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Valkyries by hollyberryarts [instagram]

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rolins.

#Jude jude JUDE

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 @nestaarcheronweek | Day 07: Free Day

“You said you had an eight-pointed star tattooed on you,” Bryce explained. “And you found the chamber with the eight-pointed star in the Prison, too.”

Nesta lifted her head. “So?”

“So I want you to take the Starsword.” Bryce held the blade between them. “Gwydion—whatever you call it here. The age of the Starborn is over on Midgard. It ends with me.”

“I don’t understand.”

But Bryce began backing toward the portal, taking Hunt’s hand, and smiled again at the female, at her mate, at their world, as the Northern Rift began to close. “I think that eight-pointed star was tattooed on you for a reason. Take that sword and go figure out why.”

- HOFAS, Chapter 100.

In one of her past interviews, Sarah J. Maas commented Nesta's journey was just beginning after Silver Flames, and after reading House of Flame & Shadow I believe part of her journey will be linked to the Dusk Court, as not only did Nesta bargaining mark has an eight-pointed star form (which is associated with the Starborns and thus the Dusk Court), as now she is the Gwydion owner. And as much as Nesta power is usually linked to death, its also showed capable of bringing life (as we have seen with the House of the Wind and Feyre & Nyx). I also found it particularly curious that Pegasus started appearing in Avallen once the land was healed, since Pegasus seem to have an association with the Valkyries.

Thank you @/paolapieretti.art for creating this stunning art! 

Art by: @/paolapieretti.art

Commissioned by: @melphss

Characters belongs to: Sarah J. Maas

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u know what? get pocketsized Azriel

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@nestaarcheronweek | Day Six: Birthday Girl

I like to imagine Nesta celebrating her birthday with those she feels overwhelmed with happiness to be with. And as they are the first to completely accept the way she is, I love imagining that Gwyneth and Emerie, the chosen family, would also be celebrating with Nesta, first thing in the morning.

Art by: Jéssica Brasil (jessi.brasilart)

Commissioned by: @podemechamardek

🚫 Please do not repost.

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Elain is a cuddler and Lucien is a living furnace.

This piece is a gift for my dear friends @separatist-apologist and @lucienarcheron 🧡

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I feel like a lot of people focus on Nesta’s reaction to Gwynriel’s relationship once they go public. Maybe Nesta threatens Az to keep her girl safe. Maybe she tears up with joy for her BFFs. Maybe she’s speechless because she didn’t see it coming. And so on. But no one ever talks about how Cassian will react other than the obligatory joy and merciless teasing. “Surely he’s going to take revenge for Az’s disruptive chaperoning!”

Except… I don’t think that’s quite right for Cassian. He’s watched his brother pine after their mutual friend for 500 years. He feels incredibly guilty for sleeping with Mor just because he was jealous of Az’s crush. He’s been acting as a buffer in a fucked up situation that only ended recently. He knows how desperately lonely Az is. How much Az wants to find love. How fragile Az’s heart is despite his broody spymaster exterior.

I like to imagine that Cassian finds Gwyn in the Library, asking for a private word. He’s happy for them, of course, but he asks Gwyn for a favor. Cassian explains that he will support whatever Gwyn wants in this relationship, whether it’s being with Az or breaking up if she’s unhappy. All he asks is that Gwyn be gentle with Az’s heart and devotion, especially when it comes to ending things. Just… be careful not to shatter his heart.

Everyone assumes that Az can withstand any pain or blow. But Cassian knows better. Everyone else is worried for Gwyn in this relationship, but only Cassian is worried for Azriel. 💔🥺

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That Single Thread of Gold [ Elucien ]

Prompt: Inspired by @eospaint lovely elucien piece here. I went a little nuts in the tags of it but then couldn't contain it and had to write this little fic! I love writing elucien being caught up in their awkward feelings stage. I hope you enjoy! | AO3

He told himself it was for the best if he didn't see her this time. It was almost always awkward. Tense. Lucien could do without the stress of their uncomfortable interactions this visit; he was here to see Feyre, after all. He had given Feyre enough notice that she would inform Elain and there would be no need for them to cross paths. They had no need to see each other, especially when she had clearly never expressed the desire to see him anyway. 

So Lucien sat and waited in Feyre’s living room, let in by one of the twins. He sat and waited and tried not to let the crumpled pieces of his stupid heart hope. Tried not to set himself up for disappointment. His fingers drummed on his knees as he glanced towards the half open door, waiting for his friend to arrive. 

Instead, her scent flooded his senses. 

And then she appeared in the doorway. 

Lucien didn’t know what to do with himself as she blinked at him in surprise, almost as shocked as he was that she was standing there. 

Elain hadn’t even meant to stumble into the room. She knew he was coming today – Feyre had given her the heads up but – but something about her had been different today. Today felt different and she wasn’t sure why. Normally, Elain had no desire to meet him and allow herself to feel all the things she did whenever he was close. Normally, she was very good at being a coward and avoiding him. 

But today…that tug of the bond had pulled her into the room before she could stop it or realize what was happening.

She stood by the door and blinked, then blinked again. Elain hadn’t even realized he was already here.

Lucien stood immediately and as anticipated, the expected awkwardness unfurled between them, quickly followed by that strained tension.

Touch. Taste. Claim.

Lucien fisted his hands by his side and instead bowed graciously, murmuring, “My lady.” 

He said nothing more as his mate watched him, a muscle flexing in his jaw at her gaze, because here she was staring at him like she had no idea what to do with him and Lucien felt heat rise in his body. He swallowed, then cleared his throat and casually said, “I’m here to see Feyre. It seems she’s running a little late.”

“Oh.” is all Elain could think to reply and a flicker of emotion passed his expression quicker than she could read it. She licked her lips, her hands fisting in the folds of her dress and Elain couldn’t help but catalog every inch of him; she normally didn’t allow herself to look at him for too long and Elain wasn’t sure what it was this time around compelling her to take him in. 

Was it because it had been a while since she’d seen him? Was it the lack of sleep? Was it the thread of gold that chafed at her whenever he was in the general vicinity? He always seemed to handle himself so well around her despite what Elain had heard about the mating bond doing to males; he always handled himself so well.

She wished he’d yell at her, if only once. So she had a reason to actually avoid him. So she had a reason to resist him, to be justified in cowering. 

But no. He was always so polite.

Realizing a few moments had passed and she hadn’t said anything, Elain cleared her throat and said, “I’m not sure when Feyre will be back.”

Lucien tried not to fidget beneath her gaze despite the urge to shift on his feet. She’d never looked at him so directly before. It was unnerving him but Lucien didn’t let himself hope. He squashed down any possible emotions he could feel and instead nodded. “I understand. I’ll take my leave then.” he said and gave her a thin smile. “She knows where to find me.” 

He didn’t allow himself another word and instead, took a step aiming to leave but – but then Elain took a step towards him and he froze. 

All her senses went on high alert as Elain realized that she too had paused in that half step. A half step she had taken towards him before – long ago. Her eyes widened slightly and she watched as Lucien’s brows furrowed, his body strained as her pulse quickened beneath her skin, her heart pounding.

Lucien tilted his head, straightening, her reaction confusing him. “Is there something else I can help you with?” he asked tightly. 

And it was Elain’s turn to swallow because she didn’t know. Was there something else he could help her with? She hadn’t been alone with him in – in a long while. She had made sure of it.

She went out of her way not to actively think about him, not to have him in her mind so he wouldn’t follow her in her dreams the way he did anyway on so many nights. But now he was here standing in front of her and she wasn't sure what to do with him.

Her pulse was fluttering and Elain wanted to be angry with him even though none of this was really his fault. She wanted to be mean to him even though he didn’t deserve it. She just wanted someone who sees how wretched she feels about it all. She wanted someone to see behind her stupid fake smiles and her distance from him. She wanted someone to understand why.

And the longer she stood staring at him, the more Lucien seemed to read her mind. That single thread of gold between them…he seemed to understand the whirlwind of feelings she was battling and his expression softened for a moment. Like he really did see.

Elain almost hated that even more but she wasn’t even sure why and the thought threatened to release tears she had no business showing in front of him. Her bottom lip trembled for a breath before she straightened and shook her head.

Lucien stood still for a moment then forced himself to take a step then another until he stood in front of her and slowly, held out his hand. Then waited.

Because he could feel her. He could hear her heart and Lucien couldn’t stop himself from trying to bring her comfort in some way. The instincts beneath his skin wouldn't let him walk away when he knew his mate was on the verge of tears, even when Lucien had no idea if he was the reason for them.

This fae life – this mating bond had been thrust on her and the way she had been pretending to adjust since then was one of the main reasons he never pushed. He felt her confusion, her inner turmoil. He knew what it was like to swallow it all and play pretend. The least he could do was allow himself to be the guiding light through the dark for her. Even if he wasn’t sure she’d want that from him. Lucien couldn’t help but offer. 

Elain glanced down at his hand and she felt her throat tighten. They didn’t touch. They rarely even stood so close. Did she want to touch him? She didn’t know what his skin felt like but in her dreams – in her sleep she wondered – she felt like she knew – 

Before she could let herself doubt any further and even as the battle of emotions threatened to swallow her whole, Elain couldn’t help but slowly, carefully slide her hand in his. 

And it felt – it felt –

Elain felt herself take a breath. She waited for the discomfort. For the prickling anxiety that usually haunted her. For the wretchedness to snap at her heels.  

But his hand was softer than she imagined. Strong, calloused – a warrior’s hand but – it didn’t feel bad at all. It felt…better than expected. It was gentle. Warm.

She glanced at him then away, suddenly embarrassed and truly not sure what to do with herself. He was so patient and it only made her feel so much worse about herself. She owed him nothing and he owed her nothing and yet…

Lucien only held out his other hand and Elain met his gaze as he gave her a small knowing smile.

Elain’s throat bobbed and even as she slid her other hand into his, she whispered, “Why?”

The simple question seemed to make Lucien’s shoulders sag because even to Elain, her one question asked about a hundred more. Why was he still here? Why did he still try with her? Why did she hesitate to even speak with him? Why did she hide? 

Why? Why? Why?

“Because you looked like you needed some comfort.” he said quietly and shrugged. “And I know what it’s like to need a steady hand.” 

And it was like he’d snatched the breath from her throat. 

Had her sisters been right about what a mating bond could do for those blessed with one? About what her mate could do for her? Was it indeed a blessing then? Had she really only been hurting herself with her distance? She had only slid her hand in his, touching him so very lightly and yet…with this simple touch, Elain had found herself willing to stand in this room with him a little longer.

“A steady hand?” she repeated softly and the brush of his thumb against the back of her hand seemed involuntary.

“A steady hand and a good friend make all the difference.” he said and hoped his yearning wasn’t too obvious as she met his gaze again. 

“A good friend?” she repeated once more and the corner of his mouth lifted, the movement highlighting his scar as he nodded.

“Indeed.”

A friend. 

The thought seemed to hit Elain so suddenly and the sheer longing of it almost overwhelmed her. 

A friend. 

She needed one more than she could put into words and Elain could only stare at her mate. The rapid beating of her heart seemed so loud in the silence between them but for once, it was a comfortable silence. 

Comfortable enough that Elain found herself asking so very quietly as roses bloomed on her cheeks, “Do you happen to know any good friends available?”

His lips twitched and Lucien was sure the rapid beating of his own heart now matched hers as he answered in that same quiet tone, “I daresay, I have the perfect person in mind.” 

#omggggg #elucien

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♕ Nesta Week 2024 Masterlist ♕

Thank you to everyone who participated in Nesta Week 2024! There were so many amazing contributions that they’ve been split into daily round up posts, which you can find all the links to below. Don’t forget to check out our Instagram and AO3 collection page!

See you all next year for Nesta Week 2025 🤍

Day One: Queen of Queens

Day One Round-Up

Day Two: Metamorphosis

Day Two Round-Up

Day Three: Self-Care

Day Three Round-Up

Day Four: Lover

Day Four Round-Up

Day Five: Wolf

Day Five Round-Up

Day Six: Birthday Girl

Day Six Round-Up

Day Seven: Free Day

Day Seven Round-Up

Important Links

Nesta Week 2023 Masterlist

Nesta Week 2022 Masterlist

Nesta Week Instagram

AO3 Collection

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lucien on his way to give a gift to elain and b ignored for the 50th time

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acotar instagram: nesta

@nestaarcheronweekrcheronweek day seven

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TW:SA Gwynriel

This topic gets brought up every few months and while I don't expect it to stop anytime soon, even after the next book is released, I want to talk about it for a minute, specifically in relation to the most recent post that's circulating.

If you haven't seen it, the poster claims to be a 'licensed professional' and is giving their 'professional' opinion on SA trauma recovery in regards to ACOTAR ships. This person makes it very clear they are an e/riel, and as evidenced by their own comments on the post, found Gwyn to be 'sus' even after reading ACOSF multiple times....

For a moment, let's set aside a few points:

The fact that labeling an SA survivor (real or not) as evil or manipulative is very harmful to readers that are actual SA survivors

The fact that this never seems to get brought up in regards to Rhys, Lucien, or Nesta who were all canonically SA'd - only Gwyn

The fact that a 'professional' opinion given by a clearly biased party isn't very reliable

I find it galling that a supposed professional who claims to work 'extensively' with trauma survivors, couldn't comprehend why Gwyn would feel responsible for her sister's death, as if survivor's guilt is not a majorly common response to that sort of event

Let's focus on the main point, which is that this person seems to be insinuating that trauma responses and recovery are universal, even after specifically stating they don't think this is the case...

---

No one asked, or is owed it, but I'm going to talk about my own experience a little here, for context. You don't need the details, other than I'm a walking statistic. SA'd twice before the age of 25. The experiences were not particularly violent. One involved heavy doses of alcohol. Once was by a stranger, the other by someone I knew.

Now, I know the common belief is that people who experience sexual trauma usually develop an aversion to touch, specifically sexual touch, and by specific genders. This may be true for a lot of people, I certainly know women (and men) who this is true for. Some people, however, like me, are the opposite. I dissociated heavily from my experiences and had no aversion to touch or sex (one reason I related to Nesta so much).

I'm not saying this is a healthy coping mechanism- it absolutely is not. I was so desperate to prove I wasn't a victim, I actively harmed myself by putting myself in dangerous situations in seeking out intimacy because I (mistakenly) thought I was in control. It wasn't until I finally began seeing a therapist that I realized how harmful this was.

Even still, I never developed an aversion to touch or sex, I just became more mindful of my choices. Like many SA survivors, I turned to BDSM. When done properly (I'm looking at you 50 shades... 🙄) with people who actually know what they're doing, it can be very therapeutic for survivors of SA because it puts the control in your hands.

Again, I will spare you the details because you don't need them. That's not the point of sharing this. It's to point out- once again- that not everyone handles trauma the same.

The truth of the matter is, we don't actually know how Gwyn feels about any of this. Other than the little bit she tells Nesta and Emerie during the Blood Rite- which mostly amounted to 'my choice was taken from me in a violent way and I'm angry about it- she never speaks about her thoughts or feelings regarding that night, or men/sex in general, and we have not seen her POV.

The only men we know she's interacted with since that night are the bat boys. Other than her initial encounter with the Illyrians during the Blood Rite, she mostly keeps her distance from them and actually remains mostly level headed throughout the whole ordeal, even trying to sacrifice herself (knowing what will likely happen to her) to allow Nesta and Emerie to get away after she's shot at the bridge.

She's never really uncomfortable around Cassian or Azriel, maybe a little wary at first, but she warms to both in no time and is in fact a big reason why other priestesses eventual join. By the end she is quite comfortable with them both. Even with Rhys she just blushes (I know I've seen people try to use this as a 'gotcha' like she can't be into Az when she's attracted to his brother *groan* Rhys is hot, we know this, and personally, I think it's more celebrity shock like 'holy shit that's the High Lord of the Night Court' than a crush lol) And she wasn't all that bothered by having the men watch them while they did the Blood Rite qualifier, even after being warned. She literally shrugs it off.

She shows no discomfort when Emerie and Nesta discuss sex and even participates in the conversation which doesn't exactly scream to me that she'd uninterested in sex.

They like to point out that Gwyn went back to the library at the end of the book. This was her home for the last two years after her's had been desecrated (remember it wasn't just about what happened to her. Her sister and many of the people she knew in the temple were killed in front of her. There are several bad memories associated with it now, beyond her SA), and it's where she's been healing. It's perfectly reasonable she'd be wary about leaving, it's all she knows and she has no other home currently. Not to mention that she's said herself she doesn't want to stay in the library her whole life and she's already left it once. Granted, immediately after she left, she was thrown into yet another traumatic event so again, it's perfectly reasonable she'd be wary. It's unreasonable to think she'll never leave or that it will take a very long time before she's ready, she's already close to it, just needs a little more time to process what literally just happened to her.

Gwyn has also shown an interest in sex so it's not unreasonable to think she might try again in the near future. This is the sort of narrative we should be encouraging, that SA survivors are capable, and deserve to be able to move on and have normal, healthy lives. Not every SA survivor may want that but the vast majority do.

To say, as a professional, that an trauma survivor should be on any sort of timeline in terms of their recovery is irresponsible. It puts undue pressure on the survivor. They may take longer and feel something it wrong with them, or they may not feel they need as long and again, feel something is wrong with them.

It is irresponsible, as a professional to insinuate that trauma survivors should display specific traits or symptoms (such as anxiety or touch aversion) when everyone responds to trauma differently. Some develop severe disorders like anxiety and some function mostly normal aside from maybe the occasional episode. They may dissociate completely like I did.

Trying to put all survivors into the same box is a disservice to them all. Period. And we should not be using these sorts of opinions as basis for proving or disproving ships... let's be serious please and remember we're talking to real people about fictional people...

#I seem to repost this at least once a year and it seems it time once again #tw: sa #gwyneth berdara #gwyn acotar

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Inspired by a post from @stargirlie25 about Elain flower braiding Lucien's hair. I just had to!!

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Lucien Hates Elain

     “Lucien!  I heard you weren't coming!” Cassian clapped Lucien on the back.  

     Lucien's metal eye whirled and clicked, taking in Cassian, Nesta, and Azriel,  “I heard the same about the Night Court.”

     Nesta coolly assessed the freckled female sitting on the bench beside Lucien. He rolled his eyes and exhaled loudly, “Aibell, this is Nesta from the Night Court, her mate, Cassian, and Azriel.”

    Aibell rose, greeting them and turned back to Lucien, who stood, “I should go.  It was lovely to see you again, Vanserra.  I'll tell my mother you said hi.”

      “Lucien. And please do,” he kissed her cheek and she left, leaving the balcony to go back into the party.  Lucien waited until she was gone from the balcony before turning back to face the members of the Night Court.

     “Tamlin told the High Lords he wouldn't be sending any representation to the celebration this evening,” Azriel stated. 

     “I am not here to stand in for Spring Court,” Lucien replied witheringly.

     “Then why are you here?” Azriel asked.

     “I don't report to you, you know that?  I could ask you the same, Thesan told my mother Night Court had declined their invitation.”

     Only Cassian blinked, “You're here with Autumn?”

     “I'm here with my mother and was catching up with an old friend that you all managed to scare off.”

     Azriel's wings twitched ever so slightly, expanding with a cold menace before snapping back into a relaxed position, “Elain,” he greeted, staring over Lucien's shoulder.

     Nesta brushed past Lucien to squeeze her sister's hand.  

     “Oh,” Elain's face tightened seeing Lucien, “I didn't realize you were going to be here tonight.”

     Lucien picked up his glass and swallowed all of the remaining amber liquid smoothly, “Ever the disappointment, I'm afraid.”

     Elain frowned and stepped closer to Nesta.  Cassian reached over and took the glass from Lucien, “Let me get you another.  Azriel and I know where the really good stuff is.  Nesta, walk with me.  Elain, we'll be right back.”

     Cassian placed a hand on Nesta's lower back to push her to the balcony door, while Azriel stared Lucien down.  “Az, Nesta and I need you.  Too many glasses to carry if you don't come, let's go.  Be right back, Elain.” He tossed Elain a quick wink.  Azriel scowled, but followed.  

     “I was introduced to your mother,” Elain said. 

     Lucien ran a hand down his face, “I wish that you hadn't been.”

     Elain looked confused, “She was nice.”

     “I already know that.”

     “Then why?”

     “Why? Why would I want her to meet you?  We are nothing, are we not?”

     Elain shrank and Lucien took a step towards her.

     “Night Court said they weren't coming tonight.  I would not be here, my lady, had Night Court said they were attending.  The fact that you haven't noticed I have been avoiding meeting up with the Night Court only strengthens my new belief.”

     “You haven't been around as often, that's true.  I assumed you were busy.”

     He responded with a hot glare.

    “Very well, my lord,” she seemed to taunt, “What is your new belief?”

     “I believe I hate you, Elain Archeron,” he finally smiled at her.

     Her jaw dropped open, but she caught it quickly, closing her mouth and blinking angrily.

     “A rather interesting belief,” she shot back. 

     “Do you know why I would have refused to attend tonight, even for my mother, had I known you were coming?  Tonight, Elain,” he put an extra emphasis on the use of her name, “I won't be able to sleep.  I will lay in bed and only hear the softestness of your voice in the quiet of my thoughts.  For days, I will be haunted by the sound of you.  Even if I do manage to sleep, your voice will fill my dreams, telling me wonderful and terrible things, both of which are becoming too much to bear.  And I believe I am beginning to hate the sound of your voice.

     “I could stay right here, Elain,” he pointed to where he stood before crossing the balcony quickly, so close their chests almost touched and she gasped at the speed with which he'd come at her, “or I could stand right next to you all night and I will still smell you.  The torturous scent of you will cling to me and I will be unable to think about anything but you.  I could shower with scented oils, or fill the whole manner with the strongest smelling roses, and the only damned thing I'll be able to smell is you, and I now hate the smell of you following me for days and weeks.

     “When I close my eyes,” he pressed his own shut in demonstration, “your face, your hair, the shape of your hands not in mine will be the only things I will see,” he hissed leaning closer to her.

     “And I hate, I hate, how tightly I will hold on to all of these things, trying to make them last as long as they can, because I don't know the next time I might see you.  I hate how I can't turn away from looking at you right now, I hate how I am already memorizing every word you've actually said to me tonight, and I hate that I can't stop myself from doing this,” he dropped his head close to hers and began to breathe her in, his cheek close enough to hers they were almost touching.

     A small shiver ran down Elain's back and she shook slightly, tipping her head back ever so slightly, as if inviting him to come closer.  

     “I hate you, too,” she murmured. 

     He looked at her, his eyes wide, his mouth open.  

     “I hate you.  I hate the way-”

     “I told you we knew where the good stuff was,” Cassian declared loudly before stepping out onto the balcony, a drink in each hand.  Azriel and Nesta followed, both carrying drinks, as Mor, Feyre, and Rhysand appeared behind them.  

     Lucien ignored them as he watched Elain peer into his eyes.  As she wet her lips, staring at his own mouth for the briefest moment before she floated away towards Nesta without a backwards glance, disappearing back into the party as Feyre pulled him into a hug speaking words he couldn't hear.  

     He grinned, unable to help himself.   

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@nestaarcheronweek Day 6 | Birthday 🎂💫

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@nestaarcheronweek | Day Five: Wolf

House of Flame and Shadow, Chapter 22

Bryce describing Nesta as “the apex predator in the room” has been living rent-free in my head since I read it.

Bella is one of my favorite artists and one I’ve always wanted to commission an illustration from because I love her artistic style and she was so kind illustrating this scene for me.

Art by: Bella Souto (otuosbella)

Commissioned by: @podemechamardek

🚫 Please do not repost.

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