken a fall and was now sprawled on the floor in front of her.
Gwyn looked at the source of the voice. Her teal eyes locked onto warm brown, doe like ones.
“I was in such a rush to put this mess away that I didn’t look if there was someone in front of me.”
The lips that spoke those words were small and plump, painted in a soft shade of pink that matched the powder the female had dusted on her cheeks. Her pale complexion flushed in the same way Gwyn suspected hers was doing as well.
“It’s alright,” she reassured the female with a little laugh. “It’s my fault. I was so enthralled by this place that I didn’t pay attention to anything else.”
They both stared at each other for a moment. Until something fell right between them with a little chime. It was the mistletoe.
Gwyn reached out her hand to grab it but bumped with the female’s hand instead. They both pulled away with a surprised, “Oh!”
“Sorry,” they both said at the same time.
“I –”
“I –”
Their gazes were fixed on each other again. Then, they both burst into a laugh. The butterflies fully awoke and flew in circles inside Gwyn, making her momentarily forget that she had been nervous.
“Let’s just blame this entire disaster on this mistletoe,” Gwyn said.
“Alright,” the female agreed when she also stopped laughing. “I’m Elain by the way.”
Gwyn’s eyes widened in recognition. Of course it was the Archeron sister she hadn’t yet met. She could see it now. The rounder cheeks and larger eyes that Nesta had described. And the soft and gentle energy that Feyre had mentioned her elder sister always seemed to carry. Gwyn saw it in her beautiful facial features that were even more radiant thanks to her smile.
Even her outfit complimented the light in her. The heart shaped neckline of her sage embroidered dress accentuated her small breasts before flaring out at her waist. A poinsettia pulled one side of her hair up, leaving the rest of her long golden-brown hair to fall down her back and over one of her shoulders in soft, shiny ringlets.
Gwyn had taken some time before coming tonight to pull her straight hair up in a half ponytail and to apply a little makeup. But she was certain that she was nowhere as pretty as Elain looked in this moment.
Gwyn stood up and smoothed her dress over her black tights before extending a hand to Elain.
“Hi. I’m Gwyn.”
Elain gasped. But her surprise quickly disappeared and she beamed up at her. She took her offered hand and rose, adjusting her own dress and sheer sleeves. Gwyn towered over her even with the small heels she wore.
“I am glad to finally meet you. I have heard so much about you from my sisters,” Elain said.
“Really?” Gwyn asked, perplexed and amused.
Elain nodded with a bashful smile. She remembered then, as she looked at those eyes that seemed to be seeing more than Gwyn ever could with hers, that Elain was a seer. A rare and beautiful power possessed by an equally beautiful female.
They both began picking up everything that was still on the floor, their fingers brushing every time they passed an item from one to the other.
“Well, I was also looking forward to finally meeting you,” Gwyn admitted.
It was nice to finally put a face on all the things she had heard from the others about Elain. It was even better to think that, perhaps, the middle Archeron sister could grow to become another friend of hers.
“Gwyn,” Nesta called from inside the dining room. The one that Gwyn had yet to walk in. “I was afraid that you chickened out on us at the last minute.”
Gwyn rolled her eyes. “I’m not going anywhere, Nes,” she said. Then, looking at Elain, she added, “Especially not now. I need to know what lies they told you about me.”
Elain giggled, the sound as sweet as the songs of the birds in Spring.
“Let me put my nephew’s toys away and I’ll tell you all about it,” Elain answered conspiratorially.
Gwyn acquiesced with a smile. She placed the final item that wasn’t hers on a blue bat plushie that Elain was holding and balanced her pile of gifts in her arms once again. Elain looked at the mistletoe.
“I don’t think this one is very good at it’s job,” Gwyn muttered to her in a fake accusatory tone aimed at the mistletoe.
“Perhaps it did on purpose,” Elain muttered back.
Gwyn laughed. Her fear faded a little more, leaving more room for hope and anticipation for the evening.
“I’ll join you all in a minute,” Elain said.
She walked towards the stairs while Gwyn followed Nesta. Their gazes held until they were both out of sight of each other.
Elain stood at the kitchen counter, checking through her mental list that she hadn’t forgotten anything in the assortment of appetisers that she had meticulously displayed on various trays. Mini sandwiches and rolls, various cheeses and charcuterie, a few dips with crunchy rice cake and crisps, cherry tomatoes, and even salted caramel apples and ripe blueberries. She doubted that there was someone out in the sitting room who wouldn’t enjoy at least one of those things.
She hoped that Emerie and Gwyn, the only two that she hadn’t yet fed until tonight, would like her cooking, the appetisers as well as dinner and dessert later.
There was an odd feeling inside Elain as she thought of her interaction with the redhead. Not a bad one at all. Just...a strange buzzing inside her. Similar to the subtle tingles she felt in her body as her mind adjusted from dream to reality.
Elain had seen glimpses of Gwyneth Berdara in a few visions before. It had always been blurry and unclear in their meaning. Copper hair being blown by the wind, freckles carelessly scattered on pale skin, a heavenly voice singing and laughing... She had always pushed it aside as the Mother showing her what she couldn’t see of Nesta’s life and the bonds she had created.
But earlier, when Gwyn had introduced herself, there had been something there that had brought forth images from those visions to Elain’s mind. She had been so caught up in the present moment that she had not stop to think about those images.
But they had come again when she had found herself alone, hastily putting away Nyx’s toys in the nursery. This time they had been brighter and louder, yet, more than ever, they confused her. Like a blend of scents that she couldn’t pick apart to tell the individual elements in them. Elain didn’t even know if it was her magic being capricious or just Gwyn being the cause of it.
As though summoned by her thoughts, Gwyn strolled through the door carrying two glasses of champagne in which floated a few cranberries.
“Do you need any help in here?” she asked with a smile.
Elain smiled back. “I’m almost done. I don’t want to bother you.”
The glasses hit the marbled countertop with a clink when Gwyn placed them down.
“Nonsense.” She waved a hand with a roll of her eyes.
She picked up a rice cake before dipping it in one of the ceramic bowls. She brought it to her mouth and moaned around a mouthful.
“I think this is the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”
Elain blinked at her words, realising that she had been staring at her lips the whole time.
“Really? Thank you.” She looked down, her cheeks getting warm, and realigned things on the trays that were already perfectly placed. “It’s actually the first time that I’ve made baba ganoush.”
“Baba who?” Gwyn asked.
Her confused tone and expression made Elain giggle.
“Baba ganoush. It’s an appetiser from Dawn Court,” she explained. “I found the recipe in a cookbook. It’s one aubergine cut in half and cooked facedown at 180 Celsius for 40 minutes with some oil. Then slicing down the middle and scooping out the insides. Add two teaspoons of tahini, three teaspoons of yoghurt, a dash of lemon juice and two cloves of crushed garlic into a bowl and mix before setting it to cool.”
Gwyn looked down at her inquisitively. As though she was taking mental notes and filing the information on the correct shelf in her head.
“I am terrible at cooking but I’ll keep that recipe in mind for when I wake up someday and am magically good at it,” she said earnestly.
She picked up the knife that was on a nearby chopping board along with the salami, the last item missing from the trays, and began cutting it with astonishing ease and speed.
“Look at you,” Elain exclaimed. “You’re not bad at all.”
Gwyn snorted.
“Trust me, I’m only good at using a knife and not at actually cooking a whole thing. I’m also good with a sewing needle,” she added proudly. Then shrugged. “Basically I’m good with anything that can draw blood.”
Elain laughed. She didn’t think that she had ever met anyone who had made her laugh so much in so little time. What a nice feeling that was, Elain realised. She hoped that it wouldn’t be short lived.
“I’ll be happy to teach you if you want,” she proposed to Gwyn.
She bit her lip, not really understanding where the sudden shyness she felt was coming from. Perhaps it was the fact that Gwyn was the first fae that she was actively choosing as a potential friend. All the others were either the family that she had fallen into thanks to her sisters, or people she had had to interact with through her new work as an emissary, the majority of which were, so far, mostly cordial relationships.
Her closest friends were the twin wraiths, Nuala and Cerridwen. But even with them, she didn’t feel the kind of deep connection like she had seen Nesta have with Emerie and Gwyn. The visions she had had of the Valkyrie who was expertly cutting salami led Elain to trust that perhaps she was meant to branch out more.
Besides, she had heard that Gwyn, like herself, didn’t have a partner. Perhaps having her around would make Elain feel less lonely at family events when all the couples were glued together. Or even when they invited her to their couples’ night just so she wouldn’t feel left out. Females should stick together after all. And single ones should stick even harder.
The sound of the bubbles in the fizzy champagne tickled Elain’s ears in the silence. She dared a look at Gwyn, noticing a light in her teal eyes that was akin to the sun illuminating the frozen surface of the Sidra in the early morning.
“I’ll be happy to learn if it’s from you,” Gwyn replied.
Elain smiled and picked up their glasses. She handed one to Gwyn.
“Is there any food coming soon?” they heard Cassian shout from the other room, followed by an, “Ouch!” that was probably the result of Nesta hitting him.
Gwyn pursued her lips but failed at completely concealing her amusement. The chatter and laughter rose among the group in the sitting area. But Elain decided to ignore them for just a moment longer. What was happening in here felt more important somehow.
“To learning new things.” Elain raised her glass.
“To new friends and mischievous mistletoes,” Gwyn added, causing Elain to laugh once again.
They clinked their glasses in cheers. The champagne tasted sweeter than any Elain ever had before.
Chapter 2...
Twas the morning of Solstice, a year after they first met, when Elain Archeron and Gwyneth Berdara...
Nesta scowled, “Do you think I care about what Feyre wants?”
Cassian’s playful expression morphed into a wince at the quick shift in mood. Cassian released a heavy breath, “I know you don’t.” He pressed forward, until Nesta’s back was against the bookshelf, “What about me?”
Nesta opened her mouth only to close it her brows furrowed before she whispered, “What about you?”
“Would you care if I wanted you there?” Cassian looked at the female’s sharp features, beautiful when she was human. He couldn’t help but find her even more radiant now.
It’s all sugar and spice and everything nice for Gwyn and Azriel this December, and Azriel has no idea what his girlfriend has in store for him as his holiday surprise. Maybe it’s a cozy, three-day weekend involving a gifted copy of the Kama Sutra. Maybe that weekend also includes a third party. Maybe that person is none other than Azriel’s old flame, Eris.
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