#acofluff

Little shiny trinkets for the shelves, the newly popular bottled fae lights from Dawn, red satin bows, permanent snowflakes from Winter, tiny silver pegasus for the mantle, and fresh pine boughs and other, er, arboreal pieces she, Emerie, and Nesta had just claimed from the forest in a nearby park.

She had been collecting new decorations for the past two months in preparation for the holiday. It was Seryn’s first Winter Solstice, and even if she wouldn’t remember it, Gwyn wanted to make it magical for her, like her own mother had always made the Solstice special for her and Catrin.

Emerie and Nesta were there to help. They had volunteered to help her liberate the pieces of tree. Gwyn supposed she could’ve asked Rhys or Feyre if they could have them, but where was the fun in that? While the three of them were going to decorate most of the little cottage, Gwyn was going to leave a few things for her and Azriel to do together. However, she did want to see his face when he got home and found their home already bursting with Solstice preparations.

Nesta had also brought her son, Rhodes. The dark-haired, hazel-eyed toddler with a perpetually serious expression would be turning two a couple days after Solstice. Right now, Rhodes was playing with some wooden blocks while Seryn slept on a blanket pallet beside him, wings splayed on a soft quilt. Seryn looked tiny next to Rhodes, who was tall and lanky for a near-two-year-old.

“And you also want a whole tree?” Nesta mused. She was sitting Rhodes other side, handing him blocks and making sure he didn’t try to chew on one too much or tug on Seryn. He loved being around her. While he wasn’t generally very talkative, Rhodes enjoyed babbling at Seryn. She would stare at him with her big teal eyes, sometimes giggling, like they were having some kind of infant conversation.

“Viviane has lots of trees indoors,” Gwyn said with a wistful smile. She had visited Winter Court a few times over the years, especially when she and Helion were first introducing their Prythian-wide library system idea. Viviane’s collection of indoor living fir trees was beautiful, and the way she decorated them during Winter Solstice was simply beautiful. Gwyn wanted a small one. She hoped to spring that little adventure on Azriel some time soon. “And you have a tree during Solstice. A huge one.”

“That’s a fake tree,” Nesta said, “It’s different.”

“How so?” Emerie said, fighting to untangle a length of red ribbon.

“It doesn’t shed needles,” Nesta said.

“And HoW changes its ornaments and lights every day,” Gwyn said, “Remember the tiny seahorses and starfish last year?” The seahorses swum around the bows of the tree while the starfish glowed and clung to the trunk.

“I liked the book tree, with the miniature books and the garlands made of words,” Emerie said. She wrapped the ribbon around her forearm and put a hand on her hip. “All right, where do you want us to start, Gwyn?”

“Mmm, I didn’t have a particular place in mind…” Her smile quirked up to the side. “Let’s just see where our creativity takes us.”

Nesta snorted. “Now that’s a dangerous suggestion.”

“Literally sometimes,” Emerie said, but she was already eyeing Azriel’s favorite chair like it needed sprucing up.

While Emerie stalked toward Azriel’s chair with mischief in her eyes and Nesta picked up Rhodes and a set of emerald bows, Gwyn checked on Seryn. She was still fast sleep, mouth open just a bit as she made little noises. Her nap wouldn’t last long. Picking up a Symphonia from the box where her and Azriel’s collection was nestled, she tapped the top of it, letting it softly play energetic music from a Winter mountain village. Seryn shifted but didn’t wake.

The living room became a shifting scene of red, green, blue, silver, and gold that spilled out into the rest of the cottage. Rhodes “helped” Nesta tie bows on the racks hanging on the ceiling of the kitchen. Emerie spread shining slips of paper from Dawn anywhere out of the reach of small children she could find throughout the cottage, including the washroom. Gwyn scattered the boughs and holly, put out knickknacks, and flung an always-warm blanket from Day across the back of the sofa. By the time Seryn woke up fussing and needed to be fed, Gwyn, Nesta, and Emerie were sitting cross-legged on the living room rug cutting out snowflakes from sheets of paper. While Gwyn fed Seryn, Emerie and Nesta kept cutting snowflakes, all three of them chatting about a few new Valkyrie novices and a new play they wanted to see at one of Velaris’ smaller theaters. Rhodes sat in Nesta’s lap and tore up a few already ruined snowflakes, his baby hands not quite ready for playing with something as delicate as paper.

Gwyn flicked her fingers, sending out a bit of magic into the finished snowflakes. They whirled into the air and levitated around the ceiling, bobbing up and down. The spell wouldn’t last long. She and Catrin used to take turns setting that spell in their bedroom, adding snowflakes every day until Solstice night. She kissed Seryn’s dark hair, quieting the pang in her heart. There would never be a day she didn’t miss Catrin and her mother. She knew that this Solstice was going to be one where she thought of them even more; she wished they were here to meet Seryn and enjoy this time together as a family. But having Emerie and Nesta here helped ease the pain. They loved Seryn like she was their flesh and blood. That love mended cracks in Gwyn’s longing heart.

“I want hot chocolate. Does anyone else want some?” Emerie asked, getting up and stretching.

Gwyn and Nesta both looked up at her pleadingly. “Please.”

Emerie grinned. “All right. Come on, little grumpy face, you can help me.” She picked up Rhodes and settled him on her hip before heading off to the kitchen.

Nesta picked up a book from the nearest stack. “Is this the thief mystery Lucien let you borrow?”

“Yep,” Gwyn said as she switched her hold on Seryn, who looked dreamy and content. “It’s set in ancient Rask, I’m liking it so far.”

“Hmm…”

The bell Emerie had tied to the door jingled merrily. Gwyn and Nesta shared a surprised look as Cassian’s laugh boomed.

“Did a Solstice spirit get loose in your house, Az?”

“Only if the Solstice spirit is named Gwyneth,” Azriel’s voice rumbled back.

“Be careful what you say next or I might haunt you, Cassian,” Gwyn said. In her arms, Seryn perked up, a little smile on her face.

Cassian barreled into the room, his eyes widening. Azriel appeared behind him, only the lift of his eyebrows indicating that he was also surprised.

“It’s…” Cassian snorted as he noticed a wreath around a wall sconce. “Very festive.”

“Good choice of words,” Nesta said.

Cassian made a pleased sound and descended on her, dropping down on the rug next to her and kissing her neck. He peeled a shiny strip of paper from her blouse’s sleeve. Turning, he held out his hands to Gwyn. Obligingly, she passed over Seryn, who scrunched up and giggled at him. Cassian made faces at her. A few of Az's shadows bobbled near her, ever watchful.

Gwyn watched Azriel as he noticed his chair, which was wrapped with one massive bow. Emerie had made sure it was practically unusable, so Azriel would have to undecorate it if he ever wanted to sit in it again. A smile sneaked into the corner of his mouth, and Gwyn wanted to kiss it to taste his quiet amusement. He glanced over at her as if reading her mind, though he had probably felt her desire along their vibrant bond.

Emerie stepped into the doorway and handed a mug to Azriel. “Here, for fortitude as you explore your home.”

“Is it that extensive?” Azriel asked. He held the mug in one hand and reached down to ruffle Rhodes’ hair as the toddler hugged his leg. “Hey, bear.”

“Hi,” Rhodes said back.

Emerie smirked. “I think this is just the first stage, but yes. It’s extensive.”

“I like it,” Cassian said, teasing Seryn with a spruce twig.

“We’re getting a tree, too,” Gwyn said.

“We are?” Azriel asked.

Emerie patted his shoulder. “Maybe more than one.”

“At least one,” Gwyn said, “But two would be nice.”

“Where are we putting them?” Azriel was looking around the living room and the front hall, his eyebrows coming together as he tried to figure out where a pair of trees would fit. They could make it work, Gwyn was sure, they might need to rearrange, but they could do that. It would be perfect.

“It’s for Seryn’s first Solstice,” Gwyn said, knowing she would win with that one. “It has to be special.”

Azriel’s hazel gaze softened as he looked at Seryn. “Two trees.”

“Maybe three?”

“Gwyn…”

/////

You were sitting cross-legged on the living room floor, directly in his line of sight. Looking up from your project you smiled brightly at him.

“Hey baby! You’re home! I was getting worried,” you chirped happily as you rose from the floor to greet him with a kiss. 

“Traffic was a beast. What are you doing?” he asked as he pulled you in for another peck on the lips. “What is this?” He gestured behind you to the living room, now unrecognizable.

“Well,” you started as you slipped around him and began helping him with his coat. “I figured since the weather is –”

“Frightful?,” Cas chuckled as he took his wool coat from your hands and hung it on the hook with his scarf.

You laughed merrily. “Exactly. So, I thought I would make inside – delightful.” A proud flush of color rose to your cheeks as you bounced on the balls of your feet in front of him. “Would you like the tour?” 

“After you.” Cas gestured with his arm towards your creation.

Hands gripped in front of you in excited anticipation, you beamed. “Oh, and no shoes allowed.”

Cassian quickly kicked off his wet, slushy shoes before trailing behind you and lowering his large frame to the floor.

The entire living room had been transformed. Couch cushions had been salvaged into makeshift walls and blankets pulled from your bed. Cas was pretty sure the side table and lamp were buried somewhere in the depths of this elaborate structure somewhere but he couldn’t be sure. A quick glance at the kitchen revealed the chairs missing from the small table as well. 

You sat aside, poised on your knees and holding up the flap that made up the entrance to your blanket palace. With a mischievous grin, Cassian crawled on his hands and knees into the depths of the fort. 

Soft light glowed from strands of fairy lights that you had draped over the structural components of the fort. A mound of pillows were piled in the open center creating a cozy nest. You had thought of everything. On one side of the pillows sat a serving tray full of both of your favorite snacks. On the other, Cas spied two large bowls of popcorn along with a makeshift ice bucket full of drinks. 

As he settled himself into the well of softness he noticed the warm light of a crackling fireplace, looping on repeat on your laptop screen. Crawling in next to him you pulled out the card you had written out just minutes ago. 

“And for your viewing pleasure.” You handed him the carefully curated list of the planned holiday movie marathon.

Taking it from you, Cassian scanned the list with a soft chuckle. “Ahh – I see your choice is first. Isn’t that the one with that elf you have a crush on?”

Another flash of color swept over your cheeks as you laughed. “What can I say? The pointed ears do it for me.”

Cas tipped his back with a punch of a laugh. “Noted.”

“But look –” you said, pointing an elegant finger at the list in his hand. “Right after that one is your favorite, which I still insist is not a Christmas movie.”

“Die Hard is absolutely a Christmas movie,” he grinned as he snagged a popcorn bowl before passing the other one to you.

“Whatever,” you sighed, rolling your eyes dramatically.

“Besides, you’ll probably be asleep 20 minutes into it anyway.” He winked as he tossed the first piece of popcorn in his mouth.

“Come on, get cozy already.” You teased with a jab of your elbow into his ribs. “The movie is about to start.”

As Cassian shimmied himself deeper into the nest of pillows, you leaned over to queue up the movie. As you flopped back into your spot, his muscled arm draped itself over your shoulders pulling you closer to him.

Settled into the radiating warmth of your partner, the two of you enjoyed the movie in a relaxed silence. It didn’t matter how many times over the years that you had watched this movie, you loved it even more every time, even if the cute 500 year old elf was one of the biggest reasons. 

By the time the end of the movie came, both popcorn bowls had ended up nestled next to Cas after he unceremoniously abducted yours halfway through. Cassian had slowly slumped his way into a relaxed stretch as the movie progressed and you snuggled closer, draping your limbs to tangle with his. 

Your leg now laid over his large thigh, head resting against his hard chest. Cas’s hand from the arm he had pulled over your shoulders now gently ran over top of your hair, fingertips dragging lightly across your hairline.

“Mmm,” you hummed as your eyes felt heavier with each pass. “Keep doing that and I really will fall asleep.”

A soft huff of a laugh sounded from his chest beneath your ear. “You were asleep already. I heard you snoring.”

Shoving up quickly into a sitting position you unleashed a dramatic shocked face in his direction. “I do not snore! And I wasn’t asleep.” You insisted as you landed a playful slap to his shoulder. Leaning forward towards the laptop screen, you shuffled over to the next movie, Cassian’s favorite.

Almost exactly 20 minutes later, Cas paused his gentle stroking of your hair and listened to the soft sounds of your breathing, punctuated with the occasional quiet snore. Reaching out with one sock clad foot, he toed the top of the laptop closed and plunged the fort into silence.

Moving with slow ease so as not to wake you, Cassian reached over and swiped the blanket wall of the fort aside, tucking it behind one of the stolen kitchen chairs. The move revealed the darkened window, large fat snowflakes swirling in the wind as they fell at an alarming rate. Curling his arm back around your shoulders he started the gentle strokes against your hair as he buried his lips against the crown of your head. 

Soon the low, whispered notes of his voice in song crept into the silence of the padded walls.

“And since we’ve no place to go. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.”

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