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nightcourtseer · 1 year

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Summary: Azriel comforts Elain when she is overtaken by visions. A little spy watches them from above.

Elriel Month 2023 - Peace and Quiet

Elain had just finished bundling the last of the clippings when the first vision swept over her, a brief, chaotic blip that overwhelmed her sight. The autumnal view of the River House garden replaced by a view from a body lying on the ground.

Horse hoofs clamoring overhead, the shadow of wings passing in front of a harsh sun while blood and shit spray, the ugliness of battle marring an otherwise perfect day.

Before it all came perfectly into focus, it was gone. The effect jarring Elain’s previously peaceful senses as the world tipped in precarious vertigo.

When she came to, she stumbled over a pair of shears that she had left beside her on the ground.

As she threw out her hands to catch herself, she landed hard on her bare palms, the rough fall foliage scraping her naked skin. Loose curls tangling beneath her and pulling sharply on her scalp.

The breath flew from her lungs as the fall reverberated from her wrists through her spine, and another vision rushed in.

A dark forest, containing a startled fawn looking back at her with empty, black eyes. An arrow stuck from the mottled hide of the beast, as blood dripped silently onto the leaves beneath it. A wolf howled in the distance.

Elain was shaking as she attempted to stand, moving slowly as she had practiced over the years of being plagued by the unpredictable visions.

The clippings were long forgotten as she moved slowly through the familiar garden, blinking heavily as she struggled to sort out what was real, and what was another impending rush of future prophecy.

Each step she took was careful, deliberate. Willing herself not to fall once more, her palms still stinging with small cuts and scrapes.

Once seated on the long, wrought iron bench, she let out a relieved sigh, closing her eyes as the world in front of her disappeared once again. Layers of visions now stacking atop on one another, a muddled kaleidoscope of various landscapes and horrors and joys that produced a sole, panicked tear.

The small droplet slipped down her cheek as she tried to steady her breath, and still her mind as she had been taught. Focusing on what she could touch and feel, no longer able to rely on her sight or sound.

The cold metal of the bench beneath her thighs.

The stinging pain of the wound on her hands.

A fall breeze sweeping through the courtyard.

The fabric of her thick cotton dress and shawl.

It was to no avail, as her heartbeat began to speed up. She could not catch her breath, as the visions spun out of control inside of her weary mind.

“Azriel,” Elain whispered into the dark garden. “I need you.”

Before the cloud of breath had disappeared from in front of her rose-colored lips, he appeared.

The garden seemed to part for him, as if Death itself strode its path - quickened steps rushing to where his love waited for him.

Shadows swept behind him, lingering over his shoulder as if concerned at the lady who sat petrified and unseeing on the bench before them.

Without hesitating, he sat down on the bench next to her, murmuring reassurances even though he was rather certain she would not be able to hear him.

She had told him once how just the sound of his voice helped her, grounded her, even if she could not make out what he was saying.

He pulled her onto his lap carefully, but with ease, lifting one scarred hand to begin stroking her unbound hair. His face turned so that he could press a soft kiss to the top of her head.

Generous wings wrapped around them both instinctually, as she nestled in closer to his warmth and solid chest. The rise and fall of it settled her, as she tried to time her breaths with his. The sound of his heartbeat a steadying thing as she willed it to be the only thing she heard.

“I’m here,” he murmured to her as he let one hand trace up and down the length of her spine. “You’re safe.”

Elain smiled weakly at this truth. The solidness and familiarity of his body surrounding her more effective than any other remedy she had come across for the chaos of her visions.

He would always come for her, he had sworn. And so he did.

Even though she had regained her senses, they remained like that on the garden bench. Speaking quietly to each other, as Azriel held Elain tight to him, his whole body curved around hers as she looked up at him with stars in her eyes.

A quiet moment of peace for two beings continually thrust into chaos.

………

From a window high above the garden, a small face and wide blue eyes watched in fascination as his uncle wrapped his aunt in his arms. When he had never before seen the two of them so close, let alone touch.

“Nyx?” The small boy’s mother walked up behind him. “What are you looking at, darling?”

Nyx did not respond, merely continued to gaze out the window curiously, his small fingers gripping the edge of the pane.

When Feyre looked out the window to ascertain the source of his fascination, her eyes widened before a small smile bloomed on her face.

Before her son could draw any attention to their figures peering down into the garden, she rested her hands on his shoulders, gently steering his form away from the window, mindful of his small flapping wings.

“Come on then, let’s go practice your letters.”

Nyx groaned, but Feyre’s smile only widened.

“I believe we left off on, ‘Mother is the most cunning High Lady…’”

Tag List: @ultadverb @reverie-tales @illyrian-dreamer @elriel-month @123moiaussi @nivem565 @demarogue @gracie-rosee @impossiblescissorspeachpaper

#elriel month 23 #elriel #elain archeron #acotar fanfiction #pro elriel #azriel #pro elain #elain x azriel #elriel fanfiction #azriel shadowsinger #elriel fic #baby nyx #peace and quiet

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enchantmentandshadows · 1 year

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Elriel Month | Shy Glances & Unrestricted Touches

Word Count: 2,413

Content Warning: None

Theme: Fluffy & Sweet

Song Suggestion: “Tell Her You Love Her” - Echosmith Featuring Mat Kearney

“And just HOW do you know I was watching?” She asked haughtily, very aware that his warm hands still rested on her waist.

"What kind of Spymaster would I be if I DIDN'T notice?" He asked, looking down at her, the green in his hazel eyes looking especially vibrant in the garden. Elain's heart raced at his nearness, his touch, his scent.

Elain closed her eyes and smiled, tilting her head back to let the warm sun kiss her face. She didn’t fret when a gentle breeze took her sunhat, letting it fall to the grass as she dabbed a handkerchief over her neck. Today was a good day, they all were lately, each better than the last. She’d stopped counting the good days months ago, when they far exceeded the bad but she hadn’t stopped appreciating them. Every day she found something to be grateful for, something special, beautiful.

The quiet rustling of paper had the corners of her mouth quirking up as she turned to her normally very quiet companion. Today, she was grateful to have Azriel in the garden keeping her company. He sat back, one booted ankle crossed over the other as he read through a stack of reports. Though, presently, his eyes were on her instead of his reports, a faint blush creeping over his cheeks as his eyes darted back to the pages in his hands.

Elain couldn't help but admire the way the sun shone through his outstretched wings, filtering through in dark reds and golds. If she had Feyre’s talent, she thought, she’d paint him just like this. His wings shifted slightly and she quickly turned her attention back to the peonies she’d been tending lest she be caught staring. He was so easy to admire after all, so beautiful.

Elain blushed, mentally scolding herself for how often she thought of the Shadowsinger. Of his thick hair, always perfectly tousled as if even the wind couldn't help but run its fingers through it. She thought of his handsome face, his kind smile and eyes that seemed to see straight to her soul. She though of the strong arms that had carried her as if she were light as a feather and she thought of his hands. Strong but gentle hands she found so beautiful, hands she’d imagined on her bare skin more than a few times.

A light, that's exactly what Elain Archeron was. Even in the darkest of her days he’d seen it, an undying ember of hope that lived within her. It made her positively radiant beyond her obvious physical beauty.

Like calls to like. Maybe that's why even the sun seemed to worship her, bathing her in it's light while it basked in HER glow. The rays making her strands of honey gold hair glow as they wove through the soft brown curls cascading down her back. How many times had he dreamed about running his fingers through those thick tresses? More than he'd ever admit and too many to count.

He smiled to himself when his shadows whispered that she'd been watching him. Now he watched as she turned to the light, eyes closed as she let it warm her. He could almost imagine what it would feel like, to stand before her and press his lips to hers. How soft and warm that kiss would be, how sweet she would taste and what a kiss like that might mean. That maybe, Elain cared for him as much as he'd grown to care for her.

He took one last look at her before turning back to his reports, watching her weave through the garden in his periphery, listening to her soft footsteps and occasional humming, sometimes quietly joining her though he doubted she could hear.

"How are the new additions faring?" Azriel asked, his smooth voice drawing Elain's attention once more.

"Well," she began, clearly happy to have been asked. "The wisteria is positively thriving and the tulip bulbs you were kind enough to bring me from the continent are nearly ready to bloom. I've planted so many, it'll be like a sea of colors."

She went on about all her latest changes to the garden, pausing only when she thought she'd perhaps talked too much and had begun to bore him.

"I had no doubt they would thrive in your care." He offered with a smile, forearms resting on his knees as he listened to her with rapt attention. "Until we can get you to the continent, I'll bring the continent to you."

"One day." She said, offering him a shy smile and a nod of thanks. He knew what it meant to her, how long she dreamed of seeing the continent with her sisters. How she'd always imagined her father joining them. True, it wasn't the same as going, but the gesture was no less thoughtful, especially when he was likely away on important court business. That he'd thought of her at all touched her more than she would ever be able to tell him.

Azriel stood and stretched, his sun warmed wings extending before tucking back behind him. Elain admired his lean form, the wide sweep of his wings and the way the sun glinted off his cobalt Siphons and his eyes, eyes that were looking straight at her. She saw the faint color on his cheeks and Elain knew he'd caught her staring this time. Quickly, she turned her attention to the rose in her hand. Carefully, snipping it from the bush and laying it with the rest she'd collected.

"As usual you are too kind." She said nervously, snipping another rose. "I haven't planted the seeds you brought me from the Winter Court yet, I'm hoping I'll have better luck them when the weather cools."

Met with silence, she looked up to find him watching her now. She couldn't stop the blush she knew was creeping over her cheeks under his soft gaze. Her heart fluttered every time he looked at her like that, and lately that had been quite often.

Azriel took one step toward her, then another and another, his eyes never leaving hers. Those warm brown eyes, full of so much understanding, hope and love.

"And the roses, how are they coming along?" He asked, watching her delicate fingers trace along the edges of the petals before leaning in to take in its sweet scent.

"Perfectly happy here." She answered softly. "They had a bit of trouble at first but now their roots are strong, they're flourishing beautifully.

He couldn't help but think the same about her. How happy he was that she lovingly called the Night Court her home now. Even if in the dark recesses of his mind that fear still existed, that one day she might accept the bond and make a home for herself elsewhere. Far from Night. Far from him.

Her eyes flicked from the rose back to him and he took another step, as if waiting for her permission, as if she willed it so. Each step brought her into better view, no longer so hidden by the lush greenery of the garden.

"Az!"

She started as he froze, just close enough to spot the freckles that danced across the bridge of her nose.

"Cassian." He answered, turning toward his friend as he made to meet him halfway. So close.

Elain's heart sank as the distance between them grew, even as his shadow seemed to try to stretch to meet her before his retreat. It was nothing, she told herself. A simple conversation like many they'd had before, there was nothing remarkable about today, nothing different...aside from that look.

She tried to busy herself with her roses again but it was no use. She hung on his every word, listening to him and Cassian discuss looming problems with the Illyrian forces. Selfishly, she hoped he wouldn't be sent away to help with those problems. As it was, she found that she already missed him on days he didn't turn up for family dinners.

Judging by his tone, Azriel didn't wish to oversee the Illyrians either. Not wanting to eavesdrop further on what seemed to be a tense conversation, Elain found herself wandering deeper into the garden until she could only faintly make out Azriel's voice. She let the timbre and cadence of it soothe her as she wandered and wove through, snipping and collecting blooms as she went. Eventually, she settled in a spot a safe distance away that allowed them privacy while she admired the garden and the Shadowsinger.

Azriel half listened to Cassian, in the end he knew Cass would unload all the mounting issues, but be the one to go. The one to face the Illyrian's ire for bothering to help. Azriel just didn't have it in him to pretend to play nice for long enough to get anything accomplished. He found he'd much rather be here, staring into the lovely brown eyes that now peered at him between flowering branches in the distance.

"Fine, I'll go." Cassian said without argument, "But next time you're coming with me. It'll be good for you." Cassian said, clapping him on the back.

"Next time." Azriel agreed with a nod, like he did every time they had this conversation.

Elain knew he'd seen her but she couldn't bring herself to look away, not until she pricked her finger on a thorn as she carelessly reached for another rose. She gasped, snatching her hand back and cradling it, a bead of crimson blood resting at her fingertip. She watched as the small wound quickly healed and used a clean handkerchief to wipe the tiny ruby of blood away.

She stilled for a moment, suddenly realizing the garden had gone quiet. She looked up, searching for any sign of Azriel, but he was gone. Likely back inside the manor with Cassian. She craned her neck, hoping he might have returned to his reports but his seat remained empty.

“Damn.” She breathed, not wanting their moment to have been cut so short. Not when it felt like some new version of what they were was ready to bloom. They regularly caught each other staring, shared secret smiles when no one else was watching. So many times he’d brushed by her, and she’d reached out, fingertips lightly brushing over his hand as he passed.

"Have you lost something?" Azriel's voice asked playfully from behind her.

She gasped and spun to face him, Azriel's hands gripping her waist, stopping her before she backed into the thorny roses she'd been hiding behind.

“Azriel,” She laughed, playfully scolding him. “You scared me half to death!"

“I apologize, Lady.” Azriel chuckled, not all sorry for catching her staring or for having an excuse to touch her.

“Yes, your laughing sounds very regretful.” She scolded, laughing herself.

“It’s difficult to have any regrets in my current position.” He admitted, his heart aching over how right this felt. Still, he had to be careful, Elain wasn’t just anyone, not to his family and not to him.

“I DO wonder,” He started, “How you could be startled at all.” A mischievous grin played at his lips. “You were watching so intently."

Elain narrowed her eyes even as a pretty blush colored her cheeks.

“And just HOW do you know I was watching?” She asked haughtily, very aware that his warm hands still rested on her waist.

“Translation, YOU were watching ME.” She smiled up at him, looking too proud of herself.

“Every chance I get.” He admitted, the confession surprising them both.

"You're hurt." He said, before she could respond. His eyes resting on the hand she still cradled to her chest.

"Yes-no, I was." She clarified, stumbling over her words as he took her hand in his own, carefully looking it over.

"I pricked my finger is all." She says, sheepishly extending her now healed finger for him to see.

"Dangerous business, gardening." He said, heart thundering in his chest as he raised her hand, pressing a kiss to her fingertip. He didn't know what possessed him to be so forward, but neither did he regret it.

The softest touch of his lips on her skin sent a sparkling energy coursing through Elain.

Slowly, her lips parted as she silently watched him, wishing to feel his lips against hers next.

"But worth the risk." She breathed.

Unthinking, she stepped forward, resting her free hand on his chest, beside his glittering Siphon. If she were braver, she would pull him in and kiss him herself instead, she let the rhythm of his heartbeat steady her nerves as he pressed another kiss to the palm of her hand.

She couldn't stop herself then, from tenderly caressing his cheek as his hand ghosted down her forearm and came to rest on her waist again.

"The best things usually are." He answered, as he held up a freshly trimmed rose, no doubt magicked into his hand with the help of his clever shadows.

"Is that the one that pricked me?" She asked with narrowed eyes, settling into the comfort of their closeness.

"It had to be done.” He said, smiling as he carefully tucked it behind her ear, the soft peach rose looking perfect nestled in her golden brown curls.

Elain felt it then, that bravery she'd lacked earlier as she leaned forward. Azriel didn't dare back away, not even as his shadows whispered that the High Lady was fast approaching. No, he too leaned in, Elain’s fearlessness catching.

"Elain?!" Feyre called out.

Elain's eyes widened as she turned to her sister's voice before glancing back at Azriel who was already backing away toward his shadows.

"Tomorrow?" He asked, offering an apologetic smile.

Elain nodded. "Dinner?" She asked, smiling as he nodded before disappearing into the shadows completely.

“Elain! There you are!” Feyre called, smiling as she approached.

“Here I am.” Elain breathed, pulse still racing and skin flushed.

“I don’t know what you do out here for hours, everything looks perfect to me.” She said, gathering the flowers Elain had collected.

“Oh, just planting seeds, seeing what grows.” Elain answered quietly.

“Well, you’re as red as a rose, come inside and have lunch with me.” Feyre asked, nodding toward the house. Sensing she wouldn’t take no for an answer, Elain nodded, looping her arm through Feyre’s as they headed back.

On the way, Elain noticed Azriel’s stack of reports missing from his usual spot, her discarded sunhat sitting in its place. Tomorrow, she would see him again tomorrow and perhaps that boldness they both seemed to feel today would return tomorrow too.

#elrielmonth #elrielmonth23 #elriel #proelriel #elain #proelain #azriel #proazriel #elain x azriel #azriel x elain #elriel fic #elriel fanfiction #elriel fanfic #shyglances #unrestrictedtouching #elriel month 23 #elriel month

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rhysanoodle · 2 years

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Between Light and Shadow

(Banner by the lovely @sncinder 💕)

Elriel’s story after ACOSF

I can’t believe this is the end 😭 Thanks to everyone who’s read this story every week and left me incredible feedback. Here’s to the next adventure!❤️

Word Count: 1018

AO3

Chapter 32

Elain cooed, pulling her hands away from her face as the chubby-cheeked baby in Azriel’s arms giggled wildly.

“Stop that. He doesn’t know what’s happening,” Azriel chastised as Nyx silenced once she hid her face once more.

“It’s a game, love. People play this with babies all the time. See? He loves it.” Riotous laughter echoed around the meadow.

It was the end of summer, and the family was all gathered at the cabin for hunting and fishing, and really an excuse to drink raucously—as if they didn’t do that enough already at home.

In the month since Elain and Azriel had mated, they’d both moved into the townhouse—a gift from Rhys and Feyre, though he’d promised that if they ever wanted anything bigger, he would spare no expense. It seemed the High Lord still felt insanely guilty for his role in separating them.

But right now it was the perfect size for them. They could still stay at the riverfront estate when they wanted family time, but it afforded them some semblance of privacy without being too far away from the others and downtown Velaris.

Elain still visited the estate gardens a few days a week, but she had revived the neglected garden at the townhouse, small though it was. Somehow having it be solely hers made it seem so much more important.

Azriel had even helped her build a pergola right in the middle, and it became one of their favorite spots to sit and sip tea in the mornings, snuggled in each other’s arms.

He had even recovered enough to be joining his brothers in their morning drills, and she had seen the change in him as he was able to return to that physical outlet. Between that and time spent with her, he seemed happy for once since she’d known him.

Every night she fell asleep in his arms after making love. That’s what she called it, no matter whether it was in Azriel’s style or her own. Both were enjoyable and full of emotion—and copious pleasure—for her.

And he slept through the nights with her. Gone were the bags haunting the undersides of his eyes. They each still had their own pains and nightmares, but together they didn’t seem so overwhelming and all-consuming.

Though she wasn’t ready for children yet, the image of Azriel holding their nephew still threatened to undo her. Regardless of his childhood trauma, he would make a good father—if only to spite his own. But beneath the coldness of his many masks, she knew the softer side—the one which was permanently on display when they were alone together.

It only made her love him more.

She laid down on their blanket on the grass, closing her eyes and letting the sunshine wash over her. While there was a chill already forming in the air, the warmth brought on by the sunshine still permeated down to her bones.

A vision washed over her, and she invited it in.

***************

It must have been Solstice. All the evergreen decorations were strewn around the riverfront estate, and Elain could smell rich mulled wine heavily floating on the air. Piles of presents were littering the room, including a new pile for Nyx which was overflowing with toys.

It made her smile to see how spoiled her nephew would be—not that there had ever been any doubt in her mind.

She felt heady, a lump of longing and nostalgia forming in her throat as she thought of Solstices past. They had never quite gone smoothly, but she found her future self at peace.

The least of that probably had to do with the male strolling out of the sitting room towards her, sweeping her into a lingering kiss which promised just what he would do to her as soon as they climbed up the stairs to their bedroom.

But he was loitering around, not making the first move, and though Elain had already received a piece of artwork commissioned by her mate as a present, she somehow felt like he wasn’t finished, so she pulled back, looking him in the eyes in silent question.

A creeping flush threatened to break out over his golden brown skin as he met her gaze, and she saw him take a deep breath and realized … Azriel was nervous.

His hands fell into his pockets, and she had the distinct impression he was fiddling with something to help with whatever had him so anxious before he began speaking.

“My time with you has meant everything to me, Elain. I wouldn’t take back a second of what it took us to get here, no matter the price.” She felt the same way. Their lives were tinged with regrets, but every single decision had brought them here. Together.

“I am beyond honored to be your mate. I am beyond honored that even though you could have ignored the bond between us, you chose me. Even for all my faults. I am beyond honored that you opened your heart to our Fae traditions to give me—give us—this piece of joy and beauty.”

Elain’s heart was fluttering in her chest. Azriel showed her every day how much she meant to him, and it seemed like that hadn’t let up in the months leading to Solstice.

“So I wanted to bring back one of your human traditions. I know it’s not custom for mates to further seal the bond, and I know you were engaged to be married once, but …

Tears welled unbidden in Elain’s eyes, and she was reminded of how she had so much hope in this very spot a year ago only to have it crushed, but now … Now, she was getting everything she’d ever dreamed of, and …

She had to leave.

***************

As she saw him pulling something out of his pocket, Elain thrust herself from the vision. Some things weren’t meant to be completely spoiled by her visions. Some things were meant to be lived.

And Elain couldn’t imagine living those things with anyone other than the male at her side who tucked her into his chest.

***************

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***************

< Previous Fic Masterlist Writing Masterlist

#elriel #elain archeron #azriel #a court of thorns and roses #acotar #acomaf #acowar #acofas #acosf #fanfic #my fic #blas #between light and shadow

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goforth-ladymidnight · 2 years

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An Impartial List of ACOTAR Character Appreciation Weeks 2022

I put this list together for those who want to support their favorite characters and ships, skip the ones they don’t, and revisit old favorites! Did I miss any? Let me know!

Gwynriel Week (Mar 6 - 12)

Gwyn Appreciation Week (Apr 17 - 23)

Elriel Month (May 2022)

Elucien Week (Jul 24 - 30)

Azriel Appreciation Week (Jul 31 - Aug 6)

Vassien Week (Aug 15 - 21)

Neris Week (Aug 28 - Sept 3)

Elain Archeron Appreciation Week (Sep 4 - 10)

Nessian Appreciation Week (Sep 11 - 17)

Azriel Shadowsinger Week (Sep 18 - 24) [Yes, there are two Azriel weeks!]

Lucien Appreciation Week (Sep 21 - 27)

Emerie Appreciation Week (Oct 2 - 8)

Cassian Week (Oct 10 - 17)

Tamlin Week (Oct 17 - 23)

SJM Crackship Week (Dec 11 - 17) [Was the 2022 event cancelled? I had it marked, then couldn’t find it again.]

Feyre Week (Dec 19 - 27) [Yes, it’s 9 days long.]

P.S. There’s still room in the 2022 calendar for any Rhysand or Feysand events if anyone wants to contribute. Are there any other characters or ships you’d like to see celebrated before the year ends? (Note: I’m not offering to mod any of these. I’m just putting this out there.) Have fun, everyone!

#a court of thorns and roses #acotar #character appreciation week #calendar of events

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casuallivi · 1 year

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I posted 1,895 times in 2022

That's 1,792 more posts than 2021!

135 posts created (7%)

1,760 posts reblogged (93%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@nikethestatue

@fawnandshadows

@thefangirlofhp

@sydneymack

@impossiblescissorspeachpaper

I tagged 1,461 of my posts in 2022

Only 23% of my posts had no tags

#elain archeron - 188 posts

#elriel - 137 posts

#elriel fanfic - 130 posts

#elrielmonth22 - 117 posts

#azriel - 63 posts

#elriel fanart - 59 posts

#elriel month 22 - 45 posts

#lol - 44 posts

#elain x azriel - 32 posts

#my writing - 27 posts

Longest Tag: 124 characters

#🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀😀😀😀

My Top Posts in 2022:

Remember when back in ACOMAF Feyre thought Azriel was the safest to strike a conversation with, even if he probably wasn’t??! (reminds you of another archeron?😏)

Yet, Azriel didn’t answer her, silently urging Cassian to talk about it.

Rhys and Cassian go on telling Feyre the story of how they’ve met, but Az is silent, tense, entering in a loop caused by the mention of his past, illyria, even Mor is worried with his frozen state.

See the full post

150 notes - Posted April 10, 2022

Them: Azriel needs a chalenge! A fucking-strong-extrovert-warrior to teach his ass to be better!

Azriel: *crushing on Mor but perfectly content in letting golden-retriever-Cass entertain her loud-and-sexy-blond-ass for 500+ years*

Azriel: *takes four centuries to go clubbing with her*

Azriel: *meets lovely friendly flower girl*

Azriel: I like this one

Azriel: *glues his ass to hers for the next three years*

Everyone: 👁️👄👁️

Azriel: what?

155 notes - Posted May 23, 2022

See the full post

156 notes - Posted May 22, 2022

See the full post

206 notes - Posted April 5, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Rhys: agrees to be Feyre's distraction and give her body release, not offering anything else for fear she will shut down.

Readers: omg, that's so romantic! 😍 So hot 🥵

Cass: offers to be Nesta fuck buddy because he knows how she is pushing away from her feelings.

Readers: omg, he loves her so much! 😍 So hot 🥵

Az: gifts Elain with a especial necklace made for her, softly caresses her neck because he can't help it, ventures to kiss Elain after she gives him offer and permission, doesn't allow himself to think what comes next because she has a mate (who happens to be upstairs during said attempt!), but still dares to question the gods, implying he feels a connection so strong he can't understand why she is mated to another.

Some Readers: ew, fucking pervert! 😠 He clearly doesn't care for her 🙄 he wants to use her for perverted sex 😑 he's just saying that because she is the third sister 🙄 he doesn't even like her, who do this without a plan? How dare him not plan their next 500 years before that kiss?! 😒 Lazy bitch 😒

236 notes - Posted August 2, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

#tumblr2022 #year in review #my 2022 tumblr year in review #your tumblr year in review #would you look at that #elriel fic writers: exist #me: and you get a reblog! and you get a reblog! and you get a reblog!#is this what a pyramid scheme looks like?#lol #the year was fun!#I should start posting about other books too #since elain's book will leave me hanging till I'm a granny...#😅😩😭

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vulpes-fennec · 1 year

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12,23 and 25 for the ask game

12 - the unpopular character that you actually like and why more people should like them

Hmm if we were on tiktok then I'd say Elain because the number of Elain haters on there make me sad. But since I'm surrounded by lovely Elain fans on tumblr, I'll say Jurian. He's more underrated than unpopular, but his chaotic nature is truly iconic (and hot). I think he should be more unhinged. And he's got such an interesting story, I hope SJM will explore more of him in future books!

23 - ship you've unwillingly come around to

I am not really an Elriel shipper, but my beautiful Elriel mutuals have been reblogging lots of really nice art this month!

25 - common fandom complaint that you're sick of hearing

People complaining about SJM not writing more ACOTAR books when she has a life and she's been working on putting CC out there! Look, I want to read the next ACOTAR book just as badly, but if you think about it, ACOSF came out in 2021, HOSAB in 2022, and now HOFAS in 2024.

#choose violence ask game #this is acotar-centric even though I've read tog and cc oops

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gwynweek2022 · 2 years

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Hi everyone! A lot of negativity is surrounding Gwyn’s character right now, so we decided to host a Gwyn Appreciation Week from April 17-23! We do know that it is last minute with it only being 3 weeks away, but April is Sexual Assault Awareness month and we don’t want to interfere with the promotion and rollout of Elriel Month! Either way we hope that all of you can participate in showing appreciation for such a wonderful character like Gwyn!

Art credit to the amazing @krasnyzmeya!

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#gwyn berdara #gwyneth berdara #gwynweek2022 #acotar #acosf #valkyries #gwynriel #gwyn acosf #gwyn supremacy #gwyn acotar #gwyn x az

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nightcourtseer · 1 year

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For Elriel Month 2023: The darkness lets the light shine.

Summary: Elain and Azriel discover they are carranam, but not without almost near disastrous consequences.

Words: 4,100

Read on A03

—————

Again, Azriel’s slight nod seemed to say to Elain. Try it again.

So she did. Gripping the hilt of her blade tighter as she swung it through the air as elegant as any dance that Nesta had ever waltzed. Cutting through air like a composer through a complicated melody.

Good. The proud look in his eyes had her face flushing as she ducked her head in thanks, before beginning another set.

It had been a blessing, that they had ended up being part of the same expeditionary party. And even moreso, that they had slipped from under their High Lord’s watchful eye, and Lucien volunteering immediately to stay by Vassa’s side. Rhysand, Cassian, Nesta and Feyre had been leading the charge in the offensive against the human queen’s army, while Azriel, Elain and their otherwordly visitors had taken up the search for Koschei’s heart - not wanting to reveal their guests’ presence until absolutely necessary.

Plus, those guests just happened to have past experience in killing gods.

A pair of hawklike eyes belonging to one of those such visitors were trained on the pair from the edge of their modest encampment.

Azriel’s shadows whispered to him of this knowledge. The Fae Prince watches you.

The shadowsinger shooed away his companions, refocusing his attention on the female in front of him. Offering her all but the most innocent of touches as he guided her through the movements.

No words exchanged as they worked.

They only stopped when heavy footsteps appraoched. The looming figure of the Prince, the king consort of Terrasen, bowed his head to them in apology as he interrupted.

Azriel still did not know what to make of the pair - the queen and king who had quite literally fallen from the sky. All he knew was that he was tired of unexpected visitors quite literally dropping in on them.

His brow furrowed as he heard an ecstatic whoop sound out from somewhere among the tents as a burst of white light shot into the sky. The source of such power no doubt belonging to the red-headed female who had appeared first on the lawn on the River House, and taken too quickly of a liking to the fair-haired queen with curious eyes.

Azriel felt a headache coming on whenever he thought about what those two were getting up to when unattended.

Rowan stood before them, cutting an impressive figure as he stood even taller than Cassian. His emerald eyes flicked back and forth between Azriel and Elain, who had replaced her blade in her scabbard and now stood beside Azriel, quietly watching the Fae Prince back in turn.

“You are carranam?” Rowan questioned curiously, tilting his head as he focused his attention more fully on the space between Azriel and Elain. Light and dark, melding and bleeding together.

Carranam. The word floated through the air toward Elain, a whispered echo following it. Each syllable trembling with power. With rightness, Elain thought. Even though she did not know yet what it meant, or what it implied about her and the shadowsinger.

Something about it felt good, and right.

Carranam.

“What is that?” Azriel asked, brow furrowed.

Elain wondered if he felt it as well, the power that the word stirred deep in her chest. Higher than the thread tied to her rib that connected her to Lucien… rather, a gentle knock against her heart, throwing the beat off rhythm.

“It is an ancient word, in the Old Language.” Rowan’s deep voice rumbled, in what almost sounded like a repetition of words he had recited once before.

While he spoke, they were joined by another. The radiant queen of Terrasen, who never seemed to stop scheming, the wheels turning in her clever mind almost visible in the clear blue of her eyes.

Aelin approached them, golden hair flowing in the strong breeze like a wildfire. Those radiant eyes sparked with interest.

“I had previously only seen it utilized on killing fields, prior to this one,” Rowan reached out a hand for Aelin, eyes flicking briefly toward his mate. His queen.

“It’s difficult to explain, but if you are drained, your carranam can yield their power to you, as long as you’re compatible, and have established a blood connection.”

“And how did you discover you were carranam?” Azriel asked.

Aelin spoke, her bright eyes still aglow with a certain mischief Elain had come to attribute to the queen’s features.

“You don’t know until you try. It’s very rare, but we stand in front of you as proof of its existence. We have utilized it, and often do to this day to communicate without words.”

“Like daemati?” Elain asked quietly. “My sister and the High Lord are daemati. But we are not.”

Rowan shook his head. “No, we have spoken about this with them. This is something different. More… physical. More reliant on the language of one’s body to understand.”

Weighted looks. An unspoken language of small movements and glances and smiles and longing.

Aelin’s lip quirked. “Would you like to try and see?”

Elain hesitated, looking to Azriel. She could read his hesitation in the curl of his shoulders, the heaviness of his brows. Shadows close to his person, dense and slow moving.

“Perhaps we demonstrate first, buzzard?” Aelin asked, nudging Rowan’s arm and letting go of his hand to face him.

“Keep it light, Fireheart,” Rowan grumbled warningly as he turned to match her stance. “Not too far.”

“Of course,” Aelin acquiesced breezily with a wave of her hand.

Rowan sighed heavily.

Elain took a step closer to watch, at the same time that Azriel angled himself in front of her. Shadows peeling off of him to wrap lazily around her, as if waiting for the command to whisk her out of harm’s way at a moment’s notice.

She laid a hand on his tense shoulder. It will be fine. These are friends.

Azriel was still wary of the Queen of Terrasen. Often eyed her watchfully, as if he was trying and failing to estimate what her next move might be. As if afraid it would result in all of them bursting into flame.

“Well, ladies first!” Aelin declared smoothly, pulling a small blade from her waist.

Azriel’s arm shot out from his side to block most of Elain’s torso from view of the queen.

Rowan threw him a look out of the corner of his eye, an eyebrow that was white as snow raised.

“As I said, the connection requires an exchange and linkage of blood.”

This did not seem to offer any reassurance to the shadowsinger.

Elain watched, fascinated as Aelin pressed the sharp end of the knife into the skin of her palm, making a small but precise incision. Ruby blood soon rose to the surface. The queen held out that hand in offering while passing the blade to her mate.

Rowan took it without hesitation, making a small incision across his own palm.

“Ready?” Rowan inquired of his wife.

“Always,” Aelin responded with a smirk, pressing her hand to her husband’s held out for her.

Elain’s eyes widened as Aelin lifted her free hand, a small ball of flame forming and then surging, a column of fire spiraling up into the clear blue sky. Aelin and Rowan never lost eye contact, as the towering flame grew and grew until it almost seemed to reach the sky.

Azriel’s own eyes darkened as he watched, flicking to Elain’s as she stared in wonderment at the display, orange and red reflecting in her deep brown gaze.

When Elain couldn’t imagine the towering flame to stretch any higher, it slowly began to shrink, Aelin carefully retracting her pull from Rowan’s well of power gracefully and reducing the inferno to nothing larger than a candle flame.

Elain’s mind was spinning with possibilities, as she fought the urge to let her visions take over. If she could lend herself to Azriel like this, how much better their odds could be when facing Koschei.

She had felt, since turning, that there was more to her power than any one of them thought. She could often feel it stirring and growing inside of her - a seed sprouting deep and hearty roots, but not yet visible above the surface.

At this point, the confrontation with the death god seemed inevitable. No matter what Elain tried to tamper with in their decision-making, there were always flashes of a final stand off between the shadowsinger and Koschei, her by his side. Maybe as it had always been destined to be.

Rowan and Aelin let their hands drop, just after Rowan gave his wife’s a small squeeze. The wound already healing on their palms.

“You are older, yes?” Aelin asked, more of an affirmation than a question, pointing at Azriel.

“Aelin…” Rowan chided, trying to hide a grin.

“Sorry,” Aelin shrugged, not looking sorry at all. “You look tired, like Rowan.”

The smile dropped off Rowan’s face.

“Sorry…” Aelin echoed with a sigh. “My apologies, more experienced with your power.”

Azriel nodded his head sharply, even as Elain stifled a laugh behind her hand. The fire queen threw her a conspirational wink and approached the shadowsinger, while Rowan pulled Elain off to the side.

Rowan paused in front of her, looking her up and down carefully as Elain’s face flushed.

She could not have predicted the male’s next words.

“You love him?”

Elain jerked back as if physically struck, glancing nervously to see if Azriel had heard. He didn’t seem to have noticed her reaction or Rowan’s inquiry, eyes fully focused on Aelin waving her hands dramatically in front of him.

“Wha-?”

Her acceptance or denial seemed to matter not to Rowan as he let out a long breath.

“This can complicate matters, speaking from experience.”

“How so?” Elain managed to whisper, face still white.

“As a carranam, having feelings for the fae drawing from you can prove… difficult. It can help strengthen a connection, yes…” He paused, weighing his words.

“But it can also prove detrimental to you, as you offer yourself to him. When he draws from you, if you are, in fact, carranam, it can easily consume you, if you let it. The desire to offer yourself to him, help him, give of yourself to him until if there’s nothing left.”

Elain swallowed. “And if I do that, if I give too much?”

Rowan did not mince words.

“Then it will drive you mad, or kill you. You can decide which is worse, but I assure you, it is not a road which you would like to travel.”

Rowan spared a glance at Aelin before turning back to her.

“You must be a well, but also an anchor. Pull him out if he goes down to deep, for both your sakes.”

Elain nodded. She could do that, she knew she could.

“Alright. Then let’s give it a try,” Rowan gave her a small nod and led her to rejoin Aelin and Azriel where they waited in the center of the clearing.

The air had stilled around them, any breeze having disappeared. As if the world were holding its breath to see what may come about from the joining of Death and his gentle Fawn.

Elain offered Azriel an encouraging smile, as she saw the scrunch between his dark brows crease. He was worried, she knew. Worried that he could hurt her.

But he was just as curious as she was - desperate as she was, even, to discover if there was some other connection between them besides the love that blossomed over the past years.

And so Azriel pulled Truthteller from his belt. His gaze did not leave Elain as he let the sharp blade slide across the center of his palm, reopening the old scars that creased his skin like small mountain ranges.

When he was done, Elain held out her hand. As he had once held out his for her, to lead her into the garden.

He pressed the familiar blade into her hand, and it was as if it began to sing to her - an enticing melody of soothing and subservience that she had heard once before, that day they fought Hybern.

Home, it seemed to whisper. As if she were its owner as well, and not just a borrower.

The song was so striking that Elain did not even flinch as she drew it across her calloused skin.

“We don’t have to do this,” Azriel murmured, eyes honed in on the drops of blood smarting across the path of Elain’s heart line.

“This could be our answer,” Elain said, a soft smile gracing her features. “This could be the answer to what we’ve been searching for. Help turn the tide in our favor, if your abilities are strengthened.”

“I won’t use you,” he snarled softly.

“You won’t,” she reassured him. “But what future can we have together if we’re all dead.”

Azriel’s face set in a grim line. Knowing he couldn’t argue with her, as morbid as her logic seemed.

His palm was warm against hers, his blood mingling with hers as they made contact. Gently, he adjusted as such so that his fingertips interwove with hers, and then clasped together.

Light and dark, joined together by their hands intertwined.

Yes, a voice purred inside of Elain. Fading away before she had a chance to question it, to second guess this experiment.

It was through no decision of her own to close her eyes.

When Elain blinked, and then opened them once again, the outside world had faded away. Even the sensation of her hand pressed against Azriel’s seemed distant, more like a memory than a physical connection.

In this space, there was only an endless stillness that settled something deep in Elain’s bones. Quiet, at last, reminiscent of what she had only felt sitting with someone once. Someone whose darkness now caressed her spirit like a lover.

The world had tilted on its axis, as dark and light met and mingled softly, twisting and turning like the sun rising above the earth at dawn, or kissing it once again at dusk.

Light and dark. Sun and moon. Equilibrium, in every sense of the world.

Elain embraced the sensation she found, marveled at it. No visions pressing in beneath her temple. No overstimulation from heightened fae senses.

Only, peace.

Her power circled the other’s like two koi in a pond, dancing around each other and gently pushing and pulling.

Elain was so transfixed that she forgot she was meant to do something, something important. What was it…

She tried and failed to remember.

The feeling of a hand against hers was forgotten.

And then, a blinding light exploded. Peace was shattered like glass as an uncontrollable power exploded from an unknown source, pushing the peaceful darkness back and back and back, eating at it hungrily.

No, not an unknown source.

From Elain.

———————

Azriel’s head was thrown back, eyes closed. Cobalt siphons guttered and blazed, illuminating the overcast clearing in eerie blue light.

“Something’s not right,” Rowan growled, even as Aelin stepped closer to the pair.

The ground beneath their feet rumbled, and far across the clearing at the edge of the forest, a lone tree seemed to rot in a matter of seconds. Groaning and swaying even in the slightest of breeze that stilled the second that the Lovely Fawn had pressed her bloody palm to the spymaster’s.

A large, decayed branch fell heavily to the ground.

It was followed by another.

Rot and bloom and bones.

Life. And Death.

Something far away seemed to purr in the presence of such power. Something only recently hidden once again, stored away from prying eyes and thoughts, meant to be forgotten.

Elain’s eyes blinked open and Aelin Whitethorn Ashryver Galathynius actually stumbled backward.

Purely white eyes shot to the queen as golden light seemed to effuse from the very surface of the Seer’s skin.

“Holy gods,” Aelin swore quietly, regaining her balance and watching more and more of that golden light pour from Elain.

“Shit,” her mate muttered, panic darkening his emerald eyes. “She’s drawing from him.”

————-

“You’re killing him, Elain,” a deep voice spoke into her mind, or maybe it was her ear, as her spirit drifted somewhere else, digging deeper and deeper into the well of power that she had no idea had even existed.

I can’t control this, she thought desperately, clawing at the side of her mind as she fell down and down, further into that well of power and light and somewhere beneath it, a soothing, quiet place of darkness relenting to her.

It’s okay, a softer male voice echoed in her mind. Reaching all the way from that spot in her heart, from the fading darkness being violently flooded by light.

A pair of shaky, cool lips pressed a kiss to her forehead. As if to comfort her.

I love you.

It sounded more like goodbye.

Elain’s back arched as the strength of her power violently bent her spine, made her muscles seize as her body was no longer her own.

Yes, a smaller voice inside of her purred. Yes, this is right, this is good. Take, child. As you give, so shall you receive.

No, no, no, she moaned. This is too much, I’ll hurt him.

You do not need him for anything more than this.

I love him, she tried to scream back, but even her mental voice was weak and lost in the roaring tunnel as she fought to control her power. That unending dive into nothing and everything.

I love you, she pleaded back to the male voice in the darkness. Even though she knew not who she spoke to, she knew that her love for him overwhelmed her.

She fought to remember his name, forced it to the top of her mind. Her hand no longer felt where his touched hers.

Azriel. Yes, that was it. It was his voice who spoke to her. His darkness that she was devouring like a hungry beast.

He responded in turn, male and female voices lost in the in between, where the dark and light met.

I love you, I love you, I love you.

No, this could not be the last time that they exchanged those words. Not after all that they had been through.

No, Elain snarled. Whether it was out loud or merely to the voice dragging her down in her mind, she did not know.

Do not yield, Elain. A female voice pressed her from somewhere nearby.

You. Do. Not. Yield.

She would not. She would not let this to be the thing that broke them, that destroyed her. Too much waited for them on the other side of this war. Things that she had glimpsed interspersed between the violence of her visions - so soft it was if they were a mirage, and yet she latched on to them.

A feeling of the sun on her cheeks. The smell of a blooming garden. A scarred hand in hers. Endless little moments that could be theirs if they only held on.

She could do this. She could find it in her.

A scream howled out in agony as she fought that voice inside of her head, as somehow she found a foothold and held on for dear life.

Feeling began to return to her toes, to her fingertips where she could once again feel the larger, warmer palm still pressed against hers.

The light bursting forth from inside of her began to retract, leaving an empty space where the darkness once was.

As soon as her power released them both from its grasp, Elain opened her eyes, watching in horror as Azriel collapsed across from her as she fell to her knees. His wings bent at an odd angle beneath him, siphons guttered and empty.

Her shaking hand reached out for him, though it was all her weakened body allowed her to do.

Rowan and Aelin rushed forward, Rowan crouching over Azriel, checking the pulse on his neck and fingers, waving a hand over his parted mouth, while Aelin sunk to her knees beside Elain, Ashryver eyes clinically examining her for any external wounds.

Elain could hear Aelin asking her questions, but it was if the other female was speaking to her from underwater. A ringing filled Elain’s ear, the same panicked response that had overtaken her after she had sunk the blade into the King of Hybern’s neck.

Only now, it was not Cassian lying half dead in front of her, but Azriel.

Her Azriel.

As soon as she regained enough feeling in her limbs to move, she half crawled to him.

“What have I done?” Tears began to slip down Elain’s cheeks as she scrambled to touch Azriel wherever she could - pressing her tremoring hands to the pulse in his neck, his cold hands laying at his side, his barely moving chest.

Aelin crouched down next to her, the fae queen oddly calm with her resolute face set with a grim look, lips pressed together.

“This was not your fault, Elain.” The queen’s hand rested on Elain’s heaving shoulder. “He’ll be alright. He’s just drained, he’ll come to in a few minutes.”

“I- I couldn’t control it.”

Elain turned to the older fae with wide, panicked eyes. Hot tears continued to fall against her wishes, causing her cheeks to flush in embarrassment at her weakness in front of the legendary warriors next to her.

She was just a scared little girl. Nesta had been right, she could not be trusted to do anything more than sit like a pretty statue in the garden, drinking tea and doing as she was told.

What a fool she had been to believe anything else.

Rowan knelt down on Azriel’s other side, observing the pair across from him, silently watching over the group.

“Elain,” Aelin said firmly, gently grasping Elain’s chin in her hand to force her to look her in the eyes.

Elain’s body continued to shake, exhaustion and shock and panic holding her in a tight grip as she struggled to look at Aelin, only with great effort tearing her eyes away from Azriel’s unconscious form.

“We are not born knowing how to be rulers, or warriors, or wives or mothers.” Aelin’s teal eyes were alight as they held Elain’s in her grasp. “But we learn. We always learn. And so shall you learn this.”

“I am not strong enough,” Elain whispered fearfully suddenly exhausted.

“You have died and been reborn,” Aelin argued. “You are a kingslayer. You are a seer. You can do this, and we will help you. You are not alone, Elain.”

Elain thought of the male behind her. Of her nephew, safe back in Velaris, that is, safe if they fulfilled their mission. Of their family. Of their home, her home.

She found herself nodding as the tears dried on her cheeks.

“Good,” Aelin said softly, dropping her grasp on Elain’s chin.

When Elain turned back to Azriel, it was just in time for her to see his eyes begin to open.

A wild cry escaped from her lips as she fell over him, apologies spilling out as her curls fell around them both, her body curled protectively over his as Rowan turned away to give them privacy.

“I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry…” she repeated, her throat dry as she marveled at the color returning to his face, the light blue filling the empty siphons once again.

“You are incredible,” he managed to speak back in awe, a spark in his eyes even as he struggled to fully return to consciousness. Elain could have laughed. As if she had not just almost killed him.

She pressed a shaky kiss to his forehead, which was cool beneath her lips.

“I love you,” she mouthed as she pulled away.

Azriel offered her a weak smile as he gazed up at her through half-hooded eyes.

“I love you,” he echoed back to her silently.

She would fight, she decided as Azriel began to push himself up to his elbows.

For this, she would fight.

————

Back in the encampment, night had fallen and their group had returned to their respective quarters.

Rowan had just slipped under the covers when the flap to the their tent opened, and his wife slipped inside, a frown on her beautiful face.

He lifted an eyebrow, knowing he would not have to wait long to hear what was troubling his mate.

“If I had known what was between them, I might have advised against this little experiment,” Aelin huffed, looking at Rowan with a raised brow and crossed arms.

Rowan shrugged. “I thought it was obvious.”

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#elriel #elain archeron #pro elriel #azriel #acotar fanfiction #pro elain #elain x azriel #elriel fanfiction #azriel shadowsinger #elriel fic #elriel month 2023 #elriel month 23 #carranam #aelin x rowan

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fawnandshadows · 1 year

Text

How You Get The Girl

Chapter 8

Chapter 7

AO3

Warnings: Language, discussions about sexual situations.

THE NIGHT BEFORE

A loud shriek caused Elain to look up from her phone, her fingers quickly closing out of Instagram after posting the selfie of her and Azriel, and she looked over to see Mor dancing towards them with a red plastic cup in her hands.

“It’s time!” Mor called, reaching out a long arm to Elain. “The best part of the night!”

“What’s that?” Elain asked, looking at Azriel as she accepted Mor’s outstretched hand. She was sure that her wariness showed on her face, but she didn’t mind Azriel seeing it.

“Truth or Dare.” Azriel and Mor answered at the same time, but with vastly different levels of excitement. Azriel with begrudging amusement, and Mor with overwhelming anticipation.

Slowly, Elain got to her feet and let Mor drag her to where the rest of their make-shift family was congregated. Someone had turned the music down, and the impromptu dance floor had turned back into a living room.

Cassian sat reclined on the leather sofa while Nesta laid the other way, her bare legs outstretched on his lap with her feet hanging over the armrest.

Feyre sat with Rhysand on the floor, their legs touching as they whispered to each other.

Varian sat on a fuzzy beanbag chair with Amren perched on his lap.

Nyx was staying at his grandparents house — their mother had guilted Feyre into letting the toddler spend the night. Claiming that she needed some way to cope with Elain moving out.

She hated that her actions — her small grab at independence — was used to guilt Feyre.

Elain dropped onto the floor next to Feyre, letting go of Mor’s hand and placing her half-eaten plate of pizza on her lap.

Mor continued to the opposite side of the imperfect circle, but Azriel dropped down beside her. Rhysands dark head gazed at them for a moment before returning back to Feyre.

“Should I be scared?” Elain asked quietly, knowing that if any of them picked up on her fear it would be used against her, well Feyre wouldn’t do that. And neither would Azriel.

“Just remember,” Azriel started, leaning towards her as he set his cup down between them and balanced his pizza in his other hand. “Cassian takes an embarrassing amount of thirst traps, Nesta hates it when people talk about her toes, and Rhy — ”

“Elain!” Mor said, pointing spinning on her heels before falling into a crossed legged position. “Truth or Dare?”

“Um, truth?” Elain said, her fingers playing with the paper plate on her lap.

Generally, Elain had always thought that truth was the safest option, but that belief would be seriously in contention after the light that came to life in Mor’s eyes at Elain answer.

“Favorite sexual position?” Mor asked, amusement bright in her voice.

“You can always take a shot if you don’t want to answer!” Feyre interjected quickly, her head snapping away from Rhys as she heard Mor’s question. Her sympathetic blue eyes met her sisters. “Not that you would enjoy that.”

It’s true, Elain didn’t like to drink. It wasn’t that she had a bad experience, a horrific hangover that put her off alcohol for life, she just didn’t find it enjoyable. And she didn’t particularly find any benefit in it either, so she stayed away.

“I’ve,” Elain started and broke off with a swallow. “I’ve only ever done the basics,” All eyes turned to her as all the side conversations stopped. “So, I don’t know if I can really answer.”

“Define the basics, Applebee.” Cassian called from behind her, and he probably thought he was being encouraging, but he didn’t see the way her face twisted at his words.

“Uh, you know, missionary. Oral. That’s about it. So probably missionary. I wasn’t a fan of oral.”

“Yeah,” Amren said, sitting back against Varian, looking ridiculously tiny on his lap. “Blow jobs can be tedious. And it takes days for your jaw to not be sore anymore.”

Varian smirked softly behind her.

“No,” Elain shook her head. “I’ve never actually done that. I don’t like how oral feels. It freaks me out.”

Instant regret settled into her bloodstream as the atmosphere stilled, it was the same feeling Elain felt at the age of six when she confidently told Mrs. Jacobs that 7 times 7 was 94 in front of the entire class.

The kind of silence settled into the room that only ever followed an unknowing, well-intentioned faux pas.

“You don’t like receiving head?” Nesta asked — if she tried to keep her judgment at bay, then she failed immensely.

Elain’s face screwed and contorted as she looked down at the carpet.

“Is that a bad thing?” Elain asked, her voice shaking slightly. “It just felt awkward. Like I was getting poked, but Graysen only did it a few times.”

A scoff sounded through the room and Elain wanted to curl into herself and shut her eyes until everything drifted away.

“It has to be that prick,” Cassian said, not wanting to cause Elain further embarrassment, but not really thinking it through. “You just know he gives bad head. Remember how he ate the oysters at the fourth of July party last year? The dude was lost, imagine how he’d be at eating pussy?”

“That’s true.” Mor said from across the room. “Not everyone can be Azriel.”

Elain’s head snapped up at that. Her eyes lasering in on Mor, who casually took another sip of her drink.

“Huh?” Elain asked, her face burning and mind retching at the words.

It was known that Azriel had a thing for Mor…but…Elain didn’t think they did anything together…it was also known that Mor heavily preferred girls even if she was known to go home with a man every now and again.

But the thought of Azriel and Mor being together sexually made Elain feel lopsided.

“That’s what I’ve heard,” Mor said, smirking over the rim of her cup. “He has quite the reputation of giving the best head. Glowing reviews, really. Multiple orgasms is what I hear.”

“Hear?” Elain choked out. “People actually talk about—” She cut herself off at the thought of people gossiping over something so personal. Her stomach turned in on itself.

“No, not really,” Mor said like it was no big deal. “But the walls are thin and the girls are loud. Really, it just shows that Azriel is an inconsiderate roommate. But there’s always talk in security. And they always babble over comms about Azriel’s magical tongue.”

The large body next to Elain was incredibly still, but from the corner of her eye Elain say that his posture hadn’t change at all. He still appeared absurdly relaxed.

Elain couldn’t force herself to look at him directly. Not that this changed the way she felt about him, but she felt so intensely aware of his presence next to her — and he had been silent the entire conversation, it felt icky talking about his sex life while he just sat there and took it.

“Um,” Elain said, desperate to change the conversation. “Who’s turn is next?”

“Pick someone, Elain.” Feyre encouraged by her side.

“Cassian,” Elain turned to face Cassian, still relaxed on the couch with his hand on Nesta’s bare calf. “Truth or dare.”

A devilish smile spread across his face, “Dare.”

“Show us your camera roll.”

Cassian’s smile turned into a face-splitting grin as he unlocked his phone and tossed it to her.

“I have nothing to hide.” Cassian said, watching as she scrolled through endless photos of Cassian half-naked at the gym or in his bathroom or outside on a run. And then a photo of Cassian completely naked in front of the mirror.

The phone fell through Elain’s fingers and tumbled to the floor — she physically turned from where the phone landed as if to distance herself from the offending picture.

“I blame you for this.” Elain muttered to Azriel even though she couldn’t see him, her eyes were clenched as she tried to erase the picture from her mind.

“Dick pic?” Azriel asked, and Elain popped one eye open to see his sympathetic face. “Normally he keeps those in a locked folder.”

“He missed one.”

Elain was vaguely aware of the movement behind her as someone retrieved Cassian’s phone.

“Oh no,” Elain muttered to herself and continued at Azriel’s raised eyebrow. “This means that the last penis I’ve seen is Cassian’s.”

Azriel shuddered.

“Sorry, Peaches,” Cassian called from the couch. Elain turned back to her normal position and let her hair curtain her face to try and hide from the rest of the room. “Azriel, truth or dare?”

“Truth.” Azriel said calmly.

“Which piercing hurt the most?” Cassian asked, laughter in his voice. Elain became increasingly aware that there was an inside joke that everyone knew about but her.

Azriel groaned.

“Do you have to ask this every time?”

“Obvi.” Cassian said, a smirk clear as day in his voice.

“The frenum.”

Elain stilled at the words. Her head swiveled a bit as her eyes dropped to Azriel’s crotch for a second before turning away.

She didn’t hear the chatter going on around her, but eventually the conversation shifted and Elain found herself asking, “How many piercings do you have?” Too softly for anyone other than Azriel to hear.

“Quite a few in my ears,” Azriel said, and Elain took in the little paper clip that he had been wearing recently. It was one of her favorites. “A nipple. And the frenum.”

Elain’s teeth sank into her lip as she willed her gaze not to drop. Again.

“I only have my ears pierced,” Elain blurted out. “I like your paper clip. I think it’s cute.”

A scarred hand came up to tug on the piercing and Elain would have sworn that a blush stained his cheeks.

----------

tagging: @123moiaussi @fuckmelifesucks @thefangirlofhp@sakurakittypeach @nikethestatue @tswaney17 @impossiblescissorspeachpaper @feyredarlinq@duskwhisperer @nyxreads @rinadragomir @secretpuppyflower@captainbrucebanner @ultadverb @irisesforelain @shedoessoshedoes @magnolia-blossom87 @sheenabeene @nivem565 @casuallivi @rhysiedarling@elain99-blog @athena-85 @swankii-art-teacher @reverie-tales @jujugirlfrombookstore @shadowflorecita@shy-violet-soul @thisloveseternal

#elriel #elain x azriel #elain archeron #pro elriel #elriel fanfiction #azriel #elriel fanfic #fawnandshadows writing #elrielmonth #elrielmonth23 #elriel month 2023 #elriel month 23

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rhysanoodle · 2 years

Text

Between Light and Shadow

(Banner by the lovely @sncinder 💕)

Elriel’s story after ACOSF

Happy Elriel Month, lovelies! ❤️

Word Count: 2477

AO3

Chapter 31

Elain raised the biscuit to his mouth, and Azriel took a bite, the buttery cookie crumbling in his mouth, the chocolate melting beneath his tongue. He chewed slowly, cautiously, unsure how exactly this would manifest but savoring the experience nonetheless.

As he swallowed, he felt it. The warm tug in his abdomen tightening, a shower of gold annihilating his senses as he began to feel her. He took another bite, and another—each bit passing his lips strengthening the pull of her until he had consumed the entire thing.

It was then that he felt the burning hunger.

Azriel had thought that he needed Elain before, but it had never been this primal, this urgent. And through the bond, he could feel his own feelings mirrored in her. It was heady to feel such desire in return for him.

One could always tell from scents and other physical symptoms, but this was on another level entirely. The gravity between them was palpable, two large moons about to collide in the sweetest embrace.

“You’re my mate.” It was the first time he’d allowed himself to voice it aloud, the first time he’d dared.

“And you’re mine,” she murmured, her heady voice eating away at the core of him as his already erect cock stiffened even further. He was going to need to learn how to control that. Because, Cauldron, if this was his physical reaction to merely being in her presence now, they weren’t going to get a lot done. Maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing.

She cocked her head at him, eyes darting to the evidence in his pants, and it was his undoing. He pounced, nearly knocking the remaining cookies off the counter as he pressed her against it.

“Azriel,” she groaned as he ground against her, lips already frantically pecking at her neck. He was unhinged, completely and thoroughly unraveled with need for her. His mate. His gift from the Cauldron. It was unbearable to be so close and yet so far.

“Bed,” she insisted, and he realized he had never taken her there. They’d fucked all over this house, but he’d never given either of them that bit of normalcy. And even though he preferred to be in control, he obliged her, winnowing upstairs to the room she had resided in back when she’d lived in the townhouse.

But he wouldn’t give her the bed. Not yet. Azriel led Elain to the chair. They would still be doing this his way, and it would be the most beautiful torture for both of them. This was going to be an exercise in restraint for him as well—just in a different way. Shadows wrapped around her wrists and ankles, binding them to the armrests and chair leg.

***************

“I said bed,” Elain protested, causing Azriel to grip her chin and force her to look at him. It wasn’t enough to hurt, but it was enough to get his point across. He still wanted to play with her before he took her. She was starting to get an impression of how her mate worked—how he craved control in the bedroom.

“You’ll have to earn it, love,” he crooned, causing Elain to fake a pout. She would play his games as long as ...

“Then I get to take you how I want to,” she demanded, with more bravado than she felt. He was still completely in control of the situation, but she trusted him.

And Azriel trusted her too. “Deal.”

Darkness fell across her face, and she felt the familiar barrier of his shadow blindfold. Shadows tickled up the insides of her thighs, wriggling their way up her dress until they were caressing her in the most sensual of ways. The cool sensations were a direct foil to how she heated for him, her sex desperate for him but only given to wiggling against the bottom of the chair.

“The safe word’s porpoise,” he breathed in her ear, causing Elain to realize that he had moved behind her. She didn’t have time to wonder why he chose to use the name of the squealing aquatic mammals living off the coast before he had swept the loose hair off the back of her neck, his hot breath causing gooseflesh to rise around it as he kissed the length of her collar bone.

“You’re exquisite,” he murmured against her skin. “I promise you that everything I’m about to do is perfectly safe, but if you want me to stop for any reason, you know what to do, right?”

She nodded her ascent at the same time she let out an involuntary moan. He had just bitten the tender skin of her throat before kissing over it and moving away from her.

No—not away. But now he was kneeling before her, and she could feel his hands sliding up her thighs, the skin already primed from his shadows, and Elain squirmed in her seat but knew better than to demand that he take her right then. He would only delay them even further out of obstinance.

Instead of hooking on her undergarments like she wanted though, his hand paused at the sheath strapped to her thigh, where she wielded Truth-Teller.

Elain heard the soft whisper of the blade being pulled free before the icy-cold metal plane of the blade struck her thigh, causing her to curse in surprise.

Azriel paused, and once she had regained her bearings, Truth-Teller slithered down her leg, a viper coil to strike. But strike where, she did not know.

“Where should I start?” Azriel purred.

“Your exquisite thighs?” A flourish before his hand pulled out of her skirts.

“Your supple breasts?” The edge traced the underside of her bosom, slicing neatly through the fabric but nothing else.

“Your perfect neck?” The flat of the blade found her collar bone, and Elain shuddered beneath him, wriggling to break free of her bonds. She suddenly didn’t care about their agreement. The inferno in her sex needed kindling, and he was all that would do.

“None of that,” Azriel tutted. “We are dancing on a knife’s edge, love. You need to yield to me completely.”

Elain melted. She was loath to admit it, but he was right. He was a master with the blade, and though she trusted him to wield it, she might accidentally hurt herself by moving about.

Cauldron, he was going to be the death of her though. “I need you,” she pleaded, letting him in on the magnitude of her desire.

“I know,” Azriel whispered in her ear. “But you have to earn it. You know the rules.” She did, but that didn’t make it any easier. Not with cold blade and hot breath mingling in exquisite torture across her skin. Not when she hadn’t gotten to feel him inside her for weeks. Not when their mating bond was ringing loud and clear between them, amplifying every ache for him.

If only she had use of her hands, she could—

Azriel chuckled wickedly. “You’re not allowed to get yourself off either. That will be my pleasure.”

Truth-Teller snaked down her front, cold air assaulting her skin and peaking her nipples as the front of her dress was sliced clean in two, revealing her fully to him.

Elain’s breathing hitched as Azriel straddled her on the chair, his mouth lavishing on her nipple while the tip of the blade scraped along the side of her breast. The pain was tantalizing—not quite enough pressure being applied to break skin, but enough for her to feel the sting and to know with certainty that if she moved a millimeter, that might change.

It kept her still and compliant, only allowing the faintest of moans to escape her lips as he worked—a master through and through.

He mirrored his actions on the other side, the most exquisite, beautiful pain unleashing something within her as she clenched around nothing, desperate for relief.

“You like that?” he growled. “You like the feel of my blade against your skin? You like riding that edge?” He pulled away enough that Elain felt comfortable letting out a panting breath, the scrapes left behind by the knife already having healed over thanks to her Fae blood.

“Yes,” she admitted between pants. And she found it to be true. She knew he would never hurt her, but the small tinge of fear at having the blade so near combined with the trickle of pain and his pleasuring of her might have become her new favorite combination.

“Shall I continue?” Azriel slid down her front until he was kneeling between her legs. He kissed Elain right at the apex between her thighs, and she leaned into it, silently begging for his tongue to annihilate her.

“Answer, love.”

“Please,” she begged.

“There we are,” Azriel murmured, immediately rewarding her by kissing up her thighs, a sweeping heat flushing through her abdomen as he approached … And then retreated, repeating the motion on the other side. And when he was done, she felt the sting of the blade, languidly tracing his kisses. It scraped its way toward her sex, leaving her riding in anticipation of how far he would take it.

Elain let out a soft groan as it hit the edge of her lips, pausing there for a moment before he replaced it with a kiss. It set her ablaze.

“Azriel,” she croaked, barely able to form a comprehensible word as her world burned and burned.

“Yes, love?” She still shivered every time he called her that, but she didn’t get a chance to respond before ever-thoroughly he had Truth-Teller lazily climbing her other thigh. Every conscious thought fled her head as she focused on the knife.

It inched ever closer to her, a wicked promise.

And when it reached its destination, this time she felt the cold flat of the blade press directly against the core of her. It was an effort not to lean into the touch, knowing that any slip might slice her thighs, but it held there.

“I knew you loved my blade,” Azriel growled as he pulled it away, sheathing Truth-Teller in the holster on her thigh. “Look how wet you are for it. For me.” A finger plunged inside her, and Elain swore, clenching around it for dear life.

His other arm grabbed her backside, scooting her until she was perched on the edge of the chair. His finger continued its plundering, and his lips took her clit, suckling as Elain saw stars behind her eyelids.

He grazed it with his teeth as he added another finger, hooking them in just the right place that had her exploding uncontrollably for him, the moans completely unrestrained as she let him know just what he was doing to her—how much she loved how he worshiped her body.

He didn’t let up, guiding her through her orgasm but only slowing enough for her to recover before increasing his pace again.

Elain, already riding the knife’s edge, felt an even deeper burning ember in her core. It sparked almost immediately, as she rode the wave to completion once again, the sweet heat filling her from the inside out.

“My turn,” she gasped out when Azriel showed no signs of letting up. He had to be about to explode in his own pants, and she wanted to be the one to make that happen for him.

His tongue and fingers slowed, only grazing with languid, taunting strokes. “I mean it, Azriel. Bed. Now.”

Her restraints disappeared, and she caught a cocky grin on her mate’s face before she stood on shaky legs and pushed him down onto the sheets.

***************

It had been an exercise in willpower to hold onto his own release at the noises Elain had made—at the taste of her sweet pussy coating his tongue. But he had held out, even though he could feel how the danger of playing with Truth-Teller—even dulled by his magic as it had been—ignited something within her.

He had carved up enemies with this blade, but never caressed a lover. She was the only one who had touched this blade and lived to tell the tale. She always would be. The thought had his balls aching even harder as she straddled him on top of the bed.

No one had ever taken him like this before. He always maintained control. Always. But there was something freeing about letting his mate take control from him. For allowing them to be equals—as fate had deemed them.

Her flushed face gazed down at him lovingly, a curtain of hair spilling over one shoulder as she mounted him, slipping over him as easily as breathing.

It took all of Azriel’s strength of self to hold on, the tight silk of her pressing in on all sides felt glorious around his cock.

Placing her hands on his chest, she began to move on him, slowly pulling out until the tip was only hanging on by a thread before lowering herself once more. Each thrust was more of an undoing as Azriel grabbed her ass, helping to guide her as she rode him.

“I love you, Azriel,” she breathed between pumps, and he swore he could practically see the bond between them, growing and glowing as she closed her eyes and thrust her head back, those unraveling little moans sending him over the edge. It was everything he’d ever needed and more.

And maybe this kind of sex was something he could actually stomach now, with her holding him through it.

After he came inside her, they laid there for minutes. “Did you ever expect anything like this?” she asked him.

“Never,” he dared to admit. “But I’m so glad I have this. That it’s with you.” He would love her until he was no more than a shadow himself, a wisp floating on the night air. She was his everything.

“Me neither. I don’t think I ever allowed myself to dream of loving a mate. It all seemed so primal and controlling, but with you, it’s easy.”

Easy.

Nothing had ever been easy for him before now. But it fit. She fit perfectly, the missing puzzle piece he’d searched centuries for.

“It can still be primal,” he growled in a way that had her giggling as he nipped at her throat. Just the sight of her naked form next to him had him becoming erect again. He’d heard a fresh bond made males into sex-addled dimwits, but he hadn’t quite imagined how lost he would be for her now.

And as his kisses deepened, he could scent her readying herself for him again.

“Come here,” he growled, flipping her so she was facedown, bent over the edge of the mattress. Oh, he was going to have fun playing out his fantasies with her for as long as they could remain sequestered here. So much fun.

***************

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***************

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#elriel #elain archeron #azriel #a court of thorns and roses #acotar #acomaf #acowar #acofas #acosf #fanfic #my fic #blas #between light and shadow

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mardereads19 · 3 years

Text

Elriel Masterlist 🌸🦇

Discussions:

Elriel Stakes

A Comparison Between Az’s Chapter and Cassian’s Chapters in Acofas

Elriel Propaganda (Counter Argumenting Gwynriel propaganda from the comments of one of posts.)

Elain Did not “Ditch” Nesta

Why Elriel for Me + Mate Parallels

Elain, Az, Gwyn, and the Necklace

Elain Choosing to Live With Feyre (collab with @lily-mj-fae 🌹)

Elain Has Always Been Capable

Why the Mentality of “Elain is Lucien’s Mate So She Should at Least Give Him A Chance” Is So Wrong

If You Are Still Doubting (Elain’s Book)

The image of truth between elriel

Theories:

Elain Will Fight the Blood Duel Herself

Elucien’s Mating Bond (Spell?)

SJM’s multiverse will come together

Truth-Teller as the Fourth Object of the Dread Trove

More Dusk Court/Fourth Dread Trove Forshadowing

Rosehall (I’ve changed my mind about a lot of things since I first wrote this, but I would still like to have it here)

Elriel Months (oneshots in chronological order):

Just Breathe (day 13)

Forbidden (day 4)

The Distance Between Us (day 10)

Your Sacrifice (day 20)

Adoption (day 9)

Rosehall (day 1)

Field of Flowers (day 6)

Your Ivy Grows (day 22)

Teach Me How to Fly (day 18)

Meet Me in the Silence (day 5)

Depth of Your Eyes (day 23)

Against Your Morning Skin (day 28)

I Will Take Your Pain (day 16)

Playing with Shadows (day 24)

Romeo and Juliet (day 17)

Hold Your Hand While Dancing (day 29)

Your Lips on My Scars (day 2)

Baby, Kiss It Better (day 26)

Explosion of Power (day 15)

Spies at Work (day 3)

Drunk and in Love (day 11)

Invisible String (day 8)

“Azriel” (day 25)

Kingslayer (day 31)

The Stars As Witnesses (day 5)

Discovery of the Bond (day 30)

Pink: My Favorites

Elriel Playlist:

Rewrite the Stars ✨

A Whole New World 🌌

Ivy 🌿

Out of the Woods 🌲

If I Never Knew You 🌸🍃

Cruel Summer ☀️🌹

Minefields 💥

Beautiful ♥️

Dancing with Our Hands Tied 🌙

West Side ☀️

Secret Love Song, Pt. II 💔

Ours 💙

Uncover 🌹

Army ⚔️

Sinners 💕

So It Goes… 🔮

Stand By You 🦋

Willow 🌳

Roses 🥀

Lay All Your Love on Me 💞

Coffee ☕️

La Vie En Rose 💖

Goosebumps 💗

Lightning ⚡️

I Almost Do (TV) 💔

Love Will Find A Way 💘

Illicit Affairs 💔

For Laughs:

SJM at the end of Acosf

Who the next book is really about

Kiss the Girl

#masterlist #elriel

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feyredarlinq · 3 years

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elriel month, day 23: depth of your eyes

#elrielmonth #elrielmonth21 #elriel #elain x azriel #elain archeron #azriel #acotar #acomaf #acowar #acofas #cr pins: loureids #mp

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enchantmentandshadows · 3 years

Text

Elriel Month | Day 23: Depth Of Your Eyes

WORD COUNT: 1316

CONTENT WARNING: NONE

PLAYING ON AZRIEL’S SYMPHONIA : “MILES APART” - NICK WILSON

PLAYING ON ELAIN’S SYMPHONIA : “MINEFIELDS” - FAOUZIA & JOHN LEGEND

“El, you will always see and I will always hear the things that others overlook. Perhaps that is the gift and the curse of our love, but the secrecy that gives others cause to doubt our love will serve as the shield that allows our love to continue in the shadows, until it can dazzle in the light.”

Elain slid her fingers through Azriel’s dark hair, smiling as she heard the low rumbling from his chest. “Purring like a kitten, my fierce Illyrian warrior…” She said softly, teasing him as he lay with his head on her lap, eyes closed as they sat together in Mother’s Meadow. The sea of bioluminescent blooms in every color imaginable swaying around them in the gentle breeze as they watched the stars.

Azriel smiled, eyes still closed as he reached up, gently taking her left hand and placing kisses at her wrist, her palm and finally those 3 little stars that hid on the underside of her ring finger. “Best deal of my life.” He said, smiling up at her. Elain smiled down at him, her eyes tracing over the plains of his handsome face, committing them to memory just as they were in this moment, that smile held in her heart and in her memory to hold her over until they would be able to see one another again.

“Mine too, both of them.” She joked with a smirk.

“I’m surprised nobody has seen it yet.” He mused, his finger gently tracing over the tiny stars before looking at his own.

Elain chuckled. “I’m not, my hands are usually covered with soil or flour.” Her smile faltered slightly, she felt a pang in her chest as she thought of the two things she had missed the most in the past few torturous months-besides Azriel, of course. Her time in the garden had lost so much of its warmth now that he was no longer allowed to join her, and while she still enjoyed her time in the kitchen, sitting down to dinner was a regular reminder of the agonizing absence in her life, made clear by the empty seat at her side every night.

“El?” he said, concern lacing his voice as he looked up and saw her silver lined eyes, the glowing flowers around them reflected back at him.

“Sorry, I’m sorry.” She said quietly, shaking her head and quickly wiping her tears away.

“You have nothing to apologize for, El.” He said, moving to sit behind her, his arms wrapping around her and holding her to him. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head as he felt her hands move to hold onto his arm.

“I don’t like to waste time being sad when we’re together.” She said, sniffling.

“I know, neither do I, but who understands what we're going through more than one another?” he reasoned, his thumb making comforting strokes over her arm as he held her.

Elain nodded, letting the quiet tears fall as she took a deep breath. She didn’t want her sadness to steal the happiness she should be feeling in the moments that they could be together. “I’m ok now.” She said, rubbing her hand over his arm, knowing that he felt the same painful longing that she did. Sometimes, she could swear that she felt his as well as her own.

He smiled as she leaned back into him, resting her back against his chest, her hand coming to rest on his bent knee and giving it a gentle squeeze. “I’m sorry that we can’t go out and I can’t take you out in the daytime anymore. Secrecy doesn’t leave us many options, I’m afraid.”

“It’s alright.” She said, her tears gone and her happiness returning. She could lay like this forever if they were allowed. “I loved going places with you and I wish we still could, but more than anything I just want to be with you.” She shook her head again and he knew she was scolding herself, he could feel the mix of shame and heartache emanating from her and he held her more tightly to himself. If she felt herself slipping away, he would always be there to anchor her.

“I just want to be near you, to touch you-“ her voice caught and he felt the tears drop onto his arm. “to hear your voice.”

“I watch them everyday.” She said, her voice barely a whisper. “They all take it for granted now, they don’t realize it but they do.”

“I know.” It was all he could say. Elain was right and he knew it, but neither of them could truly begrudge their family of the happiness that they had found. Their siblings had overcome their own challenges, had struggled and fought to protect and defend their love and now it was their turn.

“I just want to be able to reach my hand over and find yours there, I miss feeling my heart flutter when I would hear your voice in the next room.” She said with a wistful smile.

Azriel pressed a kiss to her shoulder and sighed. “Our time will come, El, I promise.” He said softly, holding his pinky up. He smiled when he felt her shoulders shake with a quiet laugh as she linked her pinky with his.

“You know this isn’t exactly as binding a promise as I led you to believe.” She said, pressing a kiss to their linked pinkies.

“It is when I make it.” He said as he looked up, closing his eyes as he thought carefully. “We will have grand declarations of love, dramatic scenes, romantic kisses, and all the hand-holding that you can stand when this is all over.”

“Heartbeats, don’t forget the heartbeats.” She said, turning slightly to rest her ear against his chest.

“And heartbeats.” He conceded, pressing a kiss to her head.

Elain nodded. “Can’t wait to be near you all the time, to just…be allowed to exist with you.” She said, slowly tracing the lines of his tattoos over his sweater-she had them memorized. “I miss your eyes in the daylight, the browns and golds and greens. Like an enchanted forest on the way to your soul.”

“A forest filled with lovely wildflowers and a sweet little doe with sparkling eyes of swirled copper and chestnut.” He answered.

Elain blushed and snuggled into his chest, sliding her arms around him. “Can we stay until sunrise?” she asked, her heart aching to see the light in his eyes that she missed so much.

“I think that can be arranged.” He said, his voice like velvet as he pulled a blanket from the shadows and draped it over her.

They stayed in each others arms until the sun rose and crept over the hill, and the bright glow of the flowers around them dimmed and faded completely, leaving them in a normal field of wildflowers again.

Azriel gently tipped Elain’s chin up, the sunlight flaring in his eyes as he pressed his lips to hers and she returned the kiss, her heart fluttering like a thousand butterflies as his tongue caressed hers. Each kiss and caress fueled by weeks spent apart, flickers of that yearning and restrained passion drifting to the surface with every touch until they finally parted, breathless and panting, foreheads resting against one another, eyes closed and lips still tingling.

Azriel smiled down at her, the sunlight kissing her cheeks, matching the brightness of her smile now. Elain reached up to caress his cheek gently as if it felt different in the daylight or maybe to commit this version of him to her memory as well.

He leaned in and kissed her tenderly once more. “El, you will always see and I will always hear the things that others overlook. Perhaps that is the gift and the curse of our love, but the secrecy that gives others cause to doubt our love will serve as the shield that allows our love to continue in the shadows, until it can dazzle in the light.”

She stared up at him, returning his tender kiss and yearning for the day they no longer had to hide their love in the shadows and she could let herself blissfully sink into the depth of those eyes any time she wished.

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