#kimaere

The Tempest Ball

Part 2 Of a fic about the Tempest Ball, of course written by our wonderful Healer @lifelillysandmagicwands yet again! Part 1

They were late and they weren’t the only ones. Moving with a small trickle of far from Arach and different court's, Tatiana and her mate Cassia stepped into the Grand hall together, their hands linked and their eyes wide. It wasn’t difficult to tell why this party was considered such a big deal. The hall was massive, stretching along the entire length of the castle and filled with hundreds of people. The ceilings were high and filled with rolling storm clouds that glowed with different flashes of color as dozens of fairy dragons flew through them, releasing puffs of neon fire and electricity. The wall to their right was made entirely from ceiling high windows that overlooked the city of Hiraeth, the glass covered in small silver stars that flickered and faded before reappearing in a different place. To their left were tables and tables of food laid out for the guests, many of whom were currently enjoying what was provided. There was a large bar just further down, pulsing a soft blue and green with the beat of the music, and behind them were doorways that lead further into the castle, where many people would be headed after a night of drinking and dancing, some of them with someone on their arm. As Cassia and Tatiana walked further into the huge room, weaving around guests and servers, directly in front of them was a dance floor that was framed with tables. Fountains lit up with technicolor lights floating above the crowd and slowly moved above the sea of people. A azure blue mist curled and floated across the entire span of the hall, hiding their feet but giving an otherworldly feel. The band sat on one of the balconies overlooking the whole hall, and in the other was High Ladies Gusty and El.

It was a quarter to ten and the High Ladies stepped up to the edge of the balcony. A hush quickly spread across the room after El gestured for the band to cease playing.

High Lady Gusty lifted a hand and the room was thrown into darkness. No one said a word. The light returned, but this time is was blacklight. Everyone’s attention was still on the High Ladies.

“On behalf of my court and my people, I welcome you to the Tempest Ball - High Lords and Lady Of Summer, of Spring, of Autumn, of Winter, Day, Dawn, and of Night. It is an honor to have you here” Gusty’s voice rang clearly throughout the hall. El stepped forward now, lifting a slender hand, the clouds near the ceiling began to rain a glowing powder, that coated everyone in the room. Under the blacklight, it was a magnificent mess of color and laughter.

“The Tempest Ball has begun - Welcome to Temptation madness” The High Ladies called out in unison. And just like that, the music, the dancing, the Ball, continued with even stronger enthusiasm.

Cassia pulled Tatiana onto the dancefloor with a wicked grin. “Dance with me till the dawn. beautiful”

And they did, but deep in the ocean of bodies, was someone better at running than dancing.

~

“I can’t take this anymore” Marci growled in frustration, she grabbed a handful of her green skirt and Bon’s hand before making her way through the sea of dancing bodies, occasionally shoving someone when they didn’t move fast enough.

“What are you doing?!” Bon shouted over the loud music that rattled her bones.

“I have no idea!!”

“Well that’s a relief” Bon said, rolling her eyes before scanning the room. Unfortunately, she couldn’t see past a couple metres since there were too many people. Suddenly Marci stopped and shoved her out of the crowd and into a hallway. Before she could ask what the living hell she was doing Marci told her to stay put before leaving her alone in the empty hallway. Bon stood in shock for a moment before turning away from the thrum of the grand hall and walking in the opposite direction. It had been hours since the ball had started and she needed a break before she went mad. She had been paranoid all night even Marci was concerned, she needed to dial it back before Gusty picked up on her mood, if she hadn’t already. After she had gone far enough from the hall so that she could no longer hear the music or the loud chatter of the crowd, she leaned against the wall, the cold stone cooling her heated skin. Closing her eyes, she let her magic hover over her skin in electric blue coils around her limbs, relaxing her muscles.

“I don’t like the crowds either” said a deep voice coming from further down the hall. Bon’s eyes snapped open and she spun towards the direction of the voice but the hall was shrouded in shadow.

“Who are you?” she called out, squinting as she tried to see through the thick darkness. She cursed herself for not bringing any other weapons besides the dagger strapped to her thigh. There was the enchantment on everyone in the castle yes, but one could never be too careful.

“We’ve met. I thought you’d know who I was” answered the voice.

“I can’t tell if I know you if I can’t see you, genius,”

The shadows parted as Azriel the Shadowsinger for the High Lord of the Night court stepped towards her. In that moment Bon felt everything freeze. She was hyper alert and suddenly very warm. Azriel was clad in simple black pants and a traditional Night Court shirt, a deep navy blue with gold stitching. His hair was longer than when she last saw it and he looked happier. Cauldron boil her she was going to self-combust. She took a couple fractic steps back before gesturing with her thumb over her shoulder.

“I’m just going to-I’m gonna go uh-” Azriel jumped in before she could sprint in her five inch heels.

“Actually I wanted to...nevermind I’ll see you around then” he said, looking everywhere but at her. Nodding distractedly Bon continued to step backwards, regretting ever letting Marci leave her alone. Inhaling deeply, her nostrils flared slightly as she caught a scent. She went ridged, all the air rushing from her lungs as she slowly looked back to where Azriel stood. Or where he had stood seconds before. He was far closer now, almost two feet away. Bon stumbled back, tripping slightly in her heels. Azriel’s hand shot out, wrapping around her upper arm and steadying her. Her skin tingled where his met hers. Neither of them spoke but both were breathing heavily. Her head was reeling, she felt like she might puke.

Azriel looked equally as panicked, his usually calm expression morphed into one of disbelief and awe. He spoke first.

“You’re my-”

“Mate...we’re mates.” she finished for him. Just as something snapped into place inside her Azriel released her arm so fast she thought perhaps she’d hurt him in someway. He took a step back, then several. “I’m sorry- I didn’t know - I’m sorry” he said in a rushed, his shadows were moving in a frenzy. She was suddenly shaking with a numbing cold as he moved further away from her. Her eyes burned and her vision blurred. He was breathing raggedly, his scarred hands shook. They locked eyes for a brief, crushing moment before he winnowed, cauldron knows how far away from her. Bracing one hand on the wall she let the tears run rivers down her cheeks, carving their way through her makeup and dripping onto the floor in brightly colored droplets. After five minutes the throbbing in her chest lessened and so did her tears. Clutching her chest to somehow lessen the crushing pain she felt, she pushed off the wall. Hiccuping weakly and beginning to move towards the party once more. To find Marci and let her know she was leaving. The ball was still in full swing when she reentered. She spotted familiar faces among the crowd, El and Gusty dancing near Helion and Mor. Kallias stood off to the side talking to Veanna and Amren. Levi and Saers were throwing handfuls of glow-powder at Niq and Ella, all of them laughing like loons.

Then Bon saw Rhysand and Feyre locked in a close embrace near the center of the dancefloor. Feyre in a sparkling white and blue gown and Rhys in a fitted black and dark blue tunic and pants. They were beautiful together and seemed to be in their own secret world. They stared deep into each others eyes with so much love Bon felt something bitter stir in her chest but she forced it down and shoved her way deeper into the crowd of withering bodies.

The music was too loud. There were too many people. And none of them were the one she wanted to see. Trying to calm herself she made her way outside. Marci wouldn't notice if she left early, she was probably off dancing with Caspian anyway. She’d hate to intervene and ruin their night with her sob story.

She made her way back towards the entry way, towards the large stair cases that lead up to her floor. Grabbing a handful of her large skirts in her hands she kicked off her heels and stretched her wings out. Walking would take too long and no one was around to tell her not to fly in the castle.

Practically hurtling up the stairs she made it to her room in a matter of minutes. Shoving open her door and quickly locking it behind her, she made her way to the washroom. She didn’t bother to look in the mirror, knowing she looked awful. Heartbreak will do that to you she thought angrily. Stepping out of her dress she kicked it to the side and dropped into the tub. It wasn’t even full yet but she didn’t care. Flicking on the faucet she relished in the feeling of the hot water on her sore feet.

She spent another hour in the tub. Washing off the makeup, the tears, crying, cursing. But by the time she did get out, she was spent. Bon collapsed into her bed not bothering to put on anything more than undergarments.

She was out almost instantly. But that night all she received from sleep was nightmares. The first she’d had in years.

~

The night was coming to an end and the guests that weren't staying in the castle began to trickle out at the strike of three. Gusty herself had started to feel the pull of exhaustion after dancing with El for almost two straight hours. She’d been sitting at one of the tables with her friend Liala from the Summer Court and making pleasant conversation as El danced with their daughters. All but Brie that was. Gusty didn't know where she had disappeared to. And now that she thought about it, Gusty didn't know where Bon was either. Scanning the sufficiently smaller crowd on the dance floor and finding no one she knew but a slightly tipsy Alexa and Cahira in the midst of twirling each other wildly, Gusty excused herself from the conversation and set out in search of her First-in-Command.

Being the High Lady had it's perks; like when maneuvering through a crowd, people usually made a path for you.

As she made her way to the other end of the grand hall, Gusty started to feel off. Her stomach was in knots and her palms began to sweat. Knowing instantly that something was wrong, she began to run. In the midst of her blind sprint, Gusty crashed right into another figure, shorter than her and just as frantic.

“Gusty, thank the cauldron I found you, have you seen Bon?! I left her in a hallway to catch her breath while I grabbed her water but when I got back she was gone” Marci blubbered, very clearly out of her element and worried. Her blonde hair was filled with strategically placed leaves and sticks and her dress was a soft brown covered in green moss and glowbugs. Her eyebrows were pinched together and her face was flushed from running. Gusty was immediately sure that the cause of her internal panic was linked to Bon.

“Have you checked everywhere?” she asked, taking Marci to the side and out of the way of the dancing guests.

Marci nodded quickly and rubbed her hands together in a nervous fashion.

“She was so excited about tonight but after a few hours she started acting odd”

“Odd? How so?” Gusty questioned, trying to keep her fears out of her thoughts. If something happened she needed to be able to think clearly. Suddenly an arm shot out and grabbed her shoulder. Gusty spun around, Marci shifted into a fighting stance.

“Calm down Marci, it's just me.” Cahira said with a snort.

Marci relaxed and knocked Cahira lightly on the head with a playful frown.

“You know how I get in crowds.”

“Rya do you know where Bon is?” Gusty cut in, still preoccupied with her search for Bon her full attention wasn’t on them. Cahira nodded with a coy smile.

“I saw her earlier, talking with that Spymaster from the night court - tall, dark, and delicious I’ll say”

Gusty raised a brow, ignoring the last part of what Cahira said. Could Bon have snuck off with Azriel for the night? It was definitely possible. Now thinking about it, Bon had mentioned the Spymaster once or twice before. But he didn’t seem like the type to sleep with a woman he barely knew.

Meeting Marc’s equal perplexed gaze, she shrugged, not knowing what to make of the situation. Cahira spoke up again.

“I don’t know about you Marci, since you’ve got a mate, but the Tempest ball is the perfect time to let loose and relax; maybe with someone else’s help; even if you don’t know ’em well” she said with a sly grin and turned to Gusty, with a flourish of her glowing gown “I wouldn’t be too concerned - Bon would tell you if something was wrong Gusty, you know that better than anyone”

Cahira was right, the castle was absolutely choked with protection enchantments and spells to keep people safe. Gusty had faith in Erlanya’s magic and in Bon’s abilities. Tonight was something Bon had been looking forward to for months. She shouldn’t be worried.

“I suppose you’re right” she mumbled and turned to find Marci still frowning.

“I’m still going to keep an eye out for her but maybe...She is just off with someone doing unspeakable things in the corridors”

Gusty let out a bark of laughter, her mood lightening. The music changed suddenly, a slower song made the atmosphere change. The dancing paused for a moment before people started pairing off and swaying to the soft melody.

In the span of a twelve seconds, Caspian appeared and swept Marci onto the dancefloor, Cahira stepped away to find a drink. And Gusty was left alone for the first time that night.

~

El was having the most marvelous time. The ball had always one of her favorite things. But this year she was a High Lady instead of a citizen, she had her mate, she had children and friends. This year was spectacular. Olivia had somehow managed to outdo herself yet again; El was still in awe of the beauty she'd created in the castle hall. Stepping off the dance floor, tired but happy, she went to sit for a moment. Walking around full tables in search of somewhere to sit, she heard a voice call out from behind her.

“El! Over here!”

Looking over at the source of the voice, El came face to face with Feyre, High Lady of the Night Court and her sister, Elain the Seer.

Both were fair and beautiful. Elain was more delicate and Feyre had more of a wildness to her beauty. They smiled and gestured for her to join them at the table they occupied.

“Feyre, Elain it's been too long! How are you two enjoying the party?” she inquired as she took a seat across from them.

“Your castle is breathtaking” Elain commented, glancing up at the high ceilings and fairy Dragons that still buzzed about energetically. She looked almost ethereal in a pastel pink dress with gold accents and bangles, styled in the traditional night court fashion.

“Come visit any time you’d like Elain, it's always a pleasure to have your company,” El said with a bright smile. Feyre nodded, her hair glittering in the blue light and chimed in.

“We definitely will. I haven't seen nearly enough of Arach yet; your city is truly beautiful El.” Feyre was a close friend to Gusty, having met under the mountain and maintaining good ties throughout the war, Feyre regularly had Gusty and El over for dinner or brunch in her home. Despite that, neither woman had seen much of Feyre’s home city of Verlairs. Though they have both been dying to explore it's streets for years.

“Thank you. I don’t suppose you'd be interested in giving me and Gusty a tour of Velaris next time we visit? It's so lovely”

Elain positively lit up with excitement and blurted “Wouldn't that be wonderful? There's so much to see - it might even take two days” she exclaimed.

Feyre smiled warmly at Elain - El was momentarily stunned by the bond between the two. Though she knew Nesta, the oldest sister, had remained the closest to Elain.

Opening her mouth to inquire if Nesta had even attended the ball “Feyre did Nesta-”

A very disgruntled and frantic Azriel appeared next to El. She let out a small shriek before she could stop herself. But she wasn’t the only one, Feyre seemed equally as surprised. Elain was the only one who didn’t seem like she was taken by surprise. Obviously El thought, she is a seer.

Feyre’s brows were furrowed with worry. “Az? What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

He shook his head before turning to El. She was slightly put off by how intense his eyes were, she squirmed uncomfortably before peaking through her lashes. “Hello Azriel, do you..um do you need something” she sputtered. He sighed deeply and nodded again.

“Where can I find Bon?”

~

Bon awoke to a pounding on her door. She blindly fumbled with her thoughts before turning the lamp by her bedside on with magic. Running a hand through her still damp and tangled hair she stood slowly. Wobbling slightly before shuffling towards the door. Her mood was still sour and more depressed than she'd like, so instead of opening the door right away she decided to shout instead.

“GO AWAY! I'm not in the mood for anything but food!”

There was silence for a moment before three more raps came from her door, this time more forceful. Bon groaned out loud. Couldn't she be sad and alone for a bit? Was that too much to ask for?

But she realized she hadn't told anyone she was leaving early. Maybe it was just El or Marci coming to check in on her.

Without further thought she turned the knob and pulled the heavy oak door open.

Buy it wasn't El or Marci who stood in her doorway.

He was sufficiently more unkempt than when she had last saw him-his hair was a mess and his shirt had a rip in it, down the collar like he'd tugged on it too hard.

“Bon can we just talk...please?” came his soft voice. Bon felt her stomach turn to lead.

“About what, Az? How you find out we’re mates and just ran??” she asked, her voice cracking near the end. His face twisted with regret and he lifted an arm as if to touch her, she moved back a step and he let it drop back to his side.

“I hope you have more to say than that” She finished with a scowl.

“I-” He started but glanced down at her and turned a very deep shade of pink. Bon instantly remembered that she was in her undergarments and swore. Under regular circumstances she wouldn’t mind being so exposed to such an attractive man, but Az was different. She sprinted back into her room and snatched the closest pile of cloths before darting into the bathroom. Shuffling through the clothes she picked the most comfortable ones and walked back out. She went straight for her bed and face planted into the pillows with a grunt.

Azriel still stood in the doorway, looking rather awkward. Which wasn’t something the Shadowsinger usually looked like, since he rarely showed emotion to her. Bon sat up and crossed her legs under her.

“Aren’t you going to come in? You said you wanted to talk, well talk.”

Az didnt waste anytime accepting her olive-branch. He closed the door softly. As he approached, she scooted back a bit to give him enough room to sit. Her stomach was tight and she felt her heart thundering due to his close proximity. Putting aside her feeble anxieties, she straightened her spine and met his eyes.

“I’m sorry about before, I was just...surprised.”

“So was I.”

“Can we start over?”

“Start over as in, six decades ago when we first met? Or start again from when we found out we were mates?”

He made a frustrated noise and ran a hand through his hair roughly. He took a moment to think. Bon let him contemplate his next words. She knew this was new to him as well. Taking the silence as an opportunity, she studied his face in detail.

Bon had had many lovers over the years. All of them beautiful and unique to one another.  But none of them were even close to Azriel. She couldn't name what it was about him. Even before she found out they were mates, she found him alluring and mysterious.

His brilliant eyes were downcast and his hair was mussed in the cutest way. Bon had to concentrate quite hard to keep herself from running her hands through his thick locks.

Reminding herself that this wasn't something you could rush, she renewed her resolve. She would let him set the boundaries for their relationship, if they even ended up in one.

Seeming to know what he wanted to say Azriel looked up again, his brown eyes filled with determination.

“Bon, I know I hurt you when I ran before and I'm sorry. I want to start again. And I wanted to talk about...us.” He struggled to maintain eye contact, cheeks dusted with a blush. Bon was sure hers were too. She nodded a little too eagerly before giving her response.

“That's a good idea and I'm totally fine with taking things slow. I want to know you, Az.”

He paused. Bon thought he almost looked surprised, but his expression returned to neutral fast.

“Maybe when the situation is different, we could talk more?:

Stifling a yawn and rubbing her eyes with the heel of her hand she realized just how tired she way. Az seemed to pick up on it too.

“I think we should sleep first then talk things over”, Bon mumbled as she struggled to keep her eyes open. She knew she probably looked like an idiot but she was honestly too tired to care.

Azriel lifted a dark brow in surprise and maybe even confusion.

“We?” he asked with a soft - albeit slightly amused voice.

“Your room is on the other side of the palace, it's easier to just sleep here. You can take the bed and I'll sleep on the couch”, she said already lifting herself off the bed.

Az grabbed her wrist before she could move more than a foot away.

“No it's alright, it is your room after all. I'll take the couch.”

Bon grinned sleepily.

“We could always share the bed”, she jokingly said.

She was expecting more protests but was surprised when none came. Her smile grew more genuine when she noticed his eyes looking everywhere but her. He didn't let go of her wrist.

“I won't touch you if that's what you're worried about”, she said, gently removing his scarred hands and sliding under her wonderful covers that smelt of all the green tea and strawberry jam croissants she'd eaten in them.

He snorted, very unlike him, but a welcome change all the same.

“It's not you I'm worried about”, he replied in an almost joking tone.

Bon’s heart fluttered. He now lay across from her, his back facing her wall. He hadn't bothered to change or remove his clothes he'd worn to the ball, but Bon didn't mind in the slightest.

She wound an arm under and around her pillow, pulling it closer to her face and turning it closer to her chest. With a small mental tug the lights went out, casting the room into darkness and firmly closing her door.

The only sounds in the room where their faint breaths mingling and the occasional rustle of the bed sheets.

Azriel whispered something, knocking Bon from her descent into sleep.

“Hmm?” she let out without opening her eyes, face half buried in her pillow.

“I haven't seen the city yet and I thought maybe you could show me your favorite parts tomorrow?” he inquired into pitch black. She smiled again and answered before she could stop herself.

“Only if you’ll show me around Velaris next time I visit.”

“Of course.”

“Then it's both a deal and a date” she whispered in a satisfied tone.

Az didn't respond for a second, long enough to have Bon regretting her choice of words. What if he wasn't ready to call it that? What if he just wanted to be friends? Cauldron boil me, please - she pleaded to herself.

“Know anywhere good to eat? We can spar after breakfast and the loser buys lunch.”

Bon let out a bark of laughter before smothering her giggles into her pillow.

“Then I hope you brought enough money as I have quite the appetite.”

She didn't need to see him to know he was grinning as well.

Tomorrow would be the start of something new and unfamiliar. But being the First-in-Command meant you could handle anything. Even a devilishly handsome and mysterious Shadowsinger.

Bon could best anyone, even fate.

Part 1 Of a fic about the Tempest Ball, of course written by our wonderful Healer @lifelillysandmagicwands yet again! Part 2

Olivia was frantic. There was too much to do, she was a bundle of stress and nerves. The Tempest Ball was like her child, one that only showed up once a year and gave her headaches and insomnia. Everything had to be perfect, the food, the music, the decorations. It was all important and honestly, it was all a pain in the ass. This was her job as the (entertainment manager) but this was the largest party of the year, with the highest number of attending guests from other courts. Her High Ladies never made her feel like she had to outdo herself every year, but for the sake of pleasing them and impressing those almost unimpressible High Lords from the other courts - she would.

Sitting slumped in the grand hall of the palace and completely alone, she took a deep breath, her eyes stinging with the threat of tears. She had never been this stressed in her 3 years of planning court happenings, but this year was different. Everything was. Pulling out a small tin from her skirt pocket she pulled out a piece of the blended herbs Levi had given her for her headaches. After chewing on it for a moment, she stood and picked up her event book, she flipped to the decoration section. As she was busy visualising and writing down where everything would be, far on the other side of the castle, was someone who was also more than a little nervous about the upcoming Ball.

~

Brie clenched the smooth silk of her sparkling gown in her fist. She had been with the court tailor for hours, trying on far too many dresses and getting nowhere. It wasn’t the tailor’s fault, the dresses were all lovely - they just didn’t feel right to her. She was standing in her chambers with the afternoon air tickling her exposed skin-in this dress, she felt too exposed. She needed to be confident and elegant and this mess of seafoam tulle and white lace didn’t help in the slightest. Noticing her fumbling with the laces in the bodice, the tailor quickly dashed to her side, a second away from an apology.

“The dress is beautiful, Markila, but I don’t feel like myself wearing it, if that makes sense” she quickly spouted out another apology after she finished. Nodding with her hand on her chin Markila - the finest tailor in the Court-  waved a hand and the strings holding up the back of the dress began to unwind. Brie sucked in a deep breath, that corset was far too tight. Twisting her hair over her shoulder she let the heavy gown drop to the marble floor.

“If that wasn’t to your liking Milady, perhaps this will do instead?”

Brie turned with a sigh, this was the twelfth dress today, she might just give in and wear whatever Markila had chosen, but her eyes widened as she saw what the tailor held in her small hands.

A long dress that came to the floor, its color of the deepest sapphire and obsidian; it sparkled as the lamp light hit it. The dress had a high neck and no back, with twin slits down the thighs giving room to walk, and kick if needed. The bodice was embroidered with delicate silver roses and leaves, a black ribbon winding loosely around the waist.

Slowly taking the fabric in her hands, she let herself marvel at how light and soft the fabric was. This was it, her dress for the Tempest ball. Her mothers would love it, she was sure. She could practically see herself gliding across the floor of the grand hall, the technicolor lights hitting the dress as she danced. Scooping the dress into her arms fully, she gave Markila the biggest smile she could muster.

“It’s perfect Markila. I can’t even express how much I love it! Thank you.”

“I had a feeling you would like that one over the hot pink one I had left” she replied with a wink.

Brie turned around, clutching the dress to her chest, she spun around the room, practically singing. The door closed quietly; Markila had taken her leave after collecting her things. And after admiring the dress again, Brie hung it in her closet and set out in search of dinner. The ball was in two days, and all the High Lords had written her mother to say they would come. She was ecstatic, after all, all the high lords included Tarquin!

Brie punched the air in victory, this year she would tell him how she felt. This year for sure.

~

In her quiet home in the woods, Erlanya the court witch was working away on yet another spell for the upcoming Ball. So many people - too many she thought. Protection spells for each High Lord and Lady. Anti-enchantments (they couldn’t have another replay of the Spring Court’s masquerade ball, now could they?) and plenty of other spells for various reasons. Wardruna watched her from the corner as she moved back and forth between her books and her many tables. She scanned her ‘Hexes and Such’ journal, one of the many she had written over the centuries.

The ball was fast approaching and the High Ladies had requested her presence as a special guest, since she didn’t usually come to such events. But this year was different and she’d be damned if she missed it. She would just have to stick to the shadows and enjoy the party as a whisp-on-the-wall.

The barely visible sun was setting and giving way to the waning moon that Erlanya knew would illuminate the sky that night. Dipping a hand into a potion she had made a year before, she wiped the dark liquid onto eight objects. A rose, a sea shell, an already melting icicle, a red leaf, a very old scroll, a sliver of sun wood, and finally; a white dragon scale. Each object began to float a few inches off the surface of the table, shaking with a barely audible hum of magic. One by one they began to send out waves of energy - purple, blue, red, green, etc. After all the objects had settled once more, she placed them all into a large Rowan wood trunk. She would bury it the night of the ball.

Exhaustion hit her the way it did after every major spell. Putting a hand on her temple, she blindly found her way to Wardruna and settled down between her large arms. The dragon purred and laid it’s head down with a soft snort.

She waved a hand as the warmth of her dragon settled over her and all the lightning lanterns but one went out, casting her home into the comfort of darkness. She would begin the ceremony for the all the castle staff the next day but for now she had no other obligation then to sleep away the growing pull of exhaustion.

~

Arriving home late in the night, feet sore and stomach growling for a hot meal, Saers pulled open the door to the small apartment that he shared with his mate. The entry way was dark and silent, the air smelled of lemon verbena and burning wood- he took a minute to appreciate the lovely scent. The few weeks on the mission had left him smelling a little worse than he’d like so he’d shower quickly before bed. Letting his heavy bag drop to the floor with a quiet thud and slipping off his walking boots that were caked in mud from the last storm, he slipped into the main room. It was a large rectangle, the farthest wall made entirely of windows, their sills lined with herbs and medicinal plants that Levi tended to. Saers also had a plant, a small winter cactus that was impossible to kill and didn’t need to be looked after, a cold ice blue and spotted with pin sharp spines. He had affectionately named his plant Prick. Besides the piles of flora they had laying about the apartment, the main room was filled with bookshelves and large mountains of books strewn about as well as a large cushiony couch covered in plush pillows and fluffy blankets; it wasn’t uncommon for him to find his mate asleep in a tangle of the latter after not being able to find her for hours. Quickly checking the couch to make sure that this wasn’t the case, he proceeded to tip-toe into the kitchen. The tiny kitchen was on the darker side of the color spectrum, with inky marble counters and dark wooden cabinets. Snatching an apple off the counter and two cherry tarts, he turned to head back to the main room with the intention of eating on the couch and possibly sleeping there.

But within the blink of an eye his snacks had disappeared and he was blinded by the lamp switching on right next to his face. When he regained his ability to see, before him stood his very angry mate. Levi opened her mouth, undoubtedly to chastise him for sneaking tarts before bed but before she could Saers scooped her into his arms, an adoring smile lighting up his face. She was close to his height and by picking her up so fast, Saers ended up knocking heads rather strongly with her. Releasing her with a yelp, he stumbled back, rubbing his forehead.

“Sorry love, just got a tad excited. Missed you so much ‘is all” he said, glancing up at her with a rueful smile. In the light, he got a better look at her. Her long hair was loose and tangled, most likely from sleep. Her dark eyes were alight with with both annoyance and fondness. She wore her rumpled sleep cloths and had only one sock on, per usual.

“I should have guessed the first thing you’d go for was the tarts” she retorted with an exasperated sigh. Saers grinned. “You really should know me by now, love”

Instead of replying with words she gently pulled him down for a chaste kiss. As she pulled away Saers pouted, tucking his nose into the crook of her neck and mumbling “I’ve been gone for weeks woman, a little more affection please!”

Levi laughed softly and kissed his cheek before replying. “Gone for weeks without a word and coming home at three in the morning, you’ll get affection after I get sleep” dragging him by the hand and closing off the lamp, she pulled him down onto the cushiony couch and settled down next to him with her head on his chest. They were both quiet for a heartbeat of peace.

Saers broke the silence. “Ya know I’m kinda hungry, would’ve been nice to eat somethin’ before bed.”

“How ‘bout eat your words and sleep. I’ll make you waffles in the morning” she said, her voice slurred. Saers knew she’d be asleep in seconds and then she’d be out cold. Before he thought it over for the millionth time he blurted, “Go with me to the Tempest ball” loud enough to make her jolt with fright at the sheer volume. Levi groaned and pulled a blanket over her face “If I say yes will you let me sleep, Saers?”

“So is that a yes?” she didn’t respond but he knew she was still awake. “Well I’m not hearing a no.”

She let out a muffled scream into the blanket before roughly yanking it off her face and meeting his eyes and saying sweetly.

“I love you with all my heart darling, but right now the last thing you need is another part. The last one you were at, you broke two windows and managed to piss off half the locals”

“Okay first of all-” she put a finger to his lips before he could continue, her eyes narrowing slightly.

“We’ll look for cloths for the Ball tomorrow, but cauldron help you if you don’t shut up right now, there will be no way for you to stand let alone dance at the Ball”

He hastily closed his mouth and blinked. He’d forgotten how scary she was when she was tired. Even though he was trained for battle and she was trained for healing, he always thought she had the eyes of someone deadly, not his gentle flower loving bookworm - a soldier in a previous life perhaps. He nodded once and it seemed to be enough for her as she rested her head against his chest again. It took another ten minutes before his eyes grew leaden and as he was beginning to slip into unconsciousness when he heard Levi faintly whisper “Goodnight…love you”

With the last of his energy he uttered “I love you too, Flower” before his head lolled back and he fell into darkness.

~

“Bon hurry up! You have to be there to welcome the High Lords with me!” El yelled from Bon’s living room. The person in question was buzzing around her room in a panic, her voluminous gown a weight she would gladly carry because she knew how good she looked in it. It was a black tulle gown that reached the floor in a puff of dark black skirt that became a gorgeous purple at the bottom, the top was a simple black but was cut in such a way that left two long pieces of fabric to cover her breasts and came together to form a choker, accenting her long slender neck. She’d picked it out weeks ago in preparation and pure excitement. Marci had come in earlier to do her makeup, a simple black smokey eye and pink lips in the light of day, but at the ball, her face would be transformed by glow-in-the-dark speckles of various colors. The bottom of her dress would also glow a bright purple in the black lights of the ball. Marci had insisted she looked spectacular and tried her best to calm the nerves that were so close to fraying before she had to leave and get ready herself. The ball didn’t officially begin till nine but the High Lords were all set to arrive half an hour earlier and boy was she terrified. Bon had met all the High Lords before on trips with El and Gusty and liked them all well enough- well most of them at least. She was mainly looking forward to seeing her friends from other courts who were also coming as part of their High Lords’ circle. Her friend Mor was coming and she was surely going to bring along the Shadowsinger. Bon felt her heart stutter. Azriel of the Night Court. He was devastatingly handsome and horribly and completely undeniably in love with another woman. Standing in front of her mirror she patted down her dress and checked her hair - it was loosely curled and half up, parts hanging around her face to accent it.

She took a deep breath and smacked herself. Before spinning on her heel and walking out of her room, determined to enjoy the Ball and avoid the gorgeous spy at all costs. Tonight was a party, a few drinks wouldn’t be a bad idea-just to keep her mood up. she reassured herself.

El stood in the living room, her storm grey dress had a sheer top made of grey lace with long sleeves and high neck. On most, it would have looked ridiculous. But there was something about El. The way she held herself or maybe it was the way she radiated warmth that made even the cold grey of the dress something to marvel at. Bon let out a low whistle, admiring El’s intricately braided updo, beautiful silver and gold crown of Lynsten and thorns. Her beautiful makeup that made her cheekbones sharper and her eyes more ethereal had also made her skin a shimmering pale white and grey like stone.

“Gusty is going to drop to her knees when she sees you El” Bon commented with a smirk. El’s pale cheeks bloomed with red and her wings fluttered. “Let’s hope not” she said, ducking her head down to hide her blush

“Rhys would never let her live it down.”

Bon froze, her eyes going wide. “They’re already here?” she whispered in disbelief. She thought she’d have enough time to get hammered before she had to deal with their arrival. El snorted in a very unladylike fashion before shaking her head.

“No they’re not here yet. Calm down Bon, you’re too young to stress so much.”

“I’m not stressed El,”

“You’ve been pacing in circles for a hour and jumping off chairs like a toddler.”

She paused “I have?”

El sighed and yanked the door open before replying “Yes you have. Now hurry up or we’ll be late. you know how August likes punctuality.”

They walked down the corridors side by side and besides the sound of their footfalls the faint sound of music could be heard echoing through the stone halls. El didnt say anything, presumably because she knew just how panicked Bon really was and knew she needed to be left with her thoughts. So she let her think in the five minutes it took to find their way to the castle’s entry way. The large enchanted stained glass doors depicted the city’s protector Keranos in a fierce battle with an army drenched in blood wearing crowns of sand. The door was more than three metres high and illuminated with a halo of lanterns. The hall wasn’t as full as she thought it would be. The only people present were her, El, Gusty, Brie, and Veanna. As they approached, the small group turned to them, all of them equally as dressed up and as beautiful in their attire. Brie looked stunning in a sapphire and obsidian floor length gown that hugged her hips, her canines out and wings shining with luster paints that made her look like storm flower, her hair twisted and full of midnight blue flowers and vines. Veanna stood proud in a soft blue dress that reached her knees and long flowing sleeves. It was decorated in small birds and leaves, her chestnut brown hair straight and glittering with a small diamond circlet that hung between her brows delicately. She had painted detailed feathers onto her cheekbones and down her arms to resemble bluebirds.

Turning her attention to the last in the group, Bon took a breathe when she saw Gusty in the centre of the three, her expression shifting to one of awe and love as she beheld her mate. Gusty had perhaps the most detailed gown Bon had ever seen. The bodice was a deep scarlet, embroidered with silver clouds and lightning bolts intertwined with tiny silver raindrops leading down the the long skirt. The skirt was a similar color but it was layered with a glittering silver tulle covered in hundreds of small diamonds. The front stopped at her knees but it pulled back and had a long train. Gusty’s hair was curled softly and half braided into her crown of silver thorns and sparkling Lynsten. El released a small breath of air, her expression full of wonder and in a split second she sprinted for Gusty and encircled her in her arms. The two locked lips for a brief moment before Brie spoke up. “Save it for when you don’t have an audience, you two” she said with a grimace.

El blushed deeply, Gusty laughed lightly as she slipped an arm around El’s waist and pulled her closer to her side.

“The High Lords should be arriving any minute. I want all of you on your best behavior, please”

El shot her a curious look. “Where are the rest of the kids? We have more than one.”

“I could only find Brie. The others are running about the castle getting ready I presume.”

El nodded and Veanna began to say something when the tower bell rang four times, signaling the first arrival. All five of them stood straighter and Brie took an audible breath. Two castle staff ran over to open the doors for the guests. Bon thought that this was all taking too long-maybe she could sneak off while they were distracted by the High Lords and their inner circles, she could find somewhere to calm down. Her nerves had returned tenfold, but before she could make her escape Brie grabbed hold of her wrist and held it in a vice-like grip. Turning to give her an alarmed look, Bon was greeted with a murderous glare as Brie leaned in to whisper.

“If you abandon me in a time of romantic crisis, I swear to the mother I will lock you in the kitchen when they make the onion soup on Tuesday and I will watch you suffer”

“Let go of my wrist or I’ll shove you into Tarquin when he goes past” she whispered back, equally as murderous. Judging by the look of mortification on Brie’s face Bon had pushed the right button, her wrist was released. But despite being free to sprint away, she stayed in her spot at Brie and Gusty’s side as the first person came through the entryway.

The Tempest Ball had begun.