#starfall week

[copypastus]

I was very amused when through fandom events I realized starfall is supposed to take place at the first day of SPRING. How could I not insert a lil Tamlin? Works for either @starfallweek or @feyreweekofficial

#my art #acotar #acotar fanart #tamlin #rhysand #feyre archeron #my heart yearns for a timeline where everyone gets along #or at least they have fights that are more silly #honestly great event timing! made me want to participate #starfall week #feyreweek2024

[acourtofwhatthefuck]

Name Your Price — Amren x Reader (Starfall Week)

Hiiii! Here’s my little piece for @starfallweek 2024. I hope you all like it 💕my beautiful soulmate @greeneyedivy helped me name it 💅🏻

I used the prompt “character A finally makes a move on character B”. I’ve never written for Amren before so this was quite fun!

Warnings: None.

Word Count: 3.9k

“You’re sure you don’t want me to fly you back up?”

Cassian cocks an eyebrow at you, the steadiness of his hold dissipating as he tugs his arms from around you. Though your feet are on solid ground, it takes a moment for your equilibrium to right itself. Being in the skies is something you haven’t yet become accustomed to, despite three of your closest friends sporting wings. And being flown on Starfall is an experience entirely of its own.

“You’ll miss the best part,” Cass complains, peering up at the dark canopy above you. The sky is beginning to stir as the stars ready themselves for their journeys. It won’t be long before they’re soaring and crossing.

And tempting as it is to stay and watch the sight that never lessens in its magnificence, you feel…different this year. Like there’s somewhere else you ought to be. Someone else you ought to be with.

“I’m sure,” you dip your chin. “You go, Cass. Enjoy it.”

But he doesn’t move. He studies you head to toe, studies every shred of effort you put into your appearance — hair and makeup perfected, a stunning outfit hugging your body. You feel beautiful, no doubt — and yet you’re leaving after a mere hour of drinking on the balcony with your friends.

“You know she’s just going to be holed up in her apartment with the curtains drawn,” Cass says. “She hates Starfall.”

You cock an eyebrow. “Who?”

“You know who.”

Amren.

Is it little bit humiliating that you’re so damn transparent? Perhaps. But Cass is one of your closest companions — you can hardly expect him to believe that you’re simply leaving to return to your own home and switch your stunning dress for your pyjamas.

You shrug a shoulder. “I just want to check on her, is all.”

“Hmm,” your friend’s lips twitch. “I’m sure.”

With a roll of your eyes, you swat his ludicrously huge arm. “Go back to the party,” but you lean up to press a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you — for flying me.”

“Good luck with the tiny little rain cloud. She’ll be even crankier tonight than usual.”

With a lopsided smirk and a fond — and annoying — mussing of your hair, he launches back into the sky and heads back to the House of Wind. You stare after him, wondering if you’re making the right choice.

Because when Amren says she wants to be left alone, she means it. But…you don’t know. Things have been changing. Things have been…different.

This is your third Starfall, since your move to the Night Court after the war. A native of the Day Court, it had surprised you to find yourself so at home in a place of starlight, so opposite to what you’d always known. But as one of Helion Spell-Cleaver’s nearest and dearest, you’d worked closely with Rhysand and his Inner Circle during those fraught times of battle and bloodshed — and bonded with them far more than you’d ever expected yourself to. Become an honorary member of their unit, so to speak.

And when Rhysand had courteously invited you for a visit to Velaris after the war was over, you’d known from the second your feet had touched the cobbled streets — this was where you were supposed to be.

Three years later, with a home here, a job as a Night courtier…it was hard to imagine you’d ever been anywhere else.

And perhaps the most notable and unexpected connection you’d forged was the one you had with the with the tiny creature whose barbed, edged words were — you’d learned — a sign of affection.

You did not understand Amren one bit. She was a mystery you couldn’t puzzle out, a being that was sometimes so harsh, it was hard to believe she had any warmth in her at all. But Rhysand giving the two of you a subject he’d needed you to research together had brought you closer, over the recent months. Had shredded through that trepidation you’d once felt around her and shifted it into something…different. Something exciting.

You find that try as you might, you can’t stay away.

And that’s how you find yourself strolling those cobbled streets of Velaris, dressed up to the nines and stars beginning to burst above you. You could be spectating the brilliant sight with your friends, but something tugs you towards the other side of the city. To the loft apartment with the sloping windows and the strange, intriguing female who dwells within

Indeed, as you approach, you find those windows to be blacked out. Blocking out the sight of what is occurring in the skies. You almost smile, but now you’re nervous and second-guessing yourself a little. You could turn away, go home — in all likelihood, Amren won’t want to see you.

But tonight feels different. Tonight feels like a reckoning.

So you swallow your nerves and decide you’re doing this.

✧: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

You knock once, and a voice that is both nightmare and fantasy calls out, “Go away!”

Not unusual for Amren. She tells guests to go away, even when she’s invited them.

So you brace a hand against the door and call back, “It’s me.”

There’s a beat. And then small footsteps are padding closer. There are the sounds of bolts being undone, locks clicking. Whatever it is Amren feels she needs keep out is little more than a distant thought as she yanks the door open just a tad and eyes you suspiciously through the gap. Her steely gaze takes in your dress, hair, makeup. She lifts her chin.

“Why are you here?” she asks.

You shrug. Feel a little pathetic as you answer, “I thought I’d come see what you’re up to.”  

“Why.”

“Perhaps I find your company to be just slightly more scintillating than Cassian’s.”

At that, there’s the briefest twitch of her lips. She masks it expertly. “A dead rat has more to offer in the way of company than that boy.”

You snort, rubbing at your arms. Goosebumps are pebbling your skin. The air is too brisk to comfortably be stood in for too long.

Amren studies you again, and too quickly for you to register, she’s widening the gap in the door and yanking you in by the front of your dress. She slams the door shut and gets to work refastening the bolts, sliding across the chains, securing every lock. It’s all you can do to stand and watch.

And then she turns to face you with a neutral expression — one that says that if you find anything peculiar about her behaviour, shut the fuck up. You know she won’t tell you what’s got her so on edge, so you don’t bother asking.

Instead, you turn, still rubbing at your chilled skin, and study the general disarray of her huge, open-plan studio apartment. Her bed is unmade, her trinkets and baubles scattered across various surfaces. And on the numerous overlapping rugs that cover the floor, a gathering of books, some stacked in a pile, others tossed aside, a few open on certain pages. It would seem she is spending the night going over your recent research.

“Perhaps a drink?” you ply, angling away from the mess.

She quirks a dark eyebrow. “Tell me, what is it about you and the others barging into my home and making demands of me?”

“I believe it’s customary to offer your guests refreshments.”

“I believe I didn’t ask for guests in the first place.”

Her words, to anyone outside your circle, would sound so sharp, so harsh. But you know Amren, now. That last sentence vaguely translates another meaning: I wasn’t expecting guests, but thank you for coming. Of course I’ll get you a drink.

Not that she’d ever say that in a million fucking years.

She saunters past you, towards the kitchen area. As she goes, she closes the open books and throws them onto the stacks. Picks up empty glasses.

“Don’t clean up on my account,” you say, knowing full well that she isn’t.

“I’m not,” she confirms. “I don’t want your clumsy feet treading on anything,” she places the empty glasses in the sink and turns to you. “What do you want to drink? There’s wine, wine, or wine.”

“I’ll have the wine, then.”

With the barest incline of her head, she turns her back to you. While she’s occupied, you take a moment to study the covered windows, everything that blocks out what’s occurring outside. Even the skylights are covered, and your lips twitch at the thought of her wrestling her way up there to fasten drapes over them.

It’s all so methodical, so thought out. And though you know she’d probably never tell you, you can’t help wanting to break down that barrier and know the more vulnerable side to her that is so unsettled by this holiday.

A glass is placed in your hand, and you clear your throat, ripping your gaze away from the skylight — but not fast enough for Amren not to notice.

“It unsettles me,” she says drily, surprising you.

You try your hardest not to blink at the offered snippet of information. “What does?”

“Starfall. What it is. What it signifies.” Taking a slow sip of her wine, she sits on the rug. You follow suit. “Those stars, beings, whatever you want to call them…they are on a journey. Going from one place to another. Perhaps from one world to another. That was once me.”

“…and that unsettles you…”

“Perhaps I know one of them, from many, many years ago. Perhaps they are an associate of a time and a world long-forgotten. A past friend or foe or—”

“A lover?” you supply. You’re not sure you mean to say it.

But Amren’s grey eyes slide to you, and one side of her mouth lifts into a wicked grin, bearing sharp white teeth. “Does that surprise you?”

“Yes. No. I suppose I know nothing of your personal relationships. Of what you like.”

“I like what I like, and I hate what I don’t like.”

You stare at her, thoroughly annoyed and thoroughly entertained. Speaking with Amren is so often trickery and riddles. No matter how much you may feel like you’re getting somewhere, she always leads you on a merry dance that circles you back to the first step.

“And what of you?” she asks, surprising you.

Your eyes snag on the way her razor-sharp black hair moves as she angles her head. The ends tickle the column of her long, creamy neck, adorned with a jewelled necklace. For one moment, for some reason, the sight makes your head empty.

But you shake yourself out of the bizarre reaction and ask, “What of me?”

“What do you like?” Amren asks.

You almost snort as you take a long sip of your wine. Amren is simply not somebody who asks questions about other people very often. And the topic of your love life seems like one that would be trivial and pointless to her.

“Are you asking because you want to know?” you smile. “Or to be polite?”

Another flash of those brilliant teeth. “Have you ever known me to be polite?”

“I suppose not, no.”

“So tell me, girl, what takes your fancy?”

Draining your glass, you set it aside and lounge back, bracing yourself on your hands. And perhaps the wine is already commanding your mind and blurring lines — because it tells you to glance down at the full lips in front of you, painted with red that’s deepened by the dark nectar she sips at.

You do.

Amren watches. The air seems to shift.

“Pour me another glass,” your voice comes out huskier than you intend, “and I’ll tell you.”

✧: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

“Lions?”

Rare, for Amren to sound like anything besides being perpetually bored. An hour or so later — and too many glasses later — the two of you are sprawled back on the rug, staring at the ceiling.

“Helion keeps lions?” she turns her head to quirk an eyebrow at you.

“Yes,” you answer with a laugh in your voice. “Very real, very fucking huge lions.”

“I rather thought that Pegasuses were his thing.”

“They are. But his lions are a prided jewel of his — and a court secret that I absolutely should not be sharing with you.”

Her petite, lithe body rolls onto its side. She crooks her arm at the elbow and rests her chin there, staring at you through glazed, grey eyes.

It takes only a beat of eye contact for you both to break into laughter.

This is…unusual. And nice. Though the two of you have undoubtedly been growing closer, Amren always has a glass wall up that allows you to peer through but not penetrate. Tonight is the first night that you feel that…that you might be on the other side of that wall. That she might be letting her guard down for you.

You like it. A lot.

The laughter thinning out, she stares at you. It’s a little strange to see those sharp, angled features not appear harsh and ready to slice at anyone. She appears…open. Almost normal.

“Lions,” she repeats, in something like wonderment. “And they just roam about his private estate? Are they tame?”

“He has sprawls of private land on which they can roam freely,” you tell her. “That land is guarded very well, from anyone he doesn’t wish to share the sight with. The lions are very tame. There’s a rumour — though I never got Helion to confirm it — that they once walked on two legs and spoke our language. That thousands of years ago, a curse bound them to their feline form that even Helion’s vast libraries hold no answer to cracking. And since they weren’t able to break the curse, he and his predecessors set to ensure that they would, at least, always be safe and accommodated and able to live comfortably as they are. If it’s true, they seem perfectly happy in their lion bodies.”

“So Helion allowed you access to them? What are they like?”

You smile — at the images that the question conjures up, and the fact that you hold Amren’s interest enough for her to ask it at all. It makes you feel…proud, somehow. Like the cat that got the cream.

“Amazing,” you rest your arms behind your head, taking yourself back to that private land on which you spent so much time — just you and the lions. “They’re just…regal. The males have huge, brilliant manes. The females are so lithe and elegant. The cubs are painfully adorable. There are families of them. Sometimes, they fight. Often, they play. They love to snooze in the sun and frolic in the long grass. The youngsters love splashing each other in the lake. If they recognise you as someone they can trust, you can comfortably sit with them and stroke their fur. They especially like you if you bring them food.”

There’s such a long pause as Amren takes in your words that after a short while, your eyes slide to her, half expecting to find her asleep. But she simply stares at you. Quiet. Assessing.

“I think I would like to see lions,” she says after a moment. To her, it seems to be a huge confession. Something not easy to admit.

You study the perfect lines of her face. That face that appears in your thoughts when you’re trying to sleep, think about absolutely anything but her. You’re not sure you like how drawn you are to her. She’s so unreachable that it only makes you reach harder. So difficult to work out that sometimes, you question if she delights in your company at all.

It is, after all, you who always seeks her out. Since you began your research together, it’s been you who has found excuses to see her.

You who barged your way into her home tonight, while stars collided above you.

And you who might do something unwise if you stay any longer.

You clear your throat, breaking eye contact. Your head feels as though it’s filled with cotton as you sit up and announce, “Perhaps I should go.”

Amren pauses. “Why?”

“I didn’t mean to take up your entire evening.”

“You could stay,” she also sits up, tucking her legs beneath her. “You never did tell me what it is you like.”

You take a moment to just…breathe. You’re not used to Amren being so…warm. It’s dangerous. Exciting. You don’t know if it’s safe.

Slowly, you turn on the floor to face her. “I’m not sure you’d appreciate the answer.”

A dark eyebrow arches. She likes doing that. “Tell it to me anyway.”

Should you? Maybe it wouldn’t be a bad thing. Maybe you’ll tell her that thoughts of her keep you awake, not in the forms of nightmares but in the allure of fantasies. Maybe then she’ll cease all work she does with you, and distance herself from you, and you can rid yourself of these feelings—

“You are what I like,” you speak quickly, flushing hot. “Who I like. I was thankful when Rhysand tasked us to work together, because I was already drawn to you. It seems I can’t stay away—”

A flash of dark hair, the potent scent of perfume and wine, are the only warnings you get before Amren is in your face, her perfect mouth sliding over yours. Wine is the overpowering taste of the kiss, but there are hints of other things behind it — sweet vanilla and something floral.

It takes you by surprise, no doubt. But you push the shock away and sink into the rightness of it. Your shoulders slump, body loosening. You slide a hand up to tentatively cup Amren’s cheek, and you kiss her back.

What starts out slow and explorative quickly builds into something that steals the very air from your lungs. Your bodies seem to move in perfect synchronisation, finding the right positions from which the kiss can deepen and grow. Amren kneels between your legs, and a sharp tooth gives the slightest, twinging bite to your lower lip — one that makes you gasp.

The act is deliberate. She slides her tongue into your mouth, folding it around yours. Your tastes mingle until you’re not sure which is yours and which is hers, and that simply will not do. You want her on your tongue. The flavour of her skin and that scent of hers that is quickly growing stronger, thicker, shifting into something else that you would commit sins to taste.

Your fingers sink into Amren’s hair, and she makes a low noise that could be a warning or a plea. The strands, despite always looking sharp enough to slice through rock, are silken, soft. You fist them in your palm and tilt her head back to kiss her deeper.

But she pulls away, her heavy breaths landing on your lips. Her eyes meet yours, and it’s the first time you see her looking anything besides…steeled. Composed.

She looks flustered. Like pulling away from your mouth was the last thing she wanted to do.

“I don’t know what this means,” she blurts.

The admission makes you pause. You agree, “Neither do I.”

“No—not just this. What you do to me. I don’t know what any of this means,” she narrows her eyes at you, almost accusatory. “Emotions like these have always felt pointless to me, but you…”

“…but me?”

“You…” the word is leaden on her tongue. “You are different.”

Her gaze slides to your mouth again, and you can tell that her comfort is in articulating her feelings with actions, not words.

And that is just fine by you.

Like she reads the encouragement straight from your thoughts, a breathy word escapes her. “Yes.”

And then she’s fastening her lips on yours again and stamping out every shred of confusion. No matter what either of you are unable to say, the dance of your mouths can speak it all. For now, no more than that is necessary.

Amren kisses you, and you kiss her. It’s deep, desperate, yearning. It’s bigger than anything and everything. The stars that race through the sky pale in comparison.

This is the real beauty of this night. The real thing you had hoped for. It could end no better way.

You kiss until your mouths are bruised and tender. Until the taste of wine is gone, and there’s nothing but the two of you on your tongues. For all you know, the rest of the world outside this apartment could have disappeared. You’re not sure you care.

You’re the one to pull away this time, but you don’t move far. You part your lips to gulp down breaths and press your forehead to Amren’s. Your voice is a rasp as you joke, “You better not be kissing me just so I’ll show you the lions.”

She laughs — actually laughs. It’s a short, brusque chortle, but it makes you glow with pride.

But she quickly sobers. Her face is serious once more, her eyes drinking you in.

“I’m kissing you, girl,” she says, “because I think about you too much. Because the very first time I laid eyes on you, it scared me — what I might do to look at you forever.”

You try to mask your surprise. You hadn’t realised—

“It was me who suggested to Rhysand that you and I should work together,” she admits. She pulls back a little, as if urging you to read the honesty on her face. “It felt pathetic and foolish, but I did it to be close to you. I can’t stop myself wanting to be close to you.”

Exactly the same feelings you had tortured yourself with all this time. To think that Amren had agonised over it just as you had is comforting, somehow.

You reach out a hand, pinching a strand of her soft hair between your fingers. She watches the action closely.

“Don’t stop yourself wanting it,” you say, not at all sure that it isn’t a plea. “Don’t stop yourself, when I want it, too.”

“…I’m not used to being…unsure of things.”

“Embrace it,” you offer a smile. “Have fun with it.” With me.

She stares at you, brooding and calculating. You wait for her to decide that this is too out of the realms of familiarity. She won’t allow herself to be so vulnerable.

But then she moves her hand to yours — the one still touching her hair. Slowly, tentatively, she laces your fingers together. She stares down at your joined hands as though the sight is alien, fascinating.

“Stay,” she eventually says, glancing up at you. There’s an undertone in her voice, an inference.

“…the entire night?” you hedge. You try to keep the hopefulness out of your tone.

Her red lips lift into a smirk, grey eyes glimmering. “On one condition.”

“Name your price.”

Your heart picks up as she leans in again. Her hair tickles your cheek, and she watches closely as your skin flushes at the proximity. Her lips hover against yours.

But instead of kissing you, she whispers four words that land straight on your waiting mouth.

“Show me the lions.”

#starfall week #starfall week 2024 #starfall #amren #amren acotar #amren x reader #amren fic #acotar #acotar series #a court of thorns and roses #acotar fandom #acotar x reader #acotar writing #acotar fanfic #acotar headcanon #acotar fic #prompt

[honeybeefae]

Bigger Than The Whole Sky (Cassian x Reader)

Summary// This entire year had been devastating for you and your mate. On more days than not you found yourself laying in bed, the pillow wet with tears, while Cassian stroked your hair and whispered soft words into your ear. You were so ready to give up, to crumble away like sand against the waves of grief, until you discover something that gives you and him hope.

(I know this is a few days late but I wanted to get it right! This is very angst heavy, I’m just going to warn you. It has a happy ending but it deals with the loss of a child, miscarriage, etc. As a mom who lost her first child, this fic is almost cathartic to me. It was years ago but that kind of pain never leaves you and although I don’t know if anyone who reads this has gone through this, statistically 1 in 4 women will suffer through this. This is for you, or for anyone going through grief)

@starfallweek Prompt: Character A swears they recognize one of the stars blazing past when Character B is trying to tell them something important. 

WARNINGS: Angst, Miscarriage, Blood, Death, Vomit, Pregnancy, ending is hopeful

The curtains in the room billowed in the calm breeze, the sun streaming into a room that was full of darkness. You stared blankly at the door of your bedroom, listening to the soft snores of your mate while you furiously rubbed at your eyes to keep yourself awake.

It was the same every single night. You would try to sleep, your entire being exhausted from just existing, only to be plagued by the nightmares that replayed the night over and over again. No tea, herb, or medicine seemed to help, and every night you were edging closer and closer to the edge.

You quietly got up when your eyes tried to shut once more, walking over to the open balcony doors and stepping into the outside air. The warmth of the sun warmed your skin and kissed your face, making you briefly smile, until you laid a hand over your empty womb.

“Cassian! Cassian, help me!” You screamed from the bathroom, blood covering your legs as you fell to your knees in pain from the sharp cramps that were stabbing into your stomach. “Please…please no…”

Footsteps thudded loudly outside, your mate frantically searching for you, until he barged into the bathroom and saw you crumpled on the floor. “Y/N, what happened? What’s wrong?” He asked, kneeling in front of you despite the blood to grab your face. “Are you hurt? Where are you bleeding from?”

Your eyes were red from how hard you were crying, half from the pain and half from the realization of what was happening. It was the same thing you had seen your mother go through when you were young. You remembered hearing her screams, her prayers to the Mother to save her child, and then silence. 

“I…” You started to say before sobbing again, his arms immediately pulling you into his chest as he cradled you closely. He shushed you, rocking the two of you back and forth as you cried and cried and cried. 

Cassian figured out what was happening quickly, his heart shattering right along with yours. His tears fell onto your head, holding you to him as if you would also disappear. You stayed that way for hours, not moving until Feyre had come looking for you and immediately turned to go grab Madja.

She had to pry you from his arms to examine you, grimacing as she glanced at you in sympathy. Cassian’s hands never left yours as you lay on the bathroom floor, laboring for a few hours until you birthed your sleeping child. It was a boy, his wings so tiny as was the rest of his body, and you just sat there gazing at him until Madja gently took him and wrapped him in a blanket.

“Y/N?” Cassian called, pulling you back to the present. He looked over your sunken face, and your cracked lips, and felt as if he were looking at a ghost. “How long have you been out here?”

“Just for a few minutes.” Your voice was hoarse as you wrapped your arms around yourself, looking out towards the bay. “Did you sleep okay?”

“Did you?” 

You looked away in silence, his face softening as he reached out to touch you. It felt foreign though like you were out of your own body. 

“Y/N…you need to rest. Please.” He pleaded but you shook your head, looking up at him sadly.

“I can’t, Cass.” You mumble, the memory still burning in the back of your mind. “Every time I close my eyes, every time, I just see him and-”

Before you could break down, you snuggled into his chest, his lips pressing on the crown of your head to comfort you. Although the pain was still there, being in Cassian’s arms made it dull. You both had lost your son, you both were mourning and even though it had been a year of this agony, you at least knew you had someone to hold you in the dark.

After a few minutes, he pulled away, brushing the tears from your eyes. “You know tonight is Starfall, princess. Rhys and Feyre said they understood if we couldn’t make it but maybe it would be nice to get out for a while? See everyone?”

If you were being honest it was one of the last things you wanted to do but deep down you missed your family, and you knew your mate did too. He was always the social bat, the life of the party, and ever since the incident he changed, and became more withdrawn and sad. You hated how it had changed him, wishing you could take that pain away so his heart wouldn’t be marred by it.

Of course, it was impossible, you couldn’t change the past. However, maybe tonight was the first step you both needed to start healing. Starfall meant so much to both of you and while you definitely wouldn’t stay for the whole thing, an appearance was something you could manage.

“I don’t know if I can handle the entire party, but I think it would be nice to get out for a change.” You said, the corners of your mouth slightly turning up when he grinned from ear to ear. 

“Of course, we don’t have to stay long. Just say the word and we can leave.” He affirmed, surprising you with a soft kiss on your lips. “I love you.”

“I love you too. Now go spread the good news while I go bathe.” You shooed him, watching him throw on his clothes and walk out the door at breakneck speed. It reminded you of your old Cassian. 

You started to draw a bath, letting the hot water almost sear your skin as it began to fill up. As you started to realize what you had just agreed to, you found yourself growing nauseous at seeing everyone again. It was no secret what had happened and while you were safe inside your room, out there you would be opened to the prying eyes and gossip of everyone else. 

Could you handle it? What if it was too much? What if it was a disaster?

The contents of your stomach started to rise in your throat without warning and you barely had time to make it to the toilet before throwing it all up. It made your eyes sting as you gripped the bowl, blindly reaching for a towel to wipe your mouth as you slowly slid to the floor groaning.

Perhaps it wasn’t a good idea to go tonight. If your nerves were already giving you this much trouble, you couldn’t imagine-

“Y/N?” Madja called from the bedroom, her voice laced with concern. Your brows furrowed in confusion as you quickly wrapped yourself in a robe and peeked out, surprised to see her already halfway across the room. 

“Madja? What are you doing here?” You asked as she seemed to examine you with her eyes, trying to decipher the look in her eyes. 

“Are you feeling okay?”

She must have heard you throwing up. “Yes, yes, I just was worried over Starfall tonight. It will be the first time I’ve been out in public since…” You trailed off, looking past her as the painful memory threatened to surge forward again. 

Madja watched as you closed your eyes and breathed through your nose, calming yourself, before opening them once more. “I’m okay, just feeling a little sick. Do you think I could have some tea to settle my stomach?”

“I…I don’t think that would be wise, child.” She answered, brushing past you and into the bathroom to turn off the water. “Nor this hot of a bath.”

“Madja I assure you I am fine, I just wanted to relax and-”

“That’s not what I am concerned about.” She interrupted, crossing her arms as the wrinkles around her face softened. “Y/N, do you know when the last time you bled was?”

“It was…” You began, stalling when you couldn’t recall. After your loss, you hadn’t had your cycle and thought it was normal, you were grateful for not having to go through it on top of the trauma you had already endured. 

But as Madja stood there, watching as you pieced together what she was asking, you stumbled back in disbelief, hitting the doorframe behind you. She immediately rushed forward, calling your name, but all you could hear were the screams and the sobbing of yourself and your mate.

“Y/N! Y/N!” She shouted, grabbing your face and making you meet her gaze. Your eyes were already welling up with tears once more, feeling as if your heart was about to fly out of your chest. “Y/N, you need to breathe. Breathe.”

Her hands were comforting as she grabbed one of your own and put it against her chest, letting you feel her breathe until you slowly started to match it. 

“Please…please tell me it’s not true.” You whimpered, your bottom lip quivering as she shushed you and placed her hand over your womb. It was a few minutes before she pulled back, her lips tightened as she only gave you a slight nod of confirmation. 

It felt as if the entire world was crashing down upon you. She did not stop as you buried your face into her neck, shaking in fear at the news. In your grief, you had only had a few brief moments of intimacy with your mate, mainly as a distraction to pull yourself out of the hole if only for a little while. 

Madja softly ran her fingers over your head, shushing you, like a mother to a child. She was usually professional with the rest of your family but after what she had witnessed with you, she looked after you more closely.

“I can’t do it again, Madja.” You cried, shaking your head. “I’m so afraid.”

“Hush now.” She soothed, rubbing small circles into your back. “I know it is frightening, the unknown and the known, but you are already farther along than with your last.”

You were shocked to hear that, pulling away to see if she was serious. All of the symptoms you had had before were missing but you supposed with how you had been feeling and how overwhelmed you were, you probably just brushed them off just as you had this morning.

She wiped away your tears and used her magic to examine you once more, taking in the position of the growing babe. “I cannot guarantee you there won’t be any problems, this will be a higher-risk pregnancy, but I do have faith in the Cauldron and my hands.”

“What if it happens again?” You whisper, placing your hand over your belly. “What if I lose them? What if there is something wrong with me? If I cannot carry this baby, Madja, I fear that I will not be able to handle another death. My soul is already weary.”

“If you go throughout this life always worried about the what-ifs, you will never live, child,” Madja spoke softly. “Be afraid, grieve, feel whatever it is you are feeling, but also rejoice in this news and try to find the light in the darkness. That is what this child is.”

You let her words stew in your head, trying to sort through each of your emotions one by one as she wrote down a time and date for you to come visit her. “We will be doing weekly meetings to check, and if you have any worries come find me.”

As she started to walk out the door you called out for her, fiddling with your fingers as you asked, “Can you not disclose this to Cassian? I want to tell him.”

Madja smiled and nodded, holding a finger to her lips, before disappearing from your sight. You walked backward until your knees hit the bed, sitting on the edge as you processed what had just happened.

Anger, worry, guilt, and hope were the four biggest emotions you were working through. Anger that your body had allowed this to happen after what happened with your first, worry that you would lose another child, guilt that you got pregnant again so soon and that you were replacing your first, and a small hope that you would actually get to bring a child into this world for you and Cassian to raise.

It was a lot. What would Cass say? Would he be angry at you, or would he be excited? What about everyone else? What if your first son, wherever he was, was angry with you for replacing him? Were you being irrational?

The sun was already high in the sky and since your mate wasn’t back yet, you knew he probably wouldn’t return until later tonight. You had to tell him soon, it was a miracle that he hadn’t been able to smell it on you already. 

Your bath was sure to be at least lukewarm by now so you decided to go ahead and start getting ready, finding yourself gazing at your stomach every time you passed the mirror and imagining who was inside you.

Later that day, 30 minutes to Starfall

The dress you put on was one you had worn before but it was still as beautiful. You had styled your hair in your favorite way, your makeup light, and your shoes comfortable. After making sure everything looked good, you turned to the side and stared at your abdomen once more. There was a small swell that you could easily hide if you tried.

You were dreading talking to Cassian, your mind racing with what could happen. Although he seemed more okay than you, you knew it was just a mask. He was grieving just as hard as you, tossing and turning at night and trying his best to hide the pain from you.

If he wasn’t happy with this…you didn’t know what you would do.

As the sun disappeared underneath the sea you finally found the courage to step out of the door, heading upstairs to the balcony where you could already hear the party starting. You had told him to meet you there when he tried to get you to walk out together, assuring him you just needed more time.

Your heart was beating as loud as your heels against the floor as you stepped out into the world for what felt like the first time in forever. Everyone was dressed beautifully, some of them conversing with each other while others were grazing the food table and bar. 

Thankfully no one looked toward you, gawking or pointing like in your nightmares. It took you a minute to find Cassian but when you did you beelined to him, blushing when he pulled you into his arms and kissed you sweetly.

“You look beautiful, princess.” He murmured against your lips, kissing you once more before pulling back. “I was worried you were going to miss the start. I think the first one just streaked across the sky.”

“Well, I’m glad I came when I did.” You replied, snuggling into his side as you glanced up at the sky. You heard your friends behind you, laughing about something, and you were thankful they hadn’t spotted you yet. 

You needed to tell him now, while you had alone time, but when you finally found the courage to speak everyone begin to cheer and toast as the first couple of souls appeared in blazing lights. It was enchanting to watch, distracting you for a moment as Cassian kissed your forehead. 

And as you stood there beside him, his arm wrapped around you while you were surrounded by the beauty of the night and the liveliness of the party, that small spark of hope grew brighter and brighter. It was like the Mother herself was assuring you everything was going to work out. 

“Cassian, I need to tell you something.” You said, turning to look at him. However, he seemed to be focused on something past the horizon. “Cassian?”

“Did you see that?” He asked breathlessly, his eyes wide in disbelief. “D-Did you see?”

“See what?” You turned to try and look at what he was staring at, only seeing the bright streaks of green. “I don’t see anything, Cass.”

“I swear, Y/N, I thought-” He paused, looking down at you with a mixture of happiness and sorrow. “One of the souls, I swear….”

You held your breath, your hand flying to your mouth as you squeezed his arm as hard as you could. There was no way, it couldn’t be. It was just your brain trying to make you feel better about your situation, he couldn’t have possibly seen what you thought he did.

Still, you couldn’t stop yourself as you whispered, “Our son?”

He nodded once, his large hand cupping your cheek as you drew in a shaky breath. “It could have been a trick of the light, or something else, but I saw a small soul, it looked like he had wings and I just felt it. It felt like him, Y/N.”

However you knew it wasn’t, you knew Cassian would never joke or say something like this unless he fully believed it. And hearing him say that, looking at into his eyes, you knew this was a sign. 

Your son had come down to visit you, he knew you needed him even if he never got to see you. It was destiny. 

You quickly grabbed his hand and placed it over your stomach, tears freely falling as your voice wavered. “No, no it wasn’t a trick Cass. It was him.” You affirmed, smiling more than you ever had before. “He came to tell me, to tell us, that everything will be okay.”

“What do you mean?” He breathed, his gaze flickering between you and your conjoined hands over your womb. “Is this…are you…?”

Cassian couldn’t even finish the sentence as you nodded, biting down on his bottom lip to stop himself from sobbing in front of everyone. You rubbed your thumb over his knuckles, laughing incredulously as you said, “He wanted to visit his sibling.”

It took two seconds for him to digest your news before you were lifted into the air and spun around in his arms, grinning as he hollered in delight before bringing you into a crushing kiss. You felt warmth blossom in your chest where you had thought it never would again, your fingers tangling in his hair.

Everyone was probably wondering what had happened but for the first time in a year, you didn’t care. You didn’t care about the worries of tomorrow or of others, about the what-ifs, all you cared about was now. 

Starfall had blessed you with your mate, your son, and your new babe all in one night. It was a happiness you never thought you would have again and you weren’t going to waste a moment of it. 

#acotar fic #acotar angst #starfall week fic #starfall week #cassian x reader #cassian x reader acotar #cassian x reader angst #cassian acotar #cassian #angst fic #acotar #acomaf #acowar #acofas #acosf

[harrystylesfan2686]

Starfall

Pairing: Mor x Reader

Summary: Day 6: Character A was so busy planning the perfect Starfall party, they forgot to get a date. Character B has an idea.

Warnings: Unedited, I'll do it after.

A/N: First of I am so sorry this is taking me this long, sorry if this one sucks I wrote it in a hurry. This is my submission to starfall week. Hope you like this 💕

Tagging: @carinaswife @starfallweek

Dialogue Prompts Masterlist

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You sigh looking around The House of Wind. It was your responsibility to hold a party this year, you had volunteered after seeing how much work Rhysand and Feyre already had. He was a little hesitant at first, never having given someone else the job of organizing the festival celebration, but he ultimately agreed because you were right, he didn't have time to think about such things.

You knew you had to do your best, having a dull party wasn't an option. There was no way you were forcing Rhys to take a break one year only for him to regret and never give the responsibility to anyone else.

You went all out, no limit on anything. Alcohol, decoration, food. You were busting your ass from an entire month, planning this party. You wanted it to be perfect, wanted everyone else to think it was perfect.

"You've done a brilliant job." Mor's voice filled with wonder as she looks around the room. A small group of people had gathered around the room, chatting and drinking, waiting for the show to begin at night. The actual crowd yet to come, considering the party had just begin.

You had heard a lot of compliments this evening, everyone seeming to like what you did with the opportunity. The heavy decoration getting special attention and wondering eyes. You admit, if felt really good, the appreciation but you were yet to get the approval of your high lord and lady.

When you turned around to look at More, your breath caught up. Wearing a shimmering white gown that started at her chest, just the right amount of her cleavage picking out from the hem, with no sleeves, showing off her smooth skin, and ending at her ankles, her feet tucked in light blue heels. And adorned with a thin diamond necklace and earrings.

She looked break takingly beautiful.

Gods the things you want to do to her.

Her eye brows raise in a silent question when you dont say anything and just stare at her. You close your opened mouth and clear your throat, trying not to seem like a hopeless in love. She doesn't know of your feelings and you don't intent on telling her.

"Thank you. You look- really good." You silently curse at youself for being dumbstruck. Her lips pirk up in a smirk, the slight hitch in your voice revealing a lot more then you wish for it too. She thanks you and stands beside you, looking over at the people.

"So, why are you not ready yet? You planning it would make people believe you would be the first to get ready." Her tone teasing but that doesn't stop you in sighing.

"There was a problem with the music band, trying to clear it took more time then I thought it would." You glance down at yourself, standing in a plain shirt and pants, while everyone else was looking thier finest. You should probably get ready now, before more people come.

Mor lets out a hum before speaking again, "And who is your date for the evening?"

Your cheeks flush and you look away from her brown eyes, "I don't have one."

She turns to you, eyes furrowed. "Why not? The last I heard you were with a handsome cook."

"That was months ago." Before I realized just how deep my feelings run for you. You don't speak the words you think. "And I didn't get any time to ask someone." You shrug.

"But you want one, don't you? Seeing you without a date on Starfall in wired for me." It's not a dig, you know it because it's true. You always had a date at Starfall, different males and females in your arms every year, inhopes that someone will spark your interest more then the female standing in front of you, none have made it to second year though.

"It's alright." You shrug again, trying to make your statement believable.

She is silent for a minute before nodding to herself, seeming decide on something and smiles. "I will be your date."

You freeze. Your eyes snapping to hers the second later. Mischief written clearly in them as she takes your hand. "Oh- No, no. It's alright you don't need to do that for me- I mean, I'll be alright. Cause like I don't need a date. Not that I don't want one but, I don't need one- I'll just stay single fur one year. It's okay. You don't need to-" You babble in nervousness, unable to think straight as her smile widens at your state and her hand grips tighter on yours.

"Y/N, shut up." You quickly do, knowing if not then you'll probably say something you'll regret later. "I will be your date It's finale. Now go get ready."

She releases your hand and nudges you toward the bedrooms. You go obediently, without another word as you try to process what just happened.

This is like a dream come true.

-☆-

A knock your door disturbs you as you try to think yourself up in the mirror. You are ready, wearing your dress and hair the way you decided. You look beautiful, smiling at yourself as you turn to look at yourself from every angle. Mor having told you about your plans just made you more motivated to look your best.

You nod at yourself one last time before turning to open the door. Standing on the other side is Morrigan, holding a bouquet of flowers. Her mouth openeing slightly as she looks at you, up and down, and again, not knowing what to say.

"You, look really beautiful." She smiles at your and you blush under her stare. "And these are for you." She hands you the bouquet. "My date." Her smirk widens when you take it from her, your face unable to hold your smile. You thank her and she holds out a hand,"Shall we?"

"Why not." You nod and put aside the flowers, taking her hand and closing to door behind you. "I still can't believe you declared yourself my date." The two of you laugh and you prepare youself for the night ahead.

-☆-

At the end of the night, you stand at a balcony, looking over the stars crashing into each other. The colours illuminating against your face and you close your eyes to bask in them.

"You truly are so beautiful." A murmur laced with wonder speaks from beside you as Mor comes, leaning on the railing ahead of you. Your smile automatically widens at her voice, her perfume, her presence. You open your eyes to look into hers.

Oh how gorgeous she is.

You want to hold her close and never let go. Kiss her and touch her until all she knows is you. Love and pamper her in the way no one ever has. Stand on this very railing and scream on top of your lungs, declaring your love for her until the entire world knows just who you belong to.

Maybe you've had quiet a lot of drinks.

"Kiss me." You whisper, your drunken mind not caring about the consequences of your words.

Her eyes flare in surprise, "What?"

"Kiss me." You repeat, grining widely at her.

She is silent for a moment before she lifts her hand to cup your cheek. "You don't mean that."

"I do." You nod enthusiasticly. "Kiss me." You say aloud for the third time, looking at her lips and licking your in anticipation.

"No, you kiss me." Now she can't help but agree, seeing the happiness in your eyes. She wants you, so much, but if your doing this just because your drunk, she might as well let herself this small moment of content.

Your hands lift to wrap around her neck and your lips rest on hers. Both of you sighing in content when you finally kiss the other. In a rush of moment, your tougnes mangle, your breaths mix as you moan in the others taste. Having tiptoed around the other for years, you finally let yourselves have this small moment, not caring about the future.

You kiss each other like your life depends in it. Your head spins, from the alcohol or the kiss your not sure. Mor's lips just as intoxicating. You kiss until your lips feel numb, you finally pull back, resting your foreheads together, looking into the others eyes with equally widened smiles.

You don't care what happens in the morning, only that you love her now and kiss her again with everything you have.

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#acotar #acotar fandom #acotar fanfiction #acotar fluff #morrigan x reader #mor x reader #mor #morrigan fanfiction #starfall week 2024 #starfall week

[illyrian-dreamer]

Remnants of a star

Cassian x reader

Summary: Despite the many years since the loss of your mate, hiding your feelings on the anniversary of their death is impossible while you try celebrate Starfall with your new love, Cassian.

Surprise surprise, it’s more angst from me! Loved writing this for @starfallweek 🌟

A huge shout out to @writingsbychlo @azsazz for pulling such a magical event together – thank you for bringing Starfall to Tumblr!! ❤️❤️❤️

Words: 1,520

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“Sweetheart, you’re crying.”

“Am I?” Bringing shaky fingers to your cheeks, you felt the wet tracks they left behind. Cassian nodded with tight lips, pulling your hand gently from your face an encompassing it with his own.

Forcing a laugh that came out a lot breathier than you’d hoped, you brushed your tears away quickly. “Oh, I’m sorry. I suppose it’s the stars,” you said, raising your hand to the luminous streaks sparking across the night sky. “They’re so beautiful, it made me emotional.”

Cassian kept his eyes on you, his gaze burning as you looked anywhere but back at him. He stepped behind you then, gently snaking his arms around your waist and resting his head on your shoulder, his breath warm in your ear. You clenched your eyes shut – you knew you hadn't done a good enough job to fool him. But he played it cool, nonchalant even, respecting your privacy in the face of the rest of his family.

“How about we get out of here doll?”

You shook your head quickly. “No Cass, it’s your night with your family.”

He hugged you tighter, kissing your temple before murmuring into your hair. “And there’ll be a thousand more Starfalls to come. C’mon, I know the perfect place.”

You were just about to tell him to go join his brothers and that you would excuse yourself alone, before the sound of wings flaring filled your ears.

“Cass–”. You were cut off as Cassian launched the both of you to the sky, knocking the breath from your chest as he hauled you up, moving swiftly to cup your knees.

Clinging tightly around his neck, you stared ahead in awe as he gracefully weaved between the glowing spirits as they speared past you, leaving streaks of light like temporary strokes of luminescent paint. Clenching your eyes shut for just a moment, you tried to appreciate the beauty of Starfall, despite what had happened on this night all those years ago.

Cassian kept his eyes forward, concentrating to not disturb the stars on their journey. Long strands of hair were pushed back in the wind, his expression, while focused, still soft and kind. 

Cassian was everything good in the world. He was too good for it, and too good for you. It was instinct to snake your arms around his neck tighter, pulling yourself closer to him, as if his broad chest could smother you whole. How long could you hold him, both physically and in your heart, knowing you would never be good enough for his love?

After a short flight, Cassian landed gently in a part of the mountains you had never visited before. The night was quiet here, and you could see the occasional glow of a falling star through the tops of the sprawl of mountain ash trees – their canopies stretching so tall you had to tilt back to see. The terrain was unlike anything you had seen in Velaris, it was where forest met mountain. Around you, glowing insects fluttered softly, filling the void around you in a charming way.

All in all, it was a beautiful setting. But why had he bought you here?

“Where are we?” you asked.

“A favourite place of mine.” he answered with a smile, before focusing his eyes on you. “Doll, what’s going on?”

“I’m sorry,” you said, looking anywhere but at him. You had broken your own promise – spoiling Cassian’s celebration with his family despite your own feelings for Starfall. He was a good male, if not the best and he deserved to celebrate freely. Instead he was here, coddling you.

“You have nothing to be sorry for. What–?”

“No I do, I do Cass,” you interrupted him, blowing a sharp breath through o-shaped lips as you tried not to crumple right there and then. Bouncing one knee, you tried to blink away the frustration and anguish you felt at yourself, as tears began to well at your eyes.

Cassian moved closer, cupping your face in his large hands. “Hey, hey. Sweetheart, it’s all right.” he soothed, rubbing gentle thumbs over your cheeks. “What’s got you all strung out, hmm?”

“I’m selfish, I know, I'm sorry–”

“What in Cauldron’s–? Y/N, you are not selfish.” Cassian was frowning deeper now.

You shook your head in response. “It’s your special night with your family. I’m ruining the whole thing, and it only happens once a year, but I’m making it about me and–” Cassian’s eyes darted between your own as your rambles turned to blubbering, the Illyrian in front of you becoming more of a blur as you began to truly cry.

Even through your tears, you could sense the glow from the stars above fade as two large wings came to shield you, offering comfort, sanction, a place with no shame. Large hands left your face, instead pushing gently at your back to bring you closer to his chest, his arms firm as they wrapped around you.

So you held him back – tighter than you’ve ever held anything, as if the stars could take him away and make him one of their own, just like they did–

Cassian pulled back, looking down as he brushed away your tears before holding your chin in his calloused fingers. “You want to tell me where this is coming from, doll?”

Your lip trembled as you took yet another shaky breath. “It’s… the anniversary.”

Cassian frowned. “The anniversary?”

You dropped your gaze to the ground, your shoes covered by your gown, the beauty of the shimmering fabric an odd contrast with the mossy ground beneath you. “Yes,” you said eventually. “The anniversary of my mate…”

“Ah.” Cassian answered, knowing already. You looked up at him now, his big brown eyes focused on you, soft and patient and understanding. “You never told me it happened on Starfall.”

“It’s not a detail I like to recall.” You took a deep breath, preparing for the pain you knew it would cause to explain. “Each year I spend this night alone, watching the stars from my home and searching for the brightest one – the one that I know is them. But I’ve never found them, on the one night a year when I’m meant to, on the one night of the year where the Cauldron spares the living – instead it punishes me.”

Cassian sighed then, bringing his hands to your arms, grounding you before you could lose yourself to memories of lonesome Starfalls – the gut punching heartache when the last of the stars would shoot past, and another year of trying to connect to your passed mate in the only way you knew how, didn't happen yet again.

“This year, I promised myself I wouldn't look. And I feel so guilty. Guilty that I'm not looking for them, guilty that I still want to even though I’m here with you. I love you so, so much Cass – you’re the best thing in this world. You don't deserve someone like me, who still searches for a past love in the stars.”

Cassian shook his head, before levelling a look at you then. “They were your mate, Y/N. And they were taken from you. I can't even begin to know how much that must hurt, especially on a night like this.”

And although the relief of your confession helped ease the clench in your heart, Cassian's understanding made you cry harder. “I don't deserve you,” you whispered through sobs.

Strong arms pulled you into his waist. “And I love you,” he replied cooly.

You blinked up at him, unsure of how his love prevailed in a moment like this. “But Cass, we’ll never be mated.”

“I don't care.” A strong hand was bought to your jaw, cupping your face as Cassian leant in, softly placing his lips over yours. Something stirred inside you, like the faint remains of a broken bond finally being put to rest. It warmed you, and your skin felt alight as you kissed him back, kissed him hard, hands sliding to grip the roots of his hair as you pulled him to you, closer, never close enough.

Pulling away for just a moment, you looked up at the handsome Illyrian, his wings uncurling from around you as the rest of the forest was revealed. It was beyond your belief that there was a male capable of loving you so, despite everything you had told him.

“What are you thinking now, doll?”

“That I love you so much it hurts,” you said, a faint smile on your lips.

Cassian chuckled softly. “C’mere sweetheart,” he said, pulling you into a bear hug, swinging with you and kissing your hair.

A star so bright it lit the both of your faces shot above the tree tops, streams of it’s light finding the forest floor through the canopy. You smiled knowingly, tears of contentment staining your face as kissed Cassian again and again.

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General acotar tag list:  @itscaitymoore @timecharm @kennedy-brooke @icey--stars @xtreme-shipper  @cosmic-whispers @jazmin2211 @psychobookaholic @fieldofdaisiies @marina468 @shadowsingersmate24 @auggiesolovey @thefandomplace

#cassian acotar #cassian #cassian x reader #cassian x you #cassian one #cassian one shot #cassian starfall #starfall #starfall week #velaris #acotar #cassian fanfic #acotar fanfiction #cassian angst #cassian fluff #acotar angst #acotar fluff #acotar fanfic #acotar one shot

[acotrash]

When The Stars Go Blue - Azriel

Azriel head canons for Starfall week day 2

“Character A loves Starfall, Character B hates it but loves making Character A happy”

Azriel didn’t used to hate Starfall, no he used to love it. Well, as much as he loved being at parties and dancing. It was being with his family, his brothers and that they weren’t running a court but instead, just being a family.

Now Rhysand is gone. Under the mountain. It was Rhys’s favorite holiday and now Azriel cannot stand it.

In fact, he refused to celebrate the holiday without Rhys, instead he sulks in his room or goes to the training ring to pound out his frustrations at his brother on a training dummy.

Which is where you find him, in the training room, sweat beading down his back and his hair clinging to his forehead

All week Mor, Cassian and even Amren warned you that it might be the best week to leave Azriel alone. That it wasn't your fault and to not take it personally, he just needs space this week

You could tell how much it hurt everyone around him that he pushes them away this week, his brother and the two females, the four of them like family and so you didn't listen to their advice

His shadows alert him of your presence, whispering to him of your mood, your downturned mouth and eyes that are usually so bright and full of life look like a hurricane pulled straight out of the Summer Court brewing within them

"Why do you hate Starfall?" You ask once he turned around to face you, Azriel paused his movements, before he took a slow breath toweling off his forehead, shrugging. He couldn't think of a good excuse to tell you. He had bit off Cassian's head earlier when Cassian had asked him to attend the party this year.

Azriel had seen the hurt flash across his brothers face before his brother turned to get ready for the annual Starfall party. He knew why Mor and Cassian insisted on holding the party every year "It's what Rhys would've wanted" Mor would say every year when she brought up the subject

"There were a lot of things Rhys would've wanted but that doesn't mean we have to do them" Azriel had told her, year after year

But then you stood in the entrance way of the training ring with your pretty dress that you had let Mor pick out because she enjoyed dress shopping and he heard you and Cassian earlier in the kitchen making various desserts and his shadows alerted him when you left that morning to bring Amren her Starfall gift. How you were making an effort with everyone this week because it was hard for everyone and so he nodded, surprising the both of you. "Let me wash up real quick and I'll be there"

You blinked, your only indication of surprise before you nodded, you were halfway back to the party when Azriel's shadows whispered to him that the storm in your eyes vanished and you were smiling

Cassian and Mor didn't know what to make of his appearance at the party. Mor had given him a knowing look when he appeared, freshly showered next to your side, Cassian pressed a drink into his hand with his signature smile

The only reaction he cared about though, was yours. Your smile was brighter than any star that was currently soaring across the night sky "You did come Shadowsinger" You couldn't help the smile gracing your mouth or the way your arms slide around his neck when his went around your waist, Azriel easily slipping you into a slow sway to the music playing

The brightness of the smile had eased some of the ache in his chest when he looked down at you "I told you I'd be here, didn't I?"

You had set your head on his chest, Azriel slowly spun you around as he tipped his head back to look at the stars

You didn't beg him to dance with you, but he did dance with you all night, even after you had complained that the heels Mor said you needed to wear with the dress was making your feet bleed, he told you to kick off your heels and you stood on his boots barefoot while he continued to spin you around

"Do you still hate Starfall shadowsinger?" You had whispered softly to him, your chin resting on his shoulder, you two the only ones left out on the balcony. The stars were all gone and were soon to be replaced with the sun, the rays just peeking over the mountain tops

He pressed a kiss to the side of your head "I guess it's tolerable" He mumbled softly against your hair. He was sure he'd always hate the holiday till his brother got back and they could all be together again. He knew you and Rhys would get along, would revel in making his life difficult. But he'd tolerate it for the time being, just so he'd get to see you smile once again.

"I think I can live with that." You decided, an attempt to pull away from his shoulder but one of his scarred hands brought your head back to his shoulder. "Should we go inside?"

Azriel shook his head, leaning his head against yours "We can stay here a bit longer if you'd want."

He felt your smile against his shoulder. "I'll stay wherever with you."

#a court of thrones and roses #acotar #a court of thorns and roses headcanon #acotar headcanon #azriel #azriel x you #azriel x reader #azriel fluff #starfall #starfall week #starfall week 2023

[azsazz]

Our Souls Are Stars and Mine Is Forever Yours

Gideon x Maude

(Cassian’s son and Eris’ daughter ~ Azsazz Next Gen)

Summary: Starfall Week Prompt 1: Character A introduced Character B to their favorite Starfall tradition. 

AKA: Gideon and Maudes first kiss.

Warnings: None

Word Count: 2,335

Notes: Wanted to try and write something for these two 💙

________________________________________

His Uncle Rhys had told him about this very spot. Up on the balcony above the party, the perfect place to get a moment alone and view the beautifully colored stars as they glide through the night sky. The best place to kiss someone for the first time.

The High Lord had said it was unmatched, his violet eyes glowing vibrantly as he had told him and his cousins all about his favorite Starfall in all of the years he’s seen. It was the year Aunt Feyre had officially become his, the stars that had painted their skin with luminescence and the laughter and the kiss that followed. 

Gideon wants that.

And who better to have his first kiss with than the girl he’d been chasing for years without even realizing it? Maude Vanserra. Her name is a delicacy in his mouth, a portrait in his brain, a brand in his soul. The mere thought of her has his palms warming and his heart fluttering in his chest, stomach twisting with nervousness.

He’d known Maude for years, since they were children and Eris had brought her to a meeting with him, his pristinely dressed and well-mannered daughter clinging tightly to his neck. She was in that stage where she wanted to be wherever he was, and with Beron out of the picture and on better terms with the Night Court, he had let the little girl tag along. Of course, he had also brought a large platoon of soldiers to keep the children of Night away from her. 

She had been a true damsel in distress, even from that age.

And Gideon liked being her knight in shining armor. To save the heiress from her tower and ride off into the moonlight with her had been something he’d thought about for quite some time. He couldn’t help but stay away.

In return, Maude was determined to dig her way into his heart with her fiery spirit that threatened to burn down any weariness he had about committing to the Autumn female. 

His father had told him that it was just a childhood crush, that he’d outgrow within weeks. Weeks of thinking about the caramel color of Maude’s eyes turned into months obsessing over the ruddy red of her hair. How it blazed in the sun like the fiery pit in his stomach. Months of dreams of long auburn hair morphed into a year of reminders of her; the smattering of golden freckles across pale skin like the stars in the night sky, the cherry of her plump lips as he looked out his window at the garden of roses in full bloom, the absolute perfection of her laugh, matching the sweet melody sweeping through the Night Court streets.

And finally, he’s decided to make his move.

Getting Maude to agree to be his date to Starfall wasn’t the hard part. No, it was overbearing parents and the thought of a daughter spending the evening away at the Night Court with all of the troublemaker children Eris had wanted his own brood to stay away from.

It had been letting the information slip to his nosy cousins that he was finally ready to make a move on Maude.

They hadn’t stopped pestering him for weeks, snide comments at the dinner table that had their parents’ eyes narrowing and asking leading questions. Gideon’s harsh glares did nothing to stop their teasing, only had their heads ducked together, stifling their laughter behind their hands until their faces were red with it.

But he’d successfully slipped away from the prying eyes of Nyx, Wren, and Baz, who’d made sure to keep him and Maude within sight the entire night.

Her hand is warm in his, and she is the embodiment of a Goddess.

Dressed in a silvery pool of gossamer fabric, she shines. He’d even seen his sisters and cousins draw her into conversation, gushing about the beauty of her dress when they’d first caught sight of the glimmering ball gown.

Maude’s auburn hair glowed around her like a thousand suns swept perfectly into alignment, all for this moment.

All for him.

Gideon’s breath still hasn’t returned from the first time he’d seen her tonight, looking very much like the royalty she descends from; chin lifted and shoulder poised like a perfectly docile lady. But he knew her better than that, saw the way her creamy eyes shone with mischief as she watched Baz and Nyx glance from the dessert table around the room, cheeky smirks on their faces as they plotted under everyone’s noses.

She doesn’t speak, lets him lead her up the spiraling staircase up onto the balcony. Maude can sense his nervousness. The way that his hand is still tucked into hers, clutching it a little tighter than normal, his breath baited and his lip between his teeth.

He takes her toward the iron rails and heaves a deep breath, trying to calm the racing of his heart. He’s unsure of what to say, how to fill the screaming silence. The smear of stars should be flitting through the sky in no time, and while Gideon had meticulously planned out exactly what he was going to say to Maude, he hadn’t thought about when the perfect timing to admit his feelings would be.

“Giddy,” her voice draws him away from his circling thoughts. Her tone is soft, a lullaby that he’s never forgotten. She places her hand over his own, white-knuckled from how firmly he’s grasping the railing. One of her perfect eyebrows is quirked in question. “What’s going on?”

He looks away from the bright stars and once again he’s taken by her beauty. She’s perfect in every way and his heart tugs in his chest at the soft look on her face, the way that the corner of her mouth is quirked in a smirk, like she can read his mind.

Gideon swallows harshly, turning his hand over so he can grasp her fingers for support. Her smile only grows as he does so, and she gives him a reassuring squeeze even through her questioning eyes.

“There’s something I want to tell you,” he breathes, shifting on his feet as if he’s unsure of how to approach this.

His father had told him the cheeky ways he’d gone about winning his mothers hand, snarky remarks or suggestive comments that had the hard-willed woman weak in the knees no matter how hard she tried to hide it. But Gideon had seen it in action, and while Maude always laughed at his proud remarks, something in his heart was telling him to be serious.

But not as serious as his Uncle Azriel. While the stoic male had been known to prove his interest in ways other than words, Gideon isn’t quite sure that’s the route he should take with the spitfire Autumn female before him.

Maybe sweeping her off of her feet and dipping down for an off-guard kiss like his Uncle Rhysand would be the best option.

Maude’s giggle makes his heart soar and his mind calm. Her cheeks are rosy from the glass of champagne Zuzu had given her, and her molten caramel eyes shimmer in the moonlight.

“I figured that’s why you had wanted me to come up here with you,” she answers happily, a teasing tone with a smile to match.

He can’t help but grin back at her, rolling his eyes at her words. “Right. Right. Of course.”

The more she talks to him the steadier his heartbeat becomes, as if she’s leading the beating of it herself. A coat of warmth flows from her to him, sending shivers up his spine.

“You really need to practice what you’re going to say, if this is how long it’s going to take you.”

And the thing is, he did practice this moment. He’d stayed up late for weeks, unable to sleep because he was playing out the different ways that this could go in his head. Then he’d moved to the mirror, staring at himself as he repeated the words over and over again like he was presenting a report to his classmates. Hell, he’d even practiced on Knox, swearing his cousin to secrecy to keep this to himself, even from his twin.

None of the ways he’d thought this would come about were anything like this.

Gideon steps into her, placing his other hand on her hip. He’s an entire head taller than her and she has to crane her neck back to look up at him, but she doesn’t seem to mind. Her copper hair falls away from her face at the action, revealing her smooth pale skin that looks ethereal under the glimmering moonlight.

They’re close but not touching. He’s afraid that if he takes a deep enough breath he’ll feel all of her body that he so desperately wants pressed against his. He hadn’t even had the time to ask her to dance yet.

Gideon opens his mouth to speak, the rush of the admission filtering to the tip of his tongue without question as she beams at him, brushing her delicate fingers across the sleeve of his shirt to slide around the back of his neck.

“I really want to–”

The shadows in the corner of the terrace shift and the words die in his throat as he zero’s in on his target. 

“Fucking hell,” he mutters, glaring at the movement. Gideon’s fingers tighten on Maude’s and there’s something inside of him that wants to tug her closer and protect her, throw himself in front of her to keep her from danger, even though he knows exactly who those shadows belong to.

His heart clenches when the smile falls from Maude’s face. She peeks over her shoulder, following his line of sight. “What?”

“Baz, I know it’s you, get the hell out here,” Gideon barks towards the shadows.

Maude’s lips part in confusion, until the darkness melts away to reveal a sheepish looking Basil standing near the door. 

She places a reassuring hand on Gideon’s chest when he starts grumbling under his breath. He’s seething, can’t have a single moment alone to ask Maude the question that’s been haunting him for weeks. 

And where there is one son of the shadowsinger, there are surely more.

“Where’s Wren?” he asks in such a tone that even Baz knows he’s not fucking around.

The younger brother bites his lip, pointing past the balcony the two of them are standing near. 

Both Gideon and Maude lean to look over the railing and sure enough, Wren is there, flapping his wings to keep himself near the edge where he can hear their conversation clearly. 

Gideon raises an eyebrow at his cousin. How he’s managing to keep the beating of his wings so soft is a trick he’s going to have to ask him how to do later.

“Get the fuck up here, now,” his growl shatters the peaceful night. “And where is Nyx? I know he’s around here somewhere.”

Not that he needs to be. His nosy cousin could probably already be in either of their heads if he chooses to, no matter how strong the barriers of his mind are. 

Gideon twists on his heel as the princeling appears from thin air next to Baz. He leans against the side of the house, champagne flute tucked in his hand. He looks every bit like his relaxed father, but the facade slips slightly when he senses just how upset his cousin is with him. 

“Giddy,” Maude tries to ease the anger seeping from the male next to her with a gentle hand to his chest but he doesn’t relent, ready to give his cousins the scolding of a lifetime.

“You three,” he spits, his hand tightening on Maude’s hip slightly. The three males are staring at him like they’ve never seen him before, as if a star soul had slammed into him and is possessing his body. Usually he’s as carefree as any, but when it’s something to do with Maude, he’ll always protect her first. 

“Gideon,” Maude’s voice raises over the beginning of his ascent on his family, halting his words before he says something that he doesn’t mean. His brows are furrowed and she doesn’t like the deep frown on his face, vows to help him get his cousins back before the night is over, but as the first star streaks across the night sky, glorious in all of it’s amber hue, she has something else on her mind.

Her lips part with awe, attention fully drawn to the being slipping through the sky, its path as sure as the one it took on the same night the year before. 

Gideon can’t stop watching the way she’s looking at the star. The tension loosens from his body and he can’t think about anything else but the hopes that she’ll look at him like that someday. He tugs her closer on instinct, and the way she wraps her arms securely around his waist and rests her head against his chest has him feeling like the luckiest male in Prythian.

He holds her while the stars pass by, one turning to three and more join until the entire sky is lit up with colorful objects, glittering and racing each other as they pass. 

He’s aware of his cousins slinking away, to join their families downstairs or to give them privacy. Either way, he’s grateful they’ve finally taken the hint.

“Maude,” he asks softly, snagging her attention away from the attraction.

His heart stutters in his chest. Her eyes are glittering with tears at the beauty of what she’s seen and it makes Gideon ache in all of the best ways.

He tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, caressing her face. He won’t take up much more of her attention, he wants her to enjoy her night with him.

Gideon leans down to kiss her, and his heart soars right up alongside the stars.

It feels like he’s finally home.

________________________________________

@starfallweek

#azsazz #starfall week #gideon #maude #azsazz next gen #acotar

[boombox-fuckboy]

Don't know anyone here? Pick one and go listen!

Am I missing your favourite? Are they from a fantasy? Let me know!

#aro week #audio drama #fiction podcast #starfall #the stonesinger chronicles #sidequesting #the antique shop #the godshead incidental #night shift podcast #monstrous agonies #valence #inn between

[bekaterrier]

I'm not a writer so I can't contribute to Ace Podcast Week with a fanfic (though I've been loving all the ones I've read so far!) so I'll contribute in my own way - with a bracelet! In honour of all of the fantastic ace podcast characters:

#ace podcast week #ace week #the beacon podcast #sidequesting pod #the penumbra podcast #the strange case of starship iris #inco podcast #starfall podcast #girl in space #bekaterrier #my jewelry #handmade jewelry #wire knitting #wire weaving #bracelets #audio drama #podcast piece

[maisonaime]

The Star Who Listened [Azriel x Reader]

My little contribution to @starfallweek 2024 ✨

Prompt: Character A is a fallen star, Character B finds them

Note: Angst with a happy ending. This prompt immediately reminded me of this quote from a very beautiful but heart wrenching spoken word poem about the power of friendship and of friends who dream together. Happy Starfall Week!

“You kept a rock on a satin pillow on your bookshelf and told me ‘It’s a star.’ You said you found in a junkyard. And it had been broken down for quite some time because too many people wished on it, and that’s a lot of pressure for one little star.” Shane Koyczan and the Short Story Long, For Instance

There was no telling how long he had lain there. Long enough that the ground had given way to valleys and mountains, snow and grass, fire and rain. Long enough that the wind and the moon cooled his skin, warped from the burnout. Long enough that the bones that cracked on impact hardened in the same position they had come to rest. Long enough that he learned all of the parallels of nature.

First he learned the way the ground vibrates during an earthquake is almost indiscernible from the thundering of hooves and feet as armored men trample over him. His tears flow into the rivulets of blood from fallen warriors, which flow into the river that rages through the carrion. He wants to wash away with it.

Then he learned how the earth would split and crack and flow bright and hot, creeping across the ground like candlewax. It looks like his beautiful, ruined hands. He remembers the skin dripping off of bone when he could no longer hold the burning dreams they piled into his arms. So bright, and so beautiful, but so heavy.

Then he learned how the air would hang heavy before the sky cracks open. It reminds him of the weight that hung around his shoulders in the moments before he tumbled from the sky. Feels the despair, the failure in being unable to remain afloat. He waits for Hera’s wrath for his forsaking of Astraea.

Azriel could’ve recounted all the lessons he learned in all the hundreds of years he’d lain there. Could’ve stopped someone to tell his story, to beg pity or forgiveness, or simply for a listening ear. But how could he have proven his tale?

Who would believe that a small, rough-edged, unassuming rock was actually a fallen star?

How could he even begin to explain the thousands of dreams he had forsaken when he fell? He had seen some of those dreams dashed personally. Had seen the men whose safety had been prayed for fall screaming on their swords. Had seen a woman who wanted nothing more than a child bury seven silent born at the riverbed. Had seen the children who dreamed of their prince or princess and were instead sold into marriage beds with monsters and carted away from their homes.

So he could not move, he could not speak. He could only relive his failure and all the lessons he’d learned from it. Lessons he would never get to use. Lessons that meant nothing to anyone, because lessons don’t mean as much as dreams do.

Rocks don’t mean as much as stars.

But to you they do.

You, who look to the stars to guide you. But who also looks to the ground to see how far you have come. You who use rocks to mark the trail the stars take you along. You who collect the ones you find most beautiful, the ones that remind you of the stars.

You too have a gift for seeing the parallels in nature.

And yes, dreams are beautiful. But so are the lessons we learn when they do and don’t come true.

And so, this is how he finds himself in your pocket, after so many years in the dust. After so many years on the cold ground. The wool of your skirt is warm and soft, and it cushions Azriel’s hardened heart.

The next thing he knows he is resting on a satin pillow, high on a shelf in your room where he can watch over this strange savior. He watches day and night. Watches as you work and write and wander by day. Watches as you dream by night.

He wishes you had left him on the ground. He is stricken and terrified to be so close to another’s dreams, even as his very essence cries out to caress them. It is worse agony than he ever faced. At least before didn’t have to be so close to the humans who once depended on him.

He feels perverted because you haven’t even entrusted him with your dreams and here he is fantasizing about them. Prostrate before you trying to hold himself back, because he cannot warp your dreams with his horrible hands. Cannot bear the responsibility of ruining even one more dream. No matter how large or small.

He doesn’t even know why he is there. Why you plucked him out of his quiet obscurity and forced him to endure this proximity to such a vociferous dreamer. He loves and hates it in equal measure. Loves and hates you in equal measure.

And then the strangest thing happens one day. You are showing a friend around your room. And your friend points to him and laughs “Why do you have that rock on that pillow?” and Azriel would blush if he wasn’t a rock. But you smile knowingly and say “That’s not a rock, it’s a star I found. It fell from the sky when too many people piled their wishes onto it. Too much pressure for anything, don’t you think?” and the friend nods understandingly.

And Azriel glows. And Azriel cracks. Because he is awash with the forgiveness of a dreamer. And he remembers the child with eyes like yours but different, the first who looked up to him and wished. The one who made him want to take as many wishes as he could carry, and then take more after that.

And when the friend is gone, you reach up onto the shelf and bring down the satin pillow. You set it on your desk, and observe the crack that that splits your star down the middle. You gingerly separate the two halves, and behold the bright blue gemstone in the center.

You smile. “Do you think the weight of one person’s dreams is bearable? I promise to leave plenty of room for your own.”

Azriel glows as brightly as he once did in the sky.

#Starfall Week 2024 #acotar #azriel #fantasy #acotar fanfiction #azriel x reader #classic Azriel angst #because of course I did #angst #angst with a happy ending #night court #acotar crack

[acepodcastweek]

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#ace podcast week #ace week #audio drama #sidequesting #back again back again #starfall #the beacon podcast #the antique shop podcast #night shift podcast #the godshead incidental #the stonesinger chronicles #inn between #the broker

[acourtofwhatthefuck]

Misunderstandings - (Cassian x Reader)

Hiiii! A little piece for @writingsbychlo and @azsazz brilliant idea of Starfall Week!

The prompt I used was: Character A has been waiting alone for an hour and Character B is nowhere to be seen.

This was fun to write! I hope you like it, and Happy Starfall Week!

Word count: 1968

Warnings: None.

✧: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･

He wasn’t coming. 

Cassian clearly wasn’t coming, and you felt fucking stupid. 

I’ll meet you by the clock tower at eleven, was what he’d said. Eleven had come and gone, the chimes booming above your head. The Starfall celebrations had promptly swept through Velaris, and you — here you were stood, waiting for someone who you should have known would never give you the time of day.

You knew Cassian to be swaggering and cocky and teasing; the Mother knew, you’d seen that side to him more than any other since he’d come into your family’s store and asked why he’d never seen you before. His visits had become more frequent over the last month and a half, and when he’d asked you to meet him on Starfall, your stomach had flipped and sang like the damn skies above you currently were. 

But perhaps it was all a cruel joke. Perhaps Cassian had never been interested in you at all. You hadn’t met his Inner Circle, but you knew how greatly they celebrated the holiday. Of course he wouldn’t want to meet you on Starfall.

Your arms chilled by the air, you felt like nothing but a fool as you descended the stone steps of the clock tower and began your walk back to your home. You’d bought this dress especially for tonight, a pretty cream number that you thought made you look delicate and soft. You certainly didn’t feel delicate and soft as you tore your heels from your feet and carried them as you walked, bare soles slapping the pavement. 

You were almost back at your little cottage when you caught the sound you’d so eagerly awaited earlier — the thunderous boom of wings above you. You didn’t even bother looking up at the sky, knowing that whichever of the Illyrian males it was would be by your side before you had a chance to clock them. Perhaps Cassian had been a true fucking coward and sent Rhysand or Azriel to let you down gently on his behalf. Gods, you hoped not. You weren’t sure you could deal with the humiliation. You turned into your street—

And stumbled to a stop to avoid barrelling into the figure that swooped down, landing in front of you. 

Cassian grinned. Grinned, and shook the wind from his hair. “That was close.”

You stared at him, your lips not even slightly twitching into a smile. Your face was entirely deadpan as you took in the clothes he’d swapped his usual Illyrian leathers for — the fitted burgundy shirt and dark breeches. His hair was left down about his face, and he looked…playful. Damn handsome, but playful.

Too bad you felt anything but playful in that moment. 

Cassian’s eyes swept over you, then, and his grin softened into something different. You’d be forgiven for thinking it was a little coy, flustered. “You look stunning.”

“Thank you.” Your response was clipped. You stepped past him, beginning your walk once more.

“Uh…” Footsteps approached you from behind, and he was darting into your path again. “Where are you going?”

“Home.”

“We agreed to meet.”

Finally, you stopped. Finally, you allowed your eyes to meet his hazel ones. A look of pure confusion shadowed his face.

“We agreed to meet almost an hour ago, Cassian.” You said. “I got cold and tired of waiting.”

“Hey, I’m sorry I was late.” He stepped towards you, his brow furrowing. “I was just…sorting something out. Time ran away with me.”

“Sorting something out.”

He nodded.

You shrugged. “What were you sorting out?”

“…I can’t tell you—”

You cut him off with a sigh, stepping past him again. You weren’t doing this — couldn’t do this. He could return to his friends and laugh at your expense if he wanted, but you were going home.

“Hey, wait.” He grabbed your hand. “Y/N, will you stop?”

“No, Cassian, you stop. I’m not playing your little games. You can find some other female to do that. I know it doesn’t make any fucking sense for you to like me, but I genuinely like you, so kindly leave my feelings alone.”

Your impassioned speech had utterly silenced him. He blinked at you, realisation seeming to wipe the confusion from his face. He studied you once more, frowning.

“Is that what you think?” He asked. “That I’m pretending to like you as some sort of joke?”

You shrugged, lifting your chin. Refusing to flush with humiliation. “You may have only noticed my existence in the last month or so, Cassian, but I’ve seen you around Velaris for years. You have a type — I am the furthest thing from that type. And I am perfectly comfortable with my soft stomach and thick thighs and all the other things I’m expected not to like about myself. That doesn’t mean I’m going to allow those things to be the butt of the joke for the High Lord’s general.”

You pushed past him again, but he was having none of it. He yanked you back to him, both gentle and firm. “You are way out of line, Y/N. You couldn’t be more wrong.”

“I’ve had my fair share of run-ins with males like you, Cassian—”

“Males like me?” He stared down at you. “Bastard-born brutes? A nobody with the title of Warlord slapped above his head? Don’t make assumptions about me, sweetheart, because you couldn’t be more wrong.”

You held his gaze, searching the sincerity in his eyes. Perhaps you were being unfair — perhaps you had jumped the gun a bit. You just…you’d been taken for a fool too many times. And you liked Cassian so much that you didn’t think you could take it from him.

You lowered your gaze, glancing down at your feet, but his warm, callused hand was gently gripping your face and forcing your eyes back to his.

“Don’t group me in with those assholes that have treated you that way. Please. I’m not them.” His voice was far softer, gentle. “I like everything about you. Especially your soft stomach and thick thighs. I like you so fucking much, and that is why I asked you to meet me tonight. Because Starfall is special to me, and I think—I think you might be, too.”

Guilt sliced at you as you stared up at him. You definitely should have listened to him before making assumptions. You relaxed your body, showed him that you were open.

“I’m sorry I was late.” He said again. “I said I couldn’t tell you why because I didn’t want to spoil the surprise. I wanted to show you. If you’ll let me.”

You sighed softly. “Of course I’ll let you. I’m sorry, Cass—”

“Don’t worry about that. Just…do you trust me?”

Yes, you realised, you did. You nodded. 

He smiled, lacing your fingers together. “Just a quick flight, and you’ll see why I was late.”

He was already lifting you up into his arms. You blinked, glancing up at the sky. “Is this safe? With all those stars zipping about?”

Cass smirked down at you. “It is — so long as you don’t fly too high. It’s a damn beautiful sight, too.”

Before you had a chance to consider, he was holding you tight to him and launching into the air, your scream swallowed by the wind. Your nails dug into him as you buried into his chest, vaguely aware of the whooshing above you — the sound of passing stars.

“I didn’t know you were afraid of heights.”

“Yes, well, some of us are used to being on the ground.” You cracked an eye open, daring a look. “And stop smirking.”

“You’re not even looking at me.”

“I can tell.”

A great, booming laugh left him as he swooped and glided with expert ease. You couldn’t bring yourself to drink in more than a few glimpses at the iridescent trails of light that exploded around you. You clung tight to Cassian’s firm body, burying into his shoulder.

“I’m going to land now.” He warned you. “Just a heads-up.”

You felt your stomach flip as he banked hard, the sensation of falling making you want to scream right into his ear. But it was over within seconds, Cassian executing a flawless landing that you barely felt as his feet planted on the ground.

You didn’t let go. Didn’t look up.

“…we’re back on solid ground, Y/N.” He squeezed you. “You can let go. Not that I’m complaining.”

“I’m not sure I can.”

A soft laugh was breathed against your hair, and you felt him peeling your hands from his body and setting you down on the ground. You swayed, feeling your legs wobble. Cassian was clearly trying not to laugh as he steadied you.

You scowled. “Sorry that we’re not all overgrown bats accustomed to flying.”

“I’m sorry.” He grinned. “You just look so wide-eyed and bewildered. Like a little squirrel, or something.”

“Just show me where you’ve taken me, bat-boy.”

Within seconds, it was as though all the swaggering cockiness had leached from his body. He seemed to steel himself with a calming breath, and then he was stepping aside, exposing you to the view before you.

“This is why I was late.” He said quietly, grabbing your hand.

You sucked in a gasp. Words completely failed you as you drank in the sight of the private hilltop viewpoint he’d created for the two of you. Faelights flickered and glowed around piles of blankets and cushions, and there was food — far more food than was necessary for two people. Plates and plates of fruits and cheeses and meats and desserts. And bottles of juices and wines, with two chalices set beside them.

Your lips parted, you angled yourself towards Cassian. “I…you did all this?”

He swallowed nervously, nodding and rubbing the back of his neck with his hand. “Do you like it?”

“Cass, I—this is amazing.”

You went to take a step forward, but he stopped you, gently tugging you back by your hand. He turned you to face him, and your eyes met, him staring down at you and you up at him. His thumb brushed the back of your palm in gentle sweeps as he swallowed again.

“I…really like you, Y/N.” He said quietly, a soft pink hue touching his cheeks. “Since the day I walked into your family’s store, I haven’t stopped thinking about you. That was why I wanted to do this — to show you that you’re special to me.”

Your mouth went dry. And all you’d done was jump to conclusions and accused him of being an asshole. With a frown, you stepped closer, snaking your arms around his waist. He immediately folded you into him, pressing his chin atop of your head.

“I’m sorry, Cass.” You murmured, tilting your head back to look up at him. “Really — I am. Thank you. This is…nobody has ever done anything like this for me before.”

“Well.” He smiled softly. “I’m honoured to be the first. Maybe I’ll be the only one.”

You truly hoped so. Nothing but pure, unadulterated love shot through you as you pushed up onto the tips of your toes and kissed him. You loved him. You fucking loved Cassian.

He kissed you back for a moment, cupping your cheek. And then he gently peeled his lips from yours, smiling. “Want to eat while watching the stars?”

You nodded vigorously, taking his hand in yours. “Anything with you.”

As he led you over to the blankets and cushions, you heard the distant boom of the Velaris clock tower chiming twelve, and the burst of stars colliding above you. 

Cassian sat, pulling you onto his lap, and stardust rained down on you as you ate and talked and laughed. 

The most memorable Starfall you’d ever had. One of many to come, you hoped. 

✧: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･

cassian tag list: @brekkershadowsinger @wandas-dream @nightscourtt @luna-1-3-5 @ruler-of-hades @chocolatecakelargeshake @asemkta @lucyysthings @a-frog-with-a-laptop @iammichellekocwin @illyriansimp @azrielsbabyg @brookeduggann @toohardtoforgetcth @gmey11 @historianscalledusfriends @basicbittywitty @koemi-kimo @sadiebluewin @angelatinasstuff @eos-princess @theunforgivingsworld @lysjeonsworld @aaronwarnerswifereal @lulufairbank @laurzwrites @str4vvberry

general tag list: @angrymilfs @lunaralaraspace @maddithefangirl @wandas-dream @his-sweet-nightmare @kennedy-brooke @chocolatecakelargeshake @daily-dose-of-sass @missaddamsworld @reiincarnatiion @linduzmunna @leeknows-wife @nightcourtwritings @ann-writes-universes @cosmic-whispers @simplefan-638 @lucyysthings @judig92 @shannonsaid @azriels-mate123 @iangelofmusic @baybay123455 @poisonousgirlie @kuraikei @sweetandsourwrites @clarkie-carmody-blog @myheartsalwayswithyou @lavenderdreams22

#acotar #cassian x reader #cassian #cassian x you #acotar x reader #prompt #starfall week #starfall #a court of thorns and roses #reader insert #illyrian #batboys #acotar fanfic #acotar oneshot #acotar fandom #acotar series #acotar fluff #cassian fluff #cassian fic #acotar headcanon

[honeybeefae]

Finding Home (Lucien Vanserra x Reader)

Summary// Lucien had always felt like he was a wandering soul, never having a true place to call home. It was hard to deal with, to see others belonging and happy while he tried to find something to cling to that gave him the same feeling. It wasn’t until Starfall, when you gifted him something truly special, that he finally found out where he belonged. 

(Poor little Lucien needs all the love in the world and I thought he was perfect for this prompt. I hope you enjoy!:))

Prompt: Character A gifts Character B something heartfelt.

WARNINGS: None

Lucien sat with everyone at Rita’s as they passed drinks around, conversation flowing easily between them. Well, all except him. He was at the very edge of the table, fiddling with his glass of amber liquid while looking towards the door every few seconds. 

He didn’t even understand why he went to these things. Feyre always invited him but he constantly felt like he was intruding on them. No one really talked to him besides maybe once or twice, too engrossed with their friends and mates to notice that he was still there. 

And while he liked to think of himself above the need to have friends, deep down he was lonely. Tamlin was lost, his brothers were monsters, Feyre was busy with her own life, and he didn’t connect with any of the others besides acquaintances. 

It was the same day in and day out, leaving him wondering if he truly belonged nowhere, until you joined their group. You were a friend of Nesta’s that ran a local bookshop in Velaris, your cheerful demeanor making it easy for you to fall in with the rest of them. He had expected to simply exchange pleasantries with him and move on but for whatever reason, you latched onto him.

“Hey guys, sorry I’m late! Took forever to close up shop.” You apologized as you walked in the door, breaking him from his thoughts as several people greeted you warmly. “Have I missed anything?”

“Not much, Cassian and Rhys are seeing who can outdrink each other while Nesta is already showing both of them up. I think Azriel and Elain are out dancing?” Feyre shrugged, handing you a spare drink. “Other than that it’s been a pretty tame night.”

“For once.” You wink at her, looking over and finding Lucien sitting by himself. He perks up when you drag a chair over beside him, clinking your glasses together with a smile.

“And how is my favorite fox doing?” You chirped, taking a sip and enjoying the warm burn the alcohol gave you.

Lucien rolled his eye, his body immediately relaxing in your presence. “Better now that I’ve got someone interesting to talk to.” He replied, noting the way your cheeks slightly pinkened. 

“It’s not my fault you refuse to play nice with any of the others. Perhaps if you stopped brooding away in a corner, people might actually approach you.” You teased with a wink, looking around the bar casually. “Hells, you’d be surprised at the people you can pick up from this place.”

“Oh, you know something about that, do you? And here I thought you were a spinster content with books and cats.”

You stuck your tongue at his jest, hitting his arm playfully. “I know more than you think I do, thank you very much.”

There was a tension that was now swirling between the two of you, the conversation taking on a much more suggestive tone that was about to cross a line of no return. He stared at you, trying to not let his imagination run wild right in front of you before you awkwardly cleared your throat and looked away.

“So, are you looking forward to Starfall?” You changed the subject quickly, taking another sip.

“Uh, I guess?” Lucien responded hesitantly, rubbing the back of his neck and looking out the window at the night sky. “Not so much for the party.”

“Oh, that’s the best part! The music, the food, the atmosphere, it’s enchanting. I haven’t met anyone that didn’t enjoy it.”

“It’s just not for me. I don’t fit in with the rest of them that enjoy it.”

Your mouth twisted into a frown at his words, a look of pity in your eyes. He saw it and scoffed, looking at you sternly and saying, “Don’t give me that look, Y/N. I don’t need your pity.”

“It wasn’t pity, Lucien, I just hate that you feel that way. You know it’s not true.” You said earnestly, placing your hand over his in a moment of tenderness. “I think you just need-”

“I don’t need anything, Y/N. I’m perfectly happy as I am.” He snapped, looking away when you flinched at his tone. “Sure, after Jurian and Vassa became a thing and I got kicked out, I was once again by myself, but apparently that’s just how the Mother wants me to be. I can deal with that, I don’t need sympathy.”

His words were harsh and he didn’t mean half of them, he just had a hard time whenever someone felt sorry for him like he was some sort of lost child. It hurt his pride and it reminded him that despite his protests, that’s exactly what he was. No home to return to, no family to miss him, and some nights he would just yearn for someone out there to care about him.

It made him feel pathetic, to want something like that.

You weren’t entirely buying his macho act. Anyone that had been through what he had been through would feel at least some pain from it. And although you hadn’t known Lucien as long as the rest of your friends, you knew he struggled with it.

However, you didn’t want to push him anymore tonight, raising your hands in surrender before finishing the rest of your drink. He watched you carefully, feeling guilt gnaw at him from the way he had attacked you for simply being concerned. 

“I’m sorry.” You apologized, standing up to go join the rest of your friends who were now dancing. “I didn’t mean to overstep. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He wanted to hit himself over the head when you walked away, feeling like the world's biggest asshole. This was the reason he didn’t have anybody in his life, this was the reason people didn’t stay with him long. It wasn’t the cauldron cursing him, it was his own damn self. 

The music was loud as he gathered his things and left the club, looking back just long enough to catch you chatting up a man at the bar before forcing himself to leave to go back to his apartment. He was already dreading tomorrow.

Starfall, House of Wind

It was crowded and loud, full of people he didn’t know as he lounged against a balcony rail. The sky was already dark as well as the rest of the city, everyone gathered around as they impatiently waited for the souls to rain across the sky.

You hadn’t shown up yet, not that he should be looking for you after what he said to you. Feyre and Rhys had given him a cordial welcome, as well as Cassian, but other than that he was by himself. As the minutes ticked by he started to contemplate just going home and watching it from his window.

That was until he felt a warm hand slide down his arm, making him turn in surprise. You were leaning beside him, one of your arms tucked behind your back and a coy smile on your lips.

“Being a wallflower again, Lucien?” You teased, goosebumps rising on your arms from the chilly air. “It took me a while to find you.”

“Y/N, I didn’t think you would show up.” He breathed, standing up to fully face you. “I wanted to apologize for last night, what I said was harsh and-”

“Hush, I don’t want to hear you grovel to me. You’ll ruin Starfall.” You said sternly, moving your arm from behind your back to reveal what you were hiding. It was a small yellow box, with a ribbon tied delicately on top. It fit in the palm of your hand and Lucien was very confused.

“Who is that for?” He questioned, glancing around to see if anyone else was exchanging gifts. “Is it someone’s birthday?”

You huffed in frustration, grabbing his hand and prying it open before laying the box in it. “It’s for you. Honestly, how you are an emissary is beyond me.” The jab made him smirk, his fingers holding the box as if it were made of glass.

“You got me a gift?”

“It’s a Starfall gift. Some people give gifts to their loved ones, some don’t, it’s a personal preference.” You shrug, anxiously looking between him and the box. “Open it!’

Lucien stared at it, processing what you had just said. Loved ones. Was that what he was to you? Or was he reading too much into it? Would it be awkward to ask you that now? He suddenly felt like a schoolboy again, afraid to talk to the pretty girl in front of him. 

He gave you one last cautious glance before slowly undoing the bow on top, tucking it into his coat pocket before softly opening the box. 

It was a small key, made of light bronze with an intricate design on the top. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion, trying to figure out what it was too. You bit down on your lip, hoping the dots would connect, but when he just stood there staring you groaned loudly.

“It’s a key to my house, Lucien.” You explain, grinning from ear to ear when his mouth dropped open. “I thought it would be nice for you to have somewhere to go to if you didn’t want to go back to the apartment.”

The silence was deafening and suddenly you were worried you had just completely screwed up your relationship. He was just standing there, staring at the key, and as the seconds ticked by your anxiety grew.

“If it’s too weird or you don’t like it you can tell me, it won’t hurt my feelings you.” You said softly, wrapping your arms around yourself as he continued to be speechless. “It’s a stupid gift, here I can take it-”

Suddenly you found yourself being crushed into his chest, his arms wrapping around tightly in a hug that immediately made you relax. Lucien’s heart was overflowing with different emotions, his mind trying to sort through it all as he held you as close as possible.

You had given him a key to your home, your life practically, inviting him to share it with you. Even though he had pushed you away and put up that barrier, you had seen right through him. You had just given him a home.

Lucien pulled back and looked down into your eyes, tilting your chin up so that you could see just how happy he was with your gift. “Y/N, you have no idea how much this means.”

A blush crept onto your face as you smiled bashfully. “I just wanted you to know that no matter what, you had a home to go back to. Everyone needs that.”

People around you gasped and you turned to look out into the sky, cheering when the first few souls raced across the sky. It was just as beautiful as you remember, your entire body leaning forward as the souls grew and grew until the entire sky was lit up. 

The music started up shortly after that, people dancing and glasses clinking as the celebration began. You didn’t notice how Lucien was staring at you, watching as you stared in amazement into the sky.

“I mean, how can you not think this is heavenly?” You sigh, resting your chin on your hand as you looked at him. “This is why I love Starfall.” 

He looked out towards the black, inky night and took it all in. The souls, the music, your gift, you, it was like he was in a dream. Lucien bent down beside you, taking your same position, and nudged your shoulder with his as he said, “I think I’m starting to love it too.”

#starfall #starfall week #lucien vanserra x reader #lucien x reader #lucien #lucien vanserra #lucien x reader acotar #lucien vanserra x reader acotar #acotar reader #acotar fic #lucien fic acotar #lucien fic #acotar #acomaf #acowar #acofas #acosf #fluff

[starfallpod]

Happy Ace Week y'all!

If you're ever looking for more ace-friendly media, then look no further! Starfall is a fantasy audio drama about a magical traveling acting troupe that is written and produced by an asexual creator (that's me!).

It's a story about finding your people and self-definition and the meaning of art in a world where everything comes with a price - and also fighting giant crab monsters with your giant sword.

We also emphasize the importance of all sorts of relationships across our ensemble, from friendships to platonic partners to mentor & student. There's a bit of romance both in the past and coming up in future seasons, but a lot of heart from our ace and aro leads who are mostly just interested in being in each other's lives.

So yeah, check out Starfall for some fun and heartfelt ace-led storytelling today! Available pretty much wherever you cast your pods!

#ace podcast week #also #i say look no further #but do be sure to check out the rest of the fabulous podcasts out there filled with ace rep #starfall podcast

[dawneternal]

Starfall Guest

✷ Azriel x OC

✷ Summary: Something unusual drops from the sky on Starfall. A messenger with a threat and a promise.

I wrote this for @starfallweek for the prompt 'Character A is a fallen star. Character B finds them.'

I'm not sure if I like it or not, but hopefully you do lol I know a tiny bit about Crescent City but I've never read it so none of this is supposed to be related to that/canon compliant:)

Calytrix is pronounced cal-uh-trix (meaning: star-flower)

✷ Listen to City of Starlight by Taylor Ash

✷ Word Count: 4.9k

✷ Warnings: None

✷ Ao3 Link

This year would be the first Starfall celebration at the River House. The view at the House of Wind was still objectively better, but it would be easier to wrangle Nyx here with all of the childproof wards built in. It would be a house warming of sorts, Rhys said. 

They had spared no expense, setting up the back lawn with tables, chairs, blankets, trays of foods and star-themed decorations, bottles and bottles of champagne. All of it was beautiful. All of it was perfect. Rhys and Feyre leaned into each other, holding little Nyx between them as they gazed up at the night sky and waited for the stars to appear. 

Still, Azriel could not help the ache in his chest. The chasm of loneliness, opened wide by the sight of all the couples curled up together. He sat alone, ignoring the dark clouds gathering in his mind. He’d let it catch up to him later when he was by himself. He'd let it consume him for a while and then pull himself together before morning.

The crowd around him let out a collective gasp as the first star fell, hurtling towards the earth and falling into the sea with a strange sizzling sound. It was different to see it up close and not from the view of the balconies. Closer, you could see a ring of stardust coat the surface of the water where the thing had landed. The churning of the waves spread the shimmering color further over the water, illuminated by the moon. The whole sea was gilded. Luxurious.

Azriel settled into himself, glass of champagne in hand, and watched the streaks of metallic light paint the sky. An odd sensation joined the longing in his chest, something akin to anticipation. 

Like the hiss of a matchstick before the flame sparks to life. The glow of his siphons before a blast of power. 

His shadows began to dart back and forth, as if they felt it too. He looked around for anything amiss, but everything was as usual. Party goers laughing and whispering and gasping, dodging the bits of star that fell on the lawn. 

Azriel turned his gaze to the sky, squinting as he searched for something out of the ordinary. There was something unordinary there. One star, bigger and brighter than the rest, falling far slower than any star ever had. He watched as it dropped, blinking and flailing, surrounded by an aura of changing celestial color. He looked over his shoulder at Rhys and saw the High Lord watching the same object with pursed lips, clutching an awe-filled Nyx in his arms. This was something new. 

When the odd light was in range, his shadows darted out to meet it. Azriel set his glass on a tray in the grass, preparing to stand. 

A woman. A star. The shadows whispered in his ear. He wasn’t entirely sure what that meant. But the whole lot of them rushed away again as if they hoped to catch her. He wondered if a person could survive that kind of fall. Then he broke into a run, weaving through blankets and bodies toward the sea. 

“Azriel!” Rhys’s voice called to him, but he didn’t stop. 

The grass gave way to sand then rock, the waves lapping gently on the shore and leaving glowing stardust behind. As he neared the edge of the water, he could see how limp the being was, falling with no resistance. They were too far over the water for him to reach, but he pulled off his boots anyways and tugged off his shirt in case he needed to go in. His shadows swirled underneath the plummeting body, but she fell through them like they were nothing. Her body hit the water with a sickening splash, a layer of glimmering color left behind just like the other stars. 

Azriel paced over the rocky shore, waiting for a head to appear above the water, the echo of that splash replaying over and over as his heart beat against his ribs. 

Then he heard the familiar snap of winnowing, and that shimmering being was kneeling on the beach a few feet away, hands braced before her as she choked and heaved. She looked like a piece of the night sky itself. 

Her skin was deep blue, covered in swirls of gold and silver. Elaborately woven braids of deep violet draped over her shoulders, dripping ocean water over her naked form.

“Are you alright?” Azriel crouched beside her, pebbles digging into his bare feet. Closer, he realized that the outline of her body was transient, moving in a slow pattern like smoke floating through the air. She was not covered in stardust, but made of it. The ends of her braids flowed into nothingness, dissipating into the night as particles of violet. 

She looked up as he spoke, bright eyes meeting his. They could have housed an entire galaxy in their depth. Indigo, purple, gold, and silver swirled like pools of water, flecked with stars. The shadowsinger found himself a little awestruck. His shadows enveloped her, looking for any more information to give their master, but they would only tell him the same thing as before. A woman, a star.

“I need to speak to the High Lord of the Night Court,” She spoke, her voice deep and raspy. It sent a pleasant shiver down his spine. 

“Why?” His brow furrowed. She had nothing on her, no weapons, no magical items, not even clothes. But if she could winnow, she had other powers.

“Is this the Night Court?” She asked instead of answering, pushing off the ground and attempting to stand. Her legs were wobbly and she stumbled forward onto her knees once more. Azriel grabbed his shirt from the grass and held it out to her. She tried again and managed to stand this time, though her limbs trembled.

“What is that?” She asked him, staring at the cloth in his hand. 

“You’re…naked?” Azriel swallowed, keeping his eyes on her and not the glittering curves of her body. The woman looked down and pursed her lips, as if mildly annoyed by this realization. She took it from him and slipped it over her head. She was much smaller than him, the t-shirt falling to her knees. 

“I need to speak to the High Lord of the Night Court,” She said again, rising to her full height.

Rhys, it’s a woman. Azriel spoke into his mind, remembering his brother existed. 

Enamored was not strong enough a word for what he was feeling. She exuded night in the same way that Rhys did, such cunning grace and soft beauty. All with a threat underneath. Rhys appeared with a snap, expression smoothed over into the mask of the High Lord. He studied the being before him with his hands in his pockets. 

“High Lord,” The woman’s eyes widened and she bowed, braids falling in a curtain around her face. Her voice was like personified darkness.

Azriel and Rhys shared a look, wondering how she possibly recognized him. 

“Please,” Rhysand said, and she straightened. “Are you hurt from the fall?” 

“No,” She shook her head, taking a step toward him. Azriel tensed, hands curling into fists. “Please, High Lord, I have something important to tell you.”

“I’d rather you introduce yourself first,” Rhysand drawled, still studying her, “Forgive me, but I am finding this meeting a bit strange. You don’t seem to be from this…area.” 

The woman nodded her head, and the brothers watched as her form changed. Her skin became solid, a rich shade of brown, free of stardust. Her hair remained violet but now appeared tangible, no longer flowing like a waterfall. In this form her ears were pointed like Rhys’s. She looked like another fae now, save for the galaxy in her eyes. 

“My name is Calytrix. I come from a celestial realm. My father is King Izar and a few weeks ago he made a deal that threatens your court.” 

Rhysand and Azriel shared another look. 

Then Rhysand reached for Calytrix’s arm and they were winnowing. Calytrix squealed, reaching toward the High Lord as they fell through the air. Rhys's wings flared out and he caught her in his arms, slowing his descent toward the balcony. Azriel was close behind, and he could see Cassian and Feyre in this distance flying toward them.

Calytrix shoved away from Rhys when they landed, stumbling once more to her knees and drawing in deep breaths. 

“Apologies,” Rhys said, shoving his hands into his pockets again, striding past her into the House.

Azriel grasped her arm and helped her up, ignoring the sparks under his skin as they connected. He followed the High Lord and led her into the dining room. Rhysand sat at the head of the table and gestured for her to sit. She took a spot beside him, looking a little more wary as she looked around the grand room. 

The glass doors opened again and Feyre nodded as she entered, saying nothing as she sat across from the strange woman. Azriel and Cassian remained standing, the former beside Rhsyand and latter beside the High Lady. 

“Princess Calytrix, this is my wife, Feyre,” Rhys gestured to his stony-faced mate, “Now please, continue your story.” 

Calytrix’s gaze swept over each figure. She had become surrounded before it could even register, and she assumed that they had done this on purpose. The four of them stared at her, unrelenting. 

“As I said,” Calytrix swallowed, “I came here to warn you. My father made a deal with a death god that threatens your court.” 

“What deal?” Rhysand demanded. 

He conjured a pitcher of water and poured a glass for each of them. Calytrix didn’t take it, keeping her eyes on the raven-haired man beside her. He seemed as though he wanted to trust her, but he was holding back. She’d anticipated this, and she hoped her idea would be enough for him to trust her. 

“My father offered soldiers in exchange for territory in this realm whenever Koschei has gained control. Night Court territory.”

A jaw in Rhysand’s muscle twitched, the only reaction he’d allow to show. Azriel felt his stomach drop at the mention of Koschei. His blood ran cold.

“How has Koschei managed to establish contact with other realms?” He asked, voice firm. 

“I do not know that, my Lord,” Calytrix shook her head, “Only that my father speaks to him through an enchanted object that he keeps hidden.” 

“And why do you come here, princess? What do you gain from exposing your father’s secrets?” He countered, sitting back with his arms crossed. 

She looked so small in her chair, draped in Azriel’s shirt. The shadowsinger remembered her body hitting the water and a thread of sympathy wound through his chest. But he kept his expression neutral and said nothing.

“I believe Koschei is using my father,” She said, averting her gaze to the marble table and the crystal glass before her, “A King in our realm tried to occupy land here before, but our types of magic are incompatible and it did not end well. I believe my father has sacrificed a great number of soldiers for no gain. He will destroy our kingdom and your court.” 

She shifted in her seat, skin flushing as she said the next words, “And I have studied the Night Court extensively. I consider myself…a fan. I do not wish to see it destroyed.” 

“How are you here?” Feyre asked, her voice soft, “If the magic is incompatible?” 

“The gates are open on this night,” She said, “As the stars travel through the realms. And I come as a visitor. I won’t try to claim anything as my own.” 

“What are they?” Rhsyand blurted, his eyes gleaming. The conflict was momentarily forgotten as the answer to his centuries old question came within reach. “The stars?”

“I’m afraid I don’t have an answer for you, my Lord,” Calytrix smiled at his eagerness, “They are a mystery to us as well.” 

Then she stood, ignoring the warriors tensing as she took a step toward Rhysand. 

“I understand my words may be hard to believe,” She began, drawing herself up again to her full height, “I have read about the customs of the Night Court and I am prepared to offer a bargain in exchange for your trust. I believe this ordeal with the death god will harm my people just as much as yours. I have much to gain from your trust.” 

“What bargain?” Rhysand asked, tilting his head to the side. His violet eyes locked onto hers, some familiar thread of magic seeming to sing between them. Like calling to like.

“If anything I have told you proves to be untrue, I will owe you my firstborn son.” 

Cassian coughed and Azriel’s eyes widened. He searched Calytrix’s face, but she was utterly serious. 

“Princess,” Rhysand sputtered, “I hardly have use for your firstborn son.” 

“Well I don’t have one yet,” Calytrix said, shifting her weight as she noted the amused half-smiles, “It would be a promise. I understand that these bargains are very serious.” 

“I have a better idea,” Rhysand said, biting back a laugh, “If you allow me to, I can use my power to look into your mind and read your intentions.”

Calytrix went still. Her eyes shifted ever so slightly toward the shadowsinger, wondering if the High Lord would be able to see her admiration for his warrior. For the beautiful figure that had been stuck in her mind since he’d found her on the beach. Far more beautiful than she believed the people in this realm could be. 

No one saw that glimpse, except for Rhysand, of course. 

“I’ll make you a bargain,” Rhysand said, his expression softening. She was young, likely no older than Feyre or her sisters. She was brave to come here. “If you show me the truth, I will not intrude on any private thoughts.” 

Calytrix nodded, lips pursed. She went stiff  as she felt his onyx claws scrape against her mind, eyes shutting tight. Azriel winced, swallowing the impulse to comfort her. No matter his intentions, it never felt good to have Rhys search your mind. 

The High Lord sorted through her thoughts, evidently hitting a sore spot when Calytrix let out a choked whimper. Rhysand pulled away, his face grim. It was not often he enjoyed that task. 

“She tells the truth,” He announced. Calytrix heaved a sigh and slumped in her chair. 

“Your father doesn’t know you’re here,” Rhysand said carefully, brow furrowing. 

“No,” She chewed her lip. 

“How can we keep you safe, then?” 

“I…was hoping to stay for tonight,” Calytrix said sheepishly, staring down at her hands in her lap, “And then I’ll go back and tell him I was kidnapped. He’d never guess I would come here.”

“Don’t you need to go back while the gates are open?” Feyre asked. 

“Not if you have an Astraeus Ruby,” Calytrix shrunk into herself. Rhysand stared at her for a moment.

“Indeed I do,” His lips twitched up into a smile, “You have done your research well.”

“I don’t like it,” Azriel spoke for the first time since the beach. All heads snapped towards him, reminding him that he was still barefoot and shirtless. Feyre's eyes flicked over him with curiosity. He kept his expression firm, unmoving. 

“There’s too many variables. What if the King guesses where you’ve gone? What if he sends someone after you? What if Koschei knows you’re here? I don’t think you should wait.” 

Rhysand thought he saw Calytrix’s shoulders fall, just slightly. As if the shadowsinger’s words disappointed her. 

“I can’t go back tonight,” She swallowed hard, “I snuck out before the party began, but the gate is in the grand room and they would all see my return. The party likely won’t even end until tomorrow midday. I tried to put a spell on myself so Koschei could not track me, but I do not mind if you would like to check it over.” 

“Will they notice you’re not at the party?” Rhys asked. Calytrix pursed her lips again and said nothing. They took that as a yes. 

The room fell into silence, each lost in thought. Azriel was kicking himself for making his attachment known. He should not care so much for this star girl, so shy and yet so brave. But he was drawn to her, like a planet in her orbit. 

“We’ll figure something out in the morning,” Rhysand said softly, “For now, Feyre will show you to a guest room and find you some clothes. You’re welcome to rejoin our party if you wish, or rest if you need it. And tomorrow,” 

Rhys paused and flashed a wry smile at Azriel, a mischievous glimmer in his eyes, “Azriel will give you a tour of Velaris.” 

Azriel opened his mouth to protest, but Feyre was already whisking Calytrix away. The princess looked back at him with eyes alight and eager hope written clearly across her face.

So, he found himself nodding, offering her a small smile. And elbowing Cassian in the ribs as his brother giggled.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Azriel waited on the balcony, bouncing on his toes in an attempt to rid his body of nervous energy. He had been up early to meet with Rhysand, Cassian, and Feyre. The best they had come up with was sending the princess home with a way to contact them. If she needed some sort of evidence to aid her alibi, they would provide it. 

Rhysand had checked over her spell and found it to be solid. No one would be able to track her. And since her father had no inkling of her plan, they should have a long while before he thought of searching other realms. Thus, she would stay for today and leave tonight at nightfall. Her tour of Velaris was the only gift Rhysand could give her for her bravery.

It made Azriel nervous, sending her back all alone with no protection, even if she insisted that she could take care of herself. Her skill with magic had admittedly impressed them all. But he was still worried and that made him wonder why he cared so much. He couldn't explain it.

The glass doors opened and Calytrix appeared, shaking the shadowsinger from his spiraling thoughts. She wore a Night Court outfit, flowy lilac pants and a cropped shirt with sheer sleeves. The colors suited her well, complimenting her hair and bringing out the warm tones of her skin. She had arranged her braids in a bun on top of her head, held in place with a piece of lilac silk. And Feyre must have gifted her earrings, sparkling amethyst tear drops. 

Azriel found himself staring, gaze drifting over the curves of her body, her generous hips and exposed stomach. 

“How do I look?” She flashed him a shy smile and turned in a little circle, ending with a flourish.

“Lovely,” Azriel breathed, his voice cracking, “You're a vision.”

He scolded himself internally one more time and cleared his throat. 

“I thought we'd start with a snack and a coffee, how does that sound?” 

Her eyes lit up, the stars and swirls glowing with excitement. 

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Azriel was a fool. He should have known from the first time she had locked eyes with him that he would never quite recover. The hold that she had on him left something behind that he would never be able to get rid of. 

He was falling harder with every moment they spent together. Every tiny thing she revealed about herself knit into a story he was desperate to hear more of. Her eagerness to learn more about the night court, excitement over new things he showed her, her kindness to everyone she encountered. She seemed to trust him completely, blindly following him through the city.

He’d almost laughed when she pulled out a notebook and began taking notes in the cafe, writing down the name of the coffee and pastries he’d ordered. But he’d swallowed it down, not wanting her to think he was making fun of her. 

She was as curious about his shadows as she was the city. Every time they ventured close, she held out a hand. Some of them shied away and some of them wound around her fingers. She told him that the feel of them was similar to running a hand through a nebula.

Next, Azriel took her to the aviary, drinking in her delighted laughter as she chased and studied the colorful birds. 

“You don’t have an aviary in your city?” He asked, when they’d sat down for a break. Side by side under a willow tree filled with singing birds and fluttering wings. It was one of his favorite places in Velaris.

“Maybe,” She said, her gaze following the little creatures, “My father is very strict and protective. I don’t get out much.”

“I suppose that explains your eagerness to see the city,” He said, watching her as she watched the birds. 

“How could I not be eager?” She smiled, “When the secret of the city was revealed a few years ago, the whole world had questions. Now I've seen it, and I might even be able to write up a paper and get it published.” 

“You’re a writer, then?” Azriel asked. It made sense now, the grandiosity with which she described things. How desperately and diligently she wrote down every detail.

“Under an alias,” She met his eyes and he swooned all over again, “I spend a lot of time in our library since it’s one of the few places my father considers safe for me.” 

“Do you know much about the Day Court?” He asked, tilting his head to the side. She looked back down at her notebook, suddenly shy. 

His whole body itched with the desire to fly her to the Day Court right then. He would plant himself by her side as she skimmed every single book in the court and he would be sustained by her joy alone.

“Not much,” She confessed, “I must admit that my fascination with the Night Court has become a bit of an obsession over the past couple years.” 

“They have hundreds of libraries there,” Azriel said, eyes twinkling. Her face lit up, as predicted. “You could spend an eternity there, I’d imagine.”

“With a friend to keep me cnompany, I suppose I could,” She dared to look at him again, letting her gaze linger. Her eyes flicked down to his lips for a split second. 

Before he could register, she was standing, tucking her notebook back into her bag. It did not escape him the way her fingers trembled as she did so. 

“Where next, tour guide?” 

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Their tour definitely stretched a bit longer than what Rhysand had in mind, but Azriel could not bring himself to give her up. Calytrix did not seem eager to end their tour, either. At first the shadowsinger was certain it was only due to her research, but then she had worked up the courage to touch him. 

She’d grasped his wrist and let out an excited sound when she’d laid eyes on the collector's section of his favorite book shop. Azriel swore his soul left his body. But then she did it again, brushing arms with him as they walked together. When he took her to the Sidra so she could dip her feet in the water, she grasped his hands for balance and didn’t let go for a long time. 

Azriel felt like he was glowing. Like basking in her presence had woven his entire being with threads of her stardust. He would search the whole of Prythian for every Astraeus Ruby if it meant he had the chance to see her again. The looming goodbye tasted bitter, growing heavier as the sun reached toward the horizon. 

“Have you had a good visit, princess?” He asked softly as they sat back on the balcony at the House of Wind. 

They sat side by side again, legs dangling over the edge, almost close enough for their shoulders to connect. Only the anticipation of that touch between them. 

“Are you kidding me?” She grinned, leaning her temple against the railing as she looked at him, “I’ve toured the entire city, met the High Lord and Lady, and I made a real Night Court bargain.” 

“That wasn’t a real bargain,” Azriel’s lips twitched up into a smile, “He was being nice. If it had been a real one, you’d have a tattoo.” 

Her eyes widened, flashing with something wild and determined.

“Make me a bargain,” She breathed, “I want a tattoo.” 

“Is that a good idea?” Azriel’s eyebrows shot upwards. “Won’t your father see it?” 

“Only when I’m in my fae form,” She said, grin growing with excitement, “Which only happens on special occasions. I’ll be so careful.” 

“Okay,” Azriel chuckled, “What kind of deal can I offer you?” 

Then she was quiet for a moment, staring at him. Deep in thought as the galaxies in her eyes whirled. Her smile faded and her breath quickened, and Azriel felt his own chest flutter in response.

“I want you to kiss me,” She whispered, eyes searching his, “If you kiss me, I’ll promise to come back next Starfall.” 

Azriel’s heart leapt in his throat. This was probably a bad idea. Rhysand would never approve of it. The kiss, the tattoo, his lovesick stupor after only one day of knowing her. But he heard himself answer anyways,

“Yes.” 

She leaned toward him, grasping handfuls of his shirt as his own hands reached to hold her face. They fit together so neatly, so comfortably. Calytrix leaned ever closer, tucking herself into his hold, and brought her lips to his. Her skin was so soft under his fingers, thumbs brushing over her cheekbones as he kissed her. 

The bitterness grew to an ache, and then to a sharp pain erupting with sparks. A lump rose in Azriel’s throat as she tilted her head to kiss him deeper, lips brushing over his with such sweet reverence. 

He had to give her up, send her back to the skies. This wonderful thing between them would cease. She made a sound against his mouth and he pulled back, frowning at the sadness written in her expression.

“What’s wrong?” He whispered, not letting go yet. She didn’t let go either, running her knuckles along his collarbone. 

“I don’t want to go,” She croaked. “For so many reasons.”

Her eyes dropped from his face, pulling his shirt down farther to reveal the shooting star now inked on his chest. She released one hand and pulled down her own collar to see the matching tattoo. 

“At least you have something to remember me by,” He smiled softly. 

She shifted closer to rest her head on his shoulder, relishing the warmth of his body. They stayed like that until footsteps in the distance drove them apart. The High Lord appeared between the glass doors.

“It’s time to go,” Rhysand said softly, Astraeus Ruby in hand, “Feyre sends her regrets that she can’t see you off, but our son is throwing an especially spirited tantrum at the moment.”

“That’s alright,” Calytrix smiled as she stood, “But please, thank her for her hospitality.” 

“Of course,” Rhysand handed her the gem, a blood red crystal that looked particularly delicate. Flecks of glowing silver danced inside it.

Calytrix pulled the scarf from her hair and shifted forms again, umber skin replaced by swirling cobalt dust. As she had said, the tattoo was never to be seen on her celestial form. 

She said nothing more to Azriel, only held out the slip of purple silk for him to take. He grasped it with gentle fingers, rubbing his scarred thumb over the soft fabric. 

“Please do not hesitate to tell us if you need anything,” Rhysand bowed his head, “We are grateful for your help and we will contact you as soon as we have decided our next move.”

“Thank you, High Lord,” She said, voice trembling. 

She turned back once more to the shadowsinger and held his gaze as she placed the ruby on the ground. She raised her foot and crushed it under her shoe. Instantly, blue light burst from the shards and reached toward the sky in a wide beam. 

In the last second before the light carried her into the night, her eyes widened, lips parting, as she stared at Azriel.  A hand reached out of the beam but it did not reach him before the magic pulled her away.

Then both the light and the shards disappeared and Calytrix was gone. 

Rhysand stared for a moment at the spot where she’d been, reminded of a similar moment so long ago. He glanced at the shadowsinger, cautiously, but Azriel was oblivious. He stared up at the stars, holding the lilac silk in his hands. 

So, Rhysand said nothing, heart aching for this brother.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Azriel woke in the middle of the night to a snap, a flash of light visible from behind his closed eyes. He shot upright in bed, shadows darting out to assess the threat. 

They found nothing, save for the folded note on his nightstand. The paper was deep blue, translucent and cool like the misty touch of his shadows. He opened it and found written in gold ink, 

See you next starfall, my mate.

Your star,

Calytrix

#hides under a rock #starfallweek #starfallweek2024 #starfall celebration week #starfall #acotar #a court of thorns and roses #azriel #azriel acotar #azriel shadowsinger #azriel x oc #rhysand #feyre #cassian

[acotrash]

Ballroom of Romance - Cassian

Cassian head canons for Starfall Week 2023 Day 3

“Character A and Character B meet at Starfall” 

You don’t know how your friend managed an invite the High Lord’s exclusive party, all week she had talked about wanting to meet one of the three brothers: the heir, the shadowsinger or the warrior 

You had just rolled your eyes at your friend. You didn’t know them but you’ve heard of them, it was hard not to hear of the stories people whispered about them in Velaris. How Rhysand, the picture of his father was the complete opposite of the High Lord, of Azriel the cool and calculated one, of Cassian the wild, fun-loving one. 

Since completing the Blood Rite decades ago, the three of them now spent most of their time in Velaris, breaking hearts wherever they went. 

Your friend flashed you one of her signature smirks as she grabbed two champagne flutes from a passing waiter. “Oh come on (Y/N), let loose have fun” 

So you did just that, dancing with her in the middle of the dance floor 

Cassian spotted you before you even saw him

He stood off to the side, on Rhys’s left side, Az on the right and Rhys’s little sister stood in front of Rhys. Her wings flared out slightly as she stomped her foot and huffed, at only 13 she was getting an attitude and Cassian knew it would only be a matter of time before she would be leaving a string of males broken-hearted behind her 

“I want to dance” She looked at the three brothers, her three brothers whom were all wrapped around her little finger and she knew it. As predicted, it was Cassian who broke first but not because of big, begging violet eyes but because of another female on the dance floor who was currently spinning away from drunken hands and looked like she needed saving

“I’ll dance with you princess” Cassian laughed at the face Rhys’s little sister made at the nickname, he was maybe the only brother who could get away with calling her that

Once they got to the dance floor, Cassian lost sight of you. He craned his neck, everytime his spun the young princess around to see if he could catch sight of your swaying hips, or long hair. He knew it was only a matter of time which is why whenever Azriel stalked close enough to the pair, Cassian spun the young girl to Azriel. She laughed in delight, stumbling into the shadowsinger 

Cassian winked at his brother “Your turn” 

Cassian had found you at the bar, he recognized the son of an advisor to the High Lord flirting with you, but you were sipping the drink in your hand, eyes darting around the room till they landed on Cassian

You had known that the heir to the Night Court and the two males he called brothers would be at the party, but you hadn’t expected to see them. The party was crowded and you were sure many females would be hanging off of their arms. Of course every female around Cassian had her eyes on him but none were hanging off of him, and he was looking right at you 

You had told your friend you needed a refill and went to the bar when the male in front of you had given you a lazy smile that you assumed females were supposed to find attractive. You politely smiled and talked, letting him go on and on about court politics, something you had zero interest in whatsoever 

But then the warrior had stepped in, a loop sided grin on his face chasing off the male talking, you knew Cassian was the least liked brother among the three, the less favorable one. Rhysand was the heir, Azriel was a rare shadowsinger, and Cassian was just Cassian. Maybe that’s why you were glad you ran into him and not the other two 

“You don’t belong here” Cassian said, eyeing you from head to toe. You arched an eyebrow. He wasn’t wrong but you didn’t think he’d come right out and say it. 

He wasn’t wrong, but you didn’t think he’d notice, or care. “Did the High Lord tell you to kick me out?”

“The High Lord doesn’t know” Cassian said, a little shrug. “I’m Cassian.” His eyes spelt out trouble and you wanted every bit of mischief he had planned “(Y/N)”

“So tell me, (Y/N), would you like to dance, or did I interrupt the conversation you were most hoping to hear tonight about Court politics” He leaned against the bar top and you fought the smirk you felt curving your mouth, instead you looked up at the sky. Starfall was in full swing and you thought you could touch the stars if you reached up high enough 

“What if I said you did interrupt the best conversation I had all night?” 

Cassian knew this wouldn’t end well, he could guess the second Azriel’s shadows caught wind of a party crasher the night would take a turn for the worst. But it wouldn’t be the worst trouble he’d been in if he was caught with said party-crasher. He knew the High Lord would somehow spin it that it was Cassian’s idea, so he decided to make the most of it. “Well, to make it up to you, may I offer you a dance?” 

You agreed, the upbeat song changing to a slower song

You kept your eyes anywhere but his, suddenly nervous that someone would notice you weren’t supposed to be at this party, let along dancing with him

“Are you enjoying the party?” Cassian asked you, your eyes flicked to his before looking around the crowd again. “It’s very nice.” 

There was a lot of things Cassian wanted to ask you, like how you were able to sneak past the guards posted, but he never got the chance because when he opened his mouth to speak, he felt a tug on the hem of his tunic 

Rhys’s little sister glared at him “Azriel said he’s tired of dancing” 

You had let out a little laugh

Cassian never hated his brother more now than he ever did “Tell him I am busy” he muttered to the princess, his eyes darting to you. She wasn’t phased by your presence, she brightly smiled at you before turning back to Cassian. 

“I’m going to see if I can find my friend” You said, a hand on Cassian’s shoulder, he looked like he wanted to protest. “I get another dance once she’s done with you” 

“I’ll return him to you” The princess offered, you snorted, nodding. 

“I will be right over there” You pointed to a place by the wall, Rhys’s little sister nodded before turning to Cassian

As soon as you left, Cassian saw a sliver of a shadow follow you before Azriel was walking across the party towards you

“Hey, have you danced with Rhysie yet? Let’s see what he’s up to” 

#a court of thorns and roses #acotar #a court of thorns and roses headcanon #acotar headcanon #cassian #azriel #rhysand #cassian x reader #cassian x you #rhysands little sister #starfall week #Starfall week 2023