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shadowdaddies · 17 days

Note

Being mated to Azriel/Cassian/Nesta. Az and Cass are away, visiting some Illyrian camps, and whenever they are away, you all have agreed that you’re free use for Nesta?

hii thank you for the request, I've been slow with them lately and hating everything I write but I hope you like this! I got carried away here

Mine All Mine

Nesta x f!Reader smut (ft. Cassian and Azriel)

warnings: pure smut, free use, oral f!receiving, masturbation, gagging/toys, d/s dynamics

“Be good for us while we’re gone, sweetheart,” Cassian purred, flashing a roguish grin that forced heat to your cheeks under his gaze.

Azriel leaned in, arms wrapping you in a gentle embrace as his lips brushed yours, the tender moment at odds with the words that followed.

“She’ll be good, Cassian. Our girl knows she is solely responsible for Nesta’s pleasure while we’re away.” His voice maintained its smooth calmness, but the shadowsinger’s grin turned vulpine as a scarred finger curled under your chin. “You’ll take care of Nesta while we’re gone, won’t you, angel?”

It was an agreement the four of your had as mates. While Cassian and Azriel were gone, you were responsible for Nesta’s pleasure, and she for yours. She could take you at any time she wanted to get what she needed from you, and you relinquished complete control over your own pleasure to her.

You nodded at Azriel, embarrassed at the rush of heat that built between your thighs at his words. Two sets of hazel eyes simmered with desire at the scent of your arousal drifting through the room. “Yes, sir,” you whispered, lower lip tugged between your teeth.

Cassian was the first to break the tension, clearing his throat before mumbling something about being late to their meeting in Windhaven. Azriel slowly drew his finger from your chin, his intense gaze as he did so sending a shiver down your spine.

“We will see you very soon, angel,” he promised, the side of his lip curving to show a dimple before the two Illyrians disappeared through the door, the sound of their wings beating as they took off echoing through the air.

The house instantly felt empty, a restlessness settling over you at the quiet. Your mind drifted to the things Nesta would do to you when she returned home - the ways she would use you for her pleasure, push you to the limits of your own - and slick dampened your thighs, core clenching around nothing.

Face flushed, you shook the shameful thoughts from your mind in favor of distraction. A book caught your eye, resting on the couch in front of the fireplace in invitation.

Picking up the novel, you collapsed against the soft cushions before peering at the cover. It must have been one of Nesta’s books, a Sellyn Drake novel like those she’d been trying to get you to read for awhile now.

Pulling a throw pillow under your head, you flipped open the book, quickly finding yourself lost in the story. You had no idea how long you’d been reading when the two main characters found themselves in an inn with only one bed to share. You read of hands slipping between thighs, light teasing touches, gasps at the exquisite pleasure being exchanged.

You found that heat building between your own thighs once again, desire making it difficult to focus on the book. Tugging your lip between your teeth, you set the novel to the side, freeing your hands to explore.

Brushing your nipples through your shirt, you mewled with need when your hand drifted lower, featherlight touches teasing yourself as you slipped beneath the waistband of your pants.

“Enjoying the book, pet?” a familiar voice drawled from the doorway, sending a chill down your spine and halting your movements. Your wide eyes flicked to where Nesta leaned by the wall, arms crossed and silver eyes glowing with amusement.

Breathless, you watched her stride toward you on long legs, her leathers hugging her curves. “Which part were you reading?” she murmured, limbs stretching across the couch as her body settled over yours.

Nesta’s hands pulled your own from where it rested on your lower abdomen, her eyes focused keenly on you while you stumbled through the plot of the book. Just as you began to recount the scene at the inn, Nesta popped your fingers in her mouth, licking and sucking fervently while she nodded for you to continue.

Somehow managing to breathe out the steamy details to Nesta - despite her lips around your fingers, hips grinding against yours while she straddled you - you loosed a sigh of relief when she relented her efforts in favor of releasing you.

Standing for only a moment, Nesta stripped off her pants and turned away from you, showing off her perfect ass as she did. You started to lean forward, eager to meet Nes where she stood, but the female clicked her tongue in disapproval.

“Lay back, love. Stay still for me,” Nesta purred, flashing a grin over her shoulder as she settled above your face. The scent of her arousal was dizzying, the need to please her consuming your thoughts.

As though she could sense your desperation, Nesta hummed a “good girl” before sinking down onto you. Slick core pressed against your nose, her clit perched perfectly atop your mouth for your tongue to flick out against the swollen bud.

Her hips rolled against you on instinct, a soft moan escaping Nesta’s lips at your mouth on her. “Just like that, pet,” she breathed, hands pulling your still-soaked digits towards your heat. “Touch yourself while I read this.”

Picking up your book, Nes began to read the scenes you described, her wetness growing and spreading sloppily across your face as you ate her out. One hand wrapped around her waist, encouraging the rhythm of her hips against your lips, while the other followed her directions to your clit, rubbing tight circles that made your legs jerk against the couch in ecstasy.

You felt Nesta’s core clench, her hips shaking as she moaned your name, dropping the book when her orgasm rocked through her. The scent of her invaded your senses, weight settling fully over you as you released muffled cries against her warm center, your own high crashing into you.

Panting for air, you sighed with relief and longing at the loss of her heat on your face. Eyes struggled to focus, finally finding Nesta’s gaze on yours as she lifted your fingers to her mouth once more and licked your release clean.

“I need more,” Nes nearly growled, a wolfish grin formed on her full lips. “I’m not done with you tonight,” she promised, heat dancing in her eyes like flame when her hand wrapped around your wrist. “Come with me.”

You followed dutifully back up to your bedroom, stripping as directed before laying back on the mattress and watching Nesta undress.

“I got something new for us, love. To use when the boys are gone,” she explained, rifling through her nightstand before pulling out a strap with a dildo attached to the end. But this one was different from Nesta’s strap; it was simple and black with one buckle around the back.

Sensing your confusion, Nesta grinned wickedly. “This one is for you to wear, sweet girl,” she purred, bare hips straddling your own as she lifted the toy to your mouth to demonstrate. “If that’s okay,” she amended, laughing when you eagerly nodded and lifted your head for her to secure the gag.

“So good for me,” Nesta cooed, golden brown hair falling down in a curtain around her as she smiled down at you. “I just need you to lay there and take it for now.”

Hips settled over the toy perched on your mouth, Nesta’s puffy center spreading her slick over the tip before sinking down. You moaned through the gag at the sight, your mate filled up and bending over to hover your core. Gentle hands spread your thighs before Nesta dove in without warning, tongue making wicked movements against your clit as she began bouncing up and down on your face.

Helpless moans and squeals escaped you, sounds drowned out by the toy covering your face. “Just wait and see, love, what I have in store for us this week,” Nesta moaned, perked nipples brushing your stomach. “This is only the beginning.”

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acourtofmishapandmistakes · 8 days

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Nesta: Didn't you die?!

Rhys: That was weeks ago, dude. Things change.

#incorrect acotar quotes #acotar incorrect quotes #acotar meme #nesta #rhysand #rhys #acotar funny #acowar #acomaf #acofas #acotar #acosf #sjm #sarahjmaas #Nesta acotar #acotar Nesta

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the-shadowsingers-whore · 6 months

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*the inner circle all drunk at family dinner* cassian: OKAY EVERYONE! let's go around the room and say who our favorite person here is rhysand: that sounds like a horrible idea cassian: i'll go first rhysand: please don't- cassian: AZRIEL nesta: i agree, azriel mor: if i had to choose, azriel amren: i'm also going to say azriel because he's the only one of you who knows how to shut up feyre: definitely azriel *rhysand, mouth wide open, looking at his mate in absolute shock*

feyre: oh come on, don't pretend you're not also picking azriel rhysand: there is no way i would ever pick anyone over my mate, the love of my life, the mother to my child, the only person who-- *sighs* okay yah i'd pick azriel.... *everyone looks at azriel intently* azriel: nope, i'm not doing this again *disappears into his shadows

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kaelderdoer · 24 days

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Nesta Archeron from A Court of Thorns and Roses

#book art #sjm #acotar #acomaf #acowar #acofas #acosf #nesta archeron #acotar Nesta #acotar fanart #Nesta fanart #fanart #portrait #drawing #a court of thorns and roses

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redr0sewrites · 6 days

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threesome with nesta + cassian from acotar during the frenzy? i love both characters sm and saw u were taking reqs :>

hhhhh yes they are soooo fine

🥀Cw: SMUT!!!, threesome/poly, gn!reader, dirty talk, mating frenzy

🥀minors dni

cassian and nesta are wonderful partners, but when it comes to the mating frenzy??? they are literally SO overprotective and horny i just know it

from the minute the frenzy starts to the minute it ends the three of you are all over eachother. they both definitely enjoy spit roasting, with Cassian fucking you senseless while Nesta rides your face. they will absolutely make out while on top of you, and if she's feeling especially cruel, Nesta would absolute play with your clit/cock while Cassian fucks you

Nesta would be sooo mean!!! she definitely uses your sensitivity and horniness against you, even though she's just as insatiable. Nesta and Cassian are pure opposites when it comes to dirty talk, and they'll switch up on you until your fuzzy with pleasure. one minute Nesta could be spitting out the cruelest words and condescending remarks while Cassian praises you with no end in sight, and the next minute Nesta could be pampering you and praising you while Cassian whispers the filthiest shit in your ear and calls you his little slut. they are genuinely so versatile in bed, and that's only amplified during the frenzy

if you are more of a dominant person, you and Nesta DEFINITELYYYYY team up on Cassian at least a fee times, until he's all overstimulated and subby :( if you have a dick he woukd absolutely adore being pegged, but he would deny it to no end. if you don't thats ok too, you can still use a strap which will lead to the same effect- a wrecked and needy Cassian

USE HIS SENSITIVE WINGS AGAINST HIM. you and Nesta on either side of him while he's restrained, gently caressing his wings and teasing his thighs, but not touching his painfully hard cock. he'll be whimpering in minutes, he just needs you so much!

Nesta is a bit harder to team up on, but it can be managed. you'd have to start off slow, praise her and feed her ego. she loooves being pampered when she's subbing and is def a bratty pillow princess. she'll be very pliant and down for whatever, but COMPLAINS the entire time about how she can't feel a thing. so, in response, you and Cassian work together to fuck her SENSELESS. the easiest way to break her down is with incessant praise, she absolutely meltsssss

your all big fans of marking, like your all walking out of your 3 week frenzy with claw marks, hickies, and bruises on every available inch of your bodies'. your definitely gonna be wearing turtlenecks for a few weeks lmao.

you guys definitely prioritize aftercare a lot though. you always pause between sessions to get food and water, and y'all definitely bathe together. it's not always spicy either, sometimes bathing during the frenzy was intimate but not in a sexual way. lots of massages over sore muscles and praise were shared, and bathing together is one of your favorite memories of the frenzy (besides the filthy, steamy sex 💀)

honestly yall probably spend a week after the frenzy just SLEEPING and snuggling together after like barely sleeping for so long 💀

"fuuuck Nes," Cassian groaned between sloppy kisses above you, aligning his cock with your aching hole. Nesta shudders as you moan, sending vibrations against her clit. she was sitting on your face, muscular thighs framing your head as she grinded down against your tongue. Cassian was sliding his aching cock against your hole, grinding down between your folds/ass. you were already wet with preparation from your previous rounds, but the sloppy sounds of Nesta and Cassian making out above you only turned you on more.

Slowly, Cassian thrusted inward, watching in admiration as his cock sinks into your hole. "fuck, baby, takin' me so well," he murmurs, and pulls Nesta back into a breathy kiss. you whine, the fullness of his dick inside you making your clit/cock twitch with need. Nesta's hand travels lower and lower down your sternum, reaching for your pulsing sex. nimble fingers toy with your clit/dick as Nesta's thighs tremble with need.

your tongue works wonders against her aching cunt as Cassian sets a brutal pace. teeth and tongue clash together above you as your two mates make out, and the sound of skin slapping against skin fills the room. you can tell Nesta is getting close from her breathy whines, and the way her thighs tremble with each roll of her hips against your face. Cassian's cock twitches inside you as Nesta lets out an especially wanton moan, and your back arches in response.

Cassian's dick hits a sweet spot inside you that you barely knew existed, and you moan against Nesta's clit. her hips buck against your face as her orgasm washes over her, and you can feel the coil in your abdomen tightening as well. a string of curses leaves Nesta's lips as you grip onto her thighs, pulling her through her high as you continue to eat her out. Cassian nearly comes at the sight, his two perfect mates deep in their own pleasure.

Nesta's swift fingers keep working at your clit/cock until your clenched tight around Cassian, your hole practically sucking him in with each thrust. "shit, 'm gonna-" Cassians voice cracks into a moan as his orgasm tears through him. you mewl and buck your hips as he fucks you through your own high, Nesta's thighs squeezing your head as your mind glazes with pleasure.

"don't suffocate them Nes," Cassian murmurs, pulling out as you both come down from your post-orgasmic high. "oh please, they can take it. can't you, doll?" Nesta coos, and you struggle to nod from beneath her thighs. Cassian shoots her a look, and she crawls off of you. the mattress dips as she lays down besides your panting form, and she gently runs her fingers over your stomach, tracing upwards to cup your cheek.

"we weren't too rough, were we?" the question is spoken softly and genuinely, and you shake your head. "don't worry, 'm fine, Nes. just a little tired", you chuckle, and Cassian lays down on your other side. he pulls you both close, his wings enveloping you all and dousing the soft light from a nearby lantern. "lets all get some rest then, shall we?" you and Nesta both nod, worn out from hours of passionate lovemaking. as you begin to drift off to sleep, you can't help but think about how blessed you are to have such wonderful mates.

help the smut is so mid but i'm too tired to edit IM SORRRRRYYYY- I LOVED THIS REQUEST SOOO MUCH THOOOOOO I NEEEEED TO WRITE FOR ACOTAR MORE CASSIAN AND NESTA R SOOO FINEEEE LMAO

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lovelyladyabsinthewrites · 2 months

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Pairing(s): Cassian x Reader x Nesta, Cassian x Reader, Cassian x Nesta, Nesta x Reader

Warnings: polyamorous mates, cunnilingus, fingering, voyeurism, male masturbation, female masturbation

Words: 1227

Summary: Your mates always rose early in the morning to train without complaint. Unlike them you're one to spend the mornings in the comfiness of your bed until Nesta rouses you awake.

Helplessly, your hand shoots out and barely catches Nesta's wrist in time before she was out of reach. Nesta quirks a slim brow at you. "Five more minutes. Please. . ."

She rolls her eyes at you, Cassian snickering as he stops by the bedroom door. Nesta leans down to catch your sleepy lips. "How about you come join us?"

You huff and roll over to your other side; facing away from Nesta. Your childish display had Nesta pinching your butt.

Shooting a glare over your shoulders, you watch as Nesta moves around Cassian and leaves your shared bedroom. Cassian smirks at you. "We'll see you in an hour?"

Nodding, your eyes were already growing heavy. Begging for you to close them and resume your sweet slumber. You hear Cassian's laugh echoing in the distance.

They always woke up too early for your liking. You trained once a day, sure, but your two lovers trained like it was a religion to them. And that's why they were formidable foes while your skills weren't as mastered.

Eventually you would be able to find the strength to tear yourself away from the possessive embrace of the blankets, but you definitely were not a morning person.

But when the hour passes with still no sign of you, Nesta and Cassian take it upon themselves to rouse you from bed whether you were ready or not.

Returning back to the bedroom, they find you still peacefully asleep; one leg draped out of the blankets and your face buried in a pillow.

"Lets let her sleep, Nes. She looks so comfortable. It would be a shame to ruin whatever sweet dream she's experiencing." Cassian attempts to reason with Nesta who is already making her way to the massive bed that threatened to take up the majority of the room.

"You coddle her too much. This is why she's lazy in the morning." She doesn't bother to look over at the large Illyrian male. Besides, she wasn't that cruel to where she'd just rip your from your sleep. Nesta had her ways of coaxing you out.

Practically purring at how defenseless you are, Nesta gently moves your leg so that she can slip the rest of the covers off of your body. Making sure each move she made was imperceptible to your sleeping conscious. The lower half of your body was bare except for the panties you wore. Clothing your upper body was one of Cassian's shirts, large but silhouetting the rise and fall of your breasts.

If you trained as hard as Nesta and Cassian did, Nesta knew you'd be able to feel each gentle shift of your body. You were out cold. Always a heavy sleeper.

Covertly, Nesta separates your legs to gaze at your clothed mound. On top of you, Nesta brushes the tip of her nose along the crease your pussy made on your panties. Saliva immediately fills her mouth when she inhales your scent. When she was a human, she'd never imagined how drawn to the same-sex she could be.

You stir a little but resume your sleep and allow Nesta to continue.

Cassian has to bite down on his bottom lip to suppress the groan that rolls in his throat at the sight of Nesta pulling aside your panties to give your pussy lips the tenderest of kisses that has you unconsciously twitching.

Nesta's own rounded ass was high in the air as she continues to leave butterfly kisses all over your labia. Sweet little moans leave your lips. Cassian wondered if you were dreaming of Nesta's lips on you.

Fuck, his pants were getting too cramped in the crotch area. He palms at his erect cock through the material of his pants. Cauldron, Cassian felt like the luckiest male in the entire world. Who else could brag that they had two incredibly gorgeous mates.

He watches intently as Nesta's pink tongue breaks past her lips and lick a long strip along the cleft of your cunt. Soft kitten licks that had you trembling, eyebrows furrowing at the strange sensation. Your eyes were still closed.

From the kitten licks, Nesta places her index and middle finger to spread your pussy lips open. Gray eyes darken at the display before her. You were already wet due to her previous affections she bestowed upon your mound. Her finger easily slides in.

In that moment your eyes pop open. "Wha-"

"You are very late to training, sweetling." Cassian darkly chuckles, carefully getting onto the bed and props his head up in his hands.

Your words catch in your throat as Nesta's tongue swirls agonizingly on your clit. A broken moan escaping you.

"Maybe Nesta is right that I coddle you too much. Look at you. You've become an utter pillow princess. Not that I'm complaining. If that's the life you want to live, I'll happily oblige-"

"You're talking is ruining the mood." Nesta growls against your thighs. Her lips smear your wetness along the soft skin of your inner thighs.

That's right, he had to be careful when Nesta was eating. She didn't like anything to interrupt her. Rather, she didn't like any other noise getting in the way of your delicious moans and cries.

With Cassian zipping his mouth, he sits back to enjoy the show; gently palming his erection which he'd finally released.

Nesta gives out a pleased hum and leans her face back down. She could feel her own neediness begin to warm her core making her aware that she had far too many clothes.

Pulling back for a second, she strips herself as fast as her impatient hands could. When Cassian can't resist a laugh that bubbles up, Nesta shoots him a glare. She was well aware of the frustrated flush of her cheeks, the stray strands of hair that were sticking up. Cool and collected Nesta. During her human life, she was seen as cold but perfect. Cassian couldn't even boast that he was able to get Nesta to look the way she did when she was eating you out.

Her fervor causes you to whimper and hide your face with your forearm. Cassian stops you with his strong fingers wrapped around your wrist.

The hand that wasn't occupied in fingering you was swiping over her own clit.

Cassian doesn't know what to focus on: your fucked out face, Nesta's fucked out face, Nesta using her mouth and fingers to fuck you, or Nesta using her fingers to fuck herself.

Shamelessly you mewl out Nesta's name. Your male mate's groans had your hips tilting up desperately to ride Nesta's face.

Wrong move.

Nesta snarls out to Cassian "Keep her hips still."

"Please Nes!" Sight growing bleary, you vaguely make out the sharp features of her lovely face.

"I'll give you what you want." She knew this was a sure fire way to get you to do whatever she desired. "Eventually."

"Ya know-" you wheeze out "-when you said you'd give me what I want eventually, I thought you were alluding to more sexy stuff." The white fabric wrapped around your head was soaking with sweat.

You swing up your sparring sword just in time for it to clash against Nesta's.

"I know very well what you assumed." She chuckles, a tinge of pink to her prominent cheeks. "I promise. After training I will give you your reward. "

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chunkypossum · 1 month

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Embers in the Wind

Ch 2: Eyes Closed, Head Down

Nesta X Cassian x Eris for @polyacotarweek

DAY 2: Comfort

Ch 2/4

4k words

READ ON AO3

Snippet under the cut.

Eris muttered something as he took a sip and Cassian felt Nesta stiffen next to him. “What did you say?” He growled. “I said,” Eris raised his voice, sitting up and leveling Cassian with a stare that would make lesser men wilt. A true lord of fire. “The mother has a sick sense of humor.” He slumped back in his chair and smirked, downing his second glass completely. Cassian tracked the movement as he swallowed, watching as a drop of whiskey that hadn’t made it into his mouth slipped from the corner of his lips and slid down the column of his throat. Realizing what he was doing, Cassian’s nostrils flared and he too threw back his entire drink in one gulp. Nesta’s eyes narrowed on him and she sent a tug down their bond but he ignored her. “What if we made a bargain?” She offered, looking down at her hands. “Absolutely not.” Eris said. At the same time as Cassian ground out a resounding, “No.” “See,” Nesta teased, “Already working together. That’s progress.” She winked at Cassian who glowered back. Out of the corner of his eye Cassian swore he saw a smirk on Eris’ mouth, but by the time he had looked at the male the smile was nowhere to be seen.

I know I gave a shout out on Ao3 but needed to here too! @acourtofladydeath thank you so much for your help beta-ing this fic. Your suggestions were beautiful and made all the difference.

If anyone wants on or off the taglist please let me know!

@hieragalbatorixdottir @talibunny30 @iftheshoef1tz @born-to-riot @pathfinderofnight @fell-in-luvs @fieldofdaisiies @aktrain @honeysuckle-daydreams13 @secret-third-thing @acourtofladydeath @pippsmcgee @youvereachedthenearest-lovergirl @baileybird71 @skyesayshi @yanny-77 @icey--stars

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jenibearx3 · 1 year

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Cassian and Nesta after a long day, together at last

#nesta x cassian #digital drawing #procreate art #acotar fan art #acosf fan art #nessian #nessian fan art #fan art #acotar nesta #acotar cassian #nesta archeron

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toast-com · 10 months

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Nesta with a gun. She deserves it.

#toasty talks #pro nesta archeron #pro nesta #acotar nesta #mors et vita #give her a gun right now

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lyssasdrafts · 13 days

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azriel: cassian, you’re the general of the night court

cassian: that’s my side job.

azriel: then what do you actually do for a living?

cassian, smiling: being nesta’s mate!

#— lyssa’s thoughts #source: my demon #incorrect acotar #incorrect acotar quotes #acotar incorrect #acotar memes #cassian acotar #acotar cassian #nessian #acosf #acotar #nesta archeron #nesta acotar #acotar nesta #nessian au #nessian acotar #acotar au #inner circle

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shadowdaddies · 5 months

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for my Valkyries at heart, keep climbing that mountain.🩶

this beautiful artwork of Nesta by h.hartes

commissioned by @shadowdaddies

please do not repost without permission

#acotar #Nesta Archeron #acosf #valkyries acosf #nesta #pro Nesta #acotar nesta #the valkyries #Nesta Archeron art #acotar fanart #nesta fanart #a court of silver flames #acotar art #nesta archeron fanart #nesta acosf #nesta art #acosf fanart #sjm fanart

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acourtofmishapandmistakes · 13 days

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The Wee Hours of the Morning

Summary: In the tranquil city of Velaris, Cassian finds himself navigating the joys and challenges of first-time fatherhood with his spirited daughter, Elara. From mastering early morning rituals to decoding the secret language of baby coos and gurgles, Cassian's days are filled with tender moments and humorous trials as he and Nesta adapt to their new roles. As Elara grows and explores the world around her, Cassian learns that the heart of a warrior is not just forged in battle but in the gentlest of touches and the quietest of mornings.

No warnings necessary - just ACOTAR fluff

Cassian stood transfixed as he gazed into the little bassinet cradling the sleeping babe before him. She was snugly wrapped in a soft pink swaddle, her perfect pink lips slightly parted, emitting faint, melodic gurgles of sleep. He could lose hours watching her slumber; a rare treat as Cassian felt she rarely slept at all. She lay in serene repose, her long black lashes resting gently on her rosy cheeks, her tiny, sharp nose—an endearing echo of her mother's—completing the idyllic image of his baby girl. Carefully, he reached down to tuck the blanket snugly across her chest, a tender smile playing on his lips as he moved with deliberate gentleness to avoid waking her. At just three months old, she was a mere speck in their immortal timeline, yet these months had wrought changes in him more profound than any in his five centuries of existence. He felt as though his life had truly begun only when he first laid eyes on her.

Cassian sighed and turned his gaze towards the open window of the nursery. A gentle breeze wafted in from the summer air of Velaris, making the linen curtains dance softly. At the slight movement of air, Elara stirred, her tiny shoulders wriggling against the snug confines of her swaddle as she kicked her legs downward.

Under Madja's wise counsel, Nesta and Cassian had relocated Elara's bassinet to the nursery, a room conveniently adjacent to their own, just a few steps from their bed. Elara was a particularly fussy infant, and it seemed with each passing day she reduced the already scant hours she spent asleep. Exhausted and frayed, Nesta and Cassian found themselves pacing through the house at night, endlessly rocking and soothing their newborn with gentle lullabies sung until their voices turned hoarse. The situation reached a breaking point one night during Elara’s second month when Nesta, overwhelmed by fatigue and frustration, dissolved into tears, convinced she had failed as a mother and at a loss for what she was doing wrong.

Madja had suggested that Elara's restlessness stemmed from her acute awareness of her parents’ presence; she was perhaps too attuned to their nearness to allow herself to fully relax into sleep. While Cassian initially preferred to keep her close by in their bed, Nesta was plagued by anxiety, spending entire nights watching over Elara, terrified of accidentally rolling onto her. Reluctantly, they decided to move Elara to her own room, and since then, she began sleeping in longer stretches of four to five hours. This slight but significant change had markedly improved the wellbeing of the entire family.

This adjustment didn't mean that bedtime had ceased to be a struggle. Nesta had hoped to establish a structured sleep schedule for Elara, but it quickly became apparent that the baby was not inclined to conform to her mother's timetable. Instead, Cassian and Nesta learned to attune themselves to Elara’s subtle signals: more frequent bouts of nursing without much intake, a diminishing interest in her surroundings, her tiny, squeaky yawns, and the gentle rubbing of her eyes. And, of course, if they missed these early cues, Elara would launch into a piercing wail—a clear signal that the battle for sleep had begun in earnest, and that mom and dad were squarely in the crosshairs of her nocturnal insurgency.

Nesta and Cassian had crafted a meticulous plan, not unlike the strategic battle plans Cassian was accustomed to, to coax their baby into sleep. The routine commenced with Nesta nursing Elara in the library while reading aloud from a book—any book—for about fifteen minutes. Cassian would then take over, gently lifting Elara from her mother's arms to burp and bounce her as he roamed the library's stacks.

During this interchange, Nesta prepared a warm washcloth and laid out the swaddle in the nursery. Cassian would then join her there to change Elara, carefully wiping her down to cleanse her of the day's fatigue and gently massaging her, paying particular attention to her delicate wings to prevent them from aching. Nesta would envelop the baby in a warm towel, thoughtfully provided by the house, which seemed as attuned to their nighttime strategy as the parents themselves.

With the nursery lights dimmed and a soft lullaby lilting through the air, Cassian would swaddle Elara snugly as Nesta continued her soft serenade. If all had gone according to plan, Elara would be gently drifting off. Cassian would then pass their drowsy daughter back to Nesta, who would cradle her in the rocking chair, continuing her lullaby until Elara's eyes finally closed.

With utmost care, Nesta would then hand Elara back to Cassian for the final transfer to the bassinet, beneath which danced a tiny mobile of bats and stars. Together, they would then silently drop to the floor, knowing that any movement might rouse Elara. If she stirred, witnessing either parent might necessitate a swift move to phase two of their plan. However, on nights when the transition was seamless, which was becoming more the norm, Nesta and Cassian would stealthily army crawl out of the room, ensuring their departure went unnoticed.

Rhys and Feyre had erupted in laughter after learning about the elaborate bedtime rituals at the House of Wind. The High Lord and Lady of the Night Court had faced their own trials in getting their child to sleep when he was young, but their approach had never been as meticulously orchestrated as what Cassian and Nesta endured. While Rhys often teased Cassian about the regimented nature of their routine, Cassian took the ribbing in stride, secure in the knowledge that he understood his baby girl's needs best. He quietly looked forward to the day Rhys and Feyre would have to babysit Elara, confident that they would soon appreciate the critical necessity of such a carefully devised strategy.

Despite getting less sleep, Cassian still found himself wide awake long before dawn. Since Elara's birth, he had developed a habit of lying in bed during the early morning hours, resting on his side and gazing at the bassinet, eagerly anticipating the first soft coos from his daughter. He cherished these mornings with her, relishing the chance to let Nesta catch a few more hours of sleep while he and Elara enjoyed precious time together.

Cassian was well aware that Elara’s preference shifted when Nesta was present; the baby invariably wanted to be close to her mother. While Elara was content in her father's arms, Cassian knew that if both he and Nesta were in the room, Elara's inclination was unmistakably towards her mom. He understood this; Nesta was Elara’s sanctuary. They had spent ten months intimately connected, Elara cocooned in the womb, constantly surrounded by her mother's scent, listening to the steady rhythm of her heartbeat.

Cassian often pondered how daunting the world must appear to a newborn. Removed from the warm, serene, quiet haven of their mother's womb and suddenly thrust into a realm that was loud, chilly, and blindingly bright. Yet, despite his understanding, he couldn't help the slight ache in his heart, wishing that Elara would reach for him just a bit more often.

That's precisely why Cassian cherished the early morning hours with his daughter. These moments, when Elara smiled solely for him, cooed directly to him, and more recently, giggled joyfully at his gentle antics, were precious. It was during these quiet times, just the two of them together, that he felt a special connection with her, capturing memories that were his and his alone to keep.

Elara yawned, squirming in her swaddle before her bright hazel eyes fluttered open to see her father leaning close to her face.

"Good morning, sweet baby girl," Cassian cooed, gently bringing his nose down to nuzzle hers. As Elara kicked her little legs, the snug swaddle held her tight, making her look like a tiny caterpillar. She let out a happy grunt and a contented gurgle in response. Elara twisted her head from side to side, tickled by the sensation as Cassian continued to gently rub his nose against hers. She emitted a soft, sleepy giggle in response. Cassian reached into the bassinet, his large palm cradling her head with tender care as he pulled her out of the bassinet and up to his shoulder.

Cassian placed a soft kiss on Elara's temple, where her soft brown curls were just beginning to sprout. Gently, he began to bounce the little one in his arms as he unwrapped her from her swaddle, inhaling deeply. He cherished her scent—a delicious aroma unique to new fae babies, yet distinct to their parents by an ancient trait designed to help fae parents swiftly locate their children in the wilderness if ever they were separated. To Cassian, Elara smelled of vanilla, sweet milk, and a hint of cinnamon—a blend so enchanting he felt he could bask in it all day.

Elara let out happy gurgles as she stretched her newly freed hands toward her shoulders, grasping at her father. Cassian gently hushed her with a soft whisper, "Let's not wake up Mama just yet, my love," as he pressed another tender kiss onto her head.

Cassian walked over to the changing table, where the house had thoughtfully laid out a fresh diaper and clothes for Elara, even going so far as to warm the table for her comfort. Quietly expressing his gratitude, as he did each morning, Cassian set about changing his daughter, appreciating the thoughtful gestures that made these early hours smoother for both of them.

Cassian leaned in close to his daughter as she reached out and grasped a loose strand of his hair with her chubby fingers. Gently lifting her feet to his lips, he kissed the bottoms softly. "I see ten tiny toes," he whispered playfully, "and two little legs," he continued, tickling his fingers up them, eliciting giggles and kicks from Elara.

"I see two baby arms," he announced, gently freeing his hair from her grip and spreading her arms out wide for a good stretch. "Good stretch, little one," he cooed. "And I see ten tiny fingers that look good enough to eat." Cassian then took Elara’s fingers into his mouth, pretending to bite down gently with his lips, sending her into a flurry of delighted giggles.

After finishing the diaper change, Cassian lifted her from the table and cradled her against his shoulder. "And I see two strong baby wings," he noted softly, pressing the delicate flesh between her wings to help them stretch comfortably.

Before Elara's birth, Cassian had journeyed to consult with some Illyrian women, seeking advice on raising an Illyrian baby. Initially surprised by Cassian's earnest plea for parenting tips, the women were ultimately delighted to impart their wisdom. They explained that a newborn's wings are typically held tight against their bodies to aid in passage through the birth canal. To ensure Elara's wings developed properly, Nesta and Cassian would need to gently unfold and stretch them regularly during the first few weeks to promote healthy blood flow.

One woman noted that, much like teething, Illyrian babies often experience discomfort in their wings as they grow. She recommended massaging and stretching the wings to alleviate the dull ache of these growing pains. In the early weeks, Elara found the wing stretching uncomfortable, and often cried during the sessions. Nesta would sob, worried she was causing pain to her new baby. To spare her, Cassian decided to take on the role of the “mean parent”.

Whenever he stretched them now, though, Elara would respond with joyful coos, her little arms and legs extending in unison with her wings. The Illyrian women had also shown him how to gently press the area between her wings on her back, a technique that encouraged babies to flex their wings on their own—a reflex affectionately known as "Wing Warp."

As Cassian gently massaged that tiny spot between Elara's wings, they fluttered open gracefully. Her arms stretched out above her head and her little legs extended straight out. Cassian chuckled softly to himself when her enthusiastic stretch led her hand to whack him in the nose. Once he stopped applying pressure, she curled back up, scrunching into a cozy little baby ball.

"Are you hungry, baby girl?" Cassian whispered, pressing another soft kiss to Elara's temple. "I bet you are. I know I am." He gently opened the door to the nursery and quietly shut it behind him. Sensing their movement, the house gradually raised the lights in the hallway, dimly illuminating their path and allowing both Cassian and Elara's eyes to adjust smoothly to the new light.

Cassian wandered into the kitchen, gently bouncing Elara in his arms to soothe her. "Let's see, I think Mama left you some milk last night," he murmured, skillfully opening the refrigerator door with one hand while balancing his daughter in the other. Inside, he scanned the contents as Elara let out a faint grumble, her impatience with her father's leisurely search for her breakfast growing. "Oh, come on, don't get grumpy with me already," Cassian muttered with a light chuckle, finally spotting and retrieving a bottle of milk.

The house had already set a pot of water boiling on the stove. Cassian dropped the bottle into the gently bubbling water. Elara let out a faint whine.

“No, no, no, none of that. See?” Cassian turned Elara to face the stove. “See? Dada’s already working on it for you. You have no patience at all. You’re just like your mother,” he chided, his voice filled with laughter. Elara responded with another faint whine, prompting Cassian to sway gently, soothing her. “I’m sorry that unlike some people in this house, I don’t just ooze milk on command. I’m working on that power, but unfortunately, it’s taking a little more time to master than I thought,” Cassian joked, a twinkle in his eye. “If I could just make my own meals with my body, I would be unstoppable. I tell you, kiddo, the only thing standing between me and world domination is my lack of a self-sufficient food supply.”

Cassian swayed back to the fridge in search of his own breakfast, but as Elara let out another small cry, he responded playfully, “Oh, so you’re the only one allowed to eat in this place?”

Elara squirmed slightly, seemingly disgruntled by her father's teasing dismissal of her hunger. Cassian plucked an apple from the counter and took a crisp bite. “Someday,” he told her between bites, “you’re going to learn that breast milk isn’t as good as real food.” He chuckled, taking another bite of the apple. “Don’t get me wrong, sucking on a titty never gets old, but wait until you get introduced to salt and pepper—that will rock your tiny world.”

The bubbling from across the room quieted as the House adjusted the temperature to perfection.

“See,” Cassian said, lifting the bottle from the water and shaking off the excess, “you waited just a few minutes and now you have a nice warm bottle of milk ready to go.” He swirled the milk in the bottle to mix it evenly before carrying both it and Elara into the adjoining sitting room. He settled onto the couch, comfortably positioning Elara in the crook of his elbow, and popped the top off the bottle. As he tilted it towards her, Elara eagerly began to drink.

“I’ve seen fully grown Illyrian soldiers who haven’t eaten in days eat with less determination than you,” he joked, gently wiping away a dribble of milk that escaped from her lips. The babe continued to feast hungrily on her bottle, her little fingers clenching and unclenching with each swallow. She gurgled contentedly as the early morning light began to filter into the living room, heralding the dawn.

As he watched Elara, Cassian reflected on the profound changes in his life since becoming a father. Previously, his days had begun long before sunrise, either trying to beat the heat of the training ring or camped out in the wilderness of Prythian with a war squadron. Now, his mornings were calmer, paced by the needs of his little girl. He wouldn't change it for the world. Life had slowed down, yet each night, as he put Elara to bed, he felt poignantly aware that they were one day closer to her not being so little anymore. The little chunk had gained almost a pound a month since birth and showed no signs of slowing her growth anytime soon.

Elara finished her bottle, pulling her little mouth away from the nipple and turning her head to look around the room. Cassian placed the now empty bottle on the side table next to him and lifted her onto his shoulder, standing up. As he began patting her back, he wandered around the room, engaging her growing curiosity about her surroundings. She reached out for new sights and cooed at bright colors and lights.

As they moved about, Cassian spoke softly to her, narrating their environment. "Here's the bookshelf where Mama keeps all her favorite things in the world, other than you, of course," he chuckled, continuing his gentle pats. "But you aren't allowed to read these books yet, because Mama is a little freak and likes to read about people having sex in all kinds of ways, and you, my dear, are just a baby. There’s no need for you to know about all that just yet.”

Elara cooed and let out a slight burp, earning a chuckle from Cassian. "Nice one," he praised, amused. He continued to meander through the room, confident that she had another burp in store.

"And here," he said as they approached a part of the room, "is the painting that Auntie Feyre made for Mama and Dada when they had their mating ceremony." Cassian held the babe up to the painting to give her a closer look. Elara reached out her tiny hands, pressing them against the figure of her mother in the painting, patting it happily and cooing.

"That’s right, baby girl, that’s your mama!" Cassian beamed, pointing towards the image of Nesta. Then he pointed to himself in the painting, "And that’s Dada," he said softly, repeating "Da-Da" to her, hoping it would stick. Cassian had wagered with Rhys that he could get Elara to say 'dada' before Nesta could coax 'mama' from her, but the odds weren’t looking favorable. Elara turned to look at her father and clapped her hands against his cheek, giggling joyfully.

Cassian smiled as Elara playfully slapped his cheeks. He continued to chant "da-da" while she gazed up at him, grinning a toothless, gummy smile.

"If you burp in my face, young lady, we're going to have problems," Cassian playfully warned her. She responded with a happy coo. "Alright, kid," he said, adjusting her to his front, "if Mama wakes up and you haven't had your tummy time yet, Dad's going to hear about it."

He unfurled a small mat on the ground in front of the fireplace and gently set Elara down on her belly. She energetically strained her arms and legs, kicking as she tried to lift her head. Cassian lay down on the floor opposite her, resting his chin on his crossed arms, his wings spead on the floor behind him.

As Elara struggled determinedly, Cassian watched her with amusement as she grunted and gurgled. She finally lifted her head momentarily and met his gaze before her head fell back to the mat.

"Look at you, my little warrior," he whispered. The early morning light streamed in through the window, casting a golden glow across the room.

Just then, footsteps whispered across the floorboards, and Nesta appeared in the doorway, her hair tousled from sleep. She leaned against the frame, watching them, a soft smile playing on her lips.

"Everything alright here?" she asked, her eyes soft with the sight of her family.

"Perfect," Cassian replied, not taking his eyes off Elara. "Just perfect."

Nesta walked over and sat beside them, laying her hand gently on Cassian's shoulder. Together, they watched Elara's efforts, knowing these morning sessions were fleeting, soon to be memories they would cherish in the years to come.

The family of three basked in the quiet joy of their togetherness, each moment precious, each day a gift. This was their world, their time, and nothing else mattered but the love that bound them.

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